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Jays out on Furcal
TORONTO — I've been stuck on the couch or in bed pretty much since I got back from the Winter Meetings. I'm sick and it's not fun. I've got a marathon in less than a month and I haven't been running in a week. Basically, I feel like garbage.
My theory is that my body is rejecting all this fresh air after being stuck inside the smoky casino in Las Vegas for four days. But, what are you going to do? Hopefully, I'll be on the mend here soon. I've been sick for about five or six days now — very rare for me.
Anyway, just because I'm stuck inside with this cold, that doesn't mean I haven't been trying to work the phones. Spoke briefly with Paul Kinzer today — the agent for shortstop Rafael Furcal — and it appears as though the Jays are no longer in the running to sign the free agent.
"J.P. did all he could, but he couldn't work it out," Kinzer said. "We appreciate everything he did."
The A's appear to lead the pack, with the Dodgers and Royals also in the mix. Kinzer declined to going into specifics, but I've been writing from the beginning that acquiring Furcal was a long shot. Jays GM J.P. Ricciardi wasn't immediately available for comment.
As for short, I'm not sure what this will mean for the Jays. They might be content with using Marco Scutaro and John McDonald, which is what Ricciardi had been saying all winter until the Furcal rumors resurfaced. Orlando Cabrera is also out there on the open market.
Again, though, if the Jays want to add anything, they'll have to subtract, according to Ricciardi. Without Furcal in the plans, maybe Toronto could again turn its focus toward someone like Jason Giambi to help out in the power department. Just some speculation on my part.
More as more develops…
44 Comments
Get well soon Jordan!
I for one would much rather see the jays go out and sign someone like giambi, a bonafide 30 HR guy. We need a power bat to protect Vernon, putting giambi 5 does this. Next up, Scott Rolen has got to go, he's not the player he once was and isn't capable of producing at the plate, however, Jose Bautista isn't the answer either. Trading Overbay would be great, but I wouldn't expect much in return for an overpaid first baseman with no power. Giambi is a bargain at around 10 million a season with reasonable expectations of 30 hr 100 rbi's. Thats the kind of production we are lacking and thats the kind of salary that is affordable and makes us more of a contender. The fact that JP thinks that the jays are contenders is a complete joke, we're nowhere near one.
The Jays never were in the hunt for Furcal as soon as Oakland offered 4 years and $36 million. JP just kept the story going to get press coverage, nothing more.
It's interesting we offered a contract to Bautista. With Hill coming back, we have Inglet, Bautista, McDonald and Scutaro are vying for the short stop and two utility role positions. Seems to me, we have one too many, unless we trade Rolen.
Justin-you are right we are not a contendor in 2009, so why would you want to sign Giambi and what position would you expect him to play?
It's not the smoke in the casinos which gets you, they actually do a good job of filtering that. What they don't filter out through are are the re-cycled germs as you have found out.
If the Jays were supposed to get a 1st rounder and a sandwich pick for Burnett… But the Brewers get the 1st rounder, shouldn't the Jays get at leat 2 sandwich picks instead of a 2nd rounder and a sandwich? Or at least get a sandwich this year and the yanks 1st rounder in 2010? I can't help but feel the Jays didn't get their slice of the pie (or sandwich) on this deal…
Burt the Jays will never trade Halladay,I never said i wanted Furcal to come to Toronto,i also know the Jays will go nowhere in 09 or 2010.
If we can't trade Ryan, then why not throw him into the rotation? I would rather see him there then Downs or Tallet, and I think he would be a much better fit considering he started in the big leagues as a starting pitcher.
Ryan gives up at least 3 hits an inn. in 7 inn. 21 hits lol.
If cheap, I'd like to see them try to get Cabrera in there. He has all the potential in the world. He's young (around Marcum/McGowan's age), still has a lot to learn, and would get to learn around Halladay and Arnsberg. Sky is the limit and worse case scenario he is an OK 5th starter.
Sorry rene but worst case scenario is he is released mid season because he can't throw a strike. Yes we all love Cabrera's upside, and hopefully sometime with Arnsberg somehow magically turns him into an ace. Realistically however, this guy has seen a ton of talented pitching coaches and no one has made him throw strikes consistently, not pitch to pitch, not stat to start.
gsjays- sign Giambi to play first, trade or release Overbay for all i care, we sign Giambi to give 2009 a glimmer of hope, but know that 2010 is the most realistic year to make a playoff run.
So what if he is released mid-season ? as long as it's a cheap contract it shouldn't matter. Guys with cheap contracts who aren't performing are released on a regular, that applies to all sports not just MLB.
I agree with Rene, if they can get him for cheap why not ? If anyone can teach the guy control it's Roy or Brad. It sounds like a dozen teams are interested though, so I doubt this happens.
Baseball is full of pitchers who can't throw a strike,and all of a sudden viola another Halladay out of nowhere,why not take a chance and look to the future,he just may turn out,remember lightning in a bottle.
Ok, if Cabrera were signed to a two-way contract or a cheap(less than a couple million a year) then i am all for it, however it is known that a dozen or so teams are interested in him and that its unlikely to get him under either of those terms.
Daniel Cabrera isn't Roy Halladay, if he hasn't magically, "voila" learned to throw strikes by now i don't see it happening. Baseball is full of pitchers who can't throw strikes, major league baseball however isn't.
I wish everyone Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Hope all is well. We're getting closer too spring training and that is a great thing!
Sabathia for over 160 million guranteed and Burnett over 80 million guranteed, not money well spent. How many big $$$ free agents do well ???? Most flop!
I'd love to know the names of all of these guys from the scrap heap who "voila" suddenly turn into another Roy Halliday????????????
So i can't spell voila big deal.
All i was trying to say is maybe the guy can turn around,if JP wants this guy he will get him even if it cost 4 mm a year.
What do they have to lose 09 and 10 and11 will be lost years anyway so why not experiment for the next three years and see what they can develope,most of the young players will be ready providing they are not traded away for garbage by JP in 12 and 13 and away we go maybe.
Merry Christmas to you to,and the same for the rest of you guys and gals,even you rshobie.
Merry Christmas to you and your family and hope you are feeling better.
I wonder what happend to Harry Potter????.
Merry Christmas KATE.
I'm not an overly talented individual, as you can perhaps tell from my comments. However, perhaps one of the more talented contributors to this blog might put together a "12-days of Christmas" poem, explaining how, in a perfect world, the Jays might right themselves.
E.g., On the first day of Christmas Rogers gave to JP, one pink slip….
Good one Burt,lol.
on the second day of christmas rogers gave to me, 2 decent starters, and a pink slip for JP.
(From The Borowitz Report)
In their latest bid to beef up their pitching rotation for the 2009 season, the New York Yankees today signed Iraqi journalist Muntadar al-Zeidi to a three-year deal worth $32 million.
The right-handed al-Zeidi, 28, impressed the Yankee scouts with his performance in Baghdad yesterday when he threw both of his shoes at President George W. Bush.
While neither of the shoes hit their target, both throws "had great velocity and good movement," said Yankee owner Hank Steinbrenner.
"The first shoe was high and outside but the second one was right down the middle," Mr. Steinbrenner said.
The Yankee boss said that he was also impressed with Mr. al-Zeidi's fighting spirit when Secret Service agents tackled him.
"That could come in handy when we have a series with Boston," he said.
***Those damn Yankees are signing everyone.
On the third day of christmas Rogers gave to me Mannys big bat and a pink slip to JP.
G.the best one yet.
If Cabrera pitches as well as he has in any of the past 5 years (except for maybe 07), he's an OK 5th starter.
Anyways, ain't gonna happen.
Finally Christmas Break!
I am right here, I read most of the posts but just don't have the time to log in and then comment myself, usually someone else brings up my point of view anyways.
Now Baseball…I just hope Sabathia and Burnett both get injured, that would be fun to watch wouldn't it.
Bluejays I don't mind them going after Cabrera, but to a minor league deal (which i doubt is happening so lets forget him)
OVerbay, Ryan, Rolen, Wells, 2/4 of them should be traded mostly Overbay and Rolen (with Ryan he can do good next year and then trade for good prospects, or need him for 010). Wells, noone wants to pick up his contract.
On the 4th day of Christmas Rogers gave to the yankees one Vernon Wells and a pink slip to JP.
It blows my mind that people want to trade Vernon Wells!!!!!!! Wake up people 2 years ago you could have made a strong arguement that he was or at least on his way to becoming the best player in baseball. He's been injured a little the past couple seasons but was still able to hit .300 20 HR's and 78 ribbis on basically 400 at bats largely playing with some nagging injuries. His production on a per at bat basis people was not far off Alex Rodriguez's. He is 30 years old and maybe the best defensive player in baseball.
Can someone please tell me what the city of Boston has over the city of Toronto????????? It was not long ago that the Jays set an ALLTIME major league baseball attendence record and could certainly do it again with the proper team on the field. Toronto market ( GTA ) is 3 times the size of Boston. Ted Rogers approx ( 8 Billion in assets ) one of the wealthiest families in the world. At the peak Ted could have bought the Yankees/ Steinbrenner's/ Throw Trump into it as well. Stop blaming the wrong people and attack the rogers family for not investing in the product they own. Toronto can compete with any city in the world when ownership spends some money. No reson why the Jays can't have a 150-175 million payroll and put 45-50 thousand plus in the seats everynight……… Did it before can do it again under the right ownership!!!!!!!!!!! Remember the Jays had the highest payroll in Baseball when we won back to back.
Instead of having a bird everytime someone says something you don't like,Why don't you tell us what this team needs to do.Not just the payroll but what players they need to bring in,also should JP stay or go,and who should they trade and for whom.
My bet is you have no clue.
As for Wells i think we all know what kind of a player he is,but this team can not afford to carry him.We have three good outfielders now Rios Lind and Snyder,cheap for the next 4 or 5 years.
Let's hope the Jays don't claim Bobby Crosby,the A's just put him on waivers.
i agree with rshobie……all you guys do is complain about the jays.you seem to forget that their division is the toughest basball has probably ever seen!and vernon wells is probably the best offensive weapon the jays have ever had,and maybe ever will have.unfortuneatly you can't stop injuries.give him a clean bill of health for a year and he'll be back to 35+hr,120+rbi,30+sb,300+ average.
We are just baseball fans,not experts.noone said Wells was no good just that the Jays can't afford his contract.
The Rogers family does not own the Jays outright,They are owned by Rogers company and the shareholders,For a payroll increase it must go to the board and they all vote on it.What the team needs is a new owner with big bucks that is not afraid to spend money to make money.
Bring in Tex and Manny and a good shortstop who can hit and they will fill the seats.
"he'll be back to 35+hr,120+rbi,30+sb,300+ average."
Just for the record, Wells has never hit 35 hr's or 120 rbi's in a year and his career BA is .283. In 7 years, he's averaged 25 hr's per year and 92 rbi's. Nice player but not worth 20 million per year-which is the whole point I think you're missing.
DUNEDIN, Fla. — Toronto Blue Jays second baseman Aaron Hill is ready to return.
Hill, whose season ended on May 29 when he sustained a concussion in a collision with shortstop David Eckstein, expects to be ready by opening day. Hill is working out three times a week at the team's complex in Dunedin.
"Everything is fine," he said before a session with pitchers Roy Halladay and Jesse Litsch. "I got the go-ahead about a month or so ago to go full time. It's been good fun getting here every day and actually doing some things."
Hill was hitting .263 with two home runs and 20 RBI when he was injured. The 26-year-old Hill had hit .291 in each of the previous two years as a regular.
"It was emotional more than anything," he said. "It's probably the most I have been out since I was 13 or 14 years old. You can always learn something so now it's time to work hard and get back on the field."
The Blue Jays will compete in the AL East next season minus pitcher A.J. Burnett, who opted out of his contract and signed with the New York Yankees as a free agent.
"A.J. did a great job for us last season, but we have some young kids that had a chance to do some things and it's also looking pretty promising in the farm system. It's a great opportunity for them and hopefully they will come up, prove themselves and help us next season."
Copyright 2008 by STATS LLC and The Associated Press.
From SI-Jon Heyman
The Blue Jays have fielded a few trade inquiries about star outfielder Vernon Wells, league sources said. It appears Toronto has financial constraints, and it might consider trading Wells, who has six years remaining on his seven-year, $126-million contract.
It isn't necessarily to the point where the Jays are shopping Wells. But they may have financial concerns. The Jays' star closer, B.J. Ryan, also is thought be available at the right price — though there's no evidence the Jays would entertain trading franchise pitcher Roy Halladay.
Wells is a terrific all-around player, but he's missed some time the past two seasons. He hit .300 with 20 home runs and 78 RBIs last year after a dreadful 2007 campaign in which he .245 with 16 homers and 80 RBIs. He is a much better player than that, although his contract may make trading him difficult in these economic times.
**The only better news than this, is an announcement of a trade of Wells.
hey anyone out there know the answer to this one. do you think a blue jays/yankees game in the new stadium in August will be sold out or do you think we'll be able to get tickets shortly before.
Hi everyone,
Had a ball on a yankees blog last week after the CC and AJ thing. I kept telling them to enjoy AJ while they can and predicted that he'll be on the DL by June. I also mentioned that his lifetime stats aren't worth the money they're going to pay him. I think the pressure from the fans and media will be too much for him. His wife alone will be good for a few choice comments. We'll have to see. They (yankee bloggers) kept telling me I had no business being on their blog. Anyway, it was fun and hopefully it will be fun teeing off on AJ when he comes back to Toronto.
I have always been a supporter of JP in the past, and he did bring some pretty big names to this team, but am seriously wondering if it isn't time to let him go? Who would replace him would be my concern?
Merry Christmas everyone! Let's hope that 2009 is at least competitive. Look how Tampa Bay surprised everyone…
"Cabrera drawing interest from Jays"-Not any longer.
WASHINGTON (AP) — Starting pitcher Daniel Cabrera and the Washington Nationals have reached a preliminary agreement on a one-year contract, pending a physical that his agent said is slated for next week.
I really think that this season, Cito needs to decide on a #1 shortstop and stick with him, not like last season where it was a rotation all year long.
I thought that Johnny Mac had solidified the job of #1 shortstop, leaving him in there will bring up his batting average…….and anyway, even if his average remains a bit lower, he more than makes up for it with his dazzling plays on the field.
All the pitchers would rather play knowing that he is behind them. Period.
Heard somewhere the Jays signed minor league journeyman DH/1B Randy Ruiz? I've always liked this guys bat, and I didn't know why he'd floated around the minors for so long. Great hitter against lefties, but strikes out a lot. The last two he years he has consistantly hit over .300 in AAA. He's old, but packs a punch? Here is where I got it from.
Hmm thats the answer a career minor leaguer theres tons of AAAA players who can be productive in the minors but not in the majors take John ford griffen for example Randy Ruiz is not going to help us at all.
I agree with gjays wells is a very good player but not at 18 million plus a season. If the jays want to trade him this is not the year wait for a bounce back year or at least until the team decides what direction it wants to go in in the next couple of years.
I don't think in any way I implied that Ruiz was the 'answer,' to the Jays problems. That is a strange thought. He was signed to a minor league contract, not exactly a premier free agent pickup. Depending on how others fair next season, he probably won't see any MLB playing time.
In my opinion, I think the guy has drifted under the radar a bit. I think he has legitimate Major League talent, but for one reason or another (probably because he is only a 1B/DH), hasn't been able to show it. He actually did well briefly with Minnesota late last season. He is not exactly Mark Teixeria or Manny Ramirez, but not bad for the bottom of the barrell in my opinion.
If he plays, and tanks. You can come to my blog and bash me for thinking the guy had any value whatsoever, because I will deserve it.


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PGA Logo
Pinehurst Resort: Is it the home of American Golf?
By John Kim
Published on
Monday, June 14, 2010
As a golfer who travels, you can expect a few commonalities among the world's top golf resorts. Elite service comes to mind, superior conditioning, a championship history, five-star accommodations and almost always a bit of hyperbole about how each facility offers an experience like no other. But Pinehurst Resort, the famed central North Carolina golf haven, bills itself as "The Home of American Golf." Grandiose at best, bordering on audacious? I had to find out first hand. I booked a tee time at the famed Pinehurst No. 2 and did my best to get my ridiculously atrophied golf game in shape. Within a couple of weeks, I was as ready as I was going to be. Driving to Pinehurst from Raleigh-Durham Airport (the closest major airport) is an easy drive, but one filled with anticipation. I've had a chance to play many of the best in the world, and as any golfer set to embark on a new adventure, I wanted this one to be tremendous. Would the course live up to my expectations? Could I manage my way around the famous crowned greens at No. 2? Would the ghosts of great golfers from the past help, hinder or just laugh at my game? It's only an hour or so from the airport to the resort, but you have a century of golf tales to consider on that drive. Arriving at Pinehurst is somewhat like arriving in Chicago. You get there way before you actually get there. You start to see golf courses, lots of them, long before you pull up to the famed resort. However, when you actually arrive, when you step out of your car, there certainly is a special feeling that golfers recognize, a thrill that says you're somewhere that you're going to cherish for a long time. I did have a concern, a significant one, as I dropped my bag off at the bag drop and parked my car. I saw large green surfaces filled with holes, topped with sand and layers of plugs scattered about. Did they just aerate the greens and not tell me? Honestly, that would have been a bit disappointing. I even walked over to take a closer look. I knelt down to feel the grass, the sand, even to see how bumpy the surface was puttable. Sure didn't seem so. I trudged up towards the clubhouse wondering if this was already a wasted trip. The attendant at the bag drop must have watched my walk up with bemusement. "It's the croquet area," he said with a laugh. "The putting green is over there," he pointed. With a great relief, I smiled. "Was a little worried there," I answered. "thought it was something important." The attendant answered back quickly, "a lot of folks here think it's more important." Pinehurst Resorts, home of golf in the U.S. and home to most avid croquet group in the country as well. I found my way to the golf shop and checked in, I was a little early for my tee time and they graciously encouraged me to look around the vast facility. I wandered over to the putting green, there were several golfers concentrating on getting their speed just right (and the greens were in excellent shape by the way) but still smiling and chatting as they anticipated their rounds. The driving range was packed with more anxious golfers, many of whom were readying for their third, fourth or fifth round of the week. And on the other side of the range, the Pinehurst Golf Academy was hosting a clinic that was obviously a popular feature for many guests of the resort. Excuse my made-up language, but thus far, everything sure felt "golf-y." I retrieved my clubs about forty-five minutes prior to my tee time to hit a few shots on the range, take some putts and try to get a feel for what a competent golf swing might be. One of the ways I know if I'm at a great golf venue is by how anxious/nervous I am on the range. The feeling in my gut overrides any cerebral rationale as to how important or special a round is and my gut said was now buzzing. I was about to play the famed Pinehurst No. 2. I made my way back down to the starter's area where I would meet my playing partners on the day. I'm sure that every group that tees it up at Pinehurst is a group full of fun, excited and talented golfers -- but I was extremely lucky to have been paired with three of the most enjoyable partners on this day; all of which were better golfers than me, but full of insights, jokes and great golf stories. The course was exactly like I had heard and read it would be -- generous off the tee, devious near the greens and extremely versatile in how to play each hole. If you are a golfer who enjoys thinking your way around a course, there is certainly no better one in the nation. Of course, the layout is considered by many who know golf way better than I, to be one of the absolute best in the world. And I would definitely concur. But you already knew that. My mission was verify or debunk the claim that Pinehurst was the home of golf in the U.S. The actual round of golf was almost secondary for this assignment. I should offer a quick caveat. Pinehurst does not offer the majestic views of Pebble Beach, the dramatic cliffs of Torrey Pines or Scottish flair of Whistling Straits. The towering pines offer plenty of beauty, but it's not the same aesthetic as you might see at some of the other renowned venues in the world. What it does offer is an aura, a spirit that you can't really quite describe but you can most definitely feel. I recall looking at the first tee as we walked towards it and thinking, "That's it?" And then feeling the rush of adrenaline as I put my peg in the ground. It hits you before you ever take the club back and it stays with you until you putt out on the famous 18th green. However, the moment of clarity came for me during a brief rain delay we had during our round (we actually never got rained on, we were warned ahead of time to come in which we did, had a good 45 minute shower pass by, and we went back out to the once-again perfect conditions.) Within the massive clubhouse at Pinehurst is a long hallway that is decorated with some of the most impressive trophy cases, golf memorabilia and displays from golf legends you could find anywhere. From a quote from Bobby Jones about the sanctity of Pinehurst to a special commemoration of Payne Stewart's iconic win at the 1999 U.S. Open, the history of golf in this country could be boiled down to the events at one location, and it was obvious that museum was right here. But nothing on these walls were as impressive to me as what I saw from the golfers crowded in the hallway peering at each memento. As every golfer on the course was finding shelter somewhere in the building, dozens were cramped together in this hallway to help pass the time. And every single one of them, as they queued up and shuffled along behind one another, had taken off their hat in a sign of respect for the hallowed ground on which they walked. Every one of them. Two of my partners that day were a father-son duo who make annual pilgrimages to different golf destinations around the world. I asked the father, who had a world of experience at the best golf venues, what he thought of his time here at Pinehurst once our round was complete. "That's my son, my youngest," he beamed at the now budding lawyer from South Florida, "and this is how we now spend time together. We're at Pinehurst No. 2. Does it get much better than this?" If home is where the heart is, and this resort has this type of effect on so many hearts, then yes, without question, Pinehurst is the home to American golf. Case closed.

subset: commoncrawl


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Satin sent to NYC for September
A round of applause roared in the Bisons clubhouse after Wednesday's game.
It was for 26-year old Josh Satin, who learned he will be a major league rookie on Thursday. With the major league rosters expanding on Thursday, September 1st, there's room in New York for infielder Josh Satin.
Bisons manager Tim Teufel said postgame on Wednesday that Satin will be promoted to the Mets on September 1st. Satin will join former Bisons pitcher Josh Stinson in the first round of call-ups to the major leagues.
It's the first time in the big leagues for Satin, who is having a breakout season in the Mets organization. New York's 25th round pick in the 2007 draft has combined to hit .323 (156-483) with 42 doubles, two triples, 12 home runs and 76RBI in 132 games between Double-A Binghamton and the Bisons.
With the Herd, Satin hit in 31 of his 38 games.


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Catch the Takalani Sesame muppets Kami, Zuzu, Zikwe, Moshe and Neno on Facebook and Twitter.
Watch the Takalani Sesame muppets give you 3 words that begin with the Sound of the Day and the definition of the Word on the Street in isiZulu, Sepedi, English, Afrikaans and Tshivenda.
Want to Takalani Sesame videos on tv? Takalani Sesame is available on SABC 1 at 07h30 and SABC 2 at 05h30 weekdays. You can also listen to Takalani Sesame on various radio stations in Setswana, isiNdebele, Siswati, Sesotho, Xitsonga, isiZulu, isiXhosa and Sepedi.


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Sermon Outline:
- A Miracle Birth
- A Divine Mission
- A Messy Life
- A Better Messiah
"I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching." - 1 Timothy 4:1-2
Redeemed South Bay is committed to shared teaching in the pulpit. Pastors Kenny, Kevin, Geoff, and Jeff rotate weekly as they lead the church through the Word of God by expository preaching. Come join us on Sundays at 9:30am!


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Learning more about
HIV infection and how to care for yourself will allow
you to actively share in your health care decisions. Most doctors
who treat people with this disease believe that those who are well-informed are
better able to fully take part in their medical care decisions.
You will feel more in control of your life if you understand:
Knowledge about HIV infection is changing rapidly. Ask your doctor about how and where you can get more information, or contact
one of the organizations listed in the Other Places to Get Help section of the
topic Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Infection. Discuss any questions you
have with your doctor.
Last Revised:
April 5, 2012
Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine & Peter Shalit, MD, PhD - Internal Medicine
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
To learn more visit Healthwise.org
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Brian Heater and Alex Zalben join us this week to share some great comics. Brian recommends Skyscrapers Of The Midwest by Joshua Cotter, a beautifully illustrated story of growing up and imagination. Alex suggests Box Office Poison by Alex Robinson, an exploration of young adults living in New York in the 90s, informed by the author's life experiences.
Brian Heater curates Boing Boing's monthly comics round-up, Comics Rack. You can also find his work on Engadget. Alex Zalben covers comics for MTV Geek and hosts Comic Book Club Live in New York City.
(Embed or Share Comics Recommendations)
Ice-T is a rapper and actor with more than ten albums and nearly eighty acting credits to his name. He's also one of the forefathers of west coast hip-hop. He's added "filmmaker" to an already diverse resume with his directorial debut: the hip hop documentary Something from Nothing: The Art of Rap. The film is now available on DVD and VOD.
Ice sits down with us to talk about his desire to bring an artful appreciation to hip hop's origins and about going through his phone book to sit down with friends to discuss the craft. He'll also answer that lingering question: did he ghostwrite for an 80s rap album by Mister T? This interview originally aired June 12, 2012.
(Embed or Share this interview with Ice-T on Bullseye)
For much of his musical career, Aaron Freeman might have been better known to you as Gene Ween, guitarist and co-founder of the experimental rock band Ween.
In May, Freeman released his first solo record, Marvelous Clouds, a collection of covers of songs by 60s poet/songwriter Rod McKuen. Earlier this year, Freeman announced he was retiring the Gene Ween persona for good. This week he tells us about the song that changed his life: Bob Marley's "No Woman, No Cry". This interview originally aired June 12, 2012.
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Greta Gerwig is an actress and filmmaker, whose starring role in the 2007 comedy Hannah Takes the Stairs put her right at the heart of the mumblecore movement. She's since gone on to leading roles in bigger indies alongside Ben Stiller in Greenberg, as well as major motion pictures like Arthur, opposite Russell Brand. The indie darling has had a particularly prominent year in 2012, with starring roles in Damsels in Distress, Lola Versus, and Woody Allen's To Rome with Love. All are available now on DVD.
Greta joins us to discuss her artistic upbringing in Sacramento (complete with dreams of being a ballerina) and her meteoric and slightly serendipitous rise as an actress. This interview originally aired June 12, 2012.
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On this week's Outshot, Jesse misses the old days of pure wacky comedy insanity exemplified by the unfiltered goofiness of Mel Brooks' History of the World, Part I. This segment originally aired June 12, 2012.
Is there a film that never fails to make you laugh like a mad man? Share the laughs on the MaxFun Forum by picking your own Outshot.
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Mountains, a priority for a planet under pressure and for Switzerland
Fact sheet Rio+20
Mountains provide vital goods and services for the benefit of all humankind, helping to support
sustainable development and to move the world towards a greener economy. But mountains
face challenges that threaten the provision of these goods and services. The global community
must act – a new agenda for mountain development is urgently required.
Factsheets for a policy of sustainability
From 20 to 22 June 2012 presidents and prime ministers from all over the world will meet at the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development Rio+20. The name of the conference – Rio+20 – refers to the UN conference that took place in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) 20 years ago. The main target of the Rio+20 conference is to renew the political engagement for sustainable development. With regard to Rio+20 there will be a scientific preparatory conference entitled "Planet under Pressure" in London from 26 to 29 March 2012. There, representatives from politics and science will meet.
In view of this conference, the Swiss Academy of Sciences (SCNAT) prepares factsheets in collaboration with Swiss researchers on topics relevant for Rio+20. The factsheets summarize the state of knowledge and give policy recommendations, both for the international level and Switzerland.
Swiss Academies Factsheets
- Biodiversity, a guarantee of health?
- Open Science in Switzerland: Opportunities and Challenges
- Nationale Bedeutung naturwissenschaftlicher Sammlungen der Schweiz
- Governance of regional development
- Reverse emissions or influence solar radiation: Is "geoengineering" worthwhile, feasible and if so, at what price?
- Wildlife and humans in outdoor recreational areas near cities
- New approaches for protecting potatoes against late blight
- Wasser in der Schweiz
- Spotlight on climate in Switzerland
- Outdoor Sports Infrastructure Planning – Hiking and Mountain Biking
- Ozon und Sommersmog: Klimawandel gefährdet heutige Erfolge
- Factsheet «New plant breeding techniques for Swiss agriculture – significant potential, uncertain future»
- Energiestrategie und Gesundheit: Was bei der Umsetzung der Energiestrategie zu beachten ist
- Making the Commodity Sector Work for Developing Countries - Local Impacts, Global Links, and Knowledge Gaps
- Switzerland and the Commodities Trade - Taking Stock and Looking Ahead
- Health and global change in an interconnected world - Concerns and responsibilities for Switzerland
- Energiepolitik und Klimaschutz mit Luftreinhaltung verbinden
- A Focus on fracking
- Added value from tourism in Swiss parks
- Bienen und andere Bestäuber: Bedeutung für Landwirtschaft und Biodiversität (2014)
- Genetically modified crops and their importance for Swiss agriculture
- Environmental changes and migration in developing countries
- Die Verbuschung des Alpenraums durch die Grünerle
- Food security for a planet under pressure – and the challenges for Switzerland
- Mountains, a priority for a planet under pressure and for Switzerland
- Water security for a planet under pressure – and the consequences for Switzerland
- Biodiversität und Ökosystemleistungen auf globaler Ebene und in der Schweiz (2012)


text: Make a fresh start in this recently-constructed, never lived-in home designed by Claudia Ortiz in Carmel, California. Featuring three bedrooms and two full bathrooms over 1,600 square feet of space, this compact home is situated within easy walking distance of Carmel-by-the-Sea and features ocean views from both floors. High, wooden-beamed ceilings, chef's kitchen with granite countertops and a viking range, bamboo floors, French doors and a private yard with a fire pit are just a few of the fine details that characterize this natural-looking, light-filled home. View the listing.


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Allison Hodge
When I was in high school it seemed that I could stay up all night to study for a test and the next day I would still get a lower score than I liked. Until I got to ACTC, school was hard. At ACTC, I got all A's my first semester! Just goes to show you that when you like what you are learning, it isn't hard to succeed.
My instructors Rick Collier, Tim McAdams, and Harold Henry were wonderful. They helped me through a lot, not just school related. They really get to know their students and help out in any way they can when they see one of them in a pinch. I always joke that I will ask a lot of stupid questions, but promise to never ask the same one twice. They were very patient and understanding. They never made me feel like I should have known the answer already.


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Welcome to the Heart of North Carolina!
Find what's in your heart by exploring an assortment of museums and attractions unequal to any other area of North Carolina! From Petty Enterprises Historic Site in Randleman, birthplace of 10 NASCAR championships to Asheboro's North Carolina Zoo the world's largest natural habitat zoo and American Classic Motorcycle Museum, including the largest private collection of Harley-Davidson® motorcycles in the country; Seagrove, the handmade pottery capital of the U.S.; Linbrook Heritage Estate in Trinity, home of Linbrook Hall, one of the largest privately owned homes in the Southeast; and Kersey Valley Spookywoods in Archdale, named one of 2014's Top 10 Spookiest Haunted Attractions in the U.S. by USA Today.
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Donna Hughes
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Generation Randolph County Native
To read her interview and about
other Randolph County Celebrities


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Impact Grades K-3
November 27, 2018 @ 6:45 pm - 8:20 pm
|Recurring Event (See all)
An event every week that begins at 6:45pm on Tuesday, repeating until April 30, 2019
(September – April)
Tuesdays 6:45 – 8:20pm (doors open 6:30pm)
Impact Kids is a wonderful place for your K-3rd graders to grow! The mid-week ministry is focused on impacting kids with the love of Jesus so they can impact their world for Him. The weekly gatherings are full of kid-friendly worship, creative Bible lessons & discussions, active verse-memory fun, creative hands-on crafts & activities, game-time challenges, yummy snacks, and lots of friendships.


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The Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) released their inflation report for May 2014. The dovish tone of the pre-prepared text, led to sterling trading new session lows in the FX market, as the optimism for an interest rate hike in the near term was dampened as Carney attempted to lower expectations. The BoE left their forecasts for both inflation and growth almost unchanged from the previous release, reinforcing the expectation for a rate hike will not be until 2015.…Continue Reading →
The Bank of England has the enviable position that the UK economy is growing and needs to time the exit of ultra-loose monetary policy. Interest rates have been at the record low (0.50%) for over 5 years, and the economy is in recovery mode. The majority of economists are pencilling in a rate rise for Q1/2 in 2015. How is the economy doing? Economic growth: 3% for 2014 and 2.4% in 2015 (Confederation of British Industries) 2.9% for 2014 and 2.7% in 201…Continue Reading →
Following the low volumes experienced during the European Bank Holiday weekend, it has been another bullish start to the working week for GBPUSD; trading up to 1.6990 in Tuesday's European trading session. The question is, however, is this trend set to continue? The general consensus on the street seems to be that it will, with some forecasting that there could be a rise to 1.76 by Q4; strong economic data in recent weeks have been cited and with renewed expe…Continue Reading →
The eagerly anticipated monthly US employment release is today at 13:30 BST (London). The Depart for Labor releases the Non-Farm payroll employment report, which covers jobs in goods, manufacturing, and construction companies but excludes farm workers, non-profit organisations and private households. This release will closely watched by traders following the abysmal US Q1 GDP release of 0.1% growth. The figure was a huge disappoint, though the cold weather has been largely blamed for t…Continue Reading →
The Markit/CIPS UK Manufacturing PMI for April released at 9:30am beat analysts expectations with a print of 57.3 for April vs 55.8 March. The manufacturing index rose to a 5 month high, registering one of the best readings over the last 3 years. This is a significant boost to the UK government, as the economic recovery begins to really take hold, though this puts further pressure on the Bank of England. Carney reiterated that increasing interest rates would happen when the slac…Continue Reading →
The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) will release their policy update at 19:00 (BST) this evening. It is expected that Chair Janet Yellen will announce that they will taper the amount of monthly asset purchases by a further $10 billion. The asset purchases are split between Treasuries and Mortgage Backed Securities (MBS). Since the tapering begun under previous Chairman Bernanke, the FOMC has voted unanimously each month to reduce the purchases by $10bn; any deviation from this is…Continue Reading →
This information is accurate to the best of the Abshire-Smith team's knowledge, but it's possible that these trading hours could change for reasons beyond our control. Please contact the dealing desk if you have any questions or need further assistance.…Continue Reading →
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has released its first estimate for UK growth for the last 3 months at 0.8% slightly below analysts' expectations of 0.9% for the quarter. The UK economy has grown by 3.1% over the last year, the ONS says. That's the strongest year-on-year change in GDP since the Q4 of 2007, after the near-collapse of Northern Rock.Though the figure is "disappointing" compared to expectations the key point to remember is that is shows the economy…Continue Reading →
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) released their March statistics for UK retail sales. The volume of sales edged up by 0.1% compared to February, a marginal improvement though the year-on-year figures were significantly higher, up 4.2% compared with March 2013. This difference has in part been attributed to the freezing cold weather that was experienced last year, which hampered sales. The headline for the release is that that the Non-Food stores saw the highest YoY increase (+9…Continue Reading →
The Bank of England released the minutes of the Monetary Policy Committee meeting for the 9th April this morning. The MPC voted unanimously (9-0) to leave interest rates at the record low level of 0.50% and the level of asset purchases unchanged at £375bn. Following the release in the FX markets sterling has been choppy as some would have hoped that a member of the MPC might have voted for a raise in rates. Cable is trading at a 5 year high with traders betting on the economic gr…Continue Reading →
The Office for National Statistics released the ILO Unemployment rate for the 3-months to February, which dropped to 6.9% from the previous reading of 7.1%. Employment was 239,000 higher than for September to November 2013 and 691,000 higher than a year earlier (ONS). The release shows a significant improvement in the unemployment rate, and poses a headache for the Bank of England. Mark Carney detailed under his forward guidance that the threshold for increasing interest rates would be the u…Continue Reading →
The Office for National Statistics released inflation data for March this morning, showing that the Consumer Price Index (CPI) had fallen since February; 1.7% to 1.6%. The may contributors to this fall were from the costs of transport and food, with a small impact from clothing and household goods. The full ONS CPI release for March The Retail Price Index (RPI) grew by 2.5% in the year ending Mach 2014, down from 2.7% in February. The macro release should be a positive for…Continue Reading →
The Bank of England has left interest rates at the record low of 0.50% to help stimulate the economy, following the financial crisis. There has been significant coverage in the media over the concerns of a new bubble emerging in property prices, specifically in London. The UK economy is beginning to fire on all cylinders (though unevenly) the focus is on the timing of the Bank of England's raising of interest rates. The latest release from the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyo…Continue Reading →
The UK economy is growing, and recently releases of macros data have beaten economists' expectations: According the Office for National Statistics (ONS), UK industrial output has surged significantly above economists' expectations; production increased 0.9% in February, compared to January with expectations of a +0.3% increase. The better than expected data, gave sterling a bid in FX markets, surging to above 1.6700 to trade at session highs. The British Chamber…Continue Reading →
MetaQuotes the MetaTrader 4 developers have released a new build for the mobile application on the 2nd April 2014. The new build 587 (Version 4.0.587), has a slightly different look that has been optimised for iOS7. According to update within the iTunes App stores the application has 24 new graphic objects for technical analysis: lines, channels, Gann and Fibonacci tools, Elliott Waves and geometric shapes. To update the new version of the mobile application, visit the app store…Continue Reading →


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Running Time: 53 minutes
Released: 02/2017
Studio Name: Hush Hush Entertainment
Series: Blackzilla Rises
Description: Riley Reyes is back to take that 12 rock hard inches of Dredd's cock up her sweet asshole! Watch her slowly cram in all that sweet black meat and then ride it, at first slowly and then begin to go faster and faster until her whole body quivers as she can't help but cum again and again with that much cock inside her! One helluva hot sexy scene folks!
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Starring: Riley Reyes Dredd ... More Details
Stars: Riley Reyes, Dredd
Sex Acts: Oral Sex, Gapes, Deep Throating, Vaginal Sex, Anal Sex, Ass To Mouth
Positions: Cowgirl, Doggy Style, Kneeling, Reverse Cowgirl, Sitting
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Studio: Hush Hush Entertainment
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BALTIMORE – The UMBC swimming and diving program is set to host its second dual meet in eight days as the Retrievers welcome George Washington to the UMBC Aquatic Complex on Saturday afternoon. Competition between the Retrievers and the Colonials is scheduled to begin at 1:00 p.m.
Last Friday, the Retrievers swept the relay races, and received two wins apiece from four athletes, but it was not enough as Navy knocked off UMBC in both the men's and women's meet.
For the men, seniors Evan Carey (Ponte Vedra, Fla./Grand Island) and Mohamed Hussein (Cairo, Egypt/Victory College) each earned two victories, and aided the sweep of the relays. Carey took the top spot in the 50 (21.57) and 100-yd. free (47.20) for his first wins of the year while Hussein brought his season win total up to five by claiming the 100 back (50.57) and 200 IM (1:54.10).
Veterans Johan Rohtla (Tallinn, Estonia/Tallinn Secondary Science) and Lauri Kaei (Harjumaa, Estonia/Tallinn Secondary Science) picked up wins in the 200 back (1:53.81) and 200 free (1:41.65), respectively, while senior Tim Perkins (Frederick, Md./Tuscarora) won his first-ever dual meet event by taking the 3-meter diving competition.
After not competing in the Retrievers' opening dual meet at Rider, senior Talor Tadena (Orangevale, Calif./Bella Vista) opened her season account with wins in the 50 (24.40) and 100 free (52.05). Her 100 time currently leads the America East while her 50 time sits second. Freshman Emily Escobedo (New Rochelle, N.Y./Maria Regina), meanwhile, equaled Tadena's effort against the Mids, winning the 200 breaststroke (2:22.19) and 200 IM (2:11.80).
On the diving boards, sophomore Corinna Darelius (Rye, N.Y./Rye) posted a season-best score (243.75) to win the 3-meter event, while finishing second in the 1-meter competition. She leads the conference on the high board while ranking second at the 1-meter level (224.70).


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PAISD superintendent makes appearance
Although missing in action from his superintendent duties at the Port Arthur Independent School District (PAISD) for more than a month now, Dr. Johnny Brown made an appearance in a Jefferson County court Dec. 5.
He was subpoenaed by an attorney representing a former district employee who is alleging Brown conspired to fire the employee for unlawful reasons. In the case of Monty Jones vs. PAISD, the former computer technician said he was harassed and then fired for failing to follow orders in a scheme to damage computer equipment and collect insurance proceeds. Jones' case made it to the courts in 2010, but like other claimants of PAISD wrongdoing such as Edna Edwards, the alleged harassment had taken place long before litigation went before a judge, with Jones' employment ending in the summer of 2009.
Jones' case specifically names PAISD Superintendent Johnny Brown and computer technology supervisor Beverly Thornton as the actors responsible for harassment and retaliation alleged in the suit.
In a notarized statement to the court, superintendent Brown defended his position, saying, "I approved the recommendation to terminate Monty Jones in 2009 based on legitimate business reasons related to his misconduct."
Jones' attorney, Larry Watts, requested to hear Brown's statement in person, but was not able to do so prior to the December court date. Watts asserted PAISD attorneys "have aided in making Dr. Johnny Brown unavailable as a witness."
Brown was made available in answer to the subpoena but had little to offer on the stand. The superintendent confirmed that he was the one who fired Jones based on allegations of insubordinate and disruptive behavior made by Thornton. Both Brown and Thornton were evasive on the stand, asking that questions be restated before offering various versions of "I don't recall." Brown will be back in the Jefferson County 60th District Court to again undergo questioning Dec. 13.
Brown also stated that he had no comment regarding to his recent prolonged hiatus from PAISD, where he has not been present since late October.
Jennifer Johnson can be reached at (409) 832-1400, ext. 231, or by e-mail at jennifer [at] theexaminer [dot] com.


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View all OsiSense XM
pressure switch XMLC 2.5 bar - adjustable scale 2 thresholds - 2 C/OShow more characteristics
XMLC002C2S13 has not been replaced. Please contact your customer care center for more information.
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Main range of productOsiSense XM product or component typeElectromechanical pressure sensor pressure sensor typeElectromechanical pressure sensor device short nameXMLC pressure sensor size2.5 bar controlled fluidCorrosive fluid (0…160 °C) fluid connection type1/4" - 18 NPTF (female) electrical connectionScrew-clamps terminals, 1 x 0.5...2 x 2.5 mm² AWG gaugeAWG 20...AWG 14 cable entryCable gland 7…13 mm contacts type and composition2 C/O product specific application- pressure switch type of operationRegulation between 2 thresholds electrical circuit typeControl circuit scale typeAdjustable differential local displayWith adjustable range of switching point on rising pressure0.3…2.5 bar adjustable range of switching point on falling pressure0.17…2.33 bar possible differential maximum at high setting2 bar maximum permissible accidental pressure9 bar destruction pressure18 bar pressure actuatorDiaphragm materials in contact with fluid316L stainless steelPTFE enclosure materialZinc alloy [In] rated current3 A, B300, AC-15 (Ue = 120 V) conforming to EN/IEC 60947-5-11.5 A, B300, AC-15 (Ue = 240 V) conforming to EN/IEC 60947-5-10.1 A, R300, DC-13 (Ue = 250 V) conforming to EN/IEC 60947-5-1 Complementary possible differential minimum at low setting0.13 bar (+/- 0.02 bar) possible differential minimum at high setting0.17 bar (+/- 0.03 bar) maximum permissible pressure - per cycle5 bar terminal block type8 terminals maximum operating rate120 cyc/mn repeat accuracy2 % [Ui] rated insulation voltage300 V conforming to UL 508500 V conforming to EN/IEC 60947-1300 V conforming to CSA C22.2 No 14 [Uimp] rated impulse withstand voltage6 kV EN/IEC 60947-1 auxiliary contacts operationSimultaneous, snap action contacts materialSilver contacts maximum resistance across terminals25 mOhm conforming to IEC 255-7 category 325 mOhm conforming to NF C 93-050 method A short-circuit protection10 A cartridge fuse, type gG (gl) mechanical durability8000000 cycles settingExternal height113 mm depth85 mm width46 mm net weight0.995 kg Environment standardsUL 508CEEN/IEC 60947-5-1CSA C22.2 No 14 product certificationsULCSAEAC protective treatmentTC standard version ambient air temperature for operation-25…70 °C ambient air temperature for storage-40…70 °C operating positionAny position vibration resistance4 gn conforming to IEC 60068-2-6 (f = 30…500 Hz) shock resistance50 gn conforming to IEC 60068-2-27 electrical shock protection classClass I conforming to IEC 1140Class I conforming to IEC 536Class I conforming to NF C 20-030 IP degree of protectionIP66 conforming to EN/IEC 60529 Contractual warranty Warranty18 months
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Product Environmental ProfileFormatSizeAdd to My DocumentsSize pdfSize 275.1 KBDate 11/1/17
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Dimensions DrawingsDimensions(1)1 fluid entry, tapped 1/4" NPTF(2)1 electrical connections entry, tapped 1/2" NPTØ :2 elongated holes Ø 10.2 x 5.2
Connections and SchemaWiring DiagramTerminal Model
Performance CurvesOperating Curves(y)Rising pressure(x)Falling pressure1 :Maximum differential2 :Minimum differential(y)Pressure(x)Time(1)Adjustable valuePH :High pointPB :Below point


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Thank you.
Thank you for making an algorithm designed with artificial intelligence so that irritating brands can't game it. Thank you for serving up what people want, real conversations about real things, not brands pitching self-serving nonsense. Thank you for forcing those of us with brand pages to rethink our content… and our purpose on your network. Thank you for attempting to force brands to become more human, more interesting, more compelling, more friendly, more caring, more conversational, more real, more of what they should be. If your brand can't find stories to tell, then your brand page shouldn't exist.
And… thank you for evolving at a rate that forces brands to hire people like me to keep up on your improvements. Every challenge you create makes my job more rewarding.
Thank you.


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Posted by Editoress on 06/14/12
The best mountain bikers in the country cross swords this weekend
The FQSC has announced the riders that will represent Quebec at the Canadian Championships Mountain Bike (XCO), to be held in Saint-Felicien, QC this weekend. Thirteen Quebecers will don the the fleur-de-lis jersey for the races to be held on June 16 and 17.
On Saturday June 16th, Sebastien Cadieux-Duval, Antoine Caron and Patrick Chartrand will compete in the U23 men's category. The U23 women also racing on Saturday are Laurence Harvey, Andréanne Lanthier-Nadeau, Valerie Miller and Sarah Moore.
Vincent Belhumeur, Patrick Martin and Alexander Vialle are the Junior Men with, Gabriel April, Frederique Larose-Gingras and Frederique Trudel the Junior Women.
Sunday, will be the team relay, a specialty event introduced at the National Championships last year. The riders for team Fleur-de-Lys has not yet been announced
Other Quebec athletes will also be competing, although they will not be wearing the colors of the Quebec team. Marie-Helene Premont, Raphael Gagne and Cindy Montambault in the Elite categoris with Leander Bouchard, Jeremy Martin and Andréanne Pichette in the U23.
Website for the Championships
Translated from FQSC press release
|Return to Canadian Cyclist homepage | Back to Top


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Staudinger-Franke Studio:"Awesome" Isn't Nearly Enough
August 1st, 2009
August 1st, 2009
Staudinger+Franke is a photography studio that has amazed me time after time. They are based in Viena, Austria and work with advert companies internationally. As you can see, Heineken, LG, Panasonic, Juicy Fruit, and Ford, are a small spattering of some of the [ Continue Reading ]


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Q&A with Senior Closer Keith Noe
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The 11th-ranked UC San Diego baseball team is headed to its second consecutive NCAA Division II West Regional this week in
Q- How does the UCSD coaching staff stack up against the previous colleges you have pitched for?
NOE- It's funny because this is my fourth year of school and baseball and it is also my fourth different head coach and coaching staff. So, I have a lot to compare. I feel like I have had some good coaches and there is no doubt in my mind that our coaches do stack up. What I have really come to enjoy is the way that they go about things. All the coaches really work well with one another. I am in the dugout for the first innings of a game and it gives me a chance to watch them. It is not uncommon to see O'Brien go through the dugout and talk to all the coaches to get their opinions on a decision and it is awesome to see that.
Q- As a closer, you usually enter the game towards the end. What is your mindset like throughout the game (ie pregame, first three innings, middle innings, eighth-inning etc.)
NOE- I have a pretty strict routine that starts with getting to the field early. Shibuya and I kind of have a competition to see who can get to the field the earliest and we start to get the field ready. I like to have fun in the beginning with batting practice. Guido Knudson and I had an ongoing contest to see who could catch the most balls and now he owes me a steak dinner. After batting practice I throw with the same people everyday, Abraham and Rodieck. During the first part of the game, the first 5 innings, I stay pretty loose. About the 6th inning I start to calm down and really focus. By the 7th or 8th I am usually in the pen stretching until it is my turn to throw.
Q- Is there one batter on the Tritons that you are glad you do not have to face in a game? How about the other end of the spectrum, do you have any of the UCSD regulars batting at a very low average against you?
NOE- There are actually two batters that I do not like pitching to and it is Hom and Bonelli. They always hit me hard, no mater what. On the other end of the spectrum I do own Franco. But, he will never admit it. Franco is like 1 for 12 off me with 4 or 5 strikeouts and 4 or 5 jam jobs. He always tries to say that he either never faces me or that he has 3 or 4 hits off me.
Q- What is a typical week like for you with weights and practice, leading up to a weekend series?
NOE- Now that we are in season it really isn't too bad. Before the tournaments started we had practice Monday through Wednesday and left for games on Thursday. We would workout Monday, but had the day off from practice and then workout again on Wednesday with Mams (Rob Mamula). But now that tournaments have started we might get two practices in and one work out in before we leave on Wednesday.
Q- You have set both the UCSD single-season and career-records for saves. Where do these accomplishments rank with others in your baseball lifetime?
NOE- These are by far the biggest accomplishments of my baseball career. Honestly, it is just kind of nice to have something like this. I owe a lot of thanks to the coaches and my teammates for allowing me and helping me to reach these records. The only thing that could make it that much better would be a trip to the College World Series and maybe a National Championship.
Q-With just one year at UCSD, is it difficult to get a sense of the rivalries in conference play? For instance, when you face a
NOE- I am a pretty intense individual on the field and it really does not take a lot for me to get fired up for a game. I try to treat every team we play the same and as just another game, but sometimes it can be difficult. I love competition, so when we play teams like
Q- Is there one thing that stands out about head coach Dan O'Brien from previous coaches you've had?
NOE- Coach O'Brien knows a lot about the game. Not just the game itself, but the mental aspect as well and in my experience that is rare. A lot of coaches can teach how to play the game and simple fundamentals, but they don't always really understand the game. The biggest mistakes made in baseball are mental and he does a good job of helping players filter those out with way he teaches the game.
Q- What are some of your favorite pre-game songs to listen to?
NOE- Wow, that is a tough question. My drive to the field is about 40 minutes. So, I would definitely listen to Avenged Sevenfold, my favorite songs are Radiant Eclipse, Critical Acclaim, and Afterlife. I would also listen to Atreyu, my favorite songs form them are Blow and Falling Down. Once I get to the field I get a little rap and country from Wright's and MacFadyen's ipods.
Q- What would you like to do after you graduate from UCSD?
NOE- I think once I graduate I want to get into marketing. I have talked to people about possibly getting an internship this summer at a couple of different places that I have connections with. I could always pursue baseball, but I think it might be time to really focus on school and graduating a soon as possible.
Q- What do you feel will be the key for UCSD Baseball at the NCAA West Regional this upcoming weekend?
NOE- We just need to come out and play our game. The last few weekends have really showed us that we are not doing the things we need to be doing. We are making a lot of mistakes that we were making earlier in the year and at this point in the season it is unacceptable. We have had some really good practices this week and we have been working hard all season to get here. There is no doubt in our minds that we have a chance to do something special and I think once Thursday comes around will be ready.
Previous Q&A Articles
Liz LaPlante (Women's Tennis Head Coach) April 30, 2008
Sydney Gstettenbauer (Women's Water Polo) April 22, 2008
Sarah Hendy (Women's Track and Field) April 17, 2008
Eric Leserman (Men's Volleyball) April 9, 2008
Danielle Lukk (Softball) April 4, 2008
Chris Franco (Baseball) March 24, 2008
Dan Perdew (Swimming) March 18, 2008
Evan Hsiao (Swimming) March 9, 2008Eric Rubens (Men's Tennis) February 27, 2008
Melissa Ward (Softball) February 20, 2008
Cameron Sprowles (Fencing) February 13, 2008
Kim Hockett (Women's Water Polo) February 6, 2008
Trevor Decker (Baseball) January 31, 2008
Jordan Lawley (Men's Basketball) January 23, 2008
Jason Spangler (Men's Volleyball) January 5, 2008
Andrew Skewes (Men's Diving) December 26, 2007
Alexis Gaskin (Women's Basketball) December 17, 2007
Aubrey Panis (Women's Swimming) December 2, 2007
Andrew Hatch (Men's Basketball) November 26, 2007
Kevin Klein (Men's Cross Country) November 12, 2007
Kim Adams (Women's Volleyball) November 7, 2007
Ben Miller (Men's Water Polo) October 31, 2007
Alie Avina (Women's Soccer) October 19, 2007
Charity Elliott (Women's Basketball Head Coach) October 15, 2007
Jason Le (Men's Soccer ) October 3, 2007
Rebecca Bailey (Women's Volleyball) September 18, 2007
Amanda Burkhardt (Women's Cross Country) September 10, 2007


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Cisco Certification Skills Matrix
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text:
A frigid New Year's Eve tradition on Pikes Peak
COLORADO SPRINGS – Forget the New Year's Eve tradition of packing into a crowded bar and trying to get a glass of champagne before the stroke of midnight. How about a nice – albeit frigid – hike up 14,115-foot Pikes Peak?
The Gazette reports that since 1922, the AdAmAn Club has been climbing the peak near Colorado Springs to ring in the new year with a fireworks show. The group began this year's hike Sunday morning.
The tradition started when five local climbing buffs headed for the summit and set a fire at the top. Since then, a new climber has been added each year, giving the group its name – AdAmAn.
Fifty-five-year-old Wally Wininger, the group's newest member, says "it's a pretty unique group of folks, kind of a great tradition for the Pikes Peak region."
Start a dialogue, stay on topic and be civil.
If you don't follow the rules, your comment may be deleted.


text:
Executive summary: Set up to automatically use a
git pull --rebase
Please just do this if you do nothing else:
git config --global branch.autosetuprebase always
About rebasing and pulling
I've written a couple of articles on rebasing and why to do it, but it does seem that the approaches can be too complex for some workflows. So I'd like to propose a simpler rebase approach and reiterate why rebasing is important in a number of situations.
Here's a simple way to avoid evil merge commits but not do the fancier topic branch approaches:
- Go ahead and work on the branch you commit on (say 7.x-1.x)
- Make sure that when you pull you do it with
git pull --rebase
- Push when you need to.
That's it.
Reasons to rebase to keep your history clean
There are two major reasons not to go with the default "git pull" merge technique.
- Unintentional merge commits are evil: As described in the Git disasters article, doing the default git pull with a merge can result in merge commits that hide information, present cryptic merge commits like "Merge branch '7.x' of /home/rfay/workspace/d7git into 7.x" which explain nothing at all, and may contain toxic changes that you didn't intend. There is nothing wrong with merges or merge commits if you intend to present a merge. But having garbage merges every time you do a pull is really a mess, as described in the article above.
- Intentional merge commits are OK if you really want that branch history there: If a significant, long-term piece of work has gone on and should be shown as a branch in the future history of the project, then go ahead and merge it before you commit, using git merge --no-ff to show a specific intentional merge. However, if the work you're committing is really a single piece of work (the equivalent of a Drupal.org patch), then why should it show up in the long-term history of the project as a branch and a merge?
I'll write again about merging and rebasing workflows, but for now we're just going to deal with #1: The case where you share a branch with others and you want to pull in their work without generating unintentional merge commits.
How to use git pull --rebase
The first and most important thing if you're a committer working on a branch shared with other committers is to never use the default
git pull. Use the rebase version,
git pull --rebase. That takes your commits that are not on the remote version of your branch and reworks/rebases them so that they're ahead of (on top of) the new commits you pull in with your pull.
Automatically using git pull --rebase
It's very easy to set up so that you don't ever accidentally use the merge-based pull. To configure a single branch this way:
git config branch.7.x.rebase true
To set it up so every branch you ever create on any repository is set to pull with rebase:
git config --global branch.autosetuprebase always
That should do the trick. Using this technique, no matter whether you use techniques to keep your history linear or not, whether you use topic branches or not, whether you squash or not, you won't end up with git disasters.
Bottom line: No matter what you do, please use git pull --rebase. To do that automatically forever without thinking,
git config --global branch.autosetuprebase always
- rfay's blog
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14 comments
For a contrary perspective, checkout Thou Shalt Not Lie: git rebase, ammend, squash, and other lies:
Rebasing using
`git rebase foo`allows you to rebase your topic branch on foo, instead of whatever it was based on before. This makes it look like you were working from foo the whole time. However, each commit to your topic branch was birthed in a context and by a sequence of events that was unique to that time and that topic branch. You are yanking those commits out of their context and putting them into a totally new context.
Rebasing is effectively a retroactive merge. It is pretending that you "merged" foo into your topic branch 3 days ago, but you didn't. You merged it in today, and you are lying to everyone.
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I don't understand why you keep saying merges are so dangerous - the only danger I see here is your advice to do something "automatically forever without thinking". The previous article about git disasters really only showed that "--force" is dangerous, which is practically a truism. Cleaning your own history with rebase is fine, but you can't clean other people's history, or commits that have otherwise been shared.
It's also worth noting that Linus has suggested that we consider "pull" a synchronization point - a time to merge in a specific known changeset, and test the result. It's not a good idea to pull too frequently or at random times.
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Piling on to rfay's response to your comment, let me also assert that the post you've linked to is NOT talking about rebasing in the same context. It it not a "contrary perspective," or at least not a directly contrary one.
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Perhaps I've misunderstood your argument, but it seems to me that using --amend to correct an incorrect commit message is not a lie. In fact, quite the opposite, the original commit message was incorrect and misleading, therefore using --amend to correct it is perfectly valid, if that's the best and/or only way to make the correction.
(I realize this is somewhat off-topic for the original discussion, but I thought I'd add my $.02 worth, since @grendzy's referenced posting paints a rather broad brush about 'lying' to git (and hence those viewing the git repository. He has a point, though it's not relevant in all cases.)
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Actually, wouldn't this also be true about a merge too? When you merge your branch (instead of rebasing it) your set of changes are inserted into a different context given by the top of the branch you merge into. You still need to asses whether your set of changes (in your feature branch) that are now part of the merged commit are still consistent with your intended fix. (a merge and a rebase both could change the context of the set of changes you introduced).
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This quote helped me immensely to understand "why" to use rebase in this circumstance.
What rebase really says is to consider the changes that are about to be made to the branch FIRST get the changes that have already been COMMITTED to the branch, and then re-apply changes on top of that, irrespective of when the changes were made.
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Would it be safe if some developers on a repository use git pull --rebase and some don't?
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If you have setup the global autorebase configuration, but use an application such as Tower, can you still just click "Pull"? Will it utilize the global config change I made? There is a secondary option in Tower after clicking pull, which is rebase, but just wondering if I really have to press it even though I've made this config change.
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And it seems that
git config --global branch.autosetuprebase always
is now (since v1.7.9)
git config --global pull.rebase true
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text:
0.30ct. DSI1 Solasfera® Round Diamond
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The Solasfera round cut features a dazzling 91 facets (ideal-cut diamond) and 10 "hearts and arrows" arranged to optical perfection.
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text: Friday, January 20, 2012 Audit Resources Now Available A new APTA Web resource can help PTs prepare for and successfully get through a Medicare claims audit. The Medicare Claims Audits Web page provides audit tools such as a form for conducting a self audit, an auditing entities chart, information on hiring an attorney, and a link to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' brochure on the appeal process. The page also links to APTA's Defensible Documentation resource; information on enrolling in Medicare; Medicare local coverage decisions; handling fraud and abuse media coverage; Medicare denials, audits, and appeals; and coding and billing information.


text:
Popular Hobbies for Girls
Hobbies are something each of us should have to distract us from our dairy routines once in a while. Here are some popular hobbies for girls put together in the article below to give you a choice for yourselves.
Aparna Jadhav
Since childhood and adolescence is the perfect age of learning new things and developing your interests, many parents and teachers inculcate hobbies in children. There are various types of hobbies which kids can follow. Depending on the level of their interest, these hobbies could be made into their professions as well. Hobbies are activities that one enjoys performing irrespective of their professional or personal barriers. They are stress-busters that help in keeping a calm mind so that you are physically and emotionally healthy. Even though there is no particular age to pursue your interests, starting them at an early age is always advisable.
The mechanism of humans having hobbies is very interesting to know. When you discover that you like doing something, you develop an affection towards it. Because of that affection, you put in your whole heart and concentration in doing it perfectly, and eventually might even excel in it. When you excel in it, you receive appreciation, because of which you want to continue practicing that special interest. When you are at a learning age, such as teenage, developing an interest and using it to strike a balance is very essential. Therefore, girls are subjected to sports, books, art and drama, languages, pottery, and other interests in schools and colleges. In the paragraphs below, we have a list of hobbies and interests which you could use, so read on and take your pick.
Other than matching your clothes, shoes, makeup, and accessories with each other, there are many other interesting things young teenage girls can indulge in. One of these is knitting as a hobby. Sure, it sounds boring and slow, but if you like to use your creativity in color scheming, this is surely where you could use it. Making beautiful woolen scarves, mufflers, sweaters, booties, caps, etc., could be a time-consuming as well as economical hobby for starters.
Jewelry Making
Another way to channel your creativity is to make beautiful and attractive jewelry, such as earrings, necklaces, bracelets, etc. There are many types of handmade jewelry which you could try making, such as hemp jewelry, bead loom jewelry, stone jewelry, etc., and these could be sold as well. They are very easy to make and all you need is some unique designs and patterns. Using various color combinations could make this job easy. For a group of young girls, this one's surely one of the fun hobbies.
All teenagers are used to using the Internet very often for various purposes, such as networking, finding information, enrolling to online courses, etc. One way of making good use of this facility is to harbor your interest in writing or poetry by blogging. Blogs help teenage girls to get an audience for their short stories, articles, or poetry. Their talents as writers are appreciated, which is definitely a healthy use of the Internet. As writing and reading also helps in many other ways, such as relieving your tensions and strengthening you emotionally, it could be a great hobby for teenage girls.
Baking and Cooking
As a natural instinct in women, baking and cooking various delicious foods is also one of the most popular hobbies for girls. There are so many culinary secrets waiting to be revealed, and if you love cooking, this is what you should do. You can use your creativity in baking by preparing unique cakes and cookies, with lovely toppings and decorations; while in cooking, you could use it in discovering various new flavors and spices, which can affect the taste of any particular dish. There are many cuisines throughout the world, which I am sure you are waiting to learn more about.
Even though this hobby is more of a "guy thing", you can surely use it if you are interested in building things from wood. Using various types of wood, you could create many new objects, such as tables, chairs, toys, shelves, and other furniture. But, you will surely have to work slightly hard in this hobby, as holding equipment for wood working could be a difficult thing. However, if you are ready to create in the true sense of the word, then go for it!
With such a variety of hobbies for girls, you could choose any of them and start right away. Like I said earlier, you need to know what you like first and the rest will follow. So, find out what's that one thing that is meant only for you and go ahead with it.


text:
As I got deeper into Zilly Rosen's "Zombie Cupcakes: From the Grave to the Table with 16 Cupcake Corpses," I found myself thinking about Bobby "Boris" Pickett's smash hit, "The Monster Mash."
Although I was just a kid in October of 1962 when the song became number one on the Billboard charts, I remember that year's Halloween not only for the song, but also for the radio and television reports my parents and teachers were talking about — the Cuban missile crisis.
Through it all, though, there was candy, even cupcakes, the homemade kind, offered in vanilla or chocolate. Ditto for the frosting. And, I don't remember cupcakes being decorated. In fact, the cupcake papers were considered decoration, white paper for regular cupcakes, pastel paper for fancy occasions, like birthdays. Pink paper, however, was just wrong for October, so we ate our cupcakes from green, or yellow paper, at Halloween.
Since then, we've watched cupcakes evolve from the simple to the sublime, but they can be spine-tingling, too. Just peek at Rosen's "Zombies Rising Mud Cupcakes," if you dare. If zombies aren't eerie enough for you, Rosen liberates 15 other macabre cupcake recipes from almond-flavored socket-blasting "Eye Poppers" to "The Crows," a fetching "maggot"-infested tribute to the subtle flavor of white velvet cake. Should you be looking for an even creepier cupcake, on the scale of, say, a missile crisis, check out Rosen's "T-Virus Blue Banana Cupcakes." Research "Zombie Cupcakes," at www.andrewsmcmeel.com, or at a book-seller near you.
Sue Ade, a Lowcountry resident since 1985, is a gourmet baker and collector of vintage cooking utensils and cookbooks. She can be reached at firstname.lastname@example.com or 683-0375.
Recipe courtesy "Zombie Cupcakes: From the Grave to the Table with 16 Cupcake Corpses," by Zilly Rosen (www.zillycakes.com); Andrews McMeel Publishing (www.andrewsmcmeel.com), publishers.
Mud Cupcakes
10 Oreo cookies
1¾ ounces semisweet chocolate
1 cup white all-purpose, cake, or pastry flour
¼ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
5 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs, beaten
½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
6 teaspoons sour cream
6 teaspoons water
½ cup mini semisweet chocolate chips
Dark Chocolate Ganache (recipe follows)
Decorations (recipe, instructions follow)
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line a 12-hole muffin pan with 12 large paper baking cases. Crush the Oreo cookies into 1/4-inch pieces. Spoon 1 tablespoon into each paper case, reserving the remaining pieces. Melt the chocolate in a microwave oven on low or in a heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of gently simmering water. Remove from the heat and let cool. Sift the flour, baking soda and salt together and set aside.
Put the butter and sugar in a large bowl and, using an electric whisk, beat together until pale and fluffy. Blend in the melted chocolate and then gradually beat in the eggs, mixing well. Mix in the vanilla extract and sour cream. Add half the flour mixture and blend in, then mix in the water and remaining flour mixture until incorporated. Spoon half the batter into the paper cases and spread over the cookies.
Add 1 heaping teaspoon of chocolate chips to each. Add the remaining batter and sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips and cookie pieces over the tops.
Bake for about 25 minutes, turning once halfway through baking, until well risen and firm to the touch. Transfer to a wire rack and let cool. When the cupcakes are cold, spread or pipe the Dark Chocolate Ganache on top of each cupcake.
Mix together most of the chocolate cookie crumbs and all of the chocolate chips in a dish and dip the top of each cupcake into the mixture to create graveyard earth. For decorations (recipe, instructions follow), push a toothpick into the wrist end of each hand and press into the earth to anchor it.
To enhance the effect of the hand rising from the grave, paint clear piping gel in different places on the hand and at the base, and sprinkle the remaining chocolate cookie crumbs on the gel so that it sticks. Finish by adding a fly. Makes 12 cupcakes.
Dark Chocolate Ganache
2¾ cups mini semisweet chocolate chips
2 cups heavy cream
1 teaspoon unsalted butter
Put the chocolate chips in a large heatproof bowl. Bring the cream to a boil in a saucepan. Before the bubbles reach the top of the pan, pour the cream into the chocolate chips and whisk together until smooth. Add the butter and stir until smooth and shiny. Place plastic wrap directly over the surface to prevent a skin from forming, then let stand at room temperature overnight to cool. Store in the refrigerator, covered, for up to three weeks. Makes enough ganache to cover 12 to 14 cupcakes.
(make a day ahead)
12½ ounces Half and Half, colored green with 1 drop mint green paste food coloring (recipe follows)
1 quantity Dark Chocolate Ganache (recipe follows)
4 ounces chocolate cookies, finely crushed
⅔ cup mini semisweet chocolate chips a little clear piping gel
12 flies (directions follow)
The day before, make the hands. Roll the green Half and Half into 12 balls and then roll and press one end of each ball to thin it out into a cylinder shape. Flatten the rounded end so that the piece of frosting vaguely resembles a ping-pong bat. Using a craft knife, make one cut on one side of the flattened area to make a thumb. Pull it out to the side.
Make a second cut in the middle of the remaining rounded portion, and a third and fourth cut on either side to create 4 fingers. Pull and mold the tips of the fingers to make them slightly pointed. Using a toothpick, score 3 lines into each finger to create joints. This will be the palm side of the hand.
On the reverse side, use the toothpick to indent a fingernail shape at the end of each finger. Bend the fingers up from the palm to resemble a claw. Prop the hand against a vertical surface so that it dries in the claw shape. Make another 11 hands in the same way and let dry overnight.
Half and Half
4 ounces store-bought white fondant
4 ounces ready-to-use gum paste
White vegetable shortening (optional)
Knead the fondant and then the gum paste separately on a counter until smooth, then combine and knead until well mixed. If the mixture becomes sticky, add a little of the shortening. Cover with an upturned bowl or cup to prevent a crust from forming. To store, roll the mixture into a ball, double wrap in plastic wrap, and keep in a sealed container at room temperature for up to two weeks. Makes about ½ cup.
1½ ounces Half and Half, colored black with 4 drops black paste food coloring
1 ounce plain white Half and Half
1 ounce Royal Icing, colored red with 4 drops red paste food coloring
Red edible marker pen
Black edible marker pen
Divide the black Half and Half into 12 small balls and then shape into ovals for the bodies. Divide the white Half and Half into 24 small ovals for the wings. Pinch the ovals flat. Press an oval down on the handle of a wooden spoon to curve, angling inward. Press a second oval down on the spoon so that it overlaps the first, angling inward from the opposite side. Use a little water to join the wings where they overlap. Repeat to make 11 more pairs of wings. Let set for about 10 minutes. Makes 12.
Royal Icing
1 large egg white, plus extra if necessary*
Pinch of cream of tartar
1¾ to 2 cups confectioners' sugar, sifted
Paste food coloring (optional)
Put the egg white and cream of tartar in the bowl of a large freestanding electric whisk and whisk together until frothy. With the machine still running, gradually add the confectioners' sugar until the mixture begins to stiffen and turn opaque white. Scrape down the side of the bowl and whisk briefly on high. The mixture should be stiff but still pliable. If necessary, thin the mixture with a little extra egg white or a drop of food coloring. Cover with a damp dishtowel to prevent a crust from forming. To store, put it in a container, place plastic wrap directly over the surface to prevent a skin from forming, and seal the container. Keep in the refrigerator for up to one week. To color the icing, add the appropriate paste food coloring in drops or on a toothpick or the tip of a knife and beat in until you achieve the required color. Makes about ½ cup.
*Kitchen Ade note: To minimize the risk of a foodborne illness, the use of a pasteurized egg white is recommended for this recipe.
Cuisipro Cupcake Corer and Decorating Set comes with two (1-cup capacity) decorating squeeze bottles with tips, an offset spatula and a cupcake corer for making holes in the center of a cupcake for filling with icings or other edible treats – everything you need to create and decorate the perfect cupcake. Also for your baking needs is the Cuisipro stainless steel Stay Cool Rolling Pin. By filling the barrel of the rolling pin with cold tap water, the surface temperature can be reduced by as much as 20 degrees, making it useful for rolling out delicate butter pastry or doughs. Find these products at stores that specialize in kitchen tools, or from on-line sources, such as Amazon.com. For further information on either product, including pricing, visit the Cuisipro website at www.cuisipro.com, or by calling 866-849-4715.


text:
Undergrad Spotlight: Max Sugarman
This past fall, Max Sugarman, who grew up in Issaquah, Wash., strayed far from the familiarity of the forested Pacific Northwest and spent a semester studying abroad on the sprawling grasslands of the South African savanna.
"Coming from a forestry-focused program [at UW], it was incredibly different," says Sugarman, a junior Environmental Science and Resource Management major at the School of Environmental and Forest Sciences. "The savanna is much more vast, it's a different climate with different ecosystem drivers and forces, and there's a lot of megafauna and biodiversity you don't really encounter here."
The study abroad program Sugarman chose, "South Africa Semester: African Ecology & Conservation," is run through Duke University and the Organization for Tropical Studies (OTS). Founded in 1963, OTS is a nonprofit consortium dedicated to the study of tropical biology and ecosystems. It has grown to include 63 universities, including the University of Washington, and research institutions from Australia, Latin America and the United States.
As part of the Duke program, Sugarman joined a group of 25 students from August to December for 100 days of research in different savanna ecosystems. Their group was based in Kruger National Park, but they ventured to a number of other sites around the country, including Cape Town and some small villages. "We covered a whole swath of South Africa," he says.
And they didn't go about their work leisurely. Sugarman says the program was highly intensive, often with eight hours of lecture followed by several full days in the field—rising at 5:30 a.m.—to learn through inquiry and observation. Their primary work during the semester included two projects where they'd develop a question and then carry out the research and analysis in the field. "It was almost entirely hands-on," he says, "and there was a lot of time to embrace the savanna."
When they weren't in the classroom or in the field working, the students occasionally got to go on game drives through the national parks. They'd regularly see baboons, elephants, rhinos and all sorts of incredible creatures, and Sugarman says the savanna landscape actually turned him into a birder.
The fast pace of the program was a challenge, however, as was living in close quarters with his classmates, comprised of 22 Americans and three South Africans. Sometimes they'd stay in upscale quarters; other times they'd be in dorms with 12 to a room; and rarely were there idle moments.
At the same time, Sugarman says the small group size and close contact with professors were also some of the program's greatest strengths. They had four faculty members for 25 students, as well as a logistics manager and several other support staff. "The really cool thing about the program," says Sugarman, "is that because you have such a good connection with the faculty, you're able to mold the program to whatever you want it to be. People there are trying to help you learn and succeed, and you'll have these professors as long-time supporters."
Sound like something you'd like to try? Sugarman says the price can look a little daunting on paper, but the program was generous with funding aid and assistance—and he will be the first to recommend it.
"On a personal growth level, it was really invigorating and motivated me to come back to the U.S. and lead a vibrant life," he says. "On the professional side, going out and doing field research, working with cool faculty, meeting leaders in the field in South Africa and around the world—it has me thinking of doing graduate work in landscape ecology."
Photos © Max Sugarman.