text:
(Updated May 1)
The importance of this new paper from the Tishkoff Lab cannot be emphasized enough. It is probably the most comprehensive study of African genetic variation to date. The supplementary material (pdf) is itself 102 pages long and should keep you busy reading for a while (free for non-subscribers).
What this study has found in a nutshell is that "black" Africans belong to 14 distinct clusters. Black Americans belong overwhelmingly to the Niger-Kordofanian cluster, consistent with their origin largely from Western Africa.
The paper covers the levels of diversity in different African populations, finding that:
Within Africa, genetic diversity estimated from expected heterozygosity significantly correlates with estimates from microsatellite variance (fig. S4) (4) and varies by linguistic, geographic, and subsistence classifications (fig. S5). Three hunter-gatherer populations (Baka and Bakola Pygmies and San) were among the five populations with the highest levels of genetic diversity based on variance estimates (fig. S2A) (4). In addition, more private alleles exist in Africa than other regions (fig. S6A). Consistent with bi-directional gene flow (14), African and Middle Eastern populations shared the greatest number of alleles absent from all other populations(fig. S6B). Within Africa, the most private alleles were in southern Africa, reflecting those in southern African Khoesan (SAK) San and !Xun/Khwe populations (fig. S6C) (12). Eastern and Saharan Africans shared the most alleles absent from other African populations examined (fig. S6D).
As I have stated many times before, Bantu speakers have recently expanded from their cradle and contributed genetically to almost all other Africans, while remaining relatively pure in their own homeland:
High levels of heterogeneous ancestry (i.e. multiple cluster assignments) were observed in nearly all African individuals, with the exception of western and central African Niger-Kordofanian speakers (medium orange), who are relatively homogeneous at large K values (Fig. 5C and fig. S13). Considerable Niger-Kordofanian ancestry (shades of orange) was observed in nearly all populations, reflecting the recent spread of Bantu-speakers across equatorial, eastern, and southern Africa (26) and subsequent admixture with local populations (27).
Similarly, the high levels of diversity in East Africa are attributable in part to the multiple waves of migration into the region, which occurred in the last 5,000 years, long after the ancestral Eurasians left the continent:
East Africa, the hypothesized origin of the migration of modern humans out of Africa, has a remarkable degree of ethnic and linguistic diversity, as reflected by the greatest level of regional substructure in Africa (figs. S13, S14, and S17 to S19). The diversity among populations from this region reflects the proposed long-term presence of click-speaking Hadza and Sandawe hunter-gatherers and successive waves of immigration of Cushitic, Nilotic, and Bantu populations within the past 5,000 years (4, 28, 31, 37, 38).
The 14 clusters are: Mbugu, Chadic, Saharan Cushitic, Eastern Bantu, NiloSaharan, Saharan/Dogon, Fulani, Western Bantu, S.African Khoesan/Mbuti, Niger Kordofanian, Sandawe, Central Sudanic, Hadza, W.Pygmy.
Table S8 in the supplementary material also allows us to measure the extra-African influences in African populations (and vice versa). Mozabites, for example, from the Sahara are 60.2% "European" reflecting their substantial Caucasoid influence. The Beja possess about a third of this "European" element, the Dogon about 45%. Conversely, low-level African admixture in the Near East consists primarily of the "Cushitic" cluster.
UPDATE I (May 1):
The results of the STRUCTURE analysis on a global level (Figure S10 in the supplementary material provide a visual display of global diversity when seen in an African context. At K=14, there are 10 African and 4 non-African clusters (European, Indian, East Asian, Native American). Contrast between Central-Western and Eastern Africa is the most salient feature of the broad picture, punctuated by interesting mini-clusters formed by Pygmies, Khoi-San and Hadza.
An interesting quote from the paper (AAC=Associated Ancestral Clusters):
The Fulani and Cushitic (an eastern Afroasiatic subfamily) AACs, which likely reflect Saharan African and East African ancestry, respectively, are closest to the non-African AACs, consistent with an East African migration of modern humans out of Africa or a back-migration of non-Africans into Saharan and Eastern Africa.I had pretty much argued as much in the old Dodona forum, that the intermediacy of certain African people between Sub-Saharan Africans and Eurasians was due both to the fact that (a) Eurasians did not originate from Africa in general, but from a specific subset of Africans that was already differentiated from the rest of Africans, and (b) there were back-migrations of Eurasians into Africa.
- Campbell & Tishkoff review paper on African genetic diversity
- Click language speakers share deep not recent common ancestry
- Male and female genomic contributions to African Americans
Science doi:10.1126/science.1172257
The Genetic Structure and History of Africans and African Americans
Sarah A. Tishkoff et al.
Africa is the source of all modern humans, but characterization of genetic variation and of relationships among populations across the continent has been enigmatic. We studied 121 African populations, 4 African American populations, and 60 non-African populations for patterns of variation at 1327 nuclear microsatellite and insertion/deletion markers. We identified 14 ancestral population clusters in Africa that correlate with self-described ethnicity and shared cultural and/or linguistic properties. We observe high levels of mixed ancestry in most populations, reflecting historic migration events across the continent. Our data also provide evidence for shared ancestry among geographically diverse hunter-gatherer populations (Khoesan-speakers and Pygmies). The ancestry of African Americans is predominantly from Niger-Kordofanian (~71%), European (~13%), and other African (~8%) populations, although admixture levels varied considerably among individuals. This study helps tease apart the complex evolutionary history of Africans and African Americans, aiding both anthropological and genetic epidemiologic studies.


text:
By Bob Hand
CSCE Staff Advisor
The United States Helsinki Commission held a briefing February 11, 2004 to review the work of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe's Forum for Security Cooperation, particularly during the period in late 2003 when the United States chaired the FSC.
The purpose of the briefing was to gauge how the OSCE is responding to the latest changes in the security environment, such as the war on terrorism, weapons proliferation, and regional conflicts involving OSCE states. The briefing featured James Cox, the Chief Arms Control Delegate of the United States to the OSCE in Vienna.
Helsinki Commission Senior Advisor Elizabeth B. Pryor opened the briefing, noting the OSCE's well-known contribution to security through the promotion of human rights and democratic change. She stressed, however, that the military dimension of the OSCE should not be overlooked.
"Measures such as advance notification of troop maneuvers and observation of military exercises have become such a part of our way of interacting that we too frequently take such transparency for granted," Ms. Pryor stated. Capitalizing on the dramatic changes in Europe in the 1990s, the OSCE "expanded the degree of military openness, then encouraged further reductions in force levels and equipment, and placed military institutions under democratic civilian control."
Mr. Cox began by describing the FSC's creation in 1992 to respond to military questions in the post-Cold War era, such as the change in force levels and the significant shift in the security environment. Among other things, the Forum has been tasked to establish a web of arms control agreements and confidence- and security-building measures. The FSC also pursues the implementation of these agreements, develops a security dialogue, and considers norms and standards on such politico-military features of security as civilian control of armed forces and adherence to international humanitarian law.
The OSCE made crucial steps toward addressing new threats to security and stability in the 21st century when the United States held the FSC chairmanship from September to December of 2003. These steps were taken with the realization that the FSC now must expand beyond the limits of arms control and confidence- and security-building measures. Mr. Cox stressed that the FSC needs to broaden its focus not only to address interstate relations between armed forces of OSCE participating States, but also non-OSCE States. New security threats to the OSCE region include non-state actors, terrorism, proliferation, and organized crime.
Under the United States' chairmanship, the FSC highlighted the proliferation of arms, the control of man-portable air defense systems, and civil-military emergency preparedness. With regard to non-proliferation, the United States hosted a number of speakers to suggest ways to curb the spread of weapons of mass destruction. Effective and comprehensive controls for MANPADS were discussed, highlighting the threat posed by these weapons to civil aviation. The FSC encouraged the participating States to prevent illicit transfers of MANPADS by destroying excess devices. In addition, the EU, NATO, and UN speakers, and others were invited to the FSC to discuss their disaster response procedures.
The OSCE's Document on Small Arms and Light Weapons, or SALW, contains provisions for the destruction of excess MANPADS. The provisions also allows states to request assistance on the security and management of stockpiles, encourage the establishment of border controls in order to reduce the transfer of small arms, and provide for the disposal of light arms. Mr. Cox also discussed initiatives addressing management and destruction of excess stockpiles of ammunition and explosive material, both through better management and destruction.
In closing his presentation, Cox asserted that progress has been made in all spheres of European security, but he did not want to leave "too rosy a picture." The FSC is a consensus body which, by its nature, limits what any one country can achieve and has no enforcement capability. Nevertheless, he stressed that the FSC is useful to the 55 participating OSCE countries because it has norm and standard setting capabilities and provides a forum to discuss issues of national interest.
During a question-and-answer period, a question was asked about the stance of FSC participants that may be hiding their weapons and stockpiles. Mr. Cox reiterated that although the FSC has no enforcement capability, its politically binding decisions are to be taken very seriously. Positive developments have occurred with recent requests for clean-up disarmament assistance, including by Belarus.
Another issue raised was the failure of Russia to implement commitments adopted at the 1999 Istanbul OSCE Summit with respect to Moldova and Georgia. The Istanbul commitments require Russia to remove troops and arsenals from Moldova and close military bases in the Republic of Georgia. To this day, Russian troops and weapons remain in Moldova and Georgia. Mr. Cox affirmed that these issues are raised in Vienna.
A related issue is OSCE peacekeeping. As Cox explained, the notion of OSCE peacekeeping would be difficult to undertake, as the organization lacks the necessary infrastructure to conduct such operations. Compared to NATO forces and European Union efforts to take on these operations, peacekeeping is on the low end of FSC considerations, and there has been no agreement to go beyond the original OSCE language on the matter developed in 1992.
In response to a question regarding Russian military conduct in Chechnya, Cox noted that this is usually discussed as a human rights issue at the Permanent Council. He did note, however, initiatives within the military dimension, including a Swedish request to observe a Russian military exercise in Dagestan, neighboring Chechnya, which Moscow denied on security grounds, are addressed in the FSC.
Finally, Cox was asked about the focus of the 2004 Annual Security Review Conference. He predicted this second meeting will center on the implementation of counterterrorism measures, including commitments agreed at the Maastricht Ministerial, and further enhancing border security. The first ASRC was held in 2003 to review select issues such as organized crime, arms trafficking, and terrorism. It also encouraged the adoption of biometric standards for travel documents as a means to improve border security.
The United States Helsinki Commission, an independent federal agency, by law monitors and encourages progress in implementing provisions of the Helsinki Accords. The Commission, created in 1976, is composed of nine Senators, nine Representatives and one official each from the Departments of State, Defense and Commerce.
United States Helsinki Commission Interns Colby Daughtry and Erin Carden contributed to this article.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Joining the World of E&V
Everyone has a story. It's the unique stories of all who make up the Engel & Völkers network paired with a shared passion and ethos of leadership that make us unmistakable. See if Engel & Völkers is the right company for you to call home.
Let's embark on your next chapter. Together.
Imagine being more than just another real estate agent.
Engel & Völkers is on the continued quest to inspire a new generation of talent. Our standard of service sets us apart and our standards are high. It's why we don't have agents, but rather, trusted advisors to guide clients through their home journey with precise knowledge and distinguished care.
We are always interested in speaking with professionals fueled by pushing boundaries and thinking proactively to join our corporate team. Where strategy meets detail is where we'll find common ground.
From our corporate offices in New York City to shops throughout the Americas, we are always looking for exceptional people to join the fastest-growing real estate company. Interested in learning more? Inquire here.
We believe internships are an invaluable part of the learning process and support this philosophy by offering internship opportunities to young professionals worldwide who want to get a head start in their career.
Our team can provide expert advice and concierge service for all of your Real Estate needs.


text:
Cerebral Palsy
Article Translations: (Spanish)
Have you ever heard a family member talk about your first step or the first word you spoke? For kids with cerebral palsy, called CP for short, taking a first step or saying a first word may not be as easy. That's because CP is a condition that can affect the things that kids do every day.
What's CP?
Some kids with CP use wheelchairs and others walk with the help of crutches or braces. In some cases, a kid's speech may be affected or the person might not be able to speak at all.
Cerebral palsy (say: seh-REE-brel PAWL-zee) is a condition that affects thousands of babies and children each year. It is not contagious, which means you can't catch it from anyone who has it. The word cerebral means having to do with the brain. The word palsy means a weakness or problem in the way a person moves or positions his or her body.
A kid with CP has trouble controlling the muscles of the body. Normally, the brain tells the rest of the body exactly what to do and when to do it. But because CP affects the brain, depending on what part of the brain is affected, a kid might not be able to walk, talk, eat, or play the way most kids do.
Types of CP
There are three types of cerebral palsy: spastic (say: SPASS-tik), athetoid (say: ATH-uh-toid), and ataxic (say: ay-TAK-sik). The most common type of CP is spastic. A kid with spastic CP can't relax his or her muscles or the muscles may be stiff.
Athetoid CP affects a kid's ability to control the muscles of the body. This means that the arms or legs that are affected by athetoid CP may flutter and move suddenly. A kid with ataxic CP has problems with balance and coordination.
A kid with CP can have a mild case or a more severe case — it really depends on how much of the brain is affected and which parts of the body that section of the brain controls. If both arms and both legs are affected, a kid might need to use a wheelchair. If only the legs are affected, a kid might walk in an unsteady way or have to wear braces or use crutches. If the part of the brain that controls speech is affected, a kid with CP might have trouble talking clearly. Another kid with CP might not be able to speak at all.
For some babies, injuries to the brain during pregnancy or soon after birth may cause CP. Children most at risk of developing CP are small, premature babies (babies who are born many weeks before they were supposed to be born) and babies who need to be on a ventilator (a machine to help with breathing) for several weeks or longer.
But for most kids with CP, the problem in the brain happens before birth. Often, doctors don't know why.
What Do Doctors Do?
Doctors who specialize in treating kids with problems of the brain, nerves, or muscles are usually involved in diagnosing a kid with cerebral palsy. These specialists could include a pediatric neurologist (say: nyoo-RAL-uh-jist), a doctor who deals with problems of the nervous system and brain in kids.
Three other kinds of doctors who can help kids with CP are:
- a pediatric orthopedist (say: or-tho-PEE-dist), who handles problems with bones or joints
- a developmental pediatrician, who looks at how a kid is growing or developing compared with other kids the same age
- a pediatric physiatrist, who helps treat children with disabilities of many kinds
There is no special test to figure out if a kid has cerebral palsy. Doctors may order X-rays and blood tests to find out if some other disease of the brain and nervous system may be causing the problem. To diagnose CP, doctors usually wait to see how a kid develops to be sure.
A case of cerebral palsy often can be diagnosed by the age of 18 months. For example, if a child does not sit up or walk by the time most kids should be doing these things, the kid might have CP or some other problem that is causing development to go more slowly. Doctors follow infant and child development closely and look for problems with muscle tone and strength, movement, and reflexes.
How Is CP Treated?
For a kid with CP, the problem with the brain will not get any worse as the kid gets older. For example, a kid who has CP that affects only the legs will not develop CP in the arms or problems with speech later on. The effect of CP on the arms or legs can get worse, however, and some kids may develop dislocated hips (when the bones that meet at the hips move out of their normal position) or scoliosis (curvature of the spine).
That is why therapy is so important. Kids with CP usually have physical, occupational, or speech therapy to help them develop skills like walking, sitting, swallowing, and using their hands. There are also medicines to treat the seizures that some kids with CP have. Some medicines can help relax the muscles in kids with spastic CP. And some kids with CP may have special surgeries to keep their arms or legs straighter and more flexible.
Living With CP
Cerebral palsy usually doesn't stop kids from going to school, making friends, or doing things they enjoy. But they may have to do these things a little differently or they may need some help. With computers to help them communicate and wheelchairs to help them get around, kids with CP often can do a lot of stuff that kids without CP can do.
Kids with cerebral palsy are just like other kids, but with some greater challenges that make it harder to do everyday things. More than anything else, they want to fit in and be liked.
Be patient if you know someone or meet someone with CP. If you can't understand what a person with CP is saying or if it takes someone with CP longer to do things, give him or her extra time to speak or move. Being understanding is what being a good friend is all about, and a kid with CP will really appreciate it.
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
© 1995-2024 KidsHealth ® All rights reserved. Images provided by iStock, Getty Images, Corbis, Veer, Science Photo Library, Science Source Images, Shutterstock, and Clipart.com


text:
The colourful history of Colnago
The foundations of the brand
The brand Colnago is the creation of the genius Ernesto Colnago, born in 1932, he grew up riding bikes as much as he could. At the age of 13, he forged his birth certificate so that he could get a job in the Gloria bicycle factory in Milan.
Ernesto loved cycling so much that he not only worked in the shop but also entered amateur races. After a few years, he sadly suffered a career-ending injury - making his future extremely clear: he would build his own bikes. So, in 1952 at the age of 19, he left Gloria and set up Colnago in the small town of Cambiago, just outside of Milan.
The legendary 'clubs' logo that is synonymous with Colnago comes from a conversation with Ernesto's friend Michele Dancelli. He remarked that Colnago bikes were 'in bloom' after a victory by the first Italian in 17 years at the Milan-San Remo in 1970. San Remo is known as the city of flowers and Ernesto had always hoped to be a manufacturing 'ace'. He left the race that year with the image imprinted in his mind.
An example of Colnago's vision realised on a Colnago Mexico TT.
Available Colnago bicycles
Colnago's road to success
A chance encounter on a leisurely ride around Milan would propel the brand towards its legendary status. In 1952, Ernesto met the extremely successful Fiorenzo Magni who was complaining of pains running down his leg. After a quick survey of the bike that Magni was riding, Ernesto deduced that the crank arms had been badly fitted on his bike. Magni listened to the advice and upon returning home altered his bike and knew right away that Ernesto was a man that knew bikes and could be trusted.
For the 1955 Giro d'Italia, Magni chose to bring Ernesto along as his mechanical assistant. Magni went on to win illustrious Pink Jersey and as a result, the Colnago brand gained a huge amount of popularity.
Ernesto's success with Magni meant that he was scouted to work with the Molteni team through the 1960s. During this time, many great cyclists rode Colnago bikes for the team. One particular rider who was just emerging was Gianni Motta, who achieved wonderful victories during his time with Molteni between 1964-1968.
The Eddy Merckx years
Following the collapse of the Faema team, the legend Eddy Merckx was approached by Molteni to ride for them. Some of Merckx most inspirational and successful races were done on Colnago bikes. He also had extremely high demands and his own ideas about how to get faster and be more successful. This time working so closely together helped Colnago gain invaluable experience.
Merckx was so content with the construction of Colnago bikes that when he attempted to break the One Hour World Record, there was only one made for the job. Then in 1972, Merckx headed to Mexico City to do it. Colnago designed a custom track bike for Merckx to attempt the challenge - which he succeeded in demolishing.
The steel-framed bike that Colnago produced weighed a tiny 5.75kg! It also took over 200 hours of work to be realised; however, the results were phenomenal and worth every second of effort.
Colnago and the end of the steel frame
After the success of the SCIC Cycling Team sponsorship of Colnago in 1974, Colnago was allowed to put its logo of the ace of flowers onto clothing and frames - meaning the brand became instantly recognisable.
At the 1980 Olympic Games in Moscow, the Soviet Union entered a technical and commercial collaboration with Colnago. The USSR team won Gold, a massive victory for the world of cycling and even more so for the brand that made it all possible: Colnago.
In 1983, after feeling as though perfection was in his reach, Ernesto went back to the drawing board to make the ultimate steel road bike. With the help of the infamous Columbus Tubing, the Colnago Master was born. An innovative bicycle that included beautiful star-shaped tubing to increase the rigidity of the frame. It would also turn out to be one of Colnago's final ventures in the world of steel frames.
The 1980s saw a boom in new technologies being introduced into professional road bike racing - one of particular importance to Colnago was the reliance on carbon fiber as opposed to steel for frame manufacturing. Colnago invested heavily into it and reaped the rewards after success with the Mapei cycling team throughout the later part of the 80s and well into the 90s.
A brief timeline of vintage Colnago bicycles:
- Colnago Super - Frist released in 1968
- Colnago Mexico - Frist released in the early 1970's
- Colnago Mexico TT - Frist released in the early 1970's
- Colnago Sport - Frist released in the late 1970's
- Colnago Arabesque - Frist released in the early 1980's
- Colnago Export - Frist released in the early 1980's
- Colnago Super Profile - Frist released in the early 1980's
- Colnago Oval CX - Frist released in the early 1980's
- Colnago Profile CX - Frist released in the early 1980's
- Colnago Superissimo - Frist released in 1982
- Colnago Nuovo Mexico - Frist released in 1983
- Colnago Master - Frist released in 1983
- Colnago Master Arabesque - Frist released in the mid 1980's
- Colnago International - Frist released 1986
- Colnago Conic SLX - Frist released 1986
- Colnago Regal - Frist released in 1986
- Colnago Master Più - Frist released in 1987
- Colnago ESA Mexico - Frist released in 1987
- Colnago Master Olympic - Frist released in 1991
- Colnago Master Light- Frist released in 1994
- Colnago Tecnos - Frist released in 1996
- Colnago Master X-Light - Frist released in 1998
The most breathtaking Colnago's to ever exist
During Ernesto's time at Gloria bicycles, he learned to love intricate lug work designs that featured on their bicycles. He wanted to pay tribute to the company that helped him along his way to success by mimicking the ornate lugs on his Arabesque. The joints of which are decorated with designs that are reminiscent of Arabian intricacies and makes the bike breathtaking to behold.
The lugwork on the Colnago Arabesque are extremely ornate and beautiful. On this vintage model from 1984, you can really see the contrast between the striking chromework and the paintwork.
A replica of the Colnago Super that Merckx rode during his time with team Molteni as he achieved title after title in the early 70s.
Following Merckx's astonishing world-breaking record in the Hour, the Colnago Nuovo Mexico was released. This spawned from the success of Guiseppe Saronni in the 1982 World Championships in the same city Merckx achieved greatness.
Here is a Colnago Super dating back to the 1970s, when frames manufactured from steel were the only option for professional teams. The matte black paintwork pairs beautifully with the yellow detailing which is then enhanced by the chromed front fork.
The long-lasting legacy of Colnago
Due to Colnago's involvement with high-end professional racing, the brand earnt itself a prestigious reputation. This is something that it still very much enjoys to this day, as the brand is still in operation and producing top of the line road racing bikes. Although the steel frames have widely been replaced, the ethos of providing the ultimate vehicle for the athlete to achieve great things remains at the centre of the company.
They still sell 2 retro bikes: the Colnago Master and the Arabesque. These are two of the most successful models that the brand ever released and have stood the test of time, as they are both still extraordinarily popular.
A fine example of a vintage Colnago Master. Looking closely, you can see the star-shaped tubing on the top tube and of course the unmistakable Colnago logo.


text:
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Orzo and Rice Pilaf with Pignoli and Parmesan Cheese
From the kitchen of One Perfect Bite...This is an old family favorite that we love to serve with grilled or roast meat. It is our version of a commercial rice product that was quite popular years ago. Appetites are hardy in our family and it reached a point where the prepared mix cost nearly as much as the meat it was supposed to accompany. That didn't compute, so we came up with our own rice mix. Pilaf is one of those dishes that spans cultures and geographical regions. A more thorough examination of its rootless nature can be found here. This recipe is quite simple and if your family enjoys rice-based dishes I think they'll like this one. The cheese topping is optional but it is a very nice addition that you probably will want to try. The recipe can easily be doubled. Here's how it's made.
Orzo and Rice Pilaf with Pignoli and Parmesan Cheese...from the kitchen of One Perfect Bite
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup finely chopped yellow onion
1 teaspoon minced garlic
3/4 cup raw basmati rice
1/2 cup orzo
2 cups chicken broth
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 cup toasted pignoli (pine-nuts)
Optional: 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1) Heat oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium-low heat. Add onion and saute until golden, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
2) Add rice and orzo and cook for 2 minutes. Add chicken broth and salt. Heat to boiling. Cover pan, reduce heat to medium-low and cook for 15 minutes longer, or until broth is absorbed. Remove pan from heat. Let sit, covered, for 10 minutes before serving.
3) Add toasted pignoli and cheese (if using) to pilaf. Serve immediately. Yield: 4 servings.
You might also enjoy these recipes:
Rice and Red Lentil Pilaf: Kichiri - One Perfect Bite
Southwestern Cilantro Rice Salad - One Perfect Bite
Shrimp Risotto - Coco Cooks
Spanish Rice - Taste Tempters
Mexican Rice - Chef in You
Paella Rice Salad - Eclectic Recipes
Radish Rice -Aayi's Recipes
Zesty Rice and Barley - Living the Gourmet
56 comments :
- Kath said...
Your pilaf looks fabulous, Mary! I'm bookmarking this.
- August 18, 2010 at 12:00 PM
- Diane said...
This sounds a very interesting recipe, I will give this one a try. Diane
- August 18, 2010 at 12:15 PM
- Susi's Kochen und Backen said...
Great looking pilaf, I'm definitely making note of this one. Fantastic side dish :o)
- August 18, 2010 at 12:16 PM
- Patti said...
Mary, this is one of my favorite dishes in the whole world!! My mother-in-law has been making a similar dish for years...I actually thought she made up the recipe, as she is not a cookbook person and usually makes up her own recipes. I love it so much that she always calls it "Patti's rice." Now my kids call it "your rice." Can we have "your rice" for dinner? Of course, with pine nuts close to $20 a pound, we are very sparing with them.
What my MIL did to this dish that makes it different from yours, besides chicken bouillion cubes and water instead of actual chicken broth, was to add some shredded iceberg lettuce. Sounds strange, I know, but it is wonderful.
With this recipe, rice need never be boring again.
Patti - August 18, 2010 at 12:22 PM
- pam said...
Pilafs are my go-to side dishes and I'm always looking for new ones!
- August 18, 2010 at 12:36 PM
- Allie and Pattie said...
Mary, we always laughed as children hearing "the San Francisco treat!"- to us rice and orzo are Italian staples! I do sometimes "toast" the rice a bit before adding the orzo and brth. This is a wonderful side dish!
xoxo Pattie - August 18, 2010 at 12:36 PM
- scrambledhenfruit said...
Your pilaf looks so good! Love the addition of pine nuts- thanks!
- August 18, 2010 at 12:51 PM
- Carol said...
Copying this one, looks delicious and right up our alley! Thanks!
- August 18, 2010 at 12:55 PM
- LittleRed said...
That sounds interesting with the orzo...I will have to give it a try:) Thanks for sharing!
- August 18, 2010 at 1:13 PM
- Annie said...
The combination of rice and pignoli sounds delicious. Great recipe. Thamks and have a nice day
- August 18, 2010 at 1:23 PM
- Pam said...
That's a great looking pilaf, Mary! It reminds me I need to try it again soon and this looks like the recipe to use! Have a good day!
- August 18, 2010 at 1:34 PM
- GratefulPrayerThankfulHeart said...
I can see why this is an old family favorite! Looks so good!
- August 18, 2010 at 1:40 PM
- Jennifer said...
I guess I never really thought that hard about Pilaf, I buy it in the box. Now I can make it myself!
- August 18, 2010 at 1:47 PM
- Julie said...
This looks delicious. I am always looking for new pilaf recipes. I just wish pine nuts weren't so expensive. They seem to have doubled in price lately.
love the presentation on this one, too. - August 18, 2010 at 1:48 PM
Looks wonderful and light, i am always on the lookout for new side dishes. Thanks!
- August 18, 2010 at 1:59 PM
- Ginny Hartzler said...
This looks yummy, and is a version I have not seen. I make several different kinds of pilaf, some with vermicelli in it.
- August 18, 2010 at 2:16 PM
- Eileen said...
This sounds really tasty, Mary. It looks great, too.
- August 18, 2010 at 2:21 PM
- Joanne said...
This is, I believe, a perfect side dish. So much flavor and deliciousness in every bite.
- August 18, 2010 at 2:32 PM
- Monet said...
Its amazing how much they can charge for those boxed mixes...when you can make something so much lovelier and cheaper at home! This sounds delicious, and I love anything that requires a sprinkle of parmesan cheese!
- August 18, 2010 at 2:33 PM
- Angie's Recipes said...
Delicious-looking pilaf!
- August 18, 2010 at 3:11 PM
- Ana Powell said...
I little spoon full of goodness.
Fabulous work ♥ - August 18, 2010 at 3:35 PM
- nancy at good food matters said...
Wonderful looking pilaf, simple, with the best ingredients. PIne nuts have become a little scarce around here, and quite pricey--I've got to watch and wait.
In the meantime, other nuts or seeds would make a tasty substitute. - August 18, 2010 at 3:48 PM
- Rachana said...
A flavourful and delicious pilaf! A lovely click too :-)
- August 18, 2010 at 3:49 PM
- Julie M. said...
Mary, this looks delicious! I love the addition of pignolis. I will definitely be bookmarking this one. Hope you're doing well!
- August 18, 2010 at 4:07 PM
- Big Dude said...
This sounds very tasty Mary - as always.
- August 18, 2010 at 4:24 PM
- FOODESSA said...
Brown basmati rice is a grain I use quite often. Hence, your family favourite can maybe be accompanied by mine too ;o)
Ciao for now,
Claudia - August 18, 2010 at 4:39 PM
- Unknown said...
This looks so delicious. I'll be happy with a big bowl/plate of this alone... Wait, I do want the roast meat as well. I am greedy.
Have a nice day Mary. Michael - August 18, 2010 at 5:02 PM
- Houdini said...
In Switzerland the pine nuts would kill us, or at least empty our wallets. There's lots of them in your dish. Delicous, indeed. The recipe sounds like ris-orz-otto kind of, only that we add white wine first, and then the broth little by little, and we stir continiously until al dente, probably to get it creamy.
- August 18, 2010 at 5:38 PM
- Jen_from_NJ said...
I love that you use basmati rice for your pilaf. The cheese and pine-nut topping sounds wonderful!
- August 18, 2010 at 5:54 PM
- Suman Singh said...
simply delicious meal.
- August 18, 2010 at 6:14 PM
- The Words Crafter said...
I love rice in nearly any form, but the flavorful dishes are wonderful-pilaf chief among them. This sounds like a very tasty variation. Since my husband doesn't eat rice, I'll use this as a 'covered dish' for work and family. Thanks for the post-and I'm really looking forward to making this!
- August 18, 2010 at 7:42 PM
- Cooking Gallery said...
This dish looks very good, Mary! I love rice and cheese combined together :)!
- August 18, 2010 at 8:12 PM
- Julie said...
I'm a rice lover, and this looks delish. Very nice :)
- August 18, 2010 at 8:16 PM
- Baking is my Zen...sweet nibbles for the soul said...
Orzo and rice? Interesting! Will give this a try. Looks delish.
Carmen - August 18, 2010 at 8:41 PM
- Gloria Baker said...
Mary I love this, look yummy,yummy! blessings Gloria
- August 18, 2010 at 9:54 PM
- Adelina said...
A simply gorgeous spoonful! And I too, realized that some of those mixes do not make sense...easier and certainly cost effective to come up with your own!
- August 18, 2010 at 11:02 PM
- Kerstin said...
This looks like such a yummy and easy dish - I love pine nuts!
- August 18, 2010 at 11:05 PM
- Sushma Mallya said...
Nice recipe, would be really delicious...
- August 18, 2010 at 11:37 PM
- Marlis said...
Thank you. You inspired dinner tonight. It paired wonderfully with a seared tilapia and garden tomatoes.
- August 19, 2010 at 12:16 AM
- SKIP TO MALOU said...
Thank you for sharing a family favorite... which means that this has been tested over and over and it's family approved. I'll try to substitute our white rice with Pilaf sometime.
- August 19, 2010 at 1:03 AM
- Lucie said...
A great to accompany some good summer grilling--thanks for the recipe, Mary!
- August 19, 2010 at 1:56 AM
- Pondside said...
The title of the post, alone, is like a food poem!
I'll give this a try as it looks like a good basic pilaf to which I could add what I like (sort of like I do with that commercial mix!) - August 19, 2010 at 2:10 AM
- penny aka jeroxie said...
Delicious. That one mouthful is not enough for me!
- August 19, 2010 at 3:17 AM
- marla {family fresh cooking} said...
A homemade pilaf is better than the boxed ones any day. My little kids would love this, with the cheese of course! I like how this dish is so versatile and can adapt to many ingredients on hand. xo
- August 19, 2010 at 6:35 AM
- Faith said...
What a great pilaf! I bet toasting the rice for a couple minutes like that before adding the liquid gives it a delicious, nutty flavor! And the addition of pine nuts in there is perfect!
- August 19, 2010 at 7:01 AM
- Cathy said...
This is one of my favorite sides and I love the addition of pinenuts and cheese.
Isn't this cooler weather wonderful? I'm looking forward to a nice Oregon fall. - August 19, 2010 at 8:08 AM
- Valerie Harrison (bellini) said...
I love this combination Mary!!!
- August 19, 2010 at 9:20 AM
- Claudia said...
Just gorgeous - you can't go wrong ith pine nuts and Parmesan. I think this dish will be today's obsession.
- August 19, 2010 at 10:01 AM
- Jamie said...
Oooh no more plain white rice for me! This is fabulous, Mary. Delicious! Something like this adds zing to any grilled meat it's served with.
- August 19, 2010 at 10:18 AM
- StephenC said...
Haven't had a nice pilaf like this in quite a while. All the ingredients are things I love. Hmmm, I'd better get some of them.
- August 19, 2010 at 10:36 AM
- Eliana said...
Although this could make for the perfect accompaniment to just about anything in the world, I would happily enjoy a big bowl of it alone. Looks absolutely wonderful.
- August 19, 2010 at 11:26 AM
- Kalyn Denny said...
Love this idea!
- August 19, 2010 at 11:45 AM
- Katerina said...
I love the combination of rice, orzo and pine-nuts. I make something similar. It looks perfect!
- August 19, 2010 at 12:04 PM
- Deb in Hawaii said...
Nice--It looks delicious and I am sure it is much healthier and better than the packaged mix. ;-)
- August 23, 2010 at 1:39 AM
I made this for a birthday party and it was a hit! I made a batch x 4 and it turned out perfectly!
- August 15, 2011 at 10:03 PM
- Mary Bergfeld said...
Celia, I'm glad the recipe worked well for your purposes. I really like this recipe and hope more people will give it a try. Thanks for the feedback. Have a wonderful evening. Blessings...Mary
- August 15, 2011 at 10:13 PM


text:
WASHINGTON (AP) — As New Year's Day approached 150 years ago, all eyes were on President Abraham Lincoln in expectation of what he warned 100 days earlier would be coming—his final proclamation declaring all slaves in states rebelling against the Union to be "forever free."
A tradition began Dec. 31, 1862, as many black churches held Watch Night services, awaiting word that Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation would take effect amid a bloody Civil War. Later, congregations listened as the president's historic words were read aloud.
The proclamation would not end slavery outright and at the time couldn't be enforced by Lincoln in areas under Confederate control. But the president made clear from that day forward that his forces would be fighting to bring the Union back together without the institution of slavery.
Lincoln issued his preliminary Emancipation Proclamation in September 1862, after the Battle of Antietam, announcing that if rebel states did not cease fighting and rejoin the Union by Jan. 1, 1863, all slaves in rebellious states or parts of states would be declared free from that date forward.
This year, the Watch Night tradition will follow the historic document to its home at the National Archives with a special midnight display planned with readings, songs and bell ringing among the nation's founding documents.
The official document bears Lincoln's signature and the United States seal, setting it apart from copies and drafts. It will make a rare public appearance from Sunday to Tuesday — New Year's Day — for thousands of visitors to mark its anniversary. On New Year's Eve, the display will remain open past midnight as 2013 arrives.
"We will be calling back to an old tradition," said U.S. Archivist David Ferriero, noting the proclamation's legacy. "When you see thousands of people waiting in line in the dark and cold ... we know that they're not there just for words on paper.
"On this 150th anniversary, we recall those who struggled with slavery in this country, the hope that sustained them and the inspiration the Emancipation Proclamation has given to those who seek justice."
The National Archives allows 100 visitors at a time into its rotunda, where the Emancipation Proclamation will be displayed along with the Constitution and Declaration of Independence. On the busiest days, 8,000 people file through for a glimpse of the founding charters.
Performances and re-enactments are scheduled to continue throughout New Year's Day. The U.S. Postal Service will unveil a new Emancipation Proclamation stamp as well.
This special display is just one of many commemorations planned in Washington and in churches nationwide to mark the anniversary of Lincoln's actions to end slavery and end the Civil War.
President Lincoln's Cottage in Washington, where the 16th president spent much of his time and where he began drafting the proclamation, is displaying a signed copy of the document through February. It also will host its own New Year's Eve celebration.
The Library of Congress will display the first draft handwritten by Lincoln. It will be on display for six weeks beginning Jan. 3 in the library's exhibit, "The Civil War in America," which features many personal letters and diaries from the era.
Also, the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture just opened its newest exhibition, "Changing America," to recount the 1863 emancipation of slaves and the 1963 March on Washington for Civil Rights. It includes a rare signed copy of the 13th Amendment to the Constitution that ultimately abolished slavery.
The Watch Night tradition also continues at many sites Monday night.
In Washington, the Metropolitan A.M.E. Church, where abolitionist Frederick Douglass was a member, will host a special 150th anniversary service.
History lovers say this is a chance to remember what the Emancipation Proclamation actually signified.
Lincoln wrote in part: "I do order and declare that all persons held as slaves within said designated States, and parts of States, are, and henceforward, shall be free."
He went on to say the military would recognize the freedom of slaves, that freed slaves should avoid violence and that freed slaves could enlist in the U.S. armed forces. It did not immediately free a single slave, though, because Lincoln didn't have the power to enforce the declaration in the Confederacy. Still, many slaves had already been freeing themselves, and the document gave them protection, said Reginald Washington, an archivist of African-American history at the National Archives.
"It was a first, important step in paving the way for the abolishment of slavery with the ratification of the 13th Amendment," he said.
It also brought "a fundamental change in the character of the war," Washington said. "With the stroke of Lincoln's pen, a war to preserve the union had overnight become a war of human liberation."
The proclamation became a symbol of hope for nearly 4 million slaves and a confirmation that the war should be fought to secure their freedom, said Washington, who is retiring from the Archives after nearly 40 years. Some historians and scholars have come to view to proclamation as one of the most important documents in U.S. history.
The final proclamation has been rarely shown because it was badly damaged decades ago by long exposure to light. After it was signed at the White House, it was kept at the State Department for many years with other presidential proclamations. In 1936, it was transferred to the National Archives.
Records show it was displayed between 1947 and 1949 in a "Freedom Train" exhibit that traveled the country. Then it was shown briefly in January 1963 to mark the 100th anniversary of its signing.
It wasn't until 1993 that the Emancipation Proclamation has been shown more regularly to the public. In the past decade, it has been shown in 10 other museums and libraries nationwide for no more than three days at a time to limit its exposure to light. A 2011 exhibition at the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Mich., that was open around the clock drew lines amounting to eight-hour waits to see the document.
Conservators rotate which of the five pages are shown to limit their light exposure. In Washington, they will display pages two and five, which is Lincoln's signature page. High-quality copies are shown in place of the other original pages.
"It's rarely shown, and that's part of our strategy for preserving it and making it accessible," said Catherine Nicholson, an archives conservator. "Our goal is to keep its current condition so that it can be enjoyed not only by people today, but by future generations."
Copyright Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.


text:
LONDON (AP)—With $600 stuffed in one pocket and a smartphone tucked in the other, Patricio Fink recently struck the kind of deal that's feeding the rise of a new kind of money—a virtual currency whose oscillations have pulled geeks and speculators alike through stomach-churning highs and lows.
The Argentine software developer was dealing in bitcoins—getting an injection of the cyber currency in exchange for a wad of real greenbacks he handed to a pair of Australian tourists in a Buenos Aires Starbucks. The visitors wanted spending money at black market rates without the risk of getting roughed up in one of the Argentine capital's black market exchanges. Fink wanted to pad his electronic wallet.
In the safety of the coffee shop, the tourists transferred Fink their bitcoins through an app on their smartphone and walked away with the cash.
"It's something that is new," said Fink, 24, who described the deal to The Associated Press over Skype. "And it's working."
It's transactions like these—up to 70,000 of them each day over the past month—that have propelled bitcoins from the world of Internet oddities to the cusp of mainstream use, a remarkable breakthrough for a currency which made its online debut only four years ago. When they first began pinging across the Internet, bitcoins could buy you almost nothing. Now, there's almost nothing bitcoins can't buy. From hard drugs to hard currency, songs to survival gear, cars to consumer goods, retailers are rushing to welcome the virtual currency whose unofficial symbol is a dollar-like, double-barred B.
Advocates describe Bitcoin as the foundation stone of a Utopian economy: no borders, no change fees, no closing hours, and no one to tell you what you can and can't do with your money. Just days ago the total value of bitcoins in circulation hit $2 billion, up from a tiny fraction of that just last year. But late Wednesday, Bitcoin crashed, shedding more than 60 percent of its value in the space of a few hours before recouping some its losses. Critics say the roller coaster currency movements are just another sign that Bitcoin is a bubble waiting to burst.
Amid all the hype, Bitcoin's origins are a question mark.
The mechanics of the virtual currency were first outlined in a research paper signed Satoshi Nakamoto—likely a pseudonym—and the coins made their online debut in 2009. How coins are created, how transactions are authenticated and how the whole system manages to power forward with no central bank, no financial regulator and a user base of wily hackers all comes down computing power and savoir faire. Or, as Nicholas Colas, chief market strategist for the ConvergEx Group, describes it: "genius on so many levels."
The lynchpin of the system is a network of "miners"—high-end computer users who supply the Bitcoin network with processing power needed to maintain a transparent, running tally of all transactions. The tally is one of the most important ways in which the system prevents fraud, and the miners are rewarded for supporting the system with an occasional helping of brand-new bitcoins.
Those bitcoins have become a dangerously hot commodity in the past few days.
Rising from roughly $13 at the beginning of the year, the price of a single bitcoin blasted through the $100 barrier last week, according to Mt. Gox, a site where users can swap bitcoins for more traditional currencies. On Tuesday, the price of a single bitcoin had topped $200. On Wednesday, it hit $266 before a flash crash dragged it back down to just over $100. By early Thursday, bitcoins were trading for $160.
The rebel currency may seem unstable, but then so do some of its more traditional counterparts. Some say Bitcoin got new momentum after the banking crisis in Cyprus pushed depositors there to find creative ways to move money. Fink, the Argentine, favors bitcoins because he believes they will insulate him from his country's high inflation. Others – from Iranian musicians to American auto dealers—use the currency to dodge international sanctions or reach new markets.
But the anything-goes nature of Bitcoin has also made it attractive to denizens of the Internet's dark side.
One of the most prominent destinations for bitcoins remains Silk Road, a black market website where drug dealers advertise their wares in a consumer-friendly atmosphere redolent of Amazon or eBay—complete with a shopping cart icon, a five-point rating system and voluminous user reviews. The site uses Tor, an online anonymity network, to mask the location of its servers, while bitcoin payments ensure there's no paper trail.
One British user told AP he first got interested in Silk Road while he was working in China, where he used the site to order banned books. After moving to Japan, he turned to the site for the occasional high.
"Buying recreational drugs in Japan is difficult, especially if you don't know people from growing up there," said the user, who asked for anonymity because he did not his connection to Silk Road to be publicly known.
He warned that one of the site's drawbacks is that the drugs can take weeks to arrive "so there's no spontaneity."
Drug dealers aren't the only ones cashing in on Bitcoin. The hackers behind Lulz Security, whose campaign of online havoc drew worldwide attention back in 2011, received thousands of dollars' worth of bitcoins after promising followers that the money would go toward launching attacks against the FBI.
A report apparently drawn up by the bureau and leaked to the Internet last year said that "since Bitcoin does not have a centralized authority, detecting suspicious activity, identifying users and obtaining transaction records is problematic for law enforcement."
It went on to warn that bitcoins might become "an increasingly useful tool for various illegal activities beyond the cyber realm"—including child pornography, trafficking, and terrorism.
The FBI did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment.
Late last month, the U.S. Treasury's Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, or FinCen, announced it was extending its money-laundering rules to U.S. bitcoin dealers and transfer services, meaning that companies that trade in the cybercurrency would have to keep more detailed records and report high-value transactions.
Many in the Bitcoin community are frustrated at the attention paid to the shadier side of the virtual economy.
Atlanta-based entrepreneur Anthony Gallippi said the focus on drugs and hacking misses the "much bigger e-commerce use for this that's growing and that's growing rapidly."
Very few businesses set their prices in bitcoins—the currency swings would be too jarring—but an increasing number are accepting it for payment. Gallippi's company, BitPay, handles Bitcoin transactions for some 4,500 companies, taking payments in bitcoins and forwarding the cash equivalent to the vendor involved, which means that his clients are insulated from the cybercurrency's volatility.
Gallippi said many of the businesses are e-commerce websites, but he said an increasing number of traditional retailers were looking to get into the game as well.
"We just had an auto dealership in Kansas City apply," he said.
In March, BitPay said its vendors had done a record $5.2 million in bitcoin sales—well ahead of the $1.2 million's worth of monthly revenue estimated to have coursed through Silk Road last year.
Even artists accept bitcoins. Tehran-based music producer Mohammad Rafigh said the currency had allowed him to sell his albums "all over the world and not only in Iran."
Gallippi said the cybercurrency's ease of access was its biggest selling point.
With Bitcoin, "I can access my money from any computing device at any time and do whatever the heck I want with it," he said. "Once you move your money into the cloud why would you ever go back to putting your money in the bank?"
Many Wall Street veterans are skeptical—and they may feel vindicated after Bitcoin's latest tumble.
"Trading tulips in real time," is how longtime UBS stockbroker Art Cashin described Bitcoin's vertiginous rise, comparing it to the now-unfathomable craze that saw 18th century Dutch speculators trade spectacular sums of money for a single flower bulb.
"It is rare that we get to see a bubble-like phenomenon trade tick for tick in real time," he said in a note to clients last week.
One Bitcoin supporter with a unique perspective on the boom might be Mike Caldwell, a 35-year-old software engineer based in suburban Utah. Caldwell is unusual insofar as he mints physical versions of bitcoins at his residence, cranking out thousands of homemade tokens with codes protected by tamper-proof holographic seals—a retro-futuristic kind of prepaid cash.
Caldwell acknowledges that the physical coins were intended as novelty items, minted for the benefit of people "who had a hard time grasping a virtual coin."
But that hasn't held back business. Caldwell said he'd minted between 16,000 and 17,000 coins in the year and a half that he's been in business. Demand is so intense he recently announced he was accepting clients by invitation only.
Some may wonder whether Caldwell's coins will one day be among the few physical reminders of an expensive fad that evaporated into the electronic ether—perhaps the result of a breakdown in its electronic architecture, or maybe after a crackdown by government regulators.
When asked, Caldwell acknowledged that bitcoin might be in for a bumpy ride. But he drew the analogy between the peer-to-peer currency enthusiasts who hope to shake the finance world in the 2010s with the generation of peer-to-peer movie swappers who challenged the entertainment industry's business model in the 2000s.
"Movie pirates always win the long game against Hollywood," he said. "Bitcoin works the same way."
Source: The Associated Press


text:
Windows 10 compatibility information for Sony products
This notice is to inform you of the compatibility status of Sony products with the Windows 10 operating system.
IMPORTANT: All the products listed on these compatibility pages were released in July 2015 or earlier. Products released in August 2015 or later are likely to be compatible with Windows 10, but to verify please refer to the product's user manual, packaging, or the product's page on the Sony website.
To check if your product is compatible with Windows 10, select your product category in the list below.
Sony VAIO
If you're looking for Windows 10 compatibility information for Sony VAIO computers,
please visit our support website dedicated to Windows 10.
Television & Home Cinema Digital Imaging
Home Audio
Reader eBook |
Portable Audio
Storage & Recording Media Car entertainment
Sports Entertainment |


text:
Broken Lines
Sallie Aprahamian
Axiom Films
Set against the backdrop of Finsbury Park, Sallie Aprahamian's feature debut tackles emotional hardship, obligation and moral choices. Jake (Dan Fredenbugh) is grieving for his recently deceased father when he crosses paths with Becca (Doraly Rosa), a local waitress. Recently engaged and noticeably unhappy, he begins to frequent Finsbury Park and develops a need to spend more time with Becca.
Becca has her own problems; her boyfriend, Chester (Paul Bettany) a former boxer, is now a broken and crumbling man. With limited mobility, he cannot cope with his new position in life and while Becca takes the role of caregiver, their relationship hits rock bottom.
Broken Lines charts how two people in desperate and unhappy circumstances turn to each other for comfort and support. The film is, at times, stifled and slow paced, and in parts predictable. However, the emotional turmoil that each character experiences holds the story together. Bettany's performance is stellar and this film provides an opportunity to see this actor in a very different role.
Shirley Stevenson


text:
Inspired by comedian and television host David Letterman, Princeton President Shirley M. Tilghman offered freshmen at Opening Exercises Sunday (Sept. 13) her Top Ten list of "things I hope you do before you march proudly out the FitzRandolph Gates" at Commencement.
The agenda ranged from advice on dealing with parents to recommendations on choosing classes.
Tilghman confessed that she resorted to the Top Ten list in an effort to find a new way to tell students how to make the most of their time at Princeton. "What I love most about Opening Exercises is the hope for the future that overcomes me as I look into your faces while walking up and down the aisle, trying to elicit smiles," she said. The president of Princeton since 2001, Tilghman said what she finds taxing about the annual event is coming up with an innovative approach to her address.
One concept she finds easy to convey year after year is the purpose of a Princeton education -- "to prepare very talented young men and women like you to make a positive difference in the world by helping you develop the qualities that are required of leaders: a devotion to critical thinking over ideology; the self-confidence that it takes to change your mind in the face of new evidence; the capacity to speak the truth as you understand it; a deep respect for learning as opposed to uninformed opinion; and the strength of character that grows out of humility and compassion for your fellow human beings."
The new students and their families, as well as new and returning graduate students, other undergraduates, faculty and staff, filled the University Chapel and two simulcast sites for the interfaith service that traditionally marks the start of each academic year. Classes begin on Thursday, Sept. 17.
Freshmen entered the chapel with other students in their residential college. Each group was led by the carrier of a colorful banner bearing the college's shield. The students preceded the procession of faculty members and administrators in academic regalia led by African drummers and people flying kites on long poles.
In addition to Tilghman's address, the event included music, prayers and readings from various religious and philosophical traditions. Undergraduate students also were recognized for their academic achievements during the previous year.
Tilghman began the ceremony by welcoming new and returning members of the University community. She noted that the class of 2013 is the largest freshman class in Princeton's 263-year history, reflecting the decision made in 2001 to expand the size of each undergraduate class from 1,175 to 1,300 students -- the first significant increase since the institution of coeducation in the early 1970s.
Turning to "Tilghman's Top Ten" -- "in no particular order, and minus the drum roll" -- the president offered:
• No. 10: Call, e-mail, text or IM home, but not too often. As hard as it is for parents to accept, we did not admit them to Princeton when we admitted you.
• No 9: When you are feeling overwhelmed by Princeton, as every single student surely does at some point, say the following things to yourselves: "I was chosen from among 22,000 applicants by an experienced group of admission officers, who are not known for making mistakes. … I have earned the right to be here."
• No. 8: Approach Princeton with gusto, but not abandon. You will face a dizzying array of choices in the next few months -- the courses you will take, the student groups you will join, the friends you will cultivate. Keep in mind that less is often more.
• No. 7: Invite your favorite professor to lunch or dinner in your residential college. … Now that the food is not just "filling and nourishing," as my children used to describe my own cooking, but delicious as well, faculty welcome the chance to meet students in this more casual setting.
• No. 6: Use your time at Princeton to "encounter the other." …You will never again live in the midst of such extraordinary diversity, and the chance to explore it is an integral part of your Princeton education.
• No. 5: Don't confuse the next four years of education in the liberal arts with pre-professional education. The purpose of a Princeton education is most decidedly not to prepare you for one profession, but for any profession, including ones that have not yet been invented.
• No. 4: Study what fascinates you, not just the subjects in which you shone in high school, if for no other reason than you will have a much greater likelihood of excelling at your studies if they happen to coincide with something that ignites your curiosity. And at the risk of appearing to contradict what I just said, be sure to take at least one course this year in a subject you know absolutely nothing about.
• No. 3: Follow the example of Michelle Obama, Princeton class of 1985, and embrace our informal motto "Princeton in the nation's service and in the service of all nations" while you are here.
• No. 2: Break out of the orange bubble and explore the world.
• No. 1: Remember to exercise, eat healthy, get some sleep and, above all, have fun! You are very likely to meet friends who will remain with you for the rest of your lives, but this won't happen unless you make time for them.
Tilghman concluded her address by telling the freshmen that she was eager to meet them.
"I am looking forward to getting to know each of you and to cheering you on inside and outside the classroom as you chart your course through this great University," she said. "I hope that you will leave Princeton, saying, as so many have before you, 'This place changed my life.' Welcome to Princeton!"
Following the ceremony, the freshmen participated in a "pre-rade" from the chapel through FitzRandolph Gates, giving them the opportunity to officially enter the campus to start their undergraduate experience and to be greeted by fellow Princetonians.
Opening Exercises was videotaped and will be available online for viewing.


text: Domain Name: tourmontparnasse56.com Registry Domain ID: 287284_DOMAIN_COM-VRSN Registrar WHOIS Server: whois.gandi.net Registrar URL: http://www.gandi.net Updated Date: 2019-09-20T15:26:02Z Creation Date: 1997-06-09T04:00:00Z Registrar Registration Expiration Date: 2026-06-08T04:00:00Z Registrar: GANDI SAS Registrar IANA ID: 81 Registrar Abuse Contact Email: firstname.lastname@example.com Registrar Abuse Contact Phone: +33.170377661 Reseller: Domain Status: clientTransferProhibited http://www.icann.org/epp#clientTransferProhibited Domain Status: Domain Status: Domain Status: Domain Status: Registry Registrant ID: REDACTED FOR PRIVACY Registrant Name: REDACTED FOR PRIVACY Registrant Organization: Montparnasse 56 Registrant Street: REDACTED FOR PRIVACY Registrant City: REDACTED FOR PRIVACY Registrant State/Province: Registrant Postal Code: REDACTED FOR PRIVACY Registrant Country: FR Registrant Phone: REDACTED FOR PRIVACY Registrant Phone Ext: Registrant Fax: REDACTED FOR PRIVACY Registrant Fax Ext: Registrant Email: email@example.com Registry Admin ID: REDACTED FOR PRIVACY Admin Name: REDACTED FOR PRIVACY Admin Organization: REDACTED FOR PRIVACY Admin Street: REDACTED FOR PRIVACY Admin City: REDACTED FOR PRIVACY Admin State/Province: REDACTED FOR PRIVACY Admin Postal Code: REDACTED FOR PRIVACY Admin Country: REDACTED FOR PRIVACY Admin Phone: REDACTED FOR PRIVACY Admin Phone Ext: Admin Fax: REDACTED FOR PRIVACY Admin Fax Ext: Admin Email: email@example.com Registry Tech ID: REDACTED FOR PRIVACY Tech Name: REDACTED FOR PRIVACY Tech Organization: REDACTED FOR PRIVACY Tech Street: REDACTED FOR PRIVACY Tech City: REDACTED FOR PRIVACY Tech State/Province: REDACTED FOR PRIVACY Tech Postal Code: REDACTED FOR PRIVACY Tech Country: REDACTED FOR PRIVACY Tech Phone: REDACTED FOR PRIVACY Tech Phone Ext: Tech Fax: REDACTED FOR PRIVACY Tech Fax Ext: Tech Email: firstname.lastname@example.com Name Server: NS-62-A.GANDI.NET Name Server: NS-114-B.GANDI.NET Name Server: NS-182-C.GANDI.NET Name Server: Name Server: Name Server: Name Server: Name Server: Name Server: Name Server: DNSSEC: Unsigned URL of the ICANN WHOIS Data Problem Reporting System: http://wdprs.internic.net/ >>> Last update of WHOIS database: 2020-01-05T05:11:26Z <<< For more information on Whois status codes, please visit https://www.icann.org/epp Reseller Email: Reseller URL: Personal data access and use are governed by French law, any use for the purpose of unsolicited mass commercial advertising as well as any mass or automated inquiries (for any intent other than the registration or modification of a domain name) are strictly forbidden. Copy of whole or part of our database without Gandi's endorsement is strictly forbidden. A dispute over the ownership of a domain name may be subject to the alternate procedure established by the Registry in question or brought before the courts. For additional information, please contact us via the following form: https://www.gandi.net/support/contacter/mail/


text:
1 p.m. PT: Tigers (Anibal Sanchez) @ Yankees (Hiroki Kuroda).
5 p.m. PT: Cardinals (Lance Lynn) @ Giants (Madison Bumgarner).
AP photo
Random rantings and ravings about the Los Angeles Dodgers, written by a small consortium of rabid Dodger fans. With occasional comments on baseball, entertainment, pop culture, and life in general.
1 p.m. PT: Tigers (Anibal Sanchez) @ Yankees (Hiroki Kuroda).
5 p.m. PT: Cardinals (Lance Lynn) @ Giants (Madison Bumgarner).
AP photo
Raiduhs Suck!
Damn, that's harsh.
I like it!
Raiders 3-0 over Falcons.
13-7 Raiders now.
Painful Raiders loss. Now time for baseball.
ps-In the recliner, Vinny!
Giants fans may enjoy their Chardonnay, but Yankees fans love a good whine too.
Yankmes fans need to have a nice glass of shutthafuckup.
I'm going to start hating people even vaguely associated with the Gnats. For instance, the people who perform te national anthem at their games.
Activate The Hate.
Yeah! Yadi!
Wonder twin powers activate: form of - hate
Nomo walk me through who i should root for. This is all too painful and confusing for me.
Freese frame. 2-0 shitbirds early.
So...much...HATE. Need...puppies...
4-0 Cards. So weird to be excited about this.
Beltran comes back to haunt the Vagiants with a HR. And the crowd goes wild. Yay.
Ugh. This is unsurprising.
Time to light up Timmeh. (No, not time to light up, Timmeh.)
Cards 6-4, top 8.
Nice throw, Sandoval! E-5 allows Molina on.
Cards haven't had a hit since the Beltran home run.
DSB. Bleh.
Good thing they have the lead, because the Cards forgot how to hit.
Why won't Joe Buck go away?
Thank goodness Holliday can catch at AT&T, if not The Ravine.
It's all up to Buster.
Wait, that's Scutaro.
Getting sick of teams I'm rooting for being incapable of getting the 27th out.
motherfuckers nearly gave me a heartattack.
One down, three to go.
Happy, but won't celebrate until they're out. They were down 0-2 to the Reds just a week ago.
pretty sweet google doodle right now for little nemo in slumberland
Fuck the Giants!
4/3 vs. SF (W, 5-4): Sax
4/15 vs. WSH (L, 4-6): Dusty, Orel, Sax
5/6 vs. MIA (W, 6-3): AC, Sax
5/16 vs. CIN (L, 2-7): AC, Sax


text:
You'll need to be a Gold Member or above to access that awesome sauce. Go ahead and sign up...it only takes a minute!
Already a member? Login
Silver Member
$29.99per month
Gold Member
$69.99per month
Diamond Member
$99.99per month
Platinum Member
$149.99per month
If you already have a membership account and would like to manage or cancel your subscription, please visit the Membership Management Page You must be logged in to access this information.
*Subscribers will automatically be charged the selected monthly rate after three days unless the membership is canceled. If you would like to choose a different membership option before your three free day trial has expired, you will need to cancel your subscription first before signing up for a different level. Upgrades and Downgrades are available through the Membership Management Page only after the initial payment has been made.


text:
Summer Solid Slim High Waist Side Lace-Up Hot Yoga Leggings
Processing Time: 1-5 working days
Normal Shipping: 7-15 working days
Express Shipping: 3-7 working days, extra $15.95 shipping fee
Learn More about our Shipping Policy.
Return Policy:
45-day return/exchange from the delivery date.
Items must be returned in their original condition, unworn, unwashed, with all tags attached.
Please contact us via Email or Livechat before you send back the package.
Requested Info: order number, product code of the item, image of the damaged item.
Learn More about our Return Policy.
(0) 0 comments
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star


text:
As with so many iconic dishes in a country's culinary heritage, Mexican mole has a creation tale.
The story goes that in the late 17th century, the Dominican sisters of the Convent of Santa Rosa in the city of Puebla heard that the archbishop was to pay a visit. The sisters had to scramble to put a meal together and gathered the ingredients they had — dried chili peppers, chocolate, old bread, nuts and more — to make a sauce for wild turkey. The meal was such a hit with the archbishop, legend has it, that mole became a symbol of Mexican cuisine (up there with the taco).
But as Maricel Presilla writes in her newest book, Gran Cocina Latina: The Food of Latin America, the back story of mole is not so simple. The famed holy mole comes from "a long line of parents, such as the pre-Columbian chile-thickened sauces ... and thickened chocolate drinks. Look even closer at the nuns' kitchen and you'll start to see the whole clan of ancestors — using nuts as a thickener, for example, which was a keynote of Spanish medieval cooking."
Today this tasty and complex sauce has moved way beyond Mexican convent kitchens. With Mexicans migrating around the world, foreigners are learning how to make it, too. But take heed: Mole-making requires a serious trip to the supermarket, depending on the shape of your pantry.
You'll need spices like cloves, oregano, cumin and bay leaves; nuts and seeds like almonds, pumpkin seeds and walnuts; lard; sugar or chocolate; dried chili peppers like chile ancho, mulato, poblano and chipotle; and dried or fresh fruits and vegetables like bananas, pineapple, celery and squash.
Nine variations on mole appear in Presilla's book — from Oaxacan "tablecloth stainer" fruit mole with raisins and pork, to a Guatemalan mole with a plantain base.
For the less ambitious or the time-crunched, Herdez, the Mexican product line of Hormel Foods, has been marketing the jarred mole brand Doña María since 1968. That mole needs to be thinned with broth before serving.
But as the interest in mole among consumers grows, Herdez has introduced mole "ready to serve" in a carton. "People are also looking for more flavors in their culinary experiences, and the complexities of a mole sauce provide something new and exciting for those outside of a Mexican heritage," Gilberto Gutierrez, Herdez brand manager, tells The Salt.
And increasingly mole's diversity is being showcased in Mexican restaurants outside Mexico. Alfio Blangiardo is the executive chef at Casa Oaxaca in Washington, D.C., which has six moles on its menu derived from Blangiardo's grandmother's recipes: red, yellow, green, white, the classic poblano and black mole, also known as Oaxacan mole.
Mole is a constantly evolving dish, in part because of the wide variety of possible ingredients, and there is no one way to make it, Blangiardo says. "A chili picked in lower elevation will taste different from one picked at a higher elevation," he says.
In Mexico, mole is served for breakfast, lunch and dinner but also on very special occasions, like weddings and holidays, like Day of the Dead. Traditionally, ingredients are ground by hand, making it an all-day affair. But today, grinders and blenders make the task much easier, cutting down the cooking time to four to five hours, says Blangiardo.
Copyright 2021 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org.


text:
Bonehead's Texas BBQ is the brainchild of a Silicon Valley salesman who chose to do something he loved rather than continue to put up with the daily commute. As a hobby, Dave Roberson (aka Duroc) has been smoking for friends, family, churches, and large groups for 25 plus years. His first smoker was made from a 55-gallon drum, a stolen grocery cart, (he says someone else stole it, he just didn't know where to return it to—yeah right, Dave) and a couple of lawn mower tires. Yep, he's a real bubba!
All of our products are prepared fresh daily… well most of them. The cole slaw, tater salad and other salads are. But our meats take days to prepare even before they're cooked. You see, we use rubs on our meats that we allow to soak in for up to 72 hours before they're placed in the smoker. That's what makes Bonehead's different – we're slow – low and slow smokin'. We use wood fired smokers only - no natural gas or charcoal. We believe natural gas and charcoal leave a flavor that isn't compatible to tasty food.
3422 Mt Diablo Blvd, Lafayette, CA 94549, USA


text:
Create your account below to enjoy shopping with us, saving your jewelry, adding it to your wishlist and maintaining your addresses.
Full Name
Phone Number
Confirm Password
Where did you find us?
Sign me up for exclusive offers and sale
I am interested in:
Security Check (Refresh)
Already Registered? Login Now
Rates from 10–30% APR.
Enter a few pieces of information for a real-time decision. Checking your eligibility won't affect your credit score.
Know up front exactly what you'll owe, with no hidden costs and no surprises.
Splitit does not require any credit check, registration or application; it uses your existing credit card.
Splitit's monthly payment solution does not incur interest or late fees.
Splitit helps you better manage your cash flow and credit line, while increasing your credit score.
Choose at checkout
Select the number of payments that best fit your budget and lifestyle
Receive your purchase, and pay over time on your terms
Splitit Now


text:
Copyright © 2004, 2005 the Debian Installer team
This manual is free software; you may redistribute it and/or modify it under the terms of the GNU General Public License. Please refer to the license in Appendix E, GNU General Public License.
This document contains installation instructions for the Debian GNU/Linux 3.1 system (codename "sarge"), for the Intel x86 ("i386") architecture. It also contains pointers to more information and information on how to make the most of your new Debian system.
Although this installation guide for i386 is mostly up-to-date, we plan to make some changes and reorganize parts of the manual after the official release of sarge. A newer version of this manual may be found on the Internet at the debian-installer home page. You may also be able to find additional translations there.
Table of Contents
List of Tables


text:
We've been dealing with off-and-on labour pains for a week. Emily's had a hard time sleeping, we've passed our official due date with no sign of my son. I was certain he would show up during Game 7 of the Detroit-Anaheim series because the universe (in the tradition of things which commit actions being described by those actions, like one who commits felonies being called a felon) is an iron.
I am very aware that "ironic" is not something that can properly describe events in the world, but only events a writer conjures up for the purposes of literary effect. Nonetheless, had my son showed up during the Game I'd have yelled along with Alannis that things merely badly timed or predictably perverse were IRONIC. And I'd have punched you in the neck if you'd offered, during my expression, that I was using "irony" incorrectly. You would have felt awesome. (See that one? That one is ironic. You wouldn't really have felt awesome and I was not intending that you should think you really would have felt awesome. You know that I meant "awesome" ironically. And that's the key. Irony is participatory.)
In preparation for my son's arrival we moved Erin out of our bedroom, into the spare bedroom filled with books for big people and a desk for big people and the cat, the poor, fat, diabetic, scared-y cat. So long as Erin spent most of her time out of that room he was content to just hid in the chest his litter box sits in (it's a pretty cool custom wooden chest with a lid on hinges and a hole cut in the side that looks like furniture and traps a lot of the smell), and being worried about him ever getting used to Erin we figured just tossing them in a room together would allow him to get more used to her and eventually not care so much that she squeals when she sees him and tries to pet him like a pugilist pets his opponent. (Another use of irony.)
It has actually worked, to some degree. Our fat, diabetic, scared-y cat has ventured out of that room with more and more frequency, and he isn't afraid to eat even when Erin is in her crib and staring at him.
But sometimes, in the dark as she falls asleep, she'll hear him eating and wake up. And she'll cry for daddy then explain her distress: "Kitty eating; kitty eating, daddy. Dat not scare you. Kitty hiding inna box; kitty hiding. It's okay. It's okay daddy." And I'll hold her a little, and explain that the kitty is just eating (which she knows) and that she is safe (which she knows) and that it's time to sleep (which she also knows).
Even worse, though, is when he cries. He doesn't cry because he's afraid of Erin and her breathing in the dark, but because he's about to vomit or shit a river all over the fucking carpet. He woke Erin up at 5:30 this morning with his wailing and gnashing of teeth and taking of craps on the carpet outside his litter box. He also dropped a nice one in his litter box, but he's a decade old and still has no idea that the purpose of scratching is to cover the shit. Being an imbecile he just scratches the wall and hopes things will all work out. His scratching, crying, crapping, and vomiting at 5:30 in the morning were not well received. But this is life with a diabetic scared-y cat.
I suspect he was just after a little vengeance, tormenting the child who wants to pull his ears and who yells "No hitting kitty!" when he finally swipes at her after being cornered and getting his forehead awkwardly, but firmly, stroked.
But he is a cat with no concept of causation, so he scratches at walls instead of covering his shit, and this plan for revenge only means that I get to clean the carpets. Sure, Erin's sleep is a little disturbed, and her mom wakes up and entertains her in the early morning by baking muffins (nesting, folks, means muffins out of nowhere), but the real victim of his vengeance is me.
I walked out to the living room in the morning to discover this lovely sight:
Those are all puddles of projectile vomit. The shit was in the bedroom, and somewhat contained. But he fired off bile into the pile like he was a gunner in a turret charged with mowing down Nazi infantrymen.
As I was drawn into the living room by the smell of fortunately fresh muffins and unfortunately fresh puke I caught Emily's eye. "We're getting a carpet cleaner," she announced, lips in a firm, tight line. "Get this one."
That's the Bissell "SpotBot" with blah blah blah and blah blah blah. You set it down on a spot and then go away. (It is not cordless. This picture is just a far shot and not an action shot. You have to plug it in. Which is fine with me because we also have a battery-operated Bissell that doesn't last long enough to clean anything worthwhile in a house with a diabetic cat, so I'm done with cordless.)
Or, if you're a real gamer you can use the hose and nozzle thing to clean the spot yourself. Unfortunately unless your spot is less than about 8 inches in diameter you probably won't get much use out of the automatic cleaning feature. For instance, if your cat projectile vomits in a stream 10 inches long you are going to be stuck using the hose.
However, the results using either the automatic or manual settings are pretty decent. Better than I get by just sitting there scrubbing or blotting.
Once again, Emily's nesting takes the form of baking, and mine takes the form of dealing with bodily fluids and waste. Seems fair to me. (Hey, look, another use of irony as a literary device. Because it does not in fact seem fair to me. However, I don't have to gestate, contract, push, scream, or enslave my nipples to a little organism that will slowly develop teeth. So maybe it really is a fair trade. Or, I suppose, it probably remains an unfair trade but unfair from Emily's perspective now and I'm no longer certain if I've actually used irony.)
(In the interests of full disclosure I should admit that I have never been approached by Bissell to review their product, been sent any product by Bissell or anyone representing Bissell, or been paid or compensated to write this mini-review. In fact, if Bissell had contacted me to do a review in exchange for a cleaner or money or something I'd have probably declined. If, however, Bissell wants to compensate me in some way NOW for the lovely things I've said about their product, well, I wouldn't immediately tell them to fuck off. I could use some of the cleaning solution now, since I used basically an entire bottle of it to clean all of the vomit and shit my cat vengefully left all over my apartment.)
Still no baby. But we're having labour induced at 9am tomorrow (Saturday May 16th). Hopefully my son will be born and I'll have pictures by Sunday. Also, hopefully, the pictures will be less disgusting than shots of chunky cat vomit.


text:
Happy Monday and welcome to the second hop on our 2013 Designer Mystery Blog Hop! We want to give you a little peek at our star blocks, learn about our star designers and enter to win some prizes. Sounds like a fun Monday to me!
Today our three star designers take the spotlight to blog about the 2013 Designer Mystery BOM.
- Bonnie Olaveson of Cotton Way & Camille Roskelley of Thimble Blossoms
- Vanessa Christensen of V & Co.
- Kate Spain of Kate Spain Designs
Each of our star block designers sure are shining stars, but we want to know what stars they swoon over. Each designer blogged a bit about the BOM and revealed their favorite swoon-worthy celebrity. Have a look at their blogs, come back here and let us know who fancies who! Leave a comment below with your answers for a chance to win one of three $50 Fat Quarter Shop gift certificates! Winners will be announced on Friday March 1st, after the blog tour closes. Good luck
Here is the schedule of the blog hop, be sure to follow along and come back each week to enter the giveaway!
2/11/13: Bonnie & Camille, V & Co., Kate Spain
2/18/13: Kansas Troubles Quilters, Primitive Gatherings, Minick & Simpson
2/25/13: Bunny Hill Designs, Me & My Sister Designs, Sweetwater
3/01/13: Winners Post – Fat Quarter Shop


text:
Sweet Potato Chili (vegan!) Slow Cooker Recipe
I made a *darn* good chili last week, if I do say so myself (and I do. So does the rest of the family, including my parents). I had a few sweet potatoes left in the house and I desperately wanted to make up for the absolute fiasco that took place when I threw together that icky chicken and sweet potato I-don't-know-what-I-was-thinking dish.
This was much better. So much better, I demonstrated it on BlogHer's new webShow, The Juice. You can see the video by clicking here.
This is a cheap, vegan meal that doesn't leave you hungry 15 minutes later. I promise.
The Ingredients.
1 yellow onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 (15-ounce) can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed (or 2/3 cup dried beans, soaked overnight and boiled briskly for 10 minutes because of the freaky red bean toxin thing)
1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
1 (14.5-ounce) can tomatoes (whatever's on sale, mine had oregano and roasted garlic)
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1 cup water
1/2 cup orange juice (not pictured. If you don't have any in the house, use water)
Use a 5-6 quart slow cooker. This is enough food to feed a family of 4 regular-sized, or 6 smallish people. Peel and chunk the sweet potato and add to the pot. Add diced onion. Follow with the red bell pepper, can of tomatoes, the beans, garlic, and seasonings. Pour in OJ and water. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the onion is translucent and the sweet potato is fork-tender (if you want the sweet potato to get really squishy and disappear when stirred, cook longer).
The Verdict.
Super tasty. I loved the sweet smoky flavor this had, and was thrilled at the depth of flavor that came from this spice combination. The sweet potato and beans were plenty filling, and Adam didn't once mumble that he'd really like a steak. My kids ate it, but un-veganized it by adding shredded cheese and sour cream.
I will definitely make this again. Thank you so much to BlogHer and to Tropicana for the fun day of filming for The Juice production. I had an absolute ball, and am touched to have been included. Thank you.
other great chili dishes:
traditional chili
poor man's chili
clean-out-the-pantry chili
white chili
presidential (Barack Obama's) chili


text:
More than 35 percent of Americans have debts and unpaid bills that have been reported to collection agencies, according to a study released Tuesday by the Urban Institute.
These consumers fall behind on credit cards or hospital bills. Their mortgages, auto loans or student debt pile up, unpaid. Even past-due gym membership fees or cellphone contracts can end up with a collection agency, potentially hurting credit scores and job prospects, said Caroline Ratcliffe, a senior fellow at the Washington-based think tank.
"Roughly, every third person you pass on the street is going to have debt in collections," Ratcliffe said. "It can tip employers' hiring decisions, or whether or not you get that apartment."
The study found that 35.1 percent of people with credit records had been reported to collections for debt that averaged $5,178, based on September 2013 records. The study points to a disturbing trend: The share of Americans in collections has remained relatively constant, even as the country as a whole has whittled down the size of its credit card debt since the official end of the Great Recession in the middle of 2009.
Delinquent Debt in America (Urban Institute)
As a share of people's income, credit card debt has reached its lowest level in more than a decade, according to the American Bankers Association. People increasingly pay off balances each month. Just 2.44 percent of card accounts are overdue by 30 days or more, versus the 15-year average of 3.82 percent.
Yet roughly the same percentage of people are still getting reported for unpaid bills, according to the Urban Institute study performed in conjunction with researchers from the Consumer Credit Research Institute. Their figures nearly match the 36.5 percent of people in collections reported by a 2004 Federal Reserve analysis.
All of this has reshaped the economy. The collections industry employs 140,000 workers who recover around $50 billion each year, according to a separate study published this year by the Federal Reserve's Philadelphia bank branch.
Health care-related bills account for 37.9 percent of the debts collected, according to a new report commissioned by the Association of Credit and Collection Professionals. Student loan debt represents another 25.2 percent and credit cards make up 10.1 percent, with the rest of the collections going for local governments, retailers, telecoms and utilities.
The delinquent debt is overwhelmingly concentrated in Southern and Western states. Texas cities have a large share of their populations being reported to collection agencies: Dallas (44.3 percent); El Paso (44.4 percent), Houston (43.7 percent), McAllen (51.7 percent) and San Antonio (44.5 percent).
Almost half of Las Vegas residents— many of whom bore the brunt of the housing bust that sparked the recession— have debt in collections. Other Southern cities have a disproportionate number of their people facing debt collectors, including Orlando and Jacksonville, Florida; Memphis, Tennessee; Columbia, South Carolina; and Jackson, Mississippi.
A few major factors appear to be driving the delinquencies, said Eric Salazar, the Texas and Florida manager for the credit counseling agency GreenPath.
First, many of these workers have low-paying jobs in construction and services, in addition to minimal education on their finances.
"There is not the income growth to save and they have to make survival decisions," Salazar said. "You make the decision to pay for the roof over your head and to feed your family and that's all you can afford to do."
Secondly, these states are home to retirees who live on fixed incomes and may struggle to pay medical bills, Salazar said.
Other cities have populations that have largely managed to repay their bills on time. Just 20.1 percent of Minneapolis residents have debts in collection. Boston, Honolulu and San Jose, California, are similarly low.
Only about 20 percent of Americans with credit records have no debt at all. Yet high debt levels don't always lead to more delinquencies, since the debt largely comes from mortgages.
An average San Jose resident has $97,150 in total debt, with 84 percent of it tied to a mortgage. But because incomes and real estate values are higher in the technology hub, those residents are less likely to be delinquent.
By contrast, the average person in the Texas city of McAllen has only $23,546 in debt, yet more than half of the population has debt in collections, more than anywhere else in the United States.
The Urban Institute's Ratcliffe said that stagnant incomes are key to why some parts of the country are struggling to repay their debt.
Wages have barely kept up with inflation during the five-year recovery, according to Labor Department figures. And a separate measure by Wells Fargo found that after-tax income fell for the bottom 20 percent of earners during the same period.
JOSH BOAK, AP Economics Writer
Editor's note: An earlier version of this story misstated the percentage of Americans who have no debt on file.


text:
One thing buyers of new condos often lose sight of is that one day they may want to sell their property. It's understandable; they're typically faced with the sometimes overwhelming choice of many optional upgrades.
But the resale value may be quite different from a purchase price plus the cost of any upgrades or renovations the owner has done. It's important to remember that all upgrades are not created equal.
Fulfilling your dreams and desires is wonderful, as long as you realize they may not be shared by prospective purchasers if you decide to sell. On the flip side, the seller's reality may not be that of a purchaser either. I've talked to many condo owners who had the chance to buy an extra parking space or storage locker or could have upgraded a laminate countertop or kitchen cabinetry but declined, dismissing it as a waste of money. In fact, an investment in such upgrades may pay dividends when you come to sell.
When deciding on upgrades, if you put on a buyer's hat, the answer to what to invest in will be clearer. Typically, prospective sellers rattle off in detail all the upgrades that make their condo superior to the one down the hall. In reality, many of them add little or no value and some may actually detract from a property's attractiveness, like gold-plated faucets, brightly coloured cabinetry, sinks, tubs and showers and unique ceramic tile work and flooring. This is not to say these are not valid options for the owner, but rather that their value is likely to be diminished in the eyes of prospective purchasers.
Something as simple as a can of paint can either increase or reduce a unit's value. Light, neutral colours in small spaces help with continuity and make the space seem larger. Most ceilings start off white, however, if you paint the ceiling and walls in a warmer colour with a contrasting crisp, white trim you can change the space and create a warmer feel to the room. For a different effect and an even warmer, cosier feel, paint the walls and ceiling the same light colour and the trim with one-quarter of that colour mixed in with white. This gives definition without cutting the space up visually. How you use paint will determine if you have added value to your home. And the nice thing about paint? If you don't get it right the first time, you can also change it. If you really love that dramatic red wall or turquoise bathroom, enjoy it until you're ready to sell. Then change it to a light, neutral colour.
Unfortunately, changing it is not so easy for floor or kitchen cabinet upgrades. Now, in general, these upgrades add value at resale unless you choose colours or styles that scream time warp. Avocados are great in the kitchen, just not as a colour for the appliances. Speaking of style, try to choose one that is consistent with the building style, which is what, more than anything, will attract prospective buyers to your condo when you want to sell. If the building is extremely contemporary, do not inflict a country kitchen on your condo, even if you get a good buy on it. Don't lose sight of the bottom line — resale value.
Getting back to investing in that extra parking space: Even if you are doing your bit for the environment and have a single vehicle, remember that most couples downsizing to a condo will have two. Offering a condo for sale with two parking spots included increases its value. If you don't need a second spot, think about renting it to another condo owner. Will you recoup the initial price of the extra space? Perhaps. But you will certainly set your property apart from the competition. The same goes for an extra storage locker. Depending on how well you negotiated the initial purchase, you are likely to make up the initial cost at sale time.
If you are like most of us, you will be caught up in a flurry of emotions when you purchase a new condominium. Excitement, misgivings and uncertainty all conspire to complicate your decision-making. Take time to step back and analyse your goals and then upgrade to achieve them.
Marilyn Wilson has been selling real estate for more than 23 years and owns Marilyn Wilson Dream Properties Inc. Brokerage, an Exclusive Affiliate of Christie's International Real Estate. She can be reached through dreamproperties.com.
© Copyright (c) The Ottawa Citizen


text:
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) _ Lottery officials say nobody has won the Powerball jackpot and the top prize will now increase to about $425 million for the next drawing, the largest jackpot ever for the game.
Iowa Lottery spokeswoman Mary Neubauer said sales were strong over the holiday week for Saturday's drawing, which was estimated at $325 million before the numbers were picked. That was the fourth-largest jackpot in the game's history.
Neubauer says the jackpot for Wednesday's drawing could go even higher than the estimated $425 million because sales pick up in the days before record drawings.
The previous top Powerball prize was $365 million, won in 2006 by ConAgra Foods Workers in Lincoln, Neb.
The Powerball numbers for Saturday were 22-32-37-44-50, and the Powerball was 34.


text:
Good morning.
Our early headlines:
-- Louisville Player's Surgery A Success; Leg Break Shouldn't End His Career
-- Texas On 'High Alert' After District Attorney's Killing
-- It's Almost Cicada Time! Help Radiolab Track #Swarmageddon
-- Book News: Shakespeare Was A Tax Evader And Food Hoarder, Researchers Say
-- If Something Smells Funny, Remember What Day It Is
Other stories making headlines:
-- "South Korea Vows Fast Response To North; U.S. Deploys Stealth Jets." (Reuters)
-- "Drug Maker Novartis Loses India Patent Battle." (The Associated Press)
-- In Southwestern Virginia, "3 Dead, Dozens Hospitalized" After Dense Fog Causes Multi-Vehicle Pileup. (The Roanoke Times)
-- Prosecutors Weigh Pursuing Death Penalty In Colorado Theater Killings; James Holmes Has Offered Guilty Plea For Life Sentence. (The Denver Post)
-- Atlanta Educators Indicted In Cheating Scandal To Turn Themselves In. (The Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
-- Play Ball! Major League Baseball Season Gets Going. (MLB.com)
Copyright 2021 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org.