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If you want to serve something special to break the fast on Yom Kippur, consider blintzes. These are very thin pancakes folded around a cheese filling and topped with butter, jam, berries or sour cream.
If you want to serve something special to break the fast on Yom Kippur, consider blintzes. These are very thin pancakes folded around a cheese filling and topped with butter, jam, berries or sour cream.
"They are truly, truly special,'' said Renee Rudolph of Hingham, who makes the recipe she enjoyed as a child growing up in South Africa. "My mother had what you could call golden hands, and these blintzes are flavorful and moist.''
Blintzes – whose name comes from the Yiddish word "blintze'' – suit well the evening meal at the end of Yom Kippur, a day of reflection and repentance at the end of the 10-day period known as The Days of Awe or The High Holidays, which began Monday evening on Rosh Hashanah.
When Yom Kippur begins at sundown Oct. 8, Jews will refrain from eating until sundown the following day and will spend most of the day at synagogue services. After, family and friends will gather for a meal that traditionally resembles brunch more than dinner. It's usually dairy-based, designed to be light on the stomach and easy to serve.
"You don't want to eat something heavy,'' said Rudolph. "I don't know many people who break the fast on meat.''
Served warm, blintzes complement the typical spread of bagels with cream cheese and lox (smoked salmon) and selection of white fish, egg and fruit salads. However, you must prepare them ahead of time and reheat briefly in the microwave or buy them frozen and sautee, because they are too time-consuming to make just before the meal.
But people who love blintzes say they're worth the effort.
"They're delectable,'' said Steve Robbins, owner of Maxie's Deli in Stoughton, which makes them fresh each day for eat-in and sells them frozen for take-out. "They're popular year-round.''
In some ways, blintzes are easier to make than French crepes, since the batter is cooked only on one side and doesn't need to be flipped. But each crepe needs to be made separately, and the first few may be unusable as the heat and cooking time are adjusted. What you're aiming for is a very thin crepe that is tender, not rubbery.
"People get frightened by making the crepes,'' said Rudolph, a former kindergarten teacher at Derby Academy and an experienced cook who often prepares community shabbat dinners at Temple Sha'aray Shalom in Hingham. "It really is not hard, but you have to make sure your pan doesn't get too hot. And you want them to be very light and thin, so you're not cutting through a quarter of an inch of dough to get to the filling.''
Depending on the recipe, the cheese filling is made from some combination of cottage cheese, ricotta cheese, sour cream and/or farmer's cheese.
As they've done with other traditional foods, creative chefs have devised variations. In a nod to fall, you can add grated apple to the cheese mixture or make a butternut squash filling.
But cheese by far has the most appeal. Robbins makes Maxie's blintzes with farmer's cheese, because "that gives them a natural sweetness,'' and Zaftig's Delicatessen in Brookline adds lemon zest to farmer's cheese for "a little freshness,'' said owner Bob Shuman, whose restaurant offers blintzes as an appetizer and a breakfast item.
Rudolph mixes cottage cheese and sour cream, but what makes hers stand out is that they are baked in a bath of milk and cream. Typically, people do not bake blintzes after filling the crepe. Instead, they serve them directly after frying and top them with sour cream, applesauce, blueberry sauce or fresh berries.
There's another reason why blintzes may be a good choice for Yom Kippur. The attention required to make them can prepare you for the day of reflection.
"It's a holiday of awareness and a pensive time,'' said Rudolph. "You're aware of your body because you're hungry, and you're also aware of where you've been and where you're going.''
Reach Jody Feinberg at email@example.com.
Makes 2 dozen
Start with a 6-inch frying or crepe pan, a Pyrex dish, a fine sieve, and clean dishtowels
Set oven at 350 degrees
4 eggs
2 cups milk
1 cup flour, sifted
pinch of salt
canola oil and butter for frying
2 cups smooth and creamy cottage cheese
2 eggs
2 tablespoons flour
1 tablespoon sugar or to taste
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup sugar
1 tablespoon cinnamon
1/4 cup milk
1/4 cup light cream
2 tablespoons butter
Batter: Combine eggs and milk and beat well. Add sifted dry ingredients. Beat until smooth. Grease pan with a little oil and butter and heat over medium flame. Pour a thin layer of batter, about 1/8 cup, in the center of the pan and move the pan until batter spreads. Fry one side only until little bubbles appear on the edges and the crepe looks solid, about 20-30 seconds. Remove the pan from the heat, flip over, and bang lightly until the crepe falls onto the dish towel.
Filling: Combine all the ingredients by hand. Press through a fine sieve to remove liquid. Spoon 1 tablespoon onto the crepe. Make into a square by folding one side over, the bottom up and the top down, and then the second side over. Arrange in a lightly buttered Pyrex. Finish: Combine sugar and cinnamon and sprinkle generously over blintz. Dot with butter. Mix the milk and cream and pour evenly over blintzes.
Bake at 350 for 30 to 35 minutes. Serve immediately.
Courtesy of Renee Rudolph, Hingham
2 tablespoons butter
2 pints blueberries
3/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon cornstarch
1 lemon, juiced
confectioners sugar, for dusting
Combine the butter, blueberries, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice in a small pot over medium-high heat. Bring up to a low boil and stir gently until the berries break down and release their natural juices. The consistency should remain a bit chunky. Let cool and pour over blintzes.
Courtesy Tyler Florence, foodnetwork.com


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Transfer news: Toby Alderweireld snubbed Liverpool to join Atletico Madrid
Toby Alderweireld claims to have snubbed an approach from Liverpool before completing a move to Atletico Madrid.
Last Updated: 04/09/13 10:59am
The 23-year-old completed a switch to Spain on transfer deadline day, with Atletico piecing together a package which enticed Ajax into a sale.
Liverpool had also been in the running to secure the Belgium international's signature, but saw their efforts knocked back.
The Reds ended up landing Mamadou Sakho and Tiago Ilori from Paris Saint-Germain and Sporting Lisbon, respectively, but Alderweireld claims the Anfield outfit looked at him before sealing late deals on Monday.
He told the Spanish press following his arrival at Atletico: "The club have been following me now for two or three weeks, and you could see they really wanted me.
"That is why I turned down approaches from other teams. Liverpool, for example, appeared in the last few days, but I had already taken my decision.
"The truth is that Atletico made a huge effort to convince me."

subset: commoncrawl


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In our March cover story, we reported on the recent uptick in new tillage sales and reasons for the demand, those being excess crop residue and soil compaction left by consecutive seasons of wet weather. After reading the article, Thomas Eubank, extension professor with the Delta Research and Extension Center, Mississippi State University, offered another reason why farmers are buying more tillage equipment:weeds resistant to glyphosate, the primary herbicide used in Roundup Ready crops.
"Tillage implements are the hottest selling items at auctions and equipment dealers because we are looking for alternative means of control for these troublesome weeds," Eubank writes to us in an email. "We have had numerous situations throughout the South where producers plowed under their planted crops because the weeds got ahead of them and there was no other option than to start over."
Eubank says this issue seriously threatens conservation- and no-tillage systems throughout the country. "So serious is this threat that the NRCS has begun aggressively trying to identify ways to manage this weed without requiring additional tillage."
Alternatives being explored include planting cover crops, applying enzymes, or using stalk choppers or crimpers. Another alternative being looked at is the development of new seed hybrids that can resist the stress of crop residue. (See "Methods for handling corn resudue without tillage.") New "reduced tillage implements" such as vertical tillage also are being designed, offering the soil conservation benefits of no-till but the weed-defying benefits of tillage.
Regardless of which method you choose, many weed scientists are saying that farmers will need to use multiple strategies—both chemical and mechanical—to manage the growing problem of weeds.
What are you doing this year to handle weed resistance?


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We are open for Grab & Go service and Curbside Pickup Monday-Friday, 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Click here for all the details.
We are open for Grab & Go service and Curbside Pickup Monday-Friday, 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Click here for all the details.
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my BB 9300 with OS 22.214.171.1244(2391). The OS was installed 3weeks ago and was working fine.
Just since 2 days ago, manytimes whenever I receive a call and I accept the phone hangs for a sec aand automatically restarts. also sometimes when making a call the same thing happens.. sending receiving SMS is not a problem so far.
pls assist and suggest, i have formatted and reinstalled the OS also reinstalled a .448 version OS but the problem still exists. Also have opened and cleant the battery and sim card with spirit just incase there is some of the moistureproblem..
Kindly suggest it is urgent...


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When I was little, I loved Halloween. After all, there's really no other day when it's acceptable for children to wear costumes — sometimes even at school — and run around taking candy from the neighbors. However, not all of my Halloween memories are happy ones.
When I was little, I loved Halloween. After all, there's really no other day when it's acceptable for children to wear costumes — sometimes even at school — and run around taking candy from the neighbors.
However, not all of my Halloween memories are happy ones. I was always terribly disappointed when the weather interfered with my trick-or-treating. One year, for example, the rain caused the feather in the headband of my can-can dancer costume to keep falling in my face.
I decided to dress up as Belle the year that Disney's "Beauty and the Beast" came out, and, much to my chagrin, so did dozens of other girls at my school — and I had thought I was so original. To add insult to injury, the cold weather forced me to wear a coat over my costume when I was trick-or-treating, so no one knew who I was.
My worst Halloween ever was the year I had a broken arm. It was difficult and a little painful to run with my big cast jostling around, so the other kids in my trick-or-treating group abandoned me.
Plus, I was dressed as Mr. Peanut for some reason, and that just made the lonely walk back to my house 10 times worse.
These days, my feelings on Halloween are closer to those of a dejected Mr. Peanut than those of a Disney Princess with gold shoes that match her dress (before she goes to school and sees everyone else in the same outfit).
My idea of a pleasant evening does not involve answering the door every two seconds to pass out free candy and compliment children's costumes. Some of the older kids aren't even trying anymore — a cheap mask worn with your regular clothes does not earn you a Reese's, buddy.
And when the candy runs out, pretending you're not home and hoping you won't get egged is slightly terrifying.
To avoid the hordes of trick-or-treaters, adults can throw on their own costumes and attend a Halloween party. I do enjoy the chance to come up with an funny or unique costume — my favorite was an '80s prom dress complemented by big hair — but I don't really like hanging out somewhere that looks like a brothel.
After all, another great name for Halloween would be "The Day That Every Woman Gets a Free Pass to Dress Like a Streetwalker." Every female costume seems to have the word "sexy" tacked on to the front of it: Sexy Schoolgirl! Sexy Nurse! Sexy Ax Murderer! On any other day of the year, it would be socially unacceptable for women to dress so provocatively — unless they belong to a select few professions — but on Halloween it's practically a requirement.
Of course, you don't need a costume to visit a haunted house, and there are plenty of impressive haunts around here. Luckily for all of the other patrons, I will not be visiting any of them.
The few times that I have been coerced into visiting a haunted house, I have made a complete and utter fool of myself. I am a world-class scaredy-cat, and the blood-curdling screams that I am capable of producing are just as scary as any haunted attraction.
I'm not sure why people enjoy being scared. I certainly don't. I hate the feeling of being on edge because something could jump out at you at any moment. And even if you're prepared for that thing to jump out, it's still terrifying when it happens.
So, I'm baffled by the idea that people actively seek out frightening situations like haunted houses or scary movies. What they see as an adrenaline rush, I see as unnecessary stress.
Maybe that's my main problem with Halloween: I'm just a big wimp. But least I have the courage to admit it.
Pekin Daily Times city editor Amanda Jacobs can be reached at (309) 346-1111 or email@example.com.


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- Kids' Club
- WiFi
- Car park
- Air conditioning
- Swimming pool
- Golf
- Water park
- Family
Choose your room
Located in the residential area of Benalmádena Costa, Hotel Los Patos Park is the perfect place for a relax holidays, being at the same time 1 km away from Puerto Marina well known for its night life. Hotel completely renovated.
Non smoking dining room, serving all meals buffet style. All inclusive top brands available. Bars, daily Happy Hour.4 swimming pools, solarium, chill-out area, bar, games room, children playground, gift shop, Internet point (extra charge), Internet WIFI free of charge (in common areas), garage (extra charge), and Golf Course (within 3 km). Daytime activities and evening entertainment including dancing nightly, cabaret, shows and weekly Andalucian evening with Flamenco. New Pirate themed Mini club for children (5 to 12 years). Our water park consists of a lake children's pool of irregular shape and 750 m 2 of water surface, with water games for children: pirate Galleon with a double straight slide, extra wide chute and a slide tube with giro, masts, sails and diffusers water cannons and sandy beach. For the enjoyment of the little ones, there are a snake marina and a shark slides, a mushroom shower, and a tower with two slides and a tipping bucket.
One swimming pool for adults of irregular shape with 300 m2 of water surface with one waterslide multitrack (4 tracks), a tube slide and 3 curved open and enclose body slides in a themed area and a rock garden with Palm trees. To complete our water park, by the pool bar area there are a swimming pool for adults with 300 m2 of water surface, and another children's pools.2 or 3 beds, all rooms have a complete bathroom, terrace, satellite TV, mini fridge, safety box (extra charge) and modern interior design.
Reviews: Hotel Los Patos Park
9ExcellentDavid - May 4, 2018
Lovely days, perfect with kids, good service, very good buffet, good facilities and animation..
Useful information:Other names for Hotel Los Patos Park:
Sol Patos
Sol Patos


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Yes, don't believe a word that the b---- says, but definitely trust the good girl when she promises that Season Two of "Don't Trust the B---- in Apartment 23" will be even wilder than its debut season.
"It's insane," promises star Dreama Walker, who plays the more straight-laced roommate June to Krysten Ritter's say-anything, do-anything party girl Chloe. "We're going home to somebody's house, but I can't say who's; there's a Halloween episode; there's a Thanksgiving episode…"
"Oh gosh, the Thanksgiving episode is one of the most wrong episodes of anything I've ever seen," agrees co-star James Van Der Beek.
The breakout sitcom won over critics and viewers by specializing in casually tossed-off high-shock, high-speed comic twists and dialogue. Executive producer and showrunner David Hemingson says he remains stunned at the combustive comedic chemistry shared by leads Walker and Ritter.
"They're so gifted and there's nothing you can't give them," Hemingson says. "And for Krysten in particular, we write the most shocking, appalling, sometimes borderline sociopathic stuff for her, and she just pulls it off with an aplomb I have not encountered in any other actress. She is just this freestanding law unto herself."
"We cast Dreama first," recalls Hemingson. "Dreama walked in – she was the second person to audition – and she sat down and I remember being there watching the camera test going 'This is perfect! Who could we possibly pair with her?' We didn't have an incredibly keen sense of who that person would be. And I remember saying to Jeff [Morton, executive producer] 'Have you ever seen "Breaking Bad," man? Watch Season Two: the actress who plays Jane Margolis, the landlord – Krysten Ritter. That girl's amazing.'"
"I have to say that we were really lucky," agrees Walker, who reveals that the actresses' styles clicked right out of the gate. "We didn't get a chance to read together until we were doing our first scene in the pilot. I had seen her in 'Breaking Bad' and thought that she did a great job, and thought that she was the perfect opposite of me: this short blonde girl and then this tall, raven-haired girl. I thought the two of us together would be the perfect odd couple."
Perhaps the most delightful and unexpected surprise of the series is just how effective former "Dawson's Creek" star James Van Der Beek turned out to be in his role as Chloe's best friend, who happened to be former "Dawson's Creek" star James Van Der Beek. The actor admits he was taking a professional risk, but didn't over-think it at the outset.
"It's one of the few times in my career I really just went with my gut," says Van Der Beek. "And it almost wasn't important what anybody else thought – I mean, I wanted people to laugh, for sure. The response has been really overwhelming and really humbling. People seem to appreciate it, which is great because I love doing it and I love the people I work with, so that's been really gratifying."
"It was originally conceived for Lance Bass," reveals Hemingson, "but it didn't work out and we were like 'Who are we gonna get who could be a celebrity but who has the comic timing to pull this off?' We saw the 'Van Der Memes' [on 'Funny or Die'] and we saw James and we said 'This guy is perfect.' So it's incredibly gratifying that he's getting recognized for this, and he's got such a deep comic bag of tricks – we write stuff for him and he just keeps discovering new things. He's a wonderful comic actor."
The second season of "Don't Trust the B--- In Apt. 23" premieres Tuesday Oct. 23 at 9.30 p.m. ET on ABC.


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Google announced that it's building a Games button for its popular social networking site, Google+.
Before everyone groans a collective groan, Google says it will make it optional to see game related status updates, including invitations to games and updates, says AdAge.
The move also positions Google to poke at Facebook's online-game revenue. The offerings are substantial -- Angry Birds to Crime City to a dozen or so more titles.
Zynga, the top social media game-maker in the market today, will be contributing games to the platform, along with Diamond Dash and Bejeweled tossed in, too.
And those game devs who were worried about the search engine giant taking 30 percent commission like Facebook does, do not fear, Venture Beat reports they'll only be taking 5 percent.


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For those of you still stinging from the disappointment of Steve Carell stepping in for Jim Carrey, justice is being prepared, and should be served soon enough.
Jarrad Paul and Andrew Mogel, the geniuses behind "Hot Tub Time Machine" (we're not being snide--we really liked it) and "Yes Man," have signed on to pen a proper sequel to the 2003 blockbuster that starred Jim Carrey and raked in more than $480 million worldwide, reported Variety.
U.S. & World
News from around the country and around the globe
Of course, there was "Evan Almighty," which tried in vain to replace Carrey with Steve Carell when the former refused be cause he's "not a big fan of doing the same charcter twice." But the film was a dud, failing to recoup its massive $175 million budget, and earned a Razzie nomination for Worst Prequel or Sequel, losing out to "Daddy Day Camp."
Carrey is far removed from his days as a hit-maker, and he may yet decline to appear in this film. There's also no guarantee that Morgan Freeman will return as God, or if Carell will be back as Evan. Heck, there ain't even a director lined up, and Tom Shadyac, who helmed the previous films, appears to have moved on to a new stage in his career.


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Prevent Extinctions
Prevent Extinctions
Bat Conservation International is uniquely positioned to help prevent the extinction of any bat species in the US and Canada. As a US-based organization, we work with a diverse group of partners to protect bats that are globally imperiled, as well as bats that are threatened or endangered at the state and federal level.
We have been working to protect and conserve bats in this region of the world since our inception. North American bats face many challenges. White-nose Syndrome (WNS) has killed at least 6 million hibernating bats since its arrival in New York in 2006. Wind energy continues to develop as an alternative energy source. Researchers estimate that as many as 1.7 million bats were killed in the US and Canada prior to 2011. Additionally, as many as 1.3 million fatalities may have occurred in 2012 alone, and that migratory species are impacted most heavily. Climate change is altering weather patterns and landscapes, reducing the availability of water resources for bats, especially in the arid Southwest. Habitat alteration and fragmentation can threaten roosting and foraging sites for some species. And human disturbance continues to be a problem for bats at unprotected caves and mines.
In the US, 8 species or subspecies of bats are listed as Endangered (see below) and a single species, the northern-long eared bat (*) is listed as Threatened.
- Florida bonneted bat (Eumops floridanus)
- Gray bat (Myotis grisescens)
- Hawaiian hoary bat (Lasiurus cinereus semotus)
- Indiana bat (Myotis sodalis)
- Lesser long-nosed bat (Leptonycteris yerbabuenae)
- Mexican long-nosed bat (Leptonycteris nivalis)
- Ozark big-eared bat (Corynorhinus townsendii ingens)
- Virginia big-eared bat (Corynorhinus townsendii virginianus)
- Northern long-eared bat (Myotis septentrionalis)*
In Canada, 3 species of bats are listed as Endangered under the Canadian Species At Risk Act (see below) and one species, the pallid bat (*) is listed as Threatened.
Bats, as the primary predators of night-flying insects, play a crucial ecological role. But they have a vital economic role, too. Research has shown that bats provide between a $3.7 and $52 billion ecosystem service benefit to US farmers and ranchers, by reducing the costs of pesticides. If we continue to lose bats from WNS, wind facility fatalities, and other causes, there will be an economic impact.
BCI has a successful track record of protecting bats in this region. We have excellent working relationships with key federal agencies, including the US Fish and Wildlife Service, the US Forest Service, the US Bureau of Land Management, the National Park Service, the Canadian Cooperative Wildlife Health Centre and others. Additionally, we are partnered with various state wildlife agencies, universities and other non-governmental entities to identify and implement meaningful, on-the-ground conservation actions. We work with key legislators and decision-makers to develop conservation policies at the national level.
We are currently working in many arenas to protect North America's bats. White-nose Syndrome is decimating North American bats, and BCI is working to stop the spread of this disease and prevent the endangerment and potential extinction of impacted species. Through our WNS Research Grants program, we support critical research that identifies tools to control the fungus that causes the disease. WNS has decimated some populations of the northern long-eared bat (Myotis septentrionalis), which was recently listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. We are working with university, industry and state wildlife partners to provide the US Fish and Wildlife Service with the data they need to protect this dwindling species.
Although not impacted by WNS, the Florida bonneted bat (Eumops floridanus) is the most recent bat listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act. BCI is working with several key partners in Florida to conduct critical research to identify the habitat needs and distribution of this poorly understood creature.
BCI also believes in celebrating conservation success. The lesser long-nosed bat, Leptonycteris yerbabuenae, has met many of the criteria needed to down-list it from "endangered" to "threatened." BCI is working with state and federal agencies to permanently protect known roosting sites and, hopefully, remove this species from the Endangered Species list.
Stay up to date with BCI
Sign up and receive timely bat updates
BCI relies on the support of our amazing members around the world.
Our mission is to conserve the world's bats and their ecosystems to ensure a healthy planet.
Please join us or donate so our work can continue.


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LITTLE ROCK — The amounts of lottery-funded scholarships would increase as students advance through college under a bill that cleared a House committee Wednesday.
The House Rules Committee endorsed House Bill 1295 by Rep. Jeremy Gillam, R-Judsonia, and Sen. Johnny Key, R-Mountain Home.
Under the bill, the Academic Challenge Scholarship for students attending four-year schools would be awarded in the following amounts: $2,000 for freshmen, $3,000 for sophomores, $4,000 for juniors and $5,000 for seniors.
Students attending two-year schools would receive $2,000 per year.
Currently, students receive $4,500 each year to attend a four-year school and $2,250 each year to attend a two-year school. Under HB 1295, students already in the program would continue to receive those amounts but students entering the program in the 2013-14 school year would receive the tiered amounts.
The measure also would increase the amount of funding available for scholarships for nontraditional students from $12 million to $16 million, under an amendment Gillam presented Wednesday.
Gillam said that if scholarship amounts are not changed and lottery revenue stays at its current level, the program will be unable to meet all its obligations next fiscal year. He said his bill would keep the program solvent.
Rep. Darrin Williams, D-Little Rock, said the lottery was sold to voters as a way to increase the percentage of Arkansans holding degrees from four-year schools — a statistic in which the state generally ranks at or near the bottom nationally.
"It appears that the hit here is being felt much more deeply by our four-year institutions," Williams said.
Gillam replied that more than 90 percent of students attending four-year institutions in Arkansas on a lottery scholarship also receive a significant amount of other financial aid.
"I do not think that this is going to be that significant a deterrent to go to universities," he said.
Rep. John Burris, R-Harrison, praised the bill and said he hoped the tiered approach would give students a new incentive to retain their scholarships.
The committee endorsed the measure in a voice vote. No "no" votes were heard. The bill advances to the House.
Shane Broadway, interim director of the state Department of Higher Education, told reporters later that the department has not taken a position on the bill but said he believed it would prevent the program from running out of funds next year.
The Legislative Oversight Committee on the lottery last year considered a proposal by Key to create a tiered scholarship system but voted instead to recommend lowering scholarship amounts to $3,300 per year for four-year schools and $1,650 per year for two-year schools. To date, no bill containing that proposal has been filed.
Also Wednesday, the House Rules Committee endorsed HB 1275 by Rep. Jeff Wardlaw, D-Warren, which would require a business applying for an alcohol permit to publish a notice of the application in a newspaper located in the same county where the business is located if there is one, or in the newspaper with the nearest physical address if there is not.
Current law merely requires that the notice appear in a newspaper that is circulated locally.
Testifying in support of the bill, Michael Langley, director of the state Alcoholic Beverage Control Division, said legal notices are more likely to be read by a business' neighbors in the local paper than in the statewide paper.
The bill goes to the House.
The panel also endorsed HB 1280 by Rep. David Kizzia, D-Malvern, which would add gas grill lighters to a state law banning the sale of cigarette, cigar and pipe lighters shaped like objects that would appeal to children.
Kizzia showed the committee a gas grill lighter shaped like a duck to demonstrate the type of device his bill would target.
The bill goes to the House.


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US: Mervyn's facing bankruptcy threat – paper
Department store retailer Mervyn's could be the next casualty of the US retail slowdown amid reports that it is on the verge of filing for bankruptcy protection.
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Just when you thought the Eagles' season couldn't get any more interesting…
The Philadelphia Eagles are bringing former backup quarterback Jeff Garcia back to the team. The Eagles and Garcia agreed to a one-year contract, NBC Philadelphia confirmed Monday. The terms of the deal are undisclosed at this point.
"It's an exciting time and an exciting opportunity," Garcia said via phone Monday.
The move comes a day after veteran quarterback Donovan McNabb fractured a rib during the team's first regular season game of the 2009-2010 season. McNabb is questionable for game two against the New Orleans Saints, head coach Andy Reid said.
"He is sore," Reid said. "I'm not gonna put him out there, obviously, if he can't function. We'll take it day by day and see how it goes."
Garcia rose to temporary greatness in 2006 when he took the Eagles on a run for the playoffs after stepping in for a hurt McNabb and injured second-string quarterback A.J. Feeley. Feeley was just released by the team last week. He turned down the opportunity to come back to Philadelphia for a third time after landing a deal with the Carolina Panthers Monday.
"I still have a lot of football left in me," Garcia said. "I feel like I can just step right in and everything will still sound familiar and be very comfortable for me."
So what does this mean for current second-stringer Kevin Kolb?
Reid said No. 4 will take the field should McNabb not be able to play. But after his lukewarm performance in Carolina Sunday, many wonder if Garcia will quickly be moved into the top spot.
One edge Garcia may have over Kolb and even soon-to-be eligible wildcard Michael Vick is that he has actually run the Eagles' offense in several regular season games.
But the former Eagle says he's not trying to take Kolb's job and will work to help him grow as a quarterback. "I'm not trying to step in for anybody, just blend in."
We'll see about that.
Get More: ESPN


text: For consuming data from a data source, which is not supported by the DevExtreme data layer out of the box, the DataGrid uses the CustomStore. To load data, the CustomStore needs the load function that you should implement by yourself. Note that this store can be declared explicitly or in the DataSource configuration object.


text:
These vintage books are all the rage, spotted in all interior magazines, instagram and pinterest they are super for styling your home, we have a pile of our favourites in the snug and love them!
Everyone kept asking about them as we use them for our photography so we thought we better start stocking them.
This one is 1976 edition of Coins,
If you are looking for a particular observer book, do get in touch, we may have it! Please note all observer books are from the 50s/60s so will show age.


text:
Vacancy expired!
691795BRJob Title:Best Buy Mobile Sales ConsultantJob Category:SalesLocation Number:001121-Owensboro-StoreJob Description:What does a Best Buy Mobile Sales Consultant do?Best Buy Sales Consultants excel at selling products and services, working closely with other members of the sales team. They accumulate the appropriate knowledge and expertise through continuous learning and self-development. Then, armed with the right tools and knowledge, they create ease and add value to the Best Buy Mobile experience, ensuring customers' end-to-end needs are met. As a trusted advisor and partner, Best Buy Mobile Sales Consultants develop strong relationships with customers and bring them a little closer to family and friends by helping them close the gaps with technology.The Best Buy Sales Consultant in Mobile Wireless engages customers utilizing selling skills to build connected solutions while maintaining a balance of high velocity and high service. They'll sell a broad range of mobile products and services using a proven structured approach while at the same time developing in-depth knowledge of the latest mobile technology.Job responsibilities include:
Provide personalized service and exceptional expertise for customers.
Handle all aspects of the sale including: customer contracts and warranties, customer payments, cash and credit card/check transactions.
Develop, maintain and communicate strong, up-to-date knowledge of wireless products, accessories, pricing plans and service features.
What are the Professional Requirements of a Best Buy Mobile Sales Consultant?Basic Qualifications
Ability to work successfully as part of a team
Ability to work a flexible schedule inclusive of holidays, nights and weekends
Preferred Qualifications
3 months experience working in customer service, sales or related fields
Req #:691795BRAddress Line 1:5101 FREDERICA STCity:OwensboroState:KYZip:42301Job Level:Entry LevelEmployment Category:Full TimeBrand:Best Buy MobileAbout Us:About Best Buy MobileWe all know by now that mobile phone technology is pretty amazing. But shopping for it isn't. At Best Buy Mobile™, we think there's a better way. We think customers deserve:
The latest devices and services - all in one place
Knowledgeable, impartial advice
Competitive prices
The ability to shop when and where you want
To support you for the life of your products
Best Buy Company and its Family of BrandsBest Buy is the world's largest multi-channel consumer electronics retailer with stores in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. We are the 11th largest online retailer in the U.S. and Canada, we have the number one customer loyalty program of its kind and more than 1.6 billion visitors to our websites and stores each year. Our more than 165,000 employees are committed to helping deliver the technology solutions that provide value, enabling access to people, knowledge, ideas and fun – whether online, via mobile device or in our stores.Additional Job Information:What are my rewards and benefits?Discover your career here! At Best Buy we offer much more than a paycheck. Surrounded by the latest and greatest technology, a team of amazing coworkers and a work environment where anything is possible, you'll find it easy to be your best when you work with us. We provide an exciting work environment with a community of techno learners where you can be yourself while investing in your career. Empowered with knowledge you will discover endless opportunities to grow. From deep employee discounts to tuition reimbursement, to health, wealth and wellness benefits, to learning and development programs, we believe the success of our company depends on the passion of employees for learning, technology and people.Search Categories:BBYM, Retail Jobs


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Friday, 28 September 2012
Staff Reading Pick
Here is another reading pick from the Logan Library Staff.
Book: 26 Rounds for Kelly
by Brent Weaver
Recommended by: Debbie
Why does God let bad things happen to good people? Diagnosed with a rare bone cancer at the age of 27, Brent Weaver shares the insights he gained into this universal question as he talks about the physical, spiritual, and emotional struggles he endured during his 2 1/2 year battle. In the end, his goal was to stay alive long enough to finish this book. He felt strongly that by sharing his story and describing the things that he learned, his words might bring comfort to others facing the life-shattering experience of cancer. Brent was my cousin, so naturally I am biased, but I do believe that this book can bring the comfort he hoped it would, as well as a better understanding of what cancer patients really go through.
Want more reading suggestions? View previous staff picks.
Posted By Logan Library at 12:22 PM in Category:Staff Picks
The Latest News!
Oct 16, 2018
» Community Book Discussion Oct 10, 2018
» The Dead Awaken Oct 5, 2018
» Library Closed Columbus Day


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O.K. For those who don't know me, I'm Fishman92, co-head of the Fishmaniacs Network, podcaster and games developer.
Marathon: In The Shadows is a scenario I'm making currently. It features totally new textures, enemys, semitransparent liquids and shots, a night vision mode etc.
I am about to release a beta version for A1, with the project already shaping up to be very good. For more info on the storyline, go to http://mshadowsinfo.blogspot.com/ (this is only the story for the first few levels though).
If you would like a copy of the scenario as it is now, plase contact me. If you have any ideas for it, post them here.


text:
Sister Sister
Wait, you're thinking, her sister already got married. Back in December, right? What happened? Are they part of some bigamist cult? I mean, they do live in Florida after all and that kind of crap is common down there isn't it?
No. My other sister is getting married. And my other other sister got married last July, making a total of three sisters (out of four total, not including me which would make five) getting married in one year.
What in the hell is she talking about, you wonder. She just has one sister. The one who managed not to murder any of the patrons at the Cajun bar where she was forced to work a double on the Super Bowl Sunday when the Saints won.
Umm. No. I have a total of four sisters actually. I just don't really know three of them and I've hesitated to write about them because I was generally just sort of freaked out about their very existence and I didn't know them anyway. But now, I'm just putting it all out there. I'm going to be Mrs. Oversharington here and let you all enjoy the neverending, hyperbolic drama from every possible direction that is my life.
The sister you know is the one I grew up since I was eleven and she was three. She isn't even my sister at all. She's my mother's half sister, my half aunt but we were raised like sisters. She's my grandfather's daughter from his marriage after my grandmother. That marriage didn't work and she and my grandfather lived with us on and off for several years. When my grandfather died, my sister came to live with us permanently. We aren't blood sisters, but we have the relationship of sisters and calling each other sisters is far easier than going through a paragraph long explanation of our actual relationship, that no one can quite grasp anyway.
On my biological father's side, I have five siblings: three sisters and two brothers. I don't know them. These are the children he had with my stepmother Louise and all were born after my mother had finally gotten custody of me after many long years of trying. I moved away from Millpond to New York at the end of sixth grade. I moved in June and their first daughter was born in July, so I only got to see her as a massive, veiny swell under my stepmother's hideously frumpy maternity jumpers.
My stepmother Louise was a cruel, selfish woman. She was a zealot, smug, self righteous and judgmental, though utterly lacking in good judgment. She was vicious and manipulative and I believe, especially now that she's dead and I've learned a lot more about her, mentally ill, though I couldn't really put my finger on any definite diagnosis, unless plain hateful is somewhere in the DSM.
Louise was young when she married my father. She was a middle school teacher at my school and had, what I now realize, is a very idealistic (and unrealistic) expectation of what her life was going to be like. She wanted to marry, have as many children as possible and stay home to take care of them. Then, all of them would grow up to be violin concertos, missionaries and PhDs. The girls would never wear pants or cut their hair. The boys would be doctors or pastors or even both. The children would all speak several languages. She'd homeschool them all. These children would be disciplined within and inch of their lives. They'd be prodigies with impeccable manners and multiple talents. Everything would be perfect and there would be no deviation from her plan.
The biggest problem was me. She chose to marry a man knowing he had been married once, for a short time, when he was very young and that marriage had produced a daughter, whom he had custody of. To her, this was unacceptable and it didn't mesh with her plan. I've always wondered why she went ahead and married him. Maybe she really loved him, but I have a hard time believing she was capable of love. I think she didn't have a lot of options. Louise was ugly. She was an unkempt girl with snarly hair, very bad skin and her outfits were always thrown together and full of wrinkles and cat hair. Nothing matched and she always smelled like moth balls. She had squinty eyes and a mouth that looked like it was drawn with a very sharp pencil. Besides being unattractive, she just wasn't pleasant to be around because she was always making arrogant religious statements and telling everyone they were going to hell. This is not a way to make friends. Most men would not want to marry a religious fanatic who'd been beat by the ugly stick. Except my father, who was just as mean and smug and ugly as she was. I honestly think these two were soul mates. No more perfect match could have ever been made. They were exactly alike.
But he had a kid and that didn't mesh with her perfect plan, and besides that I was already nine when they married so that meant I had passed the age of being able to learn languages and musical instruments. You have to start kids in infancy apparently. I was no prodigy at anything. I had no discernible talents and all that scribbling I did in notebooks I called journals was a waste of time and probably sinful. Louise had to get rid of me. She had to make me so miserable that I would want to go live with my mother in another state. It had to be MY choice so she could play the victim. She couldn't be seen as a woman who got rid of her husband's child. Her plan worked and just in time for her to have a new baby. Unfortunately, the part of the plan that didn't work was the part where she looked like the victim. No one bought her crap and the entire town of Millpond despised her and gossiped about her. A few months after I moved, she convinced my father to move far away and start a new life in a distant, northern state. Once there, they got caught up in a cult-like church, which conveniently for her, encouraged its members to give up their worldly, non-believing families and become a part of the church family instead. They had very, little contact with my aunts and uncles and grandparents after the move and zero contact with me.
Conveniently, they were in a new place where no one knew their pasts. To all involved, they were a young, newlywed couple just starting out and having their first child. I did not exist. No one knew about me. Louise had done it. She had her idealistic, unrealistic plan in place. She had five children. I never met any of them. I knew about them from other relatives telling me they were born.
At my wedding in 2005, my aunts told me Louise had been diagnosed with inflammatory breast cancer. It's the most aggressive form of breast cancer. It usually had a bad prognosis. There was little hope for Louise because she had grown massively obese, was sedentary, had poor nutrition and tested positive for a breast cancer gene that had already killed several female family members. Everyone present at my wedding said that Louise deserved her fate, except me. I felt sad for her.
Suffering from the condition of unrealistic idealism myself, I decided to write her a letter and try to make things right with her before she died, to tie up some karmic loose ends so she could pass from this earth without unfinished business with me. I wanted to forgive her. I wanted to show her what a good loving person, what a successful person I had turned out to be in spite of the fact that I dropped out of high school, had premarital sex and couldn't play a note on a violin. I imagined some scene out of Anne of Green Gables where she'd weep and beg my forgiveness and sob about how wrong she'd been to me. In my letter, I was positive and hopeful, but I also didn't mince words. I told her she'd hurt me and that what she'd done was wrong, though I said I was willing to move past that now. I just knew that now that she had cancer and was facing certain death that she'd soften and change.
I am a complete, flipping idiot.
Louise was always a bitch and now she was just a bitch with cancer.
She wrote me back. She did. I'll give her that, but all I got was a terse "I'm sorry you still think after all these years that I hurt you." That is not an apology. Then she just basically proceeded to brag about how great her five kids were and all the things they could do. After that she asked me if I went to church and then sent me a bunch of tracts about getting saved and Armageddon.
Louise knew she was going to die and she started a blog about her cancer. Now if I were dying, I'd write something for my kids to remember me by. I'd write about them, and all the things I loved. I'd give them advice for their lives for the times I wouldn't be there. I'd write about how much I loved them. I'd write memories and moments and capture the best parts of my life. Did Louise do that? No. She essentially did nothing except complain about her treatments (and I cut her slack on that because I get how bad it is), and ask for people to pray for her and bring her things. She'd put lists of things she wanted so people would get them for her. She rarely mentioned her children. I don't know if maybe I'm just pissed and biased. I tried to be sensitive about this blog, but it just seemed so self centered, so all about her suffering and nothing positive and nothing to really remember her fondly by.
Towards the end, she mentioned that they needed money. Their car had died and the oldest daughter Chastity had quit her job to take care of her mother in hospice. She had no money to get by after making this huge sacrifice. She asked people to pray for money for them.
What did I do? I sent their asses $300. I had apparently lost my mind. Lost it. It was crazy, like I still wanted these horrible people's approval. That's the only reason I did it. I admit that. It wasn't altruistic at all. I sent them that money because I wanted them to see that I had it and that I could be the bigger, kinder, more generous person in spite of everything they'd done to me - that I was the truly good one no matter what they said and that they were wrong wrong wrong about me.
This is so stupid. I knew better deep down, but I did it anyway.
A week letter I received a thank you note in the mail from Chastity, the oldest daughter, profusely thanking me and mentioning Jesus a few times.
That was it. Then Louise died. Then, although I was in California and couldn't have come anyway, my father made sure that he got the message to me that I was not welcome at Louise's funeral under any circumstances. I don't know why he thought I'd come. Asshole.
Louise died at Christmas. In January I get an email from Chastity, the oldest daughter. There are three daughters - Chastity, Charity and Mercy. In her email Chastity said she wrote her mother's obituary and that it had originally included me as a survivor of the deceased. Survivor. That's the perfect way to describe it. I had definitely survived Louise. I survived her like a natural disaster. My father had thrown such a fit that she had to remove it.
"Your mother would never have wanted that," he said to Chastity.
She wrote to me that there was a lot I didn't know and that she always wanted to know about me and who I was. She had found a hidden stash of pictures of me from my childhood in their attic. She said she always knew she had a sister far away, but was threatened never to mention it. Now that her mother was dead and Chastity was an adult, she said she wanted a real relationship with me.
"I've always wanted a big sister and now I need one. This is a really hard time in my life. Can I have your phone number? I just want someone to talk to."
How could I not fall for that line? How?
I fell, and hard. I landed face first on asphalt from it. I gave her my number and proceeded to open up a Pandora's box of drama that now, two years later, hasn't ended.
To be continued...
16 comments:
Looking forward to the rest....
- Anne said...
Sounds kind of like the lunacy I dealt with when I met my birth-family! Can't wait to read the rest of the story...
Well, yes, it's logical that she would be having a hard time after losing her mother and that she would reach out to surviving family, so yes, I can see why you would believe her.
Can't wait to hear the rest...
Today's old adage -- "No good deed goes unpunished."
Sometimes, darlin', you have to say No, I won't open this door. It's shut for a reason.
I have a phobia of Christians because of shit very similar to this. Give me an honest, fire breathing whore any day; at least I know what's in front of me. I have been treated so badly by so-called "Christians" that I am genuinely phobic.
As a side note, all of my sister-in-laws are fundamentalist Pentecostals. I am watching their male offspring grow up obviously gay. The fecal material *will* hit the oscillating device and, frankly, I cannot wait.
- Wide Lawns said...
Maureen, me too. I am totally with you. I was going to mention my panic attacks in church tomorrow. Definitely caused by all this mess.
No, no! It's a trap!! This is what they DO.
I look forward to the rest of this story.
I have never commented here before, but this seemed so strange to me that I had to mention it.
To this day do your 'sisters' never cut their hair and always wear skirts? Do they live in Wisconsin?
Its just that I went to school with a girl who had never cut her hair and was forced by her father to wear skirts all the time. She was also a part of some very strange cult that I didn't ask too many questions about.
It seemed like a very strange coincidence to me... but eh, but the world is a wide and weird place.
- Missicat said...
What Maureen said. Fundies will burn ya every time.
Yes, I speak from experience!
How much money did Chastity want? I'm sure see saw you for a cash machine since you loved them all so much and cared so much for Louise that you would want them to have the money ;-) I can't wait to read the rest - what a piece of work Louise was. After your previous posts about her I actually get angry at a person I don't know and am so pleased that she wasn't able to ruin your life more than she did.
- Moll said...
Wow. Can't wait for the rest of the story. Families are effing nuts, but I love that in some ways we do choose who our family is. Some will be related by blood and others not, but I don't believe in that "you can't pick your family" bull. Because you absolutely can.
I hate to leave an anonymous comment, but I'm going to on the off chance my own crazy person googles my usual handle...
The cluster B personality disorders in the DSM qualify as "plain hateful" and also "abusive jerks."
Note: a (possible) diagnosis is NOT an excuse, just a label.
- Mr. E -
Wow. I can't wait to keep reading- Snaps to you for surviving the crazy fundamentalists. We had a brief spell with a religious whack job (my husband's ex-wife) who fits the profile you described...after staying close enough to create drama for a couple of years, she finally ran off to oral roberts university, and trust me, a day doesn't go by that I'm not thankful for that. You sound really grounded for having dealt with such a bag of trouble-twisted souls. Keep writing, we'll keep reading!!!!!!!
- Hey! My Sock! said...
Never has the wisdom of Admiral Ackbar had such resonance. "It's a trap!"
Don't you mean violin virtuosos? Instead of violin concertos?
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text:
Henrik Lundqvist and Braden Holtby kicked, swiped, caught and otherwise kept getting in the way of the puck, matching each other save-for-save for a second shy of 68 minutes, until Mike Green scored the power-play goal in overtime that gave the Washington Capitals a sweep at home to open their playoff series against the New York Rangers.
Green nailed a one-timer from high in the slot on a feed from Mike Ribeiro precisely at the eight-minute mark of the extra period, Holtby made 24 saves for his first career playoff shutout, and the Capitals beat the Rangers 1-0 Saturday to take a 2-0 series lead in the Eastern Conference playoffs.
With Rangers defenseman Ryan McDonagh in the penalty box for delay of game, having lifted the puck over the glass in New York's defensive zone, the Capitals took advantage of their first power play since the first period. Ribeiro faked a slap shot, and then pushed the puck to Green, who beat Lundqvist to the glove side.
Game 3 is Monday in New York.
Henrik Lundqvist made 37 saves for the Rangers. Holtby has saved 59 of 60 shots in the series, including 35 of 36 in Thursday's 3-1 victory in Game 1.
A razor-thin margin in the playoffs between these teams is hardly surprising. Six of their seven games in last year's postseason were decided by one goal, including a Rangers win that went to three overtimes. This is the third Rangers-Capitals series in three years, and five of those 14 games have required extra time to decide a winner.
The Capitals are more offensively minded this year under first-time coach Adam Oates, but the Rangers were able to mostly corral regular season goal-scoring leader Alex Ovechkin and the rest of Washington's high-powered attack, tightening up the defense and taking fewer penalties than in Game 1.
Lundqvist had to work harder than Holtby, but both were in top form - and caught a few breaks as well. New York's Anton Stralman hit the crossbar about four minutes into the game, and Derek Stepan was denied by Holtby's blocker after the Rangers forced a turnover behind the Capitals' net.
Washington's best first-period chance came just after a Rangers' penalty expired, when Joel Ward made a perfect lead pass to Mathieu Perreault at the crease. But Lundqvist reacted quickly, making a kick save.
Lundqvist got his shoulder in the way of a blast from Ovechkin early in the second period and was fortunate to make the save during a 4-on-4 sequence later in the period. The goalie was caught sprawled low when a pass from Ovechkin found Marcus Johansson by the crease, but the Swede put the puck right into Lundqvist's stick instead of lifting it into the net.
Ryan Callahan had a wraparound chance and a follow-up stymied by Holtby early in the third period, and Rick Nash hit the post with 3:44 remaining in regulation, drawing a slashing call on Troy Brouwer along the way. The Capitals held firm during the rare power play - only the third for either team.
Washington was back on the penalty kill 1:51 into overtime, when Steve Oleksy was called for delay of game for lifting the puck over the glass from just inside the Capitals' blue line. The Rangers failed to get a shot on goal during the advantage.
Then, at 7:09 of overtime, McDonagh committed the same error, putting the puck over the glass to give the Capitals' power play - the best in the league - the chance it needed.
The Rangers were less undermanned than in Game 1, getting back forward Brian Boyle and welcoming Derek Dorsett for his New York debut. Boyle had been sidelined since April 16 with a right leg injury, while Dorsett broke his collarbone March 7 while playing for the Columbus Blue Jackets and was thought to be done for the season. He was sent to the Rangers last month at the trade deadline.
New York remained without defenseman Marc Staal, nursing a right eye injury, and forward Ryane Clowe, whose injury has not been disclosed.


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Posted in Cuba Business > Business In CubaCuba Ventures Completes COB and Acquires 100% of Travelucion Media, Steve Marshall Appointed Director Vancouver, BC – Cuba Ventures Corp. (TSX-V: CUV) (the "Company") ("Cuba Ventures") (formerly MPH Ventures Corp.) today announces that the Company has received regulatory acceptance for its… Read More
Posted in Cuba Politics > OFACAccording to the US Treasury's OFFICE OF FOREIGN ASSETS CONTROL Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List for November 19, 2015, dozens of Cuban businesses (all run by the Cuban government) have been desisted. One would expect a surge in US based businesses to now start operations… Read More
Posted in Cuba Politics > US EmbargoRob Sequin | Havana Journal Way down on page 13 of 14 on the OFFICE OF FOREIGN ASSETS CONTROL changes to the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List dated March 24, 2015, you will see the list (below) of companies, vessels and individuals removed from the "SDN" list of entities… Read More
Posted in Cuba Politics > US EmbargoAgriculture Ranking Member Senator Debbie Stabenow Announces Bipartisan Legislation Lifting Cuban Trade Embargo WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow, Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, today announced her sponsorship of bipartisan legislation… Read More
Posted in Cuba Business > Cuba-World TradeExcerpted from Cuba Foreign Trade magazine, a publication of the Cuba Chamber of Commerce A Strategic Project for Cuban Foreign Trade The Special Development Zone Mariel (ZEDM), is expected to be the main port of entry and exit for Cuban foreign trade and a major development pole located in the center… Read More
Posted in Cuba Politics > US EmbargoCourtesy of Marc Frank - Reuters TREASURY AND COMMERCE ANNOUNCEMENT OF REGULATORY AMENDMENTS TO THE CUBA SANCTIONS Amendments Implement Changes Announced by the President on December 17 Related to the Easing of Cuba Sanctions WASHINGTON - On December 17, 2014 the President announced a set of diplomatic… Read More
Posted in Cuba Politics > US EmbargoExcerpted from the New York Times Before any changes of US Cuba trade and travel policies can be changed, the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) needs to publish newly updated regulations. The new regulations are expected to be published some time in January. Currently, General licenses, which require… Read More
Posted in Cuba Travel > Legal Travel to CubaCuba Explorations is a recently created, full service, Cuba travel provider offering a number of cultural tours to Cuba. The company was launched by travel industry veteran and founder of Paragon Events, (a 25 year event production company), Renee Radabaugh after she visited Cuba. She recognized immediately… Read More
Posted in Cuba Politics > US EmbargoRed Bull North America, Inc. Settles Potential Civil Liability for Alleged Violations of the Cuban Assets Control Regulations, 31 C.F.R. Part 515: Red Bull North America, Inc. ("RBNA") has agreed to pay $89,775 to settle potential civil liability for seven alleged violations of the Cuban Assets Control… Read More
Posted in Cuba Politics > US Embargo(official title: Support Civil Society in Cuba) Dear Mr. President, Your administration has taken several important steps to support the Cuban people by opening travel for Cuban-American families, expanding remittances, and enabling purposeful travel for more Americans. Those policies have fostered direct… Read More
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Organizing Pass Plays as Concepts
Further Note on Concepts
Packaging Concepts
Q: I have some questions concerning different passing concepts. Unsurprisingly, I've found many different opinions concerning number of concepts and names for them. I've heard some coaches say that every passing play falls into one of four different concepts, including: vertical stretch, horizontal stretch (outside in, inside out), flood concept, or a single receiver concept. However, I did read the Norm Chow article on your website and saw how there are coaches who believe there are many more than that. This seems confusing. For example, some coaches have a "Quick Game" concept. How can that be a single concept when most of the plays in the quick game use a different concept? In our quick game we have a four verts play that is a vertical stretch concept. [Ed Note: Is it really a vertical stretch? Or a "deep horizontal stetch" on the F/S?] I am aware that a single play can have more than on concept in it and I understand that different coaches have different names for the same plays/routes/concepts etc. I am just looking for some more clarification on ways to tell which category a certain passing play fits.
A: Passing concepts are intended as a tool and a framework to attack defenses. I put up multiple approaches to show that there isn't one hard and fast way to go about it, and to demonstrate that it's just a way of thinking about passes that can improve your approach. I think you can keep the number of concepts fairly small.
I will note that I think there is something to Norm Chow's "oblique" or "triangle" concepts, (which really is just the combination of a hi/low and a horizontal stretch). So my advice is to just tinker with it and come up with a framework that works for you. On one level, I'm convinced that there are really only three "concepts" - vertical stretches (hi/lo), horizontal stretches (in/out or out/in), and man concepts (rubs, option routes, or just plain old routes good against man). Then from there you break them down further (two level or three level vertical stretches; 1-2 in/out reads or 1-2-3; triangles which are both 1-2 hi/lo and 1-2 in/out reads).
In the end, it's about finding a way to structure your offense so that it (a) makes sense, (b) is tight and efficient with a core set of plays, with the best way of achieving this being to eliminate duplicative concepts, and (c) gives you a quick framework to draw upon when attacking defenses.


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The Imperial Society of Dance Teachers (as it was first known) was formed on 25th July 1904 at the Hotel Cecil in Covent Garden, London.
A council of management was formed under the presidency of Robert Morris Crompton and in 1906 the first Congress of the ISTD was held.
These technical schools lasted eight days and were attended by forty-two members. Congresses have been held ever since, with the exception of the war years 1915–1917.
In September 1907 the first issue of "Dance Journal" (now known as DANCE magazine) was published and in 1909 Major Cecil H Taylor succeeded Robert Morris Crompton as President. By 1913 the ISTD consisted of 132 members with a cash balance of £104!
The development of the ISTD was restricted during and after World War One and it wasn't until 1924 that the foundations of the present structure of the ISTD were established by the formation of separate Branches (now Faculties). By 1930 the number of members had passed 2000. 1925 saw a change of name to "The Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing".
As well as the Operatic and General, new branches were formed to deal with the following techniques: Modern Ballroom Dancing; Classical; Classical Ballet Cecchetti Method; Greek Dance - Ruby Ginner Method; Natural Movement - Madge Atkinson Method. In 1931 the Stage Branch was formed to provide a basic training for all dance and embraced specialist stage techniques. The expansion as a result of this restructuring was immense. By 1935 membership had risen to 3000 and by 1938 reached 4000.
Upon the outbreak of War, the activities of the ISTD were greatly reduced but did not cease. The Dance Journal was suspended, but a quarterly bulletin was published. Subscriptions were reduced and a smaller administrative Council appointed. Restricted examinations, Annual Congresses and General Meetings continued.
In 1945 the ISTD became an Incorporated body. The special licence granted by the Board of Trade was a recognition of the ISTD's stability. On Major Taylor's retirement in 1945 Mr Victor Silvester became Chairman, the administrative status of President having been discontinued on incorporation. In 1953 the Grand Council of the ISTD was formed. On his retirement in 1958, Mr Cyril Beaumont became Chairman and the status of President became an honorary one, Mr Silvester being the first elected to that office.
As the profession expanded in the post-war years, it became apparent that the teachers' need for an authoritative and comprehensive syllabus in each technique could be best supplied by the formation of specialist branches (now called Faculties) in each form of dance, and the remaining branches of the ISTD were created: Victorian and Sequence Dance Branch, 1948; Latin American Dance Branch, 1951; Historical Dance Branch, 1952; National Dance Branch, 1952 and Scottish Country Dance Branch, 1953.
The Disco/Freestyle/Rock 'n' Roll Faculty was formed in 1990 to cater for the forms of social dance suggested by the creative freedom of popular music.
The South Asian Dance Faculty was formed in 1999, and the name changed to Classical Indian Dance Faculty in 2013. In 2002 due to the success of the Modern Theatre Faculty it was necessary to split the Faculty into two, creating the Modern Theatre Faculty and the Tap Dance Faculty.
Today the ISTD has more than 7,500 members in over 50 countries throughout the world and holds 250,000 examinations each year.
To find out more about the history of the ISTD, why not take a closer look at our commemorative book 100 Years of Dance.


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Mood tense in Kiev after vote
- Crimea%27s regional assembly Monday unanimously voted to declare the peninsula independent
- Acting President Oleksandr Turchinov vowed that Ukraine will not give up Crimea
- Anti-government protesters are warning that the ballot may trigger chaos
KIEV, Ukraine — People here were somewhat relieved Monday that the war that had been anticipated to blow up immediately following the referendum had not come.
But a feeling of uncertainty and dread remained.
It was just a few weeks ago that Ukrainians in the Maidan square were jubilant at the ouster of the hated president Viktor Yanukovych. But on Monday they could be seen preparing for a coming conflict, standing at the barricades of rubble that shielded protesters from bullets during protests last month.
Nikolei Korbelnikov, commander of the Crimean brigade based in Kiev's Independence Square since December, said he was worried that he could no longer return to his mother and friends left at home on the peninsula.
He said his fame as commander of a brigade during the protests mean that he is too well known.
"This victory in the referendum is just another stage in the propaganda war," Korbelnikov said. "I know what the levels of support (to join Russia) were before I left Crimea and they were about 15% for Russia, 25% for Europe and the rest could live without either."
He added that he did not think that had changed, despite the results of the vote.
Korbelnikov is now working with the Red Cross as a volunteer to send sleeping mats, sleeping bags and medical supplies to the regions in Ukraine where they could be needed if there's violence and people flee their homes.
Crimea's regional assembly Monday unanimously voted to declare the peninsula independent from Ukraine and petition Russia to admit it to the federation after a huge majority of Crimeans voted to join with Russia.
Crimean Prime Minister Sergei Aksyonov welcomed the outcome of the referendum, which saw 96% of voters cast their ballots in favor of union with Moscow, according to Russian news media. He declared via Twitter the region would move to Russian time starting March 30.
Acting President Oleksandr Turchinov vowed that Ukraine will not give up Crimea but that he would "be doing everything to solve the conflict through diplomatic means."
But in the Ukrainian capital, anti-government protesters are warning that the ballot may trigger chaos on the southern peninsula.
"There will be conflict for hundreds of years there," said Igor Gowashenko, a member of a civil defense group, talking about Crimea. "I'm sure the Russian army will destroy stability — by taking people's private property."
The referendum was held during an occupation of the peninsula by pro-Russian forces. The leadership of the Crimean regional assembly was appointed while pro-Russian armed men were holding the parliament.
Ukraine's defense minister announced he had agreed to a "truce" with Russia on the disputed peninsula, one that would put on hold a military standoff that has seen Russian soldiers surround Ukraine bases there. The truce is due to expire Friday, the day when the Moscow Duma is slated to consider annexation of the region.
Ukraine is not the only country worried about Russia and war.
Romania's president said Russia has created a chain of conflicts around the Black Sea to further President Vladimir Putin's goal of rebuilding the former Soviet Union along its former border with the West.
"If you look at the map, you will see this chain of frozen conflicts" around the Black Sea "that can be set off at any time," President Traian Basescu said, referring to conflicts in Georgia, Ukraine and Moldova.


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Stages of Wine Tasting
The most important thing is the overall impression you have formed during the wine tasting.
Look of the wine
Pour a small amount of wine into a glass, tilt the glass at an angle of 45 degrees away from you and look at the wine against a plain white background. The table of colors can help you in assessing the wine's color. In addition to the color, assess the appearance of the wine according to the criteria below:
- Clarity: Intransparent, Cloudy, Translucent, Hazy, Slightly, Transparent, Clear, Radiant, Brilliant
- Color Intensity: Faint, Subtle, Light, Medium, Hazy, Dense, Dark, Deep, Opaque
- Liveliness: Dead, Lifeless, Dull, Flat, Rich, Active, Vivid, Lively, Vibrant
- Perlage/Carbonic Acid: Stale, Flat, Calm, Beading, Medium vivid, Tingling, Sparkling, Fizzy, Hissing
Scent of the wine
What you initially perceive from the wine are the most volatile aromas. Based on a first gentle sniff you can determine if a wine is faulty (has an unpleasant smell) due to oxidation, acetic acid (vinegar) or corkiness. Experiment by varying the distance between your nose and the glass. The aroma wheel can help you in identifying the wine's aromas.
Scent of the swirled wine
Gently swirl the wine in the glass with a rhythmic circular motion of your wrist. This releases the less volatile aromas, allowing you to capture the complete pattern of the nose of the wine. The more subtle aromas are now partially obscured.
Taste of the wine
Take a sip and keep it in your mouth. Pay attention to the wine's initial impact, mouthfeel and finish. To intensify the tasting you can chew the wine (causing the tannins to emerge) or you can take in some air with your lips slightly open (causing sealed aromas to open up). Again, the aroma wheel can help you in identifying the wine's aromas. Should you taste a series of wines, spit the samples out (this reduces the negative effect the alcohol has on your tasting abilities). To neutralize your palate you can simply drink some water. Do not eat any bread while tasting wine since this will significantly affect your sense of taste.
The list below can help you in further assessing the wine's palate:
- Sweetness: bone-dry, dry, subtle, medium-dry, sweet, heavy, syrupy, honeyed, plump
- Acidity: hollow, thin, refreshing, lively, crisp, vigorous, tart, aggressive
- Tannins: silky, velvety, tender, rounded, fine-grained, raw, hard, coarse
- Astringency: subtle, smooth, mouth-filling, integrated, furry, coating, coarse, harsh, abrasive
- Bitterness: fint, subtle, light, medium, firm, dominant
- Body: hollow, light, lean, round, powerful, muscular, voluptuous, fat, heavy
- Alcoholic Strength: watery, thin, light, balanced, warm, hot, vigorous, intense, spirity
- Consistency: diluted, light, medium, concentrated, rich, heavy, thick, pasty
- Aroma Intensity: fint, delicate, subtle, pronounced, concentrated, intense, exuberant, explosive
- Finish: abrupt, fint, slight, short, medium, expanded, long, lingering, infinite
Scent of the empty glass
You will once more find new aroma structures that can provide you with additional information about the wine.
Assess the wine as a whole
At this final stage, assess the wine's complexity, balance and perceived age. The most important thing is the overall impression you have formed during the wine tasting. You can score the wine using a scale of 20 or 100 points.
Complexity: dumb, dull, simple, straightforward, defined, layered, nuanced, complex, overwhelming
Balance: poor, unbalanced, incomplete, jagged, one-dimensional, centered, balanced, graceful, harmonious
Age: fresh, youthful, emergent, mature, advanced, declining, tired, finished, dead
20 point scale: 20 classic, 19 extraordinary, 18 outstanding, 17 excellent, 16 very good, 15 good, 14 average, 13 bel. average, 12 poor, 11 unacceptable
100 point scale: 95 -100 world class, 90 - 94 outstanding, 85 - 89 very good, 80 - 84 good, 75 - 79 average, 70 - 74 below average, 65 - 69 banal, 60 - 64 acceptable, 55 - 59 defective, 50 - 54 unacceptable


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When is the Best New Artist in music not new at all? At the Grammy Awards, of course.
On Sunday, at the 52nd Annual Grammmy Awards show, the big brains at the National Academy of Recordning Arts and Sciennces will crown their rookie of the year. And it might not be a rookie at all, because this is their criteria:
For a new artist who releases, during the Eligibility Year, the first recording which establishes the public identity of that artist.
U.S. & World
In other words, you don't really have to be NEW to be eligible for this award. In reality, this award should be named the Best Artist We Finally Heard Of This Year Because We Don't Read Pitchfork Award, or the Best Artist That Now Has A Viable Corporate Brand. To say they're "new" just because they have a public identity is a bit goofy. Join us next year when John Cafferty and The Beaver Brown Band are nominated in this category. Now, off we go.
The Ting Tings
The Breakdown: I've never heard any actual songs by the Tings Tings. The only song I've ever heard them play is a cover version of Altered Image's "Happy Birthday" on the children's show "Yo Gabba Gabba." I've heard this song roughly 70,000 times now, because my kid likes it. I literally can't see or hear the word birthday without having this song pop into my head. You will pay for that, Ting Tings. You will pay dearly. VERDICT: Loser.
The Breakdown: Watch the "Time to Pretend" video and tell me it wasn't directed by the same people who make all the videos for "Flight of the Conchords." VERDICT: Loser
Keri Hilson
The Breakdown: Well, she's certainly not unattractive. And she's a solid singer. Oh, but those ties to Kanye will prove to be your undoing, my dear. VERDICT: Loser
Silversun Pickups
The Breakdown: Again, not a new artist. Not even close to being a new artist. And they were just as well known as few years ago as they were this year. But that's the fun thing about the "public identity" requirement. Since it doesn't actually mean anything, you make it mean anything you like! Anyway, the Pickups will prove too mellow for voters. VERDICT: Loser
Zac Brown Band
The Breakdown: Not to be confused with the Zac Efron Band, which ends every concert with a series of dazzling and dramatic hair flips. The Zac Brown Band is a country music band. And hey, they seem nice enough, if country music is your sort of thing. If music quality were the deciding factor in this category, MGMT would be your winner. But since when has music quality EVER been a factor in deciding Grammys? The country boys take it with their hugely resistible Rascal Flatts sound. Verdict: WINNER!


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Mushroom & sausage pasta
Nutrition and extra info
Nutrition: per serving
- kcal641
- fat29g
- saturates11g
- carbs72g
- sugars4g
- fibre4g
- protein28g
- salt1.96g
- 4 sausages, skin removed and meat squeezed out
- 4 bacon rashers, diced
Bacon is pork that has been cured one of two ways: dry or wet. It can be bought as both rashers…
- 200g mushrooms, chopped
The mushroom is a fungus which comes in a wide range of varieties that belong to two distinct…
- 350g pasta shapes
Pasta is the Italian name for Italy's version of a basic foodstuff which is made in many…
- 50g parmesan, grated, plus extra shavings to serve
Parmesan is a straw-coloured hard cheese with a natural yellow rind and rich, fruity flavour. It…
- 2 egg yolks
- small bunch parsley, finely chopped
One of the most ubiquitous herbs in British cookery, parsley is also popular in European and…
- 2 tbsp half-fat crème fraîche
Dry-fry the sausage meat in a non-stick pan for 8-10 mins until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, then remove and set aside. Fry bacon and mushrooms for 5-8 mins until golden, return the sausage meat and keep warm.
Cook the pasta following pack instructions. Make the sauce by beating together the Parmesan, egg yolks, most of the parsley and the crème fraîche. When the pasta is cooked, drain, reserving a ladle of the cooking water.
Combine the pasta and meat mixture over a low heat and add the sauce. Season and quickly mix, adding a splash of cooking water if it's a little thick. Spoon into bowls and eat with the extra Parmesan shavings and remaining parsley on top.
Recipe Tip
Make it veggieFor a vegetarian alternative, replace the meat with an extra 300g mixed wild mushrooms, fry until brown and use a vegetarian Parmesan.


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In the late 1920s, automobile tycoon Henry Ford transplanted a little piece of the United States to the middle of Brazil's Amazon jungle. Complete with whitewashed American-style houses set on impeccably manicured lawns, shaded patios, and tree-lined streets dotted with pretty churches, he called it Fordlândia and it was to become the world's largest rubber production centre. While much of the housing and machinery is deserted, it's still a functional town and makes a fascinating detour.
My guide José, a tall thickset man, introduces me to Waldemar Gomes Aguiar, the Mayor of Fordlândia's assistant. Waldemar warmly greets us at his office, ushering us in. He is eager for me to learn more about the history of this unusual town. "Latex was the gold of the Amazon", he tells me. "It was expensive at the time so Ford found the ideal place to grow rubber trees."
"Here, along the Tapajós River, Ford acquired a large tract of land. He called it Fordlândia. Let's remember that at that time, in the early 1930's, WWII was looming; people knew war was coming. Large supplies of rubber were needed not just for car tires, but also for war machines." Brazilian tappers were brought in from the region to extract sap, and were provided with housing in the newly founded city.
José leads me to a rickety old building – one of the many structures that are decaying here in Fordlândia's abandoned city – its colourful paint long faded, leaving only traces of mellow hues. The long narrow structure formerly housed single male workers, while those with families were accommodated in larger residences. The houses were built using local wood, and the rest of the materials used to construct the city were entirely imported from the United States, including the large iron structure used to build the latex factory and riverside warehouse.
Photography copyright belongs to Kiki Deere.
While Brazilian workers lived in the town centre, American dignitaries were housed on a hillside on the outskirts, their grandiose mansions sitting side by side along a pretty mango shaded boulevard. José and I hop on his motorbike to investigate. There were only a handful of houses here at the time and most are still standing, but one of the structures lies in complete disrepair, only its cemented skeleton in place. On the right flank of the hillside, hidden behind overgrown grasses, is a large empty swimming pool that has long lain forgotten.
Brazilian workers were not permitted to enter this part of town. Today, rumours abound in Fordlândia that the Americans had other hidden motives. "Maybe a metal business, or maybe they were searching for gold", Waldemar whispers to me during our interview. But my guide José is not convinced: "I don't think the Americans had other motives. They just lived apart from their workers and didn't want them to come here – that's all."
José accompanies me to the former rubber production plant. It now lies in ruin, its panes no more than fragments of glass precariously lodged into window spaces; shrubs push through the building's concrete, branches are upflung in disarray. Under my feet, I hear the crackle of broken glass and tinkling metal. Inside, age-old machinery lies forgotten, the American names still very much legible: Brown & Sharpe, reads one of the panels. José's voice echoes in the vacant surrounds: "There are some elderly people in town who worked here during Ford's era; they're very old but they still remember how to operate the machinery after all these years."
An abandoned white car and a truck are parked inside the plant, cobwebs wrapping themselves around the steering wheels. Further along, bed frames sit, one on top of the other, like a messy puzzle. "These were brought over from the hospital; it was abandoned too," José informs me, a slight hint of sorrow in his voice.
He leads me upstairs to a large attic room with scattered metal tools. Cobalt boxes and crates long sit on shelves laden with tools eaten by rust. The morning light gently penetrates the splintered windowpanes and fills the room, dancing unequally on the dusty surfaces. The factory lies neglected, yet I can picture it full of life; I imagine the hundreds of workers processing latex at full speed, ready for export to the United States.
The Americans certainly imposed order and rigorous discipline among their workforce, with strict routine, stringent timetables and number tags. By the main entrance, layers of dust have accumulated on rows of pigeonholes that neatly sit side by side. I can't get any closer to them as this area is fenced off, but I can see the metal number tags hooked above each slot used to identify the rubber tappers. They even hired nutritionists to devise canteen menus of a balanced diet that would provide each worker with enough calories to toil in the plantations.
"The workers were provided with everything they needed: schools for their children, electricity, food, and so on. But there wasn't much freedom", Waldemar reveals. The suffocating environment eventually led the labourers to rebel, demanding better treatment and work conditions. But the demise of Fordlândia had long been near: the rubber trees were struck with a fungus that stumped their growth; the blight stricken plants never grew; and Ford's project was ultimately a complete failure.
Unwilling to give up, Ford established Belterra, literally 'pretty land', a tract of land downstream that he deemed more suitable for the rubber trees. Here, too, Ford built rows of pretty neat houses, schools, sports centres and even South America's best equipped hospital for the project's thousands of administrators and workers. Schooling was compulsory and free afternoon workshops gave all the opportunity to learn new trades.
Yet, Ford's dream here was short lived too. About ten years after the new town was established, just as the rubber plants started to grow and produce latex, scientists created synthetic rubber, leading the price of latex to collapse and Ford's utopian dream of an Amazonian rubber powerhouse – that he would never even set foot in - to crumble once again.
The hub of this region is Santarém, located about mid way between Belém (at the mouth of the Amazon River) and Manaus, further upstream. There are regular flights to Santarém from Belém and Manaus. To get to Fordlândia from Santarém, there are slow boats (10-12hr) as well as fast boats (4hr30min). The best (and pretty much only) place to stay in Fordlândia is Pousada Americana, a family-run guesthouse with spic and span a/c rooms and tasty home cooked meals.
Book hostels for your trip, and don't forget to purchase travel insurance before you go.


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Recipe from Gwen Hoover of Ponchatoula, La.
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
2 1/2 cups fresh strawberries
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup Amaretto
1/4 tsp. Jamaican ginger
1/4 tsp. pure vanilla extract
1 cup all purpose flour
1 cup sugar
3/4 cup milk
1 tsp. cinnamon sugar
1 stick butter (or 1/2 cup margarine)
In a large glass bowl combine sliced strawberries, 1/2 cup sugar, Amaretto, ginger and vanilla, stir well to coat strawberries.
Cover bowl set aside for approximately 20 to 30 minutes to marinate.
Melt butter in the bottom of a 9X13 baking dish.
In a separate bowl combine flour, 1 cup sugar, milk and cinnamon sugar.
Mix well.
Pour mixture into baking dish over melted butter - do not stir.
Spoon strawberries evenly over batter.
Pour juice from strawberries over dish.
Bake in a 350 degree oven for 45 minutes.
As soon as cobbler comes out of the over sprinkle 2 tablespoons of sugar over top.
Let cool a bit. Enjoy as is or top with whipped cream or your favorite ice cream.
Servings: 6 to 8 servings
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