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In April, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao paid a historical visit to his Indian counterpart, Manmohan Singh. While taking steps to end the two nations' 53-year border dispute was their foremost concern, IT was also high on the agenda. And with the two leaders discussing possible cooperation in the IT industry, it's a safe bet that Microsoft's continued domination of the software arena was one of the topics of discussion.
Some 95 per cent of all computers today are powered by the Windows operating system. A large number of them also run Microsoft's Office suites, including Excel, Word and PowerPoint. Each and every one of these users - with the notable exception of the growing number who use pirated versions - has to pay Microsoft a licence fee for the privilege of being a captive customer.
Singly the licence fee is painful enough-as anyone who has to fork out $US250 or so for an Office package can attest. But viewed on a national basis, the sums are huge.
After years of meekly handing over their money for yet another software upgrade or new applications, many governments are beginning to have second thoughts.
Lifting the licensing bonds
Among them is Brazil, which last year paid more than $US120 million in licensing fees to Microsoft. Since the beginning of this year, South America's most populous country has been loudly telling all and sundry that the fee has become an unbearable burden for its people and an obstacle to their struggle for a better quality of life.
Knowing full well the only way to get out of under Microsoft's dominance is to replace Windows with another operating system, Brazil has directed its largest public sector organisations-the postal service, the state oil company and the national statistics agency-to migrate their systems to the open source (and hence largely free) Linux.
And it has now gone one step further-the state-owned Banco do Brasil, under the direction of President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, has created and funded an organisation to promote the use of open source software in other developing nations. "Free software helps reduce the gap between developed countries and emerging countries,'' it said.
No doubt both India and China would agree. After all, the two countries have a total population of 2.4 billion, a solid 40 per cent of humanity. This is 18 times that of Brazil. Assuming a similar degree of IT usage, the two would pay Microsoft around $US2.1 billion in annual fees.
But with both countries boasting more developed IT industries than Brasil, a combined annual payment of $US5 billion is probably a fair estimate.
This is a shocking figure considering China and India are still on the road to development and their use of IT is certain to multiply exponentially in coming years. As the two nations grow license fees will represent a sizeable portion of their exports, and a severe cramp on their development efforts.
Developing alternatives
It is unlikely that China and India will meekly fork over billions of dollars to Microsoft year after year. Already China is already working with Japan and South Korea to put together an alternative operating system loosely based on Linux. Roping in India, with its experience in software development and its burgeoning outsourcing industry, would give the open source movement a major boost.
Wen Jiabao, who apart from being China's number two politico is also its economic tsar, is too canny a man to openly allude to the open source phenomenon in his trip in India. But visiting Bangalore, the heart of India's software industry, Mr Wen told local business leaders: "I strongly believe that if we join hands together, we will certainly be able to set a new trail in the IT-business world.'
"Cooperation is just like two pagodas, one hardware (China) and one software (India)," he added. "Combined, we can take the leadership position in the world. When that particular day comes, it will signify the coming of the Asian century of the IT industry." Can leadership in IT be gained without control of the standard operating system? The answer is obvious.
E-mail comments to firstname.lastname@example.com


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Gigabyte 9800GT Review
So many video cards to choose from these days. The market stratification is just amazing. At this point, there is probably a card for that will suit the need for just about any purpose you can imagine. For the enthusiast and gamer though, the choices are a bit more limited due to the needs ("Wants" as I am so often told) of the systems we design and build. There is the all-out bench rig, that needs the best of the best, all the way down to the casual gamer that is comfortable with medium quality settings and a low resolution. Somewhere in between is where the majority of consumers make their purchase. The 9800GT falls somewhere in the middle of these two performance extremes.
The Gigabyte 9800GT comes equipped with a Zalman heatsink to vastly improve the cooling performance, which in turn, could lead to higher overclocking potential. With clock speeds of 600MHz on the GPU core, 1.5GHZ on the 112 shader cores and 900MHz on the 512MB of GDDR3 memory, the 9800GT has on paper the same specifications as the 8800GT that came to us last year. So just where on the performance ladder will the 9800GT perform? Let's take a look.
Closer Look:
The packaging of the Gigabyte 9800GT shows a warrior princess ready for battle with ironically enough a Heads Up Display over her left eye. This is no doubt a subtle reference to the Gamer HUD application included with the bundle. Other highlights on the front panel are the fact that the 9800GT is Zalman cooled (a bonus) and is Hybrid power ready. The rear panel illustrates the Ultra Durable 2 properties and shows highlights of the Gamer HUD software and its capabilities. The main features are listed in 9 different languages highlighting their global business.
Pulling the inner box out gives us a glimpse of the 9800GT tucked up under the manual. The 9800GT is encased in a foam block as well as an anti-static bag to prevent damage. The included adapters are seen behind the card.
The included bundle contains the manual, driver disk, 2x DVI to D-sub adapters, a DVI to HDMI adapter and a power adapter in case your power supply does not have the required 6-pin PCIe power connection.
Let's see what the 9800GT looks like and how it comes apart.

subset: commoncrawl


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By Andrew Wake at ringside: While Kell Brook isn't a name that is instantly recognisable to American boxing fans, the unbeaten British welterweight is certainly on a mission to get the respect his skills deserve.
The self-styled "Special One" moved a step closer to being on the radar of fight aficionados Stateside by scoring a majority decision over Oklahoma City's gutsy Carson Jones.
It's a result which means he keeps possession of his IBF intercontinental title but he won't be too overjoyed by that trinket as the more important thing is that the victory moves him a step closer to full world honours.
It wasn't all plain sailing for the 26-year-old from Sheffield, though. Brook found himself swallowing blood from a busted nose in round eight and, like a ravenous vampire, Jones sprang into life.
Indeed, Brook had to use the circumference of the ring keep the American at range and prevent further damage being done to his snout as the fight moved into the championship rounds.
Prior to that Brook had been in full flow. He won the first six sessions at a canter by boxing smartly and popping hard but straight blows at Jones' jaw.
For much of those sessions Jones looked bamboozled. He showed all the guile that has served him well through his long and often turbulent career but could rarely find the target cleanly.
When Jones did have a modicum of success in the fifth, Brook merely shrugged the punches off and then detonated a pair of hefty right hands that left the visitor with a swollen left cheek.
The first signs of a real Jones fight back came towards the end of the sixth stanza. He connected with both fists as Brook found himself pressed up against the ropes, but it was a salvo that came too late for him to win the round on this reporter's card at least.
However, after the shot that landed which turned Kell's face into a mask of blood, the fight turned into a topsy turvy affair and the Englishman had show a side of his game not previously seen in order to secure the verdict.
The judges scores were 114-114, 116-113, 115-113.
When Jones entered the ring he had the words Dear Judges Please Don't Rob Me emblazoned on the back of his robe. Despite the closeness of the cards, however, the result is beyond dispute.
Former WBA light-welterweight Gavin Rees continued to collect titles at lightweight when he added to the British crown to his European bauble with a ninth round stoppage of Liverpool's Derry Mathews.
The pair had met last October but the fight ending in a disappointment for both men as Mathews suffered a broken nose from an accidental clash of heads and the bout was scored a technical draw.
Since then Mathews, 28, had ripped this domestic title from the heavily favoured Anthony Crolla so the stage was set for an enthralling old fashioned unifier.
Mathews did extremely well in the opening two rounds as he countered Rees coming in with a solid right cross.
Rees, with his buzzsaw style, however, could not be contained and attacked his much taller foe in swarms.
By the third, Newbridge's Rees was whipping looping right hands over Mathews' guard and before long a laceration had formed across the Scouser's left eyelid, although it appeared to come from Rees' head as he followed through after landing a hook.
Something that became noticeable to most around ringside in the third and fourth rounds was that fact that Mathews had stopped throwing his right hand even when the chance to let one go presented itself.
And it wasn't until midway through round five that he finally detonated a couple of blows with that paw. But had he genuinely hurt it or was he just lulling Rees into a false sense of security?
It mattered not anyway because after taking those shots Rees rocked the Scouser with a short right hook upstairs and from round six onwards it seemed like only a matter of time before the Welshman closed the show.
The end finally came at 1.27 of round nine when a right followed by a swift left dumped Mathews onto his backside and although he was back on his feet at "nine", referee Howard Foster waved it off.
Rees, in most probability, will now be looking for another tilt at a world title. The likes of John Murray and Anthony Crolla will no doubt be hoping for a shot at the shaven-headed man from the Welsh valleys, but there really is little point for him to stay at domestic level if bigger things are on the horizon.
2008 Beijing Olympian Kal Yafai made a smooth progression into the pro ranks, forcing Wolverhampton veteran Delroy Spencer to retire at the end of the second round.
Yafai looked sharp and his punches landed with increasing accuracy before Spencer decided he'd had enough.
Some boxers struggle with the transition from one code to the other. Yafai, though, looked extremely comfortable without the vest and headguard. Two rounds certainly doesn't tell us very much, but at this stage the Birmingham man looks like a very good addition to the paid game.
Rocky Fielding opened his account for new promoter Matchroom Sport with a quick fire blow out of Hungarian import Ferenc Hafner.
The 24-year-old super-middleweight from Liverpool, who won Prizefighter against the odds last year, caught the visitor with a right hand inside before an uppercut sent him over.
When the action resumed, Hafner found himself rocking all over the place from Fielding's blows and Phil Edwards moved in at 2.16 of the first to save the Hungarian from further punishment.
Fielding's record now stands at 11 – 0 (5 KOs) and he'll be hoping to press towards a British title shot at 12 stone within the next 12 months.
Lytham St Anne's former amateur standout Scott Cardle continued his education with a two round demolition of Karoly Lakatos.
Cardle, who has established an attacking style under the stewardship of Joe Gallagher in Bolton, attacked the torso with both fist in the opener before a barrage of blows forced Lakatos turn his back in pain before the end of the second and Mr Edwards moved in. The time was recorded as 3.00 before it came just as the bell was about to toll.
It's the first inside the distance victory Cardle has scored in four outings, but on this evidence they'll be plenty more where that came from.
Another boxer adding experience after a decent career in the amateurs is Upminster's aggressive Ryan "Crash Bang" Taylor.
The flame-haired lightweight got chopping right hands off early against Ibrar Riyaz but had to contend with a journeyman willing to soak up the shots and then throw back.
Taylor took charge in the second and thudded home some hooks. By the forth he was finding Riyaz's jaw regularly and it looked like the Reading-based Albanian might be unravelling.
But he managed to grit his teeth and battle through until the end. Mr Alexander had the easy job of handing Taylor his fifth paid victory with a score of 60-55.
Sheffield's Sam O'Maison became the 86th man to defeat East Ham's always game Johnny Greaves.
Fighting out of the southpaw stance despite being right-handed (we were told he's right handed anyway) the Yorkshireman from the Ingle camp, moved in with his hands low and brought up fast and short right hooks.
In the second a sweeping hook dropped Greaves to the ring apron and he had to fight through several other hurting moments in this four-twos affair before hearing the final bell.
Mr Edwards scored it a predictable 40 – 35.
Chatteris debutant Jordan Gill was in full control as he eased to a 40-36 verdict over Nuneaton southpaw Kristian Laight on the bill's opener.
And rounding things off at just after midnight in front of a crowd which could be described as sparse at best, Mancunian barber Rhys "Pure Silk" Roberts couldn't prove a cut above Welshman Dai Davies and had to settle for a 58-58 draw after six rounds.
Twitter: @andywakeboxing
© 2000 - 2011 Knockout Entertainment Ltd & SecondsOut.com


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|Episode Description
|Wednesday, Nov 13, 2013 - 10:30 PM
Meet the tomatillo - this small, plump, green fruit was a favorite of the Aztecs and stars in any number of Mexican dishes today. Its tart flavor is worlds apart from the taste of tomatoes, but is just as juicy and unforgettable. In this episode, Pati will show you where to find tomatillos, how to cook with them and offers tips and tricks for creating amazing dishes. D
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Feb 23, 2002
Feb 23, 2002
IRVINE, Calif. (AP) - Jerry Green scored 29 points, including UC Irvine's last five, as the Anteaters held off a late rally to beat UC Santa Barbara 71-67 on Saturday.
After the Gauchos took a 67-66 lead with :50 remaining, Green hit a jumper, drew a foul and sank two free throws to put the Anteaters (20-8, 13-4 Big West) up 70-67.
UC Santa Barbara (15-10, 9-7) then missed the potential game-tying shot and Green made one of two free throws to seal the Irvine victory.
Mike Hood added 10 points for the Anteaters, who led 37-33 at halftime.
Branduinn Fullove led the Gauchos with 19 points and Adama Ndiaye followed with 11.


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ARLINGTON, VA, 29 MAY 2013: The National Genealogical Society is pleased to announce the 2014 Family History Conference will be held 7–10 May 2014 at the Greater Richmond Convention Center and Marriott Hotel located in downtown Richmond, Virginia. Conference highlights and contact information for conference hotels can be found in the Announcement Brochure, which can be downloaded at http://www.ngsgenealogy.org/
galleries/new-gallery/2014_ Announcement_Brochure.pdf.
The conference theme, Virginia: The First Frontier, will explore the records
and history that draw so many back to their roots in the Old Dominion. Lecture
topics will also include migration into, within, and out of the region down the
Great Wagon Road, over the Appalachian Mountains, and across the south to Texas
and beyond.
Genealogy conferences in Richmond, Virginia, are always well attended, so plan to make your reservations early. The five conference hotels will accept reservations beginning 1 June 2013 and the special conference rates apply three days before and after the conference. The hotels offer a variety of amenities and dining options, so choose the one that best fits your needs. The convention and visitors bureau will be providing shuttle buses between the convention center and the Crowne Plaza, Omni, and Holiday Inn Express hotels, which are a few blocks away, while the conference is in session. For more details please see the NGS conference website at http://www.ngsgenealogy.org/
Consider arriving early to experience one or more historical tours in and
around Richmond provided by Richmond Discoveries' Tours on Monday afternoon 5
May 2014 and Tuesday morning and afternoon 6 May 2014. Details can be found at http://www.ngsgenealogy.org/ cs/tours.
Tour reservations will be accepted beginning 1 December 2013.
The four-day conference will include more than 150 lectures by nationally known experts on topics including the history, records, repositories, and ethnic and religious groups in Virginia and the neighboring states of Maryland, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Kentucky, and Tennessee. The program will also feature broader genealogical categories including military and other federal records, the law as it relates to genealogy, methodology, analysis, and problem solving. There will also be an emphasis on the use of technology (GenTech) in genealogical research including genetics, mobile devices, and apps.
An Exhibit Hall with more than 100 vendors will be free and open to the public from Wednesday through Saturday at the Greater Richmond Convention Center, directly across from the Marriott Hotel. Exhibitors will include genealogy database and software providers, booksellers, genealogy societies, providers of genetic testing, and much more.
Sign up for the NGS Conference Blog at http://conference.
so you do not miss any of the conference news or announcements. Conference
registration opens 1 December 2013.
Founded in 1903, the NationalGenealogical Society is dedicated to genealogy education, high research standards, and the preservation of genealogical records. The Arlington, Virginia, based nonprofit is the premier national society for everyone, from the beginner to the most advanced family historian seeking excellence in publications, educational offerings, research guidance, and opportunities to interact with other genealogists.


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Student Development and Campus Life (SDCL)
Welcome to the Web pages of the Division of Student Development and Campus Life at Montclair State University. Montclair State is the second largest university in New Jersey and is growing and changing in dynamic ways. We are an institution that strives to provide our students with all the benefits of a large institution, yet we still maintain the feel of a small college. Large lecture classes are few, while standard size classes are the norm. We encourage interaction between faculty and students, and further encourage students to utilize the wide range of our services outside of the classroom. Read our vision and mission statements and our divisional goals. View our Faculty Guide specifically compiled to familiarize faculty with the services we provide to students.
If a student has a need, a question, a concern or is looking for assistance in exploring their academic or vocational path, we have staff members who are here to help. We can also be of assistance to students who have questions about federal regulations: FERPA (student records information) or Drug-Free Schools and Campuses. (See also a version of FERPA for Faculty and Staff.) Additionally, students are supported in their participation in co-curricular activities. Research shows that students who are actively involved in the educational process and participate in student activities on campus are more likely to succeed in their college careers than those students who stand on the sidelines.
The Division of Student Development and Campus Life is responsible for most student services and programs outside of the classroom and we serve in support of the mission of the University. Our services and programs have been established to benefit students and increase students' chances for success as well as enjoyment of their Montclair State University experience.


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As Stephen Bull quite rightly states in this book, the word 'Commando' has become common currency for all kinds of special forces operations.
The 'commando' concept originated from the Boer War, when Dutch-descended 'Kommando' units caused havoc for much larger British units in the South African veldt. Winston Churchill, who was a war correspondent at the time, recalled the idea in 1940. At the outset of the Second World War, Britain didn't really 'do' special forces. The Commando's were formed in 1940, partly by initiative amongst the armed forces, but also spurred on by characteristic notes that flourished from Winston Churchill demmanding instant action. The idea was that while Britain was unable to stike back at the enemy in a conventional manner, small groups of nimble special forces could inflict an impact on occupied Europe out of all proportion to their size.
Commando's made their presence felt on the Lofoten Raids in Norway; at St Nazaire and Dieppe; on D-Day and in Siciliy and Italy. Strictly speaking the British Army C0mmandos were formed from volunteers from Army units, but the Royal Marines also formed their own Commando units later in the war. The Parachute Regiment was formed from No 2 Commando in 1940, and the SAS and SBS were formed by formed Commando officers. Thus it could be argued that the Commando's formed their embryo for modern British special forces. Ironically, whilst the Royal Marine Commandos, Parachute Regiment, SAS and SBS still exist, the Army Commandos were disbanded soon after the war.
The title of this book focuses on tactics, but Bull goes much further by writing about the wider history of the Commandos, and the impact that the development of the Commando's has had on British military ethos and development, the effects of which can still be seen today. But the real strength of this book is in the description of the making of a Commando – what went into selecting and training the men, the development of tactics and equipment, and how mistakes were made and lessons were learnt until a well-honed concept was arrived at. The 'small, heavily armed but highly mobile' approach has become widespread amongst all special forces to this day. There is also much in the selection and training that will be familiar to anyone who has read Bravo Two Zero or the million and one other SAS memoirs.
This book adds considerably to the historiography of British special forces during the Second World War. It is an interesting read in its own right, but it also stands up extremely well as an in-depth military study. It contains some fascinating biographies of leading Commandos, and some useful eyewitness accounts. But the real piece de resitance is the inclusion of contemporary documents, such as details of Commando clothing and equipment, the establishment and armanent of Commando units, and a booklet describing Commando Battle Drill.
Commando Tactics of the Second World War is published by Pen and Sword


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- If you're looking to have a smoky weekend, check out the LA Scotch Club's Peatin' Meetin' at UCLA, probably the best whiskey tasting event in LA. It's this Saturday from 5:30 -10:00 pm and features music, barbecue and more peated whiskey than you'll note what to do with. Cost is $100 per person.
- Adam at the LA Whiskey Society (the other LA whiskey group) has published a new chapter in his series Adventures in Whiskey. This one, The Peculiar Pikesville from Prohibition, is definitely worth a read.
Friday, June 28, 2013
Goings on Around Town
1 comment:
Super piece on the old Pikesville. Thanks for the link, and happy Independence Day to all!
- June 28, 2013 at 7:29 AM
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DELTONA — A Deltona firefighter jailed after his arrest on a rape charge is now being accused of sex crimes by four other women, a sheriff's spokesman said Friday.
The Volusia County Sheriff's Office has charged Terry Freeman II with two more counts of sexual battery and is investigating a third case, said Sheriff's spokesman Gary Davidson.
Orange City police detective Ken Jones also said Friday that his agency filed a sexual battery charge against Freeman stemming from a case reported Jan. 24, 2011, by an 18-year-old woman.
Freeman, 32, an Orange City resident and DeLand High School graduate who got his firefighter training at Daytona State College and Central Florida Fire Academy in Orlando, works at the Deltona Fire Department's Station 61 on Providence Boulevard.
None of Freeman's accusers are identified in reports as is the standard in sex crimes investigations.
He initially was charged Dec. 31 with sexual battery with a deadly weapon or force, jail and arrest records show, in the rape of an Altamonte Springs woman.
Deltona spokesman Lee Lopez said Friday that Freeman will remain employed by the city until the outcome of the investigations of all the cases.
City officials said Freeman was off duty at the time of the Dec. 27 incident. In an arrest report he denied having sexual intercourse with the Altamonte Springs woman although he admitted to sexual acts with the 25-year-old.
The Altamonte Springs woman said the two had met at her workplace in Sanford on Dec. 27 and Freeman convinced her to go out with him later that night. The two met at a cafe in Orange City for drinks and then went to Freeman's home near Orange City, investigators said.
Things turned romantic, but when the woman said she did not want sex Freeman got aggressive and overpowered her then had sex with her against her will, Davidson said.
After the attack the woman went home to Altamonte Springs and reported the incident to the police there. Volusia sheriff's investigators took over after Altamonte Springs police determined the incident occurred in Orange City, Davidson said.
After Freeman's story was made public, three other women came forward telling sheriff's investigators that they met Freeman for a date and that they were then sexually assaulted by Freeman, as he had done with the Altamonte Springs woman, Davidson said.
One of the women who came forward was a 39-year-old Orange City woman who also reported meeting Freeman at her workplace. The victim said Freeman had asked her out on a date before, but she initially declined because she was already in a relationship. However, after the relationship ended, the woman said she agreed to go out with Freeman in December, Davidson said.
According to Davidson, Freeman took the woman to his house, but not before the victim said she sent Freeman a text message letting him know that she wasn't interested in a casual sexual encounter. Initially, they flirted but then Freeman became aggressive and he eventually pushed himself on her and forced her to have sex. The victim said she tried to resist, but eventually gave up for fear that Freeman might hurt her.
"You hear stories where women have fought back and were beaten or killed," the victim told investigators, Davidson said. "You hear stories where women who don't fight back are able to walk away. I just wanted to walk away safely," Davidson said the woman told investigators.
A second woman, 39, from Lake Mary reported she was raped by Freeman in 2011, Davidson said. The woman contacted the Sheriff's Office earlier this week after hearing about Freeman's arrest and reported that she had been sexually assaulted by Freeman and had never reported it to law enforcement until now. She said she met Freeman at a club in Sanford where she worked. After they had been texting back and forth for a while, Freeman invited the woman to his home, Davidson said.
She said that when she got to Freeman's home, he offered her a glass of wine and then almost immediately forced himself on her, overpowered her, stripped off her clothes and sexually assaulted her, Davidson said.
A third woman also made a report but that case was still under investigation, Davidson said.
Orange City this week reopened a 2011 sexual battery case against Freeman, Jones said.
According to an Orange City charging affidavit, the woman, who was 18 at the time, told police that she met Freeman at the gym and that they worked out together. She said she knew him from school, the charging document said. The report doesn't say what school.
After working out, and as they walked out of the gym, Freeman grabbed the woman's wallet and she had to follow him to his home to get it, police said.
When she got to the home and knocked on the door, Freeman told her the wallet was in his bedroom and the woman walked in to get it, police said.
Once in the bedroom, Freeman threw the 18-year-old down and began talking off her clothes and raped her, the charging affidavit states.
A review of Freeman's personnel file shows he is a DeLand High School graduate, studied to be a firefighter at Daytona State College and also attended the Central Florida Fire Academy in Orlando. He was hired by Deltona on Jan.6, 2012, and was earning $12.23 an hour as a firefighter/paramedic.
Before being hired by Deltona, Freeman worked as part-time volunteer firefighter with Orange City since July 2010.
He also had jobs as a restaurant server, in construction and as a desk clerk at a fitness center in Winter Park, records show.
Sheriff's investigators believe there could be additional incidents with Freeman that have gone unreported. Anyone with additional information should contact the Sheriff's Office at (386) 860-7030.
DELTONA — A Deltona firefighter jailed after his arrest on a rape charge is now being accused of sex crimes by four other women, a sheriff's spokesman said Friday.


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Visit Edmunds.com for a complete listing of local car dealerships in Mount Cory, Ohio. Find the best deal on your next vehicle with online discount price quotes on car, truck, SUV, and minivan models. With the ability to compare prices on new and used vehicles in Mount Cory, Edmunds.com makes the car buying process convenient and cost-effective. Search for car dealerships in Mount Cory, Ohio with our comprehensive dealership network and avoid the common hassles associated with car shopping.
Non Display Review Name "Shaun Conley and the amazing staff there made my experience awesome! Super nice, honest, and family like atmosphere at Reineke. This is the second new"... Read more Review by: Reneeuhl


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IBM recently reported in its X-Force Threat and Risk Report that SQL injection attacks jumped 134 percent in 2008 compared with 2007. In addition, exploitation of vulnerable websites increased from a few thousand per day in early 2008 to hundreds of thousands of attacks per day by the end of 2008. Moreover, these attacks differed from the typical one-off targeted attempts to steal data or manipulate applications; instead, these mass attacks often used automated SQL injection to exploit websites by redirecting users to malicious sites.
A major culprit in these attacks was the Asprox botnet, originally used for phishing but now used to add iFRAMES to legitimate websites' backend data and thus open the sites to exploitation. According to the IBM report, "these automated attacks highlighted the high number of websites vulnerable to SQL injection and \[illustrate\] that secure development practices will go a long way in effectively mitigating these attacks."
The following SQL Server Magazine and Windows IT Pro resources can help you protect your organization against SQL injection attack:


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Rough Tony is a character in Grand Theft Auto: London, 1969 and Grand Theft Auto: London, 1961. Tony is a pimp who ends up kidnapping one of his former girls. The protagonist rescues her before killing some of Tony's prostitutes. Tony then comes looking for the protagonist but is killed, with the pills in his car being taken to the Albert and Archie Crisp.
GTA London 1969 characters
GTA London 1961 characters


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Talk:Disassembling Neo 1973
From Openmoko
It would be interesting to have a complete set of shots (several views each) of the insides and outsides of the covers, and views from various angles of the phones.
To give ideas of possible hardware add-ons.
Perhpas it would be good to note on the page that the two Torx screws are T6. Tingo 12:57, 11 July 2008 (UTC)


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Super Button Mashing: Round 1 Brain Bust
David Jaffe, Chris Watters, and Shaun McInnis go head-to-head in Brain Bust, Round 1 of Super Button Mashing.
David Jaffe, Chris Watters, and Shaun McInnis go head-to-head in Brain Bust, Round 1 of Super Button Mashing.
Ryan Mac Donald breaks down GameSpot's wish list for motion controlled games.
This week we see demos for Little Big Planet 2, Dead Space 2, Mass Effect 2, and some great downloadable games.
GameSpot lines up the motion controllers on all three consoles to see which one best captures movement.
This week, we take a look at Crescent Pale Mist, Monster Jam, Apache Air Assault, and CSI.
This week we take a look at Call of Duty: Black Ops, Wii Remote Plus, and The Sly Collection.
On Today on the Spot, the folks from Sony drop in for a demo of The Fight: Lights Out.
On Today on the Spot, we get the latest coming This Week on Wii Shop Channel and New Releases hitting store shelves. We have some Tips and Tricks for Fallout: ...
Despite having chains on his fist, we brutally beat a man down.
We punch a dude multiple times, partially because he wore a neat button-up shirt to a fight.
Burning calories and wearing sunglasses indoors in The Fight: Lights Out.
We go face-to-face with actor and baddest dood on the planet, Danny Trejo.
This week is jam-packed with Fable III, Force Unleashed II, and The Sims 3.
Sony shows off what it has in store for 3D hardware and gaming titles. Panelists include Yutaka Nakamura, Takayuki Ooguchi, and Mick Hockin.
Check out the PlayStation 3's title lineup for TGS 2010.
Guy Cocker leads a tour through Gamescom's Hall 8, calling at Nintendo, Microsoft, THQ, and more.
Sony Computer Entertainment's software engineer lays out the technical details of the PlayStation Move motion-sensing system.
So you want to be a fighter? Danny Trejo plays Duke, your trainer in The Fight!
Dancing, boxing, driving, Move, 3D, and games galore.
Kevin Butler lays out why his platform is better.
Get your jabs, hooks, and uppercuts in order for a round in the ring with The Fight: Lights Out.
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The post was renamed after local resident Rocco Moretto, one of only two soldiers from his original company that survived WWII. Moretto was in the 1st Infantry Division, which received nicknames like the "Big Red One" and "The Bloody First" and had a reputation for being so tough that commanders routinely sent them to the front line.
The company, which originally included 219 men, served the entirety of World War II, from Normandy to the Battle of the Bulge to Czechoslovakia, where they were stationed when the war ended.
"Rarely, rarely do we get to be in the presence of a hero like Rocco Moretto, who actually is responsible for us being able to be here today" said Councilman Peter Vallone, Jr.
Pat Gualtieri, executive director of the United War Veterans Council, said his group strapped a picture of the WWII veteran to their float in the president's inauguration parade. He then presented Moretto with a flag flown at the event.
"This is an honor I never dreamed of receiving," said Moretto. "Believe me when I say that I am overwhelmed with it all, especially when it comes on the 69th anniversary of D-Day."
He then stopped his speech to salute his fellow veterans of VFW Post 2348.
"I want you all to know that I have the upmost respect and enormous admiration for all of you young veterans," he said.
The walls of Moretto's apartment are already lined with medals and awards from his time of service. Following last week's ceremony, Moretto was given a plaque and a framed patch of the 1st Infantry Division.
"I'm going to need more walls," he joked.


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Reserve online or call 01993 824 252
Start your shortlist by clicking on the icon next to any property
This a well presented and spacious property enjoying elevated and beautiful views across the South Course and beyond. Bright, airy and with spacious rooms throughout, this is an ideal location for families and golfers alike, offering good value for money accommodation. The property is also on one level, making it ideal for those with limited mobility (although there is a steep drive to the location). Facilities, bars, restaurants, tennis and golf are within easy walking distance.
Entrance into large open plan Living / Dining / Kitchen area.
Living Area with comfortable seating for 4 people, 'Club' TV.
Dining Area with table and chairs for 4 people.
Kitchen is a 'galley style', fully equipped with all mod cons including hob and oven, microwave, washing machine, and dishwasher.
Bedroom One with two 'large' single beds. Ensuite bathroom (Art Deco style!) with bath and shower over, washbasin and WC
Bedroom Two with two 'large single beds. Ensuite bathroom with bath and shower over, washbasin and WC
There is a terrace area to the front of the property which looks towards the golf course and Lion Mountain beyond.
Full Air Conditioning. Reduced sport rates for 4 people.
The La Manga Club Golf Bungalows are built on the very edge of La Manga Club's South Golf Course, occupying an enviable position – being within walking distance of the golf Club House and the first tee! The stylish landscaped shared private swimming pool is flanked by tropical plants and flowers – simply stunning! This is possibly La Manga Club's most established property spot
Please note: Saturday to Saturday bookings only in school holidays and all of July and August.


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New Car Review
2014 Nissan Maxima: New Car Review
Based on the way it looks, drives and feels, the 2014 Nissan Maxima should be considered a luxury performance sedan. Instead, its Nissan badges relegate it to being a comfortable and compliant family sedan that offers near-luxury accommodations for five passengers. It also has an ambitious, sporting character capable of competing with midsize performance sedans such as BMW, Audi and Volvo. And it achieves all of this at a reasonable price.
The Maxima's blend of build quality, visual appeal, interior refinement and driving prowess makes it one of the most balanced sedan offerings for its price. The Maxima is not a status symbol, but in these difficult economic times that might be a good thing. Front-wheel drive and a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) remove the Maxima from most driving enthusiasts' shopping list, but amenities such as a 9-speaker Bose audio system, heated and cooled front seats, a heated steering wheel and graphite-finished 19-inch aluminum wheels go a long way in making the Maxima the preferred choice of those who shun traditional (and sometimes boring) family sedans.
What's New for 2014?
A new S Limited Edition Package adds HID headlights, fog lights, rear spoiler and 18-in Dark Hyper Silver wheels to the base 3.5 S, while the 3.5 SV trim gains as standard a rearview monitor, USB connectivity and a 7-inch color monitor.
What We Like
Well-built; agile handling; powerful engine; near-luxury cabin; abundance of available features
What We Don't
Pricey options; limited rear seat headroom; not quite a status symbol; no manual transmission offered
How Much?
Fuel Economy
The front-wheel-drive Maxima is powered by a potent 3.5-liter V6 that makes 290 horsepower and 261 lb-ft of torque. This engine is managed by a CVT. The Environment Protection Agency estimates fuel economy for the Nissan Maxima at 19 miles per gallon city/26 mpg hwy. The city figure is low relative to entry-level luxury competitors.
Standard Features & Options
The 2014 Nissan Maxima comes in just two trims: 3.5 S and 3.5 SV.
Standard features for the 3.5 S ($31,810) trim include auto on/off headlights, power glass moonroof, power windows with one touch up/down for the front windows, dual-zone climate control, Intelligent key entry and push-button start, cruise control, Bluetooth, 8-way power driver's and 4-way power passenger seat and a 60/40 split-folding rear seat.
The 3.5 SV ($34,900) adds a rearview monitor, power-adjustable lumbar support, extending thigh support for the driver's seat, 7-inch color monitor, USB/iPod connectivity, leather upholstery and a universal home remote.
Many of the Maxima's most popular options are bundled into packages. The Cold Weather package adds heated front seats, steering wheel and side mirrors. The Premium Package adds a dual panel moonroof with power retractable sunshades, reverse tilt-down side mirrors, a power tilt/telescopic steering wheel, premium leather and paddle shifters. The Sport Package adds sport suspension, 19-in wheels, heated and cooling driver's seat, smoked headlight covers and a heated steering wheel, among other items. The Tech Package adds hard-drive-based voice-activated navigation, Sirius NavTraffic and streaming Bluetooth. The 9-speaker Bose audio system is a standalone option that can be ordered only with the SV trim.
Standard safety features for the Maxima include ABS, stability control, traction control, six airbags and active front head restraints. For 2014, the Maxima earned the highest front and side crash-test ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gives the Maxima three out of five stars in the front-end crash test, and five stars in the side-impact and rollover tests.
Behind the Wheel
Aside from lacking a manual transmission, the 2014 Nissan Maxima is as robust and exhilarating as any well-regarded sport sedan. A manual mode that uses steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters to simulate the experience of a 6-speed gearbox compensates for that shortfall.
The Maxima is strong off the line and very confident in mid-sprint. It's effortless at highway passing and does so with an aggressive snarl. Furthermore, handling is impressive with steering that's both quick and precise, allowing the Maxima to corner with the agility and nimbleness of a smaller sports car. The tires offer plenty of grip, and the car remains virtually flat through sharp turn-ins.
Yet the Maxima's ride is very compliant. Regardless of its sporting personality, it delivers a feel that is comfortable for the daily commute as well as long-distance highway cruising, making it a fine choice for a family sedan.
Other Cars to Consider
Chrysler 300 -- The 300 is more elegant, while the Maxima leans more in the direction of sport. The Maxima's smaller overall package helps make it a better handler.
Hyundai Genesis -- Both are legitimate sport sedans, but the Genesis offers more luxury and refinement than the Maxima. The Genesis has quickly made a reputation for itself as a premium-level car. For that reason, it is more of a status symbol.
Volkswagen CC -- Many will argue that the Volkswagen is better built due to its German engineering roots, but the Maxima is right on par in quality. The two cars are comparable in performance.
AutoTrader's Advice
Our recommendation for the Maxima is the up-level SV. It adds leather upholstery and more comfortable and supportive seats, both of which will make your daily drive or weekend road trip more enjoyable and comfortable. The SV trim is also eligible for the best options, including the Bose system, navigation and the Sport and Premium packages. Sure, you can live without this stuff, but isn't it better not to?


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FY05 Challenge America Fast Track Review
Albany Symphony Orchestra, Albany, GA, $10,000
To support A Symphony of Brotherhood, presented in collaboration with the City of Albany in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King. The program will include a performance of African American composer Alexander Miller's "Let Freedom Ring," with narration from King's "I Have A Dream" speech. Previous narrators have included Ossie Davis, Danny Glover, and James Earl Jones.
Chamber Orchestra of the South Bay, $10,000
To support a concert featuring violinist Tamaki Kawakubo. Kawakubo, who grew up in the South Bay area of Los Angeles, has since won numerous international competitions.
Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra, $10,000
To support a residency and youth orchestra concert with visiting artist, Midori. Student musicians from surrounding communities of Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Ontario, Canada will come to Duluth to create a youth orchestra that will perform with celebrated violin soloist Midori, who will be in residence with the orchestra prior to the performance.
Erie Philharmonic Orchestra, $10,000
To support the presentation of Heroes and Villains. This component of a three-concert series will feature a guest soloist, and will include classical and pops music that reflects the theme.
Fort Smith Symphony, $10,000
To support Earthquake concerts for students in the sixth grade. These free concerts will feature a new work by guest composer Dr. Michael Schelle.
Gulf Coast Symphony, $10,000
To support a concert featuring guest artist saxophonist Harry White. In addition to the public concert, the project includes free discussions with Mr. White and the conductor, a public dress rehearsal, and a master class at the local high school.
Meridian Symphony Orchestra, $10,000
To support a pre-Valentine's Day concert of music by German Romantics. The concert will feature guest violinist J. Patrick Rafferty and violist Maggie Snyder.
Minneapolis Pops Orchestra, $10,000
To support Free Concerts for Seniors. Seniors will be bused to sites for free concerts outdoors, up to two of which will feature soprano Elisabeth Comeaux.
Orchestra of Southern Utah, $10,000
To support a festival celebrating the Hispanic, Paiute, and pioneer heritage of the area through music and native dance. Guest artist pianist/composer Marshall McDonald and Paiute tribal dancers will perform an original work in school assemblies and public concerts, and Mr. McDonald will conduct a master class for musicians.
Pensacola Symphony Orchestra, $10,000
To support the German Reflections concert. Guest violinist Jennifer Koh will perform in a concert devoted to the music of Beethoven, Berg, and Brahms.
Portland Symphony Orchestra, Portland, ME, $10,000
To support the presentation of Beethoven Lives Upstairs, a children's concert and story about Beethoven's creative process. Teacher guides will help integrate the concert into the existing curriculum and provide suggestions for post-concert activities.
South Dakota Symphony, $10,000
To support a performance by the Dakota Chamber Orchestra on the Sisseton-Wahpeton Sioux Nation Reservation. The tour will reach an isolated section of northeast South Dakota, and continue a tradition of visits to reservation communities.
St. Cloud Symphony Orchestra, $10,000
To support performances by the orchestra. Concerts will include the premiere of a work by David Wolff, a Mozart concerto featuring guest artist horn-player Michael Gast, two concerts of classics for kids, and additional performances in a neighboring community.
Tampa Bay Symphony, $10,000
To support concerts with guest violinist Ani Kavafian. The concert will tour to Clearwater and St. Petersburg, in addition to being presented in Tampa.
Waterloo-Cedar Falls Symphony, $10,000
To support presentations of A Viennese Treat, a concert program featuring pianist Wendy Chen as a guest artist. The concert will be performed in Cedar Falls and in rural Oelwein, where residents have little opportunity to hear live classical music. High school band students will be integrated into the performance.
Wheeling Symphony, $10,000
To support Young People's Concerts with guest artist, mime Dan Kamin. Participating schools in rural West Virginia will receive teachers guides and CDs to develop interest in the concerts.
Billings Cultural Partners, $10,000
To support the creation and implementation of Westfest. Westfest is a marketing umbrella concept that positions Billings as a cultural destination that will couple cultural events and attractions with services. Nineteen arts organizations make up the Billings Cultural Partners that are participating in this collaborative effort.
Cultural Development Foundation of Memphis, $10,000
To support performances and a master class by Regina Carter. Violinist Regina Carter and her quintet will conduct a master class for a select group of public school string students, as well as perform in concert with the Memphis Symphony Orchestra.
Nelson A. Rockefeller Empire State Plaza Performing Arts Center, $10,000
To support a series of events celebrating the musical legacy of Leonard Bernstein. Activities will include a performance by the Empire State Youth Orchestra, a dance program choreographed by Ellen Sinopoli set to new arrangements of the composer's music by clarinetist Don Byron, an original play about Bernstein by the Siti Theatre Company, and concerts by pianists Bill Charlap and Findlay Cockrell.


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Today we're celebrating the beautiful Sara Paxton's 26th birthday! You may know this actress from the hit movies Aquamarine, Sydney White, Shark Night, and Disney's Return to Halloweentown. She's sweet, bubbly, and always looks gorgeous in whatever she wears! Check out how you can get Sara Paxton- inspired Designer Swimwear looks!
One of Sara Paxton's cutest films was Aquamarine, a teen comedy film about two girls befriending a mermaid one crazy summer. Sara played an adorable mermaid who was trying to adjust to life on land. Our Lost At Sea luxury swimwear bikini couldn't be any more fitting for Sara! Not only is the name perfect, but the style is right on point. The red striped bustier-style bikini gives the suit an adorable sailor look. Sarah looks amazing in stripes so I have no doubt she would look great in this suit.
Sara played a college undergrad in the film, Shark Night, as she and seven friends took a trip to her family vacation home. Along the way, the group experiences a series of shark attacks that puts the trip over the edge. Even while being featured in this horror-action film, Sara still looks amazing! In one of her scenes, she can be spotted in a teal bikini which really pops against her golden skin. Our turquoise Sugar Rush bikini is the perfect match to her teal suit. It has gold hardware on the neck ties and hips which adds a bit of glam! You'll be able to rock the teal hue just like Sara!
Sara's style is all about simplicity with a touch of glam. At one of her movie premieres, Sara came out in an all white dress with a cute sparkly belt. The simple outfit looked flawless and was so eye-catching. You can get this same look with our Summer Siren suit. The white hue is simple, yet elegant. It is paired with teal stones which really pop, just like Sara's belt. Add some accessories and you'll be ready to debut this flawless look!


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Music video -- 2
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Car Deals
Hatchback Deals: March 2014
Many shoppers think that hatchbacks are among the most practical vehicles on the road, and we tend to agree. If you're searching for a new hatchback, you'll love our latest list of the best hatchback deals and incentives available today.
Chevrolet Spark
The tiny Chevrolet Spark is a subcompact hatchback that's perfect for city drivers looking for a car that will be maneuverable around town and easy on fuel. While the Spark has not previously been offered with incentives and deals, the 2014 model is finally available with an incentive in March. For qualified drivers interested in financing, Chevrolet is offering a 48-month term with interest rates starting at 2.9 percent. While it's not quite the same as the 60-month term that the brand is offering on other models, it's still an excellent deal on a popular new car.
Find a Chevrolet Spark for sale
Ford Focus
The 2014 Ford Focus is a popular compact car offered in 4-door sedan or 5-door hatchback body styles. In March, it includes some excellent incentives from Ford. Qualified shoppers interested in financing a 2014 Focus, for instance, can get 0 percent interest for up to 60 months -- a deal that includes up to $500 cash back. For those looking to pay in full, Ford is offering up to $2,500 back for cash buyers. And while Ford isn't offering a lease special for the Focus hatchback, we think monthly payments will be only a little more expensive than the brand's $169-per-month offer on the Focus SE sedan -- a deal that extends over 36 months and requires around $2,300 down.
Honda Fit
The subcompact Honda Fit is nearing replacement, and that means the outgoing model is now available with some excellent incentives and special offers. For qualified shoppers interested in financing the 5-door hatchback, Honda is offering 0.9 percent interest for up to 60 months on all 2013 models. For drivers who would rather lease, Honda is touting payments from $149 per month for 36 months -- a good deal that requires just $1,999 down at lease signing.
Kia Forte5
The redesigned Kia Forte is an excellent compact car that offers a long warranty, lots of standard and optional equipment, and eager powertrains. We're especially taken with the Forte5, which is a 5-door hatchback that boasts a more practical take on the standard sedan model. In March, the 2014 Forte5 is available with an excellent incentive for qualified shoppers looking to finance: 0 percent interest for up to 36 months or 1.9 percent interest for up to 60 months. Better yet, that deal includes up to $500 cash back.
The recently redesigned Mazda3 is among the best compact cars in the business thanks to its well-crafted interior, a long list of standard and optional equipment, reasonable pricing and excellent driving characteristics. In March, the 5-door Mazda3 hatchback is offered with several incentives for shoppers interested in a good deal. For drivers looking to lease, Mazda is offering a 36-month term with payments from $209 per month after $2,299 down at lease signing. Qualified shoppers looking to finance can also get a good deal, as Mazda is offering 0.9 percent interest for up to 36 months.
What it means to you: Today's top hatchback deals and incentives are available on a wide variety of popular, practical new models.


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130 years of innovation, quality, design: With the new presentation of the completly updated "fascination" carpet collection along with "Selected Rugs", its collection of bordered carpets, Vorwerk celebrated both timeless classics and new articles that look towards the future - its core values. For 25 years now the company has employed innovative power, captivating design competence and unparalleled know-how to set standards in the residential sector with "fascination". The collection is a key component of the Vorwerk portfolio and, accordingly, an outstanding ambassador for the firm's thorough grasp of both the market and trends. What's so "fascinating" about the Vorwerk brand was able to be sensuously experienced at the trade-fair booth at DOMOTEX 2016 in Hanover, Germany.
Vorwerk at DOMOTEX 2016


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Yesterday we mentioned the Speedtest.net had released a Windows Phone 8 app but many were receiving network communications errors that prevented them from using the app.
The developers work frantically to identify and resolve the issue and the app appears to be working as it should. We have confirmed that Speedtest.net is working on the Nokia Lumia 920 and HTC 8X over WiFi and cellular signals.
Speedtest.net is a free, ad supported app for your Windows Phone 8 device that you can snatch up here in the Windows Phone Store.
Thanks, Rodney, for the tip!


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Pure Effect Filters Pure Effect Water Filter Review I'm sure you know by now that if you value your health and sanity, you should not drink tap water period. There are just too many toxic heavy metals, radiation, viruses, pathogens, flushed prescription medicines, brain eating amoeba and industrial chemicals that are still alive in most tap water. Having a really good water filter is no longer a luxury but a necessity! The pure effect filters are the top of the line and easiest to install of all home water filters. That is the purpose of this pure effect water filter review to show you exactly why you will want to choose this filter over all others. This one, pictured above is the one I love most as it is simple, easy to install, easy to replace filters, yet one of the most powerful water filters on the planet, even besting Reverse Osmosis units, which are considered the gold standard. Only the Pure Effects filters have natural zeolite in them, and that is a very powerful benefit that the others don't have. Zeolites are amazing crystals that remove heavy metals, radiation, mycotoxins (mold, yeast, fungus), viruses and environmental chemicals like VOC's, glyphosates, pesticides and chemicals. It is also an alkaline mineral, so it makes your drinking water a healthy pH level too. You can discover more about why this is such a great thing at: Zeolite Reviews. Fluoride Water Filter The Pure Effects is a powerful Fluoride Water Filter. It removes toxic sodium fluoride, chlorine, lead, aluminum, barium, mercury, even nuclear radiation particles. It removes microbes, even the tiniest ones with …Read More »
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Archived Publications
contain dated information
that do not reflect current
WDFW regulations or policy.
These documents are provided
for archival purposes only.!
WDFW Publications
Fish Passage Barrier and Surface Water Diversion Screening Assessment and Prioritization Manual
Habitat - Guidelines
Date Published: December 2009
Number of Pages: 240
Author(s): Mike Barber, Susan Cierebiej, David Collins
The Fish Passage Barrier and Surface Water Diversion Screening Assessment and Prioritization Manual provides guidance on how to locate, assess, and prioritize fish passage problems (culverts, dams, and fishways) and surface water diversion screening problems. These science-based protocols are well accepted and provide a consistent approach to determine a fish passage barrier. We encourage all parties assessing culverts to use the WDFW fish passage and screening assessment protocols and to share their data for inclusion in the statewide database.
This manual was originally written in 1998 to provide a standardized methodology for evaluating fish passage at road crossings. The manual has since been expanded to include evaluation of additional instream features, including dams, fishways, other human-made instream structures, natural barriers, and surface water diversions. Revisions to the prior version of this manual (August 2000) are summarized in Table 1.1. A glossary of words, terms, and abbreviations used in this manual can be found in Appendix A.
1.1 Purpose
This manual is intended to provide guidance for conducting fish passage and surface water diversion inventories. Fish passage inventories lead to identification and assessment of instream features and prioritization of fish passage barriers based on amount, quality, and species utilization of habitat upstream of the barrier. Surface water diversion inventories allow for the identification, assessment, and prioritization of unscreened or inadequately screened diversions in need of correction.
1.2 Overview
This chapter introduces the general inventory concepts and discusses inventory planning. The second chapter of the manual covers information needed to describe the location, fish use, and ownership information for each site evaluated for fish passage and/or screening. Chapters 3-8 describe data collection and methods for evaluating different features encountered during the inventory. Finally, chapters 9 and 10 cover habitat assessment methods and prioritization for fish passage and screening projects, respectively.
The methods described herein have been widely used since the late 1990s by Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), tribes, local governments, the Salmon Recovery Funding Board (SRFB), regional fisheries enhancement groups, and others. WDFW provides training on the protocols contained in this manual to groups conducting inventories.
WDFW maintains a database of data collected using the protocols described in this manual. The WDFW Fish Passage and Diversion Screening Inventory (FPDSI) database functions as a central repository for information resulting from inventories conducted throughout the state. This information can be used to select and implement fish passage and screening projects vital to the recovery of Washington's salmonids.
Details of the update
Chapter 3
Road Crossing Structures – Culverts
Added table for guidance in estimating the percent passability for barrier culverts. Also includes photo examples of different road crossings.
Non-culvert Road Crossings
New section.
Level A flow chart
Updated flow chart of the Level A culvert analysis.
Photo Examples
New figures, including photo examples of different road crossing structures, and tide and flood gates.
Chapter 4
Expanded discussion on dams, including feature description and evaluating fish passage. Added data collection attributes table. Included photo examples of different dam structures.
Chapter 5
Miscellaneous Obstructions
New section on 'Other' human-made fish passage features (that are not classified as culverts or dams). Includes photo examples of miscellaneous obstructions.
Chapter 6
Natural Barriers
Chapter 7
Added section on evaluating fishways associated with culverts, dams, and other features. Included data collection attributes table.
Photo Examples of Fishways
New figure.
Chapter 8
Surface Water Diversion/Screen Evaluation
Updated text, figures, and data collection table. Includes photo examples of common screens.
Chapter 9
Habitat Assessment
Eliminated the Expanded Threshold Determination (ETD) option for estimating habitat gain. This method had a very low confidence level due to several factors. A map-based assessment does not identify additional upstream and downstream human-made barriers, or natural barriers that may prematurely end a habitat survey. The actual length of fish bearing waters is difficult to accurately assess using the map-based method, leading to the possibility of overestimation or underestimation of actual habitat.
Physical Habitat Survey
Discontinued using the term Ordinary High Water (OHW). Now using the term Scour Line Width (SLW), referring to one of the channel width measurements taken for making fish passage and habitat assessments. Refer to Glossary in Appendix A for definitions of terms.
Appendix A
Glossary of Terms
Appendix B
Recommended Equipment List
Appendix D
Measuring Channel Width (Appendix 'H' from the Design of Road Culverts for Fish Passage)
Appendix E
Basic Culvert Surveying Techniques
Suggested Citation:Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. 2009. Fish Passage and Surface Water Diversion Screening Assessment and Prioritization Manual. Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. Olympia, Washington.
RELATED DOCUMENT(s):
About WDFW
Wildlife Viewing
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Living with Wildlife
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
E-mail: firstname.lastname@example.com
Privacy Statement
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Weekender Report
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Split Seconds, the second annual thesis exhibition by the graduating class of the International Low Residency MFA in Photography program at the University of Hartford's Hartford Art School, features the work of 15 graduating MFA candidates: Morgan Ashcom (USA), Sebastian Collette (USA), Rafael D'Alo (Brazil), Scott Dalton (USA), Michael Dalton II (USA), Dorothee Deiss (Germany), Geoffrey Ellis (USA), Dagmar Kolatschny (Germany), Adam Long (USA), Daniel Claus Reuter (Iceland), Felipe Russo (Brazil), Nicolas Silberfaden (Argentina), Chikara Umihara (Japan), Ira Wagner (USA), Zack Zoll (USA).
A reception with the artists and faculty will take place on Saturday Aug. 10, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Joseloff Gallery at the University of Hartford. The exhibition will be open to the public from Wednesday, Aug. 7, through Monday, Aug. 12. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Friday, 11 a.m.–4 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, 12 noon–4 p.m.
For more information on the show, visit: www.hartfordphotomfa2013.com.
The limited residency MFA in Photography at the Hartford Art School is an innovative program designed for both mature individuals with established experience in the field as well as recent graduates who wish to further their own practice and acquire an MFA degree in order to facilitate their professional credentials as artists and educators. It differentiates itself from existing programs in that the new program is an International low-residency program and is the only low-residency MFA in the United States focusing solely on Photography. More info can be found at: http://www.hartfordphotomfa.org
Faculty and Guest Lecturers Include: Alec Soth, Mary Frey, Dr. Jörg Colberg, Thomas Weski, Michael Schäfer, Doug Dubois, Alice Rose George, Adam Bartos, Ron Jude, Mark Steinmetz, Susan Lipper, Wiebke Loeper, Gerry Johansson, Robert Lyons – Director.


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Buffett due here to help celebrate GEICO success
GEICO Corp., one of the nation's largest auto insurers, has reached its goal of hiring 2,500 employees in Western New York, two years ahead of schedule.
The Washington, D.C.-based insurance giant today will mark the achievement with Warren Buffett – the "Oracle of Omaha" – coming to GEICO's Amherst service center at the CrossPoint Business Park. Buffett is CEO of Omaha-based Berkshire Hathaway, which owns GEICO and The Buffalo News.
He will be joined at 11 a.m. by New York Lt. Gov. Robert Duffy, GEICO CEO Tony Nicely and other company executives, state officials and local dignitaries.
GEICO announced plans in December 2003 to build a new regional auto insurance service facility, adding 2,500 jobs over 10 years. The project received $100 million in Empire Zone tax breaks over 14 years. The $40 million, 251,000-square-foot, two-story facility was completed in September 2005 and is now one of about a dozen full-service GEICO sales, service and claims operations nationwide.
"When we built the office, we made the commitment that we would eventually get to a 2,500-associate mark by 2015," said Kirk La, assistant vice president of the Amherst center. "We actually have gotten there a couple of years in advance, and we're growing."
The Amherst facility handles the company's business in New Jersey and New England and also provides backup to GEICO's primary New York facility on Long Island.
email: firstname.lastname@example.com


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Nineteenth Century
The Victorian Society in America offers the opportunity of advertising in its flagship magazine, Nineteenth Century. From our first publication over 30 years ago, the VSA has accepted advertising in its pages - and from the start the advertiser quality has reflected the best. The best antique dealers, book publishers, art galleries and auction houses. The best in Victoriana, lighting, wallpaper, paint, hardware, & furniture.
We have a discerning membership, knowledgeable about and fascinated by the period, and willing to buy products associated with it. There is a large pass-along readership owing to the nature of our circulation, which, in addition to our thousands of members, includes major public and university libraries, historical societies, historic homes and museums.
Click Here for advertising rates and requirements
Online advertising
We also give the opportunity to for-profit organizations or web sites who share the mission of the Victorian Society in America of becoming a Business Member. In addition to regular benefits of membership, we promote business members on our popular web site and in our email newsletter.
Click here for website Business Memberships


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Fifita, Rosa, Mafi suspended, Alamo Bowl status uncertain
CORVALLIS, Ore. -- Mike Riley announced on Monday that the three Oregon State football players charged with misdemeanor assault and disorderly conduct are suspended from the team indefinitely.
Rudolf Fifita, Mana Rosa and Dyllon Mafi were arrested Saturday morning outside of Impulse Bar and Grill in Corvallis.
"They are suspended right now and probably will remain that way from the team," said Riley. "I haven't yet had a chance to speak to them."
Riley wouldn't rule the three players out of the upcoming Alamo Bowl but said their status for the game remained uncertain.
If they miss the bowl game, Fifita's absence would hurt the most, as he had 25 tackles this season.
"All of these things are always about choices," said Riley. "Guys make their own beds so to speak. Not too much good happens at that time of day."
The players that were at practice on Monday said the arrests were not distracting to the team.
"Those guys are good friends and good teammates," said Jordan Poyer. "They are not those typical type of guys you know. They are some good guys, so I am praying for them and hopefully we will see them in a couple of days."
The three were released from jail Monday on conditions they not consume alcohol and they avoid contact with the victim.
The judge said the three may leave the state while the charges progress through the legal system.
According to Corvallis Police Lt. Cord Wood, the three players were at the Impulse Bar and Grill at 1425 NW Monroe when they got into an argument with a man and assaulted him.
A second person got involved in the fight and was also assaulted, Wood said.
- Mafi, a junior linebacker, was booked on charges of assault (3rd degree), disorderly conduct and misrepresentation of age by a minor
- Rosa, a junior defensive tackle, was booked on charges of assault (3rd degree) and disorderly conduct (2nd degree)
- Fifita, a senior defensive end, was booked on charges of assault (3rd degree) and disorderly conduct (2nd degree). He is being held on $157,500 bail


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Ankles, Arch, Athelete's Foot, Ball, Bunion, Bunionette, Callouses and Corns, Heel, Mid-Foot, Skin, Toes, Warts
The AnkleNFoot.com Site does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. The contents of the AnkleNFoot.com Site, such as text, graphics, images, and other material contained on the AnkleNFoot.com Site ("Content") are for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on the AnkleNFoot Site!
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.


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I'm completely speechless...
(Seriously, I don't deserve this. )
Candidate, not cinadidate. Damn it. It's past midnight here.
I was quite surprised when I examined some threads about how much you post. You're definitely are or should be a cinadidate for "Most dedicated".
Congratulations for you now being painted in Red!
Do I spy with my little eye...a red star? Congrats! :D
You turned red?!
The discussion pops up every once in a while. All I do is change the wording. :P
Always nice to see you have someone thinking alike.
Figured as much ;)
No problem, thanks for accepting!
I don't really care about stuff like stars, but my feeling says you'll get one now. So congratz!
Noseless and Handless
The Mad Moiselle
Discovered Stowaway
The Die Has Been Cast
Banhammers R Us
I Like Video Game Music
Just Chilling.
Flagon Snaggin' Dragon


text:
Alaqua Animal Refuge takes in approximately 500 dogs per year � small ones, large ones, short haired, shaggy, young, and sometimes rejected old ones.
There are so many homeless animals that the decision process is a difficult one, said Alaqua founder Laurie Hood.
Alaqua is a no-kill shelter, and volunteers at other shelters around the region send Hood pictures all the time of dogs that touch their hearts.
Hood received such a picture last week.
An older black Lab had been found wandering the streets of Panama City. Bay County animal control caught him and took him in. He had no chip, but his owners were found. Bay County called the owners, who told workers the dog's name, and how old he was. Jake was 15, they said, and they had had him since he was a pup. However, for unexplained reasons, Jake's owners no longer wanted him, and had set him loose on the streets.
When Bay County emailed Hood last Friday with the information they had found out on Jake's circumstances, and to tell her his time was up at their shelter, Hood felt compelled to act.
She went to Facebook and posted: "Is there anyone who can transport a lab from Bay County (Panama City) Animal Control to Alaqua tomorrow? This FIFTEEN year old lab was found as a stray, and when his owners were finally located, they said that they did not want him anymore.... after FIFTEEN years of owning him. I can�t stand it � he will be euthanized if no one takes him A.S.A.P. Let me know if you can help."
To her amazement, she quickly had 30 comments, most expressing disgust at the dog's owners, along with a dozen offers to transport Jake from Bay County to Freeport, and a couple of offers to give him a new permanent home.
Hood said she has taken in only a few other 15-year-old animals.
"There was just something about his face that just tugged at my heartstrings," she said. "I have a dog just like him. He has old soulful eyes. It just broke my heart. You hate to pass judgment, but I didn't want him to die alone in that shelter. So, when I got the message that it was his last day before being euthanized, I just decided to take him and let him know some happiness in whatever time he has left."
The next day, Hood posted pictures of Jake with his new owners, and at his new home in Destin at Kelly Plantation.
"We usually take a week to process animals, but, with his age and circumstances, I wanted him to spend the first night in his own bed instead of at the shelter," said Hood.
Laurie and Jodie Kelly saw Hood's original post and since they already have one Lab, they felt he might fit in nicely with the family.
Indeed, Hood said that the Kellys report that Jake fits in like he had lived with them all his life.
"I was amazed at how quickly we found a home for him," said a delighted Hood.
Currently, Alaqua has many senior dogs living at the shelter, but they aren�t the most popular among those looking to adopt.
"We try to balance it out by taking in so many small, medium, large, long-haired, short-haired, young, old, and special needs," said Hood. "But sometimes, God has different plans. So we end up helping with criminal or hoarding cases, which overloads us in one area or more."
To help find these "special" animals find a forever home, Alaqua has a "Partners Program" that pairs senior dogs with senior people and the adoption fee is waived. And, if ever the senior owner can no longer care for that animal, Alaqua guarantees the dog can come back to Alaqua.
But sometimes, they don't find their own home.
"Unfortunately, when we do take in older animals we know that this may very well be their last stop, so we try to make them as comfortable as possible. We do have to sit with them sometimes as they cross the rainbow bridge� " said Hood.
Hood recently wrote a blog about being with a senior horse when he passed. View it at http://www.alaquaanimalrefuge.org/about-us/lauries-weblog.
If anyone wants to help another senior Lab in need, Pensacola's Escambia County Animal Services has a senior Lab named Chief that was dumped at the shelter on Valentine's Day. Chief is a neutered male. His ID number is #A244848. Or, call Escambia County Animal Services at 850-595-3075.


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Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Claudia J. Dewane
Clinical social work is a derivative profession, drawing its knowledge and practice base from several theoretical schools. The four primary theoretical schools contributing to social-work philosophy are psychodynamic, humanist, cognitive–behavioral, and postmodern. Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), although considered one of the third-wave behavioral approaches, draws from all four theoretical schools of clinical intervention. This entry gives an overview of ACT development, its essential features, empirical base, tenets and techniques, and relevance to the social-work profession.
Adult Protective Services
Patricia Brownell and Joanne Marlatt Otto
Adult Protective Services (APS) are empowered by states and local communities to respond to reports and cases of vulnerable adult abuse, neglect, and self-neglect. While incorporating legal, medical, and mental health services, APS programs are part of the social services delivery system and incorporate principles and practices of the social work profession.
Aging: Services
Nancy Morrow-Howell and Leslie Hasche
Despite high levels of functioning among older adults, chronic health conditions lead to impairment and the need for help. Family members provide most of the assistance; yet formal services such as in-home personal and homemaker services, congregate and home-delivered meals, adult day services, employment and educational services, transportation, nursing homes, assisted and supportive living facilities, legal and financial services, and case management are available. Even with the growing number and type of services, unequal access and uneven quality persist. In these settings, social workers develop and administer programs, provide clinical care, offer case management and discharge planning, and contribute to policy development.
Alcohol and Drug Problems: Practice Interventions
Maryann Amodeo and Luz Marilis López
This entry focuses on practice interventions for working with families and individuals including behavioral marital therapy, transitional family therapy, and the developmental model of recovery, as well as motivational interviewing, cognitive-behavioral therapy, relapse prevention training, and harm reduction therapy. A commonality in these intervention frameworks is their view of the therapeutic work in stages—from active drinking and drug use, to deciding on change, to movement toward change and recovery. We also identify skills that equip social work practitioners to make a special contribution to alcohol and other drug (AOD) interventions and highlight factors to consider in choosing interventions.
There are a range of practice interventions for clients with AOD problems based on well-controlled research.
Alcohol and Drug Problems: Prevention
Flavio F. Marsiglia, David Becerra, and Jaime M. Booth
Prevention is a proactive science-based process that aims to strengthen existing protective factors and to diminish or eliminate other factors that put individuals, families, and communities at risk for substance abuse. Prevention is important because alcohol and drug abuse are a leading cause of morbidity, mortality, and health expenditures in the United States. Alcohol and other drug abuse is also associated with infectious diseases, chronic diseases, emergency room visits, newborn health problems, family violence, and auto fatalities. The comorbidity of drug and alcohol abuse with mental health disorders and HIV adds urgency to the development, evaluation, and implementation of comprehensive and effective prevention interventions. The social work profession plays a key role in substance abuse prevention, as it not only targets the use and abuse of alcohol and other drugs but also aims at reducing the related negative health and psychosocial outcomes and economic burden they produce on individuals and society at large.
Catheleen Jordan and Cynthia Franklin
Assessment is an ongoing process of data collection aimed at identifying client strengths and problems. Early assessment models were based on psychoanalytic theory; however, current assessment is based on brief, evidence-based practice models. Both quantitative and qualitative methods may be used to create an integrative skills approach that links assessment to intervention. Specifically, assessment guides treatment planning, as well as informs intervention selection and monitoring.
Larry W. Foster
Bioethics and biomedical ethics are defined. Common bioethical concepts, exemplary moral values, fundamental ethical principles, general ethical theories, and approaches to moral reasoning are reviewed. The scope of topics and issues, the nature of practice situations in bioethics, and social work roles on organizational bodies that monitor and respond to bioethical issues are summarized, as are trends in bioethics. Practice contexts, from beginning to end of life, are highlighted with biopsychosocial facts, ethical questions and issues, and implications for social work—a profession uniquely positioned in giving bioethics a social context.
Borderline Personality Disorder
Gloria Hegge
The historical development of the borderline concept is traced up through the development of the diagnosis of borderline personality disorder (BPD). Treatments for BPD during the 1970s and 1980s are discussed, including the object relations theories of Margaret Mahler and James Masterson, as well as trauma theory described by Judith Herman. Three evidence-based treatments (EBTs) that have emerged from the 1990s to the present time are described, as well as findings from brain imaging techniques and how new EBTs and neuroimaging have changed the view of this disorder.
Care Transitions, Patient Health, and System Performance in the United States
June Simmons, Sandy Atkins, Janice Lynch Schuster, and Melissa Jones
Transitions in care occur when a patient moves from an institutional setting, such as a hospital or nursing home, to home or community, often with the hope or expectation of improving health status. At the very least, patients, clinicians, and caregivers aim to achieve stability and avoid complications that would precipitate a return to the emergency department (ED) or hospital. For some groups of vulnerable people, especially the very old and frail, such transitions often require specific, targeted coaching and supports that enable them to make the change successfully. Too often, as research indicates, these transitions are poorly executed and trigger a cycle of hospital readmissions and worsening health, even death. In recognizing these perils, organizations have begun to see that by improving the care transition process, they can improve health outcomes and reduce costs while ensuring safety, consistency, and continuity. While some of this improvement relies on medical care, coaching, social services and supports are often also essential. Lack of timely medical follow-up, transportation, inadequate nutrition, medication issues, low health literacy, and poverty present barriers to optimal health outcomes. By addressing social and environmental determinants of health and chronic disease self-management, social workers who make home visits or other proven timely interventions to assess and coach patients and their caregivers are demonstrating real results. This article describes care transitions interventions, research into barriers and opportunities, and specific programs aimed at improvement.
Chronic Illness
Patricia A. Fennell and Sara Rieder Bennett
There is a paradigm shift occurring in medicine, from models focused on treating acute illnesses to those concerned with managing chronic conditions. This shift coincides with the higher prevalence of chronic illnesses resulting from factors such as lower mortality from formerly fatal illnesses and an aging population. The chronically ill do not fare well in an acute care model, and as a result, it has become imperative to develop new models effective for these chronic conditions. These new care models will require comprehensive, coordinated case management, an activity in which social workers can play a significant role.


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Arizona 52, Washington 17
Matt Scott threw for 256 yards and four touchdowns, Ka'Deem
Carey ran for 172 yards and Arizona raced out of its bye week with
a 52-17 rout over Washington Saturday night.
Arizona (4-3, 1-3 Pac-12) went into its bye worn down and beaten
up after three straight losses to ranked opponents.
Refreshed and mostly recuperated, the Wildcats had their way
with Washington's defense from the opening drive, eclipsing 500
total yards (533) for the sixth time this season.
Scott finished 14 of 22, throwing two touchdowns to Austin Hill,
and ran for another score. Carey scored on a 2-yard run, and
Richard Morrison added a 63-yard touchdown on a punt return to give
coach Rich Rodriguez his first Pac-12 win.
Washington (3-4, 1-3) had no chance against Arizona's fast-paced
offense, and quarterback Keith Price had another so-so game in the
Huskies' third straight loss.
Price matched Scott with 256 yards passing, but his line didn't
look quite as good, needing 52 attempts to get there and with two
interceptions to offset his one touchdown.
Washington played a brutal schedule the first half of the
season, facing four teams in the top 11 of the AP poll. The Huskies
were run over in two of those, on the road against LSU and Oregon,
but beat Stanford and stayed close to USC last week despite four
turnovers and a blocked punt.
It didn't figure to get any easier against Arizona and its
go-all-the-time offense, particularly since it didn't go so well
the last time the Huskies faced an up-tempo team.
Of course, that was against arguably the fastest team in the
country, No. 2 Oregon, which ran past them for a 52-21 victory.
Preparing for a no-huddle team and seeing one live should have
helped the Huskies against Arizona, which had run more plays than
all but one team before its bye week.
It didn't.
Snapping the ball almost as soon as the officials placed it, the
Wildcats picked Washington's defense apart behind Carey's
quick-burst running and Scott's pinpoint passing.
Scott set Pac-12 records for completions (45) and attempts (69)
while throwing for 491 yards and three touchdowns in Arizona's
54-48 loss to Stanford two weeks ago.
The fifth-year senior didn't have to work quite as hard against
He opened by getting two Washington defenders to bite on a pump
fake to set up a floating, 27-yard touchdown pass to David
Scott did it next with his legs, scoring on a 1-yard run, then
his arm, finding Garic Wharton on a 33-yard touchdown pass on
fourth-and-3 to put Arizona up 24-3. He also had a quick answer to
Washington's first touchdown – a 6-yard pass from Price to Austin
Seferian-Jenkins – by hitting Hill on a 53-yard touchdown.
Scott's only real mistake came in the closing seconds of the
first half, when he was hit, and his fluttering pass was picked off
by Washington linebacker Travis Feeney at midfield. He rumbled to
the 3-yard line, setting up Bishop Sankey's 1-yard touchdown run
that cut Arizona's lead to 31-17 at halftime.
The miscue did little to slow the Wildcats down.
Arizona gained about 10 yards when the teams traded fumbles near
midfield, and Hill followed with his second touchdown catch,
sending Washington's Sean Parker to the turf with a wicked
stiff-arm on his way to a 17-yard touchdown.
Morrison followed with his punt return touchdown, and Carey
opened the fourth quarter with his touchdown run to put Arizona up
52-17 and send the fans on an exodus to the exits.


text:
Crushed Velvet Party Dress
Added Apr 19, 2013
by kennysparka
De Kalb, United ...
This fun party dress is made out of black crushed velvet that has a stretch to it. The full circle skirt is definitely made for twirling- as you can see I had fun doing in the pictures ;-) I self drafted this pattern (including the sleeves which I am super proud of- these were my first pair of successful sleeves!) And, turn around, open back! Gasp! It's edgy and flirty at the same time!
This product is for sale
By kennysparka at AnnaAlexei
Material Notes
Black crushed velvet
1 Comment Sign in to add a post
Apr 25, 2013, 05.22 PMby princesslily
i really love it, how did you finish the neckline? stretch fabrics are so tricky
Add to Favorites 3 people added it


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Summertime Foodstuffs in Loro Ciuffenna
The unbearable heat has ripened up the first round of summer crops. On the slopes of Pratomagno in Tuscany after a cool spring that forced us to plant our gardens late, a suffocating haze hovers in the afternoons. For weeks now we've been sleeping in any spot with a cross-breeze, parking under olive trees to take advantage of the shade, and eating cool foods like panzanella, vitello tonnato, and rice salad.
The gardens are offering up cucumbers to marinate into cool, refreshing salads, and tomatoes for insalata caprese, fresh pasta sauces, canning, roasting, and eating in huge bites with just some salt, oregano and olive oil. There is lettuce, garlic, onions, hot peppers, bell peppers, parsley, celery, basil, carrots, eggplant, fresh beans that will be hearty dried beans in winter, and loads of zucchini with brilliant yellow flowers. Piero fries the flowers, which he calls topi, with an anchovy inside and in a light and crispy batter.
Piero is my randy 80-year old neighbor, and he serves these at his cool shady refectory table, where we huddle by the outsize fire in winter, and take refuge from the heat in summer. I serve them as an antipasto, but for ol' Piero, they're a meal all to themselves along with bread and a few lowball glasses of his inky black homemade wine. For dessert he picks a few plums, bloomy pink on the outside, sweeter than sweet and crimson red on the inside.
My garden offered up just the right ingredients for a bella Pasta alla Norma, and having just gotten back from Sicily, I decided to whip one up (it's practically the national dish of Catania). Plus I hand-carried a big chunk of ricotta salata I snapped up in the market in Catania, and Pasta alla Norma is just about the best way to use it. Pasta alla Norma is quick, fresh, and bursting with flavor. The minimum of ingredients, all of which are at the height of their flavor right this minute, are brought together with some good olive oil and eccola, a super tasty meal. So I served it first to Pasquale, who brought over a cold bottle of a Calabrese rose' – a perfect match. I think he got bored with my litany of how each and every single ingredient had come from my garden, been hand-carried from Sicily, or made by a friend. Oh, I love the litany: tomatoes, basil, garlic, eggplant and olive oil made by me, salt and cheese hand-carried from Sicily, pasta made by my friend in Strada in Chianti.
I made it again for our World Cup dinner (Forza Azzuri! Campioni del Mondo!). We had a crowd, everybody pitching in a little something – cantaloupe with prosciutto, an insalatone (big salad), and watermelons. One friend brought a pasta; she's German, and when I saw her open up the little jar her sauce came in I thought: German girl, ought to know better than to make pasta for a bunch of soccer rabid Italians. Cheeky of me, seeing as how I'm just as foreign as she is. And add to that, that my very own team lost ages ago and hers came in a fairly respectable third. Anyway, I was fully rooting for Italy, but not with so much fervor as to not notice that my Pasta alla Norma was licked clean while the German sugo from a jar was still available in abundance.
I do love the Pasta alla Norma, but the tomatoes start to wear thin. How much pasta with tomato sauces can one person eat, and really – there are such better things to do with the tomatoes. Norma in BiancoSo as to take advantage of the great eggplants and expose their flavor to the fullest, I whipped one up in bianco, all white, which is to say leaving out the tomatoes. I added mint and almonds to the mix though, and with the good spicy olive oil, it's a rich and tasty plate of pasta. I served that one to my friends visiting for a weekend by the pool as an escape from the broil of Florence. I had no doubt that the American and Swedish folks would eat it happily, and Pasquale is already used to my little fantasias in the kitchen; however, I was happy to see that Federico, the lone Tuscan in the room cleaned his plate – twice.
I spared everyone the litany of fresh and hand-carried ingredients, but when Federico mentioned the excellent consistency of the pasta – off I went. The pasta I use is made by my friend Giovanni Fabbri in his family's pasta factory. They make it with organic Tuscan wheat; it's not overly ground and it has a great flavor. It's dried in a days-long process at a very low temperature that ensures the gluten remains active, hence the mouth-watering consistency. It's sort of a shame to put sauce on it at all.
When the heat breaks, and it will, the temperate Tuscan summer we all know and love will descend upon us anew with cool evening breezes coming down off the mountain. We'll all take a sweater with us when we go out, blankets will get pulled from the end of the bed where they've been exiled for weeks, and the fireplace in the living room will be burning bright. The windows will be opened, and the cool cross breeze will feed the flames to make coals for the barbeque. Right there in the living room I'll grill some pork ribs (pork being the national dish of Tuscany) prepared following the unwritten Lorese three-ingredient rule (I live in a village called Loro Ciuffenna, hence Lorese). Less is more in these parts, and if you tart it up no one wants to eat it. And really, why bother? The materia prima (primary material or ingredients) is so good that elaborate preparations are not necessary. One of my friends here in Loro Ciuffenna ate barbequed ribs once in the U.S.A., (here pronounced ooza) and still amazes large groups of people with stories of that "marmalade" slathered all over them. The concept of barbeque sauce does not exist, nor is there any need for it to.
I happily drive the 30 minutes over to Arezzo to my favorite pork butchers to get the ribs, which are known as rostinciane in Florentine and costoliccio in Aretine – I have to remember these things when I'm shopping. The meat can't be any better, so there's no need to do much to it. I rub it with loads of salt and dried wild fennel seeds that I plucked myself off the side of the mountain – sorry, I can't resist – and let them sit while the fire reduces itself to coals. I pull some coals out toward the front end of the fireplace, set the footed grill contraption on top, and off they go. When they're done, 15 or so minutes later, I quickly put them onto a platter, and while they're still in cooking mode I douse them with some of that good olive oil. All you need to add for a perfectly nice dinner are some fresh tomatoes, a few slabs of dense and hearty wood oven-baked bread for soaking up the oil, and a bottle of hearty red wine.
Piero adding oilThe high-quality extra virgin olive oil, besides being heart-healthy and flavorful, is also versatile – you can use it anytime, anywhere. It works from the beginning of your recipe preparation to the end, for savory or sweet, and as an ingredient or a condiment. It enhances the flavors of the ingredients around it, creates a richness, and it's the secret ingredient that makes a simple plate of pasta with only three ingredients, one of the most rich and savory meals you've ever put in your mouth.
Until the temperate climate resurfaces, the only grilling being done around here is by Piero. He lights a fire next to some stones in a corner of his garden – tonight he was having a pork chop and some freshly harvested eggplant. Olive oil on it and onto the grill; when it's done, another drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkling of salt and that's that. Si mangia.
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