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Sunday, July 22, 2012
New Lanes on 55th St. a Learning Curve
25 comments:
- Richard Gill said...
We know how hard it is for some Hyde Park residents to adapt to change.
- July 22, 2012 at 5:34 PM
- Chicago_mom said...
Hmmmm, I agree that this new design will take some "getting used to." But I'm optimistic. Really! I have gone a bit out of my way to use the protected lanes in the last few days, admiring the growing number of correctly parked cars and feeling sorry for the cars getting tickets (on Friday, I believe, kind of early in the game for enforcement of such radically new rules). Using the lanes does make me think harder about making left turns (is this right? go through the intersection, get off bike, turn 90 degrees, and wait for light to change). If the lanes work well, I'll use 56th and 57th less often--is that a good thing? Don't know, but do expect our neighborhood to become more "active transportation"-friendly, as cyclists and pedestrians feel more comfortable around and about, with I hope a limited impact on drivers accustomed to getting places fast. Here's to Gabe Klein--hope this all works!
- July 22, 2012 at 7:42 PM
- Greg said...
I am very pleased to see the bike lanes. We must promote and accommodate alternate modes of transportation and healthy life styles.
- July 22, 2012 at 7:51 PM
- Laura C. said...
I have nothing against bikers or bike lanes, but I actually find this new style of bike lane to be completely ridiculous. This even tops the lanes on Kinzie and the ones on 18th. I drive over the 18th Street bridge frequently, and I almost never see anyone actually using the bike lanes there. Hopefully these in Hyde Park will serve more purpose. I just think of how broke our city is and all the money spent building elaborate bike lanes that won't get used from October through March. And speaking of winter, how DO the snow plows get around all those bollards? Curious to see how that will work in a few months.
- July 22, 2012 at 8:39 PM
- elizabeth said...
I think it would be much friendlier for the city to do a few days of putting brochures about protected bike lanes on cars before they started ticketing. I'd like this to be well received by both drivers and cyclists, and if I'd never seen anything like this before, I'd be pissed if the first public notice I got was a ticket on my windshield. Maybe they'll be easy to contest? Still, it seems like education would have been a better approach, at least to start out with.
- July 22, 2012 at 9:48 PM
- David Farley said...
I wonder why, with all this recent work, there's such a fuss going on about putting a stop sign at Kenwood on 55th. (I'm in favor of it.)
- July 22, 2012 at 10:06 PM
- chicago pop said...
If the first public notice of the 55th street project you got was a ticket on your windshield, then you haven't been paying attention.
CDOT has already been using small plows that can plow inside bike lanes. See photos below.
Media mentions of the 55th Street project:
Hyde Park Progress
The Maroon
Every Block Chicago
Plowing bike lanes:
SW-4S tracked vehicle plowing Kinzie bike lanes
55th St. bike lanes announced in the Hyde Park Herald, excerpted from the May 12, 2012 issue:55th will go on a "road diet" to one lane in each direction and a set of bike lanes in each, with some loss of parking.
Striping and in some places plastic bollards will separate vehicular and bike traffic. More permanent barriers may be placed later after testing. Work will be done in spring and summer 2012.
Traffic lights will be updated with turn signals at Woodlawn and at Ellis and signage will be updated. A main object is to slow drivers and thus enhance safety- between 2006 and 2010 the stretch Cottage Grove to Lake Park had 348 accidents of which 23 involved bicycles, making it one of the most dangerous in Hyde Park. Most of the audience, said by another to be largely bike riders, largely applauded the plan for bikes-- from Cottage to start of the curve between Kenwood and Dorchester the bike lane would be next to the curb with parking to bike rider's left, between bikes and cars. East of there the bike lane will transition to the traditional curb-parking-bike-cars configuration (which also prevails on parts to the east on 55th). One kind is called buffered and the other protected.
- July 22, 2012 at 10:18 PM
- remarkable said...
The recent applications (both 2 and 3 dimensional) on 55th street remind me of the over-engineering that governs my TV remote and digital camera. Surely, there must be an easier way! Stop sign at 55th & Kenwood is an example of a low-tech solution.
Ticketing people who are parking in the bike lane, week one - don't we already have enough hatred of the LAZ high-tech parking shackles in our Daley lives? Was there no room in this project's costly budget for a friendly 'here's what we're doin' brochure to be handed out for the first month?
I was talking to one of the 55th St CTA drivers on my way home the other day - even he did not have a clue how the new markings were meant to work!
Over regulation and excessive paint are not the solution to heavy traffic - both 2 AND 4 wheeled.
PS - Here's a concern left unaddressed by CDOT's 55th St team: the unsightly islands at the corner of 55th and Kimbark? They are a collection site for garbage and are exhibit 'A' for urban weeds. Other neighborhoods have lush foliage in mid-street planters, serving as another example of low-tech means of traffic management.
- July 23, 2012 at 8:33 AM
- Lilithcat said...
The difficulty for motorists is those bollards in the parking lane. Normally, if you are driving and you see those, that's a signal that you're not supposed to be in that lane.
I'd suggest that they re-deploy those, and as the city seems capable of painting the image of a bicycle, they could also paint the words "parking lane" on that strip.
As I was driving down 55th the other day, I also noticed another problem, and that is that the reticulated buses seemed to have a very hard time maneuvering into the bus stops, so that half the bus was hanging across the parking lane into the driving lane.
- July 23, 2012 at 11:23 AM
- Yael said...
As a biker, I love the new lanes, but can't help but think about the suggestion I made to Ald. Burns about extending the boulevard system all the way to Monoxide Island/Toasters. It would have resulted in a road diet (one lane) and it would have been much prettier... Still, am happy for the added biking safety we now have!
- July 23, 2012 at 11:25 AM
- trtennant said...
I'm a huge fan of these new bike lanes. And for those who are concerned about the potential lack of use in the winter months - my family and I bicycle commute year round, and we regularly see a set of folks biking in the winter months, as well! It's nice to have the city invest a bit in safety measures to support green living.
- July 23, 2012 at 12:32 PM
- chicago pop said...
As of 2pm Monday, July 23, 100% parking compliance on 55th Street from Cottage Grove to Harper.
- July 23, 2012 at 1:54 PM
- Redag said...
It is important to remember that Chicago winters are pretty mild, and that actual precipitation cover takes up a very small portion of the winter. Well, compared to where I grew up in the center of New York State at least. We had winters. With snow and stuff.
I am a heavy user of the affected portion of 55th Street. I bike back and forth over it every weekday and often to get back and forth from the Green and Red lines as well.
I am _exceedingly_ excited to see the lanes enforced. Just this morning I shouted at a woman parking in the wrong land in front of the Bank Financial building. The language used: "That's not a parking space!" and "Not cool!" was entirely mild but she still felt the privilege to glare back.
Despite some of the commenters here, there is no reason why anyone parking could be confused about where they should be parking. The lines are clear and there is ample precedent at this point. There is no remaining cause for confusion. Everyone parked out of position chose to do so.
I have observed a few non-optimal outcomes that I will detail here.
Bros are Bad: Observed one 'bro' who evidently believes the bike lane is a place he can step into while waiting for the light to change at the intersection of 55th and Ellis. Ironically, the traffic block was enhanced by the fact he was walking his bike. A variant was similarly observed in the form of a family grouping that similarly decided to occupy the lane at 55th and University to stage their crossing.
Other Lane? Other Direction?: Encountered while eastbound, some damn fool using the parking lane to go the wrong way. Quite annoying.
Bus Destruction: Those little insets where the bus gets to come make a stop in the bike lane can lead to being seemingly chased down by a bus that is squeezing you in. Worst yet when you're prepping a lane change yourself to turn left.
- July 23, 2012 at 2:12 PM
- Loren said...
There's no reason why, with a little tweaking, the new traffic configuration can't become the community asset it's meant to be.
I don't, however, believe this was rolled out very well. I'm as observant or not as any HP'er who's lived at the intersection of 55th and Woodlawn for 15 years. Where were the CDOT signs, banners, handbills, lamp-post tags, windshield bills…whatever, that would have told HP bikers and drivers early on, and repeatedly, what was coming and how it would affect them. The long-term success of this experiment hinges not on us bikers, who have made a clear gain in pedaling room and safety, but on us drivers, with our great numbers and clout, who now feel a bit squeezed, slowed, and shorter on parking.
Is somebody counting bikes, taking a census, collecting data? Which data will demonstrate a successful innovation, and which a costly dud?
- July 23, 2012 at 9:37 PM
- susan said...
As a pedestrian I like the reconfiguration because of the reduction to one lane in each direction. As a biker, I don't like to see other bikers riding straight in a far right lane, to the right of a car planning to turn right. As a driver, I will avoid 55th St. because it seems confusing. If I were driving a delivery truck I wouldn't know what the hell to do. If I were not primarily a biker, who has seen these kind of lanes before, I would be plenty pissed if my first notice of parking in the wrong place were a parking ticket. As this blog has pointed out in the past NO ONE READS THE HERALD. (I mean, I do, but I am living in some alternate 1950s fantasy Hyde Park world). They should paint the word parking in the parking lane.
- July 24, 2012 at 5:07 PM
- chicago pop said...
With the last few comments we are veering off into the realm of captious theoretical criticism. While some of the observations are valid, most of them are now academic. For one simple reason: the whole thing is working. It started working less than a week after it was completed. There are more people riding their bikes on 55th every day than I have ever seen before. And cars are parked in a new and unfamiliar configuration. This without the saturation PR-outreach or the word "parking" painted on the streets. (The people for whom such methods would be effective are probably the last subscribers to the Herald.)
This all attests 1) to the power of the proper incentives, and 2) to the intelligence of the general public, in which group I include delivery truck drivers. If this is not the case, then poor Golden Rectangle residents will shortly starve to death from lack of Peapod deliveries and grow even more stooped as they are unable to replace their mattresses.
It is true that the sensory overload of novel stimuli may send some drivers seeking alternate routes that pose less of a derangement to their sensibilities. That they are able to do so is the beauty of the grid plan: God bless them.
For everybody else, it's like learning to use an elevator, or maybe even an Apple device. It takes about a minute, and then you've got it.
- July 24, 2012 at 7:38 PM
- Kat Hill Reischl said...
Love love love the new configuration of 55th street. As a motorist - better traffic flow; as a bicyclist - so much safer; as a pedestrian - increased visibility! It seems that the parking confusion has been straightened out. I am impressed and enthused. PROGRESS!
- July 25, 2012 at 10:09 AM
- David Farley said...
There was a group of bikers at Lake Park and 55th this morning with a large "Share the Road" sign. I don't know if they were there because of the new markings, or just for their own reasons.
- July 25, 2012 at 11:07 AM
- susan said...
This is not theoretical criticism-- I was biking west on 55th this morning. I did not feel safe in the far right lane when approaching a corner (55th and Cottage) where I intended to bike straight through the intersection and many cars turn right, plus there's the bus. Ordinarily when biking I make sure to be to the left of cars turning right.
- July 25, 2012 at 11:39 PM
- Seitu said...
I never had a problem riding with traffic on 55th. I tend to ride it when there isn't much traffic, but that seems to be the case a good deal of the time. The new bike lanes are okay and will make bikers feel safer. I'm not crazy about the stretch east of Kenwood where I saw cars veer south from either lane onto Dorchester. For most of my trips I'll still be sticking to the side streets.
- July 26, 2012 at 5:40 PM
- Elizabeth Fama said...
Do they also have little street-cleaning trucks for the bike lanes? (Or maybe we'll go back to the European system with an actual human being sweeping the street?)
- August 7, 2012 at 10:51 AM
- mchinand said...
Yes, at least for other bike lanes in Chicago, they have used small plows.
- August 7, 2012 at 2:21 PM
- Elizabeth Fama said...
Thanks, mchinand, but I think you may have misunderstood me. I was wondering about street cleaning (during the mild months). Has the City talked about what it will do for routine cleaning around the bollards?
- August 7, 2012 at 2:42 PM
- oldtimer said...
This is a half baked idea. How are they going to clear the snow in winter? How will the street get washed. Those vehicles are really big. Also when the the fire engines come screaming down 55th there is no place to pull to the side.
I stood on 55th for an hour in Sat and saw 6 bikes during that time. It was perfect weather that day, which means there are less on increment weather days.
I think this is a waste and may even be dangerous for the heavy traffic of cars and buses on 55th st.
- August 12, 2012 at 11:50 AM
- Vicky said...
I like them. I cross 55th St. nearly every day on foot and I was sick of having one driver 'yield to pedestrians' and waving at me furiously to cross while another driver was speeding up behind him in the other lane...Not safe to cross! Having one lane is MUCH better--you only have to worry about one driver.
- August 17, 2012 at 5:27 PM


text:
Nancy B. Spinner
- Professor of Pediatrics at University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine (2013– present)
- Professor of Human Genetics in Pediatrics at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (2004 – 2009)
- Professor of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (2010– present)
- Professor of Genetics at University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine (2004– present)
- Assistant Professor of Genetics at University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine (1991 – 1998)
- Assistant Professor of Human Genetics in Pediatrics at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (1991 – 1998)
- Associate Professor of Genetics at University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine (1998 – 2004)
- Associate Professor of Human Genetics in Pediatrics at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (1998 – 2004)
CytoGenomic Diagnostics, copy number variation, cytogenetics
Etiology of pediatric disease, molecular analysis of Alagille syndrome (currently identifying modifiers of liver disease severity), genetic basis of biliary atresia, molecular analysis of ring chromosome 20.
Research Interests
Human Genetics, Notch signaling in human disease, Alagille syndrome, Biliary Atresia, SNP array analysis, copy number variation, human disease gene identification by mapping deletions, Ring Chromosome 14, Ring Chromosome 20, Genome wide association studies, next-generation sequencing, chromosomal analysis,
Key words: JAG1, NOTCH2, Notch Signaling Pathway, Alagille syndrome, Biliary Atresia, Ring Chromosomes, Ring Chromosome 14, Ring Chromosome 20, Whole Exome Sequencing (WES), Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS), Bioinformatics, Induced pluripotent stem cells
Description of Research
Our lab is interested in identifying genes that contribute to congenital disease. We have a long-standing interest in Alagille syndrome, a genetic disorder that affects the heart and liver. We have demonstrated that this disorder is caused by two genes in the Notch Signaling Pathway, and have continued to study the effect of these mutations, seeking to understand the clinical spectrum of defects in these disorders. Currently, we are looking to identify the genetic factors that modify the clinical variation present in this disease.
In addition to our work on Alagille syndrome, we are funded to investigate the genetic susceptibility to Biliary Atresia (BA). Various research efforts are underway, including GWAS and whole exome sequencing of individuals and trios. Using these techniques, we are exploring several genes that may contribute to the etiology of BA.
We are working on understanding the molecular basis of the clinical features observed in patients with Ring Chromosome 14 Syndrome and Ring Chromosome 20 Syndrome. To achieve this goal, we are exploring a number of different research strategies, including iPS cell work. By characterizing the rings, we hope to identify the mechanism by which ring chromosomes lead to human disease and the characteristic seizure phenotype.
In colloboation with Dr. Ian Krantz, we lead a program project grant to test the applications of whole exome sequencing to 5 pediatric disorders, as well as to explore the ethical and psychosocial implications of this work.
Lab Personnel:
Debbie McEldrew - Research Associate
Jason Mills, Ph.D. ? Research Associate
Christopher Grochowski ? Senior Research Technician
Ramakrishnan Rajagopalan ? Bioinformatics Specialist
Alexandra Falsey ? Clinical Research Coordinator
- Ph.D., Genetics, University of California at Berkeley/San Diego State (1984)
- B.A., Anthropology, Brandeis University (1975)
- Shaikh TH, Gai X, Perin JC, Glessner JT, Xie H, Murphy K, O'Hara R, Casalunovo T, Conlin LK, D'Arcy M, Frackelton EC, Geiger EA, Haldeman-Englert C, Imielinski M, Kim CE, Medne L, Annaiah K, Bradfield JP, Dabaghyan E, Eckert A, Onyiah CC, Ostapenko S, Otieno FG, Santa E, Shaner JL, Skraban R, Smith RM, Elia J, Goldmuntz E, Spinner NB, Zackai EH, Chiavacci RM, Grundmeier R, Rappaport EF, Grant SF, White PS, Hakonarson H.. High-resolution mapping and analysis of copy number variations in the human genome: a data resource for clinical and research applications.. Genome Research. Vol 19(9) . 2009 July:1682-90.
- DeScipio C, Spinner NB, Kaur M, Yaeger D, Ambrosini, A, Hu S, Shan S, Conlin LK, Krantz ID, Riethman, H. Fine-Mapping Subtelomeric Deletions and Duplications by Comparative Genomic Hybridization in 42 Individuals.. Am J Med Genet A.. Vol 146. 2008:730-739.

subset: commoncrawl


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Car Review
2013 Volkswagen Golf: New Car Review
Pros: Excellent ride and handling balance; rich cabin; peppy engines; adult-friendly back seat; confident high-speed demeanor.
Cons: No iPod or Bluetooth integration on base 2.5L model; inefficient 5-cylinder engine; TDI diesel model is seriously expensive.
What's New: The only notable change for the 2013 Golf is that a front center armrest is now standard across the board.
When Americans think about family cars, it's usually mid-size sedans that come to mind. The 2013 Volkswagen Golf tends to get left out. That's a shame, too, because in an objective comparison, the Golf might be the best of the lot.
Just look at what this VW brings to the table. Under the hood resides one of two strong engines: a rumbly 5-cylinder, or a hyper-efficient turbodiesel. In tight spots, the compact Golf is far nimbler than a Camry or Malibu. Despite the small footprint, there's room for full-size occupants front and back. Flip down the rear seatbacks and you've got 46 cu-ft of cargo space, or three times the trunk space of your average mid-size sedan.
What's more, the Golf benefits from sophisticated suspension tuning, boasting a nearly perfect balance between sportiness and suppleness. We're similarly impressed by the interior, which is almost Audi-like in its class and restraint.
Weaknesses? Not many. The biggest is that the gasoline engines don't get stellar fuel economy. So unless you want to pay extra up front for the diesel, you won't be winning at the pump. We'll also ding the Golf for being stingy with the technology features. A premium compact car in 2013 should come standard with iPod and Bluetooth integration.
But overall, the Golf is great, and the wide range of models makes it easy to find one that suits your wants and needs. Next time you're thinking about family cars, or just well-rounded cars in general, make sure the 2013 Golf is in the mix.
Comfort & Utility
The Golf hatchback comes with either two or four doors, and is offered in two basic trim levels defined by engine: 2.5L and TDI. Each trim comes with a few different optional packages.
The entry-level 2.5L features 15-inch steel wheels with plastic covers, a tilt-telescopic steering wheel, air-conditioning, full power accessories (including auto up/down power windows), a trip computer, cloth upholstery, a height-adjustable driver's seat, manual lumbar adjustment for both front seats and an 8-speaker audio system with an auxiliary input.
The 2.5L with the Convenience package adds heated front seats and Bluetooth connectivity. The 2.5L with Convenience and Sunroof adds (that's right) a sunroof, plus an iPod cable and a touchscreen audio interface with a 6-CD changer and satellite radio.
The base TDI boasts 17-in alloy wheels, heated windshield-washer nozzles, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, ambient interior lighting, a rear-seat cargo pass-through and all of the top-of-the-line 2.5L's features except the sunroof.
The TDI with Sunroof and Navigation adds the sunroof and an SD-based navigation system, while the TDI with the Tech package tacks on Xenon headlights with LED accents, a Dynaudio premium sound system and keyless entry with push-button ignition.
In our interior evaluation, we noted that the Golf's front seats offer a bit more lateral support than the VW norm. We also appreciate the standard adjustable lumbar support for both seats. As expected in a Volkswagen, the firm cushions provide excellent long-distance cruising comfort. Thanks to the tilt-telescopic steering wheel and height-adjustable driver's seat, the Golf can accommodate a wide range of physiques.
A close inspection of the Golf's cabin reveals top-quality materials leaps and bounds ahead of the Jetta's cut-rate plastics. Unlike the Jetta, the US-market Golf still shares its cabin with the premium European model, and it shows.
When it's time to host a couple of rear passengers (the middle position is for short trips only), you'll be amazed by how adult-friendly the Golf's back seat can be, even in the 2-door Golf. Legroom isn't exactly ample, but the Golf's high rear bench provides good thigh support while minimizing the amount of legroom required. Thanks to the car's breadbox-shaped cabin, headroom is virtually as generous in back as it is in front.
Cargo capacity in the Golf is just 15.2 cu-ft behind the rear seatbacks, but that figure expands to a healthy 46 cu-ft when the seatbacks are folded down.
Volkswagen is generally a technology forward company, so we're surprised that the base Golf 2.5L offers neither iPod integration nor Bluetooth connectivity. You're looking at the Convenience and Sunroof model if you want both, and that'll run you more than $20,000 (and nearly $23,000 with four doors). For context, take a look at all the standard tech you get in a Hyundai or Scion.
The Golf does have some welcome technology features on tap, including an intuitive touchscreen audio system. But we can't really give the Golf credit for its optional navigation system, because it's only available starting with a TDI model that costs around $26,000. No question, the Golf could use a technological makeover to compete better with more affordable rivals.
Performance & Fuel Economy
The Golf 2.5L is motivated by a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter inline-5 that makes 170 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque. The transmission options are a 5-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic. This engine is almost universally panned by American critics, but we beg to differ. The inline-5 cranks out some healthy midrange torque, and we can't get enough of its distinctive 5-cylinder growl. Shame about the fuel economy, though, which would be subpar even for those midsize sedans we've been talking about. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the Golf 2.5L at 23 mpg city/33 mpg highway with the manual and just 24/31 mpg with the automatic.
The TDI model swaps out the inline-5 for a 2.0-liter turbodiesel inline-4 rated at 140 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque. The transmission choice is between a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed dual-clutch automated manual with shift paddles. The Golf is basically the smallest car in which the TDI engine is offered, so the strong low-end torque is quite apparent when you squeeze the throttle. Diesel cars are rarely quick, but the Golf TDI approaches that status. Fuel economy is outstanding at 30/42 mpg with either transmission.
The 2013 Volkswagen Golf comes with 4-wheel anti-lock disc brakes and six airbags (front, front side and full-length side curtain).
The government hasn't crash tested the Golf using its new testing methodology, but the independent Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave the 4-door Golf its highest rating of Good in every crash test category.
Driving Impressions
The Golf's compact dimensions, firm yet supple suspension and responsive steering add up to an unusually engaging drive through tight corners. On the highway, the Golf's Autobahn breeding gives it an unerring sense of straight-ahead. Road and wind noise are subdued by compact hatch standards, and that suspension has a remarkable ability to smooth out rough roads without ever feeling floaty. You might not get a ton of features for your money with the Golf, but you do get a heck of a car in the deal.
Other Cars to Consider
Ford Focus - The Focus hatchback has European roots, too, and it gives the Golf a run for its money in most respects.
Mazda3 - If you find the 3's grinning face endearing, try one out with the SkyActiv 4-cylinder engine. It gets great fuel economy while retaining Mazda's fun-to-drive edge.
Mitsubishi Lancer SportBack - Everyone seems to forget about the Lancer, but we're here to tell you that it's a pretty solid car, and the SportBack hatchback version is quite attractive too.
AutoTrader Recommends
The base Golf 2.5L with the 5-speed manual is a highly practical option for folks who prioritize a premium driving experience over the latest high-tech gewgaws. At about $18,000 for the 2-door model, it's one of the best deals going.


text:
Best Kids Parties: Cowgirl
Name: Paige
Location: San Juan Capistrano, CA
I wanted Paige's 1st Birthday party to be special to celebrate making it through a year full of so many wonderful and difficult things in Paige's short little life. With lots of help from family and friends, we created a fun cowgirl party just for Paige!
The colors were pink, brown, and aqua. I cut and sewed the fabric bunting. My mother helped me create the "Happy Birthday" banner and cupcake toppers and signs on her Cricut machine. The polka dot ballons and extra large balloon, paper straws and high chair ribbon banner were from Polka Dot Market. I've ordered tissue poms from Pomtastic Etsy Shop a couple of times and she has alway done a great job. The wood tags were made with a wood stain pen and a wood burner which is cheap and easy to do.
Thanks Krista! Readers, see more of Paige's party on Cupid's Little Rosebud.
(Images: Banana Bugs Photography)


text: I've been through the princeton review book. i have 15 real lsats (i've taken 3 full so far). I have the bible on its way from amazon. i'm looking at as many different resources as i can. i'm just wondering, as you went along, when you first started to feel or see real progress. maybe this is dumb question i'm asking. i'm just curious because i'm a little frustrated.


text:
MIDDLEBURY — The Counseling Service of Addison County (CSAC) will carry a lighter financial load in financing two new building projects thanks to $191,000 in federal money recently secured by U.S. Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt.
Leahy assistant John Goodrow confirmed the federal earmark at a groundbreaking ceremony on Thursday, April 10, in Middlebury's Catamount Park that drew Gov. James Douglas, CSAC staff and board members, representatives of project contractor Naylor and Breen Builders, and other guests.
Thursday's groundbreaking was for a new, 18,500-square-foot office building that will house the agency's developmental services programs and its administrative offices, freeing up all of the smaller building for programs serving children and adolescents.
The project will also include a two-story addition of about 2,400 square feet at the back of CSAC's downtown office at 89 Main St. The addition will provide more accessible offices, a larger group room, and an elevator to improve access to much of the existing building.
Robert Thorn, executive director of CSAC, said the new structures would carry great symbolic, as well as utilitarian, significance.
"To me, these buildings and projects are going to be a memorial to how much people have had to deal with in their lives, their perseverance and courage," Thorn said. "It's great we are going to have these buildings, but it means so much more to me."
It was in 2005 that CSAC launched a fund-raising campaign to generate $680,000 toward the estimated $4 million price tag for the two projects. The agency recently reached its goal. The remaining projects costs will be covered by a 30-year, $2.9 million bond arranged through the state of Vermont and through additional CSAC funds, some derived from the sale of other property the agency will now no longer need.
By JOHN FLOWERS
MONTPELIER — In a venue where the passage of legislation is often measured in months, a bill that would pave the way for Middlebury to adopt local option taxes to help fund a new in-town bridge shot through the Statehouse like a meteor last week.
"We could have hardly asked for a better alignment of the planets," said Middlebury Town Planner Fred Dunnington, who spent last Wednesday, April 9, testifying on behalf of the town before various legislative committees.
The Middlebury charter change bill was scheduled to hit Gov. James Douglas's desk by Friday, April 11. Douglas, a Middlebury Republican, has already said he supports the bill and its purpose of allowing Middlebury the option of generating around $7 million toward a new in-town bridge at Cross Street in the downtown.
Douglas's expected signature on the bill would allow selectmen to proceed with their goal of holding a town meeting vote in late May on implementing local options taxes of 1 percent on sales, rooms, meals and/or alcohol purchases in town to raise revenues for the bridge project.
Middlebury College has already pledged $9 million toward the $16 million undertaking, which will include a roundabout intersection at Main and Cross streets.
Individual towns in Vermont cannot levy their own taxes unless their charter, which is approved by the Legislature, allows it. Middlebury's charter did not allow local taxes.
Reps. Steve Maier and Betty Nuovo, both Middlebury Democrats, got the legislative ball rolling last month after townspeople voted in favor of the in-town bridge project and to proceed with the charter change.
MIDDLEBURY — Around 60 Middlebury voters on April 9 overwhelmingly approved, by voice vote, a 2008-2009 Mary Hogan Elementary School budget of $5,624,785.
Voters asked ID-4 school board members several questions during a roughly hour-long discussion that preceded the vote. Serena Eddy-Moulton, chairwoman of the ID-4 board, said some of the voters' questions keyed on the impact of the spending plan on the local education property tax.
While the budget reflects a 2.59-percent increase in spending, it results in an 8.4-percent hike in the homestead education property tax rate for Middlebury residents. The rate for Middlebury homeowners will be $1.576 per $100 of property value, up about 12 cents. That represents an increase of $240 on a $200,000 home.
The education tax rate in Middlebury for non-residential property will increase 13.7 cents, or 10.2 percent, to $1.48 per $100 of property.
The hike in the education tax for homeowners is the result of the "common level of appraisal," or CLA, provision of the state's education funding law. The CLA compares local property value assessments with the state's estimation of actual market value. Communities in which property is less than, or more than, market value are required to adjust their tax rates. The goal of the CLA is to equalize property taxes across towns.
In Middlebury's case, local property was judged to be appraised below market value so the CLA pushed up the education component of the property tax.
"People didn't understand how the CLA affects the budget," Eddy-Moulton said of a recurring theme at the April 9 meeting.
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MILLEDGEVILLE, Ga. – Due to a change in schedule, the time of Saturday's Georgia College & State University softball (13-30, 5-13 PBC) doubleheader against North Georgia has been changed from 2 p.m. to 1 p.m. The Bobcats will host the Saints for Senior Day.
Georgia College will recognize a pair of seniors in Kayla Smith (Lexington, S.C.) and Allison Schwimer (Cumming, Ga.). Smith leads the Bobcats this season with eight home runs and 34 RBI, while Shcwimer is a perfect 6-for-6 in stolen bases, the team-high.
The GCSU Department of Athletics, winners of the 2008-09 PBC Commissioner's Cup, sponsors 10 varsity athletic programs at the NCAA Division II level. As a Division II program, GCSU prides itself on balancing the life of the student-athlete, evidenced by the Bobcats' multiple appearances in post-season competition as well as documented academic success and community-service involvement. Sign up at Twitter.com username GCSUSID for up-to-the-minute reports, and visit www.GCSUBobcats.com to nominate your favorite former Bobcats and Colonials to the GCSU Athletics Hall of Fame.


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Dana's Low-Carb for Life (Podcast)
A Quick, Hot, Comforting, Nutritious Low Carb Breakfast: Chia Breakfast Custard
I've been playing with chia seeds recently, looking for new and tasty ways to consume these little nutrient powerhouses. I've come up with a breakfast custard that's delicious, filling, and super-quick -- if you put your chia seeds in to soak the night before, you can have a hot breakfast in five minutes flat. And for those of you ramping up your fat to stay in nutritional ketosis, it's nice to know that once you subtract out the fiber, this gets 88% of its calories from fat. Here's how:
Chia Breakfast Custard
2 tablespoons chia seeds
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 egg yolk
liquid stevia extract
1 pinch salt
This recipe turns on one simple act of preparation: The evening before, put two tablespoons of chia seeds in a small bowl and stir in the water. Stick 'em in the fridge, and go to bed.
Okay, it's morning. Grab a cup of coffee or tea, and pull your chia seeds out of the fridge. Stir them up with a fork, to break up clumps.
Pour your cream into a glass measuring cup. Now add the egg yolk -- throw the white into the dog's breakfast. Life's too short to spend worrying about creative things to do with the leftover egg white. Use your fork to stir the cream and the egg yolk together quite well. Stir in the liquid stevia extract and the salt -- I used 10 drops each of French Vanilla (NOW brand) and English Toffee (Sweet Leaf brand).
Now pour the cream-and-yolk mixture into your chia seeds, and stir the whole thing up with your fork, again, breaking up any clumps. Makes sure you stir all the way down to the bottom -- it helps to use a glass custard cup you can see through, so that you can spot any clumps of unincorporated chia seed.
Put your chia custard in the microwave and give it 1 minute on power 5. Stir it, and give it one more minute, again on power 5. Done!
I add a handful of sugar-free chocolate chips to mine, but that's up to you. A drizzle of sugar-free pancake syrup might be nice, or a dusting of cinnamon.
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1 serving with: 408 Calories; 36g Fat (77.8% calories from fat); 9g Protein; 14g Carbohydrate; 10g Dietary Fiber; 4g usable carb
- Dana's blog
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Chia Custard
This is crazy timing! I just ran across a similar recipe just last week. To one can of coconut milk, add 2 Tbsp of chia seeds. Stir in a bit of vanilla, and sweetener. Let sit 1/2 hr and enjoy. Well it was not (done) in that time but it was nice and thick the next morning. Still not quite right, I simmered maybe a cup of heavy cream and slowly added to one yolk to temper, then added the milky yolk back into the pot and stirred til just thickened. Adding this to the chia/coconut milk mixture with cinnamon made this taste like rice pudding. I have not gone one day this entire week without eating this. It is absolutely delicious and my new favorite, not so guilty pleasure.
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I Love this Chia Custard for Breakfast!
This has been my breakfast for months now, nearly every morning. It holds me until lunch hour at work, and is tasty and satisfying, especially during this cold winter. I use the whole egg and microwave for an additional 30 seconds.
Thanks, Dana! I love your slow cooker cook book and use recipes from it weekly. Own and use your 500 low-carb cook book also. Keep providing us delish low-carb recipes, OK?
Looking now for a recipe to use some un-sweetened shredded coconut. I bought a big pkg.on sale.
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Very well written,I
Very well written,I appreciate you for sharing it with us.No doubt this article is very useful.
Keep sharing your knowledge like that it will help us a lot ahead.Thank you.
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Well, thanks, "Daniel", for your highly relevant comment (NOT), and for your attempt to post referral spam on our website. You have been reported to www.stopforumspam.com for your efforts. Oh, and welcome to our own Spammers Hall of Shame!
BTW, folks, when asked "what does not belong in a low-carb meal" during the sign-up process, "Daniel" here answered "bacon". FAIL!
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Dairy free / Egg free?
Any suggestions for those of us unfortunate enough to be allergic to dairy and eggs?
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Dairy and Egg Free
I'd go with coconut milk, skip the egg, and call it pudding instead of custard.
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Cooking Omega 3
I had to come join your blog because my sister told me about this recipe to cook Chia seed. I was so surprised, because Chia seeds main benefit is Omega 3 which are corrupted when heated... Then I looked elsewhere online and found lots of recipes cooking chia seeds, and not many talking about not cooking chia seeds and nutritional benefits. I'm sure this recipe is good, but it might be some food for thought to try to keep your chia seeds raw.
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Would this be a good choice for the Fat Fast?
Hi Dana,
Since this custard has 88 percent fat, would this be a good choice for a "feeding" on the Fat Fast plan?
I have made it several times with only using 2 tablespoons cream, 1 tablespoon real butter and water with some stevia.
I am only counting the cream and butter into the equation. I hope I'm not messing up by doing this...
Thank you Dana for all your hard work with the new book. It's wonderful!!
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chia custard
I have been thinking how to use chia. I never seem to remember to put in salads, etc. Tried the custard ~ it looked really disgusting before cooking. Surprise! It was delish.
I used powdered stevia, don't have liquid sweetener. It was fine. I always wonder why you use some products, I assume you have good reason, but can't explain everything or you'd never finish!
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Out of interest (as all the microwaves I've ever met have had different power settings), is 5 on your microwave full power? Half?
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Microwave Power
Half. Good point, thanks.
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chia seeds
Being lazy and thrifty, the first time I made this, I included the whole egg. It came out fine, except for tiny bits of white that didn't blend in, but tasted fine.
Then, I remembered that I've been wanting to try making cocoa meringue cookies. I used to be able to buy them. They were very low carb, despite being made with sugar. I've only found low carb recipes for vanilla. So now the whites are waiting in the freezer.
I didn't realize that the chia custard wasn't supposed to be liquid. I thought it made a great hot cereal, and was even better when I remembered how much I liked butter on oatmeal or farina. Definitely yum!
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Long before I saw this recipe I had been taking a couple of tablespoons of chia seeds and covering them with some heavy cream. It really only takes a few minutes for them to thicken and soak it all up. I would add some truvia and salt and more cream and stick it in the microwave for a few seconds and voila! It's almost like Cream of Wheat...only more satisfying. I can't wait to try this custard...but if you're in a hurry, you really don't need to soak them overnight for it to work. These little suckers thicken FAST!
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PIctures please!
I'm excited to try this. It sounds great, and I actually have an egg yolk in my fridge bc I used just the white for another recipe today. I've been putting chia seeds in my green smoothies/juices for years, because I was told that ground up is how you get the maximum nutrition. But lately I've been hearing that they offer different benefits when consumed whole, so I've been looking for new ways to try them whole as well. I've tried some chia puddings, and was not impressed. Of course those are typically vegan recipes, so they didn't have egg. I think that will add a lot of richness. Have you tried it with coconut milk? I wonder how that would be just bc sometimes I"m out of heavy cream...
I plan to do the oven method mentioned in the comments bc I also avoid the microwave. I'm convinced it destroys nutrients in a way that traditional baking/cooking doesn't. I still have one and still use it occasionally, but I'm trying to wean myself. I lived without one for a year and half in Brazil, but that was before I had kids and a lot more dishes to wash :) That is all that stops me, the extra dishes.
I don't know if you've entered the wonderful world of pinterest, but it is how blogs get pimped. In order to pin a blog post, there has to be a picture. I collect all of the new recipes I want to try on pinterest. Today when I was making my creme brulee almonds and had that leftover yolk, I was wracking my brain trying to remember what recipe I had seen that called for an egg yolk. I immediately went to my pinterest boards. Not there. I FINALLY remembered it was for a chia custard, but couldn't remember that it was your blog. I googled some key words I remembered from your post and found it. Anyway, even on posts that aren't recipes, if you add a related photo, people can pin it. I have boards dedicated to health that I would love to pin your articles bc they are so interesting and I want to be able to find them when I want them. Blog posts go viral on pinterest.
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Tried it
I made this for lunch and it is creamy and delicious! I used coconut milk bc that was all I had on hand. The egg separated during cooking and I'm assuming that is why. It still tasted great. I added vanilla and only 10 drops stevia. It was more like dessert. Really yummy.
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Chia Cereal Variations
This chia seed breakfast cereal has quickly become one of my favorite foods. I'm eating it 3 or 4 times a week (at least). Right now I'm eating a cranberry variation: I brewed a cranberry teabag in 1/2 cup water and then used that tea to make the gel. I also added about 6 dried cranberries that I made myself (sweetened with Splenda). Delish.
Tomorrow I plan to brew some chai in the 1/2 cup water so that I'll have a chai chia breakfast. 8-)
Have you considered a savory rather than sweet variation? Maybe more egg (I'd have to leave that out), crisp bacon, green pepper, onion, cheddar? I guess those of you who can still eat eggs don't need to bother, but I'm thinking I'll try this and see if it is reminiscent of those omelettes I can no longer have.
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Homemade Nutella
I added a tablespoon of cocoa and a few drops of liquid Splenda to 4 ounces of hazelnut butter to make my own Nutella. Then I made the sunflower crackers but added a little splenda to it and sprinkled granular Splenda on top. This makes a really nice treat.
I have most of your cookbooks, so I'll go immediately and find the cheesy crackers. Thanks for the heads up.
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Dogs shouldn't eat raw egg whites! Avidin binds biotin
The custard looks great. But please just throw away the raw egg white (or else microwave it before feeding it to your dog). Raw egg whites contain avidin, which binds with biotin, a key B vitamin that your dog needs to be healthy. Cooking the egg white neutralizes the avidin so it's safe. People also shouldn't eat raw egg whites (raw yolks are fine).
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Good news
Chia seeds don't need to be soaked overnight! My family woke up this morning in the mood for some delicious custard. I hadn't soaked chia seeds last night. So we looked on the bag and found out that they only need a 5 minute soak. My wife put them to soaking and before I could even mix the cream and eggs they were ready!
Like I said, I used 2 drops of liquid Splenda and some vanilla extract to flavor our custard. If you don't know about it, here's an easy way to make vanilla extract that is much cheaper than having to buy it:
Split a vanilla bean down the middle from top to bottom and put it to soak in 1/2 cup of vodka for a 5-7 days. Voila!
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Three things...
First, I just had the chia for breakfast. I'm allergic to eggs, so I omitted it. It didn't solidify, but still made a very warm and comforting breakfast. Thanks for the recipe. How about a chia seed cracker and/or pizza crust recipe? [without eggs please 8-) ]
Second, I see that one of your sponsors is Puritan Pride. They have the lowest price for chia seeds that I have found anywhere online.
Third, I refuse to give up my dairy products, but I'm getting closer and closer to paleo. My son is a bigger health food nut than I am (He won't use a microwave or anything plastic). My youngest daughter knows she feels better when doing Paleo but she still hasn't gotten into the whole cooking thing much. And all the rest of us keep trying to convince my oldest daughter that going wheat-free would probably solve the asthma, IBS, ADHD problems her family is beset by, but she is still clinging to her "healthy whole grains". THEREFORE, I've bought four copies of your new Paleo cookbook. Thanks for writing it. I'm making the sunflower crackers later this morning.
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Eh, keep the dairy, buy the best quality you can afford, and call it primal. I figure that I come from deep dairying roots -- English and a bit of Dutch -- and I'm as evolved for it as anyone can be. Anyway, dairy's edible raw. :-D
As for your daughter, going wheat free might well help the asthma and IBS, but there's no guarantee on ADHD/ADD. I have ADD -- was diagnosed a couple of years back, and finally my life made sense -- and giving up wheat didn't fix it. That said, going low carb all those years ago definitely improved my mental state in general.
And there are versions of the sunflower crackers that include dairy in some of my other books. Sunflower-cheese crackers are AWESOME.
Thanks for buying my book!!
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I've been looking for something to replace my oatmeal and this could be it. I add the entire egg, works out fine. I have a variety of sugar free flavored syrups that I've been trying. So far Salty Caramel is a winner. Next, I'm going to add some cocoa powder.
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My kids like it!
Made the custard this morning, substituting 2 drops of liquid Splenda and a teaspoon of vanilla extract for the Stevia. Added some chocolate chips and after cooking and it turned out great! My 4-year-old is in a fascination with spiders phase and called it "spider eye custard":)
Re: dogs, Dana, I'm curious: how trim do your dogs look on their low-carb diet? How's their health? What about their teeth? I see so many obese dogs here in SF, and although I don't have dogs anymore, I cringe to think of all the fancy, "scientific formula" dog food I used to feed them, filled with rice meal. It made them hungry all the time and led to to very poor dental health, even though the vet told me that kibble was good for their teeth.
I can't wait for your fat-fast cookbook to come out. I'll snatch up a copy as soon as it's available on Amazon.
Speaking of cookbooks, I can't rave enough about Molly Stevens' "All About Braising" and "All About Roasting". Virtually every recipe in these books is low carb, and everything I've made has been outstanding. As an example, she has a recipe for roast chicken where you use the hot drippings to make a dressing for coleslaw to go along with it. Fantastic!
Keep the great recipes coming, Dana!
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Okay, this recipe is awesome!
Okay, this recipe is awesome! I soaked my chia seeds overnight. I admit they looked like a nasty goopy mess this morning and I was afraid I was just wasting good cream and egg - but I mixed it all up and cooked it at 350 in my toaster oven for 15 minutes, until it was firmed up and nicely browned around the edges. I ate it with some additional whipped cream poured over the top. I think I just found a new favorite!
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Eye of newt!
This was my first time trying chia seeds, although I bought a bag at Trader Joe's several weeks ago. I made just a couple of mods, since I don't have the liquid stevia; I used two packets of Truvia and a bit of vanilla (maybe 1/4 tsp?). It seemed awfully soupy after the two minutes in the microwave, so I popped it back in until it thickened up a bit more. I may have just used a bit too much water last night.
Hubby's comment was that the cooked seeds looked like eye of newt, which made me laugh because it doesn't take too much effort to imagine them as such, texture and all! So chia seeds will forever be known as "eye of newt" in our household.
Thanks for the recipe, it's perfect - quick, easy, delicious and nutritious! I'm just trying to get back into the low-carb lifestyle after falling off the wagon during vacation last summer. This was after losing 75 pounds in 8 months! (I still have about 40-50 pounds to lose.) It's tougher than I thought it would be to get back into the groove. Quitting carbs is like quitting smoking! But this nice breakfast will help. :)
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Eye of Newt
Reminds me of tapioca, which also creates food full of little gelatinous pearls.
Could be you used too much water; I did measure. Could also be that your microwave is different from mine; they vary in power.
Would it help if I cheered you on? Rah! Rah! Rah!
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Calculating %Fat
Hi Dana. This is similar to one of my breakfasts I call "Chia Oatmeal" which I will share at the end, and try yours this morning :-) thank you. I understand the concept of subtracting out the fiber grams to determine the useable/net carb because the fiber carbs don't affect blood sugar, but if it's not too complicated can you explain why we would subtract the fiber calories to compute the fat%?
Quick Chia "Oatmeal"
1/2 C Almond Milk
1/4 C Water
1T Chia Seeds
8 grams unflavored Whey Protein
1/2 tsp Glucomannan Powder (vary amount according to your desired thickness)(I get mine from Konjacfoods)
24 grams Nutiva Coconut Oil
1/4 t Vanilla or other flavoring
Cinnamon to taste
Stevia or other sweetener to taste
Mix Almond Milk and water together in small bowl, then whisk in rest of the ingredients. If your coconut oil is solid at room temperature, it will melt when heated.
After mixed well, heat in microwave for about 45-60 seconds, depending on strength of microwave. Whisk again when done to incorporate the coconut oil. Can be made on stove top, stirring as it heats. Keep in mind Glucomannan thickens as it heats, as will the Chia seeds so you experiment to find your desired degree of thickness.
This is super quick to throw together and stays with me a looonnng time. Reminds me of oatmeal...great on cold mornings.
1 Svg: 315 Calories; 29g Fat; 7.65g Carb; 7.2g Fiber; .45g usable carb; 9.35 Protein
(91.5% calories from fat based on your method of calculation, if I understand it correctly)
Thank you for all you do and share. My blood sugar is finally below 100 if I keep the fat% up, and consume my protein early in the day. Can't wait for your Fat Fast book! I need some more ideas :-)
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Why subtract fiber calories?
Because fiber is counted at 4 calories per gram, just like any carbohydrate, but you don't actually digest or absorb fiber, so you don't actually absorb those calories. It just passes through.
I like the idea of the coconut oil!
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egg whites
Note to self: get a dog!
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Get a Dog
For all sorts of reasons, perhaps the least of which is disposing of spare egg whites. No one will ever love you with quite the same single-minded devotion, and they're the best security system anyone's ever come up with. Funny, too.
But do yourself a favor and get two. Two dogs are actually easier than one, because they keep one another company.
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I've been wanting to use the
I've been wanting to use the chia seeds more but hadn't come up with anything interesting to do with them, LOL. I think I'll go put some in water right now! I don't one a microwave and don't want one or want to use one, so I'm hoping this works fine in my toaster oven.
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Toaster Oven
I don't know that it will work that way. I'd recommend whisking it over low heat till it's heated through, instead.
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It worked great! I had it
It worked great! I had it this morning, and it cooked up beautifully like a custard, lightly browned around the edges. I loved it. I don't think I would care for it heated over low heat. It was the nicely browned edges that made it a real treat.
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Approximately $250,000 is available through the Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) program to stimulate the development and adoption of innovative conservation approaches and technologies within Arkansas.
State, tribal, and local governmental entities; non-governmental organizations; and individuals may apply. Project proposals should demonstrate the use of innovative technologies or approaches to address a natural resource concern. Project results are expected to improve and create the transfer of conservation technologies, management systems, and innovative approaches (such as market-based systems) into NRCS technical manuals or guides or to the private sector.
CIG is used to apply or demonstrate previously proven technology. It does not fund research projects. CIG is an effort to address some of the state's most pressing natural resource conservation needs. CIG is a component of the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP).
For FY 2013, Arkansas NRCS will consider offering CIG in the following areas: Nutrient Management, Integrated Pest Management, Conservation Technology Transfer, Energy Conservation, High Tunnels, Organic, Water Quality, and Drought. Applications should be for single or multi-year projects, not to exceed three years.
Selected applicants may receive grants up to 50 percent of the total project cost. Individual grant awards may not exceed $75,000 in FY 2013. Applicants must provide non-federal matching funds for at least 50 percent of the project cost. Of the non-federal matching funds, a minimum of 25 percent must be from cash contributions; the remaining 25 percent may come from in-kind contribution. Projects may be single or multi-year, not to exceed three years.
Funds will be awarded through a full proposal statewide competitive grants process. Applications must be submitted electronically through grants.gov by 5 p.m. (CDT) April 30, 2013. In addition, one original and three copies must be received in the Arkansas NRCS state office.
Applicants may send or hand-deliver hard copies to USDA -- Natural Resources Conservation Service; Conservation Innovations Grants Program; Attn: Holly Anderson; Room 3416 Federal Building; 700 West Capitol Avenue, Little Rock, AR 72201. Copies must be received by 5 p.m. (CDT) April 30, 2013.
For more information on CIG contact Lori Barker, state CIG program manager, at (870) 523-8986 or firstname.lastname@example.com.
The request for proposals and related forms are located at www.grants.gov.
For more information on CIG grants, see here.


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Matthews Food Truck Fridays & Concert Series!
Back for another great year in Stumptown Park!
A variety of food and dessert trucks every week, great music on the Lee Myers stage, inflatables for kids, jenga and corn hole for grown-ups! Plenty of room to relax and hang out in the park! Bring a chair or blanket, and come enjoy the downtown vibe in Historic Downtown Matthews.
We would like to thank our rally sponsors, Harris Teeter, Charlotte Metro Credit Union, Renewal by Andersen Windows, and 801 South!
Follow us on Facebook for weekly truck lineups and latest info: Matthews Food Truck Fridays
Do you own a food truck and would you like to get involved? Email for more information
Click here for food truck application
No pets are allowed at Food Truck Fridays per Town Ordinance.


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Dec. 20, 2010
For Orlando, a new football dawn at UMass Dartmouth
by Andrew Clark, Boston Globe
NORTH DARTMOUTH, MA-His football career at Saint Anselm College did not look promising. It was not a question of talent for former Manchester-Essex star Pat Orlando. The Hawks simply had a logjam at the quarterback position.
So Orlando transferred to the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, a Division 3 program in the New England Football Conference.
"Everyone on the team is like brothers and the coaches that we have here are fantastic,'' said the 6-foot-2, 190-pound Orlando, the Globe's Division 4 Player of the Year in 2008.
"It's been a lot of fun, and I'm playing on a team with a lot of great leaders.'' Named the starting QB in August, he played in nine games (missing one to injury) and helped lead the Corsairs to three victories after a winless season in 2009.
"There was not a lot of playing time available at Saint Anselm at all,'' said Orlando. "UMass Dartmouth is really the perfect place to play. I had experience with the New England Football Conference already, since my brother played at Endicott, so it was a great fit.''
In nine games, he threw for 818 yards and five touchdowns. He was also the team's second-leading rusher (290 yards).
Orlando was also a dual threat at Manchester-Essex, where he was the two-time Commonwealth Small MVP.
As a high school senior, Orlando threw for 25 touchdowns and 1,610 yards while leading the Hornets to a Super Bowl win over Tri-County. In his career, Orlando racked up over 4,000 yards in the air and broke his brother Vinny's school record by notching 54 touchdown passes.
"Patrick has been such a great addition to our team,'' said UMass Dartmouth coach Mark Robichaud of his starting quarterback. "He is an outstanding leader, and the kids on the team really respect him a lot. He is an excellent athlete, and he spends a lot of time working in the weight room.
"He listens very well and is a strong competitor, and the way he just handles himself on and off the field is very impressive. He can be a bit hard on himself sometimes because he just wants every throw to be perfect. Patrick has been a very coachable player for us.''
Ultimately, Orlando has found his time at UMass Dartmouth to be invaluable. Since joining the Corsairs this season, Orlando says he has made huge strides as a quarterback, stating that his game is much more refined than his high school days.
"I've become a much stronger quarterback overall since coming here,'' Orlando said. "I have been focusing on my fundamentals, which has really helped, rather than just trying to go out there and make a play happen every time that I touch the ball.''


text:
Acclaim's high-profile entry into the the world of street racing and car modification, Juiced got caught up in Acclaim's bankrupcy issues and was not released on its original Fall 2004 release date. However, publisher Take-Two recognized the potential of the title and picked up the game, allowing the develeopers at Juice Games time to massively improve their title and add essential new features.
Some magazines reviewed the Acclaim version of the game in anticipation of its release, based on nearly-finished copies of the racer.
Release Region: United States
Release Date: Canceled
Publisher: Acclaim Entertainment
Release Region: United Kingdom
Release Date: Unreleased
Publisher: Acclaim Entertainment
Juiced (Unpublished Ac... at IGN
Juiced (Unpublished Ac... at GameSpy
Juiced (Unpublished Ac... at GameStats


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Ribbon & Pull Bows
For the perfect finishing touch whether decorating favour boxes, gifts, flowers or cakes, satin ribbon and beautiful lurex pull bows are available in many colours to enhance whatever your project.
We also print personalised ribbon with your special message on, please look in the personalised ribbon section on the left hand side.
Products In Ribbon & Pull Bows(Total Products 3, Showing: 1 -> 3)
Sort By: Product Name | Price Low to High | Price High to Low


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Firebug 1.6.1b2Wednesday, December 22nd, 2010
getfirebug.com has new Firebug 1.6.1 beta 2 including a new patch solving the Ctrl + Shift + Arrow shortcut collision. Test results are available and API docs updated.
This version fixes also several other minor issues. Please give it a try, this seems to be the last beta before 1.6.1 final.
The beta version is not yet uploaded on AMO since we encountered a problem, but this will be hopefully fixed soon.
Followup in the newsgroup please.


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August 2, 2017, 10:34 am
Chris Paul and James Harden will coexist, but it takes time. The rest of the Houston Rockets can pick their favorite spot on the floor and wait for perfect passes.
Dan Besbris continues the team-by-team journey through the NBA with one of the offseason's most interesting clubs on this Wednesday edition of Fantasy NBA Today.
Follow @DanBesbris on Twitter – he takes questions all day, every day!
Bookmark Hoop-Ball.com and follow @hoopballtweets for round-the-clock updates!
Editor's Note: We have a new APP for all of our FREE Hoop Ball podcasts. You can download it for your Apple devices here and for your Android devices here. ALSO, you can subscribe to our flagship show Fantasy NBA Today on iTunes right here and on Stitcher right here.
Fantasy News
May 23, 2019, 11:49 pmKhris Middleton - F - Milwaukee Bucks
Khris Middleton really struggled in Thursday's Game 5, scoring six points (2-of-9 shooting) and pulling down 10 boards as the Bucks fell 105-99 at home.
Middleton's disappearing act offensively was the difference for the Bucks who really need their second best offensive option to demand the ball and produce more. The airball late in the game was a microcosm of the outing for Middleton. He'll need to take more than nine shots (less than any other Bucks starter) for the team to have a good shot at a Game 6 win in Toronto.
May 23, 2019, 11:46 pmBrook Lopez - C - Milwaukee Bucks
Brook Lopez scored 16 points and pulled down eight boards on Thursday night in a Game 6 loss.
Lopez was fine in general and wasn't really a liability, but he also didn't provide as much as needed on the defensive side or from long range. For what it's worth, he has generally outplayed his counterpart Marc Gasol in this series and tonight was no different.
May 23, 2019, 11:44 pmMalcolm Brogdon - G - Milwaukee Bucks
Malcolm Brogdon reentered the starting lineup on Thursday night and put in a solid performance, scoring 18 points and pulling down 11 rebounds.
It was a better sight to see than the disastrous four points in Game 4, but it wasn't enough as his absence from the bench really sucked the offense out of the bench group as the second unit scored a whopping 15 points. A repeat performance from Brogdon and more from Khris Middleton is a potentially winning formula for Game 6.
May 23, 2019, 11:39 pmEric Bledsoe - G - Milwaukee Bucks
Eric Bledsoe showed signs of life on Thursday night, scoring 20 points, but it wasn't enough for the Bucks to overcome the Raptors in Game 5 at home.
Bledsoe was worlds better than he was on Tuesday, but the Bucks didn't have an answer to Kawhi Leonard and lost hold of the game late in the fourth quarter. A dialed in Bledsoe would really help the cause in Game 6.
May 23, 2019, 11:35 pmGiannis Antetokounmpo - F - Milwaukee Bucks
Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 24 points with six rebounds and six assists on Thursday as the Bucks fell to the Raptors in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals.
Antetokounmpo continued to struggle from the free throw line, hitting just four of nine free throw attempts. It seemed like he really got beat up trying to take the ball to the basket late in the game. Even more puzzling, GA wasn't in the game for some key moments late in the game. He'll need to lead from the front for the Bucks to bring this back to Milwaukee.
May 23, 2019, 11:30 pmPascal Siakam - F - Toronto Raptors
Pascal Siakam played 36 minutes, scoring 14 points (on 15 field goal attempts) with 13 rebounds and four defensive counters on Thursday night.
Siakam wasn't efficient on the offensive side including a sequence of three missed 3-pointers on the same possession during the Raptors' sluggish start. He was pivotal to the fourth quarter defensive effort especially when protecting the rim against Giannis late in the game.
May 23, 2019, 11:25 pmFred VanVleet - G - Toronto Raptors
Fred VanVleet was on fire again in Thursday's Game 5, scoring 21 points with all his points coming from seven 3-pointers.
The distance shooting was huge for the Raptors as VanVleet outscored the Bucks' bench by six by himself. VanVleet could definitely be the key to the Raps' efforts to close this series out on Saturday. We'll see if he can keep finding his shooting stroke.
May 23, 2019, 11:19 pmKyle Lowry - G - Toronto Raptors
Kyle Lowry played 39 minutes on Thursday, scoring 17 points to go along with seven rebounds and six assists.
Lowry has been dealing with a thumb injury which may be part of the reason he's struggled with his shot at times in the postseason. Still, most guys are banged up at this point in the season and he's just going to continue to tough it out with the NBA Finals on the horizon.
May 23, 2019, 11:12 pmKawhi Leonard - F - Toronto Raptors
Kawhi Leonard was something else on Thursday night, leading the Raptors with 35 points, seven boards and nine assists despite not being 100 percent in Game 5.
It was Leonard's show in this one and he really took control of this game down the stretch. The Raptors have a chance to close this out on Saturday and earn a trip to the NBA Finals with Leonard leading from the front.
May 23, 2019, 7:02 pmMike Budenholzer - Team - Milwaukee Bucks
Coach Budenholzer told the media that he is thinking about making a change to the starting lineup for Game 5 on Thursday.
The Bucks were able to win the first two games of the series and were talked about as if they had already made the NBA finals. Unfortunately for the team, they traveled to the Raptors and experienced what it was like to be on the road against a very hungry team. The saying goes that the series doesn't start until a road team wins a game. Will coach Bud make some changes to his starting lineup Thursday in order to continue the home team dominance we've seen thus far. Stay tuned for starting lineup announcements closer to tip-off.
Source: Josh Lewenberg on Twitter


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Cash On Delivery
Saturday, December 12, 2015
El Portal MainStage Theatre
5269 Lankershim Blvd.
North Hollywood,
Corner of Lankershim and Weddington, NoHo Arts District. Across the street from the Federal Bar and the Laemmle NoHo 7 Cineplex.
Metro Red Line North Hollywood Station; Orange Line Bus Station; 5 minutes from the 134, 170, and 101 freeways.
Michael Cooney's riotous British farce has all the ingredients for rib-tickling hilarity. Eric Swan (aided by his Uncle George and unbeknown to his wife, Linda) has pocketed thousands of pounds through fraudulent DSS claims. When Norman Bassett (the lodger) opens the door to Mr Jenkins, the DSS Inspector, deceptive mayhem follows - as do the undertaker, bereavement counsellor, psychiatrist, Norman's fiancée, a corpse, the ominous Ms Cowper and a rather rebellious washing machine! "this superb farce...I found myself snorting like a demented whale. Cash on Delivery strikes me as being an instant classic of the genre." - Charles Spencer, Daily Telegraph Jim Mahoney as Eric Swan Henrietta Meire as Linda Swan Sam Meader as Norman Mc Donald Katie Amess as Miss Dixon Marie-France Arcilla as Sally Chessington Debra Cardona as Ms. Cowper Brian Wallace as Mr. Jenkins Michael Sweeney Hammond as Dr. Chapman Hap Lawrence as Mr. Forbright and featuring Ray Cooney as Uncle George
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Back when we started working on Squarespace 6 over three years ago, one of our primary goals was to re-engineer Squarespace from the ground up as a platform so that we could create any site imaginable within Squarespace. Since then, Squarespace has introduced a powerful developer experience that we've used to develop all of our themes as well as the main Squarespace website. We're continually working to create the best developer experience for an online publishing platform out there.
Over the last few months, we've been watching Brace.io, a company that shares our passion for simplicity and delightful developer experiences. Today, we're happy to announce that Brace.io is joining us here at Squarespace. We'll be working together to enhance our own developer workflow, and to create other beautifully simple experiences within the Squarespace platform.
As part of this transition, we'd like to offer an opportunity to existing Brace customers to try out Squarespace to see if it can fit their needs. Please check out the Brace blog post here for more details.


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My husband surprised me with a drawing tablet!
I know I am going to love it once I get used to using it. Do any of you use a drawing tablet with your computer? Have any pointers?
Drawing Tablet
My husband surprised me with a drawing tablet!
I have a tablet and don't like using it. I could also use some pointers.
My advice.... use it! Do not be frightened. A good thing is play computer games using the pen and that way you get used to the feel of it.
Also make sure you have the pen set up well for using with your scrapbooking software.
That's the thing that always stumps me. What am I supposed to set up to make sure it's working well...
I've been wanting to try a Wacom, also. I think that's what you're referring to.
I was given a Wacom Cintiqu tablet. It shows the screen on the tablet. I love it. I can use it to draw easier than I did my other tablet. But it takes some playing to get to where you can do it. I wish someone had tutorials that would walk you step by step through them though. There's so much more I'd love to learn to do with mine.
Oh, I LOVE mine! I find it especially useful for doing extractions, but I use it for all kinds of stuff when I am designing. It definitely takes some getting used to, though!
Wow Jen you have a Cintiqu? I was looking at the 13HD and it was $999! The Cintiqu is on my wish list.
I keep toying with the idea of getting a Bamboo tablet (I like to doodle & would love to make my own font), but I keep telling myself to wait - I have enough things I need to catch up on & learn first! lol
I won a Bamboo tablet at a Christmas party and I rarely use it. It takes some getting use to, but I do like it for extractions. I just don't have the space on my desk to use it unless I want to sit in an awkward position. If I change my room around I may try to make room for more of my tools...
I love love love my Bamboo tablet. I will never go back to using a mouse (for scrapbooking or designing)! I think what helped me best was to take an online Illustrator class (Jessica Sprague) which gave me lots of practice in Illustrator and by default, using the tablet. I think I just googled "how to adjust wacom pen settings in Photoshop/Illustrator" to set it up correctly.
Cat - get the wireless adapter, then you don't need desk space!
Cat - get the wireless adapter, then you don't need desk space!
I should. It may help with my carpel tunnel if I used the tablet instead of the mouse...
I'm on a laptop and don't use a mouse just my touch pad but I have been thinking about a tablet.
For those of you who do have them have you found http://www.penscrappers.com/ yet? It has a contest with great prizes and a learning center.
@Michelle Thank you so much for the link! Still learning photoshop but I want to learn to use my tablet also-already bookmarked the site!
I have a Waucom Intuos but seldom use it. Like someone upthread said earlier, I should probably get in there and play with it. To me it always feels sort of clumsy and as others have said, I don't have good desk space for it, so it's easier just to use the mouse. But like everything new, I just need to make the effort to learn to use it. Going to check out the penscrappers link and the wireless adapter. That make make all the difference.
Edited: Bummer. I have the Intuos4 - no wireless for me. Boo.
I also have a Bamboo Tablet and I love it! It's true that it takes some time to getting used to the pen but once I had finished my first painting with ArtRage I was convinced. It's such fun to find out all the posibilities. I was lucky to get a version of the tablet which includes three programs: ArtRage, CorelPainter Essentials and Photoshop Elements 11. It will probably take me 10 years to learn all of them but well, that way I have an excuse to spend so much time in front of my PC lol.
I just gave a gift for being a good girl to myself, and bought an used bamboo tablet. It´s definitelly a up-to-date model, but it seems to have been used few times, and I paid something I could pay for it, in three very smooth parcels. As I´m not sure if I´ll adapt to it or not, better start at low-profile. Well, for now, I don´t know anything about it. I made the tutorial that comes at the instalation CD, and tried to write a bit on it. I tried to adjust photoshop settings, but I still couldn´t do it - nothing happens when I follow the tut :p
If you have more hints and advice, they will be very welcome
Ooh, congrats! I've always wanted a tablet to use with my designing.
I am in love with my tablet, and completely used. The learning curve was waaaay shorter than I could imagine, and I can make great extractions and good drawings already. The problems that I was having are part of an issue between Windows 7 and wacom drivers. Sometimes I need to reinstall the drivers because windows don´t recognize them.
hi i have been thinking of getting a drawing tablet thanks for all the ideas etc.
I bought a Wacom bamboo special edition but I haven't been able to get used to it. I really need to spend some time and try harder!


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|A photo of a red-eyed treefrog taken
by Carey James Balboa at Wikimedia.
What does an angry red-eyed treefrog do, you may ask? A mildly irritated treefrog will likely produce territorial "chuckle" calls, to let rivals know this is his favorite calling-plant and they'd better step-off. But a really ticked-off red-eyed treefrog rapidly lifts and lowers his hind end in a behavior called tremulation.
"Step off, I'm doing the hump!" Video by Michael Caldwell.
Not much is known about this tremulation behavior. Is it something they do just to release anxiety or is it a communication signal? If it is a communication signal, is it a visual signal or a vibrational signal or both? And what exactly might it communicate?
Michael Caldwell, Karen Warkentin and Gregory McDaniel from Boston University, and Gregory Johnston from Flinders University in Australia, set out to ask the red-eyed treefrog if the tremulations were a communication signal and what they may mean. But without Dr. Doolittle's powers of talking to the animals, how can scientists determine what and how animals are communicating?
First, the researchers observed natural interactions between males at choruses in the wild and recorded everything they did. They found that male red-eyed treefrogs will often approach another male while making "chuckles" and "chacks". These males also tremulated in every aggressive interaction observed. Some of these males kicked with their back legs and some encounters even escalated to wrestling. Eventually (usually anywhere from a minute to an hour later, but occasionally several hours later), one of the males would submit by fleeing the plant or remaining silent and motionless. The dominant male would then resume his self-advertising "chack" calls. So males use tremulation in aggressive contexts with other males, but does that mean that it is a signal?
|Males that won encounters tremulated more and used more
"chack" and "chuckle" calls than did males that lost encounters.
Figure from Caldwell et al. 2010 Current Biology paper.
The researchers then conducted staged contests by placing pairs of calling males on the same sapling. In these staged contests, males showed all the same aggressive behaviors the researchers had observed in natural conditions, and most ended in a wrestling match. The males that won their encounter produced more calls and more tremulations than did males that lost their encounter (Check out the graph above). So tremulations are used in the context of aggression with other males and winners tremulate more than losers. It looks like these tremulations are an aggressive communication signal, but to know for sure, we need to know if other males respond to them. And are tremulations a visual signal, a vibrational signal, or both?
So the researchers had to get creative and take it one step further: They put a robotic frog on a vibrating shaker that could mimic the visual display of a tremulation. They attached a separate vibrating shaker to the plant to mimic the vibrations of a tremulation. Now, they could look at the effects of the visual and vibrational components of the tremulation behavior separately!
Males responded aggressively to the imitated tremulation vibrations, visual or combined but not to any of the other treatments. This suggests that tremulations are a communication signal that rival males respond to. Interestingly, males only tremulated in response to tremulation vibrations. This suggests that the vibrational component is important to sending the full aggressive signal.
vibrational communication, especially in vertebrates. Michael, Gregory, Gregory and Karen have cleverly shown us that male red-eyed treefrogs use vibrational signals in contests with each other. How many other species will we discover using this silent channel of communication if we just listen?
Want to know more? Check this out:
Caldwell MS, Johnston GR, McDaniel JG, & Warkentin KM (2010). Vibrational signaling in the agonistic interactions of red-eyed treefrogs. Current biology : CB, 20 (11), 1012-7 PMID: 20493702


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Gwyneth Paltrow took to Goop and the lifestyle site's regular weekly email Friday to offer thanks to supporters standing by her and her "consciously uncoupled" husband, Chris Martin, in their freshly announced separation.
The thanks came in the form of a P.S. below her usual introduction, as in:
"P.S. CM and I in deep gratitude for the support of so many." She added a little heart at the end.
The 41-year-old actress announced their split Tuesday on Goop, staying away from the D word — divorce — and earning a new round of sneers and mockery when she used the New Agey term "conscious uncoupling" instead, with explanation.
Paltrow and the frontman for Coldplay married in 2003 and have two children.
— Associated Press


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Welcome to the Western Cape Provincial Parliament
The Western Cape Provincial Parliament (WCPP) is one of the nine provincial legislatures in South Africa.
Based in Cape Town, the WCPP is constitutionally mandated to pass legislation, provide a forum for public debate, involve the public in the law-making process, and oversee the activities of the provincial executive.
The WCPP consists of 42 Members, elected every five years on a proportional representation system. The Premier and members of the provincial Cabinet are appointed from these Members.
This website contains information about the role and function of the WCPP, news, parliamentary activities including sitting and standing committee meetings, Members of the Provincial Parliament (MPP), legislation, publications, career opportunities, etc.
Please feel free to browse the site. Should you be unable to find what you are looking for, please contact the Webmaster.
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The Western Cape Provincial Parliament's Standing Committee on Economic Opportunities, Tourism and Agriculture will conduct a public hearing focusing on the Western Cape Special Economic Dev
The Western Cape Provincial Parliament's Standing Committee on Economic Opportunities, Tourism and Agriculture will conduct public hearings on the Property Practitioners Bill [B 21B–20
|Vote: 2 WC Appropriation Bill
|Vote: 6 WC Appropriation Bill
|Budget Committee
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Welcome From Speaker
Welcome and thank you for taking the time to visit our website. I am Sharna Fernandez, the elected Speaker of the 5th Parliament of the Western Cape.


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When you work in fashion at Cosmo, you tend to get sent a lot of underthings, like lingerie and delicate bras and undies, to review for possible coverage. It's a perk of the job that I particularly love.
But since I've started to acquire more of these sexy little things, I've realized that you can't treat them like the rest of your wardrobe when you wash them.
So, I've been searching for a lingerie wash that will not only treat my underpinnings with a little TLC, but that I can actually stand the scent of. Enter Journelle Linden Lingerie Wash, $12, journelle.com.
A lot of lingerie washes I've come across have a strong clean fragrance, but this one is packed with subtle hints of fresh linden blossom, violet, velvety gardenia, and cedar. Not to mention the bottle is pretty enough to leave out in your bathroom for everyone to see. Translation: It's a winner.
Here's how you use it: As with any lingerie, it's best to hand wash each piece. So, with this sudser, simply pour two to three capfuls into lukewarm water and get to scrubbing your delicates clean. Then, rinse and lay them flat to dry.
If you were on the lookout for a lingerie wash that you'll love to use, hopefully I put your hunt to a halt.
Let me know how you like this subtle soap after you try it!