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- Contents - e-ifc No. 25
December 2010
- Editorial
- Research Findings
- The Role and Function of Agricultural Extension
- The Role of Extension in Bulgaria in Increasing Agricultural Productivity - Experience over the last 20 Years
- Rootstock Efficiency in Nutrient Uptake and Utilization in a High Density Cherry Orchard Experiment.
- IPI Events
- Presentation of IPI-FAI Award for 'Promoting Balanced and Integrated Fertiliser Use with Emphasis on Potassium'
- International Symposium in Sri Lanka
- Potassium in Soil and Plant Systems
- Other Events
- New Publications
- Publications
- K in the Literature
- Clipboard
- Clipboard
- Impressum
If you wish to subscribe to the e-ifc please visit the subscription page.
The Role and Function of Agricultural Extension
Blum, A.(1), A. Lowengart-Aycicegi(2), and H. Magen(3).
print version pdf 3.66 MB
(1)Prof. Emeritus, Faculty of Agriculture, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel. Corresponding author: firstname.lastname@example.com.
(2)Extension Service, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Western Galilei, Israel.
(3)International Potash Institute, Horgen, Switzerland.
(4)In this document the terms "extension" and "advisory" are used as synonyms.
This paper is based on various internal discussions at IPI during 2008-2010 supported by literary references.
Towards a New Paradigm
Over the past few decades, central governments of most countries have curtailed their direct involvement in agricultural extension. In industrialized countries, advisory services(4) have been "privatized", and farmers, as clients, have to pay for most extension activities. In developing countries, there has also been a move to privatize, outsource or regionalize extension and to demand that farmers pay for services, which in the past were provided free-of-charge by governmental agricultural advisory services.
Under these circumstances, it is only natural that farmers who have to pay for services should have a voice when extension goals and means of delivery are discussed. Thus "supply driven" extension becomes "demand driven" or "market driven" advice. Agricultural advisors have not only to bring relevant knowledge and practical solutions to farmers; they must also ensure that farmers' problems are brought to researchers, who can work towards feasible and economical solutions. Agricultural extension is becoming more pluralistic, with different actors concurrently using different approaches and extension methods. Hopefully, this pluralistic approach will lead to a generation of custom-made, environmentally-friendly and economically sustainable solutions based on farmers' involvement in agricultural innovation systems.
At the same time, different environments demand different solutions. Where soils are poor and depleted, as in many parts of Africa, fertilization is an urgent need. In regions with moderate fertilizer usage, an improvement in nutrient management hand in hand with other practices is required.
In the past, private advisors could be paid only by wealthier, more prosperous farmers and by corporate farms. With the trend towards privatization, the roles of public and private (commercial) extension has had to be redefined. Umali-Deininger (1997) suggested that where the knowledge being communicated is embedded in, or closely associated with, market goods (e.g. tractors, hybrid seeds, fertilizers etc.), the delivery of relevant advice can be left to the private sector, within an appropriate regulatory framework. However, where the technology or practice being promoted is associated with a toll good (such as farm management or marketing information), the delivery of extension advice is best handled by a judicious combination of public and private entities. If a common-pool good (such as soil, water and air resources, community forests, fisheries, common pastures etc.) is involved, it is highly beneficial to connect the advisory activities closely with cooperative or voluntary action. Where market and participation failures are high, for instance where subsistence farming dominates, a public sector approach to agricultural extension is required.
In any of these scenarios, it remains the responsibility of the government to ensure that agricultural advisory services adhere to quality standards, which should be clearly stated in the contracts provided by chosen extension providers.
The Role of the Private Sector
Private sector extension existed long before governmental extension systems were heavily curtailed, leaving a vacuum in many areas.
Four groups of firms provide the majority of private extension services:
- Private (individual or corporate) extension firms. Private extension firms often hire the best public extension services advisors, as they are able to pay more than the State and provide better working conditions. Sometimes, a public sector authority contracts a private party to join it in a public-private partnership (PPP) consortium. In other cases the government outsources its former extension responsibilities to a private firm. And in other instances, extension agents "set up their own shop". However, the need to work hard to make the business profitable can prevent them from acquiring newly emerging know-how. Therefore, some kind of quality control or certification by the State is required.
- Factories that process farm produce into higher value products, e.g. canned, dried or frozen foods. These factories contract farmers to follow strict production methods. In return, the factory offers extension advice and guarantees to buy the produce, often guaranteeing a minimum price. The factories employ highly trained and experienced extension agents.
- Farm input supply firms (selling fertilizers, seeds, pesticides, feeding stuff, implements and other supplies). These agro-dealers often include pre-sale advice and sometimes ongoing extension advice as part of their services. They have the advantage that their personnel can specialize in a specific field of knowledge, compared to the field extension workers of public extension providers. In the past, advisers in official extension services often viewed input supply dealers, and the private sector generally, as competitors, who had only their narrow business interests in mind. However, where joint knowledge platforms with other stakeholders have been set up, this negative attitude has disappeared. Input dealers with ethical standards can play an important role in the building of trust between them and farmers.
- Marketing chains often indicate what produce they prefer (e.g. organically grown vegetables) or what specified product might get a higher price. This kind of advice is less obligating than the instruction of food processing firms, but it informs farmers about up-to-date market trends.
Training Modes and Models
While subject matter specialists in advisory and related services are able to use scientific publications and contact applied research institutions in order to update their specialist knowledge, input dealers and enterprising farmers need training to access these sources. Special attention should be paid to the training of lead farmers, who are known to influence other farmers and can serve as multipliers of relevant agricultural knowledge and practices.
The most effective and economic means to spread specific extension messages is through campaigns, using well publicized meetings at demonstration plots and appropriate mass media. However, such campaigns should not replace regular training for developing a deeper understanding, for example, on the roles that fertilizers play in plant husbandry.
Descriptions of relatively recent training schemes for input dealers in Ghana, India and an introduction to Farmers' Field Schools are described in Appendix I.
Assessing the Impact of Agricultural Extension
Agricultural advisory services are under an obligation to demonstrate that they have made an economic and social impact on the well-being of the farmers they serve, mainly through the quantitative and qualitative enhancement in crop productivity and in farmers' net income. This impact should be environmentally and economically sustainable.
Although hundreds if not thousands of agricultural extension services and projects have been developed since the end of World War II, only in rare cases has a rigorous attempt been made to assess the economic return or the impact of extension efforts on farmers' productivity and income. Project completion reports cannot be counted as impact evaluation, because they do not study what happens after the external project funding has ceased and local authorities are unable to afford the cost of impact evaluation. Too many agricultural development projects that were funded by international aid agencies failed in the end, because the developing country could not afford the expenses after the donors ended their financial support.
In addition, it is extremely challenging to find two groups of farmers who are "equal" enough to set-up a controlled experiment. Models developed for experiments with genetically identical plants are not necessarily suitable for measuring human behavior. Trying to differentiate between the separate contributions of research and extension to a new agricultural practice is very problematic. Furthermore, a rise in productivity could be the outcome of many factors: Extension interventions, different levels of farmer's education, better market opportunities, availability and low prices of inputs, optimal weather etc. The nature of agricultural extension interventions makes randomization difficult. Several meta-studies have shown different types of biases in the selection of the samples (Romani, 2003).
In spite of these challenges, various economic models for assessing the impact of extension have been developed and used mainly in high income countries. However, meta-studies have shown that these impact studies were either designed to be statistically rigorous, but with limited scope, or comprehensive, but with limited coverage (Waddington et al., 2010). At present, a major "International Initiative for Impact Evaluation" (acronym: 3ie) is making a major effort to develop more rigorous impact evaluation techniques. A draft report is expected to be released by the end of 2010. The recently founded Global Forum for Rural Advisory Service (GFRAS) is also working to develop a toolkit for evaluating extension systems.
Four meta-studies on the economic rate of return of extension projects are of special interest. Birkhaeuser et al. (1991) identified 48 studies conducted in 17 countries assessing the effect of several aspects of extension, including knowledge diffusion, adoption of improved technology and productivity. Their analysis suggests that extension can have a significant relationship with these outcomes and, while only five studies from developing countries included estimates of the rate of return to investments, these suggest that rates of return to extension can be very high. However, the authors of the meta-study found that often there was an inadequate control for sample selection biases.
More recently, Purcell and Anderson (1997) assessed the impact of World Bank support to the development of national research and extension systems in the 1980s and 1990s. This study concludes that despite serious limitations in the systems receiving support, there have been significant positive outcomes of World Bank interventions. However, this study is also based on a review of project completion reports, rather than evaluation evidence.
Evenson (1997) found rates of return to extension greater than 50 percent for the majority of countries, but the rates varied widely.
Alston et al. (2000) produced the extensive review of over 1,100 estimated rates of returns for the economic returns to investments in agricultural research and development. About half (512) of these were for research and extension combined, but only 18 were from extension-only investments. The meta-analysis showed an average rate of return of 47 percent for research and extension investments, while for extension-only investments the rate of return was 80 percent. The authors found that only a few rate of return studies had used a high quality methodology.
In the past, most of the economic models also tended to ignore long-term effects of extension, such as farmers' increased technical and communication skills and experience in decision-making. These factors can increase farmers' negotiation power in the market and thus also their income. Economic rate of return studies do not take into account important indirect benefits to "public goods" such as improvements in health and the environment, for instance when farmers spray less than in the past. For example, as a result of training, rice farmers in Indonesia, Vietnam and Bangladesh moved from prophylactic spraying against brown rice hoppers to Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and reduced the use of pesticides by 35-92 percent. In Sri Lanka, rice farmers trained more than five years previously in a Farmer Field School (FFS; Van den Berg and Jiggins, 2007) used only a third of the amount of pesticides used by the control group. Recent results on cotton from China, India and Pakistan indicate 34-66 percent reductions in pesticide use, while cotton yields rose by 4-14 percent.
Because of the weaknesses of purely economic impact evaluations, extension systems often use more sociological impact evaluations, in which farmers' experiences, expectations, opinions and other non-economic factors are considered. Pope et al. (2007) suggest that for the more complex questions facing policy- and decision-makers, a myriad of other forms of evidence in the widest sense will potentially be relevant. These include qualitative research, non-trial based quantitative research and the observations of stakeholders and expert panels.
Lessons Learned from Project Failures and Successes
Unfortunately, many agricultural development projects, financed by foreign donors, failed once donor funding ended, usually because national governments did not have the budget or the political will to continue. These projects were either too expensive for a developing country or they did not fit the national development programs. Some lessons can be learned:
- Plan and execute a project within a budget that is affordable for the host country or region to continue activities after the culmination of the project.
- Coordination with the responsible civil servants should be carried out in the initial planning stage to explore how the project will be integrated into national development plans, after the project ends.
- Coordinate with those responsible for infrastructure development; there is no sense introducing export or perishable crops if the necessary infrastructure is not in place, or in the process of being developed.
- Set up a stakeholder "platform" involving farmers' organizations, extension officers, researchers, suppliers, credit banks, environmentalists and other stakeholders, who can be involved in planning processes as well as have an opportunity to learn from each others' knowledge and experience.
- Ensure that the project fits within national policy priorities (as long as they are morally defendable).
- Train local people at an early stage, which will enable them to lead the project as part of their national development plan.
All these will provide higher probability for success.
Synthesis on the Opportunities for IPI in Agricultural Extension
Photo by IPI.
- IPI is a highly specialized entity that manages the knowledge of one specific plant nutrient: Potassium (K). As such, IPI plays a vital role in the optimized use of potash fertilizers by farmers, helping them to increase their income from agriculture. Appendix 2 features two accounts of successful involvement of IPI in extension intervention.
- K-fertilization is a vital part of balanced plant nutrition; however its assessment is complicated and farmers often fail to correctly recognize and attribute the beneficial effects of potassium.
- Balanced plant nutrition contributes to poverty alleviation through optimizing sustainable crop production.
- Spreading specific extension messages can be done through special campaigns, and capacity building aimed at dealers, advisors and groups of farmers who learn through experiments and frequent training.
Within this context, IPI:
- with its central role in the potash knowledge and information system, functions through regional coordinators, who mediate between farmers' needs, researchers' findings and the interests of other stakeholders (e.g. extension providers);
- translates research results and field experiences into a set of "best practices";
- conducts applied research to constantly generate validated results under different soil, crop rotation, climatic and socio-economic conditions;
- cooperates with existing extension field services, mainly at the level of subject matter specialists and at training institutions, in order to serve smaller farmers;
- emphasizes in-service training of trainers and farmers and long-term capacity building within its activities, in order to help build social capital;
- publishes scientific reports for researchers and subject matter specialists in extension organizations, popular articles for extension workers and literate farmers, and flyers using pictures to convey messages for nonliterate farmers, especially those attending farm days and demonstration plots;
- strives to develop partnerships with other stakeholders for developing and participating in extension initiatives using advanced technologies to disseminate the messages widely.
- Alston, J.M., T.J. Wyatt, P.G. Pardey, M.C. Marra, and C. Chan-Kang. 2000. A Meta-analysis of Rates of Return to Agricultural R&D - Ex pede Herculem. Washington, D.C: IFPRI.
- Birkhaeuser, D., R.E. Evenson, and G. Feder. 1991. The Economic Impact of Agricultural Extension: A Review. Economic Development and Cultural Change 39:607-650.
- Evenson, R. 1997. The Economic Contributions of Agricultural Extension to Agricultural and Rural Development. In: Swanson, B., R. Bentz, and A. Sofranko, (eds.) Improving Agricultural Extension: A Reference Manual. Rome: FAO, p. 27-36.
- Palis, F.G., and G. Gabinete. 2008. Feeding the Rice Crop's Needs: A Filipino Farmer's Experience. IPI e-ifc No. 17, 9/2008. See also at IPI Regional activities Southeast Asia.
- Pope, C., N. Mays, and J. Popay. 2007. Synthesizing Qualitative and Quantitative Health Evidence: A Guide to Methods. Blaidenhead: Open University Press.
- Purcell, D.L., and J.R. Anderson. 1997. Agricultural Extension and Research - Achievements and Problems in National Systems (a World Bank Operations Evaluation Study). Washington, D.C.: World Bank.
- Romani, M. 2003. The Impact of Extension Services in Times of Crisis: Côte d'Ivoire (1997-2000). Centre for the Study of African Economies (CSAE), University of Oxford.
- Umali-Deininger, D. 1997. Public and Private Agricultural Extension: Partners or Rivals? The World Bank Research Observer 12(2):203-24.
- Van den Berg, H., and J. Jiggins. 2007. Investing in Farmers - The Impacts of Farmer Field Schools in Relation to Integrated Pest Management. World Development 35(4):663-686.
- Waddington, H., B. Snilstveit, H. White, and J. Anderson. 2010. The Impact of Agricultural Extension Services. In: International Initiative for Impact Evaluation. 3ie Synthetic Review Protocol, SR00 9 protocol.
Appendix 1: Successful Training Models
GADD: The Ghana Agro-Dealer Development Project
One of the central objectives of GADD is to provide capacity building to 2,200 agro-dealers. So far some 600 agro-input dealers have received their Basic Training Certificate and were recognized by the Ministry of Agriculture as certified agro-dealers. The certificate is awarded to those who attend a three-day technical and business management training course. In this short course, the dealers learn about traditional and modern methods of information delivery using ICT. Course participants learn how to obtain acreage intentions of farmers prior to a cropping season, to estimate from this data the input requirements and to convey these to the respective service providers. The dealers are encouraged to obtain information on the volumes harvested. Special attention is given to the setting up of sales points for the last-mile delivery of goods. These points should also serve as a first-mile request point for information, goods and services.
As another incentive, certificate holders have access to a loan from the Unique Trust Bank, which is guaranteed by the Ghana Agro-Input Dealers' Association. As a result, agro-dealers are able to "set up their own shop" or enlarge their business. GADD is working to increase the number of agro-dealers in rural areas so that farmers do not have to travel such long distances to purchase inputs.
DAESI: Diploma in Agricultural Extension Services for Input Dealers in India
The 280,000 Indian agro-input dealers have, on average, a higher formal education than their Ghanaian peers, but none are trained in agriculture. Generally, Indian dealers also have useful information on market conditions and credit opportunities. However, these dealers have insufficient knowledge on the laws relating to handling agricultural inputs and agriculture generally, and even less about agricultural extension. Yet, agro-input dealers often have closer contact with farmers than extension advisers. With this context in mind, MANAGE - the National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management in Rajendranagar, Hyderabad - has initiated a special one-year diploma course for input dealers who had 12 years of education (many of these have a university degree, but not in agriculture).
The course methodology is based on a Distance Education mode with classroom interactions and field visits on 48 Sundays. Course participants are supplied with study materials; they use multi-media instructional devices and receive support from resource personnel.
The DAESI course covers four blocks:
- Agro-technical Topics: Agro-climatic conditions; soils and soil analysis; Integrated Nutrient Management; manures and fertilizers; crop production technology for all crops grown in the district, including high-value horticultural, vegetable and floricultural crops; plant protection with an emphasis on Integrated Pest Management; farm mechanization.
- Extension: Extension and communications methods (demonstrations, field trials, exposure visits and farmers' training); mass media (the role of radio, TV and print media; information technology and cyber extension).
- Individual Development: Principles of business management, business ethics (creating a "win-win" relationship with farmers), financial management, and community organization. More recently, the importance of meditation for mind control and thought processes have been added.
- Laws Relating to Agricultural Inputs: Laws relating to seeds, fertilizers, pesticides and other agricultural aspects, as well as Acts on consumer protection.
The organizers of the course expect that course participants will develop the technical capacity and communication skills to be able to impart appropriate technical advice to farmers. At the same time, diploma holders should be aware of their regulatory responsibilities.
The course is evaluated by conducting six bi-monthly tests, half-yearly and annual examinations with questions requiring descriptive answers and a final practical examination consisting of skill demonstration. Course participants have to maintain a record book for all practical classes. Those participants who successfully complete the course receive a Diploma in Agricultural Extension.
The DAESI program is constrained by the course fee of 20,000 Rupees (approximately US$400) - a large sum for small dealers in rural areas of India. Financial support is sought from the government, and multi-national companies who employ local dealers. A further concern has been expressed over whether it should become compulsory to have a diploma before one obtains a license to become an agro-dealer. In a national workshop held in 2005, the individual responsible for extension in the Indian Ministry of Agriculture expressed his opinion that this issue should be reviewed after training 30-40 percent of dealers. So far, 1,500 agro-input dealers (5.3 percent of the target group) have received the Diploma in Agricultural Extension. As a next step, all State Agricultural Universities are expected to offer the DAESI course and use its reference materials. This could also help to lower the course fee.
Farmer Field Schools (Van den Berg and Jiggins, 2007)
Farmer Field Schools (FFS) were first developed in 1989 in Indonesia to train farmers how to control the main pest in rice (Nilaparvata nuglens), using Integrated Pest Management methods. Groups of farmers meet once a week in one farmer's field to discuss their observations. Farmers are supported by professionals, but also encouraged to learn from peers and to develop their own experiments. By 2005, FFS programs had been initiated in 78 countries with a total of around four million graduates (90 percent in Bangladesh, China, India, Indonesia, Philippines and Vietnam). Over the last 15 years, the FFS approach has been adapted to other agricultural commodities, soil fertility management, aquaculture and others. The educational approach is interesting because unlike most extension practices, farmers are not "told" what to do; farmers learn from each other, under the guidance of an extension adviser.
Appendix 2: Success Stories of IPI Involvement in Extension
The Transfer of Technology by an IPI Project in India Helped Farmers to Improve Yield and Profits
(by Dr. M.S. Brar, Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana, India)
Although only covering two percent of the geographical area of India, Punjab state contributes more than 50 percent of the country's food grain. As a result of highly intensive agriculture with 186 percent cropping intensity, Punjab soils are now under fatigue and multiple nutrient deficiencies are emerging. Farmers in Hoshiarpur district of Punjab are growing three crops in maize-pea (green)-sunflower rotation. Soil test reports of this area show that 78 percent of soils are low to medium in available potassium (K). With the exception of potato, almost no K is applied to any crop. The application of negligible amounts of K is considered as one of the major constraints on higher production of crops in the area.
IPI in collaboration with Krishi Vigyan Kender, KVK (Agricultural Science Centre) of Punjab Agricultural University decided to lay out demonstration cum research trials at KVK farm Bahowal (Hoshiarpur) and in farmers' fields in different villages. The demonstration at KVK farm acted as a nodal point for showing farmers the benefits of K application on crop growth and yield. In addition, various presentations and sessions regarding the role of K to improve yield and quality were delivered by the IPI Coordinator for India in collaboration with partners. Experiments conducted in the farmers' fields acted as a catalyst for the adoption of the technology by farmers visiting the demonstration plots and seeing the results, as they were then convinced about the usefulness of K application to crops.
The results of the experimental cum demonstration plots showed that on average the sunflower yield increased from 10 q ha-1 (without K) to 15 q ha-1 with the application of 60 kg K2O ha-1 (a 50 percent increase). Similarly, oil yield increased from 4.2 q ha-1 to 6.4 q ha-1 and the benefit to cost ratio was 14.7:1.0 with farmers obtaining extra net return of Rs. 6,840 per ha (US$150). The results were so encouraging that Punjab Agricultural University included the application of 60 kg K2O ha-1 to sunflower in its book "Package of Practices for Crops" for the benefit of farmers.
The maize grain yield, on average, increased from 40.9 q ha-1 (without K) to 47.5 q ha-1 with the application of 60 kg K2O ha-1 (a 15 percent increase). The benefit to cost ratio was 12.9:1.0 and farmers achieved an additional income of Rs. 5,940 per ha (US$130). Between maize and sunflower crops, farmers were encouraged to grow an extra crop of (green) peas. The peas are sold as green pods and farmers receive a good return in a short period. Farmers do not normally apply K to green peas. However, there was a substantial increase in the yield of fresh pods with the application of K, which not only improved the yield of fresh pods from 35.2 q ha-1 to 41.1 q ha-1 (a 17 percent increase), but also increased the length and development of the pods thus fetching a higher price for the produce and providing a higher profit to the farmers. The benefit to cost ratio was 15.3:1.0 and farmers achieved an additional income of Rs. 7,080 ha-1 (US$157). The project is an excellent example of how farmers can benefit from technology transfer using extension methods implemented in their fields.
An Extension Success Story from Southeast Asia in which IPI is Involved
Adapted from Palis and Gabinete, 2008. IPI has been supporting SSNM since 1997. The last phase of this project, 2009-2012, focuses on large-scale dissemination of the SSNM technique.
This is a case-study of a Filipino rice farmer, Mr. Johnny Tejeda, who took the risk of deviating from the traditional method of applying fertilizers by practicing site-specific nutrient management (SSNM), a new way of applying fertilizers. In 2007, IRRI scientists led by Dr. Roland Buresh, in collaboration with Dr. Greta Gabinete, a professor at the West Visayas State University, established an SSNM demonstration in Johnny's and a neighboring rice field for farm validation. An individual demonstration plot was 100 m². According to Johnny, while the experiment was on-going, he quietly imitated the SSNM practice in the remaining larger portion of his field of about 1.2 ha. His farm neighbor, an agricultural technician, told him that SSNM validation experiments had worked in other villages. This farm neighbor gave him the SSNM recommendations. Trusting his farm neighbor, he took the risk because of the rising prices of fertilizers, the increasing cost of living, and the opportunity to improve his rice yield.
"When I first practiced SSNM in the 2007 wet season, I was not able to sleep well for around ten days after my first fertilizer application. I observed that the color of my rice plants was not green and they were not growing well compared to most farmers" fields; although, growth and color of the leaves were comparable with the neighboring SSNM demo plot and the experimental plots in my field. Before I slept, I kept on thinking and wondering why it seemed that there was no fertilizer response on my rice crop. I was really frightened and anxious that my crop might fail. So, within those ten days, I was uneasy and kept moving around the rice fields in the village, comparing the growth of the rice plants. But ten days after the second fertilizer application, I was so amazed because the growth stand of my rice crop was far better than those farmers' fields not applying the SSNM recommendations. The stems were so hard and the roots were so deeply rooted. Also, my plants were not infested with pests and diseases and did not lodge. Those plants that had accelerated growth and bright green leaves after the first fertilizer application had lodged long before harvest and were infested with pests and diseases. I realized that SSNM enabled the rice crop to take a balanced food or diet before "vitamins" or urea were supplied."
Typically, in Southeast Asia, SSNM can increase rice yields by at least 10-30 percent. More similar projects are needed, using the same model of science-based research, validation, and large-scale dissemination.
- Choose your App


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Playing two almost identical games Lipscomb's Lady Bisons softball team lost both games in the first round of the double-elimination Atlantic Sun Softball Championships at Florida Atlantic University Thursday.
After managing only two hits and losing 3-1 in the first game of the day against No. 4-seeded UCF, the No. 3-seeded Lady Bisons came back in the early evening to get two hits in a 3-1 loss to No.1-seed Troy University.
The Lady Bisons struck first in both games. Against Troy, they scored in the first inning. Leigh Little led off with a walk. Julia Davidson flied out to the catcher. With one out Jessica Wilson slammed a double to center field that scored Little. Candice McWherter also singled in the first inning.
Troy pitcher Kacie Flinn shut down the Lady Bisons the rest of the way. She struck out five batters and walked three.
Sara Meek started on the mound for the Lady Bisons. She pitched 3 1/3 innings, giving up three hits and striking out three. All three runs she allowed were unearned.
Danielle Catalano, who pitched six innings against UCF earlier in the day, closed out the final 2 2/3 innings. Catalano allowed three hits and struck out two. Neither Meek nor Catalano walked a batter.
Troy did all of their damage in the fourth inning. With one out and Tamra Howren on base on a fielder's choice Bonnie Belin doubled to right center. That brought Howren home with the tying run.
Brittany Krbec hit a fly to left field that was mishandled. Sally Jones then hit a double that bounced off the lower portion of the left field fence. Belin and Krbec both scored.
The Lady Bisons finished the season with a 27-24 record overall.

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About weatherhistorian
Christopher C. Burt is the author of 'Extreme Weather; A Guide and Record Book'. He studied meteorology at the Univ. of Wisconsin-Madison.
By: Christopher C. Burt , 4:47 AM GMT on March 24, 2017
Half of the village of Big Sur, on the coast of central California, has lost its only access to the north following the demolition of the flood-damaged Pfeiffer Canyon Bridge along State Route 1 (also Rt. 1 or SR 1) on March 19. Although Rt. 1 to the south of Big Sur has reopened to traffic (after mud and rock slides were cleared) it is a long 70-mile journey along the windy but spectacular highway to Cambria, the next town of any significance where supplies can be had. CalTrans (California Department of Transportation) estimates it will take 6-9 months to rebuild a new bridge over the canyon.
Looking south at the Big Sur coastline and Highway 1 from the vantage point of Julia Pfeiffer Park just south of where the now-demolished Pfeiffer Canyon Bridge used to be. Residents south of the bridge must now drive 70 miles along this shoreline to Cambria for supplies, almost a three hour journey. Image credit: Joseph Plotz/Wikimedia Commons.
Big Sur is a world-famous destination as outlined in these excerpts from its Wikipedia entry:
The coast is the "longest and most scenic stretch of undeveloped coastline in the continental United States." The Big Sur region has been described as a "national treasure that demands extraordinary procedures to protect it from development." The New York Times described it as "one of the most stunning meetings of land and sea in the world." The Washington Times described it as "one of the most beautiful coastlines anywhere in the world, an isolated stretch of road, mythic in reputation." State Route 1 was named the most popular drive in California in 2014 by the American Automobile Association. The section of Rt. 1 running through Big Sur is widely considered as one of the most scenic driving routes in the United States, if not the world.
A map of the Big Sur coastline and Rt. 1. The location of the demolished Pfieffer Canyon Bridge is shown in yellow. The next significant town south of the "Village of Big Sur" is Cambria (not shown on map) where Rt. 46 connects Rt. 1 to Hwy 101. There is a very narrow winding paved road (the Nacimiento-Fergusson Rd.) just south of Lucia that also crosses the mountains and connects to King City, but it is an exceptionally time-consuming route and also often closed by rock slides or mud flows.
"Big Sur" is actually a region rather than a specific town. However, the actual populated village of "Big Sur" rests at the northern end of what is known as the Big Sur coastline along which Rt. 1 traverses. The village of Big Sur consists of a number of stores, gas stations, and most famously a handful of upscale resorts, retreats, and restaurants such as The Post Ranch, Nepenthe, Ventana, and the Esalen Institute. There are approximately 800 to 900 permanent residents in the village. Of these, some 400 live in the southern portion of the town south of where the bridge failure occurred and it is these residents and businesses that have become isolated (including all the above mentioned resort destinations).
A close-up view of the Big Sur coastline and its attractions along Rt. 1. The Pfeiffer Canyon Bridge is near where "Pfeiffer Beach" is indicated.
This winter has been the wettest in Big Sur since the big El Nino season of 1997-1998 (POR for precipitation at Big Sur goes back to 1915). As of March 22, 66.16" of rain has been measured since the precipitation season began July 1, 2016. The average total seasonal precipitation for the site (July-June) is 44.88". As of now, this year ranks as the 6th wettest on record and almost certainly will end up as at least the 4th wettest by the end of the season (June 30th):
July-June Seasonal Precipitation Records for Big Sur
1. 85.21" 1982-1983
2. 80.34" 1997-1998
3. 77.53" 1940-1941
4. 68.03" 1994-1995
5. 66.43" 1977-1978
6. 66.16" 2016-2017 and counting as of March 22nd
The two-month period of January-February this year saw an amazing 44.16" (25.49" in January and 18.67" in February). This is the 3rd greatest for the two-month period on record, and that just by a hair:
January-February Precipitation Records for Big Sur
1. 44.94" 1998
2. 44.50" 1940 (this is not a typo re: the 1940-1941 season listed above, these were two extreme back-to-back seasons)
3. 44.16" 2017
4. 41.11" 1969
5. 38.29" 2000
By the way, a RAWS site, Mining Ridge, just 18 miles southeast of Big Sur measured 69.05" during Jan-Feb this year).
Wettest Single Month on Record for Big Sur
1. 27.21" December 1955
2. 26.47" January 1995
3. 25.49" January 2017
4. 24.30" February 1998
5. 22.39" February 1940
So we can see from the above statistics that it is not surprising that the Big Sur Coast portion of Rt. 1 has been severely compromised this winter. The highway's construction (the portion between Carmel and San Simeon that includes Big Sur) was completed in 1937 and its maintenance ever since has been a regular, virtually annual, chore of clearing mud and rock slides, repairing bridges, and shoring up roadside cliffs.
A small obstacle blocks Rt. 1 south of Big Sur following a storm during the winter of 1994-1995, the 4th-wettest season on record. Glad I wasn't exactly there at the moment this occurred. Image credit: Caltrans, via Wikimedia Commons.
With the demolition of the Pfeiffer Canyon Bridge, and a six- to nine-month period of reconstruction, it is hard to imagine how the residents and business south of the construction site will be able to cope. The Sacramento Bee sent two journalists to the site on March 20, and they reported: ""East of the bridge, a 2-foot-wide trail is under construction to allow people who live south of the damaged span to bypass it by walking about 30 minutes each way through steep terrain. Fire brigade escorts will bring them back and forth in the morning and evening. 'It's a godsend compared to what we have now, which is nothing,' said Big Sur Chamber of Commerce President Kirk Gafill, owner of the historic Nepenthe Restaurant. 'People are going to be in the best shape of their lives.'"
The Pfeiffer Canyon Bridge in Big Sur was demolished by Caltrans on March 19. Caltrans estimates it will take perhaps to the end of this year to rebuild it. A two-foot wide zigzagging trail is being constructed so residents can reach the other side of the canyon for shopping and school.
An estimated three to four million tourists visit the Big Sur Coast every year and the Village of Big Sur is financially dependent on this traffic. It remains unclear how the village of Big Sur will endure for the rest of the year without this stream of income from tourism. The Post Ranch Resort alone generates an estimated $12 million in revenue. In fact, businesses all along Rt. 1 from Carmel to Cambria will be affected by the bridge closure.
The truly spectacular portion of the route actually begins just south of the bridge (which is why the most famous and upscale resorts in the Big Sur area are located there). From that point on down to Gorda (a gas station and camp ground) the Santa Lucia Mountain Range rise dramatically above the ocean: the summit of the highest mountain, Cone Peak (elevation 5,155 feet) is just three miles from the shoreline above Lucia. This is the most stunning portion of the entire route.
A spectacular view of Cone Peak (elevation 5,155") looking north along Rt. 1 from Pacific Valley. Photo by Jill Homer from her blog about climbing the mountain back in 2014. See more great images by Jill of this area here.
So the only way to visit this section of the coast (and the resorts in the south part of Big Sur Village) is to drive up Rt. 1 from the south—a 70-mile, three-hour journey from Cambria—and then turn around and head back the same way. Needless to say, 90% of the tourist traffic visiting Big Sur coming from the south normally would see the Village of Big Sur as a stop over on their way to Monterey and the San Francisco Bay Area. Likewise, 90% of tourists wanting to visit Big Sur coming from the north (i.e. Monterey and the San Francisco Bay Area) will not be able to access the most scenic part of the route and its resorts beyond the bridge closure. In other words, I can envision that very few tourists will be visiting anywhere along Rt. 1 between Carmel/Monterey to the north and San Simeon/Cambria to the south for the rest of the year.
I cannot recall an instance previous to this when a significant U.S. tourist destination will have been essentially shut down as a result of a weather event for such a long period of time.
KUDOS: Thanks to Jan Null (Golden Gate Weather Services) for the Big Sur precipitation statistics.
Christopher C. Burt
Weather Historian
The views of the author are his/her own and do not necessarily represent the position of The Weather Company or its parent, IBM.


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Refine Your Rate Search
Best Home Loan Rates
- Rate
Best Mortgage Rates US
US Mortgage rates are based on various factors, such as the type of mortgage, the term and points.
If you're looking to find the best mortgage rates in America whether you are a first-time homebuyer preparing to obtain a mortgage, looking to refinance, get a home purchase loan or home equity loan, you want to ensure you are getting not only the best mortgage rates US, but also that you choose the right mortgage product.
Why you should compare Mortgage Rates?
Most American consumers want best mortgage rates, but are often under the assumption that all mortgage rates are the same, when in fact, there are many lenders and Mortgage brokers that offer a broad range of rates and fees and not all applicants get the best rates from their local bank. Rates fluctuate far more than they used to and are still at historically low levels. By comparing mortgage rates and points, and also comparing annual percentage rates (APR), which take account of points and closing costs as well as the basic mortgage interest rate, you can save thousands of dollars over the life of your mortgage. Not only will you save money, but by comparing rates and products and being knowledgeable about mortgage rates in US, you have a better chance of being successful in making payment obligations over the term of your mortgage loan.
A borrower in US should search and work harder at getting a good loan at a good rate. By comparing mortgage rates with a mortgage comparison website such as Comparemyrates.com, you have a wider choice of local mortgage brokers US and once you find one, you can be prepared to lock it in. When comparing mortgage rates, you should also compare annual percentage rates (APR), which take account of points and closing costs as well as the basic mortgage interest rate.
Should I go for a Fixed Or Adjustable Mortgage Rate (ARM)
Fixed Mortgage Rate
Fixed Mortgage Rates tend to have a higher interest rate but the rate stays the same over the term, typically 15, 20 and 30 year terms. With a fixed mortgage rate, if interest rates fall, you will continue to pay a higher interest rate. As an example, here are advantages and disadvantages of a Fixed Rate with 15 year and 30 year term:
With a 15-year fixed-rate mortgage US, you pay a lower interest rate than for a longer term fixed-rate mortgage loan and build equity more quickly. However, your monthly payments will be higher for a 15-year fixed-rate mortgage than they would be on a longer-term mortgage. A 30-year fixed-rate mortgage US is a more popular mortgage with American consumers as they like the security of a fixed interest rate and lower monthly payments, but due to the length of the term, it's longer so they will pay more interest over the life of the term and equity is built slowly.
Adjustable Mortgage Rate (ARM)
An adjustable rate mortgage is also known as a "variable-rate mortgage" or a "floating-rate mortgage", offers a lower initial rate of interest than fixed-rate loans. With an ARM, rates fluctuate over the life of the loan and if interest rates rise, typically so will your loan payments.
What is the difference between the APR and interest rates?
When searching for mortgage rates , a borrower pays interest, and interest rates typically do not include all transaction costs. Interest Rates Cost for the use of a loan, usually expressed as a percentage of the loan, paid over a specific period of time. The interest rate does not include fees charged for the loan. The Annual Percentage Rate, or APR, is a much better indicator than just the interest rate of the other charges or fees to reflect the total cost of the loan. The Truth in Lending Act (TILA) of 1968 requires disclosures about its terms and cost to standardize the manner in which costs associated with borrowing are calculated and disclosed requires that every consumer loan agreement disclose the APR. An APR includes not only the interest but also other charges and fees that the lender charges the borrower. A lender may offer a lower interest rate but have higher up-front costs when purchasing a home. When all costs are taken into consideration, a lower interest rate loan may actually turn out to be more expensive as it estimates what you'll pay over the course of an entire year. The Federal Truth in Lending law requires mortgage companies to list the APR of their loans when they advertise an interest rate. This prevents them from advertising unduly low interest rates and tacking on fees and other costs that drive up the real cost of the loan.
The APR therefore takes into consideration other fees and costs including:
Discount points - referred to as "points," that are increments of 1 percent of the mortgage that you pay off at the closing. If points are not required, and you elect to pay off points to lower your interest rate, it will not be included in the APR. However, if you're required to pay off points, this cost will be factored in when your APR is calculated.
Origination fees - Fee the lender charges for work they perform on the borrower's behalf.
Mortgage insurance premiums - Insurance against defaulting on payment of the loan (required if down payment is less than 20 percent of the selling price of the home)
Prepaid mortgage interest- Prepaid mortgage interest is paid at closing to cover the gap between the time you close and the first of the next month.


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C-Side (Feat. Keyshia Cole) - Boyfriend/Girlfriend
Kenny Kold, Bo Q and Gator, better known as C-SIDE, teamed with Keyshia Cole for their smash record, "Boyfriend/Girlfriend". The record has been heating up radio for the last few weeks, garnering rotation on NYC's Z-100, Clear Channel's Flagship Top 40 Station (C) Universal Music 2008&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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text:
There's never been a better time
to apply to Otterbein University.
Apply online today!
There are two methods to log into ePay:
You can contact the Registrar's Office at 614.823.1351 or you can get to ePay by logging into My O-Zone to be automatically logged on:
Click here and login using the email and password that your student set up for you. (Your student must set you up as an "authorized user" on his/her ePay account first.)
There is no limit. Authorized users can be parents, grandparents, relatives, guardians, spouses, friends, employers, and third-party sponsors like Veterans Administration counselors, etc. You control the level of access your authorized users have. You can add, change, or delete your authorized users at any time.
*Authorized = aid that is complete, processed and is awaiting disbursement by the Financial Aid Office. Aid that has not been completely processed will not automatically deducted from the balance due.
Call the Office of Accounts Receivable at (614) 823-1150 (M-F, 8:30 am – 5:00 pm), or send an email to firstname.lastname@example.com.
The Business Office is located at 25 W. Home Street.
Office Hours
M-F: 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
p / 614.823.1150
e / firstname.lastname@example.com
Otterbein University
Business Office
1 South Grove Street
Westerville, OH 43081
Otterbein University, 1 South Grove Street, Westerville, OH 43081 614.890.3000
Otterbein University is a private, non-profit, United Methodist affiliated, regionally-accredited institution.
© 2019 Otterbein University. Otterbein University is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer


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Get 15% OFF Your Next Order
The best deals come to your inbox. Sign up for GEMPLER'S emails to get exclusive offers and first dibs on hot new products!
Organize everything from tools and supplies to nuts and bolts with a variety of Quantum® Storage options. GEMPLER'S carries many sizes and colors of injection molded storage bins. Need a place to put your bin? We also have Quantum's Iron Man steel shelving and heavy-duty chrome wire shelving. Shop now!


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The Elmhurst History Museum reminds second graders and their schools that the annual Ruth Strand Poster Contest will soon begin. Packets with contest information and entry forms will be sent to all District 205 second grade teachers during the first week of April. The 2017 deadline for poster entries is Friday, May 5, by 5:00 PM. Schools with ten or more participants will earn a $100 grant for the school's library from the Elmhurst Heritage Foundation, so please be sure to take advantage of this special opportunity. For more information or to download entry forms, visit the History Museum's website.
Winners and their families will be honored at a reception in the Elmhurst History Museum's Education Center on Wednesday, May 24, at 4:00 PM. In addition, the contest winners will be invited to march in the Elmhurst Memorial Day Parade on Monday, May 29 and be recognized by the City Council on Monday, June 5. Posters will be displayed at the museum throughout the summer months, and winning entries will be exhibited at Elmhurst City Hall.


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Difference between revisions of "AlsaProject:Community Portal"
(→New soundcard matrix)
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==Old ALSA server==
==Old ALSA server==
* [http://www.alsa-project.org The current (old) ALSA WWW pages]
* [http://www.alsa-project.org The current (old) ALSA WWW pages]
Revision as of 09:40, 10 August 2007
Page creation
Please, see Help:Contents for more details, how you can help to create Wiki pages. We need volunteers to move contents from actual ALSA WWW pages here, also we need volunteers to manage contents from others (Sysops) - see bellow (Sysop rights paragraph).
Old ALSA server
Template:Note:Warning! The old server is on http://www-old.alsa-project.org URL now!!!
New soundcard matrix
Please, look to Special:WantedPages and try to pages started with Matrix: namespace. Please, scrictly follow this document Matrix:Description. It is better to copy contents from already created pages.
Sysop rights
If you like to be an Sysop, please, drop e-mail to perex at suse.cz (try multiple times in case of no response). Please, let me know only to change your user rights. Do not ask me to provide help in context organization - the discussion should go to alsa-devel mailing list or on these pages. Thanks. Jaroslav Kysela User:Perex


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Greg's Antique Piano Collection
Make a donation to help protect and preserve old pianos! Visit www.paypal.com and make a donation to me at email@example.com. Your donation will help insure this website stays up, and will help me to acquire additional old pianos in danger, and restore them.
Copyright 2008 Greg Flannagan. Please feel free to use my pictures, after sending me an e-mail of intent to firstname.lastname@example.com


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Mayor's Office
Mayor Chris Beutler today signed an executive order that bans the acceptance of gifts by City employees. City Council member Doug Emery joined the Mayor at today's announcement of the ban and said he would ask other Council members to consider adopting the same gift policy. The Mayor said the new rules were issued to "further the cause of good government and ensure public confidence in our public servants" and not as a response to any reported problems.
"I can honestly tell you that the people in City government are people of integrity who give their all each and every day to make this City the best it can be," Mayor Beutler said. "Perception, however, accurate or not, can be a powerful force in shaping public opinion. If the public believes that impropriety can and may exist, we can never achieve all we can be. The rules that govern City Hall must never leave a doubt that our employees are acting in good faith, that their guiding principle is policy, and not personal gain."
"I believe that Council leadership on this issue sends the right message to our employees and our community," Emery said. "We cannot ask the community to follow our lead if they are suspicious of our motives. A ban on gifts demonstrates that we are in this together and that we are united in our mission of creating a better Lincoln."
The State's Political Accountability and Disclosure Act prohibits City employees from using their positions to solicit or accept anything of value in exchange for a favor. Lincoln's municipal code includes a similar prohibition. The new executive order replaces one from 1985 that allows for the acceptance of gifts valued at less than $10. Beutler said a weakness of the previous executive order is that it did not limit the number of gifts that could be received. The executive order also extends the ban to employees' spouses, children and parents.
Beutler said the policy allows for "common sense exceptions," including gifts of snacks for holidays and other occasions; flowers received in connection with funerals; admission to events employees are required to attend for official City business; and ceremonial gifts given to the City.
"The existing State law, City ordinances and executive order are not enough," Beutler said. "The new guidelines are more fair, more clear and more representative of the ethical standard for employees expected by my Administration and the public."


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Ptree surgery and groundworks58 Feedback reviews, 100% positive
Hi , my name is Jim Petrie , trading as Ptree Surgery and Groundworks LTD, we are an established VAT registered LTD company in St. Andrews , independently owned and run. Our main objective is to supply fair trading and customer satisfaction to all our clients .We are a... read more
Latest Tree Surgery feedback review:
By chrish_41 on 28th May, 2016
HLTree Services22 Feedback reviews, 100% positive
I have over 10 years' experience in tree and garden care and a wealth of knowledge, being able to take care of any tree or garden task. My tree services range from complete dismantling and removal of the entire tree, to tree pruning and shaping, to stump grinding and... read more
Latest Tree Surgery feedback review:
By sorens on 21st Nov, 2018
Beaver Tree Surgeons19 Feedback reviews, 100% positive
Tree Surgeon, professional, fully insured and NPTC qualified. Services: Tree surgeon, felling, reductions, pruning, stump removal, stump grinding, forestry, emergency work, wood chipping, seasoned firewood, garden services including garden clearance and tidying, timber... read more
Latest Tree Surgery feedback review:
By nesnah_89 on 13th Mar, 2018
Stan Timmins and sons Ltd39 Feedback reviews, 100% positive
Stan Timmins and Sons Ltd Stan has been involved with the horticultural and arboricultural industry for over 40 years and for the last 30 years has been a local radio gardener. We offer a comprehensive range of tree care and arboricultural consultancy services. read more
Latest Tree Surgery feedback review:
By marymell on 18th Jan, 2019
gordonbelltreeservices13 Feedback reviews, 92% positive
Professional tree surgery firm serving Strathclyde and Central Scotland, free quotes prompt service read more
Latest Tree Surgery feedback review:
By andy1911 on 3rd Nov, 2018
B M C G Landscaping37 Feedback reviews, 100% positive
We are a family run business based in Edinburgh, Lothians and fife. We cover extensive portfolio of landscaping tasks from small maintenance to the larger and more complicated builds. We like to pride ourselves on our customer services and work well within our clients... read more
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By newingtonhouse on 27th Jan, 2018
Tree:TmenT - Specialist Tree Services12 Feedback reviews, 100% positive
Based in Hamilton, South Lanarkshire, TreeTment Specialist Tree Services is an independent, privately owned arboricultural company specialising in all aspects urban tree management services. Simply put, we are your one stop shop for everything related to trees. Our aim is to... read more
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By tluamiani on 19th Feb, 2019
Thistle tree care11 Feedback reviews, 82% positive
Thistle Tree Care & landscaping are a comprehensive business based in scotland We have a wealth of experience in the trade and this enables us to perform a wide array of tasks for all your'e needs.We are experts in landscape design, landscape maintenance,We deliver great... read more
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By ron on 8th Nov, 2018
Branching Out5 Feedback reviews, 100% positive
All our tree surgeons/landscapers have over 15 yrs experience, we have public liability up to £5 million. All tree work undertaken by Branching Out is carried out safely and responsibly in accordance with British Standards 3998. We always remove all arisings (waste matter)... read more
Latest Tree Surgery feedback review:
By mac_310 on 4th Jun, 2018
Rachel Roots Arboriculture8 Feedback reviews, 100% positive
Hello! I'm Rachel and I'm new here on my builder. I've been self employed since May 2015. I work for larger companies a lot as a freelance climber, however have always taken on my own work too, and now I have some experience under my belt I'm wanting to do more of this. I... read more
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By bri_29 on 20th May, 2018
Garden Wizard/ Gardener5 Feedback reviews, 100% positive
Garden Wizards 'Let us make your garden look magic' All aspects Of garden maintenance, tree felling and landscaping undertaken read more
Latest Tree Surgery feedback review:
By dave_d_26 on 28th May, 2018
crowcroft bros tree surgeons8 Feedback reviews, 100% positive
We are a family business specialising in expert tree care. We are fully NPTC qualified and insured. We carry out all types of tree work from minor pruning through to full dismantles. We carry out both domestic and commercial work to the highest standard. read more
Latest Tree Surgery feedback review:
By sinton_34 on 9th Feb, 2018
Blair Fencing and Landscaping15 Feedback reviews, 93% positive
All types of garden & stock fencing, tree felling, all aspects of garden landscaping & general garden maintenance. All work carried out to a high standard. No job too small. read more
Latest Tree Surgery feedback review:
By suzanne_143 on 9th Dec, 2014
One 2 tree3 Feedback reviews, 100% positive
I am tree surgeon and gardener with extensive experience. I am passionate about tree surgery, and would be happy to take on any job, whether it's be big or small. Services: Tree Removal; Hedge cutting /removal; Stump grinding; Tree prunning / crown... read more
Latest Tree Surgery feedback review:
By jennifer21014 on 20th Jun, 2018
Southern Tree Services1 Feedback review, 100% positive
Welcome to Southern Tree Services. We provide all manner of domestic and commercial Tree Surgery. Through knowledge, experience and hard work we happy to do any job at hand. Whether you are a developer, builder, home owner, local authority, golf course, landscape... read more
Latest Tree Surgery feedback review:
By aaronmartin on 28th May, 2018
Need a tradesman?
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Please review the links below for answers to our most common questions before you use the contact form.
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Please contact the company directly with any question you may have for them.
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SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Matt Cain has endured years of little or no run support. He has been San Francisco's second star pitcher behind Tim Lincecum. Cain blew it earlier this month against San Diego when the Giants took their first shot at clinching the NL West.
So, what a day for the outing of his life, and his first career victory against the Philadelphia Phillies in six tries.
Cain pitched seven impressive innings and outdueled 2008 World Series MVP Cole Hamels for his first postseason win, and the Giants beat the Phillies 3-0 on Tuesday for a 2-1 lead in the NL championship series.
"I think this is probably the top one I've ever pitched," Cain said. "To be able to pitch in the postseason is great, and to be able to throw the ball well and help your team win is a great feeling."
Cain allowed two hits, struck out five and walked three in a strong 119-pitch effort.
"Matt got into a rhythm and we got to score a couple of runs early for him," center fielder Aaron Rowand said. "Everybody who has followed this team all year has seen after the first couple of innings when he gets into his groove he's tough. He did it again today. Our MVP today was Matt Cain."
Along with Cody Ross, of course.
San Francisco again benefited from Ross' big bat this postseason. Ross delivered for the third time in as many games of this NLCS — this time with home run king Barry Bonds in a front-row seat cheering his former club.
Picked up off waivers in August from Florida, Ross added to his quickly growing postseason legacy. He homered three times in the first two games at Philadelphia and hit an RBI single in Game 3 to break a scoreless tie.
"He plays with no fear," Giants manager Bruce Bochy said. "That's what you love about the guy."
The modest Ross insists he's far from deserving of comparisons to Bonds or Mr. October himself, Reggie Jackson.
Bochy even tinkered with his lineup, moving Ross up into the No. 5 spot. The good-natured guy who aspired to be a rodeo clown as a kid came to the plate to chants of "Cody! Cody!"
"It's an easy name to chant, that's probably why. Two syllables," Ross said. "It's been an unbelievable experience for me so far. A month and a half, two months ago, I didn't dream I'd be in this situation. The Giants were awesome to bring me over here. It's just been a great ride."
San Francisco grabbed the edge in its best-of-seven series against the two-time defending NL champions — with two more games in their home ballpark.
Bonds, wearing his old No. 25 jersey, got the towel-waving sellout crowd of 43,320 going at AT&T Park when he was introduced on the field before the first pitch along with three other ex-Giants. He threw his arms up in the air and waved, generating wild cheers.
Ross hit an RBI single in the fourth inning to break a scoreless tie and fellow playoff first-timer Aubrey Huff followed with a run-scoring single.
"He's definitely hot," Hamels said. "He's been battling and hitting pitches that most normal people can't hit at this time."
The answer?
"Hit him," Hamels kidded.
This marked the third great pitching matchup in as many games of this NLCS. First, it was Roy Halladay vs. Lincecum, then Roy Oswalt and Jonathan Sanchez.
Joe Blanton will start for the Phillies in Game 4 on Wednesday night, though manager Charlie Manuel considered Halladay on short rest. Blanton last pitched one inning of relief on the final day of the season, an 8-7 loss at Atlanta, and has not started since Sept. 29.
Rookie Madison Bumgarner starts for the Giants in his first career matchup against the Phillies. He pitched the division series clincher at Atlanta.
"I would say tomorrow is the biggest game we've played so far," Manuel said.
On a beautiful and festive fall day in the Bay Area, Bochy made all the right moves.
Along with Ross moving up, Rowand earned a start in center field, then doubled and scored on Freddy Sanchez's fifth-inning single.
After Cain, Javier Lopez pitched the eighth and Brian Wilson finished it for his fourth postseason save and second in as many tries this series.
"Usually someone steps up, but that wasn't the case today," Phillies shortstop Jimmy Rollins said. "When you get a guy on, you get him in. That's the way to jump start it."
Cain and Hamels each began with three scoreless innings. The left-handed Hamels didn't allow a hit until Edgar Renteria's single to start the fourth, while Carlos Ruiz's one-out single in the third was the first off Cain.
After Renteria's hit, Sanchez sacrificed him to second. Buster Posey struck out swinging and former Phillies outfielder Pat Burrell walked. Ross followed with his single.
San Francisco managed only four hits in losing 6-1 on Sunday night at Citizens Bank Park. The Giants knew they needed to do more Tuesday to swing the momentum back in their favor.
Juan Uribe played after he was scratched late before Game 2 with a bruised left wrist. An MRI exam Monday showed no structural damage.
Cain showed no signs of a long layoff in earning his first career postseason victory. Pitching on 10 days' rest since a no-decision in Game 2 of the division series against Atlanta on Oct. 8, Cain beat the Phillies for the first time. He had been 0-3 lifetime with a 6.23 ERA in his first five career starts against Philadelphia.
Bochy visited Cain after the right-hander hit Ruiz and then walked pinch-hitter Ross Gload with two outs in the seventh, but stuck with him. Cain retired Shane Victorino on a groundout.
Cain shut down the heart of the Phillies' loaded lineup, too.
Chase Utley, batting second for the second straight game, came in 7 for 15 with three home runs against Cain. He went 0 for 4. As did Placido Polanco and Raul Ibanez, who grounded into a game-ending double play.
Copyright 2010 The Associated Press.


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My Christmas Gift 1
By Caroline B
Related Products
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Product Information
- Type: Combo Pack
- Designer: Caroline B
- Software Category: Family
- Download Size: 52.7 MB (approximate)
Design Elements
- Digital Papers: 6
- Page Elements: 39
- Monograms Characters: 63
Designer Notes
Sweet shiny colours for this Christmas and Holidays kit, with authentic and bright look elements, including 34 pieces : - 6 quilted papers - A stiched felt sky blue alpha (63 pieces) - 4 strass brackets - 4 neon light ornaments - 2 tree ornaments - photo corners - 1 shaker box - 5 ribbons - 3 decorated slides - 2 chipboard tags - 2 torn papers Also available at a discount as a Bundle !
Image Quality
High-resolution (print quality) JPG and PNG files (with transparency).
Download Options
Easy install directly into My Memories Suite software. Purchase My Memories Suite
General use installer for other software applications (i.e., Adobe Photoshop & Photoshop Elements, Paint Shop Pro, etc.).
Album and Photobook templates are intended for installation in the MyMemories Suite software only.
The General download will still contain all of the digital paper and page element files and template pages in a flat jpeg format so that you can recreate the template.
The layered pre-built pages are not available in the general download.
Download Access
All download options are available after checkout by clicking the "Access Your Downloads" provided on the order confirmation page. You may also access your downloads after logging into the My Account section located at the top right of the website.


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Appraiser needed a new logo design and created a contest on 99designs.
A winner was selected from 70 designs submitted by 26 freelance designers.
We need a logo designed for a real estate social network.
We need a logo for a social network under development, http://www.rebliss.com. This is a real estate social network that will include not only real estate agents, but anyone involved in real estate: appraisers, inspectors, loan officers, brokers, investors, etc.
- The "RE" in rebliss stands for "real estate". The "RE" can be a different color and/or font than the word "bliss" but this is not a requirement.
- We do not have any requirements for font or color.
- The logo needs to appeal to a broad audience and not just to real estate agents.
- We do not want a roof included in the logo. A lot of real estate logos have roofs but this is not something we want included.
Find out how a design contest works or learn more about our logo design services.


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ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (CNN) -- Pakistan's military intensified its drive against the Taliban in the country's restive tribal regions Wednesday, reclaiming a key town in the northwest district of Buner.
Pakistani troops on patrol close to the Buner district in the northwest of the country.
The military says it killed 50 militants in the operation, while one security officer was killed and three were wounded, Maj. Gen. Athar Abbas, a Pakistani military spokesperson told the press in Rawalpindi.
The operation freed 18 Frontier Corps personnel who had been abducted by militants, he said.
The military used helicopter gunships and coordinated with Pakistani police and the Frontier Corps.
Militants are using civilians as human shields, Abbas said, and have taken people in Buner hostage.
The operation may take a week, he added.
He said ISI, Pakistan's intelligence service which has historic links with the Taliban, was not supporting the militants.
Over the weekend, the military launched an offensive against suspected militants and their hideouts in Lower Dir, which neighbors the violence-plagued Swat area.
Airstrikes by Pakistani fighter jets killed 70 to 75 militants in the Dir district on Tuesday, and flushed out many more, Abbas told reporters.
It is part of the Pakistani army's intensified drive against the Taliban in its restive tribal regions. The Pakistani government has been criticized for not cracking down on militants along its border with Afghanistan. As a result, the U.S. military has carried out drone attacks against militant targets in Pakistan, which have rankled relations between the two countries.
But Pakistan's recent military crackdown has led to an exodus of civilians from the region. At least 33,000 residents have left their homes in the midst of the recent fighting, according to Amnesty International.
Civilians fleeing from Lower Dir in Pakistan's North West Frontier Province join more than 500,000 people already displaced by the fighting, the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees said.
The Pakistani military on Tuesday completed its operation to eliminate and expel militants in Dir, and is now focusing on the Buner district, Abbas said. About 300 militants entered Buner a few days ago, in violation of the Taliban's recent agreement to leave the district, he said.
Buner is about 100 kilometers (60 miles) from Islamabad, but Abbas said the militants pose no threat of entering the capital. The fighter jets pounded targets in Buner and the Swat Valley in an effort to block the militants' entry and exit points, according to Abbas.
CNN's Samson Desta contributed to this report.
All About The Taliban • Pakistan


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Corradini needed a new logo design and created a contest on 99designs.
A winner was selected from 79 designs submitted by 14 freelance designers.
Investor Apprentice
We train people how to become successful real estate investors. We are constantly asked by people to come work for us as our apprentice, so we want a brand that represents the relationship of a Student-Mentor.
We are targeting new and savvy real estate investors. The appeal and assumption from the brand "Investor Apprentice" is that they are learning from someone with know-how and they are someone making a profound commitment to their success with their apprenticeship.
I have a 3rd direction I would like to try. Just use the words "Investor Apprentice" in a creative way that is memorable and inspiring and unique.
I had two possible directions:
1) University type of look. Similar to a "seal" or an official looking mark like a government office seal.
2) Apprentice the TV show type-image. The image of a business man running with a suitcase symbolizes "apprentice" very well. This is the symbol they used so it must be something different.
Find out how a design contest works or learn more about our logo design services.


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Tony Stewart (R) and former crew chierf Darian Grubb, after winning the Chicago 400 to open the 2011 championship chase
By Mike Mulhern
JOLIET, Ill.
Sizing up NASCAR championship playoffs, on the eve of Round One:
Up till last week the smart money was on Jimmie Johnson.
© 2010-2011 www.mikemulhern.net All rights reserved.
Web site by www.webdesigncarolinas.com


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Barack Obama's "African American Education Initiative" creates a new Federal bureaucracy. One of its goals will be to stop disciplinary action against black public school students who misbehave.
Back in 2007, I had two white female public school teachers tell me why Barack Obama was desperately needed as president. They said that black male students have no male role models. If only Obama was elected, black male students would improve their behavior and academic performance, they claimed.
In many major cities, black academic performance has actually gotten worse since Obama took office. We have also seen the dramatic nationwide rise of black teen mob violence under the Obama administration.
On July 26, Obama signed an executive order titled the "African American Education Initiative." The order essentially gives a green light for black students to misbehave in public schools. In two places, Obama's executive order calls on schools to reduce the number disciplinary actions taken against blacks students. The order specifically calls on schools to "not rely on methods that result in disparate use of disciplinary tools."
To comply, public schools would have to engage in a racial quota system of discipline. The executive order will create a new Federal bureaucracy to pressure school systems to comply with the president's demands. The executive order makes no mention of any effort to get black students to improve behavior.
From: http://clashdaily.com/2012/08/obama-signs-an-executive-order-taking-away-public-schools-ability-to-discipline-unruly-black-students/


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Blog of Dr. Miland Brown that features different aspects of world history. Not everything can be covered but sites dealing with any historical issue or topic are possible future posts. Also includes sites which discuss teaching history. Dr. Brown is an academic in North America.
Thursday, February 23, 2006
Does Jailing Historical Revisionists Ultimately Strengthen Their Cause?
The Holocaust is one of the best documented events in history. The physical evidence coupled with oral history is overwhelming. It happened. Holocaust deniers can stand on their heads and shout until judgment day yet they will be unable to disprove the fact that this terrible event occurred. At best, they will claim conspiracy theories, be selective in the documents they cite, and look for flaws in individual testimonies or news accounts to try to throw doubt on all testimony and all news reports.
So why are Holocaust deniers being thrown in jail? They are wrong and they have a right to be wrong. This is not the case in the Middle East or China perhaps but it is in the West. I am astonished that Austria would throw someone in jail for spouting off bad history.
Should we throw other historical revisionist in jail? Should we also throw Heribert Illig in jail for claiming that Charlemagne and that 300 hundred years of medieval history never existed? How about those "historians" who claim that the Apollo Moon Landings were faked or those who make historical assertations that lead to claims that Hawaii and Texas are independent nations undergoing illegal military occupation by the USA? Maybe we should jail Anatoly Timofeevich Fomenko for his radical and wrong New Chronology Hypothesis which claims that nothing can be dated prior to the 11th Century? There are a lot out there as well denying the Armenian Holocaust...
The big danger in jailing (or otherwise legally sanctioning revisionist speech) is that it may ultimately help the cause of the revisionist. They will ask, "If we are wrong, why will you not allow us to speak? The very fact that you are jailing us proves you have something to hide." And this question from the revisionists will find fertile grounds on the Web.
I guess I am even concerned more long term. What if there are wars or other disasters which destroy much of the evidence which proves the Holocaust? Evidence is lost through time and there is no guarantee that the future will be only bright and good. A millennium from now, there will be no survivors to speak in person. Historians in the future may well point to the suppression of speech on the topic that perhaps there was evidence to support that the Holocaust never happened.
I think we should let all historical revisionists (Holocaust deniers included) speak all they want. They may be gadflys but the bulk of evidence is not on their side. They are on the fringe and they will stay there. Let their websites stay up and let them give all the presentations they want. In the meantime, historians can continue to monitor these individuals and make the appropriate responses when it it warranted.
7 comments:
- eeore said...
In a recent survey it was found that 20% of Americans believe that it is possible the Holocaust never happened.
As for the rest of the argument, it shows that your grasp of history is weak. The course of action you propose, is the line taken during the rise of Hitler and look where that ended?
- Miland said...
"As for the rest of the argument, it shows that your grasp of history is weak."
Ad Hominem arguments are weak. I am sure you can do better. I have four college degrees and have a lot of history education. It just interpret history differently than you.
"The course of action you propose, is the line taken during the rise of Hitler and look where that ended?"
So hence censorship is justified because failure to censor can lead to dictators? Of course, dictators censor too. So what then do we censor? That which is politically incorrect perhaps?
And back to the main argument, censoring and imprisoning Holocaust deniers helps their cause. They can not be silenced in this fashion and perecution invariably makes people think they must have something valid to say.
- Jennie W said...
I think there is a difference between jailing a holocaust denier and jailing someone who says the the Apollo moon landing was a fake.
I went and read the article on Irving - he's charged with holocaust denial, not with bad history. In a way, he's charged with harassment. I think that Austria is saying that denying the holocaust is akin to ethnic harassment. People are charged with harassment suits all the time in the US. While I certainly don't think bad history should be a jailable offense, the question really is "is holocaust denial harassment?" Because if it is, there is a precedent throughout the West that this is a jailable offense. I would say that many people would probably agree that holocaust denial is ethnic/religious harassment. Should he go to jail for 10 years for it - probably not.
As to eeore comments on US beliefs that the Holocaust didn't happen - many people in the US don't exactly top the chart on the brain cell count. Researching background evidence is not on the top of their chart of things to do. And many people's answer to something they find distasteful is to pretend it didn't happen.
Now on the comment that you don't know history - well, that is a little laughable. I don't think that wanting to let holocaust deniers have their say is on par with the British appeasement policy with Hitler. Letting Irving speak is not the same as letting Hitler have the Sudetenland.
- Miland said...
Thanks for the comments Jennie.
"I think that Austria is saying that denying the holocaust is akin to ethnic harassment."
I understand this but should ethnic sensibilities determine what is studied?
Many Turks would claim that trying to prove the Armenian Holocaust is akin to ethnic harassment of Turks. (And that will get you put in jail in Turkey.) Should historians not study the Armenian Holocaust?
And do not even get into the competing claims of Palestinian and Israeli historians who accuse each other frequently of racism and bias.
Should we not study some historical events if that could result in findings that may upset a group of people?
I do not support the "history" of historical revisionist but I support their right to speak. And I would really hate to see entire portions of history off limits to historians because it may offend people. Silencing the cranks can also chill the rights of real historians.
- elementaryhistoryteacher said...
Your post reminds me how important our jobs are as history teachers. I agree with you that revisionists should be allowed to spout their craziness. Hopefully an educated public will evaluate their claims as junk. As educators we need to make sure that we provide students with the skills to review many sources for content and be able to evaluate those sources thoughtfully. Even in my 4th grade classroom I use several different resources for each unit. Students begin to recognize repeated information and always notice new information. When there are contradictions we discuss possible reasons for them.
- KNL said...
I agree. I think this sort of government dictated history is terrible. Facts ought to stand on their own. Lies need the help of government and the Holocaust is not a lie.
- Ahistoricality said...
eeore's contention that freedom of speech contributed to the rise of Hitler is pretty strong evidence for a distinct lack of historical knowledge, too. Germany, like many European countries, had pretty clear limitations on publication of "dangerous ideas" (most communism and anarchism, not nationalism, of course) in the early 20th century, not to mention limitations on communist parties, etc....
So, in fact, his argument strongly suggests that censorship leads to Hitlers....


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Development of the Honda CR-Z Mugen concept has reached its conclusion and to celebrate Honda has released video footage of the supercharged hybrid model hitting the open road. The clip should send Honda fans into fever pitch before the models official launch at the upcoming 2011 Goodwood Festival of Speed in the UK next month.
This special CR-Z was born in a joint development between Honda UK and its in-house tuning shop Mugen Euro. To get any real performance out of the car, extensive mods were done to the 1.5-liter i-VTEC petrol engine including the introduction of a supercharger. Honda's hybrid IMA system was also tweaked. The exact result in terms of output remains a mystery but is rumoured to be around the 150kW mark. Mugen has also pulled out 50kg of excess weight and made changes to the suspension, brake system, aerodynamics and lightened its unsprung weight too.
"Performance figures already look promising for this supercharged Honda CR-Z, as early tests with a prototype car based on a standard CR-Z and a mid-tune engine giving 0-60mph times around that of the Civic Type R," Honda said in a statement.
To see Honda's CR-Z Mugen in action, check out the clip below.


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The \"sell in May and go away\" proposition doesn\'t look promising based on the past month of stock market action.
The popular notion that investors should ditch stocks as the weather warms up at the beginning of May and wait until the fall to buy back into a (presumably) cheaper market hasn\'t yet played out. The S&P 500 index is on track to close out the month 1.9% higher, its biggest gain since February. The Dow Jones Industrial Index is on track to close 0.7% higher.
One general thought process behind the \"sell in May\" idiom is that investors who are overly excited to get a jumpstart on the year push stocks into overbought territory by May. The market takes a breather over the summer and trends toward oversold by the fall — just in time to jump in.
The truth behind it depends on who you ask, and how you construct the trade. The 2014 Stock Trader\'s Almanac notes that between 1950 and 2012, the S&P gained 1,663 points between November and April, while losing 83 points between May and October. The Dow gained 16,398 points during the November-April period while losing 1,772 points during the other months. In other words: the trade works. Then again, 20-year data paint a different story. According to technical strategist Ryan Detrick, May has generally been a winner for the past two decades.
This year, the May gains in the S&P were led by the technology sector, which was up 3.5% on the month. Some of the biggest gainers included SanDisk Corp. (up 14%), Electronic Arts Inc. (up 23%), Micron Technology (up 10%), and Apple Inc. (up 8.6%). The telecommunications sector was also up 3.2%.
So what does this bode for the summer? Of course, nothing is certain, but a fair number of market commentators were skeptical of the trade in the first place. As MarketWatch columnist Nigam Arora wrote on May 1:
\"The problem with sell in May and go away is that anyone worth his or her salt knows about this phenomenon. All investors seek an edge. Some investors sell in April in anticipation of May. Others buy prematurely. The point is that investors try to game this phenomenon. It is worth remembering that any phenomenon that is known well does not work well when it comes to generating profits.\"
See also: Don\'t go away in May; Just diversify and Summer time isn\'t the money pit many believe it to be.
On the contrary, former Goldman Sachs Asset Management chairman Jim O\'Neill told MarketWatch at the beginning of the month:
\"I'm slightly in the negative camp, because I also believe in this \'sell in May and go away\' thing. If you look at the past 50 years, it kind of works. For whatever crazy reason. There's no logical reason, but it works.\"
MarketWatch\'s Michael Kahn was also in favor of rotating out of most stocks in May.
But there\'s also a third camp who see a break lower in stocks; they just don\'t see it happening over the summer. Bank of America researchers could adequately be characterized as \"sell in fall\" folks. They write in a note this week:
\"We stick with the view that a summer melt-up would likely be followed by a nasty correction in the autumn. But short-term capitulation into asset markets remains a likely scenario.\"
But as always, a new month has the promise of a new trend taking shape.
[This post was updated to correct that Ryan Detrick no longer works at Schaeffer\'s Investment Research.]
– Ben Eisen
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