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March 10th, 2012
Louisville Runs Over, Through Notre Dame
Siva, Cards too quick, too talented for Irish
from und.com by Associated Press
NEW YORK (AP)-- Peyton Siva played another near-flawless floor game, Gorgui Dieng scored 16 points and Louisville dominated No. 23 Notre Dame 64-50 on Friday night to reach the Big East tournament championship game for the third time in four years.
The cat-quick Cardinals held the Fighting Irish without a field goal for the final 12 1/2 minutes in the first half and advanced to play Cincinnati on Saturday night at Madison Square Garden. The fourth-seeded Bearcats, a first-time finalist, upset No. 2 Syracuse 71-68 in the first semifinal, handing the top-seeded Orange their second loss of the season.
Seventh-seeded Louisville (25-9), looking for its second tournament title since joining the league for the 2005-06 season, denied Notre Dame again in its quest to make the championship game for the first time. The third-seeded Fighting Irish (22-11) fell to 0-5 in the semifinal round--all under coach Mike Brey.
The matchup between Louisville and Cincinnati, both unranked, will be the first Big East championship game without at least one original league member.
The blowout was a bit of a surprise if only because the Irish and Cardinals have played such close contests in recent years.
The previous four games between the teams--and five of the past six--went to overtime. The schools split those four meetings, with two going to double OT, including Notre Dame's 67-65 victory at Louisville on Jan. 7.
But this time, Siva and his running mates throttled the Irish in the first half and never let up. The junior point guard flirted with a triple-double, finishing with 13 points, nine assists and eight rebounds.
Perhaps the singular star of the tournament so far, he had 18 points, eight rebounds, six assists and four steals in a comfortable quarterfinal win over No. 9 Marquette. That followed 14 points and six steals in a second-round victory over Seton Hall.
With Siva running the show in Louisville's new lightweight, neon-orange uniforms, coach Rick Pitino improved to 41-13 in conference tournaments. He goes for his 10th title Saturday night.
The Cardinals came in ranked fifth nationally in field goal percentage defense (38 percent) and clearly showed why. Notre Dame shot 2 for 17 (12 percent) from 3-point range and 36 percent overall.
Kyle Kuric added 12 points for the Cardinals, who shot 56 percent from the field.
Notre Dame is the only team to reach the semifinals of this tournament each of the last three years. But it has never advanced any further since joining the Big East for the 1995-96 season, also getting eliminated in the semifinals in 2002 and 2007.
The Irish were knocked out by Louisville last season as well, losing 83-77 in overtime after taking a 16-point lead in the first half.
Notre Dame went the first 8:17 without a turnover and built a six-point lead on 7-of-14 shooting. But after Pitino put pesky reserve Russ Smith in the game alongside Siva, they forced two giveaways in a row in the backcourt that led to easy baskets.
Brey called a quick timeout, but his team never regained its shooting touch. Hounded by the much-quicker Cardinals, Notre Dame missed its final 14 shots from the field--jumpers, pull-ups, contested layups--as Louisville closed the half on a 26-4 run to go into the break with a commanding 35-19 cushion.
After halftime, it was more of the same. Jack Cooley hit on Notre Dame's first attempt to end the drought, but Kuric drained a pair of 3s in the span of a minute to make it 53-29 with 11:21 to go.
Louisville cruised from there to its eighth victory in its past 10 Big East tournament games. The Cardinals won the 2009 title and lost to Connecticut 69-66 in last year's championship game. They have won 11 of their last 16 games overall at Madison Square Garden.
The 6-foot-10 Dieng had an easy time getting low post position against Cooley and Notre Dame's undersized front line. Dieng, who drew Pitino's ire for a technical foul Thursday night that sent him to the bench for a long stretch, tossed in an array of baby hooks and layups.
Cooley, selected Most Improved Player in the Big East this season, had 11 points and 11 rebounds. Eric Atkins was the only other Irish player in double figures with 12 points.
Louisville and Notre Dame offered a stark contrast in styles, and they played tug of war early over the pace of the game. The Cardinals like to pressure the ball and convert turnovers into easy baskets. Notre Dame prefers to slow it down, protect the ball and play a half-court game. Both are normally very good at what they do, but it was the Cardinals who imposed their will Friday night.
Louisville came in ranked seventh in the nation in steals after forcing 26 turnovers, one shy of the Big East tournament record, in an 84-71 quarterfinal victory over second-seeded Marquette.
The Fighting Irish, steadied by a pair of dependable ball handlers in Atkins and Jerian Grant, were giving the ball away only 10 times per game, tops in the conference and third best in the country.
They finished with 12 turnovers in this one and were outscored 18-5 on second-chance points.


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Dr. Douglas Smith
Professor and Head of Sociology
Office: Grise Hall 126
Phone: (270) 745-3750
Email: email@example.com
Website: http://people.wku.edu/Douglas.Smith
Community, Environment and Natural Resources Sociology, Quantitative and Qualitative Research Methodology, Social Psychology, Social Movements, Education, Rural Health and Poverty.
Simultaneously, I have worked on many projects with undergraduates, graduate students and faculty. These have included projects on:
- community (community field theory, as well as a 100-year community restudy), education (examining education test scores, scholastic audits of schools, and perceptions of alternative schooling).
- environment and natural resources (human-wildlife conflict in Kenya, the effects of wildland fire on community).
- health (the community context of well-being).
- the Internet and video gaming (the effect of gaming on relationships and leadership, the effect of classroom computer use and internet access on education test scores).
- migration (the effect of return migration on Appalachia, the assimilation of Burmese and Iraqi refugees).
- work (the cyclicality of employment).
I and my coauthors have presented these projects at statewide, regional, national and international conferences.
While much of my time during this period has been spent teaching and doing research with students and colleagues, I have coauthored (with James Grimm, Gene Theodori, and A.E. Luloff) an article in Research in the Sociology of Health Care. I also have two articles–one on support of hard, soft, and conservation energy paths among Texans (coauthored with Jessica Aldridge and Gene Theodori) and one on perceptions of the nursing profession (with Sherry Lovan and Steven Miller)–under review with other journals.
Speaking of journals, I was the editor-in-chief of Southern Rural Sociology (which recently changed its name to The Journal of Rural Social Sciences) from 2006 to 2010. While I have passed those duties over to others, I remain the Managing Editor and webmaster for the journal until 2013. I will also be serving as an Assistant Editor on Sociological Inquiry during the same period.
PhD, Pennsylvania State University.
Over my career, I have become a very eclectic sociologist. I was trained to work in the interstices of community, environment, social movements, and social psychology, although I often ventured outside these spaces. My intellectual roaming is more constrained now that I am Head of the Sociology Department at WKU. Still, let me tell you a little bit about what I have done recently and what I continue to do.
During the last five years, I taught undergraduate courses on collective behavior and social movements, disasters and the sociology of risk, environment and natural resources sociology, research methodology, social theory, symbolic interaction. At the graduate level, I taught the proseminar to sociology as well as graduate courses on advanced data analysis, community sociology, research methodology, rural education, and rural poverty. (The syllabi for all these courses are available on my website.) Beyond teaching in the classroom, I also currently serve on eleven sociology M.A. theses and seven Ed.D. committees in the Educational Leadership program.
If you would like more detailed information about me or any of my activities, please visit my faculty website or send me an email. I am willing to talk with folks about my research or about any project ideas they might have. Some continuing areas of particular interest to me include: community theory; ecofeminism; environmental and natural resources crime; rural isolation; the relationship of place and space; the potential for different types of place attachment; community studies and restudies; and regional social movements.
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subset: commoncrawl


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Says Burke: "Joe is a Calgary kid. He's a very intelligent kid. He has been unable to crack the top six group in an NHL lineup despite the face that he's almost 23 and a first round pick. He's 6'5", he has a high hockey IQ, and he can skate."
So we get ourselves another 3rd-liner?? Awesome!
A first-round draft pick in 2008 — going 16th overall, one spot behind Ottawa Senators defenceman Erik Karlsson, and six spots ahead of Edmonton Oilers forward Jordan Eberle — Colborne is the lanky (6-foot-5, 213 pounds) centre the Leafs acquired from the Boston Bruins in exchange for Tomas Kaberle two years ago.


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Winner bags a two-day guided hunt
PRATT -- This spring, young hunters can write a story and win a guided spring turkey hunt with KDWP's Jared McJunkin. McJunkin guides annually for the Kansas Governor's Annual One-Shot Turkey Hunt held each spring in El Dorado and loves to introduce fellow hunters, especially youth, to turkey hunting. This is the fourth year of this contest, and past winners have all harvested a mature gobbler.
Youth 16 years and younger from Chase, Coffey, Greenwood, Lyon, Morris, Osage, and Woodson counties are eligible to participate. In 500 words or less, authors must describe their most memorable hunting experience and why the experience means so much to them. Participants must have completed a hunter education course, be available to hunt during the 2006 spring turkey season, and, if chosen, purchase a Kansas spring turkey hunting permit.
The lucky winner will receive a two-day guided spring turkey hunt during the 2006 spring turkey hunting season. The winner also will receive a turkey hunting vest and other turkey hunting items donated by Bluestem Farm and Ranch Supply of Emporia.
To compete, submit an essay — including name, age, address, and phone number — to Jared McJunkin, 10295 Bluff Creek Rd., Blaine, KS 66549 by March 15. The winner will be notified by March 31. Lodging will be provided if the winner is not from Emporia or the surrounding area. A parent or guardian is welcome and encouraged to accompany the youth on this hunt. For more information, contact McJunkin at 785-396-4466.
The contest is co-sponsored by the Flint Hills Gobblers Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation, the Lyon County Hunter Education Program, and Bluestem Farm and Ranch Supply of Emporia.


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Robert Leland Thede, age 87, of Reinbeck, Iowa passed away on January 1, 2013 at Allen Memorial Hospital in Waterloo, Iowa. A funeral service was held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, January 5, 2013 at the Union Congregational United Church of Christ in Reinbeck. Burial followed at the Reinbeck Cemetery. A visitation was held from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Friday, January 4, 2013 at the French-Hand Funeral Home in Reinbeck. Memorials may be directed to the family. To leave a message of condolence for the family please visit www.abelsfuneralhomes.com
Robert was born on June 15, 1925 in Reinbeck, Iowa, the son of Herman R. and Hilda A. (Claussen) Thede. He graduated from Reinbeck High School with the Class of 1942. Robert was united in marriage to Lucille Frey on January 26, 1947 in Traer, Iowa. They welcomed three children into their family. Robert loved to farm and did so on the family farm his entire life.
Robert was the Secretary and Treasurer for the Hudson Cooperative Dairy Association for 20 years. He was a member of the UCC Board of Trustees, a member and former president of the Merry Makers Sunday School Class and a member and contributor to the Izaak Walton League from 1941 to the present day. Robert was an avid bowler, but his true joy in life came from spending time with his family especially his beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Article Photos
Robert is survived by his wife Lucille of Reinbeck; children Allen (Von) Thede of Reinbeck, Jan L. Lee of Knoxville, Tenn. and Susan (Kenneth) Nichols of Hubbard, Iowa; grandchildren Lee (Jessica) Thede, Travis (Kelcy) Thede, Josie (Bryce) Lemke and Jenny (Todd) Pekarek; 7 great-grandchildren; brothers H. Junior Thede and Norman (Naomi) Thede and sister-in-law Delane Thede. He was preceded in death by his parents; grandson Matthew Thede and brother Wayne Thede.


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The Dale County courthouse will be seeing an upgrade to its phone system.
Often people are trying to get a hold of one of the departments in the building and are stuck with a busy tone. That is because the system is old and outdated.
The Dale County Commission approved the spending of $77,000 to redo the system.
The courthouse will be on the same phone and internet network as the E-911 and government buildings.
County Commission Chairman Mark Blankenship said, "The biggest thing is we will be able to share data from one building to the next. If one building goes down, it'll stay up because it will feed from the other building."
The new system will also link up all the extensions between the buildings, making it easier to transfer calls between departments.


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Henry Poggi
B1G's Best Asst. Coach Recruiters (Rivals)
Here's an interesting Rivals article (link). Highlights!
- Obviously: OSU and Michigan have the best recruiters. You probably know all about Michigan's body of work, but OSU was admittedly impressive in Texas and Georgia. They secured the #1 Texan and took a 4 star running back wanted by Texas/Oregon. They also beat out 'Bama and Georgia for a 5 star Georgian linebacker.
- Also expected: Fred Jackson's recruiting prowess in Detroit is like Nick Saban and Lane Kiffin, but cleaner (This is almost not an exaggeration.)
- Greg Mattison's work all over the country gets mentioned. He's credited for securing Poggi from the Crimson Temptress, but you probably knew that already.
- I think Indiana's continued recruiting successes are the most noteworthy. They pulled a couple 4 star prospects from the Hoosier State--but also a 4 star out of Georgia. Indy raiding the SEC is pretty wild.
- Jerry Montgomery didn't make the list. These things probably vary by year, and I don't think it's a strong indication of anything in particular, but it's a relevant omission for Michigan fans.
- Frosting should come in two varieties: Chuck E. Cheese-style and the kind made with cream cheese. Also, all pie crusts should be made of graham crackers.
Iowa LB Jim Poggi (bro of Henry Poggi) takes a medical hardship
Iowa LB Jim Poggi, brother of Henry Poggi, took a medical hardship due to persistent injuries. The part I didn't know was that his brother was one of the players who was hospitalized with rhabdomyolysis from that Iowa offseason workout a couple years back. Tough break for the kid.
In other news, Iowa FB Brad Rogers also was took a medical hardship as well. AIRBHG?
Poggi update per TomVH Tweet
RT @the_hank_poggi Just threw a pair of these pajamas on before bed, hoping that will put some speculation to rest twitter.com/The_Hank_Poggi…— Tom VanHaaren (@TomVH) February 6, 2013
Awesome PJs. Go Blue. Beat Ohio.
5* DT A'Shawn Robinson flips to Alabama
5 star DT A'Shawn Robinson, the prized recruit in Texas' class, has flipped to Alabama after being committed for over a year. This should probably end all speculation on Henry Poggi. On another note, Texas probably picked the worst time to turn into a dumpster fire. A&M leaves for the SEC and Manziel wins the Heisman, and now Texas is losing its grip on in-state recruiting.
At least Texas fans have the Longhorn Network. Hope it was worth it.
OB has confirmed that A'Shawn Robinson has informed the Texas coaches in an in-home visit that he will sign with Alabama on Wednesday.
Under Armour White Team OL vs DL Video
Lots of reps for Michigan commits in this video. Hard to tell with a video like this because it seems like the DL has the advantage, but Kugler and Dawson looked solid. LTT is still raw. Poggi looks quick. Hunt looks good.
Dorian Johnson did not look like the #2 OT in those reps.
DT Henry Poggi Interview (2013 commit)
I'm not sure if there are any rules about posting links to other blogs, but I thought this interview with 2013 DT commit Henry Poggi was well worth the read. It provides some interesting insights into his relatively quiet recruiting process, why he chose Michigan over Alabama (and everyone else), his unusual pregame ritual, and his rocky relationship with Kate Upton.
Please also note his proper use of the phrase "could not care less."
Conclusion: Another definite Michigan Man.


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LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) - A panel appointed by Gov. Steve Beshear to look at changes to Kentucky's tax system has proposed lowering individual and corporate tax rates, raising the cigarette tax and expanding the state sales tax to certain services.
Lt. Gov. Jerry Abramson said Monday the changes recommended by the Governor's Blue Ribbon Commission on Tax Reform would generate about $659 million in new state revenue each year.
Abramson, who headed the commission, said the changes will make Kentucky more competitive in creating jobs.
The proposal would lower the state's top corporate tax rate to 5.8 percent from 6 percent. Individual income tax rates also would drop.
The state's cigarette tax would go to $1 a pack from the current 60 cents.
Beshear says he'll discuss the commission's recommendations with state lawmakers.
(Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)


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Allegations of stalking against a Fountain police officer stem from a love-triangle with a woman who stars in a reality TV show about Colorado miners, according to court documents.
Daniel Barkus, 33, allegedly threatened to kill Travis Anderson after he learned Tuesday that his ex-girlfriend, Amanda Adkins, was going to marry Anderson, the arrest affidavit for Barkus states.
Adkins, a former model who stars in The Weather Channel's "Prospectors" TV show about gem hunters, told El Paso County sheriff's deputies that Barkus was shaking with rage when he made the threat, documents state.
"I'm going to go up there and kill him," Barkus told Adkins, referring to a mining claim site on national forest land where Anderson was camped, documents state.
After Barkus allegedly made the threat, he told Adkins he was going for a walk.
"Mr. Barkus called Ms. Adkins a short time later and stated, 'I'm almost to the gate,'" documents state.
Adkins, who dated Barkus on and off until she broke off the relationship in December, told sheriff's deputies she feared for Anderson's safety.
"Ms. Adkins knew that Mr. Barkus was a police officer and had access to weapons," documents state.
Adkins followed Barkus to the campsite where she and Anderson stayed. When she found Anderson, she told him about the threat, documents state.
"Mr. Anderson felt enough fear that he armed himself with a firearm for his own protection," documents state. "Mr. Anderson then told Mr. Barkus to leave. Mr. Barkus left the area."
Barkus went back just before midnight Tuesday and started arguing with Adkins and Anderson, documents state. Anderson called sheriff's deputy Matthew Cullers, who had contacted Anderson about an hour earlier, and told him that Barkus had returned.
"Mr. Anderson had attempted to deescalate the situation by allowing Ms. Adkins to speak with Mr. Barkus and removing himself from the situation," documents state. "Mr. Barkus then accused Ms. Adkins of taking his phone and grabbed her arm. Mr. Barkus released Ms. Adkins and left the camp."
About 30 minutes later, sheriff's deputies stopped Barkus on Crystal Park Road.
"Mr. Barkus was removed from the vehicle at gunpoint and was detained at that time," documents state.
Deputies searched Barkus' vehicle and found a .40-caliber Smith & Wesson under the driver's seat, documents state.
"The handgun was loaded with eight rounds in the magazine and one round in the chamber," documents state.
In an interview Wednesday with The Gazette, Adkins gave a completely different version of events. She said Barkus went to the mining claim site for the fun of it and encountered one of her new employees, who knew of Barkus but had never met him in person.
"The first time they met was at night, and that's just not good when you're guarding a mining claim," she said.
"I think they kind of startled each other and just had a confrontation, but it was not a bad one. It was just words. Just verbal," she said.
Contact Daniel ChacOn: 476-1623 Twitter @danieljchacon


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The Indiana House of Representatives' Public Policy Committee has delayed until at least this week deciding whether to advance a bill to allow Sunday liquor sales in Indiana.
Public Policy Committee Chairman Bill Davis made that decision after hearing conflicting testimony on the bill at a hearing last Wednesday.
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Want to remind yourself or a friend about this program? Fill out this simple form and klru will email you a reminder on the day that it will air.
Gaucho Grill
series: Primal Grill With Steven Raichlen
air date: 9/01/13 3:00 PM
Gaucho describes the cowboys of northern Argentina and southern Brazil. These rustic cattle herders developed a simple yet powerful style of grilling over an open wood fire, a tradition still celebrated around Planet Barbecue today. Here are three indispensible gaucho favorites: Chicken roasted in a salt crust, from Uruguay's celebrity grill master, Francis Mallmann; the monster beef ribs that made the reputation of Brazil's famous grill house, Fogo de Chao; and a dessert from Brazil's cattle country, a pineapple you roast on the rotisserie. Chicken in a Salt Crust; Gaucho Beef Ribs; Brazilian Rotisserie Pineapple.
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Jonas (19), Photographer. Jacket by Rock On from London, Vintage Sweater, Jeans borrowed from sister, Shoes by Clarks.
HA! His jeans are from his sister. That's awesome.ReplyDelete
Killer sweater. Only a vintage find would produce such amazingness!ReplyDelete
i love how his eyes match his denim jacket. so perfect
and HAHA at how he borrowed his sister's jeans! thats so fab.
this is so interesting! by the way, visit this page http://totellyhandbags.com and you
will find everything about handbags for you! see you there! :)
I love his shirt and his jacket!so cute! :)ReplyDelete
one of the best dressed boys in town!
xx Nina
absolutely lovelyReplyDelete
love his sweater <3ReplyDelete
I love that sweater! Any chance that anyone know of the brand? Even though it's vintage.ReplyDelete
i have this outfit in like 20 colorsReplyDelete
Love the denim jacket!!ReplyDelete
Nice :)
he is so cool !


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Dr. Joseph J. Cicala has served as Vice President for University Life and Dean of Students at Alvernia University since February, 2009. As senior student affairs officer, it is his privilege to lead the talented staff members of the Center for Student Success, responsible for a variety of academic support services, and the Center for Student Life, responsible for a variety of traditional student affairs functions.
Dr. Cicala began his career in higher education as a graduate Residence Hall Director at West Chester University, and went on to serve in several capacities in residence life and student support services during ten years of service at Syracuse University, including an appointment as founding Director of Career Exploration Services for the College of Arts and Sciences. He also served as counselor and assistant professor at Long Island's Suffolk County Community College and as Director of the Advising and Counseling Center at Philadelphia University prior to more than ten years of service as Dean of Students at La Salle University.
Dr. Cicala is an alumnus of Wyncote, Pennsylvania's Bishop McDevitt High School. He earned his BA in psychology at La Salle University, his MS in higher education counseling at West Chester University of Pennsylvania, and his Ph.D. in higher education administration at New York University. He is a National Certified Counselor and a National Certified Career Counselor, as well as an alumnus of the Harvard Institutes for Higher Education. A long-time member of ACPA-College Student Educators International, Dr. Cicala is past chair and directorate member of the association's Commission for Career Development and a Diamond Honoree of the association's Educational Leadership Fund, and he has been designated an ACPA Senior Practitioner. Also a long-time member of NASPA-Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education, Dr. Cicala serves on the Region II Advisory Board, as Professional Standards Division Representative. He is a member of numerous other professional and academic associations, and has been honored with inductions into Phi Delta Kappa, the National Residence Hall Honorary, the National Society of Collegiate Scholars, and the Bishop McDevitt High School Alumni Hall of Fame.
A frequent presenter at regional and national conferences, Dr. Cicala's areas of expertise include the promotion of student involvement as the route to student learning and success, the establishment of organizational models to build communities that foster student involvement, the setting of high standards for student conduct to undergird such communities, and the use of research data to drive organizational self-assessment.
A resident of King of Prussia, PA, Dr. C. is married to Dr. Joanne C. Conlon, Director of the Pre-Major Advising Center at West Chester University of Pennsylvania.
Joseph, J. Cicala, Ph.D.
Vice President for University Life and Dean of Students
Veronica Hall, Second Floor
Phone: 610-796-8211
Fax: 610-790-1904


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Bill allowing firms to keep tax money sent to governor
A bill allowing certain employers to keep 95 percent of the state personal income tax money they would otherwise remit to the state on behalf of new workers was headed Wednesday to Gov. Tom Corbett's desk, according to a news release.
To qualify, a business would have to create at least 250 jobs in Pennsylvania within five years and at least 100 of the jobs would have to come within two years, according to the release from state Rep. Kerry Benningoff, who introduced House Bill 2626.
Other caveats include that the new employees must get wages at or above the average pay of workers in the county where the jobs are created, according to the release from Benninghoff, R-Centre and Mifflin counties.
The company also would need to provide the workers with health care benefits and cover at least 50 percent of the premium, the release stated.


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The Angus burger is going away, and it may not be the only McDonald's dish on the chopping block.
The world's largest restaurant chain has also considered axing Caesar salads, the McSkillet Burrito, the Southern Style Biscuit and steak bagels, according to a franchisee email obtained by Bloomberg News. While the Angus burger contains as many as 820 calories and costs $4, the culling isn't simply about offering healthier fare and cheaper items. It's an effort by McDonald's Corp. to streamline a menu that has expanded by 70 percent to about 145 items since 2007 -- straining kitchen staff, gumming up service and spoiling customers for choice.
"It's gotten to the point where the operation has kind of broken down and that's all a symptom of the complication of the menu," said Richard Adams, a San Diego-based restaurant franchisee consultant and former McDonald's store owner. "They can't make the food fast enough."
In October, some McDonald's franchisees received an email from a regional representative proposing "core menu changes" based on information from customer complaints.
Teams had been formed to address menu size and understand "what's getting in the way of quality and service," according to the email. Seven menu items were identified for potential removal. So far Fruit & Walnut salads, Chicken Selects and Angus burgers have been eliminated.
"We are constantly adding and removing menu items," Danya Proud, a McDonald's spokeswoman, said in an email. "It's not new for McDonald's. We've been doing it for decades!" She declined to comment on the email.
McDonald's Chief Executive Officer Don Thompson is trying to revive U.S. same-store sales, which dropped 1.2 percent in the first quarter. The picture improved in April, when sales at stores open at least 13 months rose 0.7 percent. McDonald's shares have gained 11 percent in the last 12 months, while the Standard & Poor's 500 index has jumped 25 percent.
The shares have recently become less valuable to investors. They're trading at a 16 percent premium to the S&P 500 Index on a price-to-earnings basis. They were trading at a 25 percent premium on April 18, the day before the Oak Brook, Ill.- based company reported that first-quarter net income, at $1.27 billion on $6.61 billion in revenue, was little changed from the previous year.
Cutting the menu down to size is a challenge for McDonald's in part because U.S. fast-food chains are engaged in an arms race as they compete to attract diners. Even as McDonald's cuts items, it keeps adding new ones, including egg-white McMuffin sandwiches, three varieties of chicken McWraps and three new Quarter Pounders. Burger King Worldwide Inc. in March started selling turkey and veggie burgers, while Wendy's Co. rolled out flatbread grilled-chicken sandwiches.
The first McDonald's, a barbecue joint with carhop service, opened in 1940. Eight years later, the chain pared its menu to nine items, including burgers, cheeseburgers, soft drinks, milk, coffee, potato chips and pie. Over the years, the menu grew as competition heated up with Burger King and Wendy's. The Filet-O- Fish arrived in 1963, followed by the Big Mac in 1968 and the Egg McMuffin in 1975. Along the way, pizza, spaghetti and the Arch Deluxe burger came and went.
The menu started getting more complex in the late 1990s after then-CEO Jack Greenberg pushed stores to convert to the Made-For-You ordering system, which required McDonald's to make its food fresh instead of cooking it ahead of time. The innovation allowed the company to move beyond traditional burgers and fries.
McDonald's has tacked on about 60 items since 2007 and now sells 145, according to data from menu researcher Datassential in Los Angeles. The increasing complexity has slowed service at a chain that has come to define fast food.
While McDonald's, which has about 14,100 U.S. locations, is trying out a new ordering system and adding double-lane drive-throughs to speed its service, the efforts may not be enough as some of the new items take a long time to make.
McWraps, which come in three flavors including sweet-chili chicken, take about 60 seconds to make, according to Adams, the restaurant franchisee consultant.
"That's a very labor-intensive thing," he said.
Fast-food chains compete fiercely to provide the fastest drive-through service. It takes longer to get through the McDonald's drive-through than it used to, according to a study by QSR Magazine and Insula Research Inc. in Columbus, Ohio.
On average, it took almost 189 seconds for customers to get in and out of the drive-through last year, compared with 184 seconds in 2011 and about 167 seconds in 2007. Wendy's and Taco Bell are faster, with average times respectively of about 130 seconds and 150 seconds in 2012. Burger King is slower, with a drive-through time of 201 seconds, the data shows.
A comprehensive menu isn't all that important to fast-food patrons, according to a study from Nation's Restaurant News and consultant WD Partners published last year. Survey respondents ranked menu variety below food quality, cleanliness, value and service in terms of important attributes for limited-service restaurants. The study's top-ranked fast-food hamburger chain, In-N-Out Burger, features one of the least complex menus.
Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc. has thrived with a minimalist menu -- revenue rose 20 percent last year, compared with 2.1 percent at McDonald's. The Denver-based burrito chain sells just five main food items, which are customized along a service line, as well as chips and guacamole and a kids' meal.
"Part of the reason why Chipotle works so well is that it's simple," said Peter Saleh, a New York-based analyst at Telsey Advisory Group. "If they added four more items, it would screw up the entire process."


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2010 Marion County Fair Queen Lacy Stevenson was crowned this year's Iowa State Fair Queen this evening. Stevenson and the other county queens were judged based on personality, attitude, leadership, contribution to the community, appearance, charm and poise. She relieved tiara, sash, trophy, $2,500 scholarship and $300 savings bond and will now reign over this year's state fair which takes place through August 22nd in Des Moines.
In addition, Stevenson's Marion County Fair Grand Champion Steer was also chosen as Governor's choice for the 28th Annual Governor's Charity Steer Show this afternoon. The 1,325 pound steer is named "Condition of the Steak" and was raised by Stevenson and her family at their farm just outside of Knoxville.
Stevenson, is a 2010 graduate of Knoxville High School and plans to attend Des Moines Area Community College this fall to major in public service and administration in agriculture.


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MOZART Le nozze di Figaro Levine 4775614
Dawn Upshaw is a quicksilver and, when needed, warm Susanna; Anne Sofie von Otter a palpitating and vocally witty Cherubino; Thomas Hampson a strong-willed and very present Count . . . At its inviting price, this is a "Figaro" well worth anyone's consideration.


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If you're a homeschooling mom, you might find my blog Sonshine Classical Academy useful. …Continue
Kristie Doty has not received any gifts yet
Posted on January 31, 2012 at 11:52pm 0 Comments 0 Likes
Please feel free to visit my blog to read this post as well as some other homeschool related posts. Thank you for reading! http://www.sonshineclassicalacademy.blogspot.com
Ok, so on Saturday I had the opportunity to be a judge at the Inland Northwest Qualifier (3 States were represented) for the National Christian Forensics & Communications Association (NCFCA). Since both of my…Continue
Posted on November 4, 2011 at 10:29am 0 Comments 0 Likes
I posted my weekly review for homeschool including some preK crafts we did and a 4 ingredient recipe for biscuits. Just click on the link.
Posted on October 31, 2011 at 11:26am 0 Comments 0 Likes
Posted on October 31, 2011 at 10:56am 0 Comments 0 Likes
Welcome to Mom Blogger's Club! I hope you enjoy your time here and find it helpful! I know it can be overwhelming at first but I promise, you'll be a pro on here in no time! I write a blog called The Adventures of J-Man and MillerBug. It's a blog about my life with my two boys and I do some pretty cool giveaways (OK, I think they're cool! Do you?)
Every weekend I host the Finding New Friends Weekend Blog Hop. It's a great way to find new followers and friends as well as get to know more of your fellow mom bloggers. If you're not familiar with a blog hop, all you have to do is add your blog to the list. Participants then "hop" from blog to blog to find great new blogs! It's a ton of fun! I'd love to have you join us. It's going on now so come on over and link up! You can find it here:http://www.jmanandmillerbug.com/2011/11/finding-new-friends-weekend-blog-hop.html#more. Be sure to leave a messge if you join up so that I can follow you back!
Let me know if you have any questions or if I can help you with anything in your blogging journey! I look forward to being your friend!
Hi Kristie,
I am new too (just added last week)..but this is a great group. check out my blogs at
www.coincidence-creativity.com and www.happyteachershappystudents.com.
Welcome, Patricia


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Join the search for the elusive crocodiles of the Ancient River Nile. Despite their revered status in ancient Egypt, the crocodiles of the Upper Nile were hunted into extinction by the 1800s, and the Pharoah's crocodiles were lost forever. Or so it was thought...until reports emerged of sightings of crocodiles in unexpected locations on the fringe of the Sahara desert, a small lake in Mali and a cave in Chad. Could these be the descendents of the Pharaoh's crocodiles? How could they survive in the desert? The mystery is pieced together on a journey across the Sahara, tracking down these remarkable creatures and discovering their true origins.
Episode #111 / Length: 49 minutes


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Gay Rights Supporters Aim to Build Momentum in Mississippi
JACKSON, Mississippi -- Supporters of gay rights say they hope to use recent U.S. Supreme Court rulings to build momentum for full legal protections for gay and lesbian people everywhere, including in Mississippi.
Speaking at a Friday news conference at the state Capitol, Human Rights Campaign President Chad Griffin says he is confident that full legal equality, including gay marriage, will eventually come to Mississippi. Citing his Arkansas upbringing, he said the South shouldn't be seen as particularly resistant.
"It's precisely because of those values that there's no reason the South shouldn't be a leader in the struggle for equality and dignity for all people," Griffin said. "Full equality will very soon reach every single person in every corner of this vast country. Yes, right here in the state of Mississippi, too."
Speaking at a Friday, July 12, 2013 news conference at the Capitol, in Jackson, Miss., Mississippi Center For Justice Development Director Bonnie Allen, joins other representatives of human relations organizations and legal groups in supporting gay rights and hoping to use recent U.S. Supreme Court rulings to build momentum for full legal protections for gay and lesbian people everywhere. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
Mississippi's political establishment and some of its churches have been opposed to allowing gay couples to marry or adopt children. In 2004, 86 percent of Mississippians voted for a state constitutional amendment that prohibited same-sex marriage from being recognized.
A few Mississippi political leaders have changed their mind about the issue. Among the featured guests at a Thursday night reception for Griffin was former Gov. Ronnie Musgrove, who in March publicly announced that he was in favor of gay marriage. The Democrat told The Associated Press then that he now regrets signing a state law in 2000 that bans same-sex couples from adopting children. Mississippi enacted a law banning gay marriage in 1997, when Musgrove was lieutenant governor and was presiding over the state Senate.
But current Republican Gov. Phil Bryant hasn't wavered. "Mississippians have already voted to constitutionally define marriage as one man and one woman, and Gov. Bryant supports that decision," spokesman Mick Bullock said Friday.
Griffin agrees that those who want change may have more work to do in Mississippi than elsewhere, but he said it's important for supporters to encourage public debate. Some activists are appearing at courthouses to apply for marriage licenses, knowing they will be rejected. This week, couples have applied in Pearl River, Harrison and Forrest counties, under the auspices of the Campaign for Southern Equality, a separate group from Griffin's.
Some groups, such as the Tupelo-based American Family Association, oppose Griffin's goals. Ed Vitigliano is director of special projects for AFA, a conservative Christian group. He said in a phone interview Friday that he detects little movement in Mississippi on gay rights issues.
"I think Mississippi and much of the South -- and other areas dominated by religious conservatives -- they will certainly be slower to change," Vitigliano said.
He said AFA wants changes on marriage and other laws to be put to the people in Mississippi.
"What we are enthusiastic about is the democratic process," Vitigliano said. "And when gay activist groups want to try to convince the citizens of Mississippi to vote in favor of gay marriage, we want them to have the freedom to do that."
AFA is also likely to oppose some of the Human Rights Campaign's incremental goals, such as a law barring employment discrimination based on sexual orientation.
"We believe that is a law that is intended to cure a problem that does not exist," Vitigliano said.


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Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Wash.) gave the official Republican response to President Obama's State of the Union speech, and in doing so, she fudged a few facts:
"I got a letter from Bette in Spokane, who hoped the President's health care law would save her money – but found out instead that her premiums were going up nearly $700 a month. No, we shouldn't go back to the way things were, but this law is not working. Republicans believe health care choices should be yours, not the government's."
There's just one itty bitty problem with that bolded assertion. It's not true. So the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) and Nancy Pelosi want McMorris Rodgers to apologize.
Fat chance.
The GOP has a nasty habit of either outright lying, lying by omission to promote political narratives, or conveniently sidestepping context when attacking any and all things Obama. Cathy McMorris Rodgers continued the tradition, but like Darrell Issa has so many times, she got publicly busted in the process.
Democrats are slamming Republicans for misleading the public with a false anecdote about ObamaCare premiums in a response to the State of the Union address. [...]
Media reports have since revealed that the woman, Bette Grenier, was quoting the most expensive option offered by her insurance company and that she declined cheaper plans on Washington state's ObamaCare exchange.
"Congresswoman McMorris Rodgers owes the nation an apology for lying in her Republican response to the State of the Union this week, and spreading more misinformation to Americans about their health care options," said DCCC spokeswoman Emily Bittner in a statement Friday.
"House Republicans are … resorting to embellishing stories and leaving out the facts to mislead Americans about the new affordable, comprehensive coverage available to them."
More at the link.
By the way, one major insurer is reporting Obamacare that sign-ups were higher than its projections. Cathy McMorris Rodgers neglected to include that fact in her oh-so-heartfelt, genuine, God-drenched rebuttal.


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Seven Henry County High School athletes competed at the AA State Track Meet Friday at the University of Louisville.
Cathryn Fischer, Eddie Jones, Haley Lewis, Morgan Miller, Destany Crawford, Teagan Fish and Connor Finley represented the Wildcat track team in muggy, breezy, drizzly conditions.
Conditions were not favorable for personal records in the hurdle events, discus and pole vault with a stiff breeze blowing into the faces of those competitors and drizzle adding an extra complication to the pole vault.
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Saturday at the fair
August 15, 2009
Jenni Ciszewski, Basehor, at right, laughs after her piece of pie and plate falls off the table at Saturday's pie-eating contest. Each contestant at a quarter of a pie for the contest. Also pictured, from left, Lacey Moore, Tonganoxie, Bailey Redmond, Basehor and Blaine MacDougal, Lansing.
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It soon could become easier to rid neighborhoods of abandoned, foreclosed homes.
This week, the Illinois General Assembly approved legislation that could speed up the foreclosure process for vacant, abandoned homes, decreasing the length of the judicial process from as much as two years to as little as three or four months.
The measure, Senate Bill 16, was passed unanimously by the state Senate on Wednesday and the state House on Tuesday.
Gov. Pat Quinn is expected to sign the measure, which was supported by Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan and the Illinois Bankers Association, among others.
The law also would slap new fees on lenders seeking foreclosure action. The fees, ranging from $50 to $500 per foreclosure, would be used for two primary purposes.
Some of the money would fund foreclosure prevention counseling programs. The rest – about $28 million, according to the bill's supporters – would be split among the state's cities and counties to offset public costs to maintain and secure abandoned properties.
The bill specifies that 30 percent of the money be spent in Kane and other suburban collar counties. But its lasting impact could be changes to the foreclosure process itself.
Presently, neighborhoods in the Tri-Cities and elsewhere in Kane County are rife with so-called distressed properties, or those subject to either foreclosure or short sale. As much as a third of all properties sold each month in the Tri-Cities, for instance, are considered distressed, according to data supplied by local real estate trade associations.
That relatively large inventory of distressed properties drags down housing values for everyone in the neighborhood, making refinancing or selling other homes more difficult. And those depressed values also drag down the taxable value in many communities, leading to increased property tax rates, even if local governments leave their levies unchanged.
By speeding up the process, supporters believe the inventory of foreclosed homes could be more quickly reduced, easing the burden on lenders and stabilizing home values.
While the Realtor Association of the Fox Valley officially has remained neutral on the issue, Ron Ewing, an Elgin real estate agent and president of the RAFV, said he believed the bill could produce benefits locally.
He estimated that Kane County's housing market is flush with about seven months of inventory, tilting the leverage decidedly to the buyer. A balanced market, he said, has about 3.5 months of inventory.
Real estate broker Leslie Ebersole, of Baird & Warner's St. Charles office, said the excess inventory not only left the market imbalanced but has also burdened public services and harmed neighboring homeowners.
Reducing the inventory of foreclosed homes will remove some of the uncertainty from the market, Ebersole said.
"Having homes that are unoccupied and unsellable is not good for the neighborhood or the community," Ebersole said. "And ultimately, it's not good for the homeowner, either, because it takes them that much longer to close this chapter of their life and move on to something better."


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Masjid Agung Demak, Demak Indonesia
Masjid Agung Demak (or the Great Demak Mosque) is one of the oldest mosques in Indonesia, located in the center town of Demak, Central Java Indonesia. The mosque is believed to be built by Sunan Kalijaga, one of the Wali Songo (nine Muslim saints) during the first Demak Sultanate ruler, Raden Patah during the 15th century.[citation needed]
This mosque is the proof of glory achieved by the Demak Bintoro kingdom as the first Islamic kingdom in Java island.
Mosque Features
Masjid Agung Demak is the classic example of a traditional Javanese mosque. Unlike mosques in the Middle East it is built from timber. The tiered roof is supported by four enormous teak pillars. This means that the mosque is rather small when compared to many modern Indonesian mosques. The tiered roof shows many similarities with wooden religious structures from the Hindu-Buddhist civilizations of Java and Bali. The main entrance of Masjid Agung Demak consists of two doors carved with motifs of plants, vases, crowns and an animal head with an open wide-toothed mouth. It is said that picture depicts the manifested thunder caught by Ki Ageng Selo, hence their name "Lawang Bledheg" (the doors of thunder).
The Carving and Historical Relics of Masjid Agung Demak
The carvings at Lawang Bledheg are also interpreted according to chronogram based on lunar calculation as "Naga mulat salira wani" which means Saka Year 1388 or A.D. 1466 as the year in which Masjid Agung Demak existed.
The front wall of the mosuqe is inset with sixty-six porcelain tiles. These exquisite blue and white tiles are believed to derive from Champa in modern-day Vietnam, a kingdom with which Demak's former rival Majapahit had extensive trade contacts. According to some reports, these tiles were stolen from the palace of the Sultan of Majapahit and later added to the mosque.
Masjid Agung Demak has many historical remainders and unique things, such as Saka Tatal; Maksurah; Dhampar Kencana/pulpit; Saka Majapahit; etc. Besides that in the environment of Masjid Agung Demak there are also graves of the sultans of Demak and a museum.


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A study to be released in the Journal of the AMA tomorrow shows that it takes about 10-15 years after an immigrant moves to the US before they become a lard butt. This is but the latest in a series of reports indicating that America's lifestyle is unhealthy. In regards to the built environment portion of this problem, there is a consortium of various health, transportation and planning professionals working together in Oregon to promote "active communities." Are any of you doing something similar or working to incorporate this growing body (pun intended) of research into your work?
If You Move to America, You May Get Fat
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published: December 14, 2004
Filed at 6:17 p.m. ET
CHICAGO (AP) -- Long-term exposure to American culture may be hazardous to immigrants' health. A new study found that obesity is relatively rare in the foreign-born until they have lived in the United States -- the land of drive-thrus, remote controls and double cheeseburgers -- for more than 10 years.
Only 8 percent of immigrants who had lived in the United States for less than a year were obese, but that jumped to 19 percent among those who had been here for at least 15 years. That compared with 22 percent of U.S.-born residents surveyed.
The study, published in Wednesday's Journal of the American Medical Association, shows the flip side of the American dream of finding a better life in the land of plenty.
``Part of the American dream and sort of life of leisure is that you also have some of the negative effects, and obesity is one of the major side effects of the success of technology and just having a life of leisure,'' said co-author Dr. Christina Wee of Harvard Medical School. ``It's a double-edged sword.''
Previous studies have shown that immigrants tend to have healthier habits, including less smoking and drug use, than U.S.-born residents, and longer life spans. Researchers suspect that is at least partly because those who choose to immigrate could be unusually healthy, since uprooting to another country requires strength and vitality. But the earlier studies did not look at how obesity rates among immigrants changed over time.
The link between obesity and numbers of years in the United States was found in white, Hispanic and Asian immigrant groups. It was not seen in foreign-born blacks, but their numbers in the study were too small to draw any conclusions, said lead author Dr. Mita Sanghavi Goel of Northwestern University in Chicago.
``Trends in obesity among immigrants may reflect acculturation and adoption of the U.S. lifestyle, such as increased sedentary behavior and poor dietary patterns,'' they wrote. ``They may also be a response to the physical environment of the United States, with increased availability of calorically dense foods and higher reliance on labor-saving technologies.''
Goel said it makes sense that exposure to America's fast-food culture would eventually rub off, but she said she was surprised by the magnitude of the change.
The results are worrisome, particularly since immigrants often face a language barrier and other obstacles to good health care, the researchers said.
While people tend to get heavier as they age, the study found that the weight gain in immigrants was above what would be expected from aging, Goel said.
The study involved data on 32,374 participants in a 2000 national health survey, 14 percent of whom were immigrants. The study relied on what the participants reported about their weight.
The study sends ``a sobering message,'' said Dr. Glenn Flores, director of a Medical College of Wisconsin center that treats minority and immigrant children.
Flores said immigrants might do well to cling to healthy traditions such as diets rich in fruits, vegetables and fiber. And native-born Americans might want to adopt some of those ``foreign'' habits, too, he said.
Obesity in the United States ``just isn't going to go away unless we rethink what we're doing,'' Flores said.
On the Net:
JAMA: http://jama.ama-assn.org


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late 14c., "great fear," from Old French terreur (14c.), from Latin terrorem (nominative terror) "great fear, dread," from terrere "fill with fear, frighten," from PIE root *tre- "shake" (see terrible). Meaning "quality of causing dread" is attested from 1520s; terror bombing first recorded 1941, with reference to German air attack on Rotterdam. Sense of "a person fancied as a source of terror" (often with deliberate exaggeration, as of a naughty child) is recorded from 1883. The Reign of Terror in French history (March 1793-July 1794) so called in English from 1801. Old English words for "terror" included broga and egesa.
Related Terms


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Evaluating Murray State's Chances In March MadnessPosted by rtmsf on March 4th, 2012
David Changas is an RTC correspondent. He filed this report after observing Murray State at the OVC Tournament this weekend.
If it is possible in college basketball to win 30 games in relative anonymity, Murray State has done it. The Racers, who became a story in college basketball when they were the last team undefeated team this season, capped off a remarkable run to capture the Ohio Valley Conference championship with a 54-52 victory over conference runner-up Tennessee State Saturday in Nashville. But while the Racers dominated their league (their only loss coming to the same Tennessee State team on February 9) and ascended to a rare Top 10 ranking that they have held for a good portion of the season, most of America still doesn't know a lot about this team, which is led by first-year coach Steve Prohm.
The discussion surrounding the Racers over the past few weeks has not been whether they would make the NCAA Tournament without winning the OVC automatic bid – that became a foregone conclusion after Murray State's BracketBuster win over St. Mary's – but where they would be seeded. While Prohm said after the game that a look at the Racers' body of work would justify as high as a #2 seed, he admitted that a "four, five, or six" is more likely. What is most important to him is that his team's loyal fans – and they dominated the crowds in Nashville over the weekend – have a chance to see them play. "I just want proximity. Nashville, Louisville. Somewhere where our fans can come and support our guys," Prohm said.


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I read your article, "Towns seek a safer Route 3A," in the May 12 Globe about the study on traffic congestion.
Although traffic has increased greatly over the years, anyone who drives this route regularly can tell you what the main problem is in the intersections you mentioned. I have seen countless drivers disregard the traffic signals and stop signs along this route. At Beechwood and Route 3A it seems to be the most frequent.
The intersection of Route 3A and Henry Turner Bailey Road was working just fine until the MBTA reconfigured the whole design, creating the problem it is today. It was changed to accommodate increased commuter rail traffic that never happened.
Any money for a study would be better suited to increase the police presence along the road or at least at the intersections mentioned. The problem isn't the road, it's the drivers using it.
Janice Lindblom


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The Stat Sheet: Owner Operator Packable Anorak
- Najib Benouar
Here's a late-breaking addition to winterizing your wardrobe: your secret weapon.
This packable anorak from Owner Operator is a limited-edition version of the one that built their growing American-made-outerwear empire and should serve you well tucked neatly into your briefcase or desk drawer—ready to be thrown over your double-faced wool and cashmere should any wintry mixes come into play. Here's what else you need to know.
The Story: Owner Operator is focused on making technical gear that's mountain-worthy but constructed by world-renowned tailors in New York City's garment district. The result is something suitable for the weekdays downtown yet rough-and-tumble enough for weekends upstate.
Who to Channel: A dapper sailor donning his foulies; Jean-Claude Killy during a light snow; a Take Ivy Leaguer on his way to class on a wet day.
When to Wear It: Anytime the heavy stuff starts coming down unexpectedly and you'd like to keep your super 120's dry.
Degree of Difficulty: Medium, if you're not doing anything particularly outdoorsy (if you're on a mountain, anything goes). Just make sure there's nothing remotely Bill Belichick about how you're wearing this thing.
Some inspiration from Killy and Take Ivy:


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New Mexico state bsketball tournament selections and first-round matchups have been announced by the NMAA.
The Mora Rangerettes, champs of District 4-2A in girls' basketball, will host District 3 runner-up McCurdy on Friday evening at Montoya Gym.
Pecos' Lady Panthers, as runner-up to Mora, will travel to Penasco, the champion in District 3.
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Twins To Sign Willingham
The Twins have reportedly agreed to sign free agent outfielder Josh Willingham. Terms of the multi-year contract have not been disclosed. Willingham must pass a physical to make the signing official. Willingham is a 32-year outfielder who primarily played left field for Oakland last season and hit .246 with 29 homeruns and 96 RBIs. This signing likely means the Twins won't re-sign Michael Cuddyer.
Cuddyer is a 32-year old free agent who the Twins offered a 3-year contract to worth a reported $24 Million.


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When it's hot as Hades like this, it's the most anticipated day of the summer: 7-Eleven Day.
The annual event has been going on so long, it's part of our DNA here in Florida. The first slurps of the frozen sweet treat bring on hurts-so-good brain freeze and lowers our core temperature from stifling to just merely sweaty.
On Friday, July 11 visit any participating 7-Eleven store from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. and get a free small Slurpee drink, no purchase necessary.
This year the holiday has been extended to '7-Eleven Week' and comes with its own mobile app.
Download the app to your mobile device and you can get free stuff every day from July 12 through July 19. The app is available for both iPhones and Android devices.
Free stuff on offer during the week include Big Gulps, Grandma's Cookies, Hostess Twinkies, Twix ice cream bars, M&Ms and more.
Free Slurpee and other treats are available at participating 7-Eleven store locations, while supplies last.
For more "free and cheap" deals and discounts, sign up for email alerts at http://tbo.com/email_alerts/, follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TBOFreeandCheap or on Twitter at https://twitter.com/TBOFreeandCheap


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Welcome to Ultimate Subaru Message Board, my lurker friend!
|Welcome to Ultimate Subaru Message Board, an unparalleled Subaru community full of the greatest Subaru gurus and modders on the planet! We offer technical information and discussion about all things Subaru, the best and most popular all wheel drive vehicles ever created.
We offer all this information for free to everyone, even lurkers like you! All we ask in return is that you sign up and give back some of what you get out - without our awesome registered users none of this would be possible! Plus, you get way more great stuff as a member! Lurk to lose, participate to WIN*!
* The joy of participation and being generally awesome constitutes winning
** Not an actual guarantee, but seriously, you probably won't regret it!
Serving the Subaru Community since May 18th, 1998!
The Desert Fox. My `84 DL Wagon
Posted 25 May 2012 - 07:19 AM
Introducing The Desert Fox. It's a 1984 Subaru DL. I searched long and hard to get my hands on a workable ea81 wagon for a long time, and was able to pick this one up at a decent price.
When I picked it up.
After a good buffing, waxing, and cleaning.
Added some trim on the wheels
Took it on the dunes.
Then It became the Desert Fox.
It spends some of its time on the dunes with other Subies
I still have a ton of work to do, but I'm getting there more and more every day. I'll use this thread to keep everyone updated on it.
My long term goals for this are an eventual FrankenMotor and an awd 5MT.
For now I'm going to be driving it as my everyday car and keeping it mostly stock. Either way I'm super stoked to have finally gotten my hands on this one.
Posted 25 May 2012 - 08:14 AM
Posted 10 June 2012 - 10:07 AM
Edited by Mechanical_misfit, 10 June 2012 - 10:12 AM.
Posted 11 June 2012 - 07:47 AM
Posted 11 June 2012 - 07:52 AM
Posted 11 June 2012 - 09:08 AM
Did you make the side decals? looks good. The gen 2 cars with single headlamps look better than the quad set-ups, in my opinion. Good score on the raised white letter 13 inch tires, hard to find these days.
The stripes were made from an old school aftermarket set. Pooparu made them for me. I have only ever seen two other old subies with these decals. One was the mountain grizzly wagon that mcbrat had, then a very rusty hatch that sat in a drive way near my childhood home. I always thought it was pretty sweet.
I agree on the single headlight look. The quad set ups are kinda goofy.
As for the rwl 13s, I painted them with a white paint marker. They hold quite well as long as I stay off the dunes. The sand rubs the paint off
Posted 11 June 2012 - 09:17 AM
Digging the flaps! Thing is looking great. What's next for it?
Thanks dude.
My current plans are to keep pimpin' around with it. I have a 4 speed dual range trans that I want to swap in place of the leaky single range. I'm also waiting on funds to do the third light grill set up. I want to go five lug soon but I'm still waiting to hear from a machinist friend who thinks he can make me some front hub adapters.
All of those plans are on hold until I find another dd for winter. I couldn't stand rusting this thing out more than it is. Plus having an extra car would help so I could have it not running for more than a weekend. I am hoping to get my hands on a loyale sedan that has a bad engine, but still havn't heard from the owner.
Posted 11 June 2012 - 05:30 PM
The '92 parts Wagon I bought had a set for it in the storage tub that was in the back.
Can't remeber if that D/R had the range shifter on it. If not, I know I have atleast 3 here. One of them be yours, if you should need it.
Hope you can make it back down here weekend after the 4th.
Posted 13 June 2012 - 07:43 PM
Looks great by the way. Love the look of this car!
Posted 13 June 2012 - 11:35 PM
Posted 14 June 2012 - 12:22 AM
Did I see this on Ebay somewhere in Ohio? There was a tan GL similar to this one not that long ago.
Looks great by the way. Love the look of this car!
Nope. This one has been a Michigan car for a while now I was told. Thanks though dude, glad you dig it!
Posted 14 June 2012 - 12:40 AM
Is that a Silver Toyota Hi-Ace in one of your pictures? Sooo jealous, most of ours rotted away.
Sorta, Its a base model `87 Toyota VanWagon. It was hands down my favorite vehicle I have ever owned. I have gone everywhere in that van. I had a lot of high highs and low lows in there. I actually wound up living in it for 9 months when I was on rough times. Hauled a lot of equipment to a ton of shows, even made it down to Chicago, and as far as the Keewenaw for some good old U.P. partying. I had to eventually give it up due to lack of space and to help fund my DL project, but I'll never take for granted all it gave me. It was more than just an old van to me.
I know this is a Subaru forum, but I'll share a couple pics for anyone who is interested. These vans don't get the same respect our old Subies do.
Loaded up for some paddle boarding one cold spring morning
I also made it down some dirt roads today with the Desert Fox, I swear this car wishes it would grow up to be a WRX.
Maybe once I have the time and money to do an EJ swap.
I also found an early picture of it.
Posted 05 July 2012 - 11:19 AM
Got some issues taken care of before the trip to Hillsdale this Saturday.
I also installed some yakima racks so I can haul this ea82 hood with me down there.
I washed it too, but this camera sure makes this car look a lot nicer than it really is
Edited by Mechanical_misfit, 05 July 2012 - 11:35 AM.
Posted 05 July 2012 - 11:36 AM
Why does it have to be 100 degrees out here? I wish this car had A/C
Posted 19 July 2012 - 11:04 AM
Who has the most economical wheel bearings for this thing? Honestly, I am broke as a joke these days, so who is going to be cheapest? I normally am concerned mainly with quality, but I gotta cheap out this time because of some bills that are going to be due.
In return, here's a fresh pic.
Posted 19 July 2012 - 11:58 AM
I remember GD saying you can get them for like $30, but I dunno where. Unless you where to order direct from a bearing manufacture.
Posted 19 July 2012 - 06:25 PM
Posted 19 July 2012 - 07:23 PM
Its an absolute shame that we can't get cab forward vans in the USA anymore. Easy to park, easy to drive but also first on the "scene" in a car accident. To me, that is a non issue-just drive defensive with oncoming traffic on 2 lane roads and don't rear end anybody. Oh well.
I sold it to a guy that HOUNDED me for months to sell it and I got a lot of cash for it.
Now I am looking for a Previa that isn't a fortune.
Posted 19 July 2012 - 11:47 PM
Shawn, I almost picked up a 4x4 panel van at the same time as I got the DL, but didn't want to take on two projects at once. I really do love these vans, I just wish they were a little bit easier to service. I see my old one cruising around town now and again, but the current owners peeled all the good stickers off it and replaced it with hippie frogs. The interior was in great shape, but they've had the rear seats folded flat and have been hauling scrap metal on them. It's a shame.
On another note, several of my best friends play in a punk band and had their tape release show tonight. I have been waiting for more than a month now to see it. My roommate did the layout for the insert that came with it. Nobody would let me see it until today and now I know why. I really didn't know what to say, other than I was pretty excited to see The Desert Fox and I were on the cover! I have the best friends a guy could ask for
Give it a listen if you're into this kind of stuff. http://courtesy-spit.bandcamp.com/
Posted 20 July 2012 - 12:03 AM
Posted 20 July 2012 - 12:25 AM
I really want to find a suitable replacement. Were these cars offered with a tape deck from the factory? If so, I need one now.
Posted 20 July 2012 - 12:27 AM
Posted 20 July 2012 - 12:34 AM
Posted 20 July 2012 - 12:37 AM
If you have a Slant console, I'll trade you I want to put a Pioneer in it with CD and USB port.
Posted 12 August 2012 - 08:50 AM
Edited by Mechanical_misfit, 26 January 2014 - 04:55 PM.
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Ally my personal trainer invited me to his funclub, where all his clients get together on a Friday afternoon to celebrate the passing of another week. It wasn't fun at all. It involved loads of running on running machines and then doing various difficult and painful exercises on the mats. I had been hoodwinked.
I was a bit stiff from yesterday's session still, which made it all a bit harder, but I am sort of enjoying being pushed. At least I am not paying for the torture like the other idiots! It can be surprising how doing something relatively simple looking can be incredibly difficult. The final exercise involved resting on my forearms, whilst keeping a straight back and basically being in a press up position and then just holding that for two minutes. That sounds pretty pimpsy right. But it wasn't. And the most remarkable thing about it was how it made my forearms sweat. I don't really remember ever having sweated through my lower arms before, but today they weeped for the first time in their lives. It was quite impressive. I managed about a minute before I had to rest. How can that be so difficult?
The exercise is leaving me a bit battered and tired, but also weirdly giving me more energy too. I think my body is just confused about being roused from a relative slumber. Loads of my muscles must have assumed that they would have an easy ride of doing nothing much from now on (given that they haven't been used in the last 46 years) and suddenly they're getting a wake up call. On stage tonight I had a bit of a spring in my step, but ached when I moved my arms.
As I walked to the theatre I passed a couple of men. They had the demeanour of having enjoyed a couple of early evening beers. One of them looked round at me and whispered (in a drunk, louder than speaking normally whisper), "Was that Stuart Little?" I know I've lost some weight, but I don't think I resemble a tiny mouse just yet. But I had to laugh at the way his crapulous brain had made a couple of quite badly wrong connections there. Twenty-five years in show-business to be mistaken for a mouse. The only consolation to be taken from that is that the man, who I presume had mixed me up with my erstwhile double act partner, did not know Stewart Lee's name. So in a way, it's him who has been mistaken for a cartoon mouse. Though someone else thought that he might have been confusing me with Syd Little.
It gave me a good opener for the gig though, which coincidentally also had Stewart Lee on the bill (and maybe Stuart Little too - we'd never have known, due to his tiny size).
Here's a behind the scenes video of the creation of the Lord of the Dance Settee poster from Ben Grubb.
And I wrote a tribute to Rik Mayall for next week's Metro column, which they've put up online already.
You can catch Listomania, a new radio panel show that I was a panellist on, on iPlayer.


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SACRAMENTO (CBS / AP) — A printing contractor was sentenced to nine years in prison for defrauding the California Department of Transportation of nearly $1.9 million, part of which he spent on Star Wars memorabilia that included a life-size Yoda, state prosecutors announced Friday.
Eric Hodgson, 43, of Elk Grove pleaded guilty Thursday in Sacramento County Court to seven of 22 counts of grand theft. Under a plea deal, he will forfeit two homes, two cars, retirement savings and his $10,000 Star Wars collection as part of his restitution.
Along with the 3-foot-tall Yoda statue, the memorabilia includes two light sabers and a model of the Millennium Falcon.
According to the state attorney general's office, Caltrans hired his company, Phenix Print & Image, to advertise new construction contracts to potential bidders but discovered Hodgson used fake invoices for print advertisements that were never published in local newspapers as promised.
Phenix was awarded two print advertising contracts in 2008 and 2009 that totaled more than $1.8 million. A third contract awarded to Phenix in 2011 for more than $800,000 was canceled before any money was paid.
An investigation by the California Department of Justice determined money was used to pay off a mortgage, make purchases of toys and comics, and fund exotic trips for him and his company staff.
Hodgson was arrested in April. He did not immediately return a telephone message left at Phenix.
(Copyright 2013 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)


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'Reporting' on the World Water Forum to understand media coverage and gaps
In Spring Semester 2012, I asked students to "report" on an event happening on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean: the World Water Forum takes place once every 3 years, and attracts NGOs, private enterprise, and government officials in addition to activists and media.
Learning Goals
Context for Use
Description and Teaching Materials
Students expressed frustration with the official event website; commented on lack of accessibility and poor web design; and the event's lack of transparency.
During course discussions, students articulated frustration and also found helpful information from critical activist bloggers and social media users who proclaimed an "alternative World Water Forum" inspired by the social justice activism of "Occupy Wall Street." In a sense, the students' frustration also served a purpose: to allow students to analyze and understand an international media landscape with serious gaps in adequate coverage of current events of significance to sustainability. As a class, we further discussed whether it would be a good exercise to arrange for a delegation of students to the next meeting of the World Water Forum in Daegu Gwangyeoksi, South Korea, during Spring Semester 2015.
Teaching Notes and Tips
Students expressed frustration but also came out of the activity with a level of group discussion, genuine analysis, and criticism that met the intention of the exercise.
References and Resources
6th World Water Forum - Marseille 2012. http://www.worldwaterforum6.org/en/
Paumgarten, Nick. "Magic Mountain: What Happens at Davos?" The New Yorker, March 5, 2012. http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2012/03/05/magic-mountain .


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PayPal Turns Bradley Manning Defense Account Back On; Claims It Was A Paperwork Problem
from the that's-not-what-they-said-originally dept
We recently placed a temporary limitation of the Courage to Resist organization's PayPal account as they had not complied to our stated policy requiring non profits to associate a bank account with their PayPal account (for the vast majority of non-profits, this is not an issue).While it's good that they've done this, not all of this makes sense. Courage to Resist claims that they repeatedly asked for an explanation and for the specific policy that they had violated. If it was just a matter of associating an account with a bank account, why didn't PayPal just tell them that in the first place?
In a press release issued today, the Courage to Resist organization claimed that their resistance to follow our policy is because PayPal sought to withdraw funds from their checking account. To be clear: PayPal cannot take such action without the authorization of an account holder, nor does it ever take such unauthorized actions.
Upon review, and as part of our normal business procedures, we have decided to lift the temporary restriction placed on their account because we have sufficient information to meet our statutory 'Know Your Customer' obligations. The Courage to Resist PayPal account is now fully operational.


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HSC Foundation (HSCF)
HSCF displays CDE "Because" campaign posters in their office lobby
ODEP and the Collaborative will work together to achieve the following education, communication, and outreach goals:
- Disseminate ODEP's and its technical assistance centers' disability employment related policy products, training's, and education materials on evidence-based research and effective transition practices at conferences, local meetings, forums, round table discussions, etc. to develop an understanding among the Collaborative's members on how to help youth and returning veterans with disabilities prepare for and attain competitive, integrated employment. Also promote ODEP-funded programs such as the Workforce Recruitment Program.
- Jointly develop information and materials on the advancement of the employment of people with disabilities and in communicating such information (via print and electronic media assistance tools through ODEP's and the Collaborative's web sites) to the Collaborative, nonprofit organizations, and other stakeholders serving youth and returning veterans with disabilities.
- Raise awareness and engage a larger community among the Collaborative, nonprofit organizations, and other stakeholders to facilitate an open dialogue and enhance partnerships that result in solutions that benefit partners, and youth and returning veterans with disabilities.
About the HSC Foundation
Our mission
The mission of The HSC Foundation is to facilitate access to appropriate services for individuals with special needs and their families in the Washington metropolitan area, and to participate in related local, regional, and national projects with government, private, and philanthropic organizations.
Youth Transition Initiative
The HSC Foundation's Youth Transitions Initiative is a long-range project designed to assist young people with disabilities and chronic illness in the Washington metropolitan area and beyond to move from school to adulthood to the world of work. The aim is for the Initiative to become a central resource in the field of youth transitions, filling gaps in information and providing support for organizations that are involved in transitioning youth. The Foundation's approach to youth in transition is intended to be comprehensive, and as such, includes health, education, vocational training, youth development, employment, and social components. The Initiative's ultimate goal is to strengthen transition programs and services and stimulate other investments in the field.
National Youth Transitions Center
The National Youth Transition Center (NYTC) is a collaboration of more than 40 non-profit organizations helping disabled young adults including veterans obtain jobs and live independently. CEO Thomas Chapman said he envisions a center that provides programs for people with disabilities, their families and welcomes young veterans, offering them a place to congregate, get training and referrals and conduct job searches.
Related Documents
- Agreement Signed September 23, 2011 (PDF)
- Alliance Year 1 Report (PDF)
- Alliance Year 2 Report (PDF)


text: A contemporary label that specializes in hand knitted apparel for men, women and children, Wool and the Gang was founded in 2008 as a collaborative, sustainable project that encourages everyday consumers to take up the dying art of knitting. Providing 'do it yourself' kits alongside its ready-to-wear collections that are skilfully constructed by artisans in Peru, this revolutionary brand wishes customers to step away from mass produced fashion and appreciate individual skills 'maybe even your own. From loose-knit sweaters and lightweight vests to classic fisherman jumpers and chunky cardigans, Wool and the Gang clothing is cool, comfortable and effortlessly wearable. In timeless shapes and bold colors, these enduring closet staples will be your go-to pieces for years to come.


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Providence beats Creighton 65-58 to win Big East
NEW YORK (AP) -- Bryce Cotton was No. 2 to Doug McDermott in the Big East all season. He's No. 1 now.
The senior guard scored 23 points and Providence won its first Big East tournament title since 1994 with a great defensive effort against McDermott and No. 14 Creighton in a 65-58 victory Saturday night.
The fourth-seeded Friars (23-11) used a 2-3 zone to hold the second-seeded Bluejays (26-7) 24 points below their season average and to an 8-for-30 effort from behind the 3-point line.
Cotton, who finished second to McDermott in the conference scoring but was also a unanimous first-team All-Big East selection, was the scoring star in the championship game and he was selected the tournament MVP.
''Unbelievable. He's been like that the whole year and he saved his best for last on one of the greatest stages ever,'' Providence coach Ed Cooley said of Cotton. ''He was fantastic.''
Cotton had a net draped around his neck and a smile on his face as he talked after the game.
''It's just a vindicating feeling to know that the Providence Friars are Big East champions,'' he said. ''This is something our school and our city hasn't seen in a long time. For us to finally bring that back home, it's top of the list.
''This has been years and years of blood, sweat, tears and praying.''
McDermott, who came in leading the nation in scoring with 26.5 average, finished 10 for 19 from the field, including 5 of 12 from 3-point range, for 27 points. He shined in his first two Big East tournament games, getting 35 in the quarterfinals against DePaul and 32 in the semifinal win over Xavier.
He had nine points at halftime as Providence held the Bluejays to a season-low 17 points in taking a nine-point lead.
''Got to give them credit. They're physical,'' McDermott said. ''But I think we handled ourselves pretty well all the way throughout league play on the physicality, and I think that's really going to help us going into the (NCAA) tournament.''
Providence was considered on the bubble coming into the game for an at-large bid to the NCAA tournament. That's a moot question now as the Friars won the Big East's automatic bid.
''We're just going to cherish this moment for the time being,'' Cotton said. ''We'll regroup when it's time.''
The Friars led by 12 points twice in the second half, the last time at 45-33 on a jumper by Kadeem Batts with 12:47 left.
The Bluejays got as close as 58-56 on McDermott's fifth and final 3 with 1:18 to play.
But the Friars held on from the free throw line, going 8 for 8 over the final 2:47 while scoring just one from the field.
''I really thought we were going to win that game. Things just felt right up there,'' McDermott said.
Cotton agreed.
''Even when we had the big lead, I knew they were going to come up with a couple runs,'' he said. ''I've watched them all year and that's just the kind of team they are. And we've been through plenty of intense games throughout the whole season so I felt that that prepared us for a game like this.''
Providence had caused problems for Creighton before. The Friars held the Bluejays to 4 for 19 from 3-point range in an 81-68 victory in January. McDermott had it figured out in the rematch, scoring 45 points in his last home game just a week ago. The Friars took the advantage back Saturday night.
''We had to come up with something different than we did before,'' Cooley said of the zone.
McDermott came into the game shooting 45.6 percent from behind the arc and the Bluejays led the conference on 3s at 42.7 percent.
Creighton reached the title game in its first season in the Big East. The Bluejays, who didn't trail in the tournament until this game, won the last two Missouri Valley Conference titles before leaving. The loss ended Creighton's streak of winning 10 straight conference championship games. The last one it lost was to Tulsa in the 1984 Missouri Valley Conference title game.
''I think there's a whole city that didn't know much about Creighton that knows a lot about Creighton now,'' Bluejays coach Greg McDermott said.
The crowd of 15,290 at Madison Square Garden was charged from the start and a strong contingent of Creighton fans made the building shake as the Bluejays closed in on the Friars.
Cotton, who was 1 for 10 from the field and had 12 points in the quarterfinal win over St. John's and 18 points and 10 assists in the semifinal victory over Seton Hall, finished 8 for 18 from the field, including 3 for 9 from 3-point range. His biggest basket came on a drive under and around two defenders that gave Providence a 54-47 lead with 5:18 to go. That and LaDontae Henton's jumper with 45 seconds left were the Friars' only field goals in the final 9 minutes.
''I was scared to death of the fact that he didn't shoot it good the first two games because, in my mind, I'm saying, 'There's no way Bryce Cotton's having three bad games shooting the basketball in a row,' and that proved to be the case,'' Greg McDermott said.
Doug McDermott has 3,105 points, fifth on the all-time scoring list. He is trying to become the 11th player to be a three-time All-America and the first since Patrick Ewing of Georgetown and Wayman Tisdale of Oklahoma in 1985.
The trophy presentation was especially poignant for Providence which accepted the Dave Gavitt Trophy, named for the founder of the Big East and former Providence coach and athletic director.
''I hear ''Coach Gavitt'', and I say thank God for him,'' Cooley said. ''Thank God for his vision. Thank God for what he's done for basketball in general.''


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|When we try to pick out anything by itself, we find it hitched to everything else in the universe.—John Muir
|A young Lewis's Woodpecker, fresh out of the nest cavity, surveys its world. Photo by Tom Grey (www.geocities.com/tgrey/41).
Integrating results from avian research into management actions is at the heart of conservation science and one of its greatest challenges. For 13 years, PRBO has been working with public land managers to weave results from avian monitoring into the fabric of Sierra Nevada management. As part of this process, we have produced many tools: interactive web-based programs that enable managers to view and explore our data in a timely manner; statistical models that help managers identify important areas for birds; user-friendly management guides; and traditional reports and peer-reviewed publications. Without a doubt, however, our most important contributions have been through direct, face-to-face interactions with land managers.
These direct interactions have been paramount in our effort to integrate PRBO's science into on-the-ground management. The process requires not only regular engagement with land managers but also that our staff have a detailed understanding of the ecological systems in which we work. This local knowledge ensures that our recommendations are targeted, relevant, timely, and trustworthy. Whether evaluating aspen restoration or helping design fuel reduction treatments, our long-term data sets and consistent presence in the places where we work have helped us build bridges between research and management.
This is an exciting time in PRBO's Sierra Nevada program, as we embark on two new projects in which we will work with land managers throughout this huge mountain region. Our ambitious Sierra-wide Management Indicator Species project spans approximately six million acres of national forest land that extends from the Oregon border south more than 400 miles. In addition, a new post-fire habitat study on the Lassen and Plumas national forests aims to answer "burning" questions about how to manage post-fire habitats for birds.
The following sections survey the goals and scope of two Sierra Nevada projects that are beginning in summer 2009.
As we know from the evening news, wildfires occur throughout the Sierra Nevada forests each summer. While media coverage of these events often describes them with words such as "catastrophic" and "devastating," many birds that reside in the Sierra would consider wildfire anything but devastating. Fire serves a vital function in supporting biodiversity. Fire and post-fire management alike have important consequences for wildlife, including some birds that are now declining—Chipping Sparrow and Lewis's Woodpecker, for example. In the first few years after a fire, management decisions shape the composition and structure of the forest into the future.
|Post-wildfire habitat in the Sierra Nevada. Photo by Brendan McGarry.
To improve conditions for birds and other wildlife, PRBO is setting out to use our research results to help guide the management of post-fire environments to best sustain healthy bird populations.
After every forest fire, managers make a complex set of decisions about how to treat the burned area. Actions may include removing dead and dying trees for timber (salvage logging), planting young trees, and removing shrubs and other understory vegetation to hasten the return to forested conditions. It is certainly important that great Sierran conifer forests persist into the future—for many reasons, including the ecosystem services they provide (carbon sequestration, timber products, oxygen production and water storage, for example).
Within the Sierran sea of conifers, however, a suite of wildlife species relies upon the islands of non-conifer forest habitats that fire creates. PRBO's current work on post-fire habitats will help ensure this valuable diversity is maintained.
|Chipping Sparrow is among the species affected by fire and post-fire management. Photo by Tom Grey.
One component of our work involves understanding what types of dead and dying trees—snags—are important to birds. As many as ten woodpecker species occur within post-fire habitats in our Lassen and Plumas national forest study area; so do other cavity-nesting birds, such as the Mountain Bluebird.
Not only do snags provide nesting habitat for many species: seen through a woodpecker's eyes, they must seem like vertical pole-shaped dinner plates. Snags and dying trees are teeming with bark beetles and other insects that many avian species eat. By understanding what types and quantities of snags are needed by woodpeckers and other cavity-nesting birds, we aim to provide land managers with information they can use to plan salvage logging operations that retain habitat for post-fire bird species.
In addition to creating snags, wildfires in the Sierra Nevada allow broadleaf trees and shrubs—oaks, California lilacs (ceanothus) and manzanita, for example—to proliferate. Often, managers promote the establishment of conifer trees by removing broadleaf plants. Many shrub-associated birds, though, reach their greatest abundance in these post-fire broadleaf-dominated habitats. Some examples are Lazuli Bunting, Nashville Warbler, Chipping Sparrow, and Fox Sparrow. We are developing quantitative habitat models1 for such species and management guidelines that address habitat needs of broadleaf-associated birds.
PRBO is in its second decade of work in the Sierra Nevada, providing the Forest Service with feedback to help manage conifer forests, hardwoods, and meadows. By focusing attention on post-fire habitats, our new effort will enlarge the scientific basis for managing this ecologically diverse system.
For a vast portion of the Sierra Nevada's expanse—more than ten million acres—the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) has natural resource management responsibilities. Each year, natural events and human activities throughout the region influence wildlife habitat: fires burn; timber is harvested, roads are built and maintained, and cattle are grazed. While the managers of each forest unit are responsible for evaluating the impacts of specific activities on wildlife habitat, to date there have been few efforts to track the cumulative effects across the entire region. This year, PRBO has entered into an exciting new partnership with the USFS to monitor certain bird species as indicators of management practices across the entire Sierra Nevada—no small task!
|Hairy Woodpecker at nest cavity. Photo by Tom Grey.
The Forest Service chose species that represent habitat types within national forest boundaries and are thought to be sensitive to USFS management activities. Among the birds to be surveyed are Yellow Warbler (an indicator of riparian habitat), Mountain Quail (conifer forest at middle stages of succession), Fox Sparrow (chaparral), and Hairy Woodpecker (forest snags).
Jay Roberts, PhD, joined our staff in January 2009 to lead this new project along with PRBO's Sierra Program Director Ryan Burnett. From day one, Jay took on a remarkably large study area. "This collaborative project is notable in many ways," he explains, "especially its spatial scale. Using maps of target habitats, we've selected over 2,000 survey locations in over six million acres of USFS land, from Modoc National Forest in the north to Sequoia National Forest in the south." In May of this year, Jay deployed 12 PRBO field biologists to begin surveys on nine National Forests and the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit.
The project's goal is to help the USFS track patterns in the distribution of the indicator species over time—to help the agency better manage their lands. Planners and managers will use PRBO's results to modify management activities as needed: a decline in the population of Fox Sparrows, for example, could suggest that management strategies for chaparral habitats need to be modified. Revised management plans for each of these national forests can directly incorporate recommendations derived from our studies of bird indicators.
Also affecting wildlife habitats and species, there are complex forces at work from within and beyond national forest boundaries. These forces include climate change, development, private land management, and invasive species. So, in addition to providing feedback to the USFS on their management activities, PRBO aims to identify other factors influencing bird populations across the entire Sierra Nevada ecosystem over time.
|Aspen groves and meadows are among the habitats within the "conifer sea" in the Sierra. Photo by Ryan Burnett.
Notes Jay Roberts, "Since our samples are spread out over ten distinct national forest management areas, we can use Sierra-wide patterns to inform decisions on the local or forest-unit scale—decisions that are typically made independently."
Managing diverse habitats for birds, other wildlife, and healthy ecosystems in the Sierra Nevada is not an easy proposition. This effort requires an understanding of how management activities will change habitats and the bird species they support, and also how these local and regional changes are influenced by large-scale environmental change. The ambitious collaboration between USFS managers and PRBO scientists holds the promise for effective and coordinated management across the entire Sierra Nevada region—and is one powerful mechanism that can help make the effort succeed.
Also contributing to this Observer were Tom Gardali (Associate Director, Terrestrial Ecology) and Melissa Pitkin (Director, Education and Outreach).