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Ludington is known for its great fishing out on Lake Michigan but you can still have a lot of fun, and without the wave action, by fishing the many rivers in the area. In fact, during the time that the salmon run you can literally just pick your catch with your bare hands by standing as this fisherman is and pick out the best one as it passes by.
I love fly fishing and Darlene always packs the best lunch to go with whatever fish I might catch that day. I like standing in mid river with hip boots or fishing off shore. Now and then, if the rivers are deep enough, I’ll launch my rowboat or canoe and do a little fishing. Have you ever had trout sizzling in your frying pan? Or some great catfish?
And they’re all waiting for you in the rivers and streams around Ludington. And, maybe you’ll spot me in my hip boots reeling them in. Don’t forget to say hello, but quietly as we don’t want to disturb the fish.
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may not be the best known name in the electronics accessory business, but odds are that you may have used one of their products before. They manufacture everything from fully licensed controllers for your Xbox 360 and Playstation 3, to Rock Band and Guitar Hero branded instruments. They are also the folks behind the very popular Street Fighter Arcade Fight sticks.
For this review, Geeks.com
has sent over one of Mad Catz marquee products, the Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 Elite USB gaming keyboard. The Call of Duty branded keyboard is essentially the same product as their Cyborg V.7 Keyboard
, but with a few minor enhancements which we'll get to shortly.
Readers at Bigbruin.com should be very familiar with Geeks.com, as we have covered a wide array of products from their inventory over the years. They carry all sorts of computer components, and have a section dedicated to cheap gaming keyboards
, where the Mad Catz unit can be found when in stock. For those that are not familiar with Mad Catz, let's take a look at a blurb on them taken from the About Us
page on their website...
"Mad Catz is a leading global provider of innovative products for the interactive entertainment industry. Mad Catz develops and markets accessories for videogame systems and PCs under its Mad Catz (casual gaming), Saitek (simulation), Cyborg (pro gaming), Eclipse (home and office) and TRITTON (gaming audio) brands. Mad Catz also operates e-commerce and content websites for videogame and PC products under its GameShark brand, develops, manufactures and markets proprietary earphones under its AirDrives brand and publishes and distributes video/PC games. Mad Catz distributes its products through most of the leading retailers offering interactive entertainment products and has offices in North America, Europe and Asia."
With that out of the way, let's take a look at the details of our Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 branded keyboard:
» Officially licensed CoD: Modern Warfare 2 artwork
» Enhanced 104-key QWERTY layout
» USB interface w/USB & 3.5 mm audio pass-throughs
» Tri Vu independent backlighting (Red, Amber, Green colors)
» Independent lighting of WASD, arrow, Cyborg, & Num Pad
» Cyborg Mode disables Windows keys and adjusts brightness & color of gaming keys
» Key illumination settings are preserved after system reboot
» Twelve (12) programmable Cyborg keys
» Touch-sensitive backlit dashboard panel
» Multimedia controls (Next, Back, Play/Pause, Mute, Volume)
» Keyboard/Cyborg mode & Windows key lock indicators
» Pass-through function provides USB port, audio out and microphone jacks
» Gold-plated connectors
» Adjustable wrist rest
» 62-inch/1.5 meter (approximate) cable length
» Supports Microsoft Windows XP, Vista, and 7
» Lead-free components (RoHS compliant)
» Powerful ST Programming Software - Create profiles for each game that you play in order to save different button configurations.
» Input: DC 5V
» Consumption: 500 mA (max.)
» Unit Dimensions: 1.75 x 21.25 x 10-inches (H x W x D, approximate w/wrist rest attached)
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MONTREAL — A Tae Kwon Do team of mainly Muslim girls says it was kicked out of tournament south of Montreal today because its members refused to remove their hijabs.
Tournament organizers told team officials that the girls can’t compete because the Muslim head scarves are a safety risk.
As someone who once took a Karate lesson, it seems to me that a hijab could could easily fall down over the face and result in somebody's losing an eye. Karate garb takes the form that it does for a reason.
Interesting too in that its difficult to argue that Western Culture is being intolerant here. After all, the gals are being asked to observe the traditions of a Chinese fighting form.
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First of all try punching a few holes in the rim of the paint can. You can use a screwdriver and mallet. Then when the brush is wiped against the edge of the can, the paint will flow back into the can. When you are through the lid will cover the holes so the paint won’t dry out.
And before you get started, protect your hands and face with moisturizer. When it comes time to clean up, the paint will come off faster and the moisturizer will prevent paint from seeping into your pores.
Here are some more painting tips we found for you.
Try cleaning out old nail polish bottles and filling them with “touch up” paint for scuffmarks and scratches. You can also do this with small, glass baby food jars.
For very tiny touch ups don’t use a paintbrush, use a cotton swab!
If you have an old rubber ball, don’t throw it out, keep it with your painting supplies. The next time you need to paint a ceiling, cut the rubber ball in half and cut an opening at the center of the “half” ball. Insert your paintbrush through it and use it as a guard to keep the drips from falling on you!
While you are painting that ceiling be sure to wear eye protection to keep what paint drops that do get by the ball, from falling into your eyes. If you don’t have protective eye wear, try an old pair of swimming goggles.
Protect your work shoes from paint drips by covering them with old worn out gym socks.
You can store left over latex paint in clean plastic milk jugs. Shake the jug before using the paint again and label the jug.
If you are going to paint a stairway, paint every other step one day, and allow them to dry over night. The following day you can paint the remaining steps.
You can remove paint splatters from woodwork with very fine steel wool. Before painting, apply a coat of lemon oil to woodwork you want to protect from paint splatters. The lemon oil will make it easy to just wipe away the unwanted drops of paint.
Add a tablespoon of ammonia in a pan of water and leave it in a nearly painted room overnight. The paint odor will disappear the next day.
You can also try leaving a large onion cut in half in a pan of water in the center of the room; the onion will also absorb the paint odor.
Whether big or small we hope these quick tips will help you with your next painting project.
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"I started working with Mike Hartley of bigflannel in 2003 when I launched my first website. The site immediately won a PDN Digital Imaging award in the website category. A few years ago we did a major redesign which I’ve been using until now. Recently I decided that I wanted a site that I could administer myself and was aware that Mike was developing his template. I looked around at other template sites but was still particularly attracted to Mike’s design sensibilities. I find the software SlideShowPro simple and intuitive to use and especially like the big and bold way the imagery is presented. From the time I started my uploads I was up and going in no time. The reviews have been fantastic and I couldn’t be happier with the way the site looks and functions. I have also seen an increase in hits, pages viewed and time spent on the site."
"Being an amateur photographer I looked at an affordable way to publish my pictures on the internet. I looked at a few well known photographic templates but found them to be either too expensive, too distracting or unsuited for modern mobile devices. I even contemplated of building my own (with help) and learned that SlideShowPro was recommended on the internet as a valuable 'new kid on the block'. However, I got totally lost on their website, the setup appeared to be way too complex. Then on the examples page, I came across the site of Eric Ogden, that was it!. I discovered that his site using SlideShowPro was was a custom made design by bigflannel, Mike Hartley, in NY and called him up knowing that it would be out of my league...and indeed it was. But he told me he would be launching an affordable template soon. When he did I signed up immediately and I couldn't be more pleased. The site was ready within a few days and Mike provided a clear user manual on how you can upload and rearrange the content yourself. The template really makes my captures shine, it's extremely professional looking on mobile devices especially an iPhone, or better iPad and the support is fantastic. Mike gets back to you immediately, is friendly and is clearly an experienced professional."
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Proton and Electron next-generation printheads.
Xaar has launched two new binary printheads: the entry-level, high-speed Xaar Electron and the high-productivity, wide-swath (53.7mm) Xaar Proton.
The Electron is a 128-channel printhead that builds on the format of the company's Xaar 128. Featuring silicon integrated-circuit technology, the Electron boosts print speeds by up to 70 percent, compared to the first-generation Xaar 126/128. It's compatible with solvent as well as UV inks, and is available in 35- and 70-picolitre drop size options.
The Proton, designed for high-resolution and high-volume indoor and outdoor graphics, offers the latest piezo and nozzle processing technology as used on the Xaar 1001 printhead. It jets a 35-picolitre drop size from individually lasered nozzles, to help ensure drop uniformity and precise results, reports Xaar.
'These new printheads are the result of our strategy to develop and enhance our existing technology platforms and invest in core inkjet markets,' says Ian Dinwoodie, Xaar CEO. 'The response from the wide-format market to this next generation of binary printheads is extremely positive with new printers already coming to market that set new standards in performance as a direct result.'
Xaar reports that Infiniti Digital demonstrated the Xaar Proton-enabled Hijet Rodin printer at the Graphic Arts of Americas event in Miami in February; and that Witcolor, Hijet, Chiting Digital Technology, and RTZ are launching five Xaar Electron-based models and 12 Xaar Proton-based solvent and UV inkjet models at Sign China.
Did you enjoy this article? Click here to subscribe to the magazine.
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New title hits on aperture, shutter speed, and light
Amphoto Books has released a revised edition of Understanding Exposure: How to Shoot Great Photographs with a Film or Digital Camera, by Bryan Peterson.
The goal of professional photographer Peterson in this title's 160 pages is to help the camera user get better results than by simply setting the camera on automatic mode and shooting away. To do so, he segments the book into three major sections that reflect the three of the basic factors involved in a correct exposure: aperture, shutter speed, and light. He then breaks down each major section into sub-sections, showing specific image examples alongside his text, as well as providing exercises the reader can undertake to better his understanding of a single topic ("Understanding the Effect of ISO on Exposure," for instance).
Peterson, who is a columnist for Popular Photography magazine, also provides a chapter on special techniques and filters (deliberate under- or overexposures, bracketing, etc.), as well as one that breaks down some differences between shooting digital versus shooting with film. Price: $24.95, paperback. (Amphoto Books, www.watsonguptill.com)
Did you enjoy this article? Click here to subscribe to the magazine.
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What's the Latest Development?
Researchers from the field of neuroscience are introducing new concepts into the study of economics, turning the once-rational discipline on its head. One of the most recent texts to surprise economists is Paul Glimcher's Foundations of Neuroeconomic Analysis. "Glimcher is skeptical of prevailing economic theory, and is seeking a physical basis for it in the brain. He wants to transform 'soft' utility theory into 'hard' utility theory by discovering the brain mechanisms that underlie it."
What's the Big Idea?
The idea of individuals as rational consumers looking to maximize the utility of their purchases dominated economics for decades. But that assumption fails to deal with ambiguous situations where variables remain unknown. "It has already been discovered that the brain regions used to deal with problems when probabilities are clear are different from those used when probabilities are unknown." John Maynard Keynes recognized early that our 'animal spirits' dictate some of our decisions.
Photo credit: shutterstock.com
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TASR was by far “THE STOCK.” There was no doubt about the chart pattern it set up or the strength of the fundamentals it was producing. What could not have been known is the gain it was going to produce. While I was very lucky that the chart was so nice as to have me load up what came next was quite surprising. TASR gained a remarkable 2,390% in only eight months and three weeks. This was by far my best long during this time. There were others, like FMDAY, which I will go over in the future, that produced huge gains in short amount of time. But this was a clear monster stock with a beautiful price/volume/BOP pattern.
the first buy:
the second buy:
the third buy:
the final buy:
the top for this current run and biggest sell:
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Well, if you adore his bikes as much as we do - they you'd better go buy one now - before they become extinct...
“This makes sense. I love this strategy,” said Gary Fisher. “I’ve been working with Trek on the Fisher Brand since 1996, but this puts me right in the middle of the best team of bike people. I can now bring my ideas to Trek, No.1 bike brand in the world. Better bikes and more people on those bikes. I love it.”
“2010 has been a fantastic year for both Trek and Gary Fisher bikes," said Trek president John Burke. "But we weren’t taking full advantage of the incredible resource we have in Gary Fisher, the man. We realized we could bring Gary’s ideas to many more people by creating the Gary Fisher Collection.”
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View Full Version : Anyone Familiar with this table?
01-21-2004, 11:31 AM
I'm looking for an inexpensive used table for home and came across a used Brunswick Brentwood table for sale. I was told the table is approximately 35 years old and it looks in good shape. It will just be for casual use for when the guys come over. I'm just wondering if anyone knows what a tble like this is worth and if anyone knows anything about the construction, etc... You can see a few pictures of the table here:
Any help would be appreciated,
01-21-2004, 01:57 PM
It sure doesn't look very sturdy. The legs look very thin. Also, the ball collection and storage system looks way too clean. It must have been painted. Will the paint hold up? Who knows?
01-21-2004, 02:07 PM
The legs were the first thing I noticed as well, would want to make sure they are sturdy enough to keep the table still.
As far as paint on the storage tray, I did mine and have been very happy with it. Just have to use the right paint. I just hope they didnt make the same mistake I did and paint the ball return tray. I had to put some vinyl down in mine as I kept getting red paint on the balls when they dropped into the tray /ccboard/images/graemlins/blush.gif
01-21-2004, 02:15 PM
Thanks for the info. The legs were the first thing I noticed also. The thing is, I could probably pick this table up for about $150 so I figure for that price it's probably worth it to just knock around on for fun. Any other thoughts are appreciated.
01-21-2004, 02:19 PM
For 150 you arent getting hurt. You could use it for a while and see how much you actually play on it. Then of course you will become addicted to pool, buy a Diamond, quit your job, and play pool for a living /ccboard/images/graemlins/cool.gif
01-22-2004, 07:28 PM
For $150 you can't go wrong since you can probably unload it if you don't want the table.
Table legs are easy to find in the internet; if you are worrying about the ones on the table....
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View Full Version : how long has this format been new...
I have not visited here in a couple of months, i Lke it.
It started around noon last Sunday. It seems to be working well. The default that you get gives the posts in order of time of last reply. If you click on search but enter no search criterion you will get a chronological list of replies starting with the newest. There seemed to be some interest in that kind of list.
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Billiards Digest Forums
Cue Chalk Board
Non Pool Related
> The stars underneath the titles...
View Full Version :
The stars underneath the titles...
11-13-2002, 10:17 AM
How do you get those stars to appear underneath your "posting title"?
11-13-2002, 10:31 AM
If someone clicks on your name, there is an option that allows you to rate the user. It took me a bit to figure it out too.
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I’d say that the economy is everything that involves making or using goods and services.
He also has said recently that the economy is improving but that “jobs are a lagging indicator” and at that point he and I part company. How can “making and using goods and services” improve while jobs are being lost at a very rapid pace?
When a recession ends unemployment is a lagging indicator because “employers are reluctant to rehire until they have evidence that the recovery is real.” That means that unemployment does not reduce from the level that obtains at the time that the recession ended. It takes time after the end of the recession for unemployment to begin to improve.
That’s not what we have here. The unemployment picture is not merely failing to improve, it is still getting worse. Employers are not “reluctant to hire,” they are still rapidly shedding jobs. They are not “waiting to see if the recovery is real,” they see no recovery and are forecasting that they cannot maintain their status quo.
I would suggest that until unemployment at least levels off we should not even be talking about recovery. I am not suggesting that we should require that employment be improving, but when it is still declining, and declining rather rapidly, I think it is insanity to be swooning over the stock market numbers and claiming that the economy is “recovering.”
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Belief in God in an Age of Science: John Polkinghorne, Part One
The world is not full of items stamped “made by God”—the Creator is more subtle than that—but there are two locations where general hints of the divine presence might be expected to be seen most clearly. One is the vast cosmos itself, with its fifteen-billion-year history of evolving development following the big bang. The other is the “thinking reed” of humanity, so insignificant in physical scale but, as Pascal said, superior to all the stars because it alone knows them and itself.
Series: Evolution Basics
Written by BioLogos Fellow of Biology Dennis Venema, this series of posts is intended as a basic introduction to the science of evolution for non-specialists.
Series: Understanding Randomness
In this series, Kathryn Applegate addresses the concern that randomness implies the absence of God's activity and involvement in the natural world. She begins by clearing up some common misconceptions about the concept of "randomness", and later focuses on the mechanisms of the immune system to demonstrate that God works through random processes to preserve life. Far from being an indication of a "godless" universe, one might conclude that randomness is one of God’s favorite mechanisms for creating and sustaining life!
Series: Made in the Image of God: The Theological Implications of Human Genomics
This series by Denis Alexander reflects on advancements in genomics as well as their theological implications. He focuses on the relatedness of hominin genomes, arguing that this does not interfere with the image of God in humans. The image of God depends more on the capacity for relationship and covenant, not on a list of particular physical qualities. He then discusses why the recent studies of genomics provide “no grounds for genetic determinism.”
Series: “And God Saw That It Was Good”: Death and Pain in the Created Order
The tension generated by our understanding of God’s character, as revealed in the Bible, and by the reality of the natural world around us has been the focus of much debate within the Christian church since the first century. This series examines critically several of the proposed solutions to this problem, viewing them from the perspective of a geologist, paleontologist, and orthodox evangelical Christian.
Series: Behe, Lenski and the “Edge” of Evolution
In this series, we reexamine the claim made by Intelligent Design proponent Michael Behe to have found a limit to “Darwinian” evolution in light of recent results from the laboratory of Richard Lenski.
The Randomness Project
It is not uncommon to hear voices proclaiming that biology and physics have shown us that—at fundamental levels—nature is random, hence meaningless, purposeless, and without a creator. But how might God work providentially through indeterminate processes? The John Templeton Foundation has provided a generous grant of $1.69 million to support a new research initiative on the theme of Randomness and Divine providence.
Death and Rebirth: The Role of Extinction in Evolution
When they imagine evolution, many Christians picture novelty: new species arising over time, or speciation events. But as the most recent Southern Baptist Voices exchange makes clear, many Christians also focus on the role of death in evolution—something that can be a stumbling block.
Series: Southern Baptist Voices: Evolution and Death
This exchange brings together related essays on death in light of evolution and Scripture from Southern Baptist theologian Dr. John Laing. Laing argues that evolutionary theory requires death to play a central role in the creation of new life, but sees Scripture depicting death only "as an invader, disturber of peace, and a force of evil." A BioLogos response is given by Dr. Jeff Schloss.
David Lack: Evolutionary Biologist and Devout Christian
Charles Darwin’s personal struggles and ultimate rejection of Christianity are well documented, and people are eager to link his loss of faith to his evolutionary theory. David Lack, on the other hand, began his scientific career as an agnostic, but shortly after publishing his famous book on the evolution of "Darwin's finches", he converted to Christianity.
Becoming Human: New Insights from Genome-wide Functional Genomics
We live in exciting times for a geneticist: more and more genomes are being sequenced, and more and more novel genome-wide analyses are being performed to shed light on what all those newly-determined sequences mean.
What Does It Mean to Be Human? A Response to Bruce Little, Part 2
Trinitarian theology and the image of God are important, non-essentialist resources to help us think about the distinct place of humanity in creation.
The Questions Update: The Image of God
Over the last two weeks, the Forum has explored the imago Dei from various perspectives. Today’s post features a preview of the updated Question, “How could humans have evolved and still be created in the ‘ Image of God’? written by Senior Web Consultant and Writer Deborah Haarsma.
The Broken Made Whole
There is a sense in which we look at Temma and we want to affirm that she is made in the image of God by denying that the image of God has anything to do with her physical, material body.
More Than Skin Deep: The Image of God in People with Disabilities
My students twinge and recoil a bit at the thought that persons with disabilities can be made in God’s image. “They just don’t look like it,” they say, zeroing in on what is physically seen.
Series: Chosen by God: Biblical Election and the Imago Dei
At the center of the theological and cultural controversy surrounding biological evolution stands the question: “How do human beings—creatures uniquely created in the image and likeness of God—fit into the scientific picture of life’s origins and development?” In this three-part series, Dr. Joshua Moritz endeavors to address this question by exploring what Scripture means—and does not mean—by the designation “image and likeness of God”.
Southern Baptist Voices: Evolutionary Creationism and the Imago Dei
I wish to question whether or not it is possible for the image of God to be produced through the evolutionary process apart from the special intervention of God.
Randomness and Evolution: Is There Room for God? (Videocast)
This BioLogos videocast addresses the idea of randomness as a part of natural selection, and whether it challenges the possibility of God using the evolutionary process as a means of creation.
Series: Randomness and God’s Governance
In this three-part series from Pruim’s chapter in the book Delight in Creation: Scientists Share Their Work with the Church, mathematician Randall Pruim explains what scientists and mathematicians mean when they speak of something being “random”. He also addresses God's use of apparent randomness in creation as a part of his sovereign rule.
It should not be surprising that John Cage asked the stuff he used to make paintings to take part in the process—to contribute its own identity to the intentional, purposeful, and determined work of creating “based on chance.”
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Effects of influenza on the respiratory system
Left: Acute hemorrhagic and ulcerative laryngotracheitis
Right: Right lung - showing consolidation, grey hepatization (lower lobe), and congestive edema (upper lobe). There is a large hemorrhage in the center of the hepatized lobe.
Happy Flu Season!
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again - even if the flu is just a few days of misery for you, it’s often far more serious than you might think for many others out there. It’s worth making sure you get the vaccine every year so you don’t spread infection, and, if you do get infected, stay the hell at home.
Hepatization is the conversion of a tissue or organ to a “liver-like” substance. In the lungs, this occurs when they become engorged with effused matter, such as red blood cells, neutrophils, and fibrin, which clog up the alveoli to the point that the lungs are impervious to air, where this has occurred. Grey hepatization is the second stage in lung hepatization - at this point, the red blood cells have broken down, leaving only the fibrinogen exudate and dead tissue behind.
Laryngotracheitis is an inflammatory response in the larynx and trachea. The trachea is lined with the same epithelial cells as much of the bronchial tree, and all influenza strains are able to infect those cells. This is why, whether you have a “light” case of the flu or a deathly-serious case, coughing and throat pain still occur. When the infection is bad enough, the coughing can lead to ulceration of the tissue below the epithelium, which can lead to bleeding into the lungs, or coughing up blood.
In cases involving “consolidation”, there is generally an opportunistic pneumonia taking hold. The bacterial exotoxins and sometimes the patient’s own immune system, break down epithelial cells that separate and define the alveolar sacs. The surface area given by these epithelial layers is what allows a high volume of oxygen to be absorbed with each breath we take. When those cell layers are destroyed, the oxygenation of blood is severely decreased.
Pathology of Influenza. Charles Winternitz, Isabel Wason, and Frank McNamara, 1920.
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School Board Officially Hires Daniel Nerad as Birmingham's Next Superintendent
School Board President Susan Hill said the current superintendent of the Madison Metropolitan School District signed a contract with Birmingham Tuesday afternoon.
It's official: the Birmingham Board of Education passed a resolution Tuesday night officially hiring Daniel Nerad at the district's next superintendent.
School Board President Susan Hill said Nerad — the current superintendent of the Madison (WI) Metropolitan School District — signed a contract with the district earlier Tuesday, with an official start date of July 1.
The school board selected Nerad, 60, as the next superintendent on June 11 after a two-month search process. Nerad was one of two finalists after five semifinalists interviewed in late May and early June.
The school board has been working to replace outgoing superintendent David Larson, who announced in late March that he would be taking a superintendent position in Glenbard Township, IL. Tuesday was Larson's last school board meeting.
After naming Nerad as a finalist, Hill and trustee Steve Scheidt visited Nerad in Madison, a trip which illustrated, according to Scheidt, the profound impact Nerad has had on teachers, students and parents.
"We felt good coming in, we felt great coming out," Hill said.
According to Hill, Nerad continues to negotiate a way out of his contract in Madison. According to the Wisconsin State Journal, Nerad's current contract expires in June 2013 and requires he give five months' notice before leaving.
However, Madison School Board President James Howard said last week the board would be willing to negotiate ways to help Nerad leave. Hill said they expect a final plan from Nerad later this week.
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First, why is there ever a 2.0 anything??? Everybody who has bought computer stuff knows that the “1.0″ of anything always has a few bugs in it. Plus, when “1.0″ has been out for a while, the people who use it think of new stuff they would like it to do. And, ways to do the old stuff better. Birthers are no different. Just like anything, we can evolve over time to become better and more efficient at what we do. Just like consumer products, if we don’t evolve and improve, then we run the risk of becoming obsolete.
Just such a challenge faces us now. Birtherism, as a movement, began in response to questions about the eligibility of Obama to be a president. Was he born in America or Kenya? Did his dual citizenship prevent him from being eligible? So we asked the questions most Americans didn’t want to ask back in 2008. And at first, people thought we were crazy. But as time went on, and Obama refused to release anything beyond a short form birth certificate to a special group, the number of people having doubts grew and grew. In August 2010, a CNN poll showed 58% of Americans had some degree of doubt where Obama was born, ranging from those who definitely thought Obama was not born in the United States to those who thought he was probably born in the United states, but not definitely sure of it.
The legal questions have reached the end. The United States Supreme Court refused to hear the Kercher Case. This means that as a legal matter, the Vattel Birthers and British Citizen Birthers are out of luck. Most lawyers think that if Obama was born in the United States, then he is a Natural Born Citizen. Whether this is right or wrong is not the point. What it is, is just the law. That legal question went nowhere, and unless Congress takes it up, or changes the law, then it is just over.
Plus, as we enter 2011, there are indications that Obama is finally going to have to deal with the issue of where he was born. Neal Abercrombie, Gov. of Hawaii says he intends to do something about the doubts. Chris Matthews is calling for the Long Form. And in the words of many talking heads, “grown ups” are headed to the White House to assist Obama in running the government. The upshot of all this is that probably, we will finally see the Long Form.
This is why we need to become a new and improved birther. . .Birther 2.0. Because what if the document is credible and indicates that Obama was born in Hawaii, or Connecticut? Does that mean all the questions are answered??? Both legal and where??? I think NO!
Because what was always beneath the surface of Birtherism is still alive and kicking. The “NBC Legal” Birthers wanted to see a positive allegiance to the United States. The “Where was he born?” Birthers wanted to be sure Obama was an American President, someone who understood the responsibilities of the office of the Presidency towards all citizens, not just his own supporters.
Here is where my questions about WHY tie in both sides of Birtherism. Because trying to understand WHY Obama failed to resolve this issue for 3 years goes right back to the underlying concerns of both types of Birthers. Assuming Obama was born in Amerca, asking WHY it has taken this long to resolve the questions reveals that Obama most likely DOES NOT have an allegiance to America, but to his own political fortunes. He was willing to sell out America, imprison military officers, and keep the country in turmoil for three years because he thought it would gain him votes. That is the probable reason for not coughing up a long form Birth Certificate for so long.
Again, assuming that Obama was born in America, the “Where was he born?” type Birthers may finally have their questions answered. The worst thing we can do is to refuse to believe the Long Form if it is credible, because that is one of the things the Obots are crowing about. That we are just too stupid to believe anything, so why cough anything up??? If the documentation is credible, then we need to evolve to “2.0″ and begin asking WHY??? Why did it take Obama so long to resolve this?
Asking WHY, does not mean that Obama has reached safe ground. Not by a long shot!!! I have been asking WHY for quite a while now, and I express the range of possible answers as KISS. As you can see, being born in Kenya is the nicest possible answer. The rest indicate that Obama has severe mental and psychological difficulties:
1. KENYA. He is born in Kenya.
2. IGNORANT. Obama is too ignorant to think of the simple answer.
3. SNOBBY. Obama thinks Americans are too stupid to believe the REAL THING!
4. SLIMY. Obama thinks it is OK to make some Americans look crazy if it gets him votes.
Those questions guarantee that the real problems with Obama come to light. And, there is NOTHING Obama can do to make those questions “obsolete.” Sorry, but his refusal to cough up the Long Form for 3 years can’t be undone. The fact that Obama “fiddled” while Col. Lakin went to prison, can’t be undone. The fact that Obama lets the taxpayer cough up Lakin’s cost of incarceration rather than cough up a long form, can’t be undone. Obama has put himself into the same position as a felon, who repents his crime only after he has been caught, found guilty, and is facing sentencing.
Changing our focus from WHERE and the NBC legal questions to WHY Obama hasn’t resolved this, guarantees that Obama will finally have to pay a price for his Machiavellian Chicago Thug Tactics. WHY, is the question he can’t duck and cover from. Asking WHY, means Birther 2.0 will be the best version ever!
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Was Roger Bacon Europe's first real scientist?
This 13th-century English monk recognized that going to the source of phenomena was the surest way to understand them.
Bacon was born in Ilchester, in Somerset, around the time King John granted the English nobles some important rights in the Magna Carta of 1215. Education was apparently an important value in his family, and he went to Oxford University probably at about age 13.
Bacon lectured at the University of Paris and pursued a life of dogged intellectual inquiry at a time when unorthodox opinions were dangerous — even fatal. At about the age of 40, he became a Franciscan friar, which limited his ability to publish his works, as any writings had to be approved by his order.
About 10 years later, though, his friend Guy le Gros de Foulques became Pope Clement IV. During the few years of Clement's reign, Bacon published his Opus Maius, about science and theology, and other works.
Bacon understood that mathematics was crucial to understanding science. He refused to accept received knowledge without testing out its tenets with experiments — and at the time, the scholarly world was all about received knowledge from the ancients.
He created the first useful maps in hundreds of years by re-introducing map projections, he was a pioneer in the field of optics, and he began a reformation of the calendar that was adopted hundreds of years later by Pope Gregory XIII.
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Now there are some people who thrive on the discipline of diets and fasts. They truly function better when told what to do and when to do it and it’s funny. ….they actually see results and have something to feel proud about. Smug bastards. Then there are those of us---and I personally blame the Aussie convict gene—who are shocking scofflaws. I’m not proud of it but it’s a fact and I must learn to live with it and more importantly come clean. About ten minutes, for instance, after vowing to commence a healthful regime of avoiding all white and fried food for the next two weeks, I will be MOVED by some invisible spirit force with the strength of a thousand horses, to CHEAT and whip up an Elvis Presley special---a fried banana, peanut butter and bacon sandwich.
YES, I admit it. In the spirit of that good ol’ AA introduction, I would like to say here and now for the record, HI, MY NAME’S LYNDALL AND I’M A CHEATER. Which makes it all the more moronic that I thought I could handle five food-LESS days. But I am a silly old Pollyanna, hope springs eternal and if it wasn’t for the midnight meanderings I might just have swung it. My nocturnal wanderings are not sleepwalking exactly—but I do seem to behave like a zombie in a trance.
That is to say I wake up, at least two or three times every night, and immediately head straight to the kitchen, knowing that trying to get back to sleep without popping something in mouth will be useless endeavor. So I slide in to the kitchen and try to eat something simple and not calorie-laden. Rice cakes and peanut butter, a handful of almonds, an oatmeal cookie, a tangerine—or more often than not—dark chocolate in any form. If especially peckish (hungry where I come from) I will even go as far as Vegemite on toast. But the salty yeast extract that is our beloved Vegemite requires an extra large glass of milk and that will ensure having to get up and pee in about 30 minutes so I try to limit toast and vegemite to Friday or Saturday nights when I can sleep in.
So on night two after surgery, as I automatically stagger to kitchen like poor old Pavlovian dog, I find myself popping salty chocolate almonds (try them- Trader Joe’s—brilliant big chunks of sea salt on the choc almonds) before I even REMEMBER that I am meant to be cleansing my temple/body. I could spit them out and pretend I didn’t swallow two already but it’s a tough decision…and what a waste. So it’s decided then and there…this will be a semi-cleanse. Or half-assed –whatever you wish to call it. From then on ….. just a little benign nibbling at crackers and nuts…oh and the odd apple slice with big fingerfuls of peanut butter and apricot jam right from the jars.. plus plenty of that anti-oxidant packed dark chocolate….not so bad…and I shan’t bother to mention the midnight snacks—since I have decided they don’t count when your skin suddenly starts to ITCH AND BURN LIKE A CRAZY MOTHERFUCKER !!
Wondering if it’s some dangerous allergic reaction to the foul, poisonous Chinese tea crap that I‘ve been bravely continuing to imbibe, I consider putting in an emergency call to the man who runs the cleanse but cannot remember where I put his number and so I stumble round the apartment looking for Benadryl which I find about two hours later in the carefully labeled clear plastic box -MEDICINES ETC -under bathroom sink. Have no idea when I organized such a brilliant thing and in fact don’t remember it existed—so what exactly is the point of being organized when you can’t recall that you got organized in the first place??
But Benadryl doesn’t work and by about 6 am I am ripping off the stretchy bandages that my tits are wrapped in….as I peel it off great big patches of oozing sweaty, blistery skin peel off too, leaving gaping areas of red raw epidermis. Niiice. Time for some more Vicodin which despite my greedy snack addiction, I am always very moderate in taking….and because I am a drug lightweight, leave me completely stoned within about ten minutes. That in turn leads to some slightly impulsive emails to my good pal, ol’ doctor bob. I temporarily forget I am to suck up to almighty surgeon no matter WHAT, and I tell him I am in agony, ask for an apology for hurling me out of hospital the same day, and generally try to convey how traumatized and upset I am. This does not go down well.
Popular surgeons do not seem to appreciate constructive criticism. And he leaps into email action and is frightfully mean and bangs on about wanting to save me money cos Blue Cross consider major reconstructive surgery an outpatient procedure! And if he had kept me overnight at St John’s they might have objected and charged me a quick $20, 000. Oh really? Not what happened the last two times you operated on me….and how much more could St John’s charge ??
I just saw the bill ---$58,000 for the whole procedure with a mere $24,000 for the pharmacy bill. EXCUSE ME?? For what? Some Propofol?? That’s it. I paid for own Vicodin and antibiotics. How about the pharmacy try to act less like criminals and charge a smidge less and let me stay overnight! The whole thing is too infuriating for words. Thinking about health care could make one very ill. (Note to self—query the 24 grand fucking pharmacy bill!)
I make sure to have a friend meeting me there the next day when I go to see Dr Bob since I now sense some unfriendly vibes after committing medical treason and questioning my standard of care. Sure enough, a very chilly atmosphere. I don’t dare say a word about anything and try to be very polite. He coldly says I have had an allergic reaction to the adhesive bandage and after I am inspected and re-wrapped, he launches into a seemingly very rehearsed defense, once again, of his actions. I very simply point out that he told me I would be staying about ten minutes before the operation and he denies it. But why would I want to wake up in recovery and have no one there to take me home?? I swear on my children that he told me I would be staying and even let him off the hook by saying “Perhaps you were just very focused on the surgery and didn’t remember what you said…” In some sort of roundabout way I THINK he finally concedes that it’s conceivable – but NOT likely.
Anyway, I’m over it. I’m over it ALL. Sick to death of my health and talking about my health and the whole friggin box and dice, I drive on home and crawl back to bed for a few hours, utterly exhausted by the trip and ready to weep that, as some sort of punishment I suspect, he ordered me to stay on antibiotics for TWICE as long as originally planned. Within the hour trusty Rite Aid are on the blower telling me that my meds await me.
Day Four. I realize I ‘m weaker than I’ve been in over a year but by this point, everyone, quite rightly, is bored out of their minds by my endless surgeries. The fact that this is the worst I’ve felt throughout the whole ordeal, is unfortunately, not something one dares mention to anyone. Except one very, very old friend, a dude, who emails and asks how the surgery went. I email back a day or two later that I simply feel like crap and that this has been the worst recovery ever. To which he replies, as if I’m the whining nightmare patient from hell…”Be grateful you’re not six feet under!” Oh gee thanks.What a sweet, empathetic thing to say. I loathe 'friends'(who haven't actually visited one single time in 15 months!) like that.
And now it’s time to put on my happy face, my Uggs, a hat on the dry, frizzled up old white bleached hair and get me to school to pick up the gorgeous great big teen of a son who’s been staying with friends and seems to have grown a good inch in the last 5 days. I’m so happy to see him that I try to ignore several facts.
1It looks like he may be wearing the same t shirt I last saw him in..
2.I’ve already had emails from two teachers about missing homework..
3.Teeth look a lovely shade of yellow under the braces and it’s funny how I noticed his electric toothbrush still in his bathroom..
4.He left his novel at home and clearly is now even further behind with reading…
But instead of nagging, the mother who has been out of action for 5 days nobly takes him to his favorite Cactus Taqueria on Vine and get him 2 fish tacos and whatever else he adores…some odd milky drink and a huge bulging burrito that must be about 1000 calories. He wolfs it all down before we’re even home. Once in his bedroom, we finally get to hug, though he knows he can’t really give mum a big bear-hug. Just a very gentle one. I suggest oh so sweetly that he get down to homework soon since mum needs to drink a foul version of a protein drink on my cleanse and then go take a nap. He promises faithfully that he will. Everything is hunky dory. I vow not to fight with him all week.
I wake up over two hours later and he’s under the shower. He takes showers that last forever. What do teenage boys do under the shower for that long? Exactly !!Let’s not dwell on it. And there’s his huge whacking great school bag on his bed, yet to be unpacked. That means ZERO homework has been done during my two hour nap. He is SO not to be trusted!! I take the Playboys from their hiding place in his third drawer as punishment and chuck them. And the yelling begins.
But the bathroom door can be locked and he hides in there for hours with his computer and cell phone and knows I can do nought about it. (Not until late at night when I stealthily creep into his room and take his computer and hide it in my room. But the truth is he’s way sneakier and smarter and should seriously consider a career as a spy. He senses missing items and before I know what’s happening, has crept up behind me, stolen my cell phone and then refuses to give it back till I tell him where his computer is. You can perhaps sense what exceptional control and authority I have with my teenage son---but you try it. They’re relentless, stubborn and always up for a good battle –and these mad chases round the apartment are oft before we’ve left for school and I’ve made it to Starbucks.)
So, as the shower drones on, I drag a chair into the kitchen to search the top cupboard where I sometimes throw the American Spirits in disgust. Eureka !! I find them and light up a lovely stale fag and open the freezer for the vodka. Well it is meant to be the purest of alcohols so that fits right into my purifying cleanse. Then it’s half a xanax in a noble attempt to stay calm and not fight with the teen. And since I’m such a cautious soul, drinking on an empty stomach is unthinkable and thus it’s time for my version of cooking—opening a can of sardines and the making of some toast. And VOILA---the FEAST fast is over!
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It all started as a hockey equipment shop in Worcester, Massachusetts in 1994. In the beginning, it wasn’t much different than all of the other shops selling hockey gear; except for one thing – we decided to make it HUGE! Today, our hockey superstores are some of the largest you’ve ever seen, carrying a wide and deep range of all things hockey equipment and apparel, not to mention our top quality service and repair offerings. The concept is better than anything anyone has ever done in the hockey retailing business.
Every store manager across the board at Pure Hockey is a former hockey player and all-around hockey fanatic. Their knowledge and passion for the game are unrivaled. Their willingness to share honest opinions about products, fitting and service are second-to-none. For us, it’s not about getting you to spend as much money as possible, it’s about making sure you leave the store knowing you were treated well, fitted properly, educated about the products and satisfied with your purchase.
There are quite a few internet hockey stores out there, but none of them have the human element at the level and volume that we do. Pure Hockey offers the best of both worlds: a robust internet and e-commerce site, complete with all the information you need to purchase hockey equipment – and our physical stores, where you can go and talk face-to-face with our hockey experts. In the future, we’ll try to integrate the two in many more interesting ways.
Simply put, we do hockey equipment in a way no other hockey equipment retailer can. At Pure Hockey stores, our job is to create the environment in which kids and parents can see the product, learn about it and get fitted for it; all the while hanging out in a totally cool and nothing-but-hockey world. At PureHockey.com, our job is to offer you the best and easiest hockey experience online, the deepest selection at the cheapest prices and fast shipping - all while enjoying educating and helpful digital content to help you make all your important decisions online.
When you want it, we have it; either in our stores or online. At Pure Hockey, you’ll find all of the most popular gear and a lot of really cool stuff that no one else has. We are hockey!
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- Home Page
- Ferret Facts
- Ferret Decline
- Recovery Efforts
- Photo Gallery
- About Us
- How To Help
In order to save the species, black-footed ferrets were removed from prairie dog colonies outside of Meeteetse, Wyoming. The fate of the black-footed ferret was now soley in the hands of captive breeding.
Initially, not much was known about the reproductive biology of the black-footed ferret. While earlier attempts to breed members of the Mellette County South Dakota population in captivity were successful in the 1970s, none of the resulting offspring survived. Biologists with the Wyoming Game and Fish Department and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service convened domestic ferret breeders and reproductive experts from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Today there are six facilities that make up the managed BFF Species Survival Plan®(SSP®). These include the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Black-footed Ferret Conservation Center (Colorado), National Zoo’s Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute (VA), Louisville Zoological Garden (KY), Toronto Zoo (Ontario, Canada), Cheyenne Mountain Zoo (CO) and Phoenix Zoo (AZ). Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo participated in the SSP® until the late 1990s.
Black-footed ferrets are seasonal breeders. Facilities begin checking both males and females for reproductive readiness in January. Since the SSP® is genetically a closed population (no new unrelated black-footed ferrets have been found since 1987) all pairings are done to minimize the loss of genetic diversity. The primary task of the SSP® is to produce as many kits as possible to support ongoing reintroduction efforts. Educating people about the BFF and prairie ecosystem is another import aspect of the SSP®.
All ferret kits produced are entered into a studbook. The studbook contains individual animal information (birth, death, transfers & transponder chip) as well as the pedigree of each animal.
Since 1986, over 7,100 kits have been produced at the captive breeding facilities.
Facilities that house black-footed ferrets are not open to the public for disease and disturbance concerns. Older, non-reproductive ferrets from the SSP® which are not suitable reintroduction candidates serve as education ambassadors and can be found on display throughout North America.
The graph to the left depicts the number of BFF kits born at all captive breeding facilities from the beginning of the program through 2010.
This map shows the locations of the six BFF captive breeding facilities. Visit the Online Resources page for links to each facility.
Visit our Online Resources Page for links to each zoo/display facility.
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A yummy treat (for those with strong stomachs) is coming soon in our Absurdist Texts & Documents series…a new collection of strange ”tastes” from the late master chef Terry Southern:
HOT HEART OF BOAR & Other Tastes
We’ll be serving it fresh—piping hot and throbbing—in a limited edition of only 125 copies. First come, first served.
The book features rare unpublished texts, including an excerpt from The Hunters of Karinhall—a screenplay that, sadly, was never filmed. It’s a bloody masterpiece, and we do mean bloody. There’s also a private letter to William Burroughs; a vomiting priest; “K.Y. Madness,” and more.
In addition to the author’s culinary delights, you’ll find illuminating introductory notes by Nile Southern, as well as tastefully explicit illustrations by Norman Conquest.
In short, it’s a full-boar feast for famished fans of black humor.
Prepare to dig in.
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SUN JUL 15 > 1 p.m.
Walt Whitman's Fort Greene Park and Beyond
"Walt Whitman's Fort Greene Park and Beyond"
followed by a walk to the Brooklyn Navy Yard
A guided, free stroll sponsored by Fort Greene Park Conservancy
and The Walt Whitman Project
Walk around Fort Greene Park, a greensward that owes its existence in large part to Walt Whitman's editorials written for the Brooklyn Daily Eagle, and learn about this poet's intimate connection with Brooklyn's first official park. The afternoon includes discussions about the park, its role in the American Revolution and Civil War, the Wallabout Martyrs and the monument dedicated to their memory. In addition, guest performers sing and recite poetry and prose pertinent to this afternoon of discovery. The event continues with a walk up Myrtle Avenue to 99 Ryerson Street, the last existing building in Brooklyn that was a residence of Walt Whitman. Your guide is Greg Trupiano, Artistic Director of The Walt Whitman Project.
NEW THIS YEAR: At the conclusion of the Whitman tour, we encourage participants to continue on to BLDG 92 at the Brooklyn Navy Yard. BLDG 92 is a unique exhibition and visitor's center that celebrates the past, present and future of the Yard and the surrounding communities. Whitman tour participants can learn more about the British Prison Ships moored here and will have the opportunity to retrace their steps on the Interactive Map. Admission is free. BLDG 92 is a great way to end your day--especially with a coffee or a glass of wine at the roof top cafe!
MEET at 1:00 p.m. at the Visitors Center, Top of the Hill, Fort Greene Park
ENTER at Myrtle Avenue, Washington Park, or DeKalb Avenue, Brooklyn
FREE event/rain or shine
INFORMATION & RESERVATIONS: 718-391-8824 or email@example.com
Reservations suggested but not mandatory.
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TNA Impact Wrestling: Complete Preview, Rumors, News and More for October 18
While Thursday marks the first show after TNA’s biggest pay-per-view of the year, the anticipation over which direction Impact Wrestling heads now will determine how successful the company is moving forward.
Did BFG make you want to watch Thursday's Impact?
As much as BFG should have been the culmination of the majority of storylines, the poor booking has most of the top feuds just getting started. With so many more questions than answers, the complete sense of the unknown is exciting.
TNA Impact Wrestling could go in a million new directions Thursday, and what the creative team ends up deciding will be just too good to miss.
Where: Universal Studios, Orlando, Fla.
When: Thursday, Oct. 18 at 8 p.m. ET
Watch: SPIKE TV
Aces and Eights
After beating Sting and Bully Ray at Bound for Glory, the Aces and Eights gang has earned the right to enter the Impact Zone as they please. Impact Wrestling is about to get chaotic.
Question on Everybody's Mind: Who is the leader?
While it was revealed that Devon was part of the Aces and Eights gang, there is little question that he is not the leader. The hope now is that each week the TNA roster unmasks one of the gang members to reveal another former wrestler.
Hype Meter: 5 out of 5 epic reveals
No matter how much the fans complain about this angle, there will be a huge reveal at the end that will have everyone tuning in to see. Whether you like this storyline or not, it is doing a darn good job getting the fans to care about whom the members are and who the leader is.
TNA Rumors: Who wrestled for Aces & Eights at BFG? (TNAWrestlingNews.com)
TNA World Champion Jeff Hardy and Austin Aries
After a last-second heel turn on the go-home show to Bound for Glory, Austin Aries now has to be a new character without his TNA World Heavyweight Championship. Jeff Hardy, on the other hand, is the face of TNA once again.
Question on Everybody's Mind: Will Hardy have a long title reign?
While many fans just think of a Hardy and Aries rematch, stars like Bully Ray, James Storm and Bobby Roode all want a shot at the title. If I was a betting man, I’d say Hardy will remain the champion for at least the next four months.
Hype Meter: 4 out of 5 Swanton bombs
With Hardy’s contract reportedly up in February (h/t ProWrestling.net), the company will do its best to keep the charismatic enigma in TNA. As the biggest mover of merchandise and arguably the biggest attraction in the company, TNA must do whatever it takes to re-sign the former WWE star.
TNA Rumors: Jeff Hardy wants to stay in TNA? (ProWrestling.net)
Bound for Glory Aftermath
After one of the worst builds to a PPV in the history of the wrestling business, TNA salvaged the show by putting together one of the best events of the year. As bad as the storylines were coming in, the company did a great job planting the seeds for fans to keep tuning in Thursdays.
Question on Everybody's Mind: Where does TNA go from here?
With Rob Van Dam winning the X Division Championship, Hernandez and Chavo Guerrero stealing the World Tag Team Championships and Tara winning the Knockouts strap, there are plenty of new angles that will start this week. That should get fans excited!
Hype Meter: 3 out of 5 mailed-in efforts
My only legitimate concern is the same one I have for WWE after WrestleMania every year; with the majority of major storylines finding a conclusion, the company better have something big up their sleeves to get the fans hooked back on the product.
WWE gave us Brock Lesnar after ‘Mania; your move TNA.
TNA Rumors: Kurt Angle in "Rough Shape?" (TNAWrestlingNews)
Check back for more on the TNA Impact Wrestling as it comes, and visit Bleacher Report’s wrestling page to get your fill of WWE/TNA. For more wrestling talk, listen to Ring Rust Radio for all of the hot topics you just can’t miss (some language NSFW).
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Louisville vs. Rutgers Predictions: BCS Berth on the Line in Big East Battle
The college football season is winding down, and every game means something.
Although all eyes will be on the SEC Championship game between Alabama and Georgia, there is a midweek Big East battle that deserves some attention.
On Thursday night, the Rutgers Scarlet Knights and the Louisville Cardinals play with BCS implications on the line.
Last week, Rutgers laid an egg against Pittsburgh and fell flat in an embarrassing 27-6 defeat.
That loss set the Scarlet Knights back in the race for the Big East title and knocked them out of the AP Top 25 college football rankings. Luckily for Rutgers, another Big East contender suffered an unforgivable loss.
The Louisville Cardinals managed to go to overtime against the inferior UConn Huskies, but they still left with a loss. That loss knocked the Cardinals from the college football rankings, but the focus of the defeat is an injury to quarterback Teddy Bridgewater.
Bridgewater injured his non-throwing left wrist on a sack late in the game against the Huskies. He returned from the injury to navigate the Cardinals down the field for a scoring drive to tie the game.
To make matters worse, Bridgewater suffered a lower ankle injury in overtime.
Louisville’s head coach points to the wrist injury as the main area of concern. ‘‘The leg injury is fine,’’ Louisville coach Charlie Strong said after the game. ‘‘I would say he either fractured or broke his wrist.’’ (via Boston.com)
Who Wins on Thursday Night?
The Cardinals will need him in the lineup if they hope to stay alive for a BCS berth. They will also need some help from other teams in the Big East. For Louisville to grab the BCS berth, they need to beat Rutgers and have Cincinnati lose to UConn. There is a scenario that involves a three-way logjam atop the Big East, but for Rutgers it’s simple.
For Rutgers to get the BCS game, they just need to win this game against Louisville at home on Thursday night.
The college football odds for this game have Rutgers labeled as (-2.5) point favorites over Louisville. This line is set up due to the home-field advantage in what should be a close game.
Like Louisville, Rutgers is hurting on offense.
Jawan Jamison is still recovering from an ankle injury, and quarterback Gary Nova was knocked out of the game against Pittsburgh (his status is currently up in the air). Since it is suspected to be a head injury, do not be shocked to see Chas Dodd under center for Rutgers.
The real edge in this game can be found on defense.
Before the game against Pittsburgh on Saturday, the Knights had allowed just 44 points in conference play this season, the fewest of any I-A team in college football. That defense will feast on a banged-up quarterback and an offensive line that allowed five sacks against UConn.
This defense also knows how to get the turnover. After recovering a fumble against Pittsburgh, that marked the 14th game in a row that Rutgers has forced a turnover.
Although they won’t admit it, Rutgers was distracted last week with the announcement that they are moving to the Big Ten. The loss against Pittsburgh is a wake-up call that will have this team focused for the game against Louisville.
This will be a tough, physical game, and the Scarlet Knights will emerge victorious securing a BCS bowl game.
Louisville vs Rutgers Predictions: Rutgers 17 Louisville 14
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UCLA vs. Texas: Live Score, Analysis and Reaction
Stephen Dunn/Getty Images
UCLA took down Texas, 65-63, in “The Showcase at Houston” at Reliant Stadium on Saturday.
The struggling Bruins, who would have been predicted to wipe the floor with the Longhorns in the preseason, stopped the bleeding of their tumultuous start to the season by bearing down on Texas with top-scoring freshmen Jordan Adams and Shabazz Muhammad.
The Longhorns have had their share of early-season struggles and disappointment, and have now fallen once again after a blowout loss against No. 15 Georgetown, falling to 5-4 on the season.
The Bruins improve to 6-3 after this afternoon’s tight matchup and now look forward to their toughest nonconference matchup against No. 12 Missouri.
UCLA 65, Texas 63 FINAL UCLA's Jordan Adams posts a game-leading 18 points, including some big-time plays in the clutch. The Bruins don't win without him. The most valuable player on the team without a doubt.
Final score: UCLA 65, Texas 63. As bad a game between big-name programs as you'll ever see.— Peter Yoon (@PeterYoonESPN) December 9, 2012
UCLA 65, Texas 63 FINAL Adams nearly pays the price for missing the second free-throw, but Texas' Jonathan Holmes' three-point heave caught nothing but air. Rick Barnes livid with the ugly effort
UCLA 64, Texas 63 (0:05, second half) Adams made 34 straight free-throws to start the season. Let's see if he can nail these two
UCLA 64, Texas 63 (0:06, second half) Texas opts to go for a layup instead of a three. Unless UCLA turns it over on the in-bounds play, this game is over.
UCLA 64, Texas 61 (0:20, second half) Larry Drew plays tough D, but nearly fouls Javan Felix. No call and UCLA converts on the other end. Texas better draw up something good here.
UCLA 61, Texas 61 (1:11, second half) Texas has to draw up a better in-bounds play from a timeout. Giving it to your big man is not ideal.
UCLA 61, Texas 61 (1:15, second half) Jordan Adams again with the three-point play! Tenacious player! UCLA ties it up with an 8-0 run. Texas falling apart.
UCLA 58, Texas 61 (1:59, second half) Texas just as poor on defense. Giving UCLA a chance to come back in the game.
UCLA 55, Texas 61 (2:19, second half) "Lot of frustration" is right, Dickie V. The Bruins are shooting themselves in the foot by turning the ball over this late in the game. Game's slipping away.
UCLA 51, Texas 58 (3:43, second half) UCLA looking fatigued and uninspired. They should be up by double digits, but defense has been atrocious today. Not to say it hasn't been this entire season.
UCLA 51, Texas 56 (4:57, second half) Coach Ben Howland looks calm for the way UCLA has been playing. Change in coaching approach?
Am told the attendance here at Reliant Stadium is 2,797. Seems like a generous figure.— Baxter Holmes (@BaxterHolmes) December 8, 2012
UCLA 49, Texas 56 (6:05, second half) Cameron Ridley is taking over for Texas. UCLA can't handle him. Anderson throws it away on the other end. UCLA's on the decline.
UCLA 47, Texas 50 (7:53, second half) UCLA starting to look like a high school team out there. Unrefined basketball. Texas is destroying them in the lane.
UCLA 47, Texas 47 (9:08, second half) Shabazz is heating up. He's keeping UCLA in the game. Now has 15 points.
UCLA 45, Texas 45 (11:08, second half) UCLA plays excellently with run-and-gun offense. If they could only uphold it all game, they'd be a top team.
UCLA 40, Texas 43 (11:55, second half) Both teams now shooting a combined 3-for-22 from three-point range. UCLA still can't find a way to stop Texas from penetrating despite their poor outside shooting. The Bruins have some major work to do before Pac-12 conference play starts.
UCLA 39, Texas 40 (13:32, second half) The Wear twins both have a much more confident jumpshot this year, but they can't play defense. Have to be more physical than that without fouling.
UCLA 39, Texas 40 (14:28, second half) If Texas misses another layup, Dickie V might run on the court and grab the ball. Unbelievable, baby!
UCLA 39, Texas 40 (14:28, second half) Texas takes its first lead of the game thanks to poor defense from UCLA. Game is getting sloppy for both teams now.
UCLA 39, Texas 36 (15:18, second half) UCLA's Adams makes Julien Lewis pay for missing an open layup by draining a three. Money!
Bruins fan behind UCLA's bench holds up a sign that reads, "We Miss You Josh Smith"— Baxter Holmes (@BaxterHolmes) December 8, 2012
UCLA 32, Texas 33 (19:14 ,second half) On cue, Sheldon McClellan makes a 3-pointer. Gets fouled and completes the 4-point play.
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Chelsea Transfer News: Blues Should Set Sights Higher Than Corinthians' Guerrero
After becoming the first team ever to win the Champions League and fail to make the knockout stage in the following season, Chelsea need to do more than make a splash in the transfer window. Roman Abramovich needs to do a cannon ball right into the action on January 1, and Corinthian’s Guerrero is not the player to help him make this type of impact.
Sky Sports’ Paulo Freitas reported that the Blues were interested in signing the 28-year-old, but Corinthians president Mario Gobbi has no desire to sell his players, saying, "The principle is to strengthen [the squad], not to let any player leave. Our cycle is from July to July, so until the end of the Copa Libertadores, our squad will remain the same. Nobody will leave."
This is for the best, as spending time with a stubborn bargaining partner over Guerrero would be an inadvisable strategy.
The Peruvian striker showcased his ability in the final of the Club World Cup when he scored the game’s lone goal. He was active and aggressive both on and off the ball throughout the match.
While he undoubtedly turned in an impressive performance, he is still a player nearing the end of his 20s whose European career has featured injury, inconsistency and controversy.
This is Guerrero’s first year back in South America after being in the Bundesliga since 2002 with Bayern Munich and Hamburg. He never fully established himself with Bayern and attracted the wrong kind of attention when he threw a water bottle at a fan while playing with Hamburg in 2010.
He certainly has the skills to be a productive player in the Premier League, but he is not the type of impact player who will help drastically elevate Chelsea’s form. The Blues will need a massive boost in the second half of their campaign to catch the Manchester clubs in the table, and Guerrero will not be able to provide this.
Which player should Chelsea target?
If the Blues are to avoid disappointment this season, it cannot settle in January, and Falcao must be brought to London.
Fernando Torres has shown flashes of his old self, but he has not been able to perform consistently, and Chelsea need to bring in attacking reinforcements. Falcao would be an ideal addition as he is one of the most lethal strikers in the world and has 17 goals in just 16 La Liga matches.
Guerrero would not be an acceptable consolation prize if the Blues miss out on Falcao, and the club must not waste time and resources in trying to pry him away from Corinthians’ difficult management.
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Can MLB Drug Testing Catch Up to Ever-Evolving PED Industry?
Jamie Squire/Getty Images
Baseball's new drug-testing policy appears to be a big step in the battle to sweep the use of performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) out of the sport.
As MLB.com's Paul Hagen explained, players will now be subjected to random blood tests to detect Human Growth Hormone (HGH).
In addition, stricter tests for testosterone have also been incorporated. Every player's baseline testosterone levels will be on record, so tests can detect a significant increase in someone's system.
Though this expanded testing system will surely be a deterrent and push some PED use out of the game, the trainers and chemists that aid players with artificially boosting their performance always seem to be at least one step ahead of the testing process.
As soon as MLB and other sports organizations figure out how to test for certain PEDs, athletes looking for an edge are on to the next substance that can't be detected yet.
That obviously doesn't mean MLB shouldn't try to do all it can to make sure its sport is being played clean. The embarrassment of the 2013 Hall of Fame vote—in which no players were elected to Cooperstown—is the latest indication of how the perception and prejudice of steroid use has stained baseball's signature achievements.
But can MLB ever expect to get ahead of the players—and those who supply them with PEDs—when it comes to detecting illegal substances like HGH and synthetic testosterone?
Will the drug tests—regardless of how advanced and sophisticated they might become—always be behind the latest iterations of PEDs or the newest trends in banned stimulants and supplements?
Marc Serota/Getty Images
What is the next HGH that players will use to try and get an edge? Is it something readily available like Adderall or Viagra—prescription drugs that NFL players have tested positive for during the past year, according to Fox Sports reports?
Adderall isn't just limited to the NFL, either. Deadspin's Barry Petchesky reported that one out of every 10 MLB players used the stimulant, according to information released by MLB's drug-testing program.
Is deer antler powder the next HGH, as Yahoo! Sports' Dan Wetzel wrote a year ago? Deer antler "velvet," as it's called, contains the substance IGF-1, which is banned in every sport. That includes MLB.
Testing for IGF-1, Wetzel explains, could be extremely difficult since the "velvet antler" substance is natural, not synthetic. Attempting to detect it will require another sort of blood test, as it wouldn't show up in a urine test.
But deer antler powder (or velvet) is already in the game.
Adam Greenberg, whose one-game comeback with the Miami Marlins drew headlines last October, used the substance as he attempted to make it back to the majors, according to Yahoo! Sports' The PostGame.
Greenberg also started a company that sells deer velvet antler. That creates a potentially awkward situation between him and MLB, one that could be worth keeping an eye on as Greenberg tries to make the Baltimore Orioles' major league roster this spring.
Another battle MLB has to fight is increasing the penalties for positive PED tests. A 50-game suspension for first-time offenders might seem like a harsh penalty. The 100-game suspension for a second positive test and lifetime ban for a third offense are even stricter punishments.
But is that initial 50-game suspension enough of a deterrent? Does the risk of losing that many games for a positive test outweigh the benefits that increased performance can provide to a major league career? Is the potential long-term contract worth millions of dollars just too big of a prize not to chase by any means necessary?
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Some might point to Melky Cabrera as an example. With a .346 average, .906 OPS, 25 doubles, 10 triples, 11 home runs, 60 RBI and 13 stolen bases, Cabrera had a big free-agent payday ahead of him.
But whether or not getting caught with excess testosterone in his system affected Cabrera's free-agent value depends on how the situation is viewed.
Yes, Cabrera cost himself the type of contract that B.J. Upton and Nick Swisher got in the free-agent market. He didn't get a four- or five-year deal worth $60-$75 million. Getting caught for using PEDs and being suspended hurt him financially.
However, Cabrera still signed a two-year, $16 million contract with the Toronto Blue Jays. Testing positive for PEDs may have cost him $40-$50 million on the open market—that's a significant loss.
Which side can point to Cabrera and say it won this battle? Does MLB say its drug program ultimately worked because of how much Cabrera lost in potential earnings? Or, do any players who use or are considering using PEDs see a player who still got paid?
For which side does Cabrera present the better example?
Does MLB point to him and say getting caught by its drug program cost him dearly in terms of potential earnings? Or, do players considering using PEDs look at Cabrera and see a player who was still able to cash in, even if it was for a far lesser amount?
Baseball will have a difficult time beating that mentality, no matter how much the sport improves its testing system and discourages the use of illegal substances.
The alternative may have to be trying something drastic.
Perhaps MLB has to set up sting operations among players, following a handful of them to their PED source and busting up the transactions.
Ezra Shaw/Getty Images
It sounds like something out of a movie, with someone wearing a wire while people listen in on conversations from a van outfitted with all sorts of recording equipment. Would the bust take place at the back of a restaurant or out on the docks, surrounded by towering stacks of shipping containers?
Something even more far-fetched might be placing a mole within a clubhouse to try and sniff out PED users and the people who supply them with those illegal substances. The mole could be a trainer or clubhouse attendant, but that might not be nearly as effective.
Could an MLB team actually convince a player to rat out a teammate and expose an individual or group of PED users in a clubhouse?
It seems unlikely that a club could get someone to turn on his colleagues. The sanctity and camaraderie of a clubhouse would be violated.
The mole would risk being an outcast among his peers for the rest of his career, a penalty most—if not all—players would consider far too severe. General managers—some of whom are former players—likely wouldn't touch such a whistle-blower either. His days as a major leaguer would effectively be over.
This might be fantasy territory for MLB. Obviously, the players' union would never agree to such a circumstance. And creating moles would just divide players from executives and ownership even further.
But what other avenues can the commissioner's office pursue if it's truly serious about wiping PED use out of the sport? Drastic measures and non-conventional thinking might have to be employed.
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Trail Blazers vs Celtics Sunday, 02/24/13 AT 06:00PM
Wesley Matthews was on fire from deep all night long, hitting five threes and scoring 24 points to lead the Trail Blazers (26-30) to a 92-89 win over the Boston Celtics (29-27). The home victory helps the Trail Blazers snap a seven-game losing streak.
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WPS To Fans: Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow?
Whenever a new major sports league comes to town there is that familiar insecurity that one often feels when beginning a new relationship.
The league and its teams worry that after the honeymoon, fan interest will fall off. Fans are reluctant to give their whole hearts to the home team because they’ve been hurt before (as in WUSA.)
It becomes a chicken and egg situation. Fans are reluctant to commit for fear the team or the league might fold, and if the franchise or the league folds, it is usually due to lack of fan support.
Where women’s sports are concerned, there are additional complications. Again, using the relationship metaphor, there is a sense in which the media plays the role of the fans’ extended family.
Often the extended family’s attitude toward a prospective partner can douse the flame before it ever ignites.
If the local media don’t give the new suitor a stamp of legitimacy, many fans will not consider a first date. Sure there are the rebels and the ones who are in love at first sight, for whom the family’s opinion be damned, but there is a much larger group that just won’t be open to a first date with someone who is not considered “relationship material” by the family or the community.
Soccer has had to fight hard for media attention in most American media markets, although after more than a decade, MLS has earned respect, has established a solid fan base, and looks to be a permanent and still growing fixture in the American sports landscape.
Women’s sports have had to fight twice as hard, however, to earn the same respect. That is true of the WNBA, despite its relationship with the NBA. And women’s soccer has an even greater hurdle to achieve the stamp of legitimacy because of its double curse: being both a women’s league, and a soccer league, further exacerbated by the failure of WUSA and the wounds left by that experiment that in some cases have not yet healed.
In a recent online chat with Chicago sports media personalities, I raised the issue of Chicago’s two major league women’s teams being all but frozen out of mainstream media coverage. And in saying frozen out, I mean not even a mention of a score on the evening news, say nothing of film highlights.
The replies I received were very telling. One person asked, “What’s the Red Stars?” That was followed by some comments about the name Red Stars sounding communist or socialist. Another comment was, “Aren’t they 0-3?”
The only woman in the group said she “tried to watch the Sky,” (Chicago’s WNBA team) when they first came to town four years ago, but the quality of play was so poor “I couldn’t stand to watch.”
There were more comments about women’s basketball just not measuring up to the level of play in the men’s game. Then one of the panel said he thought women’s soccer might actually take hold if they can survive long enough to get some traction.
At that point I chided the media panel again for not giving the Red Stars a mention. The woman in the group said, “The pie is too small. We can’t slice it any smaller.”
My response to that was that in Chicago, they slice the pie for minor league hockey, despite the presence of a major league team, and for arena football, despite having a NFL team, so if the pie is sliced too thin, reduce minor league coverage to make room for major league women’s coverage. Unfortunately I did not receive a response to that comment.
Thus, there is cause to be concerned for the future of a fan’s relationship with the Red Stars and with WPS. Like anyone in the early stages of a relationship, there’s a lot of pulse taking, a lot of hypersensitivity to any sign or signal that one’s new partner may not be around for the long haul.
The most obvious signs and signals of the health of a franchise and its league is attendance.
If one attends a match and sees a crowd that looks a little smaller than the previous season, one begins to feel that queasy feeling, that tightness in the chest, that worry that the new love won’t be there in the morning.
The aggregate average WPS attendance in 2009 was 4,493. The weekend match average was 4,691, with the weekday average at 3,726. The league-wide range went from a high of 14,832 on opening day in Los Angeles to 1,876 at a weeknight game in New Jersey.
Los Angeles was first with 6,218, Chicago second with 4,941, followed by Boston, Washington, St. Louis, Bay Area, and New Jersey in that order. The bottom three averaged less than 4,000. (See table below.)
Across the league, the average weekly attendance ranged from a high of 6,858 in week one to a low of 3,390 in week 13 which included two midweek games.
Another interesting statistic is that in one of the three playoff venues (Washington,) attendance was slightly lower for playoffs than the regular season average (4,217 compared to 4,597,) although this could be a result of the 90+ degree temperatures on that sweltering day in Washington.
In Los Angeles the playoff attendance was slightly above the season average (7,218 compared to 6,298,) and in St. Louis it was significantly higher (5,047 compared to 3,833) — a near sell-out. That would indicate a slight trend of increased loyalty in at least two of the three venues.
So the inaugural season stats become the baseline against which the health of the league, each club, and its prospects of faithfulness to its fans (and vice versa) is measured against it.
In 2010 to date, the indicators in WPS are mixed league-wide, and a little concerning in Chicago.
Across the league, season ticket sales were up 17 percent. That is an excellent sign. Opening day attendance was also up slightly compared to the inaugural season in 2009 (4,428 versus 4,195,) despite the dissolution of the league’s attendance leader, Los Angeles.
But there are also storm clouds. Over the first three weeks of the second season, attendance is down across the league.
Even opening day in Chicago, had less than 2009’s numbers (5,824 compared to 5,134,) despite better weather. The gate at the second home match (3,136) was lower than any match played in Toyota Park the previous year—although rainy conditions could be cited in Chicago.
Another point of concern for the Red Stars is that despite the dissolution of Los Angeles, Chicago has dropped from second to fourth in attendance after two home matches.
League-wide, this year, all but three matches were played before less than 5,000. The aggregate average attendance for the first three weeks is down from 4,493 to 3,908. Expansion Philadelphia had the biggest opening day gate at 6,028, but fell to under 3,000 in game two—also played in very wet, rainy conditions.
According to Robert Penner, spokesperson for WPS, "Boston is expecting a good crowd this weekend, and it will be interesting to see if (New Jersey) Sky Blue FC will sell-out when Marta comes to town with the Bay Area's FC Gold Pride-- a matchup of the league's No. 1 and No. 2 clubs in the current standings."
Expansion Atlanta is yet to play in their new state of the art stadium built for WPS, and we can hope they will run in the neighborhood of 5,000 throughout the season.
Keep in mind, however, as an expansion team, these two clubs’ numbers should be compared to inaugural season numbers for the rest of the league. They’re both on the honeymoon.
While it is way too soon to draw any conclusions, the trend of dropping attendance is a matter of concern.
The increase in season ticket sales points to a meaningful increase in core fan support but the overall smaller attendance may indicate a little less interest in going on that “first date” among the larger community.
I do not have metrics regarding the amount of spending on publicity around the league. It could be that clubs have tightened their belts and spent less on advertising and marketing ( I will report back with this information in a follow up article.)
The WNBA comparison is interesting. As a league, the WNBA’s first season attendance was approximately double WPS attendance in its first campaign.
WNBA average attendance increased in its second season from 9,669 to 10,869. Since year two, however, WNBA attendance dropped steadily to a low of 7,490 in the 10th season (2006) and then began to climb gradually to 8,039 in ’09.
In Chicago, interestingly, the Red Stars have outdrawn their WNBA counterparts.
The Sky, one of the few franchises not owned by the local NBA affiliate, drew less than half of the typical WNBA gate in all four of their previous seasons.
In ’09 the Sky drew 3,932 compared to the Red Stars 4,941, or more than a thousand fewer fans per game.
This is especially significant since the two leagues’ seasons are largely concurrent.
What conclusions can we draw from the data? Obviously three weeks does not a season make but the trends need to be reversed immediately.
The lack of media attention is huge. On the other hand, the media follows the crowd. If there were enough grass roots support, the media would eventually follow the noise.
Without media the only way to attract a crowd is publicity. As expensive as advertising and marketing is in major media markets, WPS has no choice but to dramatically increase their media exposure by any means necessary. If that means buying prime advertising, then that must be done.
Social media is an increasingly effective means of generating buzz, especially for the young adult demographic. WPS and each of its franchises are fairly active on Twitter, Facebook and other social media but the effectiveness of the messages they send out should be evaluated. It is possible they could do a better job of optimizing social media to fill the seats.
WUSA folded after three years. From the beginning WPS has been emphasizing that they’re not another WUSA, that they are using a different business model designed to ride out some initial lean years and eventually turn a profit.
The WNBA is entering their 14th season, but they remain on NBA life-support, despite having twice the attendance of WPS.
MLS has shown that a major soccer league can survive and thrive in the United States. From a soccer standpoint, WPS has more to offer than MLS, since the world’s best players come to WPS whereas MLS is still a backwater in world football.
While not conceding the above referenced point that women’s basketball doesn’t measure up to men’s, in this writer’s opinion, the women’s game in soccer is very exciting and entertaining and as some of the aforementioned media “experts” observed, it could be the women’s pro game with the best long-term chance of success.
Let’s just hope WPS owners can spend the money needed to nurture the new relationship with their fans.
Top 10 WPS Attendances (Regular Season 2009)
3/29 — Los Angeles Sol vs. Washington Freedom Home Depot Center 14,832
5/2 — Boston Breakers vs. Los Angeles Sol Harvard Stadium 8,031
8/2 — Chicago Red Stars vs. Los Angeles Sol Toyota Park 7,959
8/9 — Boston Breakers vs. Los Angeles Sol Harvard Stadium 6,631
4/5 — FC Gold Pride vs. Boston Breakers Buck Shaw Stadium 6,459
5/30 — Los Angeles Sol vs. Saint Louis Athletica Home Depot Center 6,288
5/24 — FC Gold Pride vs. Los Angeles Sol Buck Shaw Stadium 6,280
5/10 — Los Angeles Sol vs. Boston Breakers Home Depot Center 6,210
4/19 — Los Angeles Sol FC vs. Gold Pride Home Depot Center 6,119
5/15 — Los Angeles Sol vs. Sky Blue FC Home Depot Center 6,115
8/15 — Washington Freedom vs. Sky Blue FC Maryland SoccerPlex 4,217
8/19 — Saint Louis Athletica vs. Sky Blue FC Anheuser-Busch Soccer Park
8/22 — Los Angeles Sol vs. Sky Blue FC Home Depot Center 7,218
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Chief of the Tribe: Ranking the Best Chicago Blackhawk Captains
Of the four major North American sports, the captain is most noted and recognized in professional hockey. It is an honor bestowed to the player on each team that exemplifies himself as a leader that the other players on the team can skate behind.
Over the years the Chicago Blackhawks have had many different captains that have emerged from within the organization to become outstanding representatives of Blackhawk Hockey.
There have been other captains who have disappointed in terms of on-ice performance; which in most cases correlated with the team's bad play; such as recently with former captains Marty Lapointe and Adrian Aucoin.
But, for the most part the Blackhawks have had some outstanding captains, many of whom remain legends of the franchise to this day.
With Jonathan Toews as the team's current captain, do not expect any new names to grace this impressive list for hopefully many years.
Best of the Rest
Pit Martin (1975-1977) A four-time All Star during his career. Martin was a small, but talented two-way center who was known to consistently score goals year in and year out.
Most Blackhawks fans will remember him as being the sole bright spot in the trade with Boston that saw Phil Esposito; among others go to Boston. Martin was also a key member of two different Blackhawks teams to reach the Finals.
Terry Ruskowski (1979-1982) "Rosco" as he was known has the distinguished honor of being the only person to be the captain of four different professional hockey teams. He captained the Blackhawks, Kings, Penguins, and the North Stars in his career.
Dick Irvin (1926-1929) The first captain in the history of the franchise, Dick Irvin was known as prolific scorer in his brief three year career. He would be forced to retire after the 1929 season when he fractured his skull. He would later become a Hall of Famer as a head coach leading the Canadiens and Maple Leafs to four Stanley Cups over the years.
Tony Amonte (2000-2002) One of the most beloved Blackhawks for many fans of my generation (Age 18-25) Tony Amonte will be remembered as a leader of the Blackhawks, and one of the best American-born players of all-time.
He was very consistent as he had a five-year stretch where he did not miss a single game. He also scored 30 goals five different times, and in a few seasons scored over 40 goals.
Ed Litzenberger (1958-1961) The captain of the '61 championship Hawks, Litzenberger was an imposing winger for his day at 6'3. He would end up winning four straight titles as he was with the Maple Leafs as they won the next three seasons after 1961, but his best years came with the Blackhawks including his Calder Trophy win in 1955.
No. 10, Darryl Sutter (1982-1987)
Though he never raised the Cup in either his playing or coaching career, Darryl Sutter was an extremely competent and talented player and coach.
Sutter who was one of the longest tenured captains in team history was a respected figure on the Hawks in the 1980's. He would later go on to coach the team for three seasons, including leading a conference points leading team in 1992-1993 season.
His last coaching run was with the Calgary Flames which saw him lead his team to the Cup Finals, only to lose to the Tampa Bay Lightning.
No. 9, Keith Magnuson (1976-1979)
Truly a great example of being a captain. Keith Magnuson is still to this day a beloved figure in the long history of the Blackhawks.
Magnuson was a hard-nosed player that racked up his share of penalties (mostly fighting) in his playing days with over 1,110 career penalty minutes.
He was not known for his scoring as a defensive player, but he was a great representative of the "blue collar" Chicago style of play that endeared him with the fans.
He was apart of two Blackhawks teams that made it to the Finals in 1971 and 1973, but both teams ended up losing to the Canadiens.
He tragically passed away in a car accident in 2003, and five years later his No. 3 was retired at the United Center, along with Pierre Pilote.
No. 8, Denis Savard (1988-1989)
Denis Savard was only a captain of the Blackhawks for one season (88-89), but his contribution to the Blackhawks is legendary.
As fellow writer Tyler Jurnaovich said about Savard, "One of the great scorers in the history of the Hawks organization. His classic 'Spin-o-rama' became famous in Chicago".
One of the few players to have his number retired by the Hawks, the Hall of Fame center had his best years in his first run with Chicago. Even though his only Stanley Cup victory was with the Montreal Canadiens, he will primarily will be thought of as Blackhawk.
His leadership was further seen in his short run as the team's head coach, as he was an important part of the development of players like Duncan Keith, Patrick Kane, and Jonathan Toews who would go on to lead the Blackhawks to Stanley Cup glory.
No. 7, Stan Mikita (1976-1977)
Though he had a very brief run as the "official captain" of the team, Stan Mikita is, and will forever be remembered as perhaps the greatest leader in the history of the team.
In regards to being captain of the team, Mikita has said, “While I saw a picture of me with a ‘C’ on my jersey, so I must have been captain at some point,” he said. “Somebody must have gotten injured, because I can’t think of any other reason. It wasn’t a role that I wanted. Plus, we had some great captains during my time".
His accomplishments have been well-documented. He was an integral part of the 1961 championship run, and was one of the greatest players of not only his generation, but any generation. He also was a central figure on the team with Bobby Hull and Tony Esposito when the Blackhawk games were known as being "The Toughest Ticket in Town".
No. 6, Charlie Gardiner (1933-1934)
Charlie Gardiner is unlike any other captain in the history of the NHL. Not only was he a captain as a goalie, but he was the only goalie to captain a Stanley Cup winning team; which he did in 1934 (keep trying Luongo).
Gardiner was a special player that has even been recognized as being in the Top 100 Hockey Players of all-time as ranked by "Hockey News".
This is also a very significant accomplishment for the netminder as he sadly passed away far too young at the age of 29.
Fellow Bleacher Report writer Kyle Wahlgren said it best in describing Gardiner's passion as a Blackhawk, "He played his final season with illness. He not only led the Hawks to a Championship, but he passed away from the illness he continued to play with. If that doesn’t say “For the Love of the Game,” I don’t know what does".
No doubt the courageous two-time Vezina winner was something special as a Blackhawk.
No. 5, Dirk Graham (1989-1995)
The captain of the Blackhawks during their Cup Finals run in 1992, Dirk Graham was a tough, hard working player.
Among many accomplishments he is thought to be the first African-American captain of a professional hockey team.
His hard work on the defensive side of the ice was rewarded as he received the Frank J. Selke Award in 1991. He was known to be an exceptional checker, and was a great player on special teams.
He did coach the Hawks in the 1998-99 season to minimal success before being replaced. But, his "leading by example" method as captain during his impressive seven years with the patch is something to admire.
No. 4, Johnny Gottselig (1935-1940)
One of the great Blackhawks during the Great Depression and World War II years. Johnny Gottselig played his entire 17 year NHL career with the Blackhawks at left wing.
Gottselig was one of the few players in Blackhawks history to win two Stanley Cups with the team as he won with the club in 1934 and again in 1938. He was also the captain of the club for the winner in '38.
He was a true pioneer in the league being the first Russian-born player to play in the NHL. And, after his playing days came to a close he became the Hawks coach before spending many years as a member of the organization in different capacities, and was around for the 1961 Cup victory.
No. 3, Chris Chelios (1995-1999)
Considered by many to be one of the premier fan favorites in Blackhawks history before his defection to the rival Red Wings. Chris Chelios was the captain of the Blackhawks for over five years in the later 90's, and the hometown player did the "C" proud.
In his time as the captain the Blackhawks had solid playoff performances including a strong quarterfinals run; which ended in defeat in a tough-fought series with the eventual champion Avalanche.
Tyler Juranovich described Chelios: "A great defensive scorer that lead the Hawks to the Stanley Cup Final in 1992"
No doubt he will be remembered more fondly as time passes. Will he get the No. 7 retired with the team?
That is still to be seen.
No. 2, Jonathan Toews (2008-)
It hasn't taken Jonathan Toews long to establish himself as one of the greatest leaders in Blackhawks history.
The Canadien center took over the role as captain in 2008 in only his second season in the NHL. Since than he has quickly become one of the best players not only on the Blackhawks, but in the entire league.
Moving himself into the No. 2 position on the all-time captains in team history was strongly motivated by his Conn Smythe-winning performance in the 2010 NHL Playoffs; which ended in the Toews-led Blackhawks capturing their first Cup in 49 years.
Toews no doubt should move up to number #1 on this dubious list in quick time as it is not a matter of "if", but more "when".
No. 1, Pierre Pilote (1961-1968)
The man who shares the retired number No. 3 with Keith Magnuson is the greatest captain in Chicago Blackhawks history.
Blackhawks Featured Columnist Tyler Juranovich concurred with naming Pilote being #1 as the greatest captain adding, "A 3 time recipient of the Norris Trophy, Pilote is the greatest defensemen the Hawks have ever had. He made the all-star team 7 years in a row, and also lead the Hawks to a Stanley Cup win in 1961".
He was the longest tenured captain of any man to done the sweater, and was a stalwart defensemen for the Blackhawks during his 13 year run with the team.
He was awarded the captaincy the following season after he and the Hawks captured the 1961 Stanley Cup. He did not give up the "C" until he departed from the Blackhawks in 1968.
Please Discuss Your Opinion on The List
Thanks to Blackhawks writers and enthusiasts Kyle Wahlgren and Tyler Juranovich for their contributions to this list.
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NASCAR: The 25 Worst Styles in the History of the Sport
Come with us now on a journey through time and space...and mullets.
It's no secret that NASCAR often lends itself to some pretty egregious sins of fashion and artwork now and again...and by "now and again," I mean "pretty frequently."
Because NASCAR is often influenced by corporate sponsorship, and companies frequently can't discern a reasonable color combination if it punches them in the face and gives them a bloody nose, its drivers and teams often become victims of this, wearing hideous firesuits and driving god-awful cars.
Of course, some drivers make some poor fashion choices of their own, be they ill-advised mustaches (or lack thereof) or terrible hair coloring ideas. This is generally the only way we can pin them down themselves, as they try to avoid being photographed in many of the more hideous firesuits (and with good reason).
So grab your barf bag as we take an odyssey through some of the worst styles in the history of NASCAR. Enjoy!
Kyle Petty, 1992
What's that, you say? I've actually submitted a photo of The Very Best of Hall and Oates?
Well...yes, it seems I have, haven't I? Forgive me. It's so easy to confuse the real Kyle Petty of the early 1990s, winner of eight Winston Cup races, with famous guitarist John Oates of Hall and Oates, co-writer of six Billboard Hot 100 number ones. My bad.
Jeff Gordon, 1993
True story: Since the early days of my childhood, a Jeff Gordon poster has hung in my room, right next to the door. It features a young Gordon in the midst of his rookie season, complete with mullet, mustache and gaudy sunglasses. He was the perfect NASCAR driver, aside from the rainbow-covered car.
That man is now in the running to become the new permanent host of Live with Regis and Kelly. America: Where dreams come true.
Tim Fedewa, 1996
I've never understood why they call these things "hero cards," especially when their subjects are usually looking decidedly unheroic.
Busch Series lifer Tim Fedewa is a victim of the fashion sense of the time in this photo, looking like a high school gym teacher while being forced to drive a car that incorporates two decidedly un-Kleenex colors into its paint scheme.
Perhaps as a result of all the ugly, this team finished 20th in points that year, by far the worst full-season performance of Fedewa's career.
Bill Elliott, 1998
McDonald's had a history of...let's be nice and call them unconventional paint schemes with Bill Elliott, but this one took the cake, or perhaps the Big Mac.
It appears that this car was designed to evoke images of vomit, as in, "If you eat too many Big Macs, you will eventually vomit." The sad part is, it's even worse than when this scary heathen creation graced the hood of Elliott's car.
I don't even want to know what this firesuit looked like. I just ate and don't want my screen to look like this car.
Jeremy Mayfield, 1998
Back when he was a young, up-and-coming talent for Roger Penske's team, current NASCAR pariah Jeremy Mayfield once dyed his hair white. As in, bright white. As in, Bob Barker white.
I'm not exactly sure what the story was behind it—since, you know, I was eight—but I'm going to assume he had just seen Fight Club. That's the only plausible explanation here. You know, despite the fact that Fight Club wasn't a movie yet.
Clearly Jeremy Mayfield can see the future...and the future is a time where everybody dyes their hair white.
Dale Earnhardt, 1998
The legend goes that the Intimidator had to shave his mustache in order to go snorkeling with longtime pal Darrell Waltrip, and he showed up for Indianapolis the next week with no one the wiser.
This is believed to be the only extant photograph of a clean-shaven Dale Earnhardt; soon after it was taken, the photographer was dragged into an Indianapolis basement and chained to a wall by members of Earnhardt's crew, where he remains imprisoned to this day.
Robert Pressley, 1999
One of NASCAR's true underdog heroes, Pressley has had to resort to worse—we'll get into where he spent 1997 later in the article.
Jasper Racing had a knack for balancing out every cool thing with far more hideously ugly things. Yet somehow the combination of Pressley's firesuit with that terrible jacket is worse, to me, than any of them. Bless you, Jasper Racing; you took your one GOOD color scheme and managed to wreck it.
Dale Earnhardt, 2000
For some reason, somebody thought that the aforementioned tie-dye Big Mac car was a good idea and commissioned psychedelic artist Peter Max to do his own groovy race car.
For some even less sensible reason, it was thought that Dale Earnhardt would make the ultimate representative for such a paint scheme.
For merciful reasons, no photographs of Earnhardt in a Peter Max firesuit exist.
Jeff Burton, 2001
I'm not sure who thought it was a good idea to put a ray of sunshine on Jeff Burton's firesuit, because he looks like anything BUT a ray of sunshine in this photo.
Not that you can blame him. He's being forced to wear green and orange in order to moonlight and get extra track time in the Busch Series, and that seems like a pretty bad trade-off. I wouldn't do it.
Another case of the horrible hero card curse: Burton only won one race in 2001 after a career-high four in 2000.
Derrike Cope, 2002
When Derrike Cope was running his own Winston Cup team in the early 2000s, he had to resort to an array of...let's be nice and call them creative sponsorship deals in order to keep his team afloat.
The green on this car, sponsored by rock band Poison, was actually a lot brighter in person than the photo suggests.
The car was primarily designed to keep fans awake through a typically-boring-as-hell 500-mile event at Pocono, made even more boring as hell by the fact that it was the longest day ever. Cope eventually failed at this, his lone goal, his engine grenading after 154 laps of the completed 175.
Ken Schrader, 2003
For seven miserable races over the course of the 2003 season, Carrot Top gave other drivers—as well as small children—nightmares by "gracing" the hood of BAM Racing's No. 49 Dodge.
Other drivers frequently pulled out of Schrader's way to evade the haunting image of the redheaded prop comedian making his "O-face."
Little did they know that the future version of Carrot Top would be even scarier. Not for the same reasons, mind you. The new Carrot Top could probably come up with 45 ways to kill you with only ONE of those ridiculous biceps.
Ken Schrader, 2008
Schrader and BAM would be up to their old tricks once again five years later, this time painting their car in the ridiculous color scheme of some health website that nobody has ever heard of and probably bounced its sponsorship check anyway.
Last year, the team would even do one better by securing the likeness of Larry the Cable Guy for use on their car. This BAM sponsorship coup may never be topped...and remember, these are the people who put a swan and Billy Ray Cyrus on their race car. True marketing geniuses of their time, those folk.
Jeff Gordon, 2009
Well...this one isn't that bad, really. It's sort of a stand-in for a photo I could not locate of Gordon, where his hair was even SHORTER, making him look like a disgruntled 50-year-old man with hair loss issues. It was bad. You'll just have to take my word for it.
Erik Darnell, 2009
Darnell was a longtime Truck Series and Nationwide Series driver for Jack Roush before moving up to Sprint Cup with Hall of Fame Racing as Bobby Labonte's replacement for seven races at the end of the 2009 season.
He got the ride for two reasons: stellar Truck performances, including two wins and fourth in the 2008 standings, and his resemblance to Roush's old friend Groucho Marx.
Unfortunately, Roush no longer recognized Darnell after he removed the fake mustache, nose and glasses, and he's only run three Nationwide events since.
David Ragan, 2010
The sad thing about UPS in NASCAR (besides their relatively mediocre returns on continued big investments) is, despite having some of the cleanest-looking firesuits in the sport, they routinely have the worst paint schemes on track.
It's not because their primary color is brown—it's because they frequently don't know what the hell they're doing when they design a paint scheme.
Instead of repeatedly burning your eyes as I did with the Jasper team, I'll just let this bad boy stand as a representative of 10 or so years of artistic futility. UPS may love logistics, but I love my eyesight.
UPS Truck, 2007
OK, OK, I couldn't resist. Here's one.
John Andretti, 2010
Niche Daytona 500 sponsor Window World upped their 2010 race commitment from one car to two, putting Boris Said in one hideous vehicle and Andretti in the other.
I posit that if Window World really cared, they wouldn't have subjected us to one of the ugliest color combinations in the history of ugly color combinations.
Mike Bliss, 2010
Okay, I confess. If I got to put my arm around Kim Kardashian for a weekend in Vegas, I'd wear pink and promote her fragrance too. But still. We really shouldn't be admitting that, lest we get any ideas. Although she is single. But she dates around. But she's got a nice body...
I'm a little conflicted right now. Let me get back to you.
Scott Speed, 2010
After an ill-advised and unscientific Twitter poll sealed his fate, the eccentric Red Bull driver showed up to Bristol with his typical dirty blond hair dyed black and blue.
Fitting, as frequent mishandling of his career by Red Bull pretty much left his career in those colors too. Speed's got no ride for this season anywhere, having been bumped by Kasey Kahne from his TRB seat.
In response, he's filed a breach of contract lawsuit...that will be hard to take seriously if he dyes his hair like that ever again.
Tony Stewart, 2010
This car took to the track at Charlotte last fall in one of Tony Stewart's final races for Old Spice at the end of a decade-long relationship that saw Smoke win plenty of races for the Proctor & Gamble brand.
But if shifting marketing dollars away to the most brilliant advertising campaign in history wasn't a big enough middle finger, they had to add insult to injury by forcing Stewart to drive a car that looked like Christmas in deodorant form. And losing your sponsor? That's decidedly not Christmas.
Kyle Busch, 2010
Yes, I understand the joke: The car is supposed to be the way it is because a little girl designed it in a commercial. Whatever.
I, personally, am not a fan of kittens, puppies and little baby seals, and while I would not go so far as to club little baby seals, I might consider clubbing the person who thought it would be a good idea to remove this vehicle from the commercial world and put it into the real world.
Some things just belong in commercials. Like the Old Spice Guy.
Kyle Busch, 2010, Pt. Deux
But while the "Sponsafier" car has an explanation behind it, this...does not. Rowdy's trying on his grandpa hat about 50 years too early.
Now, we've gone through quite a bit of bad NASCAR styling so far, but to finish off, I'd like to bring you through a special branch of hell that I like to call...
Cartoon Network: Wacky Racing!
For five miserable, ill-fated years from 1996 to 2000, Ted Turner decided to inject his blood money directly into NASCAR's main artery—its race teams.
Turner was already broadcasting races on his TBS station, so there was no need to promote that. Instead, the sugar-buzzed "Cartoon Network Wacky Racing" concept was born, swapping paint schemes what seemed like every other week to reflect the minuscule attention span of the young television connoisseur.
The alumni read like a who's who of NASCAR faces...that have been completely forgotten. Robert Pressley. Jeff Green. Jerry Nadeau. Wally Dallenbach. Lake Speed. Gary Bechtel. Mark Melling. And who can forget Darwin Oordt?
This jacket represents only ONE of the numerous embarrassing artifacts of this time period. Read on.
The Bechtel Years
Diamond Ridge Motorsports first secured the Cartoon Network deal in 1996, rotating a stupid number of drivers through a bright yellow Flintstones-themed vehicle.
In 1997, the scheme switched to Scooby-Doo-based, a dark purple affair that Pressley left for dead after three DNQs. Green finished out the season.
In fact, the car above never raced. It's somebody's model, having put the decals over a different base. But to be completely honest with you, it's actually less ugly than the ones that did, albeit marginally. You're welcome.
The Melling Years
Poor Jerry Nadeau. His career was chock-full of terrible luck—from struggles with the traditionally mediocre No. 25 Hendrick Motorsports car to the crash that effectively ended his Winston Cup career in 2003.
He took over the famed No. 9 at Melling Racing midway through 1998 after Lake Speed retired due to sternum injuries.
Unfortunately, it was his second ridiculous-looking team of the year after he spent the first half of the season with Dan Marino's subpar venture into team ownership. Nadeau had to go through more uniform changes than a baby with diarrhea.
I'm still not sure the Internet has a comprehensive catalog of how many paint schemes Melling was blessed with over those two years, but I bet the folks applying the paint and decals demanded a lot of raises.
The Galaxy Year
Turner mercifully scaled down Cartoon Network's presence in NASCAR for 2000, when the sponsorship moved to the former Rahmoc team, now in the hands of Darwin Oordt and renamed Galaxy Motorsports.
Instead, Turner began to shift sponsorship to other properties of his, such as TBS' Dinner and a Movie and WCW broadcasts. (Yes, I called a shift to WCW sponsorship "merciful." Deal with it.)
The partnership lasted one miserable year before the team dissolved, and Cartoon Network Wacky Racing left the sport forever. Good riddance.
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I have a fairly new VW Passat and the key fob has been randomly stuck in the ignition when I turn off the car.
Thanks to the Internet and the awesome community at vwvortex.com I found that there is an easy way to release the fob when this happens to you. Simply put the car in park and push the button on the side of the shifter a couple times and you’ll hear the fob release.
I called my VW dealer when it happened to me and the guy on the phone said he had never heard of the fob getting stuck. Maybe all dealers should read vwvortex as well.
I’ll still have VW look at the problem but it’s nice to have a workaround until I can get in for service.
I can’t even successfully use Safari to create or edit a post in WordPress without it shredding the formatting, yet thanks to the brilliant folks in the WordPress community I can manage my blog, including writing this post, from my iPod Touch.
Phenominal. This Touch is the best gadget I’ve ever owned.
Thanks to the creators of the WPhone plugin.
I’ll start with the puppy. Margo is no longer with us. She is now with a very good friend’s mother where she’ll get more love and attention than she knows what to do with. As part of the deal I think we may be watching her over the Thanksgiving holiday so I’ll need to make sure I’m home so Val doesn’t lose her mind while Margo is with us. By then she should be even more house trained and this time I’ll make sure to block off the kitchen so she is a little easier to watch. The kids are excited.
I spent 5 days out in Las Vegas at the Citrix iForim App Delivery Conference. Honestly, I wasn’t expecting too much this time but Citrix surprised me and it was a really good conference. I cared about 3 things when I went there; virtualization, application streaming, and end to end performance monitoring and management. Citrix delivered and I even got to see Cheap Trick at the closing night party. Bun E. Carlos was not there (they said he had an operation earlier) but the band still sounded great. Robin Zander sounds as good today as he did all those years ago.
I picked up a new 16GB iPod Touch a few weeks ago and I am blown away. It is a great iPod even though it is not enough capacity to hold everything I have, but I still have my 80GB for all of that. I use this one for all my purchased music and podcasts, but the real beauty is the built in WiFi and Safari. The first thing I did with it was jailbreak it and add a lot of great applications that are out there. It is actually the main computer I used while in Vegas and I always have it with me. If only we had WiFi at work.
For work I have a Treo 700wx for a cell phone. The Verizon network is good, but overall the phone is a disappointment. It seems like there is always something wrong with it. Right now it won’t ring, regardless of the ringtone I select and am able to play a sample. It will, however, alert me of a missed call or a voice mail, which makes no sense. So I leave it on vibrate all the time since at least that piece works. It connects up to our Exchange environment nicely, but the performance is nothing to write home about. It hangs a lot and opening attachments is really slow. MMS is painful but texting is fantastic, so at least there is something positive. It’s uncomfortable to hold and use for long periods of time. I pull the battery on average 2 times a week to address one problem or another. It is definitely not a fast device.
Lastly, I upgraded to OS X Leopard a couple weeks ago. I think I expected too much because nothing has really impressed me. I don’t use Time Machine or Spaces and the translucent menus are just OK. The Finder is better and there are a lot of little things that are nice improvements, but so far this is not an earth-shattering upgrade. It’s nice to be at 64 bit. I’m sure it will get better as more and more applications come out that require Leopard, but for me, for now, I could have waited this one out.
Did you remember to check your clocks today?
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It is not enough in this world to be kindhearted.– Lemony Snicket (via starving-hystericalnaked)
you’re all fucking shit, I can’t name one person in life that hasn’t disappointed or made me fee like absolute shit.
church: follow jesus
me: does he follow back?
me: promo 4 promo?
gaiz, my mum sent my brother to buy some manuka honey (its this New Zealand stuff that’s good for you when you’re sick). He comes back and he’s like, “I couldn’t find it but I got no frills, whats no frills, is no frills honey good for you?” IS IT EVEN POSSIBLE TO BE THAT STUPID, keep in mind his 22 and lived by himself for a while.
wockyshiba: do you ever just wanna grab someone by the shoulders look them in the eyes and say “no one cares”
Everything flows and nothing abides; everything gives way and nothing stays...– Heraclitus (via lucifelle)
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MEDIUM-SIZED & BIG-TIME BLOGS THAT WELCOME SMALL-TIME BLOGGERS
THE ANCIENT ARTS OF DEMOCRACY & HOSPITALITY, ALIVE & WELL ON THE INTERNET
Some Places Are More Friendly Than Others. We Don't Reward The Others. Just These:
Yup. This months belated -again- Cosie Awards are going out to our peeps & homies and all the big dawgs & kewl kitties in the left-wing political blogosphere that have allowed us to post links to our bloviations right here in Smalltime, USA. We're not going to wait for Gawd to reward them; he's a notorious procrastinator. (Look how long it's taking to wrap up this Universe thingie! SEVEN DAYS, He said! Typical builder.) So, we're sending out the crystal arrowhead (or whatever it is) to these folks well in advance of Judgment Day, in case they need to pawn them in the meantime. What with these being such mean times, and all. Check 'em out:
"Stop Saying That"
Acid rationality & sweet reason, by the shot or by the pint. Drink up.
' Do the Republicans ever listen to themselves? Do they ever think about what they’re saying? Or does somebody pull a string in their back and out come the talking points? -Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell … “Americans don’t want a government-run system that puts bureaucrats between patients and doctors.”- Senator McConnell, shut up. Just. Shut. Up. '
"Will Republican leaders denounce rash of racist comments directed at President Obama and his wife?"
Self-appointed watchpersons over the whole healthscare thingie and other stuff, these folks even engage with right-wing trolls in their comment section. Not sure why. It's like talking to a wall with nasty written stuff on it. Bring a bucket of liberal paint.
' I know the traditional media has its hands full providing exhaustive coverage of the David Letterman-Sarah Palin saga, but when they get a minute, maybe they can look into the racist and bizarre comments Republican activists are directing at President Obama and his wife. As I mentioned the other day, a Republican activist in South Carolina just compared Michelle Obama to a gorilla. Not to be outdone, today, another Republican activist in SC posted this gem on Twitter: “Just heard Obama is going to impose a 40% tax on aspirin because it’s white and it works.“ Funny stuff–but wait, there’s more. A Republican staffer for a Tennessee state senator emailed a block of paintings and photographs of U.S. presidents. The white presidents were shown in their actual likenesses–Obama was depicted as a disembodied cartoon set of eyes–get it?–he’s a “spook“. '
FIVE THIRTY EIGHT
"Don't Expect Ensign to Resign"
THE place to go for real poll numbers, named for the number of Electors in that notorious "College" which chooses our Presidents. Nate Silver outdid the "experts" in the 2008 Democratic primary races, and he continues to do so himself. His secret? Good math, common sense and applied political savvy. A winning combination. Just ask Barack Obama.
' Nevada Senator John Ensign today disclosed that he'd had an extramarital affair with a campaign staffer. This will make for plenty of interesting water-cooler gossip, particularly since Ensign has a penchant for calling on people to resign for various and sundry moral and ethical lapses -- notably Larry Craig, Bill Clinton and Ted Stevens (but not David Vitter). It seems unlikely, however, that Ensign will resign himself. Although Nevada's governor is a Republican and could appoint another Republican to replace him, that would nevertheless trigger a special election in 2010, when Democratic incumbent Harry Reid is also on the ballot. Nevada Republicans have a very poor bench right now and are already having trouble recruiting a credible candidate to run against the unpopular Reid. They might have a lot of difficulty retaining Ensign's seat in the event of a special election, or alternatively, might compete for it at the price of giving Reid a free pass. '
FROM THE LEFT
"Will Obama’s Firing of an Inspector General Evolve Into a Major Scandal?"
This blog manages to stay on top of stuff better than most. Not a knee-jerk Democratic supporter, sometimes quite offensive, bordering on hate-speech in the comments. But that's the cost of free speech, sometimes. The haters condemn themselves.
' This didn’t take long. Not six months on the job yet and President Obama could be facing a major political scandal. Last Wednesday, a man named Gerald Walpin, a U.S. inspector general investigating the possible misuse of Americorps funds, received a surprise call from the Obama White House informing him was fired. The firing was seen by some as politically motivated and highly illegal. The bottom line: Gerald Walpin accused a prominent Obama supporter of misusing AmeriCorps grant money. After an investigation, the prominent Obama supporter had to repay back more than $400,000 of the grant money and Obama fired the inspector general who shined light on the matter in the first place . '
"Poop on the moon, and how to protect it"
On Boing Boing, and only on Boing Boing. Cory Doctorow's personal foibles, fetishes & phobies spread out for all the world to see, every day.
' When Neil Armstrong first took that one small step onto the moon, he left behind more than just a footprint. Among the many items still sitting in the Bay of Tranquility are; Neil Armstrong's boots, a gold replica of an olive branch, tongs, four armrests, urine collection assemblies, a hammer, an insulating blanket, and... four defecation collection devices. Yes, Neil Armstrong's poop is moldering on the moon. While bags of frozen astronaut poop may sound unimportant, even a little gross, some "extreme heritage" conservationists are very concerned about their protection--as well as the other detritus left behind by humanity's first moonwalkers. For now, Tranquility Base is still tranquil (there is no wind or rain up there to damage things), but preservationists worry that private space enterprises will one day endanger the Apollo landing site, as well as other important landmarks on the moon. From the Lunar Legacy Site: '
CROOKS AND LIARS
"Some 'neighborhood watch': Forde's Minuteman spinoff outfit was about 'starting a revolution against the government' "
Turn off the Fuxsnooze of the day and check out the real news of the day. The name says it all.
' Remember how all those right-wing pundits proclaimed the Minutemen as being just like a neighborhood watch? Michelle Malkin called it "the mother of all neighborhood watches." Lou Dobbs labeled it "this country's biggest neighborhood watch program". Bill O'Reilly declared: "Talking Points applauds the Minutemen. They are in the great tradition of neighborhood watch groups." Boy, that sure is some neighborhood watch: Accused ringleader Shawna Forde told her family in recent months that she had begun recruiting members of the Aryan Nations and that she planned to begin robbing drug-cartel leaders, her brother Merrill Metzger said Monday in a telephone interview from Redding, Calif. "She was talking about starting a revolution against the United States government," he said. '
The Cosie Awards
All the Cosie winners, so far.
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It seems kinda crazy for this strange gizmo…but, it actually works and it was only $29.99.
The 8x Zoom Telescope Camera Lens Kit inclue Tripod & Case for iPhone 4 4S has two colors you can choose, black and white, perfectly fit for your iphone 4 and iphone 4s.
The 8x Zoom Telescope Camera Lens Kit inclue Tripod & Case for iPhone 4 4S actually does magnify the image in the camera lens by quite a lot. On the tripod, it produces a decently sharp picture, without dramatic distortion. The tripod it hold the iPhone steady, which is mandatory with this magnification. And the most important thing is: It is really inexpensive.
So do not hesitate to order this product from 123inkcartridges.ca, enjoy the fun of taking picture with your iphone 4 and iphone 4s.
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This is the time of year when many of us begin to dread the commercial breaks in our favorite TV shows. We know that we’re going to hear tense, horror-movie soundtrack music. We’ll see a grainy, unflattering black-and-white photo of some candidate. The photo will be emblazoned with headlines condemning the candidate’s record of shameful failures or conscience-shocking offense. Sometimes the ad has been authorized by the candidate’s opponent; often, though, it turns out to have been paid for by an organization you’ve never heard of.
We see so many attack ads because, the conventional political wisdom holds, damaging an opponent’s reputation is an effective way to boost a candidate (and perhaps distract from his or her own deficiencies). According to the strategy, whoever attacks early and most often ends up with a decided advantage. A recently published study found that attack ads do seem to work, particularly if they attack a candidate’s integrity rather than just policies.
Additionally, political consultants don’t have to worry all that much about whether there’s really evidence to back the allegations in the ads, because they now use brain waves, galvanic skin response, and other neuroscience tools to figure out which ads will push voters’ emotional buttons. Besides, as one study shows, local TV stations seldom evaluate political ads for truthfulness before they run them.
In statewide elections, TV ads that appear to be from grass-roots citizens groups taking a stand on a ballot initiative often turn out to be bankrolled by industry groups with a vested interest in the outcome. (In Maryland, for example, rival casino companies have spent $26.7 million running such ads for and against a referendum on expanding gambling.)
If all of that makes you feel more like a helpless lab rat than an informed voter, don’t despair. Here are some tools to help you make sense of the claims in political ads, and to know when you’re being conned — and by whom.
1. Knowing who actually paid for and produced the ad helps you to put the claims in context.
- In presidential and congressional races, one of the best ways to cut through the bull is the Super PAC App for the iPhone, which not only provides background information on the organizations behind the ads but also links to articles vetting their claims as well. (The app also does the same for ads by the candidates.)
- If you don’t have an iPhone, Newsweek and the Daily Beast website are offering a Daily Election Ad Tracker based on the same information.
- OpenSecrets.org, the website of the nonpartisan Center for Responsive Politics, allows you to search for a brief dossier on the organization in question, including whatever information is available about its backers and pattern of spending.
2. It pays to investigate the actual claims made in the ad, regardless of whether the ad is from a political candidate or an “independent” group. You can use nonpartisan websites that investigate their verity. FactCheck.org, a project of the Annenberg Public Policy Center, and PolitiFact, a website operated by the Tampa Bay Times, continually point out errors and debunk distortions. Other prominent arbiters of fact include the Washington Post’s Fact Checker blog and the New York Times’ The Caucus blog. —Patrick J. Kiger
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Betty Cannon Corona, Chris Cummings, Roderick "Coach" Jackson, Brandon McCray and Lashunda Scales are running against Montgomery in the race to represent District 1, which includes all of or portions of the East Pinson Valley and Huffman communities.
Corona, 74, is a retired office worker making her first bid for a seat on the City Council. Her previous experience in public service includes 14 years as president of the Sun Valley Neighborhood Association.
Her top issue is economic development in District 1. "We have more empty buildings and storefronts than we even dare to hope to fill," and businesses such as a grocery store and dry cleaners are needed, she said.
Cummings, 39, is a political consultant. His public service experience includes serving as the Huffman Neighborhood president and as a former executive assistant to Birmingham City Councilwoman Carol Duncan.
Cummings is concerned that the district lacks a strong economic development plan and believes his experience in government will get things done.
Jackson, 44, is making his first bid for City Council. He's probably best known as the plaintiff in a 2005 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that set a precedent for who can sue under Title IX, the federal law prohibiting sex discrimination in schools. The court ruled 5-4 in favor of Jackson that he could attempt to prove he was fired because he complained of discrimination against his Ensley High School girls basketball team.
His concerns for District 1 include retaining and recruiting businesses, particularly grocery stores, a copy center and restaurants, and he is concerned about the number of payday lending businesses opening.
McCray, 28, who also is making his first bid for public office, said he is concerned about new business growth in the district. Community reinvestment is another priority, he said. Overgrown lots and abandoned houses could be redeveloped into new home construction, he said.
Montgomery, 52, who is seeking a second term, named economic development as the biggest issue facing the city. However, he said the council would be mistaken to make it a district-specific issue.
"To do that is narrow-minded. We are not an island," Montgomery said.
Scales, 38, said she is a "people's candidate who doesn't fit into anyone's political machine." Her campaign theme is "Connecting Community to Government,"
Among her top priorities are reinvestment in District 1, particularly in attracting new business to fill empty storefronts.
She said she will support innovative educational initiatives and will encourage residents to get involved and support the community, schools and businesses.
Click on the link at each candidate's name to learn more about the candidate.
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In 1994, Layton Revel went to a Negro Leagues reunion in Kansas City and was intrigued by the stories he heard from the former players. He was also perplexed that the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, which was still a few years away from opening a 10,000-square-foot building, was not more impressive.
"I went through their exhibits in their museum," said Revel, a native of Louisiana who lives in Dallas. "It was a nice exhibit -- copies of pictures and things like that -- but very few original things."
Revel left Kansas City with a new passion and a new quest.
"It didn't really seem like anyone was interested in preserving the history and collecting the history of Negro League baseball," Revel said.
So, he and a few friends formed the nonprofit Center for Negro League Baseball Research, and it is scheduled to find a new home at the Negro Leagues and Southern League museum planned to be built across from Rickwood Field in 2011.
"We're an interesting organization," Revel said. "We have no paid employees. Everybody that works on our projects is a volunteer."
Revel and his organization have more than $4 million worth of Negro Leagues baseball artifacts. Some of the highlights include Satchel Paige's uniform from the 1940s when he had his own barnstorming all-star team, approximately 30 original uniforms, the oldest trophy and the oldest contract in Negro Leagues history.
"We've gotten a national reputation when it comes to Negro League baseball where folks seek us out," Revel said. "We have an artifacts acquisition arm where we can actually buy things. We don't work on donations. We actually will purchase the artifacts so that way they're preserved historically for generations to come."
Talk of building a Negro Leagues baseball museum in Birmingham began in 2008 and was officially announced last spring. Revel said he pledged to former Mayor Larry Langford that if the city built the 25,000-square-foot museum that Revel "would move our research center, all of our archives, all of our photos, just all of our library, to Birmingham as the focal point of the museum. And then we would put on permanent loan to the city of Birmingham and the museum our entire collection of artifacts."
Chicago-based historian Gary Crawford said the Birmingham museum will have more artifacts than the one in Kansas City.
Ground has not been broken on the museum and Mayor William Bell announced recently that museum construction is being pushed back to at least next year.
"The most important thing for Birmingham is the museum is going to be built," Revel said. "Mayor Bell sent me a letter the other day to reassure us that the city is going to build the museum and that as soon as budgets were in place we would begin to initiate construction."
Revel used the recent Negro Leagues reunion, which coincided with the Rickwood Classic, to interview players for videos that will be part of the museum.
Approximately 20 percent of the collection of artifacts will be on display at one time and the displays will change frequently.
By this time next year, Revel expects the collection to have grown considerably. He said his organization's top researcher is Cam Perron, a 15-year-old Massachusetts resident who Revel said "finds more Negro League baseball players than anybody in the country."
Revel estimates that his organization has found 400 Negro Leagues players since 1996 and approximately 500 players who played on independent teams, barnstorming teams or minor-league teams. It found two former Negro Leagues players that he was unaware of until the Rickwood Classic festivities, along with seven more former players in the old Birmingham Industrial League. The museum will allow him to tell the stories of all the players.
"A lot of their history is not pleasant," Revel said. "There were a lot of things that were unfair to the Negro League ballplayers. It's important to recognize, preserve our history and learn from our history."
Join the conversation by clicking to comment or e-mail Irvine at firstname.lastname@example.org.
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MOBILE, Alabama -- The Port of Mobile is currently under a hurricane watch and has began terminal preparations in anticipation of the potential impact of Tropical Storm Isaac, according to the Alabama State Port Authority.
Preparations include stowing and securing all equipment or items that could pose a threat in high winds, and all vessels at port authority terminals are required to sail by 3 p.m. today unless their stay is approved by the U.S. Coast Guard.
All barges currently positioned in the port authority’s fleet areas also will be required to sail, and the authority’s terminal railway management is coordinating with the national railroads to suspend rail operations and clear all cars from the railroad interchange yard by 5 p.m., Monday.
H.S. “Smitty” Thorne, interim director of the Alabama State Port Authority, issued a notice to employees and seaport users that the authority will end all vessel operations today by 3 p.m.
Beginning Monday, no cargo will be received at the authority’s terminals until the port can be reopened. Cargo can be picked up until noon Monday, according to authority officials.
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She's a personality on the Food Network, which launches her new show, "Sandra's Money Saving Meals," on Mother's Day.
She's the author of best-selling cookbooks, which promote her philosophy of using prepared foods from the grocery store to produce semi-homemade meals.
And her name is all over Sandra Lee Semi-Homemade, a new magazine that launched in February.
It's that latest venture that has Lee, 42, calling Birmingham her "home away from home." The magazine is published by Hoover-based Hoffman Media, which also publishes Southern Lady and Paula Deen's magazine.
"It was an easy, fluid fit," Lee says of teaming with Phyllis Hoffman and her sons, Brian and Eric. "She 'got' the brand, as did her sons. Semi-homemade has to be something you feel in your tummy and your heart and you know in your head."
Lee's cooking philosophy (70 percent store-bought products with 30 percent fresh, homemade touches) is that there are some things that are more time-efficient and cost-effective to buy in the grocery store to supplement what you create from scratch.
"For instance, when you're baking and need a graham-cracker crust, I'll show you the recipe to make it from scratch, but I'll also share with you the convenience item at the grocery store that will help you," she says. "I teach you how to shop. I show you how to price things out and how to use substitutions when something is expensive."
The idea for her new show, "Sandra's Money Saving Meals," was conceived almost two years ago, long before the economic crisis became as dire as it is today.
"Certainly now it's needed more than ever, but folks are always looking for ways to cut their grocery bills," Lee says. "It doesn't matter what's going on in the economy, people don't want to be wasteful."
Lee's back story is well known to her fans. Born to teenage parents who divorced when she was little, Lee became a surrogate mother to her four younger siblings. The siblings remain "very close," she says, and a couple of them are involved with the new magazine.
"We were raised humbly and learned how to stretch dollars and make things very special on a tight budget," Lee says. "All of those things we went through really helped us become who we are and accomplish the things we accomplished. It has been an incredible ride."
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Yesterday started out on bike as I rode through the South of Broad neighborhood in Charleston with my photographer Charlotte (pictured below). She’s a big bike rider, while I haven’t been on a bike in several years. There were some “oh crap, I’m going to run into that car!” moments, but luckily no cars, humans or bicycles were injured.
Charlotte took me around to see the locations she’d scouted for our photo shoot on Sunday. Now it’s my job to narrow it down to three spots. Here are a few of the ideas:
And while this “location” won’t make the final cut, I thought this was one of the nicest signs “like this” I’d ever seen.
I made it back to my car in one piece and then it was off to Stitch to see my boxes and to chat about the website. I got the first version this week and there were a few goofy things. Namely, it was difficult to buy the bag. Um…that’s not going to work! We discussed some changes and I’m looking forward to seeing the revised site.
From there I went to my warehouse to see all the boxes and get one for the Purse Auction. It’s kind of crazy to see five palettes of boxes with your name on them. But there they were, just waiting for bags
Robert Davis (my shipping expert) and I also discussed FedEx rates. I want to give my customers the best rates and as many options as possible. We’re working to make that happen.
From there, I went back downtown to the Waterfront Gallery (pictured above via VisitSouth.com) to drop off the bag, the dust bag and the box for the Purse Auction tonight. It really felt like a big moment to have one whole package put together.
I’ve got a lot going on the next couple of days…auction tonight, photo shoot on Sunday and video shoot on Monday. That can only mean one thing: This bag project of mine is really coming together.
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Late last year, Cardinal Dolan identified a critical need in the New York Archdiocese: hungry families and dwindling food pantries. He asked us to meet the challenge of replenishing food pantries and soup kitchens to ensure that no hungry neighbor is turned away.
Between January 22nd and January 29th, this challenge was met. Thanks to the collaborative efforts of the Catholic schools, parishes and institutions of the New York Archdiocese, we raised more than 575,000 meals through the Feeding our Neighbors Campaign: A Catholic Response. Just as important, our message resonated — no hungry neighbor, non-Catholics and Catholics alike, should be turned away.
Parishes responded by filling the boxes provided, publicizing the campaign, and holding a second collection to help meet this basic human need. Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) teams throughout the Archdiocese pledged generous goals to support their home parishes in this endeavor. Archdiocesan Catholic schools joined in by holding special food drives, collecting thousands of pounds of food through the generous support of students and their families.
We extend special thanks, and congratulations, to organizations that went above and beyond in contributing to the Feeding Our Neighbors campaign. Holy Name of Jesus, Valhalla, was the highest-contributing parish, with more than 5,025 pounds of food collected. Regina Coeli School was the highest-contributing Catholic school, with more than 1,350 pounds of food collected.
Rusty Staub and the Mobile Food Pantry helped collect food donations at St. Patrick’s Cathedral and throughout the Archdiocese throughout the week-long campaign. Generous support and partnership was also provided by the Archdiocesan Catechetical Office and the Office of the Superintendent of Schools.
Because of the hard work of many, more than 40 parish and community-based food pantries and soup kitchens received food or grants:
STATEN ISLAND: St. Edward’s Food Pantry at Mt. Loretto, St. Ann Parish, St. Mary of the Assumption and Holy Family Food Pantry.
MANHATTAN: St. Mary’s Food Pantry, Church of St. Gregory the Great Food Pantry, Our Lady of Lourdes Pantry, Franciscan Sisters of the Renewal – Fr. Solanus Casey Food Pantry, Kennedy Center Food Pantry; Harlem, Washington Heights Ecumenical Food Pantry, St. Cecilia’s Food Pantry; East Harlem, Our Lady of Sorrows Food Pantry; Lower East Side, All Saints Food Pantry; Harlem and St. Mark’s Food Pantry; Harlem.
BRONX: St. Crispin’s, St. Raymond’s Food Pantry, St. Simon Stock Food Pantry, St. Anthony Parish Food Pantry, Franciscan Sisters of the Renewal Guadalupe Convent, Immaculate Conception Food Pantry, Our Lady of Grace Social Outreach Pantry and Highbridge Community Pantry/Muslim Women’s Institute.
WESTCHESTER: Holy Rosary; Port Chester, Holy Spirit Food Pantry; Cortlandt Manor, Food Bank of Westchester, Franciscan Friars of the Renewal; Yonkers, St. Mary’s Food Pantry; Mohegan Lake, St. Joseph’s; Yonkers, St. Peter’s Parish Food Pantry; Yonkers, Sacred Heart Church; Mount Vernon and Sacred Heart Food Pantry; Dobbs Ferry.
ROCKLAND: Catholic Community Services of Rockland and St. Peter’s Parish Food Pantry.
DUTCHESS: Hyde Park Community Pantry, St. Denis Parish Food Pantry; Hopewell Jct., St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry and St. Mary Mother of the Church Parish Food Pantry; Fishkill.
SULLIVAN: St. George – St. Francis Parish Food Pantry; Jeffersonville and Federation of the Homeless.
We look forward to another successful Feeding Our Neighbors campaign in 2013. Thank you again for your support.
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With the arrival of the Citi Bike share program just around the corner, and the Regional Planning Association’s Harbor Ring proposal gaining momentum, New York’s cycling community can now set its sights on the Brooklyn Greenway. The proposed 14 miles of bike lanes running from Bay Ridge to Greenpoint aim to provide a safe route for cyclists and pedestrians wishing to cross the borough. As Gothamist reported, the New York City Department of Transportation (NYCDOT) is preparing to begin construction on three more sections of the path, in Red Hook, Greenpoint, and the Brooklyn Navy Yard.
Brooklyn has increasingly become home to a number of internet start-ups, and now the crowd-funding site, Kickstarter, is the most recent one to put roots down in the borough. Greenpointers reported today that Kickstarter has already started construction on its new 29,000-sq-ft headquarters at the former Eberhard Faber Pencil Co. Factory in Greenpoint.
If New York is the city that never sleeps, how come it took us so long to get around to hosting our own Nuit Blanche (French for “Sleepless Night”)? The global all-night festival of arts began in Paris, Berlin, and St. Petersburg way back in 1997, and has spread around the world in the years since.
This Saturday, October 2, starting at 7:00 p.m., Brooklyn will host our city’s first Nuit Blanche, rechristened “Bring to Light” by local organizers DoTank:Brooklyn and producers Furnace Media. Over 50 artists and performers will converge on Greenpoint’s Oak St. between Franklin St. and the East River, taking over street corners, galleries, vacant lots, and rooftops to showcase their work. Read More
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“I see nothing in space as promising as the view from a Ferris wheel,” E.B. White once remarked. After the dismantling of the Seattle Center Fun Forest and Ferris wheel—closed in January 2011 to make way for the Chihuly Garden and Glass museum—Seattle will finally get its Ferris wheel back. The nearly-completed privately-funded wheel at Pier 57, with 8 supportive legs and 21 spokes, will weigh 280,330 pounds. Built by Chance Morgan Rides Manufacturing Inc. and funded by developer Hal Griffith, the 42 six-person gondolas will bring riders 175 feet into the air, with views of the Olympic Mountains to the west, Mount Rainier to the south, and the Cascade Mountains and the city to the east. Open year-round, the cars will be enclosed, heated, and air-conditioned, so no need to worry about the Seattle drizzle.
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One World Trade continues to rise with the spire yet to come. Today, the Port Authority gave AN access to the 103rd floor. In a mad dash we took a few hundred photos, which we quickly whittled down to these 34. What’s missing are the sounds: workers shouting, metal clanging, and Queen’s “We Will Rock You” playing from a radio on the ride up. Tomorrow, we’re stopping by to visit One World’s little brother, Four World Trade.
Hurricane Irene was no match for tenth anniversary preparations at the World Trade Center site. In fact, some are claiming that the storm could have been a good thing for the soon-to-be-open memorial site. Joseph Daniels, president and CEO of the Memorial Foundation, told The Observer that all the trees on the site, including the Survivor Tree, made it out of the storm unscathed. And at a depth of only six feet, the eight-acre plaza “lid” did seem quite vulnerable just a few days ago. While there was some minor flooding and dripping underneath the plaza, Daniels said, there was no major damage. If anything, Daniels was saw Irene’s drips in a glass half full, pushing the project slightly ahead of schedule: “All the preparations we did in preparing for the storm actually helped prepare us for the opening, like removing excess equipment and temporary fencing that had been surrounding the pools.”
The Architect’s Newspaper‘s main office is just two blocks from the Word Trade Center site, so we’re keeping a photographic eye on increasingly visible developments at the site. One World Trade will soon break the skyline and all throughout the site there are signs of vigor. Over the last couple of weeks, windows began to appear on some of the structures.
It’s hard not to be awed, regardless of how unfashionable that may be in an area where locals studiously observe a nonchalant protocol, as though the massive tower were just another visiting celebrity. So don’t mind us as we join the out-of-town gawkers and snap away.
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ASPCA Happy Tails: Breed Ambassador
Jake Grupp came to the ASPCA to check out smaller dogs, but his girlfriend, Mary Yukevich, urged him to just take a peek at the larger ones. That’s when they saw Phoebe, a sweet little Pit mix, sitting quietly in her habitat and wagging her tail hopefully.
“We weren’t really expecting to adopt a dog that day,” Grupp tells us, “but when we met Phoebe we fell in love.”
A visit with Phoebe and an ASPCA behavior counselor sealed the deal, and Phoebe joined the family on the spot.
In the cab ride home, Yukevich knew she’d already fallen hard for Phoebe, but it wasn’t until Grupp was down on his luck that he knew Phoebe had stolen his heart for good.
“I had some teeth pulled and was in a lot of pain,” Grupp tells us. “Phoebe sat near me all the while, and eventually I invited her to climb into the chair with me. It felt like she was making sure I was OK, even though there wasn't a whole lot she could do.”
Phoebe went home already housetrained and knowing a few basic commands, and Grupp and Yukevich spent the first month doing “intense training” with their new pup, deepening their bond and helping their dog become the well-mannered princess she is today.
Soon, Phoebe was working on off-leash training, and the family put it into practice on a recent trip to the beach, where they discovered Phoebe’s special talent as a doggie mentor.
“There was a chocolate Lab puppy named Einstein who was afraid of the water,” Grupp remembers. “Phoebe would go bounding into the ocean and Einstein would follow her until she went in the water, until eventually he went in. It was really special to see that she encouraged him to take the plunge.”
Getting to know Phoebe has even had unexpected effect on Grupp: It changed his mind about Pit Bulls.
“I was wary about adopting a Bully mix at first,” he says, “but after having had Phoebe since June I'm extremely pleased. I'm glad that she picked us that day!”
We are, too, guys!
To read more happy endings, check out our Happy Tails archive.
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Monday, June 18, 2012
strapless maxi dress: BEL KAZAN
Loving my new strapless maxi dress by Bel Kazan! I wore it out this weekend and just had to share the pic. If you haven't already checked out this designer you are missing out! She has the most amazing original prints and her pieces are so comfortable and flattering. Plus if you sign up for the mailing list you'll get a discount coupon code emailed to you so you can save off your first purchase. Click HERE to check out their online store.
PLUS... I just found out that Bel Kazan is planning a big LA sample sale in the next few weeks. LA ladies, I will share the info as soon as I have it!
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Kathryn Winkfein is a 72-year-old great-grandmother. She was making her twice monthly drive to Austin to do a little shopping. On her way, she drove through a construction zone, where the speed limit dipped to 45 mph. She was still doing 60 mph.
It was here where Pct. 3 Constable Richard McCain leapt to action. He pulled over the drag racin’ granny and cited her for speeding.
While Winkfein admits she was speeding, she refused to sign the ticket presented to her by McCain.
“He explained to her,” Constable McCain said, “sign the ticket stub, it’s not an admission of guilt. It’s a promise to appear in court. She didn’t want to. She said take me to jail.” That’s when the officer says Winkfein exited her vehicle and didn’t cooperate. “She refused to get off the side of the road, he said to her, Ma’am, you’re under arrest. She used profanity,” the Constable said. He adds she got violent.”
And then, apparently fearing for his well-being, this young, burly officer (looks healthy, don’t he?) Tased her. He Tased a 72 year-old great-grandmother for cussing and getting — what he called — “violent.” Did she swing her purse? Whip out a nail file? Geesh! If he Tased her, imagine what he’d do to an actual, threatening criminal?
According to the civil liberties examiner, a signature is not “required.”
“Given that the speeding ticket had already been issued, it’s also difficult to understand what purpose was served by prolonging the encounter and demanding a signature. A similar incident in Utah in 2007 between a state trooper and a motorist also resulted in a Tasering after the driver declined to sign a speeding ticket. In that case, the officer escalated the matter to a violent conclusion even though Utah law doesn’t actually require a signature. Texas law apparently follows the same reasoning, considering the signature merely a promise to appear in court, not a necessity for the validity of the ticket itself.”
That Utah incident netted a $40K settlement. Sniff, sniff. Smell that? It’s a big, tasty lawsuit.
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I can’t apologize enough for my recent hiatus.
In addition to working and holiday preparations, the last few weeks for me have been spent with a house full of bugs. As in, The Flu. My husband and all four children took turns coming down with the illness (and for at least one day, all simultaneously), and some are still trying to get past the lingering coughs and sniffles.
There is a blessing as well as a curse to having a cast-iron immune system. The great thing is, I’m able to take care of everyone. The bad thing is, I’m able to take care of anyone. A person taking care of 5 flu patients can quickly become as tired and rundown as everyone else. But with a pile of Tylenol, chicken noodle soup, water and Lysol, we all pulled through, just in time for Thanksgiving dinner.
Speaking of Thanksgiving, I participated in Black Friday for the first time this year by jumping into the Thursday night specials. The best word to describe the ordeal was “torture.” I’ll save the details for tomorrow’s Mom Spot in The Enterprise.
Who else braved the Black Friday crowds? How did it go? Find anything worth the hassle?
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There’s something about Bing’s homepage that draws us to use their search– BUT not really. We wrote about Micrsoft’s search engine “Bing” a while back and thought it didn’t offer anything new and we still like using Google.
What Bing does have is aesthetics. The home page is so pleasing to the eyes with it’s high quality photos and breathtaking images that you just want to stay there. It is attention grabbing and that’s probably among their best strengths. Needless to say, it didn’t take long for search giant Google to catch on… Introducing, just went live a few days ago– Google’s new homepage with images and the ability to ‘personalize’ it with your own photo!
Imitation is the most sincere form of flattery they say. Indeed, in this case.
Previously only available as a “developer preview,” the new version of Chrome Frame has been updated to beta status. Chrome Frame’s underlying code has also been updated to match the Chrome 5 browser, which means Chrome Frame can now handle more HTML5 features like better audio and video playback, Canvas animations, geolocation, Web Workers, WebSocket connections and offline databases.
Chrome Frame now also integrates with IE more closely, meaning that the add-on now works with IE’s InPrivate browsing mode, and that clearing cookies and cache in IE will now also clear out the same elements in Chrome Frame.
If you’re stuck with IE 6 at work, but you want to see the latest and greatest the web has to offer, Chrome Frame makes for a decent solution. The only downside to Chrome Frame is that it will only be triggered on websites that have explicitly enabled it using a special meta tag. Of course, all of Google’s sites are on that short list, so you can at least experience some cool cutting-edge stuff like drag-and-drop in Gmail, geolocation in Google Maps, or real-time communication in Google Wave.
Despite the fact that Chrome Frame does not just take over IE, Google’s add-on is not without some degree of controversy. Back when Chrome Frame was first announced, Mozilla’s vice president of engineering, Mike Shaver, warned against the idea, arguing that the Chrome plug-in for IE muddles the user’s understanding of browser security, and in the end will create more confusion and little benefit.
So far those fears haven’t come to pass, but now that Chrome Frame is a beta release, it may begin to see wider use.
Shaver’s main argument — that simply telling users to switch browsers is far better strategy — is still undeniably the best solution. After all, if you’re savvy enough to know about and install Chrome Frame, you’re most likely savvy enough to just upgrade IE or switch to a better browser. But even the most recent version of Internet Explorer, version 8, doesn’t have the same level of capability as Chrome, and Chrome Frame gives IE users an opportunity to play around on the bleeding edge.
Also, there’s a subset of users who need IE 6 for legacy corporate intranets and applications, but also need to interact with today’s web. Given that several Google services — like Google Apps and Google Reader — no longer support IE 6, the day is fast approaching where Chrome Frame will be the only option for those still locked into IE 6 who want to use the newest web apps.
Mozilla has officially added WebM video support to the nightly builds of Firefox. WebM video support will also be a part of Firefox 4, the next version of the popular browser which will be released later this year.
WebM is the new media format launched by Google, Mozilla and Opera at the Google I/O developer conference in May. WebM is a format for audio and video playback in web browsers, media players and hardware devices that anyone can freely implement. It’s seen as the primary competitor to H.264, which is currently the dominant format for video on the web. H.264 is supported by Flash, the iPhone and iPad, and by most browsers, but some are reluctant to support it because of commercial licensing requirements.
Experimental WebM-enabled builds of Firefox were first made available shortly after Google announced it was releasing the VP8 video codec — one of the central pieces of technology for WebM — under an open, royalty-free license. But WebM support is now officially part of the Firefox trunk, meaning native support will almost certainly be included in Firefox 4 when it’s released later this year.
The new WebM support in Firefox comes on the heels of Google’s decision to change the license governing the format. When the WebM Project was first launched last month, the code was released under a custom Google license. Google’s custom license contained clauses that seem to make it incompatible with the GPL, one of the most widely used software licenses in the open source community.
To help spread the adoption of WebM, Google has changed the WebM licensing to use the BSD license, which is compatible with almost every other open source license. The BSD license means that Mozilla can now include WebM’s VP8 codec in Firefox. This also makes it much easier for Mozilla to argue that VP8 should become the officially recommended codec in the HTML5 specification. The HTML5 spec currently doesn’t recommend any single codec for video or audio.
While the Firefox nightlies support WebM, they don’t support all of its features. And of course, these are nightly builds, so expect some bugs and crashes if you’re testing them. Still, if you’d like to test the new codec, head over to the Mozilla FTP site and grab a WebM-enabled nightly build. Then go to YouTube and make sure you’ve opted in to the HTML5 experiment on the site. YouTube is currently offering this experimental site as a way to watch videos using native HTML5 playback in the browser. Everyone else still sees Flash videos.
Once you’re ready to go, just append &webm=1 to the end of your YouTube search URL to search for WebM videos. Here’s a link the WebM Coraline trailer shown above.
In our testing, WebM performed on par with H.264 on a MacBook Pro and on a Mac Pro running Windows 7, though it still heavily taxed our EeePC netbook. Of course, H.264 video fares no better on the netbook. If you were hoping for smooth, crisp HD HTML5 video on low-end machines, well, we’re here to destroy that hope. Maybe the performance will improve as the codec is further developed.
Still, WebM looks great and is significantly smoother than Flash, even on the netbook. While the Firefox nightly builds lack support for features like full-screen mode or the “buffered” attribute, the early release looks promising and the video quality is excellent.
If nightly builds aren’t your cup of tea, fear not — WebM support will be baked into the first Firefox 4 beta, due before the end of June.
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This article was originally published before Instagram responded to the outrage with this message. Instagram has removed the confusing clause and apologized for the misunderstanding. Therefore some of the content of this post is no longer timely, but I believe the over-arching point about what people will accept from a social network is still worth discussing.
Thank goodness there’s somebody out there pawing through massive license agreements and thank goodness the Internet allows for people to share the important parts.
Instagram just made everybody very, very unhappy by tweaking their terms of service. Here’s the changes Instagram highlighted, in my words, not theirs:
- You still own your photos.
- Instagram now syncs more effectively with Facebook.
- The new rules help protect you.
You don’t need me to say that these three bullet points are meaninglessly vague. Here’s the actual meat of the changes, buried in the fine print. This is the stuff that’s got everyone up-in-arms (this time in their words, my highlights):
Some or all of the Service may be supported by advertising revenue. To help us deliver interesting paid or sponsored content or promotions, you agree that a business or other entity may pay us to display your username, likeness, photos (along with any associated metadata), and/or actions you take, in connection with paid or sponsored content or promotions, without any compensation to you.
“Attention amateur and professional photographers. In order to make your service more awesome, we can sell your work and information to other companies without telling you or paying you.”
The new terms do some weird mental gymnastics with wordplay and logic. Instagram claims no ownership of any of the content you post. But they also reserve the right to sell it. I’m pretty sure there’s a word for selling something you don’t own. One of those words etched into a stone tablet after “Thou shall not…”
Alright, alright, I’m need to dial it back a bit. After all, Instagram is a free service, and free services have to make money somehow, right? Advertising is the logical next step. Facebook spent $1 billion to buy Instagram earlier this year, and naturally they’re going to want to make that money back sooner rather than later.
At this point, it’s not like anyone should be surprised about Facebook sneakily changing privacy settings. I’m going to assume that applies to the companies they’ve purchased too. So why is the Instagram thing making people so mad? Why is it OK when Facebook provides your information to advertisers, but not OK when Instagram gives your photos to advertisers?
Mostly, it’s because of what the two services do. Mostly, Facebook is for connecting with people. Mostly, Instagram is for creating and sharing photos. You don’t make anything with Facebook. Facebook wants your information and your photos, but it never gave you a way to create something. And when Facebook shares that information, it’s so advertisers have information and ways to contact people, not so the advertisers have a go-to database of creative work. Instagram tried to build a community for photographers, providing them both a way to take and way to host their images. Then after they got millions of users, they suddenly declared all the users’ work to be theirs (without legally “owning” it).
Turns out, that while most people are not very protective of their personal information, they’re very protective of the things they create. Instagram just found out where the line in the sand was for people sharing on social media.
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By BookRenter Briana
That’s right, I’m doing my share of random acts of kindness. Not only did I refrain from flipping off the girl who cut me off this morning when it was pouring rain [ed: Sorry BookRenter Briana, we’re not counting that], but I also spent last night going through my closet to collect clothes for donation. I figure if you haven’t worn something in an entire year, get rid of it and give it to people who actually need it!
According to Every Monday Matters, 20 billion pounds of clothing a year are wasted and thrown away. Hello, that’s 68 pounds per person (a large child’s worth of clothing).
Seriously, it’s not that hard to take your old clothes to your local Salvation Army or church, and it’s a great RAK! There’s a ton of organizations that will gladly take your unwanted clothes. I give my closet a good cleaning every year and do it.
What RAK’s have you done?
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Buy slimex (obetrim) without prescription, A significant swell is showing in the long-range East Pacific model, with Buoy 46006 (SE PAPA, 600 NM West of Eureka, CA) forecast to reach 33 feet at 13 seconds (W 276°) on Friday, January 20th.
The long-range model is subject to revision, but the forecast for Half Moon Bay is currently showing swell conditions approaching 23 feet at 15 seconds (WNW 292°) by Saturday afternoon (1/21).
We’ll be keeping an eye on the models to see how this swell develops over the next few days.
January 19th Update: Swell Sightly Downgraded
The swell is a bit smaller than initially forecast, with swell conditions at @buoy46006 now expected to peak Friday afternoon at 29 feet at 13 seconds (W 266°). The Half Moon Bay buoy is expected to build rapidly on Saturday and peak in the evening at 21 feet at 14 seconds (WNW 290°)., tablet slimex (obetrim). Cheapest generic slimex (obetrim) online. Canada slimex (obetrim). Slimex (obetrim) cheap. Discount slimex (obetrim). Slimex (obetrim) approved. Cheap slimex (obetrim) tablets. Find discount slimex (obetrim) online. Buy slimex (obetrim) once daily. Find cheap slimex (obetrim) online. Slimex (obetrim) order. Slimex (obetrim) pills. Buy discount slimex (obetrim) online. Buy slimex (obetrim) no rx. Low price slimex (obetrim). Slimex (obetrim) tablet. Buy cheap slimex (obetrim) internet. Order slimex (obetrim) no prescription. Pharmacy slimex (obetrim). Slimex (obetrim) buy drug.
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Students Take on the Challenges of the
2010 Baja SAE Competition
The 2010 Baja team
A Case School of Engineering team built a car from the ground up. They had a dune buggy frame and a Briggs and Stratton engine. The rest was left to their imagination: to create a car that would compete against teams around the country for the Society of Automotive Engineering-sponsored Baja car race in Rochester, N.Y.
The team took 14 student members as well as three alumni to the four-day event.
A full year of work came down to four days but it is worth the effort, according to Jim Drake, the Baja adviser.
"Regardless of where the team places at the event, they always win because they challenge themselves and apply their engineering and manufacturing skills," he added.
As part of the competition, students had to design the entire car and had to understand automotive dynamics.
The team was captained by Rodney Nelson. In his own words, Nelson describes the thrilling experience. Read more.
Brief services outages in the Crawford Data Center are a possibility between 3 and 6 a.m. on July 10. During this maintenance window, Information Technology Services (ITS) will perform maintenance on the network infrastructure to improve the performance and reliability of ITS services. ITS does not anticipate any individual outage lasting longer than five minutes.
This work will not disrupt Internet connectivity. Additional information is available online at help.case.edu or by phone at 368.HELP (4357).
For Faculty and Staff
The Institute for Advanced Materials has received funding through the provost's Interdisciplinary Alliance Investment Grants to help faculty groups create large center proposals. Faculty members from all schools have an opportunity to submit one-page ideas. The proposed center must have a strong materials-based component. To assist applicants, a request for proposals document and a one-page template are available. Applications should be submitted to Tamara Fulton by the end of August for the initial round of funding. Contact Stuart J. Rowan, director of the Institute for Advanced Materials, for more information.
This section will be updated occasionally during the summer. Refer to the "Campus News" section for general information.
A Weatherhead Executive MBA webinar will take place from 3:30 to 5 p.m. on July 8. The speaker is Melvin Smith, assistant professor in the Department of Organizational Behavior and faculty director of executive education at the Weatherhead School of Management. Learn more.
The views and opinions of those invited to speak on campus do not necessarily reflect the views of the university administration or any other segment of the university community.
Nabil Bissada, professor and chair of the Department of Periodontics, received the American Academy of Periodontology's 2010 Outstanding Periodontal Educator Award. According to the organization, the award "recognizes an exemplary periodontal faculty member who is an inspiration to students whose career demonstrates excellence." The organization said Bissada has shaped dental and periodontal residents around the world into "caring, ethical practitioners."
He had several nominators, including Leena Palomo, assistant professor of periodontology. "He helped us to understand that a career in academic periodontics is serving an invaluable purpose to dentistry, and that the contributions of each individual are important."
July 6, 2010
A daily newsletter published by the Office of Marketing & Communications, Case Western Reserve University. Submit items for inclusion to: email@example.com.
In the News
The Plain Dealer July 6, 2010
Families who live in migrant camps usually don't have cars, are many miles from a grocery store, and don't have the time or kitchen tools for a lot of food preparation. The "convenient" choices they make -- food high in fat, sugar and salt -- tend to degrade their health, though they don't always realize it, says Jill Kilanowski. Poor nutritional choices, and the resulting obesity, are pervasive in the camps, says the assistant professor at the Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing at Case Western Reserve University. Kilanowski created a comic book to teach migrant communities about better nutrition.
MedCity News July 5, 2010
MedCity News is calling for a name change for University Circle to The Medical District. The area is home to Case Western Reserve University.
The Associated Press July 4, 2010
Before LeBron James, there were thousands of empty seats for most Cleveland Cavaliers games and downtown was silent after dark. With him, every game is a sellout and nearby bars and restaurants bustle. As they face the possibility of losing the free-agent NBA superstar, residents wonder if the man they call King James might take a little of this struggling city's economy with him. Some doubt that a single sports star can have much impact on a city's economy. Justin Sydnor, assistant professor of economics at Case Western Reserve University's Weatherhead School of Management, said people are still going to spend their money, whether it's at a Cavaliers game or at a downtown restaurant.
The Plain Dealer July 4, 2010
What is it about tall ships that enthralls us? About 100,000 people are expected to jam the docks at the Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority beginning Wednesday to see 11 of the bygone vessels cruising into North Coast Harbor from Lake Erie. When we see these majestic barons of the sea, we get a sense of freedom and are cast back in time, says T.J. McCallum, associate professor of psychology at Case Western Reserve University.
Higher Ed News
Chronicle of Higher Education (subscription required) July 2, 2010
In an effort to expand broadband access and create jobs across the United States, President Obama has announced the awarding of $765-million in grants and loans to recipients that include public and private colleges.
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|Kaspersky AntiVirus Engine can be exploited via a remote attack.Result: Hacker can execute arbitrary commands because of a unpatched vulnerability.|
|CyTRAP Labs security risk barometer|
|operating system affected||Windows, Linux, etc.|
|affected software||Kaspersky Anti-Virus Engine.|
|risk||4 – criticalWhy – because user interaction is not required to exploit this vulnerability.|
|where is the patch?||There is a patch for this vulnerability available upgrade to version 6.0 .You may also right click the Kaspersky icon on your workstation and ask the program to check for the latest update.This will make sure the latest version is installed on the PC.|
|our recommendation||Download Kaspersky Anti-Virus for Workstation version 6.0 hereDownload Kaspersky Anti-Virus for Server version 6.0 here|
|what is the problem?||The specific flaw exists in the engine’s handling of the ARJ archive format.The Kaspersky anti-virus engine copies data from scanned archives into an unchecked heap-based buffer.
This results in heap corruption when a malformed ARJ archive is processed by an application that utilizes the engine.
This corruption can be exploited to execute arbitrary code.
|where can one get more details?||Get more details from 3 vulnerabilities fixed in Kaspersky Anti-Virus for Workstation, File Server version 6.0|
|CVE-Nr||CVE-2007-0445 (under review – candidate)|
Why not get our new postings directly via e-mail, enter the address below:
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Jerlin Julieta, 17, from Costa Rica, is a senior in high school and a CFCA scholarship student. To fulfill the service component required of all CFCA scholarship recipients, Jerlin, who graduates this year, helps the project staff in several different areas. She accompanies social workers on home visits, and she helps with office work. She is the leader in her community, especially in activities related to the other scholarship students in the area. Together, they help with monthly meetings, celebrations, etc.
Rafa Villalobos, San Jose project coordinator, said that Jerlin means a lot to the project staff. They felt especially protective of her after her father died.
“In the midst of great difficulty, she has moved on, overcoming obstacles,” Rafa said. “When Don Roberto heard her testimony during a mission awareness trip, he said her story was a cathedral of hope.”
In the video below, Jerlin talks about how the CFCA scholarship program has helped her through many obstacles in life and how receiving a good education is allowing her to achieve her dreams.
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Tuesday, March 29, 2011
The web is becoming more interactive and animated day by day. Many web pages use the Canvas element to draw rich 2D content via the 2D context or modify DOM elements on the fly. These pages generally use the setTimeout or setInterval APIs to receive frequent callbacks, allowing them to redraw their content periodically, or use DHTML to move elements on the page. As 3D content drawn using the WebGL API increases in popularity, it will use similar animation techniques.
Unfortunately, setTimeout and setInterval don’t take into consideration whether the destination element, or even the tab that contains it, is actually visible. So, pages with high-frequency timers will consume CPU resources even if the tab is in the background. On laptops, netbooks, and mobile devices of all kinds, reducing CPU consumption is essential in order to prolong battery life. Additionally, excess CPU consumption by background tabs reduces the smoothness of animations on the foreground tab.
Excessive CPU consumption by timers on web pages is not a theoretical problem. We have measured web sites containing mostly static text content firing timers at a rate of over two hundred per second.
Mozilla recently introduced the experimental mozRequestAnimationFrame API, which has different semantics than setTimeout or setInterval. Instead of the developer specifying a target frame rate, the browser runs the given callback when it is ready to produce the next animated frame. The callbacks are specifically known to be relevant to the animation of the page, and don’t run too often.
An experimental webkitRequestAnimationFrame API has been upstreamed to WebKit, and is available starting in Chrome 10. This is essentially the same as mozRequestAnimationFrame, but supports an optional second argument which is the element that the callback intends to animate. This additional information will allow the browser to avoid animating elements that are not visible to the user. See this bug report for more details. Chrome doesn’t run requestAnimationFrame callbacks for background tabs at all, which dramatically reduces CPU consumption when multiple tabs containing animated content are in the same window.
The WebGL samples project contains a three dimensional graphics library that has been modified to use requestAnimationFrame rather than setTimeout or setInterval. Take a look at this library for a good example of how to convert existing timeout based animations to the new style, while preserving compatibility with browsers that don’t support requestAnimationFrame.
In the forthcoming Chrome 11 release, we plan to reduce CPU consumption even for pages that are using setTimeout and setInterval. For background tabs, we intend to run each independent timer no more than once per second. This change has already been implemented in the Chrome dev channel and canary builds. While there may be some compatibility impact for web pages, we believe that improving the user experience for the foreground tab, and increasing battery life, are problems needing to be addressed. Please send us your comments on this planned change.
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Tim Tebow played quarterback/savior during the Denver Broncos latest win last night, his success continuing to fuel his intense fans—ones so devoted that they’ve started an Internet meme out of his prayerful kneeling and will wear Jesus’ name on his jersey.
The religious overtones in Tebow fandom are impossible to ignore, and a new ebook chronicles the rise of America’s most famous evangelical Christian QB.
“This has been brewing around him for a long time,” said Patton Dodd, author of The Tebow Mystique: The faith and fans of football’s most polarizing player.
At this point, nobody’s surprised that it takes Tebow less than a minute to bring up “being blessed” or that he goes on to mention God’s plan for him as a quarterback in a recent interview with Skip Bayless on ESPN.
When Tebow was still a homeschooled high schooler, an ESPN documentary dubbed him The Chosen One. Things took off during his Heisman-winning college career at the University of Florida, where he became known for solid performances on the field, community service off the field and his signature Bible verse-clad eye black, the book explains.
Because Tebow’s professed his faith through football (now professionally, in the NFL), written a book about it, discussed it during interviews and lives it out through charity events and Christian conferences, the faithful do flock to him.
“There are Christians in America who are thrilled because he’s outspoken, and they see him as being good for the name of Christianity,” Dodd said.
But his popularity is a lot more than that. During a recent final-quarter Tebow-saved win, Dodd watched a man holding an “I have a T-Boner” sign shout “There is a God!” Tebow’s faith has become something for devoted Broncos fans, Christian or not, to latch onto. That’s where Tebowing came from.
“It’s inspired by a moment of intense Denver fandom, not religion. It’s not a symbol of the evangelical faith, it’s something playful and fun,” said Dodd, who’s also the managing editor of religion site Patheos.
There are plenty of Christian athletes, even among Tebow’s teammates on the Broncos, but he’s the one getting the media attention and he’s played along with the commentary. He laughs at the Tebowing jokes and even goes along with some churchy NFL hazing. Rather than dismiss his critics, even ones that slam him for his faith, he’s gracious.
From Bleacher Report:
When Tim Tebow was asked about Jake Plummer, the former Broncos quarterback who said on radio:
Tebow, regardless of whether I wish he’d just shut up after a game and go hug his teammates, I think he’s a winner and I respect that about him … I think that when he accepts the fact that we know that he loves Jesus Christ, then I think I’ll like him a little better. I don’t hate him because of that, I just would rather not have to hear that every single time he takes a good snap or makes a good handoff.
Tebow’s response was, “First thing I’d say is thank you for the compliment of calling me a winner.”
Dodd expects the Mile High Messiah will continuing winning fans over. Well, as long as the Broncos keep winning.
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AUSTIN — As they prepare to face one of the top passing attacks in the country, the Texas Longhorns took another hit in their secondary.
Senior reserve safety Christian Scott suffered a wrist injury Saturday against Iowa State and is out indefinitely, UT trainer Kenny Boyd announced Monday.
Scott’s injury comes a week after fellow safety Nolan Brewster decided to give up football due to problems with migraines and concussions.
With Scott and Brewster out, the Longhorns have no experienced safeties behind starters Blake Gideon and Kenny Vaccaro. Freshmen Mykkele Thompson and Sheroid Evans are the only other players working out at the position full-time, although cornerback Adrian Phillips is considered versatile enough to play safety if needed.
No. 3 Oklahoma, which will play No. 11 UT at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday, ranks fifth nationally with 377 passing yards per game.
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ON DECK: Astros at Diamondbacks
Monday-Thursday at 8:40 p.m.
TV/radio: FS Houston (Tuesday-Thursday); 740 AM and 1010 AM (Spanish) radio
Astros (37-77) Diamondbacks (62-52)
LHP Wandy Rodriguez (7-8, 3.69) vs. RHP Daniel Hudson (11-7, 3.67)
RHP Jordan Lyles (1-6, 4.36) vs. RHP Jason Marquis (8-6, 4.33)
TBA vs. RHP Josh Collmenter (6-7, 3.58)
RHP Brett Myers (3-12, 4.76) vs. LHP Joe Saunders (8-9, 3.67)
Despite jus ending a three-game losing streak heading into Sunday, the Diamondbacks are running neck and neck with the San Francisco Giants in the National League West. Manager Kirk Gibson has overseen a massive turnaround from last season’s 65-97 record.
The Diamondbacks entered Sunday fourth in the NL in runs scored (511) and first in home runs (127). Five Diamondbacks entered Sunday with more home runs than Astros leaders Carlos Lee and Hunter Pence (11 each): RF Justin Upton (22), 2B Kelly Johnson (17), CF Chris Young (16), 3B Ryan Roberts (15), C Miguel Montero (12). Upton has been particularly hot, batting .388 (26-for-67) with seven home runs and 22 RBI in the 17 games leading into Sunday.
The Astros catch a break by missing breakout RHP Ian Kennedy, who took a 13-3 record and 3.17 ERA into Sunday’s start against the Dodgers.
Player to Watch
Journeyman Willie Bloomquist has taken over at SS since Stephen Drew suffered a broken ankle sliding into home plate on July 20. The Diamondbacks entered Sunday with a 9-5 record in Bloomquist’s first 14 starts since the injury. He entered Sunday with a .286 average (18-for-63) since July 21. Bloomquist, 33, is a career .265 hitter who is playing for his fourth major-league team.
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The committee charged with envisioning the future of the federation says the "central address of the Jewish community" belongs in the eastern suburbs. It will advise moving the federation's operations and 130 employees from Playhouse Square to Beachwood.
The confidential Report of the Federation Building Committee, obtained by The Plain Dealer, offers an olive branch to a pro-downtown coalition of Jews. It suggests the federation maintain office space at 1750 Euclid Ave., its home since 1965, and in some way "reaffirm its commitment to downtown Cleveland."
Some say that may not be enough to demonstrate Jewish commitment to the wider community.
"We believe the federation needs a significant presence downtown," said Bruce Mandel, chairman of the federation's community relations committee, which fosters ties with non-Jewish groups and cultures. "We're not sure the current proposal meets that standard."
About 125 voting members of the federation's board of trustees are to meet in a closed session at 4:30 p.m. Thursday at the Jewish Community Center in Beachwood to vote on the committee's recommendation.
"I think it's going to be close," Mandel said.
The lack of consensus comes at a critical time for the federation, the chief fund-raising and planning agency for the region's 82,000 Jews. Wednesday night, it launched its 2008 Campaign for Jewish Needs, which annually raises about $30 million to support the federation and the many human service programs it sponsors.
Some local Jews say federation leaders rushed the decision to find a new home, needlessly dividing the community. But the building committee says the agency needed a bigger, more modern headquarters years ago.
The federation appeared ready to move quietly to Beachwood last fall. When the news became public, many in the Jewish community reacted with disbelief and concern. The federation is Cleveland's last major Jewish institution.
A passionate debate ensued in a community renowned for its civic engagement.
More than 250 people came to a pair of "downtown dialogues" to discuss the federation's future, with most supporting a downtown headquarters. A coalition of more than 75 Jewish business and civic leaders, the Committee to Keep the JCF in CLE, urged the federation to reinvest in a "vibrant, dynamic headquarters" downtown that could help revitalize the city and lure young Jews home.
"A headquarters location in Beachwood conveys the image that we are concerned only with ourselves and dwell among ourselves," the coalition wrote in a Sept. 6 letter to federation trustees.
Harley Gross, a Shaker Heights developer and chairman of the federation's board of trustees, remained steadfast in his belief that the federation needed to be closer to the community it primarily serves.
Last fall, Gross appointed Ronald Ratner, executive vice president of Forest City Enterprises, to guide a 13-member building committee toward a recommendation.
Ratner's committee mostly agrees with Gross' stated views. The 15-page report, dated Sept. 3, dismisses the symbolic importance of a Cleveland address, stating, "Our interaction and collaboration with the broader community is based on people, not bricks and mortar."
It argues the Jewish value of tikkun olam, "repairing the world," ranks second to practical priorities and the federation's responsibility to Jews.
It paints a demographic portrait of a Jewish community growing older and moving ever east and a volunteer base of retirees and women reluctant to drive downtown.
As a consequence, federation employees must commute frequently to Beachwood for meetings, the report contends, and the federation "stands physically disconnected from the center of Jewish life."
The federation is ready to buy and renovate an office building off Richmond Road in Beachwood that would serve its needs, the building committee reports.
Ratner said his committee was mindful of the 105-year tradition it recommends breaking.
"That's why this took a year of discussion," he said. "There's no solution that satisfies everybody here. We came to the conclusion we do not want to build a new and empty building downtown."
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Shopping in Tesco a couple of weeks back with my mother for the usual groceries, you know like lovely juicy apples, some milk, my trusty Quorn fix, I was momentarily mesmerized by the chicest little floral shift dress. I pulled my mum over to the clothes section and started to fling pieces at her, ‘try this on with this and this with this’. She bought everything. Literally everything. Five dresses, two cardigans, three vests. In fact she called her friend to rush down so I could dress her for a wedding she had. I put her in the most amazing pearl embellished dress and nude heels, all for less than £40. Needless to say, I’m loving the clothes at Tesco at the moment, and you should too! Look what I’ve found…
1. Leopard print is NEVER going out of fashion with this fun yet elegant strappy dress. Bringing the LBD to life! £18
2. With the unpredictable British weather, make sure you have something to layer up with! This boyfriend cardi is PERFECT! And loving the bold red. Now only £7
3. These are the perfect summer must have! Subtly nautical and great teamed with a plain white vest for a casual day look! £10
4. The VERY dress I put my mother’s friend in for the wedding! Accessorise with loads of pearl bracelets for a classy finish!
F&F Embellished shirt dress
5. F&F Couture at it’s best! This waistcoat reminds me of Vivienne Westwood, but with a cheaper price tag! £50
6. Jumpsuits are a MASSIVE hit this summer, so don’t miss out – chose this denim all in one and layer the necklaces on top. By Liquorish, now only £27.50
7. This is one of the BEST jackets I’ve seen for a while! Cropped with a scalloped edge, what more could you ask for! Wear it with EVERYTHING! £25
8. I made my mum buy these in every colour! It’s teh go-to bag of the summer. Wear smart or casual. Gorgeous. Now only £7.50
9. If you haven’t bought into the harem trend yet, do so now with this say-something sequined pair. Now only £15
F&F sequin harem pants
10. You MUST buy this cute little peplum dress in both blue and orange. I made my mother. For £16, you can’t go wrong! Wear it and wait for the compliments!
A very special thanks to Simon G for the blog post. You can check out more of his fashion musings over on his blog.
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Great Expectations – Theory of a Feedback ScalePosted on August 7th, 2009 View Comments
Surely you’ve taken a survey at some point in life with the feedback scale everyone seems to love. It goes something like this:
Please rate my performance:
- Very Dissatisfied
- Very Satisfied
You’ve also seen variations (Very Poor/Poor/Neutral/Good/Very Good). It seems that this scale is what everyone uses. But why? When we started our Client Feedback Tool back in 2004, we figured someone much smarter than us must have devised that system, so we used it too. We quickly discovered why NOT to use such a scoring method.
In our first year, 96% of the feedback we collected arrived at the top level. While this sounds like a good thing – you then must remember that the purpose of feedback is improvement. If your answer scale eliminates any room for improvement 96% of the time, you will never be able to fine-tune or tweak your processes.
Further, the tone of the words used is rather uncomfortable. The scale sets up a pass/fail scenario, and most people feel uncomfortable giving a score less than “Very Satisfied.” Likewise, receiving feedback on the mid-range feels merely mediocre. People giving feedback then tend to give higher scores than they would otherwise, just to avoid confrontation and/or hurt feelings. Rather than a bell-curve distribution of scores, we saw a small cluster of “Very Dissatisfied” responses, a huge quantity of “Very Satisfied” responses, and very little in between. Yes/No questions reveal the same problems.
Also, the scale says nothing about your clients‘ perspective and their perceived value of what was delivered. Every good or service consumed is measured against a perceived value gained. If you aren’t measuring against that value, the measurement is inherently inaccurate. I may not be very satisfied with the quality of a $3 fast-food burger, but I still chose to order it, and will do so again. Likewise, I may get the best steak ever at a classy restaurant – but never go back. Why? It all comes down to understanding my value expectations.
What we really need is a way to measure our performance against the expectations of our clients. Each client has a unique set of expectations, based on their perceptions of value received for the fee being charged. All clients have different backgrounds – different sets of assumptions based on their individual experiences. As such, no two clients ever have the same expectations of you – even if you are selling each client the same service at the same price. What matters is that you meet or exceed each clients’ individual expectations on a consistent basis.
So, if one client expects to be very satisfied with your work, and he is, then you have performed at a “centered” level. You met expectations. On the other hand, if a client expects to be disappointed (airline companies are famous for this), a very middling but quite adequate service may exceed expectations. Let’s look at our burger and steak to understand this more clearly.
If I go to a burger joint, I expect disappointing food. But, it’s cheap and convenient and fills me up. Therefore, I make a rational decision that, though the food quality is expected to be bad, the value provided is worth the $3 I spend. Now, it just so happens that when I order, they just took the burger off the grill, they just got fresh shipments of lettuce and tomato, and they put the perfect amount of mayo on. In fact, I’m not terribly disappointed by the burger after all. It’s not what I would call good, but it does exceed expectations. If they always made it like this, I’d be willing to pay $4, instead of $3.
Tonight, it’s my birthday and I want to go out for a nice dinner. Staying with our beef theme, I choose the nicest steak house in town. The 12 oz Filet Mignon costs $37 a la carte. I expect this steak to be perfect. For that price, medium rare better be medium rare on the spot. There should be no stringy sinews. The flavor and texture should excellent. This is, after all, the most expensive steak I’ve ever bought – it better be one of the best. Instead, it’s ever so slightly overcooked. There’s one stringy corner, costing me 1 oz of the meal. And, it needs salt.
Now, given the choice, I’ll take the not-quite-perfect Filet Mignon over a not-actually-disgusting burger. However, when you factor in my expectations given my value judgements, the cheap burger exceeded expectations while the steak was merely acceptable. On the other hand (using the “old” feedback scale) I was Neutral about the burger, and Very Satisfied with the steak.
If we look at the restaurant managers in both cases, understanding where I stood based on my expectations is the more critical business information to have. The fast food manager now knows freshly made burgers with fresher condiments are worth more. He can decide to manage towards this goal, and increase his prices accordingly. Or, he can make the decision to keep prices (and quality) low. He can evaluate the business case for each, identify which maximizes his profit, and be successful.
The steak house manager, on the other hand, realizes his business is based on being the best, bar none. He either needs to put additional quality control measures in place to justify the high prices, or he can lower prices, which would lower my expectations going in, and maintain his existing processes. Either way, he is working to match the food he provides to the expectations I have, based in the value context. If he fails to match his steaks to diners’ expectations, people will stop buying his steaks and the restaurant will have to shut down.
A service business (architects, engineers, lawyers, etc) must make the exact same decisions. Your fees are based on an expected value provided. If you do not know what your clients’ expectations are, and how you measure against them, you are flying blindfolded. Most professionals will use a combination of metrics to set their fees – usually based on what competitors are doing (and often that information is flawed and from limited sources). However, if your clients expect you to be better than the competition, then you can charge more. The perceived value is there. However, the only way to know this is to ask. You need to ask early, and then throughout the life of the project or relationship to make sure you are maintaining performance in alignment with their expectations. Oh, and their expectations will change constantly. Every time you deliver, new expectations are being made, adjusted, and tweaked based on perceived value and quality of your job performance. You need to ask.
Where does this leave us?
- We must measure our clients’ perceptions based on their expectations.
- We must measure constantly because expectations change.
- When expectations are exceeded, continuing to perform at that level will become the new expectation.
- Feedback must be comfortable to give and receive.
- Feedback systems must be flexible enough to capture the subtleties of each expectation.
To address these unique needs, our Client Feedback Tool utilizes a patent-pending feedback scale and ranking device seen here.
First, notice that “Met Expectations” is in the center of the scale. When someone first views a question and sees this scale, the slider is set in the center at 4.0 / Met Expectations. This is where MOST feedback should occur. After thousands of surveys sent using this scale, we now have data that more closely fits a bell curve. Met Expectations is not a “C” score – it’s not a measure of mediocrity. In fact, meeting expectations is GREAT! You have successfully delivered a service that matches the value as perceived by the client.
Second, the scale operates by dragging the slider up or down. By engaging the respondent in a kinesthetic activity, they are forced to assess their ranking and decide where to move the slider. On the “Satisfied/Dissatisfied” scale you have to select one of five buttons. It’s just as easy to select an extreme score (Very Satisfied) as it is to select a centered score – so people tend to select scores on the two ends of the scale. By requiring some effort to change the scale, people are inclined to change the score ONLY when they have a reason to do so. Thus, if a score is provided at “Excellent” you know the client gave you that score with intent, and not just to complete the question/survey.
Third, the scale is self-centering. If you exceed expectations consistently, that level of performance will become the expected. This allows for continuous improvement of your services. If you consistently got feedback of “Very Satisfied” you have no room to innovate. By constantly resetting in the middle, our scale gives clients the opportunity to repeatedly applaud innovations that worked well so you can incorporate process improvements over and over again.
Fourth, the words we used are very comfortable for everyone involved. Not only do the word choices at “Met Expectations” and above indicate a job well done, but even the first notch down, “Acceptable”, is not a “bad” word. If something just barely missed the mark - the performance was acceptable. Good enough. There’s no hurt feelings like you might have with “dissatisfied” or “poor.” Going down, “Needed Improvement” and “Unacceptable” both are focused on the process used, not the person. The results were unacceptable – not the person. While strong action is needed to correct this course, we’ve tried to make it as easy and comfortable as possible to both provide and receive this kind of corrective feedback.
Finally, our scale offers incredible granularity. The slider can hit not only the 7 key markers, but any of 10 slots between each – a total of 61 possible answer values. This makes it very easy for a timid soul to move the slider down to a 3.9 when he may be afraid to criticize. Likewise, when looking at the breadth of a service, the nuances of what worked well really come out. Life is full of shades of gray, and supporting that variety is critical if you want the most honest, accurate feedback. With this scale, you can truly identify the little tweaks that can add up to top-notch performance.
Overall, feedback is really very simple to do and do well, if you have the right tools and processes in place to capture good information quickly and efficiently. Most feedback programs fail because they are flawed fundamentally in how feedback is collected. A service professional that solicits feedback without focusing on the client, his expectations, and his value perceptions will not only get poor feedback data (if he gets any at all), but is missing a huge opportunity to discover what really makes your relationships work. Armed with that knowledge, you can do the best work for your client, meeting his needs better than anyone else, and maximizing your own long-term prosperity.blog comments powered by Disqus
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Many times when you think of swim meets you think of the bigger meets that offer bigger prizes. But what about the smaller meets, such as the ones you conduct for fun and practice for your own team or those between a few local teams as a way to prepare for the bigger meets? Whenever you are conducting one of these meets, finding a way to reward swimmers is critical. With the help of swimming ribbons, you will be able to give awards based on placement, as well as simple participation ribbons. These custom swim ribbons are a great choice.
Custom Swim Ribbons
One of the best ways to provide prizes to your swim team members for participation or placement within these smaller meets is with swim ribbons. These swimming ribbons can be designed to best suit your needs, including imprinting them with what the award is for, the name of your organization and the date of the meet. This will help all participants who receive them remember what they received that particular ribbon for. In some cases, you will also be able to choose the colors of the ribbon so they can match the place or even the official colors of the meet.
Options for Swim Meet Ribbons
As you consider swim meet ribbons, you will need to know which types of ribbons are available. A swim ribbon roll can be a great option for participation ribbons because you will need a lot of them. You can have these ribbon rolls customized with your organization name, as well as other information. If you will be distributing place ribbons, you will be able to choose from several designs, each including a card on which to write participant information and an elegant tassel. You can choose from a pointed ribbon or a rectangular ribbon, depending on your preferences.
Giving out swimming ribbons at your smaller swim meets can be a great option to reward your swimmers. Whether you choose to issue ribbons based on placement or you simply want to provide every swimmer with a participant ribbon, you will be able to create custom swim ribbons that will fit your needs best. From a ribbon roll to individual ribbons with a card and cord, you will be able to customize the swim meet ribbons for your individual meet or for your organization.
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You don’t have to believe in ancient gravity to love this episode of Sklarbro Country! Randy & Jason talk about a twitter feud between intellectual equals Jose Canseco and Bill Nye and then they discuss an entire Irish hockey team that walked away from their owner in the name of good. Jon Glaser comes back to the calming shores and talks about the Red Wings, his great turn on “Girls”, and his feelings about the end of his series, “Delocated”. Plus, we get quick hits and a disturbingly upbeat phone call from Dick Vitale. Enjoy!
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Editor’s note: Ecotrust does not currently engage in work related to aquaculture, but we recognize that there is valuable dialogue to be held around this topic. As always, we welcome discussion in the comment section below.
By Mark J. Spalding
Earlier this year, headlines trumpeted the fact that 2013 is the year that more than half the world’s global seafood consumption needs will be met by aquaculture. This is no surprise—the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization estimates that aquaculture needs to expand by about 10% every year in order to fill demand for fish and other aquatic species—especially since 1 in 7 people rely on them as their primary source of protein. We reached “peak fish” in wild catch from the ocean in the late 1980’s, and ever since, global food security relied on the expansion of aquaculture.
Food insecurity causes political and social instability, and even environmental instability in the sense that the pursuit of food at any cost promotes short-term thinking and reduces community commitment to a shared vision of a more stable, sustainable future. Continued population growth places additional stress on wild resources.
As the human population grows, the stress on the wild population of animals in our ocean increases and the system cannot keep up. The oceans have suffered from decades of industrial overfishing, loss of habitat to development, destructive fishing gear such as bottom trawls, and changes in ocean chemistry and temperature. The work to rebuild fish stocks and promote more precautionary thinking in managing wild fish stocks proceeds slowly. As the UNFAO and the World Fish Centre each predict, it is aquaculture that can and should be expanded to meet the food security needs of a growing population.
Aquaculture has been practiced for thousands of years. In Asia, fish were often raised in rice paddies and harvested when the rice crops were harvested and the paddies drained. Other systems co-produced fish and vegetables—the waste from one nourishing the other. Emerging technology allows us to produce diverse species on land in recirculating systems that can allow for local food security and small scale economic development far from the sea. To be successful as a support for global food security, the deployment of aquaculture methods, the species grown, and the intended customers must both be sensitive to local resource protection and responsive to local demand. Different contexts demand different solutions.
For example, in regions where refrigeration is scarce, fish must be grown to a smaller size so that they can be consumed without the need for storage, and at a lower cost. Such fish operations can also supply institutional needs such as hospitals, schools, prisons, and other entities.
In regions where local wild fisheries are a key source of both economic and food security, outside fishers must be discouraged from adding to the pressure on wild fisheries. Local communities can be assisted in the design of community-owned fishery management schemes. To maintain commercial fisheries to supply demand, we need to reduce wild fishing effort, allow fish biomass to recover and maintain total catch at a level that is sustainable.
Two major aquaculture industries are less about supporting food security than filling consumer demand in North America and elsewhere—farmed salmon and farmed shrimp. Most of the farms that produce these animals are in nearshore open waters or in (former) mangrove forests. It is Atlantic salmon that can be farmed—and often are—far from their home waters. Atlantic salmon escapees are now competing with Pacific salmon in the upper Northwest and British Columbia. In Chile, outbreaks of disease have moved the salmon industry to different places along the coast as areas have become too polluted to support the salmon pen. Feeding them in their cages requires conversion of millions of tons of small prey fish into fish meal—anchovies from Peru, pogies from the Gulf of Mexico, and menhaden from the Atlantic Coast, among them—in addition to antibiotics, other drugs, and a special dye to make them pink, as though they had had the same diverse diet as their wild cousins.
We have plenty of terrestrial examples from bison to passenger pigeons that showed we were unable to take “wild-caught” animals to a global commercial scale for consumption without driving them to extinction. For most wild prey species, we stopped hunting them, or domesticated them before they disappeared.
Eating carnivorous fish such as tuna or salmon is like feeding cows to lions so we can eat the lions. First, both the tuna and the salmon have to be fed a large volume of fish products to become a marketable size and flavor for the wealthy country markets where they are sold. Second, their feed is derived from other wild fish populations such as anchovies, herring, pollock, and menhaden that play a significant role IN the water as prey for larger animals. Third, the prey fish are a significant source of protein for people in all poor, coastal regions.
Thus, we predict we will move toward eating more herbivorous fish — tilapia, carp, and catfish, among others — via recirculating aquaculture systems because of global population growth and feed conversion ratios. This prediction is not without debate, and it may be on a long time scale that we see it play out in wealthy nations like the United States, but worldwide it may be unavoidable if we wish to avoid a continued downward trend in biomass in the ocean.
Obviously, we need new technologies and new ideas. The good news is they are emerging and being implemented; now, we need to implement them even faster.
New Trends on the Horizon
New Technologies: Recirculating aquaculture systems combined with hydroponic agriculture forms the new space of aquaponics, which enables the growing of both plants and fish together in one highly efficient system. Aquaponics can provide controls that allow production with lower contaminant loads, and may be an organic alternative. These are especially beneficial if powered by renewable energy, and are designed to prevent loss of water via evaporation.
Focus on Herbivores: Successful herbivore aquaculture could take pressure off the use of wild animals to feed humans or other animals destined for human consumption. Also, farming is an alternative way to produce marine species for the home and commercial aquarium trade and to reduce pressure on vulnerable reef systems
Better Fishmeal: When we do farm carnivores, such fish farms increasingly are consuming a significant percentage of the “reduction” wild catch made into fishmeal. Aquaculture thus plays a role in continuing and increasing demand for wild fish. However, another trend is in the improvements in feed content modifications to reduce the ratio of protein from meat.
Global Unemployment Problems: Aquaculture can provide viable local jobs requiring a variety of skill sets and education levels; although these jobs are not necessarily alternative livelihoods for local fisher communities who don’t want to work in an industrial setting.
Changes in Market Demand: Sustainable aquaculture can meet and encourage the “locavore” movement, while addressing legitimate concerns that global commercial scale aquaculture is the enemy of sustainability.
Rise of Community-Based, Grassroots, Diverse Constituency: In the United States for example, many recirculating farms are grassroots oriented; the farms are often run by lower-income and traditionally socially disadvantaged individuals and communities in blighted urban areas and food deserts. These grassroots groups often support high quality standards to prevent new entrants who undercut them on quality and price, which would change the industry from overwhelmingly sustainable to something more like factory farming.
At the end of the day, we know that we now have less than 10 percent of the fish that were in the oceans in the 1950’s, while the world’s population has grown from fewer than 3 billion to more than 7 billion people. Great management and habitat protection can help rebuild fish stocks globally. Sensible wild fisheries management strategies can help those coastal communities with few alternatives. Given the triple threat of population growth, habitat destruction, and changing ocean temperature and chemistry, we have to be ever more cautionary in our approach to taking wild fish out of the sea. Cautious starts to look a lot like deploying these new aquaculture technologies on land, with an eye toward managing energy, water, and transportation demands. That approach will ensure food security, to underpin social and economic security, and to allow the ocean stocks to replenish themselves.
Mark J. Spalding is president of The Ocean Foundation.
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Everything is in one location at the Fair:
- Accommodation, Food, Fun and Learning!
- 4 Seminar Streams - all day Saturday & Sunday
- Key NZ Research Repositories & Government Agencies
- Trade Exhibitors, Genealogy Supplies, Libraries & Museums
- Pay2View Databases - with free access during the Fair
- NZSG Sales & Publications, Branches & Interest Groups
Presentations will be made by genealogy experts from all over New Zealand as well as by Shauna Hicks from Australia presenting the seminar on Australian research and Marci Despain from Salt Lake City who will speak about New FamilySearch. Online access to FindMyPast, The Genealogist, OriginsNetwork, and other pay-to-view sites will be available at the Family History Fair at no charge.
This sounds like a great event! You can learn more about New Zealand’s Family History Fair at http://www.nzfamilyhistoryfair.org.nz
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There’s loyalty, and then there’s absolute loyalty. Jerry Roden, a private attorney from Vero Beach who practices in Fort Pierce, Florida, has been a Florida Blue member since 1991. As his career evolved and he married Cindy, an etiquette consultant, and fathered his son Brice, now thirteen, Jerry always wanted the stability and confidence of keeping Florida Blue as his carrier.
But a few months ago, reality set in. Their family’s health care coverage was taking more of their monthly income, and they were paying more out-of-pocket for their care. Jerry reluctantly considered changing providers.
Fortunately, during his research for more affordable coverage, he happened to run into a Florida Blue employee. She encouraged Jerry to talk with the team at a Florida Blue Center and assured him that it would be worth the hour and a half drive to Palm Beach (their nearest location) to do so.
Jerry and Cindy agreed that speaking with someone face-to-face might help answer their questions, so they arranged to meet with CW Hall, a Palm Beach Center sales consultant. Jerry described walking into the Center as a revelation, “It was modern, sophisticated, but still really comfortable. I was immediately put at ease by how friendly everyone was, too.” Sure enough, as CW began to review the Roden family’s needs, they discovered that many of Jerry’s benefits, from a plan he had retained since 1996, were also available in a high-deductible plan – at a fraction of the cost.
“I walked out of there saving $4,500 a year, with a discount program to further offset costs, and still had the confidence that I had the best possible coverage for any medical crisis my family might face. It was a perfect experience.” The fact that he was able to get his car serviced at the same time (“I multi-tasked! The dealer was just down the road!”) was the cherry on top.
Jerry’s story can be your story, too. As we all have to carefully review our budget, let our sales consultants review your current coverage and determine if a more affordable option might save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars. And if you’ve never been to a Florida Blue Center, rest assured – our service, care and sales staff are there to help you make sense of health care. Find your nearest location here.
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Step 1 – Egyptian Dreams!
- Clear away 3 shattered urn around Cleopatra's Palace
- Build a base for Cleopatra's Bed
- Feeling Spooked Out
Shattered urns should be scattered around the location, if you don't see any try coming back in a while to see if new pieces have appeared. Complete the first step 'Hammer Base in Place' to begin building the base for Cleopatra's bed. Click on Ida in the location and select the option Feeling Spooked Out to complete this task. Rewards: 10 LP, 15 XP, 1 Energy, Cloth.
Step 2 – Egyptian Dreams!
- Have 3 Glyph
- Complete the first STAGE of the Cleopatra's Bed
- Compare notes with Ida
To collect the Glyph clear piles of sand and shattered urns, just ask friends. Complete the entire first stage of Cleopatra's Bed by completing all five steps. To compare notes with Ida, click on her in the Egyptian ruins and 'Compare Translations' three times. Rewards: 15 LP, 20 XP, 2 Energy, Cleo's Silk.
Step 3 – Egyptian Dreams!
- Complete the first stage of the Egyptian Urn Painting Station
- Complete the second stage of Cleopatra's Bed
- Present Results
To complete the first stage of the Egyptian Urn Painting Station you will need to complete all four of the steps. The second stage of Cleopatra's bed will require you to complete all seven of the steps. Click on Ida and then select the option Present Results to complete this task. Rewards: 20 LP, 25 XP, 2 Energy, Glyph.
Step 4 – Egyptian Dreams!
- Clear 3 piles of sand
- Complete the last stage of Cleopatra's Bed
- Walk Like An Egyptian
You will find piles of sand scattered around the location. If you can't see any, come back later to see if new ones have appeared. To complete the last stage of Cleopatra's bed complete all of defined nine steps. To walk like an Egyptian, click on the Sarcophagus and select the option. Rewards: 25 LP, 30 XP, 2 Energy, Golden Thread.
Step 5 – Egyptian Dreams!
- Post up the anti-curse and get friends to help
- Have 3 Cleo's Silk
- Activate Anti-Curse
Post a feed about the anti-curse and get three friends to click on it and help you. Collect Cleo's Silk by clearing piles of sand. To activate the anti-curse click on Larry and select that option. Rewards: 30 LP, 40 XP, 2 Energy, Egyptian Cat Sculpture.
Once you complete all the steps mentioned about your first leg of the journey through Egypt should be complete and you will have a fabulous bed fit for a Queen and a magnificent cat sculpture to prove it. Next week, you will meet the other archaeologists working on the site and uncover Cleopatra's beauty secrets, too.
Power Drill (2), Hammer (4), Dreams (7), Love (3), Crystals (22), Cloth (10), Relaxation (7), Ruby (21), Cleo's Silk (27), Glyph (25), Red Fabric (13), Gold leaf (15), Paint (4), Emerald (14), Soft Pillow (4), Deep Thought (6), Golden Thread (18), Zen Crystal (9), Exotic Forest Wood (11), Steel (10), Clues (10), Saw (5), Golden Thimble (9), Admiration (6), Culture (7), Hint (6)
Egyptian Urn Painting Station:
Paint (6), Duster (1), Driftwood (8), Pencil (1), Power Drill (6), Cloth (2), Glyph (20), Love (4), Cleo's Silk (17), Admiration (16) Exotic Forest Wood (3), Wrench (4), Golden Thread (3), Ruby (2), Deep Thought (3), Gold leaf (7), Crystals (5), Golden Thimble (4)
Have some tips of your own for how to finish these quests fast? Share with us in the comments. Add Comment.
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The Berliner Schloss, the old Hohenzollern imperial palace which was blitzed by Allied bombs in 1945 and razed by communist ideologues in 1950, is to be rebuilt – at a cost of €600,000,000.
The original Schloss dated from the 15th century and was extended by Prussian kings, German Kaisers and dozens of architects over more than five centuries. When it was levelled Walter Ulbricht, then Secretary-General of the East German Socialist Unity Party, crowed, ‘The centre of our capital, the Lustgarten and the area around the “Schlossruine” (palace ruins) must become a great parade square, where we will express the people’s will to fight and rebuild our state.’
Ulbricht’s deluded vision became a reality, and on May Days as many as 750,000 East Germans filed passed him and other Communist leaders. In 1974 the glass-and-steel Palast der Republik was built on one side of Marx-Engels-Platz. Unfortunately during construction its steel skeleton was treated with 5000 tons of asbestos-based fire retardant and so, after the fall of the Wall and reunification, that building too was demolished.
Now the federal government has committed itself to rebuilding the imperial Schloss, or at least its vast façade and dome. Behind and beneath them the Italian architect Francesco Stella will create modern galleries, offices, shops and a spacious ‘Agora’, a kind of covered piazza. The vast building will become – as part of the Humboldt Forum -- both the 'new and ancient' centre of Berlin.
Individual Germans are being encouraged to contribute to the project, by paying for a palace stone (€250), a balustrade (€1,250) or even a carved column capital (€159,900). Americans are also being asked to make donations, which will be tax deductible according to the IRS. At a recent fund-raising event Henry Kissinger spoke of the project as ‘the opportunity to return the centre of Berlin to its historic unity’ ... restoring ‘a legacy of European heritage which crosses geographic and ideological frontiers’. The former U.S. Secretary of State went on to suggest that rebuilding the palace will ‘give back to Berlin its cultural heart and a good part of its soul.’
A majority of Berliners do want the Schloss rebuilt, and politicians recognise that this prestigious project – despite its enormous cost -- could be both a vote-winner and an ego-booster. Work is due to begin in 2014 after the completion of an extension of the U5 underground line. But is it the right decision? So many of Berlin’s once-vacant places have been filled with new buildings. Already it has become difficult to trace the route of the Wall in the centre of the city. And modern Potsadamer Platz is today more reminiscent of Chicago than old Berlin’s hub. Johannes Rau, former president of the Federal Republic, once spoke of the ‘dreadful emptiness’ of Schlossplatz. To my mind, it is that emptiness which is essential for understanding, remembering and respecting Berlin’s history. Paradoxically, the recreation of the Schloss will obscure the past. Let it – and the Palast der Republik – be recreated only as holograms, to be projected on alternate nights on the square, like the profoundly-moving Tribute in Light art installation on the site of the World Trade Center. That would be a truly-imaginative creation with so much more soul.
Donnerstag, 9. Februar 2012
Ansicht der Kommentare: (Linear | Verschachtelt)
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We've been a little quiet recently, but we have been hard at work. And now we have something to show! We hope you like the new redesigned site. We think it gives Dubai
and Abu Dhabi
a fresh new look - and we want to thank all those that helped make it happen. Yes, we're new an improved in time for UAE's 40th birthday celebrations!
If you do like it, you can help us by spreading the word.
1. Clicking on the Like button above on the right. That will tell your Facebook friends that you like Grapeshisha (the site, and maybe even the flavour!)
2. By tweeting about grapeshisha
3. By emailing a friend - especially those who are looking at visiting the UAE
4. By picking up the phone
5. By telling your friends (in person) over a puff of grapeshisha.
When we started grapeshisha, we didn't have twitter, facebook or the like button. But when we started grapeshisha, it was over some grapeshisha, of course. Times have certainly changed.
You can book hotels
and book flights
with our comparison engines (for anywhere in the world, mostly.) There are long lists of things to do in Dubai
, and things to do in Abu Dhabi
as well as many other interesting things. It's always evolving and a work in progress, and we hope to add lots more as the months fly by.
Thanks again to everyone for your support!Grapeshisha
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Wake Up Lucid consists of cousins Ryan Baca (vocals/guitar), Ian Baca (bass) and Jamie Baca (drums). They are just about to release their first full-length album Feel It on August 7th, and we managed to get some time with them to introduce their bluesy rock sound. Check out the full album stream on Groovebug for iPad.
Q: Introduce your sound in five words or less…
A: Loud, Raw, Honest.
Q: Which places or people inspired the songs in your music?
A: I feel like Los Angeles gives us some inspiration, but really the songs come more from the inside than the outside.
Q: What is the most fun you’ve ever had writing a song? Either actually writing it or the situation that inspired it?
A: That would probably be Facepaint. We were in the studio tracking this record and decided to try and write something while we were in there. We started messing around with the melody and the song just started falling into place. Within an hour we had it ready, tracked it live and that’s the take on the record.
Q: Who encouraged you the most to pursue a career in music?
A: We come from a really musical family so playing music was always encouraged, but almost felt more like it was just expected.
Q: Describe the moment you decided to quit your day job to pursue music as a career. Where (city at least) and when (year at least) were you?
A: Ha! We still have day jobs, I’m filling this out at work right now.
Q: What are the positives and negatives of being in a band with family members?
A: Same answer for both… There’s no quitting the band.
Q: What advice could you give a young musician wanting to form a band?
A: Do it, it’s a good time.
Q: What impact has touring had on your career?
A: Getting to play night after night and get comfortable in that setting is the best part about touring.
Q: Which do you enjoy most - performing live or recording in the studio?
A: Both are my favorite things to do. Playing live is great because you get out and connect with people you don’t know and you’re all on the same level for an hour or so. Recording is cool because being in the studio feels like you’re in some cave where no one can see or hear you and you’re just trying to create something to give to people that you hope will be of some value to them.
Q: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
A: Be good, and if you can’t be good then be good at it.
Q: Which historic musical moment do you wish you were present for?
A: Maybe Igor Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring”, it would be cool to see classical music cause a riot.
Q: What artist would you most like to work with, dead or alive? And why?
A: I don’t really think about wanting to work with artists that I look up to because they already got their whole thing dialed and working, I’d rather just have a good conversation about music with them. The short list would probably be: Neil Young, Townes VanZandt, David Bowie, BB King, Ray Charles, Keith Richards, Isaac Brock…
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Archive for the ‘metalshaping’ tag
World renowned metal-shaping expert Fay Butler has been awarded the Lee Iacocca Award in recognition of his steadfast dedication to the craft of shaping metal and for his tireless quest to help others learn the trade.
Since 2006, the prestigious Lee Iacocca Award has become a symbol of excellence in recognizing those in the collector-car hobby for their significant contributions that have impacted the classic car community in a very positive way. The Antique Automobile Club of America has called it “the most coveted award on the classic car circuit.”
Hemmings Motor News proudly nominated Fay Butler due to his incredible devotion to this most important craft, which, as a result, has ensured that many significant automobiles are not only brought back to life, but that their bodies are rebuilt and restored accurately and with the highest level of craftsmanship throughout.
When the Iacocca Board asked Fay about his experience in metal shaping and his contributions to the hobby, he replied:
I started shaping metal full time coming out of college in 1976. In 1989, I developed a seminar program to help teach people the principles of metal shaping. It is a 35-hour program, for three individuals at a time, which I have run once a month ever since then and continue today. It includes material science, elements of compound curves, welding, design, and other topics related to what I feel a professional should know to make low quantity of compound curve sheetmetal shapes. Participants have to make something that they or a customer will be actually using. We have had over 3,000 participate. I have worked with the auto manufacturers, concept car companies, tier one suppliers, professional restorers, hobbyists and schools, worldwide. I have worked to establish a language and standards for the trade, through the seminars, writings and books that I publish. In 2005, I established an “apprentice program” to go beyond my seminar to help young adults progress in this trade. Beyond the skill sets, I help them to write business plans, start a business, find/purchase/make the equipment and guide them along their life path. This mentorship has expanded to several dozen individuals worldwide. I have helped the Australian government write a program to teach metal shaping in their country. I volunteer as an adviser to several vocational high schools in my state, and have helped many colleges and universities around the country to better teach and understand the subjects that I teach in my seminars. Most directly is the WyoTech Tech School in Laramie, Wyoming, and McPherson College auto restoration program, in McPherson College, to list a couple.
My focus has been to help young adults become world-class craftsman, which I continue to do. Since it is a time in a young craftsman’s life where they are struggling to survive, I often donate my time, money and assistance in a way that would be very difficult to quantify.
Perhaps the greatest legacy of the nostalgia rod movement is the torrent of creativity it unleashed upon hot rodding as well as the urge among hot rodders to learn how to cut, shape and weld metal to push the envelope of hot rod styling.
Enter Walt Scadden, a New England hot rodder for 50 years and a metal working instructor. Walt has combined the two passions into a very unique book, “Vintage Hot Rod Metal Work,” which highlights the techniques and tips that go into fabricating a hot rod from bare steel, including gas welding, engine turning, using an English wheel, hammer welding, leading and top chopping.
The most prominent feature of the book is the hinged and louvered aluminum hard cover, a novel idea for such a book, and one fabricated entirely by Scadden himself (the inside front cover still features pencil marks showing Scadden’s work). The book itself is brief, at just 58 pages, and the longest chapter stretches just 10 pages. However, Scadden covers a lot of ground quickly, and as he notes in his introduction, “The techniques shown here are not difficult, (but) they do require patience and practice. Reading a book will not make you a master.” It doesn’t get much more honest than that.
“Vintage Hot Rod Metal Work” costs $65, and can be purchased through Coastal 181.
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The first part of this series can be found here.
Just as I was inspired by my summer garden when planning my Thanksgiving menu, I look to my autumn harvest with garden gifts for the holidays in mind. First up, these beautiful hand printed gift bags packed with homemade dried red pepper flakes. My co-worker Kelly had a bumper crop of cayenne peppers this summer, and she’s turned her surplus into these spicy treasures.
Didn’t plant peppers this year? Perhaps you found yourself up to your elbows in mint. I keep mint growing in a container, lest it take over my entire yard, and even with these constraints I ended up with a mountain of mint leaves. I have my eye on this homemade peppermint extract to give as gifts; wouldn’t it make a great addition to hot chocolate?
Another great use of garden herbs is making your own infused oils. My rosemary plant is still thriving, thanks in part to our mild winter so far, so I am thinking about making savory rosemary-infused oil to give alongside a loaf of crusty bread.
Those are some of my gardeny present plans (don’t tell my family!) for this holiday season. Are you using your green thumb when it comes to gift-giving this winter? Do tell.
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Counter-balance plugs can help solve many swing problems
One of the newest supplies Hireko now offers for clubmakers and club fitters is our stainless steel counter weights. These are handy items that no shop should be without to properly swingweight and counter-balance over length drivers, longer-than-average steel shafted irons or even putters.
Most individuals understand the importance the overall balance of a golf club to produce more solidness of contact, consistency, speed and greater distance. If a golfer has a club that is overall too head heavy it makes it nearly impossible to return the club to a square position at impact. In addition, the head heavy club may encourage a player to release the club too early in the downswing and rob that player of valuable distance. In some cases, a club that is overall too light can promote over active hands and inhibit the golfer from maintaining the proper rhythm and tempo.
Counter-balance plugs can help solve these problems by shifting the balance point of the club closer to the hands. Think of it the same way as a figure skater pulls their arm in toward their body making them spin faster. Hireko’s new counter weights essentially have the same benefit.
Counter-balancing clubs is not new. Tour professionals have it done to fine tune the clubs. Professional clubmakers have been using elaborate systems to fit their customers. Now an easy and affordable system of weights is now available to possibly help those who slice the ball or just need added consistency.
These are easily inserted into the butt end of the shaft prior to installing the grip. Now one can fine-tune your clubs with our counter weights now available for both steel and graphite shafts. The models for steel will fit shafts with a 0.600” butt or larger. Each 4g grams of weight will reduce the swingweight by one point.
For years, Dynacraft successfully sold a one ounce (28g) butt weight especially for golfers who wanted an extra long driver for increase length off the tee, yet wouldn’t be head heavy. With a greater assortment of weights to choose from for both steel and graphite shafts, clubmakers and fitters now have greater latitude of providing the right amount and weight to their customer’s clubs.
Disclaimer: Trying to force a counter weight plug into a shaft that has an inside diameter smaller than 0.485” (graphite) or 0.550” (steel) could split the shaft and void any shaft warranty.
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Olive – a Giant Long-Legged Katydid from Malaysia – was with us for only a few days, however, she left us with a precious gift; her eggs! Now, will those eggs hatch? We’re keeping our fingers crossed over here that we’ll soon be seeing some cute little katydid babies! This insect has quickly become my favorite among our exotic insects here at the Butterfly Center since it’s arrival just a couple of years ago.
Bob and Me
Our first was Bob – he arrived in January of 2006. We had never ordered anything like him before, so I was excited to see what he would look like. Well, it was a probably the biggest bug I had ever seen! At first I was hesitant to try to touch him, but I held my hand out and he just climbed right up there, waving his extremely long antennae all around! I was shocked that an insect of his size (roughly 6 inches in length) would have such a friendly demeanor.
I started to handle him more and more, and eventually we included him in our Bugs on Wheels program. The kids absolutely flipped out when they saw him and were so excited to touch him! I was lucky enough to find him a mate, Momma, who produced 103 eggs! Raising these impressive insects was a very interesting experience. Out of 103 eggs, 99 hatched, which was amazing! The nymphs (immature individuals) were very fragile and faced many challenges with molting (shedding of the exoskeleton). Out of 99 babies, 13 katydids made it to adulthood. Considering the factors affecting their growth, I felt pretty awesome about that. They were featured in the Frogs: A Chorus of Colors exhibit and 3 of them are still with me! They are officially retired old fogeys, but still alive. They are going on 2 years, which is remarkable for an insect!
Since all we had was a few retirees sitting around, we needed some young ones for Bugs On Wheels and display in the Insect Zoo. That’s when we got Olive. She arrived along with 3 males: Milo, Otis, and Steve, but died 3 days after her arrival. So, it was a wonderful surprise when I discovered 33 eggs a couple of weeks ago! I am taking care of them and hoping that they will hatch soon, keep your fingers crossed. We want to always have this amazing animal around to share with people!
Now if, you’re wondering…What is a katydid? Katydids, also known as long-horned grasshopper or bush crickets, belong to the order Orthoptera which also includes grasshoppers and crickets. These insects are all characterized by long muscular hind legs, 2 pairs of wings, and the ability to produce noise.
Katydids look much like a grasshopper, but are more closely related to crickets because of the way they make all that noise. Katydids and crickets rub one wing against the other while grasshoppers rub one leg against one wing. All katydid are mimics, most have leathery green forewings to help them resemble green leaves, but some mimic dangerous arthropods such as spiders or ants.
Notice the long antennae
Katydids are sometime called Long-horned grasshoppers because of their long antennae, which can be twice the length of their body. These long antennae help the katydid at night by acting as touch receptors, allowing them to feel, as well as smell, the environment around them.
They are nocturnal animals, remaining motionless during the day to avoid their predators. They’re very often attracted to lights at night, so you may have seen one on your front porch.
These insects have what is called simple metamorphosis which is different from that of a butterfly. The baby insect hatches and looks just like the adult, only tiny. This baby is called a nymph, instead of a larva. After several molts, the insect reaches it’s full size and if wings are present, they will be fully developed. The female lays eggs, one at a time, in several different substrates, including soil, plants stems, or tree bark. They are usually cleverly disguised as seeds to throw off potential predators.
There are over 6,000 described species of katydid that live all over the world, with half of them live in the Amazon rainforest. Katydids are very common in Texas and are usually a couple of inches long. Our Malaysian Katydids are arguably the largest Orthopteran species in the world!
It is such an amazing insect, you should come and see Otis sometime on display in the Entomology Hall. Milo is the one we have now for Bugs on Wheels. He, like the others, is so wonderfully calm as hundreds of children pet him several times a week. This is truly a spectacular creature!
So, if you find some time, say a little prayer for Olive’s eggs!
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Modern Patterns Under Foot
It may still be dark and wintry outside but here’s a way to brighten the indoors: browse the range of contemporary floor coverings now available. Start with the new rugs designed by Los Angeles architect Stephen Kanner, FAIA and his 14 year-old daughter Caroline. These floor coverings give new meaning to the phrase “cut a rug:” the grid of vivid colors seems to float and dance, creating a room-within-the-room.
It, and the elegant runner below, are part of the “Squares” line.
The rugs are part of the Ariana + Kanner Modern Rug Collection, constructed by Ariana Rugs’ Ahmad and Alex Ahmadi, who are third generation Afghan rug weavers from Kabul.
These hand-knotted, hand-tufted cotton and wool rugs incorporate sustainable materials including bamboo silk and banana. The one above is from the “Square Compressions” line. Inspiration for the designs comes from the geometries and color field explorations of 20th century painting, including Russian Constructivism, the Bauhaus, and American Abstract Expressionism.
Stephen is known for sleek machine age architecture — from futuristic homes and a zig-zagging In-’n-Out Burger outlet to the sweeping car-commanding canopy/marquis of his United Oil Gasoline Station,
completed in 2009 (photo by John Linden, courtesy archdaily) and shown here. But in the rugs I detect a new found freedom with hue and pattern that must have come from his collaboration with Caroline.
Another product — more a floor covering than a rug — is by a company called FLOR. It’s all about flexibility: you can mix and match the 19.7 inch squares or “carpet tiles” (made of renewable and recycled content) as you see fit. Launched in 2003, FLOR’s offerings keep expanding. We used FLOR in several Sunset Idea Houses and they were very successful.
which includes ten tiles. A special “FLORdot” system holds each square securely in place.
Chilewich is a New York company that has made a name in very contemporary matting made from woven vinyl in a variety of textures, patterns, and colors.
They can add lightness as well as warmth to a room, as the image of a modern dining area, above, shows. Here’s their “Bright” series:
And the more subdued “Dark Neutrals:”
These mats are elegant and practical at the same time: easy to clean by vacuuming, or mopping with a detergent solution.
So now as you take a break from watching the Winter Olympics in Vancouver, you can think about ways to bring a little gold medal design excitement into your home!
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Quiz - Do You Know Your Rights?
Test your knowledge of human rights, and human rights issues around the world.
Congratulations - you have completed Quiz - Do You Know Your Rights?.
You scored %%SCORE%% out of %%TOTAL%%.
Your performance has been rated as %%RATING%%
Correct Answers 1c, 2a, 3a, 4d, 5b, 6d, 7c, 8d, 9d, 10a
Your answers are highlighted below.
When did the U.N. General Assembly adopt the Universal Declaration of Human Rights?
Question 1 Explanation:
The Members of the U.N. General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on December 10, 1948 by an overwhelming vote of 48-0. The U.N. member nations approved the Declaration to prevent another Holocaust and the document has become the foundation of international human rights law. Eleanor Roosevelt chaired the committee to draft the Declaration.
Which Middle East leader stated: “The true victory is the victory for democracy and pluralism?”
A. Hosni Mubarak, Former President of Egypt
B. Bashar al-Assad, President of Syria
C. Ali Abdullah Saleh, President of Yemen
D. Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, Former President of Tunisia
Question 2 Explanation:
In 2005, former Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak made this statement after winning his fifth presidential term with an astounding 88% of the vote. The United States, among others, had called for international election monitors but Egypt rejected international oversight. Following the vote, Egyptian NGOs cast doubt on the freedom and fairness of the election in reports of ballot stuffing, voter intimidation and bribery. http://fpc.state.gov/documents/organization/54274.pdf
Which of the following is NOT guaranteed as a fundamental right by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights?
A. The right to legal representation
B. The right to a nationality
C. The right to own property
D. The right to rest and leisure
Question 3 Explanation:
Article 11 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights guarantees: “the right to be presumed innocent until proved guilty in a public trial at which he has had all the guarantees necessary for his defense.”
When did the U.N. General Assembly create the Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights Defenders?
A. 1945, as part of the U.N. Charter
B. 1948, as part of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
C. 1976, as part of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights
D. 2000, by the Commission on Human Rights
Question 4 Explanation:
In 2000, the Commission on Human Rights established the mandate on the Situation of Human Rights Defenders and created the position of Special Rapporteur to support implementation of the 1998 Declaration on Human Rights Defenders. Hina Jilani served as the first Special Rapporteur from 2000–08. In 2008, with resolution 7/8 and in 2011, with resolution 16/5, the Human Rights Council decided to continue the mandate on human rights defenders for consecutive periods of three years and appointed Margaret Sekaggya as Rapporteur.
How many countries in the European Union retain the death penalty?
Question 5 Explanation:
Following Europe’s final execution in 1997, the European Union abolished the death penalty for all member states. As of 2010, 58 countries retain the death penalty, including: the United States, China, Bahrain and Iran.
Which country is seeking to legalize indefinite, secret detention?
A. Saudi Arabia
Question 6 Explanation:
Current legislation being considered by the Chinese People’s Congress would permit the government to “imprison in a secret location anyone who, under home surveillance is found to hinder an investigation. The law would require the government to alert the detainee’s family within 24 hours, unless doing so would hinder an investigation of crimes involving national security or terrorism.” International human rights organizations have accused China using enforced disappearance against Chen Guangcheng and other human rights defenders. Legalizing enforced disappearances will further the Chinese government’s assault on pro-democracy activists. http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/03/world/asia/03china.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=chinese%20dissidents%20appear%20to%20disappear&st=cse
When did President Obama first promise to close the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay?
A. August 2007, as a presidential candidate
B. January 2009, as his first Presidential act
C. November 2009, on the first anniversary of his election
D. November 2011, in response to the Republican Primary debates
Question 7 Explanation:
On August 2, 2007 candidate Obama stated: “As President, I will close Guantanamo, reject the Military Commissions Act and adhere to the Geneva Conventions. Our Constitution and our Uniform Code of Military Justice provide a framework for dealing with the terrorists.” He has yet to keep his promise––January 11, 2012 marked the 10th anniversary of Guantanamo as detention facility for suspected terrorists. http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/washington/2010/07/obama-guantanamo.html
Which world leader stated, “Democracy is the common pursuit of mankind, and all countries must earnestly protect the democratic rights of the people.”
A. Hu Jintao
B. George W. Bush
C. Nelson Mandela
D. Bashar al-Assad
Question 8 Explanation:
In 2003, Chinese President Hu Jintao made this statement in a speech to the Australian Parliament. Nevertheless, in 2011, the Chinese government continued its crackdown on human rights defenders and pro-democracy activists.
Which leader made this statement: “In [my country] we don't have homosexuals like in your country ... I don't know who told you that we have this.”
A. Hugo Chavez
B. Abdullah Al-Saud
C. Silvio Berlusconi
D. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad
Question 9 Explanation:
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said this during an address at Columbia University in 2007 in response to student’s question about the execution of LGBT persons in Iran. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/7010962.stm. Despite Mr. Ahmadinejad’s denial of their existence, thousands of LGBT Iranians face the threat of unfair trial proceedings and execution for engaging in “consensual homosexual acts.”
Which country recently arrested a one-armed democracy activist for clapping?
Question 10 Explanation:
A Belarusian court convicted Mr. Konstantin Kaplin of applauding in public and fined him the equivalent of $200. Activists in Belarus use clapping as a form of peaceful protest. http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Europe/2011/0708/In-Belarus-one-armed-man-arrested-for-clapping
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Uh oh. Learn your rights, protect yourself!
On your way to a Nobel Prize!
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...either you've got to get out or you've got to have some massive increase, which is predicated on the assumption that with one last push you'll succeed
- The Guardian
The Twilight Saga: New Moon is slickly packaged entertainment that’s nonetheless predicated on a creepy vision of teenage sexuality
- The Times
It is a tale of sexual and sporting rivalry, bullying and manipulation predicated on the girls' passion for their teacher
- The Independent
...in an industry predicated on results, Pipe’s reputation, and business, is now in his own hands.
- The Financial Times
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Recently in Firm News Category
As any reader of my blog knows, Gwendolyn Smith has appealed the $49,635.96 judgment against her. Just like she did in the trial court, Smith was able to prolong the appeal by filing several motions for extensions of time. For those who are interested, below you will find (1) Smith's opening brief, Cooks Brief, and Smith's Reply Brief. If you read nothing else, you will enjoy Smith's Reply Brief. It says all that you need to know. I shall not say any more on that subject. For the full case docket click here.
I almost did not have time to write this post as my "white van" had to be taken back to the "CIA". I also am "biding my time" and will be ready to stand up to protect my clients from the tyranny of others. (You need to read Smith's Reply Brief for this to make sense).
Appellants -Gwen Smith- Opening Brief.pdf (Gwen Smith)
Cook Respondent Reply Brief.pdf (Constance Cook)
GS Reply Brief.pdf (Gwen Smith)
Remember, the greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist.
As reported by CBS 5,
As the California rental market heats up, landlords need to do their homework.
Connie Cook bought a Sonoma County property eleven years ago, hoping to spend her retirement years there. Her plan was to rent out the converted barn to help pay the mortgage.
That plan was working well, that is until a single mother moved in with her teenage son in 2009.
Soon afterward, Gwen Smith, the new tenant, started complaining that a gas leak and unhealthy water were making the apartment uninhabitable.
Then, Smith stopped paying rent. But when Cook tried to evict her, Smith, who has a law degree, fought back in court by filing motion after motion - all while paying no rent.
A judge eventually ruled that Smith's conduct was "malicious," and her numerous court filings amounted to "tactical delay." He awarded Cook $49,000. But, unfortunately for Cook, Smith appealed the judgment, and that case is still pending.
It turns out this wasn't the first time Smith had stopped paying her rent.
As Connie Cook's finances dwindled, she turned to her local legal aid office, which told her they knew Gwen Smith. They called her "notorious."
Sebastopol homeowner Barbara Wilt rented part of her house to Smith in 2008.
A few weeks after moving in, Smith allegedly changed the locks, and began complaining that the apartment was uninhabitable.
But, when Wilt tried to enter the house to fix the alleged problems, she was met with a nasty surprise: the police.
Smith had called the police claiming someone was trying to break in. In one encounter, Smith even pepper sprayed Wilt.
"I just felt this liquid on my face, started swelling up, couldn't see, it was horrible," said Wilt.
When Wilt took Smith to court, Smith countersued, claiming she and her son suffered "property damage, illness, infections, and emotional trauma" - all from living in Wilt's "hellish basement."
Wilt eventually won a default judgment for more than $42,000. But Smith appealed that judgment as well.
A month ago, after three years of legal battles and a trip to the Supreme Court of California, the Supreme Court ruled in Wilt's favor, upholding the judgment against Smith.
And that's just two cases. CBS 5 found a total of eight judgments in eviction proceedings against Smith in four states.
Smith's law degree helped her work the system, but experts say California's tenant protection laws worked to her advantage.
According to attorney Jim Sansone, tenants can withhold rent while a case is pending. Faced with motion after motion, most landlords, he said, simply give up.
"I have a lot of landlords who come to me and say, you know what, I am going to figure out what the cost of defense is, and I am going to offer that to the tenant and waive all my rights," said Sansone.
CBS 5 offered Smith a chance to share her side of the story. After two weeks we tracked her down to the small town of Forestville.
Smith wouldn't speak with us, and her most recent landlord didn't want his name used. But, he did tell CBS 5 that Smith stayed for three months without paying rent.
The day after our encounter with Smith, she moved out of the Forestville home. Her whereabouts now are unknown.
Meanwhile, Barbara Wilt is still waiting to collect on her judgment.
"I still am just so flabbergasted and shocked and so disappointed and disillusioned with our justice system," Wilt said.
Connie Cook is still waiting for her money too. But, even if she gets it, it is already too late. Living on Social Security and with no rental income, Cook fell behind on her mortgage payments and lost her farmhouse to foreclosure.
"It breaks my heart, just breaks my heart," Cook said.
9/10/2011 10:00 AM - 9/11/2011 10:00 AM at Maria Carillo High School
52 Teams & 619 Participants
JVS Law is a proud sponsor of the 2011 Santa Rosa Relay For Life.
Effective September 1, 2011, in an effort to better serve its clients throughout the North Bay area of California, including Sonoma County, Mendocino County, Lake County, Santa Rosa, Napa, Petaluma, Cotati, Rohnert Park, Sebastopol, Healdsburg, Sonoma, Kenwood, Glen Ellen, Windsor, Bodega Bay, Ukiah, Willits, Clearlake, Lakeport and Kelseyville, JVS Law is moving to the Atrium Court: 1260 North Dutton Avenue, Ste. 135 Santa Rosa, CA 95401.
The move will allow JVS Law to add additional support staff to better fulfill its mission statement, specifically to focus on personal attention and timeliness to its clientele.
Remember our objective has always been to set a new standard for quality, affordable legal services, by extending an exceptional level of experience, personal attention and timeliness, at a price that cannot be matched by large or specialized boutique firms.
We refer to this as "The JVS Difference," and it is our duty to ensure that our clientele experience and benefit from our pledge to quality assurance, without compromise based on compensation.
JVS Law is sponsoring the 2011 Relay for Life Survivor's Brunch which is scheduled for Saturday April 30. The brunch is designed to honor those individuals who have been affected by cancer and to drum up support for this year's event.
The brunch is scheduled for Saturday April 30th and begins at 10:30am. This year's 24 hour relay event is scheduled to begin on September 10, 2011 starting at 10:00am and will last until September 11, 2011 ending at 10:00am.
Anyone can develop cancer. About 1,529,560 new cancer cases were expected to be diagnosed last year. Cancer is an awful disease and none of us can afford to rest until a cure is found. Support for the 2011 Santa Rosa Relay for Life is one small way people can take a stand against this dreadful disease so one day the words "you have cancer" can be eradicated from our vocabulary.
Santa Rosa Relay for Life and the American Cancer Society invites you and your family to The Survivor Appreciation Brunch which is scheduled for Saturday April 30th at 10:30am. The brunch will be held at St Luke's Lutheran School and Church located at 905 Mendocino Ave, Santa Rosa CA 95401. The brunch is open to all cancer survivors and their care takers.
This brunch is Santa Rosa Relay's way of honoring and welcoming all survivors into the 2011 Relay season.
Space is limited to the first 120 people to RSVP. RSVP by April 16th to firstname.lastname@example.org.
This year the Santa Rosa Relay for Life is scheduled to begin on September 10, 2011 starting at 10:00am and will last until September 11, 2011 ending at 10:00am. The relay will be located at Maria Carillo High School in Santa Rosa.
Please click on the following video to learn more about my firm.
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During the preparation for this styling photoshooting, I keep telling my model:
“I hate the styles to be made today…”
then she asked, “so why still work on it?”
I told her: “I want to tell my readers that I can do it, but I hate it”.
Especially I focus on bridal styling, I insist simple, clean, natural and elegant makeup, which is the best for brides, that you won’t look outdated after years. Any dramatic makeup like vigorous eyeshadow colours, fingers-like false eyelash, visible eyelid tape, thick black eyeliner, I would prefer to leave it for fashion features.
I like to make clients look prettier through makeup, but not another person
(I know some girls like it):
So, Taiwan style makeup… sorry, not my cup of tea.
Compare with different countries’ styles, I praise Japanese style’s delicateness;
Korean’s skill on foundation base; and
Western Europe’s natural.
Unfortunately, we don’t have Western face, cannot just simply apply the Western Europe style right on Asian. Thus, I combine the Korean and Japanese style.
I worked on the Korean Makeup topic months ago, to make better comparsion, I invite the same model, Windi, for the deomonstration for this Taiwan style post:
Taiwan style: thicker, lighter eyebrow; big eyes, thick and long false eyelashes, white founation base, big hair styles
Korean style: dark gray, shapeless eyebrows, flawless face, dewy skin, long eyeshapes, very simple or no false eyelashes
Which style is more natural? You know it!
Typical Taiwan style:
Another Taiwan hairstyle:
I feel Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia etc makeup are still a bit behind the trend, I don’t decide to discuss for these countries’ makeup style. Please see below and you will understand:
Thai style makeup:
Coming next, I will write about the Japanese style makeup (one of my favourite style, yeah!), don’t miss it!
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Posting to Autocat
Serials are a very delicate matter and I think, should be reconsidered in their entirety. The major/minor change rules come from the latest ISBDs (available through the CCR Wiki at:
http://sites.google.com/site/opencatalogingrules/isbd-areas, all under 0.2 Treatment of Resources and 0.2.4 Changes requiring a new description: for continuing resources).
There is a real problem here balancing the needs of maintaining coherent library inventories with the needs of the users. In my own opinion, which is certainly not shared by everyone, latest entry was easier for non-specialists to grasp, since they had a nice overview of the entirety of the serial, seeing how it changed over the years, while successive entry broke everything up, at times making it difficult even for an expert cataloger to get an idea of the whole of a serial.
Yet, in a networked environment it becomes extremely difficult to share records based on latest entry, because each library will have vastly different holdings. If the idea is to share serial records, a library must have an option other than only taking the latest entry, since it would mean, in effect, major editing not only of each library's holdings, but of each bibliographic record, thereby defeating the purpose of sharing records. Thus, we have successive entry, which is designed to provide libraries this option, although as I said, I feel this situation becomes far more difficult for our users.
Are there any options today? I think there are. New formats, such as XML, allow brand new displays never available before, which can perhaps give the best of both worlds, allowing complete nested displays that the user could interact with, such as drop-down menus showing descriptions of earlier titles. But a more radical approach would question even more: how many *library users* want an entire serial? I would bet that 99% or more want individual articles from the serials, or they may be interested in knowing what is in the latest issue of a serial. It is very rare that anyone would have a practical need to know the entire history of the Atlantic Magazine, other than a cataloger or selector for inventory purposes. Lots of people want individual articles from the Atlantic, or they may want a thematic issue if they know about it.
In the printed world, to get an individual article, people need to know the physical location where a journal is shelved; therefore, they need to know something about how serials work in a catalog and how they are placed on the shelves. With virtual materials, more and more systems are being built with a link from the article metadata straight to the journal article and the user needs to know practically nothing about the serial as a whole. I agree there is a loss and it has profound implications in several ways: think of Google News and its impact on newspapers. Newspaper publishers are anguished about how their newpapers are being losing their identity. But this is exactly how Lexis-Nexis works, and most other online databases: the individual journals and individual issues disappear almost completely. Academic journal publishers are saying similar things as the newspaper publishers (although I can't find any examples at the moment, I have read them) Nevertheless, we all know that this is happening, and the direction seems to be toward more disintegration, not less.
When we are discussing the *needs of the users* and not the *needs of library inventory* (both equally important), in a world where information is disintegrating into smaller and smaller chunks, I think we have to seriously consider what *we* need as librarians. Serial records will more and more be there for librarians and inventory purposes, not for users.
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It's that time again, folks. Time to update another password. Popular matchmaking site eHarmony announced last night that it too has suffered a breach, confirming that the passwords of a "small fraction" of its user base have been compromised.
Want to test if yours was one of them? Find out here: https://lastpass.com/eharmony. Whether or not yours made the list, though, we highly recommend you update your password. The LastPass security challenge can also help you identify duplicate or weak passwords for other accounts.
You can use LastPass to login to your eHarmony account, go to your account settings page, and update the password to a new, randomly generated one using the LastPass password generator, located in the Tools menu in the LastPass Icon. LastPass helps automate the process by filling in your old password and confirming the update to your stored eHarmony account when you've saved the new password.
The eHarmony hack was reportedly perpetrated by the same Russian hacker who uploaded 6.46 million LinkedIn stolen password hashes Wednesday, June 6. According to Ars Technica, the hacker, who uses the name "dwdm", also posted the list of compromised eHarmony accounts.
According to their blog, affected eHarmony members have had their password reset, and will receive an email with additional instructions on updating their account. Of the leaked list, we can confirm that 1,229,054 hashes were already cracked, and we predict that they'll be cracked in their entirety soon.
Given that most of the password hashes do not correspond to the standard list of "bad passwords", eg dictionary words, it's probable that the person has only released the data for the harder-to-guess passwords in a bid to have them cracked.
As we said above, no one should be taking their chances - everyone should update their passwords, and use this as an opportunity to look over all of their online accounts to ensure they are using strong, unique passwords everywhere. The LastPass security challenge will give you a good starting point, and you can then use the LastPass password generator to start better securing your online life.
The LastPass Team
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June 12, 2004
Can't see the forest through the trees
This last week it rained a lot. One morning I rode my bike 13 miles through the rain. Along the way I saw a city worker out mowing the grass along the bike trail, wearing a raincoat. I think he was surprised to see me out there. He stopped driving the mower and stared as I rode by him.
A little later I was riding along the river and someone yelled at me, ďHey!Ē I turned and looked toward the river and down by the pier were a couple of workers doing something with their tugboats. One had his thumb up in the air, grinning at me. He must have thought I was crazy. Other than that I didnít see anyone until I arrived downtown. This ride, even in the rain, was great! It felt good. It was not too cold, and I could work a little harder without overheating. I felt really good for doing it and not missing my day of exercise.
I wouldnít say that it was all pleasurable, because my eyes were stinging with rain and my glasses got all fogged and covered with water. Several times I couldnít see and once I hit a big pothole that jarred me to the bones. I rode through several deep puddles and drenched my feet from the spray. When I finished I was soaking wet from head to toes. But I was happy. I canít complain about any of it.
Throughout life we all want and seek happiness. Often we seek happiness in things that bring us pleasure, but it doesnít last. And where do we draw the line? How much of something is enough to make us happy? Did you ever notice that some people are happy no matter what they are doing? Happiness is a state of being, not an object we can acquire.
All of life is like the forest. When we are deep in the middle of it, itís sometimes hard to see or visualize the whole forest. All we can see is the trunks of the trees. Happiness is like appreciating the whole forest while walking through it, and then appreciating the trees for being part of it.
When I was riding my bike in the rain, I did not sit there and complain about it. It was too late, haha. I was already wet. My overall goal was still the same and I now had the opportunity to go beyond my previous limits. I discovered earlier that I didnít melt in the rain, and that It was actually fun, but some days itís easier to take it easy and stay dry. Last year I would not have biked in the rain at all. This year it doesnít matter as much. I did it, and now I know I can do more.
Itís easy to give up on life and complain about it too. When I was in college the first time, in 1985, I was a blamer. There was always some reason, some excuse for all of my problems. I could not see the forest through the trees. My life was out of perspective. I got bogged down in the struggles of life because I could not see a bigger picture.
Some things that are helpful to our happiness, are the awareness that we wonít melt in the rain, lifes struggles are temporary, through experience we can surpass our own limits and expectations and our view may be limited until we can see a bigger picture. Donít get too bogged down in the struggles of life to appreciate the whole of it. Itís all part of life and happiness is a state of being while living it.
Posted by carl1236 at June 12, 2004 9:02 PM
just like me
Posted by: Roe at September 5, 2006 4:44 PM
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We have learned many interesting and useful topics in this class but the most interesting topic that I will remember is the one about psychological disorders. I don't have any psychological disorders but I once had panic attack. It was only 6 months ago and it was first time that I had a panic attack. Fortunately, I didn't have any panic attack since then, but I can't forget the feeling of it. The panic attack came out of the blue like the textbook describes and it made me to want to kill myself. I was so scary and fearful and I couldn't sit still. I told my roommate I feel heavy in the chest and told him to call ambulance. But he said no and just told me to calm down. It was 3 in the morning so I couldn't go to Boynton. I really wanted to die at that moment. I had to live with the worry that panic will occur in any moment for almost a week. I am thankful that it was only a one-time thing. I can't imagine how people with panic disorder will feel like. It is so horrible that they have to live with the fear that panic will occur in any moment. Psychological disorders are much painful than people think. I will help people who have panic attack when I see them. I am not gonna see them as a crazy person like my roommate did. The textbooks says that about 20-25 percent of college students report a least one panic attack in a one-year period. Be careful! You might be the one.
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The ICPSR 2012 Data Fair is all about elections data! The sessions are scheduled for October 1-3, 2012.
The series of webcasts will focus on election data held in ICPSR's archives, and how to use them for analysis and teaching.
The event is designed for the social sciences data community at large including researchers, librarians, teaching faculty, students, and policymakers from around the world who are interested in the use of social science data.
The first day will provide an orientation to ICPSR's services, including a tutorial on navigating our newly redesigned Web site. Other topics will include the American National Election Studies, minority voting behavior, and using election data in classroom instruction.
Note on registering: you must do so one session at a time and the default is to list Eastern Time. However, at the registration screen, you can change to Central Time so that your confirmation emails will have the right time listed.
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So it was another of those kite-windy afternoons at Londolozi that you sometimes get in September and we were out hunting Rhinoceros. Typically on your fourth evening with the same guests you wouldn’t be so desperate to see one, but we had skillfully evaded them for days and so were under pressure to find one.
Pressure is defined in the dictionary as ‘The burden of physical or mental distress’. Most people reading this will quite easily identify with the squash of it, but the pressure of picking performing stocks or running board meetings or fighting expressway traffic is very different to the pressure of having to find a rhinoceros. If you squeeze a small khaki clad mind for long enough funny things start to happen and so puttering around likely rhino hiding places at 20kph I started thinking of Gary Larson.
There can’t be too many people in the western hemisphere that haven’t seen or chuckled at a Larson cartoon. His ‘Far Side’ cartoons appeared in newspapers around the world for 15 years and his 23 books sold 45 million copies. That’s a lot of toilets!
He retired fearing that he would eventually enter what he called the “Graveyard of Mediocre Cartoons.” I wish he had made a trip to Londolozi because he would certainly have found a wealth of material for a 24th book. He would have seen rhino tiptoeing through the riparian forest and crawling on their bellies, buttocks high, through the long grass…
When I looked Larson up on the internet I discovered that the various honours accorded him include some newly discovered creatures named after him: The Strigiphilus garylarsoni is a biting louse found on owls and there is anEcuadorian rain forest butterfly called Serratoterga larsoni . To complete the list of honours the Garylarsonus beetle also carries his name.
After the naming of the louse Larson wrote: “I considered this an extreme honor. Besides, I knew no one was going to write and ask to name a new species of swan after me. You have to grab these opportunities when they come along.”
It appears that naming new animals after celebrities and famous people is a new kind of sport and the list is endless and the reasons are likewise intriguing. I’ve added a few I liked but google the comprehensive list for a laugh as well as the outlandish explanations for them.
- Agathidium vaderi – Darth Vader (shiny, Darth-Vader-like head)
- Agra schwarzeneggeri – Arnold Schwarzenegger (carabid beetle with well developed ‘biceps’)
- Avahi cleesei – John Cleese (long-legged lemur)
- Campsicnemius charliechaplini – Charlie Chaplin (long-legged fly)
- Draculoides bramstokeri – Bram Stoker (small juice sucking arachnid)
- Norasaphus monroeae – Marilyn Monroe (hourglass-like shaped Trilobite)
- Preseucoila imallshookupis – Elvis Presley (gall wasp)
- Sylvilagus palustris hefneri – Hugh Hefner (marsh rabbit)
Windy afternoons aren’t ideal for finding Rhinoceros and they typically do ‘hide’. With a little of Jerry’s skill and a lot of luck we eventually found a Ceratotherium simum on the banks of the Sand River heading for an evening drink and wallow. (In case you are wondering: Ceratotherium: from the Greek cerato, meaning horn and therium, meaning wild beast; simum: from the Greek simus, meaning “flat nosed”.)
We too then headed for a sundowner at which point I wondered what exactly it was that afforded Larson such a brilliant, upside down view of the world of animals – he would certainly have been a brilliant guide.
Gary: if you’re reading this – there’s a Rangers course in January.
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This product is really a perfect example of what the new Madison Seating mega clearance page is all about. The Ergon 3, by renowned furniture manufacturing masters Herman Miller, is being offered at an incerdible 83% off MSRP! I mean, there are deals, and then there are steals, this one certainly qualifies as the latter.
And if the rumors are true, then you would be wise to act quickly because stock is limited and you just know that these chairs won’t last at these ridiculously low prices.
Now for a quick look at the Ergon 3′s product profile…
The Ergon 3 chair maintains the proven design of the original while adding new sizes and capabilities to support a more diverse and dynamic technology-based work force. Ergon 3′s cushioned comfort, also available in an adjustable stool, is ideal for whatever work the day brings. To make your Ergon chair move with you and fit like a glove, just make a few quick adjustments to suit your body and work posture.
The Ergon chair revolutionized office seating because it was designed for both comfort and health. The chair quickly and easily adjusted to various body sizes and proportions, and it reduced physiological stress by providing exceptional spinal support and unrestricted blood flow.
- Tilt Lock
- Tilt Tension
- Forward Tilt
- Adjustable Seat Height
- Available in Fabric – Variety of Colors
- Available Size - B Only in a Mid-Back
- Fully Adjustable Arms – Height/Width/Angle
- Deep Contours Align the Body in a Healthful Posture For All Types of Office Work
- Easy-to-Use Adjustments Customize the Chair for Individual Bodies and Preferences
- Overall Chair Size – 20.25″ W x 16.75″ x 40″ H
- Seat Height – 16″ – 20.75″ H
- Arm Width – 26.5″ W
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Burdock is a hearty biannual plant and relative to the thistle, known to most everyone because of their super sticky seed pods. Anyone with a pet dog has taken burdocks from their coat or noticed the plant growing in an empty lot.
With a very deep taproot and tenacious ways, the burdock root is best deliberately planted in a garden for easy digging. Aside from that, spring or fall are both good times to dig the burdock root. Fall dug roots are available in local natural foods markets now, and are known to be a strengthening and medicinal food. They are useful for making liver tonics as well as side dishes. The idea is that this slow growing and strong root will impart these qualities to the diner.
Often used in oriental cuisine, the hardest part of using burdock is getting them cleaned. They will need a super brisk scrub with a stiff brush and often two types of cooking techniques to soften them. I use them in a Hiziki seaweed stir fry with carrot, onion and tofu, but the julienned or shaved roots (sasagaki style, sort of like sharpening a pencil) are delicious on their own.
Here is a recipe featuring classic Japanese technique that couldn’t be easier.
image courtesy of ibelieveicanfry.com
Laura Cabot, Laura Cabot Catering, Waldoboro
Scrub several burdock roots, being careful not to take off all the skin. This is where the flavor is.
Shave the root like you would sharpen a pencil with a knife by turning the root in small increments as you shave it down. Stop at two cups of shaved root.
Choose a heavy saute pan and heat it up with a small amount of good quality oil.
Toss the burdock with a small amount of sea salt and coat with the oil, sauteing for five minutes or so. Add a dash of sake or mirin and a little soy sauce, continuing to saute. A small amount of sugar, maybe a half teaspoon, is favored by some but I omit it.
Reduce the flame and add a cup of vegetable stock. Cover with a close fitting cover and let the burdock steam until it is tender and all the liquid is absorbed. You may need to add a little more liquid.
By the time the roots are cooked you should have a tender, lightly glazed, bronzed and delicious side dish with dynamic flavor and very healthy qualities. Kinpira is a technique that means “to saute and then simmer,” which is important when using a root this hard.
I used to kill these plants, and now I seek them out for supper!
Be well with this strong winter food.
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As you already know I was on FOSDEM 2012 conference in Brussels this weekend. Unfortunately due to unexpected snow fallout resulted in several transportation problems I was not able to visit a lot of technical talks this year. I will have to catch up later on them using recorded videos.
But, there are still some things to report:
- I participated in the OpenPGP keysigning party. This will allow me to completely obsolete the old key and fully switch to the new stronger one.
- I also has been assured by CACert enough times to become an assurer myself. I did not passed new assurer challenge yet. I want to use smart cards for X.509 certs like I do it for my new PGP key. I will need to choose and buy a Linux compatible smart card reader for ExpressCard slot. Based on my assurance experience looks like buying a black light lamp is also needed.
- Of cause I now have more cool t-shirts. This is expected from any open source conference.
- And finally I got addicted to a morning latte with a croissant. I did not like coffee before, but now I feel a daily need. There is simply nothing else to do daily early in the morning on a cold railway station than drinking coffee with a croissant. Now I just continuing this practice, but without a cold railway station.
Upgrade to Gnome 3.2 along with Android phone usage freed my hands in respect to social and cloud services. And I have added last.fm to the pool. And what? It is just a button press away in Rhythmbox and that is all. Almost everything is already pre-configured for you.
And by the evening I checked my last.fm profile and realised that with a few exceptions I only listen to black Americans and pretty French women. Quite a simple rule.
I plan to visit FOSDEM 2012 this year. Actually I already bought the tickets. So, one can meet me at Brussels on the weekend of Feb 4 – Feb 5. It is even nicer since I will also get my new key signed on FOSDEM 2012 Keysigning Party.
One problem that a rider feels on a road bicycle is racing on the surfaces other than smooth asphalt. It seems that the only solution for this problem is to buy a more appropriate bicycle. But there is another way that is not that traditional and intended only for fanatics.
Rheinradweg really surprised me with diversity of surfaces. Besides trite asphalt and not less trite ground there is a plethora of different surfaces ranging from smooth panels up to round and not so round cobblestones. Feelings from tightly pressured slicks riding on such a surface are similar to a visit to a sadistic dentist equipped by an industrial perforator. The pain is everywhere and the gel is not a helper. You really feel what the guys riding Paris–Roubaix or the Tour of Flanders feel.
But at the road end when you sense that you did not brake and that your bicycle did not brake either the real feeling comes. The feeling of a great pleasure. Only due to this pleasure one need to do a cobblestone ride on a road bicycle. And now lack of smooth asphalt does not sound like a big problem to me. Since I want to return to that hardest cobblestones in order to complete them one more time. On a road bicycle of cause.
Starting from today all my sites have native IPv6 connectivity. As a matter of fact IPv6 addresses are there on my sites and services (mail, jabber, DNS) for a long time. But till today I had to use SIT tunnel at some places. Now Hetzner provides IPv6 subnet on its virtual machines. This allowed me to fully renounce the tunnels and get native IPv6 connectivity.
But it is not a time to switch off IPv4 yet, tunnel is still in use at my home.
In my opinion IPv6 is well designed protocol accounting the problems of IPv4 and incorporating nice features of older protocols such as IPX. The design and the vision is pretty good explained in the corresponding RFCs. Small example is RFC 6177. I had a hope that there will not be a problem with lack of IP addresses and complex NAT translations anymore. But now I see that I might be wrong. And it is not due to IPv6 being poorly designed, it is due to the people who deploy it still thinking in v4 terms.
Few examples that I met so far:
- Hosting provider giving /64 subnet for the use on the dedicated server.
- /64 is a network with 18446744073709551616 hosts in it, sounds enough right? Wrong. Because IPv6 is all about routing. I can and I would want to have virtual machines on a dedicated server. I need to pass IPv6 addresses to them, but here I cannot route and should have a bridge with physical host interface added to it. But I want to have another network routed to me instead, so I can route it on the host to the virtual machines and have a firewall there. Just because there is no NAT anymore.
- Discussion on Russian ISP forum about the fact that /64 is too much for end users (/128 should be enough, yeah). Or well if SLAAC will not work otherwise then /64 is a maximum that should be given.
- Actually /64 is a minimal prefix for a unicast address in IPv6 and such a network has 18446744073709551616 hosts not because somebody will have one network with that many hosts, but to make SLAAC working. It is not a waste of the resources. it is just designed this way. And also there is no reason to assume that only one network is needed at home. It is only because in IPv4 it is hard to have several routed networks at home, but with IPv6 it is not hard at all. I would want to have one network for me and one for the guests or one for wireless and one for wired and I would want some separate DMZ network for “production services” like my VoIP phone. And I will want to have all those networks routed to me, because there is no NAT anymore. /32 that LIR receives has 16777216 of /56 networks, if somebody is lucky to have more than that customers it is possible to get another /32 for 16777216 more. Not much reasons not to give /56 to the end users. And those end users should not be better computer experts to manage it than now. Soap-box SOHO routers can do NAT right now. Manufacturing of SOHO routers that can route and firewall is no way harder, it is just was not common in IPv4.
Today I have received “GMDSS Long Range Certificate” at the training center of “Admiral Makarov State Maritime Academy”. The procedure takes three days by evenings, but groups are not formed that fast.
Due to my decision to move to a stronger key and a smartcard, I released a new GPG key 4096R/3E25796F. This key is signed by my old key and I have issued a transition statement. With respect to this
- If you signed my old 1024D/FC4FBF28 key.
- If you are satisfied with the transition statement content.
your signature would be welcomed on my new 4096R/3E25796F key.
The video from Russian Open-Source Hardware Conference 10.10 that we ran in October is available. On the video you will find the following talks (part in Russian, part in English):
- Bruce Perens “Open Source Hardware”
- Gianluca Martino “Arduino” (partial video)
- Steve Song, David Rowe “The Village Telco (Mesh Potato)”
- Александр Чемерис “Как начать свой проект”
- Александр Чемерис “Опорный генератор для радиоустройств ClockTamer”
- Антон Марчуков, Дмитрий Белимов, Михаил Мантулов “Программно-аппаратный комплекс мониторинга объектов GPFix”
- Николай Ковач “Проект плата Марсоход”
- Олег Садов “Ben Nano Note”
- Олег Садов “Открытое и свободное аппаратное обеспечение”
- Ольга Филиппова “Elphel Inc Open Hardware Company” (на русском/in Russian)
- Павел Косенков “Коммерческий путь OSHW”
- Павел Косенков “Открытый одноплатный компьютер”
- Павел Фролов “Свободное аппаратное обеспечение Arduino. Scratchduino”
The prefered way to obtain the video is by using BitTorrent:
Besides that the following HTTP link will be available for some time for those who are unable to use BitTorrent:
In both cases you have an ability to download only specific files.
On October 2 in Saint Petersburg we will hold a mini-conference on open source hardware — Russian Open-Source Hardware 10.10.
All of us know about open source software, but only few heard about open source hardware. And there are even less people who dealt with it. On the conference you will not be only able to get an idea about what the open source hardware is, but also be able to communicate with the developers of open source projects, get familar yourself with what things happen in this field in Russia and in the World. We plan the presentations to be made by developers from Russia as well as from the other countries (remotely).
For example I will be presenting our project GPFix — GPS monitoring system of remote objects there.
You can visit conference at no charge, but only standing places are left available. However, we will try to support an online video streaming with an ability to ask a question remotely. Thus it is possible to participate right from your home. Information about online streaming will be published on the conference web site and on the open source hardware mailing list. Unfortunately we will not be able to provide a realtime translation, but we may find time later to either audio translate or create subtitles of the recorded videos.
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Friday, February 19, 2010
My "Life Is Like A Box Of Chocolates" Quote of the Day
My name is Andrea Fay Friedman. I was born with Down syndrome. I played the role of Ellen on the “Extra Large Medium” episode of Family Guy that was broadcast on Valentine’s day. Although they gave me red hair on the show, I am really a blonde. I also wore a red wig for my role in ” Smudge” but I was a blonde in “Life Goes On”. I guess former Governor Palin does not have a sense of humor. I thought the line “I am the daughter of the former governor of Alaska” was very funny. I think the word is “sarcasm”.
In my family we think laughing is good. My parents raised me to have a sense of humor and to live a normal life. My mother did not carry me around under her arm like a loaf of French bread the way former Governor Palin carries her son Trig around looking for sympathy and votes.FOR THOSE who haven't followed Governor Palin's latest whine, the history is described on The Mudflats blog. Andrea Jay Friedman seems to have a better sense of humor, and world perspective, than the former Governor. The sarcasm reference, of course, comes from Palin's beliefs that Rahm Emmanuel should be fired for using the word "retards," while Rush Limbaugh should be applauded for his skillful use of "satire" when repeating the same word.
I was actually curious what the reaction was all about and watched the episode. While I thought the program was dreadful, I thought the caricature of someone with downs syndrome was incredibly vulgar and in bad taste.
The comment about her being related to Sara Palin was rather benign in comparison.
Before you tout The Family Guy as cool and edgy I would suggest watching the whole episode. I was really shocked by what they had done.
I am even more shocked at how many people are supporting and encouraging the dialogue that was on this show. I wonder how many of them have actually seen the show.
Posted by: Thom at Mar 1, 2010 9:44:14 AM
You're right, I haven't seen the show, which may be as tasteless as you say. But I wasn't touting The Family Guy as cool and edgy. I was responding to what Palin said and what Friedman said.
BTW, Friedman's parents are partners in a law firm with a lawyer we both know.
Posted by: John Massengale at Mar 1, 2010 9:51:44 AM
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You know, I'd like to get completely behind this World Baseball Classic idea. It seems like a charming idea, really. So... Olympic-like.
Wait, they used to have baseball in the Olympics? Oh.
In any event, the news out of Fort Myers, Fla., tonight is that a sprained ankle sustained by Kevin Youkilis several days ago and first reported by FOX Sports will keep him out for the rest of the WBC, which still includes Team USA thanks to a stirring 6-5 win over Puerto Rico on Tuesday.
A report on MLB.com tonight says that the Red Sox released a statement today that covered the following:
"Kevin Youkilis returned to Fort Myers, Fla., this afternoon to be examined by the Red Sox medical staff. He was diagnosed with a mild left ankle sprain as well as mild Achilles tendinitis in his left foot. Both MRI results were negative. To limit movement and allow his ankle to heal, Youkilis will wear a walking boot for the next several days, but is not expected to miss significant time."
Now, color me confused, but I don't it's common to wear a walking boot for a "mild left ankle sprain" with a dash of "mild" tendinitis. Then again, my ankle didn't sign a $40 million contract in the offseason, either.
The truly ridiculous part about Team USA in the WBC -- and there appear to be many -- is that the team is now struggling to man first base, widely considered the easiest position on the diamond to field at nearly every level of baseball where the right fielder doesn't pick dandelions in the sixth inning. Sure, the other options aren't smooth like Youk over there, but really... these are major leaguers on this team, right?
So far, Team USA's most likely option appears to be to go with burly outfielder Adam Dunn, who served up this quote about it this afternoon in Ken Rosenthal's FOX story:
"At first (base), you just have to knock it down. It's like being a hockey goalie."
Uh... On second thought, maybe this could be a struggle, after all.
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Customers who are upset let you know it, but if someone is extremely happy with a product or service they generally don’t let you know it.  That wasn’t the case for MatsMatsMats.com.  One customer, Jeffrey of ShelfGenie – Boston, wrote:
We exhibited this at the Suburban Boston Home Show in Wilmington, Massachusetts. The show was a great success. Thousands of people came by our booth over a 3 day period, and hundreds of them walked on your floor to spend some time with us. Several hundred more took a break from walking on the concrete floor and greatly appreciated resting their sore feet on the mat.Â
We lost count of the number of people who asked us where we got our trade show floor. It was at least several dozen – both consumers and other exhibitors.
The response to our booth flooring was so strong that it prompted me to write.
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The Memphis Grizzlies media day was full of revelations as the team prepared to start its abbreviated training camp.
Some highlights from Friday’s event:
Rudy Gay, back from a nearly 11-month hiatus following surgery, said his shoulder is “200 percent better.”
The players feel “dissed” that Memphis didn’t get a Christmas Day game while a couple of non-playoff teams – Golden State and the LA Clippers – did.
And Zach Randolph – notorious for his lack of hops – promised he would dunk 30 times this season, well above the 11 he notched last year.
But the biggest topic during the 30-minute press conference and the one-on-one player interviews that followed was re-signing Marc Gasol.
Mike Conley said he hopes the 7-foot center Gasol – who was reported to be in LA on Friday – was “on his way back now.” And Randolph said the team wouldn’t be the same without the “big man” there next to him.
But Tony Allen gave perhaps the quote of the day when News Channel 3’s Mike Ceide asked him about Gasol’s return.
Allen said, “When the big fella gets back, I’ll be happier than a kid at McDonald’s.”
Allen wasn’t done with the praise for his teammate, who is a restricted free agent and who the Grizzlies have said they expect to return. After the presser, Allen tweeted: “Really wasn’t feeling the mode without marc??? @MarcGasol. We miss u man!! Hope they get that ink in order!! Salute!”
If you’re not already following TA’s tweets, check out his Twitter feed, @aa000G9. You won’t!! be!! disappointed!!
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The late Wilbur Dungy and his late wife, Cleomae. Citizen Patriot photo.
Tuesday's column about Wilbur Dungy
brought the following e-mail from former student Paul Baker: "I read with interest your column in today's Cit Pat about Wilbur Dungy. I whole-heartedly agree with the analysis that he was a humble and 'non self important' type of person. I only knew him as a teacher for a short period of time. I graduated JHS in June 1956 and then went to JCC and took a Zoology course with Mr. Dungy as the instructor in the fall of 1956. He was an excellent teacher and knew his subject extremely well. One of our lessons was to dissect a bullfrog and identify muscles, bones, etc. Frequently in our manual would be long scientific words. First let me tell you that Mr. Dungy spoke in the simplest terms without any attempt to impress, but several times I would go to him for a pronunciation and definition of a word that seemed to have 15 syllables. It seemed impossible to pronounce but he instantly spoke the word without hesitation and told me the meaning and gave other examples using big words. He never pretended to be anything but a simple teacher but he knew much, much more than he pretended to. I don't know if it was true but I was told he graduated valedictorian of his U of M class in biology or zoology whatever the name. I did keep the transcripts to my fall semester at JCC and it lists Zoology as a course but unfortunately did not include the instructor's name."
One more Dungy story: The late JCC professor Dick Wendt thought very highly of Wilbur Dungy and called him "brilliant." I once asked Wendt about the racial climate in that era. I was surprised when he told me he never heard anyone -- ever -- make a racial comment about Dungy. I guess dignity earns respect no matter what our skin color.
Clarification: By the way, I wrote that JCC's new Wilbur Dungy Endowed Chair will go to a biology professor. Actually, it can be a professor in any branch of science, not necessarily biology.
What to expect tomorrow: A column explaining why males fight so hard to feel useful.
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The Muskegon Heights City Council is considering an ordinance that would ban people from wearing sagging pants, a style that was popularized in the early 1990s by hip-hop artists.
The council recently directed Police Chief Clifton Johnson and City Manager Natasha Henderson to research what types of ordinances other urban cities have adopted.
"We're trying to be proactive," said Mayor Darrell Paige. "We just think we have to do something about it."
Many young people wear beltless baggy pants that frequently droop below butt level. The fashion has become popular in suburban and rural areas around the country, prompting many schools to enact rules prohibiting it.
The Muskegon Heights City Council, which has made improving the city's image a top priority, want to go one step further. Some council members view the sagging pants look as "disrespectful" and "indecent."
They have not yet discussed any specific details of what the city's ordinance might entail. There also has been no discussion on how a dress code ordinance would be enforced, or what the penalties would be for violating the ordinance.
Similar dress code ordinances already have been adopted in communities throughout the country. Penalties vary by community. In the Chicago suburb of Lynwood, $25 fines are issued for anyone showing three inches or more of their underwear in public. In Flint, offenders can be slapped with up to a $500 fine and one year in jail.
However, the legality of some of those efforts has come under fire by civil rights groups, such as the American Civil Liberties Union. The ACLU, which is challeging some of the ordinances that already have been enacted, argue that the measures are illegal and racist in nature because it targets African-American youths.
Paige and other council members say their purpose isn't for the city to become style police or infringe on people's civil rights. But, they do believe lines of acceptable behavior must be drawn, especially for youths. Walking around in public with your pants down around your knees is not appropriate, they say.
"It may be because we're getting older," said Paige, recalling the fashion styles of his generation. "I can remember my mom didn't like the big apple hats that we used to wear, or the high-heeled shoes and open-buttoned shirts."
There are many urban myths about the origins of the sagging pants style.
One of the most common myths is that prisoners would wear their pants low to signal that they were welcome to sexual advances.
That's not quite true, according to many criminal justice experts. Sagging pants originated from prison, because prisoners were often given ill-fitting uniforms and weren't allowed to have belts because they could be used to injure themselves or others.
Not everyone thinks the city of Muskegon Heights should adopt a dress code ordinance. Harold Wright, a downtown business owner, believes the city has more pressing problems to worry about.
"I don't think the council needs to waste their time passing an ordinance," said Wright, owner of Rite-Way Communications, 60 E. Broadway Ave. "I think that there's a lot of things on the books that already aren't being enforced -- like loitering."
Wright thinks a better strategy is for the city to work with downtown business leaders to address the problem. A longtime respected community leader, Wright is not shy about asking people to leave his store if they aren't dressed appropriately.
Wright, who sells cell phones and music at his store, attracts many young customers. But, if they come into his store with sagging pants, he will pull them aside and explain that they need to pull up their pants or leave his store.
"I talk to them in a respectful manner," said Wright. "I explain to them that Mr. Wright doesn't like to see that, so please pull up your pants.
"I believe we as a community need to work together. If we keep explaining to them that showing your butt is disrespectful to women and everyone else -- I think after awhile they'll start understanding."
Several Muskegon Heights youths, who did not want to be named, said they wear sagging pants because it's the popular style of their generation. Hip-hoppers and skaters have made the look "cool," they said.
"I used to do it when I was younger," said Larry Harris, a 24-year-old Muskegon Heights resident. "It was the style. I felt like, "nobody can tell you how to dress."
Harris said he stopped wearing sagging pants about three years ago. He just outgrew the style, he said. Plus, his "granny," who raised him, kept badgering him about it.
"My granny didn't like that stuff," said Harris. "And, I have respect for my elders."
Thomas Smith, owner of Urban Apparel, 75 W. Broadway, said although he doesn't like the sagging pants look, he believes it's a "personal preference."
"I don't understand what they get out of it," said Thomas. "It looks ridiculous. I don't like to see their dirty underwear."
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MIDLAND -- Midland will host a tour stop for the U. S. Olympic softball team's this summer.
The "Bound 4 Beijing" team will play the Lady Explorers at 3 p.m. June 21 in Currie Stadium at Emerson Park.
The team's community tour begins in mid-May and includes stops in 27 cities. Midland is the only Michigan city on the tour. The Midland Area Community Foundation will pay the $15,000 required to cover tour expenses.
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This is part 8 of a series of blogs on setting up a governance program for the effective management of investment product data - in this blog I will explain why building and maintaining a data dictionary is probably one of the most important factors in the success of your program.
Like many business buzzwords, data dictionary means different things to different people. The common thread is that the dictionary is an inventory of the data items being consumed or produced within a specific defined business unit or process.
Why do we create them? Again, there are many reasons – but the most prevalent one is to bring a common understanding to play within a specific environment such that everyone is speaking the same language when it comes to data. Data management projects live and die by the quality of their data dictionaries because even within small teams you can have wildly different nomenclatures in existence for what seems at face value very simple, easily understood data items.
Before I get onto what makes up a data dictionary I would like to clear up a couple of misnomers I often come across:
- A data dictionary is not a document. Documents are two-dimensional, while data dictionaries work across many planes. They are best represented in a relational database, or if needs must, a set of interrelated Excel worksheets.
- A data dictionary is not a project resource – yes, every data management project needs a dictionary, but as a resource it has a life outside of the project. You do not create a dictionary to serve the needs of a project only – the dictionary is also required within the business-as-usual activities that come into play post a project delivery i.e. it is a resource that requires and demands constant attention, updating and refinement.
So what is commonly found in a data dictionary? As I mentioned earlier it is a centralised inventory of information on data items/fields that describes in detail the data items semantics, how the data relates to other data, where the data is consumed, where it is processed and from where it is sourced. The dictionary should also describe the correct format and syntax for each field.
So for each entry in the dictionary I would expect to find the following
- A specific unique name for the item
- A clear definition of the data items meaning, including references to other common/aka names for the item
- A list of all “consumer” entities and processes that consume/use this data item
- A list of all the “suppliers” or source systems that produce this data and deliver to processes downstream
- Specific mention of any master rules for choosing correct source system for specific situations
- A list of all business rules applied to the data item as part of any data quality management process that touches the data
- Reference to stewards or stewardship teams that are responsible for the management of the data
- Reference to subject matter expert(s) who can deal with questions about the data item
- Detailed syntax specification for the data item – including type, structure, format and example values
- Good dictionaries allow users enter and update specific notes and references à la a wiki
If you have constructed your data dictionary using a database then you can easily provide very helpful alternate views of the dictionary for example:
- Show all data items consumed by process X
- Show all business rules
- Show the data items touched by Rule Y
- For data item Z show all sources
- For data item R show all consumers
- and so on…
More advanced dictionary implementation have an integrated audit trail with the live system that can instantly show as-of transactional views i.e. the dictionary and the real-world systems it relates to are integrated.
So how does one build the dictionary? In MoneyMate we build them out using a SIPOC process in reverse [COPIS]
- So we start off identifying all of the consumers of information
- From here working out what outputs are consumed by each consumer#
- From here working out which processes deliver the outputs
- From here working out which inputs are used in each of the processes
- Before finally identifying the source/supplier systems producing the inputs
A critical element of the COPIS/SIPOC analysis is identifying where certain data items have multiple source systems – in these cases we need to carefully specify the master data rules that indicate which source is correct for the variety of situations that dictate different usage of the data.
Examples of this problem would be:
- You could have multiple back-office providers which means your daily NAV could be flowing from multiple parties/systems
- You could also have different legal structures in play that have different statements of record for different data types e.g. for holdings you maybe using the accounting book of record for your mutual funds but for managed accounts you are taking data from your investment records.
- You could have standard source of performance for all in-house funds, but for sub-advised you take data from the sub-advisor
Clearly the dictionary needs to capture all of this information in a well structured manner and allow for specific notation of the master rules for each item which has more than one source.
So hopefully you have a better understanding of what a data dictionary is, what it contains and why it is needed. If you have anything to add yourself – send me a PM or comment below.
Next up in the series is a review of the role technology should play….
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