text:
LIVE from the NYPL: Rebecca Solnit & Peter Coyote in Conversation
Program Locations:
Why is it that in the aftermath of a disaster whether natural or manmade so many people suddenly become altruistic, resilient, resourceful, and brave, stirred and motivated by a newfound sense of community and purpose? Rebecca Solnit shows how disaster throws people into a temporary utopia of changed states of mind, and how the social connectedness that subsequently arises can help lead us to a new vision of what society could become one that is more collaborative, cooperative, and local. Solnit's narrative travels through five major North American disasters, from the 1906 earthquake in San Francisco and the 1917 explosion that tore up Halifax,Nova Scotia, to the 1985 Mexico City earthquake, 9/11, and Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans. The book also visits the London Blitz, Argentina's 2001 economic disaster, Nicaragua's politically profound 1972 earthquake, Hollywood's take on disaster and heroism, anarchists, disaster sociologists, and other forms of social engagement that produce society and create exhilaration, from carnivals and fiestas to parades and political revolutions.
About Rebecca Solnit
Rebecca Solnit is the author of ten books, including Savage Dreams: A Journey into the Landscape Wars of the American West, Wunderlust, A Field Guide to Getting Lost, and River of Shadows: Eadweard Muybridge and the Technological Wild West, which won five awards, including the National Book Critics Circle Award for Criticism and the Mark Lynton History Prize. In 2003, Solnit received a prestigious Lannon Literary Award. She lives in San Francisco.
About Peter Coyote
The actor Peter Coyote, has worked with some of the most distinguished filmmakers such as Roman Polanski, Pedro Almodovar, Steven Spielberg, Steven Soderberg, Diane Kurys and Sidney Pollack. He is the author of the extraordinary memoir about the 1960's counter-culture, Sleeping Where I Fall. A chapter from this memoir, "Carla's Story," won the 1993/94 Pushcart Prize for Excellence in non-fiction. From 1975 to 1983 he was a member and then Chairman of the California State Arts Council. During his Chairmanship, State expenditures on the arts rose from 1 to 16 million dollars annually. He is an ordained Buddhist who has been practicing for 34 years. Coyote is engaged in political and social causes and has been since his early teens. He recently returned from Syria and Lebanon, writing about the American invasion of Syria in October of 2008, Havana and Morocco. He is currently writing three television pilots for producers in Los Angeles.


text:
Each day we bring you one stunning little glimpse of history in the form of a historical photograph. Enjoy!
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Mystery Contest
119 comments:
- weelarryAugust 1, 2009 at 7:52 AM
Good morning to you sir, hope the weather in Texas is better than it is over here! I'll have a guess and say Helen Wills MoodyReplyDelete
Weelarry is not correct.ReplyDelete
PJM did not post a picture of Helen Moody this morning.
Today, we will be using third person in our contest, so please refer to me in third person.
- wee larryAugust 1, 2009 at 8:06 AM
Weelarry is amused by this. He is also surprised by the lack of comments so far this morning. Perhaps the US is still asleep. Or perhaps PJM has everyone stumped?ReplyDelete
Could you tell the third personReplyDelete
that Ray thinks it could be
Irene Castle.
- Ross_from_MaineAugust 1, 2009 at 8:10 AM
Did PJM post a picture of Lucy Burns this morning?ReplyDelete
Ray in UK,ReplyDelete
PJM does not appreciate the passive aggressive nature of Ray in the UK's 3rd person format.
Ray in the UK did not submit a correct entry.
PJM is amused.
Ross from Maine did an excellent job in his 3rd person entry format, but Ross from Maine did not submit a correct person.
PJM likes the new entry format.
- weelarryAugust 1, 2009 at 8:23 AM
WeeLarry suggests it could be Zelda Sayre...ReplyDelete
Please ask PJM if the picture is Mrs. James King, who's husband invented the Washing machine.ReplyDelete
Weelarry has done an excellent job in his use of 3rd person, but PJM must inform him that his entry is not correct.ReplyDelete
PJM appreciates EMS's use of 3rd person format PJM wishes to inform EMS that his entry is not correct.ReplyDelete
PJM had thought about posting a picture of the inventor of the washing machine, but PJM was unable to find a suitable picture.
Nate Maas guesses that this might be Dena Bergman Maytag.ReplyDelete
Nate Maas's entry can not be evaluated at this time because he did not specifically refer to PJM in the third person.ReplyDelete
Should Nate Maas decide to re-submit his entry in proper format his entry will be considered, and PJM will provide feedback on correctness of the entry.
Would PJM be so kind as to answer Nate Maas regarding whether today PJM posted a picture of Dena Bergman Maytag?ReplyDelete
PJM would like to commend Nate Maas on his format on his resubmission.ReplyDelete
Unfortunately PJM must notify Nate Maas that his entry, while exhibiting proper formating is not correct.
Marie wishes to propose that the lady shown is Alva J. Fisher, who invented the Thor washing machine.ReplyDelete
Marie did not follow the rules in that her entry did not specifically refer to PJM in the 3rd person. PJM requests that Marie resubmit her entry in proper format.ReplyDelete
Marie wishes to propose to the gracious owner of this website, PJM, that the lady shown is Alva J. Fisher, who invented the Thor washing machine.ReplyDelete
Marie wishes to propose to PJM that the lady shown is Alva J. Fisher, who invented the Thor washing machine.ReplyDelete
PJM had hoped to post a picture of Alva Fisher for this morning's contest, but was unable to find suitable picture. PJM must inform Marie that her properly formated entry is incorrect.ReplyDelete
I have a strong feeling that NateReplyDelete
has the correct answer with
Dena Bergman Maytag. Is PJM aware
of this.
Marie then suggests to Mr. PJM that this lady is Mrs. Louis Upton, whose honorable spouse founded what later became the Whirlpool Corporation.ReplyDelete
Ray in UK should be aware that PJM told Nate Mass that his entry was not correct. Perhaps Ray was so excited about the new 3rd person format that he overlooked PJM's response to Nate Maas.ReplyDelete
PJM must inform Marie that her latest entry did not correctly identify the woman in the picture.ReplyDelete
Marie is temporarily stumped but refused to yield the ground to Mr. PJM. Marie does wish to remark that the lady shown probably did not have to do her own laundry.ReplyDelete
Bob would like to ask PJM is this could be the mother of the Maytag repairman who like the repairman is also lonelyReplyDelete
Marie is ashamed to see a typo in her previous post in that "refused" should be read as "refuses".ReplyDelete
The only possible correct answer is Mrs. August Belmont (who was the prototype for Mrs. Claypool so movingly portrayed by Margaret Dumont in "Night at the Opera).ReplyDelete
Okay. Could PJM have posted a photo of F. L. Maytag's daughter, Kit Maytag?ReplyDelete
PJM must inform crazygravy that his guess is not correct.ReplyDelete
PJM acppreciates Marie's attention to detail, and regrets that he is not a better speller.
PJM must inform Jim Smith that the PJM did not post a picture of Mrs. August Belmont.ReplyDelete
PJM must further inform Nate Mass that his latest Maytag entry is not correct.
Working his way through the Maytag family... Did Mrs. PJM's husband post a photo of Lulu Maytag?ReplyDelete
Marie wishes to ask Mr. PJM if this lady is Mrs. Frederick Upton, whose spouse, along with his brother Louis Upton, founded what became the Whirlpool Corporation?ReplyDelete
PJM had to step out momentarily to feed Lovie and the chickies. He returned to find incorrect entries from both Nate Maas and Marie.ReplyDelete
PJM has a smug look on his face as the contest continues.
Marie hopes that Lovie is comfortable in the Peacock Palace, and that the chickies are growing well.ReplyDelete
Marie suggests to PJM that perhaps the lady in question is Mrs. Louis Goldenberg, whose spouse also invented a washing machine while working for the Ford Motor Company.
PJM appreciates Marie's concern for Lovie and the chickies.ReplyDelete
PJM must inform Marie that her latest guess on the Mystery person is incorrect.
Marie regrets to inform PJM that she must remove herself from this contest temporarily to study the mysteries of active server pages. Marie does hope that others will continue to delve into today's mystery in her stead.ReplyDelete
PJM wishes Marie good luck on active serve pages. PJM does not know how to make active server pages. He uses old fashioned, bloated html.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousAugust 1, 2009 at 9:55 AM
Are we going in a wrong direction this morning, are we on the wrong track, maybe it is not about washing machines. Perhaps the hat with peacock feathers adorning it will be the clue as to who she is.ReplyDelete
PJM is unable to give any hints or clues.ReplyDelete
PJM's nemesis is headed off to help a friend move. He'll return later today to see who solved the Mystery Person contest. TTFN.ReplyDelete
PJM wonders if perhaps he has finally stumped the evil Nate Maas.ReplyDelete
Russian actress Olga Van Root? She was the 1st wife of Armand Hammer?ReplyDelete
PJM is unable to evaluate Maybeline's entry because Mabelline did not refer to PJM in third persn. See earlier posts.ReplyDelete
Holy smokes. Maybelline wishes to express to Mr. PJM her deepest regrets for behaving in such a barbaric fashion.ReplyDelete
Please consider her suggestion in today's edition of "Mystery Contest" as Olga Van Root.
Your response is appreciated.
Bob would like to ask PJM if this could be the first woman historically to tell a man to do his own damn laundryReplyDelete
PJM regrets to inform Mabellyne's correctly formated entry did not yield a correct response.ReplyDelete
PJM is amused by crazygravy's humor.
PJM is sitting smugly confident he will win this week.
Marie, taking a short study break, would like to suggest to her fellow contestants that perhaps our esteemed PJM found todays photo in the area of laundry soap rather than washing machines.ReplyDelete
PJM is unable to provide any hints or helps.ReplyDelete
Bob would like to ask PJM if it could be Mrs. Proctor or Mrs. GambleReplyDelete
PJM would request that "Bob" use his blog name, crazygravy, which PJM prefers over his real name.ReplyDelete
With that said, PJM would like to further notify crazygravy that his entries are incorrect.
Crazygravy would like to notify PJM that the nic came from a western I read where the back guy was an escaped lunatic name crazygravyReplyDelete
Is it any of these ladies, Mrs. Colgate, Mrs. Johnson , Mrs. Peet or Mrs. Lever?ReplyDelete
Again, Mabellyne has forgotten to refer to PJM in the third person, so her entry can not be evaluated. PJM invites her to resubmit.ReplyDelete
would like to ask PJM; and here's a wild guess comin; Catharine BeecherReplyDelete
PJM must inform crazygravy that the latest response is not correct.ReplyDelete
Maybelline would like to ask Mr. PJM if it's any of these ladies, Mrs. Colgate, Mrs. Johnson , Mrs. Peet or Mrs. Lever?ReplyDelete
PJM must inform Mabellyne that she is incorrect in her three guesses.ReplyDelete
Okay. I'm in a lull moving. Having failed to find a good photo to compare, I inquire of PJM, is this Gertrude Deusenberg?ReplyDelete
PJM must relay to Nate Maas the unfortnate news his entry is incorrect.ReplyDelete
Maybelline listed four ladies. I asks Mr. PJM on his comment " incorrect in her three guesses", Does that mean one of the four ladies is correct?ReplyDelete
PJM wishes to clarify that all four guesses were incorrect. Mr. PJM apologizes to Mabellyne for lack of clality.ReplyDelete
- WilliamAugust 1, 2009 at 1:03 PM
Could William inquire if this could be Mrs. C.A. TannehillReplyDelete
William could inquire, but PJM would have to notify him that he is incorrect.ReplyDelete
Lesa wishes to submit the name of Clara Bewick Colby.ReplyDelete
PJM would like to welcome Lesa to the game, and tell Lesa her entry is incorrect.ReplyDelete
Lesa would now like to submit the name Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire, which probably isn't correct, but what the heck.ReplyDelete
I've got a what the heck too for Mr. PJM. Laska Durnell first woman owner of a winning horse in the Kentucky DerbyReplyDelete
PJM notes that both Crazygravy and Lesa are incorrect.ReplyDelete
Al suggests that she might be Mrs Cornelus Vanderbilt.ReplyDelete
PJM suggests that Al is wrong.ReplyDelete
- Joe in NCAugust 1, 2009 at 1:50 PM
I find the use of the third person to be uneven today. First, we were not told it would be required at the beginning, when you, PJM, used I, you, Your, and Your, to wit:ReplyDelete
"I post the picture, you guess who it is. Your mission is to name the Lady in the picture. Ladies and Gentlemen, Start Your Engines!!!"
Later, Lesa, at 1:19 PM, submitted an entry without referring to PJM in the third person, and it was accepted and replied to by PJM in blatant disregard of his prior refusals to accept such improperly submitted entries.
I realize this is a blasphemous post, but I felt the need to address the discrepancies.
With that, Joe in NC apologizes profoundly to Mrs. PJM's husband for the outburst.
PJM would like to thank Joe for his insight on proper use of third person. PJM acknowledges that a few entries were allowed to slip by. PJM would appreciate Joe's help in the future to ensure the guidelines are strictly followed.ReplyDelete
PJM decided to use third person rule after the contest started, which helps explain why the original post was not in proper third person. PJM will work hard to ensure that no future entries will be evaluated without proper third person format.
Lesa must bow out of the competition and thank Joe for his outburst. Lesa also hopes PJM wins!!! Lesa is not smart enough for third person conversations and feels really stupid.ReplyDelete
- Joe in NCAugust 1, 2009 at 2:05 PM
Joe in NC submits that Mr. PJM posted, for today's contest, a photo of Margaret Fallon Burrall, second wife of Alexander Mitchell Palmer.ReplyDelete
PJM appreciates that Joe has graced us with an entry. PJM must tell Joe that his entry is in error. PJM acknowledges the wonderful use of third person by Joe.ReplyDelete
- Joe in NCAugust 1, 2009 at 2:14 PM
Joe in NC acknowledges that heretofore he has not submitted an entry, and has only previously engaged in drive-by sniping.ReplyDelete
He is sorry, and therefore made an entry today, however wrong it was.
Joe in NC thinks that today may well be the day that Mr. PJM gains his elusive victory over us all!
PJM is very smug today, confident in his victory.ReplyDelete
Apple declines to participate in this weeks identification of Mystery Person, but is wondering why Mr. PJM is not gloating over an apparent victory?ReplyDelete
Perhaps he is thinking more about the tractor, chickens and a nice omelet.
Donna wants to know if she is a relative of Mr. William Blackstone and is grasping at straws while she asks!ReplyDelete
PJM must relay the news that Donna is incorrect.ReplyDelete
PJM should inform apple he is more reserved when in third person.ReplyDelete
Donna (grasping her last straw) wishes to ask if Hamilton Smith's name might come into play in this mystery photo challenge?ReplyDelete
Donna would not be correct.ReplyDelete
Donna feels a victory in store for Mr. PJM and is sad to say she must leave this challenge for other duties.ReplyDelete
PJM thinks that Donna will be missed.ReplyDelete
- Joe in NCAugust 1, 2009 at 2:34 PM
Joe in NC wonders if the photo Mr. PJM posted today is of Elinor Glyn.ReplyDelete
Being a British author, she doesn't fit this week's posts, but this is not a normal week.
PJM must inform viewers that Joe in in error in above entry.ReplyDelete
Maybe Mr.PJM might win today, but please, dispense w/ all the niceties. Third person or not.ReplyDelete
Marie, taking a study break, wishes to point out to PJM and other denizens of this entertaining blog that on this date in 1914, Russia and Germany declared war against each other. The late Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife had been assassinated on July 28, 1914.ReplyDelete
And yet, Marie somehow has the impression that today's Mystery Woman is an American.
PJM reads Marie's speculation but notes that there was no guess in last post.ReplyDelete
- Joe in NCAugust 1, 2009 at 3:03 PM
Joe in NC congratulates Mr. PJM in his Victory of the Day, and congratulates weelarry on being the very first to ascertain this in the third post o' day!ReplyDelete
This is not a dismal admission of defeat, merely a dismal admission of apparent reality.
In hopes of being wrong about the victory, Joe in NC submits that today's contest photo of Mr. PJM is of Carol Marie Liu, wife of Liu Kang Huan, the first Chinese launderer.
Incidentally, crazygravy was correct in his 10:46 AM post. Carol Marie Liu is that person.
Marie, sad to say, is all guessed out for today and must concentrate on her studies. She is enthusiastic about PJM's contest, but is also becoming enthusiastic about cascading style sheets.ReplyDelete
PJM knows about cascading style sheets, but makes them poorly. PJM formats html inline. PJM is a very bad boy.ReplyDelete
Joe in NC has still not submitted a correct entry.
PJM wins if no one gets it by 5:00 AM Sunday Morning.
PJM is beginning to taste victory.
- Joe in NCAugust 1, 2009 at 3:10 PM
PJM is beginning to gloat.ReplyDelete
PJM has defeated you all. Waiting for 5:00 AM is just a formality. Finally, PJM gets his revenge on the evil Nate Maas. PJM gets his revenge on you all.ReplyDelete
Gina feels that perhaps we are on the wrong track. Something about the picture feels like a race track. Her first though was horse, but she wonders if PJM was hinting at something when he said "start your engines." Alas, the only guess she can muster is to ask Mr. PJM if it might be Mrs. John D. Hertz.ReplyDelete
PJM must provide the news that Gena is incorrect.ReplyDelete
- Joe in NCAugust 1, 2009 at 5:34 PM
One last guess!ReplyDelete
The Lady in the photo is a relative of Mr. or Mrs. PJM taken at a Texas Olden Days celebration.
Did PJM post a photo of Virginia Vanderbilt?ReplyDelete
PJM had to step away from the computer for a second to help Mrs. PJM unload groceries from the car. PJM will be having a nice grilled steak for supper tonight. PJM is a very happy boy.ReplyDelete
PJM did not post a picture of Vanderbilt, nor did he post a picture of a relative.
PJM thinks he will win this week.
- AnonymousAugust 1, 2009 at 8:26 PM
is it edith galt wilson?ReplyDelete
It is not.
- AnonymousAugust 1, 2009 at 8:32 PM
or grace coolidge?ReplyDelete
One last stab. crazygravy would like to ask PJM if it could be Cathleen Stearns Shaw; wife of Wilbur Shaw; who first coined the phrase "Gentlemen start your engines"ReplyDelete
Anon and Crazygravy,ReplyDelete
Still no correct answer.
He He He. Looks like this might be PJM's first win!
Donna has one last try with Florence Kling Harding and she can't wait to find out who the lady is if this attempt is incorrect.ReplyDelete
Donna has come up short.ReplyDelete
- Joe in NCAugust 1, 2009 at 8:58 PM
Joe in NC whispers to Donna, "We've been pwned."ReplyDelete
PJM whispers to himself. Today victory has found you.ReplyDelete
PJM must go night night now, secure in the knowledge that at 5:00 AM he will be the winner of the contest. Did PJM remember to mention that today's contest is worth 5 points, while normal contests on other days were worth only 1 point? Too bad.ReplyDelete
All this whispering and the smug attitude of one Mr. PJM is quite distasteful. Donna thinks she will stop hitting refresh now and just wait on Mr. PJM's victory celebration in the a.m..... or NOT!ReplyDelete
Jjane would like to submit to the slumbering PJM Willa Cather.ReplyDelete
- Joe in NCAugust 1, 2009 at 10:53 PM
jjane, after looking at pictures of Willa Cather, in Mr. PJM's absence Joe in NC submits that today's Mystery Person is not Willa Cather, and goes to bed hoping that you are correct. If Mr. PJM takes the victory in today's contest, Joe in NC fears for the future.ReplyDelete
MAB would like to submit First LADY Grace Coolidge as the mystery lady....ReplyDelete
M would like to suggest to Mr. PJM that this lady is Eleanor Ford, Wife of Henry Ford II.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousAugust 2, 2009 at 6:28 AM
Mark A. would like to guess Mari George Hulman, owner of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway?ReplyDelete
CONTEST OVER.ReplyDelete
PJM Wins . . . his first win ever.
It was Helen Taft.
Dag would like to inform PJM that he was unable to access a computer yesterday. However on Dag's first view of the photo Dag knew right away that this was a photo of Helen Taft.ReplyDelete
Dag also wants to inform PJM that if he buys this excuse that Dag has a bridge in New York City that he can let PJM have cheap.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
WASHINGTON — A coalition of energy companies, environmentalists and Pennsylvania philanthropies have created a new center that would provide more stringent standards for fracking of natural gas in parts of the eastern United States.
The new Center for Sustainable Shale Development, the first of its kind in the U.S., seeks to set high operational standards for companies in the Marcellus Shale formation to boost water, air quality and climate protections, the coalition announced Wednesday.
Independent auditors would certify that companies seeking the center's seal of approval meet the center's standards.
The Marcellus Shale, which extends from central New York to eastern Kentucky, is the site of a vast gas boom, most of it centered in Pennsylvania. But the production method of high-volume hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, that has tapped the gas deposits and created jobs and revenue has sparked concerns about the impact of wide-scale industrial development on air and water quality.
Submitting to the standards is voluntary, and environmentalists underscored that the center is not a substitute for more rigorous state and legal standards. Rather, it would show that better methods for gas development are technologically and financially feasible, they said.


text:
Interested in Language
I want to write a letter to my boss requesting him to give me some financial aid to go to Hong Kong to learn proper swimming strokes from a coach. Here is the letter. I think it needs improvement. Could you please help me in making this letter more effective.
My hobby is swimming. I am very keen on learning the proper swimming strokes. As well qualified coaches are not available in India; I intend to go to Hong Kong to get this training on 4th May for 6 days. I have calculated that total estimated cost on this account will come around Rs. 1,50,000/- including the Coaching fee, Return Ticket fare etc.. This much amount is at very high end for me.
It would be very helpful of you, if you could provide me a financial help of Rs. 50,000/- to meet ________?


text:
YAKIMA, Wash. — Del Monte will pay Pacific Northwest pear growers an additional $28 per ton for top grade Bartlett for canning next fall to stay competitive with the fresh market.
The voluntary bonus means growers will get $300 per ton for No. 1 Bartlett, up from the contract amount of $272, said Jay Grandy, manager of the Washington-Oregon Canning Pear Association in Yakima. Other grades will be adjusted as called for in the contract, he said.
"Absolutely, there's no question. It's good news for growers," Grandy said. The Yakima area is a heavy producer of Bartlett for canning.
The other two Northwest canners have confirmed they will pay competitive prices in 2014, he said. Those are The Neil Jones Food Co. (Northwest Packing) which cans pears in Vancouver, Wash., and Seneca Foods, Marion, N.Y., which owns and operates the former Independent Foods plant near Sunnyside. Del Monte, of San Francisco, has a plant in Yakima.
The 2014 crop is the final year of a three-year contract between the three processors and the association on behalf of growers. Del Monte has indicated it will negotiate a new contract with the association in the spring of 2015, Grandy said.
Bartlett sold in the fresh market has been increasing for a number of years while decreasing in the processed or canned market, Grandy said. The fresh market increased by 8,000 tons while the process market declined 10,500 tons in 2013, he said.
Carryover of canned pears from one season to the next was the lowest in many years this past June, Grandy said. As a result of lighter U.S. production, imports from China increased from about 1.2 million, 22-kilogram cases in 2012 to 1.6 million in 2013, he said.
The Washington-Oregon Pear Canning Association will hold its annual meeting at the Howard Johnson Plaza Hotel in Yakima, Feb. 27.


text:
This specific ISBN edition is currently not available.View all copies of this ISBN edition:
From the restaurateur and television personality Alex Hitz comes this cookbook of more than 175 all-time favorite Southern dishes. In My Beverly Hills Kitchen, Hitz blends the home cooking of his mother's Atlanta kitchen with lessons he learned from some of the world's great chefs and hosts to come up with classic, satisfying comfort food.
These step-by-step recipes are so clear that anyone can do them. Hitz shows you how to prepare a meal for two or twenty and that quality is achievable on any budget. He reimagines best-loved dishes and adds that little something extra to make them more delicious than you ever dreamed possible. The twelve chapters include such signature recipes as Sweet Potato Vichyssoise, Cold Pea Soup with Mint, Scrambled Eggs with Caviar, Dorothy's Baked Cheddar Grits, Millionaire's Macaroni and Cheese, Salmon Pot Pie, Perfect Roast Tenderloin of Beef, Dorothy's Fried Chicken, Salted Caramel Cake, Apple Pear Crumble, and Molten Chocolate Cake with Bourbon Whipped Cream. There are also recipes and stories from Hitz's famous friends who were known for their simple but fantastic food—Bill Blass's Sour Cream Soufflé, Nan Kempner's Bacon Sticks, Connie Wald's Penne with Vodka Sauce, and Betsy Bloomingdale's Peach Ice Cream.
Hitz suggests perfect menus for every season and will show you how to make every day a special occasion. He shares his secrets about entertaining, ingredients, and cookware that guarantee the best results and will make a difference as you become a great chef and host on your own.
Comfort food has never been this irresistible—or easy.
"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
A graduate of Peter Kump's Cooking School in New York and Le Cordon Bleu, Paris, Alex Hitz was a partner of Mary Boyle Hataway at the renowned Atlanta restaurant The Patio by the River and now appears regularly on HSN with his own line of luxury prepared comfort food, The Beverly Hills Kitchen.Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.:
Hors d'Oeuvres
My philosophy on hors d'oeuvres is simple: less is more. With apologies, I will continue to say this phrase throughout this book. These days, I find hors d'oeuvres just too complicated. They should set the stage for the main course to come, not try to usurp the role.
When I give dinners, I rarely serve more than one hors d'oeuvre, sometimes two, and never more than three. They're always passed, small (generally one bite—which all hors d'oeuvres should be), and fairly simple. Hors d'oeuvres should whet one's appetite for more. They're small microcosms of flavor, a tiny burst of sensuality that is there, and then gone. Maybe you should have another, or maybe you should just wait until dinner.
Dorothy's Cheese "Straws"
Which aren't straws at all, but, actually, wafers
Anyone who has ever lived in the South knows what a cheese straw is: a savory, salty cocktail cookie shaped long-ways like a straw, made of sharp Cheddar cheese, butter, flour, and cayenne pepper, and always on hand for that Southern habit of dropping by. Seemingly every household has its own version, and great pride is taken in the exploitation of its subtleties.
Dorothy Davis, our beloved family cook, rarely used a recipe, but I had the foresight to write this one down. The secret to Dorothy's cheese straws is that they featured dried dill and chopped pecans. These days, perfectly delicious cheese straws are easily purchased, but few are as delectable as Dorothy's.
yield: 60 small wafers
1 pound extra-sharp Cheddar cheese, grated
2 sticks (16 tablespoons) salted butter, at room temperature
2 cups flour
1⁄8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup chopped pecans
2 teaspoons dried dill
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Place the cheese and butter in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. On medium speed, cream the butter and cheese together until they are light and fluffy, approximately 3 minutes.
Mix together the flour, cayenne pepper, salt, pecans, and dill in another bowl. With the mixer on low speed, add the dry ingredients slowly. This whole process should take no more than a couple of minutes, and the dough will be coarse and dense.
Remove the bowl from the mixer and place it in the refrigerator for an hour. Take the bowl from the refrigerator and pour the dough onto a floured surface. Cut the dough into 3 equal portions, and roll each portion with your hands to make 3 balls, making the balls into logs about 2 inches thick.
Be sure the dough is condensed so there are no air holes. Roll the logs in wax paper and put them in the freezer for 1 hour. Remove the logs from the freezer and slice them into half-inch slices. Place them on the parchment-lined baking sheet, and bake them for approximately 10 minutes, until they are golden but not yet brown in color. Let them cool at least 15 minutes and either freeze them or serve them.
Note: These will keep in the freezer for up to six months.
My Cheese "Straws" (Parmesan Tuiles)
Note: These aren't straws either . . .
With no disrespect to Dorothy, my "straws" are easier, quicker, and infinitely lighter. Try both and make your own decision: there's no way to go wrong with either one. Please note this recipe calls for shredded Parmesan, not grated. Shredded Parmesan, when it melts, will make a sturdier "straw." I pass these little gems around with Champagne, put them in small silver bowls on the bar, or serve them with any hot or cold soup.
yield: 16 medium-size tuiles
1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese, preferably Parmigiano-Reggiano
Freshly ground black pepper
Preheat the oven to 425°F.
Line a heavy baking sheet with parchment paper.
Place a small (1 1⁄2-inch; I prefer small, but you decide how large you like them) biscuit cutter on the parchment and drop 1 tablespoon of shredded Parmesan into the circle. Repeat, spacing the piles about 1 1⁄2 inches apart.
Bake the tuiles for 10 to 12 minutes, until the cheese has melted and the tuiles are beginning to become golden. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and, while the tuiles are still hot, grind some black pepper over the tops. Remove the tuiles from the baking sheet with a spatula and either serve them or store them in an airtight container or freeze them to serve later. They will keep at least a week, but I bet they will disappear the day that you cook them.
I pride myself on being a fairly disciplined person but have an embarrassing weakness for these incredible cheese puffs. I simply cannot stop eating them. Gougères are a staple in France, hailing from Burgundy, with a similar omnipresence as the cheese straw in the South. Their flaky lightness, breathless beauty, and craggy complexity suggest that a super-skilled pastry chef has prepared them. Nothing could be farther from the truth. They are essentially fool-proof, and exponentially worth the minimal effort they require. They can be served hot or cold, and are just as good when done ahead and reheated. Once you master this version, get creative, and substitute other cheeses for the Gruyère, or throw in some bacon, or sautéed onions, or any herbs you choose, and we'll see just how disciplined you are!
yield: 80–100 puffs, depending on the size
1⁄2 cup whole milk
1⁄2 cup water
1 stick (8 tablespoons) salted butter
3⁄4 teaspoon salt
1 cup all-purpose flour
6 large eggs
1 1⁄2 cups grated Gruyère cheese (or 3⁄4 cup grated Gruyère and 3⁄4 cup crumbled Roquefort), firmly packed
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, firmly packed
1 1⁄2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1⁄8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a heavy baking sheet with parchment paper. In a heavy saucepan over medium heat, bring the milk, water, butter, and salt to a rolling boil. Add the flour all at once, and begin stirring quickly. Keep stirring until the dough begins to come together and pull away from the sides of the pan. This whole process should take no more than a minute or a minute and a half. Remove the pan from the heat and let the dough rest for 5 minutes.
Using a rubber spatula, spoon the dough into the bowl of an electric stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, and beat it on medium speed, adding the eggs, one at a time. If the dough separates, don't fret! It will come back together. After adding all the eggs, increase the mixer speed to high and beat in the cheeses, mustard, and cayenne pepper for about 3 minutes. The dough should be shiny and sticky—gorgeous!
Using a measuring spoon, scoop the dough in 1-teaspoon increments onto the parchment-lined baking sheet, each mound approximately 2 inches apart.
Turn the oven down to 375°F. Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake the gougères for 10 to 12 minutes. Rotate the pan and bake them for another 4 to 6 minutes, until their tops are golden brown.
Remove them from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for at least 5 minutes before serving, or let them cool completely and freeze them. They will keep for up to 3 months in the freezer. Reheat them, covered, for 10 to 15 minutes at 350°F and serve them warm.
Mushrooms Stuffed with Blue Cheese
These are easy, quick, and gorgeous. You can substitute hollowed-out cherry tomatoes for the mushrooms, if you'd like.
yield: 12 to 14 bite-size hors d'oeuvres
12 to 14 whole medium mushrooms, stemmed
4 ounces blue cheese (Roquefort, Gorgonzola, Stilton)
4 ounces cream cheese
1 tablespoon half-and-half
1⁄2 teaspoon lemon juice
1⁄4 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
12 to 14 roasted whole pecans
Wipe the mushrooms with a cloth dipped in acidulated water (1 1⁄2 teaspoons lemon juice or white vinegar to 2 cups water) to remove the grit. Do not rinse or wash the mushrooms in water as they will get soggy, bruise, and generally not hold up well when stuffed.
In a small mixing bowl, using an electric hand mixer, Cream the blue and cream cheeses together with the half-and-half and lemon juice.
With a rubber spatula, transfer the cheese stuffing mixture into a pastry bag fitted with a star tip. Pipe the mixture into the mushroom tops, neatly and in a pretty pattern.
Place a whole roasted pecan on top, and serve.
Mushrooms Stuffed with Mushroom Duxelles
This warm hors d'oeuvre is slightly more challenging than the previous cold one, but not enough to dissuade you from trying it. It is also excellent for stuffing chicken breasts, beef tenderloins, or roasted quails. You can also substitute it for the Gruyère in the Gougères (page 161). Don't be afraid to use it in just about anything else that could benefit from a rich, savory stuffing.
yield: 24 hors d'oeuvres
24 medium mushrooms
6 tablespoons salted butter, divided
1⁄2 pound medium mushrooms, minced
2 tablespoons brandy
2 tablespoons heavy cream
1 cup minced green onions (both white and green parts)
1⁄4 teaspoon salt
1⁄4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Preheat the oven to 300°F.
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of the butter. When the foam has subsided, add the minced mushrooms and stir.
The mushrooms will release a fair amount of water as they are cooking. When all the liquid has evaporated and the mushrooms are very soft, add the remaining 4 tablespoons of the butter, the brandy, cream, and onions. Continue cooking over medium-low heat until all the liquid has evaporated and there is barely any liquid in the pan. Set the pan aside and allow the mixture to cool for at least 20 minutes.
Place 1 1⁄2 teaspoons of the duxelles mixture into each of the mushrooms' crowns, rounding off the tops. Place the mushrooms on a baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes. Remove from the oven, let them cool slightly, and serve.
Fried Green Tomatoes with Pimiento Cheese
As you know, a green tomato is an unripe tomato, not a special variety of its own. In the summer, they are readily available in grocery stores and farmers' markets in the South, and at Whole Foods or farmers' markets in New York. In some parts of the country, like Los Angeles, they are not as easy to find. I order them from the produce guru at my local grocery store, and it usually takes him a day or two to find them. They are worth it. This unlikely combination is an hors d'oeuvre that will knock guests' socks off. I never had fried green tomatoes growing up, and, in fact, only when the movie with Kathy Bates came out did I start thinking about them. Nothing sounds more Southern, except when you add pimiento cheese.
yield: 36 to 44 bite-size hors d'oeuvres
2 large green tomatoes
2 large eggs, beaten
1⁄2 cup all-purpose flour
1⁄2 teaspoon salt
1⁄2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1⁄2 cup Italian seasoned bread crumbs
3 cups vegetable oil
Pimiento Cheese (recipe follows)
Cut the tomatoes into 1⁄2-inch slices, and then take a one inch biscuit cutter and cut the sliced tomatoes into 1-inch rounds. You will get approximately 3–4 rounds per 1⁄2-inch slice. Pat the tomatoes dry with a paper towel.
In a large, deep skillet, heat the oil to 375°F using a candy thermometer to measure the temperature because a meat thermometer won't get that hot.
In three medium bowls—one for the beaten eggs, one for the flour, salt, and pepper, and one for the bread crumbs—dredge the individual tomato slices first in the eggs, then in the flour, shaking off the excess, and last in the bread crumbs.
Immediately after dredging—they will get too soggy if you wait—fry the tomatoes in batches in the skillet until they are golden brown on both sides, approximately 2 to 3 minutes per side. Remove the first batch of fried tomatoes from the skillet and drain them on paper towels. Repeat this with the second batch. Garnish them with a generous dollop of pimiento cheese and serve them warm.
Pimiento Cheese
This Southern staple, in one form or another, is a very easy spread to make and a true crowd-pleaser. I've served pimiento cheese to many a finicky gourmet who greets it skeptically, tastes it reluctantly, savors its deliciousness in shock, and then asks for the recipe. There are endless variations—pickles, pecans, currants, onions, and so on—but this recipe, with fresh roasted peppers and Worcestershire sauce, is the one I always like the best.
yield: About 1 pound (enough for all of those fried green tomatoes, plus an extra sandwich or two for the cook . . .)
3⁄4 pound red bell peppers (2 to 3 large peppers)
1⁄2 pound sharp Cheddar cheese, preferably orange in color, grated (and weighed before grating)
1⁄2 cup mayonnaise
1⁄8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 1⁄8 teaspoons salt
1⁄2 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
Preheat the oven to 450°F.
Roast the peppers on a baking sheet in the oven for 15 to 20 minutes, until the skins begin to blacken and blister. When the skins are fully blistered, remove the peppers from the oven, let them cool for 2 to 3 minutes, and then cover them with plastic wrap and let them steam for 15 minutes (the steam will loosen their skin). Remove the plastic wrap and peel the skin. Chop the peppers in half, discard the seeds, and dice the remaining pepper strips.
Place the cheese, diced peppers, mayonnaise, cayenne, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce in a large bowl and mix them together. Let the cheese mixture chill in the refrigerator, covered, for several hours, or overnight for the best flavor. Pipe the cheese mixture with a pastry bag over the warm fried green tomatoes and serve. There'll be left over pimiento cheese that you just won't be able to stop eating!
Hot Artichoke Custard (on Toast Rounds or as a Dip)
Blushingly, I include this recipe, which I am sure will make food snobs doubt my credibility. I am prepared for that. This recipe is a beloved, guilty pleasure, widely recognized and largely referred to in varied Southern regional patois as "Cup, Cup, Can." No proper Junior Leaguers would ever have been admitted without knowing this recipe.
Even though I have tried to make it a bit more up-market by adding some fresh minced garlic, there is no way to imagine that it would ever be an award-winning innovation of elegance. I might suggest that you make your own mayonnaise for this, but it's so good with plain old Hellmann's (Best Foods, west of the Rockies) that, quite honestly, it's just not worth the trouble. Serve it as a dip, or as an hors d'oeuvre or toast rounds.
yield: About 21⁄4 cups
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, firmly packed
1 cup mayonnaise
2 (14-ounce) cans artichoke bottoms, drained
1 teaspoon minced garlic (approximately 1 small clove)
1⁄8 teaspoon salt
1⁄8 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
Preheat the oven to 350°F.
In a food processor fitted with a metal blade, pulse the cheese, mayonnaise, artichokes, and garlic until they are coarse—5 or 6 times depending...
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
Within U.S.A.
Book Description 2012. HARDCOVER. Condition: New. New. From the restaurateur and television personality Alex Hitz comes this cookbook of more than 175 all-time favorite Southern dishes. In My Beverly Hills Kitchen, Hitz blends the home cooking of his mother's Atlanta kitchen with lessons he learned from some of the world's great chefs and hosts to come up with classic, satisfying comfort food.These step-by-step recipes are so clear that anyone can do them. Hitz shows you how to prepare a meal for two or twenty and that quality is achievable on any budget. He reimagines best-loved dishes and adds that little something extra to make them more delicious than you ever dreamed possible. The twelve chapters include such signature recipes as Sweet Potato Vichyssoise, Cold Pea Soup with Mint, Scrambled Eggs with Caviar, Dorothy's Baked Cheddar Grits, Millionaire's Macaroni and Cheese, Salmon Pot Pie, Perfect Roast Tenderloin of Beef, Dorothy's Fried Chicken, Salted Caramel Cake, Apple Pear Crumble, and Molten Chocolate Cake with Bourbon Whipped Cream. There are also recipes and stories from Hitz's famous friends who were known for their simple but fantastic food Bill Blass's Sour Cream Soufflà , Nan Kempner's Bacon Sticks, Connie Wald's Penne with Vodka Sauce, and Betsy Bloomingdale's Peach Ice Cream.Hitz suggests perfect menus for every season and will show you how to make every day a special occasion. He shares his secrets about entertaining, ingredients, and cookware that guarantee the best results and will make a difference as you become a great chef and host on your own. Comfort food has never been this irresistible or easy. . 2012. HARDCOVER. Seller Inventory # 9780307701527
Book Description Knopf, 2012. Condition: New. book. Seller Inventory # M0307701522
Book Description Penguin Random House. Condition: New. Brand New. Seller Inventory # 0307701522
Book Description 2012. HRD. Condition: New. New Book. Shipped from US within 10 to 14 business days. Established seller since 2000. Seller Inventory # VR-9780307701527
Book Description Hardcover. Condition: New. Seller Inventory # 1649760
Book Description 2012. HRD. Condition: New. New Book.Shipped from US within 10 to 14 business days. Established seller since 2000. Seller Inventory # IB-9780307701527
Book Description Knopf. Hardcover. Condition: New. 0307701522 *BRAND NEW* Ships Same Day or Next!. Seller Inventory # SWATI2132098944
Book Description Knopf, 2012. Hardcover. Condition: New. Never used!. Seller Inventory # 0307701522
Book Description Condition: New. Depending on your location, this item may ship from the US or UK. Seller Inventory # 97803077015270000000
Book Description Random House Inc, 2012. Condition: New. Seller Inventory # TH9780307701527


text:
By Zach Dirlam, '13
After collecting four letters of recommendation, submitting samples of research projects and an overwhelming amount of paperwork, all Gerry Battersby could do was wait for a letter from the Newberry Research Fellowship program.
"I just had to wait and hope for the best," Battersby said. "I knew that it was very competitive, and many other qualified students had applied from many different states, so when I received my acceptance letter in April I was very pleased."
The Newberry is an independent research library in Chicago, and Battersby was one of only 13 students given the chance to attend classes and put together a thesis with the help of some of the top professors in the country over the course of the fall semester.
A political science major with minors in history and economics, Battersby described his classes as "completely different" from the ones he has taken at Albion College, and likened the work at the Newberry program to what graduate students across the country are required to complete.
"For the first eight weeks of the semester, the 12 other scholars and myself would meet with our professors in a seminar twice a week for about two hours at a time," Battersby said. "The seminar was primarily geared toward preparing us for writing such a lengthy piece of research using primary sources."
The junior from Farmington Hills completed 126 pages of his thesis, which analyzes the economic evolution of the Great Lakes region after the opening of the Erie Canal in 1825 along with the installation of railroads in the 1850s.
Many researchers have chosen to simply discuss how these changes effected the city of Chicago, but Battersby has chosen to cover areas such as Detroit, Milwaukee, Green Bay and Buffalo as well.
"The most difficult was the months of sifting through letters, maps, books, catalogs, along with other primary and secondary sources to collect all the evidence I need to prove my thesis and inject it into current academic knowledge."
A typical day for Battersby consisted of research in the Newberry library from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., in addition to research at another one of the city's libraries from 6 p.m. until 2 a.m.
"It was really exciting and tiring at the same time," Battersby said. "I feel like my research has turned up exciting conclusions.
"It was only by fostering growth and diversity in many different smaller locations within the Great Lakes that the larger region, and later Chicago, was able to emerge as a commercial powerhouse based on shipping and industry," Battersby added. "I think this has previously been overlooked by a good deal of scholars, who have instead focused on geographic opportunity meeting eastern capital. My thesis supplements this argument by adding a third crucial actor, the regional businessman/entrepreneur. Without these people, the money that was pumped into the regions may have been frivolously thrown into unwise investments."
Despite having to shoulder a heavy academic workload, Battersby enjoyed living in the Windy City for the entire semester. He lived in the heart of the city, and took advantage of the opportunity to attend the Chicago Lyric Opera's production of Simon Boccanegra, an opera that was entirely in Italian, performances at The Second City comedy club, and Cubs games at Wrigley Field.
"There is so much to do in Chicago, and there are always people to do it with," Battersby elaborated. "The scholars and I spent a few of our nights searching for cool places to eat, and found some great restaurants all around town, ranging from Polish food, to Lebanese, Indian, Chinese, Korean, Mexican, etc. I really enjoyed exploring Pilsen, a predominately Mexican neighborhood; it had incredible cultural art and was very colorful."
While he loved everything about Chicago, Battersby is excited about returning to Albion in January and playing midfield for the men's lacrosse team in the spring. He earned Midwest Lacrosse Conference Player of the Week recognition during the 2012 season for his dominating performance on face-offs.
"I missed the people at Albion," Battersby expressed. "It is exciting here, and everyone is wonderful, but at times I feel the other scholars and myself created a research bubble for ourselves."
Once Battersby is back on campus for the second semester of his junior year, he will continue working toward his goal of attending law school and pursuing a career in marketing, policy, corporate or contract law.


text:
I think they call it guest wifi and byod.
"Sorry, it's broken. Burned out some bits, radiation leak, 2.8 dead."
Uhhhh, a guest account with limited privileges, maybe?
> We are happy to oblige, but the problem is many of these guests have high risk computing habits and have more than once infested one of our computers with malware,
Really? It's not that they started typing something into your browser and the browser history showed off all the sick and twisted porn you watch?
of course not, by the time they get to the computer in the sex dungeon, they know what kind of stuff I am into.
This article can be summed up in one sentence: "LOL WINDOWS USERS"
>> Have a dedicated Linux boot just for them, and if they give you funny looks tell them too bad.
This. As long as you can PRINT from it. (Most of the time I loaned "local" computer access it was to let someone print airline boarding passes.)
Also make a couple paper copies of your WiFi creds and encourage them to BYOD.
I've had lots of visitors in my house, of various ages, various skills levels. Most of them managed to get a browser open on linux, then it all works from there.
Other way is to use a VM, with a snapshot, so you can just revert it when you have finished.
Have a dedicated Linux boot just for them, and if they give you funny looks tell them too bad.
Once you have Linux, it doesn't have to be dedicated. Just use a Guest Account with permissions to use the browser, and not much else.
The big thing is just get rid of Windows in your home. You have nothing that needs interoperability with your work that
can't be handled by Linux. Once you dump Windows, all the bad browsing habits no longer matter.
The problem here is the insistence of keeping Windows for no good reason.
Windows Steadystate used to do a decent job of this on XP.
Which, for some reason that probably had nothing to do with pushing AD and group-policy tinkering on a bunch of schools and libraries and other relatively unsophisticated organizational users, is why Microsoft killed it. Support ended a couple of years back, availability 3-ish. No 64-bit or Win7 compatible version ever existed.
Windows Steady State for 7 is a do it yourself through Windows 7 tools matter. http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=24373
I actually bothered with a license for DeepFreeze for the one box that I allow guests to use. That, a Kensington lock, BitLocker and proper password protection of the BIOS and the HDD is good enough.
That way, the DeepFreeze-protected machine is one reboot away from getting cleaned up from whatever ails it. Especially with the fact that the guest user has no administrator rights, so malware would have to find a hole to get to a Windows admin context, then find a way to attack the DeepFreeze driver in order
I agree. Fullscreen the VM, and they'll probably never even know that they weren't using your "actual" PC.
Agreed. You can also run the machine in a non-persistence mode so that nothing is written to the disk at all while in use. Just periodically fire it up in a persistent state to apply important security updates etc for their safety. Unless they are savvy they won't even know they are running in a VM.
If you have Windows 7 Pro or greater, you can get an instance of XP running on Virtual PC for free. It's called "Windows XP Mode."
Why go to all the trouble of reverting the snapshot?
Just set the disk to "non-persistent" and nothing they do will modify the system. Each time the VM is restarted it's back to its default state.
I don't have any experience with VirtualBox, but with VMware include a line something like this in the
ide0:0.mode = "independent-nonpersistent"
When you want to make changes, shut down the VM and change that line to:
ide0:0.mode = "persistent"
then change it back when it's the way you want it.
I'm sure VirtualBox has something similar.
For VirtualBox, the method I use is slightly different but gives similar results in the end.
This must be done from the command line with the vboxmanage.exe tool, I'm not aware of a GUI way to do it.
I have a 'template' VM with fully setup windows and configured how I want it.
Then I make a new 'guest' VM (from scratch) and copy the template disk image to a new name (cloned, from virtual media manager), from template.vdi to guestbox.vdi, and then I use a command line tool to set the new disk image immutable, so it can not be changed again.
vboxmanage modifyhd whereever/guestbox.vdi --type immutable
Then point the guest vm to the guestbox.vdi image under settings -> storage.
Each time the VM boots, disk writes go into a seperate copy-on-write file, which gets deleted once the VM is powered down. A "revert" action takes as long as a delete command unlinking an inode.
When I need to make updates, I do that in my template vm, then copy over the vdi setting it immutable again. Copy the new guest image over the old one, and the VM is updated.
The guests, that is.
It's a Firefox addon. Check it out. Also Adblock Plus. With those two installed and running, things get a lot safer. Of course, NoScript requires a bit of savvy to be able to browse the web correctly. You might have to help. Otherwise, tell them to bring their own darn laptop.
I use and LOVE both of those add-ons. Ghostery is also good, and it shows what's tracking you even if you choose not to block them.
Except that NoScript does not protect anyone from downloading "hi_I_saw_you_wanna_fuck.jpg.scr.pif.exe.bat.com"
The moment your computer becomes public (however limited that "public" is), it is a goner. It is like asking how to secure your computer after it was compromised.
I don't even let my visitor plug into the same network my main computers are, and have both a separated WiFi network and a separated ethernet segment for them (1 port only in the guest room), that I treat as a DMZ. Ok, I'm paranoid, but still.
Maybe use removable HDs, and keep one for your own use, and swap it for an entirely different one (which you can restore from a Ghost image or something) for your guests. As in PHYSICALLY disconnecting your HDs when they are going to use.
Otherwise, it is like using band-aids to stop a leaking dam.
I don't even tell people where I live.
I don't even let my visitor plug into the same network my main computers are, and have both a separated WiFi network and a separated ethernet segment for them (1 port only in the guest room), that I treat as a DMZ. Ok, I'm paranoid, but still.
I shudder to think what booby traps you set up to keep your house guests away from your silverware and jewelry.
What kind of guests do you have? Why do they spend so long using the Internet that managing it becomes an issue?
My flatmate is from a different country, and regularly has friends visiting. They often ask to print a ticket or boarding pass, check email, check Facebook, but it's never been a problem. They can log in as guest on any computer, and the wifi password is on a post-it by the router.
I don't even let guests use the same internet.
Something like VirtualBox or VMWare that supports snapshots. Install an OS into the virtual machine and set some firewall rules to keep it from accessing anything else on your network. When they ask to use your computer, launch the virtual machine and set it to full screen. They won't know the difference. When they're done, revert to snapshot.
Sound like a good use for a Chromebook.
Get smarter guests
Get smarter guests
"Hey, can I use your computer to..."
Who doesn't have a smartphone/tablet these days to do such things?!
Just create an ad-hoc guest account with limited rights. That way they can't really screw up things. Once the guest has left the premises, remove the account. You don't even have to log out yourself if someone just needs the access for five minutes, just switch users.
A step further: Build a virtual machine with a e.g. your basic Linux distro or Windows XP, create a snapshot of it in it's "fresh" state, and set it up to talk only directly to the Internet without any access to your local network. You can achi
The guest account is the way to go. Anything that infects the PC is unlikely to make it past the guest account as long as you keep your Windows Updates up-to-date. I would also recommend going the extra step and setting ACLs to deny usage of Internet Explorer. Install Firefox and/or Chrome.
Yes, and if your guests want cake you should let them eat cake.
"it wasn't right to knowingly let others use a computing platform that may have been compromised."
Then why are you letting them use ANY computer? There is no platform where you can say 100% that it has not been compromised.
By far the iPad would be the least likely to be infected by anything, and require the least maintenance. I can't understand your rationale for not going this route at all.
We've thought about buying an iPad for guests to use, but decided it wasn't right to knowingly let others use a computing platform that may have been compromised.
Is he really worried about an iPad being compromised compared to a windows box? It's pretty hard to accidentally mess up an iPad even visiting shady sites.
I have a cheap fon router which provides two wireless networks. One for my family and one non-encrypted.
The non-encrypted network normally requires a logon, but some IP addresses can be excluded from that requirement. You might choose to exclude all requirements so that your guests get straight access.
You also get to rate-limit the connection too.
If you run a connection and leave it turned on you get free logon to other peoples fon hotspots too - and there are thousands in the UK.
http://corp.fon.com/how-it- [fon.com]
Just use a Linux distro - problems solved. Create a guest account that automatically wipes every time you log out.
Change a few words
Not convinced? Try this one
Anyone who stays at my house has to help slop the hogs and clean out the barn. You can play with the computer afterward.
Problem solved.
With Windows inside the VirtualBox. Once the guests leave, revert the VirtualBox image.
With a little work, you can make a "guest" login that launches VirtualBox and can't do anything else.
On the other hand, it might be enough to make a "guest" account, and just run a script that cleans out
# remove all trace of guest directory
rm -fr
# set up clean copy again
cp -pr
If you are using Linux Mint with MATE, your guests should be able to cope with
Virtual machine.
Windows XP with Steadystate
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_SteadyState [wikipedia.org]
Let them run Puppy and if they get confused lend them a hand. Usually most people seem to want to check email or some other trivial task. You do want to be certain that your email account does not allow auto sign in while you have company.
Get a cheap computer (i.e. used/refurb), and keep installation media on-hand.
You can optionally install Linux to make it more resistant to stuff.
And put the homepage to something [rshirley.com] that discourages them from visiting naughty sites.
I keep a chrome laptop around for this. It's enough for most people, and after logout everything's clean.
My two cents...
Keep an extra media bay or hard drive for a notebook that lets you just remove your hard drive and stick another in.
Take your regular hard drive and put it away when you've got guests coming over. let anyone use your notebook with this alternate media to boot and run from. Just keep a
At the end of the night, just reimage the alternate media and put it back on a shelf.
Put your drive / boot media back in and you've got your machine back. No worri
Run backups before they arrive, and run restore after they leave. Plus your machine gets backed up which you probably needed to do anyway.
We've thought about buying an iPad for guests to use, but decided it wasn't right to knowingly let others use a computing platform that may have been compromised.
If you're willing to buy a $499 iPad [apple.com] just for guests to use, then you'd probably be willing to buy a $249 Chromebook [google.com] instead. It's a great second laptop, and perfect for guests to use. There's even a "Guest" account they can use, and it clears the data when they are done using it. And it's secure - which you want if your guests have "high risk computing habits."
Just put Windows 8 on it. Nobody will be able to figure out how to launch anything besides Bing and Zune.
That would put ME at a disadvantage, some of the people I invite over have Win8, unlike me.
One of them mentioned he actually LIKES it. I haven't spoken with him since, I don't want to be associated with lunatics.
These comments suggesting a Linux boot CD, or a Virtual Machine (VMWare , VirtualBox, etc) are all viable solutions if you trust your guest to stay within the environment you give them.
A VM, in my opinion, is really just useless, because the guest can switch away from it too easily and get at your main machine. Then perhaps become confused which browser is which, see your firefox on the desktop, double click and continue away... This is common with guests that are not too computer savvy....
Someone mentioned using a VM with a guest network and router firewall rules?? that's just more useless, the guest is sitting at your main machine. See the point above.
A linux boot CD is much better than a VM, with firewall rules to prevent this booted machine from accessing the local network, but any linux environment gives local access to local drives, so before you know it your (computer savvy guest) is browsing your local hard drive from your standard everyday system you use, and reading all your fine datas. Or if they are a reboot happy user (I've seen that, if the browser gets slow they power off) then that user may reboot when you're out of the room, and they may now boot into your main system and continue along, without you even knowing it, until much much later. You won't know this unless you are watching what they are doing every minute, and I am sure that won't go over well either.
The only way to go here is to have a separate guest network (hardwired or wifi or both) and have your guests BYOD. If you wish to be accommodating when they don't have their own device then you can give them a slow, cheap, small laptop from craigslist or something, and make them use that. Use any hard drive mirroring software to wipe and reinstall the Linux OS on it after they leave, or use a netboot to boot an image from a local server which you have a virgin copy of for the next user. As someone else already said, make sure it can access the printer, guests always want to print something.
I do the above. An old DELL Latitude D600 is the device for my guests. It has a 14" screen, 1 GB RAM, Pentium M 1.6Ghz, a 30GB hard drive, and dual boots Linux Mint or Windows XP so they have a choice if they care. The entire HDD is overwritten from a server image when they are done.
I say all this because I am the type of person that doesn't want anyone sitting at my local machine. I wish to give them full access, freedom to take their time and do what they want, without me watching guard over them to be sure they aren't reading anything of mine. I don't want them to start my Yahoo, or MSN , or read my email, my PC has years of financial data on it, local documents to my Condominium Corporation, letters to family, and the other 50% is
I made an account with username 'guest' and password 'password'. then just let them log on.
I also had ssh installed. one day the sysadmin at work come to see me and tells me that my laptop had been blocked from the network because it was making a large number of outgoing ssh connections. important lessons were learned.
(some distros offer a locked down password-less guest account. this is a much better idea)
"We have tried using a Linux boot CD but usually get funny looks or confused users."
So, then, you already solved your problem. Why are you posting to Slashdot?
"Conversion, fastidious Goddess, loves blood better than brick, and feasts most subtly on the human will." -- Virginia Woolf, "Mrs. Dalloway"


text:
From Openmoko
(→Om 2008.8 images (ASU))
m (→Om 2008.9)
|Line 22:
|Line 22:
==Om 2008.9==
==Om 2008.9 ==
Om 2008.9 is an updated release of Om 2008.8. Flashing this image is equal to upgrading Om 2008.8 to a certain date by okpg. If you upgrade on any of the two systems, that ends up in exactly the same system [http://lists.openmoko.org/pipermail/community/2008-September/031003.html].
Om 2008.9 is an updated release of Om 2008.8. Flashing this image is equal to upgrading Om 2008.8 to a certain date by okpg. If you upgrade on any of the two systems, that ends up in exactly the same system [http://lists.openmoko.org/pipermail/community/2008-September/031003.html].
Revision as of 14:38, 2 October 2008
This page lists various images you can try out on your Openmoko supported smartphone and some other downloads. Note however, that some of these are works in progress and may not have even released any files yet. Nothing is guaranteed to work. Proceed at your own risk.
Unofficial users repositories can be found here
Distributions and installation
See Distributions for description and comparison of the images downloadable here.
See Flashing the Neo FreeRunner for installation instructions. Neo 1973 users: Getting Started with your Neo1973.
In most cases you will download
- a Root FileSystem image and
- a Kernel image
to flash into your phone. The third available file is the u-Boot bootloader, probably you don't want to install a new version of that unless there are bug fixes that you really need.
If you want to install a system to a microSD card, see Booting from SD.
Understanding Om distribution releases
Om 2008.9 (ASU)
Om 2008.9 is an updated release of Om 2008.8. Flashing this image is equal to upgrading Om 2008.8 to a certain date by okpg. If you upgrade on any of the two systems, that ends up in exactly the same system [1].
- Main article: Om2008.9 Update
Neo FreeRunner images
Note, that this is a certain "point release" of Om 2008.8. Updated images under the 2008.8 section are newer, because those are updated builds of the same distribution.
For older releases of this distribution, see Old Openmoko Distribution Releases
The bleeding edge: Om "base / empty" images
The org.openmoko.dev branch does not have any applications preinstalled other than settings and installer, and it is unstable for now.
Images for testing are at: http://downloads.openmoko.org/daily/
To get packages from testing, use this /etc/opkg/testing.conf :
src/gz testing-all http://downloads.openmoko.org/repository/testing/all src/gz testing-arm http://downloads.openmoko.org/repository/testing/armv4t src/gz testing-i686 http://downloads.openmoko.org/repository/testing/i686 src/gz testing-neo http://downloads.openmoko.org/repository/testing/neo1973 src/gz testing-gta02 http://downloads.openmoko.org/repository/testing/om-gta02
unstable comes from the same branch, compiled with the AUTOREV flag. There are no images, but packages are at http://downloads.openmoko.org/repository/unstable/
Reference: See "Repository and Images" announcement for details on other "Base image", "testing" and "unstable".
Once you have this base image, you can install the GTK+ telephony apps including gsmd, or Qtopia, or Mickey's framework. Check out the FDOM page for an idea of what to install.
Om 2007.2 images (GTK)
Openmoko discontinued support for this release. The host that used to distribute it has been taken offline at the end of August 2008.
Some old images can be found on http://downloads.openmoko.org/releases/Om2007.11/ .
- Main article: Om 2007.2
Community repositories
Celtune offers different Images and a huge amount of packages (2007.2, pyneo, fso) for neo1973, freerunner and others. Celtune images can be found at http://rabenfrost.net/celtune/ .
Andy Powell maintains (or used to maintain ?) images based on the 2007.2 software stack for the gta01 and gta02. A. Powell's ScaredyCat images can be found at: http://buildhost.automated.it/OM2007.2/ .
FSO images (freesmartphone.org)
- Main article: OpenmokoFramework
Download Milestone 3 is here: http://downloads.openmoko.org/framework/milestone3/
The file system will be in a jffs2 "summary" file. A file with the extension ".jffs2.summary" can be flashed to the FreeRunner just like an ordinary jffs2 file.
Browse the source: http://trac.freesmartphone.org:8000/trac-example/browser
- Main article: FDOM - a Fat and Dirty OM based distribution
Download images: http://compartida.net/openmoko/FDOM/
Qtopia images
- Main article: qtopia
Images are available on the Qtopia.net images page, make sure your browser sends referer Header when downloading. (Note: direct linking to the files does not work.)
Neo FreeRunner
- Find "Qtopia flash image for FIC Neo FreeRunner (gta02)" on Qtopia.net images (a tarball with both a rootfs and kernel)
- The "Developer root filesystem for FIC Neo FreeRunner (gta02)" file is a barebones root filesystem created from the 'FSO' image available from Openmoko.
Neo 1973
- Find "Qtopia flash image for FIC Neo 1973 (gta01)" on Qtopia.net images (a tarball with both a rootfs and kernel)
- A Neo 1973 image is also available from here openmoko-qtopia-image-om-gta01.tar.gz
More Qtopia downloads
You might also try ftp.trolltech.com snapshots
Addtional packages can be added from the Trolltech feed for this image, found at http://qtopia.net/packages/feed/4.3.2/neo/ To get to these packages, you need to add the feed as a source in the Qtopia package manager.
SHR images (Stable Hybrid Release)
- Main article: SHR
There are no downloadable images yet.
Debian images
See Debian.
Community repository
- Main article: CommunityRepository
Other downloads
CAD files
You can download CAD files here. http://downloads.openmoko.org/CAD/
You can download the schematics of Neo 1973 (GTA01) and Neo FreeRunner (GTA02) here: http://downloads.openmoko.org/schematics/
Press material
Download Neo FreeRunner photos in various sizes for print and web use here: http://openmoko.com/press-press-material.html
Tiddlywiki version of wiki.openmoko.org
If you want to carry this wiki along with you and to use it offline, then download http://om-tiddlywiki.projects.openmoko.org/openmokowiki.html and store it locally, then browse through the pages which you think you need to have, click "save changes", so next time you open it all articles you have fetched previously will be available to you.


text:
GoFit Extreme Handles PairItem #GOF110
VIP:$9.89 Get This Price
Loading product details ...
Reviews (1)
Need Help?
Product Description:
GOFIT EXTREME HANDLES PAIR :: Get your training on-the-go, loving both the versatility and a comfortable feel of the GoFit Extreme Handles, made to be used with both the GoFit Extreme Tubes and the GoFit Super Bands (sold separately). You'll enjoy a secure and comfortable grip from the soft-textured rubber, while quickly and seamlessly attaching and removing these handles from tubes and bands thanks to the large carabiners. Plus, you'll be guided step-by-step through your most effective workout with the illustrated training booklet included with every pair.
Features & Benefits:
Reviewed by 1 customer
Best Uses
Comments about GoFit Extreme Handles Pair Fitness Equipment:
Your Help Is Here
Shop with confidence knowing your team of Fit Experts is waiting to answer all your questions. You can always find your perfect product and your perfect fit. Your Road Runner Sports Fit Experts will make sure you get exactly what you want and have tons of fun in the process! Give us a call, chat, or email!
Call 800-743-3206 to
You May Also Like


text:
trying to slit a man's throat on University Hill, but the 4-inch long cut to Jason Patrick Chilson's neck may have been caused when his friend tackled Neering, public defender Nicole Collins argued Wednesday at a preliminary hearing in the case.
Boulder County Judge David Archuleta found there was probable cause to bind all nine charges against Neering over for trial.
Neering, 27, is charged with attempted murder, multiple counts of assault and trespassing. An arraignment is scheduled for Nov. 18.
Boulder police Detective Brannon Winn testified at the preliminary hearing that Chilson and his friend were walking near The Goose, 1301 N. Broadway, on Aug. 4 when a man matching Neering's description attacked Chilson from behind.
Chilson told police he initially felt a blow or "punch" to the side of his neck, Winn said. The friend told police he saw Neering with his arm around Chilson's neck and tackled him. Chilson told police he felt a burning sensation on his neck and noticed blood afterward.
Winn said police identified Neering as the suspect by talking to employees at K's China, 1325 Broadway, where the men had had an altercation earlier in the evening, and reviewing credit card receipts. Neering was arrested the next day at an apartment where he had previously lived. The landlady had told police the apartment was supposed to be empty, Winn said.
Winn said doctors at Boulder Community Hospital said Chilson's wound was clean, not jagged, and caused by a sharp cutting instrument. However, police did not find a knife at the scene or on Neering.
The wound was very close to Chilson's carotid artery. Winn said doctors told police that if the carotid artery had been cut, Chilson likely would have died.
"The defendant basically sliced the victim's throat in this case," deputy district attorney Karen Lorenz said.
Under questioning from Collins, Winn said Chilson's friend later told police he had a knife on him but that he never got it out or opened it. Winn said police examined the friend's knife, but he did not know exactly what they had looked for.
Collins also repeatedly asked Winn if it was possible the cut occurred as Chilson's friend tackled Neering.
"Even by the victim's account, he didn't feel any burning on initial contact," Collins said.
Collins said there were "issues" with charges of attempted murder and first degree assault with a deadly weapon because Neering didn't "knowingly" try to kill or inflict seriously bodily injury on Chilson and because no weapon was found.
At a preliminary hearing, judges must view the evidence in the light most favorable to the prosecution.
Archuleta said the evidence indicated there was probably cause, but the defense attorney's theories raise questions about proof beyond a reasonable doubt.
"There are issues that may arise at trial about proof beyond a reasonable doubt," Archuleta said. "There are some serious questions that may survive."


text:
Ryan Kielczewski landed his first punches at 6 years old, when his father, Rick, brought him to compete in the annual South Boston St. Patrick's Day boxing tournament.
Kielczewski said he had been clamoring for a chance to get into the ring since he was a toddler.
"I always wanted to do it when I was 3, 4, and 5 years old,'' he said. "Finally, at 6 years old they gave me a shot.''
On Saturday night, the undefeated lightweight (14-0) will get a high-profile shot when he squares off against Washington Hago (5-4) at TD Garden's "Night at the Fights."
For all intents and purposes, the 23-year-old Kielczewski, who was raised in Quincy, has three jobs — training, working as a carpenter, and as a merchandiser for Polar Beverages.
He said he gives up carpentry when he is preparing for a fight.
"I work only [at Polar] when I'm getting ready for a fight,'' he said. "I like doing the carpentry work, I'm learning something to fall back on. I'm actually putting in hardwood floors in my house right now.''
Despite his other enterprises, Kielczewski said his dream has always been to be a professional boxer.
"That's pretty much what I've wanted to do my whole life,'' he said. "I remember writing essays back in elementary school and [the teachers] told me, 'Set your sights on something else.' ''
But Kielczewski was undeterred. He turned pro when he was 19 and has been moving up the ranks ever since. He said he doesn't know a lot about Hago's style going into their eight-round bout.
"He's from [Woodside], New York, he's a little bit older than me. I know he's going to come to fight,'' said Kielczewski. "I haven't really seen anything on him. So, I'll adapt when I get in there.''
Kielczewski trains at Cyr-Farrell Boxing Gym in Quincy, and trainer Jimmy Farrell Jr. said his client is ready.
"Ryan Kielczewski is a pride and joy,'' said Farrell. "The kid has just got instincts. It's really hard to hit him. He's had a little [injury] problems with his right hand, so he hasn't had as many knockouts as he would have had. He's a nice fighter and when people go see him fight, when they leave they're talking about him because he looks like the paper boy. He looks like he's 14. All he does is laugh. He's one delightful kid to be around. His work ethic is terrific.''
Farrell said Kielczewski has been determined since he was a youngster, and has been willing to make the sacrifices to realize his dream.
"Boxing is not for everybody, it's a hard life,'' said Farrell, a former pro boxer who was once highly ranked in the country. "To me, the pain of boxing is the fatigue. Getting hit isn't very pleasant, either.''
As much as Kielczewski has enjoyed fighting in venues such as The House of Blues, Saturday night at the Garden will be special.
"I fought at the MGM Grand [at Foxwoods] a couple of times,'' he said. "The Garden is probably the biggest place I'm going to be fighting in my career. I've never really been a big sports [fan] but I've been to a few Bruins games and a few Celtics games.''
He said he expects those in attendance to be passionate.
"It's going to be crazy,'' said Kielczewski. "The place is going to be packed and they're all going to be screaming my name, especially because I'm fighting someone from New York. The crowd is going to be insane there. Everyone gets riled up for the fights.''
As much as his trainer is a walking boxing encyclopedia, Kielczewski said he hasn't yet explored the history of the sport. Instead, he approaches it with a singular determination.
"I'm pretty much go to the gym, work, and sleep,'' he said. "That's all I do. I don't really watch fights. I don't really do anything besides fight and work. That's pretty much my life. I've got no life other than that. I don't have downtime to study up. I wish I could, but I work too much.''
He said he envisions staying a pro fighter until he's about 30.
"My father is my manager and I've been with Jimmy my whole career,'' Kielczewski said. "Once they say, 'Enough's enough,' I'm sure I'll listen to them.''
. . .
The Night at the Fights headliner is light welterweight Danny O'Connor from Framingham, who will face Derek Silveira from Salem. In the middleweight division, Boston police officer Billy Traft from Dorchester will take on Joe Powers of Groton, Conn. A second middleweight bout features Russell Lamour of Portland, Maine, against Luis Viramontes of Brockton.
In addition, there will be five USA Boxing amateur bouts. In the open lightweight junior division (132 pounds), Luca Lo Conte Botis of Winchester will face Marc Anthony Muniz of Dorchester. In the open lightweight senior division (132), Tim Ramos of Framingham will go against Elijah Peioxto of Providence. In the open light welterweight senior division (141), Brandon Berry of West Forks, Maine, will face Julio Perez of Hudson. In the open welterweight senior division (152), Ryan White of Norwood will take on Joe Meuse of Millis. And in the open middleweight senior division (165), Gerald Schifone of Brockton will square off against Khiry-Gray Pitts from Worcester.Nancy Marrapese-Burrell can be reached at firstname.lastname@example.com.


text:
"...The Director of the Office of Personnel Management shall serve as the Suitability and Credentialing Agent..." ~Executive Order 13467, as amended
"...primary executive branch service provider for background investigations..." ~Executive Order 13467, as amended
The content available is no longer being updated and as a result you may encounter hyperlinks which no longer function. You should also bear in mind that this content may contain text and references which are no longer applicable as a result of changes in law, regulation and/or administration.
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Director Kay Coles James today reemphasized observing due diligence in considering federal agencies' requests for certification of their Senior Executive Service (SES) performance appraisal systems. OPM and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) last August jointly issued important rules linking the pay of federal senior executives and senior professionals to their performance on the job. Agencies must submit requests to OPM for certification that their appraisal systems make meaningful distinctions among levels of performance in order to be permitted to increase the salaries of their highest performing senior executives.
"I want to assure agencies that OPM is actively reviewing recent SES appraisal system certification submissions," stated James. "OPM will fully ensure the integrity of the SES system certification process as we move promptly to assist agency teammates in their efforts to secure approvals. OPM staff has been on the phones daily with agencies answering questions and providing expertise and help to better develop the quality of agency submissions."
The SES rule changes represent the culmination of a long-term focus on improving the performance of the government through its senior executives and more directly linking their pay and performance. For the past three years, consistent with President George W. Bush's focus on achieving results through his Management Agenda, James has directed federal agencies to make meaningful distinctions in the performance ratings of their senior executives.
When issued later this year, the final regulations will allow an agency possessing a certified performance appraisal system to set basic pay up to level II of the Executive Schedule (currently $158,100) for the best-performing senior executives. The final rules also will allow agencies with certified systems to apply a higher aggregate limitation on pay in a calendar year, up to the rate of pay for the Vice President (currently $203,000), for senior executives and senior professionals.
Full certification requires that agencies' SES Performance Appraisal Systems meet nine criteria in the areas of strategic alignment, consultation, results, balance, assessment and guidance, oversight, accountability, performance differentiation, and pay differentiation. Provisional certification is given to agencies whose performance appraisal systems have met five of the nine aforementioned criteria: strategic alignment, consultation, results, balance, and accountability. Full certification cannot be given to any agency unless they can demonstrate two years of results under the pay differentiation and performance differentiation criteria.
Ten agencies have been granted provisional certification from OPM with OMB concurrence, and 15 agencies still are in various levels of review. One agency, the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC), has received full certification for their senior level staff. As a government corporation, the PBGC is not covered by the SES.
Listed below are the agencies granted provisional certification from OPM with concurrence from OMB:
Department of Health and Human Services
Department of the Interior
Department of Transportation
Environmental Protection Agency
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
Federal Trade Commission
Office of National Drug Control Policy
Merit Systems Protection Board
Railroad Retirement Board
Social Security Administration
OPM leads and serves the Federal Government in enterprise human resources management by delivering policies and services to achieve a trusted, effective civilian workforce. By Empowering Excellence in Government through Great People, we provide leadership and support to U.S. agencies on issues including human resources policy and oversight, background investigations, federal employee benefits, retirement services, guidance on labor-management relations, and programs to improve workforce performance. For more information, visit OPM.gov or follow OPM on Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn.