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Auto Repair Web Design For Pflugerville, TX
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Naomi has not received any gifts yet
Tennis sometime at Lombard?
Hi Kate, are you free to play this weekend? I'm near 26th and Pine Street courts.
Hi Naomi,
My spring allergies are finally starting to leave me alone, so I'm looking forward to playing some tennis. I thought I'd send you a message since it seems you might be located near me - I live in Queen Village, not too far from those courts at 11th and Lombard. Do you live near there too? Let me know if you'd like to meet some time and hit the ball around.
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Every YA/teenage writer wants her book bought and devoured and loved by adults. Of course. Every adult writer wants the increased sales that would come from having teenagers buy and love her book. Obviously. And certainly some books genuinely deserve the label. But by pitching it as cross-over, you are failing to recognise two things:
- That the marketing of a book as cross-over requires three marketing prongs: marketing it to teenagers, marketing it to adults, and marketing it as cross-over. It's expensive. And therefore risky. And therefore rare.
- There are specific things that make a book a teenage/YA book. The fact that many teenagers rightly read books that are "meant" for adults, and vice-versa, is irrelevant to this.
- If you feel yours is a teenage book (and you know why it is) pitch it as such. If the publisher wants to promote it as cross-over, lovely, but you'll sound naive if you suggest it.
- If you feel it's aimed at adults, pitch it as such. Lots of teenagers will read it anyway. Fab.
So, over-keen writer, do yourself a favour and ban the word "cross-over" from your submission.
I call it the C-word.


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Some people cannot drink alcohol because they have addiction or other medical/ideological reasons for abstinence. For the rest of us the evidence is becoming fairly clear that a moderate regular intake of alcohol is beneficial, particularly for type 2 diabetics. The benefits appear to be enhanced if the alcohol of choice is dry red wine.
At the foot of this post I have given a brief sample of a search on HighWire using the following terms: "red wine" diabetes "type 2". Even I was surprised at the result, particularly with the findings of more recent research. So I've included the links for those who are interested, as well as some excerpts from some selected papers.
I usually drink dry red wine. I have found that many people don't understand the term "dry". It simply means "not sweet". Fortified wines such as port, or dessert wines such as sherry or tokay, or sweet fruity wines such as lambrusco or most white wines, aren't suitable for me because the sugars in them raise my blood glucose. The only white wines I can drink are the very dry Sauvignons Blanc or Chablis styles.
In essence I drink dry red wine for the following reasons:
1. I like it. That's important. If you don't like wine, don't start. I shudder at the thought of having to "take it as a medicine".
2. It appears to assist in blood glucose control when taken with meals.
3. It appears to improve my cardiovascular health, based on my own lab reports since I added it to my menu after diagnosis.
4. Red wines include some specific benefits over other alcoholic drinks and white wines because of their unique resveratrols and flavinoids.
The studies I've included in the links below tend to support the possibility that I'm not unique in seeing those benefits.
Any proposed changes in your alcohol consumption should be discussed with your doctor first. There may be other reasons for abstinence, apart from addiction, that your doctor is aware of. However, don't automatically accept warnings against alcohol on medication packets - metformin is just one example – discuss those with your doctor to see if it applies in your individual situation.
The various studies aren't in agreement on "moderation". The definition appears to lie between one and three "standard" glasses daily for a male and half that for a female; personally I imbibe about a half-bottle of dry red daily which equates to 300-400ml. If in doubt your doctor will advise on that.
Cheers Alan, T2, Australia.
A PS, added 24th April '07.
I also have CLL, a type of leukemia. I became aware of this report today:
"Antioxidant found in many foods and red wine is potent and selective killer of leukemia cells
A naturally occurring compound found in many fruits and vegetables as well as red wine, selectively kills leukemia cells in culture while showing no discernible toxicity against healthy cells, according to a study by researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine."
I believe that this is the original study:
"These results indicate that cyanidin-3-rutinoside have the promising potential to be used in leukemia therapy with the advantages of being wildly available and being selective against tumors."
PPS, added 20th March 2013: The Relationship Between Alcohol Consumption and Vascular Complications and Mortality in Individuals With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Once again moderation is the key.
Further reading:
HighWire Red Wine Search
Links to papers and articles for those who want to read further:
Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 288: H2023-H2030, 2005.
First published January 14, 2005; doi:10.1152/ajpheart.00868.2004
Antiatherogenic potential of red wine: clinician update
"Complications of atherosclerosis remain the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in industrialized countries. Epidemiological studies have repeatedly demonstrated that
moderate alcohol intake has a beneficial effect on cardiovascular disease. The purpose of this review is to examine the epidemiological and biological evidence supporting the intake of red wine as a means of reducing atherosclerosis. On the basis of epidemiological studies,
moderate intake of alcoholic beverages, including red wine, reduces the risk of cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, and peripheral vascular disease in populations. In addition to the favorable biological effects of alcohol on the lipid profile, on hemostatic factors, and in reducing insulin
resistance, the phenolic compounds in red wine appear to interfere with the molecular processes underlying the initiation, progression, and rupture of atherosclerotic plaques. Whether red wine is more beneficial than other types of alcohol remains unclear. Definitive data from a
large-scale, randomized clinical end-point trial of red wine intake would be required before physicians can advise patients to use wine as part of preventative or medical
Diabetes Care 28:2933-2938, 2005
Alcohol Consumption and Risk of Type 2 Diabetes Among Older Women
"CONCLUSIONS-Our findings support the evidence of a decreased risk of type 2 diabetes with moderate alcohol consumption and expand this to a population of older women."
Diabetes Care 27:1369-1374, 2004
Acute Alcohol Consumption Improves Insulin Action Without Affecting Insulin Secretion in Type 2 Diabetic Subjects
"CONCLUSIONS-Acute alcohol consumption improves insulin action without affecting ß-cell secretion. This effect may be partly due to the inhibitory effect of alcohol on lipolysis. Alcohol intake increases insulin sensitivity and may partly explain both the J-shaped relationship between the prevalence of diabetes and the amount of alcohol consumption and the decreased mortality for myocardial infarction."
The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism Vol. 90, No. 2 661-672 doi:10.1210/jc.2004-1511
Beneficial Postprandial Effect of a Small Amount of Alcohol on Diabetes and Cardiovascular Risk Factors: Modification by Insulin Resistance
"Alcohol enhanced the postprandial increase in energy
expenditure 30-60 min after the LC meal (increase, 373 ± 49 vs. 236 ± 32 kcal/d; P = 0.02) and HC meal (increase, 362 ± 36 vs. 205 ± 34 kcal/d; P = 0.0009), but suppressed fat and
carbohydrate oxidation. Some of our findings may be mechanisms for lower diabetes and cardiovascular risks in moderate drinkers."
Diabetes 50:2390-2395, 2001
A Prospective Study of Drinking Patterns in Relation to Risk of Type 2 Diabetes Among Men
"Using data from a 12-year prospective study, we determined the importance of the pattern of alcohol consumption as a risk factor for type 2 diabetes in a cohort of 46,892 U.S. male health professionals who completed biennial postal questionnaires. Overall, 1,571 new cases of type 2 diabetes were documented. Compared with zero alcohol consumption, consumption of 15-29 g/day of alcohol was associated with a 36% lower risk of diabetes (RR = 0.64; 95% CI 0.53-0.77).
This inverse association between moderate consumption and diabetes remained if light drinkers rather than abstainers were used as the reference group (RR = 0.60, CI 0.50-0.73). There were few heavy drinkers, but the inverse association persisted to those drinking >=50 g/day of alcohol (RR = 0.60, CI 0.43-0.84). Frequency of consumption was inversely associated with diabetes. Consumption of alcohol on at least 5 days/week provided the greatest protection, even when less than one drink per drinking day was consumed (RR = 0.48, CI 0.27-0.86). Compared with infrequent drinkers, for each additional day per week that alcohol was consumed, risk was
reduced by 7% (95% CI 3-10%) after controlling for average daily consumption. There were similar and independent inverse associations for beer, liquor, and white wine. Our findings suggested that frequent alcohol consumption conveys the greatest protection against type 2 diabetes, even if the level of consumption per drinking day is low. Beverage choice did not alter risk."
(Circulation. 2000;102:494.)
Moderate Alcohol Consumption and Risk of Coronary Heart Disease Among Women With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
"Conclusions-Although potential risks of alcohol consumption must be considered, these data suggest that moderate alcohol consumption is associated with reduced CHD risk in women with diabetes and should not be routinely discouraged."
Diabetes Care, Vol 15, Issue 4 546-548, Copyright (c) 1992 by American Diabetes Association
Short-term effect of red wine (consumed during meals) on insulin requirement and glucose tolerance in diabetic patients
"CONCLUSIONS--Moderate prandial wine consumption has no adverse effect on the glycemic control of diabetic patients. Thus, it appears unnecessary to proscribe the consumption of
red wine in moderation with meals to diabetic patients. Wine contains tannins and phytates that can explain its action."
DIABETES CARE, VOLUME 22, NUMBER 12, DECEMBER 1999 p2084
Meal-Generated Oxidative Stress in Diabetes
The protective effect of red wine
"Our data show that red wine is able to preserve plasma from meal-induced oxidative stress in diabetes, suggesting that moderate consumption of red wine during meals may have a beneficial effect in decreasing the risk of cardiovascular disease in diabetic patients."
JAMA Vol. 282 No. 3, July 21, 1999
Alcohol Intake and the Risk of Coronary Heart Disease Mortality in Persons With Older-Onset Diabetes Mellitus
"Conclusion. Our results suggest an overall beneficial effect of alcohol consumption in decreasing the risk of death due to CHD in people with older-onset diabetes."
"Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 288: H2023-H2030, 2005.
First published January 14, 2005; doi:10.1152/ajpheart.00868.2004
Antiatherogenic potential of red wine: clinician update
"Complications of atherosclerosis remain the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in industrialized countries. Epidemiological studies have repeatedly demonstrated that moderate alcohol intake has a beneficial effect on cardiovascular disease."
Finally, an interesting one specifically on resveratrol, a red wine component, and the insulin system.
Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 290: E1339-E1346, 2006. First
published January 24, 2006; doi:10.1152/ajpendo.00487.2005
Resveratrol, a red wine antioxidant, possesses an insulin-like effect in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats
"Aberrant energy metabolism is one characteristic of diabetes mellitus (DM). Two types of DM have been identified, type 1 and type 2. Most of type 2 DM patients eventually become insulin dependent because insulin secretion by the islets of Langerhans becomes exhausted. In the present study, we show that resveratrol (3,5,4'-trihydroxylstilbene) possesses hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects in streptozotocin-induced DM (STZ-DM) rats."
Note that I prefer to wait for the human trials confirmation - but it is the first time I've seen this effect of resveratrol noted anywhere.


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Tuesday, July 5, 2016
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Our new Kindergarten team 2017
Crossing the Border
We are so excited - our Book "Crossing the Border" is in print and is available from NZCER Press. We celebrated with a launch on August 2nd with our kindergarten families and community as well as the wider educational community who have been so supportive through this long research process.
We would like to acknowledge the following people for their support for our book:
The Centre of Innovation project outlined in this book took place over three years and the resultant research ethos and testing of innovative ideas has become part of the culture of Mangere Bridge Kindergarten. Initially the inspiration was to create an environment for successful transitions for our children and families and the more we learnt the more possibilities we could see. We built our research on earlier learning from work with the Strengthening Education In Mangere and Otara Project (SEMO) and with Educational Leadership Project (Ltd) and are indebted to Wendy Lee for her dedication to research in early childhood education. We are also grateful to Sue Dockett and Bob Perry for their inspiring work around transition to school in Australia.
The teaching team Carol, Pat and Jemma would like to say a huge thank you to the Centre of Innovation (COI) programme which gave us the opportunity to research in depth our innovations around transition to school and to work so closely with Margaret and Sally, co-authors of this book. We have grown enormously as researchers and academics nurtured by their outstanding support. We also appreciate the friendship and collegial support of the centres of Round Three COI; Botany Downs kindergarten (especially Bronwyn, conference buddy and critical friend), Greerton Early Childhood centres, Wadestown Kindergarten and Bush Street Kindergarten, Rangiora who became our Hui buddies; and in particular Anne Meade for her dedication to children's learning. Roskill South Kindergarten (Round one, COI) led the way for us and we are extremely grateful to Karen for supporting us in our application and on our journey.
Transition in all its forms continues to have a life of its own at Mangere Bridge kindergarten. The research has continued well beyond the initial COI project and the teaching team has recently initiated a relationship with another school, across the bridge, extending our transition relationships outside of our own community.
The school buddies have a special place in our acknowledgements as without their friendships with the kindergarten children one whole chapter would not have been possible.
Our long journey has sometimes taken our attention away from home and we would like to thank all of our families for being so supportive over this time.
Also the teaching team would like to thank the Auckland Kindergarten Association for their support; past teaching team members Kathy, Frances and Sarah; Alexandra and then Avis who so ably replaced us whenever we needed a reliever; Ann Hatherly from CORE Education; Nola Harvey from the University of Auckland for support in dissemination and the Faculty of Education Research Committee at the University of Waikato for overseeing ethical approvals. Our original administrator, Stephanie, was so enthusiastic about the idea of this journey, and our current administrator, Ingrid, continues this tradition; thank you both.
All the authors believe the strategies, philosophies, and pedagogies contained within this book are not only limited or relevant to a single transition from early childhood to primary but rather can be applied to transitions throughout education. Within the research we identified the importance and interconnectedness of relationships: relationships with the children and families, with the schools, with the local community and into the wider education community.
This book is the result of those relationships. We are all indebted to the children and families of the Mangere Bridge community who trusted us and have unstintingly contributed their enthusiasm and commitment to the project. We wish to acknowledge all those who have contributed time, energy, enthusiasm and feedback to the research, especially the teachers and community of the local schools, Mangere Bridge School and Waterlea Primary School. Warm thanks go, too, to Aline-Wendy for her contribution in writing the foreword.
Buy our book online
The transition research continues
Several of our projects are still in action and form an integral part of our transition partnership with teachers, children and families. We have continued the buddy project and it is now three years old. We
have had fabulously positive feedback from parents and the new entrant teachers.
We are still active reporting on transition experiences and research at workshops and dissemination opportunities Our book is now in print. It is the culmination of a very long transition journey and a huge workload.
Our four research articles have been published in:
Early Childhood Folio number 13: 2009.
The second article Google "International Journal of Transitions in Childhood Vol 3 2009" and you will find it there.
The third article has been published in "Dispersing Waves: Innovation in early childhood education" 2010. A. Meade Editor. This is the final COI publication.
Another article recently published in Early Childhood Folio:
Transition portfolios: Another tool in the transition kete. Vol18 (2).
To contact us for further information you can email us at firstname.lastname@example.com
About Us
Mangere Bridge Kindergarten
Mangere Bridge Kindergarten was a Centre of Innovation (Round Three), one of six centres chosen for this round of the Ministry of Education' s research initiative. The innovative practice chosen to research was Transition to School working with local schools to support children and families in the move to school. Mangere Bridge Kindergarten is a sessional kindergarten with 86 families. It operates under the umbrella of the Auckland Kindergarten Association. The teaching team comprises Carol, Pat and Jemma and are supported in administration by Ingrid who works in the office. We are a community based educational facility operating under the AKA charitable trust and have a supportive and involved Parent and Whanau group.
View my complete profile
Links to websites
Auckland Kindergarten Association Website
Ministry of Education Centre of Innovation Website
Mangere Bridge Primary School
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Reading to one child
Reading in a group
The importance of reading
A. Some interesting facts from a recent conference
Boys will speak 7000 words a day, girls will speak 20,000
If a child knows 8 Nursery rhymes by the time they are 4 - they are the best readers
It takes 1000 stories read aloud before a child learns to read a book alone
Series books are the "trainer wheels" of reading - supported practice that is not too hard but are fun to read.
Students who have the biggest vocab are the best readers
Fantastically fun book list
Don't open this book
Down the back of the chair
Harry and the Dinosaurs
Kiss Kiss Yuck Yuck
George and the dragon
My Friend Bear
The Pirate's Feast
The Tale of the little Mole who knew it was none of his business
Watch out Big Bros' coming
Where's my Teddy


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|By PR Newswire
Article Rating:
|February 12, 2013 08:30 AM EST
HOUSTON, Feb. 12, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Data storage is a perennial need of businesses large and small, but many of today's technologies are too unwieldy or complicated for small business customers. SoftNAS™ provides network attached storage (NAS) for cloud computing that meets every conceivable need simply and affordably. Available as software-as-a-service or as an in-house addition to a server room, SoftNAS is a seamless file storage solution. The industry has already taken notice: CRN included SoftNAS on its list of the top 10 hot storage technologies for 2013. More details on the technology and its various applications are available at http://www.softnas.com.
SoftNAS is the cloud storage OS. The SoftNAS cloud storage operating system is adaptable to any cloud computing environment or software configuration, whether true cloud platforms, such as Amazon EC2, or private clouds running VMware or Microsoft Hyper-V. Administrators manage the software through a convenient web-based graphical user interface. In the world of storage solutions, SoftNAS is as close to plug-and-play as possible – just download, configure and go.
With small businesses especially, price is one of, if not the paramount consideration in every purchase decision. SoftNAS delivers a 65% lower total cost of ownership than comparable products.
"With SoftNAS, we are making powerful, complex storage technologies simple, reliable and affordable," said Bill Hood, founder and CEO of SoftNAS, LLC. "Instead of multiple devices or software deployments with steep learning curves, our technology was designed to work within existing architectures. Anyone who understands virtualization can have SoftNAS up and running in no time. It comes as no surprise to us that CRN put us on their list of the year's hottest storage technologies."
By virtue of the SnapReplicate™ feature, SoftNAS has also staked a claim as the world's best small business disaster recovery tool. SnapReplicate checks the source drive against the target drive every 60 seconds, updating the target drive as necessary. Users need not fear losing their data since SoftNAS is built with "out of the box" capability to replicate your critical data. When storage is synced across multiple geographic locations, a disaster in one server room can be quickly recovered in another.
The SoftNAS software can be loaded onto any existing commodity server hardware. Alternatively, larger businesses can purchase their own SoftNAS Virtual Storage Appliance and manage every aspect of their network attached storage, file storage and backup needs. An in-house VSA can interface with desktop virtualization deployments like Citrix® XenDesktop® and VMware® View, providing the most cost-effective, high-performance VDI storage available today.
SoftNAS was "feature complete" as of February 1. Quality assurance teams are working to identify and fix any lingering bugs in the days leading up to the live release on February 27. Everyone is eligible to try the program prior to the live release via registration with the Early Access Program: http://www.softnas.com/wp/support/contact/softnas-priority-notification-list/.
Resellers and affiliates interested in getting in on the ground floor with SoftNAS can register at: http://www.softnas.com/wp/affiliates
Those interested in joining what is sure to become an active community of SoftNAS customers can join the forum here: http://www.softnas.com/forums/forum.php.
About SoftNAS, LLC
SoftNAS, LLC is a privately held company co-founded, owned and operated by Rick Braddy, LLC and Network Partners, Inc. (NPI). Headquartered in Houston, Texas, with regional sales and service offices across the U.S., SoftNAS, LLC developed SoftNAS™ to address the unmet needs of small to medium enterprises and small businesses who need Big Data capabilities without the price premium commanded by the big brand vendors. Visit http://www.softnas.com for more information.
Bill Hood
[email protected]
This press release was issued through eReleases® Press Release Distribution. For more information, visit http://www.ereleases.com.
SOURCE SoftNAS, LLC
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- Twelve New Programming Languages: Is Cloud Responsible?


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Assassin's Creed Unity Trailer: Arno Rescues a Female Templar
Ubisoft has released a new trailer for Assassin's Creed Unity that introduces a major female Templar character. Titled 'Arno: Master Assassin,' this trailer presents a gorgeously rendered CG action sequence that illustrates the deadliness of Arno and provides a little insight into the game's plot.
In the trailer, Arno traverses the rooftops of Paris before taking to ground to stop an execution. While the Assassin's Creed series is primarily known for their stealth elements, Arno takes a more direct approach, taking on French soldiers in front of a large crowd. After dispatching his nameless foes, Arno leaps onto the guillotine's platform, taking out the French commander with his hidden blade before freeing the condemned woman. After Arno removes her bonds, she takes off her hood to reveal her identity, a female Templar named Elise. The video ends with the two seemingly opposed characters going back-to-back in order to face an army of angry French soldiers. She could possibly be an Assassin spy posing as a Templar.
A special pre-order bonus is shown at the end of the video. Players who pre-order through Ubisoft's U-Play Shop will receive a 24 cm full color statue, called "Elise the Fiery Templar," along with a special in-game sword and pistol.
It's interesting to see an Assassin seemingly teaming up with a Templar, and it indicates that the two opposing factions, who have been at war for centuries, living up to Unity's namesake. It's rather interesting that the rescued Templar is a female, since Assassin's Creed: Could it be that a branch of the Templar split off and joined the Assassins over time? Unity will not include female Assassins as playable characters in its online co-op, but it's nice to see a female character at its story's forefront.
If you're going to play Assassin's Creed Unity, you need to know where to hide a body, and 5x5 knows where.


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So, maybe you've been lusting after an in-dash multimedia player, but could never quite come to terms with the cost? Well, you're in luck oh frugal one. From the folks at the Dual Electronics Corp. comes the Axxera AXV820 multimedia receiver, a feature-laden, good-looking unit that represents one of the highest values available in this hotly-contested category. How high is the value exactly? Well, as you read through the review of the AXV820, keep in mind it can be had for around $280!
So, maybe you've been lusting after an in-dash multimedia player, but could never quite come to terms with the cost? Well, you're in luck oh frugal one. From the folks at the Dual Electronics Corp. comes the Axxera AXV820 multimedia receiver, a feature-laden, good-looking unit that represents one of the highest values available in this hotly-contested category. How high is the value exactly? Well, as you read through the review of the AXV820, keep in mind it can be had for around $280!
Okay, I bet that got your attention. And, don't be fooled into thinking the low price means this is some sort of stripped pickle, because the Axxera AXV820 comes equipped with the most popular features everyone is looking for. In addition to a quality AM/FM tuner and a slot-loading CD/DVD mechanism, other key features are iPod audio and video capabilities, Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free telephony, front and rear USB ports, SD (SDHC) memory card slot and, of course, the 6.2-inch 1.15 megapixel TFT touchscreen. The unit also comes with a 40-inch long USB-to-iPod cable with a video connector, which is one less thing you'll need to buy. And, for those times when your passengers need some entertainment to endure long road trips, the unit also provides output connections via a pair of dedicated video outputs for back seat or headrest monitors. With the ability to playback compressed video files from your iPod, USB device, SD card or recordable DVD the AXV820 can provide hours of entertainment without carrying a stack of media.
The built-in Bluetooth technology supports A2DP, AVRCP or HPF profiles, so you can also stream audio from your Bluetooth-enabled phone.
If your car has steering wheel controls, the AXV820 can be interfaced to those controls using an optional adaptor. There is also an input for a reverse camera and settings for normal or mirror image views.
On the audio side of things, there is a CEA-2006B rated four-channel 18-watt power amplifier built in as well as preamp outputs for front, rear and subwoofer amplifiers. The output voltage of the preamp section is rated at four volts.
A DSP-powered audio adjustment section affords a three-band quasi-parametric equalizer and an adjustable low pass crossover with frequencies at 80, 120 and 160 Hz for the subwoofer output. The digital-to-analog conversion is handled by a Cirrus Logic 24-bit DAC.
When it comes to everyday use, the Axxera AXV820 has good ergonomics with a well laid out touchscreen and handy rotary volume control. The picture quality from the 6.2-inch screen is excellent and there are easy-to-use adjustments for brightness and contrast. I notice the screen does wash out a bit in direct sunlight, but that is a common issue for almost any of these types of screens.
Where you are reminded of the low cost of the AXV820 is in the responsiveness for the touchscreen controls, processor speed and a lack of customization options. The button and control illumination is blue and no other colors are available. For example, when changing multiple tracks, the unit makes you pause until the last command is recognized before permitting another. I also found it a bit frustrating to have to use the included wireless remote control for functions like fast forward and fast reverse. Granted, these probably aren't functions the majority of people use frequently, but I do. Discs take a bit longer to load and begin playing as well but, at this price, I can wait a couple of seconds. What you do get is a solidly-built unit with large easy-to-use screen icons that will work with gloved fingers and a clear display that can be read quickly and simply.
My Blackberry has no problem pairing the Bluetooth connectivity and I'm able to take and make phone calls quickly and easily. The included external microphone works reasonably well with very little noise or echo. On the subject of using my phone with this head unit, I notice the AXV820 does not come with phone book capabilities.
During the listening session, the AXV820 acquits itself very well. The unit has excellent sonic performance and, in CD or DVD mode, will hold its own against other players costing several times more. Bass is deep, musical and the top end provides all the detail and clarity in the recordings. Stereo separation and imaging also get high marks. My iPod also sounds excellent and the control of my musical selections happens fairly quickly and smoothly. Again, it might not be the fastest iPod control unit available, but when you consider you can buy two or three of these for one that is only slightly faster, it all makes sense. The AM/FM tuner also delivers good sound and reception, but it does not support RDS information or HD Radio.
When measured on the test bench, the AXV820 meet or exceeds all of its technical specifications. Frequency response is very flat and the preamp outputs actually develop just over five volts with an incredibly-low output impedance of just 24 ohms. This type of preamp signal performance will make the AXV820 a great choice for driving amplifiers in difficult environments.
All in all, the Axxera AXV820 is simply an excellent value. Whistles and bells on a budget! Sure, when compared side-by-side with some of the higher-end units out there, it's not quite as polished and lacks a few of the niceties that have spoiled people like me. But, when you are listening to it and watching the video on the crystal clear LCD screen, you quickly forget that you'd prefer red illumination or that it took 15 seconds for the disc to play. And, when you still have a wad of cash in your pocket after buying it, those things matter even less.
CEA-2006A power per channel (all channels driven @ 4 ohms). 18.4 watts x 4 ch.
A Wtd S/N ratio (ref. to 2 V/1 W @ 4 ?) amplified output….... -77.6 dBA (CD)
THD+N (ref. to 2 V/1 W @ 4 ? 1 kHz )………………………… 0.25%
Frequency response (-3 dB) …………………………………...... 20 Hz – 20 kHz (CD)
20 Hz – 20 kHz (Aux)
Max usable RCA output voltage ………………………………….. 5.1 Vrms
A Wtd S/N ratio (ref. to full output voltage)……………………… -90.1 dBA (CD)
Output impedance ………………………………………………… 24 ?
Frequency response (-3 dB) …………………………………….... 20 Hz – 20 kHz (CD)
20 Hz – 20 kHz (Aux)


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CHICAGO – Defenseman Brent Seabrook had had enough of hearing about all the good things Jonathan Toews was doing for the Chicago Blackhawks. The bottom line: Their captain wasn't scoring.
That finally changed in Wednesday's 6-5 overtime win at Boston.
Toews was one of the six Blackhawks to score, helping Chicago tie the Stanley Cup finals at two games apiece. Game 5 is Saturday at the United Center.
"To be completely honest, I was sick and tired of hearing everybody talk about everything that Johnny's doing right," Seabrook said. "He's a great player. He's one of the best in the league, and I just told him that he's got to stop thinking about that, too. He's got to stop thinking about everything that he's doing right and start worrying about not scoring goals. He's got to score goals for us."
Toews had gone 10 games without a goal when he tipped in a shot by Michal Rozsival in the second period. That gave the Blackhawks a 2-1 lead, and he also had a hand in the game-winner, screening Boston's Tuukka Rask as Seabrook unleashed a slap shot 9:51 into overtime.
That was more like it for Chicago.
Seabrook has given Toews several pep talks during this playoff run, whether he was calming the Blackhawks' star after he collected three penalties against Detroit in Game 4 of their second-round series or demanding more on offense from him.
Demanding might be a strong word. Toews insisted Seabrook was calm and not in his face, but either way, he made his point.
"Let's set it straight here," Toews said. "It was — not a joke — but he'd be sitting in the lounge or whatever at the hotel, and he just looked at me and I answered it wrong one time because he just asked me, 'What are you thinking about,' and I was like, 'Nothing; what are you thinking about?' And he looked at me again and I realized what he wanted me to say, and I snapped back and said, 'Scoring goals.' There you go. That was all it was."
NO GOALIE SWITCH: Blackhawks Coach Joel Quenneville made it clear he's sticking with Corey Crawford in goal and has no intention of going with Ray Emery.
"No, we're very comfortable with Corey," Quenneville said Thursday. "He's the biggest reason why we're here today."
Crawford and Emery shared the William M. Jennings Award while leading Chicago to the best record during the regular season. Chicago allowed a league-low 97 goals in 48 regular-season games and there was even debate over who should be their No. 1 goalie in the postseason.
A late injury to Emery along with Crawford's strong play in the postseason ended that debate. Quenneville did his best to squash it before it got reignited, and it's not hard to see why. Even with a rough outing in Wednesday's 6-5 overtime win, Crawford still has a 1.86 goals-against average and a .931 save percentage in the playoffs.
Emery has not appeared in the postseason after going 17-1.
NO BIG DEAL: With or without the 6-foot-9, 255-pound Zdeno Chara on the ice, the Bruins might seem to be bigger and taller than the Blackhawks.
It's an optical illusion.
According to STATS, the average height for both Bruins and Blackhawks players this season is 73.9 inches, or a hair under 6-foot-2. That's almost an inch shorter — 0.7 inches, to be exact — than the Toronto Maple Leafs and Florida Panthers, the tallest teams in the NHL this season.
And when it comes to weight, the Blackhawks are actually bigger than the Bruins. Chicago's players weighed an average of 201 pounds while Boston's were 200.8 pounds. That's practically svelte compared with the Los Angeles Kings, who tip the scales at an average of 209.9 pounds.
KANE COMES THROUGH: Just like Toews, Patrick Kane had been quiet on offense. That changed Wednesday.
"You know, our line was on the ice for three goals that we had yesterday. I thought all of them were pretty big goals, Toews, myself and obviously Seabrook in overtime, so it's good to be out there and contribute," Kane said.
Kane has seven goals in the postseason but they've come in bunches. He had four in the final two games against Los Angeles in the Western Conference finals and didn't score in the first three games against Boston.
HE SAID IT: Rask on whether he feels more motivation to shut down the Blackhawks after a high-scoring game: "I always like to shut them down, obviously, but I just try not to let in six goals again. I mean you let in six goals, that's not something you look forward to repeating, I guess."
Portland company wins contract to help develop geothermal energy
Varsity Maine
Boys' basketball: Top-ranked Bangor runs past Portland in AA North semis
Varsity Maine
Boys' basketball: Edward Little tops Oxford Hills, returns to Class AA North final
Varsity Maine
Swimming: Bangor dethrones Cony in Class A girls
Cops & Courts
Auburn man fights murder extradition to Alaska


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WJ Fantasy and Babalu are known for their great toys and these building blocks are a superb example. In the box are 9 colorful blocks cleverly designed to integrate visual and kinesthetic features into one product. Young architects can build a 9 story medieval castle and look inside at all the rooms. It's enough to spark a kids' imagination and carry them off to merry olde England! The stacked tower reaches 33" high, but is lightweight and safe. The blocks are laminated heavy card stock, so they will last through years of play. These sets are recommended for kids 3+.
© Copyright 2017 Kidstructive Fun
Ecommerce Website Design by Off the Page Creations


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January 13, 2006
wgb/c project update
Here's an update on my recent pursuit of the wasabi-ginger-black sesame trio with chocolate (wgb/c, that is), originally triggered by Vosges' Black Pearl truffle/chocolate bar and as a follow-up to my latest attempt to realize it in a form of chocolate layer cakes. Inspired by a suggestion by she-who-never-fails-to-come-up-with-an-ingenious-idea, I tried and made something that may (almost) be called Black Pearl molten chocolate cake.
When I found the wasabi or ginger flavor hardly noticeable in my Black Pearl layer cakes, I contemplated trying out the WGB/C combination in something in a way that is more flavorsome, and one of my immediate candidates was cookies. But wasabi especially is a tricky ingredient to cook with - you don't want to heat it too long or its delicate scent and sharp tang will diminish. Then simple molten chocolate cake hit me as an excellent idea, in that it could really showcase the central ingredients in a very simple but beautiful way. Besides, molten chocolate cake is usually dead easy to make, which would be perfect for someone who's particularly pressed with work at this moment, like me. It seemed to fit the bill.
I used this recipe as a base, because I wanted very simple and very chocolate-y one preferably without flour. There I added some grated fresh wasabi and ginger roots along with lightly toasted black sesame seeds. To serve, I whipped up ginger ice cream, which I thought would go good with the cake, with this recipe in my mind. I simply made it by adding chopped crystallized ginger and a dash of rum to store-bought vanilla ice cream though; I had no time, energy, ice-cream maker, freezer space, or whatever it takes me to make ice cream from scratch.
Verdict: dainty. Not ultimately wasabi-y again, for one thing I didn't use enough wasabi (I was running out of it), but it was definitely there. I seemed to have baked the cakes a bit too long (typical!) and the center of the cakes wasn't oozy or runny as it was supposed to be (ugh!), but it was still very fudgy - not of dense, brownie-like fudginess but more of an airy, light feel. I think it was a nice delicacy with a touch of fresh spices and crunch of seeds, alongside sweet and tangy ginger ice cream. And it's definitely far easier to put together than the layer cake. Meanwhile, when it's warmer and when/if I feel like making home-made ice cream, I might try WGB/C ice cream or something; they sell wasabi soft serve in Japan, and it's good!
On another note, as many of you may already know, the 2005 Food Blog Awards have been organized by Kate at Accidental Hedonist and voting is under way. I would like to thank those of you who nominated this sometimes-it-seems-almost-neglected small blog for the category of photography. While I didn't make it to the shortlist like last year, we find outstanding blogs with spectacular photography as the finalists in that category, along with many other yummy blogs in other categories. Give them your votes and see who win!
7 comments:
- Blackwidow said...
Do you own a bakery shop? you have to showcase, and sell all those goodies. everything you bake is amazing....
Posted by Blackwidow
- 8:12 PM, January 12, 2006
- gattina said...
Yeah, I saw a food program interview the owner of Vosges. Last time she mentioned she still couldn't make curry powder work with her chocolates.
Be honest, I think you should even win the catagory of photography...
Posted by gattina
- 5:58 AM, January 13, 2006
- Santos said...
ooh, that is gorgeously elegant. elegantly gorgeous. i have yet to try fresh wasabi, i'm looking forward to the day i can try it. my favourite sushi bar in los angeles offers the option of fresh wasabi for a whopping $15 extra; however, i'd much rather try it in a sweet, i think.
Posted by santos.
- 6:41 AM, January 13, 2006
Hi Santos,
Fresh wasabi is definitely worth a try - at least once. Even though it's an extra $15. Fresh wasabi is pricey in Japan too. The tangy ting is strong yet so delicate.! A must try!
Posted by kuromame
- 3:29 AM, January 15, 2006
- chika said...
Hi there, thanks for the comments and kind words :)
Santos - does that option give you one whole root of fresh wasabi? If so, that could be something you might want to try, if you have a group of people to share it with, as you aren't likely to use up one whole wasabi root by yourself at once. I'd say the $15 charge is something a bit too much, agreed, but like kuromame says fresh wasabi's quite pricy even in Japan. (I got this for 400 yen or so, which is about $3.5... ah well, $15 is a bit over the top, probably... but hey, they sell a 4-oz tin of Mauna Loa macnuts at about $10 here!!)
Posted by chika
- 8:22 AM, January 18, 2006
- Anita said...
I've had those Black Pearl truffles before - I think Vosges has some very creative flavor combinations but I feel some of them might "pop" more in a immediate/a la minute type of dessert like what you made. It looks very pretty!
Posted by Anita
- 12:48 PM, January 20, 2006
- Caroline@Bibliocook said...
Your crème brûlée looks really good - I'm fascinated by the flavour combinations that you use. I came across some amazing wasabi from a little company in Canterbury, New Zealand while I was there and now I'm kicking myself that I didn't bring a jar of it home to Ireland. It would be perfect for these kinds of experiments.
Oh, and just letting you know that you've been tagged for the Wierd Meme (www.bibliocook.com/archives/2006/01/weird_meme.html). Best of luck!
- 1:33 AM, January 25, 2006


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This blog discusses current weather, weather prediction, climate issues, and other topics
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Will You See the Aurora Tonight?
There was a major solar event yesterday and with clear skies several of you saw a nice display last night. In fact, Greg Johnson has captured last night's event on his web cam video (click on image to see video)
The event peaked last night and based on the Kp index, seems to be declining (see graphic).
According to the guidance from the NOAA Space Weather Center, another solar event should cause a new peak in the Kp index sometime tonight (sometime after 10 PM): Here is their latest forecast (in GMT--subtract 8 hrs for PST):
As shown from the graphic below, it needs to reach the 5-7 level for us to see much--something they are predicting for tonight.
But there is a problem for us...skies around here are no longer clear...we are getting considerable high clouds coming around the offshore ridge. Here is the latest infrared satellite picture:
You see the problem.
The weather prediction models also forecast clouds and here are the simulations of what a satellite image would look like at 1 AM and 4 AM. Yes, there are thin, high clouds in the forecast. Better if you go south and east...but going south gets you away from the aurora.
Maybe we will luck out...there will be a thin spot in the clouds. Viewing a good aurora is an amazing experience.
12 comments:
- Lea Scotia said...
Thanks for the quick update Cliff. I wish I'd paid attention and watched last night - at least I'll probably get more sleep tonight instead of staying up with fingers crossed, gazing northward.
- March 7, 2012 at 4:26 PM
- Roderick Yang said...
From what I can tell, based on the NASA SWPC's Activity Summary, the activity last night (07/0421Z) was attributable to an X1 event on 05 March.
While activity is declining now, last night's X5 event has not arrived. The forecast indicates its arrival "is estimated to be sometime between 0600-1000Z" (08 March), which is later tonight.
It goes on: "Minor to major storm levels are expected to continue partway (6-12 hours) into the second day (09 March)." That, of course, includes Thursday evening here.
I have no expertise in any of these fields though; this is just my lay interpretation of what I've read.
- March 7, 2012 at 4:57 PM
- Cliff Mass Weather Blog said...
You are correct. I have added the latest forecast for the event that should reach us tonight. The problem is still the clouds....
- March 7, 2012 at 5:37 PM
- Unknown said...
I recently returned from a trip to Alaska, solely for the purpose of seeing the Aurora, about an hour north of Fairbanks.
Definitely something to behold! I hope we get a good show tonight.
- March 7, 2012 at 6:30 PM
- Westside guy said...
First time I ever saw the aurora was in the middle of the night in northern British Columbia. They were bright enough to shine through the top of our tent! Truth be told, it freaked me out a little bit until I'd completely woken up - but it certainly was amazing.
- March 7, 2012 at 7:37 PM
- smokejumper said...
After an afternoon of high cloud, filtered sunshine in E eash, it is perfectly clear now (9pm). No sign yet. Will a full moon play a factor is visability?
"Viewing an aurora is an amazing experience." Just curious, to leave such a remark, you must have been somewhere to see one firsthand. When and where were ya?
- March 7, 2012 at 9:24 PM
- Bob said...
Not being an astronomer, Cliff overlooked the very bright full moon which will make good viewing difficult, even if the sky is completely clear. 'Looks like we got the double whamey
- March 7, 2012 at 11:03 PM
- Jeremy said...
cliff, thanks for the update. i am a regular reader and am currently traveling in south africa and am curious if the southern hemisphere also experiences aurora? the southern lights?
- March 8, 2012 at 5:01 AM
- Hilton Lange said...
Jeremy: Yes, "Aurora Australis" is the name for the same effect in the Southern Hemisphere. It is far rarer to see just because of the lack of habitable landmass in the zone that the Aurora usually manifests. Cape Town is at the equivalent latitude to Atlanta, GA. Melbourne is equivalent to San Fran, CA. New Zealand has the only realistic zones for viewing the occasional display - Invercargill is furthest south, equivalent to roughly Portland, WA.
- March 8, 2012 at 9:30 AM
- Hegemonkey said...
NOAA's aurora forecast page:
- March 8, 2012 at 11:23 AM
- Unknown said...
Based on the current forecast model runs on the 4KM domain for Washington 1-hour it shows that nice rain shadow will be over Sequim this weekend, but on the contrary the NWS forecast shows an 80% chance of rain. Who is more likely correct? The reason I care so much is because I am a promoter for a bike race being held on Saturday in Sequim and its much easier to prod people onto the ferries and across the souds if they know the rain shadow is likely to hold.
- March 8, 2012 at 11:39 AM
- GaryP. said...
I saw the aurora on Thursday night in Bellevue about 9pm. Quite spectacular, but not much color. Still pretty good viewing for as far South as we are.
- March 11, 2012 at 1:32 PM


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Jobless Claims fall, Housing Starts Up 12%
Dow Jones Newswires Managing Editor Michael Casey joins the News hub to discuss housing starts, jobless claims data, stocks to watch and the latest on Boeing. Photo: Getty Images.
This transcript has been automatically generated and may not be 100% accurate.
... the the ... on the ... markets now ... I'm joined by Michael Casey thousand Inc's was mounting an attack ... I mean he's on buying the smiling ... because it leads to the one of the the the big ones that didn't this is can it be enough to see how this is what does this to be crunched up with it ... on the big news really does putting them up this morning is that the economy that we've had on ... housing starts outs ... of which were up twelve point five percent significantly larger number know this but listen ... to Sandy in a super storms Danny effects in that way but nonetheless it's a really strong sign that the constructions picking up most of course that is to be driving the economy ... jobless claims as well ... down thirty seven thousand demonstrated the problem with the Prince of investments that ... are really good sign that that that ... that ... that the jobs don't pick up improving led marketing guy in this seasonal affective this summer the we don't know whether this is affected by the holiday hiring effects and so forth ... until I get that that ... that was the lone five eleven and us in with the cousins Thousands and ... his two thousand is also the ... buzz of those numbers very strong in the markets have responded really positively to that ... Treasurys down stocks are up but the so the Pacman this comes out ... um ... because a review of the earnings season ... um we know we look and it's ... quite a number of the team that is that any pics of the willing close ... it is kind of what banks in London ... banks really what's up with that was happening ... today Waddell has one in Bank of America and Seagate both ... disappointing the market it's a really confusing picture because both of them had bought on hopes of ... the Woodchuck is as as you would know is we've been reporting ... has been allowed settlements with ... him in place other than the ongoing ... mortgage issue for coffee is now this ... I bet that those banks in particular have had to lead our lives is the amount of money to settle claims of the other day and what will this crisis ... um and that's all ... rolled into the numbers and confusing that the two little bit ... this is awesome but but missed ... expectations of a hat that into operating profit level ... but underneath the busiest in training yesterday so called Menin to move in ... a surprise to the upside is largely because of the strong performance in the couple bought the division but interesting Lee as much driven by ... cost savings in terms of stock as anything else ... Wall Street is is actually taking lives away from ... the company's two from the written even more is guarded the shareholders including trade unions and tech high jump and show and tell you what's in the Angel's our letter of ... the bell on Intel is as Avici ... always been an important bellwether that it's been a real double the stock of lightness is this the real reason behind that ... matters that PC sales are not what they were ... I've got my time out is that the key consultants who watches these things ... during ... the week and said that the fourth quarter as PC sales were down ... three ... c to lead ... to the stock market is showing very well ... aam ... one of three point ... two from an ethics back on Health mission dulling and is back on the upside lies because a store that we broke ... up the economy Mr. talking once again about the concerns that existed in St ...


text:
Lance Stephenson - "The Next Lebron James" Born Ready (Trailer)
High School Basketball Phenom Lance Stephenson; Offers Glimpse Into The Making Of A Potential Superstar! Via Smartenupnas&IP=18.104.22.168
Please click the "Report" button below if the video on this page is not working properly.
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Oakland County MI's Leading Landscape Design Solutions
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text:
I didn't say that, you didSo, the dacron is worn out but the kite is in general ok
I don't know, all I know is that I saw him and he showed me his kite, the rest of the kite looked sweet.
Pics..............maybe, if I see him but not gonna make special trip.
Trust me, not good, and I'm one of the Torch's biggest fans


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LONGVIEW, Texas, September 13, 2012: Residents of Buckner Westminster Place, an active senior living community in Longview, Texas, delivered cakes, cookies, and pies they made to Longview firefighters on September 11th. On this 11th anniversary of 9/11 a former Gilmer resident, Don Williams, enjoyed taking part in the tribute to all of the first responders and Americans lost that tragic day. He was among a dozen Buckner Westminster Place residents who spent time thanking the firefighters for the work they do to keep the community safe.
"It was inspiring to see the seniors and our staff members collaborate andput together such a meaningful event," said Blake Lambert, marketing and sales director, Buckner Westminster Place. "Fire Station 6 has always arrived at the drop of a hat to assist our residents. The residents wanted to commemorate 9/11, and the seniors thought that showing their gratitude to the local fire department would be a special way to do it."
Assisted living residents, independent living residents and staff members delivered a dozen baked goods they made themselves along with a dozen Papa Murphy's pizzas to firefighters at Longview Fire Station 6. The residents wanted their local heroes to know how much they appreciate what they do every day to keep Longview residents safe.
"The Longview Fire Department appreciates that the local residents recognize that we are a part of the firefighter brotherhood. Even though we were not at the scene of 9/11, we make the same sacrifices every day," said Johnny Zackary, fire marshal and public information officer, Longview Fire Department. "September 11th has not been forgotten, and we will always remember the sacrifices that those firefighters and their families made."
If you have any questions or would like to set up an interview about this event, please call Lauren Witt (214) 890-7912 ext. 42 or e-mail email@example.com.
Buckner Westminster Place, a Buckner Retirement Services community, is a non-profit, faith-based senior living community offering 89 independent living apartments and patio homes for active adults aged 62 and above. In addition, the community offers a continuum of care including 30 assisted living apartments, 25 memory care support residences and 20 private bedrooms in the Green House® homes for skilled nursing care. Buckner Westminster Place is the only complete CCRC (continuing care
retirement community) in Longview which accommodates these four levels of living and care as residents' needs change.
Located near the Longview Mall and just minutes from area medical centers, Buckner Westminster Place gives residents a beautiful way to live. The community includes a 16-acre lakeside setting with walking trails and spacious well-manicured grounds.
Residents can enjoy delicious dining and warm fellowship in beautifully arranged dining rooms. The community also has an on-site life enrichment coordinator, chapel, full-time chaplain, on-site worship services, beauty/barber salon and weekly housekeeping/linen service.
A partnership with the Good Shepherd Institute for Healthy Living gives residents and staff access to a wellness center that includes classrooms, a resistance pool, a track and exercise equipment. The community provides transportation to the wellness center.
For more information about Buckner Westminster Place, please visit the community website at www.bucknerwestminster.org or call Blake Lambert at (903) 252-6736.
Buckner Retirement Services, Inc. is one of the largest not-for-profit senior living organizations in Texas dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for senior adults and their families by promoting an active, healthy Christian lifestyle while maintaining their independence and dignity. Buckner Retirement Services is part of Buckner International, a global faith-based ministry serving more than 450,000 people each year
in the United States and 18 countries worldwide.


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- 2 pounds chicken cutlets
- 2 to 4 teaspoons Emeril's Original Essence or Creole seasoning, plus more if desired
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, plus more for dredging
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken stock or store-bought low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced onion
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 to 2 tablespoons chopped fresh tarragon leaves, as desired
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Whole fresh chives, for garnish
Season chicken cutlets with Essence, lightly dredge in flour, shake off excess, and set aside. Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large skillet set over medium-high heat. Add chicken to pan, in batches if necessary, and cook 3 to 4 minutes per side until nicely browned and just cooked through. Set browned chicken aside.
Reduce heat to medium-low and add remaining 2 tablespoons vegetable oil to pan juices. Add 2 tablespoons flour, whisking continuously, and cook until mixture becomes blond in color. Whisk in cream and chicken stock and cook until slightly thickened, about 3 minutes. Add onion and continue cooking until soft, about 3 minutes. Stir in mustard and tarragon. Return chicken cutlets to pan and heat through, basting continuously. Remove from heat and garnish with chives. Serve immediately.


text: Sijun Forums :: View topic - Tablets kick monster bootay!! Log in to check your private messages Sijun Forums Forum Index >> Archive : Sep99 - Dec00 View previous topic :: View next topic Author Topic : "Tablets kick monster bootay!!" KorEholjunior memberMember #Joined: 30 Dec 2000Posts: 1Location: Sacramento,CA,USA Posted: Sat Dec 30, 2000 11:31 pm i just recieved a wacom special edition intuos system, and lemme tell you brutha, its foo awesome!!! all sleek and shiny and stuff, ive done a couple drawrings, hope you will see them soon [This message has been edited by KorEhol (edited December 30, 2000).] Back to top Display posts from previous: All Posts1 Day7 Days2 Weeks1 Month3 Months6 Months1 Year Oldest FirstNewest First Sijun Forums Forum Index -> Archive : Sep99 - Dec00 All times are GMT - 8 Hours Page 1 of 1 Jump to: Select a forum Digital Art----------------Digital Art DiscussionWork in ProgressGallery/Finished Work Miscellaneous----------------Random MusingsArchive : Sep99 - Dec00 You cannot post new topics in this forumYou cannot reply to topics in this forumYou cannot edit your posts in this forumYou cannot delete your posts in this forumYou cannot vote in polls in this forum Powered by phpBB © 2005 phpBB Group


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Office of the Provost | About
Biographical Sketch of W. A. "Bud" Baeslack III
W. A. "Bud" Baeslack III, a native of greater Cleveland, earned his bachelor's and master's degrees from Ohio State, and went on to earn a doctorate in materials engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. He spent 17 years at Ohio State, serving as a faculty member, department chair, associate dean and interim university vice president of research before becoming dean of engineering at RPI in 1999. He returned to Ohio State in 2004, recruited by a team that included Snyder, then Ohio State's interim provost.
As engineering dean at Ohio State, Baeslack led development of a performance plan for the college that resulted in increasing undergraduate enrollment, growth in research support and improved national rankings. At the same time, the College launched an innovative undergraduate engineering initiative, improved diversity among faculty and administrators and created several new interdisciplinary research centers.
Baeslack also participated in the development and implementation of a strategic plan at RPI, in which the school identified key priorities for interdisciplinary research. Baeslack helped recruit nearly 20 new faculty in such areas as Biotechnology, Nanotechnology/Advanced Materials and Information Systems. Over a four-year period the number of women who were tenured or tenure track grew by 70 percent, and the number of Hispanic and African-American tenured or tenure-track faculty also increased significantly.
At both Ohio State and RPI Baeslack was well-known for his success in developing partnerships with industry and government. Honda of America, for example, maintains a robust partnership with engineering at Ohio State that includes funding to promote awareness of engineering among high school students, especially women and underrepresented minorities, as well as scholarships and other programs to support new curricular initiatives.
- B.S., Welding Engineering, The Ohio State University, 1973
- M.S., Welding Engineering, The Ohio State University, 1974
- Ph.D. Materials Engineering, Rennselaer Polytechnic Institute, 1978
Leadership Positions
- Provost and Executive Vice President, Case Western Reserve University, 2008-present
- Executive Dean for the Professional Colleges, Ohio State, 2007-2008
- Dean, College of Engineering, Ohio State, 2004-2008
- Dean, School of Engineering, RPI, 1999-2004
- Interim Vice President for Research, Ohio State, 1998-1999
- President, OHIO STATE Research Foundation, 1998-1999
- Associate Dean for Research and College Development, College of Engineering, Ohio State, 1994-1998
- Chair, Department of Welding Engineering, Ohio State,1991-1994
- Born, August 29, 1951, Cleveland, Ohio
- Married to Michelle Longley Baeslack, four children
- Activities: Golf/Reading (British history and biographies)


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Friday, November 21, 2008
Sweet Potato Fries with Parsley and Caper Mayonnaise
Oliver and I were contemplating going out for dinner, when, suddenly, I noticed our two lonely sweet potatoes that we hadn't gotten around to using this week. Sometimes, the best meals are built around a single item, and this smelled like that kind of night. I had published these sweet potato fries while working on TasteSpotting a little while ago and knew they would be my inspiration for tonight's dish. We opted for baking the fries (a generally much healthier version than deep frying), keeping it rustic with the skins left on, and serving it with a hearty batch of homemade mayonnaise.
I don't know if it's because I grew up watching my mother make mayonnaise time and time again, or if it's just because homemade mayonnaise is so easy to make, but I never understood why people buy the jarred stuff. Sure, I won't lie, it has come in handy a couple of times in the past, but the real stuff just takes whatever you're making to a whole new level. Trust me, your usual potato salads, sandwiches or dips featuring homemade mayonnaise just have that extra something a mass-produced product can't compete with.
Recipe: (for 2)
2 sweet potatoes, peeled
3 cloves of garlic, mashed
1 teaspoon of dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon of chopped fresh rosemary leaves
2 tablespoons of olive oil
Salt and freshly ground pepper
Preheat your oven to 375F. Cut the potatoes into 1/4 inch slices, stack the slices and cut again into sticks. Using a mortar and pestle, mash together the oregano, rosemary and garlic and season with salt and pepper. Once the mixture is well blended add the olive oil, little by little to form a paste. Add the mixture to the potatoes and, if needed, add some more oil to make sure each and every fry is well-coated. Place on a single layer on a baking sheet and cook for 30 minutes, rotating the sheet half way through the cooking time. Increase the temperature to 450F and cook for another ten minutes. Remove from the baking sheet and transfer to a bowl lined with paper towels to suck up any excess oil. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve warm.
1 egg yolk,
150-200 ml of canola oil
1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon of white wine vinegar
1/2 teaspoon of lemon juice
1 teaspoon of capers, rinsed and coarsely chopped
1 teaspoon of parsley, chopped
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
In a small bowl, add the egg yolk and mustard and whisk until blended. Slowly add the oil, whisking continuously. After you have incorporated about a quarter of the oil, you should feel the mayonnaise coming together and starting to form a thick sauce. Add the oil very slowly to make sure that it has time to be completely incorporated in the mustard mixture before you add more oil. Once all the oil has been added, add the vinegar and lemon and whisk again. Add the capers and parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve alongside the fries. Enjoy!
17 comments:
- Life for Beginners said...
I had just had some fries at Carls Jr. the other day with my colleague and I was telling her how I wished commercial fastfood fries came with the skin intact... This is exactly what I love... rustic and something special using sweet potato instead of normal taters. Brilliant. :)
- November 22, 2008 at 8:39 AM
I like homemade mayo too! Thanks for your recipe :)
- November 22, 2008 at 9:07 AM
- Nicole said...
The photos are beautiful! I also love homemade mayonnaise and the main reason I don't make it often is that we can never use up a whole batch (since you're only supposed to keep it for a few days). So, I depend on the stuff in a jar most of the time, and save the homemade stuff for special occasions or when we have a group of people to feed so that it doesn't go to waste.
- November 22, 2008 at 10:23 AM
- Deanna S. said...
Mmmm...I've never made mayo, but you make it sound so easy. I'm going to have to try it now. Thanks!
- November 22, 2008 at 10:31 AM
- Chocolate Shavings said...
Nicole: I agree, it's sometimes hard to use up a whole batch! I found that using a good amount of white vinegar preserves the mayonnaise quite well so you can keep it for about 4 days in the fridge.
- November 22, 2008 at 10:38 AM
- gail said...
Delicious! I love sweet potato fries!!
- November 22, 2008 at 11:34 AM
- Dana Treat said...
These are gorgeous! I made some spiced sweet potato fries for a Super Bowl party last year at our house and they were the first thing to go. I served them with a yogurt dipping sauce, but homemade mayo sounds much more decadent!
- November 22, 2008 at 12:05 PM
- Dawn said...
We have switched over to sweet potatoes for our french fries months ago, and you kow we like them better.
I never thought to put chopped capers in homemade mayo. What a perfect pairing.
Your photos are always stellar!! (I know I say that all the time lol)
- November 22, 2008 at 1:09 PM
- Chocolate Shavings said...
Dawn: Thank you so much Dawn. This picture was actually really tricky to take because it was pitch dark outside and I had to make due with artificial indoor lighting!
- November 22, 2008 at 2:39 PM
- Vera said...
This is the dish I could never say "no" to. Perfect fries!
- November 23, 2008 at 1:00 AM
- v@le said...
Hello! Non ho mai provato le patate dolci fritte... ma mi ispirano molto! ottimo modo di servirle!
ciao vale
- November 23, 2008 at 8:14 AM
- VeggieGirl said...
Sweet potatoes = my obsession.
- November 23, 2008 at 6:53 PM
- Deborah said...
I have to admit - I've never made my own mayonnaise! I'm going to one of these days, but it's on the "no" list for now since I'm pregnant. Hopefully after the baby comes, because this looks delicious!
- November 24, 2008 at 4:50 PM
- Ash said...
wow! I love sweet potatoes! You're fries look amazing! I think I may need to make some!
- November 24, 2008 at 5:03 PM
- Alex Rushmer said...
They look (and sound) fantastic. Stunning photography too
- November 25, 2008 at 10:36 AM
- Venus ~ Vi said...
Mmmmmmm..I love sweet potato fries and caper mayonnaise sounds amazing!
You have a lovely blog and it is a joy to read =)
- November 25, 2008 at 8:30 PM
- marla {Family Fresh Cooking} said...
My favorite kind of "fries" This photo makes me crave these crispy, flavor filled, baked sweet potato goodness. the mayo must take 'em over the top!
- February 5, 2010 at 4:00 PM


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Hooked On Driving - California @ Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca
Hooked On Driving - California
Monday, December 4, 2017
Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, Salinas, CA
For event details and registration go to hookedondriving.com Hooked On Driving will put on over 120 safe, well managed events in 2017. Our priorities are 1)Safe, 2)Fun, 3)Learn. We are friendly, non-competitive, low stress and cater to Drivers willing to share the track respectfully. Coaching available. Beginner programs include a personal Coach and are welcoming and educational with a busy day on track and in the classroom. Are all track events the same? Give HOD a try and see the difference!


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B.J. Voss was a town police officer who'd been a top dog of security at the Dunkin' Donuts Center and Gillette Stadium, even escorting Tom Brady from the Super Bowl in Phoenix when the Patriots lost to the Giants in 2008. But most of all, best of all, he was a family man, a lover of children, and is best remembered that way after his sudden, unexpected death Saturday night.
B.J. Voss was a town police officer who'd been a top dog of security at the Dunkin' Donuts Center and Gillette Stadium, even escorting Tom Brady from the Super Bowl in Phoenix when the Patriots lost to the Giants in 2008.
But most of all, best of all, he was a family man, a lover of children, and is best remembered that way after his sudden, unexpected death Saturday night.
Elizabeth (Cordeiro) Voss, his wife for nearly nine years, said those who know him best will remember "how much he loved kids — everyone's kids. And they would love him back."
She said the strong, burly officer would go into his younger son's North Elementary School, "and they'd come up and high-five him — everybody wanted him around," she said.
His older son "was so happy" about anticipating his father joining their eighth-grade field trip at Somerset Middle School to Washington, D.C., this year, said the distraught wife and mother, just two days after the terrible loss.
Monday afternoon, when a hearse carrying Voss's casket turned into the Hathaway Community Home For Funerals on Buffinton Street, a line of blue lights and police cruisers and motorcycles joined the hearse.
As the body of the 35-year-old married father of two sons was wheeled into Hathaway Community Home for Funerals, about 30 officers from multiple departments and the Rhode Island and Massachusetts state police stood in two lines, saluting one of their own.
Voss graduated from the 53rd Massachusetts Police Officers Academy in 2011. He joined the town police force as a reserve officer on March 20, 2011, and would have turned 36 this month.
It had been so recently that this officer from town, known among them as a "gentle giant," had been working among them. Then suddenly he was gone.
His cause of death is not yet known. He was stricken with a possible seizure, according to authorities.
He collapsed Saturday about 6 p.m. while looking to buy a car with his family in Warwick, R.I., at an Inskip dealership on Bald Hill Road. His older son, Javier Cepeda, 13, was by his side. His younger son is Alex Voss, 8, a fourth-grader.
Warwick ambulance rescue workers performed CPR on Voss and transported him to Kent County Hospital, where he was pronounced dead, Warwick Capt. Thomas Hannon said.
His wake will be held Thursday from 4 to 8 p.m. at Hathaway, 900 Buffinton St. His funeral will be Friday, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in St. Thomas More Church, 386 Luther Ave., Somerset, and burial to follow in St. Patrick Cemetery, Somerset.
Before his death, Voss had left work barely two hours earlier after an extraordinarily long shift of about 15 hours.
"He had to pull a double to cover for a manpower shortage," said Sgt. Tracey Costa, the day-shift commander.
Normally, Voss worked the midnight to 8 a.m. shift, but he was needed beyond that Saturday. "He was the junior officer and he had to stay," a tearful Costa said of Voss. "It's like losing a family member when you work with somebody 40 hours a week, and you know they have your back and you have their back."
Standing by fellow officers outside the funeral home, Costa solemnly remembered Voss.
"He was a very, very dedicated officer. He was very quiet in nature. He was just a gentle giant," she said.
Costa said the times he'd work a day shift with her, she'd hear him before she saw him: banging through the doors with his equipment, usually 15 or 20 minutes late "so he could get his children where they needed to be," and help his wife, Costa said.
Other things she remembered: He had a great smile and no one ever had a bad word to say about him, a rarity among ranks in this profession.
Somerset's former police chief, James Smith, was at Hathaway on Monday, the one-time journalist taking photos to memorialize the loss for his former department.
Smith, retired in 2005 and an instructor had the police academy, had Voss as a student, teaching him a class in constitutional law. "He was a very quiet, very respectful individual," Smith said.
Voss was born and raised in Sterling, Ill., where he graduated the town's high school, later completing a college degree at Johnson & Wales University in Rhode Island in sports management and marketing in 2000. That led to events management jobs at the Dunkin' Donuts Center and with the Pats at Gillette Stadium.
His mother lives in Woonsocket, R.I., and he has siblings in Bellingham and Gloucester, R.I. His father lives in Arizona.
Voss's wife, Elizabeth, whom he met at her sister Laurie's New Year's Eve party in Fall River, fondly remembered the concerts he brought her to, taking her backstage to meet the stars.
She was aware of the tribute shown at the Hathaway funeral home by fellow police officers.
They came from 18 miles away, from the Rhode Island Medical Examiner's Office in Providence where an autopsy was conducted, closing off roads and highways along the way.
Michael Roberts, an owner of Hathaway, expressed "sincere gratitude" on behalf of the families of B.J. and Elizabeth Voss.
As Costa listed them, the officers offering support to Somerset's Police Department came from Providence and East Providence, R.I., from Seekonk, Swansea, Rehoboth and Fall River, and State Police in both states.
"They blocked off the highways so he would have the respect he deserves," Costa said emotionally.
For just a moment, while graciously speaking on the phone, Elizabeth Voss shared her personal loss. "For me, personally, he loved me so much. He made me so happy," she said in a raised voice.
If she became unhappy or overwhelmed, he'd say, "I'm going to take this off your plate, and this off your plate ... so you can enjoy this."
Costa said a small-town police department like theirs is close knit. "So we just want to be here for the family and get them through it. And we'll offer them any assistance, in any way, shape or form we can," she said.
A memorial fund has been set up, and donations in his memory can be sent to the Voss Family Educational Trust, care of Rockland Trust Co., 100 Slades Ferry Ave., Somerset, MA 02726.
Email Michael Holtzman at firstname.lastname@example.com.


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so.. 5.4 hit and things have happened!
Grats to lots of people who have already gotten their hands on a shiny new orange glowy winged cape
but that's not all!
on day one we cleared the first wing on flex mode and then went on to kill the first boss in normal!!!
We then came back on Thursday and got us the 2nd boss down and got ever so close to the 3rd as well
This leads us onto Thursday where we had a semi impromptu ToT run, in which we solo healed the first 2 and nearly 3rd then went on to eventually kill 11/12 with few problems
Then comes Sunday. We started with Lei-Shen, he took a while but we eventually got there for our second kill and then moved back into SoO where after gradual progression and some painfully low wipes (0.3%) we finally killed him bringing our normal mode total up to 3!
Roll on tomorrow for more Normal mode glory!


text: Only last month did we drool over the Audi Quattro Concept with the turbocharged five-cylinder engine, just like the original. And we dreamed of what it might be like to drive such a mythical beast. Well, a month is a long time in the car world and now Audi has pondered the possibility of turning a 21st-century Quattro Coupe into a production reality. "We know how to engineer it already," said an Audi spokesman. The plan at the moment is to make a limited run of somewhere between 200 and 500 units, costing around $140,000 each. Because of extensive aluminum and carbon fiber use in construction, the new 408-hp Quattro weighs 2,866 pounds, just about the same as the old 444-hp Group B rally version. Sigh.


text:
When it comes to fashionable movies I know everyone is waiting for The Great Gatsby at the end of the year but last week I finally went to see Snow White & The Huntsman and I was blown away by the costumes from Colleen Atwood, the costume designer behind Chicago, Alice in Wonderland, and Memoirs of a Geisha.
For most I am sure Kristen Stewart and Charlize Theron are enough of a pull to see this film, but I have to admit with it coming soon after Julia Roberts' Mirror Mirror I was a little dubious about seeing another version of this fairytale. It did however surprise me, there is a darkness to the story that is played out perfectly by Charlize as the sexy-yet-evil queen, who has the most spectacular of wardrobes, and even Kristen as Snow White was impressive, rather less of a princess and more of a Joan of Arc character, which I think is probably easier for her to pull off. With the evil queen and the heroine sorted, the story just needed a hunky protector in the form of Chris Hemsworth, great eye candy, and then you have the very funny but badass dwarfs, who kind of had a touch of Narnia-meets-Games of Thrones about them.
Don't get me wrong this film is so geared to the teen market, why else would they cast Kristen, but what I took away most was the spectacular creations from Colleen Atwood. Of course all eyes are on Charlize as Ravenna, the sorceress haute-couture queen who has a fear of her mortality, which is played out perfectly in her costumes as they have a lot of death about in the detailing from the use of bones, beetle wings, and rooster feathers – kind of reflective of her own rotting mortality during the film and they looked spectacular on the big screen.
Of course her crown is important, it is iconic, and I love that even though the film is completely different from the Disney version, the pointy structure of the crown is inspired by the animated version, plus it feels a little Roman as well to me and I love the addition of the jewels.
The most spectacular of her gowns has to be her wedding dress, with its medieval-meets-couture runway vibe. It truly is a statement gown with its architectural shoulders that seem to be made from bones, to the embroidered and lace gown that kind of made me think of peeling skin, and fits perfectly into the evil queen's vanity.
I also have to quickly gush about all the jewellery, everything from the earrings to the crowns, and the very cool talon-like finger-caps, the detail of each look is incredible, even more so when you realise that every piece, some 2,000 costumes were all custom-made – now that is a huge job.
Of course it wouldn't be right to talk about the costumes of Snow White and not include the princess herself played by Kristen. I actually loved what Snow White was wearing it was more rock-chick than Disney princess, which worked better with the dark and action-packed script. There is still a regal look to her outfit, even though she has been held captive in the tower, I love the puff sleeves and the metal detailing around the corset.
Snow White doesn't get as many costume changes as the evil queen so she is in this look for most of the film so to adapt to her surroundings and the action, the Huntsman cuts of part of her dress and makes it into a tunic over leather trousers – very Joan of Arc, which continues when she heads into battle in her custom-made sculpted armour.
Seriously I loved this film, granted we all know the story but this is action-packed and you won't be disappointed. If you just see it for the costumes trust me it is worth it, I could seriously go on, and on about the wonderful work of Colleen Atwood I love every outfit that graced the screen. When researching the costumes I came across this fab video of the Academy award-winning costume designer discussing creating the costumes, it is really insightful and actually makes me want to see the film again!!!


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Rafa and (still-not-gay) Richard: I'm always a sap for fan stories like this from the Malaysian exhibition match between Rafa Nadal and the straight Frenchman, Richard Gasquet; and the one with Sampras and Federer:
And now: an unnamed deputy prime minister and his family are so fricking lucky. This unnamed minister had lunch with Nadal and Gasquet. His daughter was sitting NEXT TO GASQUET and discovered he was a shy guy. And Nadal said to her that they had never received such a warm welcome and reception anywhere before! The aforementioned daughter also says that Mirka, the ubiquitous fiance of one Mr. Federer is such a nice lady and they EXCHANGED E-MAILS. Oh, and here's the biggie: the son of this minister PLAYED WITH FEDERER. He helped Federer warm up for his match and stroked with him. Oh! I only know this because my coach is the coach of said son and daughter.
(Outsports.com, RR)
Is Roger SI worthy?: Journalist (and biographer) Rene Stauffer makes a case for Sports Illustrated to award Roger their "Sportsman of the Year" award. If SI had a worldwide circulation, all of Roger's feats and records add up. But with the magazine's readership mainly American, the award'll probably go to someone like Tom Brady, no?
Roger films UNICEF ad: The World No. 1 continues his philanthropic ways by appearing in a PSA (in Real Audio here) to raise awareness about mother-to-child HIV transmission for UNICEF. (DTL) Other celebs attached to the campaign are Susan Sarandon, Shakira, and David Beckham. UNICEF filmed Roger's PSA during the 2007 U.S. Open.
Roger and Rafa differ on year-end tennis: Roger would prefer the year-end tourney to be indoors (since all the other surfaces get special treatment via Grand Slams) while Rafa wants the surfaces to change every year. Something tells me he'll gun for slow, slow clay. (AS.com)


text:
Tomorrow will be the 6th anniversary of my mom's death. It's truly amazing how quickly the time has gone and how much has changed in my life.
1) I'm now an uncle to 5 nieces and nephews; a godfather to 1
2) I'm part owner of an LLC which owns 6 rental houses
3) Have earned more responsibility and exciting opportunities at work
4) Very involved with my church in the choir, bell choir, Vestry (governing body), stewardship, webpage, and renovating a 100 year old house
5) Seen my dad regain happiness when he married a new, wonderful lady
6) Added some new, dear friends to my list of people most dear to me
7) And most importantly, truly happy 99% of the time!
© 2011, copyright Chris Odom


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Rory Stewart MP Dancing to Lady Gaga with 100 Santas in Penrith
Some extraordinary footage has emerged via Guido Fawkes. Filmed by Sam England it shows Rory Stewart MP, dancing to Lady Gaga with 100 Santas. In Penrith.
There isn't really much more to say than that. Rory Stewart (adventurer, writer, diplomat and definitely not a former spook for MI6) is, it is said, determined to become Prime Minister at some point. But if that position isn't available he might be persuaded to settle for the post of Foreign Secretary. If either job comes his way, expect this latest footage to be recycled and used by television news channels the day he is appointed.
I presume the dancing with Santas to Lady Gaga business was for charity, or a worthwhile cause in his constituency. It is the only feasible explanation.


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Red Wings top Herd
The Rochester Red Wings, and more specifically Dustin Martin, got off to a fast start on Saturday night to defeat the Bisons by a 4-2 score at Frontier Field.
Martin's first-inning home run off Bisons' All-Star Chris Schwinden gave the Herd's closest rival an early 2-0 advantage. The Wings' centerfielder singled and scored again in a two-run third inning as Rochester built and 4-0 lead.
The Bisons were able to keep Martin from scoring after he tripled in the fifth, but his three-hit game was more than enough support for Wings' starter Andrew Baldwin and three relievers.
Baldwin worked six innings for his fifth win of the season. Although he struck out just one batter, the Bisons never threatened off the Rochester righty. Buffalo's lone run against him came on Raul Chavez's first home run of the season.
The Bisons added an eighth-inning tally as Luis Hernandez singled home Valentino Pascucci for his 42nd RBI of the season.
Schwinden lost for the first time in nine starts. The righty worked a season-low 4.1 innings, allowing four runs on seven hits.
BISONS NOTES: Dustin Martin had averaged just .200 (6-30) with no extra-base hits in his first nine games against the Bisons this season…Luis Hernandez has 6RBI in three games since the All-Star break…Chavez's home run was his first since August 7, 2010 against Memphis while playing for the Las Vegas 51s.