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IT COULD actually be the best thing since sliced bread. Researchers say they have developed a technology that prevents bread from growing mould for 60 days - keeping it fresh and maintaining its taste without the use of preservatives.
The technology, which sterilises and extends the shelf life of foods without cooking or damaging it, was developed by a private company founded by professors at Texas Tech University in Lubbock.
The researchers say their work is aimed at reducing outbreaks of illness. They are still awaiting patent approvals for the technology, but a group of journalists was given a tour of the basement laboratory where it was developed.
Some 48 million Americans become ill every year from contaminated food, according to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, with outbreaks this year linked to tainted melons, mangoes, meat and peanut butter.
The company, called MicroZap, is also promoting the technology as a solution to the superbug MRSA, the dangerous drug-resistant infection that is now endemic in many US hospitals.
As well as the bread, researchers have successfully treated pet food - which was responsible for the majority of recalls this year - fresh turkeys, leafy herbs such as coriander, and jalapeno peppers.
''We tried a slice of bread and then checked the mould after 60 days and it had the same level of mould that it did when it came straight out of the oven,'' Don Stull, the chief executive of MicroZap, said.
''What we are trying to do is give some ability to have a long shelf life without the preservatives.'' The technology uses pulsed microwave frequencies from multiple sources to pasteurise food. The food is zapped for a set time - 40 seconds for jalapeno peppers, for example. Unlike conventional microwave ovens, there are no hot and cold spots, and the process does not damage or cook the food, Mr Stull said.
The company claims its technology is more effective at killing salmonella and E. coli than existing methods. It will also be more palatable for the public than irradiating food, Mr Stull said.
He acknowledged the everlasting loaves may not necessarily be of interest to the average consumer.
''You probably won't see a lot of people wanting 60-day old bread,'' he said.


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Goddess on the mountain top
Burning like a silver flame
The summit of beauty and love
And Venus was her name
–Shocking Blue/Bananarama
Is Venus dead? Maybe not.
First, a way cool picture:
[Click to hugely embiggen. Note (added February 11, 2012): the vertical scale is exaggerated by 30x to show features more clearly.]
That's Idunn Mons, a mountain on Venus as radar mapped a few years back by the Magellan space probe. The color overlay is a brand spanking new thermal (temperature) map using an infrared detector on the European Venus Express probe, currently orbiting our sister planet. Red is warmer, and as you can see, Idunn appears to be trying to tell us something.
But what's it saying? OK, here's the back story:
Read More

subset: commoncrawl


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Davide Santon has demanded that his Newcastle side must 'save their season'
Newcastle defender Davide Santon wants the club to beat Fulham and Sunderland to 'save their season'.
By Follow me on Twitter @danielstorey85
Last Updated: 07/04/13 2:30pm
Newcastle face home games against Fulham and Sunderland in the Premier League. Currently sat just three points from the relegation zone, Santon knows that victories will be crucial in ensuring the club's Premier League status.
"We have to make sure against Fulham, and then against Sunderland, two games at home, we win them both," Santon said.
"We need to make sure we save our season and that we stay in the Premier League."
The two games sandwich the second leg of Newcastle's Europa League quarter-final tie against Benfica, and Santon was also quick to issue an apology for his mistake that led to their Portuguese opponents scoring the second of their three goals on Thursday.
"When I passed the ball, I had [Mapou] Yanga-Mbiwa near me, so I couldn't see the striker."
"It was really annoying. When I got in the dressing room I said sorry to everybody - to all the players because it was my fault."
"Now we have to forget this game. I have to forget my mistake and think about Sunday, next week and score two against Benfica."


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FORT MYERS Southbound lanes on Six Mile Cypress Parkway are shifted to the west onto the newly constructed southbound roadway. Two southbound lanes are open to traffic. One northbound lane will remain open while crews continue paving the remaining northbound roadway. Motorists entering the road from the west side streets are advised to use extra caution as all stop signs and stop bars will have been moved west. With this traffic configuration, southbound traffic will be traveling in close proximity to the west side. The roadway is expected to be in its final configuration by Thanksgiving.
On Tuesday, Oct. 2, during the nighttime/overnight hours from 6 p.m. to 5 a.m., crews are scheduled to pave the southbound lanes of Six Mile Cypress Parkway immediately north of Daniels Parkway. One southbound will remain open at all times during the paving.
Motorists are asked to use caution while driving through the construction zone and be aware of construction vehicles during the paving operation. This work is part of Lee County's Six Mile Cypress Widening Project and is subject to change due to inclement weather or unforeseen conditions.
Lee County is widening the two-lane section of Six Mile Cypress Parkway to a four-lane divided highway. This work includes the installation of a signalized intersection at Penzance Boulevard and the addition of a paved path along the west side of the roadway from Heritage Palms to Daniels Parkway. Southbound Six Mile Cypress Parkway traffic is currently shifted to the east just south of Heritage Palms Boulevard.


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I enjoyed a breakfast and a "walk-thru" at the brand, spanking new "built-from-the-ground-up" South Loop Hotel, 26th and State Street, as the guest of the owners, Jimmy White, Louis Dodd and Dr. Floyd Mix, who also own the Amber In
I enjoyed a breakfast and a "walk-thru" at the brand-spanking new "built-from-the-ground-up" South Loop Hotel, 26th and State Street, as the guest of the owners, Jimmy White, Louis Dodd and Dr. Floyd Mix, who also own the Amber Inn at 38th and Michigan. This multi-million-dollar, five-story luxury hotel has 232 guest rooms with free wireless hi-speed Internet access and flat-screen TVs (200 rooms are doubles with two queen-sized beds in each; 32 are singles each with a queen- or king-sized bed, and some of the rooms have romantic faux French balconies and sliding doors). There are three conference rooms (one large, two smaller); 24/7 business/conference center, state-of-the-art fitness center/spa, 24/7 room service, gourmet coffee shop leased to caterer Pearl Griffin; guest concierge, gift/souvenir shop/art gallery with prints by AndrT Guichard, of Gallery Guichard; a nearly completed upscale restaurant and a lounge. In the lobby and hallways, there's lots of Black art and several originals are by Dale Washington.
Lobby dTcor is by Cecil Hayes, an African American interior designer ranked among the world's top. Her award-winning dTcor has been featured on the pages of Architectural Digest, New York Times, Washington Post, Florida Design and Southern Living. Her signature luxury furniture line, the Mikala Collection (consoles, tables, upholstery, etc.) is evident throughout the hotel.
Several top-level execs and other essential staff are on board, including Wilma Davis, a marketing maven, drumming up convention business. An official grand opening is slated for late June or early July. Scholarship Soiree–Fisk Univ. alums were here, there and everywhere with friend folks and kinfolk filling DuSable Museum to capacity-plus for That's Entertainment, a scholarship benefit hosted by the Chicago Area Fisk University Alumni Association.
In the spotlight: The John Work Chorale (Delano O'Bannon directing), George Cooper Jr., pianist and composer; The Three Sopranos (Deborah A. Rountree, Kimberly E. Jones and Wanda C. Scott), George Tenegal, vocal coach, pianist and singer; Cornelius Johnson, tenor; Rodney Stapleton, bass baritone; and The Drum Divas (Leslie Paige Piper and Neysa Scott). A lovely Gallery Reception followed. At the end of the day, $60,000 had swelled CAFUAA's coffers thanks to the relentless efforts of Atty. Gina R. Davis, chapter prez; Deborah Rountree, benefit chair; Dr. Helen Davis Gardner, co-chair; and several others. Emcees were NBC 5's Marion Brooks, LeeAnn Trotter and Art Norman and Harold Kelly.
"Big Mac"–Don Thompson, president of McDonald's USA, receives the prestigious Harold H. Hines Jr. Benefactor's Award from UNCF at its 2008 Black & White Ball: Living the Legacy Gala on June 7 at the Sheraton Chicago Hotel. The coveted Legacy Award will go to Clear Channel Radio Chicago. The 2007 Gala, chaired by Richard Stephens of The Boeing Co., the presenting sponsor, raised in excess of $1 million for UNCF's deserving students and member colleges. As chair again this year, he hopes to bring in even more dollars. The Stylistics and The Emotions will perform.
And More!–Thom Brown, acting president of the Black McDonald's Operators Association, joined with Blanton Canady and Ron Lofton, a couple of BMOA owner-operators, in hosting an intimate ethnic media meal at the Navy Pier McDonald's Restaurant to share info on Chicago BMOA's 2008 marketing efforts, upcoming events, menu items, etc. New on the menu: Southern-Style Chicken Sandwiches, Southern-Style Chicken Biscuits and Mickey D's Sweet Tea! So delish!
Birthday Bash–Sister Esther Isabelle (Mrs. Arthur) Brazier, "first lady" of Apostolic Church of God, was surprised on her 80th b'day at the Women's Ministries' Mind, Body and Soul Dinner at Wildfire restaurant followed by a movie screening of Tyler Perry's Meet the Browns at River 21 Theatre. Her two daughters, Janice B. Dortch, and Phyllis Grant, along with Lola Hillman and Doris Davenport Lowry surprised the honoree with a huge, beautifully decorated carrot cake and a five-piece band playing her favorite tunes. Guests included 300 women and one lone gent. Also b'day greetings to Barbara Sims Bell, Laura Muller, and a fave neighbor, Julia Davidson, who's 88 but is young in spirit.
Newsy Names–He's certainly "Someone You Should Know." Congrats to ABC 7's Harry Porterfield, winner of 11 Emmy Awards, who receives the distinguished Lifetime Achievement Award from National Association of Black Journalists during NABJ's Salute to Excellence Gala on July 26 in Chicago. Past recipients: the late Ed Bradley, Earl Graves and Bernard Shaw.
Going to Las Vegas between now through the end of October? If so, be sure to catch one of Chicago's fave vocalists, sultry and sexy Terisa Griffin, who will be performing at Caylix Jazz Club, 4760 W. Sahara, every Wednesday and Thursday. Terisa will also hop on over to Denver in late August to entertain at the Democratic National Convention where we're counting on our own Sen. Barack Obama to be nominated to run for President of the United States!
Naomi Davis, founder of Blacks in Green, dedicated to promoting awareness of the environmental movement and its projected benefits in our community, was one of five "eco-smart" locals saluted by Chicago Magazine at its first-ever Green Awards Reception at Shedd Aquarium. Selected from over 100 nominees by readers, community leaders and magazine staffers, the five were featured in a recent issue.
Jim Compton, retired Chicago Urban League prez and now exec v.p. at Continental Airlines, and Lisa Maria James, a Merrill Lynch financial advisor, are on board as co-chairs of eta's Gala '08: Channeling the Energy set for Sept. 6.
TV's Judge Greg Mathis speaks at Beautillion 2008 presented by Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity's Mu Mu Lambda Chapter on Friday at the O'Hare Doubletree Hotel.
L.O.L.–Langdon Neal, board president of High Jump, invites us all to An Evening of Laughter with the cast of Second City tonight at the Chicago History Museum. An academic enrichment program now in its 20th year, and designed to impact 7th and 8th graders who love to learn but might have financial constraints, High Jump prepares them for top public, parochial and independent college preparatory schools. Call (312) 582-7704.
Soul on Canvas – Fine art by Marcus Alleyne, Thomas Armstrong, Michael Anthony Brown, Leroy Campbell, Robert Lewis Clark, Calvin A. Coleman, AndrT Guichard, Adam Guichard, Emani Silva and James Taylor are part of "Canvas Soul," an exhibit opening Friday at Gallery Guichard, 3621 S. King Dr., with a Champagne Collectors' Preview & Artists' Talk from 5 p.m.-10 p.m. On Saturday, also from 5 p.m.-10 p.m., stop by for a Public Reception (free!) with live music by Lady T, a neo-soul artist. "Canvas Soul" continues through Aug. 1.
Friday's Focus–Trinity United Church of Christ, 400 W. 95th St., hosts a free Mental Health Forum on Friday, 6 p.m.- 8 p.m., with Steven Sampson, director of psychology at Michael Reese Hospital; Davis Schilling, therapeutic authority at Jackson Park Hospital; and Isabel Burton, of the National Alliance of Mental Illness, as guest speakers.
______ Copyright 2008 Chicago Defender. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.


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Alex Yusik, a board-certified forensic psychologist, explained the difference between serial killers, mass murderers and spree killers.
Serial killer: Three or more people being killed; there is usually a particular pattern with ritualistic crime scenes. Example: Jack the Ripper cut victims' throats before mutilating their abdomens.
Mass murderer: One individual perpetrates a large amount of killings in a short amount of time. Example: The Jim Jones Massacre, in which 909 inhabitants died of cyanide poisoning.
Spree killer: When someone goes "postal," like a disgruntled employee. In a short time, a large number of people are killed. Example: Columbine shootings, in which two students killed 12 people and wounded 23 others before taking their own lives.
Former medical student Philip Markoff, 22, was accused of killing women he met through Craigslist.
His alleged crimes include what a prosecutor described as the "brutal murder" of Julissa Brisman, a 26-year-old masseuse who fought back against her attacker.
Brisman was bashed in the head and shot three times inside the Marriott Copley Hotel, with the fatal bullet piercing her heart.
Markoff was then charged with fatally shooting Brisman on April 14, 2009, and with the armed robbery and kidnapping of Trisha Leffler, 29, a prostitute who was tied up at the Westin Copley on April 10.
Brisman had advertised her masseuse service on Craigslist; Leffler had also advertised through the website.
On Aug. 15, 2010, Markoff killed himself inside Boston's Nashua Street Jail, where he was being held in custody awaiting trial.


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Sexuality is a very important life issue for the elderly, but is often overlooked, according to Cynthia L. Ardito, Psy.D. Ardito frequently speaks on this subject to various health care provider groups in the United States and Canada. Most recently, she presented the topic at the Eastern Massachusetts Alzheimer's Association's Interdisciplinary Professionals Conference, the Massachusetts Association of Older Americans' Conference and the Cambridge Hospital Conference Series.
Ardito, who received her doctorate in clinical psychology from the University of Hartford in 1992, is the director of the Geriatric Group Psychotherapy Program at McLean Hospital in Belmont, Mass., and is an instructor of psychology in Harvard Medical School's psychiatry department. She has also been clinical consultant to McLean's Nursing Home Program and maintains a private practice in Belmont, Mass.
In a telephone interview with Psychiatric Times, Ardito discussed the issue of sexuality and aging.
PT: What do we know about rates of sexuality in later life, and what factors might interfere with remaining sexually active in late life?
Ardito: Our society seems to have the prevailing belief that sexuality is meant primarily for the young. The reality, however, is that sexual feelings, interest, activity and capacities are lifelong. In fact, research has repeatedly shown that the overall best predictor of sexual activity in late life is the level of sexual activity in midlife. We don't have a lot of data about levels of sexual activity in elders, however, and data that are available often don't take into account all elder populations, such as residents in nursing homes, so it is difficult to generalize.
Physically, after age 50, one can expect a general slowing down of sexual responses, but this would not necessitate cessation of all sexual activity. There are, however, some issues that become more prevalent in late life that can negatively impact sexual functioning. One issue is the lack of available partners that significantly limits opportunities for sexual expression, especially for older women. A recent American Association of Retired Persons' [AARP] sexuality survey [Jacoby, 1999] found that 50% of the women surveyed who were between the ages of 60 and 74, and four out of five women age 75 and over, were widowed. This was contrasted with one out of five men age 75 and older who were widowed. An even more poignant fact in this survey was that many of the women without partners also reported being deprived of intimate kisses and hugs. You can see that lack of a partner can significantly limit sexual expression.
Another issue is that, as people age, there is a greater incidence of illness and progression of chronic diseases that can negatively impact sexual functioning. Many of the pharmacological treatments for these medical problems carry side effects that can also have a negative impact. This is very significant when we keep in mind that, as a group, the elderly are the largest consumers of prescription and nonprescription medications.
Some of the medical problems that might have a large impact on sexuality are diabetes, hypothyroidism, neuropathy, cardiovascular disease, urinary tract infections, prostate cancer, incontinence, arthritis, depression, dementia, chronic alcoholism and heavy smoking.
Medications known to have side effects that may contribute to erectile dysfunction include some antihypertensives, antidepressants, diuretics, steroids, anticonvulsants, -blockers, estrogens, opiates and others. We have less research on the impact of medications on women's sexual functioning, but studies have shown that antidepressants can inhibit orgasm, and some antihypertensives, anticholinergics and antihistamines have been found to negatively impact sexual functioning in women.
There are also a number of psychosocial issues that can impact sexual activity in later years, including changes in roles and finances after retirement; anxiety and depression related to age-associated losses and transitions; and personal, religious and moral beliefs regarding one's sexuality in late life.
AARP (1998), HIV/AIDS and older adults. Available at: http://www.aarp.org/press/1998/nr100198.html. Accessed Nov. 23, 1999.
Jacoby S (1999), Great sex: What's age got to do with it? Modern Maturity Sept./Oct. Available at: http://www.aarp.org/mmaturity/sept_oct99/greatsex.html. Accessed Nov. 23.
Barlik B, Kaplan P, Kaminetsky J et al. (1999), Medication with the potential to enhance sexual responsivity in women. Psychiatric Annals 29(1):46-52.
McCartney JR, Izeman H, Rogers D, Cohen N (1987), Sexuality and the institutionalized elderly. J Am Geriatr Soc 35(4):331-333.
Stall R, Catania J (1994), AIDS risk behaviors among late middle-aged and elderly Americans. The National AIDS Behavioral Surveys. Arch Intern Med


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There's a difference between marketing talk, boosting your company at the expense of your competitors, and saying things that are easily proven wrong.
He feels confident in saying anything because even one extra customer is a bonus.
He was on the news saying this stuff, but i believe you may be overestimating the intelligence of the average news watcher.
Just mentioning it on the news gets extra sales. Boasting the console does not hurt Nintendo at all.
Not knowing when to stop talking should be second nature when selling a product.
"and saying things that are easily proven wrong"
If only that actually mattered. We have this thing in the US called the Presidential Debate. I don't think i need to explain that anymore to US residents, lol.
When do ANY PR guys know when to stop talking? How is this at all new?
I wish the games industry would stop being so preoccupied with corporate competition and brand loyalty. Such childish nonsense. When did it stop being about creativity and fun?
Games are heading to shallow blockbuster territory without even having had a single sort of "high" period; like film had German Expressionism, New Wave, Surrealism, Dogme 95.
i also think he talks too much. but he's just a sales guy he only thinks about sales numbers no matter the lies he puts into it.


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Hillary Clinton's lead in Pennsylvania widens to 52-37. [Rasmussen]
A national hypothetical general election poll has Hillary Clinton barely defeating John McCain, 48-46, and Barack Obama deadlocked with him 46-46. [SuveryUSA]
Another national poll shows both Democrats beating McCain–Clinton by a small margin (50-47) and Obama by a larger one (53-42). [ABC News-Wash Post]


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Sit back and relax to the sounds of Celtic and traditional music from a band comprised of three women from Bedford County. They will delight you with selections showcasing a variety of wind and string instruments including the harp, violin, bowed psaltery, guitar, flute, recorder, hammered dulcimer, and mandolin. It will put an Irish spring in your step and introduce some new words to your vocabulary (i.e., Frindle) as we celebrate the Read and Believe annual community read with Montvale Elementary School, Montvale ES PTA, the Friends of the Montvale Library and Montvale Library.


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Initial Antibiotic Selection for Non-ICU Patients
Percent of immunocompetent (immune system is working properly and is able to respond correctly) non-Intensive Care Unit (ICU) patients with Community-Acquired Pneumonia who receive an initial antibiotic regimen during the first 24 hours that is consistent with current guidelines. (Joint Commission)
NOTE: Use caution when drawing conclusions when the sample size is small (generally considered 25 cases or less).
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I find it funny that she will beg a ride off others on those occasions but under NO circumstance will she consider taking her van into work and leaving her retired husband without a vehicle for the day...even if it is just once in a while.
I am going to take that advice...especially since several posters have said the same thing and it is a good point. I am still going to go to the gym....but I will not make it my excuse.I know I shouldn't have to make an excuse...but why do we always feel compelled to do it? The JADE - ing as another poster mentioned. I find I really have to force myself to not do it....to shut up and quit while I'm ahead.
However, since the OP had secretly been looking forward to this woman's contract ending, and that didn't happen, it's definitely time to put a stop to the rides (personally, I would loathe going 15 minutes out of my way every day, and I would loathe having to chat in the car too). But I'm not so ready to say the coworker has done anything wrong, since she didn't know the OP's feelings on the matter.How she reacts to being told her rides are ending will be the true test of her character.
I know I shouldn't have to make an excuse...but why do we always feel compelled to do it?
Quote from: gen xer on September 25, 2012, 07:43:33 PMI know I shouldn't have to make an excuse...but why do we always feel compelled to do it?I don't ever feel compelled to, so I got nothin. Sorry!
i don't fault the CW for not stopping a situation that was advantageous to her. gen xer kept her irritation to herself.where i might fault the CW is to go to another co-worker to complain that gen xer planned to stop the arrangement. unless the co-worker who told gen xer that she is now required to continue driving CW since she started it has a history of sticking her nose in where it doesn't belong, i have a feeling that CW didn't state the facts in a way that puts gen xer in a very good light.CW's proper response should be to thank gen xer for three years of saving her money for insurance and wear and tear on a car she didn't have to buy, and for saving her husband the time he didn't have to spend driving his wife to and from work. and to be proactive in immediately finding another way to and from work.
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Catholic women in pop culture
Roman Catholics, particularly women, don't always get depicted fairly or accurately in pop culture. We know the stereotypes: They are usually morally questionable Catholic school girls (or women who went to Catholic school) or generally meek and green nuns in habits. Saturday Night Live alum, Molly Shannon, who played the former as Mary Katherine Gallagher, will now take a stab at portraying a sister in a comedy she's working on for HBO [1]:
The untitled comedy would star the Saturday Night Live alumna as a nun who makes the difficult decision to leave the convent and confront life in the outside world. Shannon's character became a nun after getting her heart broken at 18. Now she is an utterly innocent woman in her early 40s who has never had sex and has to discover the modern world in all of its tawdriness.
Essentially, Catholic women in pop culture are seen as either saturated with sexuality or completely deprived of it. And in this equation, celibacy means total naivety.
"It's James Joyce meets Judd Apatow -- a female 40-Year-Old Virgin with a huge dollop of Catholic weirdness thrown in," Long said…It "will be outrageously funny…but it'll also be a serious look at a woman who's 40 but emotionally still in her teens and who needs to get wise very quickly," Long said.
Hmmm. Raise your hand if the sisters you know and love have are emotionally still in their teens. No one? Didn't think so. If anything, the women religious I know have a maturity and deep understanding of the world. They are women who possess an awareness of the "tawdriness" of the world, and also of its injustice and suffering. Likewise, they know of its love, its community, and its beauty. Our readers seem to agree. [2]
I like Molly Shannon. Her Sally O'Malley makes me laugh so hard I cry. And I understand that there's a formula to writing and creating television and film: the simpler and more identifiable the characters, the better. It's just unfortunate that what is most identifiable about women religious—their commitment to the real work of the church—rarely makes it to the screen.


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The Laboratory
The Laboratory of Theoretical Physics and Statistical Models (LPTMS) is a mixed research unit (UMR 8626) of CNRS and University Paris-Sud, established in 1998 with some twenty nine researchers and teachers-researchers. The research topics are centered around statistical physics with openings to the physics of condensed matter.
To contact us:
By phone call: All phone numbers of the laboratory start by + 33 (0)1 6915----
By email: Members' email are usually of the form: first name.family email@example.com
You will find the phone numbers and emails in the list of members.
The laboratory is situated at the second floor of the building 100A.


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FORT MYERS, Fla. — It was the kind of thing that made you look twice. But that really was Daniel Bard at first base with Ryan Dempster at second, John Lackey at shortstop, and Andrew Miller as the world's only 6-foot-7-inch, lefthanded third baseman.
The Red Sox were having some fun Sunday morning, but with a purpose. As part of working on bunt defense, they had the pitchers rotate through the infield positions to get a better sense of what their teammates do.
Pitching coach Juan Nieves suggested the drill. It is something his former team, the Chicago White Sox, does in spring training.
"It serves a couple of purposes," manager John Farrell said. "One, it continues to allow the pitchers to go through the bunt responsibilities. But it also gives them insight in what every other player on the field's responsibilities are.
"They get a better understanding of not only reading the pace of the bunt, they can understand how much distance has to be traveled in certain situations. From that standpoint, it was helpful."
The pitchers enjoyed the challenge of scooping throws and charging the ball. Lackey, who played first base in junior college, was particularly adept at those skills.
"I played shortstop when I was a sophomore in high school," Miller said. "I kind of knew what to do. But Lack was pretty good."
Defensive drills can get boring for pitchers. But the Sox made it into a competition, counting who had the fewest mistakes. They were a noisy bunch.
Farrell was enjoying himself watching the action.
"I'll tell you, when you get into spring training one of the tough things is to get creative," he said.
What if there's an emergency some night, might Farrell try one of his pitchers in the infield?
"Let's hope it doesn't come to that," he said.
Impressed with Drew
Farrell was asked what his early impressions were of new shortstop Stephen Drew.
"A lot more talkative than J.D. [Drew]," he cracked.
Stephen Drew is, in fact, much more chatty than his low-key older brother, the former Red Sox right fielder. Of greater importance is that Drew seems fully recovered from the shattered right ankle that interrupted his career in 2011.
"There seems to be no ill effect of the ankle injury," Farrell said. "Through his ground ball work, from the team defense that we've run through so far, he's very particular in just looking for feedback. Whether it's in between rounds in BP to [how] the ball carries across the infield, trying to generate the exact rotation and backspin on throws to keep them true. He's pretty meticulous in his work."
Getting to work
First baseman Mike Napoli, who was cleared to start defensive drills Saturday, took 50 ground balls at first base.
"We'll gradually build that up," Farrell said. "He's got very soft hands. Even when you watch him take BP, his movements are smooth. We're confident he's going to be a very good first baseman."
Napoli has been primarily a catcher in his career, but has played 133 games at first base.
"I kind of like the idea of getting to focus on playing there for the first time," he said. "I've been able to handle it before and I think I'll get better."
Overbay first up
As Napoli catches up, non-roster first baseman Lyle Overbay is getting time with the starting infielders. He could find a spot on the bench, particularly if he is comfortable in left field. "The one thing we know defensively, he's a well above-average first baseman," Farrell said. Overbay had only 116 at-bats last season for the Diamondbacks and Braves. How he swings the bat will decide his fate . . . The Red Sox were concerned when Clay Buchholz clutched his right hamstring a few minutes into the first official workout last Tuesday. But he has recovered swiftly and may be only a few days away from unrestricted workouts. "Everything is fine," he said. "I was on the field today and I'll pitch tomorrow. It's not going to be a problem." . . . Shortstop Jose Iglesias, who is about 9 pounds heavier, has improved the power of his swing if early rounds of batting practice are any indication. He's more balanced and able to drive the ball better.Peter Abraham can be reached at email@example.com. Follow him on Twitter @PeteAbe.


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Sorry, Colonel, but a tub of fried chicken just isn't my idea of picnic food.
When I think about summer picnics, I picture cool, lighter fare -- salads and sandwiches that are easy to eat whether you're perched on a wobbly wooden table in a forest preserve or balancing a plate on your lap at an outdoor concert.
I made the mistake last summer of bringing sandwich fixings (a selection of sliced deli cheeses, meats and spreads) to our picnic site. Seriously, what was I thinking?
For food safety and insect reasons, you don't want to leave meat and cheese sitting out of refrigeration so people can put together their own sandwiches. (Keep in mind that the two-hour window for keeping perishable foods out of the fridge shrinks considerably when temps reach above 80 degrees. Plus, when people have limited access to soap and water, the fewer people touching food and serving utensils, the better.)
I should have assembled some sandwiches at home, wrapped and labeled them. Or, I should have made an Overnight Pressed Picnic Sandwich that recipe developer Alison Ladman created for The Associated Press (see sidebar).
When it comes to picnic salads I'm all about combinations that can be eaten easily with a fork. Leafy lettuces should be chopped, vegetables sliced and any meats shredded or sliced into truly bite-sized pieces so diners don't have to wrestle with a knife. Even those cute little grape tomatoes should be halved for easier eating.
Some other picnic tips: When heading off to your picnic, keep the cooler in the passenger compartment where it's cool, not in the hot trunk. On site, keep coolers closed tightly to maintain icy temps and keep them in the shade.
Portion salads into smaller (quart-sized) containers versus large (gallon-sized) tubs and put only one out at a time.
Pack more forks and serving utensils than you think you'll need to replace ones that might get dropped.


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By JOYCE COMINGORE
Special to The Breeze
In 1753, Carolus Linneaus, father of taxonomy and a botanist, named a group of plants, Clerodendrum, from the greek words kleros, meaning chance or fate, and dendron, a tree, referring to the variation in reports of their medicinal properties. Revisions in this genus category have been going on until 2010.
Clerodendron glandulosum has been used in India for medicine, but the correct name for this genus is Clerodendrum, although some people like to use clerodendron.
It never ceases to amaze me how different this family is. This genus now falls into the Verbenaceae family, order Lamiales. Estimates of how many varieties vary from 150 to 450. They occur in tropical Africa and southern Asia, as well as the tropical Americas and northern Australia, and a few extend into the northern temperate zone of eastern Asia.
They are shrubs, vines and lianas, and small trees. Clerodendrums are called, Glory Bowers. It is the flower/shrub with a big family. Some rascals and some beauties!
I first came across a lovely vine of Bleeding Heart, not the wildflower I knew up north, but a flowering vine of snow white-seeming pods with a star-shaped scarlet red flower bursting out the bottom, known as Clerodendrum thomsonae. It blooms throughout the summer into the fall. I planted it at the front door of our rental home in Venice.
This vine needs support of a fence or trellis and enjoys light shade or a sunny location with well drained rich loamy soil. Prune them in early spring to encourage the new growth that produces masses of flowers. Feed it monthly with liquid 15-30-15. Some have used it in a hanging basket and tried growing it indoors in the colder climates. There is a variation vine with pale purple pods showing scarlet red stars, called delectum.
When I moved to Cape Coral, I kept seeing a lot of shrubs with heart-shaped green leaves and bright orange/red clusters of blooms in our warmer months. This is what I called Glory Bower until I found out they are all Glory Bowers. I found out it was C. speciosissimum, from Java, so it was called Java Glorybower, a very common shrub that was easy to multiply, so people did. They like to reseed, with seedlings that need to be pulled unless you like a thicket of them. They are spectacular when in full color. "Specio" means showy, and "issimum" means very. One article I read, the author said, she was amazed to find it was related to mint through the Verbena family, due to recent genetic sequencing.
I think I wrote about Clerodendrum quadriloculare, the beautiful "Shooting Star" or "Starburst" blooms, with large green leaves on top and dark purple underneath. It blooms in the winter. I wanted one, and my son-in-law brought me one he dug up, given to him by their neighbor. I planted it on the east side of my house where I had tried to eliminate all the invasive Mexican petunia. Well, I found out this plant was supposed to be just as bad. I saw it planted along Hancock Parkway and throughout the Botanical Garden at the Garden Council. Its bad habit was, it was invasive by suckering. Severe pruning will bring on an outburst of suckers and shoots. It was suggested I keep it potted, but I let potted plants dry out. They have recently developed a "Dwarf Purple leaf Morningstar" that grows to 6 feet tall, but it is less aggressive and can be maintained by pruning. There is now a tri-color leaf plant. My plant has not been watered in the ground, and I haven't pruned it in a year. It is just as I planted it, a lovely small tree.
My latest brush with a Clerodendrum is the exquisite C. ugandense, (Butterfly Bush), not to be confused with Buddleia. Also, originally it was first described as coming from Kenya, then Uganda was included, and the name stuck. It does not attract butterflies, but the dancing blooms of two shades of blue really resemble butterflies.
Grow this in partial shade in zone 10 and 11. It is root hardy in zones 8 and 9. It freezes back, but comes back from the roots. Prune this shrub back, and be aware that the leaves have an odd scent when bruised. They flower on the current year's growth, so you can prune anytime you need to improve flowering.
There are more Clerodendrums, about 150. Most are good guys and behave, but there are a few bad guys that become a nuisance. The Rose Glory Bower, (C.bungei) sends up suckers all around itself, very invasive. Redemption comes from its blooms being very fragrant and looking like the French hydrangea. Some states may ban the sale and propagation of Rose Glory Bower. Be sure to keep it contained. Goats won't eat it.
Doug Caldwell, Ph.D., is the commercial landscape horticulture extension agent and entomologist with the Extension in Collier County, and he has an affinity for the "Musical Note," Clerodendrum incisum "Macrosiphon." A very unusual Clerodendrum that is about 4 feet tall as well as round, needs little pruning and produces blooms monthly when left unsheared. As the bloom emerges, it resembles a 4-inch-long eighth note, before it stretches and splits, forming into a white butterfly. These flowers are short lived, two days, and start around the fourth of July and last until November. Avoid full sun, semi-shade suits them best. Cut plants back moderately in March and April, they fill in quickly. They are quite a show-stopper.
Enjoy the many varieties of Clerodendrum you may find, be sure to know their roots spread.
And find a tree, thank it for your clean air.
Joyce Comingore is a master gardener, hibiscus enthusiast, Federated Garden Board member and a member of the Garden Club of Cape Coral.


text:
Monday, January 2, 2012
First post of 2012
73 comments:
- mainely stitching said...
Chinese dumplings are my most favorite food on earth.
LOVELY finish. This is the one stocking I don't have the pattern for, because I'm not overly enamored of Quakers. But seeing yours, I'm now beginning to doubt my decision. ;)It's a great finish - congratulations!!
- January 2, 2012 at 8:43:00 AM PST
- Laurie in Iowa said...
I knew you'd get Noah's stocking completed before the end of 2011. Congrats... it looks wonderful. So... will you be doing the finishing on all four stockings now?
Your ATS looks wonderful too and I'm happy for you that you've gotten past the cloud.
I am disappointed that you didn't have a New Years Day start, but I can see by the pics of those dumplings you were busy creating in the kitchen.
I'm so relieved that Mia gave you your coat back... I thought for sure she'd claim it as her own once she discovered the sleeve.
- January 2, 2012 at 8:44:00 AM PST
- Deborah said...
Beautiful finish! ATS is looking good, too. Those dumplings look so yummy!
- January 2, 2012 at 8:48:00 AM PST
- Littlebit said...
Happy New Year, Margaret! Your stocking is one of my favorites! I stitched it a couple of years ago,and it was amazingly easy to do the finishing, to my surprise. I look forward to seeing all of your wonderful projects this year.
- January 2, 2012 at 8:50:00 AM PST
- Jackie said...
Congratulations on your finish! I've heard so much groaning about the cloud on ATS from blogland - it really must be a booger! Nicola is making amazing progress.
I'm not sure I've seen SEB before. I looked it up and just fell in love - the verse is especially wonderful!
- January 2, 2012 at 8:53:00 AM PST
- Annie said...
The blue stocking is very cool. That's a great finish.
Love the progress on the sampler. I can see why you're happy to be done with the cloud. That's a lot of cloud to plow through.
So the parade didn't jive with your sense of tradition.. at least you had your dumplings!
- January 2, 2012 at 8:58:00 AM PST
- Melissa said...
Congratulations on a first finish already - the colours are gorgeous on the stocking!
Dumplings! Did you make them with your mom? I remember Mom and I used to do that but then she stopped doing much cooking. I wish I had learned how to make all those things! Yum for you!
I laughed when I saw your name on Becky's BAP Challenge. Of course you'll have the most chances to win! However, I did join in the hopes that it will inspire me to get ONE done this year!
- January 2, 2012 at 9:17:00 AM PST
- Dona said...
The blues in the stocking are gorgeous, Margaret! The collection will look so nice together!
I still wish I had those dumplings. Perfect food for NYD.
I'm glad to see Mia is still napping with your son and hiding in interesting places!
Happy New Year, Marget!
- January 2, 2012 at 9:26:00 AM PST
- Bertie said...
Good girl, you just had to finish that, in fact I expected that LOL.
Look forward to your and Mia's and the family's antics in 2012!
Happy New Year!
- January 2, 2012 at 9:33:00 AM PST
- Vera said...
Hi Margaret and Happy New Year! Great finish on the Quaker stocking and I love ATS...what HUGE project!!
We went to our son's girlfriend's house on the 27th and helped make dumplings...I learned how to roll out the dough...my dumplings are not so pretty - even my son has learned to make beautiful folds, etc. They were delicious!!
Looking forward to Mia's continuing story and all your lovely stitching in the coming year.
- January 2, 2012 at 9:49:00 AM PST
- Glenna said...
All quakered out--LOL. It is beautiful though--especially those blues. And the Chinese dumplings--swoon. What do you fill them with? I cheat and use the dumpling skins sold in the store, and I don't bother usually even then because it is a lot of work. I'd take dumpling making and consuming over cookies any day!
- January 2, 2012 at 9:52:00 AM PST
- BeckySC said...
Beautiful stitching as always my friend! The stocking looks AMAZING :)
Just jump in the challenge when you are ready :) I'll look forward to your start and progresses whenever you are ready :)
- January 2, 2012 at 10:02:00 AM PST
- Joy said...
Yummy New Year's tradition! That Noah stocking is great. When I grow up, I want to stitch just like you.
I did not like the parade this year either, what a disappointment.
Gotta love boy child and Mia!
Happy Day!
- January 2, 2012 at 10:08:00 AM PST
- Ranae said...
Gorgeous stocking finish.
Oh! ATS! please keep stitching it, how I miss stitching the motifs
Yummy dumplings
I looked the parade to be on, but never seen it
Take care
- January 2, 2012 at 10:12:00 AM PST
- Charlene ♥ SC said...
Very lovely finish! So logical to me to finish before starting anew...so why didn't I/ That'll be next. Happy to see you enjoying the DS - they're precious. Your dumplings look SO much better than the ones I had (leftover from Sat. take out). No way I'd attempt that! Happy New Year's Stitching!!
- January 2, 2012 at 10:31:00 AM PST
- Dawn said...
Happy 2012 to you and your too ;-)
Beautiful Quaker motif stocking - I like blue for a stocking, reminds me of ice and snow.
Your dumplings look yummy - and how great to make them together with conversation and love!
Looking forward to all your projects!
- January 2, 2012 at 10:37:00 AM PST
- Stitching By A Cornish Sea Shore said...
I love the colours on your stocking and am looking forward to seeing it made up. I must do a stocking, maybe after the wedding when and if we have grandchild on the way. Fingers crossed.
Glad you got past the cloud. I'm really enjoying ATS the colours are so nice on these gloomy winter days.
Noah's bedroom is a typical teenagers. Mia is so sweet.
- January 2, 2012 at 10:44:00 AM PST
- Roberta said...
Hi Margaret, the stocking looks great, congrats on the finish. I agree what is this that the parade is on Monday!!!
The dumplings look so yummy, what a special tradition to have each year.
Have and Happy and Healthy New Year.
- January 2, 2012 at 11:04:00 AM PST
- Deb said...
Great finish Margaret!! And it's great to see someone working on ATS!! Parts of it do get a little crazy, but you're going to be so happy when you get it done.
It seems like Eli and Mia are inseparable. So cute!!
- January 2, 2012 at 11:07:00 AM PST
- BrendaS said...
Happy New Year Margaret:) Great last finish for 2011, now for the finishing (LOL)
ATS is looking good too. I just know your smokin' needles will have this knocked out sooner rather than later.
- January 2, 2012 at 11:31:00 AM PST
- Sally said...
Congratulations on a beautiful finish Margaret.
Oooh I'm looking forward to seeing your progress on ATS. I admire anyone who stitches it as it's HUGE!
- January 2, 2012 at 11:33:00 AM PST
- Erica said...
Lovely finish on that Quaker Stocking! Quite a bit of tricky county between those motifs!
Beautiful job!
- January 2, 2012 at 11:43:00 AM PST
- Kim said...
Margaret the stocking looks great! Nice way to finish the year! I hope to get back to And They Sinned soon! I am on that cloud and probably will be for a while! LOL And OH MY GOSH I looooove Chinese dumplings! YUMMMM! Love your tradition!
- January 2, 2012 at 11:54:00 AM PST
- Jenny said...
Hi and Happy New Year to you and your family, Margaret! Your stocking is absolutely gorgeous. I have been contemplating stitching a few of these beauties too, but I am too lazy at the moment... LOL
Is it bad that I can't really see a problem with your son's room? I just spent a few sweaty minutes trying to locate a few stitching projects in the stitching room (took a while, but I finally succeeded) and almost got lost in there.... :-)
- January 2, 2012 at 11:56:00 AM PST
- Mouse said...
ooooo well done on the finish ... you've made me hungry with the dumplings and wow see what you mean about the bed .lololol .... mia is gorgeous as always and way to go on the rest of your stitching and wishing you a very merry stitchy new year :) love mouse xxx
- January 2, 2012 at 12:01:00 PM PST
- April said...
Happy 2012 Margaret!! Love the Quaker Stocking. so pretty!
- January 2, 2012 at 12:21:00 PM PST
- Lene said...
I do like this stocking:) You managed a lot before the old year ended. Can't wait to see what you make in 2012. Happy New Year!
- January 2, 2012 at 12:41:00 PM PST
- Laura said...
Your Quaker Stocking is one of the most beautiful pieces I have ever seen!!!!!
- January 2, 2012 at 1:04:00 PM PST
- Katrina said...
What a sweet finish!!!! And I love your ATS too. Dumplings look so yummy :-).
- January 2, 2012 at 1:23:00 PM PST
- Nancy said...
Happy New Year! Quaker Stocking is beautiful! I love your progress on ATS! One day I want to start that one myself! Those dumplings look amazingly good! And homemade too, they must have been delicious!Your son's bed looks just like a normal teens bed. Don't know how they sleep in such chaos.
- January 2, 2012 at 1:40:00 PM PST
- Cari said...
Boy oh boy those dumplings look so yummy!! What a fun thing to do as a family. Of course I love ALL of your stitching...starts and finishes. And sweet Mia...too much fun. Happy New Year Margaret !! Hugs
- January 2, 2012 at 1:54:00 PM PST
- Faye said...
Catching up on blogposts...Your year in review is absolutely mind-blowing!~ I just keep going back and admiring all the astonishing projects you have accomplished. And, I have this CHS Quaker stocking on my list for 2012..Would love to stitch in different colorways for the family..Maybe over the years I can!
Again, I hope all in your family are blessed in 2012...Peace my friend,
- January 2, 2012 at 2:53:00 PM PST
- Penny said...
Beautiful stitching on your Quaker Stocking! Looking forward to seeing your progress on ATS - if anyone can get it done, I know you can. :)
The dumplings sound delicious! It's amazing what kids can sleep with in their bed - Mia doesn't seem to mind. :)
- January 2, 2012 at 3:22:00 PM PST
- Jan said...
Hey there, dear Margaret...awesome post, for the first day of the year! I love the colors in your stocking, just beautiful and I am not much of a blue person, but this does it for me. Good for you, if anyone can pull out ATS and finish it, you can!! I think that is one of the reasons I have never started it, it seems so daunting!!
Anyway, how much I have enjoyed visiting with you this year, and I know that 2012 will be even better, cuz you will have great things to share and beautiful stitched projects to admire!!
Blessings in 2012 for you!
- January 2, 2012 at 4:29:00 PM PST
- Nancy said...
Both the stocking and And They Sinned look gorgeous! Happy 2012, and I always enjoy seeing pictures of Mia!
- January 2, 2012 at 4:37:00 PM PST
- Carol said...
Oh, I love your stocking, Margaret--the colors are my favorites!! I can't even imagine attempting a piece like ATS--you go girl.
And I know just what you mean about the Rose Parade not being on New Year's Day--a travesty!! My oldest son marched in that parade way back in the late '90s when he was a freshman in high school. What memories :)
- January 2, 2012 at 4:43:00 PM PST
- Cathy B said...
Congratulations on your final finish - it looks great!
The dumplings look yummy - it's important to pass these traditions on to our children; hopefully they will pass them on to their children.
Wish you all the best in 2012 Margaret! Can't wait to see what else you'll be stitching on!
- January 2, 2012 at 4:51:00 PM PST
- Gabi said...
The stocking is fantastic. LOVE it. Same goes to "And they Sinned" Your stitching is as always just so very beautiful.
Your dumplings look yummy. And had a giggle about your boy's bed. My daughter is no better...lol.
- January 2, 2012 at 5:30:00 PM PST
- Catherine said...
Another beautiful stocking! Now you have to get cracking and finish them off!! ;)
Your dumplings look wonderful! We always have pork, sauerkraut and dumplings on New Year's day.
My boys beds aren't any better! Boys will be boys.
- January 2, 2012 at 6:03:00 PM PST
- Krista said...
Your Quaker stocking is absolutely gorgeous! Happy New Year and happy stitching! :)
- January 2, 2012 at 6:12:00 PM PST
- Mary Ann said...
I have enjoyed reading your blog for a long time, and wanted to let you know that I always look forward to your posts to see your lovely stitching.
Happy New Year!
- January 2, 2012 at 6:14:00 PM PST
- Poussy Stiches my love said...
Hummmmmm pour la recette !!
Bravo pour la quaker !!!
je vous souhaite de bons moments de couture, mon amie,
bisous bisous de France
- January 2, 2012 at 10:20:00 PM PST
- Myriam said...
You are the "bip-bip" of embroidery!!!
- January 2, 2012 at 11:52:00 PM PST
- Lois said...
Great finish and nice to see ATS popping up again! Glad you've got past the cloud and are heading for the parts you're looking forward to stitching. Those dumplings look delicious and, as always, great pics of Mia and the boy child.
- January 3, 2012 at 1:30:00 AM PST
- Nicole said...
Beautiful finish Margaret!! I Hope you have a very happy new year!!! :)
- January 3, 2012 at 4:12:00 AM PST
- Marion said...
Margaret....do you stitch while you sleep??? I am in awe of your stitching every post!!!
Love the photos of Mia and boy child....um....he would fit in nicely with my kids...and their beds...lol...
I have ATS.....someday I will start it.....someday...
Happy New Year!! Dumplings looked delicious!!!!
- January 3, 2012 at 6:01:00 AM PST
- The Inspired Stitcher said...
Congrats on the finish! It looks great. I hope 2012 brings you all the best. Happy New Year!
- January 3, 2012 at 7:32:00 AM PST
- Patty C. said...
love the Stocking - !!!
- January 3, 2012 at 8:37:00 AM PST
- Michelle said...
Congrats on finishing that stocking!!! I knew you'd get it done. And huge congrats on finishing the cloud - that sucker is a pain. It took me a long time to get down to the tree with all those random motifs all over the place, but you'll probably breeze through it. Can't wait to see how Sarah is coming along. Happy New Year!
- January 3, 2012 at 10:10:00 AM PST
- Siobhan said...
Congratulations on the finish, Margaret! It looks great. Nice progress on ATS, too!
The dumplings look soooo good.
I had to LOL at your son sleeping with stuff on his bed. My younger daughter sleeps with piles of stuff on her bed--mostly books, but also clothes, magazines, etc. One time I went up to discover that she'd been sleeping with an empty bucket on her bed--why it was on her bed in the first place is anybody's guess. We always joke that she'd be safe if a burglar came in the house at night because they couldn't find her under all the mess.
- January 3, 2012 at 12:34:00 PM PST
- Melanie said...
Happy 2012!!!!!
You made the dumpling skins too?? I'm totally impressed. I love making dumplings but I get the 'skins' from the frozen bin at the Asian market. (Yummy, but hit or miss I find.)
Awesome stocking!!!!!
- January 3, 2012 at 12:40:00 PM PST
- valerie said...
Happy New Year Margaret! Congrats on your Quaker stocking finish!
Can't wait to see your progress on ATS!
- January 3, 2012 at 1:57:00 PM PST
- Merry Wind Farm said...
Hi, Margaret, Happy New Year to you! I love your Quaker sampler, I did that one a couple of years ago and love it, I really like the blues that you used. It is too funny about your boy child's bed and room! Just wait a few more years, and you'll see how much worse it can get! hehehe!! My boy child is now 20, going to college locally and living at home and working two jobs, I think cleaning his room is the last thing on his list. Your dumplings look so yummy, too,
- January 3, 2012 at 5:40:00 PM PST
- Marsha said...
I know what you mean about the Rose parade. I kept looking for it on new years day! It was my one day off and I look forward to doing nothing that whole day. (recuperating) I was very upset.
Nice 2011 stitching finishes. Your work is gorgeous.
- January 3, 2012 at 6:41:00 PM PST
- Giovanna said...
Congrats on finishing the stocking, and ATS is looking wonderful - have a great stitchy 2012
- January 4, 2012 at 7:43:00 AM PST
- Mindi said...
Love the finish of the stocking. Does that complete the CHS stocking collection?
Those dumplings look delicious! Things like that really do take a lot of time and effort to make from scratch, but they're so worth it.
- January 4, 2012 at 9:36:00 AM PST
- woolwoman said...
Yes I lament about the Rose Parade also Margaret - thankfully I was off work Monday or I would not have seen any of it - actually I got quite bored with it and just started working on a big pot of chili since it was going to be so cold here in NE FL. Hope you will have lots of stitching pleasure in 2012. Cheers! Mel
- January 4, 2012 at 2:06:00 PM PST
- mollycaff said...
Congratulations on your finish, it looks wonderful, almost as godoy as the dumplings lol, I feel very hungry all of a sudden. You son's bed may not be the neatest I've seen but he and Mia look very comfortable and cozy all the same! Happy New Year to you and yours.
- January 4, 2012 at 2:19:00 PM PST
- Tanya said...
You are simply amazing! Happy New Year to you. I would love to try some Chinese dumplings some time. They look delicious.
- January 4, 2012 at 6:22:00 PM PST
- Tanya said...
You are simply amazing! Happy New Year to you. I would love to try some Chinese dumplings some time. They look delicious.
- January 4, 2012 at 6:22:00 PM PST
- Aussie Stitcher said...
The dumplings look delicious. Love the photos of Mia, oh and the boy child too. ATS is looking great, I have started this one, but from the bottom.
- January 4, 2012 at 9:20:00 PM PST
- Brigitte said...
... and now it's done. I love the colours used in the Quaker stocking, just beuatiful.
Great to see that your pulled out ATS again. And I'm very curious to see hwta you will stitch for Becky's challenge.
You seem to have had a great start into the new year with your family. Happy New Year to you all.
- January 5, 2012 at 10:10:00 AM PST
- Loraine said...
What a fabulous finish. I love that stocking! So pretty done in blue. Your dumplings look amazing too, and all from scratch? Yum! I love seeing other peoples traditions. Our favorite is a fondue party Christmas Eve. We eat like 5000 calories of cheese and chocolate, but it's so worth it!
Here's to a great new year. Hugs.
- January 5, 2012 at 2:55:00 PM PST
- Kellie said...
Stocking is GORGEOUS! What a fabulous start on ATS! :)
- January 5, 2012 at 3:09:00 PM PST
- Susan said...
I'm way behind in my blog reading--maybe I should make a New Year's resolution to keep current on them. Anyway, I was drooling over your post on the year in review. So many large and lovely finishes! Hope that 2012 is a great year for you, stitching and otherwise.
- January 5, 2012 at 5:59:00 PM PST
- Melody said...
Congrats on the quaker stocking finish! That is certainly big. I can see why you'd be tired of stitching quaker motifs.
Your dumplings look yummy.
Happy New Year!
- January 6, 2012 at 6:27:00 AM PST
- Karoline said...
The dumplings look delicious and congratulations on finishing your stocking, it's lovely.
- January 6, 2012 at 7:22:00 AM PST
- Solstitches said...
Your stocking finish is beautiful. Love those blues.
Oh, you must finish ATS. You stitch so fast you're sure to have it done in no time.
Both you and Nicola have me wanting so stitch on bigger projects.
I've never had Chinese dumplings. They look yummy. There is no Chinese food I don't like so I am sure I'd love them.
- January 7, 2012 at 12:07:00 PM PST
- Keeper of the Crowes said...
Hi Margaret.
After seeing your lovely Quaker stocking I know I will have to do one this year. I love it!!!
- January 7, 2012 at 1:34:00 PM PST
- Sherry :o) said...
I have never had Chinese dumplings (unless they are the same as pot stickers - then YUM!). What a fun tradition.
You were not the only one wondering what was up with the RB parade - my husband and I looked all over the tv for that and the game.
BAP...hmmm, I just ordered Ann Dale - the chart, the linen and the silks - I am broke! And whew - never have I jumped into something so big - have a couple things to finish first.
Looking forward to watching your ATS progress. Hope you zip through the area you are not liking as much to get to what you like!
- January 8, 2012 at 6:35:00 AM PST
- Suzanne said...
Beautiful finish on the Quaker stocking, I am always so amazed at how quickly you can stitch.
Yummy dumplings! Last time we made them they became an all day affair and became too much work, but boy they tasted great.
- January 8, 2012 at 3:17:00 PM PST
- Lee said...
Beautiful stocking Margaret!
- January 11, 2012 at 5:06:00 AM PST
- Sharon said...
Your stocking is gorgeous Margaret!
- January 21, 2012 at 5:01:00 PM PST


text:
Employment trend watchers have been pinpointing the sectors where jobs are anticipated to increase forever—every five years the BLS projects its own outlook and sites like our list what's become old news: that careers in a handful of sectors (most linked to technology, a growing concern about the environment and an aging population) are on the rise while others continue to falter. But are they new occupations or simply new ways of meeting existing needs?
"I don't believe that new needs have been created," says Charles Purdy, senior editor for Monster.com. "We've just created new ways and adopted new technologies to get them done."
Still, each year as twenty-somethings leave college campuses in droves, industries on the rise offer something uniquely appealing: the opportunity to seize brand new positions where competition hasn't reached critical mass. With that in mind, we scoured jobs data and career sites for the most promising positions in on-the-rise sectors that were only created in the past decade. They're so new that they didn't even exist a decade ago, which more than puts your parents out of the running.
App Developer
The iPhone was introduced in 2007, the Android shortly after. Since then, more than a million apps have been put up for sale in Apples App Store and Android's Google Play. Consider this: in 2011,
As demand surges for apps to run on iOS, Android and whatever operating system is waiting in the wings, companies are faced with a dearth of talent with the skills to develop for mobile. This means fresh opportunity for programmers and developers to break into a booming market. Currently more than 16,000 listings for mobile app developers are listed on job site indeed.com.
As customer information becomes more and more vital to the retail experience, businesses are compiling data in droves—and hiring experts to make sense of it. From different datasets including structured (transaction), semi-structured (user behavior) and unstructured (text) information, data analysts and scientists look for behavioral patterns to help retailers and businesses predict future trends or to build recommendation engines or personalized advertising.
"Library science is a really hot degree right now," says Purdy, "And data-mining could be one of the reasons. It's a helpful knowledge set for someone hoping to manage large amounts of data" Hopeful data-minded candidates can include library science majors, researchers, engineers or applied scientists.
Educational or Admissions Consultants
When a certain set of affluent parents watch their toddler stack his or her first set of blocks, they're not lost in a moment of cute, they're strategizing their child's likeliness of getting into the right pre-school. These moms and dads will stop at nothing to secure the best education for their kids—which for many includes hiring an educational or admissions consultant to help ease the process of interviewing and testing into schools from preschool to college. Admissions consultants can be paid thousands of dollars for their skills—which often include personal connections with school administrators.
Millennial Generational Expert
Generational consultants help companies better understand the changing workforce—and who better to explain the Millennials than a living, breathing member of Generation Y? Companies in every sector and of every size face the challenge of recruiting and developing young professionals to prepare them to be future executives. Companies can build loyalty in their workforce by engaging in practices that connect directly with their younger employees. All-hands happy hour, anyone?
But this isn't a role that's strictly for the young ones. Many generational experts are older employees, who've turned their experience with young people into an ability to advise companies on how best to engage, motivate and, yes, placate this often fickle workforce.


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The lights are on
Part of the thrill of gaming is being able to step into imaginative worlds that let us make our own marks in them. In an instant, we can be transported to virtually anywhere, such as places in history or fantastical lands. Therefore, we thought we'd celebrate some of the best, as we look forward to new open world adventures with new consoles. The list below is in no particular order and is comprised of games from this past generation. The list focuses on the worlds themselves and the freedom they put at your fingertips.
Red Dead Redemption
A big part of what makes Red Dead Redemption thrive is its Wild West backdrop. The dangers of the time period lurk within; robberies constantly occur in towns and on deserted roads. Innocents often get held captive for money or worse, and it's up to you if you want to play hero. Saloons showcase some of the personality of the time with plenty of drinks, music, and gambling to go around. The competitive spirit is also alive and well as you engage in shoot-offs with other cowboys and outlaws trying to make a new for themselves. While there's plenty of action around every bend, the moments where you're just exploring the majestic backdrop riding your horse also add to the experience. However, where John Marston's journey most makes its mark is in its shifts from killing to farming, using its world to speak to the narrative's deeper dilemmas.
Sleeping Dogs
Not stopping to look and embrace Sleeping Dogs' Hong Kong is hard. From high rises to billboards, the city has a pulse and plenty to get wrapped in, such as cockfights, karaoke, drag racing, and more. Whether you're making a drug bust or just exploring a serene temple, Sleeping Dogs shows both the beauty and ugliness of Hong Kong. The city is flooded with tourists and desperate merchants, who also add personality to the populated locale. Sleeping Dogs brings Hong Kong right to your fingertips and lets you lose yourself in its atmosphere and activities, making it one memorable destination.
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
The snowy Nord homeland of Skyrim is enough to give you a chill during exploration, but where it stands out is in how its realism overlaps fantastical elements like a created language of the dragons. Skyrim has a rich history that entices you to explore more, whether it's chatting up NPCs for insight or finding hidden places that reveal its secrets. Its treasures locked within are an adventurer's delight and a loot lover's dream. Not to mention, Skyrim also lets you have a stake in its land; you can build homes in multiple places and marry. Not many games can entice people to dedicate over 100 hours, but Skyrim provides enough content and intrigue to prolong the experience.
Assassin's Creed II
While the Assassin's Creed series has taken us to many locales, nothing can compare to the first steps you take in Assassin's Creed II's Italy. The majestic architecture is breathtaking; as you ascend rooftops and towers, the beauty takes over as you make your way through popular cities, such as Venice, Rome, and Florence. This is a stark contrast to the violence you commit as Ezio along with his assassin kin. Exploring different regions and landmarks may be the premiere highlight, but the side activities that play off the assassin theme also make for compelling content. Like helping a young Leonard da Vinci before he hit his stride with inventions, racing fellow citizens, using your eagle vision to find prime targets to take down, and locating hard-to-find glyphs.
Saints Row: The Third
Steelport's vibrancy and liveliness make it cross between New York and Las Vegas, but where Steelport becomes its own is the ridiculous antics that can occur during your ventures. How many places actually let you use a giant purple *** as a weapon, or would applaud you for using a fart in a jar to stink out the enemy? Your next step could also have you streaking or busting people at an S&M house. That's just scratching the surface of what you encounter in the world of Steelport, activities like Prof. Genki's Super Ethical Reality Climax (shooting mascots has never been so fun), playing in traffic in insurance fraud, and riding a flaming ATV also keep the fun going. Unpredictability also runs through it; you never know when a rival gang is going to show up...or a zombie infestation. A day in Steelport is like living out an episode of your favorite comedy relief show… a much needed break from your everyday life, which makes its world so damn entertaining.
Email the author Kimberley Wallace, or follow on Twitter, and Game Informer.


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►Today is Sunday, Nov. 18, the 323rd day of 2012. There are 43 days left in the year.
►Today's Birthdays: Actress Brenda Vaccaro is 73. Author-poet Margaret Atwood is 73. Actress Linda Evans is 70. Actress Susan Sullivan is 70. Country singer Jacky Ward is 66. Actor Jameson Parker is 65. Actress-singer Andrea Marcovicci is 64. Rock musician Herman Rarebell is 63. Singer Graham Parker is 62. Actor Delroy Lindo is 60. Comedian Kevin Nealon is 59. Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback Warren Moon is 56. Actor Oscar Nunez is 54. Actress Elizabeth Perkins is 52. Singer Kim Wilde is 52. Rock musician Kirk Hammett (Metallica) is 50. Rock singer Tim DeLaughter is 47. Actor Romany Malco is 44. Actor Owen Wilson is 44. Singer Duncan Sheik is 43. Actor Mike Epps is 42. Actress Peta Wilson is 42. Actress Chloe Sevignyis 38. Country singer Jessi Alexander is 36. Actor Steven Pasquale is 36. Rapper Fabolous is 35. Actor Nate Parker is 33. Rapper Mike Jones is 32. Actor Damon Wayans Jr. is 30. Actor Nathan Kress is 20.
►In 1910, British suffragists clashed with police outside Parliament on what became known as ''Black Friday.''
►In 1928, Walt Disney's first sound-synchronized animated cartoon, ''Steamboat Willie'' starring Mickey Mouse, premiered in New York.
►In 1936, Germany and Italy recognized the Spanish government of Francisco Franco.
►In 1958, the cargo freighter SS Carl D. Bradley sank in a storm in Lake Michigan, claiming 33 of the 35 lives on board.
►In 1962, Nobel Prize-winning physicist Niels Bohr died in his native Denmark at age 77.
►In 1966, US Roman Catholic bishops did away with the rule against eating meat on Fridays outside of Lent.
►In 1978, Congressman Leo J. Ryan, a California Democrat, and four others were killed in Jonestown, Guyana, by members of the Peoples Temple; the killings were followed by the mass murder and suicide by more than 900 cult members.
►In 1987, the congressional Iran-Contra committees issued their final report, saying President Ronald Reagan bore ''ultimate responsibility'' for wrongdoing by his aides. A fire at London King's Cross railway station claimed 31 lives.
►In 1991, Shi'ite Muslim kidnappers in Lebanon freed Anglican envoy Terry Waite and Thomas Sutherland, the American dean of agriculture at American University of Beirut.
►In 2002, UN arms inspectors returned to Iraq after a four-year hiatus, calling on Saddam Hussein's government to cooperate with their search for weapons of mass destruction. Actor James Coburn died in Beverly Hills, Calif., at age 74.
►In 2007, Pakistani President General Pervez Musharraf's government dismissed a last-ditch US call to end emergency rule, a day after a visit by deputy secretary of state John Negroponte. A methane blast ripped through a coal mine in Ukraine, killing 101 miners. Chris Daughtry's band won favorite pop-rock album for ''Daughtry,'' as well as breakthrough artist and adult contemporary artist at the American Music Awards. MTV Arabia, an Arab version of the channel, began broadcasting.
►In 2011, in an incident that prompted national outrage, campus police at the University of California Davis used pepper-spray on nonviolent Occupy protesters. (The school later agreed to pay $1 million to settle a lawsuit filed by the demonstrators.) Self-help author James Arthur Ray was sentenced to two years in prison for leading an Arizona sweat lodge ceremony that was supposed to offer spiritual enlightenment but instead resulted in three deaths. Syria agreed in principle to allow dozens of Arab observers into the country to oversee a peace plan.


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VIDEO: Extreme sports centre prepares for playtime
IT'S like snowboarding on the street.
So say the pioneers of a new skate trend called ''freeboarding'' that has arisen in the Hunter.
Nords Wharf's Rory O'Brien and New Lambton's Jack Wilks have taken up the sport with a passion. The 17-year-old Merewether High students are keen snowboarders.
''Freeboarding is the closest thing to snowboarding on wheels,'' Rory said. ''You can't get the same feeling on any other type of skateboard.''
Jack said the best part of a freeboard was its ability to allow the rider to slide.
''You can ride when you want and you don't need to pay for lift tickets,'' Jack said.
Freeboards have bindings that hook around the feet.
They have six wheels, with two that spin, which enables sliding, 360s and more control of balance and speed.
Adam Andrews, owner of East End Surf & Skate in Newcastle, said freeboarding was ''a new craze''.
''It's big in the States and Europe, but it's really only hitting Australia now,'' Mr Andrews said. ''A lot of snowboarders are freeboarding in places like the Swiss Alps in the off-season.''
Rory predicts the sport will increase in popularity.
''I can see it picking up in future,'' he said.
''At the moment it's a bit of a hidden wonder.''
Designers of the freeboard began with a desire to snowboard all year round, anywhere anytime.
Their intention was to design a board that gave riders the control of a snowboard on pavement.


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Scilab supports the 2013 French Engineering Sciences Olympiads
For the second consecutive year, Scilab Enterprises is proud to support the Olympiads.
National competition, the French Engineering Sciences Olympiads are open to high school classes (Première and terminale French levels in S and STI2D sections) from general education and technology high schools.
Scilab Enterprises has supported the edition of Versailles area for which the final was held on April 12, 2013 at the Ecole Polytechnique in Palaiseau (more about the event) and also the national edition by sponsoring the event and by the participation Claude Gomez, CEO of Scilab Enterprises in the jury.
The national final of the Engineering Sciences Olympiads will be held on May 22, 2013 from 8 A.M to 7 P.M at Astrium - Les Mureaux. We wish good luck to all participants.
For more information on the use of Scilab / Xcos in Engineering Sciences and / or STI2D
To visit the official Engineering Sciences Olympiads website


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The Harbor Grill in East Hampton will host the Bracket Bash, a fund-raiser for the Travis Field Memorial Scholarship, on Sunday. The event will start at 7 p.m. and include a dinner buffet and live music, plus a cash bar. The cost at the door will be $15 per person.
Travis Field, who died in 2008, grew up in Springs and graduated in 2006 from East Hampton High School, where he played on the baseball team. The dinner on Sunday will be followed by the fourth annual Travis Field Memorial Softball Tournament at Terry King Ball Field on Abraham's Path in Amagansett, also a fund-raiser for the scholarship fund.
1,000 Crayfish
Crayfish lovers, who fall into the camps of those who savor the last morsels of the critters by sucking the heads, and those who don't, may wish to mark their calendars for Aug. 17, the "night of a thousand crayfish" at the Living Room restaurant in East Hampton.
The dinner, a Swedish tradition, will be served alfresco at the eatery, which is at c/o the Maidstone inn and co-hosted by the hotel's owner, Jenny Ljungberg, Mary Heilmann, an artist, and Betsy Sussier, the editor in chief of BOMB, an arts magazine.
A limited-edition poster for the event, with an image from a painting by Michael Williams that was featured in BOMB's summer issue, will be unveiled at the event.
Bjorn Ericsson, a Swedish consulting chef, will oversee the menu, to include shellfish boiled with dill, cheese tarts, rye bread, and other accompaniments. A crayfish dinner package, which includes a signed poster is $150; dinner alone is $90. A crayfish cocktail package, which also includes a poster, is $75.
Souper Tuesdays
Each Tuesday in August at the Amagansett Farmers Market, from 5 to 7 p.m., the Peconic Land Trust will feature a soup made with ingredients grown by Amagansett farmers on land owned or managed by the trust — Quail Hill, Amber Waves, Balsam, and Sunset Beach Farms.
Farmers from one of the farms will be on hand to answer questions, as will the organizers of the Amagansett Food Institute, and there will be a tasting of wines provided by Michael Cinque of Amagansett Wines and Spirits.
The weekly event will be canceled if it rains.
At South Edison
South Edison restaurant in Montauk will have a wine dinner on Wednesday beginning at 6 p.m. Courses to be paired with different wines include Montauk oysters, fluke sashimi, handmade cavatelli, beets, greens, and tomato salad, grilled tile fish, and grilled Peking duck breast.
Dessert will include Wolffer rose sorbet and sweet tomato pie with basil ice cream and fresh whipped cream. The cost is $95 per person plus tax and gratuity.


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Atlas Brace Signs Ryan Villopoto
After a very successful debut year in the marketplace, Atlas Brace Technologies is honored to announce the signing of multi-time champion, and the current Supercross champion Ryan Villopoto. RV is one of the best riders of all time, and we couldn't be more excited to have a rider of his caliber choose to wear, and make the switch to the Atlas Brace for 2013 and beyond.
"From the first time I tried the Atlas Brace, I knew I loved it... I've worn neck braces for a long time, but nothing with the features or level of comfort my Atlas Brace has. I had a choice for what I wanted to wear, and I chose to switch to Atlas." - Ryan Villopoto
Along with RV, Factory Kawasaki teammate Jake Weimer will also be continuing on as an Atlas Athlete for 2013, coming off a very successful 2012 season, and also being crowned the "King of Bercy". We are extremely proud to have both Factory Kawasaki teammates as part of the Atlas Family, and we are even more proud to offer products that live up to the high standards of the worlds top professionals.
Also just announced is the expansion of our 2013 product line. Along side the Original brace, we have 3 new MX models for 2013 including the Tyke brace for 50cc/65cc riders, the Prodigy brace for 85cc/small teen riders, and our crown jewel the Atlas Carbon for adults, which weighs in at an incredible 635g!! The entire Atlas Brace™ Family incorporates our Patented flex-frame technology, along with adjustability, mobility, comfort, and function far beyond the average neck brace. You may have tried a neck brace, but you have never experienced an Atlas Brace™!