text:
[RELATED: Learn why you need a content marketing plan at our December content marketing boot camp.]
• Know your spokesperson's availability. If more than one of you is pitching interviews for the same spokesperson, use a shared calendar (Google Docs works well) so you can see open/taken time slots in real time. This way you can confirm interview spots immediately with reporters, which make their job easier.
• Confirm mobile numbers, home numbers, and office numbers, and make sure your spokespeople know you'll be calling them and scheduling interviews.
• If you're working with an organization in an agency capacity, make sure the spokespeople know who you are and that they are OK with taking your calls directly.
• Drill into your technical specialists the utmost importance of taking reporter calls whenever and wherever they can.
• Give your spokespeople basic media training.
• Keep an easy-to-access file of images, bios, video, reports, and all your spokesperson contact information, so you can quickly send a reporter whatever information they need. Better yet, create an online newsroom so everything's in one place.
• Ask for their deadline(s).
• Ask if you can see their questions in advance.
• Ask if they have a particular angle they are taking on an issue so you can decide if this is something you want your organization to be a part of.
• Do your due diligence. Research the journalist and their outlet. Find out what kind of articles they've written in the past about this topic.
• If you don't have a fit internally, ask your expert if they know of someone outside the organization who does. The goal is always to be responsive, timely and helpful.
• Drop what you're doing.
• Focus on fulfilling this reporter's request as soon as humanly possible, meaning you'll be frantically calling and emailing every spokesperson you can until you've nailed down someone who can speak to the reporter.
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text:
Family Guy Travels to the North Pole to Kill Santa Claus
After being snubbed by Santa at the mall, Stewie decides he's going murder Santa at the North Pole. Upon reaching their destination, Brian and Stewie learn that the world's greed and increasing demands are literally killing Santa and his elves.
In hope of saving Christmas, Stewie and Brian borrow Stanta's sleigh and embark on a present-giving journey around the world. Unfortunately, they only make it to one house—and commit murder instead.
[There was a video here]
Also worth mentioning is that Seth MacFarlane's father hilariously narrated the hour-long special, proving that the apple doesn't fall far from the tree.
[There was a video here]

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Canoeing as a Counter-Hegemonic Practice: I Can, Can You?
This essay analyzes a silent short film portraying an urban canoeist. The film suggests that it is possible to make conscious choices about one's means of conveyance through the city. Using a critical theoretical framework to unpack the implications of the film, this paper argues for the need to imagine unconventional modes of transportation and examine the power structures of automotive hegemony.


text:
Notes: Kennedy looking to step it up
Second baseman has struggled this season against lefties
By Daniel Berk / MLB.com
Manager Tony La Russa has opted to put switch-hitter Aaron Miles at second when there is a lefty on the mound, and the Cards are in the middle of a stretch where six of the eight starting pitchers are lefties, ending with Jeff Francis, who is scheduled to pitch on Monday, when the Cards hit the road in Colorado.
Kennedy has had a difficult time with lefties this season, going just 2-for-22 and drawing two walks. Lifetime, Kennedy is a .250 hitter against lefties. On the flip side, Miles is feasting off left-handers. He is 11-for-32 against southpaws this season with an on-base percentage of .400.
"I've pretty much forced their hand. The numbers aren't there," Kennedy said. "When the team's not playing well, there are certain guys that are going to pay for that and lose playing time, and I'm one of them."
On the other hand, Miles, who has flourished lately, has caught the eyes of his teammates and manager. He had a three-hit game on Tuesday against Pirates lefty Zach Duke. Kennedy played the next game with a righty on the mound, and Miles returned for the series finale and banged out another three-hit game. In the series opener against the Nats on Friday, Miles had two more hits to up his average to .298.
"It's hard to ignore when a guy is getting a couple of hits a game," Kennedy said. "Especially with an offense that's struggling, you look for a spark."
Miles also spent a little time filling in for David Eckstein at shortstop earlier in the season. La Russa reiterated on Saturday that having three middle infielders isn't a bad thing for the team.
"If you play 162 games [and] have a trio of guys that are that competitive, it's good for the team," La Russa said. "Over the course of the year, the way it turns out, they all play. You don't have a drop-off with whatever combination you put out there. It's a big asset for our team."
Since he hasn't been in the lineup regularly, Kennedy took some extra ground balls before Saturday's game to make sure he stays sharp defensively. In the only game he played in the Pittsburgh series, he made an error on a groundball that got past him and into the outfield.
"I tried to be too careful with it and try and get in front of it. I should have just backhanded it," Kennedy said. "I made it a really tough play."
Spiezio in the lineup: Scott Spiezio was in the lineup for Saturday's game, batting cleanup. Spiezio got the start in right field for the first time since May 5.
With a righty on the mound, La Russa played Spiezio over Juan Encarnacion and Ryan Ludwick. The skipper decided to bat Spiezio fourth, so Scott Rolen and Jim Edmonds could continue to hit in their normal spots in the lineup -- fifth and sixth, respectively. Encarnacion has been occupying the cleanup spot.
"[Spiezio's] been very good against this club," La Russa said. "Last year, he crushed the Nationals, so I'm anxious to get him in there."
Spiezio was 8-for-17 against the Nats last season with seven RBIs. Lifetime, the switch-hitter is batting .323 against the Nats.
Bullpen ready to go: The entire Cards bullpen was available for Saturday's game. Closer Jason Isringhausen, who picked up back-to-back saves in the final two games of the Pirates series, and setup man Ryan Franklin, who was recovering from strep throat, were both unavailable for Friday's opener.
La Russa was also reluctant to use Todd Wellemeyer, who had thrown in two of the previous three games, on Friday.
"[Franklin] should be stronger. He said he could pitch [on Friday], [but] Barry (Weinberg) said, 'Don't use him,'" La Russa said. "[Isringhausen] said he felt good; we [just] didn't think it was smart to push him [on Friday]."
Ronnie gets his ring: Ronnie Belliard received his World Series ring before Saturday's game. All of the Cardinals who were on the roster last year came out on the field to congratulate Belliard after general manager Walt Jocketty presented his ring. Belliard played 54 games with the Cards during the regular season last year and was a key contributor to their postseason run. Belliard signed a Minor League contract with the Nats before this season.
Wilson update: La Russa said nothing has changed with injured outfielder Preston Wilson. Wilson has been on the disabled list since May 6 with a sore right knee, where there's still a considerable amount of swelling. Wilson has been at the stadium receiving treatment before and after the games.
Baby 'Birds: Triple-A Memphis lost to Round Rock, 8-2, on Friday night. Randy Keisler picked up the loss, going 5 2/3 innings and giving up eight earned runs on 11 hits. Nick Stavinoha went 3-for-4 with an RBI. Travis Hanson hit his second home run of the season. ... Double-A Springfield lost to Corpus Christi, 4-1, despite a solid outing from starter Cory Rauschenberger, who went seven innings, giving up just one run on three hits and striking out four. Joe Mather went 2-for-4 with a double and a run scored. ... Class A Palm Beach was shut out by Lakeland, 5-0. Trey Hearne picked up the loss. Hearne went 5 2/3 innings, giving up five runs on 11 hits. Nathan Southard went 2-for-3. ... Class A Quad Cities lost to Beloit, 5-2. Brandon Buckman continued his solid play, going 2-for-4 with an RBI. Through 45 games, Buckman is hitting .350 with nine home runs and 40 RBIs.
Player of the day honors go to Stavinoha. The outfielder continued his recent hot play, upping his average to .277. Over his last seven games, Stavinoha is 15-for-29 with two home runs and six RBIs. Stavinoha has been hitting in the cleanup spot and seeing time at each of the corner outfield spots.
Coming up: The Cards and Nationals will finish their three game series with an afternoon game on Sunday. The Cards will send Adam Wainwright to the mound as the Nats counter with left-hander Matt Chico. First pitch is schedule for 1:15 p.m. CT.
Dan Berk is an associate reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.


text:
In celebration of his new album We Are Tonight, which hit stores Sept. 17, Billy Currington is our Launch artist this week.
Billy Currington is no stranger to the top of the charts, having amassed seven No. 1 singles since his debut album was released ten years ago. And he's not slowing down: His latest single "Hey Girl" is currently in the Top 5 of the singles charts and steadily climbing.
On We Are Tonight, Currington continues the feel good vibe he's known for. What Currington describes as "an entire happy album," tracks like "Hard to Be a Hippie" and "Wingman" show his funny side while "23 Degrees and South" and "Closer Tonight" exhibit his romantic nature–a side of his personality that helped previous hits ofhis like "Don't" and "Must Be Doin' Something Right" make it all the way to No. 1.
"Hey Girl" has a little of both. As Currington told Radio.com in an interview this week, the reason he first decided to cut "Hey Girl" is that it's a simple and great pickup line he used as a kid.
"My buddy and I, he reminded me of this the other day. He's like, 'Man I can't believe you recorded a song saying the same thing we did when we were kids on the beach.' When we'd see a girl and be too shy to say something, we would go, 'Hey girl,' and it always brought a smile and started a conversation."
While Currington's songwriting credit appears on his previous albums, he put down the pen for We Are Tonight and instead called up his songwriter friends.
"I don't feel like I have to write all my songs. For this project I was actually writing, but all the songs I was writing were coming out hip-hop or R&B," he said. "It just didn't fit for this album. There were a lot of songs sent to me that instantly you just don't connect with. The one's that are on the album were all instants for me. I would hear them and I'd be like, 'I have to hear that again and again.' Eventually you hear it enough [and] I just become a part of that song."
He added: "I feel like I connected to all the songs even though I had no hand in writing any."
"Hard to Be a Hippie," which features Willie Nelson, was written by Deanna Bryant, John Scott Sherrill and Scotty Emerick. Friends with Emerick, Currington pulled up a video of him performing the song on YouTube and called him up to ask about recording it. It turned out Nelson was already interested in cutting the song.
"Four months later I ended up on Willie's bus. We played a show together so Scotty already knew him," Currington recalled. "During that time Scotty was like, 'Billy wants to record that song 'Hard to Be a Hippie,' too. Are you still interested?'"
Nelson was, and when Emerick suggested the two record it together, Nelson agreed, much to Currington's shock.
"I've been dreaming of recording with Willie for so many years, told a hundred million people that I wanted to. I guess it came to me. Dream come true," Currington said.
We Are Tonight Track Listing
1. "Hey Girl"
2. "Wingman"
3. "One Way Ticket"
4. "23 Degrees and South"
5. "We Are Tonight"
6. "Hard To Be a Hippie" (feat. Willie Nelson)
7. "Closer Tonight"
8. "Another Day Without You"
9. "Banana Pancakes"
10. "Hallelujah"
Billy Currington's We Are Tonight is available now on iTunes.


text:
Discussion in 'Miscellaneous' started by Mary Ann, Aug 10, 2012.
Mmmmm....red, meaty cow that looks a little like bacon....
You want to see disturbing cows, go on YouTube and search for the phrase "cows & cows & cows".
And "Minecraft Cows & Minecraft Cows & Minecraft Cows"
and Buffalo buffalo. Buffalo buffalo. Buffalo buffalo.
Badger badger?
My wife and daughter came to see me at work today and we went for lunch.
"Buffalo buffalo Buffalo buffalo buffalo, buffalo Buffalo buffalo." Is a gramatical English sentence.
Yeah, that's a cute one!
Damn, now I want buffalo wings.
Thanks a lot.
I think I've mentioned somewhere before on the board that my youngest nephew is in the 99th percentile for height and the 86th for weight, just a HUGE baby. The first time I posted pictures of the baby here, people commented on how big he was at 2 days old. Well, this is him now. He's 7 months old, sitting next to his 3 year old brother:
Wow. He'd probably dwarf my almost three year old daughter too!
This reminds me of a story about my oldest nephew. My older brother (half brother actually) and his wife are pretty tall. As a result, all my nephews and niece are tall for their ages.
When my oldest nephew was twoish, he called a four year old boy "little boy".
(in elementary school monotone) Yes, Miss Quark
^It's been ages since I'd seen that movie! Really, the sentence is gramatical; buffalo in that sentence refers to the city name, Buffalo, the animal (properly, bison), and the verb to buffalo, meaning to bully. It is a sentence commonly used to demonstrate a phenomenon called semantic satiation.
Maybe I'm just having a brain fart, but I can't figure out which "buffalo" is what. Diagram that sentence, please!
I watched the buffalo-clip, but when you start saying some of the buffalo-sentences possible, it sounds just as hilariously stupid as when you speak Malkovich -I thought.
But now I have to wonder, based on the "translations" of the sentence...why is that comma there? Maybe I'm still reading it wrong, but to me it seems that neither side of the comma counts as an independent clause.
^Because I typed a comma where there shouldn't have been one. Likely due to semantic satiation, actually. In trying to overcome the semantic satiation in order to type the correct number of buffalos I had say the sentence in my head slowly, and l placed a comma at my mental pause.
Separate names with a comma.


text:
Welcome to Cologne
The Hotel am Augustinerplatz is centrally located in the heart of Cologne's city centre. The historic old quarter, cathedral, main train station and banks of the Rhine are all within walking distance.
After a sumptuous breakfast, explore the city of Cologne with its numerous places of interest or embark on an extensive shopping trip. Just a few steps from the hotel you will find the popular retail areas Hohe Straße and Schildergasse. Just take a look at our Around-Me-Map and discover the area around the hotel.
Our 53 modern rooms combine comfortable and sophisticated design. Business travellers can take advantage of our business package and proximity to Cologne's trade fair and exhibition centre.
Our friendly team are on hand to deal with individual requests to ensure that you have a wonderful stay in Cologne!Our rooms – Wi-Fi and pay TV always included! Do you set great store by comfortable and sophisticated design?
Leons Liquid lounge
Visit our hotel bar Leon's Liquid Lounge
You are also welcome to hold events or parties at our hotel. Simply talk to us. Together we will make sure that it is an unforgettable experience.
Go to the lounge


text:
Oscar-winning actress Gwyneth Paltrow was named the "World's Most Beautiful Woman" for 2013 by People magazine on Wednesday.
The 40-year-old mom of two, who's married to Coldplay rocker Chris Martin, topped this year's list and graces the cover of the magazine's "Most Beautiful People" issue.
"I can't believe it," Paltrow said of the honor. "I kept thinking, 'This can't be true.' I've never been more surprised or flattered."
Among the many other stars who made the list: Adele, Beyonce, Jennifer Lawrence, and Halle Berry, who has been on the list sixteen times.
But being world's most beautiful woman takes hard work. Paltrow told People she works out two hours every day and that her exercise routine can be "a nightmare." She pushes herself to do it because being in shape is part of her job, she said.
"Let's face it, it's much easier to just chill out and watch TV," said Paltrow, whose next film, "Iron Man 3" is hitting theaters May 3.
Paltrow's new cookbook, "It's All Good," which is on the New York Times best seller list, focuses on a strict diet. But the actress revealed to People that after watching what she eats most of the day, for dinner she has whatever she wants.
"Because I want to enjoy my life and I love pasta," she told People.
She insisted that she doesn't impose her dietary standards on her children Apple, 8, and Moses, 7 and allows them to eat carbs. She said Internet rumors claiming otherwise are "silly."
Paltrow's bikini line for girls 4 to 8, currently featured in her online newsletter GOOP, has also stirred controversy. The $45 black suits, called the "Kids' New York bikini set" are sold exclusively on the GOOP website and are similar to styles offered for adult women. The skimpy bikinis, according to many moms, sexualize little girls and expose too much skin.
But Paltrow doesn't see anything wrong with them, according to E! Online. Her spokesperson called the criticism "absurd," adding, "Two-piece bathing suits have been worn by young girls for decades."
In the interview with People, the actress also talked about a miscarriage she had, saying that, "To this day, I feel like I'm missing that kid."
And of her very private marriage to Martin, Paltrow said, "I never make him feel hemmed in or like he's in trouble. And on a personal level, as friends, we really get along."
Visit NBCNews.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy


text:
Topic: upgrade iredadmin v0.1.8 (MySQL) to PRO
==== Required information ====
- iRedMail version: 0.1.8
- Store mail accounts in which backend (LDAP/MySQL/PGSQL): MySQL
- Linux/BSD distribution name and version: Debian 6 Squeeze
- Related log if you're reporting an issue:
Dear All,
After using the free edition of iRedMail for a while, and being very happy with the results, we decide to upgrade to the Pro edition.
Anxious to start using the Pro edition, I notice in the confirmation email i received instructions to upgrade existing free editions to Pro, yet nothing seems to be relevant to the version I currently have running - v0.1.8.
I have searched the various guides to upgrading, yet I still fail to find clear instructions on how to upgrade from v0.1.8 free to v1.60 Pro.
Please could someone help me in the right direction.
Thank you in adavance!


text:
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Instead, quickly check out a short
review and video
from over 550 top iPad apps. Our videos make things easier, faster & without the selling.
Over 869,000 views of our videos.
Best 100 Educational Apps
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Includes: Language & Reading, Math, Science, Art, Storybooks, Storytelling, Social Studies,
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Our reviews include a brief summary
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Preschool Zoo Puzzles
Preschool Zoo Puzzles is an excellent, free app that helps kids develop many different skills, the names and sounds of animals, and offers 16 different languages. The monkey, music and bold HD graphics make the app engaging for toddlers. 4.5/5 stars
Things parents will like:
- The app is free.
- The activities all involve animals and include a jigsaw puzzle, a matching game, spot the difference and selecting the right animal.
- The monkey is a fun teacher
- The graphics are colorful and will grab a child's attention
- The music is fun and upbeat
- There is positive feedback
- The animal sounds are added in to help kids learn
- There are stickers for rewards
- The games are available in 16 languages
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Pocket Egg Race
Pocket Egg Race is a fun game that keeps kids engaged with all sorts of activities that involve the chicken and the egg. It is truly unique and helps kids develop problem solving skills. In addition, kids can dress their chick and record what it will say. 4.5/5 stars.
Things parents will like:
- The app has 10 micro adventures where kids have fun and learn
- The game can be played alone or against one opponent
- Kids can record what their chick will say
- It's very involving
- It's a board game with a spinning wheel
- The app moves the pieces on its own
- You never know which activity will appear
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A fun, interactive calendar for
both kids & parents. Kids learn
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Selected by Apple as "New &
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Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp
A storybook app for kids 8+ yrs
with 45 pages of text, colorful
illustrations & where a genie
magical appears to grant wishes
4/5 Stars
Media Coverage for Kids Best iPad Apps and Protecting the Privacy of Children:
Puzzle 4 Kids-Animals
Puzzle 4 Kids-Animals is a free jigsaw puzzle app that includes 30 different animals, animal sounds, voice over for additional support, and an easy to use interface for younger kids. There are also 11 different languages. 4/5 stars
Things parents will like:
- The app is a good value as the 30 puzzles are free
- There is positive feedback
- 11 different languages
- Easy to use
- There is animation, sound and easy movement between puzzles
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Words & Blocks-Lite
Words & Blocks-Lite is a great way to help children to learn to spell and identify words through pictures. The app integrates animation, colorful images, and two activities that help kids learn 26 three to five letter words. This is a free app and simple for young kids to use. 4.0/5 stars.
Things parents will like:
- The app is free.
- There many basic words for kids to learn how to spell
- The activities include a spelling game and a matching game that requires selecting the correct picture that matches the word in the card
- The spelling game lets your child hear the sound of the word
- There are options for hints as well as drag/drop
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Worditt Free
Worditt Free is a challenging, fun word game that will get children thinking of and spelling 4, 5 and 6 letter words. The object of the game is to guess the missing word and to figure out which letters to select and in their right location to spell the mystery word. 4/5 stars
Things parents will like:
- The app is free
- Kids can use letters to spell words they know and discover new words
- The app is an excellent value--with 150 levels and 1,400 4, 5 and 6 letter words
- The app adds in tips that will help kids get to the right answer
- Kids get rewarded for figuring out the correct word
- The words get more difficult so kids won't be bored with easy words to guess.
More >
Tower Zoo
Tower Zoo is a fascinating and addicting 3D puzzle game that requires children to think strategically and tactically--with a level of difficulty somewhere between checkers and chess. While "Tower Zoo" is a game, it truly is an excellent way for kids to think at a deeper level and plan their tactics to win. 4.5/5 stars
Things parents will like:
- It requires kids to think about strategy and tactics
- The visuals are excellent and provides multiple ways to view the game board
- It is challenging and addicting
- It is a great value--it is free!
- Kids can play against the computer/app or a friend
- There are lots of options with 90 unique boards, and three levels of difficulty
- There is a story connected to the game
- Did we mention it is addicting? Your kids will play this app over and over and over again!
More >
Up and Down
Up and Down is a storybook app with multiple activities for younger kids. The app uses simple but colorful illustrations and original music. 3.5/5 stars.
Things parents will like:
- The storybook is interactive
- There are puzzles and coloring pages
- The music is unique and friendly
- It is a free app
- There are four languages: English, Spanish, French and Arabic
More >
I Love Mountains
I Love Mountains is an impressive, interactive storybook that teaches children all about mountains in a simple, yet powerful way. The app makes it very easy for kids to use with it's clever use of design and instruction. The information about mountains covers how mountains are formed, located, and much much more. 4.0/5 stars.
Things parents will like:
- It's educational
- It's free
- The voice over is kid-friendly and done by the author Sloan Graham
- It makes learning about mountains fun
- It cover mountains, plants and animals that live on the mountains
More >
Sound Seeker
For children 4-6 years old, a
great game to help kids learn
to spell and read using initial
sounds of the objects pictured.
4/5 Stars


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|January 10, 2013, 03:27 AM
Senior Member
Join Date: June 20, 2009
Posts: 1,086
WHat to buy?
I have the cash, got the nod of approval from the spouse that the checkbook will survive ammo costs (me with a new gun costs a lot cause I shoot em a lot!), and now comes the hardest part choosing...
I'd like another Snubbie (who wouldn't?). Though an adjustable sighted 4" would be nice, There is that sweet new German made S/a .22/ .22Mag and there is even a possibility of buying a Glock 17 and even a Ruger Target autoloader .22 would ne nice!
So how does a guy make up his mind?
Home and Personal Defense is a major part of the decision and even that .22Mag makes sense. I have several Pocket guns but a +P.38 always has it's appeal. There are literally 8 to 10 possibles on the .38 Special market.
Smith makes the best sense to me when buying a new Snubbie because they have so many models! Though Tarus has some dandy prices and the warranty and features make them palletable. Colt dosen't have too much to offer at reasonable prices. Rugers are heavy but built to handle anything!
This is going to be a purchase just for my appreciation and enjoyment since I already have all the basic want's in .22 and .38/.357.
I need to do this before gun confiscation and maybe the "Blue Helmets" march in the streets. I want to enjoy it for a while.
Heck I even considered a Stainless Ruger Bearcat just because I always wanted one of the tiny S/A's.
Making your mind up when you really don't need another handgun is ahard thing to do!!!
Ah but what fun it is!
|January 10, 2013, 03:59 AM
Senior Member
Join Date: March 31, 2010
Location: Communist State of IL.
Posts: 1,564
If it were for fun shooting some of those would be great choices but, aside from .22 being your only option for SD I would not head down that road.
.22 mag does have some SD value but, not enough if other options can be had.
You already have a snubie so no need to get another other then collecting.
SD Glock 17,21,22
NRA Life Member, SAF Member
|January 10, 2013, 04:42 AM
Senior Member
Join Date: October 7, 2009
Posts: 995
9 mil only. No 40 S&W or 45acp...too expensive to shoot.
Ruger SR9C or Walther PPS. These are new models that look promising. If your predictions prove half way true, then these models will be in very short supply.
|January 10, 2013, 07:16 AM
Senior Member
Join Date: September 15, 2006
Location: Pueblo, Colorado
Posts: 2,664
First of all what is your budget? If defense is a use and you are considering a glock 17 reconsider and get a 19. Better suited to carry but you can still attach a light to it and keep it on the nightstand at night. And you can use G17 mags in it. 9mm ammo is cheaper than .38 special and anything smaller is inadequate.
My top picks would be a G19 or a 9mm M&P, preferably used to save on cost. After that would be a Smith SD9, ruger P-series, a German-built Sig, or Beretta.
If you get a revolver stick to Smith&wesson, Ruger, or Colt. .41 magnum, .44 special, .44magnum, and .45 colt get expensive so hold off on a wheelgun in those calibers until you can reload. Stick to a .38/.357, 9mm, or .45acp revolver.
I don't collect guns, I accumulate them.
|January 12, 2013, 09:11 AM
Senior Member
Join Date: January 2, 2013
Posts: 779
If you enjoy shooting a lot, consider finding .22's in the same frame and styles that you have for your larger pistols. eg If you've got the snubbie of your dreams in .38, then get the exact same gun in .22. Then shoot a thousand rounds of 22 for every fifty rounds of 38. Hones your skills and doesn't break your bank.
That could be even more practical for rifles. At costs approaching $2 per round for .308 match cartridges, shooting a similar rifle in .22 would keep your skills up without spending several hundred dollars per range trip.
Sgt Lumpy - n0eq
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text:
Jai Rodriguez came to
fame as the culture vulture on the seminal makeover show
Queer Eye for the Straight Guy
. He's an Emmy winner, a
New York Times
best-selling author, and a Broadway performer, including stints
The Producers
. He even squeezed in time for a little nipple reduction on
These days he's living
in Los Angeles, working on music and hosting Animal
Planet's show
Groomer Has It,
a reality competition between dog groomers. Here the
Jai-of-all-trades tells Advocate.com what tip he'd give
President Obama for grooming his new dog, talks about
his new dance single, and reminisces on those
Queer Eye
Advocate.com:What do you think will be the hardest challenge on this
season of
Groomer Has It
?Jai Rodriguez:
Probably having all the groomers living under one roof.
Grooming is kind of an individual sport. The catfights
in the house were awesome!
It kills me you have a Quick Sniff Challenge! How ripe is
that for a porn film?
I hadn't actually thought about that. Naughty man!
Are there any gay contestants this season?
I believe there are three or four. I'll let you guess who.
Do you think grooming dogs lends itself to a gay
Well, I hear it's mostly a woman's sport….
Which contestant has the boldest personality?
Boldest? Hmmm. I'd say Danielle.
What types of dogs do you have?
Yorkies. They rock!
Which of your two dogs, Nemo --
Groomer Has It
's messenger dog -- or Dory, do you most resemble?
Nemo, for sure. He's rowdy, wild, loud, but a total cuddle
Do you think it's harder to groom dogs or teach straight
guys to groom themselves?
Well, I haven't had many straight guys lovingly lick me after a
groom. So I'll go with B… It's harder to groom a
straight guy.
So you're a dog person versus a cat person?
Definitely a dog person. Cats are too finicky on who they like
and what they want.
What grooming advice would you give President Obama with his
new dog, Bo?
Well, we had Portuguese water dogs as a grooming challenge last
year. They are a difficult groom! So I guess, find a good
groomer for Bo?
You have a one-man show,
My Truth.
Tell us your truth.
Well, honestly it was about me standing up for what I need and
want regardless of what people want for me. I have learned to
trust my process and my instincts. I was always a people
pleaser. I put myself last a lot. Never made fuss in shoots
about wardrobe. Ended up looking like Punky Brewster. So owning
my truth and being OK with that has been something I've
mastered recently.
I hear you're a good bowler. You ever get lucky at the Lucky
Strike in Hollywood?
I love, love, love that place! I want to take my boyfriend and
whip his ass publicly! I am actually a whiz on the Wii
What show are you shooting now in Miami?
It's a series for SiTV. It's called
Model Latina
. It's basically Latin Top Model. I'm a judge. It airs the
first week of August.
Would you ever do something like
Dancing With the Stars
I would love to! Especially since Lance [Bass] did so well. Can
you get me on?
Ha -- I can try. You're a big fan of
The Golden Girls
. Who's your favorite Girl?
Sophia! I love her one-liners!
When's your album coming out? I heard your song "Broken"
on the Internet and it had a great vocal.
Thanks. I'm releasing a single called "Move." Just shot the
video. It's more of a dance song. Love, love, love
Are you writing any of your own songs?
I did just cowrite a song with Maria Christianson, who wrote
J.Lo's "Waiting for Tonight." It's "Move." We hope to
have the video on Logo soon, and the song on iTunes within the
You moved to L.A. a couple of years back. Are you enjoying
I love it. It's the perfect city for being a TV personality.
Lots of downtime between seasons, which is cool in such a
beautiful city.
What grooming tip would you like to apply to the gays of
West Hollywood?
Now you're trying to get me in trouble. I'll say, sometimes
less is more in terms of styling yourself.
You had very small roles on both
One Life to Live
All My Children
. Which did you prefer: Llanview or Pine Valley?
Small?! They were guest-starring roles! I played a father on
A GREAT role. And on
I played an office manager with a bad temper. I'm not sure
which city I liked more because I haven't watched the shows
What's your upcoming film,
Oy Vey! My Son Is Gay!
A gay couple who comes out to their parents then tells them
they want to get married and have a family. Lainie Kazan is my
mother in the film, and Vincent Pastore plays my dad. It's a
great cast. Carmen Electra plays my best friend. It's a great
funny film with heart.
Are Rick and Steve really
the Happiest Gay Couple in All the World
? If not, who would you say is?
They definitely are. If not, I'd say me and my BF, Chris.
In this post-Prop. 8 world we live in, do you think Adam
Lambert can become our first gay
American Idol?
I would hope so. He deserves it. I've done a few shows with him
and we share some friends… I love him. He's a great talent.
Anything you miss about your
Queer Eye
I miss the regular schedule and the company and the chemistry
with the other guys.
What kind of blowout are you planning for your 30th birthday
in June?
I am letting Chris handle it this year. I want to be surprised.
He has good taste. I trust him to make it special. I'm not that
hard to please.
And to bring us full circle, Scooby-Doo or Snoopy?
Snoopy! C'mon, man, that's simple.
And who's your favorite movie dog?
Marley. He's naughty yet adorable. Best of both worlds.
If you were a dog, what type would you be?
A wild dog that has yet to be tamed.


text: Here's a summary of recent comments concerning integer sequences generated by iterations of the function f(x,y) = kxy (mod x+y) (1) As discussed in Limit Cycles of xy (mod x+y), given any two positive integers x[0] and x[1] we define a sequence by the recurrence x[n] = f(x[n-1],x[n-2]), with the understanding that the least non-negative residue is assigned at each stage, and the sequence terminates at the kth term if x[k]=0. The previous article treated only the case k=1, but in subsequent discussions of other quadratic forms David Einstein observed that every function of the form f(x,y) = Ax^2 +Bxy + Cy^2 (mod x+y) (2) is equivalent to one of the form kxy (mod x+y) with k = B-A-C, so I've adopted the more general case. The main questions that have been discussed are (1) Do there exist solution cycles of length n for every integer n? (2) For which values of the parameter k is a divergent sequence possible? (3) Do there exist any "primitive" solution cycles other than {5,7,11}, {7,5,11}, and {23,61,59,119,79,95}? Regarding question (1) David suggested a method for constructing cycles of any finite length using the Chinese Remainder Theorem. Suppose the integers {A,B,C,D,E} constitute a solution cycle, and let x denote the greatest common divisor (gcd) of A and B. If we put a=A/x and b=B/x then by definition abx^2 = C (mod ax+bx). Clearly x must divide C, so we have that gcd(A,B) divides gcd(B,C). Similarly, gcd(B,C) divides gcd(C,D) and so on around the loop. Thus, each pair of consecutive elements in a solution cycle has the same gcd, which we will call x. This shows that every solution cycle of length 5 is of the form {ax,bx,cx,dx,ex} where the integers a,b,c,d,e are coprime in consecutive pairs. (They need not all be mutually coprime.) We can cancel x out of each congruence of the form abx^2 = cx (mod ax+bx) to give the system of linear congruences (ab)x = c (mod a+b) (bc)x = d (mod b+c) (cd)x = e (mod c+d) (de)x = a (mod d+e) (ea)x = b (mod e+a) Since a and b are coprime, it follows that ab is coprime to a+b, etc, so we can certainly solve each individual congruence for x. Furthermore, if the sums (a+b), (b+c), (c+d), (d+e) and (e+a) are mutually coprime, then the Chinese Remainder theorem ensures infinitely many simultaneous solutions of the form x=Mj+Q, where M is the product of the moduli. So, to generate a solution cycle of length 5 (for example), choose a set of mutually coprime moduli m1,m2,m3,m4,m5 (where m1=(a+b), etc) from which the corresponding values of a,b,c,d,e can be computed from the formulas a = (m1-m2+m3-m4+m5)/2 b = (m2-m3+m4-m5+m1)/2 c = (m3-m4+m5-m1+m2)/2 d = (m4-m5+m1-m2+m3)/2 e = (m5-m1+m2-m3+m4)/2 Assuming the resulting values of a,b,c,d,e are coprime in consecutive pairs (including e,a), we are assured of a solution (infinitely many, in fact) using the CRT. This method relies on the proposition that for any given integer n we can construct a cycle of integers a,b,c,d... that are coprime in consecutive pairs and such that all the sums mi of consecutive terms are coprime. Here's a proof that this can in fact always be done. The first step is the most interesting: For any odd n select n distinct odd primes p1<p2<...<pn such that pn/p1 < (n+1)/(n-1). Define the "sums" of the cycle as s1=2p1, s2=2p2, ..., sn=2pn. The actual terms of the root cycle are then v1 = p1 - p2 + p3 - ... + pn v2 = p2 - p3 + p4 - ... + p1 v3 = p3 - p4 + p5 - ... + p2 etc Clearly each v is odd and coprime to its immediate neighbors. Now we set up the system of congruences v1 v2 x = v3 (mod 2p1) v2 v3 x = v4 (mod 2p2) etc. Recall that, by the CRT, if gcd(c,d)=1 then any congruence of the form x = a (mod cd) is equivalent to the pair of congruences x = a (mod c) and x = a (mod d). Therefore, since all the v are odd, each of the above congruences can be split into two, one of which is simply x=1 (mod 2). Thus, we need an odd solution of the system v1 v2 x = v3 (mod p1) v2 v3 x = v4 (mod p2) etc. and we are assured of such a solution by the CRT. (Note that the system solution is of the form x = Mk+U where M=p1*p2*..*pn and k is any integer. Since M is odd, we can find an odd x for any U.) Notice that the above construction relies on the fact that for any positive integer n there exists an increasing sequence of n primes p1, p2, ..., pn such that pn/p1 is less than (n+1)/(n-1). To prove this, consider the sequence of real numbers [(n+1)/(n-1)]^k for k = 0,1,2,... These values partition the real number line into segments, for each of which the ratio of largest to smallest values is (n+1)/(n-1). If the kth segment contains fewer than n primes, then the sum of the reciprocals of the primes in that segment is less than n[(n-1)/(n+1)]^k. It follows that the sum of the reciprocals of all the primes is less than n times the geometric sum of [(n-1)/(n+1)]^k for k=0,1,2,..., which converges. This contradicts the fact that the sum of the reciprocals of the primes diverges. Hence, there must be segments containing n or more primes. So this completes the answer to question (1), proving that there exist solution cycles of length n for every positive integer n. Just for fun I checked to find the first occurrance of prime sets that satisfy the requirements of the proof for each n. Here's what I found n p1 ln(p1)/ln(n) --- ---- ------------ 2 2 1.0000 3 7 1.7712 4 19 2.1239 5 29 2.0922 6 53 2.2158 7 83 2.2708 8 127 2.3295 9 163 2.3182 10 223 2.3483 20 1181 2.3613 30 3163 2.3695 100 49169 2.3458 If p1(n) denotes the minimum p1 for a set satisfying the condition, then it appears p1(n) = n^c where c is about 2.3.... So the interesting question that arises out of all this is: What bounds can be placed on the exponent c in the equation p1(n)=n^c ? I suspect a certain tolerance would be equivalent to the Riemann Hypothesis. The max value seems to occur at n=17 where c=2.403... For the range of n values from 60 to 100 I find 2.3301 < c < 2.3682. Question (2) concerns the possibility that the terms of a solution sequence increase without limit. Here a suggestion from Peter Brown led to consideration of arithmetic solution sequences, i.e., sequences with terms of the form x[n]=sn+q for constants s and q. It turns out that a sequence based on f(x,y) = kxy (mod x+y) has a solution of the form x[n] = sn+q if and only if sk = -6 and qk is even. For example, with k=1 we have descending solution sequences of the form x[n] = -6n + u, where u = 0, 2, or 4. On the other hand, the recurrence based on f(x,y) = x^2 + y^2 (mod x+y), which is equivalent to f(x,y)=-2xy (mod x+y), has increasing (divergent) solution sequences of the form x[n] = 3n + u, where u = 0, 1, or 2. The answer to Question (3) turns out to be 'yes' by the brute force search method. I found two more primitive cycles (1271 3727 1343 3911) (3527 4769 8259 5879 4271) and David Einstein also found these two plus another (11791 16057 15603 17383) Notice that the Chinese Remainder method of generating solution cycles tends to give cycles with very large common factors, roughly in proportion to the product of all the sums of the coprime parts of each pair of consecutive terms. In contrast, consider the primitive solution cycle {23,61,59,119,79,95} This corresponds to the set of moduli 84 120 178 198 174 118 Since this cycle has an even period the moduli taken with alternating signs must sum to zero, so there are just 5 degrees of freedom. However, given these six moduli we have a free choice of one of the individual terms. Choosing 23 for the first term we get the system of congruences (23)(61)x = 59 (mod 84) (61)(59)x = 119 (mod 120) (59)(119)x = 79 (mod 178) (119)(79)x = 95 (mod 198) (79)(95)x = 23 (mod 174) (95)(23)x = 61 (mod 118) which happens to have the solution x=1. (Of course there are really infinitely many solutions x = 4221173880j + 1 for any integer j.) I suppose there are primitive cycles of length n for every positive integer n, but I don't know how to prove it. Interestingly, there do not seem to be any more primitive cycles of length 3 besides {5,7,11}. (See the article A Knot of Congruences and Problem #3 on the Most Wanted List.) Is the number of primitive solutions of length n finite?


text:
Subway is being sued because apparently some "footlong" sandwiches have turned up to be only 11, or maybe 11.5 inches. The firestorm started with a picture posted on Facebook in Australia of a footlong alongside a tape measure that showed it to be 11 inches. Americans, however, not content to complain to the company or via social media, launched a $5 million lawsuit against Subway's parent company.
My thought? New York's Mayor Bloomberg should look into this to potentially add footlongs to his banned foods list. Maybe even give Subway an award for helping fight obesity by providing less food than footlong buyers think they are getting.
Seriously, Subway's response of saying they are redoubling their efforts to make certain of consistency across all franchises is OK, just OK. I think they could have gone farther to say for example that they conducted their own investigation and found that 89% (or some such figure) were at least 12 inches and they are putting new policies and programs in place to insure 100% compliance. They will even provide a public report on their findings after the new policies are in place. Something like that.
UPDATE: Some great suggestions showing up in the comments. An additional one via email: Subway could offer a half inch sandwich for free to anyone who thinks they got cheated. Gosh, so many ways for Subway to turn this into a positive.


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CICERO, IL -- LBP Manufacturing Inc. is rolling out eco-friendly single-serve filters compatible with Keurig and other brewers, paired with a flexible production model designed to meet the needs of roasters of all sizes.
Called the UpShot Solution, the line features a filter with a mesh design that allows consumers to see and smell the coffee or tea inside when they open its seal prior to brewing. This is said to impart heightened sensory appeal to the brewing process, and to boost consumers' confidence in the product's freshness.
Each portion pack accommodates 8g. to 12g. (0.28 oz. to 0.4 oz.) of roast ground coffee, giving roasters the ability to achieve optimal coffee-to-water ratio. The single-use filters are made from 100% recyclable material, with an outer seal that can also be made with recyclable materials.
LBP explained that the UpShot Solution gives roasters direct control over their product quality and production volume, with the flexibility to rapidly scale capacity up or down in response to market conditions.
Packaging equipment used in producing the portion packs can be tailored to suit roasters' specific needs. High-volume machinery is available for large brands and mid-to-low volume equipment accommodates smaller roasters. Roasters can choose to bundle filters into multi-unit pouches suited to office coffee service and foodservice suppliers, or select machinery that wraps the single-serve filters in individual pouches more typical in retail environments.
Roasters can also limit their capital investment by converting their existing machinery to accommodate UpShot filter production, or purchase capacity from businesses that already have installed appropriate packaging equipment. LBP does not sell the packaging systems for its UpShot portion packs. It assists in selecting hardware suppliers who can install or customize equipment. The company also helps with equipment configuration plans, setup and testing, and can help customers make contact with potential partners willing to resell packaging capacity.
"The idea for the UpShot Solution came largely from our customers," said LBP president Matt Cook. "By listening closely to them, we came to understand that quality, speed and flexibility are the watchwords for the single-serve category."
LBP's sustainable retail and foodservice packaging solutions include its Coffee Clutch hot cup sleeve, Beverage on the Move insulated beverage to-go carrier and Thermo Grip double-wall hot cups.
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text: Odo: Nerys, I didn't come here expecting you to throw yourself into my arms. But you're leaving here in 2 days. I'm never going to see you again. All I'm asking is that you spend some time with me. Gaia is a very beautiful place. I'd love to show it to you.


text:
One of the encouraging signs on US university campuses is the rapid rise in the number of secular groups that are forming, similar to the growth of evangelical groups that occurred beginning in the 1970s.
Secular groups on college campuses are proliferating. The Ohio-based Secular Student Alliance, which a USA Today writer once called a "Godless Campus Crusade for Christ," incorporated as a nonprofit in 2001. By 2007, 80 campus groups had affiliated with them, 100 by 2008, 174 by 2009, and today there are 394 SSA student groups on campuses across the country. "We have been seeing rapid growth in the past couple of years, and it shows no sign of slowing down," says Jesse Galef, communications director at SSA. "It used to be that we would go to campuses and encourage students to pass out flyers. Now, the students are coming to us almost faster than we can keep up with."
Where such groups fit into the spectrum of college groups is a little tricky. Technically, they are not a 'faith' organization and yet they are often grouped with them for administrative purposes. But the secular groups have tended to be flexible and have adopted a variety of strategies.
Oddly enough, in the geography of on-campus student groups, atheist organizations fit within the category of faith-based groups like the Campus Crusade For Christ, which recently (and controversially) changed its name to Cru. At Stanford University, the Atheists, Humanists and Agnostics (AHA!) register with the Office For Religious Life, just like Cru, and are a member of Stanford Associated Religions.
"There are a lot of parallels with religious groups on campus," says Ron Sanders, Cru's missional team leader at Stanford.
"They have weekly meetings similar to ours, and give one another support, and they do social justice projects on campus and in the communities… I don't know that they aren't a faith group. They don't have a faith in God, or in revelation or something like that, but they have faith in reason and in science, as I understand it, as a guide for human flourishing."
"I don't think it's unfair to say that groups like Cru are our cultural opponents," says Galef at SSA. "It comes down to which values we're promoting. We are promoting values of critical thinking and acceptance."
There have been some conflicts.
Conflicting values on campus have led to unsavory events. Last year at Salisbury University in Maryland, the Atheist Society took offense when Cru students chalked a verse from the Bible: "The fool says in his heart, 'There is no God.' They are corrupt, and their ways are vile; there is not one who does good." This led to a chalking counter-offensive, which escalated but ended peacefully. In 2010, secular student groups at the University of Illinois and other Midwestern schools drew controversy when they chalked images of Muhammad. After the fallout, this event led to interfaith conversations, followed by friendship and cooperation with the Muslim Student Association. They have since hosted events together and convened for pizza and board games.
All in all, these are encouraging developments.


text:
Pitchers, bloodlines big for Dodgers
LA picks sons of ex-Major Leaguers, bullpen coach's nephew
By Ken Gurnick / MLB.com
"This was one of the most interesting, most frustrating and, hopefully, one of the most rewarding Drafts we've had since I got here," White said.
Bucking a reputation for preferring high-ceiling high school talent, White made University of Tennessee right-handed pitcher Luke Hochevar the unexpected first Dodgers choice (40th overall), then tapped into productive bloodlines with the selection of three sons of former Major Leaguers.
White drafted pitchers with seven of his first 10 picks and 26 of 51. High school players accounted for 28, college players 23. White said he expects to initially sign only 15 of the players chosen, reserving the rest as draft-and-follows.
"That's by design," he said. "Top to bottom, I didn't think it was a very strong draft and in our system we have quite a few good young players who need playing time."
As has become his custom, White went with some familiar surnames, drafting the sons of former Dodger Ivan DeJesus and big league outfielder Andy Van Slyke. He also took the nephew of Dodger bullpen coach Jon Debus.
In previous years, White has selected the sons of manager Jim Tracy, coach Jim Riggleman, former Major Leaguers Dave LaRoche and Dann Bilardello and the brother of Mike Piazza.
"Considering the strength of the draft this year, we're thrilled that we were able to select a great mix of players with big-league potential at various positions," said White.
White is familiar with Hochevar and the signability cloud responsible for dropping him out of the first round. White drafted -- and failed to sign -- Hochevar out of high school three years ago as a 39th-round pick.
This time, he used a sandwich pick received as partial compensation for the loss of free agent Adrian Beltre. And this time, he's optimistic Hochevar will sign, which will go a long way in determining the value of this year's Dodgers draft.General manager Paul DePodesta said he was confident he could work a deal with Hochevar's agent, Scott Boras, as he has for Boras' free-agent clients J.D. Drew and Derek Lowe. "I think this was meant to be," said DePodesta. "We're excited. We think we had a great day." With Seattle's second-round pick as further compensation for Beltre, the Dodgers drafted switch-hitting shortstop Ivan DeJesus Jr., the son of the former Dodgers infielder. DeJesus was taken out of Puerto Rico Military Academy, where he hit .365. He is 5-foot-11 and 175 pounds. With his second-round pick, White took Josh Wall, a right-handed pitcher from Central Private High School in Walker, La. He's 6-foot-6, 190 pounds, went 14-1 with a 0.93 ERA and had 138 strikeouts in 83 innings.
In the third round, the Dodgers selected Cal State Fullerton outfielder Sergio Pedroza. He's a 5-foot-11, 180-pounder who bats left and throws right. He hit .330 with 15 home runs, 54 RBIs and a .462 on-base percentage. His ninth-inning home run and game-saving catch Sunday helped Fullerton avoid elimination in the NCAA regional playoffs.
Third baseman Joshua Bell was the Dodgers' pick in the fourth round. He is a switch-hitter with power from Santaluces (Fla.) High School, 6-foot-3 and 205 pounds, who will be moved from his natural position of shortstop, White said.In the fifth round, the pick was right-handed pitcher Jonathan Meloan from the University of Arizona. He had a 20-strikeout no-hitter in high school in Texas. He has gone 18-1 over the last two years at Arizona. He's 6-foot-3, 225 pounds. Left-handed relief pitcher Brent Leach was the sixth-round choice out of Delta State in Mississippi. He's 6-foot-5, 205 pounds and had a 1.74 ERA in 24 appearances coming off Tommy John elbow reconstruction. In the seventh round, the Dodgers took right-handed pitcher Christopher Hobdy from Monterey (Texas) High School. He is 6-foot-4, 210 pounds, and was compared by White to a young Dave Stewart. The Dodgers' eighth-round choice was David Horlacher, a right-handed pitcher from BYU, who is 6-foot-3, 180 pounds. He was 6-2 with a 3.80 ERA this year after missing two years while serving a religious mission, according to White. Michael Davitt was the club's pick in the ninth round. He is a 6-foot-5, 190-pound right-handed pitcher from Davidson (Ala.) High School that White said reminds him of Hochevar when he came out of high school. And with their 10th-round pick, the Dodgers took outfielder Trayvon Robinson from Crenshaw High School in Los Angeles. He's 5-foot-10 and 175 pounds and a speedster. Dodgers picks in rounds 11-18 were: Adam Godwin, a speedy outfielder from Troy State; Kristopher Krise, a 6-foot-6, 215-pound sinkerball pitcher from Chico State; Steven Johnson, a right-handed high school pitcher from Maryland committed to Boston College; Scott Van Slyke, an outfielder like his father who has committed to the University of Mississippi; Wilfredo Diaz, a curveball-throwing left-handed high school pitcher and the second Dodgers pick from Puerto Rico; George McDonald, an athletic switch-hitting high school catcher from the Los Angeles area; Kyle Henson, another athletic catcher from Texas who committed to the University of Arkansas; and Kevin Carby, a switch-hitting high school shortstop from Oklahoma with good running speed, who also is committed to Arkansas and is being recruited as a football cornerback.
The second-day Dodgers picks were: outfielder Andrew Locke from Boston College; left-handed pitcher Schuyer Tripp from Davis County (Ia.) High School; shortstop Shane Justis from Towson State,a leadoff type who also played second base; outfielder Travis DeBondt from Oral Roberts University, a left-handed power hitter similar to Austin Kearns; outfielder Jayson Whitehouse from Spartanburg Methodist; left-handed pitcher Jonathan Dutton from Rancho Bernardo (Ca.) High School; left-handed pitcher Kyle Foster from Lower Columbia College; shortstop Jordy Mercer, of Taloga (Ok.) School, who has committed to Oklahoma State; right-handed pitcher Matthew Coburn from Humble (Texas) High School, who is compared to Jason Jennings of Colorado; left-handed pitcher Timothy Segelke from Green River (Ca.) CC; right-handed pitcher Kent Williamson from Hayden (Ks.) High School; outfielder Kyle Morgan from Bakersfield College; Jonathan Forest, a right-handed pitcher from the University of British Columbia with a frame compared to Curt Schilling; left-handed pitcher Nathan Hammons from Fort Cobb Broxton (Ok.) High School; left-handed pitcher Chris Lemay from Kwantien College; right-handed pitcher Shawn Loglisci from College of Southern Idaho; first baseman Rick Taloa from Santa Ana College; right-handed pitcher Andrew Marquardt from Saint Francis (Ca.) High School; left-handed pitcher Justin Wilson from Buchanan (Ca.) High School; catcher Stephen Hermann from Penn-Trafford (Pa.) High School; left-handed pitcher Jake Debus from Victor Andrew (Ill.) High School; first baseman Jason Mooneyham from Chapman University; right-handed pitcher Christopher Johnson from John A. Logan College; catcher Arnoldi Cruz from Okaloosa Walton (Fla.) CC; catcher Brandon Rocha from Los Alamitos (Ca.) High School; shortstop Chase D'Arnaud, also from Los Alamitos High School; third baseman Brian Mathews from Newton County (Ga.) High School; third baseman Anthony Benner from Eastlake (Ca.) High School; third baseman Mark Sunga from Notre Dame (Ca.) High School; catcher Paul Wourms from Thompson River University; right-handed pitcher Garet Hill from Biola University; and right-handed pitcher Gerald Posey from Lee County (Ga.) High School, a David Cone lookalike; and left-handed pitcher Mitchell Houck from Cypress Bay (Fla.) High School.
Ken Gurnick is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.


text:
Ticket Sales Underway for NCUF Dinner
New sponsorship and ticket levels are being offered for the 26th annual National Credit Union Foundation dinner on Feb. 24 during the GAC in Washington, D.C.
Denise Gabel, chief operating officer with the Northwest Credit Union Association, will return as emcee for the evening, which will include the Herb Wegner Memorial Awards.
"I've joked that this is the credit union system's version of the Oscars, but the foundation dinner and accompanying awards presentations are truly inspiring and energizing," said NCUF Executive Director Gigi Hyland.
This year's honorees are:
- Lifetime Achievement: Gary Oakland, retired president/CEO of BECU;
- Lifetime Achievement: Jim McCormack, president/CEO of the Pennsylvania Credit Union Association;
- Lifetime Achievement: Tim Haegelin, retired president/CEO of Generations Federal Credit Union in San Antonio, Texas; and
- Individual Achievement: Sarah Canepa Bang, president/chief operating officer and chief strategy officer of CO-OP Shared Branching - FSCC LLC.
Tickets and sponsorships can be purchased online at ncuf.coop or by mail. The deadline to buy tickets is Feb. 1.


text:
D-backs reach deals with 15 picks from Draft
By Mike Vernon / MLB.com
HOUSTON -- The D-backs announced Wednesday that they've agreed to terms with 15 of their 42 picks from the 2014 First-Year Player Draft.
Marcus Wilson and Isan Diaz, who were selected No. 69 and No. 70 in the Competitive Balance Rounds, will begin their Minor League careers in the Arizona League.
Brent Jones (fourth round), Zac Curtis (sixth round), Tyler Humphreys (round 7), Grant Heyman (eighth round) and Justin Gonzalez (ninth round) all agreed to terms with the D-backs as well. They'll be sent to short-season Hillsboro to play for the Hops.
Holden Helmink (12th round), Tyler Baker (15th round), Daniel Savas (19th round), Gerard Hernandez (21st round), Mike Cetta (24th round), Nick Baker (29th round), Will Landsheft (36th round) and Lawrence Pardo (38th round) all came to terms with the club as well.
Goldschmidt named Houston's top big leaguer
HOUSTON -- Paul Goldschmidt grew up coming to games at Minute Maid Park.
He remembers the playoff runs of the mid-2000s, and watching Astros legends like Craig Biggio, Jeff Bagwell and Lance Berkman. Wednesday was the second time in Goldschmidt's Major League career in which he played at Minute Maid Park. The first came in 2012.
Before Wednesday's game, Goldschmidt received the 2013 Houston Area Major League Player of the Year award in a pregame ceremony. The Houston chapter of the Baseball Writers' Association of America chose Goldschmidt for the award.
"It's a big honor," Goldschmidt said. "There's a lot of good players here. It's just an honor to win it."
Goldschmidt graduate from The Woodlands High School in Spring, Texas, which is about 35 miles north of Minute Maid Park. He stayed close to Houston in college, spending three years at Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas.
2013 was a breakout season for Goldschmidt, as he hit .302 with 36 home runs and 125 RBIs for the D-backs and finished second in the National League MVP voting. Since Goldschmidt's Major League debut in 2011, he leads the NL with 281 RBIs and 113 doubles.
Goldschmidt said he used to watch the Astros like any other fan of a Major League team. It was players like Biggio, Bagwell and Berkman who provided a first impression of top-tier baseball for Goldschmidt.
While he grew up watching them, he doesn't know any specific habits that he acquired from those Astros players, and that includes the wide-open batting stance of Bagwell's.
"I remember randomly, he wouldn't teach anyone to hit the way he did," Goldschmidt said. "I'm sure I did in my backyard and stuff. Your stance changes over time. By the time it was pro ball, you've kind of moved on."
Evans garners first career start at DH
HOUSTON -- Wednesday's game marked the first time in Nick Evans' Major League career that he served as a designated hitter.
Evans has been a DH before in the Minor Leagues, but never in the Majors.
Manager Kirk Gibson told Evans on Tuesday night that he may be taking over as the DH with the club in Houston.
"Anytime you can get in the lineup is fun," Evans said. "I'll take every at-bat I can get."
In eight at-bats this season, Evans' only hit was a home run. He'll try to take his previous experiences as a DH to get hit No. 2.
"It's definitely different because you're not on defense, so you've got to make sure you're really following the game to make sure you still feeling like you're a part of what's going on," Evans said.
Gibson gives Parra breather, starts Ross
HOUSTON -- Gerardo Parra was out of the lineup to rest in the D-backs' game against the Astros on Wednesday evening.
Parra is hitting .270 this season with 24 RBIs and five home runs. Before Wednesday, he had been in the starting lineup for every game since May 17 against the Dodgers.
"He's been going hard," manager Kirk Gibson said. "He needs it."
In Parra's place in right field was Cody Ross, who entered the game batting .198 on the year.
Mike Vernon is an associate reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.


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The power in the ordinary
In Tammy Baldwin's victory remarks on Election Night last month, she noted she was fully aware that she was making history -- both as the first woman elected to the U.S. Senate from Wisconsin and as the first openly gay U.S. Senator, but as she explained, "I didn't run to make history. I ran to make a difference -- a difference in the lives of families struggling to find work and pay bills ...." Wisconsin voters sent her to D.C. as a Senator because in her 14 years as a U.S. Congresswoman she's fought hard for legislation she felt would make a material difference in their lives. Many view her as a champion of the middle class; that's why her sexual orientation was a non-issue in her hotly contested race with Tommy Thompson, popular former Wisconsin governor and U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services under President George W. Bush. Turns out, a down economy can be good for gay candidates.
This was decidedly not the case when Elaine Noble -- an openly lesbian candidate -- ran for the Massachusetts House over 35 years ago. She recalled in an interview -- as part of the exhibit Out and Elected in the U.S.A.: 1974-2004, curated by Ron Schlittler -- that her race was especially nasty. "It was a very ugly campaign. Ugly. There was a lot of shooting through my windows, destroying my car, breaking windows at my campaign headquarters, serious harassment of people visiting my house and campaign office -- it was really bad." Once in office, she faced further harassment from her fellow lawmakers. Recalling those times, she says the former election commissioner still refers to it as one of the ugliest campaigns ever in the city of Boston. (And that's saying something!)
The election landscape has changed significantly for gay politicians in the United States. According to the Victory Institute, a database of "out" elected officials, 48 states now have openly gay elected officials -- sprinkled across the political spectrum. Greg Davis, Republican mayor of Southaven, Mississippi, is among this group. The conservative Davis, who runs Mississippi's 4th largest city, came out in December of last year, saying, "The only apology I would make to my supporters if they are upset is the fact that I was not honest enough with myself to be honest with them. But I have lived my life in public-service for 20-plus years, and in order for me to remain sane, and move on, I have got to start being honest about who I am." Although he did not run as an openly gay candidate, it's remarkable that Davis was able to "come out" in the conservative South and remain mayor.
But before we spend too much time congratulating ourselves on our progress on social issues, consider Iceland. Prime Minister Johanna Sigurdardottir -- who took office in 2009 amidst rising food prices and a sinking economy -- happens to be a lesbian. Despite considerable attention from worldwide media outlets, Icelanders are nonchalant about making history as the first nation in the world to seat an openly gay head of government. Jonas Moody of Time Magazine interviewed residents of Reykjavik about her appointment. Said one web editor who'd recently lost his job, "She's a good choice. She's one of our most experienced politicians, and through this crisis she has shown nothing but integrity and concern for the public. Iceland needs someone we can trust again, and she's earned my trust."
Ms. Sigurdardottir is not flashy, nor impressed by the trappings of her influential position; as a very popular Minister of Social Affairs, she shunned the official limousine, opting instead for her modest Mitsubishi. But she is not shy about bringing her wife -- Jonina Lesodottir -- along on official state visits. (Remember how much ink was spilled on what would happen if Hillary Clinton won the presidential election in '08 and brought former president Bill Clinton with her on state visits?) While we're busy with our sexist dithering and blathering, Iceland takes a bold step forward without fanfare.
I know, I know. I can hear the reaction now: But Iceland's a tiny island nation. Its entire population is half that of the state of Vermont. How big a deal is it, really, for them to seat an openly gay prime minister? (Let's not be too smug. I once had a UPS worker in Wyoming say to me, "Vermont? Huh. I forgot that was a state.") It matters that Iceland's head of government travels around the world with her wife to meet with other world leaders and enjoys astounding approval ratings at home. Says Einar Magnussson, a 34-year-old electrician, "I don't think she's going to be the country's savior, but after the condescension and sheer arrogance we've seen in the outgoing leadership, it's refreshing to hear someone real talk to us."
Being a gay politician doesn't make one a better, more honorable leader. Whether it's Mark McGreevy (disgraced gay former governor of New Jersey) or Elliot Spitzer (disgraced straight former governor of New York), the American electorate doesn't want elected officials involved in indecorous, illicit affairs. But it certainly says something about the decency of the electorate when citizens can see beyond generations-old prejudice and support the politician who they honestly believe will make a positive difference in their lives.
In the "Tommy vs. Tammy" slugfest in Wisconsin, pundits were braced for a foul fight characterized by homophobic epitaphs and hate-filled pamphlets. But, as Michael Grynbaum wrote in the New York Times, "Ms. Baldwin built support farm by farm, trudging through potato fields, armed with a maternal smile and a touch of down-home lilt." And her opponent deserves credit for recognizing that character assassination would get him nowhere. She won her campaign the ordinary, even old-fashioned way, and that itself is extraordinary.
Rebecca Balint writes about history, education and culture. She welcomes your comments at firstname.lastname@example.com. Read her blog at www.reformer802.com/speakerscorner.
If you'd like to leave a comment (or a tip or a question) about this story with the editors, please email us. We also welcome letters to the editor for publication; you can do that by filling out our letters form and submitting it to the newsroom.


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DETROIT - A brief reminder: We just emerged from Daylight Saving Time. Sunrise and sunset are occuring about an hour later than last week. Remember to set all of your clocks at home and at work ahead 1 hour and change the batteries in all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Look for the expiration date of your detectors, also. Residents may need to purchase new ones.
Monday will remain mild most of the day, but it will also be wet. Temps will hold in the low 50s and upper 40s most of the day. The morning commute will be wet with rain. Afternoon showers will become more scattered with a dip in the temps to the low 40s.
Rain will mix with some snow showers Monday night as chillier air moves in and temps fall to 32 degrees or less.
Tuesday will be mostly cloudy and chilly with highs in the upper 30s. The rest of the week will become sunnier but remain chilly. Highs will be in the middle and upper 30s and lows will be in the 20s through Friday.
Skies may be clear enough to see the comet Pan-STARRS in the western sky Wednesday. Just after sunset, between 7:30pm and 8pm, will be the best time to look.
Your latest weather forecast is always on the Weather Page of ClickOnDetroit.com and on Local 4 News.
Weather links to use:
Copyright 2013 by ClickOnDetroit.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.


text: Good riddance. Love his story and how he got to the NBA, but we can't afford to have him around taking minutes from Ross, Fields and Novak. Ross needs more minutes to develop. Fields can hopefully get back his shooting touch after his surgery. Novak might be shitter on defense, but I really want to see him put on the belt in the ACC. We have too many wings anyways...The Wolves inquired about small forward Alan Anderson, a source told KSTP-TV reporter and 1500ESPN.com contributor Darren Wolfson. 1500 ESPN


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Award to be presented at Dealer of the Year Gala.
Foodservice Equipment and Supplies has named FireLake Grill House & Cocktail Bar at Radisson Blu, Mall of America, Bloomington, Minn., its 2014 Facility Design Project of the Year. FE&S will recognize the design team for this project during its 2014 Dealer of the Year and Industry Awards Gala, which takes place May 17 at the Four Seasons Hotel Chicago.
FE&S also announced that the Durrell Dining Center and Durrell Express at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colo. earned recognition as first honorable mention from the judges. In addition, the Culinary and Conference Center at Ivy Tech Community College in Indianapolis, Ind. earned special recognition from the judges.
"FireLake does a wonderful job of marrying form and function to create a foodservice operation that makes the most effective and efficient use of labor and space," said FE&S Editor Joe Carbonara. "The net result is a wonderful dining experience for guests in a facility that provides a good return on the owner's investment."
Here are some of the key players from the FireLake design team:
FE&S is able to present its 2014 Dealer of the Year and Industry Awards Gala thanks to the generous support of its three platinum sponsors: Manitowoc Foodservice, True and Unified Brands.
FE&S' Dealer of the Year and Industry Awards gala recognizes the foodservice community's brightest stars by presenting them with some of the industry's most time-honored awards. Held each year on the Saturday of the National Restaurant Association's trade show in Chicago, this event brings together the best of the best to celebrate the ongoing success of the foodservice industry.


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Holiday Shopping is Fun for Kids at the Holiday Store
When it comes to Christmas shopping, adults and teens have Black Friday, but kids have the one-stop-shop Holiday Store at the Library.
The annual extravaganza begins Saturday, Nov. 24, at the Library Center and goes through Dec. 2. The same great low-priced gift selection will also be available at the Library Station on Dec. 1, one day only.
It's one of the few kids' stores where they can stretch their quarters and dollars when they shop for Mom, Dad, brothers, sisters, teachers and friends. Everything is priced from 25 cents to $8.
The Holiday Store is sponsored by the Between Friends Gift Shops at the libraries, and Manager Shelli Kaminski still remembers one little boy last year who was brimming with excitement as she wrote up his sales ticket. He eagerly showed her what he was buying for his parents and brother. And when Shelli gave him his receipt, she recalls, "He sighed with pleasure and exclaimed, 'Oh! I've never had a receipt before!'"
That's part of what makes the Holiday Store fun for everyone – kids, parents, grandparents (yes, adults can help) and the many Library volunteers who help the children select and wrap their purchase.
But there are other things: Children get the thrill of budgeting, buying and giving gifts with their own money. Their purchases also enable the Between Friends Gift Shops to give proceeds to the children's Summer Reading Program. That amounted to $4,500 for the 2012 program, which served more than 13,400 kids.
Opening day of the Holiday Stores kicks off with the annual Holiday Open House from 8:30-10 a.m. Saturday in the Library Center auditorium, and from 8:30-10:30 a.m. Dec. 1 in the Library Station children's department. Kids can celebrate with games, refreshments, crafts, stories, free photos with Santa Claus and the movie, "Polar Express."
The Holiday Store schedule:
Library Center: 9 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Saturday; 1-4 p.m. Nov. 25; 10 a.m.-7:30 p.m. daily Nov. 26-Dec. 1; and 1-4 p.m. Dec. 2. For details call 882-0714.
The Library Station: 9 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Dec. 1. For details call 865-1340.
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Don't forget to call 882-0714 to reserve a time on Friday at the Library Center to record a loved one's story on the National Day of Listening. We can help you record your keepsake.
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College Students Unveil Creative Renderings At Steel Market Development Institute's Steel Wheel Design Competition
Winners awarded scholarships for wheel designs that capture the advantages of steel
Mar 14, 2013, 09:00 ET from Steel Market Development Institute
SOUTHFIELD, Mich., March 14, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The Steel Market Development Institute's (SMDI) Wheels Task Force and Michelin announced the winners of their fourth annual Steel Wheel Design Competition at Lawrence Technological University (LTU) at the program's unveiling last week. The event, which awarded scholarships for unique designs that communicate the lightweighting and styling benefits of steel wheels, took place at the LTU campus in Southfield. SMDI is a business unit of the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI).
"This years' student designers took steel to a new level, finding ways of building on the performance advantages of steel in a creative and imaginative way," Ron Krupitzer, vice president, automotive market for SMDI, said. "All the competitors did a wonderful job presenting and showcasing how steel can offer outstanding styling features, while offering the complete package of structural efficiency, safety, sustainability and affordability."
Students designed wheels that celebrate steel and communicate lightweighting and styling benefits for the theme "Hollywood steel: A science fiction theme that is edgy, with an out-of-this-world feeling." The renderings and steel wheel features were judged by a panel of steel and automotive designers and engineers, and wheel manufacturers on the following criteria: material celebration; changing customer perception by communicating environmental benefits and performance; creativity and feasibility through a unique and innovative design that maintains functionality; and an executed design concept that complements the vehicle's aesthetics.
The winning wheel designs included:
- Greg VanderVoord – Designed for the armored vehicle Terradyne Gurkha, VanderVoord's wheel features shape memory technology, which allows metal to deflect from its original form and quickly return back when heat is applied. The "tweel" concept helps minimize the risk of getting a flat tire by applying a flexible steel structure in place of rubber, creating a strong and uniquely styled wheel;
- Peter Corey – Designed for Tesla Motors Model L, Corey's wheel is designed for electric and hybrid vehicles. According to Corey, by using steel to create a beautifully mellow resonating sound, the wheel technology helps pedestrians detect the vehicle, which typically produces less sound than vehicles with internal combustion engines. The resonating steel has a warm sound that is unobtainable with other metals. The advanced steel technologies allow for a thin rim, while remaining strong and allowing the resonator plate and cones to fit with the brake and rotor; and
- Michael Levich – Designed for a Ford Police Interceptor Sedan 3.5L EcoBoost V6, Levich's wheel features parallel plate hydroforming to reduce thinning of material as would occur in a deep drawn stamping. The design, which uses two ultra-thin steel sheets that create a 3-D shape, allows for two steel types and thicknesses: a thicker, more rigid steel to protect against lateral wear and tear; and a thinner layer for optimum hydroform profile, using less pressure and lower tooling costs.
AISI serves as the voice of the North American steel industry in the public policy arena and advances the case for steel in the marketplace as the preferred material of choice. AISI also plays a lead role in the development and application of new steels and steelmaking technology. AISI is comprised of 25 member companies, including integrated and electric furnace steelmakers, and 125 associate members who are suppliers to or customers of the steel industry. AISI's member companies represent over three quarters of both U.S. and North American steel capacity.
SMDI grows and maintains the use of steel through strategies that promote cost-effective solutions in the automotive, construction and container markets, as well as for new growth opportunities in emerging steel markets. For more news or information, visit www.autosteel.org or follow us on twitter at www.twitter.com/smdisteel.
SMDI investors include:
- AK Steel Corporation
- ArcelorMittal Dofasco
- ArcelorMittal USA LLC
- Nucor Corporation
- Severstal North America
- ThyssenKrupp Steel USA, LLC
- United States Steel Corporation
SOURCE Steel Market Development Institute