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An open house is slated tomorrow to discuss policies President Obama has advocated to help small businesses and to talk about energy independence. Small-business owners and other citizens who would like to learn more about the president's plan to help grow the local green economy are invited to attend the event, which will host a speaker from the national Obama campaign.
The small-business forum takes place at 12:30 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 1, at the offices of the Green Alliance, 75 Congress St, Suite 304, in downtown Portsmouth.
It's clich� to say the "stakes are high" in the coming presidential election. But they are. And conventional wisdom says business owners should stay out of politics. But how then does a business owner decide to participate in the political process?
The Oct. 1 event is one way.
"I can't afford as a business owner to stay on the sidelines," says Green Alliance Director Sarah Brown. "The health of the Green Alliance and the work we are trying to accomplish -- the building of a strong local green economy -- is very much affected by who is in the White House."
The Green Alliance is a union of local sustainable businesses promoting environmentally sound business practices and a green citizen's co-op offering discounted green products and services to its members.
Many small businesses can't afford to provide health insurance to their employees, says Brown. "I can't afford to give my employees, or myself, health insurance. I couldn't even come close. I couldn't afford to give my employees the things that big businesses can do, and yet we have four employees and provide support to over 100 green businesses in the region; something is wrong with this equation."
Under the new health care law, small businesses are now eligible for tax credits to help cover the cost of their employees' health care, saving an average small business with 10 workers up to $35,000 a year, which will increase to up to $50,000 when those tax credits expand in 2014.
Small businesses pay up to 18 percent more than large businesses for the same health coverage. Starting in 2014, they'll have a more level playing field through new state-based affordable insurance markets.
The president's Small Business Jobs Act lets self-employed workers deduct 100 percent of the cost of their and their families' health coverage.
When the president took office, small business lending had plummeted, with the number of loans dropping by nearly half in just the last quarter of 2008, but since January 2009 the Small Business Administration has supported nearly $80 billion in loans to more than 150,000 small businesses.
"As a small-business owner, access to capital is excruciatingly difficult; it shouldn't be this way. We need funds to help grow our businesses because when our businesses grow so do our local economies," says Jack Bingham, owner of Seacoast Energy Alternatives in Dover.
Bingham plans on attending the Oct. 1st lunch-time event in Portsmouth.
President Obama has a goal of cutting oil imports by a third, or 3.7 million barrels a day, by 2025. First, he advocates encouraging producing American energy, such as natural gas, which he says can support more than 600,000 jobs by 2020. Second, he finalized new fuel economy standards last summer, which will nearly double vehicles' mileage to 54.5 miles per gallon by 2025, which he says will create 500,000 new jobs, including more than 40,000 new auto industry jobs.
"These are the kinds of discussions we hope to have at this forum," says GA owner Brown. "We encourage all business owners and N.H. citizens to attend and offer them a chance to ask questions and learn about how presidential politics and policies can affect our local economies in ways that really matter."
To learn more about the Green Alliance or the Oct. 1 event, go to www.greenalliance.biz.
Heikki Perry is a staff writer for the Green Alliance and is based in Portsmouth.
Helping business, green jobs on agenda
An open house is slated tomorrow to discuss policies President Obama has advocated to help small businesses and to talk about energy independence. Small-business owners and other citizens who would like to learn more about the president's plan to help grow the local green economy are invited to attend the event, which will host a speaker from the national Obama campaign.


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Kurtos Kalacs @ Chimney Cake
500gm bread flour
200ml warm milk
3 tbsp sugar
2 tbsp yeast
2 eggs, beaten
5 tbsp corn oil
1/3 tspn salt
(2) in another big bowl, combine flour and salt then mix well.
(3) make a hole in the centre, add in oil, eggs and milk mixture.
(4) stir to combine then knead by hand till smooth. Do not add in extra flour if the dough is sticky, add in a few drops of oil if needed.
(5) then set aside to rest for about an hour or till double in size.
(6) once it's ready, place dough onto working table (please do not use extra flour on the working table). Knead dough till smooth and divide into 6 portion.
(7) roll each into a string then roll it to the prepared rolling pin.
(8) then slightly roll to press the dough & coat with sugar.
(9) finally, bake at preheated oven 190-200'C. Roll the pin gradually so that the colour of the crust is balance. Brush the crust with some honey when half way thru.
(10) once the baking is done, coat the crust with desire additional flavour.

subset: commoncrawl


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AT&T to Offer Napster on Samsung SLM
AT&T will be launching a new phone that will also feature a first time service from the the big provider, song downloads over the air.
This Friday, the 23rd of November, AT&T will be launching the Samsung SLM. The SLM is a lightweight, flip phone, with a 2 megapixel camera and 176x220 pixel screen. It is not unlike the Samsung SYNC, What is different about this phone, is that it can download songs over the air, unlike the SYNC before it, which could only transfer songs from a PC.
This is a first for AT&T, who will be offering subscribers the ability to buy songs over the air at $1.99 per song, or $7.49 for 5 from the Napster Mobile service (AT&Ts answer to Verizon's V Cast Music and the Sprint Music Store). It will also support AT&T's Video Share service.
The cost of the new phone will be $149.99 with a 2 year contract and after a $50 rebate. This includes a 512MB MicroSD memory card to store music on, although the phone supports up to 4GB cards, and an adapter for 3.5mm headsets or headphones.


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Scientists have finally found where Waldo was hiding—well, the clam version, that is.
Researchers have discovered a new species of "alien" clam living on the Pacific coast of North America in sea urchin spines. The clam, Waldo arthuri, is in the genus Waldo, which was named for Waldo Schmitt, a famous researcher at the Smithsonian Institution. Finding it was the result of a 30-year manhunt (er, clam hunt?) by Paul Valentich-Scott, an invertebrate zoologist at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History.The tiny Waldo clam. Photograph courtesy Diarmaid Ó Foighil
Although this new find doesn't look anything like the character in the Where's Waldo? books for children, who is famous for his red-and-white striped shirts, Valentich-Scott couldn't help but think of the parallels between Waldo and his three-decade-long effort to search out this strange clam. (Also see "405-Year-Old Clam Called Longest-Lived Animal.")
"The 'where's Waldo' tagline was just irresistible," Valentich-Scott said.
Finding Waldo
A colleague first spotted the newly named species during a mid-1980s mission to study California's coastal biodiversity. While examining some debris, the researcher noticed a tiny clam living on a heart urchin (Brisaster latifrons). Unable to identify it, the team called clam expert Valentich-Scott for help.
"I saw right away that it was something very, very unusual. Other than the general group where it belonged, I had no idea what it was," Valentich-Scott said.
For one, it doesn't look at all like the clams we're used to seeing and eating for dinner—hence the alien comparison. The new clam's shell is thin, fragile, and really tiny at only about five millimeters long—and the clam inside is even smaller. Unlike many types of clam, it can move on its own, lifting its shell over its body and scooting along the bottom of the ocean "a lot like a snail would," he said. (Watch video: "Clams: Not Just for Chowder.")
The clam lives in a close symbiotic relationship with the heart urchin, snuggling up, likely for protection, in the urchin's spines. Scientists still aren't sure what the urchin gets out of the pairing.
Bar Breakthrough
Although Valentich-Scott knew he had a really interesting clam on his hands, he didn't know whether he was looking at a new species or a previously discovered oddity. So he kept his eyes peeled, and by 2002, he had enough data to place the odd clam in the genus Waldo. But he still didn't have enough specimens or DNA sequence data to deem it a new species.
But then a breakthrough happened a few years ago—not on the ocean or in the lab, but in a bar. Valentich-Scott was relaxing at a conference and enjoying a few drinks with fellow scientist Diarmaid Ó Foighil, now a researcher at the University of Michigan, when Foighil began describing a strange clam he had discovered in the waters off British Columbia. When Valentich-Scott started sharing his own findings, he knew he had finally found Waldo.
Unlike Valentich-Scott, Foighil had managed to keep some of his specimens alive. From these, the scientists worked together to uncover details about W. arthuri's life cycle. Like most clams, W. arthuri is a hermaphrodite. But unlike most clams, it broods its young, protecting the fertilized eggs in its gills until they're old enough to survive on their own. This information helped confirm that the team had, in fact, found a new species.
The parents usually deposit their young offspring on the same urchin where the parents are currently living. "You'll see several generations of these clams all living on the same urchin," said Valentich-Scott, whose study was published July 12 in the journal ZooKeys.
Now that we know about Waldo arthuri, here's hoping there are still some Waldo clams out there yet to be found—even if they're not wearing red and white stripes.


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An exotic flavour reserved for the European market, the Audi RS3 made its premiere early this year as a 340-horsepower interpretation of their compact car. Assuming the form of the unimposing five-door Audi A3 Sportback, the RS3 asserts itself in 0 with 62 mile per hour acceleration in only 4.6 seconds. While North Americans receive only the word of this hyper-powered A3-based car's existence, the commuters on the Autobahn are able to indulge in the full thrill of this quattro all-wheel drive powered RS3 factory sport compact. With less than a year on the market, there is one performance tuner so bold to believe they could pull even more from the Audi RS3 Sportback.
Residing little more than a seven kilometer traveling distance from the Ingolstadt headquarters of Audi, MTM (Motoren-Technik-Mayer GmbH) began building supped-up versions of the premium auto brand's quattro since 1985. Envy beyond envy, German aftermarket performance house MTM has approached the Audi RS3 Sportback thinking how they can make something great even better. Augmenting the five-door car to the tastes of even finer performance tuning, the MTM RS3 Sportback 2.5 TFSI is born by the small-volume vehicle producer.
Strikingly similar to the Audi RS3 Sportback in exterior and interior looks (with exception to the multi-colour paint scheme assembled on the MTM RS3 Sportback 2.5 TFSI show vehicle), the treatment conducted by the Ingolstadt performance tuner is limited largely to performance gains. Playing with the Audi 2.5 TFSI engine (found in the RS3 as well as the TT RS), MTM enhances their version of the compact Sportback with 472 horsepower. Credited for pushing up the output from the 2.5 liter five-cylinder engine by 132 horsepower are some tweaks MTM made to the turbocharger unit, high-flow air intake and some optimized spark plugs. The MTM RS3 Sportback 2.5 TFSI is also given a unique voice with a new exhaust system.
As 472 horsepower funnels through the sport-oriented quattro all-wheel drive system, MTM made special modifications to the A3-based sport compact. An adjustable air suspension system is added for improved sport handling and electronic lowering. The MTM RS3 Sportback 2.5 TFSI rides on bimoto alloy wheels featuring a 9-spoke racing-inspired design. Enhancing the dynamic performance, the MTM RS3 Sportback 2.5 TFSI strengthens the stopping power of the quattro driven wheels. Eight-piston Brembo brake calipers supplies firm, controlled vehicle deceleration of the super-tuned compact car.
A 15-hour procedure, the conversion to the MTM RS3 Sportback 2.5 TFSI costs 10,600 euros (equal to about $14,180 US) in addition to the stock Audi RS3 Sportback's retail price.
Information source: Audi AG, MTM
Photo source: MTM


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Teens and Tweens sure to have a screamin' good time when DISNEY stars BRIDGIT MENDLER and ROSS LYNCH play Aurora's RIVEREDGE - Sunday, August 18th
With style and grace, DAVIDsTEA offers up a glorious menu of scrumptious teas and unique experiences that engage every one of our senses. At DAVIDsTEA, there's the TEA, the accessories, and the friendly fun
Make Music Chicago! A completely free Musical Celebration across Chicago. Taking place on the first day of summer, Friday, June 21. 98.7WFMT Broadcasts throughout the Day. Bring your instruments or just watch and enjoy. Plenty of fun for everyone
Las Guitarras de Espana. A dazzling performance that is adventurous and rich in dimension. Filled with unexpected surprises
From the practical to the magical, The Princess Club offers up a dazzling variety of everything "kids"!
Fashion Wars creator Kesha Styles Wilson hosts production of "My Mini Me" Fashion Show where kids become fashion stylists and models for a day
Karma Chow creator and celebrity chef Melissa Costello debuts a collection of 125+ recipes that will rock your kitchen


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Custom Rifle,Hunting Rifle,Martin Archery
Custom Rifle - Handgun- Hunting Rifle - Martin Archery
Custom Long Range, Hunting, Benchrest Rifles and Custom Barreling
Welcome to
Gatlin Guns
. We Specialize in Accurate Lightweight Hunting, Benchrest Target, Long Range Rifles and Custom 1911 style Handguns. Not only do we build custom rifles, we also offer full service
We are pleased to have you visit our site! We have been building
Custom Rifles
and 1911 style pistols for over 25 years. Your satisfaction is paramount to us and we have satisfied many customers over the years.
Our aim is to please you with Quality and Our Prices.
From the vintage to the most modern actions, we can build your custom rifle.
We are one of a very few who not only cater to Men but also to Women who want that "just so" fit and feel of a custom rifle!
have rights too! So if you are a huntress and want the custom rifle of your dreams, we're the shop that can make it happen!
"Accuracy, Not Just a Pursuit but a Passion"
Lifetime Member of the
National Rifle Association
Federal Firearms License Dealer
Commander Style Pistol
Alloy Frame,
Checkered 20 lpi.
Fusion Firearms Frame and Slide.
Novak Front & Rear sights (Tritium) Memory groove Beaver Tail Grip Safety.
3 lb trigger.
Match Barrel & Bushing.
Black Ebony Wood Smooth Grips.
Capable of 2" 7 shot at 25 yards..
6.5 - 270 WSM (pictured above)
Fully accurized Blueprinted Remington 700 action with Boyds Tactical Skulls Hydro-dipped Stock. Glassbedded with Kreiger 28" stainless steel bull barrel with 1/8 twist. 2 lb trigger and a 6.5 x 20 Weaver Scope.
This rifle shoots 5 shots in a .307 overall at 150 yards!
Build Your Rifle
Custom Barreling
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U.S. Military 1911 Custom Restoration
Remington Rand
Cerakoted the Frame and Slide as well as all parts except sights. Cut Slide for installation for Novak 3 dot sight system. Cut Frame top accept .250 radius for beaver tail grip safety. Polish feed ramp and polished and throated barrel.
Call Us Today To Discuss Your Custom Restoration.
Store Hours:
Open to the Public On Saturday 10:00 A.M.- 5:00 P.M.
We work behind the scenes too, not just on Saturday.


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Broadway (England)
Broadway is a well-known and much visited Cotswolds region village in the English county of Worcestershire. Often referred to as the "Jewel of the Cotswolds" and the "Show Village of England" because of its archetypal rural beauty, the 'Broad Way' leads from the foot of the western Cotwolds escarpement along a wide grass-fringed street lined with ancient honey-coloured limestone buildings, many dating back to the 16th century. Broadway makes an ideal base from which to explore the surrounding countryside, including the rest of the Cotswolds region, for which the village forms the northern gateway.
Despite Broadway's status as a major tourist destination, it is considered more up-market than the nearby Bourton-on-the-Water, and rarely seems excessively crowded. If you take a car, though, you will need to be either patient or selective about your car park on busy days, particularly summer weekends and bank holidays.
Broadway became a busy staging post on the route from Worcester to London as coaches had to harness extra horses for the long pull up nearby Fish Hill. As many as 40 travellers' inns once existed within the village to service those passing through, a few of which are still in use today.
Broadway has been home to a large number of prominent English artists and composers, including Sir Edward Elgar, John Singer Sargent, J.M. Barrie, Vaughan Williams and Arts and Crafts artist and writer William Morris.
Like many Cotswold villages, Broadway became prosperous from the wool trade, and much of its charm comes from its large number of luxurious old limestone houses.
Get in[edit]
Get around[edit]
Broadway is a relatively compact village, flat and easy to walk around. None of the car parks are more than a ten minute walk into the centre, and the buses stop right along High Street.
The main shops, hotels, pubs and cafes are mostly easily found off High Street, around the village green and war memorial. However when walking from there, along High Street, it is a common mistake to think that the shops end at the The Horse & Hound pub. It is well worth walking five minutes further north along High Street to find a few more quaint little shops around the Leamington Road junction.
See[edit][add listing]
Do[edit][add listing]
Buy[edit][add listing]
Eat[edit][add listing]
Broadway is extremely well served for pubs, restaurants and cafes, far too numerous to mention them all.
It is worth noting that, in general, the service in Broadway restaurants, despite often being quite posh, is also extremely friendly. Do not be put off by the formality of the exterior of any restaurant, nor the starchiness of their staff uniforms. Broadway is not London. So long as you remove any muddy footwear, you will be welcomed in all venues.
Drink[edit][add listing]
Sleep[edit][add listing]
Stay safe[edit]
Get out[edit]


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You don't have to be a city dweller to experience one of the lowest forms of human life: the Cranker. The Cranker is that specific species of miscreant who desperately needs to share his musical tastes with everyone within a half-mile radius, thanks to the awesome 1.21-gigawatt mega-woofers that make his axles sag with anguish. The kind of idiot who turns onto your street just as your toddler has finally passed out after three hours of molar-induced insomnia.
You also don't have to be a city dweller to know that fathers of young children don't get much of a chance to listen to their music -- the music they love, that they grew up on -- at full volume. Without the discomfort of headphones, which either dig into your ears or squish your head. These fathers basically have two venues: alone in the house (which occurs about as often as the Olympics); and alone in the car.
You see where this is going.
I was dropping off our umpteenth rental car the other night when I realized I had a little extra gas to burn and a little time for a joyride. And damned if the radio station started playing a block of serious kick-ass '70s rock, and damned if my thumb didn't wander on over to the "VOL UP" button (a miraculously standard feature on most steering wheels), and damned if I didn't lower the windows a bit to celebrate the end of a four-day monsoon. And damned if I didn't become that for which I have less regard than a dog turd on toast.
I admit this was something of a revelatory experience. Sure, the Cranker with the 1.21-gigawatts deserves to be pelted with rancid cantaloupes. But there is a separate underclass of Cranker who deserves a bit more tolerance. That poor soul might just be some new dad who conned his way out of the house and is remembering what it was like to be as young as his kids are about to be.


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Please see below a selection of 1055 Properties for sale in Inland Area. You may sort these Properties for sale into price order or to show the latest listings first.
For further information about any Properties for sale in Inland Area you may contact the respective real estate agent by clicking Details then using the contact form or the phone number displayed on the property details page.


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51 years ago, the international community accepted full responsibility for the implementation of a just solution of the Palestinian refugee question. UN Resolution 194 (11 December 1948) calls for the Palestinian refugees' right to return to their homes and properties and to receive adequate compensation. It provided for the establishment of the UN Conciliation Commission for Palestine (UNCCP), the international body mandated with the implementation of a just solution for the refugee question.
In the course of the past five decades, the international community provided additional and special assistance and protection to Palestinian refugees via the establishment of the special UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees/UNRWA (UN Resolution 302/1949). The rights of refugees, including Palestinian refugees, are also enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948), the Fourth Geneva Convention (1949); the UN High Commission on Refugees/UNHCR (1950), and the 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees. Since 1948, UN Resolution 194 has been confirmed over 110 times, and the Palestinian refugees' right of return was recognized as a central component of the Palestinian people's right to self-determination.
Despite the strong support of the Palestinian refugees' individual and collective rights by international law and UN resolutions, the international community has failed to undertake serious efforts towards the implementation of a solution to the Palestinian refugee question based on the international principles and laws. Policies of ethnic cleansing were forcefully opposed and corrected in other parts of the world; concerted international efforts at refugee repatriation were launched in Vietnam, Guatemala, El Salvador, Rwanda, Croatia, Bosnia, and Kosova – but not in Palestine-Israel. In our region, the international community decided to support a "peace process" guided by the unequal balance of power between Israel and the Palestinian people, rather than international law, UN resolutions and universal principles of justice.
Deeply concerned about the current Israeli effort to cancel the internationally recognized rights of the Palestinian refugees and internally displaced in the framework of a final status agreement with the Palestinian leadership, we call upon the international community, policy makers, human rights organizations, and the solidarity movement, to:
Insist on the applicability of international law and principles, as well as UN resolutions, in any future final status agreement between Israel and the PLO in general, and to a future solution of the Palestinian refugee question in particular.
Reaffirm the international commitment to a solution of the Palestinian refugee question based on international law and UN resolutions, especially UN Resolution 194, providing for the refugees' right of return, restitution of property and compensation.
Undertake an immediate and special effort at solving the structural crisis of UNRWA's budget, in order to stop the deterioration of education, health, and welfare services for Palestinian refugees in this politically sensitive period, and to enable the Agency to offer adequate services to the growing refugee population until a just and durable political settlement is reached.
Adapt residency and asylum policies towards Palestinian refugees outside the area of UNRWA's mandate to meet the standards of the 1951 Refugee Convention and UNHCR, as well as international agreements on the rights of stateless persons in order to provide Palestinian refugees with legal and social protection until the achievement of a just and durable political solution.
A durable peace in the Middle East is not possible without I sraeli recognition of the rights and demands of the five million Palestinian refugees in exile and in the homeland. A final status agreement that will not provide for the refugees' right of return will not be a historical settlement, but rather the opening of a new round of the historical Israeli-Palestinian-Arab conflict and instability in the Middle East.
Palestine and Lebanon, November 1999
Arab Resource Center for Popular Arts, Lebanon
Association Najdeh, Lebanon
BADIL Friends Forum,West Bank
Ghassan Kanafani Cultural Foundation, Lebanon
Inaach (Association for the Development of Palestinian Camps), Lebanon
KG Resource and Training Center, Lebanon
National Committee for the Rights of the Internally Displaced in Israel
Norwegian Peoples' Aid-Lebanon
Popular Aid for Relief and Development, Lebanon
Popular Service Committees in Palestinian Refugee Camps-West Bank


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Upcoming Events
Museum Hours
Purchase Tickets
Exploring Jewish Life
Voyage Through Jewish History
Gallery of Games
Activity Center
Banquet Hall
Floor Plan
Past Events
Directions & Parking
Brooklyn Hotels
Follow @jcmbrooklyn
Lower Level
Activity Center
Crafts Workshops
Game Show Studio
Kids Library
Discovery Synagogue
Crafts Workshop
A variety of year-round arts and crafts activities will supplement childrens experiences in the exhibit halls. Theyll enjoy designing challah covers similar to the one they saw on the giant Shabbat table, braiding their own havdalah candle, or creating a tzedekah box in which to give the charity they learned about in the World of Good. In addition to reinforcing the museums messages, these and other creative projects will allow children to bring home a bit of the museum experience. Special workshops throughout the year will let children try their hand at various activities, including making their own shofars for Rosh Hashanah, baking challah or matzah and making a Chanukah menorah.
Game Show Studio
Everybody loves a quiz show. At the Jewish Childrens Museum, visitors can compete against each other to answer questions on Jewish life in a sounds-and-lights-filled game show setting. Three games will be offered on a rotating schedule. The first is be based on the popular Jeopardy television show. Spiel of Fortune and 2 by 2 MemoRebus - formatted like Wheel of Fortune and Classic Concentration respectively - will soon follow. Varying levels of difficulty will enable children of all ages and backgrounds to play.
From movies about upcoming holidays to glimpses of Jewish life in far reaching locations, visitors to the Jewish Childrens Museum will enjoy a wide range of presentations in a state-of-the-art theater. The latest audio-visual technology has been used to create the ultimate viewing experience.
Kids Library
Filled with Jewish books, this remarkable resource enables visitors and members of the community to explore a wide range of topics, including Jewish holidays and observance, Jewish thought and theology, history, and more.
Discovery Synagogue
The Jewish Childrens Museums Discovery Synagogue will be a model house of worship where visitors can get up close and personal with a Torah, a yadthe pointer used to read the Torah, and other objects. See the Ner Tamidthe eternal lamp that is kept lit all of the time. Look through a prayer book, and even speak with a rabbi.
© 2020 Jewish Children's Museum
Design & Hosting by


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Schön strukturierte Infografik von Brain Solis an JESS3 die den Zusammenhang zwischen Social Media und Marketing zeigt:
Social networks and channels present brands with a broad array of media opportunities to engage customers and those who influence them. Each channel offers a unique formula for engagement where brands become stories and people become storytellers. Using a transmedia approach, the brand story can connect with customers differently across each medium, creating a deeper, more enriching experience. Transmedia storytelling doesn't follow the traditional rules of publishing; it caters to customers where they connect and folds them into the narrative. In any given network, brands can invest in digital assets that span five media landscapes:
1. Paid: Digital advertising, banners, adwords, overlays
2. Owned: Created assets, custom content
3. Earned: Brand-related conversations and user-generated content
4: Promoted: in-stream or social paid promotions vehicles e.g. Twitter's Promoted products and Facebook's Sponsored Stories
5. Shared: Open platforms or communities where customers co-create and collaborate with brands. e.g. Dell's IdeaStorm and Starbuck's MyStarbucksIdea.
Any combination of the five media strategies defines a new Brandsphere where organizations can capture attention, steer online experiences, spark conversations and word of mouth can help customers address challenges or create new opportunities. Each media channel connects differently with people and thus requires a dedicated approach integrating tangible and intangible value. Doing so ensures a critical path for social media content: relevance, reach and resonance.
via New Infographic: The Brandsphere by Brian Solis and JESS3 Brian Solis.


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The Fairfax Genealogical Society (Fairfax Co., VA) is hosting their 7th Annual Fall Fair on 30 October 2010 at the Springfield Hilton in Springfield, VA. This day-long event features nationally-recognized genealogist Loretto Dennis Szucs, co-editor of The Source: A Guidebook of American Genealogy and author of They Became Americans: Finding Naturalization Records and Ethnic Origins, amongst others.
Topics for this day include: What's New at Ancestry.com; Hidden Sources; Dead Men Do Tell Tales; and The Ancestry World Archives Project.
For more information, see the registration page.


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Tuesday, February 9
Romantic Valentine's Day Dessert: Seductive Strawberry Zabaglione
OK, guys. I know you've been checking out my Super Bowl recipes. Now that Super Bowl Sunday is over, get ready for the second biggest Sunday of the year: Sunday, February 14th, Valentine's Day. Don't panic. I've got ya covered.
Whether you surprise her with reservations at her favorite restaurant or make a romantic dinner for two at home, you've got to make her Seductive Strawberry Zabaglione for dessert. Red, ripe strawberries, velvety custard, and sweet Italian wine are so sexy.
I developed this recipe with men in mind because it's easy to make, allows you to flex some muscle, which will impress her, and makes an elegant presentation. Think of it as your minimal-effort dessert with maximum sex appeal. Though I wouldn't carry that thinking into the bedroom. I'm just saying.
Seductive Strawberry Zabaglione (zah-habl-YOH-nay)
Makes 2 servings
Print recipe only here.
You can subsitiute champagne for the Marsala wine if you think it's more romantic, but the Marsala's flavor is fuller and sexier. You can also substitute raspberries if you prefer.
2 martini glasses
10-12 fresh strawberries, thinly sliced
2 large egg yolks
2 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons sweet Marsala wine
1. Divide sliced strawberries evenly among two martini glasses. Set aside.
2. In a large metal or glass bowl, vigorously whisk 2 large egg yolks, 2 tablespoons sugar, and 2 tablespoons sweet Marsala wine until combined. Place the bowl over a saucepan filled with 1-2 inches of simmering water, making sure the bottom of the bowl doesn't touch the water. Continue to whisk until doubled in volume and thick, about 4-5 minutes. Spoon over berries. Garnish with fresh mint and serve.
You might also enjoy these easy yet romantic desserts from Food Blogga:
Easy Chocolate Ginger Truffles
Dessert Risotto with Wine-Poached Figs
Quick Chocolate-Cinnamon Mousse with Cherries
Mini Custards with Limoncello-Spiked Raspberry Sauce
You might also enjoy these Valentine's Day desserts:
Strawberry Tart recipe at Cafe Fernando
Mini Red Velvet Cheesecake recipe at Slash Food
Limoncello Tiramisu recipe at Proud Italian Cook
Chocolate Nutella Molten Lava Cake recipe at bell'alimento
The most important part of Valentine's Day is dessert, but here are some Valentine's Day dinner ideas too:
Camembert and Kumquat Chutney Toasts
Fig, Prosciutto, and Goat Cheese Crostini
Roasted Pepper, Olive, and Brie Bruschetta
Apple, Fennel, and Celery Salad
Sicilian Salad of Fennel, Oranges, and Olives
Wild Arugula and Blood Orange Salad with Prosciutto
Roasted Asparagus with Breadcrumbs and Parmesan
Roasted Rainbow Carrots with Chives and Thyme
Roasted Kabocha Squash with an Orange Honey Glaze
Roasted Root Vegetables with Maple Sage Glaze
Honey Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Pomegranate Glaze
Roasted Acorn Squash with Medjool Dates and Toasted Almonds
Lobster Fra Diavolo
Lobster Risotto plus a tutorial on how to make risotto.
Tagliatelle with Pan Seared Shrimp and Fennel
Pasta Shells in Creamy Saffron Sauce with Shrimp and Peas
Orange and Ginger Glazed Planked Salmon
Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Fresh Pineapple Chutney
Kona Kampachi with Meyer Lemon-Thyme Butter
Pan Seared Sea Scallops with Kumquats
Grilled Rib Eye with Chimichurri Sauce
Pork Tenderloin with Strawberry-Mango Salsa
Pork Tenderloin with Indian Spiced Cherry and Rhubarb Chutney
Fiery Shrimp with Avocado-Pomegranate-Tangerine Salsa served over Soft Polenta
Broccoli Rabe (Rapini) on Crispy Polenta with a Rosemary-Goat Cheese Sauce
27 comments:
- Cookie baker Lynn said...
Wonderful! I'm going to have to leave this up so my husband will be sure to see it when he gets home from work. Thanks for looking out for the ladies, Susan!
- February 9, 2010 at 7:37 AM
- Finla said...
I soso wish it was strawberry season here. And I am bookmarking this one. Yummy yummy yumm.
- February 9, 2010 at 7:52 AM
- Rosa's Yummy Yums said...
A great idea and a wonderful dessert!
- February 9, 2010 at 10:28 AM
- Sean said...
Your posts always crack a smile on my face.
Thanks for keeping culinary challenged males like me in mind Susan :)
- February 9, 2010 at 11:18 AM
- chow and chatter said...
oh wow love this and great presentation
- February 9, 2010 at 3:16 PM
- Susan from Food Blogga said...
lynn-Good thinking. :)
happycook-We actually have the best strawberries in the winter months here in San Diego.
sean-I got your back. :)
chow and chatter-I'm happy to hear it! Thanks.
- February 9, 2010 at 4:51 PM
- Amy from She Wears Many Hats said...
That does look pretty easy - I can almost taste it too! Maybe I'll do a trial run before Sunday?
- February 9, 2010 at 4:51 PM
- Sari @ Cook Your Dream said...
What a lovely dessert. Can't wait for summer, when is a strawberry season here, to give it a try! ;)
- February 9, 2010 at 4:55 PM
- Susan @ SGCC said...
This looks divine! We're in the middle of strawberry season here too.
- February 9, 2010 at 4:59 PM
- Paula - bell'alimento said...
The Zabaglione looks scrumptious & def seductive ; ) Thanks so much for including my Chocolate Nutella Molten Lava Cake in your round up!
- February 9, 2010 at 5:12 PM
- Unplanned Cooking said...
Beautiful! Love custard and fresh berries.
- February 9, 2010 at 8:17 PM
- M. said...
Zabaglione has always been my favorite dessert, it is easy to make and heavenly tasting, definitely recommend trying it, especially for upcoming valentine's day.
- February 9, 2010 at 10:37 PM
- aforkfulofspaghetti said...
A sure-fire winner, I reckon! A lovely dreamy dessert to win over anyone's heart. Beautiful.
- February 10, 2010 at 12:45 AM
- Tasty Eats At Home said...
This sure does LOOK sexy! Yum!
- February 10, 2010 at 5:18 AM
- Katie @ goodLife {eats} said...
This looks so good. I'll have to check the strawberries when I grocery shop this week.
- February 10, 2010 at 5:19 AM
- TENINA said...
Hey Susan, this looks so refreshing and summery! Nice one!
- February 10, 2010 at 6:53 AM
- The Teacher Cooks said...
It is really a beautiful dessert to be so simple, but even so I do not think that my husband will make it. He does make reservations though!
- February 10, 2010 at 9:08 AM
- Half Baked said...
Simple and elegant! Perfect for valentines day!
- February 10, 2010 at 1:15 PM
- Christine said...
Beautiful, elegant and seductive. I've saving this for Mr CC, when strawberries come into season up here. Lovely recipe Susan.
- February 10, 2010 at 5:25 PM
- Valerie Harrison (bellini) said...
Happy Valentine's Day Susan. Enjoy. May all the men in our life make us delicious and sexy desserts like this one.
- February 10, 2010 at 5:43 PM
- Goody said...
I just showed this to my better half and he replied:
Zabaglione sounds like something you use to smash down a hockey rink."
-I can smack him for you if you'd like (he's sitting right here, laughing)
- February 10, 2010 at 6:49 PM
- Maria said...
Happy Valentine's Day to you. Gorgeous dessert!
- February 11, 2010 at 6:09 AM
- ChichaJo said...
The does look incredibly sexy ;) And delicious! Advanced Happy Valentines!
- February 11, 2010 at 5:26 PM
- Livin Local said...
Oh, sinfully beautiful!
- February 15, 2010 at 9:40 AM
- Aparna Balasubramanian said...
It is strawberry season here, Yay!!!
And I don't need a Valentine's day for this one. :)
- February 18, 2010 at 8:57 AM
- I Want To Make This said...
This looks delicious! I wanted to let you know that I linked to this post on my blog post "21 Delicious Desserts for Your Valentine".
Thanks for sharing your recipe!
- February 8, 2012 at 5:39 PM
- Susan from Food Blogga said...
Thank you, Stacey! I appreciate it! :)
- February 9, 2012 at 5:21 AM


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Elk's Review of Diadra Empty
Posted on Jul 03 2013
Rockin' Android are known for bringing a ton of awesome unique Japanese games to the West that would almost assuredly not get picked up and brought stateside. If you frequent our site you've probably seen our Cloudphobia review, also from Rockin' Android. And as it was a unique Shoot-'em-Up (also known as a shmup) with some interesting game design choices, so too is the game we're talking about today, Diadra Empty, developed by Frozen Orb.


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If you are using Thapos to manage your sports club, you now can connect with your club on Thapos with your SurveyMonkey account. Once connected, you can easily access all your SurveyMonkey surveys from Thapos.
You can continue to create surveys with SurveyMonkey as usual. This integration makes it easy to distribute surveys to various club members and users through Thapos message center.
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Once connected to your SurveyMonkey account, all your club staff who got access to the Thapos message center can distribute surveys to the intended audience.
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For decades HEKS/EPER has maintained close ties with the Evangelical Church of Czech Brethren (ECCB). Central to their cooperation is the strengthening of the Church and its welfare and social work. In the highly secular Czech Republic where only 40 per cent of the population belong to a religious community, the ECCB ensures that values like charity and solidarity are not forgotten. HEKS/EPER supports the ECCB in its work with children and young people, in renovating churches, pastorages and parish halls, and in supporting and caring for people on the fringes of society. An important component of the cooperation is the sharing of knowledge and experience between the Czech Republic and Switzerland through church parish partnerships, group trips or professional exchanges.
In seven regions of the Czech Republic, HEKS/EPER is supporting volunteers in the pursuit of inclusion for refugees.
In 2017, four parishes renovated their buildings that serve the church community and the public.


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Blum, Charles William, Jr., 1925-1991
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Charles William Blum, Jr. (1925-1991), an artist known for magical realism, lived and worked in New York; San Miguel, Mexico; and Spain. His papers, dating from 1925 to 1988, document his personal life through letters, journals, photographs and memorabilia. In particular, Blum's papers cover numerous topics including his work as an artist; his relationships with Robert Davison and Salvatore Saraceno; his opinions on love, romance and homosexuality; expatriate life in San Miguel de Allende in Mexico; and his opinions on the literary, theatrical, and modern dance scenes of the 1950s.


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Cenozoic Blue sweatshirt
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From Kimoa we have updated a strict manipulation normative in our shipping orders to guarantee our employee's safety by using priority distribution channels. Being apart today to be closer tomorrow. #Istayhome
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Blue KIMOA logo printed sweatshirt in green pigment print on sleeves.100% organic melange cotton.
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211 F.3d 878 (5th Cir. 2000)
No. 99-10162
May 4, 2000
Appeal from the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas
Before King, Chief Judge, and Reavley and Stewart, Circuit Judges.
Carl E. Stewart, Circuit Judge
The defendant challenges the sufficiency of the evidence below and attacks the constitutionality of the federal "three strikes" sentencing provision. For the reasons assigned, we affirm.
Factual and Procedural Background
Because this case involves multiple robberies committed during a two-month robbery spree, we briefly summarize the facts surrounding the robberies.
I. Robbery Spree
A. Ramada Inn incident
On November 25, 1997, two men approached a clerk at a Ramada Inn Limited Motel located in Mesquite, Texas. The two men asked about room vacancies and rates, and the clerk told them to fill out a registration form. While the clerk was on the phone, the taller of the two men pulled out a gun and told the clerk to be quiet and hang up the phone. When the clerk did not comply, the man hung up the phone for her. The taller man with the gun told the clerk to hand over the money. The other man instructed the clerk to open the cash drawer. The taller man went over the counter and picked up the money, They then left in a white Nissan, driving west on I-30. The robbery was recorded on video tape by security cameras. The clerk at trial identified Ferguson as one of the men who robbed her. The clerk also testified that a gun that was recovered from Ferguson's home looked similar to the gun that was used during the robbery.
B. Savings of America Bank
On December 1, 1997, a man approached a bankteller at a Savings of America Bank teller window in Dallas and demanded the teller to give him money. The robber stated "I have a gun in my pocket and don't make me use it." The teller stated that she never saw the gun. The teller gave him approximately $693, and the robber exited the bank on foot. Although the bank had surveillance cameras, there was no tape of the robbery. The teller identified Ferguson from a pretrial photo array, and at trial.
C Owens Jewelry Store
On or about December 3, 1997, two men attempted to rob Owens Jewelry Store in Dallas. The robbers walked in, one asking to pawn a ring. When the attendant turn around, one of the robbers pulled out a gun and ordered the attendant on the floor. Another attendant went for a gun behind the counter and fired at the robbers. The robbers then exited the store taking nothing. Both attendants identified the weapon used by the robbers as a black Lorcin .380. One of the attendants stated that she did not get a good look at the robbers. The other stated that he also did not get a good look but could possibly identify the robbers if he saw them again. However, at trial he was unable to positively identify Ferguson as one of the robbers.
D. Alrenco incident
On December 8, 1997, a man entered an Alrenco Store in Dallas with a gun in his hands and told one of the salesperson to empty the cash drawer. The robber also demanded the salesperson to give him a tray of men's rings. The robbers took the rings and approximately $325, ordered everyone on the floor, and exited the store. The store-manager testified that the gun the robber used was a automatic pistol with a dark blue finish. Approximately one month after the robbery, the store-manager identified Ferguson from a pretrial photo array. At trial, the store-manager identified the weapon seized from Ferguson's apartment as being the same type that was used during the robbery. Although the trial occurred approximately one year after the robbery, the store-manager, when asked to identify the robber in the courtroom, pointed to Ferguson and stated, "that looks like the gentleman right there."E. Guardian Savings Bank incident
On December 22, 1997, a bank official at Guardian Savings Bank in Dallas, Texas, received a phone call from a man stating that he was interested in purchasing a certificate of deposit for a Christmas gift. After a short discussion, the man stated that he would be in later that afternoon. Later that day a man, later identified as Ferguson, came to the bank and the teller buzzed him in. The man sat down, placed a large black bag on the desk, and stated "don't make me have to use this." While patting his belly, he further stated "do we understand each other." When the teller hesitated, the man repeated, "Don't make me have to use this, do we understand each other." The teller gave the robber $2,965. The teller also noted small cuts on the robbers hands. The robber took the money and exited the bank. Surveillance cameras recorded the robbery. The teller was unable to give a positive identification of the robber from the photo array. Also, when the teller was asked at trial could she identify the robber in the courtroom, she stated, "No I don't think so." However, Ferguson's wife identified him as the robber on the surveillance video tape. She also testified that Ferguson was wearing bandages on his hands during the time frame of the robbery.
F. Rams Liquor Store incident
On January 2, 1998, two men pulled up in front of Rams Liquor Store in Dallas in a mid-size white car with no front license plate. The two men asked the clerk if he would cash checks for them. The clerk replied that he did not cash checks. One of the robbers then said, "Okay this is a holdup. Give me all your money." The clerk raised his hand, and one of the robbers took all of the money from the cash drawer. The robbers then exited the store. The store's surveillance camera captured the robbery. Ferguson's wife identified him in the surveillance tape. Although the clerk was unable to make a positive identification from the pretrial photo array, the clerk nonetheless, identified Ferguson at trial.
E. Hits Record Store incident
Approximately two days later on January 5, 1998, two men drove in a white car without a front license plate to Hits Records store in Dallas. The robbers left the car and went into the music store asking to see a compact disc ("CD"). When the clerk retrieved and rang the disc up on the cash register, one of the robbers pulled a gun from his back pocket and told the clerk to open the cash register. The robber took the money from the register and asked for more money. The clerk replied that there was no more money. The robber then asked about a safe, and the clerk responded that there was no safe. Afterwards, the robber threatened the clerk with the gun and told him to lie down on the floor. The robbers then left the store. When the officers arrived, it was discovered that in addition to the $35 taken, the robbers also took ten CDs. The police also traced the white car to Ferguson, and proceeded to his residence. They arrested Ferguson on a warrant for outstanding parking tickets. The search of his apartment yielded the CDs that were taken from the store, and a black Lorcin .380 pistol. Ferguson's wife stated that he picked her up in a white Nissan the day of the robbery, which had no front license plate.
II. Indictments, Trial, and Sentencing
On August 4, 1998, the government charged Ferguson in a sixteen count indictment with Hobbs Act robbery (18 U.S.C. 1951(a)), carrying a firearm during the commission of a crime of violence (18 U.S.C. 924(e)(1)), and bank robbery (18 U.S.C. 2113(a) and (d)). In October, the government filed a superceding indictment charging Ferguson with seven counts of Hobbs Act robbery, eight counts of carrying a firearm during the commission of a crime of violence, two counts of bank robbery, and one count of being a felon inpossession of a firearm (18 U.S.C. 922(g)(1) and 924 (e)(1)). The government also filed notice advising that Ferguson was eligible for a mandatory life sentence pursuant to the federal "three strikes"sentencing provision (18 U.S.C. 3559) based on Ferguson's convictions for "serious violent felonies" in 1977, 1984, and 1985.1
In November 1998, the morning of trial, the government moved to dismiss counts 1-4 of the superseding indictment and tried Ferguson on the remaining counts. The jury returned guilty verdicts for all counts except nine and ten (Owens Jewelry Store incident). Ferguson moved for a directed verdict of acquittal, which was denied.
For the Hobbs Act and bank robbery convictions, the court sentenced Ferguson to life imprisonment for each count to run concurrently with each other and with the sentence for the felon in possession of a firearm conviction. Regarding the possession of a firearm during a crime of violence conviction, the court sentenced Ferguson to life imprisonment for each count to run consecutively to each other and to the life sentences for the Hobbs Act and bank robbery convictions. As to the remaining conviction for felon in possession of a firearm, the court sentenced Ferguson to fifteen years in imprisonment, with five years supervised release, and imposed restitution in the amount of $11,500 and $1,200 mandatory special assessment.2
Ferguson attacks his convictions and sentences on several grounds. First, he claims that the jury convicted him on insufficient evidence. Furthermore, he contends that the government failed to produce sufficient evidence to trigger the interstate jurisdictional component under the Hobbs Act. Finally, he argues that the "three strikes" federal sentencing provision is unconstitutional. We address each of his arguments in turn.
I. Sufficiency claims
Ferguson moved for a judgment of acquittal at the close of the government's case, at the end of the trial, and after the verdict, thus preserving his sufficiency claims for appellate review. See United States v. Burns, 162 F.3d 840, 847 (5th Cir. 1998). We review a district court's denial of a motion for a judgment of acquittal de novo. Id.; United States v. Myers, 104 F.3d 76, 78(5th Cir.), cert. denied, 520 U.S. 1218, 117 S.Ct. 1709, 137 L.Ed.2d 834 (1997). In evaluating the sufficiency of the evidence, we must determine whether, viewing the evidence in the light most favorable to the verdict and drawing all reasonable inferences from the evidence in support of the verdict, a rational trier of fact could have found that the evidence established the essential elements of the offense beyond a reasonable doubt. Id. The jury is free to choose among reasonable constructions of the evidence and the evidence need not exclude every reasonable hypothesis of innocence or be wholly inconsistent with every conclusion except that of guilt. See United States v. Resio-Trejo, 45 F.3d 907, 910 (5th Cir. 1995). If, however, the evidence gives equal or nearly equal circumstantial support to a theory of guilt, as well as to a theory of innocence, the conviction must bereversed. United States v. Sanchez, 961 F.2d 1169, 1173 (5th Cir. 1992).
A. Savings of America and Guardian Savings Bank incident
To prove the offense of bank robbery, the government must demonstrate that: an individual or individuals used force and violence or intimidation to take or attempt to take from the person or presence of another money, property, or anything of value belonging to or in the care, custody, control, management or possession of any bank, credit union, or savings and loan association. 18 U.S.C. 2113(a)(" 2113(a)" or "bank robbery"); see United States v. McCarthy, 36 F.3d 1349, 1357 (5th Cir. 1994). The punishment may be enhanced when, in committing or attempting to commit the offense, the defendant assaults another person or puts in jeopardy the life of another person by the use of a dangerous weapon or device. 18 U.S.C. 2113(d)(" 2113(d)" or "aggravated bank robbery"). Section 924(c)(1) provides that a person who carries or "uses" a firearm "during and in relation to any [federal] crime of violence are subject to penalties additional to those imposed for the crime of violence itself." 18 U.S.C. 924(c)(1)(" 924(c)(1)").
Ferguson contends that the evidence was insufficient to establish that he actually possessed a gun during the bank robberies. Ferguson also maintains that the government failed to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that he "used" a firearm or dangerous device during the commission of the bank robberies. He points out that in both incidents, the robber merely mentioned that he had a gun. Furthermore, the bank tellers that testified stated that they never actually saw the robber handle a gun during the robberies. As such, Ferguson argues that the mere reference to a gun neither constitutes possession nor "use" under 2113 (d) or 924(c)(1).
A bank robber who displays or brandishes a dangerous weapon or an object reasonably perceived to be a dangerous weapon or device during a bank robbery violates 2113(d). See United States v. S. Levi, 45 F.3d 453, 456 (D.C. Cir. 1995)(citing United States v. Ray, 21 F.3d 1134, 1140 (D.C. Cir. 1994)). A robber who does not display a dangerous weapon or an ostensibly dangerous weapon or device cannot be found guilty of aggravated bank robbery under 2113(d) unless the evidence establishes that he had a concealed weapon and that he used it in the course of the bank robbery. Id. In the present case, the tellers from Savings of America Bank and Guardian Savings Bank testified that the robber did not display or brandish a weapon. Thus, because the robber did not display a dangerous weapon, or an object that could reasonably be perceived to be a dangerous weapon, the evidence must demonstrate that Ferguson actually possessed a concealed dangerous weapon during the commission of the bank robberies in order to sustain the aggravated bank robbery convictions See Levi, 45 F.3d 546.(emphasis added).
The government asserts that when a defendant announces that he possesses a gun during a robbery, a jury may reasonably infer that the defendant actually possessed a gun. See United States v. Jones, 84 F.3d 1206, 1211 (9th Cir. 1996), United States v. Ray 21 F.3d 1134, 1141 (D.C. Cir. 1994). The Ray court found that the defendant's claim during a bank robbery that he possessed a gun could have supported a reasonable inference of possession even though none of the witnesses present saw a gun nor did the police recover the gun. Ray, 21 F.3d at 1141. In Ray, the defendant walked into the bank and stuck his hands in his pocket and told the cashier that he would "blow her head off" if she did not hand over the money. Id. 21 F.3d at 1135.3 The court found that words orthreats may be sufficient to establish that the defendant possessed and used a dangerous weapon under 2113(d). See Ray, 21 F.3d at 1141.
Similar to the circumstances in Ray, Ferguson informed the bank tellers that he possessed a weapon. The teller from Savings of America Bank testified that the robber stated: "I have a pistol in my pocket and don't make me use it." The teller for the Guardian Savings Bank testified that the robber walked into the bank, sat a bag on the desk, patted his belly and stated, "don't make me have to use this"and "do we understand each other?" Ferguson's statements that he possessed a weapon are supported by additional evidence. It is undisputed that Ferguson used a weapon during the Ramada Limited Motel, Owens Jewelry, Alrenco, Rams Liquor and Hits Records robbery. Furthermore, the police found a black Lorcin pistol at Ferguson's apartment following the Hits Records robbery. Ferguson's own statements and this additional inculpatory evidence is enough for a rational jury to have determined that Ferguson possessed a weapon during the Savings of America and Guaranty Savings bank robberies. Thus, drawing all reasonable inferences in favor of the verdict we affirm the convictions for counts seven and thirteen of the superseding indictment and the corresponding convictions under 924(c)(1) (use of a firearm during a crime of violence).
B Alrenco incident
Ferguson claims that the evidence was insufficient to sustain the convictions on Counts 11 and 12 of the superceding indictment, which respectively charged him with (1) Hobbs Act robbery, 18 U.S.C. 1951 (a), of Alrenco on December 8, 1997 and (2) using and carrying a firearm during and relation to that robbery, 924(c)(1). Specifically, Ferguson claims that the only witness the government presented for these counts, Robert Snipes the store-manager (Snipes) was unable to positively identify him at trial.
Although an uncertain in-court identification will not support a conviction where that identification is the only evidence offered on the issue of identity, such tentative nature of an identification is not fatal if there is other sufficient evidence of identity." United States v. Guerrero, 169 F.3d 933, 941 (5th Cir. 1999) (internal citations and quotations omitted). Identity may be proved through inference and circumstantial evidence. Id.
During the government's case-in-chief, when asked if he recognized the robber in the courtroom, Snipes responded: "That could be him there, I guess, I know I recognized him that night. And when I did my lineup and they brought the pictures in, it was very close, looked just like the sketch I had done." The court permitted Snipes to leave the witness stand to get a closer view of Ferguson. Upon getting closer view, Snipes stated, "[t]hat looks like the gentleman right there. . ." We have recognized that "[i]t is a basic rule of evidence that witnesses need not assert that they are certain of their identification beyond a reasonable doubt." Id. (quoting United States v. Roberts, 481 F.2d 892, 893 (5th Cir. 1973)). Although Snipes did not identify Ferguson to an unyielding degree of certainty, his testimony was nonetheless sufficient to establish identity.
Furthermore, the government presented evidence to corroborate Snipes' testimony. First, Snipes identified Ferguson in pretrial photo line-up thirty days after the robbery. Snipes also identified the Lorcin .380 pistol that was recovered from Ferguson's residence as the same type of weapon displayed during the robbery. Ferguson's wife again buttressed the government'scase when she corroborated Snipes' testimony regarding Ferguson's clothing and physical appearance by testifying that during the time period of the robbery, Ferguson had a short grey beard and sometimes wore toboggans. Thus, we find that the evidence is sufficient to sustain the convictions for counts eleven and twelve of the superseding indictment.
C. Felon in Possession of a Firearm
Ferguson argues that his conviction for count eighteen for being a felon in possession of a firearm, 18 U.S.C. 922(g)(1),4 cannot stand because this count corresponds with the Owen Jewelry robbery for which he was acquitted. Thus, he contends that his conviction amounts to an inconsistent verdict since the felon in possession of a firearm count and the Owens Jewelry robbery were alleged to have occurred on the same date. Count eighteen of the superseding indictment alleges that the illegal possession of the firearm occurred "on or about December 3, 1997," which coincides with the date of the Owens Jewelry store robbery.
This court has held that "the alleged time of the offense is not an essential element of the offense charged in the indictment." United States v. Powers, 168 F.3d 741, 746 (5th Cir. 1999); United States v. Bowman, 783 F.2d 1192, 1197 (5th Cir. 1986)(nine month variance between mailing date alleged in indictment and date to which witness testified at trial not fatal). "The prosecution is not required to prove the exact date alleged in the indictment; it suffices if a date reasonably near is established." Powers, 168 F.3d at 746 (internal citations and quotations omitted).
In addition to the robberies discussed above, Ferguson was convicted of armed robbery of a Ramada Inn on November 25, 1997 (counts five and six), armed robbery of a Rams Liquor store on January 2, 1998 (counts fourteen and fifteen), and armed robbery of a Hits Records store on January 5, 1998 (counts sixteen and seventeen). Furthermore, shortly after his arrest on January 5, 1998, a dark automatic pistol was found in Ferguson's apartment.
In light of Powers, the additional evidence that Ferguson possessed a firearm close to the date charged in count eighteen is sufficient to sustain a conviction on that charge. Accordingly, we affirm the conviction for count eighteen
D. Hobbs Act robberies and Impact on Interstate Commerce
In his final sufficiency claim, Ferguson contends that the government failed to produce sufficient evidence of "substantial effect" on interstate commerce with respect to the Hobbs Act convictions. Recognizing that we have rejected similar challenges to convictions under the Hobbs Act, Ferguson states that he raises this issue merely to preserve his claim for further review.
In a Hobbs Act prosecution, the government is required to prove that: 1) the defendant committed a robbery, and (2) that it interfered with interstate commerce. 18 U.S.C. 1951(a); United States v. Robinson, 119 F.3d 1205, 1212 (5th Cir. 1997), cert. denied, 522 U.S. 1139 (1998).
An evenly divided en banc panel of this court in United States v. Hickman, 179 F.3d 230, 231 (5th Cir. 1999)(en banc) did not disturb previous circuit precedent which held that the aggregation principle is applicable to Hobbs Act prosecutions where the impact of individual robberies on interstate commerce is minimal. See United States v. Robinson, 119 F.3d 1205 (5th Cir. 1997), cert. denied, 522 U.S. 1139, 118 S.Ct. 1104, 140 L.Ed.2d158 (1998). Our review of the trial transcript revealsthat the government presented sufficient evidence to meet this de minimus impact requirement.5 Thus, Ferguson's claim lacks merit.
II. Constitutionality of the federal "three strikes" sentencing provision
Finally, Ferguson attacks the constitutionality of the federal "three strikes" sentencing provision. Specifically, he claims that the sentencing provision unconstitutionally shifts the burden of proof to the defendant to prove, by clear and convincing evidence, that his prior convictions did not involve the use or threatened use of a firearm or result in a death or serious bodily injury.
Because Ferguson did not raise this issue below, we review only for plain error. See United States v. Spires, 79 F.3d 464, 465-66 (5th Cir. 1996); see also United States v. Knowles, 29 F.3d 947, 950-51 (5th Cir. 1994) (alleged constitutional error in criminal conviction reviewed for plain error). Under Fed. R. Crim. P. 52(b), this court may correct forfeited errors only when the appellant shows the following factors: (1) there is an error, (2) that is clear or obvious, and (3) that affects his substantial rights. United States v. Calverley, 37 F.3d 160, 162-64 (5th Cir. 1994) (en banc) (citing United States v. Olano, 507 U.S. 725, 731-37 (1993)). If these factors are established, the decision to correct the forfeited error is within the sound discretion of the court, and the court will not exercise that discretion unless the error seriously affects the fairness, integrity, or public reputation of judicial proceedings. Olano, 507 U.S. at 735-36.
The three-strikes statute provides that "a person who is convicted in a court of the United States of a serious violent felony shall be sentenced to life imprisonment" if he has been convicted on separate prior occasions of "2 or more serious violent felonies" 18 U.S.C. 3559(c)(1). In a separate subsection, the statute provides that the offense of robbery:
"shall not serve as a basis for sentencing . . . if the defendant establishes by clear and convincing evidence that--
(1) no firearm or other dangerous weapon was used in the offense ...; or
(2) the offense did not result in death or serious bodily injury ... to any person."
18 U.S.C. 3559(c)(3)(A).
This circuit has not addressed the issue whether the statute violates due process by shifting the burden of proof to the defendant to prove that his prior robbery convictions are non-qualifying. This issue has, however, been addressed in two other circuits. See United States v. Kaluna, 192 F.3d 1188, 1196 (9th Cir. 1999) (en banc); United States v. Wicks, 132 F.3d 383, 387-89 (7th Cir. 1997).
In Kaluna, the Ninth Circuit stated that 3559(c)(3)(A) "contains an affirmative defense to a sentencing enhancement, which Congress may require a defendantto establish." Kaluna, 192 F.3d at 1196 (internal citations omitted). Accordingly, the court held that due process does not prohibit the kind of affirmative defense found in 3559(c)(3)(A). Id. Similarly, in Wicks, the Seventh Circuit rejected a due process challenge to the "three strikes" law and noted that "sentencing courts have traditionally heard evidence and found facts without any prescribed burden of proof at all." Wicks, 132 F.3d at 388 (quoting McMillan v. Pennsylvania, 477 U.S. 79, 106 S.Ct. 2411, 91 L.Ed.2d 67 (1986)). Likewise, we agree with the Seventh and Ninth circuits that the burden shifting provision of the three strikes law does not violate due process, but rather is a valid exercise of Congress's plenary power to promulgate rules and procedures to govern the sentencing of persons convicted for violating federal criminal statutes. Although Ferguson cites Cooper v. Oklahoma, 517 U.S. 348, 116 S.Ct. 1373, 116 S.Ct. 1373 (1996)(holding that state statute requiring criminal defendant to prove lack of competency to stand trial by clear and convincing evidence violates due process), to argue that the clear and convincing standard of proof is constitutionally impermissible, nonetheless we are unpersuaded by Ferguson's argument. Generally, sentencing proceedings do not offer criminal defendants the same procedural safeguards as trials. See McMillan, 477 U.S. at 91, 106 S.Ct. at 2419 (sentencing courts have traditionally heard evidence and found facts without any prescribed burden of proof at all."); Williams v. New York, 337 U.S. 241, 250, 69 S.Ct. 1079, 1084, 93 L.Ed. 1337 (1949) (Sentencing courts routinely rely on information that is inadmissible at trial); United States v. Carreon, 11 F.3d 1225, 1241 (5th Cir. 1994)(government may prove drug quantity during sentencing by preponderance of evidence); but see Mitchell v. United States, 526 U.S. 314, 119 S.Ct. 1307, 143 L.Ed.2d 424 (1999)(defendant's guilty plea does not waive defendant's Fifth Amendment right against self incrimination duringsentencing, nor can the judge draw an improper inference from the defendant's silence in determining facts related to sentencing). As such, we reject Ferguson's due process challenge to the "three strikes" provision.
For the above reasons, we AFFIRM all of the convictions and sentences.
In 1977, Ferguson was convicted in federal district court of bank robbery. In 1984 and 1985, Ferguson was convicted in Texas district court of aggravated robbery with a dangerous weapon.
The record reflects that there is a discrepancy between the oral pronouncement of sentence and the written judgment. The written judgment omits the sentence for count eighteen (felon in possession of firearm). The written judgment also ordered count eighteen to run consecutively, rather than concurrently, with the sentences for the Hobbs Act and bank robbery counts. Nonetheless, "[i]n this Circuit, it is well settled law that where there is any variation between the oral and written pronouncements of sentence, the oral sentence prevails. See, e.g., United States v. Shaw, 920 F.2d 1225, 1230 (5th Cir. 1991).
The court reversed the conviction because it found that the district court's instructions erroneously authorized the jury that under 2113(d), it could convict if the government proved that the defendant's acts or words could have caused a reasonable person to expect to die or receive serious injury by use of a dangerous weapon regardless of whether the defendant "actually had a weapon or other object, whether he displayed any object, or whether he could have carried out his threats." Id., 21 F.3d at 1136.
In order to convict one for felon in possession of a firearm, the government must prove that the defendant (1) has been convicted of a felony; (2) possessed a firearm in or affecting interstate commerce; and (3) knew that he was in possession of the firearm." United States v. Ybarra, 70 F.3d 362, 365 (5th Cir. 1995); see 18 U.S.C. 922(g)(1).
With respect to evidence of de minimus impact on interstate commerce, the government presented the following evidence: Count Five - Robbery of a Ramada Inn Limited Hotel - The Government elicited testimony that the hotel is located on a major interstate highway and that roughly 20% of the its customers are from out-of-state. The hotel also obtains food items and cleaning supplied from out-of-state. Count Eleven - Robbery of Alrenco - The Government elicited testimony that the store purchases almost all of its inventory from out-of-state. In addition, Alrenco maintains operations in 30 states, with headquarters in Indiana. Count Fourteen - Robbery of Ram's Liquor - The Government elicited testimony that the store carries items that come from out-of-state. Count Sixteen - Robbery of Hit Records - The Government elicited testimony that the store's inventory comes from all over the world. With respect to the felon-in-possession charge, the parties stipulated that the handgun had been transported in interstate commerce.


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With regard to mounting accuracy, installation completed in about 20 minutes without any problem
Regarding volume, it is NORMAL + α feeling, and it seems that there is no problem in the residential area
Neck price is ... Titanium, so why not help it
- Fits:
posted Jul 5, 2020It serves to prevent mud splashes around...Inner fender requires a 6cm cut, all mounting holes are long holes, but it is difficult to install, so Leutor The material is Polypropylene (PP), which is different from the standard. The clearance be...Read More
- posted Jul 4, 2020Good with a half-hell jet helmet!You can wear commercial disposable masks for better hygiene.It is easy to adjust the size and put on and off with Magic Tape.I wanted a color that didn't show up as a stain, but I can get it right awa...Read More
- posted Jul 4, 2020Long-awaited J-TRIPWhat made you decide to buy?I have been using a certain Rear stand, but it is a little too large for Grom. This time, when I changed to the G-CraftSwing Arm This time, when I changed to G-CraftSwing A...Read More
- posted Jul 4, 2020Durable VPlate for GROMWhat made you decide to buy?When I changed to G-CraftSwing Arm, the OP's Racing Stand HookSpec. and the purchase of the J-TRIPNarrowRoller stand. The key to purchasing the G-CraftSwing Arm was the cha...Read More
- posted Jul 4, 2020Just sizeWallet and smart phone, glasses, hats, mask, plastic bottle, Others colors The main part is waterproof and opening and closing is easy once you get used to it. The sub-pocket is non-Waterproof, but th...Read More


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These soft, warm fleece sweatpants/pajamas are sure to be appreciated on cold Israeli nights!They are printed with the Gili's logo and the word JERUSALEM to bring back great memories of there time here! A great ADD ON to any gift basket!
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Gili's Goodies
Efrat, 90435,
Toll Free: 1-866-721-7292 In Israel: 052-263-1808 En Français (+33)177500841
© Gilisgoodies 2015 All Rights Reserved. Made in Zencart by Beth Lanin Based on the template by Perfectus Web Designs.


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Anderson's Penalty Kick Goal Leads Rams in Double OT Thriller
Farmingdale State - 2, NYU-Poly 1 F/2OT
Farmingdale, N.Y - Sophomore midfielder Brian Anderson (Massapequa, N.Y./Massapequa) scored on a penalty kick in double overtime, leading Farmingdale State to a Skyline Conference win over NYU-Poly. The Rams earned their first conference win of the season and improved to 2-8 overall, 1-2 in the Skyline. The Fighting Bluejays fell to 6-2-1, 0-1 in conference play.
Sophomore forward Mamadou Dianko (Dakar, Senegal/Cours Sainte Marie of Hann) put NYU-Poly on the board 3:39 into the match as he scored an unassisted goal.
In the second half, junior goalkeeper Ricky Meschkow (Plainview, N.Y./Plainview-Old Bethpage) cleared the ball down the field and it was headed into the net by a Fighting Bluejay, as the Rams scored an own goal in the 70th minute. The own goal tied the game at 1-1. The match remained deadlocked at 1-1 and headed to overtime.
After a scoreless first overtime, Anderson was awarded a penalty kick with 8:14 to play and scored in the left side of the net, leading Farmingdale State to victory.
The Rams will host Brooklyn College in a non-conference matchup on Monday, September 27th at 4:00 p.m.


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14 September 2015 - STAMFORD, Conn. and LUCCA, Italy.
Tagetik Partner Summit Will Kick Off "Tagetik In Touch" Global Conference
The event offers opportunity for partners and distributors to collaborate on further driving sales while maximizing customer benefits
Tagetik, a visionary leader in global performance management solutions, today announced that it will host its annual Partner Summit on September 16 in Lucca, Italy. The Summit will lead into the company's ninth annual global customer conference, Tagetik in Touch, held September 17 and 18, giving Tagetik partners a unique opportunity to network with customers and Tagetik product experts.
The Partner Summit is designed to support the growth and expansion of Tagetik's worldwide partner ecosystem. Participants in the day-long meeting will include Tagetik distributors and representatives from the following companies: Accenture, Deloitte, KPMG, Microsoft, PwC, Qlik, SAP, Akeron, Bearing Point, Business & Decisions, Excent, Satriun Group, BiNetwork, Dekra, Finext, Grant Thornton, Infratects, Reply Consulting and XLCubed.
"Our partners play a critical role in our customers' success and company growth," said Bani Brandolini, president international at Tagetik. "They bring regional expertise, implementation guidance, and technology tools to further enhance Tagetik's solutions and meet unique customer needs. The Summit is an opportunity for partners to meet with Tagetik management and product experts, and collaborate on ways to further drive sales while maximizing customer benefits."
In support of the 2015 conference theme, "Be A Champion," the Partner Summit agenda includes sessions on Tagetik's 2016 market strategy and planned product enhancements; Tagetik's analytics strategy which incorporates integration with technology partners' products Qlik® Sense, Microsoft Power BI and SAP Lumira; Saugatuck Technology's latest research and predictions of cloud adoption trends, and the opportunity Tagetik Cloud brings to the Tagetik partner community; and a revised reseller model for penetrating emerging markets.
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Our personalized demo allows you to speak directly with a senior solution specialist and discover the key functionalities of CCH Tagetik.
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My neighbors signed my report card.
Having had the same conversation countless times in my life, I have learned that one sentence sums up a cacophony of explanations.
It is tricky, I have found, trying to explain why friends are listed as my emergency contacts, why I wake up Christmas morning in the home of people to whom I am not related, and why my parents — both living — have been anything but.
The separation started so long ago that I struggle to remember exactly when it began. When I was starting middle school my mom's depression hit hard and fast. My dad, who understands love as a finite commodity, could not muster any for me. Loving her meant giving all of it to try to save her. His attempts and inability to do so created a stress that amplified his MS from inconvenient to disabling.
In a moment, it seemed, they were gone.
We were wealthy and Southern and had everything that went along with both: a close-knit community, punctilious social obligations, and money to stay afloat. In the world in which I grew up, everyone surely knew everything about everyone, but damn if they weren't polite enough to pretend it was all OK. It was a magnificent masquerade.
But the truth remained: I was an orphan.
Too often, the notion of orphans is met by one of two extremes; whimsical literary heroes such as curious Tom Sawyer and adorable Little Annie, or humanitarian images of dirty cribs and naked babies. These aren't necessarily bad.
We need to boldly participate in the human race to ensure no child is hungry or naked or vulnerable. I know many people who have been lucky to welcome beautiful children into their families from all over the planet. They are right to do so and I celebrate it, but this is not about those orphans.
This is about the orphans among us.
Spotting one is easy. I have learned that "family" is meant to imbue three things: identity, value, and belonging. Kids, who have a sense of what they are about, self-respect enough to make choices which defend their worth, and the freedom to explore and come home with whatever they may find on their adventures – remain rooted at home wherever they may be.
I saw a boy on the sidewalk yesterday with blood-red eyes holding a lollipop. Someone in that boy's life abdicated the responsibility to show him that he is too smart and strong and creative — too precious — to walk around lost in a haze of drugs.
I saw a girl at the gym last week, sickly thin and an hour deep on the treadmill. You can't convince me she hasn't resolved in her heart that only a certain type of person is worth loving. Orphans engage life at dangerous levels of superficiality.
To think it is just kids is myopic. A dear friend, long estranged from her father, buried her mother a few months ago. She is not yet 30, unmarried, and in a city far from where she grew up. She is too poised to say it but there are times when the loneliness in her face is unassailable and confronting. I have seen those eyes in the mirror. She needs a family. She needs someone to step up and say, "You're with us. Come hell or high water, on your best days and your worst ones, we're here, non-negotiably." She might then begin to process the grief.
Frankly, the epidemic of orphan-hood has become so widespread that there may be a little bit of orphan in all of us. Our complex, hurried world launches all sorts of attacks on a human's identity, value, and belonging.
In friendship, in family, in romance, let's recognize that hearts may look elsewhere in order to discern who they are and what they are about. If it is a healthy place to which they turn, consent. Pray. Believe God will hold all things together, as God promised God would.
Even when they would resurface occasionally, my parents humbly allowed others to take the reins, to participate in moments and emotions that were sacred to my development. The separation was too deep, I was too hurt to need or want them, and they knew the people who embraced me and places to which I ran were full of life.
I am grateful for that — for them and a commitment to hold things with an open hand, even when it meant they lost. In doing, they gave me back what the darkness had stolen from all of us.
For me, it was a long, difficult search to find where I fit and who I was. It happened in myriad ways, big and small, through a great many people, all of who turned up before I even knew I needed them and without the designs of my hand or imagination.
My neighbors, the ones who signed the report cards, gave me a list of chores and asked hard questions. I couldn't evade things such as, "Are you having sex with your boyfriend? Are you being safe? Are you drinking?" I was 17 and accountable to someone and something.
My best friend graciously shared her family, constantly fighting her own demons tempting jealousy. She came to see her place in their eyes as irrevocable and I saw someone who believed in who I could become enough to make sacrifices on behalf of that belief.
My pastor and his wife always seemed to care about me, regardless of how much liquor perfumed my breath when I'd stumble over for our regular Monday night dinner. They have one child, but all over the planet there are people who call them parents because they made room for a few more on Monday nights.
And then ... the Turners.
I met them around the time I could no longer run from the past (literally and figuratively), when I had a choice: to confront the fear that built the walls that kept anyone from having a chance at loving me or impenetrably hobble through a lesser version of life.
They dug in their heels and stood with me as I weathered some gnarly storms. Two knee surgeries, one crushing heartbreak, graduate school, debt, a cross-country move (no wait, two), rape, an eight-country travel itinerary, a lay-off, the betrayal of friends, a totaled BMW, moving my father into a nursing home, nine birthdays without a husband but hope that love will come, and so many more.
It took a year and a half before I would see their daily call and not think, "Why are they calling?" I had no idea there were people who'd call you every day.
Eventually I did. Eventually it became the most natural thing in the world. The Bible says that orphans are placed in families; and for a long time I believed in that and mistook having a family as the end, — the prize in and of itself.
But what I have found — and what I pray the orphans among and inside us discover —is that being a part of a family, in time, stops erasing the pain of abandonment and starts being about the power of the future.
It begins with an orphan and a family, but it ends with one trajectory being propelled into another.
Night becomes day. Weeping gives way to dancing. Death is undone in resurrection.
Sarah Johnston lives in Seattle where she is a Finance Manager at Amazon. Originally from Florida, she spends most of her time cold, wet, and pale. She holds an MBA from Duke University and considers herself one of the luckiest people on Earth.
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Thai restaurant pleasant surprise in the city
Eileen Fischer: Our recent foray out for lunch in Bridgeport started off with a bang, or should I say with several loud honks. Don't people understand the meaning of the word "yield"? Now I know why you always make me drive.
Lee Steele: Where we were going couldn't have been more than a mile away, and it was our most white-knuckle trip yet. You must have been hungry.
E.F.: Our destination was the family-owned Thai restaurant called Ruuthai's Kitchen. You've had their food before and really enjoyed it.
L.S.: Our nearest Thai place closed, and we had nowhere to go for drunken noodle, so when our friends at Whisk and Broom put a photo of a very colorful, beautifully composed heap of Pad Thai on Instagram, I got interested. I Googled the name of the restaurant and found it was conveniently located on a street that's nice and quiet unless a certain Shared Dish writer is driving through. They took deliveries through GrubHub, so we typed in our order. In 30 minutes, we had a delicious lunch and our little void was filled.
E.F.: And you've eaten in the dining room before, haven't you?
L.S.: Yes! We loved the little citrus-hued dining room that inhabits an old corner grocery. There are a few tables and a counter with stools. The ladies who run the kitchen are so sweet and friendly, so if you are able to drive to the West Side, it's worth it to visit this very charming little hole in the wall.
E.F.: With Thai cuisine so popular now, this one has the reputation of serving "authentic" Thai food vs. Americanized Thai food.
L.S.: I honestly know nothing about the cuisine, but it always does bother me that I'm getting the dumbed-down version of anything. Not that it stops me from ordering General Tsao's Chicken on occasion.
E.F.: At lunch we could order off the regular menu or have the lunch entrees, which were smaller portions than the dinner choices, but came with an appetizer ($9-$11). I ordered the chicken soup, Pad Thai, spring rolls (there were two) and the yellow chicken curry with potato, pineapple, peppers and onion in coconut milk. I guess I was hungry.
L.S.: I know you have a friend who cooks Thai, so you know a little about the cuisine. What did you think?
E.F.: The curry's sauce was to die for and plenty of it to go over the white rice that came with it. I've had more than my share of spring rolls (my friend's egg rolls are especially awesome and I've lost count of how many of those I've eaten) and curry, but these were absolutely memorable. The heat in the curry was perfect.
L.S.: I warned you that Thai food is often spicy, and when they go for "authentic," that tends to make it even hotter. I wish I had negotiated the heat level for my drunken noodle, which I heard another customer do after we had ordered. The waiter didn't ask me how hot I wanted it, and I was ashamed to ask for "medium."
E.F.: Never be ashamed. Ordering at any restaurant where you're not familiar with the cuisine and asking questions can be intimidating, but do it. Our very friendly waiter did offer to help us with the menu since I was a little concerned about the spice levels. I did avoid the selections marked with an image of a red chili pepper. I did understand what that meant, but who knew "drunken," as in drunken noodle, meant "Wow, this is pretty darn hot." But you loved it as well as the massaman curry you had, which wasn't too hot at all.
L.S.: And high-heat food makes you want even more of it, as if the next bite will smother the fire from the last mouthful. My nose started running, my eyes watered and I took a perverse joy in it.
E.F.: You are cute when your face turns red. But back to the food. Even on a very warm summer afternoon, the soup hit the spot with its delicious lemongrass flavored stock, fresh mushrooms and halved grape tomatoes. It had heat, but just the right amount for me. I love Pad Thai and order it often when I go to Asian restaurants. The presentation here on a snowy white dinner plate was gorgeous, with thin slices of raw carrot and chopped peanuts garnishing the abundant noodle-and-shrimp dish. But I was a little disappointed with its rather strong vinegary taste.
L.S.: I have to defend them a little here. I tried a bite, and I thought that was probably an acid component that brightened the dish. I may have stolen the term "acid component" from the judges table at "Top Chef" so I'll sound smart, but I'm sticking to my story anyway.
E.F.: But I'm skipping over one of the best parts of the meal -- the mussel pancake ($10). Heaven.
L.S.: I know! Some smartypants at another newspaper actually beat us to this restaurant, right in our own city, but she was wrong, wrong, wrong when she said the mussel pancake was "greasy." It was anything but. And the mussels were fresh, presented in something like a frittata.
E.F.: It reminded me of a small pizza. But, yes, the pancake wasn't greasy, but beautifully crisp, full of plump mussels and served over pickled bean sprouts with a mild, delicious chili sauce. We shared that as an appetizer, but it could've easily been a meal for one person. I had hot green tea with my meal, but you ordered something I had never seen or heard of before -- Thai ice tea. It was, shall we say, unusual.
L.S.: I've been ordering this drink forever, but I couldn't bring myself to finish it when the waiter explained to you what it actually is. I don't ask probing questions about the food if I'm happy, so I'm sorry to hear that it's regular tea with heavy cream and "lots of sugar." Oops.
E.F.: As we were leaving, you told me how much you love finding these little residential neighborhood eateries on a city street. That makes you happy.
L.S.: Food tastes better in a city. It certainly tastes spicier.
Ruuthai Kitchen, 648 Beechwood Ave., Bridgeport. Hours: Tuesday-Thursday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday-Sunday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; closed Mondays. Takeout and free delivery with $20 minimum order available. 475-282-4600