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Gelly Roll Metallic Pens
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BALTIMORE – Sophomore Mark Esposito (Bethany, Conn./Amity Regional) hit a bounding ball to short with two down and the bases loaded in the bottom of the 12th, and all runners were safe, including freshman Andrew Casali (New Canaan, Conn./New Canaan) who came in with the winning run, as the UMBC Baseball team defeated Maine, 7-6, Sunday afternoon at Alumni Field, in the rubber game of the teams' America East series.
The series win is the first for UMBC (5-10, 3-3 AE) against Maine (8-16, 1-2 AE) since the Retrievers joined the America East Conference for the 2004 season.
Redshirt junior Jonny Dierks (Easton, Md./IndependenceFort Scott CC) threw 5.2 innings of shutout ball in relief to win his first career win for the Retrievers. Dierks (1-1) fanned six Black Bear hitters while scattering four hits in the effort.
Charlie Butler (1-2) entered in the eighth inning for Maine to shut down a UMBC rally, but then blew the save in the ninth before taking the loss in the 12th inning.
UMBC starter Riley Stephenson (Frederick, Md./Boonsboro) went three innings for the Retrievers while Maine hurler Scott Heath lasted 4.2 innings as both pitchers took a no-decision.
The guests jumped out to an early lead as Heath drove in the first run of the game on a sac fly in the top of the third. Alex Calbick followed with an RBI double to deep centerfield to score another and Brian Doran then sent a gapper to left-center to push the Maine lead to 3-0. Heath, meanwhile, kept UMBC in check through four innings.
Sophomore reliever Michael Gomez (Nutley, N.J./Don Bosco Prep) stranded two Black Bears on base in the top of the fifth and the Retriever lineup backed up the staff in the bottom half.
Junior Jake Barnes (Annandale, Va./Annandale), who finished the day 3-for-6, led off by slapping a single through the right side and then moved to second on a sac bunt and took third on a wild pitch. Senior Rob McCabe (Philadelphia, Pa./St. Joseph's Prep) then drew a walk and stole second to give UMBC runners on second and third with one out. Casali then gained first on an error and junior Vince Corbi (Medford, N.J./Shawnee) cashed in with a 2-RBI double to right-center. Sophomore Kevin Lachance (Clifton, Va./Centreville) stepped up and stroked a single to left and Casali scored to level the game at 3-3.
Maine retook the lead in the very next frame, however, as Heath smacked a single up the middle and Sam Balzano scored after leading off with a single. The Black Bears added to their lead in the top of the seventh as Shane Bussey and Balzano each drove in a run.
UMBC was able to get one back in the bottom of the eighth as freshman Connor Hax (Bowie, Md./Bishop McNamara) lashed a double to right-center, chasing Barnes all the way around to score from first.
Dierks continued to shut down the Black Bear offense by striking out the side and gave the Retrievers a chance in the ninth.
Lachance started the inning with a lead-off walk and took second on a ground out to third. Following a strike out to put two away, freshman Nick Naumann (Essex, Md./John Carroll) reached on a fielding error by the third baseman to keep the inning alive. Barnes then grounded to short, but the play could not be made, allowing Lachance to score and sending Naumann to third. Hax pulled UMBC level, 6-6, by yanking a single in between the first and second basemen, and the game went to extras.
Neither team could push one across for the next two innings, but Maine threatened in the top of the 12th against Dierks. The right-hander got out of the jam, though, with a swinging strikeout and ground out back to the mound to strand two Black Bears.
In the bottom half, Casali roped a double down the left field line with one out and advanced to third on a wild pitch. He could not advance on a ground out to short, but Lachance was intentionally walked and then freshman Hunter Dolshun (Warwick, N.Y./Warwick Valley) drew a free pass to load the bases. Then, with two out, Esposito chopped a ball to short and all of the runners beat out the play to give UMBC the win.
UMBC now hits the road to face George Washington on in Arlington, Va. this Tuesday before returning home to face Navy on Wednesday at Alumni Field.
- Maine leads the all-time series, 37-6, but UMBC has won three of the last four games between the clubs.
- Today's game was UMBC's first extra-inning contest of the year. The Retrievers were 2-3 when playing "free baseball" in 2013.
- Today's game was also the first extra-inning game in America East play this season.
- Lachance drew three walks on the day.


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David Hirshey writes regularly for Deadspin about soccer.
If there's one thing even more satisfying than holding a grudge, it's kicking the life out of it.
That's why my favorite moments of Arsenal's soul-crushing 1-0 victory over Chelsea yesterday came in the first and last minute when the Gunners welcomed back their former defender Ashley Cole by "accidentally" nailing him in the swingers.
Don't get me wrong. Gallas' goal against his old club was pretty sweet, as was the sight of Terry limping off in pain, but nothing compared to the look on Cole's face when first Flamini and then Fabregas — how great was it to have the Spanish maestro back? — reminded him that we don't take too kindly to players who forsake Arsenal because they feel that their weekly wage of $110,000 is not worthy of their supreme excellence.
I did my part, joining the 60,000 fans at Emirates in a rousing chorus of "Juuuu-daaaas, Juuuuu-daaaas" when Cole was introduced. Granted, I was an ocean away in the Kinsale section, but I know they heard me, especially when Flamini made a surging run through the Chelsea defense early on and was knocked off balance by Cole. Trying to remain upright, Flamini reached out and grabbed the Cuntly One (as I like to call him) by the ball sack.
Hey, it happens. I've seen Relegation Zone Mikey try that same move as he stumbled out the door after another last second Tottenham loss.
"I hope that's worth $150,000 a week, you fuckin' wanker, " I bellowed at the screen from my barstool at Kinsale. Even more satisfying was when Cole was tackled from behind, as we say in the Meat-packing district, by Fabregas in the dying minutes and the Spaniard's foot lodged squarely in the CO's package. My only regret is that he was able to walk off under his own power and then showed his class by giving a two-fingered salute to the Arsenal fans.
While the result was immensely gratifying, this was not one of those Arsenal performances they're going to hang in Wenger's wing at the Louvre. It was more a test of spiky resilience than eye-catching skill. Chelsea was without its best mercenaries — Drogba and Essian — but still had enough firepower to make for a tense afternoon at the Emirates. And with this young Arsenal team, is there any other kind? Thankfully Wenger had the good sense to put Almunia back in goal after letting Lehmann out of the Arsenal gulag for Wednesday's meaningless Euro game against Steua Bucharest.
As far as I'm concerned, the peroxided Spaniard can match the carpet to his drapes if he wants (you know, like Beckham) if he has the kind of world-class game he did against Chelsea. I mean, who in their right mind would have predicted before kickoff that Almunia would be flawless while his counterpart Petr Cech, generally regarded as the best in the business, would gift Arsenal the only goal it needed by whiffing on Fabregas' cross and allowing Gallas to thump it into the net?
I must admit that I don't derive quite as much pleasure beating Chelsea as I did when the Special One was the preening, stubbled face of the team. When I look at his successor Israeli-born Avram Grant on the Chelsea bench, funereal in his all-black outfit, I feel the ancestral call of my people and wish he didn't have to suffer any more than he does already under the Guccied boot-heel of Ambramovich. Then I hear that Grant has been given a new four year $100k a week contract for "revitalizing Chelsea" and I think "Eat dreck and die."
Speaking of death, that's how I felt as I trudged through the icy hail on Sunday morning, pausing every few steps to hawk up green gobs of sputum that had lodged in my system from my company Christmas party two nights before. Kickoff for what the British papers were hyping as Grand Slam Sunday, because it involved The Big Four of ManU, Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea and was at 8:30 — or to put it another way, three and a half hours before any alcohol could be served at the bar.
Imagine how frustrating it must have been to have a sweating beer tap a few tantalizing inches in front of you and realizing that if you reached over and yanked on it before NOON, you'd pull away a bloody stump. Yet all the deprivations of sleep and alcohol would have been worth it if the soccer on view hadn't been so godawful. Had it not been for Lingering Bursitis, who had the generosity of spirit — or was it simply the shakes, James? — to bring along a contraband bottle of bourbon, I can't fathom how anyone would have made it through the mind-numbing morning with their sense of self intact.
Good thing that Leitch couldn't break free of his girlfriend's rapturous clutches to make the trek from Brooklyn — as, I should point out, the far more manly Deadspin commenter Spectator did — or he might have questioned why he pays me Cole-like wages to write about such craptastic matches. (Ed. Note: Mr. Leitch pleads guilty. It was very cold Sunday morning.)
I will always have a soft spot for Liverpool because of Benayoun — who, by the way, was an absolute schlemiel against ManU —and because you have to admire a team whose fans profess to be the greatest in the world and then burgle their players' homes when they're out of town. Usually the break-ins occur in the dead of the night, but yesterday Liverpool had their pockets picked in broad daylight. How the Reds could fail to notice a couple of trolls like Rooney and Tevez lurking in the box in the 43rd minute is something I would have paid to hear Benitez explain to his American yahoo owners during their peace talks last night.
Lucky for him, Tom Hicks and George Gillett know fuck-all about soccer so maybe he just told them that Liverpool was icing the puck or something.
The rest of us were treated to a game so helter-skelter that you thought you were watching a pinball machine rather than two of the best soccer teams in England. There were moments of high comedy, thanks to two goalkeeping blunders from ManU's Van Der Sar that were worthy of England's Funniest Home Videos, but Liverpool, with Torres and Kuyt woefully out of sync, couldn't take advantage of either of them. ManU, with Ronaldo strangely invisible, was equally wasteful except for their incisive set-piece in the 43rd minute that Tevez finished off after Rooney picked him out at the far post.
With their win, United sniffed the rarefied air at the top of the Prem for all of 90 minutes before Arsenal regained their perch. Chelsea slid six points off the pace while Liverpool fell out of the Top Four and is now 10 points behind.
As for Ashley Cole, he recently discovered he was related to Mariah Carey and after yesterday's ball-stomping, I'm confident he can hit the high notes just like her.


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Cobalt Comfort-Fit Black Diamond Wedding Ring
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U.S. Preventive Services Task Force*
Requests for Single Reprints: Reprints are available from the USPSTF Web site (www.preventiveservices.ahrq.gov) and in print through the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality Publications Clearinghouse (800-358-9295).
This statement summarizes the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommendations on counseling by primary care physicians to promote physical activity and the supporting scientific evidence, and it updates the 1996 recommendations contained in the Guide to Clinical Preventive Services, second edition. The complete USPSTF recommendations and rationale statement on this topic, which includes a brief review of the supporting evidence, is available through the USPSTF Web site (www.preventiveservices.ahrq.gov), the National Guideline Clearinghouse (www.guideline.gov), and in print through the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality Publications Clearinghouse (telephone, 800-358-9295; e-mail, email@example.com). The complete information on which this statement is based, including tables and references, is available in the accompanying article in this issue and in the summary of the evidence and systematic evidence review on the Web sites already mentioned.
*For a list of the members of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, see the Appendix.
Appendix Table 1. U.S. Preventive Services Task Force Grades and Recommendations
Appendix Table 2. U.S. Preventive Services Task Force Grades for Strength of Overall Evidence
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U.S. Preventive Services Task Force*. Behavioral Counseling in Primary Care To Promote Physical Activity: Recommendation and Rationale. Ann Intern Med. 2002;137:205–207. doi: https://doi.org/10.7326/0003-4819-137-3-200208060-00014
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Cybercriminals Capitalize on Boston Marathon Blast
Cybercriminals Capitalize on Boston Marathon Blast
Cybercriminals have exploited Monday's explosion at the Boston Marathon to spread chaos online. Within just 24 hours of the tragic incident, Trend Micro observed an outbreak of more than 9,000 Blackhole Exploit Kit spammed messages, all related to the disaster. Some of the spammed messages used subjects including (but not limited to) "2 Explosions at Boston Marathon", "Aftermath to explosion at Boston Marathon", or "Video of Explosion at the Boston Marathon 2013".
The unsolicited message only contains a URL link, which directs unsuspecting users to download a malicious file detected as WORM_KELIHOS.NB in a drive-by-download attack. This piece of malware not only has the capability of worm via a removable drive but also has the capability of stealing credentials from FTPs.
Trend Micro has noted a significant number of malicious URLs gathered via the Trend Micro Smart Protection Network related to the Boston Marathon explosions, with the United States leading the pack among the other countries monitored.
Trend Micro is advising Internet users to:-
- Verify the source – Check the sender of the email if known or not. Discard the email if the source is unknown. If the sender is someone you know and the message requests for personal information, try to verify the request from the sender through a different medium.
- Examine the URL – Double-check the links contained in email messages. Check the URL in the browser address bar and make sure that you are in the right website.
- Handle attachments with caution – Refrain from opening attachments contained in emails from unknown sources. The attachment is likely to be a malicious file which when opened will be installed into your system.
- Read between the lines – Check the text of the email message for grammar lapses, strange word- ings, and other errors. Also, observe the quality of the images in the message, as these are likely to be of low quality if they are sent by fraudulent users.
- Check with a techie friend – If still in doubt of the integrity of a certain message or website, seek the assistance of a techie friend and ask for ways to verify.
Source: Trend Micro Blog


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Commission Home Page
Mr. Alfred J. Cade
Dr. William J. King
Government and educational policy makers across the nation look to accountability measures in such areas as higher education quality, effectiveness, efficiency, and productivity to guide state planning, form a context for budget decisions, and monitor the return on public investment in colleges and universities. In New Jersey, annual institutional accountability reports and the Commission on Higher Education's systemwide accountability reports inform the public and provide valuable information for policy discussions and decisions.
Last year, the Commission's first accountability report provided a broad overview of New Jersey's higher education system and reported on performance indicators in various areas such as affordability, time to degree, equality of access, and return on the public investment in higher education. This year's report is a first attempt to look extensively at higher education costs, comparing New Jersey's system of higher education and its individual sectors with national counterparts. To provide an accurate comparison with revenue sources and spending patterns across the nation, a number of factors are taken into account, such as differences in cost of living and the size and relevant structural characteristics of a state's higher education system.
The data included in this report indicate that higher education in New Jersey, compared to other states, is relatively well supported considering the small size of the system and the large proportion of students (38%) who attend college out of state. The long-standing pattern of outmigration in New Jersey can be attributed in part to the state's small geographic size and its relative affluence. Other influencing factors may be the large number of institutions within 30 miles of the state's borders and perceptions of institutional quality. The issue of outmigration will be addressed by the Blue-Ribbon Task Force to Study the Capacity of New Jersey's Higher Education System, which is expected to make recommendations to the Commission in January 1998. Nevertheless, it is important to recognize that New Jersey's high rate of outmigration indirectly affects the allocation of resources to higher education, because the size of the system and number of students it serves significantly affect resource requirements and the need for government funding.
The state is especially generous to higher education in the amount of funding provided for student assistance programs. A high proportion of the state's affluent students attend out-of-state colleges; many of the remaining students require financial assistance, and the state has a long history of supporting access and affordability.
The data on resources indicate that the state college sector, the independent college sector, UMDNJ, and Rutgers rely upon tuition and fees for a share of their costs at a level which is relatively consistent with their peer institutions. NJIT relies more heavily on tuition and fees than its peers, and at the community colleges, tuition and fees account for a share of total revenues that far exceeds their peer institutions.
While the state's percentage contribution to revenues for the state colleges, Rutgers, and UMDNJ is higher than the average for their identified peers, New Jersey's percentage contribution to revenues for community colleges is below the national average for peer institutions. Even when New Jersey's higher than average local government contributions are considered, the combined share of state and local support for New Jersey community colleges is significantly less than at peer institutions, causing considerable over-reliance on tuition and fee revenues.
Generally the data on institutional levels of spending and allocation of resources indicate that New Jersey varies somewhat from peer institutions throughout the nation. New Jersey's public research universities and independent institutions spend less than their peers in most areas, while spending by the state college and community college sectors is higher in New Jersey than at peer institutions.
While lower than average spending in some areas may be interpreted as evidence of efficiency, low spending on research at New Jersey's public research universities is a cause for concern, because university-based research has a significant impact on the state's economic growth and competitiveness. Although New Jersey's public research universities are relatively young, and last year's accountability report demonstrated that Rutgers, NJIT, and UMDNJ had all made significant gains in the amount of research funding generated between FY 1983 and FY 1993, the institutions lag significantly behind their peers in research spending. Similarly, low spending on public service at independent and some of the public universities raises concerns, because all institutions have significant responsibilities for addressing critical state needs through public service.
This first effort to compare higher education costs and resources at New Jersey institutions with those of their peers in other states provides baseline data for future accountability reports. While the data are limited and open to varying interpretations, they provide valuable information which policy makers can use as they consider the level and allocation of resources for colleges and universities in New Jersey.
However, the comparative data in this report alone do not provide definitive answers to policy questions regarding higher education spending and resource allocation, nor do they address the kind of system the state wishes to support. Rather, the information is provided for use in planning to achieve New Jersey's vision for higher education excellence, access, and affordability. For example, knowing that New Jersey is supporting its higher education system at a level consistent with that of the national average is important information; it can assist in determining the level at which the state should support the higher education system in the future in order to achieve the excellent system it desires. Similarly, institutions can use the report's comparative data to guide their future budgeting decisions, consistent with state and institutional goals.


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Obama: Congress, world credibility on the line with Syria
President Obama said on Wednesday that international credibility is on the line with how the world responds to Syrian leader Bashar Assad's suspected use of chemical weapons.
"My credibility is not on the line," Obama said. "International credibility is on the line."
He added: "The question is, how credible is the international community when it says this is an international norm that has to be observed? The question is how credible is Congress when it passes a treaty saying we have to forbid the use of chemical weapons?"
The comments came during a news conference in Stockholm, where he is meeting with Swedish Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt before heading on Thursday to the Group of 20 summit in Russia, where he is likely to continue his push for international support of a military strike in response to a suspected chemical attack by the Assad regime two weeks ago.
Obama's visit marks the first bilateral visit by a U.S. president to Sweden.
The two leaders are discussing economic issues, trade and climate change, and Obama said he updated Reinfeldt on his pursuit of congressional authorization for a military strike against Syria.
Reinfeldt, while saying that those behind the chemical attack in Syria should be held responsible, expressed his country's stance that any action should be taken under the auspices of the United Nations — something that is unlikely given Russia has blocked any potential U.N. Security Council mandated action against the Assad regime.
Obama said he respects the U.N. process and said the U.N. investigators who gathered evidence in the area of the suspected attack did "heroic work."
"We believe that chemical weapons were used," he said, adding that he has high confidence Assad was the source.
Meanwhile, members of the Senate Foreign Relations committee voted in favor of a use-of-force resolution that would set a 60-day deadline for military action in Syria, with one 30-day extension possible. The resolution passed by a 10-to-7 margin with Sen. Ed Markey, D-Mass., voting present.
"We commend the Senate for moving swiftly and for working across party lines on behalf of our national security," White House press secretary Jay Carney said in a statement. "We believe America is stronger when the president and Congress work together."
Obama's hopes of winning congressional backing for a military strike against Syria received a huge lift on Tuesday when two top House Republicans announced their support for taking military action against Syria.
Both House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, and House Majority Leader Eric Cantor, R-Va., endorsed Obama's call for action against Assad's regime after meeting with Obama and other lawmakers at the White House on Tuesday.
Obama was asked on Wednesday what he would do if Congress rejects his call for use-of-force authorization.
"I believe that Congress will approve it," Obama said.
He defended his earlier statement that the use of chemical weapons by Syria was a "red line" that Assad must not cross.
"That's not something I just made up. I didn't pluck it out of thin air." Obama said, referring to international standards prohibiting the use of chemical weapons in combat. "I didn't set a red line. The world set a red line."
Obama decided to make the visit to Sweden ahead of the G-20 summit after scratching a trip to Moscow. He canceled a meeting there with Russian President Vladimir Putin as disagreements increased over the Syria situation and Russia's decision to give former National Security Agency contractor Edward Snowden temporary asylum.
Obama said he would continue to work with Putin, while acknowledging they've "hit a wall" in their relationship.
He also said he hasn't ruled out Putin's changing his position on Assad.
"I am always hopeful," Obama said.
"I have not written off the idea that the United States and Russia are going to continue to have common interests, even as we have some very profound differences on some other issues," he said. "And where our interests overlap, we should pursue common action."
Obama addressed international concerns about the National Security Agency's surveillance programs. The United States has faced criticism from European leaders in the aftermath of Snowden's leaking of information about the once-secret programs.
"I can give assurances to the public in Europe and around the world that we're not going around snooping at people's e-mails or listening to their phone calls," Obama said. "What we try to do is target very specifically areas of concern."


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Part of "SemiloopDrumsamples" package, please dl the whole package.. With 'semilooped' I mean that only the ride and hihat are longer loops and the kick and snare is separate for better flexibility. I only made basic patterns tho as this package is mostly meant for creating custom playalong/click tracks.
No EQ's, I'll let the user do that.. again for flexibility
All samples are Stereo(48khz24bitFLAC), since the sound of the kick naturally leaks in the overheads and the overheads are a big part of the snare sound.
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Hmmm. I'm a radical feminist. Just to get that out there. What me and others were saying, the majority of us, was that to act as if your sexual desires are not susceptible to influence is...well, it's a bit odd to think that things just shut down once sex is involved. Most of us aren't saying (I speak for me, oh hey, I'm 'danielle' btw, SarahMC and RachelWY) "this is a bad desire, you're not a feminist for it" but "looking at where a desire MAY HAVE come from is not harmful, it's not "intruding into your bedroom" etc. If you say "no, I don't feel like that's something I want to examine about myself right now or ever" alright, nothing wrong there. Or even "no, I don't think it is" is cool. But "it is definitely not, and you even trying to have a discussion about it is not good" is where it gets ridiculous. If you don't want to participate in the discussion, don't. If you don't agree, say so, but do it in a reasonable way (I'm thinking of the "you're an idiot!" comment). The only thing I take issue with is "sexual desires are NEVER EVER even slightly influenced by the patriarchy."I've been trying to be patient; I've seen a lot of good come of it recently, and I do think it's better when we can to engage rather than go off.
But this evening I just wasn't in the mood:
On the Feministing post and in this thread currently, and in countless threads over at SM-F and elsewhere in the past, we have explained why we feel that this line of thinking is inherently intrusive. If you don't feel up to a thorough study, at least please thoroughly read this post and its comment thread.
I'm not asking you to agree with us that it is intrusive; I'm just asking you to give serious thought to why we might feel this way. Far too often, radical feminists see us get angry with the "examination" demands and conclude that we are just thin-skinned, or selfish, or particularly absorbed in pleasure.
This ignores that these discussions have a history, and very often it is a history of directly telling BDSM people we are sick, wrong, confused, and brainwashed, if not a history of directly telling us that we behave inappropriately. Or even that we're so corrupted we ought to end our own lives.
Please do so not with the idea in your head that we just don't understand what you're really saying and that if we could only see how you intended it, we wouldn't be bothered. I've written academic papers on the sex wars; I know "BDSM is patriarchy writ in women's braaaaaainz!" like the backs of my hands.
I still believe that the idea that we have never examined our desires -- or that if we have, we must simply not have done so in a feminist enough manner -- infantilizing and a tactic some women use to shame others.
I still believe that in some circumstances, not asking why is dignity-preserving, and/or an appropriate response to the presumption that you must justify yourself in a way not required of others.
While I know that radical feminists often claim to interrogate non-kinky sex, lesbian sex, and other sex they often hold up as less damaged than BDSM, the fact remains that I very rarely see posts or essays devoted to such.
Which is of course not to say that I never see them. Often when I do, they're quite interesting. But it seems there's a much greater proportion of "Hey BDSMers, have ya thought about this? I know I asked six months ago, but I can't seem to remember your answer!" than there is "I've often wondered where my desire comes from *interesting personal blog post ensues*..."
Think of what these demands mean to us, when we've heard them come with language like that I've linked.
Then ask yourself why we might be unreasonable about acknowledging that we might maybe kinda be sorta influenced by patriarchy maybe.
Which is actually not anything I saw anyone over at that thread deny. It's the way it's phrased not as "are some BDSM fantasies shaped by patriarchy?" but rather as "is BDSM itself the end result of some distorting patriarchy-thing that takes good sexuality and warps it utterly?" that gets my goat.
And "don't tell fairy tales."
Fuck that: my life is mine, and my life is real, and I've never asked anyone to like it.
From previous abuse I am sure as shit accustomed to being told that what I think's going on is make-believe, and I'm not twelve any more and sure as shit not going to stand for being erased like that now.


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How to Assemble the Hive-Top Feeder
With all the parts cut out for your hive-top feeder, it's time to assemble the pieces. The process is identical whether the hive-top feeder you're putting together is for a ten- or eight-frame Langstroth hive.
Attach the feeder's short sides to the floor.
Start with one short side board. Insert one of the plywood floor pieces into the dado groove of the side board. Repeat this process with the second short side board and the second piece of plywood.
Attach the feeder's long sides to the short sides and the floor.
Fit the rabbet edge of both long boards to the edges of the short side boards, with the dado grooves securing the edges of the plywood floor pieces. Note that there's a 3/4-inch gap at the center of the floorboards. This is the bees' entrance into the feeder.
Fit the shallow entrance walls into the feeder.
Using a hammer, tap the two shallow entrance walls into the center dado cuts of the long side boards.
Screw together all the sides and the shallow entrance walls.
Place the assembly flat on the worktable with one of the long side boards against a "stop," such as a short piece of 2×4 clamped to the table.
Using the deck screws and a power drill with a #2 Phillips head bit, start securing the corners of the long boards into the edges of the short side boards. Start at the end away from the "stop." Put three screws in each long side, screwing them into the edges of the two short side boards.
Reverse the entire feeder end to end and screw the other corners of the long boards in a similar manner. Make certain the entire assembly remains snug and tight as you do this by using the "stop" for leverage.
Now use a total of eight screws to secure the shallow entrance walls to the long side walls (two screws in each).
Nail together the shallow entrance walls and the floor.
Turn the feeder over (upside down) and use the wire nails to secure the edges of the plywood floor to the shallow entrance walls. Eight nails per wall should do it.
Consider using weatherproof wood glue in addition to the nails. It helps make the outer cover as strong as possible. Apply a thin coat of glue wherever two pieces of wood are joined together.
Make the feeder watertight with varnish and silicone.
Apply two or three coats of exterior polyurethane or marine varnish on the entire inside wooden surfaces of the feeder. Let each coat dry completely before applying the next coat. Pay particular attention to all the seams (where the wooden parts come together). Let the last coat dry overnight.
Apply a bead of fish tank silicone to every interior seam (anywhere the liquid might seep through). Alternatively, in place of silicone, you can use melted beeswax, sloshed into all the seams to create a watertight feeder.
Take the two deep entrance walls and coat them with two or three coats of exterior polyurethane or marine varnish. Be sure to let each coat dry completely before adding the next coat. Let the last coat dry 24 hours.
As an option, consider painting, staining, or varnishing the exterior parts of your feeder (the parts exposed to the weather) to match the look of the hive it will sit on. Doing so protects the wood from the elements.
Attach the deep entrance walls to the feeder.
Tap the two deep entrance walls into position with a hammer or rubber mallet, positioned 3/4 inch from the shallow entrance walls and flush with the top of the feeder (note that this leaves a 3/8-inch gap between the bottom of these deep walls and the feeder floor; this gap allows the syrup to reach the feeding area).
Secure with a total of six deck screws, screwing them through the long side boards and into the edges of the deep entrance walls.
Add the hardware cloth to the feeder.
Take the two V-shaped pieces of hardware cloth and shove them into the two spaces between the deep and shallow entrance walls. The V faces downward. These screened inserts are pressure-fitted, so you don't need to secure them with fasteners. This way you can easily remove them to clean the feeder before putting it away for the season.
Take the 16-1/4 inch x 5 inch piece of hardware cloth and center it on top of the feeder assembly area. Secure it with a staple gun and staples (you'll use about ten staples in all).
Don't use more staples than you absolutely need. Use just what's needed to keep the screen in place, with no gaps for the bees to squeeze through. At some point you may want to pop out these staples so that you can thoroughly clean the area within the feeder assembly.
Now that you've built your hive-top feeder, it's time to place it on the hive. It simply sits on the uppermost hive body (or super if you're using one). You don't use the inner cover while the feeder is on the hive. Fill the feeder with up to 2 gallons of sugar syrup and place the outer cover on top of the feeder.


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OK, so it's over 7 years old (SkaarjMasterDuo computer in sig) and has glitched a little over the past 2-3 years, but what it did tonight was bizarre:
1. Locked up when I was switching screen in Google Chrome
2. Rebooted and extra "......" appeared all over screen and bootup stuff was a little messes up, then windows eventually gave BSOD (rebooted and another BSOD), so
3. Rebooted and same thing (now I was nervous) but then it gave pixelated glitches with a "Minecraft-like" appearance (so I figured maybe only the video card), so
4. I opened it up and cleaned all dust inside with canned-air, then
5. Rebooted and same thing, so
6. I decided to try and copy data to my laptop, but it wouldn't recognize the old computer with pixelated screen on.
At this point, I figured it might be toast, so I rebooted one more time and it actually booted into Windows no problem. I transfered some important data to laptop, disk imaged a few partitions and now I have to go to bed. Anyone know what the problem might be? Thank you.


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Texas Rangers general manager Jon Daniels says Josh Hamilton has agreed to a contract with the Los Angeles Angels.
Texas had hoped to re-sign the 2010 AL Most Valuable Player.
Speaking Thursday after a Rangers' holiday luncheon, Daniels was asked whether Hamilton had agreed with the Angels.
Daniels said "that's accurate" and that he had just been informed by Hamilton's agent.


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Sussex Collection
- Overview
Our Sussex Collection has a versatile design that suits baths of all styles.
- Crafted of durable, die-cast brass and zinc alloy.
- Thickly plated for strength.
- Sealed with a clear, protective lacquer.
- Mounting hardware included.
- Set includes one: large towel bar, towel ring, double hook and toilet paper holder.
- Imported.
- Dimensions & Care
18" Bar
- Overall: 20" wide x 4" deep x 2" high
- Mounting Plate: 2.5" diameter
- Bar: 1" diameter
- Weight Capacity: 12 pounds
24" Bar
- Overall: 26" wide x 4" deep x 2" high
- Mounting Plate: 2.5" diameter
- Bar: 1" diameter
- Weight Capacity: 18 pounds
Towel Ring
- Overall: 6.5" wide x 4" deep x 6.5" high
- Ring: 7" diameter
Double Hook
- Overall: 2.5" wide x 5.5" deep x 5" high
- Weight Capacity: 20 pounds
Toilet Paper Holder
- Overall: 9" wide x 4" deep x 2.5" high
- Clean with a soft cloth or a sponge and soapy water.
- Rinse thoroughly and wipe dry; drying the fixture immediately after use helps prevent lime deposits from forming.
- To protect the finish, do not use abrasive agents or harsh cleaners.
- If using a cleaning agent, test first on a small, inconspicuous spot before applying solution to the entire fixture.
- Shipping & Returns
UPS can deliver most in-stock items within 3-5 business days.
Next Day Delivery and Processing
We can arrange for next day delivery to most destinations within the contiguous 48 states, for an extra charge of $26.00 per address. If we receive your order by 6pm PT Monday through Friday, you'll receive your order the next business day; orders placed on Friday after 6pm PT through Sunday will arrive on Tuesday. Note: Next Day Delivery service is not available for some oversized items, White Glove Delivery, out of stock items, personalized items or for items shipped directly from the manufacturer.
View the complete Shipping and Delivery Information page.
You can return eligible item(s) within 30 days of receiving an order or 7 days for Quick Ship upholstery items for a refund of the merchandise value. An original receipt or gift receipt is required. Monogrammed items and Made to Order furniture or rugs are not eligible for returns. Review the full list of ineligible items and our refund policy below before starting the process.
Easy Ways to Return:
- Stores - You can return most non-furniture items to your local Pottery Barn store for free.
- Bring to UPS Location (under 70 lbs) – See our full Easy Returns Policy to start the process.
Ineligible Items
Items non-eligible for returns or exchanges:
- Monogrammed items
- Mattresses
- Gift cards
- Made to Order items, including custom rugs and furniture
- Final sale items (with prices ending in $.X7 or $.X9)
- Items damaged through normal wear and tear
Questions? See our full Easy Returns Policy.


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A former Port Arthur business man faces up to five years in federal prison after pleading guilty to defrauding the Small Business Administration in obtaining low-interest disaster loan funds amounting to approximately $1.5 million.Kenneth W. Matthews, 58, of Fort Pierce, Florida pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud the Small Business Administration of disaster loan funds on Mar. 12 before U.S. Magistrate Judge Zachary Hawthorn, announced U.S. Attorney John M. Bales on Monday, March 17.According to information presented in court, from January 2008 to May 2010, Matthews conspired with his general contractor and subcontractor to submit falsely inflated invoices and checks for repair work done after Hurricanes Humberto and Ike in order to obtain low interest disaster repair loans extended by the Small business Administration. Matthews, the former owner of MegaBowl in Port Arthur, received SBA disaster loan proceeds of $750,000 after Hurricane Humberto and $760,000 after Hurricane Ike. After receiving the loan disbursements based upon the false invoices, the general contractor and a subcontractor would receive from Matthews a lesser amount than invoiced for the work actually done, or would kickback to Matthews a portion of the loan disbursement paid to them. The loan funds were disbursed solely for repairs and other expenses associated with the hurricanes and were not allowed for other general business or personal use. Matthews agreed to pay criminal restitution of $500,000 to the SBA and remains civilly liable for all loan proceeds. A sentencing date has not been set. In September 2005, the U.S. Department of Justice created the Hurricane Katrina Fraud Task Force, designed to deter, investigate and prosecute disaster-related federal crimes such as charity fraud, identity theft, procurement fraud and insurance fraud. The Hurricane Katrina Fraud Task Force includes members of the FBI, the Federal Trade Commission, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the Executive Office for United States Attorneys, among others. This case is being investigated by the Small Business Administration-OIG and the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert L. Rawls.
[1] http://theexaminer.com/users/sharon-brooks
[2] http://theexaminer.com/sites/default/files/DOJ-East-Seal_2.gif
[3] http://theexaminer.com/stories/news
[4] http://theexaminer.com/tags/doj
[5] http://theexaminer.com/tags/fraud
[6] http://theexaminer.com/tags/kenneth-matthews


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Accurate Auto Appraisers
Accurate Auto Appraisers can help to solve your auto-related insurance issues. We can help, whether you need an expert witness to fight unscrupulous insurance company red tape, or a simple appraisal to secure the correct level of insurance.
Primary expertise:
- Appraisal of your vehicle's value.
- Recovery of diminished value.
- Insurance company dispute settlement for total loss claims.
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Need more information? Each situation is unique. Together, we can review your specific requirements and explore the best solution for you.
Call us today at 800-733-4937 for your complimentary 20 minute consultation. There is no obligation, of course.
Educate yourself about insurance-related issues
Total Loss:If you have a vehicle insurance claim where a company declares it to be a total loss, their offer of a settlement may be too low. The process of achieving a better claim resolution can be difficult and overwhelming. You may need expert advice from an appraiser who is experienced and successful in taking on insurance companies and the multitude of issues that can be obstacles to a successful resolution of the claim value.
Read more...
Insurance Coverage Choices: If you have a vehicle with a value that is worth more than a common, ordinary, car you will almost certainly have a problem with an insurance claim if you are not prepared.
The insurance claims procedure for determining the value of a total loss has become a computer formula method based on a data base of advertisements for alleged comparables. This process works for a claim on average common vehicles. This one size fits all method cannot work on unordinary vehicles. Read More...
Diminished Value Recovery Background information: A vehicle damaged in an accident has less resale value after repair regardless of how well it was repaired because of the market impact of it's derogatory history. That lost value is recoverable when another person was at fault. Their insurance company is absolutely responsible for that lost value. That responsibility has been challenged in the legal systems, and the courts have uniformly held that diminished value is a legitimate, recoverable damage.. Read More...


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Mobile Detailing Reviews in Violet , Louisiana
05 - Outstanding 4.87 Star Service!
We have 40 of the best mobile detailers in the Violet area who have served 1,464 extremely satisfied local customers!
Read what our 1,464
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Legislation Would Stop Currency Manipulation
GRAND RAPIDS — Not all trade is free trade for a small manufacturer. Often, it's not fair trade. And sometimes it's not even close to being a trade-off.
Take China, for example.
Last year, Chinese imports to the United States topped $162 billion and created the largest trade deficit this nation has ever recorded with a single country. China exports six times as many goods here as it imports from the United States.
And the gap got bigger early this year when China exported nearly 40 percent more goods to the United States in January and February compared to the same months last year, while U.S. exports to China fell by almost 10 percent over the same two-month period.
The culprit behind this trade imbalance is well known: the undervalued Chinese yuan. By keeping its currency unrelated to market forces, Chinese manufacturers are able to undercut American firms, sometimes charging a U.S. client less for a finished part than a local company can pay for the raw materials to make it.
A bill in the U.S. Senate, SB295, supposedly aims to change that situation by adding a tariff of 27.5 percent to all goods arriving here from China. Economists have estimated that the yuan is undervalued from 15 percent to 40 percent, so the Senate picked 27.5 percent as a fair figure that might level the playing field.
The bill has bipartisan support and both senators from Michigan — Debbie Stabenow and Carl Levin — are signed on as sponsors. Leadership has set a trade deadline; the chamber has to vote on the measure by July 27.
Grand Rapids Spring & Stamping CEO Jim Zawacki hopes the bill makes it through Congress and onto the president's desk for signing. His firm supplies metal components to automakers and other companies and he has lost domestic business to offshore suppliers.
"By stopping the (currency) manipulation, they would not import as much, so there would be more customers available for me," said Zawacki, whose firm has been in business for 45 years.
Zawacki said his company did $5 million worth of business with a local firm each year as recently as six years ago. But today that firm isn't one of his customers.
"Their products are now made in Korea and China. And that is just one (company) of many," he said. "We just want a level playing field as a manufacturer. There are so many unfair things that are going on related to trade, and our government is in a bind."
Peter Perez, president of machinery-maker Carter Products in Walker, can address one of those unfair things, namely patents and intellectual property in relation to Asian firms. A few years ago, the U.S. and Canadian patent offices granted Carter a patent on a new stabilizer band-saw guide system. The system keeps the rear of a saw blade rigid but lets the front of the blade twist and turn, which allows for accurate contour cuts.
Perez said Carter Products spent more than $20,000 to secure both patents for the exclusive product known as the Carter Stabilizer.
"Shortly after the patents were issued, a copy of the Carter Stabilizer produced in Asia came into the U.S. market. They even copied our installation instructions in English, word-for-word," said Perez, whose firm turns 76 years old next month.
"I fought them and they retreated," he added.
But Perez wondered why he should be forced to spend even more money to combat piracy when he plays by the rules — especially when the company that steals his idea is located in a country that belongs to the World Trade Organization, which requires its members to respect valid patents.
"Other nations have national policies and programs designed to strengthen their manufacturing and exporting. We must do the same," said Perez.
"It is incumbent on Congress to provide a coherent federal response to the changes underway in manufacturing and to support technological innovations fundamental to retaining our manufacturing strength," he added.
So Zawacki and Perez are holding hands on the issue, as most local small manufacturers likely are. But will the Senate follow through on the bill? Or is the bill just trade bait — political posturing to provide the appearance of doing something?
"First, I don't think it will ever happen," said Zawacki of the bill becoming law. "Our politicians get cold feet at the last minute. There is too much pressure from major multi-national corporations, who have investments overseas, being put on the politicians.
"Secondly, the liberals will tell you that (passage) would be adding a tax on the poor, because now they couldn't buy from Wal-Mart because their goods will go up 27 percent," he added. "But it sure would be part of a plan to help save manufacturing in the United States."


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Can you give us a brief overview of your latest book?
At CIA headquarters, a young officer discovers that terrorists may have commandeered their computer systems to launch an unauthorized mission. Elsewhere, conspirators abduct nine people to manipulate the rules of their game. Two disparate ambitions -- Clint Masters becomes the reluctant link in the chain of danger. Ever since Clint's almost ex-wife dumped him, he bobs along the Massachusetts coast in a sailboat with his black lab for company. He avoids all forms of technology, a counterintuitive effort for the burned-out founder of CatSat Laboratories. Tired of clutching the brass ring, he needed to untether, step off the corporate treadmill, and smell a flower. Fortunately, he met one, a beautiful, unspoiled woman who doesn't treat him like a commodity. His relationship with Beth offers more promise than his marriage ever did, even if she is on dialysis for her recovering kidneys, until she disappears.
In spite of the evidence, her family refuses to admit she's in danger. Without routine dialysis, she won't survive. As Clint realizes that he loves Beth, damn-near ex-wife Paige sashays back into his life with disturbing news. While the CIA young gun tracks his quarry, Clint enlists the help of two men to find Beth, a blithe Brit named Merlin, and Todd, his playboy partner-in-tech. But Clint must find Beth before her kidneys fail. And before someone unloads a bullet in his head.
Did you try the traditional route to publishing, i.e. querying agents/publishers?
Absolutely. I understand the thrill of rejection. I'd been waltzing with an agent throughout 2010, and I expected the dance to end in representation. I set a Nov 1st deadline, so I was going to publish one way or the other. 3 LIES wasn't my first manuscript, just the first one that I felt confident unleashing on the public. The other novels helped me find my voice as a writer, but mostly, they were self-indulgent drivel.
Do you belong to a critique group? Have they helped improve your writing?
I'm a major fan of critique groups, and I frequent two each month. Without question, my work has improved from the feedback. I get the opinion of others who study the craft. Whether they read my genre or not, there is always some nugget to carry home. Plus the meetings inject me with motivation. The time is a wonderful communion with my writerly brethren and sistren. When I tell normal people I need an undetectable way to break into a house, they squint at me and call the police. In a critique group, someone inevitably demonstrates how to jimmy a lock.
What factors influenced your decision to self-publish to Amazon?
I wanted my work available to the public. I didn't want to squander any more energy querying and attending conferences, when I could spend that time writing. The 2010 royalty rate changes made indie publishing a viable option for me.
Did you hire an editor to review your manuscript before publishing?
It was important to me that a professional set of eyes scrutinize my manuscript. A dear friend of mine is a professional editor. She ghost writes, developmentally edits, and line edits. Her effort was invaluable. But five other critique partners vetted my manuscript long before she reviewed the final draft.
What have you've learned during your self-publishing journey?
There are more virtual avenues to stroll than I can manage and stay sane. I can't do it all. I don't want to do it all. I had to find my limits and pitch my tent near the border.
Besides Amazon, are there any other sites where your books are for sale?
Apple's iBookstore and Barnes & Noble's Pubit
What kinds of marketing [twitter, facebook, blog, forums] are you involved with for promoting your book(s)?
I stink at marketing. I don't like to be sold, consequently I'm awkward at selling. So I don't. Some people are more naturally artful at this than others. If someone repeatedly tells me to buy their book, I usually hide them from my feed. New announcements, I'm good. Naked ware-hawking, not so. I'm on Facebook, twitter, several forums, and I blog at my website: www.HelenHanson.com. I enjoy hanging out online with funny, friendly people, and I figure they're smart enough to determine if my book might appeal to them or someone they know. My job is to write the best novel I can and let it be.
Do you find it difficult to juggle your time between marketing your current book and writing your next book?
When I have an opportunity to let people know my work exists, I appreciate it. Like this one. Thanks! But the critical part is the writing. Currently, I'm full-court pressing to complete my novel, DARK POOL. I don't strive to be a great marketer. I want someone, somewhere to willingly leave their realm for mine.
What advice would you give a new author just entering into the self-publishing arena?
Read everything you can on every aspect of self-publishing until it sounds redundant. That's what I do every time I approach a new subject, including my decision to go rogue. It doesn't make me an expert, but I'm always well informed.
What's next for you?
At 22, Maggie Fender is legal guardian of her felony-hacker step-brother and her father, another Alzheimer's victim. While she waits tables to keep their family afloat, Russian mobsters and an investigator think her family may know something about the four billion dollars of hedge fund money that disappeared.
DARK POOL is due for launch this spring. There's a larger excerpt available at the end of 3 LIES and on my website.
Author bio:
Helen Hanson writes thrillers about desperate people with a high-tech bent. Hackers. The CIA. Industry titans. Guys on sailboats. Mobsters. Their personal maelstroms pit them against unrelenting forces willing to kill. Throughout the journey, they try to find some truth, a little humor, and their humanity — from either end of the trigger. While Helen writes about the power hungry, she genuinely mistrusts anyone who wants to rule the world.
Helen directed operations for high-tech manufacturers of semiconductors, video games, software, and computers. Her reluctant education behind the redwood curtain culminated in a B.S. in Business Administration with concentrated studies in Computer Science. She also learned to play a mean game of hacky sack.
She is a licensed private pilot with a ticket for single-engine aircraft. Helen and her husband spent their first anniversary with their flight instructor studying for the FAA practical. If you were a passenger on a 737 trying to land at SJC in 1995, she sends her most sincere apologies. Really.
Born in fly-over country, Helen has lived on both coasts, near both borders, and at several locations in between. She lettered in tennis, worked as a machinist, and saw the Clash at the San Francisco Civic Auditorium sometime in the eighties. She currently lives amid the bricks of Texas with her husband, son, and a dog that composes music with squeaky toys.
If you enjoy her books, please consider writing a review. If you don't, please be kind.
Website: www.HelenHanson.com
http://www.amazon.co.uk/3-LIES/dp/B004F9P8BI/ref=sr_1_13?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1295645566&sr=1-13 Amazon UK


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CAMBRIDGE, Mass. – It was a strong start to the spring season for the MIT women's tennis team today as the Engineers scored an 8-1 win over Colby College. MIT started with three wins in doubles play that was the springboard to the victory.
MIT (8-3), ranked 22nd in the latest national poll, picked up 8-0 and 8-2 wins at Nos. 3 and 2 doubles to capture the early advantage. At No. 1 doubles the MIT team of sophomores Lauren Quisenberry (Corpus Christie, Texas) and Julia Hsu (Knoxville, Tenn.) completed the sweep against the duo of Kathryn Vergeyle and Sarah Wiener in a close match, 8-5.
Senior Anastasia Vishnevetsky (Orange, Conn.) was impressive in singles play, taking a 6-0, 6-0 win at No. 2 singles. Quisenberry and freshman Michelle Dutt (Gurnee, Ill.) were nearly as strong, dropping just one game in their wins at the Nos. 1 and 4 positions to give the Engineers enough points to clinch the win.
Also picking up singles victories for MIT were Hsu, who scored a 7-5, 6-2 win over Sally Holmes at No. 3, and freshman Vynnie Kong (Cupertino, Calif.) who took a 6-1, 6-2 decision over Victoria Abel at No. 5.
MIT will be on the road for the first time this spring in its next action, traveling to Bates College for an 11:00 a.m. match on Saturday, March 17.


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Orchids grow
Row by row
Rainbow florets
Nature's bounty
On show.
For Cee's Flower of the Day Challenge
Orchids grow
Row by row
Rainbow florets
Nature's bounty
On show.
For Cee's Flower of the Day Challenge
Alternative haven for the Daily Post's mourners!
never judge a girl by her weight
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PS-SWMCP-B-0.750: VeX™ Enclosed Speaker System Swivel Mount Fixture for pipe diameter of 0.750 in (19.1 mm)
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Pipe Mounting fixture (Swivel) for VeX models. Clamp has an inner diameter of 0.750 in. Sold in pairs.
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Given Christmas is right around the corner, you might be looking for a helpful present for a friend or teammate? Or, given the New Year is right around the corner, perhaps you want to give yourself the gift of higher energy and better athletic performance?
Below is my short list of nutrition resources that can make a difference in a person's life.
Sports nutrition books
(Yes,some shameless self-promoting…)
•Nancy Clark's Sports Nutrition Guidebook, new 5th edition (Oct 2013).
Having sold over 550,000 copies since the release of the first edition, this easy-to-read resource is considered by many athletes to be their "nutrition bible." It's comprehensive yet enjoyable—and even has a recipes for sports foods.
You might also enjoy my sport-specific books that make useful gifts for friends, family and teammates:
•Food Guide for Marathoners: Tips for Everyday Champions
•Food Guide for New Runners: Getting It Right From the Start
•Food Guide for Soccer: Tips and Recipes from the Pros
•The Cyclist's Food Guide: Fueling for the Distance.
Other excellent sports nutrition books include:
•Endurance Sports Nutrition,new 3rd Edition by Suzanne Gerard Eberle RD
•Power Eating, new 4th edition, by Susan Kleiner RD
•Vegetarian Sports Nutrition by Enette Larson-Meyer RD.
•Diabetic Athlete's Handbook by Sherri Colberg
•The Athlete's Guide to Sports Supplements by Kimberly Mueller RD and Josh Hingst
Books on Weight issues, Dieting, Eating Disorders
An estimated 30 to 60% of female athletes (as well as a smaller number of males) struggle with balancing food, weight, and exercise. If you or someone you know struggles with disordered eating patterns, let them know they are not alone and can benefit from these self-help books.
•8 Keys to Recovery From an Eating Disorder by Carolyn Costin
•The Don't Diet, Live-It! Workbook: Healing Food, Weight and Body Issues by A. LoBue and M. Marcus.
•Intuitive Eating: A Revolutionary Program That Works by E. Tribole RD and E. Resch RD.
•The Exercise Balance: What's Too Much, Too Little, Just Right by P. Powers. and R. Thompson.
•Making Weight: Healing Men's Conflicts with Food, Weight, Shape &Appearance by A. Anderson, L.Cohn & T. Holbrook
•Body image: Body Image Workbook: An 8-Step Program for Learning to Like Your Looks by T. Cash.
•Food and Feelings Workbook: A Full Course Meal on Emotional Health by K. Koenig.
•Surviving an Eating Disorder: Perspectives and Strategies for Family & Friends by M. Siegel et al.
•Your Overweight Child: Helping Without Harming by E. Satter
With best wishes for happy reading and a healthy 2014!
PS. Many athletes would rather meet with a sports nutritionist in person than read a book. In that case, use the referral network at www.SCANdpg.org and create a gift certificate for a nutrition check-up!


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Out with the old at Charlotte Motor Speedway
Here we grow again–that should be the motto of many of the NASCAR-sanctioned Winston Cup racetracks these days. In this age of race mania, racetracks everywhere are scrambling to provide more seats to accommodate a race-thirsty public.
One track that has gone through an incredible upgrade and expansion over the last few years is the Charlotte Motor Speedway. In addition to the lights that brought night racing to the track, CMS has added new stands and sky boxes that have made the facility the envy of racetrack owners everywhere.
This story doesn't stop here, because Charlotte is on the expansion track again. Construction has begun for the addition of 11,500 new seats for the year 2000. The new seats will be part of a double deck addition to the track that will feature grandstand seats and unique open sky-boxes. To make way for part of the planned growth, some of the older grandstands had to go–and go they did. Take a look at what we saw as part of the speedway passed unceremoniously into history.
The destruction force consisted of three tractors with chains attached to the support pillars of the 606-seat concrete Ford Tower grandstands, which stood just before Turn 1. When the command was given, the tractors put their considerable force in gear to pull the stands down.
As the stands gave in to the force tugging at them, the left side began to crumble and the inevitable chain reaction occurred. The process continued until finally the last pillar gave up and the expected cloud of dust followed the total collapse.
When the dust settled, all that remained of the once-grand-stand was a heap of concrete and twisted seats. The next day the cleanup began, making way for new construction.
We did some post-destruction investigating to get some history on the tower stands. The stands were built in 1966 and had seated 606 people. The stands were named the Ford Tower in recognition of the Ford Motor Company and from the years 1966 to 1983 were filled two weekends a year for Winston Cup action. That means during those 17 years a total of 41,208 people watched racing action from these stands.
In the years 1984 to 1996 the stands were filled three weekends a year for racing events. These events included Winston Cup, Busch, IROC, and The Winston. During those 12 years 43,632 fans enjoyed the races. From 1997 to 1998, CMS hosted two Winston Cup, two Busch, one IROC, and one Indy racing event. During these years 3,636 race fans watched the races from the Ford Tower.
All together, the 32-year life of the grandstands permitted 88,476 fans to see a lot of racing.


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Sunday, November 16, 2008
Shortstops à gogo
And how sad is this: The last Blue Jays shortstop to have two consecutive seasons of playing more than 1000 innings (roughly 115 games) at the position was Alex Gonzalez in 2000 and 2001. Since then, a veritable rogues gallery of marginal players have suited up at the position. You've got your Chris Woodwards, and you've got Chris Gomezes, along with a little Mike Bordick here and your occasional Russ Adams there.
There are a handful of names that are being tossed around as possible replacements for the departed and not-so-lamented Scrappy Doo, and we'd be derelict in our duties if we didn't share our thoughts on them. (Right?)
Below are our views on six possible options for the Jays up the middle next year.
1) J.J. Hardy - Our personal pick of the litter, Hardy seems like he's been around forever, even though he's still just 26. He's hit 26 and 24 homers in the past two seasons, with an OPS .821 last season. In spite of numbers like those (which look positively Ruthian when compared against the output of Jays shortstops) , Hardy never seems to get much respect in Milwaukee. Now that the Brewers are set to go with top prospect Alcides Escobar as early as next April, rumours (or is that wishful thinking?) are popping up around the interwebs that he is headed to any number of teams. (Seattle, Twins, Cardinals, Red Sox...everybody's got their eye on Hardy it seems.)
Brewers GM Doug Melvin told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinal that the best offer he's received so far for Hardy is "a No. 5 starter." Might the Jays be able to shake him loose with a set up man or a closer?
2) Rafael Furcal - He was great offensively when he played this year (1.012 OPS in 36 games) after a subpar 2007 season (.687 OPS). He was also brutal in the field in this year's playoffs, and while he gets to a lot of balls, and has a cannon of an arm, his 27 errors in 2006 are a little scary. But Furcal is (and we hate ourselves for saying this) the prototypical lead off man that the Jays could use at the top of their lineup.
He'll command more than $10 million per year on a short contract, and might be worth it if he's willing to take a one or two year deal to burnish his credentials.
3) Orlando Cabrera - Allegedly loves Canada, and is loved by Richard Griffin. Still a good fielder, but his offense last year was awful, and he actually wouldn't really represent any sort of upgrade over Marco Scutaro. (Cabrera: 8 HRs, 57 RsBI and a .705 OPS; Scoots: 7 HRs, 60 RsBI, .697 OPS.)
Cabrera is getting by on reputation at this point, and hasn't had an OPS over .800 since 2003 with the Expos.
4) Khalil Greene - A favorite target of Blair, Greene actually posted a sub-.600 OPS in 105 games last season. Granted, he played in San Diego in the most cavernous of all ballparks, but his home-road splits were actually worse on the road. In 50 games away from PetCo, Greene put up an awful .542 OPS, including a putrid .225 OBP.
Greene is an excellent fielder, but he'd have to revert back to his 2007 production (27 HRs, 97 RsBI) before we'd consider him any sort of an upgrade over what we've got. Which brings us to...
5) What We've Got - The question is: how much do you start to give up from your roster or from your payroll flexibility in order to grab one of these marginal improvements? If Scutaro were to perform up to last year's levels, would the Jays suffer that much? Could Scutaro get the job, with McDonald subbing in as a defensive replacement? Can't we just call these guys our number nine hitters and move on? Isn't there a way that we could make the most of the players on the roster? All questions which bring us to...
6) Aaron Hill - The little birdies with Eckstein faces have apparently stopped circling his head long enough for the Jays to pull him off the 60 day DL this week. And while the conventional wisdom is that the Jays won't want to rush him into a new role while he slowly makes his way back, it's hard to overlook the emergence of Joe Inglett last year.
There weren't many good stories to find with the Jays' offense last year, but Inglett acquited himself well in 344 ABS (.762 OPS, nine steals, 45 runs scored and 39 RsBI). Inglett is a decent second baseman, but lacks the arm to short and has only done so for only 11 innings in the Majors.
Hill played 63 games at short in 2006, making an unseemly 12 errors in that limited time. But his defense has improved significantly at second over the past two seasons, which at least hints at the fact that he could master the other side of the diamond.
And the moral of the story is...
None of this is particularly a ringing endorsement for any of these guys. Then again, maybe we have to adjust our offensive expectations for shortstops. After a decade or so of hard hitting middle infielders, there was only one shortstop in the majors to hit more than 30 homers (Hanley Ramirez, 33), and none who drove in more than 90 RsBI (Jhonny Peralta drove in 89).
(UPDATE: A belated glove tap to the Ghostrunners for inspiring this post.)
11 comments:
- Torgen said...
What's the average OPS for shortstops, anyways? It always seems unfair to me to complain about shortstops with OPS+ less than 100--we should compare them with first basemen, left fielders, and designated hitters?
- November 16, 2008 at 9:55 PM
- Colin said...
Not only that, but Hanley Ramirez is a brutal fielder who should probably not be playing shortstop.
If you can get Hardy for something we have a lot of (like LOOGYs), then for sure. Otherwise I'd stick with Scutaro and look for a high-end DH.
- November 16, 2008 at 11:45 PM
- Lloyd the Barber said...
According to BR, league average OPS for shortstops is .718, or approx 92 OPS+ (if I'm understanding tOPS+ correctly).
Hardy is young and under team control. As I've argued time and again at GROF the Jays should make a significant offer to ensure Hardy is a big part of the future. If it takes a highly prized pitching prospect, so be it.
I mean, can we expect Justin Jackson to ever be much better than JJ Hardy is now?
- November 17, 2008 at 12:03 AM
- Tao of Stieb said...
Credit where credit is due: We probably should have mentioned that it was a post from the Ghostrunners, from last Thursday (complete with awesome Fleetwood Mac accompaniment) that got us thinking about this.
(Well, sort of. We've been having crystal visions of J.J. Hardy in a Jays uni for about a year now, but their post jostled the thoughts loose.)
- November 17, 2008 at 11:15 AM
JP should use every pick in next years draft to choose a SS, then we are bound to end up with one at least.
- November 17, 2008 at 12:33 PM
They have a few guys who can catch the ball at shortstop they really need a DH/Outfield type like Manram or Bradley right now and a pitcher or two. THis is typical Blue Jay nonesense, they need something and get something they didn't need( Eckstein when they had Johnny Mac and Scoot!). Their adjustments should be at least one number two pitchers AND one master hitter/basher type....anything else is stupid.
Bruno Van Rottweiller
JJ Hardy is not that great , neither is Khalil Greene. If they upgrade at short, Furcal is the player to get ....period. Furcal can hit and the Jays need hitting.
- November 18, 2008 at 10:01 AM
- Jim Briggs said...
are you guys going to do a similar run-down of the pitching out there?
I'd love to see them go after some high-quality, purposeful stop-gap risks like Pedro and Penny. The former could find some inspiration back in the AL East, and the latter has some experience with Arnsberg. Both could help the Jays out, while they wait for Dusty and Marcum to heal up and for the new kids to warm up. And both would be relative bargains on the market....
- November 18, 2008 at 10:11 AM
- Jim Briggs said...
Also, AJ getting a 5 year/$80MM offer from the Yanks? They are certifiable.
- November 18, 2008 at 10:12 AM
- Torgen said...
Even if Penny reverts to 2006-2007 form, in the AL that's probably good enough to be Jesse Litsch. 200 would be asking a bit much. Speaking of 2005, that's the last time Pedro pitched a full season. I think it's a little too risky pinning our hopes on him.
- November 18, 2008 at 1:02 PM
- Torgen said...
That should be, "2005 would be asking a bit much."
- November 18, 2008 at 2:55 PM
- Jim Briggs said...
I fully acknowledge Pedro and Penny would be risks, but they're no more risky than it was to pin hopes on John Thomson, Tomo Ohka and Victor Zambrano. At least the upside would be a little higher on these two.
Given that what Toronto really needs is someone to tide the staff over until McGowan is back, I think they could get the summed results of one good starter (and, if lucky, much more) by signing these two.
Roll the dice, and fuckit -- weight them a bit.
- November 18, 2008 at 3:14 PM


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The Fair \ Fair Map and Areas \ Maine Stoneworkers' Guild
The Maine Stoneworkers' Guild has been an important part of MOFGA's volunteer community for many years. Members worked hard to install the beautiful stone sundial on the Common, as well as the two stone planters at the south entrance to the Fairgrounds. The Guild is now raising funds to install a granite archway on the grounds, as well as several landscaped "Pocket Parks" that will serve as comfortable, attractive gathering areas for fairgoers and folks who visit MOFGA's Common Ground Education Center year-round. At the Fair, members of the Maine Stoneworkers Guild demonstrate the art of stone cutting and carving. Workshops for fairgoers young and old take place throughout the weekend.


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WALTHAM, Mass. – Brandeis University senior Mike Swerdloff (Scarsdale, N.Y./Ardsley) tossed a complete-game five-hitter today to lead the Judges to a 2-1 upset of Salve Regina University, the No. 8 team in New England. With the win, the Judges improve to 12-20, while the Seahawks see their 10-game winning streak halted as they fall to 26-8.
Swerdloff, who saw Brandeis score just one run in his previous three outings, held a team to a season-low five hits for the third time this season. He tossed his third complete game in a row and the eighth of his career, throwing 103 pitches, 74 for strikes. Swerdloff struck out six for the third-straight game and did not walk a batter as he improved to 5-3 on the season.
Swerdloff outdueled SRU sophomore Kyle Pheland (No. Scituate, R.I./Scituate), who suffered just his second loss in eight decisions this season. Pheland tossed 7.1 innings of eight-hit ball. He allowed two earned runs, striking out one and walking just one.
It looked like it might be a high-scoring affair after both teams scored a run in the first inning. Salve Regina rookie centerfielder Ryan Kelly (Waldwick, N.J./Bergen Catholic) led off the game with a triple over the rightfielder's head. Two batters later, rookie leftfielder Ryan Sweenor (South Kingstown, R.I./South Kingstown) pulled a sacrifice fly to left to open the scoring.
The Judges answered right back in the bottom of the frame. Senior catcher Chris Ferro (Walpole, Mass./Walpole) drew a five-pitch walk to lead off the inning. After a foul pop for the first out, senior LF Nick Cortese (Guaynabo, P.R./Baldwin School of Puerto Rico) moved Ferro up with a grounder. Sophomore 1B Kyle Brenner (Brookfield, Mass./St. Peter Marian) followed with a single to right-center field, plating Ferro without a throw to tie the game at 1-1.
The game was a pitcher's duel from there, with both teams flashing some leather to keep the other at bay. Swerdloff, who did not allow a runner past second base after the first, retired the Seahawks in order in four different innings after getting out of two early potential jams.
In the second, he stranded a one-out double by sophomore 3B Joe Haley (North Kingstown, R.I./North Kingstown) at second. In the third, the first two Salve Regina hitters reached on singles. Swerdloff got the first out on a called third strike, then Ferro came through by gunning down the back end of a double-steal attempt at third base. A grounder to short ended the inning, and Swerdloff allowed just two base-runners the rest of the way on an error in the fifth and a single in the seventh, when he struck out the side.
SRU's fancy glovework showed in the bottom of the fifth. Junior Anthony Conte (Georgetown, Mass./Georgetown) booted a ball with one on and one out to put runners on first and second, but he atoned by making a terrific diving stab up the middle on Ferro to get a force out and save a potential unearned run. The Seahawks then sniffed out a potential double-steal of home as Dominic DiSano (Central Falls, R.I./St. Raphael Acad.) picked a runner off of third.
In the sixth, it was Kelly in center who snuffed out a two-on, one-out, Brandeis rally, when he snared a line drive by junior DH Dan Gad (Mansfield, Mass./Mansfield) and threw out the runner who was too far off the bag at second. Nice catches by sophomore Sean Becker (Richmond, Va./Mills Godwin) and Kelly in the seventh negated a lead-off single by Brandeis sophomore Tom McCarthy (Yonkers, N.Y./Fieldston School) after he was bunted to second.
The Judges finally broke through in the bottom of the eighth. Ferro led off with a single up the middle on a 3-2 count. Rookie CF Liam O'Connor (Avon, Conn./Avon) failed to bunt him along, but he came up with a hit-and-run single through the vacated hole at short. Cortese bunted the runners into scoring position, leading SRU skipper Steve Cirella to call on sophomore Gabe Cretella (Seymour, Conn./Seymour) to face Brenner. On the third pitch he saw, Brenner laid down a perfect suicide squeeze bunt as Ferro charged home with the winning run. Swerdloff then finished the job in the top of the ninth, including battling back from a 3-0 count to strike out the leadoff hitter in the inning.
Brandeis returns to action on Sunday afternoon with a doubleheader against Trinity College at noon. Salve Regina hosts Endicott in a Commonwealth Coast Conference twinbill Saturday at noon.


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Unlocking the value in big data
- 14 March, 2012 01:05
One reason for this is the sheer volume of data being maintained by large enterprises. Last year, McKinsey & Co. concluded that it was not unusual for large U.S. corporations to have more data stored than the U.S. Library of Congress. How much data is that? Well, according to the library, its collection fills more than 800 miles of bookshelves.
And that data must be accessible if the companies acquiring it are to get real value from it. McKinsey last year also had something to say about just how much value big data could represent :
"... a retailer using big data to the full could increase its operating margin by more than 60%. Harnessing big data in the public sector has enormous potential, too. If US healthcare were to use big data creatively and effectively to drive efficiency and quality, the sector could create more than $300 billion in value every year. Two-thirds of that would be in the form of reducing US healthcare expenditure by about 8%. In the developed economies of Europe, government administrators could save more than 100 billion ($149 billion) in operational efficiency improvements alone by using big data, not including using big data to reduce fraud and errors and boost the collection of tax revenues."
To continue reading, register here to become an Insider. You'll get free access to premium content from CIO, Computerworld, CSO, InfoWorld, and Network World. See more Insider content or sign in.


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Defending champions Ines Henriques, Omar Zepeda and Ana Cabecinha are the top names ready to shine tomorrow (23) in Chihuahua as the 11th edition of the annual IAAF Race Walking Challenge will kick off in northern Mexican city.
Except for her first visit in 2007, Portugal's three-time World Championships finalist Henriques has always claimed a podium finish in the Mexican leg of the challenge, including two consecutive wins in 2011-2012 and a bronze medal at the 2010 World Cup.
"I am very happy to be here. I have always been treated very well here. I like Chihuahua and I will keep coming back as long as they have the event here," said Henriques, who arrived here on Wednesday.
"Despite the fact that I did not train much last year after the Olympics as I was finishing my nursing studies, I just a set 3000m personal best at the National Championships. So that says I am in good shape," she added.
In Chihuahua, she will be joined by 2012 Challenge runner-up and two-time Olympic finalist Ana Cabecinha, who went four seconds faster at the National Indoor Championships last weekend to set a Portuguese record of 12:21.56.
Other top contenders are 2007 World and 2008 Olympic finalist Tatyana Sibileva, the fastest in the field with her 1:25:52 from 2010, as well as the Polish duo Agnieszka Szwarnóg and national record-holder Paulina Buziak
Third here in 2012, Mónica Equihua Solórzano carries Mexico's best hopes for a medal as Arabelly Orjuela does for Colombia.
With 2009 World Championships bronze medallist and two-time defending champion Eder Sanchez out as he recovers from a recent cyst removal surgery, the men's 20km is wide open.
Mexico's best hopes are centred on the Palma brothers – Isaac Antonio and Ever Jair, both coached by 1996 Olympic medallist Bernardo Segura.
Colombia's Fredy Hernández, Poland's 50km specialist and two-time Olympic finalist Grzegorz Sudoł and Mexico's Pedro Daniel Gómez should also be contending for the top positions.
The 50km to crown the first winner
Twice a winner of the Mexican leg of the Challenge, including last year with the best time in Chihuahua (3:48:38), Omar Zepeda is ready to shine in the longer distance, the first race to be contested on Saturday.
"I have competed at six World Championships. No one has had that opportunity in Mexico and my mind is set in Moscow," commented Zepeda.
But he should face a strong challenge from Poland's Rafał Sikora, a 3:46 performer, and 2008 Olympic fifth-placer Erick Tysse. Third at the 2009 Challenge, the Norwegian is back in Mexico, where he has performed consistently in the opening leg of the Challenge, including a third-place finish in 2008.
Mexico also counts on Clemente Iván García, Cristian David Berdeja, Juan Emilio Toscano and Luis Amauri Bustamante, all sub-four-hour performers. Belarus' Andrei Stepanchuk, familiar with the circuit here, hopes for better luck tomorrow after being disqualified on his two last trips to Chihuahua.
Between the 50km and the 20km, juniors will battle over 10km. Top names include Mexico's Alejandra Ortega and Jesús Tadeo Vega, both medallists at the 2012 World Race Walking Cup.
Local hero and 2010 World Cup silver medallist Horacio Vega is a notable absentee this weekend. Forced to take full rest during three months to treat a pubis injury, Vega is back in training but not fully fit to compete in front of his home crowd.
With Chihuahua being a qualifier for the Pan American Cup in Lima in June and the latter serving as the Mexican trials for the World Championships, Vega is still hopeful to be considered for the World Championships if he is fully recovered.
More than 100 walkers from 11 countries will contest three distances on a new 2km loop course on Paseo Bolívar. Other countries represented are Canada, Sweden, Costa Rica, Chile and Puerto Rico.
The Challenge will start at 7:00am with the 50km, followed by the women's junior 10km at noon and the men's junior 10km at 13:15. Women will contest the 20km at 14:20 and men will follow at 16:20.
Host of the Mexican stop of the Challenge since 2008, including the World Cup in 2010, Chihuahua will kick off a 14-leg series that will travel to Asia and Europe.
It will visit traditional Challenge hosting cities like Rio Maior in Portugal, Sesto S. Giovanni in Italy, Lugano in Switzerland, La Coruña in Spain, before ending at the World Championships in Moscow.
The Challenge will stop in Africa for the first time in its 10-year old history when it visits Maurice, Mauritius for the continental championships on April 6.
The most consistent athletes throughout the season will stand higher chances of sharing the $202,000 prize purse, including $30,000 for the winner.
All races will be streamed live streamed on the Mexican Athletics Federation website - fmaa.mx.
Javier Clavelo Robinson for the IAAF


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Feeling stressed? Now is the perfect opportunity to invest in you and dedicate more time to self-care. Not only will you be happier and healthier, but your loved ones will too.
Self-care may bring to mind activities that typically cost much money as getting a facial or a pedicure. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to perform self-care treatments that are inexpensive and enjoyable.
See below for the latest beauty coupons to print or to load to a store loyalty program.
Spa Water
Ever had spa water? It may seem fancy, but it is easy to make at home. Recreate this water at home by adding fruit, vegetables, herbs or spices and let it sit for a few hours until the flavors infuse. For instance, we love these infused water flavor combinations — Blueberry lemon mint? Yes, please! — from Hello Glow.
Sugar Scrubs
To continue the spa experience at home, try making a simple sugar scrub. Scrubs can be expensive at the store, but at home, you can make them using many of the ingredients, like sugar and oil, that you already have in your pantry. We suggest the scrub in the bath with you and rubbing it on to get rid of dead skin cells. Try different homemade sugar scrub variations to determine a scrub that works best for you.
Before you soak in the bath, make a spa-level DIY facial. To steam your face, run a washcloth under sweltering water, drape it over your face and leave it there for a few minutes. Afterward, apply a mask made of avocado, honey, and coconut oil and let sit for 10-15 min.
After your bath, you can make your skin even softer by combining cold cream with a few drops of your favorite essential oil and a tablespoon of olive oil. Rub over your hands and then put on a pair of rubber gloves and let sit until the homemade hand softener works its magic.
Deep Conditioning Treatment
Instead of going to the hairdresser, make an at-home deep conditioning treatment for your hair by combining coconut oil with jojoba and tea tree oil. After applying the treatment to your hair, use a heating cap and a medium heat setting on your blow dryer. To give your hair extra shine after the heating phase, spritz it with apple cider vinegar.
Remember to make yourself a priority and keep feeling beautiful. Use these tips to help embrace and celebrate self-care.
What are your favorite DIY beauty tips? Share them with us on Facebook and Twitter!