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Online Dating Executive Uses Rival OkCupid
You might not use Zoosk, an SF-based internet dating service with tens of millions of dollars VC backing. But you've almost certainly been annoyed by one of its primetime ads—you know, the one where a woman takes dating advice from a heart-shaped pillow. It turns out one its top execs doesn't use it, either.
According to LinkedIn, Jeff Knight is a "founding engineer" at Zoosk, and currently its "Director of Client Applications." According to a travails of modern dating blog run by his girlfriend, he's also an avid user of OkCupid, a direct Zoosk competitor. The two are an OkCupid success story, the kind of marketing IAC dreams of:
I sent him a message asking which social network he worked at. He replied:
"That's actually a very funny story. I can answer it now, or I can save it for our dinner, I'll let you decide."
I told him I could probably figure it out, since I already had, so he might as well tell me. He was completely upfront about it so I asked if he was doing research or actually supporting a competitor. To this he replied, he was actually using OKCupid for its intended purpose. I was a little skeptical, but willing to see if there was a blog post in the whole story.
Now they're Facebook official, and seem happy. Which is great! But it's not a great sign for Zoosk, which has been struggling for years to establish itself outside of its gimmick: a dating service that links up with Facebook. Investment cash hasn't been able to elevate Zoosk to the heights of OkCupid, Match, or eHarmony, or catch the casual zeitgeist-horny appeal of Tinder. It's also called "Zoosk," which is its own godawful liability.
Though, probably not as big a liability as a guy ostensibly in part responsible for pushing e-love on Zoosk customers finding love in the e-arms of a top rival.
Update: A Zoosk rep emailed me to say Knight is barred from using Zoosk by virtue of being an employee:
At Zoosk, we have a policy stating that employees with access to user data on Zoosk cannot date on Zoosk, in a proactive effort to protect our members. This is a responsibility we take extremely seriously. Jeff is one of the few engineers who this applies to.
That makes sense, but still paints OkCupid as a winning way to fall in lurve.


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Curry - 6 Curries to choose from (Please see menu).
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Go Large!
More meat, more stuffing and another Yorkshire pudding!
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All of our Sunday roasts are served with a homemade Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes, broccoli, garden peas, braised red cabbage, carrots and gravy.
Half Rotisserie Chicken
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Quarter rotisserie chicken, slices of roast beef and pork.
Cauliflower Cheese Tart
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Served with Custard.
Jam Roly Poly
Served with Custard.
Ice Cream
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With your choice of sauce -
Chip Shop Bites
Pea and potatoes in a crispy cider vinegar batter with mint sauce dip.
Roasted Vegetables & Feta
Butternut squash, carrot, red onion, aubergine and courgette with creamy feta.
Chicken Satay
Pulled rotisserie chicken in a rich, peanut-free satay sauce, with crisp prawn crackers.
Hunter's Chicken Bites
Chicken, bacon, Cheddar and mozzarella cheese in BBQ sauce coated in crispy breadcrumbs. Smothered in more BBQ sauce and cheese.
Roasted Beetroot
Topped with sour cream and chive dressing and fresh rocket.
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Florets of cauliflower in a crisp BBQ coating served with a kickin' Buffalo sauce.
Today's Soup
With rustic bread and butter.
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With garlic mayo or smoked BBQ dip.
Salmon & Black Bean Fishcakes
With fresh rocket leaves.
Crispy Potato Skins
Served with mixed leaves and smoked BBQ sauce dip.
Top with -
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With rustic bread and butter.
Ploughman's Lunch
Brie, Stilton and mature Cheddar cheeses, mini pork pie, rustic bread, 'slaw, caramelised red onion chutney and mixed leaves.
Cheesy Nachos
With Cheddar cheese, guacamole, sour cream, salsa and red jalapeños.
Beer Battered Onion Rings
With smoked BBQ sauce.
Baked Camembert
Rubbed with garlic and olive oil. With garlic bread, celery sticks and caramelised red onion chutney.
16 Rotisserie Chicken Wings
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Slow roasted for evenly cooked meat, incredible flavour and crispy skin. All our chicken is Red Tractor Farm Assured.
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With a choice of sauce and two sides.
With a choice of sauce and two sides.
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Hunter's NO.1
Smoked BBQ sauce, crispy bacon and melting Cheddar cheese.
Chicken Gravy
Our own special recipe.
Piri Piri
Hot and spicy chilli sauce.
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Tangy and sweet with a bit of heat.
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Sliced button mushrooms, cooked in a creamy garlic and parsley sauce.
Kickin' chilli sauce.
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Roast butternut squash, carrot, red onion, aubergine and courgette.
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Wedges of roasted mini beetroots.
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Shredded pink star cabbage, white cabbage, carrot and Thai sweet chilli sauce.
Street Kitchen
Rotisserie Chicken Tacos
Soft flour tortillas with pulled rotisserie chicken, guacamole, salsa, jalapeños and spring onion. With chips and corn on the cob.
Buffalo Cauliflower Tacos
Soft flour tortillas with crispy BBQ cauliflower florets, guacamole, salsa, jalapeños and spring onion. With chips and corn on the cob.
Buttermilk chicken goujons in three mini brioche slider buns topped with mayo, BBQ and piri piri sauces. With chips, beer battered onion rings and 'slaw.
A large flour tortilla filled with red peppers, butternut squash, cannellini beans, red kidney beans, black turtle beans, lentils, pearl barley, pinto beans and quinoa in a lightly spiced, smoky tomato sauce. Rolled and topped with tomato salsa and melted Cheddar cheese. With a side salad and chips.
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Marston's beer battered cod or haddock with chips, garden or mushy peas and tartare sauce.
Breaded Scampi
Chips, garden peas and tartare sauce.
Wiltshire Ham & Eggs
Hand-carved Wiltshire ham, two free-range fried eggs, chips and caramelised red onion chutney.
Beef & Pedigree Ale Lasagne
Minced beef and smoked bacon in a rich tomato sauce between layers of pasta and a creamy Pedigree ale béchamel sauce. Served with a dressed side salad.
Beef & Ale Pie
Regular size pie with British beef and Pedigree ale enriched with Cheddar cheese. Light bite is Beef and Ale pie slice. Both served with chips, garden peas and gravy.
Button Mushroom Bourguignon Pie
With a rich button mushroom, shallot and red wine filling. Served with mashed potato, garden peas and gravy.
Rotisserie Chicken Tikka Masala
Pulled rotisserie chicken in a mildly spiced tomato and onion sauce. Served with rice, naan bread, a poppadum and mango chutney.
Plant Powered Tikka Masala
Plant-based protein in an aromatic masala sauce. Served with lime and coriander rice and mango chutney.
Stuffed Red Pepper
Red pepper stuffed with paella rice with piquillo peppers, courgettes and butter beans flavoured with white wine, smoked paprika and finished with basil. Served with a dressed side salad.
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Carbonara Chicken Pasta
Created by Craig Harris at the Willow Beck, North Allerton
Pulled rotisserie chicken and diced bacon in a creamy carbonara sauce with tagliatelle pasta. Topped with fresh rocket and crispy streaky bacon rashers. Served with garlic ciabatta.
Mixed leaves, red onion, cherry tomato, carrot spirals and a drizzle of olive oil.
Choice of -
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All our burgers are stacked in a toasted sesame seed bun, with lettuce and sliced beef tomato. Served with chips, beer battered onion rings and 'slaw.
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Crispy buttermilk chicken goujons and pulled rotisserie chicken, topped with peanut-free satay sauce.
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Lamb and mint burger topped with mint mayonnaise.
Buttermilk Chicken
Crispy buttermilk chicken goujons, topped with bacon and Cheddar cheese. With chicken gravy on the side.
Two Way Chicken Burger
Crispy buttermilk chicken goujons topped with Cheddar cheese, pulled rotisserie chicken, marinated in piri piri sauce.
The Jack
Moving Mountains™ plant-based burger, topped with BBQ jackfruit, served with Thai sweet chilli 'slaw.
Halloumi & Red Pepper
Grilled halloumi topped with chargrilled red pepper and tomato salsa.
Steak & Grills
With chips, a beef tomato wedge, a flat mushroom and rocket, unless otherwise stated.
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4oz rump steak, 5oz gammon steak, quarter rotisserie chicken, lamb chop and sausage.
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Smothered in sticky BBQ sauce, with chips, corn on the cob and 'slaw.
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Apple Pie
Sweet Bramley apple pie, delicious hot or cold. With custard.
Sicilian Lemon Muffin Cheesecake
A crunchy biscuit base with a tangy lemon cheesecake studded with chunks of lemon muffin. Topped with cream and more chunks of lemon muffin sponge. Served with double cream.
Melt in the Middle Chocolate Pudding
Warm and rich chocolate pudding with a chocolaty middle. Served with double cream.
St Clement's Fondant Pudding
Silky lemon sponge baked with lemon curd and mandarin oranges on sweet pastry. Drizzled with fondant icing, served warm with custard.
Jam Roly Poly
Raspberry jam roly poly sponge pudding, served warm with custard.
Sticky Toffee Pudding
Rich toffee and date sponge pudding with buttery toffee sauce made with Welsh cream. Served warm with custard.
Tiramisu Rum Ba Bar - 3% ABV, 18+
Creamy mascarpone and marsala mousse sandwiched between layers of rich buttery savarin dough drenched with coffee rum syrup. Topped with more mascarpone mousse and lightly dusted with cocoa powder. Served with vanilla flavoured ice cream.
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Chocolate and vanilla flavoured ice creams topped with chocolate brownie cubes, cream, a Cadbury® Flake and drizzled with chocolate sauce.
Prosecco Afternoon Tea Sundae
Vanilla flavoured ice cream layered with rich strawberry compote, bite size Prosecco-soaked fruit scones and clotted cream Prosecco mousse.
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Choose any three scoops of our delicious ice creams. Ask one of the team for today's selection.
Vegan Ice Cream Sundae
Three scoops of Beechdean™ coconut based vanilla flavoured ice cream.
Hot Drinks
Brew Tea Company
Amazingly good tea, for folks with amazingly good taste. Everything is loose leaf, just the way it ought to be.
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Choose your favourite coffee style and Add your flavour:
Hazelnut, Caramel, Vanilla, Gingerbread, Cinnamon or Amaretto
Jameson Irish Whiskey, Disaronno or Baileys Irish Cream*
An extra shot of Coffee
*25ml serve on all alcohol shots.

subset: commoncrawl


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How much longer do you think Australia will last at the top of the Test-rankings??
Australia has had a pretty good run over the last 10 years... - strangely enough, about the time Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath came along. So how much longer will the Aussies last and which country will topple them from their "World Champions" status??


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The Physio-Control LIFEPAK EXPRESS AED is designed for the lay rescuer to respond to an SCA casualty easily, safely and effectively. Ideal for indoor office settings, home use and outdoor activities, the LIFEPAK EXPRESS provides clear voice prompts that will guide the rescuer, one step at a time a time, through the cardiac emergency. To ensure that your device is always ready for use, the LIFEPAK EXPRESS conducts weekly and monthly self-tests. A readiness indicator lets you know the AED is ready to respond to a cardiac emergency. The LIFEPAK EXPRESS comes with a 5 year warranty.
DT Express Software Information
Physio-Control is offering the DT Express Software at no cost. The DT Express Software allows you to download AED event information from your LIFEPAK CR Plus, LIFEPAK Express and LIFEPAK 1000. Below is the link for downloading the DT Express Software.
Escalates in energy to 360 Joules.
The LIFEPAK EXPRESS is from the same family of AEDs found on all BC Ambulances and at many fire departments throughout British Columbia.
The electrodes on the EXPRESS are fully compatible with all other LIFEPAK defibrillators and monitors. The device communicates clear, calm step-by-step instructions.
Synchronized replacement for the battery and electrodes.
Performs weekly and monthly self-tests.
Step-by-Step clear voice prompts.
Industry leading 5 year warranty.
Over half of all patients require multiple shocks in order to be defibrillated. Increasing the energy level increases the probability of subsequent shocks being effective. The LIFEPAK Express follows the hospital-level protocols for energy shock levels: the first shock is at 200 Joules, the second shock is at 300 Joules and the third shock is at 360 Joules. Any additional shocks will be delivered at 360 Joules.
Having compatible electrodes with other LIFEPAK defibrillators and monitors means a faster transfer to EMS and more time spent on lifesaving than setting up equipment.
The voice prompts help the rescuer through a very stressful situation and lets them know without question when a person is about to be shocked.
Having the battery and electrodes expire on the same date provides the user with a simple, low cost maintenance program.
The device self-tests assure it will be ready to use in a rescue situation.
5 year warranty covers parts and servicing. Servicing for the unit is handled by two licensed Physio-Control Service Technicians in Vancouver, BC.
Comments or questions? We'd like to hear from you.
Since 1998, Iridia Medical has been dedicated to improving public safety and enhancing the quality of healthcare for Canadians. Our company's four distinct divisions are each focussed on a specific field, but are united by the collective goal of providing innovative, practical solutions to the diverse healthcare challenges faced by modern populations.


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Latest News
Utilities seek stimulus money to improve energy efficiency
WASHINGTON — A utility association that represents 70 percent of the U.S. power industry joined environmental and energy groups Friday in calling on Congress and the new administration to jump-start the economy by helping Americans save energy.
The groups suggest that any economic recovery package Congress passes early next year include $33 billion that mostly would go to state and local governments for programs such as weatherizing houses, schools, businesses and government buildings. To get some of the money, states would have to agree to follow the lead of Idaho, California and other states and let public utilities make money on efficiency investments.
"In our industry, energy efficiency is now a core business," as important as building power plants and transmission lines, said Tom Kuhn, the president of the Edison Electric Institute, an association of the nation's shareholder-owned electric companies, which joined in making the recommendations.
Energy experts say that saving energy is the quickest, cleanest and cheapest way to add to energy supplies and reduce global warming. For utilities, improved efficiency is a less expensive way to make more energy available than building new plants is.
Kuhn's organization joined with the environmental group Natural Resources Defense Council last month in calling for regulatory changes nationwide that would allow utilities to charge ratepayers for investments in energy efficiency. Friday's proposal would require states to make those changes in order to qualify for some of the federal money that the groups want to see spent on energy savings in buildings. Congress is expected to debate a stimulus plan early next month.
The investments that utilities make include such things as installing programmable thermostats or "smart meters" that show residents how much electricity they're using and how much it costs at any given time. Utilities also would be allowed to adjust rates so that they don't lose money from selling less electricity.
Some states already have incentives, but Kuhn's group wants them spread nationally so that energy-efficient buildings become as common as recycling bottles and newspapers is today, he said.
New technology makes it possible to save energy without sacrificing comfort, Kuhn said. Utilities, he added, can improve efficiency on such a large scale that the costs are reduced and the savings are significant.
The United States is the largest energy user in the world and the least efficient one among developed countries, said Kateri Callahan of the Alliance to Save Energy.
She said that the recommendations to spend federal money on efficiency projects would create tens of thousands of construction jobs, lower monthly power bills and help build a more sustainable energy system.
They'd also reduce greenhouse gases by the amount that Germany produces annually, said Peter Lehner, the executive director of the Natural Resources Defense Council.
There's a "tremendous backlog" of energy savings available, and the return on efficiency investments will be paid "many times over" to Americans, Lehner said.
Even California, where energy use is 40 percent less than the national average, "has really only begun to scratch the surface of energy efficiency," he said.
A summary of the groups' recommendations
Bush auto bailout requires worker wage concessions
Stimulus plan could be mother of all 'Christmas tree' bills
Utah leases could be early issue for new Interior chief


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Pomegranate and Mandarin Marinated Tofu
If you're wondering why I made a pomegranate and mandarin sauce, the reason is simple: I love the flavors of both fruits and I think they complement each other very well. Both have acidic notes which make them work well together.
The combination is perfect for white meats, salads and tofu. To the pomegranate and mandarin juices, I added lavender honey, sugar cane vinegar and granulated sugar. I bound the sauce with a blend of walnut and olive oil. Before serving, I added some pink peppercorns and African basil leaves. This sauce will brighten whatever dish you add it to.
Yields: 61/4 cup pomegranate paste
juice of one lemon
2 teaspoons sugar cane vinegar
1 tablespoon lavender honey
2 tablespoons mandarin juice
segments of one mandarin, freshly peeled
1 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon walnut oil
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves pickled garlic, finely minced
2 teaspoons pink peppercorns, coarsely crushed
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon African basil leaves
1 tablespoon canola oil
1 (12-ounce) package firm tofu
Mix together the pomegranate paste, lemon juice, sugar cane vinegar, sugar, walnut and olive oils, pickled garlic and 1/4 teaspoon of salt in a bowl. Add the mandarin segments. Set aside.
Drain any liquid from the tofu and pat it dry with a paper towel. Slice the block of tofu into 1 inch thick pieces. Brush the slices with canola oil.
Brush a grill pan with the remaining canola oil. Place the tofu on the grill pan. Cook for about 3-4minutes on each side. Make grilling marks on the tofu on both sides. Transfer to a platter. Season the tofu slices with the remaining salt. Cut each slice into 3 triangles.
Drizzle the pomegranate and mandarin sauce over the hot tofu. Let it stand until cool to room temperature. Garnish with pink peppercorns and basil leaves.
Eat with chopsticks and enjoy!
You can use fresh garlic instead of the pickled garlic but the garlic flavor is going to be a lot stronger. You can find pickled garlic in any Asian store.
You can find pomegranate paste in any Iranian/Pakistani store. It needs to be refrigerated after opening though. It adds a nice tart aroma to the sauce.
How to segment a mandarin: I did not use the technique with a knife. Just peel the fruit and remove the membrane walls around each segment. Loosen each segment with your fingers and gently pull and remove the segment from the fruit. This technique releases and spills less juice.
I didn't use the Thanh Son tofu brand as I usually do because I didn't find it necessary. I used the organic water-packed version. Just make sure the package says "firm".
I bought the sugar cane vinegar in at Ranch 99 in Mountain View.
Lulu planted some African basil in our garden for me. It has a stronger, earthier flavor than Thai basil or sweet basil. If you don't have this kind, just replace with any other basil you have available.
Published By: on August 16, 2009.


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The experts at Kappl Heating and Air Conditioning install and service all types of air conditioning systems. If you're looking to buy your first AC system or are hoping to save on energy bills with a more efficient, modern system, we can advise you on what best suits your needs and budget. Of course if you're happy with your current system, our technicians can handle all of your air conditioner maintenance and repairs.
Our air conditioning techs are highly trained and able to work on any home AC system. Regardless of the age of your system or who was the original installer, we can take care of any issues that may arise. Most people don't realize there's a problem with their air conditioner until they go to use it on a hot summer day. It's at these moments when you'll need experienced technicians, like those at Kappl Heating and Air Conditioning, to get the job done fast.
Kappl Heating and Air Conditioning offers a variety of air conditioning services designed to meet the many unique needs of each of our individual customers in Canoga Park, CA. Whether you're in need of regular system maintenance or repairs, or you're interested in having a new system installed, our expert technicians have the knowledge and experience to handle any job.
Our experts are trained to install all types of air conditioning systems, but they will make recommendations on the system they feel best matches your home comfort needs and budget. Whether this will be your first air conditioner or a replacement for a less efficient system, our technicians will assess each situation individually, with customer comfort and satisfaction being the final determining factor. Call Kappl Heating and Air Conditioning today to discuss your new AC system project and find out what we can do for you.
Deciding to have a new air conditioning unit or system installed is a big decision. There are a lot of options to consider and it can be hard to determine which type of air conditioning system is right for your home. That is why the experts at Kappl Heating and Air Conditioning gladly help our customers in Canoga Park, CA through the entire process.
We want to make sure that you, and all of our customers, receive only the best service and are happy with the overall experience you have doing business with us. We also want to make sure that you get the right system at the right price, so we will help you evaluate your options and make some professional recommendations to make your decision easier.
People often think routine air conditioning maintenance isn't necessary, especially when they've got a relatively new system installed. The average person mistakenly thinks that spending money when the unit is operating properly is unnecessary, but this couldn't be further from the truth.
There are a number of reasons to keep up with regular AC maintenance. For starters, preventative maintenance can wind up saving homeowners a considerable amount of money over time because the system will keep operating at maximum efficiency, requiring less energy to cool your home. Maintenance also often prevents emergency repairs that can occur when a system isn't properly cared for. Technicians will spot warning signs of problems down the road and head them off before expensive repairs are needed. Whether your air conditioning system was installed by Kappl Heating and Air Conditioning or another company, we're here to keep it running efficiently and for as long as possible.
While Kappl Heating and Air Conditioning prefers to see our customers keep their systems properly maintained, we remain fully equipped to handle any air conditioning repair job in Canoga Park, California.
The sad truth is that AC system failures happen at the worst possible times, because we discover them only when we go to turn our system on to escape the heat. When the system is off, there's no evidence it wasn't functioning properly. Obviously any repair is a headache, but not all air conditioner repairs will break the bank, so it's important that you talk to a knowledgeable service person about any issues you may be experiencing to quickly diagnose and solve the problem. In some cases it may not even be worth repairing if problems will likely persist in the future. In these instances, it often makes more sense to invest in a new, energy efficient air conditioning system.
However, if you want something that will efficiently cool your entire house at once, a packaged air conditioner may be what you are after. These units are the most common way to cool an entire moderate sized house and involve an outdoor compressor package as well as a system of ducts through which cooled air can be delivered to various locations throughout your home.
For even larger jobs, you may have to opt for a full-fledged central air conditioning system. These are generally used for larger buildings and homes. They are very powerful and have the ability to maintain a consistent temperature throughout a multi-floor building or large open space like a movie theater. Like packaged air conditioners, these also use an outdoor unit attached to a system of ducts, the main difference being the power and size of the outdoor compressor unit.
If you want to get the most out of your air conditioning unit, it is important to make sure the one you choose is the right size for the job. An air conditioning system that is more powerful than necessary will probably end up switching off and on a lot, thereby putting extra strain on all of its component parts.
On the other hand, a unit or system that is not powerful enough will be working too hard to get the job done. This also takes a toll on the system and can shorten its life considerably, not to mention causing a dramatic increase in your energy bills.


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Even full-grown, the Southern pudu deer is practically pint-sized, but a brand new baby doe, born May 3, has given the Queens Zoo a double-dose of adorable.
The as-yet unnamed baby deer weighed in at just one pound when she came into the world, born to mama deer Josephine and father, Hamilton.
Even fully grown, she'll weigh just 20 pounds, and measure 12 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder.
She's adjusting really well," said Barbara Russo, a spokeswoman for the Wildlife Conservation Society, which runs the zoo, located at Flushing Meadows Corona Park. "She's very cute and still nursing. She will eventually transition to solid foods."
Those solid foods will eventually include carrots, hay, fresh leaves, grain, and -- because it's New York -- kale.
Pudu are native to Chile and Argentina, and are considered endangered.


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The Daily Word in Phillip Seymour Hoffman, the origin of the Universe and goat simulation
Bill Nye the Science Guy and Ken Ham the Creationist Man finally went head to head in the "origin of the Universe" debate last night. Condensed version: Ham thinks God did it, while Nye says something doesn't add up about that whole Noah's Ark business.
Some New Mexicans are freaked out by the snow that fell this week. They say it doesn't melt. I was going to test this myself but all the snow, um, melted.
CVS is no longer enabling your nicotine addiction. But the guy hanging out in the parking lot will be happy to help you try something harder.
Overnight raids by the NYPD uncovered drug dealing suspects with a possible connection to Philip Seymour Hoffman's death.
Maybe you're feeling a little schlubby this morning and you wonder if it's because Mercury is in retrograde. Here's a way for you to find out.
Big news in the video game world: the people's desire to pretend to be a goat will not go unanswered. Coffee Stain Studio's Goat Simulator may soon enter Beta development.


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Vicious New Malware Steals Files Forever
By Sid Kirchheimer , October 18, 2013 05:03 PM
It's always a good idea to back up your computer files. But now, it's a great idea.
An especially nasty form of "ransomware" - known as CryptoLocker - was recently discovered that puts computer users at risk of losing their files forever.
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In most forms of ransomware, infected computers freeze up and are essentially held hostage until a ransom is paid. One common scheme: False messages claiming to be from the FBI, accusing you of watching child porn or some other illegal online activity. A "fine" is demanded to restore computer function. Chances are that if you pay the money, your computer still won't be unfrozen. But professional techies using specialized software can usually do the job.
But after infiltrating your computer, the aptly named CryptoLocker ferrets out and encrypts your files - making them unreadable. And fixing encrypted files is a tougher fix.
It gets worse: With CryptoLocker, you're told, decryption requires a piece of software known as a "private key" - and it's stored, you're told, only on the cybercriminals' server.
You're instructed (via warnings displayed on your screen) to pay $300 to receive this private key within 100 hours or "the server will destroy the key," and, in the quaint English of the crooks, "nobody and never will be able to restore files."
Although anti-virus experts are hard at work, currently there is no fix. So an off-computer backup of files - such as a thumb drive or a remote backup service - is good insurance.
Get discounts on financial products and services with your AARP Member Advantages.
Since there's no guarantee (or even evidence) that paying the demanded ransom will decrypt the files, it's also wise to be especially careful these days. That means:
- Don't click on email attachments unless you know the sender and what the attachments are.
- Be careful when surfing on music or celebrity news sites; they are hotbeds for secretly installing malware on your computer.
- Avoid "free" online offers for screen savers, games and the like unless downloaded from reputable vendors' websites.
- Run a scan with your anti-virus software regularly, and keep it updated.
- Make regular backups, and store them somewhere safe, preferably offline.
Read more about CryptoLocker from experts at MalwareBytes and Sophos.
Illustration: MalwareBytes
Also of Interest
- Government Shutdown Scams - the Latest Gotcha
- Slideshow: 10 Bad Spending Habits You Should Break
- Shopping for health insurance? The health insurance marketplace is now open
- Join AARP: Savings, resources and news for your well-being
See the AARP home page for deals, savings tips, trivia and more


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IRONMAN® offers partners a positive and lasting association with one of the world's most dramatic and iconic sporting events and brands. The world's biggest brands partner with IRONMAN. Not only does IRONMAN deliver enormous brand exposure for our partners, it delivers significant and measurable sales. As an example, IRONMAN branded Timex watches are the top selling watches in the world. Our partnership association's extend beyond mere branding and coverage. Our partner's products and services are actively integrated and used in the day-to-day lives of our consumers.
To find out how successful an IRONMAN partnership can be for your brand, contact:
Phone: +603 7491 0591
Email: [email protected]


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Taking an online course means more than reading and submitting assignments. It is both a rewarding and challenging way of learning. Although you may not meet your instructor or classmates in person, you will get to know them very well and communicate frequently. Taking an online course is a dynamic experience that may involve discussions, group projects, peer review, chats, blogging, and more. The online classroom is open 24 hours, 7 days a week, and you choose the time of day or evening to access your course. The course will follow a schedule that has start and end dates with assignment deadlines, and you must complete your work on time. You need to be able to work independently as well as collaborate with your classmates. You need to be self-disciplined and diligent about your work and your online participation.
Read this article to gain a better understanding of how an online class works:
The Anatomy of an Online Course
At NCC, Blackboard Learn 9 is the learning management system that provides you with the online classroom. You access your course by first logging into the NCC Portal. Once you are logged in, click the NCConline icon in the Launchpad which will open Blackboard. Once in Blackboard, click the name of your course. You will see the Course Menu on the left-hand side that is your doorway to the course content that appears on the right hand side.
More questions? Take this brief survey to see if online learning is right for you:
Self-Evaluation for Potential Online Students


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World-Class Education for Working Adults
Building on Purdue's mission to provide greater access to affordable, world-class education, Purdue University Global delivers a fully personalized online experience that's tailored to working adults. By opening the doors to adults who need flexibility to fit learning into their busy lives, we make it possible to achieve a high-quality education from the prestigious Purdue University system—completely online.
Flexibility Built for You
Choose the learning method that works best for you. Our Advisors will work with you to determine the fastest, most affordable path to your degree.
• Traditional classroom – Learn online from anywhere in the world. You can also visit one of our regional locations to take advantage of local, onsite support and services. Our virtual classroom lets you experience course materials and collaborative tools that provide the best elements of any traditional, campus-based instructional approach. Courses include interactive live seminars where you meet with your instructor and classmates in a virtual classroom to review and discuss important weekly topics.
• Competency-based ExcelTrack™ – If you're self-motivated and have college credits and/or career experience, ExcelTrack™ lets you use that experience to earn your degree faster and for less money. Leverage your knowledge and skills to set your learning pace. You can speed past topics you already know and spend time on only what you need to learn. Take as many classes as you want each term, all for one flat tuition rate.
• Open College at Purdue Global – Access free and low-cost open, online resources to translate your work or life experience into college credit at Purdue Global. There are three avenues to earn credit toward an Open College degree: (1) prior learning assessment, (2) open courses from any institution (MOOCs), and (3) Purdue Global courses.*
One-on-One Support
Stay engaged every step of the way with a dedicated support team that gives you personalized assistance on everything from coursework to career searches. Our full range of services include:
• Individual educational advising
• No-cost tutoring in math, science, and writing
• Comprehensive career counseling services before and after graduation
Affordability and Accessibility
We're dedicated to helping our students in every way possible, including:
• Financial Aid – Learn how to obtain financial aid for many degree programs.†
• Transfer Credits – Save on a bachelor's degree with credits earned at another institution.*
• Credit for Work Experience – Leverage your skills to save on tuition for undergraduate programs.*
• Tuition Cap – Save on select undergraduate programs.‡
• Military Friendly – Find out about flexible programs and tuition reductions for military, vets, and spouses.
*See University Catalog for Prior Learning Assessment policy.
†Financial aid is available to those who qualify. Financial aid awards vary depending on individual student eligibility and need.
‡Enrollees in programs eligible for Tuition Cap pricing will pay the same tuition cost per quarter credit hour and fees as for other undergraduate programs/enrollees plus $200 per-term administrative fee and other fees. The total cost of the program, though, will be capped, other than applicable background check and/or lab fees. Savings based on the difference between capped and noncapped programs for 180 or 90 credits for bachelor's or associate's degrees, respectively. Students who receive transfer credit typically study for significantly fewer terms and do not receive maximum savings. Contact an Admissions Advisor for details.
Contact the school for information


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I would like to share the experience of attending NAPWA's (National Association of People with AIDS) "Helping Communities Build Leadership Conference" held in Phoenix, Arizona in January 2001. The purpose of the conference is so that people, like me who actually have HIV infection and AIDS, can learn how to participate on various decision-making bodies, such as Boards of Directors of AIDS Service Organizations and HIV Planning Commissions, Community Advisory Boards, and any other group that makes decisions which directly affect my life and your life, and the quality of our lives.
At this conference, I learned a great deal about community activism and advocating for people with HIV. One important skill to have is to be able to abide by "Roberts Rules of Order". Every group or body tries to conduct itself by these rules. So, once you learn the rules, you know exactly when to raise your hand, how to ask a question, when to make a point of clarification and when to present a proposal to the group so that they can vote on it. (I'm still learning and I hold a seat on the Los Angeles HIV Planning Commission). The main thing is to participate. Don't be afraid to voice your opinion.
History and Current Services
Let me give you a little background about NAPWA. It was founded in 1983 by people living with AIDS that were part of the Patient Advisory Committee of the Second National AIDS Forum held in Denver, Colorado. Since then they have established several local PWA coalitions and other groups around the country. Presently they have an office in Washington, DC. Their mission statement is: "to advocate on behalf of all people living with HIV in order to end the pandemic and the human suffering caused by HIV/AIDS."
The Educational Department's goal is to help individuals live healthy with HIV by providing an array of information from HIV testing to HIV treatment. They have a free quarterly newsletter called Medical Alert.
The Community Development and Training Department's goal is to train people living with HIV to provide leadership in their communities, and to develop skills that help them to become more pro-active.
The Public Policy Department's goal is to advocate for national leadership on AIDS policy issues.
Let me share how I got involved with NAPWA and how I was invited to attend their regional training. As a woman living with HIV, I represent and hold the HIV+ women's seat with the Los Angeles Commission on HIV Health Services. In order to advocate effectively for my constituency on this commission, I felt that I needed further training about the different government funding sources and how our community can access them. Some of the issues discussed at the training were HIV Prevention, Community Planning and how to best allocate the limited dollars that will have the greatest impact in the communities that are hardest hit, (like the gay community for example).
Money for AIDS
Other topics included; the basics about the Ryan White CARE Act, the use of Epidemiological (includes HIV statistics and how it is utilized) Data, Needs Assessment and Priority Setting. Priority Setting is a yearly process that all the County Councils and Planning Commissions go through. It is a way to identify the most important areas that need the most funding and resources. These Priorities are then used by the County's to allocate funds.
After going from session to session and getting the basics on these issues, I have a better understanding on how these issues are important for people living with HIV/AIDS. The Ryan White CARE Act is the emergency governmental funding source that allocates monies for services in local communities. With Ryan White CARE Act monies we have been able to have free medical care, and social services. Without this fund, these services would be nonexistent. The federal government wants to take this fund away because they perceive that HIV is no longer an emergency. As people living with HIV/AIDS we need to advocate keeping this funding source alive, and we need to form activist groups to increase the budget. It is important that we all get involved in our communities. The NAPWA Conference can help guide you in becoming involved. Usually, they require some information from you to keep in their records. Everyone is welcome to contact them. After the planning is completed, NAPWA will contact those persons who may benefit most by attending it. Some scholarships are available for community members who cannot afford to participate.
Use Your Voice
It is hard to make changes if you feel you are alone. However, your participation in your own Community Planning Groups, and or some type of Advisory Board or by attending the local commission on HIV Health Services meeting, you will soon feel that as a PLWHA (Person living with HIV/AIDS) your voice needs to be heard. Your opinion is important and we all have to participate as volunteers at these meetings in order for the services to continue and to fulfill our needs.
In addition, there is always legislation in front of the US Congress that could affect how we live and survive with HIV/AIDS. To find out how you can help, and what Congress person or Senator you can write to about AIDS laws, policy and funding give the folks at NAPWA a call.
It is crucial that PWA's participate because we are the experts on living with HIV/AIDS. Anyone is capable of learning the rules and procedures and the participation of people with HIV is desperately needed. If you have any questions about NAPWA call them at 202.898.0414. If you would like more information about the issues discussed at the conference or in this article, please call me at 323.965.1564 or 1.800.554.4876 -- Take care, Brenda.


text: WNBC, "4 New York" is NBC Universal's Owned Television Stations Division's flagship station. In March, the station launched "New York Nonstop," a 24-7 news and lifestyle cable channel, featuring "New York Nightly News" anchored by Chuck Scarborough. WNBC-TV – NBCNewYork.com 30 Rockefeller Plaza 7th Floor New York, NY 10112 Phone tips: 866-News-244 (866-639-7244) Email: Contact Us Follow us on Twitter: @nbcnewyork Become our fan on Facebook: facebook.com/nbcnewyork


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Bale deal caused 'intense' pressure for AVB
Andre Villas-Boas has claimed the transfer of Gareth Bale to Real Madrid put everyone at Tottenham under "intense" pressure.
The Welsh attacker eventually swapped White Hart Lane for the Santiago Bernabeu a day before the transfer window closed in a world-record move reportedly worth €100million.
Villas-Boas, 35, has been able to strengthen his squad heavily as a result, with seven players arriving at Spurs - three of whom for club-record sums.
But the former Porto boss is relieved to see the back of the window, and one of football's biggest transfer sagas along with it.
"The pressure we were subjected to by the player has been intense," he said.
"The influence of Real Madrid has been very big and you get to a point where you have to consider if it's feasible not to accept an offer and whether you can press on with a player in that state of mind.
"Obviously, we should be happy with the transfer fee that was paid. Players want to win championships and I believe that with Gareth that is within reach.
"At the end of the day, it's up to a player to decide if he wants to stay or wants to go."
The Portuguese coach also lamented the window not ending before the start of the season, claiming the uncertainty over Bale's future had left him with an issue as he prepared his team, for the new season.
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has also called for the market to end earlier, having waited until the final week of the window to sign three of the four players to arrive at the Emirates Stadium in the window.
"The clubs like it as it is but the coaches are of the opinion that the market should be closed earlier," Villas-Boas added.
"The coaches need time to prepare their teams for the season. Most coaches would like it to be open less time and closed earlier; obviously we will have to have further meetings."


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My work is about the clay; its pliable, immediate qualities. Like a photograph capturing a 'frozen moment' this material, when fired, fixes forever a gesture, an impression, a moment in time.
Parian porcelain is extremely receptive to the slightest indentation and pressure of the hand. I enjoy subverting its historic connotations of delicacy and fragility by working with solid forms. Indeed all my work is solid and the marks are created by impressing found objects, their origins occasionally hinted at. How the light interacts with a piece is an important factor in the presentation of the work.
The heavily grogged stoneware enables me to work larger and in a more architectural manner. These forms allude to the built environment but deliberately avoid explicit references. In pushing the material to its limits my wish is to explore three dimensional shapes while retaining a real sense of the qualities of clay.
Work can be seen on:
Uclan website: www.uclanceramics.wordpress.com
Galerie Besson's website: www.galeriebesson.co.uk/summer2002.html
In case of difficulty contact me direct, as above contact details.
Leach Pottery : Change & Exchange: Surface
May 04, 2019 to March 01, 2020
See above.
1967 - Born.
1986 - 87 St Helens College of Art and Design. Honours for Art Foundation work. Student of the Year Award, Foundation course.
1987 - 90 Manchester Polytechnic, Department of 3-Dimensional Design. - BA (Hons), First Class (specialising in Interior Design).Commendation for thesis.
1990 - Exhibited at "New Designers 1990" Business Design Centre, Islington, London.
2006-2009 - University of Central Lancashire, Preston: Ceramics MA. Distinction
September 1990 - Mention in 'Blueprint', September 1990 as an "exceptional student" by Dinah Casson.
May 1996, November 1996 and September 1997 - Architects' Journal.
May-June 2002 - 'Gallery' page of Ceramic Review - Issue 195.
Sept 2011 - 'Urban Traces: Ceramics and the City' catalogue, Gallery Oldham,
Sept/Oct 2011 - Review of Urban Traces: Ceramics and the City, by Alex McErlain, Ceramic Review issue 251
British Studio Pottery Marks Book; 3rd Edition (when published - currently Jan 2013, being assembled)
2014. Ceramic Review (Issue 269, September/October) 'Pots are the Purest Architecture'
2004 - Winner of the "Ivan Massow Ceramic Award" at the Open Exhibition at Black Swan Arts Gallery in Frome.
The judges were Mary la Trobe Bateman, Director at Contemporary Applied Arts, Nicholas Usherwood, Feature Editor at Galleries magazine and Matthew Burt, furniture maker and designer.
2004 (Autumn) - Applied for membership of Contemporary Applied Arts; selected for 2nd round,
2009 Zelli Porcelain Award, Special mention
2011. Two pieces of work short listed for Mino International Ceramics Festival, Japan, (Stage One - 2011).
2011 (September ) Work selected for VI Biennal de Ceramica of El Vendrell, Spain.
2011 (August) Work selected for 3rd International Triennial of Silicate Arts, Kecskemét, Hungary.
2014 - Winner of 2nd Prize at V International Ceramics Biennale of Marratxí in Mallorca, Spain, (February)
2014 - 'Honourable Mention' at The 10th International Ceramics Competition, Mino, Japan
2016 - 'Finalist' 30th Gold Coast International Ceramic Art Award, Australia, August .
Group Exhibitions
1994, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000 - Open Summer Exhibition at Drumcroon Art Centre, Wigan. Awarded ceramics prize, June 1998 and June 2000
1994 - 1997 - The Royal Exchange Craft Centre, Manchester.
November 1996 - January 1997 - "Glass and Jewellery" exhibition, Rufford Craft Centre, Newark.
December 1996 and 1997 - Kaleidoscope Christmas Exhibition, Stockport Art Gallery.
November 1998 - January 1999 - "Designed to sell" exhibition, Castlefield Gallery, Manchester.
November 1999-January 2000 - Work selected for inclusion in "A Retrospective Future", Craft Centre and Design Gallery, Leeds City Art Gallery. (Work retained Febuary 2000 onwards in gallery shop following this exhibition.)
August 1999 onwards - Bothy Shop and Gallery, Yorkshire Sculpture Park.
July-December 2000 - Artizana Gallery, Prestbury.
Christmas 2000 - Sanderson, George & Peach, Holmfirth.
July-February 2001 and Feb. 2005 - Bluecoat Display Centre, Liverpool.
2001 - Work sold to U.S.A. through internet company www.bozaar.com .
August 2001 onwards - Cecilia Colman Gallery, London.
October 2001 - Creative Consultants, Manchester.
November 2001-January 2002 - Christmas exhibition, Shipley Art Gallery, Gateshead.
Summer 2002 (August - September) - Galerie Besson, London.
April - June 2003 - "Lancashire Craft Fair" exhibition, Platform Gallery, Clitheroe.
February - March 2004 - Open Exhibition, Black Swan Arts, Frome.
May - June 2004 - "Our Environment" exhibition, Platform Gallery, Clitheroe.
Spring and Autumn June 2004 - Artist's House, New Art Centre Sculpture Park, Wiltshire
February - March 2006 - Open Exhibition, Black Swan Arts, Frome.
2005, Summer - Chapel Gallery, Ormskirk, Work in Open Exhibition,
2006, May-June - Chapel Gallery, Ormskirk in Showcase
2009 January - MA Final Show Exhibition, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, PR1 Gallery
2009 March - Joint self generated exhibition 'Contrast + Consensus' with Suzanne Jones held at PR1 Gallery, Uclan, Preston
2009, July - August - 'Showcase' at Yorkshire Sculpture Park
2011 (July-November ) - 'Urban Traces: Ceramics and the City' at Gallery Oldham, Oldham, Work exhibited alongside Gordon Baldwin, Ken Eastman, Stephen Dixon, David Binns & Martin Smith.
2014 - The 10th International Ceramics Competition, Mino, Japan
2014 - 4th International Triennial of Silicate Arts, Kecskemét, Hungary
2015 - Cluj International Ceramics Biennale, Romania
2015 - VIII Biennal Internacional de Ceramica, El Vendrell, Spain
2016 - XXIV Biennale Internationale Ceramique de Vallauris, France,
2016 - Galatea Gallery Contemporary Art, Bucharest. Romania. (Feb-March)
2016 - VI International Ceramics Biennale of Marratxí in Mallorca, Spain, (October)
2017 - Work on show in window of TOAST, King's Road, London, (during February)
2017 - 11th International Exhibition of Small Form Porcelain, Riga, Latvia
2017 - IX Biennal Internacional de Ceramica, El Vendrell, Spain
2017 - Material Matters' group show, Saul Hay Gallery, Manchester (July-Aug).
2017 - Ceramic residency at C.R.E.T.A studios in Rome, Italy. (March)
2018 - VII International Ceramics Biennale of Marratxí, Mallorca, Spain.
Solo Exhibitions
May 1995 - Solo exhibition, Embassy of the Republic of Yemen, London.
January - April 1998 - "Showcase" solo exhibition, Harris Gallery, Preston.
May - August 1998 - "New Works" solo exhibition, Craft Centre and Design Gallery, Leeds City Art Gallery. (Work retained August 1998 onwards in gallery shop following Showcase exhibition.)
April - June 2002 - Solo show at Blackburn Museum and Art Gallery.
• Riga Porcelain Museum, Riga, Latvia
• Gold Coast City Gallery, Australia
• Cluj-Napoca, Romania
• El Vendrell, Spain.
• Mino collection, Japan.
• BICMA collection, Marratxí, Mallorca, Spain.
• International Ceramic Centre, Kecskemét, Hungary.
• Harris Museum and Art Gallery, Preston.


text: This 200-seat chapel, located in a Jesuit high school in Chicago, anchors the institution both figuratively and literally. The east-facing chapel collects morning sunlight (when services are held) through its irregularly-patterned glass block walls, while a three story light monitor carved into the building brings light from above into the sanctuary. The wave-distorted glass block masonry on three sides serves to filter out visual and acoustic distractions from the busy urban street life immediately outside in order to internalize the spatial experience. The highly polished concrete floor reflects and magnifies the light patterns created by the block, and fiber-reinforced panels with custom-milled cross-shaped cutouts on the fourth wall of the chapel are backed with sound insulation to provide acoustic absorption, along with the acoustic stretch-fabric ceiling. A custom-designed crucifix comprised of stainless steel cables lies on axis with the entrance, while architect-designed chancel furniture in birch wood (altar, candles, credence table, lectern), and stainless steel (holy water font), complement the space's sensuous minimalism and serene spirituality. Lining the courtyard walls outside the chapel are custom designed cladding panels that depict the Stations of the Cross, a Christian religious service that commemorates the final hours of Christ.


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We would love to hear from you!
Please use the form on the right to e-mail Village Arts.
Phone: 609.502.1674
20 S Main Street
Allentown, NJ 08501
Village Arts strives, through the arts, to create a unique environment in which people of all ages, abilities, and experience can feel free to imagine, create, and welcome art into their lives.


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In my last two shots, we saw the bright, sunny, carefree, Happiest Place on Earth Disneyland. Who knew there was also the dark, horrific, bloodcurdling Disneyland? Well, not tterrace. Skull Rock Lagoon was perfectly designed to stimulate the "Wow, cool!" gland in the 17-year-old me. (Translation for today's ears: "Awesome!") Added in 1961 to provide a new backdrop for Captain Hook's splendiferous Pirate Ship (which housed the Chicken of the Sea Restaurant), Skull Rock was particularly creepy-cool at night, when I took this time-exposure Ektachrome in 1963. Alas, the ship, lagoon and Skull Rock were all removed and in 1983 the Dumbo Flying Elephant ride took the spot.
Click image for Comments.
Browse All Photos


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Israeli soldiers say army rabbis framed Gaza as religious war
JERUSALEM_ Rabbis affiliated with the Israeli army urged troops heading into Gaza to reclaim what they said was God-given land and "get rid of the gentiles" — effectively turning the 22-day Israeli intervention into a religious war, according to the testimony of a soldier who fought in Gaza.
Literature passed out to soldiers by the army's rabbinate "had a clear message — we are the people of Israel, we came by a miracle to the land of Israel, God returned us to the land, now we need to struggle to get rid of the gentiles that are interfering with our conquest of the land," the soldier told a forum of Gaza veterans in mid-February, just weeks after the conflict ended.
A transcript of the testimony given at an Israeli military academy at the Oranim college on Feb. 13 was obtained on Friday by McClatchy and also published in Haaretz, one of Israel's leading dailies. The soldier, identified as "Ram," a pseudonym to protect his identity, gave a scathing description of the atmosphere as the Israeli army went to war.
"The general atmosphere among people I spoke to was . . . the lives of Palestinians are . . . let's say far, far less important from the lives of our soldiers," Ram said. The religious literature gave "the feeling of almost a religious mission," he said.
Jonathan Peled, the Israeli Embassy spokesman in Washington, said that Israel "absolutely" had no intention of expelling Palestinians from Gaza and has no territorial or other claims there. While he hadn't seen the religious literature mentioned by the soldier, he said the Israeli army "is a secular army and is not run by any religious institution but by army commanders answering to the democratically elected government of the State of Israel."
Brig. Gen. Avichai Mendelblit, the Israeli army's chief prosecutor, on Thursday announced the first criminal investigation into the killing of Palestinian civilians during Israel's military incursion. He issued the order after the Haaretz and Maariv newspapers published an account from the Oranim forum of how an Israeli sharpshooter killed a Palestinian woman and her two children when they inadvertently took a wrong turn after being released from detention in their own home.
There are growing questions about the Israeli Defense Force's commitment to prosecute war crimes and burgeoning criticism of the operation itself. According to Haaretz, the army first learned on Feb. 23 of the Oranim forum allegations and obtained a full transcript on March 5. The army told McClatchy on Thursday it had received the transcript that day, but on Friday a representative said it had received the document "a few days ago."
The Israeli Embassy in Washington said the army "holds itself to the highest moral and ethical standards, and as such is investigating the claims with the diligence one would expect in order to determine their accuracy, should further action be required."
Some 1,400 Palestinians were killed during the operation, more than half of them civilians, according to Palestinian human rights groups.
Danny Zamir, the head of the Yitzhak Rabin military academy, which organized the soldiers' the forum, said the Gaza operation was "an unusual military action in the IDF's history which established new, unknown, norm in the IDF's ethical code."
The testimonies indicated that the army, despite repeated claims that it was protecting civilian lives, was not instructing its troops to that effect.
One soldier, identified only as "Aviv," said he was bothered by open fire orders given to his unit for an operation that was later canceled.
"We were supposed to go in with an armored vehicle called an Ahzarit, break into the door and start to shoot inside and simply go up floor by floor. . . . I call this murder . . . to go up floor by floor and every person that we see we were to shoot," he said. "Aviv" served as a squad leader with the Givati unit in the Gaza neighborhood of Zeitoun.
"At first I said to myself how is this logical? Higher authorities said this was permissible because everyone left in the area and in the city of Gaza is condemned, is a terrorist, because they didn't run away."
When the orders were changed, Aviv said that another soldier protested: "Everyone in there is a terrorist, that's known." His comrades joined in, "We need to kill every person found there; everyone in Gaza is a terrorist."
Another soldier, indentified as "Gilad," said his battalion commander made clear that the army was going to use its overwhelming firepower as its protection in entering densely populated Gaza City.
"He made clear to everyone that one of the most important lessons and one of the big differences with the Second Lebanon War (in 2006) is the way in which we, the army . . . went in with a lot of fire. The surprise wouldn't be the time, or the way or the place, nothing but a lot of firepower. The goal actually was to protect solders' lives with firepower."
McClatchy reported that scores of Palestinians were treated at Gaza hospitals for burns that may have come from shells containing white phosphorus, which is illegal to use in heavily populated areas. The issue came up only briefly at the Oranim conference, when a sergeant in the paratroops, identified as Yossi, said, "There was a lot of use of white phosphorous."
Sarit Michaeli of the Israeli human rights group B'Tselem thinks that the public release of the testimony helped spur the investigation. "There have been many cases where we have asked the advocate general to look into cases, and they drag their feet until it gets into the media."
Michaeli said the testimonies showed the need for an independent investigation into Israel's action in Gaza, "The army and (State Attorney Menahem) Mazuz has claimed all along that the internal investigations and debriefings are the correct way. This clearly demonstrates that the soldiers didn't reveal what they did or that they didn't consider it a problem," Michaeli told McClatchy.
(Churgin is a McClatchy special correspondent.)
Transcript of soldiers' discussion, translated by the Haaretz newspaper
Israel to investigate killings of civilians in Gaza operation
Gazans say Israeli troops forced them into battle zones
Israel's destruction of U.S.-style school shocks Gazans
Israeli troops killed Gaza children carrying white flag, witnesses say
Did the Israelis use white phosphorus in populated areas?


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This is part of a report on 2009 Walla Walla Fall Release Weekend. Download a complete .pdf copy of the report here.
Who could have known that this would be the last Fall Release event at Cayuse Vineyards? Fall Release Weekend originally formed around the release of the Cayuse wines at this time. The winery, which was celebrating its 13th birthday on this weekend, subsequently announced in January that their release event would be moved to Spring (the next one is April, 2011 with the wines still released in November).
Vigneron Christophe Baron makes a series of vineyard-designated Syrah from what is now referred to as "The Rocks" area of the Walla Walla Valley AVA. These vineyards are named Cailloux, En Cerise (French for cherry), En Chamberlin, and Armada. Bionic Frog is the name of the winery's top of the line Syrah. Cayuse also makes a Cabernet Franc-dominant Bordeaux blend (Flying Pig), a Cabernet-dominant Bordeaux blend (Camaspelo); a Cabernet (The Widowmaker); a Tempranillo (Impulsivo); a Grenache (God Only Knows); and a Rosé.
The wines sampled here – all barrel and bottle samples that will be released in November 2010 - are all beyond reproach, and fans of Cayuse's unique style will not be disappointed. While many I spoke with favored the 2007 Armada, which had the advantage of an additional year of age, for me the standout was the 2008 En Chamberlain. There are some wines that make me feel almost frightened when I taste them. This was such a wine. When I think of this wine, the image of Michelangelo's 'The Creation of Adam' appears in my head. Despite its youth, the nose is lively and marked by earth, blood, violets, mineral, and smoked meat. The palate is about as close to perfect as I can conceive. This wine was so appealing that I instinctively gave it a rating of three stars in my notes – something I cannot recall having done previously. All wines sampled at 63 degrees.
Cayuse Vineyards Edith Rosé Walla Walla Valley 2008 Barrel Sample $35
Rating: * (Excellent) Pale pink and yellow. Fresh and fruity on the nose. A light-bodied, refreshing wine with abundant mineral aromas and flavors. 100% Grenache. 12.6% alcohol. Sampled at 63 degrees. To be released in 2010.
Cayuse Vineyards Camaspelo Walla Walla Valley 2008 Barrel Sample $50
Rating: * (Excellent) A deep, rich color. Nose is not settled at the moment, showing a fair amount of funky, sulfurous, and nut aromas. After vigorous swirling it begins to come alive with earth aromas. The taste, on the other hand, is delicious. Beautifully balanced with fruit. Lingers effortlessly and endlessly. 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot. 14.4% alcohol. To be released in 2010.
Cayuse Vineyards Flying Pig Walla Walla Valley 2008 Barrel Sample $65
Rating: * (Excellent) Rich and intense. Seemingly lower alcohol and higher acidity than recent vintages. Doesn't quite have the weight on the palate at present but should fill out. A lot of earth aromas and flavors with a laser-like intensity of fruit. 60% Cabernet Franc, 40% Merlot. 14.2% alcohol. To be released in 2010.
Cayuse Vineyards Cailloux Vineyard Syrah WWV 2008 Barrel Sample $50
Rating: ** (Exceptional) Nose is not there at present, although it is starting to develop earth, berry, bacon, and a touch of violets. Big and intense on the palate. Streaky fruit on a wine that is nothing short of exceptional. Seemingly less alcohol than recent vintages. 100% Syrah. 14.1% alcohol. To be released in 2010.
Cayuse Vineyards En Cerise Vineyard Syrah WWV 2008 Barrel Sample $50
Rating: */** (Excellent/Exceptional) An aromatic powerhouse with a cornucopia of red berries, smoke, violets, and game. One of the meatiest wines I have had from Cayuse. A slight let down in intensity on the very back end of the palate but should fill out with time. 100% Syrah. 14.1% alcohol. To be released in 2010.
Cayuse Vineyards En Chamberlain Vineyard Syrah WWV 2008 Barrel Sample $50 Rating: ** (Exceptional) Wow! Earth, blood, and smoked meat on a nose that is already alive and rising out of the glass. The palate is about as close to perfect as I can imagine. I marked this as three stars in my notes, something I can't remember having done previously. 100% Syrah. 14.6% alcohol. To be released in 2010.
Cayuse Vineyards Armada Vineyard Syrah WWV 2007 Bottle Sample $65
Rating: ** (Exceptional) Holy smokes! Full on black pepper along with violets and game on a nose that is significantly more evolved due to the extra year of bottle age. A persistent intensity on the palate with crazy game tastes. Rich without being fruity. 100% Syrah. 14.2% alcohol. To be released in 2010.
Cayuse Vineyards Bionic Frog Syrah WWV 2008 Barrel Sample $70
Rating: ** (Exceptional) A classic Cayuse nose with funk, game, mineral, and flowers. A meaty taste on an intensely flavored wine. Seems to show a fair amount of alcohol at times. 100% Syrah. Coccinelle Vineyard. 14.4% alcohol. To be released in 2010.
Cayuse Vineyards God Only Knows Grenache Armada Vineyard WWV 2007 Bottle Sample $60
Rating: ** (Exceptional) Nose marked by floral notes along with lots and lots of mineral aromas and streaky fruit. Richly textured across the palate with flavors of bloody roast beef and umami. 100% Grenache. 15.2% alcohol. To be released in 2010.
Cayuse Vineyards The Widowmaker En Chamberlin Vineyard Walla Walla Valley 2008 Barrel Sample $65
Rating: * (Excellent) A completely different nose than the other wines sampled with ground licorice and earth. Reminds me a bit at times of the Gramercy Cabernet. An interesting bit of flatness on the palate. A lighter bodied, approachable effort that is less tannin driven on the taste than most Cabernets. 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. To be released in 2010.
Cayuse Vineyards Impulsivo En Chamberlin Vineyard Walla Walla Valley 2008 Barrel Sample $65
Rating: * (Excellent) Dark to the point of being opaque. An intriguing nose with pepper, licorice, and ripe berries. Richly flavored with mineral and light game. Considerably more tannic structure than the other wines sampled here. 100% Tempranillo. 14.7% alcohol. To be released in 2010. Note: Case production not available until wines bottled this Spring.
Cayuse Vineyards (WWFR 2009)
This is part of a report on 2009 Walla Walla Fall Release Weekend. Download a complete .pdf copy of the report here.
7 comments
Goodness, Were you in a Butcher shop or winery! I was almost offended by your descriptions and tasting notes 63* in the morgue? merlotman
cityroute16 Says:
Vegans unite! With the biodynamics employed by M. Baron, I think it is fitting to use the terminology of the butcher shop. Cayuse has created this aura of holistic and eclectic winemaking, if not in reality, in perception. I don't favor their wines, but I appreciate them. Christophe has taken what the earth has let him take, and he has returned it in the form of some very good wines.
I find it ironic that a biodynamic vineyard ends up growing meat wines. Perhaps a little overkill on the manure? If minerality can sneak into a wine, why not poop? ~WAwineman
"lots of mineral aromas" LOL
Sean P. Sullivan Says:
Anon #1, indeed, people generally feel strongly about the Cayuse wines either positively or negatively. The meaty aromas and flavors of the Cayuse wines some find...not to their taste.
Cityroute16, I agree that regardless of what you may think of his wines, Christophe Baron's dedication to his vineyards and bringing the fruit they provide to the bottle is laudable.
WAwineman, I did see a large pile of manure in the vineyards the last time I was out there.
Thanks for the comments folks.
Sean, nice write-up and agree with most of your notes and descriptors. Amazing wines to smell and sip. Syrah is supposed to taste like meatrocks, and blood not caramel and fruit roll-ups! ;)
Sean P. Sullivan Says:
Darren, indeed the Cayuse wines define the term "palate expanding." Thanks for the comment.


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The San Francisco 49ers are a storied National Football League franchise. They were an overtime field goal away from returning to the Super Bowl last season. Bay Area residents love them.
But are they more important than the schools?
That's the question raised by an effort by state lawmakers to give the 49ers $30 million for their new stadium project in Santa Clara -- at a time when the state budget is broken and cash is scarce (except in the state's special funds).
The $30 million was supposed to come from redevelopment funds that had been promised to help pay for the stadium projects. But the state, with the help of the California Supreme Court, ended redevelopment last year--a move that rightly returned money that had been going to redevelopment to the schools.
You might think that the 49ers would applaud such a move, and not sweat $30 million in a $1.2 billion project. Heck, you might notice that the 49ers's contract with just one player, Michael Crabtree, a very mediocre wide receiver, is $32 million.
But you would think wrong.
The football team is insisting on its money. And so a state lawmaker is gutting an existing bill and amending it to give the $30 million back to the stadium project. The legislation is defended on the argument that the commitment of the redevelopment money was made before redevelopment was ended.
Of course, schools have seen other cuts. And the state in recent years has not paid schools the money they are owed -- preferring to defer the cash.
Are promises made to football teams more important than promises made to schools?
Lead Prop Zero blogger Joe Mathews is California editor at Zocalo Public Square, a fellow at Arizona State University's Center for Social Cohesion, and co-author of California Crackup: How Reform Broke the Golden State and How We Can Fix It (University of California, 2010).
Send us your thoughts via Twitter @PropZero or add your comment to our Facebook page.


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copyright, Scott McDermott
This hyper-sharp, seemingly pencil-sketched portrait of Clint Eastwood for the recent Mandela Day campaign was created with 4 lights.
Camera: Nikon D3x with 135mm lens, handheld 6 feet back from Clint. Shot at 1/125, f11, ISO 100.
Lighting (Clint): Crisp, punchy lighting like this can only be achieved with bare bulbs and no diffusion. The key light is a grid reflector at f11 with a 40 degree grid, boomed 3 feet above camera and 4 feet from Clint's head. Overall fill is achieved with an on-camera ring flash at f4 1/2. Two small strip lights at f16 are 5 feet behind him, positioned camera left and right. Two v-flats have been set to focus the light on his head and block any potential lens flare. The strips lend strong highlights to his hair and shoulders.
Lighting (Hand): The lighting for Clint's hand is nearly identical except that the two strip lights have been replaced with two normal reflectors and aimed at the white background. The key light has been lowered below the hand and pointed slightly upward.
Comments: When Clint arrived at the studio, he asked Scott what he was looking for. Scott said he wanted a combination of Dirty Harry, Bronco Billy and Josey Wales, but without the shooting him in the face part.


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Wine Monitor is Nomisma's wine market intelligence tool, set up and designed to facilitate companies and institutions of the Italian wine industry understanding the dynamics of the market, both at national and global levels. Wine Monitor aims at supporting the wine business in undertaking internationalisation paths and in reshaping marketing strategies for the domestic market.
In 2012 Nomisma's Observatory on the Real Estate Market celebrated its 25th anniversary. A significant milestone that would not have been possible to reach without the trust of the companies operating in the sector. A trust that we seek to honour, year after year, through a commitment aimed at providing the public administration, businesses and banks with reliable knowledge on the values, characteristics and economic and social trends of the real estate market.
Strada Maggiore, 44
40125 Bologna - Italy
Company with
Certified Quality Control System
Certificate n.194221


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Sunday, September 11, 2011
We Will Never Forget–Remembering 9/11/01
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Catching Up…
It's been over a month since I last posted. Time has just flown and we are simply living our daily lives with lots of sweet moments mixed in with the every day, ordinary stuff. Sometimes I get caught up in the ordinary and forget to enjoy the simple moments that make life extraordinary.
Since I got back from Texas in May, it seems there has been so much going on at work and I had about one week where I actually felt like I had things done… caught up. But, that didn't last long. We are currently working on changing up our Wednesday night kid's program and I have been really absorbed with getting everything done that needs to be done. We start in about two weeks.
Since I last posted, my sister went back home to Washington state. She was able to stay for a month and I have to say that I got really spoiled having her here. She moved out to go to college when she wasn't yet 18, and when we moved from California to Arkansas she was in college so we left her behind. She later married and moved to Washington and we haven't been able to travel back and forth near enough. So having all my sisters close for a month was pretty special for me. I spent as much time as I could up and my mom and dad's while she was here and before she left, we went for a girl's day… lunch, a haircut, and pedis. Fun!
Now that I've covered work and my sister's visit… pretty much everything else revolves around my family…
I picked this little gem up one day from day care and took her to see "Rango".
We made a couple of trips to my mom and dad's. Mads (like all the other grands) loves my Dad's golf cart that he gets around his place with.
We had a family movie night – "Bambi"…
…enjoyed a cool morning in the back yard…
… a couple of girl's days…
…and found some pretty sweet slippers…
All in all, life is good!
Friday, July 22, 2011
Family Movie Night
I ordered "Bambi" for Maddie and it came in today. She was SO excited. So after supper, all five of us sat down with her for family movie night. She's usually all about Mémère, but today she was Papa Dave's girl. (There sure was a lot of shootin' going on in that movie!)
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Saturday, July 9, 2011
Quite Possibly The Sweetest Thing I've Ever Seen…
Tyler and Daisy showed me this video last night. (This is "their" song and today marks the day one year ago that they started "talking" to each other.)
These kids are adorable and I love how they put God in the center of this special moment…
Monday, July 4, 2011
2011–4th of July Cookout at the Goulets
My sister (Cathy #1) is in from Washington State. She hasn't been here since my parent's 50th wedding anniversary in 2006. So after Kale and Kayla left on Sunday, Dave and I headed up to my parent's for a family get-together… there were 46 Goulets in attendance!
I'm blessed to have my sweet, little family. I looked out on the porch this morning and this is what I saw:
I love this Country… thank you, thank you, thank you to all the men and women who have fought and are defending Her today! God Bless America!
Sunday, July 3, 2011
2011 - 4th of July Weekend with All My Chicks
It's hard to believe it's the 4th of July again. Kayla hadn't been "home" since last 4th of July… we were so glad to get her back up here for a visit even though we didn't have much time together. They got here Thursday evening and had to leave today after church.
We started off on Thursday night by visiting Ms. Charlsie. Tyler came home late from work, but showed up while we were at Charlsie's. After our visit, we headed to eat pizza and then the boys took David to Lowe's and surprised him with a belated birthday/Father's day gift – a new grill.
Friday, Kale's friend came up from Conway and he and Kale and Tyler all went golfing while Kayla-girl and I headed to Branson. We left late in the day and made a short day of it, but it was the first time in forever that we've been able to spend a day together. (I MISS YOU, KAYLA!)
We met the guys for supper at Cadron Creek Catfish House… Kayla's one request for food while she was here.
Yesterday was SO hot… we spent part of the day indoors and later that afternoon we loaded up and went to our farm. Tyler had made plans for all of us to fish out of the pond with Dave's sister and her daughter (and granddaughter). It got overcast just as we got there, so I think it was a bit cooler than it had been all day. It was a lot of (hot) fun, though.
The boys
The girls
Mémère brought along a spray bottle to 1) keep Maddie cool 2) keep Maddie occupied
So cute!
My niece, Lindsey, and her daughter, Rylee – and David's sister, Carla
Kayla might have got her line caught in the tree
For supper, Kale grilled some burgers (his special recipe) on the new grill and then we had s'mores in the backyard.
It was a nice, family day.
Today came all too soon and after church and lunch… we had to say goodbye. I still cry every single time I see them leave (or I leave them). But, it gives me something to look forward to when we get to see them again!!
Life is sweet.
Monday, June 27, 2011
Have I Mentioned That I Love My Mads?
We had a fun weekend. After we wrapped up VBS and put the church back together I headed for home. You can't imagine how just sitting in my quiet car was so relaxing! Ha! That evening, I asked Maddie if she wanted to go visit Ms. Charlsie with me. And she did.
Saturday morning, Tyler and Daisy were going on a float trip really early, so they spent the night with us. Friday night after supper, I explained to her the rule for spending the night with Mémère on a Friday night… "you must sleep in!" Of course, she wanted to know why, and I just told her that if she didn't sleep in she'd have to have coffee with Papa Dave in the morning. She said, "Yuck" to that.
As it turns out, she woke up about 6:30 and Dave kept her entertained until I got up at 7:00. We set off for our "day date" a few hours later. I told her earlier in the week that we may go to the library and she was so excited. About half-way through the drive there, she fell asleep (I think 6:30 must've hit her – it was only 10:15!) When I woke her up she was a little out of sorts, but then we walked in to the library together while I talked to her about having a quiet voice inside. She was SO good and loved it! It's a brand new facility and it's really amazing! We went to the puppet show that had just started and after about 15 minutes of that she whispered to me, "Let's go read books." So we headed downstairs to the children's department. We read several books and then she discovered the puzzles.
After the library we went to eat at McDonalds where she ate her WHOLE nugget Happy Meal – a first!
We finished the outing at Walmart – where else? I had promised her that she could pick out one color of nail polish… she asked for two, but I stuck to my guns. Of course, she picked the sparkliest pink she could find.
After Daisy and Tyler got home we all went to Chili's for supper. On our way back home the college was putting on a fireworks show, so we pulled over and let her out of her seat to watch. Her favorites are the pink ones… of course.
We had a GREAT day and she never gave me a moment of trouble. Only one (small) fit in a whole day for a three year old is just pretty good in my book.
I can't wait for our next "date".
PS. If my nephew (Dominic) happens to see these pics… I just bought a Shark Navigator Lift Away vacuum (per his recommendation and he is a vacuum genius). I LOVE it, Dom!! It's great!
Monday, June 20, 2011
Vacation Bible School 2011 and What We've Been Up To Lately
Were you wondering about me (again)? We have been preparing for Vacation Bible School for the last several months, but the month or so before VBS things get pretty crazy. This year has been no exception, BUT today was Day One at "The Big Apple Adventure" and things went pretty well!
We had a HUGE set on the stage. A (talented) woman in our church worked for weeks on it… the Preacher built all the support frames, and I'm proud to say Tyler made the "taxis" and the "jumbo-tron". (The set turned out so big it blocked our big screens, so we made a "Times Square" jumbo-tron and it worked GREAT!)
Other than that… Tyler and I have been doing a few projects around the house. We took a HUGE load of stuff to the dump. We looked like the "Beverly Hillbillies" pulling up, I'm sure. Most of this was in David's shed. He knew we were going to clean it out and he didn't fuss that we got rid of so much. Ha!
After a full day of work in the yard and cleaning out the shed… we took Maddie on a date at Chili's.
I took their picture…
… and then she asked to take ours. She gave me instructions to move to the other side of the table so she could take a picture of Papa Dave and I together…
She did pretty good!
This girl loves her corn.
I'm turning in early tonight… looking forward to Day Two in "NYC" tomorrow!
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Texas Trip #5–Part Two
The day after I got to the K's (Thursday), they both had to go in to work. So I had a quiet day to myself … just me and Bosley.
I did a lot of playing with my new "toy", a little reading, caught up on "American Idol" and sat out on their back patio enjoying the warm weather and reading.
We waited on Kale's tomatoes to get ripe while I was there, but they waited until I left… and then the squirrels got to them. Kale is on serious squirrel patrol these days.
I felt so bad for Kayla. It turned out she had to work every day, but one (Sunday), when I was there (because someone went on vacation)… she even had to work longer hours than normal (11 hour days).
Friday morning, after Kayla left for work, Kale and I headed out to the mall to the Apple store. I bought a smart cover for my iPad. It took me forever to decide on a color…
… but I finally went with…
We met Kayla for lunch and spent most of the rest of the day hanging out… that's pretty much what this trip was about. I was really looking forward to being there and just relaxing and visiting with the kids and I got lots of that! There's not much, if anything, I'd rather be doing.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Has It Been Two Weeks? My Birthday and Texas Trip #5
Today is David's birthday – "Happy Birthday, Dave!"
* * * *
I can't believe it's been over two weeks since I've posted. It just goes to show you that without structure, I am wandering aimlessly. (Do I need to do Project 365 to actually keep a blog??)
Two days after my last post – it was my birthday and the present I gave myself was a trip to Texas to see Kale and Kayla. I went ALONE. I flew alone. Did you hear that? And I did it without nerve medicine. Haha!
Before I left, I knew I needed some Maddie time, so I picked her up from daycare (there's nothing better than hearing her scream "Mémère" when she sees me come in the door!) and off we went to Wal-mart.
When you live in the sticks, travel isn't all that "convenient". It takes three hours to get to the airport. The flight from Little Rock to Houston is only an hour or so… unless you get a plane with THESE…
…then, it takes about two hours. Ha!
Kale picked me up from the airport and shortly after we got home, Kayla got off work. I miss them SO much, they are always a sight for sore eyes! We went to eat at a really neat little "family" cafe (Eden Cafe) and I got chicken pot pie. I haven't had that in forever and it was so good! (I crunched up my crust before getting a picture. Ha!)
After supper, the "kids" gave me my birthday gift – an iPad2!!
It was a hard gift to accept, but I pretty much ran with it after I got over being overwhelmed!
All in all, it was one of the best birthdays ever! (That's saying a lot when you get to be my age.)
I'll post more about my trip tomorrow. Until then,
* * * * * *
Dear Maddie,
Look what Mémère got for you!


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Teacher Classroom Resources
4 Items
- Marbig Tape Dispenser$14.90 $16.39
- Marbig Enviro Stapler$18.50 $20.35
- Hand Pointers Set of 3$22.90 $25.19
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Positive relationships are key to a successful start to school. Adopting a relationship-based view of the transition to school process helps dynamic, reciprocal relationships develop that enable children to enjoy their experience.
Increasingly, we are seeing more and more children being hindered with mental health issues that affect their quality of life including social interactions, physical health and overall wellbeing. Early educators are in a unique and powerful position to be able to support children in gaining an awareness and understanding of mental health issues. Educating children by teaching practical strategies to recognise and manage their emotions will benefit children now and into their future adult lives.
Mathematics has been long regarded an important part of Early Childhood pedagogy. Since Friedrich Frobel founded the first kindergarten in 1837, he developed his 'Spielgaben' or 'Gifts' that embraced mathematical concepts of symmetry, shape and number. The series of gifts were the first 'educational' playthings and are made of natural materials and are open-ended, specifically designed to demonstrate the key concept of 'unity' that can be recognised in play.
The role of fathers in children's lives is unique and the relationship between father and child is something to be treasured. The 1st September is reserved to celebrate the invaluable contribution fathers and significant male figures make to families. Whether they're called Daddy, Papa, Baba, Grandpa, Poppy, Pappoús, Opa, Uncle or Ujak, they hold a priceless place in the hearts and lives of children. Being a father is not necessarily connected to biology, rather the effort, commitment and genuine relationship established by a man who chooses to make a significant difference in a child's life.
Early engagement in science stimulates the development of children's identity as a science learner and an active participant in the processes of science.
Embracing technology with children has incredible scope to bring about 21st Century learning skills and new discoveries.


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by DAN CHARLES February 22, 2012
If you happen to notice sometime later this year that you're suddenly paying a lot more for orange juice, you can blame America's food safety authorities. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, after several weeks of deliberation, has blocked imports of frozen, concentrated orange juice from Brazil, probably for the next 18 months or so, even though the agency says the juice is perfectly safe.
The FDA's explanation is that its hands are legally tied. Its tests show that practically all concentrated juice from Brazil currently contains traces of the fungicide carbendazim, first detected in December by Coca-Cola, maker of Minute Maid juices. The amounts are small — so small that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says no consumers should be concerned.
The problem is, carbendazim has not been used on oranges in the U.S. in recent years, and the legal permission to use it on that crop has lapsed. As a result, there's not a legal "tolerance" for residues of this pesticide in orange products. Continue reading "FDA Says Brazil's Orange Juice Is Safe, But Still Illegal"


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Symphony Belles have a 'Night to Remember'
Beautiful belles … The Symphony League of Beaumont hosted A Night to Remember to present 42 belles to their families and guests. Co-chairs April Penland and Jennifer Thompson, along with their very creative committee, orchestrated a beautiful evening for a ball. Patty Barnett did an outstanding job transforming the Beaumont Civic Center and Genie Cook cleverly directed the belles and their fathers as they made a perfect presentation to the high fashion crowd. Applauding the belles were Joy and David Goodale, Tom Lombardo, Gayla Doucet, Tonya and Mitch Toups, Margaret and Ed Green, Annie Green, Karol and Mike Gammill, Marilyn and Ed Gripon, Marilyn and Gilbert Adams, Jean Moncla, Jennifer Prause, Joe Penland Jr., Barbara Nelson, Greg Thompson, Kelly Patrizi and Kathy Thomas, to name a few. After dinner, guests took to the dance floor for the terrific tunes of Doppleganger. Dancing the night away were Dette and Stephen Toups, Michele and Mitch Smith, Stephanie and Bernie Daleo, Beth and Stuart Yoes, Tammy and Scot Crutchfield, Tressa and Blair Clarke, Nancy and Steve McGrade, Johnnie andJoe Broussard, Phoebe and Austin Dishman, Ann Clary and Jay Old, Cindy and Jamie Dishman, Ginny and Brian Broussard, Laura and Craig Escamilla and too many more to mention.
Art live … The Spindletop Center (formerly MHMR) will reprise its wonderful Euforialive dinner and art event on Thursday, March 1, at the scenic Beaumont Botanical Gardens. Pianist Seth Simmons will play while artist Rolando Diaz "paints the music" on canvas before your eyes. At the end of the evening, Spindletop will auction the one-of-a-kind painted masterpiece to a lucky bidder. This event will raise funds to build apartments for people with disabilities. RSVP by Feb. 16. For tickets, call (409) 839-1046.
Amarketing … Plan to attend the Sales and Marketing Executives Club of Southeast Texas' annual banquet honoring Gerald Condon as the 2011 Executive of the Year. The banquet will be held Feb. 9 at the MCM Eleganté with a happy hour at 6 p.m. Individual tickets are $70 at the door.
Heart-felt honor … Randy Lombardo along with Karen and Bob Wortham will be honored by the American Heart Association this Saturday evening, Feb. 11, at the Holiday Inn Plaza. There are a few individual tickets available by calling (409) 550-1753.
Mardi Gras madness … The Port Arthur Commodores kicked off Mardi Gras in South County with their recent "Cajun Celebration." The waterfront venue of Beau Reve was the perfect location, complete with festive decorations, as members enjoyed gumbo, shrimp and oysters, topped off with the house dessert specialty of bread pudding with whiskey sauce. Some in attendance sported Carnival masks, including Katherine and Jack Baugh, Rose Lynn and Joe Tibbs along with several others, making it difficult to recognize some familiar faces. Hats were modeled by Barbara Boone and Portia Levingston. Seen enjoying the festivities were Carol and Commodore Chief Bernie Brown, Charlene Commings, Susan and Jay Mandel, Dana Wasser, who enlisted her foreign exchange student Silje Braut from Norway as her escort, Verna and Cal Rutherford, Peggy and Hugh Sheffield, Patti and Stuart Salter, Ann and Perry McPherson, newlyweds Ann and Dean Priddy as well as birthday boy Volney Pinder (celebrating 94 years) and his bride, Florence. A fantastic evening to begin the Mardi Gras month!
News of I do's … Amy Morgan and Ryan Pyburn will exchange wedding vows in June. Congrats!
Candles and cakes … Belated best to Tootsie Crutchfield, Taryn Hebert, Elaine Jabbia and Tammy Crutchfield. Birthday toasts to Mike Persia III, Sue Monteaux, Christina Delgadillo, Jane Kinsel, Annie Howell, Joy Crenshaw, Meredith Hise, Giles Kibbe, Charlie Foxworth, Paul Chargois and Nick Lampson.
Until the next RSVP!


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Bruce B. Cromer, B.F.A.
Bruce Cromer has been a proud member of Actors' Equity Association, the American stage actors' union, since 1981. He has appeared in over one-hundred-and-seventy professional productions in regional theatres including: Alabama Shakespeare Festival, Santa Fe Stages, Seattle Children's Theatre, Milwaukee Repertory Theater, Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, Cincinnati Playhouse, New Horizons Theatre, Ensemble Theatre of Cincinnati, Globe Theatre of Los Angeles, Cincinnati Shakespeare Company, Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey, etc. His on-going acting career continues to feed and inform his teaching, as well as provide professional contacts for his students. (He has proudly shared stages with over forty past students.) He was a founding Resident Artist with the Human Race Theatre in Dayton, Ohio. He is also a Certified Stage Combat Teacher with the Society of American Fight Directors.
Favorite past roles include: Scrooge at the Cincinnati Playhouse (since 2005), Prior Walter in Angels in America, Hamlet, Romeo, Macbeth, Prospero, King Lear, Dan in Next to Normal, Frederik in A Little Night Music, the one-person shows I Am My Own Wife and Underneath the Lintel, the Ghost of John Barrymore in I Hate Hamlet, George in Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf, Salieri in Amadeus, Arnolphe in School for Wives, and a one-man Romeo and Juliet with the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra. He has performed, directed, and/or choreographed fights for over half of Shakespeare's plays.
Professor Cromer has taught such courses as: Playing Shakespeare, Moving Shakespeare, Stage Combat I and II, Laban and Body Language for the Actor, Improv, Acting Professionally, Character I, Character II, Modern Realism (Chekhov, Ibsen, and Shaw), Comedy of Manners, Physical Comedy and Unarmed Combat, Text Analysis for the Actor, etc.
He has directed professionally for the Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park and the Human Race Theatre's school tours; his Wright State productions include Macbeth, Angels in America, Boston Marriage, The Learned Ladies, Company, She Stoops to Conquer, Barnaby Rudge (his own adaptation of the Dickens novel), Our Country's Good, The Tempest, The Two Gentlemen of Verona, Uncle Vanya, Coriolanus, Cymbeline, etc. He recently directed Harold Pinter's Betrayal at Xavier University.
Bruce created, funded, and maintained an alumni web-site for the Department of Theatre Arts, Dance, and Motion Pictures upon joining the WSU faculty, in 1987; now Facebook has allowed graduates to connect directly with each other. He is an '81 graduate himself of the Wright State B.F.A. Professional Actor Training Program. He was named the department's Outstanding Alumni in 2009 and given the Liberal Arts Outstanding Teaching Award in 2006.
B.F.A. in Acting, Wright State University