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There is a massive credit card fraud problem in the US. Fraud cost US retailers approximately $32 billion in 2014, up from $23 billion just one year earlier. Much of the fraud problem is the result of the relatively weak security of credit and debit cards.
To solve this problem, a new type of credit card with a microchip, called EMV, is being implemented — but EMV won't be a panacea. It will cause fraud to migrate to other weaker points within the payments ecosystem.
To solve the card fraud problem across in-store, online and mobile payments, payment companies and merchants are implementing new payment protocols that could finally help mitigate fraud.
In a new report from BI Intelligence, we look at how the dynamics of fraud are shifting across in-store and online channels and explain the top new types of security that are gaining traction across each of these channels, including on Apple Pay.
Get the full report now >>
Here are some of the key takeaways:
- EMV cards are being rolled out with an embedded microchip for added security. The microchip carries out real-time risk assessments on a person's card purchase activity based on the card user's profile. The chip also generates dynamic cryptograms when the card is inserted into a payment terminal. Because these cryptograms change with every purchase, it makes it difficult for fraudsters to make counterfeit cards that can be used for in-store transactions.
- To bolster security throughout the payments chain encryption of payments data is being widely implemented. Encryption degrades valuable data by using an algorithm to translate card numbers into new values. This makes it difficult for fraudsters to harvest the payments data for use in future transactions.
- Point-to-point encryption is the most tightly defined form of payments encryption. In this scheme, sensitive payment data is encrypted from the point of capture at the payments terminal all the way through to the gateway or acquirer. This makes it much more difficult for fraudsters to harvest usable data from transactions in stores and online.
- Tokenization increases the security of transactions made online and in stores. Tokenization schemes assign a random value to payment data, making it effectively impossible for hackers to access the sensitive data from the token itself. Tokens are often "multiuse," meaning merchants don't have to force consumers to re-enter their payment details. Apple Pay uses an emerging form of tokenization.
- 3D Secure is an imperfect answer to user authentication online. One difficulty in fighting online fraud is that it is hard to tell whether the person using card data is actually the cardholder. 3D Secure adds a level of user authentication by requiring the customer to enter a passcode or biometric data in addition to payment data to complete a transaction online. Merchants who implement 3D Secure risk higher shopping-cart abandonment.
In full, the report:
- Assesses the fraud cost to US retailers and how that fraud is expected to shift in coming years
- Provides 5 high-level explanations of the top payment security protocols
- Includes 7 infographics illustrating what the transaction flow looks like when each type of security is implemented.
- Analyzes the strengths and weakness of each payment security protocol and the reasons why particular protocols are being put in place at different types of merchants.
Learn more:
- Credit Card Industry and Market
- Mobile Payment Technologies
- Mobile Payments Industry
- Mobile Payment Market, Trends and Adoption
- Credit Card Processing Industry
- List of Credit Card Processing Companies
- List of Credit Card Processing Networks
- List of Payment Gateway Providers
- M-Commerce: Mobile Shopping Trends
- E-Commerce Payment Technologies and Trends


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The Phils lose once again to the Reds, losing by the score of 3-2.
Kept under control for most of the game, the Phils end up losing their second straight game to the Reds, losing 3-2.
The Reds take the lead in the fifth as, with a runner on second, and with two men out, Drew Stubbs hits an RBI single, scoring Ryan Hanigan, who had started the inning off with a walk, then moved up to second base on Bronson Arroyo's sacrifice bunt, 2-4, giving the Reds a 1-0 lead. The Reds added to their lead two batters later as, after Stubbs had moved up to second base on Brandon Phillips' single, Ryan Ludwick hits an RBI single, knocking in Stubbs, giving the Reds a 2-0 lead, while Phillips, who had just singled, would stop at second base. The Phils got a run back in their half of the fifth as, with two men out, Dom Brown hits a solo home run, his first home run of the year, cutting the Reds' lead down to 2-1. The Reds added an insurance run in the eighth as Jay Bruce hits a lead-off home run, his twenty-sixth home run of the year, giving the Reds a 3-1 lead. The Phils got a run back in the ninth as, with a runner on second, and with one man out, pinch hitter Ty Wigginton hits an RBI single, knocking in pinch hitter Kevin Frandsen, who had earlier singled, then moved up to second base on Aroldis Chapman's wild pitch, making it a 3-2 Reds' lead. That would end up being the final score as Chapman recorded his thirty-first save of the year by getting Ryan Howard to line out to left field for the game's final out.
Vance Worley (6-9, 4.09) took the lost as he went six innings, giving up two runs on eight hits and two walks, while striking out three. Josh Lindblom pitched two innings, giving up a run on two hits, while striking out a batter. Raul Valdes pitched a scoreless inning, giving up a hit, while striking out a batter. Bronson Arroyo (10-7, 3.87) got the win as he pitched eight innings, plus a batter, giving up two runs on three hits, while striking out four. Aroldis Chapman collected his thirty-first save of the season, as he pitched an inning, giving up a hit and a wild pitch.
The Phils had just four hits in the game, with Dom Brown leading the team with two hits, a double and a home run, knocking in a run. Pinch Hitters Kevin Frandsen and Ty Wigginton (RBI) had the other two Phils' hits, both singles, as the offense was keep under control by a pitcher they would normally beat up.
The Phils (57-67, T-3rd East) will conclude their four-game series with the Reds (76-49, 1st Central) with a night game tonight. The game will be played at Citizens Bank Park and is to start at 7:05 pm EDT. Cole Hamels (14-6, 2.94), will start for the Phils, as he is coming off a win against the Brewers on August 18, as he pitched seven and two-thirds innings, giving up three runs on eight hits and a walk, while he struck out ten, in the Phils' 4-3 win. He will be going for his four straight win. The Reds will counter with Johnny Cueto (16-6, 2.44), who is coming off a win against the Cubs on August 18, as he pitched eight innings, giving up two runs on three hits, while striking out eight, in the Reds' 5-3 win. He will be trying to pitch the Reds into a series win. The Phils will be trying to end the series with a split.

subset: commoncrawl


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Tagged: Played Challenged
The bats come alive as the Phils take the series from the Astros, winning 10-3.
The bats welcome back rookie Dave Buchanan with a five-run first inning, before taking the series from the Astros, winning by the score of 10-3.
The Astros took the lead in the top of the first as, with runners on the corners, and with one man out, Jon Singleton hits into a force out RBI, scoring Jose Altuve, who had started the game off with a single, stole second base, then stopped at third base on Chris Carter's single, giving the Astros a 1-0 lead, while Carter was forced out at second base, 4-6, for the inning's second out. The Phils took the lead in their half of the first as, with runners on second and third, and with one man out, Ryan Howard hits a two-run double, knocking in Ben Revere, who had started the inning off with a single, then stopped at third base on Jimmy Rollins' double, and Rollins, who had just doubled, giving the Phils a 2-1 lead. The Phils then made it a 3-1 lead three batters later, after both Marlon Byrd and Gary Sizemore had walked, loading up the bases, and with still one man out, Howard would score on pitcher Brad Peacock's wild pitch, while both Byrd and Sizemore would move up a base. The Phils then took a 4-1 lead as Wil Nieves hits a sacrifice fly, scoring Byrd. The Phils increased their lead two batters later as, with two men on, after Cody Asche is intentionally walked, and with two men out, Dave Buchanan helped his own case with an RBI single, his first hit of his career, knocking in Nieves, giving the Phils a 5-1 lead, while sending Asche over to third base, before he is tagged out at second base, 9-5-6, as he tried to move up to second base on the late throw to third base, a call which is later upheld when the Phils challenged the call. The Astros would get a run back in the top of the fourth as, with a runner on third, and with one man out, Jake Marisnick hits a sacrifice fly, knocking in Matt Dominguez, who had started the inning off with a double, then stopped at third base on Carlos Corporan's ground out, 4-3, making it a 5-2 Phils' lead. The Phils would break the game open in their half of the fourth as, with two men on, and with two men out, Chase Utley hits a three-run home run, his tenth home run of the season, scoring Buchanan, who had earlier walked, then stopped at second base on Rollins' single, and Rollins, who had just singled, giving the Phils an 8-2 lead. The Astros would get a run back in the top of the seventh as, with two men on, and with nobody out, Altuve hits an RBI ground out, 6-3, knocking in Gregorio Petit, who had started the inning off with a single, moved up to second base on pinch hitter Marc Krauss' single, then moved up to third base on Byrd's fielding error, while Krauss would move up to second base, making it an 8-3 Phils' lead. The Phils would get the run back in their half of the eighth as, with two men on, and with nobody out, Byrd hits an RBI single, scoring Utley, who had started the inning off with a single, then stopped at second base on Howard's single, giving the Phils an 9-1 lead, while sending Howard, who had just singled, up to second base. The Phils then made it a 10-3 lead in the bottom of the eighth as, with a runner on third, and with two men out, Revere, who had just tripled, would score on pitcher Michael Foltynewicz's wild pitch. That would end up being the final score as Cesar Jimenez pitches a scoreless ninth, getting Altuve to pop out to the shortstop for the game's final out.
Dave Buchanan (6-5, 4.39) got the win as he pitched six and one-third innings, giving up three runs on nine hits, while striking out five. Jake Diekman pitched two-thirds of an inning, getting out both men whom he would face, striking out one, while giving up a wild pitch. Justin De Fratus and Cesar Jimenez would combine for two scoreless innings, giving up a hit (Jimenez) between them, while striking out a batter (De Fratus). Brad Peacock (3-8, 5.44) took the lost as he went five innings, giving up eight runs on seven hits, four walks and a wild pitch, while striking out four. Darin Downs pitched a scoreless inning, giving up a hit, while striking out one. Michael Foltynewicz pitched two innings, giving up two runs on four hits and a wild pitch, while striking out two.
The Phils collected twelve hits in the game, with Ben Revere leading the team with four hits, three singles and a triple, followed by Jimmy Rollins (Single, Double), Chase Utley (Single, Home Run, 3 RBIs) and Ryan Howard (Single, Double, 2 RBIs) with two hits each. Marlon Byrd (Single, RBI) and Dave Buchanan (Single, RBI) had the other two Phils' hits. Wil Nieves had the last Phil RBI via a sac fly, as the other two runs came home on wild pitches. The Phils also had in the game four walks (Byrd, Gary Sizemore, Cody Asche and Buchanan) and a stolen base (Revere (31)) while the defense committed an error (Byrd (2)).
The Phils (51-63, 5th NL East) will conclude their three game interleague play series with the Astros (47-67, 4th AL West) with a game already in progress.


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From 19th Century beginnings Newland Rennie has become a modern forward thinking 21st Century Practice combining all those years of experience with modern day technology to build one of south east Waless most respected estate agents. The practice incorporates the partnerships of Newlands (established 1849), Rennies (established 1900) and Tippins and Wilkins (established 1960) and now has six offices at Abergavenny, Caldicot, Chepstow, Cwmbran, Monmouth and Newport covering Newport, Monmouthshire, Torfaen and surrounding areas including parts of Eastern Cardiff, Herefordshire, Gloucestershire and Powys.
In addition to Residential Estate Agency and Lettings we provide a professional service on property matters including Auctions, Land Agency, Residential Lettings Management, Buy to Let, Professional Independent Mortgage Advice as well as Newland Rennie Conveyancing Services.
Regulated by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors Newland Rennie operate to a high professional standard and are compliant with the RICS Complaints Handling Procedure.
As founder members of the National Homes Network Independent of Estate Agents we have strong regional and national connections. With locally based Partners focusing on individual areas of specialisation backed up by an enthusiastic team of Surveyors, Valuers, Negotiators and Administrative Staff we are committed to delivering good advice in a professional manner. We are also consulted by a wide range of private and corporate clients, Local Authorities and Housing Associations for valuation and marketing advice.
Disclaimer: The information about this Agent is provided by the Agent themselves as an advertisement for their agency services. Rightmove is not endorsing this Agent and makes no warranty as to the accuracy or completeness of the advertisement or any linked or associated information, and Rightmove does not check or verify the accuracy of the content. The information is generated, provided and maintained by Newland Rennie, Cwmbran. Please contact the Agent directly to obtain further information about their property services.
5 Monmouth Walk, Cwmbran, NP44 1PE


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Drunken St. Patrick's Parades Spark Crackdown
Already reeling from some of the rowdiest St. Patrick's Day parades on record this year, officials in some U.S. cities vowed to curb violence by using tools as new as Twitter and as old as the calendar.
Continue Reading Below
In Hoboken, New Jersey, where an out-of-control celebration on March 5 resulted in 34 arrests and reports of two sexual assaults, a fed-up Hoboken Mayor Dawn Zimmer said next year she would switch the traditional weekend parade to a weekday.
Scores of arrests and violence at parades in Albany, New York and Newport, Rhode Island are prompting police and city officials to rethink their approach as well. They said this year's parade violence is the worst they have seen to date.
Police in Newport, where a disorderly March 12 parade led to 95 arrests for everything from public drinking to weapons charges, figure they have the next 12 months to learn how to monitor social networking sites so they can anticipate crowds.
"It's the first time we heard of people coming to the parade because of Twitter," said Newport Police Lt. William Fitzgerald. "We're trying to get some ideas from our computer people about how social networking can assist us."
Hoboken's change to a weekday parade will mean fewer out-of-towners roaming parties where alcohol flows long before the parade begins, said Juan Melli, a mayoral spokesman.
Bar and restaurant owners are concerned the calendar change could mean lost revenue, but other businesses that were afraid to open on parade day were relieved, Melli said.
"A lot of people lose money that day," Melli said. "One business was broken into and they were basically partying in the store. They urinated in there and trashed it."
Hoboken revelers dumped beer and a planter on firefighters responding to reports of a blaze. Overall, 296 summonses were issued for such infractions as public urination and open containers.In Albany, bar owners are being asked to consider shutting two hours earlier next year than the traditional 4 a.m. closing on the morning of the parade.
The request comes after hundreds of inebriated college students staged what police described as a riot just before the city's St. Patrick's Day parade on March 12.
People tossed furniture and appliances off balconies into the streets, smashed windows and trashed cars. Some revelers threw bottles at police, slightly injuring at least two officers, authorities said.
At least 40 students were charged with rioting, assaulting police and other crimes. Prosecutors vowed to use students' cell phone videos of the violence, some of which were posted on YouTube, to build cases against them.
In New York City, where the St. Patrick's Day parade is held on the March 17 holiday, years of alcohol-related problems have been brought under control with a zero-tolerance policy toward open containers and a high visibility police effort to enforce it, said Deputy Commissioner Paul Browne.
Confiscation teams patrol the parade and Central Park, and any alcoholic beverages will be seized at the parade and from passengers on mass transit heading to the celebration.


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375 Fairfield Avenue Stamford, CT 06902
Authorized Dealer
Established in 1987, SWC Office Furniture is one of the largest full service office furniture dealers in the Northeast. As a family-owned and operated business, we have always remained true to our core mission of providing the best customer experience possible. While we operate across the United States and into Canada, our core markets are CT, NY (specific focus in Westchester, Manhattan and the outer boroughs), NJ and MA.
Learn More
Housed in our 50,000 square foot facility in Stamford, CT, SWC showcases a wide breadth of new and used office furniture product including: desks, workstations (cubicles), conference tables, filing cabinets, bookcases and one of the widest selection of seating and office chairs in the tri-state area.
In addition to our showroom, SWC has more than 100,000 square feet of warehouse space to handle our client's inventory management and warehousing needs.
SWC Office Furniture buys large quantities of newer, used office furniture in great condition. Find out if you have the type of furniture we are interested in.
© SWC Office Furniture Outlet 2014, Inc. All Rights Reserved.


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FRENCH OPEN: Roger Federer again stretched to four sets
PARIS -- If it seems Roger Federer breaks one record or another every time he wins a match, that's because he does these days.
Then again, good as Federer is, he can't top this: His next opponent at the French Open, Belgium's David Goffin, is unbeaten in Grand Slam main-draw matches. (OK, so the kid's only 3-0, but still.)
Yes, before Federer can take on Novak Djokovic or Rafael Nadal at Roland Garros this year, he'll need to defeat Goffin, the first "lucky loser" -- a player beaten in qualifying who sneaks into the field via someone's withdrawal -- to reach the fourth round at any Grand Slam tournament in 17 years, and only the seventh to make it that far.
"Now I'm playing against Roger," the 109th-ranked Goffin said after beating Lukasz Kubot of Poland 7-6 (4), 7-5, 6-1 on Friday, "and I can't believe it."
A fresh-faced 21-year-old whose voice was barely a whisper and whose hands fidgeted during an extended interview session with reporters, the slender, 5-foot-11 Goffin matter-of-factly discussed displaying photos and posters of 16-time Grand Slam champion Federer in his bedroom as a child.
"Since I was little, I've watched Roger play on TV. To me, he plays almost perfect tennis. His technique is perfect. I also like him at the human level; he's a very good person on and off the court," said Goffin, who was able to make his Grand Slam debut because France's Gael Monfils pulled out with a knee injury. "I expect a very tough match on Sunday, of course. I don't really know how I'll prepare for it, but I'll try to have fun."
Informed that his next opponent is an unabashed fan, Federer grinned and replied, "Not the first time it happens."
Probably so. After all, the 30-year-old Federer has been winning major titles since 2003, when Goffin was 12. He's been winning Grand Slam matches since 2000, and Friday's 6-3, 4-6, 6-2, 7-5 victory over Nicolas Mahut was Federer's 235th, adding to his Open era record.
Federer happened to catch a bit of Goffin's second-round matchup against Arnaud Clement, the 2001 Australian Open runner-up who said this would be his final French Open.
The condensed scouting report?
"Nice game. Smooth ball-striker. And talented, obviously," Federer said. "Otherwise, he wouldn't be coming that far in this tournament."
That match against Clement went five sets, as did Goffin's first-round victory over 23rd-seeded Radek Stepanek -- the only five-setters of his career. Against Kubot at intimate, 1,559-seat Court 7, Goffin was raucously cheered by flag-waving, chorus-singing supporters who made the short trip from Belgium.
"It gave me wings," Goffin said. "I felt as if I was playing at home."
Coincidentally, the last "lucky loser" to make it this far at a major tournament was also Belgian, Dick Norman, who did it at Wimbledon in 1995.
Now comes by far the toughest test of Goffin's young career.
Or, looked at another way, a "bonus," as he put it: the thrill of standing across the net from his favorite player and seeing how he stacks up.
Asked whether he believes he can defeat Federer, Goffin said, "If I say yes, it might sound pretentious. And if I say no, it will look like a lack of ambition. We'll see. I'll prepare like I do for other matches. I'll try to go for my shots and have fun on a big court."
Whichever man advances will stay on course for a possible semifinal showdown against Djokovic, who stretched his Grand Slam winning streak to 24 matches with a lickety-split 6-1, 6-2, 6-2 win over Nicolas Devilder of France. Heading on court after No. 18 Stanislas Wawrinka's five-set victory over No. 11 Gilles Simon, Djokovic and Devilder didn't get started until 7:48 p.m. But Djokovic was efficient as could be, wrapping things up at 9:32 p.m., just as the sun was about to set.
The top-seeded woman, Victoria Azarenka, also barely beat darkness while beating her foe, Aleksandra Wozniak of Canada, 6-4, 6-4.
Maria Sharapova isn't wasting any time, either, in pursuit of a career Grand Slam -- at least once she manages to get on court, anyway.
The No. 2-seeded Sharapova has dropped a grand total of two games so far, including a 6-1, 6-1 victory over Ayumi Morita of Japan in a second-round match delayed a day because John Isner and Paul-Henri Mathieu didn't finish their 18-16 fifth set until after 9 p.m. on Thursday.
"Pretty long day yesterday. I feel like I warmed up, like, 20 times for this match," Sharapova said. "Yeah, it was one of those days where you just want to get on the court and then you're at the courts all day and sitting, waiting around, eating, sleeping. It's, like, a good way to put someone into retirement."
She's scheduled to be back on court Saturday in the third round against No. 28 Peng Shuai of China. The past two French Open winners will play Americans: 2011 champion Li Na of China against Christina McHale of Englewood Cliffs, N.J., and 2010 champion Francesca Schiavone of Italy against Varvara Lepchenko of Allentown, Pa.
McHale and Lepchenko might derive inspiration from 19-year-old Sloane Stephens of Coral Springs, Fla.
Stephens eliminated Mathilde Johansson of France 6-3, 6-2 Friday to reach the fourth round at a Grand Slam tournament for the first time, then rejoiced at the thought of what counts for success in this day and age.
"I'm excited," Stephens said, "because now I'm going to have more Twitter followers."


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Back to Broadway
The all-singing, all-dancing, theatrical sensation that invites you to take a breathtaking journey through the magical world of musicals!
Now in its 3rd successful year, Back To Broadway returns with a stunning new show for 2014. All the best-loved songs from the world's greatest musicals are showcased in a spellbinding and captivating stage spectacular! Be enthralled by the unforgettable 'One Day More' from Les Misérables, the glitz and glamour of Copacabana, the uplifting 'Time Of My Life' from Dirty Dancing and the fantastic 'Defying Gravity' from Wicked: just some of the timeless showstoppers performed live on stage by some of the country's finest performers currently touring the UK.
So join us for an evening of non-stop entertainment that will leave you clamouring for more. With unforgettable performances, dazzling costumes and original choreography, all backed by a stunning New York setting, Back To Broadway is the hit show not to be missed!
'one of the top touring Musical Theatre productions to see' - Musical Theatre News
Promoter: EAA
Booking Dates
Saturday 07 June, 2014 19:30 £17.50 (Full price)


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Topics: "Entrepreneur Fund Leaders" & "MNDOT 2013 Road Projects"
Description: The founder and chief executive of the Entrepreneur Fund is moving on after 23-years dedicated to developing local start-up companies.
And now that spring has arrived, we'll be dodging orange barrels in no time! The Minnesota Department of Transportation has a large list of road projects on the agenda this year.
Guests: Mary Mathews, Former Entrepreneur Fund CEO; Shawn Wellnitz New Entrepreneur Fund CEO; Markus Muller, Tryon Media; Lara Signorelli, Tryon Media; Duane Hill, MNDOT District Engineer


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|© 2007 MLB Advanced Media, L.P. All rights reserved.
Tulowitzki turns unassisted triple play04/29/2007 11:25 PM ET
By Owen Perkins / Special to MLB.com
DENVER -- Rookie shortstop Troy Tulowitzki gave the Coors Field crowd something to cheer about Sunday, once they recovered their dropping jaws.
In the top of the seventh inning of a tied game, with runners on first and second, nobody out, and the count full, Chipper Jones hit a line drive at Tulowitzki, who snared the ball in flight, stepped on second to double up Kelly Johnson, and tagged Edgar Renteria between first and second for an unassisted triple play.
Just to be safe, Tulowitzki fired the ball to Todd Helton at first, but three outs was sufficient on the play.
"Once he made the play and I thought we had four outs, I wondered how that worked for the next inning," Rockies manager Clint Hurdle said. "But I think we had it figured out. Those aren't things you work on or plan for, so when they happen, it kind of catches everybody for a second."
A second was about half the time it took for Tulowitzki to retire the side, taking advantage of aggressive baserunning on a 3-2 count.
"It's amazing," Tulowitzki said once he'd had time to put the play in perspective. "It kind of just fell into my lap, but I'll take it."
It was just the 13th unassisted triple play in Major League history, and all those who witnessed it shared the heart-stopping moment of inescapable wonder the play produced.
"As soon as I saw the runners take off, you think of a triple play, but it rarely ever happens," Tulowitzki said, recalling his thoughts on the split-second reaction play. "Line drive right at me, caught it, one out. Tagged the base for two and tagged the runner for three. It happened so quick."
And the extra throw to first?
"I just wanted to make sure," Tulowitzki laughed. "I was trying to be the first person ever to get about five outs."
The first three came too quickly for Johnson to turn around, as he passed Tulowitzki on his way to third, and even with the play in front of him, Renteria couldn't slam the breaks on in time before Tulowitzki took a few steps and tagged him out as he neared second.
"I just ran right into it," Renteria explained. "It was a 3-2 pitch. We were running on the pitch. I think that's the only chance [for an unassisted triple play] -- first and second, running on the pitch, line drive."
Rockies outfielder Matt Holliday had the same thought, albeit before the ball was put in play.
"Actually, I was just thinking, 'I wonder if they're running here, 3-2,' and then I thought, 'Well that would be nice if they are and we get a line drive right at somebody,'" Holliday said. "Not that I predicted it or anything. I was just thinking that, so it was kind of weird. I watched it unfold right before my eyes."
Tulowitzki's early offensive struggles had overshadowed the rookie shortstop's defensive work, but he has a strong, accurate arm and has shown tremendous range in the field, helping to solidify the Rockies' defense, currently ranked best in the Majors in team fielding percentage. He makes a habit of working on unusual plays during infield practice, "trying to do plays that are very difficult or something someone's never seen before," as he put it.
An unassisted triple play is about as rare a feat as baseball can offer, and Tulowitzki has joined a legacy. Twelve have been turned in the regular season, and second baseman Bill Wambsganss turned one in the 1920 World Series. To put it in perspective with the game's other great rarity, there have been 17 perfect games pitched, including Don Larsen's in the 1956 World Series. Even the "natural cycle," hitting a single, double, triple and home run in order in one game is more common, having occurred 14 times in the big leagues.
Eight of the 13 unassisted triple plays have been performed by shortstops, and the last unassisted triple play was completed by then-Braves shortstop Rafael Furcal on Aug. 10, 2003. The first seven unassisted triple plays came between 1909 and 1927. Jimmy E. Cooney of the Cubs and Johnny Neun of the Tigers performed the feat on back-to-back days on May 30-31, 1927, and it was 41 years until the Senators' Ron Hansen executed the next unassisted triple play. There have been a total of six since 1968.
Ironically, the last time the Braves hit into a triple play was June 15, 1996 against the Dodgers. The batter? Chipper Jones, who popped to shortstop Juan Castro on the left-field grass. Castro threw to second baseman Delino DeShields to force out Marquis Grissom, and DeShields threw to first baseman Eric Karros to force Mark Lemke.
Sunday's triple play was also the second executed by the Rockies in their 15-year history, following a 3-6 triple play against St. Louis on April 10, 2003. Orlando Palmeiro lined to Helton on that play, and Helton threw to shortstop Jose Hernandez at second, who doubled up Scott Rolen before tagging out Tino Martinez on his way from first to second.
"It's something I'll always remember," Tulowitzki said of Sunday's play, which highlighted a 12-inning victory in which Tulowitzki also tripled in two runs, scored the tying run in the ninth, and made seven assists and seven putouts all told.
"There was a lot of action. I can't remember the last time I had this much action defensively [or] offensively, between relays, a triple play, [and] swinging the bat decent. It's up there, definitely, in my professional career."
This rarest of feats would be near the top of any player's highlight reel, and 31,445 fans in attendance -- who seemed equally divided between loyalties to the Braves and Rockies -- can count themselves among the luckiest lovers of the game. Odds are, neither Tulowitzki nor the fans will see a play like that again.
This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.


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At Holiday Inn Gloucester – Cheltenham's Spirit Health Club we pride ourselves in the personal service we offer for our all our members. For those wanting a little extra motivation to get them started or a gentle push to help them reach their goals, our personal trainers provide a special service which is uniquely tailored to the specific needs of each individual.
If you are looking to lose weight, get match fit or needing specialised rehabilitation, we have a personal training solution for you. Why not take advantage of a free introductory session or find out more about our great personal training packages.


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Saints of Italy – Nicholas
The Good Bishop
There was once a noble and wealthy couple, to whom, after many years, a son was born. They gave him the name of Niccolo. When he was but an hour old, the nurse began to wash him in the bath, and, to her exceeding wonder, the helpless babe knelt up of himself in the water, and, lifting his little hands, gave praise to God. She marvelled yet more when on Friday, the day whereon our dear Lord suffered His Passion, the infant refused to eat more than once, weeping and turning away his head in disgust when she would have had him take food a second time. These things being told to his parents, they were greatly astonished. And they called to mind how it is written, " Out of the mouths of babes and sucklings Thou hast perfected praise." As he increased in years he showed forth many other signs of God's grace, and grew up a thoughtful and devout youth. He was goodly of countenance, and had long golden hair; his speech also was very pleasant, so that men were wont to stop him in the public ways, that they might look on him and hear him speak. His heart was full of loving-kindness; he grieved over the sick and sorrowful, and would not rest till he had done all he might to ease their distress. Now, there was in the city a certain merchant who had lately lost all his goods in an unlucky venture on the seas, and was brought to great poverty. He had three fair daughters, and was sorely troubled on their account, for without giving them marriage portions he could not get them husbands, and he had no longer any bread wherewith to feed them. One afternoon the damsels, being very hungry, came to him and said, "Father, suffer us to go into the street and beg bread, else we must all perish of hunger." But he, being ashamed, forbade them, and commanded them to go to bed, that sleeping they might forget the pains of emptiness. He himself sat down on a stool, and leant his head upon his hand, pondering with a heavy heart. Now, his sad plight had been told to Niccolo, and that very night the kind youth came beneath the window of the house, bearing under his cloak a lump of gold; and he lifted himself up upon tiptoe, and threw the gold softly in through the bars, so that it fell at the merchant's feet, and then he ran off as fast as he might. The merchant was astonished and overjoyed at this unexpected gift, and, picking it up, went forth in haste to buy victuals for his household. He bestowed the remainder of the gold upon his eldest daughter, and shortly after married her, amid great rejoicings, to a good man of his acquaintance. Then Niccolo came again and threw in a second lump, and yet a third time he did likewise. Now, the merchant was resolved to discover who he might be who came in such a hidden manner, so he lay in wait in a dark place outside the house, and the third time, as Niccolo was departing, he ran after him, and, seizing the good youth by the cloak, compelled him to reveal himself. Then, falling down on the ground, the happy father desired to kiss the feet of the young man; but Niccolo prevented him, and, raising him up, adjured him that he should tell no man this thing. And the merchant returned to his home, and there being now portions for the two younger maidens, he sought earnestly among his acquaintance for husbands for them; and very soon each in her turn was married to a worthy man, and lived happily ever afterwards.
Now, it came to pass that the bishop of that city died, and the prelates and priests throughout all the country assembled together to appoint a new shepherd for the flock. And there was a certain bishop among them who was exceedingly holy, and all men supposed that the choice should have fallen on him. But this good man heard a voice which spoke to him in the night, and bade him place himself next morning before dawn at the door of the church, and take him who should be the first person to come there, and consecrate him as bishop. It happened by the secret operation of the Lord that Niccolo rose very early that morning, before any other of the city, and went, according to his wont, to the church. As he was about to cross the threshold, the bishop took hold of him and asked, saying, "What is thy name?" Niccolo, full of the innocence of the dove, bowed his head and answered, " Thy servant's name is Niccolo." Then the good man summoned all the others, and they led Niccolo into the church, telling him that he was chosen to be the bishop. The young man, greatly astonished, declared himself to be utterly unworthy, but they refused to listen to him, and compelled him to seat himself upon the episcopal throne. Being now bishop, he continued to walk in all virtue and humility, bearing himself with equal kindness towards every man, whether great or small; he reproved the guilty, and taught wisdom to all who came to him. And he began also to do many signs and wonders, so that the fame of him was spread far and wide.
It happened one day that a certain ship was exceedingly tossed by a tempest, and the sailors, fearing they must have perished, cried out, saying, " Niccolo, servant of God, if these things be true which men tell of thee, haste now to help us." Straightway a man, wearing the garments of a bishop, appeared in their midst and said, " Ye called, and behold, I am come." And he instructed them how to manage the ship in the storm, and very soon a great calm arose, and he was seen of them no more. And being come safe to land, the sailors went up into the city, and entered into the church. Then when they saw Niccolo, those among them who had never been there before knew immediately that this was he who had succoured them in their distress, and they all knelt down and gave thanks to God for their deliverance.
Now, when Niccolo had been a short while bishop, there came to him certain persons from a country not far off, complaining to him that, being Christians, they were cruelly persecuted by the rest of the inhabitants, who were still held fast in the bonds of heathenism, worshippers of the false goddess Diana. The good bishop immediately rose up and went himself to the place, where he sought out the sanctuary of the goddess, destroyed her image and temple, and converted the people to the faith by his wise and kindly words. And after he had abode there a few days he returned to his own city. Now, because of this thing, the Evil One was sorely vexed against him, and made a kind of oil so potent that the flame of it was able to consume stones, and could not be quenched by water. Then, taking the form of a pious old woman, the devil entered into a ship wherein were certain pilgrims, who were on their way to visit Niccolo, and said to them, "I would that I also might go up with you to see the holy man, but I am not able; wherefore, I pray you to take this oil and anoint with it the walls of his dwelling in remembrance of me." The pilgrims consented, and took the oil. And when they were come soon after to another port, they met one like unto the good Niccolo, but they knew not who it was, and he asked them, saying, "What did the woman say, and what did she give to you? " And they, astonished at the question, answered and told him; and he said, "Lo, this is the wicked Diana, and that ye may know that I speak true, take the oil and throw it on the water." They did so, whereupon a great fire burst up upon the sea, and burnt with great fury, contrary to the laws of nature. The pilgrims marvelled greatly, and, continuing on their way, came at last to the city, and were brought into the presence of the bishop. And when they saw him they fell down and said, " Now we know that it was thou who spakest to us at the port, and delivered us from the snares of that devil." And they gave glory and thanks to God.
And after Niccolo had ruled his flock for many years with the utmost wisdom and loving-kindness, and was grown old and infirm, the Lord at length called to Himself His faithful servant. Niccolo, knowing his hour was come, prayed that angels might be sent unto him, and presently a multitude, all in white, with wreaths of roses on their heads, alighted round his couch, and folded their radiant wings. Then he bowed his head, comforted, and began to sing, saying, "Lord, in Thee is my hope," and after a little while he said, "Lord, into Thy hands I commend my spirit," and, falling back, he sighed and passed away.
Then pious men took his body and laid it in a sepulchre of marble, and built over it a beautiful altar. And multitudes came to visit the sepulchre, and many wonders were done there. Now, it came to pass, many years after, that a certain man borrowed a large sum of money from a Jew, and took an oath upon the altar of San Niccolo that he would pay it as soon as he was able. But a long time passed, and the man did not restore the money, and when the Jew asked for it he confidently affirmed that he had already paid it. Then the Jew called the debtor before the judge, who commanded him to swear solemnly that he had paid the money. Thereupon the crafty man took a hollow stick and put the money inside it, and leaned upon it as if it had been a staff; then being summoned to swear, he asked the Jew to hold the stick, and having in this manner given him the money, he went and took an oath that he had paid what he owed, and afterwards demanded the staff again of the Jew, who gave it back to him. Then that fraudulent fellow went out, and being overcome by slumber, lay down at the cross-roads and slept, and presently a waggon passed over his body and killed him, and, breaking the stick, scattered the gold over the ground. The Jew, hearing this, ran to the place, and immediately saw how he had been deceived. The people who had assembled there would have had him take up his gold; but the Jew, being a good man, said, "Not so; I will not take it, except the dead be restored to life by the intercession of the holy Niccolo, and then will I myself become a Christian," And immediately, to the astonishment of all, the dead man opened his eyes, and rose up alive and well. Falling at the feet of the Jew, he implored forgiveness with much weeping; and the Jew raised him up and pardoned him. Then they went together to the altar of San Niccolo, and gave thanks to God; and shortly afterwards the Jew received Baptism.
And there was another Jew, who, observing the miracles which were done by the saint, made an image of him and set it in a chamber of his own house. When he had occasion to go forth he would say to the image, " Niccolo, I commit all my goods to thy care; guard them well, for if I find aught missing when I return, I will lay vengeance on thee, and beat thee soundly." One day, whilst he was absent, some robbers came and carried away everything out of the house save the image only. When the Jew returned, and saw himself thus despoiled of his goods, he cried out in great anger to the image, "Holy Niccolo, I put thee in my house to preserve me from robbers. Wherefore hast thou not kept better watch? " And he took it and smote it cruelly, and cast it away all battered and broken. Then a strange thing came to pass. The robbers, having hidden in a deep cave, known only to themselves, were that same night engaged in counting their stolen treasures by the light of a wood fire, when suddenly a man stood in their midst, covered with bruises and bloody gashes. They looked on him amazed, and he spoke, saying, "Wherefore should I suffer such sore beatings and pains because of your sins? Behold how my body is torn; behold my blood flowing! Now go and restore all, else shall your crimes be discovered, and ye shall be delivered to the tormentors, and be hanged upon the gallows." They said, "Who art thou that speakest to us in this manner?" He answered, "I am Niccolo, the servant of the Lord; and now hath the Jew beaten me because you stole his goods." He vanished, and the robbers, wondering and greatly afraid, went straightway to the Jew's house, where they beheld the broken image, and understood the words of Niccolo. Then they gave back everything to the Jew, who was beyond measure astonished and joyful, so that he soon afterwards received Baptism. And the robbers went to the church to implore pardon of God for their sins, and from that time forth they forsook their evil courses, and lived honestly in the sight of all men.
A certain man had a son whom he loved dearly. He was accustomed to celebrate every year with great solemnity the feast of San Niccolo, the day being also the birthday of the child. Now, when the boy reached his seventh year, the father prepared a sumptuous banquet, according to his wont, and bade many guests to the feast. In the midst of the laughter and revelry a knock was heard at the door, and a pilgrim presented himself, asking for alms. The host bade his little son carry some bread and wine to the stranger. The child, being curious, like all of his age, watched the man as he sat and eat upon a bench in the courtyard, and presently, looking down, said to him, "Thou hast strange feet, Master Pilgrim, for when I saw them but now I thought they were the hoofs of some animal. I prithee of thy kindness show them to me again." The pilgrim said, " If thou wilt go with me to the fountain at the cross-ways yonder, fair babe, I will wash my feet before thine eyes, and then will I also remove my hood and show thee the pretty ornaments which I wear on my forehead." The child agreed gladly, and put out his little hand, but the stranger kept his own hidden in his bosom, so the child laid hold of his cloak, and they went together to the fountain. After a short space the father looked round, and not seeing his son, sent servants to seek for him, but he might nowhere be found. Then a neighbour came running breathless into the hall, and cried, saying, "Thy child lieth dead in the fountain at the cross-ways, for, being on a housetop a little way off, I saw one like unto a pilgrim come thither with the boy, and when he cast off his mantle he was a horrible demon, with cloven hoofs and hands like a vulture's claws, and on his forehead there were two hideous horns. He took the innocent babe, and strangled him, and threw him into the water." The father, tearing his hair with grief, caused the boy's body to be fetched and laid in an upper chamber, and he knelt down beside it, and wringing his hands, cried out, "San Niccolo, San Niccolo, dost thou reward me thus for all the honour I have done thee?" And as he spoke the child stirred on the bed, and presently opened his eyes, as if he were waking out of a sweet sleep. The father seized him in his arms, and saw that he was indeed alive and well. Then was there great joy and thanksgiving throughout the house. They questioned the boy of what had happened to him, and he remembered nothing, but thought that he had been on a long journey in a pleasant land, and that a venerable man with a bishop's mitre on his head had led him back to his father's house. So they knew that the Lord had sent San Niccolo to deliver him from the Evil One.
Another man, who had no children, and greatly desired a son, earnestly besought the saint to pray for him to the Lord, vowing to offer up a gold cup upon the altar if a child was granted to him. Soon after his wife bore a son, and when the boy was come to the age of six years the father caused a gold cup to be made in accordance with his vow. The vessel being finished, he was so pleased with the beauty thereof that he kept it for himself, and thought to redeem his vow to the saint with one of silver instead. Now, as he and his household were crossing the sea to come to the city of San Niccolo, the father bade the child fetch him some water in the gold cup, and as the boy leant over the side of the ship to get water, he fell in with the cup, and was swallowed up by the waves. The father continued on his way, sorrowing very grievously, and being come to the shore, he went to the Church of San Niccolo and offered up the silver cup upon the altar. But the cup fell back on to the ground with such violence that it was as if it had been flung down. A second time the man set it on the altar, and it was hurled yet further away; and again a third time, when it seemed to rebound like a ball, and fell at the other side of the church. Then all there began to ask one another what this thing might mean, and they perceived clearly that the saint rejected the gift. Whilst they stood there wondering, the lost boy suddenly appeared in their midst, bearing in his hands the gold cup. He related to them how San Niccolo had come down out of the sky, and snatched him up from the deep waters and borne him in his own arms, where the boy had fallen into a deep slumber, and, awaking, found himself where he now was. Then the father rejoiced greatly, and embraced his child with tears of thanksgiving. Convinced of his guilt in keeping the more precious vessel for himself, he knelt down in deep humility before the altar, and, taking both the gold cup and the silver one, he offered them up together to the saint.
They tell, also, how a certain nobleman's son fell into the hands of the heathen, and was given up to the Sultan, who appointed him to serve at the royal table. One day, as he knelt beside the monarch and offered the wine-cup, he called to remembrance that it was the day of the Feast of San Niccolo, whereon it was the custom to hold high festival in his father's house. Overcome by his thoughts of home, he sighed deeply, and tears came into his eyes, whereupon the Sultan asked him why he was sad, and when the child told him, that cruel man said jestingly, " Let thy San Niccolo do what he is able for thee, thou shalt yet remain here as my slave." Immediately a great wind arose and rushed through all the halls of the palace, shaking it to its very foundations; and the boy was seized away before the astonished eyes of the monarch, and borne swiftly through the air, over mountains and seas, to the house of his father, where he was welcomed with the utmost wonder and joy.
These, and many other marvels, were wrought by the good San Niccolo, and in especial he succoured children, as you have seen, for he loved them and compassionated their distresses more than all others. For this cause boys and young maids throughout the world paid him much reverence. It is said that in certain countries of the north, to this very day, the little ones hang their stockings by their bedsides on the night of Christmas Eve, and when all eyes are fast closed in sleep, the kind saint comes silently in and fills each stocking with everything that the heart of its owner most desires; but those of naughty children he heaps up with rubbish, rags, and old bones, and such like. If this be true, I know not, but I counsel you all to see for yourselves when next the joyful feast of Yule comes round.
The Famine
It happened in a certain year that the country where the good San Niccolo was bishop was visited by a grievous famine, and all the grain in the city having been consumed, so that no bread was to be had anywhere, the people began to be in sore straits. Niccolo, grieving for their distress, distributed all his own stores among them, and when there was nothing more left he became sadly perplexed, for he knew not how to relieve their sufferings. He prayed continually to God for succour. One day it was told him that three ships, laden with grain for Constantinople, were come into the port of the city. He rose, and went down to the harbour, and commanded the captains of the ships to unlade and deliver to him a certain measure of wheat, sufficient to feed his people. But they refused, saying, " We dare not do it, for the grain was measured at Alexandria, and must be rendered up in full to the Emperor." Then said Niccolo, " Fear not, for of a surety the Lord will replenish your sacks." And after a little the excellence of his speech prevailed with them, so that they did as he required. And continuing their journey, they came at length to Constantinople, and when they unladed the ship they were rejoiced to find the number of the sacks of corn complete as when they had set out from Alexandria, and in each sack the full measure of grain. Now, this was the Lord's doing. And of the grain they had given to the good bishop, he distributed abundantly to all of the city, and there remained over and above enough wherewith to sow the ground for another year.
Having thus happily delivered the city from its trouble, Niccolo set forth on a journey into the country round about, wishing to see how the people fared. And there was everywhere great scarcity, and men in their hunger were become cruel, each one snatching what he might for himself, heedless of his neighbour's want, so that Niccolo found much occasion to reprove them. When he was come to a certain village, a poor woman, who was a widow, met him and fell at his feet, weeping bitterly, and implored him to give her back her three young sons, who had disappeared, and she did not know where to find them. Niccolo said, "How may I restore to thee thy sons, good woman? Without doubt they have wandered into some forest in search of food, and are fallen dead of hunger." But she cried, saying, "Nay, for I had victual enough, and my children were not an hungered, but were fat and well liking." The good bishop comforted her and continued on his way to the inn, where he entered in and commanded the host to serve him with supper, expecting that a little bread and water at the most should have been brought. But the innkeeper set before him a dish of roasted meat. "What is this, fellow?" said Niccolo. "How comest thou by this meat, seeing the dearth is so sore in the land?" The innkeeper, bowing low before him, answered, "It was told me that the holy bishop was about to enter into my house, whereupon I took the kid that remained to me alone of all my flocks and killed it that I might have meat for thy refreshment." But Niccolo perceived by the countenance of the man that he lied, and said, " Bring me to thy larder." The innkeeper began to shake in all his limbs, yet not daring to refuse, he went before the holy man with the candle in his hand, and led him into the courtyard. Here were set three tubs, full of salted meat. "What do I see?" cried Niccolo. "Thou wicked one, and murderer of helpless babes. This is not the flesh of kids, but of children." And he prayed to the Lord with a loud voice to deliver the innocent, and immediately the pieces of meat began to stir in the tubs and join themselves together and became three little live boys, who sprang up before the eyes of all who stood there. They knelt down before the bishop; then seeing the innkeeper standing there, they began to weep and be sore afraid; but Niccolo comforted them, and bade them tell everything that had befallen them. Then they related how the man had met them in a wood and had cunningly persuaded them to go with him to his house, and had there bound and killed them, and made them into meat for the strangers which should come to the inn. Then the wicked fellow was terrified beyond measure, and fell at Niccolo's feet, imploring mercy; but the good bishop answered sternly, and sending for the soldiers, delivered him up to be carried before the magistrates and punished as his iniquities deserved. The three children were restored to the woman, who rejoiced over them with so great tenderness that the beholders were moved to tears, and joined with one heart and mind in glorifying God, "Who causeth the widow's heart to sing for joy."
The Three Princes
It came to pass that the people of the country round about that city, wherein San Niccolo dwelt, rebelled against the Emperor, who sent forth three great princes, with a large host, to subdue them. Now, the heart of Niccolo was sorrowful because of the rebels, for they were poor and ignorant folk, and he feared their chastisement would be heavy. Seeing far off, from his window, the three captains pricking across the plain on their chargers, at the head of a great procession of horsemen and foot-soldiers, with banners floating and trumpets sounding, he sent messengers to bid them to come and eat meat in his house, for he hoped to persuade them to deal mercifully with their enemy. The princes consented gladly, having heard men speak of the wonders which were done by the good bishop, and desiring greatly to see him. And they ascended to the city, and entered into his house. It happened that the judge of the city, a harsh and unjust man, had secretly condemned three innocent young noblemen to be beheaded that very evening, pretending that they were traitors, in league with the rebels. Now, as Niccolo was sitting at meat with the princes, there came one running, with dishevelled hair and marks of frantic haste, and falling down before the good bishop, told him of the execution, which was even then taking place, and implored him to come and deliver the innocent. Niccolo, filled with righteous indignation, rose up without delay, and praying his guests to go with him, hastened to the market-place. There, in the midst of a multitude of people, who had run together to witness the woeful spectacle, they beheld the three victims, kneeling down, with their eyes bound and hands tied behind their backs, and the executioner, a horrid, squint-eyed fellow, in the very act of lifting his axe to smite the neck of the eldest. Niccolo, crying loudly, "Hold!" fell upon the executioner, and snatching the weapon from his hand, threw it far away over the heads of the bystanders. Then he tenderly loosed the captives each in turn, and led them away unhurt, amid the joyful applause of the multitude, whilst the soldiers, who had been sent to guard against the escape of the prisoners, looked on astounded, and dared not hinder him. Afterward Niccolo went to the palace of the judge and rebuked him with great severity in the presence of the princes. The miserable man, filled with shame, knew not how to excuse himself, and at length fell on his knees, and shedding abundant tears of repentance, besought pardon for his sin, which the saint deigned to grant. Now, all these things were observed with no small wonder by the princes, and they kept them in their hearts. Having taken leave of the good bishop, they went forth with their army, and reduced the rebellious people to submission without shedding blood, and afterwards returned to the Emperor, who gave them much praise and honour.
When a long time had passed, these three princes fell into disgrace, being falsely accused of high treason by some wicked men, who coveted their possessions. The Emperor, in a great rage, caused them to be thrown into a dreadful dungeon, and commanded that they should be put to death in the night. The captives learned their condemnation from the gaoler, and became very sorrowful, not knowing how they might be saved. At length they called to remembrance Niccolo, and how they had seen him deliver the innocent men, and they knelt down and invoked the succour of the good bishop. In that same hour of the night, when all was dark and silent in the great palace, a man stood beside the Emperor in a vision, and said to him, "Wherefore art thou provoked to anger against the princes, and hast condemned them to death, who have done no evil against thee? Arise, and command that they be set free, else shalt thou perish beneath the sword of thine enemies and be eaten of wild beasts." The Emperor asked, saying, " Who art thou, that darest to enter in here in the night and speak so boldly to me? " The saint answered, " I am the Bishop Niccolo." Then the Emperor awoke, and, calling his guards, sent for the prisoners; and when they were come he asked them, saying, " What magic do you use, that you have caused me to dream so strange a dream?" They answered that they were not magicians, and were innocent of all offence against him. Then he said, "Know you a man called Niccolo?" When they heard this name, they raised their hands to heaven and prayed aloud to the Lord to succour them by the help of the saint. Then the Emperor bade them tell him all things concerning Niccolo, and, having listened attentively, said, " Behold, I set you free. Go in peace, and give thanks to God, who hath given you your lives in answer to the prayers of His servant."


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(Black Star Columnist Ms. Curtis, right, says honesty is the best ingredient in relationships)
If we didn't learn anything from author Terry McMillan's recent real life drama unfolding, we learned that sometimes even the best of us can be fooled. Deceit is not contingent upon ethnicity, income, or education. We've all been there. Now, before we go any further, I'd like to preface this by saying, I am in no way a homophobic. Call me crazy, but I'm just addicted to the truth, 'cause it never changes.
As if dating in the 21st century is not difficult and challenging enough, now women across the country have to be concerned with some brothers' sexual preference and orientation, in addition to the other normal woes of dating someone new. You've all read about it, or seen it on any of your daily talk shows—it's the "DL� form of lifestyle. It is spreading quicker than wildfire, and seems to be as popular as a pair of Jordan sneakers. For those of you who have been living under a rock, "DL� stands for "down low,� and my how appropriate a description for this choice of living. It's "down low� because nobody knows, but the two brothers intimately involved. To everyone else, the men appear to be leading a heterosexual lifestyle.
Here is where it gets sticky, Black men, don't like the stigma attached to the word "homosexual,� so the ones who are creeping around, sleeping with other men, don't consider themselves gay—just men, sleeping with men. According to these brothers, they just like to "dabble� every now and again. Hey, I'm from the belief that as long as you're not hurting anyone else, you have a right to choose your lifestyle, but what about us as women? How much, if any, do we have a right to know?
According to the latest water cooler conversation, it's a toss-up and some seem to think these men have a right to their privacy, but at what expense to the sisters who don't have a clue? This is much bigger than protecting a man's ego, and could be a matter of life or death. These double-dipping brothers have the best of both worlds. They are being pleased and pleasured in every sense of the word. I, myself, would like to know if my man, potential, or otherwise, is creeping with another brother. For many years we dismissed this as a white thing, but I'm here to tell you it has crossed the color line and our men have jumped on the bandwagon, both feet first.
I'm not naïve to think these are new occurrences. I believe Black men have been living on the "DL� for years, but just like everything else, there is a time and a season when the truth must be revealed. I often ask myself if I would be more upset if my mate were cheating with a man as opposed to a woman. The reality is it wouldn't matter, because either way, it renders the same feelings of hurt and rejection.
In this day and age, there are so many more facets to dating. We must be very alert and aware of what is going on in our relationships. Dating can still be fun; however, protect yourself and always trust your instincts.
If it barks like a dog and acts like a dog—nine times out of 10, it's a dog!
Note to self: Life is about choices, be comfortable enough with yours to be honest.
©2006. Columnist LaVerne is currently working as a Senior Editor and Freelance Columnist, with nationally published works to include "Love…According to L,� a monthly AOL Black Voices column; and "L's Motivational Minute,� a monthly motivational women's column for Soul Sistas Unite.com. She has also interviewed celebrity personalities and written for Upscale Magazine.com. You can e-mail her at: email@example.com with your comments.
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Some special "guests" will help Corvette celebrate its 60th anniversary at the Rolex Monterey Motorsport Reunion at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in August.
The reunion, set for August 16-18, will feature two and perhaps even three of the legendary Corvette Grand Sport models from the 1960s.
Only five of the Grand Sports were ever produced in 1962, under the secret supervision of Corvette chief engineer Zora Arkus-Duntov. The cars were designed with one goal in mind: whipping the competition at places like Sebring and Le Mans. To accomplish that mission, Zora focused on making everything as light as possible, with the use of aluminum tubing, thin fiberglass bodies, cast-magnesium wheels, and four-wheel disc brakes.
The cars were made in secret because back in 1957 GM had joined an industry-wide ban on active participation in racing. Once GM Chairman Frederic Donner heard that a Grand Sport had nearly set a track record at Sebring in 1962, he quickly made Zora and his team abort the plans. But that wasn't the end of the Grand Sports.
Private teams mysteriously got hold of the cars, and GM engineers sometimes offered their help at big races while they just happened to be there on "vacation.' One such engineer even managed to have a couple of differential coolers in his luggage to replace one that had overheated on a Grand Sport competing in the 1963 Nassau Speed Week in the Bahamas. Thanks to his help, the Grand Sports beat Shelby Cobras in the Governor's Cup and Nassau Trophy races. Hmmm, after all, you just never know what you might need on vacation, huh?
The Corvette, as it celebrates its 60th anniversary, will be the star of the show at the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion, with more than 60 racing Corvettes of all generations slated to be on hand, including Grand Sports 003 and 004 to be shown in static and on-track events that weekend.
The last time we saw one of the original Corvette Grand Sports was last November at the Simeone Automotive Museum in Philadelphia. A Corvette Racing event was held there with Doug Fehan and one of the seminars featured its Grand Sport Roadster #002 doing laps in the parking lot.
You can find out more about the Monterey Motorsports Reunion at MazdaRaceway.com.
MazdaRaceway.com via Hemmings.com
Photo Credit: GM Media
[VIDEO] Superformance Remakes the Legendary Corvette Grand Sport
Corvette Grand Sport #002 to be Auctioned By RM in January '09
Join Doug Fehan for Celebration of "Corvette Racing Legends" at the Simeone Museum


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The village of Roundstone lies on the western arm of Bertraghboy bay in Connemara, Co. Galway, 48 miles (77km) north-west of Galway city. This Connemara village is beautifully set on one of the most spectacular coastal drives in Ireland overlooking the Atlantic at the foot of Errisbeg Mountain.
Roundstone, Today
Today, Roundstone is a popular holiday resort renowned among artists and naturalists for the remarkable beauty of the surrounding mountains and seascapes. It has a traditional craft centre and local activities include Connemara Pottery, Connemara Jewellery and Connemara Instrument making. Connemara Farming, Connemara Fishing, Connemara Forestry and Connemara Quarrying are carried out extensively in the area.
In Roundstone, you will find a busy harbour where local fishermen prepare and return with the day's catch, featuring a mix of Lobster, Crab, Shrimp, Mackerel, Cod plus a wide variety of other fish. The town itself boasts a good selection of Bars and Seafood Restaurants crammed full of locally caught seafood. Strolling through the town you will discover some fantastic craft shops and cafés. Roundstone has a wide range of accommodation available for the potential visitor, Caravan Parks, Bed and Breakfasts, Self-Catering, 2, 3 and 4 star hotels, there is something for all tastes and budgets. For more information, visit our accommodation section to select the type of accommodation that suits you the best, and if you didn't find what you are looking for, you can visit trivago.ie for more options and alternatives.
More About Roundstone Village
The village was founded in the mid 1820s by the celebrated Scottish engineer Alexander Nimmo who, as engineer for the Western District, built houses, roads and harbours throughout the West of Ireland. It was then settled by Scottish fisher folk. In 1835 a Franciscan Monastery was established in Roundstone and by the 1840s 75 houses had been built and the village supported an active fishing industry and a population of some 400 people. The village derives its name from the Irish "Cloch Na Ron" or Rock of the Seals.
Around Roundstone
The vicinity is rich in points of historical, geological and scenic interest. The remains of numerous early Christian settlements have been found on the islands along this coast. At the northern point of Inishnee, the long island across the bay from Roundstone, stand the remains of an ancient monument to Saint Brendan. From the island's southern, point, an impressive lighthouse casts its beacon across Croaghnakeela and St. Macdara's islands out over the Atlantic Ocean. Two miles north of Roundstone lie the ruins of a 15th century Dominican Priory founded by the O'Flaherty family. The bell tower of the Franciscan Monastery is an impressive nautical landmark used by local fishermen and is now the central feature of the Michael Killeen Park.
Haven For Art and Artists
Over the years Roundstone village in Connemara has attracted national and international artists to work in Roundstone. Roundstone thus features in many famous works of art. In Roundstone itself, you will find numerous works of art in local peoples homes and local businesses. There are also galleries such as Yvonne Kings Studio and the Stable Gallery which features more contemporary art. Artists also exhibit in the bars and Hotels.


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As art sales go online, the NYT notes an increasing generation gap, with older buyers tapering off their purchases and younger buyers continuing to collect. "The resistance from older collectors is still there," says Anders Petterson, founder of analytics firm ArtTactic. "When there is no physical art world, how do you substitute that experience?" he added. "Younger people are a lot quicker to adapt." Read More »
A piece in the New York Times charts pressure on institutions to address problems of systemic racism and injustice in their organizations, collections and programs, following the social unrest caused by the killing of George Floyd at the hands of the police. "I do not think art museums have done enough," says Chris Anagnos, executive director of the Association of Art Museum Directors. "We have dabbled around the edges of the work, but in our place of privilege we will never live up to the statement that 'museums are for everyone' unless we begin to confront, examine and dismantle the various structures that brought us to this point." Read More »
Art Basel has completely cancelled the 2020 edition of its fair in the Swiss town, after an attempt to move the fair's dates to September. "While there are signs of hope as individual countries are coming out of lockdown, the global situation remains precarious, and, unfortunately, too many uncertainties remain to go ahead with the fair," the organization said in a statement. "These include the health risks posed by large gatherings, the limitations on intercontinental travel, and the unclear Swiss regulatory environment for shows of Art Basel's size. Given these uncertainties, we believe that the best option concerning the Basel show is to focus on next year's edition and delivering a fair of the exceptional international quality that the artworld expects." Read More »
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With the blurring of boundaries between media and telecommunications markets creating new challenges to policy and regulatory frameworks and the Commerce Commission's investigation of Sky's contracts under sections 27 and 36 of the Commerce Act as a backdrop, InternetNZ (Internet New Zealand Inc) has today published a discussion paper, titled 'Responding to Convergence in Communications Markets'.
The discussion paper is available at http://tinyurl.com/czqy5o7.
InternetNZ Chief Executive Vikram Kumar says the paper aims to provide information about the different competition regulation regimes that apply to broadcasting and telecommunications. The former is subject to the general complaints-based, ex-post competition regime while the latter has a proactive, ex-ante monitoring regime.
The discussion paper has information about the range of different approaches taken to convergence in other countries. The countries compared are UK, Australia, USA, and Canada.
The paper also aims to provide options and considerations for reform of the competition policy applying to converged media and telecommunications markets. Unlike other countries where broadcasting is subject to specific policy regulation and harmonisation in a converged environment, New Zealand primarily needs to look at its content competition policy.
The discussion paper picks up a number of issues from the last government report on this matter, that of the then Ministry of Economic Development and the Ministry for Culture and Heritage in 2009. It considers both economic and cultural policy issues to set out four broad options for content competition policy reform. These options range from doing nothing to empowering the Commerce Commission with a further role to developing a single regulatory framework for both broadcasting and telecommunications.
Kumar says that "InternetNZ hopes that the discussion paper is both informative and leads to a discussion about if and what needs to be done about competition in a converged media and telecommunications world. Undoubtedly, the results of the Commerce Commission's investigation into Sky's contracts will have a huge impact on future thinking in this area".
"We welcome comments and feedback from everyone interested in this subject. We will incorporate these comments and the results of the Commerce Commission's investigation into an updated paper, probably in the first quarter of 2013."


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New Mexico
Spanish, Native, and Anglo Lessons in Food Security
Stonehill College - Warren Dahlin, Faculty and Trip Chaperone
"As a leader in service education for many years Stonehill College maintains extremely high standards which Via International surpassed! Our Santa Fe trip was a dream, not only for our students who grew and learned so much, but also for those of us who organize and lead such trips."
Stonehill College - MaryAnne Cappelleri, Campus Minister for Service Immersion Programs
"Our first experience working with Via International was exemplary. The communication with the organizers was thorough and timely. All aspects of the trip were carefully considered and taken care of with great respect to our group needs and the needs of the receiving community. Our students walked away with a heightened commitment to learning about indigenous peoples, immigration and migration into the United States and a desire to educate their peers, friends and families regarding the information they learned. We are definitely partnering with Via again and are grateful for such an educational, fun and life changing experience."
University of Colorado Boulder - Karey Sabol, Director of International Programs
"Via International is an excellent partner in engaging students in grassroots community development. During our recent service-learning trip to Bolivia, they proved responsive to our needs and adept at working with community partners and navigating local realities. The students came away with a remarkable understanding of local issues and global interconnectedness."
Loyola University Maryland - Andrea Goicochea, Assistant Director International Immersions
"I highly recommend Via International as a great host agency for meaningful immersion programs, both domestic and international. They are rooted in the community with years of experience and relationships, organized and offer great educational input for the participants. They have everything you need for a comprehensive experience."


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I'm contemplating Bush's potential pardon of his various underlings for their roles in torture or other illegal actions, and I'm angry.
The Presidential pardoning power can be and should be used for humanitarian reasons — for mercy, or for justice, when for whatever reason those are not available through ordinary means. There's also a good argument for using it for "national reconciliation" — e.g., pardoning the Viet Nam draft dodgers, or (gag) pardoning Nixon. (Those situations are clearly distinguishable, obviously, but even though I firmly disagree with the Nixon pardon, it's a reasonable argument.)
But the pardoning power should not be available for use to eliminate responsibility for one's own misdeeds, and for members of the government that includes actions committed on orders. Members of the government already receive a wide variety of protections for "following orders". Use of the Presidential pardon power to pardon those who followed one's own illegal orders is the worst kind of self-dealing, and it places the President above the law. Since "[t]he President, Vice President and all Civil Officers of the United States, shall be removed from Office on Impeachment for and Conviction of, Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors," it's clear that impeachment for such crimes was envisioned. Yet pardoning one's underlings for their illegal activities render it virtually impossible to prosecute the superior that ordered the actions — the President thus protects himself from any such impeachment or other prosecution.
It's regularly stated that the Presidential pardon power is "plenary" and virtually unlimited, but there must be some level of absurdity. Can the President pardon himself for, say, ordering the massacre of Congress and the suspension of the Constitution? Or bribe an investigative commission and then pardon himself for doing so? Well, yeah. Bush I showed us that they can, with his Iran-Contra pardons. So here we go again. There is just no fucking justice or accountability for members of this administration. God that makes me angry.
update 2/28: See, this is why I should save my wrath until after the fact. I could have used it so much more effectively ….


text: The 1962 World's Fair, a six-month celebration of science and technology, featured an exciting mix of culture, cuisine and celebrity, drawing more than 10 million visitors from around the world to the then relatively unknown mill town of Seattle. Through historical photographs and archival footage, THE 1962 SEATTLE WORLD'S FAIR brings to life the textures and sounds of Seattle in the late 1950s and early '60s. The city's business, civic and cultural leaders, historians and longtime residents reminisce about the excitement and ambition the Fair ignited. Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen credits seeing the 605-foot Space Needle, Monorail, "Bubbleator" and other exhibits for inspiring his love of technology and science. Public television's own Rick Steves shares his vivid memory of seeing "exotic" Belgian Waffles for the first time at The Food Circus. The Fair also offered an eclectic mix of high art and low culture, from opera concerts and paintings by Roy Lichtenstein and Jasper Johns, to Gracie Hanson's racy Vegas-style nightclub revue and an adult puppet show. The documentary includes rare footage captured at the fair, including appearances by Space Age hero John Glenn; politicians Adlai Stevenson, Richard Nixon, Lyndon Johnson, Robert Kennedy and Hubert H. Humphrey; journalist Edward R. Murrow; the Duke of Edinburgh; and beloved performers Roy Rogers and Dale Evans, Peggy Lee, Lawrence Welk, the Lennon Sisters, Bob Hope, Miles Davis and Elvis.


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Functional Trainer
The new Cybex FT-450 functional trainer has a patent-pending design that adds two key strength training features. The progressive stabilization pad allows users to incrementally decrease their stability, which increases the work the core muscles are called upon to perform. Additionally, this feature supports the use of higher weight loads, which is typically achievable only on selectorized or other isolative strength machines. The cable width adjustment feature allows numerous height and width configurations to give trainers unlimited exercise possibilities.
Contact: Cybex International Inc.; phone: 860-313-1426; www.cybexintl.com.
Pool Test Strips
AquaChek released two improved one-dip products for pool service professionals — AquaChek Pro 5-way Test Strips and AquaChek Silver 7-way Test Strips. Both products feature a new 20ppm color block to detect free chlorine in pool water at levels of 0, 0.5, 1, 3, 5, 10 and 20ppm. The 20ppm color block is the highest available on a pool and spa test strip product and is higher than the range of traditional color-comparison liquid kits without dilution.
Contact: AquaChek; phone: 888-278-2243; www.AquaChek.com.
Yoga Bags
Yoli-poli Bags are a fusion of fitness, fashion and utility. The yoga bags are made from genuine leather lined with high-quality cotton canvas. Unique grommet detailing allows for ventilation to ensure that the mat is always able to air out and to prevent it from deteriorating or retaining odors. Yoli-poli bags come in two styles: pink metallic and jet black.
Contact: Yoli-poli; phone: 909-489-9048; www.yolipoli.com.
Multi-station Trainer
Vortex's The Perfect Storm is an adjustable, functional multi-station trainer that accommodates up to 12 people. It uses 5 feet by 12 feet of space in a 12-foot by 20-foot training area. Among its many features are an adjustable push-up and dip station, a chin-up bar, a training post to attach resistance bands, multiple U-bolts along the base of the unit for attaching bands, 16 bands of various resistance levels, a 65 cm physio ball and a resistance band storage rack. The Perfect Storm comes with full group programming and a business enhancement module.
Contact: Vortex Fitness Equipment; phone: 877-676-4677; www.vortexfitness.com.
Green Disinfectant
Zogics introduced PureGreen24, an EPA-registered antimicrobial disinfectant with 24-hour residual effectiveness that kills MRSA without using hazardous chemicals. Its active ingredient, SCD, is comprised of silver ions and citric acid. PureGreen24 is strong enough to kill viruses and bacteria in a hospital environment, yet it is EPA-registered for use on children's toys at home. PureGreen24 is available in one-gallon bottles and 32-ounce trigger sprays.
Contact: Zogics; phone: 888-623-0088; www.zogics.com.
Pool Matting
Plastex Matting Inc.'s Herontile anti-slip, anti-bacterial wet-area matting is now available with an optional edging ramp. The 13-inch Herontiles click together to make slip-resistant flooring around pools. The edging ramp can be attached where the tiles meet to create an anti-trip transition from the floor surface to the Herontile surface. Both the ramp and Herontiles drain away large quantities of water and are made from soft EVA for barefoot comfort.
Contact: Plastex Matting Inc; phone: 256-845 7725; www.plastexmatting.com.
Personal Training Resources
Donna Hutchinson of On the Edge Fitness Educators released a new personal training book and interactive CD program designed to provide aspiring fitness professionals with all the tips and insider knowledge needed to be successful in today's business environment. The book is titled "The How-To Guide to Starting Your Own Personal Training Business," and the four-CD set is entitled "The How-To Guide to Growing Your Own Personal Training Business." The combined resource focuses on how to develop a solid business vision, identify fee structures, maximize finances, implement simple marketing strategies and master customer service.
Contact: On The Edge Fitness; phone: 604-985-7410; www.edgefit.ca.
Customized Hand Dryer
Excel Dryer Inc. is offering digital imaging technology that allows buyers to design their own Xlerator hand dryers with company logos or other images. Excel Dryer's imaging technology allows the dryers to be branded with a fully integrated design, rather than a sticker that could easily be removed. Buyers can supply their own digital artwork or develop the cover graphics with the help of Excel Dryer's design team. The Xlerator completely dries hands in 10 to 15 seconds, uses 80 percent less energy than traditional hand dryers and helps facilities qualify for LEED credits from the U.S. Green Building Council.
Contact: Excel Dryer Inc.; phone: 413-525-4531; www.exceldryer.com.
Vibration Exercise Technology
The Wave Pro Elite was developed by medical and fitness specialists to help users achieve the results of vibration exercise in as little as 15 minutes, three times a week with less stress on joints, ligaments and tendons than with existing devices. The Wave Pro self-calibrates, adjusting vibration forces to each user's weight, size and fitness level. The device also features a large exercise surface area, intelligent touch screen interface, preset programming and variable frequency training designed to challenge and stimulate muscles.
Contact: Wave Whole-Body Advanced Vibration Exercise, phone: 905-761-0440; www.wavexercise.com.
Wireless Receiver
MYE Entertainment released a new Eclipse Series Wireless Replacement Receiver, with universal transmitter compatibility, for cardio theater. The receiver is compatible with 900MHz, 800MHz and FM transmitters from all major brands and allows users to listen to both TV audio and FM radio in one unit. It also features an easy-to-read LCD display.
Contact: MYE Entertainment, phone: 800-779-6759; www.myeclubtv.com.


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I'm slowly working through all the anime I didnt watch as a kid and Robotech is currently being watched at my place. There are some pretty nice Robotech papercrafts out there in the wild. The one pictured above can be found here
And this transformed mech can be found here (there's a bunch more links on that page too)
And last but not least a SDF 1 Storm Attacker Mode which is absolutely amazing? Grab this here
Have you seen a macross paper model I've missed here? Let me know in the comments.


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This updated program demonstrates and delivers the essential skills you need to become more confident, enthusiastic and persuasive when delivering any type of presentation. Through a combination of lecture, workshop and volunteer participation, you will learn how to enhance your overall image, communication style and public speaking skills in as little as a few hours.
The agenda is divided into three sessions. In the morning, you will learn the key physical skills to deliver a dynamic, engaging presentation. Volunteers will have the opportunity to receive personalized coaching to work on their presentation style. The early afternoon will consist of a mini workshop using PowerPoint® slides to learn how to construct a compelling business presentation. During the late afternoon, you will learn a step-by-step process to concisely communicate a three-minute or 30-second overview of a topic or project without slides.
- Key physical skills to reduce nervousness and present with confidence
- Three essential techniques for presenting with PowerPoint® slides
- The three elements that influence an audience
- A seven-step organizational process for content development
- A step-by-step process to concisely communicate a topic or project update in 3 minutes or as little as 30 seconds.
Learning Outcomes
As a result of attending this program, participants will:
- Become a confident speaker, regardless of the topic or audience
- Write, edit and organize a presentation with ease
- Identify the needs and goals of any audience
- Present your information in a relaxed and natural style
- Enhance your eye contact to project your voice and engage your audience
- Balance your physical energy to demonstrate power and poise
- Increase your credibility by delivering a benefits-oriented presentation
- Concisely communicate a topic or project overview without using slides
Who Should Attend
Managers, sales professionals, and others who seek to influence others through their presentations. Those who have attended "Powerful Presentations" in the past will gain new skills in this revised program.


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Azalea Border
Initially designed by noted landscape architect Beatrix Farrand [pdf] and installed in 1946, this collection of Rhododendron and other members of the heath family (Ericaceae) featured masses of shrubs grown mainly for their ornamental merit. Over time, however, some plants thrived while others perished due to a high water table, prompting a curatorial review and renovation in 2007. The collection continues to feature striking ornamentals, but also offers a destination for accessions of wild provenance—particularly plants that prefer "wet feet" like Rhododendron viscosum and R. atlanticum, the swamp and coastal azaleas, respectively.
Each bed within Azalea Border tends to have a prominent backbone species or genus (e.g., Rhododendron arborescens, Enkianthus), with ancillary species and cultivars mixed in. The midsized serviceberries (Amelanchier spp.) are understory species grown in many of the beds; they serve as a thread tying the beds together, particularly when they are all in bloom. The overstory comprises mostly maples, including the Arboretum's tallest deciduous tree, a silver maple (Acer saccharinum) standing at a height of 104 feet. Notable specimens of katsura (Cercidiphyllum japonicum) and cork trees (Phellodendron amurense) can also be found here.
- Korean rhododendron (Rhododendron mucronulatum) is an early-blooming species and is usually the first rhododendron in Azalea Border to bloom each spring. It bears bright lavender-pink flowers that open before the foliage emerges.
- The Ghent azalea hybrids (R. × gandavense) bloom in May, displaying a patchwork of flower color among its cultivars and unnamed hybrids. This hybrid group has multiple Rhododendron species in its parentage and originated from plant breeders in Belgium in the early nineteenth century.
- Coast azalea (R. atlanticum) has especially fragrant white to light pink flowers and bluish green foliage. Coast azalea is native in the mid-Atlantic and southeastern coastal states where it grows as a twiggy, low-growing shrub in forest understories.
- Other genera in the rhododendron family (Ericaceae) that are found in the Azalea Border include:
- Vaccinium: This genus includes blueberries and related fruiting shrubs. Look for several cultivars of highbush blueberry (V. corymbosum), noted for their tasty midsummer fruit and outstanding fall foliage color.
- Enkianthus: These handsome large shrubs or small trees bear dangling clusters of small bell-shaped flowers in spring. They are also showy in autumn when their foliage turns bright shades of red, orange, and yellow.
- Lyonia: This genus of understory shrubs is native to the eastern and south central states. In the Azalea Border the genus is represented by maleberry (L. ligustrina), a large shrub that is often found in damp sites but also tolerates drier soil conditions.
- Autumn along Azalea Border is also a treat once the katsura trees (Cercidiphyllum spp.) begin to senesce and their leaves change color to yellow and light orange—at this stage the leaves have a pleasant fragrance often compared to the aroma of baking bread and caramelized sugar.
From the Arborway Gate, Azalea Border is about a five minute walk; it is about 10 minutes from the Forest Hills Gate and about twenty-five minutes from the Bussey Street Gate. Azalea Border is on the eastern side of Meadow Road. Its northern edge is opposite the intersection of Linden Path and Meadow Road; the southern edge of the Border is near the Maple Collection. If driving, park along the Arborway.
Azalea Border is adjacent to Meadow Road, which is paved and fully accessible.
Download a tour brochure for azaleas [pdf].
Link to a tour of this collection on Arboretum Explorer. Our new mobile web application allows you to take self-guided tours of featured plants in our landscape. Follow this link and you will see colored leaf icons. Click/tap on an icon to get a plant name and image; click/tap the "i" button on the right to get more detailed information. For more information on how to use the mobile application click/tap on "Help" in the menu.
How long should I explore?
Spend five to ten minutes walking by Azalea Border, or longer in spring when the varied collections are in bloom.
Plan your visit to the Arboretum.
- Ellery, B. C. 1943. Ghent hybrid azaleas are hardy in New England. Arnoldia 3(7): 37-40. [pdf]
- Wyman, D. 1966. The hardiest azaleas. Arnoldia 26(4-5): 17-32. [pdf]
- Wyman, D. 1942. The highbush blueberry. Arnoldia 2(5): 29-32. [pdf]
- Farrand, Beatrix. 1949. The Azalea Border. Arnoldia 9(2): 6-7. [pdf]
- Anonymous. Fall, 2007. News: Renovation creates a brighter Azalea Border. Silva. [pdf]


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Wake and Bake: Greek Yogurt and Strawberry Phyllo Cups
Breakfast snacks for those who get peckish first thing in the morning.
Get the Recipe
There are a lot of things that my boyfriend and I agree on. The Colbert Report (genius), food-based road trips (why else travel?), our popcorn air-popper (maybe the best invention ever.) But there is one point on which we always go our separate ways: brunch. He loves anything greasy, fatty, baconified, or topped with an egg. I always hope that they're serving oatmeal, Greek yogurt, and fruit. Sure, I wish that our brunch selves weren't supporting a horde of bad gender stereotypes, just not enough to order that plate of chicken and waffles.
The biggest complaint I've had lodged against me (and not just from the boyfriend, he's used to it) is that my brunch order is "boring." And you know what, I bought into it. At least enough to refrain from serving fruit and yogurt to guests, even though that's probably what half of them want, anyway.
Then I thought up this lovely solution, which makes fruit and yogurt interesting enough to serve at brunch. Phyllo pastry is brushed with butter, layered, and baked into golden cups. The cups are filled with Greek yogurt and chopped fruit (I used strawberries, but any seasonal fruit will do.) A final, heavy-handed drizzle of honey ties the dish together.
Texturally, these cups can't be beat. Your fork crunches through the cup, shattering into buttery shards. A bite of flaky phyllo combines with cool, thick yogurt and juicy fruit. The sweet strawberries play against the tangy yogurt, and the drizzle of honey brings to mind baklava though the cup remains light, fresh, and creamy.
Boring brunch order? I think not.
Get the Recipe
Greek Yogurt and Strawberry Phyllo Cups »
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