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17 December 2013
Gustavo Dudamel conducts LA Phil in Bjarnason world premiere and Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 3 with Yuja Wang
Music Director Gustavo Dudamel leads the Los Angeles Philharmonic in the world premiere of Daniél Bjarnason's Blow bright, performances of Stravinsky's Petrushka, and Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 3 with pianist Yuja Wang.
The Icelandic composer's new work for orchestra draws inspiration from a single line from Philip Larkin's poem "Night-Music" – "Blow bright, blow bright, the coal of this unquickened world" - as well as Bjarnason's thoughts on many other things, including the power of the ocean. "This piece is written in a very free flowing and instinctive way," says Bjarnason. "It's actually very close to being pure abstract music." Discover more about the work here.
Gustavo Dudamel and Yuja Wang collaborated earlier this year to record a live performance of Rachmaninoff's Third Piano Concerto with the with the Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra of Venezuela in Caracas. Discover the recording here and watch a feature on the album here.
In March 2014, Gustavo and the Los Angeles Philharmonic embark on their second tour of North America. The tour programs will include Bjarnason's Blow bright, and Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 3 with Yuja Wang. Discover the complete 2014 tour schedule.


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subset: commoncrawl


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Florida is legalizing cohabitation because government shouldn't interfere with consenting adults. What about florists and cake decorators?
Believe it or not, a man and woman living together in sin (as Christians call it) has been illegal in Florida since at least 1868. According to Reuters, "Florida moves to repeal 1868 law banning 'sinful' cohabitation."
The Florida legislature is moving to legalize unwed cohabitation, repealing an 1868 law that makes "lewd and lascivious behavior" among consenting adults a misdemeanor punishable by 60 days in jail and a $500 fine.
"The times have changed," Senator Eleanor Sobel, a South Florida Democrat, told the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday.
[Cohabitating couples] are not getting caught much, Sobel said, but some grandparents are being denied visitation rights because they live with an unmarried partner, and that cohabitation status could show up in background checks as a law violation.
"Only three states are left with this outdated statute — Florida, Michigan and Mississippi," she said.
The committee voted unanimously for her repeal bill, which earlier cleared the Criminal Justice Committee. It is set for Senate floor debate in the second half of the session in May.
In theory, I am completely in favor of this law remaining in place. But in practice, if it is never enforced, then I don't know that we should hold onto it. People need to know what their government is willing to punish them for. Laws that are seldom enforced become the opportunity for petty tyrannies.
But I had to laugh at one of the Senator's claims in defense of repealing the law:
Currently, over a half-million couples in Florida are breaking this law. The government should not intrude into the private lives of consenting adults.
Right! Because when someone decides they don't consent to bake a wedding cake for a same sex relationship, our government never intrudes on the decision.
America loves using Libertarian arguments but most Americans don't actually believe any of them. Rather, they prefer to force people to do what they want them to do.


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We, Bennita (Beni) and Ganesh (Gani), will be your hosts during your stay in Arco Iris.
After having spent the better part of our lives inhaling the dust and fumes of Indian urbania, we both decided that there was no place like Goa. Since the kids were only too happy to second our opinion, our shift to the beach state was considered, contemplated and then executed in double-quick time.
After having made the decision to make Goa our home, it took us a fair amount of time and energy to locate the property that would satisfy our myriad requirements. It was after the arduous search of almost a year that we chanced upon Arco and instinctively knew that our search had ended. The fact that the house had not been occupied for close to three decades, meant that it took us another three years to restore the house to its present condition.
Arco has been our home now since May 2009 and matters have been helped by the seamless manner in which Trusha (17 years) and Trikaya (14 years) have transitioned to the Goan way of life.
After having experienced the serenity of life in Arco for the first couple of years, we thought it would be a shame if the pleasures of living in a quaint village in Goa weren't shared with others yearning for a interlude in their hectic lives and hence the decision to open our doors to guests.
Guests are provided with boarding and complementary breakfast. Additionally, lunch and dinner can be arranged for with prior notice. We are always accessible to offer assistance, be it for transport arrangements, sight -seeing options or just about anything else that will make your Goan holiday a memorable one.


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Splitting Your Time Between Inputs and Outputs
I've long been an advocate of 'Deep Work'.
However, if I'm being honest. I acknowledge that I often engage in inordinate amounts of 'Shallow Work' while convincing myself that I am not procrastinating on what really matters.
I call this pseudo-productivity.
If I were to define it, it would be
Pseudo-productivity: avoiding tasks that will move the needle on your goals, by engaging in shallow tasks that can easily be rationalised as productive and important, but that are not.
For me, this often takes the form of reading or doing tutorials on more advanced uses of programming languages and technologies that I already have an adequate understanding of.
In an effort to combat this, for the past week, I have been implementing a practice of assigning all of my tasks as 'Inputs' and 'Outputs'.
An 'Input' is anything you would consume. Be it food, water, media, information.
Inputs can be passive, like scrolling through Twitter. Or active, like making notes, or solving problems from a Mathematics textbook.
All that matters is that you are taking something from the outside world, and 'consuming' it.
An 'Output' is any procedure whereby your actions cause the existence of something that did not previously exist.
An Output can be as simple as folding a pile of socks (creating order where there was previously only chaos). Or as involved as advancing a scientific or artistic domain.
Deep Work, Inputs and Outputs
Generally speaking, the majority your Deep Work will be spent on Output tasks. However, some particularly demanding Input tasks may apply. Examples being some forms of academic study and research.
Ryan Holiday believes that reading is deep work.
I, for the most part, disagree. The majority of books that are read do not deserve 'Deep Work' levels of concentration. Furthermore, few people need to read as deeply as Ryan, given that we do not make our livings off of books and writing.
Sports Periodization, Inputs and Outputs
Sports Periodization is a concept from competitive training, where the athlete cycles through several facets of their training regime to maximise performance gains, and recovery time.
It's also the model for what I have come to call 'Productive Periodization'. Which can be defined as:
Productive Periodization: The cycling of numerous tasks, of varying productive value. This is done to prevent burnout, minimise stress, and maximise the use of time.
One can use Productive Periodization by alternating your time between Inputs and Outputs.
Regularly check in with yourself throughout the day. Or whenever you begin or finish a new task, and ask yourself, "Was this an 'input' or an output?. Then choose your following task accordingly.
Did you just finish writing an article? Pick up a book.
Pushed some code? Then open up a tutorial.
Rewrote a marketing strategy? Call a friend, meet them for coffee.
With the theory of inputs and outputs, you will never be at risk of burnout, or crippled by analysis paralysis ever again.


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· Frustration when communicating
· Speech that is not understood
· Inability to follow directions
· Improper grammatical structures
· Chronic hoarseness
· Repetition of sounds or words
· Drooling
· Limited vocabulary
· Difficulty answering questions
· Sudden change in ability to communicate
· Difficulty with swallowing and/or eating
· Poor socialization
Welcome to KingwoodSpeech.com!
Evaluation and Therapy
Kingwood Speech Pathology Services (KSPS) has been serving children and adults with speech and language needs since 1983 and with occupational therapy needs since 2001. Conveniently located two blocks from Hwy. 59, KSPS draws clients from throughout the Northeast Houston suburban area. At KSPS, you and your family will find a warm, friendly staff ready to assist you. Our staff includes speech-language pathologists and an occupational therapist who are experienced in serving diverse populations including clients with Autism, Apraxia, Down syndrome, cognitive deficits, Cerebral Palsy, hearing impairment, Cleft Palate, neurological impairments, fine motor delays, Selective Mutism and bilingualism.
2665 Royal Forest Drive, Suite B-90, Kingwood, TX 77339
Web Site Design: ION Graphics Internet Design


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Quail Valley Elementary School (QVE) staff and cheerleaders recently took part in the Annual Zombie Dash 5K and 1-Mile Kids Run, sponsored by the Missouri City Police Officers' Association (MCPOA).
Proceeds from the event support the MCPOA in its efforts to help feed hungry families, provide toys for underprivileged children at Christmas, assist police officers in emergencies, and support area charities throughout the year.
After competing in the 1-Mile Kids Run, three QVE students were named winners. Jose Reyna won first place, Ashley Daniel won third, and Kassidi Davis won fourth. Hightower High School student, Daniel Ward, won second place. They each received gift cards.The MCPOA also awarded prizes for the best costumes.


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Tuesday, April 20, 2010
that is how my life is going right now, completely out of focus.
I am like this great big momma hen trying to get all my chicks back under my wings and just about the time I think I have them all tucked and filed away neatly I find that 2 or 3 have escaped and another is ready to pop out! Arrrgghhhh!! I am so not a chaos person. I like my schedules. I like my boring little life to be practically the same week after week! I like knowing what I am going to be doing in two weeks so that I can plan a little about how it will happen.
Please dear goddess all of things right and whole, put my life back on it little rusty track and let me ramble on.
My life now includes emphysema. What this appears at the moment to mean, is that I will never again not be short of breath. Ok, I can deal with that right. I now have a good excuse for not training for a 20k marathon. simple... right. No, apparently it means more than that. I don't have all the facts yet, but I will. I hope.
What I really need now is to know that this is it. This is wear it stops. This needs to be what I have and no more, "well we thought it was.........but now we think it is...." What has happened to me is I have gone from allergies, to worse than usual allergies... ummm.. to bronchial inflammation to congestive heart failure to ... (please be the last) emphysema. This has been in the last 6 weeks.
If anyone out there in blogland has the magical ability to make this dervish I currently am calling my life stop spinning... I beg of you.. please. Pretty please.
I know deep down in the dusty logical parts of my brain that I am still extremely lucky and should just be thankful I wake up above ground. Look at me for heavens sake.. I have and am typing on a computer and having it go out over the entire planet! I do know this ... somewhere, deep down there..... I just need a a tiny bit of focus to bring it back to the forefront.
Ramble, ramble... vent. Ok... done.
On with the show!
till next time, the Oz
photo credit: Églantine on flickr
21 comments:
Oh, Oz. What sucky suck suck news... sorry you have to go through all of that... sending good vibes your way, baby :)ReplyDelete
Hi Missy Linda, I am so glad that you are getting "results". I know it may not be the answers you wanted, but at least now you can start to get a handle on this situation. Know that I have been thinking of you lots & lots lately. Wishing you all the best & sending huge hugs xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoReplyDelete
Holy toledo.. major prayers for you Miss Oz... major prayers.. My father had conjestive heart failure...you do not want the circumstances, trust me...our the outcome. But I remember the night vividly... almost 20 years ago....ReplyDelete
I am so glad you are up and about and can type! And have a diagnosis.
Here is hoping you have many more full moons to dance under..
hugs and kisses...
And hugs from me, too. I know you well enough to know that you will handle this with humor and grace. Keeping you in my prayers.ReplyDelete
Linda, I am praying for you each day. I pray that you will find peace and that the whirlwind stops and calm comes SOON! That a plan of action relieves some stress and provides you some relief. My dear friend, we are all here for you!ReplyDelete
I want to be clever and witty and exclaim "you ALWAYS leave ME breathless!" .... with your amazing art, hilarious banter and WONDERFUL friendship.... And then, after that... I got nothing.ReplyDelete
Nothing, except to say that while most of us {I'm assuming, here!} don't have exactly the kind of magic to make life step OFF and stop dealing you so much CHAOS... We DO, very much have the collective power to hold you in thoughts and prayers and SHOWER you with white light, indeed! WE can do THAT! We can LOVE you right though this mighty blog-o-sphere with such wonder and strength, they haven't even invented the technology to measure it!
So, gee. S'pose I found some words. I just know that I treasure you. If there is any earthly thing {beyond prayer and positive thinking...} that I can do for you, I hope you'll let me know. Your spirit is GIGANTIC and you have a heart that clearly matches. Be strong and {let yourself} be loved.
So, wishing I lived NEAR to you, my sweet. But,again, with all that this particular technology will allow me to... I'm here for you! I love you, sweet Linda AKA.... OZ {the GREAT and powerful! Eh!?! THAT'S RIGHT!!!}
Linda, you have been in my thoughts and prayers. Having a diagnosis is a major step in the right direction, with diagnosis comes treatment and a chance to discover your new "normal". I'm praying your life will settle back into your comfortable little routine soon.ReplyDelete
Sending love and a big bear hug your way....
Hi Oz, I've been wondering where you were and what was going on... guessed it was something big. It's good to get a diagnosis because then the endless merry-go-round of tests and investigations becomes directed into something far more meaningful and useful ie some actual help and support for you. Please know that you've got lots of friends here in Blogland that are thinking of you and sending you love and support. Keep strong my dear and funny friend, Jo xReplyDelete
How like you to be so funny and positive about what is happening to you Oz.... I'm glad you now have a reason for all the problems... believe me it's half the battle won....You now know what you are dealing with...and can get on with dealing with it... my thoughts and prayers are with you my dear. Keep up your spirits and know we all love youReplyDelete
Hi Oz so sorry that you have had all these weeks of misery, but at last you have a diagnosis which always helps when you understand what you are dealing with. Sorry to hear that you have emphysema I am sending you lots of hugs and hope things improve a little for you.ReplyDelete
Linda! So many have said it so wonderfully before me, especially that Elise who has such a way with WORDS! But I add my voice to the chorus! Having the diagnosis will now lead to the right course of treatment and we all want you back making us laugh and cry and wowing us with your amazing creativity! My thoughts and prayers are with you! Love you!!ReplyDelete
Tjeeez this is a major bummer. I had to google wat it all involved and girl, this aint no picnic. I'm so sorry this has to happen to you. Sending you thoughts of well wishing and please keep your spirits high.ReplyDelete
sending you big hugs, Linda! i am so glad to hear from you again, but hated it to here the news... please take good care.ReplyDelete
Oh sweet momma OZ :( So sorry to her the news, but knowing is power now!! You can and will deal with this like everything else...HUMOR and laughs are one of the best medicines around!! You are always in my thoughts, keep us updated ok? Sending LOTS of HUGS TRace XOXOReplyDelete
This comment has been removed by the author.ReplyDelete
sorry for the above...here's the comment again.ReplyDelete
This well and truly sucks. I know you will find your equilibrium soon and deal, but know you can vent whenever you want to! And now, with my magic wand, I shall put an end to the madness and it stops here. Blessings, Miss Oz, for all the days of your long life.
Oz.... missed you hanging out over on HA... what positively crappy news... no matter which way you slice it.... and I know you... slice it you will.... and dissect..... and so on.ReplyDelete
But you are an amazingly positive person with an ability to make people happy, think positively and smile. You will return to that non chaos state quicker than you can imagine (fingers and toes crossed for you!) Will keep you in my thoughts and prayers - so sorry to hear that the last number of weeks have been so Crappy! Let's not mince our words here!!!
Sending you hugs across the ocean (and smiles). Xx
- AnonymousApril 25, 2010 at 8:41 AM
Sooo sorry to read about your health issues, Oz! :( I know what it's like to feel like you're struggling to breathe. I've had really bad asthma all my life. Although it's improved recently, when I was younger I can't even count how many times I had to stay at the hospital for my asthma. It's defintely no fun!ReplyDelete
I really hope things improve for you!
I'll keep you in my thoughts! Please stay positive and optimistic! :)
Oh OZ...I'm so sorry you have been sick...I wondered where you were over at HA...ReplyDelete
I will pry for you and hope you will feel better soon...your in my thoughts!!
Big Hugs to you.....
Elise said it so well... I know our collective prayers and hope for your well being will uplift and support you in ways you may never realize. I also know only too well your feelings in this post (been there.) Keep blogging them here... shout and vent and scream. You don't have to go this alone, on your own two feet. Let us help.ReplyDelete


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Sunday, November 30, 2014
Wednesday, November 26, 2014
Some Cupcake Tags
Cupcake Drawing and made some little tags to tie onto the goodie bags for her sweet friends that came to her party. I make most of my tags on 3" x 3" pieces of 1/4" masonite so they are super durable and will last a long time.
Labels: Tags
Tuesday, November 25, 2014
Art Journal Page 11/25/14 - A Comforting Little Place
I've been working on a Christmas neighborhood too. But I think that will have to wait until our December First Friday Art Class to be revealed. I'm almost sure this will be our project for December. I think the girls will have fun making some cute little neighborhoods of their own.
Sunday, November 23, 2014
Thursday, November 20, 2014
Another Little Hedgehog
Yarn: unidentified scratchy wool (body), Red Heart Comfort Solids (face), Sugar n' Cream (nose)
Needles: US 2, US 4
Pattern: Little Oddment Hedgehog from Little Cotton Rabbits (I love this pattern!!)
Labels: knitting
Wednesday, November 19, 2014
Art Journal Page 11/19/14 - Neighborhood
I made the houses free standing so I could move them around and decide where I wanted to put them, as opposed to building them directly onto the paper. It was a little tricky glueing all the tiny pieces on, but worth being able to move them around and see which arrangement I liked best.
Here they are laid out on the page, but not glued down yet:
There's just something so sweet about a grouping of little houses isn't there?
Monday, November 17, 2014
Friday, November 14, 2014
Paper Piecing Fall Branches - a Tutorial
Here are the step by step instructions:
(It was quite fun making the tiny replica of my original piece to go on the instruction page)
Here are the step by step instructions:
(It was quite fun making the tiny replica of my original piece to go on the instruction page)
First Friday Art Class November 2014 - Fall Leaves
We took a little bit longer break than usual this year and are just now starting up our First Friday classes (this month on the second Friday). But we are back in session and ready to go.
Our theme today was FALL LEAVES. All of our projects had to do with leaves and trees and Fall.
I always like to start out with the simplest project and then move onto the more complicated. These Cut Out Leaves are very simple and fun to make. It's like cutting out snowflakes, only much simpler because you only have one fold. I first saw them HERE on the Choi to the World blog and I knew it would be a perfect first project for our November class.
The girls got right down to business and each made several leaves. We had 7 girls today and there were moments where they were all concentrating so much, there were actual moments of silence. Crazy! :)
Puzzle Trees. (Inspiration for this project came from HERE and HERE). This is where we get a little more complicated. This project has a huge wow factor as you're doing it and the finished product. Win-win!
Here are the step by step instructions and my sample is at the top of this post:
Here are the sweet, beautiful girls with their finished, beautiful trees:
Monday, November 10, 2014
Friday, November 7, 2014
IF - Paper
I have an artist friend that despises working on lined paper. It drives her crazy. Not me. Doesn't bother me at all.
Illustration Friday - the theme the week is paper.
Several years ago I did a pear painting for my sister that looked like this...
Thursday, November 6, 2014
110514 Face
Labels: Drawing
Wednesday, November 5, 2014
Art Journal Page 11/05/14 - 5 Girls
For a long time it looked like this--an unfinished page sharing space with my Bunny Girl.
I like that the lettering is on a deep purple background which accentuates the purple stripe in the facing page's hair. Not planned, just a happy coincidence. I love when stuff like that happens!
Art Journal Page 11/05/14 - Autumn Girl
Here's the progression this little gal took from line ink drawing to finished face:
fancy Tea Girl. I like that both these ladies prefer oversized headwear.
Butternut Squash Soup for lunch.
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Getting Kids to Eat Real Food (Part 2 of 2)
In Getting Kids to Eat Real Food Part 1 we discussed food battles, as well as our goals and responsibilities in feeding our children. In this episode we get down to the practical matter by giving you lots of tips… many you've probably never heard before and will be surprised by.
Children Have Genuine Preferences
It's true that you don't know what you like until you try it. We should always encourage our children to try new flavors and textures. But if they repeatedly tell you that they don't like something, it's okay to respect that and not require them to eat it. If your child has a genuine dislike, there are plenty of other ways to get that same nutrition.
There's nothing wrong with putting vegetables or fruit in your prepared foods to boost nutrition, but tricking your child to eat something he wouldn't otherwise eat is not moving forward our overall agenda of teaching him to make good food choices and acquire a taste for wholesome food. It's better to be honest and upfront about what's on the menu and turn it into an opportunity to teach and grow.
You'll have an easier time getting your child to eat vegetables if you cook them (but not mushy) and season them well. No one enjoys plain veggies. Feel free to add butter, salt, cheese, garlic, bacon etc. Also, most vegetables can be roasted which develops the natural sugars and makes a tasty char that most kids find pleasing.
It's okay to design you child's plate so that the quantities of what they like and dislike allow them to have some of both but force them to eat what they don't necessarily want (usually the vegetables) to get more of what they do want.
Dealing with Sugar
Sugar, especially used in a more healthy and natural form, is not a bad thing. HOWEVER, we all eat too much. It's possible to wean your child's taste buds down as well as his physical bodily demand for sugar by reducing the amount of commercially produced foods that you provide, and cooking from scratch at home. You can easily reduce the amount of sweetener in any baked good by AT LEAST 25% without anyone even noticing.
Sweet drinks can be a really big issue with kids. But it's also a great place to cut out or reduce lots of unnecessary sugar. For young children, juices can be cut with water to reduce sweetness and sugar content.
For older children who are used to having sodas, buy 12oz (or smaller) cans instead of 2 liters so you can control portions. Having water at meals will not only save you money at restaurants, it will allow you to save the sugar for a special snack or treat.
When eating candy, your child doesn't need a full bag or candy bar. Get him accustomed to eating a smaller portion (for example – 2 or 3 squares from a chocolate bar or 1 small scoop of ice cream instead of a bowl full).
When you're eating a diet of whole real foods, you don't need as many snacks to keep you going! Real food is full of healthy fat, protein, fiber, and complex carbohydrates that fuel your body for a long time and keep you fuller longer.
Evenso, young children often need a snack. Sometimes (just like us adults) they just want to munch on something salty or sweet and they aren't really hungry. Other times, they really do need a boost to make it through the afternoon. Use these times as opportunities to help your child learn the difference between the two and make his own choice between a small handful of something to satisfy the munchies or some filling nutrition.
Breakfast Cereals
Sugary breakfast cereals offer very little nutrition. But no one wants to eat plain flakes! Start with a whole grain unsweetened variety and let you child add his own topping. This way, you can be in control.
Oatmeal gets a bad rap – instant packets are mushy and slimy. If your kids don't think they like that, give it another chance. Whole cooked oats are easy, meaty, chewy and kids love them. There are lots of healthy topping choices to add flavor and variety.
Ideas for cold cereal toppings include chocolate chips, honey, maple syrup, chopped fruit (apples, peaches, raisins, dates, etc), candied nuts, or a handful of our granola. On hot whole oats try butter, cream or milk, honey, maple syrup, fruit butters, jam, yogurt, nuts, raisins, dates, chopped fruit or chocolate chips. Be creative!
Food Presentation
If your child doesn't want his food mixed and prepared together, it's okay to accommodate that to a point. For instance, if he doesn't like salads, just put larger chopped components on a plate for finger munching. Or if he will eat the beef stew without the peas, just put the peas on the side.
Doing this on occasion when you know there's a true preference is not compromising our goal of teaching him to eat what's available and developing his tastes as long as he is in fact eating the same food – just presented slightly differently.
Get Kids Involved
When your child has some ownership in buying the groceries, planning and preparing the meals, he's more likely to want to eat. Choose age-appropriate tasks and let him help. Teach him about where food comes from and how it's grown/processed. Shopping, cooking & cleaning skills are important practical life lessons.
Bring your children with you into our store. We'd love to give them a sample cup of chocolate milk and we usually have some bakery sample available too. We love to help children learn to love good food.


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We recently embarked on the next evolution of Gaia . Our move to rebrand ourselves as Gaia was about more than a new logo or color scheme, it was about taking a huge leap forward. A leap forward in the quality of our service. A leap forward in the experience for all of our members. And a leap forward in fulfilling our goal of connecting the global, conscious community.
Having been a member of the Gaia team since the beginning, I am extremely proud of where you have helped us go and how far we have come. I'm also excited about the great things that lie ahead. As part of our evolution, we are rolling out some exciting new features, new apps and great new ways for you to connect with our growing community. I'll be sharing some sneak peeks of what's coming over the next few weeks, starting with a feature I'm particularly excited about:
Community Hearts
The content on Gaia is full of inspiring moments, insightful quotes and intriguing references that provide great jumping off points for your own explorations, but keeping track of it all can be difficult. Our Community Hearts feature will allow you to mark your favorite moments so you can always remember them, as well as discover the most important moments from the rest of the Gaia community.
For you, leaving a heart is like creating a video bookmark that you can reference any time you'd like. For the rest of the community, it's like a sign post on their journey toward inspiration. You are their guide. Show them the moments that open your mind and open your heart. Show them the moments that change your perspective.
Hearts appear above the video timeline, with your hearts displaying in purple. Click any heart to instantly jump to that moment.
This feature is currently available to a small test group, but we'll be rolling it out to all of our members in a few weeks. With Community Hearts, you become the guide for the rest of the Gaia community. We can't wait to see what inspires you.
Director of Product Design at Gaia


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Earlier this week we ordered a Roku device from Amazon. We purchased the complete bells and whistles XS model. The main reason for this was I wanted a wired connection for the device instead of a wireless one. I knew a couple of people that owned the devices and loved them. I thought I would give it a try.
Let's go over some background.
For some comparison until the Roku arrived we have used an Apple TV2. This has been jailbroken and has XBMC installed on it. The reason we purchased the Roku is that our device started getting the infamous time bug. The ATV2 could not longer update it's time. This meant that Netflix stopped working on the device. I am reluctant to reflash the device because I don't want to spend the 2-3 hours it takes to set up XBMC again to my liking. Xie was miffed because she used Netflix all the time so this put a large damper on her media consumption, especially the kids shows that my son watches.
We do have a lifetime subscription to PlayOn basic so I could use that to view Netflix and Hulu Basic through XBMC. The problem with that route is that you can only really watch what is in your Netflix queue. It also does not mark once you have already seen something. We also tried using Netflix through the PS3, but compared to the ATV2 interface it was clunky, slow, and just didn't work well.
So the goal was to get a device in which we could watch Netflix without reflashing the ATV2. I would love to say I researched different models for days, but truthfully from what we had seen in the past Roku was really the model we wanted. It could do Netflix, Hulu (albeit Plus only), and Amazon (so we could use our Prime free streaming on the TV for once). I did think briefly about getting a Boxee, but it didn't have the Amazon Prime streaming and was twice the cost. I also had played with the desktop version of Boxee and I didn't like the user interface compared to XBMC or the ATV2. Boxee was also twice the price.
So you can see that we didn't need something to watch Netflix. I just wanted to be lazy and not reflash the device. The other methods though were not as easy to use, so I will concede to that point. The rule is I can do whatever I want to the home network until it makes something more difficult to do. The stupid ATV2 bug broke that rule on me. It was only my fault in so far that I didn't want to fix it. I purchased a Roku instead.
Onto the Roku
The first issue with the Roku (I knew when I ordered it) is that I was out of HDMI ports on the TV. I bought a HDMI switch box which allow us to switch between the Roku and ATV2 with the touch of a button. Currently the PS3 is without a picture.
When first setting up the device we had to register it. This requires a computer to go online to the website and enter a code. This is kind of a hassle. I sit down in front of the TV to start configuring the device, and it tells me to get up and use another device.
Dear Roku,
The first rule of TV watching is that you want to keep the eyeballs on the TV set. Maybe in the digital era sans commercials this is no longer relevant. Unfortunately for the TV viewing public this is still the golden rule. When I configured the Apple TV2 I did not have to use any other devices than the remote the came with the unit. Please work on this.
This of course has the ease of use of not typing in anything on the Roku and being able to use the keyboard to set everything up. You would think that wouldn't you. We'll get back to that thought in a minute.
During the initial setup on the website you enter a code from the device to link it to your account. You select your channels and options you want from the website. Third parties can offer more channels through a private channel method. I selected the defaults – Netflix, Hulu, Amazon, Flickr, Crackle, Angry Birds and some others. I then had to wait about 15 minutes while all the channels were downloaded to the device. Seriously? I understand the ability to update the software later, but the default programs advertised on the box should have already been on the device.
I then managed to get into Netflix. It is similar to the PS3 interface, but slightly better. Xie was not happy. We will make it work until I have time to reflash the ATV2. We then tried Amazon Prime, which even though we added the channel we had to link the device. This requires us to once again get up off the couch and go over to the computer. The choices are pretty much the same as Netflix with a few exceptions.
Then we tried Hulu. Hulu required Hulu Plus which I clicked to sign up for the one week trial. You can't sign up for the trial from the device. You have to go to your computer and fill in the information. You then had to use the remote on the Roku to type in your username and password. Why can't all this account info be handled on the Roku site? We then get into Hulu and can get a few more things than basic – but of course lose access to other shows because of weird Hulu licensing (thank god for PlayOn). The Hulu picture though was sharper than going through the PlayOn / XBMC combination we normally use.
I tried the Angry Birds and I didn't like the motion control remote that pretends to be a Wii controller. At first it wasn't responsive and then it was too responsive. For a game like Angry where the gimmick is to pull a sling shot it is workable, but for anything with more precise controls I would hate it.
Since you setup everything on the website, if Roku ever goes out of business you are stuck with a hunk of plastic. The ATV2 could still be usable or hacked into something else if Apple ever went out of business. For some this may be a real concern. It is unlikely since Roku seems to be in the lead as the Internet streaming to your TV provider.
Finally I can not play any local media with Roku. I can't listen to a local MP3. I can not view a local picture on my computer. I can not play one of my DVDs I have ripped (99% of my media collection is ripped to a file server). With the ATV2 I use XBMC to consume these things. You can also import them in iTunes and play from within the standard ATV2 interface. You can also use AirPlay from your iOS devices and stream directly. I can set up a Plex channel on Roku, but I'm scared how that is going to look and act compared to XBMC. I would have to set up a second database for media since I already use a MySQL server with XBMC. Duplication to do the same task is a pain in the ass. I love XBMC.
The interface is slow and clunky in all the channels. Xie referred to this as beta software. I explained this was the third revision – her response was that it was still beta. Compared to the ATV2 I will concede that it is slower, less elegant, and the user experience for getting up off the couch to configure items is horrendous. It does offer the Hulu Plus and Amazon Streaming which is its advantage at the same price.


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« Children of Black Immigrants Faring Well in Early Years, Study Finds | Main | Ark. District Asks Former ELLs to Return as Bilingual Teachers »
An Education Week Spotlight on English-Language Learners
Information on English-language learners is always popular with Education Week readers, so if you're looking for one resource-rich place to find content on ELLs, look no further than this newly curated collection of stories and blog posts from edweek.org.
The collection is called "Spotlight on English-Language Learners in the Classroom," and is downloadable in PDF form for free.
It features stories on the steady rise in dual language programs, new training on working with ELLs for core-content teachers, and "shadowing" ELLs as a key part of teacher professional development. You'll also find previous edweek.org story collections on English-language learners that focus on classroom practices, as well as assessment. You can download those for $4.95.


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-Dustin Heiser, Mount Prospect, IL
We look forward to speaking with you.


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Monday, September 30, 2013
VIDEO: David Gilbert and Adam Johnson in conversation
My fall got off to a rocky start health-wise. I've been out of balance, and I've been having trouble writing for the past few weeks. Ridiculous, I know. But the good news is, I've been attending some amazing literary events around town. Sometimes I'm bad about sharing or uploading the video I shoot, but I think this week is the week to feature some seriously awesome events.
The following video was shot several weeks ago—shortly before I contracted the flu, hence the delay in posting. This is the sort of evening that makes me grateful to live in San Francisco, a city where authors like David Gilbert come on book tour, and a city that is home to an extraordinary local literary community. The night of Mr. Gilbert's lit event at the Book Passage Ferry Building store epitomized what I'm talking about.
Make no mistake, I was pretty excited to hear David Gilbert speak. His novel, & Sons, is
here. The novel is wonderfully substantive, and I was really curious to hear what the author had to say about it. It wasn't until the day of the event that I learned he'd be "in conversation" with Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist Adam Johnson. Amazing! Where but San Francisco can you see these two literary powerhouses in conversation at your local independent bookseller's?
Now, readers of this blog may recall that I'm a huge fan of Adam Johnson, professionally and personally. I don't know the man well, but as far as I can see, he's the nicest person on the planet. Seriously, the man's sweetness and gentleness has been the subject of more than one conversation among the local literati. The opinion is unanimous. And, Adam, I'm sorry to embarrass you if you ever—God forbid—happen to read this.
Here's the other thing that is consistently amazing about the San Francisco literary community… They come out to support each other. On this particular evening, Andrew Sean Greer, Scott Hutchins, and Tom Barbash were among the audience. I'm friendly with all of them, so it was a great social atmosphere. And we were discussing this very thing—the terrific, supportive literary community—after the talk. I said something along the lines of San Francisco having possibly the best local lit community in the country. I said that people always talk about Brooklyn, but that by all accounts, it's super-competitive out there. Tom Barbash came back with a quote from Vendala Vida: "In New York, writers read each other's reviews. In San Francisco, writers read each other's books." That's it in a nutshell.
It goes without saying that the conversation between Johnson and Gilbert was fascinating. And I'm so delighted to be able to share it with you in its entirety. Enjoy!
P.S.: I am confident that Book Passage would be happy to sell/ship you a signed copy of either of these authors' work!
Posted by Susan Tunis at 1:50 AM
Labels: Adam Johnson, Andrew Sean Greer, book tour, David Gilbert, Scott Hutchins, Tom Barbash, Vendala Vida, video
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What: Headworx English Nationals
Where: Watergate Bay Newquay UK
When: 3 – 5 May 2008
Newquay surfers dominated the final day of the Headworx English Nationals at Watergate Bay, with surfers from the town claiming over 10 of the 23 titles on offer.
Winning the prestigious Open division was 19-year-old Tom Butler from Newquay, with defending champion Oli Adams second, and Headworx team riders Matt Capel and Reubin Pearce third and fourth respectively.
Another Newquay resident who had a good day on the beach was Lee Bartlett, who showed his competitive pedigree by winning two divisions. The former English and British champion took victories in the Senior (over 28) and Masters (over 35) divisions, taking his total number of English national titles to six.
16-year-old Holly Donnelly, also from Newquay, was another surfer relishing the 3ft surf. Donnelly made up for losing in the girls division (won by Croyde's Kathleen Spears) by winning the womens title ahead of Jersey's Sophie Hellyer.
Other notable performances came from Darren Halse who won the bodyboard division; Saunton's Ben Haworth who won the longboard; and Lewis Clinton, whose win in the juniors (under 18) also earned him the Dave Gent Memorial Trophy for the best-placed junior surfer from Newquay.
With 23 divisions and close to 300 entrants, the Headworx English Nationals is one of the biggest surfing competitions in Europe. This year it was also one of the busiest, with Saturday alone seeing 40 hours of heats contested simultaneously on four peaks.


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News > Press > Carver Theater, SoFab museum and PanAm Life building among 18 winners of Louisiana Landmarks Society
Carver Theater, SoFab museum and PanAm Life building among 18 winners of Louisiana Landmarks Society
24 Feb 2015
The offices of the Tulane School of Social Work, several buildings on Oretha Castle Haley Boulevard and the New Orleans Military and Maritime Academy in Algiers were among the 18 winners of this year's Louisiana Landmarks Society Awards for Excellence in Historic Preservation. The awards honor renovation, restoration and new construction projects completed last year in neighborhoods throughout New Orleans, except the French Quarter.
"The variety and caliber of the projects were amazing this year," said Sandra Stokes, a member of the awards selection committee. "They ranged from individual homes to large-scale projects. There also was a major resurgence in one area — the O.C. Haley area — which is great to see."
The selection committee, which included local architects, historians and representatives of the Historic District Landmarks Commission, was on the lookout in particular for projects that "demonstrated that historic preservation could be a tool to revitalize older neighborhoods," showed sustainable and eco-friendly elements and supported "the cultural and ethnic diversity of the preservation movement."
This year's winners include:
The Tulane School of Social Work, 127 Elk Place: DonahueFavret Contractors, Eskew+Dumez+Ripple architects, Tulane University — Located in the 1917 Elks Building, the School of Social Work's third and fourth floor offices are housed in a repurposed space that "balances design, safety and security with user need, program and institutional identity, while providing an inviting learning, teaching and collaboration environment," the award program said.
518 Natchez St.: studioWTA, Vieux Nouveau Properties LLC — Described as "an exercise in urban density," this project renovated two adjoined three-story brick row houses in the Central Business District. The 8,200-square-foot space includes ground-floor offices and five apartments. "Historic elements of the buildings' architecture were preserved wherever possible, the highlight being an intricately detailed bathroom within a vaulted brick structure on the ground floor of the building," the award program said.
850 Tchoupitoulas St.: Trapolin-Peer Architects, Woodward Design+Build — Originally designed by architect James Dakin, this mid-19th century building houses retail space on the first floor and office space on the two upper floors. "In keeping with the building's historic integrity, the granite sills and masonry walls common to the Warehouse District were preserved and exposed as architectural design elements," according to the award program notes.
Pan American Life Insurance Building, 2400 Canal St.: Clark/McCarthy Healthcare Partners, Eskew+Dumez+Ripple architects, Landis Construction LLC, NBBJ, Rozas Ward Architects, Southeast LA Veterans Health Care System, Woodward Design Group — Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Pan American Life Insurance Co. building is a "significant representation of post-World War II International Style architecture" with an elevated terraced entrance and interior courtyard. "After being out of service and an eyesore for years, it functions today as the administration building for the new VA hospital," the award program notes.
Bienville Avenue Residences, 2423-25, 2431-39, 2416-18 and 2415-17 Bienville Ave.: GCE Green Development LLC — Vacant, blighted structures, these residences were renovated by GCE Green Development "to create historic, energy efficient, high quality housing close to the new hospital corridor," according to the award program.
Carver Theater, 2101 Orleans Ave: Carver Theater LLC, Perez APC — Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Carver Theater opened in 1950 and served African-American moviegoers during segregation. "After the shutdown of the movie screen in 1980, the Carver Theater housed a medical clinic and then sustained damage during Hurricane Katrina," the award program notes. "Careful rehabilitation and a new addition have returned the historic Carver Theater to its proper place as a community entertainment venue for a new generations of New Orleanians."
Faubourg Duchamp, an area bounded by Derbigny, Roman, Kerlerec and Columbus Streets: Pat O'Brien Developments LLC — Preservationist Pat O'Brien has restored 20 blighted properties in this neighborhood, starting in 1969 with a Creole cottage at 1717 Kerlerec St., built by Charles Martinez in 1842. "Ms. O'Brien considers her greatest achievement to have been attracting tenants from different socio-economic levels consistent with the long-time character of her neighborhood," the award program notes.
Il Mercato, 1911 Magazine St.: Concordia Group LLC, Cypress Building Conservation, Joel Catering and Special Events, NANO LLC, Scott Ornamental Iron LLC, Vista Landscaping, YKM Consulting LLC — Originally a market built in 1931, this building has been renovated as an event space. "The rehabilitation of this building puts a neighborhood eyesore back into use and revitalizes a building that might have faced demolition and replacement on valuable Magazine Street real estate," according to the award program.
1241 Josephine St. Marcy Willmann, MBWillmann Design — This 1880s Victorian home with a corner store was converted to a single-family home. "All original components of the home were kept intact, refurbished and reinstalled wherever possible," the award program notes.
New Orleans Military and Maritime Academy, 425 O'Bannon St., Algiers: NOMMA Real Estate LLC, Woodward Design+Build, Woodward Design Group — Within the Federal City neighborhood in Algiers, this project renovated historic structures and added new construction to create a high school campus. "The resulting school building offers classroom spaces, music and band rooms, a cafeteria, labs, locker rooms and administrative offices for the New Orleans Military and Maritime Academy," the program notes.
Myrtle Banks Redevelopment, 1307 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd.: Alembic Community Development, Eskew+Dumez+Ripple, Harmon Engineering, Mazzetti, Ryan Gootee General Contractors — This project renovated a century-old fire-damaged schoolhouse into a public food market. "As a result of the project's successful completion, the Myrtle Banks Redevelopment has become a model for adaptive reuse projects in the Crescent City," the program notes.
New Orleans Jazz Market, Oretha Castle Haley at Martin Luther King boulevards: Grenald Waldron Associates, Kirkegaard Associates, Kronberg Wall, Landis Construction, Leppard Johnson & Associates, New Orleans Jazz Orchestra, Redmellon Restoration and Development, Stability Engineering — The renovated Dryades Market is the new home for the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra. "The historic renovation transformed the former market and discount store into 14,000 square feet of space, including a state-of-the-art 350-seat flexible performance space for NOJO along with practice facilities and educational space," according to the award program.
PolyBar Project, 1725 and 1731 Baronne St.: Ashe Cultural Center, CCWIV Architecture LLC , FH Myers Construction, Gulf Coast Housing Partnership, Neighborhood Restoration of Baton Rouge, Tulane City Center — The Polymnia-Baronne project includes the renovation of a one-story brick structure constructed in 1926 as a department store and a two-story brick and concrete structure built in 1924 as a New Orleans Public Service streetcar switching station. The properties are "a significant contributor to the revitalization of the Oretha Castle Haley Cultural Corridor," the program notes.
Professor Longhair House, 1738 Terpsichore St.: Pat Byrd, Project Homecoming, Rick Fifield Architect, Tipitinas Foundation, United Way — The home of musician Henry "Professor Longhair" Byrd was vacant after Hurricane Katrina. The restoration team worked with Longhair's daughter, Pat Byrd, to renovate the property.
Roman-Bienville Homes, Roman and Bienville streets: CIS Architects, Neville Development, St. James AME Church, Titan Construction of Louisiana — This project encompasses 11 buildings that house 31 affordable housing units in Mid City. "Five of the buildings are rehabilitations of existing homes," the program notes. "The project has helped redefine the neighborhood and sensitively relates to the streetscape."
Southern Food and Beverage Museum, 1504 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd.: Office of Jonathan Tate, SoFAB Institute, Woodward Design+Build — Built in 1912 as the Dryades Market, this building was one of 34 public markets in New Orleans. The restoration stripped "away the layers accumulated throughout the years to expose what remained of the original structure," according to the awards program. "The approach attempted to accommodate the programmatic needs of the new museum, while emphasizing the spatial and physical characteristics of the building's original role as a market."
Marais Apartments, 1501 Canal St.: HCI Architecture, LLC, HRI Properties , Landis Construction, Rick Fifield Architect — The 17-story, 113,000-square-foot Texaco Building was converted into 112 elderly residences. "This adaptive reuse marks the first housing phase of the Iberville-Treme Choice Neighborhood Project, part of the transformation of the Iberville public housing project," the program notes.
The George and Joyce Wein Jazz & Heritage Center, 1205 North Rampart St.: DonahueFavret Contractors, Eskew+Dumez+Ripple, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and Foundation, Rick Fifield Architect — This 1870s buildings, built by Cuban developer Jules LeBlanc, was once two townhomes that were combined into a single Italianate-style building in the early part of the 20th century. "In the rehabilitation, the façade remained relatively untouched, and the original shape and details of the front classrooms were retained, while being updated for optimal acoustics and energy savings," the awards program notes. "The rear half of the building, which lacked the historic resonance of the front, was rebuilt from the ground up into a modern performance space. Through a blend of old and new, the Wein Jazz & Heritage Center brings out the best, while preserving its impressive roots."
The awards will be presented on April 15 during a reception and fundraiser for the Louisiana Landmarks Society.


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A financial advisor is hoping to raise £2,000 for charity by running 30 miles from his home to his workplace in Aylesbury
Sheridan Admans, who works at The Share Centre in Oxford Road, is planning to complete a day in the office after running through the Chiltern hills on Monday, September 26.
He is hoping to raise money for the Lymphoma Association and Barnardo's from the running challenge.
Mr Admans said: "I decided to undertake this challenge in April this year having only reached a distance of eight miles in personal exercise runs previously and never having trained for any running challenge.
"As I have progressed with my training, the enormity of this challenge has slowly dawned on me. Preparing myself has been difficult both mentally and physically and added to this is the consideration that the challenge is not an organised event.
"That means no marshals, no water stations on route, a 3am set off time, off-road terrain, un-paved road, hindered visibility and a climb over the Chilterns.
"These obstacles and the challenge I have set myself are however, miniscule when you consider the challenges faced by those that rely on the support of the charities I have chosen to support.
"I am determined to cross the line as I believe that the money we raise together will make a difference to those that the charities Lymphoma and Barnardo's aim to support, which includes some of my colleagues families at The Share Centre."
If you would like to sponsor Mr Adnams, go to http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-web/fundraiser/showFundraiserPage.action?userUrl=SheridanAdmans&faId=747723&isTeam=false


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The Bachelor Auction by Rachel Van Dyken Release Blitz!
Are you ready to Meet Brock Wellington?
The Bachelor Auction is NOW AVAILABLE!
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BlurbJane isn't entirely sure that Cinderella got such a raw deal. Sure, she had a rough start, but didn't she eventually land a prince and a happily-ever-after? Meanwhile, Jane is busy waiting on her demanding, entitled sisters, running her cleaning business, and . . . yep, not a prince in sight. Until a party and a broken shoe incident leave Jane wondering if princes---or at least, a certain deliciously hunky billionaire---maybe do exist.
Except Brock Wellington isn't anyone's dream guy. Hell, a prince would never agree to be auctioned off in marriage to the highest bidder. Or act like an arrogant jerk---even if it was just a façade. Now, as Brock is waiting for the auction chopping block, he figures it's karmic retribution that he's tempted by a sexy, sassy woman he can't have. But while they can't have a fairy-tale ending, maybe they can indulge in a little bit of fantasy ...
Think of a modern Cinderella... on steroids! This is a funny, tender, hilariously over the top re-telling of the Cinderella story without the wicked stepmother.
Jane is the one who sacrifices and holds her family together no matter what. Her only remaining relatives are her two selfish sisters who push her to the limit to cater to them. Cooking, cleaning, sewing, and, of course, "borrowing" her hard earned money without compunction. Incurring debt without care, they go through life only caring to have fun and hopefully catch a rich husband.
And let's not forget our Prince ~ Brock Wellington. Now Brock is getting up in years and he has his share of troubles like his two younger brothers ~ twins! He is the one that stepped up to help his grandfather run the family business after the loss of his parents. The twins are coasting by and raising heck while appearing on all the tabloids with their fun and games. Perfect scenario for grandfather to push Brock to pick a wife and save the company.
Be prepared to laugh out loud. The banter from the twins is the stuff stand up comedy thrives on. Never a dull moment with those two. But the plot will twist and turn and you will never see it coming at the end.
This is a FUN book. Read and let Calgon take you away from reality as you relax and enjoy this story.
About the Author:
Rachel Van Dyken is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestselling author of regency and contemporary romances. When she's not writing you can find her drinking coffee at Starbucks and plotting her next book while watching The Bachelor.
She keeps her home in Idaho with her Husband, adorable son, and two snoring boxers! She loves to hear from readers!


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"It's a real neighborhood, family-oriented place," said Dr. Helfand. "You just don't see that many anymore."
And it's for that reason that Dr. Helfand does not consider a corporation like Pearl Vision, competition. "I've got generations of people coming here – children, grandchildren. It's very rewarding," he said.
In fact, he noted, there are community connections all the time, so many that "sometimes you don't realize them."
Yet, despite the grassroots dynamic in this office, it may not be a neighborhood police officer or school teacher you bump into in the waiting room. (By the way, appointments preferred here, but not absolutely necessary). You might find yourself rubbing elbows with one of the Pharaohs from Sam the Sham and the Pharaohs or with dee-jay Joey G. You might run into Kathy Brier, a former student at Wagner College, who played the lead in the Broadway production of "Hair Spray" for a time, or pitcher Gloria Elliott, the inspiration for the film "A League of Their Own," starring Madonna, Tom Hanks and Geena Davis.
Then there's a fellow who hit it big in the Lottery and splurges once a year to go to the Yankees' Fantasy Camp, returning once with a photo of the experience that hangs on Dr. Helfand's wall, or the actor who's played alongside Johnny Depp in "Pirates of the Caribbean" films – and dresses accordingly when he comes in for a visit.
With company like that, there's rarely a dull moment in the office, even though everybody is there for eye-care.
Dr. Helfand initially went into optometry because he was "fascinated by eyes." Many of his family members also experienced eye problems, when he was growing up, he said. For him, he said, optometry "is a combination of science and health."
Dr. Helfand attended Polytechnic University in downtown Brooklyn, before heading off to the New England College of Optometry in Boston, Mass. He graduated after completing a four-year program in 1973.
Dr. Helfand said the field is increasingly competitive and increasingly attractive to women. He said when he was studying in Boston, there wasn't a woman to be found in his class. Today, he said, more than half the students in optometry classes are women. He chalks it up to the flexibility the profession provides. "Optometry allows them to combine family and career," he said.
Over the years, said Dr. Helfand, he's noted that those who have the biggest problems with their eyesight, "do the least amount of complaining." Those who complain the most, usually have the best vision or show up with something that can easily be corrected.
Whatever the case, Dr. Helfand said he has no plans to retire. "I enjoy the interaction with patients," he said.
Plus, he's earned a solid reputation. "We get a lot of referrals to do challenging cases," he admitted.
But Dr. Helfand credits his staff, rather than himself, with his success. "I have generations of people working there," he said. "I have the easiest job."
Raymond Helfand Optometry is at 1378 Forest Ave., Port Richmond. The telephone number is 718-442-2727.
Who's who?
What's the difference between an optician, an optometrist and an ophthalmologist? Dr. Helfand explains.
An optician fills a prescription, say for eyeglasses, written by an optometrist or ophthalmologist, much like a pharmacist fills a prescription written by a medical doctor. Some opticians are qualified to fit contact lenses, as well.
Optometrists are trained and qualified to perform eye exams; fit glasses and contact lenses; treat some eye conditions and write prescriptions. They are not qualified to perform eye surgery.
An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor trained to deal with the anatomy, physiology and diseases of the eye. He or she can dispense prescriptions, like an optometrist, but is also licensed to perform surgery. Because of this, an ophthalmologist is considered both a medical and surgical specialist.


text: I can honestly say Matthew is the best Lawyer that I have ever worked with. He has helped me out tremendously and has really helped me out when I was in tough situations with his expertise and knowledge. I would recommend him to anyone because he really takes the time to hear your case. His diligence really pays off. Five stars is not enough for the amazing job he does."


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|I have to say that in this pic we have already
eaten rather a lot of it.
Every now and then I remembered to check the pumpkin was still solid. Last weekend I carried it back into the kitchen, and distilled a huge pot of golden soup from last summer's store.
Sorry if this sounds smug, but, you know, I am. Think of all that weeding and forking compost. My dues are paid. The ends have justified the means. I claim this comfort in the black-ice dark of January.
As Robert Crawford so rightly said:
'A soup so thick you could shake its hand
and stroll with it before dinner.'


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Most people in Edinburgh know Balerno. Sitting beneath the Pentlands and adjacent to the Water of Leith, it exists in a spectacular setting. The village itself is almost circular, giving it a sort of compact nature. Added to this is its vibrant spirit, a thriving Farmers' Market, a spectacular music festival, active parent councils, numerous volunteer groups and a team of dedicated individuals who make up the community council.
However, for many of its residents there is a feeling that it sits under a cloud. The mantra I frequently hear is "Balerno is under siege". And the reason? It is constantly faced with large-scale housing planning applications in the green belt, which surrounds the village.
Last month we saw what was described to me by a constituent as "a traversty for local democracy". I agree. Balerno now faces yet another struggle to stop unsympathetic housing development in the green belt following the decision by the Scottish Government Reporter to overturn the unanimous decision by the City of Edinburgh planning committee to reject proposed housing at land near Ravelrig Road. Gladman Development Ltd's appeal against refusal for 120 units will now go ahead because of the chaos brought about by the city's failed planning process, whereby decisions are often taken out of the hands of elected members to unelected civil servants.
As a member of the planning committee, I voted against this application and no sooner had that decision been taken Gladman chose to disregard the settled will of elected members by lodging an appeal. Now we have an unelected individual overturning that decision. In effect we now operate under a system of "planning by appeal".
There are sites and communities across this city which have suffered from uncertainty from potential housing developments for several years. However, I do believe that Balerno has suffered the most, with various applications coming forward, unsettling local residents time and time again. One appeal can be dismissed only for a developer to come forward again with a slightly modified application, as we have seen with yet another application for Cockburn Crescent.
Rarely, are infrastructure implications taken into account; one only has to look at Lanark Road and Lanark Road West, which can barely cope with existing traffic, to realise that any further housing developments in Balerno will exacerbate the problem.
Ravelrig epitomises what is wrong with the planning system in wearing down local communities which lack the time and resource of developers, but residents should keep supporting the community council and Balerno Green Belt to ensure the most appropriate planning for our area.
Dominic Heslop is Tory councillor in the Pentland Hills ward


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I am a woman with dual citizenship, my feet walk the streets of New Jersey, but my home is Heaven. Three children precede me there, four live on this soil. I am the ecstatic grandmother of eleven amazingly beautiful and gifted grandchildren. The legacy I want to leave them is hope.
I believe hope can only be found in God's Word when we take time to Selah (pause and calmly think about) what He's written. May your pause on my blog fortify your heart with hope.
As an experienced Christian speaker, I would love to share at your women's event. Contact me for availability, references or a sample teaching at firstname.lastname@example.com.


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Saturday, May 29, 2010
Peas and Pak Choi
Ok so this one is neither peas nor Pak Choi, it is Red Russian Kale. I wish I could capture the coloring better, but it was mid day and it made all of my pictures a bit faded. Aside from being quite tasty, the coloring is fricken cool.
We had a mini heat wave and the result is many of my cabbages that are planted in full sun areas bolted like my sister for a Jimmy Choo sale.
Cabbage blooms when unopened can be cooked like Broccoli Raab, even the tender green seed pods can be eaten. These I will trim off the stem and it hopefully will reset... unless another heat wave in the 90's happens again.
I found a really old packet of peas... Alaska. A shelling pea that is supposed to be able to handle a bit more heat than others. Just enough sprouted and survived some rather pesky birds for me to be able to save a good amount of seeds (and maybe a few to add to pasta).
This is a different variety of peas.. I have 4 different kinds spaced out in various beds to minimize cross pollination. I have to look at my chart to remember the name of this snow pea variety. I just think it is cute how they hold on to each other for support.
I will replant more kale and cabbage in late summer/ early fall. I wish I had more room so I could plant a ton of peas and sweet peas. Their flowers are so cheery. I plan to save enough seeds from these 4 cultivars so that I will be set for the next few years.
*knock on wood* I will save the seeds provided Mother Nature will be kind enough to let it happen.
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Hi friends!
Today I have something specifically for my blogging friends! If you're anything like me, you struggle trying to balance all the things that a successful blog requires, and all the things that a successful home requires. I've always thought that I just need someone to tell me what to do and when to do it!
You guys...this is that book!
What will you find in the book?
- How to create a schedule and set priorities
- Content and Design information
- Social Media help
- Monetization ideas
- Logistics and Legal info
For a full table of contents, click HERE!
If you are trying to find the balance between blogging and keeping your home, I cannot recommend this book enough. I know that it is going to be a resource that I refer to over and over again! Just about every question I have ever had is in this book, answered in a way that is easy to understand and apply.
Jacinda has been so generous and is offering a special introductory price! Until Saturday January 18th, the book is only $3.99! After that it goes up to it's full retail price of $7.99. Honestly, it's a deal at either price, but why not grab it while it is on sale? It is available in both Kindle and PDF versions, so it is easy to access for everyone!
Jacinda has also given me permission to give a copy away! Yippee! The giveaway is open through Friday, so go get your entries in!
To see Jacinda's other fantastic resources, click here to visit Growing Home.
Be blessed!


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Thursday, April 27, 2006
Designer - Boyz from the Woodz
Designer Boyz from the Woodz 7" (Black Forest Breed, 1994)
From the forests of Switzerland howl this sludge-noise punk quartet. Influenced by Flipper and trodding the same sodden path as the Brainbombs, Designer made a handful of really noisy 7"s, some of which are still in print. Unfortunately this sound wandered into a cannabis cloud and morphed into heavy stoner rock. Great if you didn't grow up in the 1970s. Useless if you did. That, though, is a different post. Here you get two from an ep of three. --Scott S.
Monday, April 24, 2006
Retardos - Come On Back
Retardos Come On Back 7" (Super Teem!, 1995)
Definitely one of the weirder-looking groups that passed through garage circles in the 90s were these Retardos, a singles-only outfit that graced a few stages in the middle of the decade. The singer was a real Tallee, so much so that he probably got dusted with a little snow a few months back if he's still a California resident these days. Another member looked like an extra from Deep Space Nine, I can't place the specifics, just Local Color. That guy in the shades, he was in the Fevers later on. The lads and lasses are playing on this with a fully stacked 'early-90s edition' garage deck, which means they haven't blended in any of the early 80s-ish punk raging that was starting to muscle into the 'garage' scene courtesy your Registrators, Problematics, Pleasure Fuckers, etc., nor any of the late 70s stuff that was obsessing your Stitches or Humpers. Which made them retro-1991 rockers in 1995.
This was on the then-new Super Teem! label, as Darren transitioned his music empire from the Radio X moniker and was releasing the early Donnas 45s as well. I can't say these Retardos deserved a triple LP or anything, but their two 45s on Super Teem! are mid-90s garage at its meatiest. -Ryan W.
Friday, April 21, 2006
God is My Co-Pilot - How I Got Over
God is My Co-Pilot How I Got Over 7" (Ajax, 1992)
Here's a few from this New York City queer art punk skronk collective. GMCP wasn't alone in making free jazz influenced racket. Chicago had a pretty tasty scene going on under the name Now Wave and supported by Skin Graft Records. How I Got Over features John Zorn on sax & vocals. Not only is the squeal pretty distinctive you can also hear Zorn's grind obsession, something that also rules his Naked City. For reasons beyond my comprehension, GMCP records are pretty easy to find cheap. Puzzling given that they are 1. good, 2. not much different than what you hear on contemporary labels like Not Not Fun, Load, and White Denim, and 3. they were made by one of queer punk/homocore's pioneers. --Scott S.
Monday, April 17, 2006
Tonight - 1978
Tonight 1978 7" (Freaked Out Frequencies, 1997)
Tonight were yet another fantastic Japanese band, and one of the more underrated punker bands working the Registrators-Teengenerate vein. They only ever put out 7"ers and some comp tracks, which means that they get a little overlooked as the years mosey by. There's not alot to say about this, it's just a powerhouse punk single (with an amazing Bags cover) on a label that has never put out a bad 7" ... it's just that they only released one every two years or so is all. The difference maker for this EP is the production; many Japanese bands are utterly sabotaged by unsympathetic studios that suck the guts out of their sound, as most infamously displayed by the Registrators' 'Terminal Boredom' LP. C'mon guys, I like that LP as much as anyone, but it has no 'ass', no bottom end. If Tonight had put out a full-length like this ...
We give you all 3 tracks for this one. Rock. -Ryan W
Thursday, April 13, 2006
Lili Z. - Let's Go
Lili Z. Let's Go 7" (Polly Maggoo, 1998)
Whats ya wanna know bout dis one? Lili Z. is for Zeller grew up among chocolate and cattle way up high in Switzerland. That cow-country couldn't contain this miss so she packed her bags and headed to Paris. What she brought to Gay Pairee was a nice satchel of noise.
Released in 1998, Lili's debut was recorded in 1990. Lili recorded it in her bedroom on a four track, she playing all the instruments. Soon after she joined the No Talents, an excellent punk rock group in their own right. Did some more home recording which resulted in a great 10". After the No Talents, she started a band with a nogoodnik named Jacques (aren't they all) and a couple thugs. They called themselves the Splash Four. The Splash Four released some great records. Moving on, Lili and that Jacques character took the brutish FX from S4 and became VOLT. Sometime after that she did another solo 7" for S-S Records which is now out of print. Here you get two from Lili's debut. One is an original, the other is a cover of a classic by The Urinals. No many were made. Good luck finding it. -Scott S.
Saturday, April 08, 2006
Spider Babies - s/t
Spider Babies s/t 7" (Rat City, 1994)
This is a band that is far from obscure amongst garage punker types; I think these cats must've put out as many records as almost any other 90's band you could mention, other than the New Bomb Turks. Their sound slightly changed over time from bad-assed roller-rink punk (featured here), to a more 1979/80-referenced punk take padded with graphic sexual references galore ala a less coprophiliac GG Allin, which is what the band is best known for. I think all that laid-on-thick sex stuff, which was eye-rollingly DOA at the time, will age just fine like most punker stuff does once potential audiences are a few scene 'generations' removed from it. I mean, lots of scenesters back in the day thought the Dead Boys sucked ass, were like a WWF version of punk, panderers, etc. ... it all worked out in back catalogue land. This 'Babies track, their 'theme song' from their debut ep, is a fine example of how bands were updating the more directly 60s-obsessed garage stuff of the very early 90s with a dash of modern punk energy, especially in the guitars.
Membership in the Spider Babies mutated over time, some of the Exploding Hearts serving honorably at one point or another. As mentioned previously, the Spider Babies have lots of records floating around, some rarer than others. I would assemble the complete collection now, as there probably ain't ever gonna be a reunion phase for this Portland, OR institution. -Ryan W.
Tuesday, April 04, 2006
VA - Suburban Underground: Conspiracy Kids
Various Suburban Underground: Conspiracy Kids 7" (SUCK, 1997)
For the rock & roll archaeologist nothing is better than a regional compilation. Keeping in mind that the compiler often is telling the story as the way they see it (a notorious example is Brian Eno's distillation of New York's no wave scene to just 4 bands, ie No New York), good or bad, they give one a view of what was going on when and where. The best regional comps tend to be ones that originate from a bunch of excited bands or fans who want to show the world what they are doing (the worst tend to be ones what are put together to market a scene and induce major labels to take a look-see at the local talent). Today's 7" is one of those youngsters-needing-to-tell-the-world comps and the thing that is oh so important to these kids is the Palo Alto, California punk scene. This comp showcases four bands from the Palo Alto area: Jacob Ham (Redwood City), The Dimes (Mt View), The Babysitters Club (PA), and the most excellently named The Smelts (PA). None of these band turn in technically proficient tunes. None are going to blow your mind with something differant, but all four present themselves with a couple buckets full of enthusiasm and a some good noise. Here you get two of the four. The Babysitter Club have that garage sound that draws from early Red Cross and Supercharger. The Smelts sound like they were the teen girlfriends of the Prats. - Scott S.


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patterns > Frankie's Knitted Stuff
> Double Spinning Star
Double Spinning Star
This is a pattern for knitted blocks which can be joined together to make blankets, bags or cushion covers. Instructions are included for a blanket knitted in DK weight yarn although any yarn could be used.
Each star block is made up of four garter stitch squares, knitted in three colours and using short rows. This is a development of my Spinning Star pattern.
Please note there is a mistake on page 3 of this pattern. The new star colour should be joined before knitting the complete row, not after. The pattern has now been corrected, my apologies for this.
All my ravelry patterns are free to download but, if you enjoy them, please consider making a donation to the Children's Liver Disease Foundation, a charity which funds research and supports the families of children with a liver disease. You can do this easily by going to my fundraising pagewww.justgiving.com/frankiesknittedstuff
Happy Knitting!
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stashed 8915 times
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- Last updated: February 28, 2013 …
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Serta Stay Full 12" Copper Infused Gel Memory Foam Mattress-In-A-Box
Sleep and stay in bed with this comfortable Serta mattress. Four layers of comfort surround you in enhanced cooling comfort from its ventilated premium Copper Memory Foam, Swirl Gel Memory Foam and an anti-microbial CoolFeel cover. Conveniently packaged to place on a bed and unravel for your dream oasis, this full-size mattress is wonderful for a child's, guest or master bedroom.
- Premium Copper Memory Foam provides cooling, comfort, and support at the surface of the mattress
- Swirl Gel Memory Foam for extra support and additional cooling
- Gel Infused Support Foam with additional cushioning comfort
- Serta Foam Core for proper alignment
- Anti-microbial, cool-to-the-touch breathable knit cover with cooling you'll feel the moment you lie down
- Packaged in a box for easy placement and movement
- Model number: 500771748-8030
- 75"L x 53"W x 12"H
- Material: Polyurethane foam with knit cover
- Product weight: 68 lbs.
- Spot clean as needed
Return Policy
If you wish to return your online order, please visit your order history to start the return process. If you have any issues, contact our Customer Care Support Center at 1-866-BIG-LOTS (244-5687) for assistance with making your return. Please be prepared to provide your order number and email address, or your rewards number, so that we may better assist you.
For return terms, see our full Returns Policy.
For return terms, see our full Returns Policy.
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Verification of Forecasts of Tropical Cyclone Activity Over the Western North Pacific and Number of Tropical Cyclones in South China and the Korea and Japan Region in 2011
Since 2000, City University of Hong Kong has been issuing real-time predictions of the annual number of tropical cyclones (TCs) affecting the western North Pacific. Verifications of the predictions have shown that the predictions are mostly correct within the error bars. The organization also began to predict the number of TCs making landfall in South China and the Korea and Japan region in 2009 and 2010 respectively. These are all statistical predictions with predictors drawn from a large group of indices that represent the atmospheric and oceanographic conditions in the previous year up to the spring of the current year. This report reviews the success of the predictions.


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By: Sports Information Director, Luke Pattarozzi
FOND DU LAC, Wis. (SabreAthletics.com) – Defense and balanced scoring was again the recipe for the Marian University men's basketball team as it knocked off Northern Athletics Conference foe, Maranatha Baptist Bible College, 71-56, at home for its fifth straight win inside Sadoff Gymnasium, this evening, Jan. 29.
The stifling Sabre defense held the Crusaders to just 36.4 percent from the field, including 3-of-18 from downtown en route to the victory. Marian featured nine players with five or more points, led by Sam Koslowski and Cody Veleke who recorded 12 points apiece. Maranatha's Joel Borchardt led all scorers with 14 points on 5-of-14 from the field.
Marian improved to 13-8 overall, 8-4 in the NAC and swept the season series from the Crusaders with the win. Maranatha fell to 5-14 (1-11 NAC) with the loss.
The Sabres led by as many as 13 points in the first half after holding Maranatha to just 32.1 percent (9-for-28) from the field, but only led by six points. The Crusaders made a furious 7-0 run to close out the half trailing 32-26.
A Kyle Kutz jumper to open the second half made it a four-point game, but that would be as close as the Crusaders would get.
Jake Coenen came off the bench and knocked down two of his three triples to build the Sabre lead back to double digits, 51-39.
Leading comfortably with less than three minutes remaining, Alex Gomez then turned in a nifty reverse layup to give the Sabres their largest lead of the game, 71-51.
Marian out-rebounded Maranatha, 40-34. Drew Binversie led the Sabres with nine boards (three offensive) to go with six points.
Marian will close out the 2012-13 regular season home schedule this Saturday, Feb. 2, when it plays host to Concordia University Chicago at 4:15 p.m. The lone Sabre senior, Coenen, will be honored prior to the start of the game.
Comments are closed.
Championships (11)
(78-79), (79-80), (80-81), (82-83), (83-84),
(87-88), (89-90), (90-91), (98-99), (99-00),
NCAA Tournaments (2)
(00-01), (13-14)
April 2018


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Now that they've asked the four-week senator from Illinois to resign, the Chicago Tribune has turned its focus to a meatier subject.
Who claims the original recipe for Chicago's own deep-dish pizza?
They actually paid some reporter named James Janega to get to the bottom of this historical conundrum... is it a Malnati? An owner of Uno's? Louisa?
We've perfected the Malnati's recipe here in Salt Lake City. Stop by sometime...we've got just the right combination of flour, corn meal, butter, Italian tomatoes, Boar's Head pepperoni and a mix of cheeses.
Oh, and to settle a debate raging in the 'Hat Rack household, note that it confirms, "the tomatoes go on top, not the cheese."


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|ognizant Communication Corporation
Bird Behavior, Vol. 12, pp. 57-66, 1998
1056-1383/98 $10.00 + .00
Copyright © 1998 Cognizant Comm. Corp.
Printed in the USA. All rights reserved.
Yellow Warblers (Dendroica petechia) Do Not Recognize Their Own Eggs
Spencer G. Sealy and Janice C. Lorenzana
Department of Zoology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3T 2N2, Canada
Early in the laying cycle and nesting season, many yellow warblers (Dendroica petechia) bury clutches that have been parasitized by brown-headed cowbirds (Molothrus ater). This behavior indicates that yellow warblers are able to determine that they have been parasitized; however, the stimulus for burial of cowbird eggs remains unknown. Four experiments were done at 114 yellow warbler nests to determine whether the cue that elicits burial is the recognition of a foreign, nonmimetic egg in yellow warbler nests. To recognize the presence of a nonmimetic egg, a yellow warbler must be able to recognize its own eggs. We were not able to elicit burial with any of our clutch manipulations. Yellow warblers accepted nonmimetic undersized eggs that presumably would be easier to eject than cowbird eggs. They also accepted clutches composed entirely of cowbird eggs and clutches of cowbird eggs and one of their own eggs. Nest watches revealed that female warblers do not significantly change their behavior upon their return to a nest that has been parasitized recently with a cowbird egg. In our fourth set of experiments, we observed that yellow warblers visually cue into broken eggs and immediately eject the broken egg, without settling on the clutch. Yellow warblers can lift simulated broken cowbird eggs, but only when a piece of shell is affixed to the cowbird egg. This is interesting given that the addition of unbroken cowbird eggs did not elicit any visual reaction from the warblers, despite the considerable difference in size and appearance of cowbird and yellow warbler eggs. This provides strong support that yellow warblers do not know the appearance of their own eggs and, hence, do not recognize a cowbird egg as being different. They do, however, cue into eggs with broken edges and eject them.
Key words: Yellow warblers; Egg recognition; Brood parasitism; Brown-headed cowbirds
Address correspondence to Spencer G. Sealy, Department of Zoology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3T 2N2, Canada. E-mail: firstname.lastname@example.com
Bird Behavior, Vol. 12, pp. 67-70, 1998
1056-1383/98 $10.00 + .00
Copyright © 1998 Cognizant Comm. Corp.
Printed in the USA. All rights reserved.
Red-Winged Blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus) Accept Prematurely Hatching Brown-Headed Cowbirds (Molothrus ater)
D. Glen McMaster and Spencer G. Sealy
Department of Zoology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2 Canada
Red-winged blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus) eject simulated broken eggs from their nests at a high frequency during the incubation period. However, the frequency of ejection of simulated broken eggs declines abruptly beginning the day before blackbird clutches hatch, perhaps to ensure parent birds do not mistake their own pipped eggs for broken ones and eject them. We tested whether blackbirds accept hatching eggs during the incubation period. We added brown-headed cowbird (Molothrus ater) eggs that were close to hatching to blackbird clutches that were midway through incubation, and predicted that blackbirds would eject hatching cowbird eggs. Red-winged blackbirds did not eject cowbird eggs that hatched midway through incubation. We conclude parent birds perceive hatching eggs to be different from broken eggs. The decline in the ejection frequency of simulated broken eggs just before hatching may function during hatching to prevent parent birds from removing egg shells that hatchlings have not yet extricated themselves. Further experiments are required to demonstrate how stimuli from hatching eggs suppress egg ejection behavior.
Key words: Red-winged blackbirds; Brown-headed cowbirds; Egg ejection; Hatching
Address correspondence to D. Glen McMaster, Saskatachewan Wetland Conservation Corporation, 202-2050 Cornwall St., Regina, SK S4P 2K5, Canada. E-mail: firstname.lastname@example.com
Bird Behavior, Vol. 12, pp. 71-78, 1998
1056-1383/98 $10.00 + .00
Copyright © 1998 Cognizant Comm. Corp.
Printed in the USA. All rights reserved.
Responses of Nesting Song Sparrows (Melospiza melodia) and Red-Winged Blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus) to Models of Parasitic Cowbirds and Nonthreatening Towhees
Bill M. Strausberger and Matthew E. Horning
Department of Biological Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607
Many studies have compared nest defense elicited by models of brood parasites and innocuous species placed near potential host nests. Because the majority of costs associated with brood parasitism are incurred in the nest, it may be more appropriate to conduct such experiments at nests unless hosts respond to all intruders at their nests as enemies. We found that nesting species distinguish among threatening female brown-headed cowbirds (Molothrus ater) that frequently parasitize them, male cowbirds generally thought not to participate in parasitism, and innocuous eastern towhees (Pipilo erythrophthalmus). Taxidermic mounts of each were placed at the nests of two common host species: song sparrow (Melospiza melodia) and red-winged blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus). Both host species reacted more aggressively toward female cowbird models than towhee models, whereas red-winged blackbirds also reacted more aggressively toward male cowbird models than toward towhees. These findings suggest that host species can discriminate between potentially threatening and nonthreatening intruders (both species and sex specific) at the nest; however, this discrimination may be imperfect as was indicated by red-winged blackbird's aggressive response toward male cowbirds. Alternatively, male cowbirds may be perceived as more of a threat to red-winged blackbirds than female towhees.
Key words: Brown-headed cowbird; Nest defense; Brood parasitism
Address correspondence to Bill M. Strausberger, Department of Biological sciences (M/C 066), University of Illinois at Chicago, 845 W. Taylor St., Chicago, IL 60607. E-mail: firstname.lastname@example.com
Bird Behavior, Vol. 12, p. 79-84, 1998
1056-1383/98 $10.00 + .00
Copyright © 1998 Cognizant Comm. Corp.
Printed in the USA. All rights reserved.
Feeding Behavior in Steller's Jays (Cyanocitta stelleri): Effects of Food Type and Social Context
Marc Bekoff,1 Colin Allen,2 and Ann Wolfe3
1Department of Environmental, Population, and Organismic
Biology, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309-0334
2Department of Philosophy, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-4237
3Department of Philosophy, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706
In this study we analyzed various factors affecting the activities in which Steller's jays (Cyanocitta stelleri) engaged while feeding. We found that the rate of pecking at seeds by jays was affected by available seed type and the presence and activity of nearby conspecifics. Jays at an artificial feeding platform seemed to pay attention to other individuals, in that they pecked at a lower rate when another jay was nearby, except when the other jay was feeding at a different platform. The decreased feeding rate when two jays shared the same feeding platform is contrary to the widely reported pattern of increased feeding and decreased scanning correlated with increased group size in various species. Our analysis suggests that this pattern of behavior fits with observations that Steller's jays show site-specific dominance, mutual interference at a concentrated food source, and do not live in structured flocks with consistent membership.
Key words: Steller's jay; Feeding behavior; Social vigilance; Social organization
Address correspondence to Dr. Marc Bekoff, Department of EPO Biology, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado 80309-0334. E-mail: firstname.lastname@example.com
Bird Behavior, Vol. 12, pp. 85-90, 1998
1056-1383/98 $10.00 + .00
Copyright © 1998 Cognizant Comm. Corp.
Printed in the USA. All rights reserved.
The Effect of Heterospecifics on the Group-Size Effect in White-Crowned Sparrows (Zonotrichia leucophrys)
Thomas J. Valone and Amber J. Wheelbarger
Department of Biology and Center for the Study of Biodiversity, California State University Northridge, 18111 Nordhoff St., Northridge, CA 91330-8303
We examined patterns of vigilance in white-crowned sparrows (Zonotrichia leucophrys) to determine how the presence of heterospecific California towhees (Pipilo crissalis) affected scanning behavior. White-crowned sparrows fed at an artificial food patch in small flocks both in single-species flocks and with towhees. Mean per capita scan durations of white-crowned sparrows in single-species flocks declined significantly with increasing group size (i.e., they exhibited the group-size effect). Scan durations did not decline as flock size increased, however, when a single California towhee fed with the white-crowned sparrows, such that the group-size effect was not apparent. These results add to the growing list of cases suggesting that individuals are vigilant not solely to acquire information about predators; in this case, individual white-crowned sparrows, when feeding with a large heterospecific, appear also to attempt to acquire information about a potential aggressor while scanning their surroundings.
Key words: Vigilance; Group size; White-crowned sparrow; California towhee
Address correspondence to Thomas J. Valone, Department of Biology, California State University Northridge, Northridge, CA 91330-8303. E-mail: firstname.lastname@example.com
Bird Behavior, Vol. 12, pp. 91-96, 1998
1056-1383/98 $10.00 + .00
Copyright © 1998 Cognizant Comm. Corp.
Printed in the USA. All rights reserved.
Temporal Processing in Japanese Quail (Coturnix japonica)
Chana k. Akins, Derek D. Mace, and Philipp J. Kraemer
Department of Psychology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506
Research on temporal processing in animals indicates that animals utilize temporal information in their environment to perform such behaviors as migration and foraging. Comparative studies suggest that a variety of mammalian and bird species are sensitive to scheduled events. Timing and the capacity for working memory have been well-documented in pigeons and rats. However, establishing generality of such processes requires studying other species. Japanese quail are a gallinaceous species of bird that are easy to maintain in the laboratory. The purpose of the present experiment was to investigate timing and working memory in Japanese quail. A duration estimation procedure was used in which quail subjects were presented with a sample stimulus (amber-colored keylight) for 2 or 10 s followed by presentation of a pair of choice stimuli (red and green keylights). Matching the sample with the correct choice stimulus resulted in food reinforcement. Once subjects could accurately match the sample with the correct choice stimulus, timing was assessed by testing subjects with intervening duration samples that ranged between the two sample durations. Results showed that subjects accurately matched test duration samples with previously trained duration samples of similar length. However, when a delay interval was inserted between the offset of a duration sample and presentation of the choice stimuli, matching accuracy decreased and subjects chose the choice stimulus associated with shorter duration samples over the choice stimulus associated with long durations samples. The assumption of this ``choose-short'' effect is that the delay interval makes the long sample duration appear shorter than it actually is. This ``choose-short'' response bias is a highly replicated finding in pigeons and rats, and is a widely studied phenomenon in cognitive animal research. The present findings provide evidence for timing in Japanese quail, suggest that the working memory capacity of quail and pigeons is similar, and provide evidence for the generality of temporal processes across species.
Key words: Japanese quail; Timing; Memory; Cognition
Chana K. Akins, Department of Psychology, University of Kentucky,
Lexington, KY 40506-0044. E-mail: CKAKIN1@POP. UKY.EDU


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Here is the video. Great video confirming his choice and introducing Trump as the next President of the United States.
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