text:
Take a moment and read these two words: strategic plan. Now close your eyes and picture one. If what comes up is a thick binder, gathering dust on a shelf next to other thick binders from five and ten years past, you're not alone. We believe that a better understanding of the history of strategy and what caused the demise of binder-bound strategic planning can point the way to re-inventing strategy for the world we live in today. It is important to remember that strategy's roots are military. Military strategy focuses on setting objectives, collecting intelligence, and then using that intelligence to make informed decisions about how to achieve your objectives—take that hill, cut this supply line.
Historically, the battlefield was a place where you could count on a few constants:
- The past was a good predictor of the future. There were years or decades between meaningful shifts in the basic variables, such as the power of a soldier's weapons or the range of aircraft.
- Good data was scarce and hard to come by. Scouts and spies had to risk their lives to find and relay information, and had to be ever on the lookout for enemy deception.
- Lines of communication were unreliable at best. Small numbers of clear directives were a tactical imperative.
Not surprisingly, after a couple of millennia, military strategy became well adapted to these constraints.
After World War II, when military strategy came into the business world as strategic planning, so did these constraints. As a result, strategic planners focused on predicting the future based on historic trend lines; invested heavily in gathering all available data; and produced a small number of directives issued from the top, for the rest of the organization to execute.
This approach to strategic planning was a reasonably good fit for much of the business world from the fifties through the eighties. But with the rise of high-tech tools and increased globalization in the nineties, the world began to change, and now it looks quite different indeed. The future is no longer reasonably predictable based on the past—in fact, it is liable to be startlingly different. Good data is easy to access and cheap to acquire. Communication is rapid, indiscriminate, and constant.
The world has become a more turbulent place, where anyone with a new idea can put it into action before you can say "startup" and launch widespread movements with a single Tweet. This has left organizational leaders with a real problem, since the trusted, traditional approach to strategic planning is based on assumptions that no longer hold. The static strategic plan is dead.
This has led to increasingly polarized attitudes about the value of having a strategy at all. Some leaders are valiantly trying to save strategic planning by urging us to focus even more on rigorous data analysis. Others deny the value of strategy, arguing that organizations need agility above all else (an attitude that famed strategist Roger Martin reports hearing with increasing frequency).
We think that what is necessary today is a strategy that breaks free of static plans to be adaptive and directive, that emphasizes learning and control, and that reclaims the value of strategic thinking for the world that now surrounds us. Martin acknowledged this point at the Skoll World Forum in 2010 when he said: "Every model is wrong and every strategy is wrong. Strategy in a way helps you learn what is 'righter'. People think you can prove a strategy in advance. You can't."
The approach we developed in working with our clients at Monitor Institute is what we call adaptive strategy. We create a roadmap of the terrain that lies before an organization and develop a set of navigational tools, realizing that there will be many different options for reaching the destination. If necessary, the destination itself may shift based on what we learn along the way.
This approach wouldn't surprise anyone in the world of current military strategy. Recent generations of military thinkers have long since moved beyond the traditional approach, most notably famed fighter pilot John Boyd. He saw strategy as a continuous mental loop that ran from observe to orient to decide and finally to act, returning immediately to further observation. By adopting his mindset (with a particular emphasis on the two O's, given our turbulent context), we can get much better at making strategy a self-correcting series of intentional experiments.
To provide structure to this fluid approach, we focus on answering a series of four interrelated questions about the organization's strategic direction: what vision you want to pursue, how you will make a difference, how you will succeed, and what capabilities it will take to get there.
The skills and mindset for today's strategic planning will come from continuously asking ourselves these questions about our organizations, programs, and initiatives. Once we accept Dwight D. Eisenhower's sage advice that "Plans are useless, but planning is everything," we will be ready to adapt to whatever curveballs the twenty-first century sees fit to throw.


text:
I've been to Blue Line twice now. Both times, it was for lunch and both times, the interior seating area was surprisingly empty, though there were many groups eating outside on the patio. There are two televisions at the back of the restaurant by the bar area. One long wall is decorated with a mural, the other with geometric wooden sculptures.
The star of the menu is undoubtedly the house special?Blue Line, a deep dish pizza with a crispy cornmeal crust and a filling of blended spinach, ricotta, mushrooms, onions and garlic, topped with intensely flavorful chopped tomatoes. The proportions were perfect. Neither I nor my husband (a Chicagoan) have had deep dish pizza in California we enjoyed more. Our friend noted his preference for Patxi's in Palo Alto.
Unlike nearby Patxi's, Blue Line's pizza isn't as heavy as you might expect from Chicago deep dish style pizza?we didn't walk away from either lunch feeling like lead had settled to the bottom of our stomachs. Where Patxi's has a decadent amount of cheese and a soft squishy bottom crust, Blue Line has a deeper tomato flavor, less cheese and a light crust. The flavors and textures are in great proportion.
If a healthy deep dish pizza exists, it would be either the Blue Line or the Vegetarian deep dish pizza, which we tried on our next visit. The latter is topped with roasted zucchini, onions, red bell peppers, kalamata olives, and mushrooms. Unlike most pizza places where a vegetarian pizza has a single layer of limp veggies, there's real care taken with the Vegetarian deep dish. The pizza appears to be stuffed with fresh vegetables and the end result is delicious.
We also tried the thin crust Greek pizza, notable for its whole roasted garlic cloves, but also topped with spinach, feta, sundried tomatoes and kalamata olives. I couldn't really taste the feta, but like the deep dish, it had excellent proportions, nonetheless. The mixed salad was very flavorful. It was just a touch over-dressed, but otherwise a perfectly put together blend of mixed greens, red bell peppers, red onions, cherry tomatoes, gorgonzola cheese, walnuts.
I'm sad to say that the only dish that was not five-star was the large apple caramel bread pudding. The bread pudding itself was passable?soft chunks of bread and apple that fell away from each other at the touch of a fork?but the vanilla gelato was sticky and hard with freezer burn. Don't let this minor issue with the dessert deter you. The pizza is some of the best I've had in Silicon Valley and deserves greater popularity.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
However the Supreme Court rules on Obama's Affordable Care Act in June, one thing is for certain—right now, every Democratic consultant in the country is scrambling to figure out a way to make the plan more popular.
It's a quintessential marketing dilemma—how do you sell something that people fundamentally aren't crazy about?
According to a recent New York Times/CBS News poll, just 36 percent of Americans approve of the legislation. And while some of parts of the law—allowing young adults to remain on their parents' insurance plans until the age of 26 and requiring insurance companies to cover people with pre-existing conditions—are deemed highly favorable by the public, the overall plan has a 47 percent disapproval rating.
In the early 1990s, when milk processors and dairy farmers realized that vitamin D wasn't a compelling enough reason for people to buy milk, their advertising agency, Goodby Silverstein, advised them to focus, instead, on the cookie and then pose the question "Got milk?" It worked. Milk sales increased dramatically.
Can a similar tactic be used to sell health care? Indeed, can anything at all be done to make the plan more attractive to consumers?
According to Lawrence O'Donnell, the answer is no.
"You'll find that it is impossible," he said of the marketing of health-care reform. "And that is the most important thing to know about this law, this idea, and this area of thought in American politics."
O'Donnell should know. Now the host of his own news and opinion program on MSNBC, he was a former legislative aide to Sen. Daniel Patrick Moynihan and the staff director of the United States Senate Committee on Finance in 1993, the year Hillary Clinton proposed her health-care plan.
"It is unmarketable and always has been since Medicare," said O'Donnell. "Medicare was marketable because it was understandable. I have never met anyone, outside of the government, who can describe what the new health-care law is. You cannot market something that is indescribable."
On the matter of the public's familiarity with the law, O'Donnell is absolutely correct. According to a recent study conducted by Celinda Lake, a leading Democratic pollster who has conducted extensive research on health-care reform, "only about one in four likely voters say they know a significant amount about the new law." And unsurprisingly, "those who have paid the most attention are the voters who are most against it."
"This territory invades basic American principles," O'Donnell added. "It always has. And it's a problem."
Republicans, of course will argue that any government effort to enforce a mandate is unconstitutional, an infringement on personal freedoms.
To underscore this point, I contacted a conservative copywriter I know and asked if he could think of an ad Republicans might run in the event that Obamacare is upheld. (He wished to remain anonymous.)
Presuming that the only way this could happen was in a 5-4 decision, he emailed me the following script:
"Announcer: Thanks to Barack Obama, today, in America, the government can force citizens to buy what they tell them to buy. This time, it's health insurance. You either buy it, or you get hit with a penalty by the IRS. Who knows what it'll be next time.
But Obama didn't do it alone. In a narrow 5-4 decision, a left-leaning Supreme Court made it the law of the land. The next president will likely have to fill one or two vacancies. Do you want it to be by more who share Barack Obama's contorted view of America? Of the Constitution? Of what it means to be free? Or someone who thinks the Founding Fathers got it right when it comes to what the government can force people to do?"
A commercial that attacked Hillarycare, "Harry and Louise," made a similar argument, claiming that when the government gets to "choose, you lose."
If Obamacare is overturned, however, it might not be as simple for the Democrats to strike back with a comparably single-minded advertising approach.
Robin Hafitz, CEO of Open Mind Strategy, a consumer insight company based in New York, argues that the first thing Democrats would have to do is change the title of the law.
"The strategy for naming health care has always been off," she said. "Anything with the word 'care' in it is obviously—to Foxamentalists—about helping poor people and that's not something they're interested in."
Hafitz suggested that Democrats should start marketing the health-care law "by calling it something else," proposing new names such as "health protection legislation," "health freedom legislation," and "health leadership legislation."
Celinda Lake, the Democratic pollster, said the problem lies in how the policy is framed: "Women are not paying any attention at all." According to Lake's studies, "women are 80 percent of the health-care voters and 80 percent of the health-care decision-makers."
"They see it as a political issue, not a consumer issue," she added.
Unlike O'Donnell, however, Lake is confident about ultimately eliciting a positive response to Obama's health-care plan. "They need to get information out about the plan's specific benefits through a variety of channels, including word-of-mouth, health-care providers, and public-health offices," she said. "We really need to turn up the volume."
"Ironically, it may not be that harmful if the mandate is overturned," she added. "It will turn down the noise and allow people to really focus on what the plan does."
Lenny Stern, a founding partner of SS+K, the New York-based youth marketing agency of record for the Obama campaign in 2008—and reportedly part of the team working on the president's reelection bid this year—echoed Lake's forecast.
"I think it's going to make people realize that there were a lot of benefits to this," Stern said of Obamacare being overturned. "And it might actually create even more grassroots support for pushing a reform through beyond where the courts may land. It may create an even stronger base for future reform."
Arguing the case for reform isn't a "lost cause," said Stern, who has been involved extensively in marketing and communications efforts for health-care and public-health issues: "In any situation, people almost always zero in on 'What's in it for me?' You know, the WIIFM?"
"I think, to date, the challenge has been, how do you create an emotional connection around reform that was still a theory and not a practice?" Stern said. "You have to bring real stories about how lives have already been changed in a positive way. Trying to tell those stories is imperative because that's how people emotionally understand the impact."
A creative director who spoke with me on the condition of anonymity said he is disillusioned with Stern's approach, however. Experienced in both consumer advertising and in the political arena on the Democratic side, he made the overarching observation that "the advertising on the left isn't as visceral as advertising from the right. It doesn't seem like it connects with core, overriding values or American beliefs."
"If Democrats are going to make a health-care ad, it's going to be about health care," he said wearily. "If the Republicans make a health-care ad, it's about liberty, it's about socialism, it's about the heart of what America was founded on and believes in."
O'Donnell framed the Democrats' problem slightly differently, if not more apocalyptically.
"What you're saying to America is that there are 45 million people who need another government financial-assistance program," he said. "So your fundament pitch is altruism. But America has run out of altruism. They ran out of altruism 30 years ago."


text:
In addition to the Daniel Rosenthal and Poncho Sanchez/Terence Blanchard shows (see "Daniel Rosenthal steps out; plus, Sanchez and Blanchard do ''Chano y Dizzy'"), there are more jazz concerts over the next week or so than I haven't had space or time to write about at length. But here are just a few of the events that should be on your calendar.
KURT ELLING | November 2 | The foremost male jazz singer on the current scene (and I do mean jazz singer, and not a pop singer who does the Great American Songbook), Elling these days is working with the acclaimed Klüvers Big Band out of Denmark in preparation for a recording. We usually hear Elling in these parts with small groups, so it will be exciting to hear him apply the four-octave range of his big warm baritone in this new context along with his regular quartet. | Wilbur Theatre, 246 Tremont St, Boston | 8 pm | $27-$47 | 800.745.200 or ticketmaster.com
ERIC HOFBAUER | November 2 | Over time, experimental guitarist Eric Hofbauer has figured out how to combine his avant-garde ideas about free improv with a hard-bopper's knack for hooky song forms. At least that's what he does with the assured crew in his Infrared Band. Hofbauer — who also runs Creative Nation Music as label boss and concert impresario — has organized two sets at Johnny D's. The first is with an impressive ad-hoc lineup of himself with pianist Pandelis Karayorgis (on Fender Rhodes), bassist Jacob William, and drummer Luther Gray. Second will be a sextet version of Hofbauer and the IRB: trumpeter Jerry Sabatini, trombonist Joel Yennior, tenor saxophonist Kelly Roberge, bassist Sean Farias, and drummer Miki Matsuki. | Johnny D's, 17 Holland St, Somerville | 8 pm | $10 | 617.776.2005 or johnnyds.com
RUDRESH MAHANTHAPPA | November 3 | Mahanthappa has in the past few years bolted to the forefront of jazz saxophonists — with a monstrous tone, articulation, and flow of ideas. He's also been a tireless bandleader and composer. A Denver native, he's made several forays to the "old country" of his parents' birth to gain a deeper grasp of Indian music. His latest album, Samdhi (Act) is one of his most rewarding — a true fusion, using electric bass and guitar (Rich Brown and David Gilmore, respectively) and laptop for a sound that sometimes recalls Coltrane, sometimes Mahavishnu or Santana, but is really its own rich, broadly-colored thing, alternately fierce and lyrical. Mahanthappa brings Brown, Gilmore, and drummer Damion Reid to the Regattabar. | Charles Hotel, 1 Bennett Street, Cambridge | 7:30 pm | $20 | 617.395.7757 or regattabarjazz.com
JCA ORCHESTRA | November 4 | The Jazz Composers Alliance Orchestra has been a mainstay of the Boston scene since 1985, marshalling a crew of some of the best players in town to present music by some of our best writers. Last year's A Wallflower in the Amazon (Accurate) was a standout, running the gamut from Willie Dixon blues to Duke Ellington, with Darrell Katz's arrangements and originals featuring lyrics by the poet Paula Tatarunis, delivered with pinpoint control and expressive warmth by singer Rebecca Shrimpton. Tonight's show at the YMCA Theater will include pieces by Katz, Hiro Honshuku, Bill Lowe, Bob Pilkington, Warren Senders, and Norm Zocher. | YMCA Theatre, 820 Mass Ave, Cambridge | 8 pm | $12; $8 student | 781.899.3130 or jazzcomposersalliance.org
See all articles by:
All Slideshows


text:
The Quotable Charlie Weis | by Pat
From today's presser, another entry for the "Best Of" Charlie press conference quotes.
Now, let's talk about their defensive line. There's one guy who I like. I don't know him, but this guy (Chris) Horn, No. 95, I like him because he lists his favorite place that he's been on vacation as the Jersey Shore. I'm going to have to look him up because he's already on my good side. He actually splits time with (Gustav) Rydstedt, who's actually a kid from Sweden, so it's an interesting combination, a guy who loves the Jersey Shore and a guy from Sweden.


text:
Once you have a pair of these babies on, Colonel Steve Austin, the Six Million Dollar Man, wouldn't have much on ya'. Compact and lightweight, Walker's Tactical Ear III W-C, by Walker's Game Ear, gives military special operators, LE tactical operators, and serious shooters two-way communications ability, a noise reduction rating of 29 decibals against loud bangs, and ambient sound amplification to nine times normal levels.
It goes without saying that if a military special operator is on a dangerous mission in some God-forsaken country, or a SWAT tactical operator is on a stakeout or conducting raid, it's advantageous if they can…
hear the bad guys before the bad guys can hear them, and simultaneously have adequate hearing protection immediately, just in case a firefight happens to breaks out.
What separates Walker's Tactical Ear III W-C from the other Tactical Ear products is it's two-way communications feature. It can receive signals from a transmit wire that is worn around the neck and connected to the operator's walkie-talkie. The Tactical Ear III W-C grabs the signal coming from the neck loop right out of the air.
Another neat feature of Walker's Tactical Ear III W-C, and that is shared by Walker's Tactical Ear II, is it's AFT(Adjustable Frequency Tuning) circuit, which allows the user to customize the frequency response to their individual need, depending on their specific combat environment. For instance, a military Spec-Ops operator is much more likely to wind up in a higher decible environment involving sustained automatic weapons fire than an LE tactical operator, dignitary protection team member, or government agent, all of whom are much more likely to be on some kind of low to medium decibal-level urban operation.
The Tactical Ear III W-C is lightweight and compact, and no special fitting is required. It's only 1.06 inches high by .34 inches wide, and weighs less than 1/4 ounce. Constructed of rugged, non-reflective plasic, it incorporates a large number volume control, along with an integrated on-off switch. The unit operates on a 1.4v cell battery, which is included. It also comes with one ear plug and a carrying case.
Personally, if I were going to use a Walker's Tactical Ear, I would wear a Walker's Tactical Ear II in each ear alongside New Eagle's excellent Special Operations "bone mic" headset, or one of their Enforcer Series Headets, either their Enforcer I or Enforcer II, both of which also operate using "bone mics" a.k.a. "bone vibrators". Since the New Eagle headset would cover all my two-way comm needs, the Tactical Ear III W-C's built-in two-way comm circuitry would be unnecessary. The Walker's Tactical Ear II/New Eagle headset combo would give me one hell of a tactical hearing/communications package. It's certainly not the least expensive way to go, but why quibble over money when your life is on the line?


text:
Hi-tech, high-fidelity human patient simulation is being used at NYU to bolster faculty teaching capacity and enhance clinical learning; Faculty capacity to teach increases 30%
To address the faculty shortage problem, schools of nursing are reexamining how they provide clinical education to undergraduate students to find ways to use faculty resources more efficiently so they can maintain student enrollment and meet the future need for nurses.
To this end, researchers from the New York University College of Nursing (NYUCN), funded with a grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation's Evaluating Innovations in Nursing Education Program, have just published a description of an evaluation study, "Shifting the Clinical Teaching Paradigm in Undergraduate Nursing Education to Address the Nursing Faculty Shortage," in the on-line edition Journal of Nursing Education.
The NYUCN researchers, in collaboration with the National Development Research Institute, USA and the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing, are evaluating a new and unique clinical teaching model, using high-fidelity human patient simulation to partially substitute for traditional clinical teaching approaches.
The new clinical teaching model increased faculty capacity by increasing student-to-teacher ratios per semester, but actually decreases student to teacher ratios in each individual teaching session,
The previous traditional laboratory and hospital based instruction model required 4.5 faculty instructors for 24 students. With the incorporation of this model using high-fidelity human patient simulation, now only three faculty instructors are needed for the same 24 students. Additionally, with the NYUCN model, student group sizes decreased by 25% for both hospital-based clinical and classroom-based laboratory sessions.
"This model gives us a win-win during the current faculty shortage-- by reducing the demand for high quality clinical instructors while simultaneously reducing the number of students an instructor teaches each simulation lab or clinical session," said Dr. Hila Richardson, Principal Investigator for the evaluation and Clinical Professor for the NYUCN. "We feel more confident that patient safety is protected by allowing closer supervision of students on the clinical unit and preparing them for 'real-life' clinical practice in the safety of the simulation lab," Dr. Richardson said.
The educational advantage of using high-fidelity simulation in conjunction with or as a substitute for hospital-based clinical education is that it provides a safe learning environment where errors can be made and students have time for self-reflection and learning.
"In a typical high-fidelity clinical experience, students can reason through a clinical situation, make decisions about interventions, and make mistakes without harming a patient," said Dr. Mattia J. Gilmartin, the study's co-author and NYUCN senior research fellow. "At the end of the simulation session, an opportunity for students to reflect on their performance occurs during a guided debriefing, and our students frequently commented that they appreciated the opportunity to practice skills and critical thinking in a controlled environment," Dr. Gilmartin said.
Students who have had the high-fidelity clinical experience often feel more confident to work with patients and ensure their safety when they are in the hospital setting. Additionally, faculty can feel more confident that students have experiences across the range of common clinical situations rather than relying on the ad hoc nature of a hospital day to provide the needed experiences to meet learning objectives.
"Our support for evaluation of NYU's use of clinical simulation reflects our belief that the findings will provide critical evidence of the impact on teaching productivity and faculty work-life," said Dr. Michael Yedidia, director of the Evaluating Innovations in Nursing Education, a National Program Office of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. "We eagerly await the results from the controlled evaluation. In the interim, the recently published article on the model provides useful guidance to those nursing programs considering replication of this model," Dr. Yedieia said.
With the new model, students spend half of their clinical days in a simulated clinical learning experience. The simulation and hospital-based days are scheduled for alternate weeks. For example, a clinical group of students would be in simulation on week 1 of the semester and in a hospital or health care agency setting on week 2, rotating back to the simulation laboratory on week 3, and so on. The clinical faculty remains in the hospital setting alternating clinical groups of six students each week, thus supervising a total of twelve students per semester. Before the model was implemented, the hospital-based faculty supervised 8-10 students each week for the semester.
To reinforce the integration of the two experiences, the simulation experience is called an "on-campus" clinical day and the hospital or health care agency experience is called an "off-campus" clinical day. Students must follow the same policies for uniform, attendance, preparation, and professional behavior in both on-campus and off-campus clinical experiences. To the extent possible, the off-campus instructors are asked to find patient care experiences that align with both the lecture and the simulation content.
"This evaluation of a new clinical teaching model will directly contribute and positively enhance the current evidence-base of the effects of using clinical simulations in nursing education," said Dr. Pamela R. Jeffries, Professor and Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing. "I see the integration of clinical simulations to combat the nursing faculty shortage as one of most impactful new models on the forefront of addressing the Future of Nursing Education report," Dr. Jeffries said.
This evaluation will provide the information needed to better understand how this model can assist in mitigating the nursing faculty shortage and simultaneously allows nursing school enrollment to keep pace with future needs. Further, the evaluation should show that when this model is used as an equally sound and valued educational approach, it can enhance the traditional model of clinical learning to prepare new nurses for increasingly complex health settings.
About the researchers: Hila Richardson, DrPH, RN, FAAN is Clinical Professor, and Mattia J. Gilmartin, PhD, RN is Senior Research Fellow, New York University, College of Nursing, New York, New York; Terry Fulmer, PhD, RN, FAAN is Dean, Northeastern University, Bouve College of Health Sciences, Boston, Massachusetts. Support for this study was provided to Dr. Richardson and the New York University College of Nursing in the form of grants from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Evaluating Innovations in Nursing Education Program.
About NYUCN: The New York University College of Nursing is a global leader in nursing education, research, and practice. It offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing; Master of Arts and Post-Master's Certificate Programs; a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree; and a Doctor of Philosophy in Research Theory and Development. For more information, visit www.nyu.edu/nursing
About the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation: The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation focuses on the pressing health and health care issues facing our country. As the nation's largest philanthropy devoted exclusively to improving the health and health care of all Americans, the Foundation works with a diverse group of organizations and individuals to identify solutions and achieve comprehensive, meaningful, and timely change. For more than 35 years the Foundation has brought experience, commitment, and a rigorous, balanced approach to the problems that affect the health and health care of those it serves. Helping Americans lead healthier lives and get the care they need, the Foundation expects to make a difference in our lifetime. www.rwjf.org


text:
This guest post is brought to you by Ryan Adams, author of the blog Nose to Tail at Home. Ryan did a series on offal and each week he highlighted a different part of the animal that you've always wanted to work with, but were afraid to ask your butcher for. The content has been modified slightly for the Professional Chef audience.
Offal Variety: Testicles (aka Rocky Mountain Oysters)
There is a particular scene from the Chevy Chase movie Funny Farm that will always get a laugh out of me: Chevy and his wife are trying to adjust to their new lives in a rustic Vermont town and end up eating dinner at a small cafe. Chevy has plowed his way through two orders of lamb fries and starts working on his third plate in an effort to break the cafe's record of 28 fries eaten in one sitting. He easily tops the record and keeps going for more … until the waitress tips him off that he has in fact been eating lamb testicles.
Ignorance can sure be bliss (it certainly was in Chevy's case), but let it be known that testicles are celebrated by people around the world for their culinary as much as their reproductive properties, and you can enjoy them as well.
The general consensus on "fries," as they're often euphemistically referred to, is that they have a chickeny flavor to them (no matter the animal of their origin) and can be a bit chewy, much like gizzards. A very basic preparation involves blanching them in boiling water for a few minutes, then shocking them in ice water to stop the cooking process. Cutting off the outer membrane is best done right after rescuing the testicles from their cold bath. Once that's done they can be sautéed, deep fried, grilled, roasted, poached or braised with tasty results.
Ball-eaters Around the World
Testicles are embraced far more easily in other countries than they are here in America. In Spain, bull's balls are considered by many to be an enhancer of the eater's masculinity. In Canada you can find them served with a demi-glace, and the French have a recipe for "animelles de moutons frites" where they marinate the testes with tarragon vinegar, herbs and onions before breading and frying them. There is even an upcoming World Testicle Cooking Championship which will be held August 28-30, 2009, in Gornji Milanovac, Serbia. (Make note that there are a few quirks when it comes to the festivities: No minors will be allowed, nor will men over the age of 65 without a doctor's note, and erectile dysfunction drugs are banned from the premises. The lucky ladies in attendance, however, "are allowed everything.")
That's not to say that Americans are neglecting their testicles either. Various fairs across the United States serve breaded and fried testicles, more commonly known as Rocky Mountain Oysters. There is even some mild rivalry between Eagle, Idaho's volunteer fire department and Clinton, Montana's Rock Creek Lodge as to who hosts the largest Testicle Festival in the states.
Testicles In Hand
Finding a good source for testicles is tricky. While you may be able to find a few different types available at your friendly neighborhood Asian Supermarket, it's not a sure thing. Veal testicles should be available from local cattle farms from time to time, though you are much more likely to find them frozen than fresh. If its lamb fries you're after, I hope you've managed to befriend a butcher to the point he's added you to his Christmas card list — pretty much all male lambs are castrated shortly after birth these days, which tends to cut down on the availability of fresh fries. Your best bet is heading to a Halal market and checking their meat department. Every time I've visited one, I've found lamb fries along with various other goodies.
When you do manage to find them, you've got to make sure they're up to snuff: check and make sure that the testicles are firm and pinkish in color. Some will have their outer membrane still on, though some butchers go the extra step and remove it for you. Like most other glands, they're more delicious the fresher they are, so try to buy them within a day or two of your planned use — though if they're already frozen, they can stay in that state for quite a while.
Rocky Mountain Oyster and Testicle Recipes
Think you can handle plate after plate of steamy lamb fries just like Chevy? Here are a few recipes to get you started:
The classic Rocky Mountain Oysters
Breaded Testicles with Stewed Peppers and Onions
Bull Testicle Goulash
Suggested Reading


text:
At first they came for the smokers but I did not speak out as I did not smoke. Then they came for the binge drinkers but I said nothing as I did not binge. Now they have an obesity strategy.
Friday, March 30, 2007
Ready for some negative liberty
Thursday, March 29, 2007
If ...
Naturally, things can't be allowed to go on as before. But we must not be tempted by the simplistic solutions embraced by extremists on the other side. No. What we need to do here is bring all the stakeholders together and set out a course that is both radical and realistic. What we need is a one stop shop for slave regulation. ...
Read the rest here.
(Via Tim Worstall with thanks to Steve)
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
History and modern Greece
Apostolou makes a comparison with Belgium and its panel of enquiry into war-time collaboration and the Holocaust, which reported this year. This is not altogether fair as post-war Greece did not relapse into peaceful prosperity at the centre of the European Union, but bloody civil war and the triumph of the right, to be followed by a period of military dictatorship, democracy only being restored in 1974. Modern Greek history is troubled by more than the occupation. However, the point is an important one for a country that now has a secure democracy.
I cannot read Greek so the only sources available to me are ones in English but I think that the signs are positive, not least due to Apostolou's own research. There is an awakening of interest in the period of Turkish rule and any study of Ottoman Greece must include the Jewish community. I am currently reading, and thoroughly enjoying, Mark Mazower's superb history, Salonica, City of Ghosts: Christians, Muslims and Jews, a study that spreads from the Byzantines to the 1950's. And, as I type this, I can look up and see in my CD collection the brilliant recording of Sephardic Ladino folk songs by the wonderful Greek singer Savina Yannatou, Spring in Salonika (Άνοιζη στι Σαλονίκι), celebrating the lost Jewish culture and language (available for download, though I recommend searching out the CD with its multi-lingual booklet).
I am an optimist, and I feel that once historians and artists tread a path, journalists, politicians and the public will eventually follow.
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Yes, I too believe that the Tory party should not be led by a media savvy opportunist who might get elected. He is right; they should be led by an unelectable right wing ideologue. I think I need a drink to recover.
Sunday, March 25, 2007
Churchill and anti-Semitism - yet again
The Mosley connection is a convenient way of discrediting Diston and shifting the attention from Churchill, but regardless of the provenance of the document, which I am in no way in a position to speculate on, I am still uneasy at its use. A single document like this may provide an insight into anti-Semitic discourses, but it is hard to see how it could counter a much longer record of pro-Zionism, Jewish friendships and opposition to anti-Semitism. A single article, however contentious, should not distract from a broader historical record.
History is complex and casual anti-Semitism was ubiquitous amongst elite circles and was inevitably reflected in a range of contemporary discourses. That Churchill was capable of echoing the prejudices of his class is unsurprising. That these isolated instances amounted to anything significant is dubious, but they certainly make for an interesting spat.
Friday, March 23, 2007
Between a rock and a hard place
"Angola will do everything in its power to help the Zimbabwe police force and will not allow western imperialism to take over Zimbabwe"
And if you doubt the corrosive effect of appeasing racism at home read this,
When Tendayi Goneso fled Zimbabwe fearing death at the hands of Robert Mugabe's brutal henchmen, he thought Britain would offer him sanctuary from the violence tearing his country apart.
He grieved alone when his wife was murdered by the regime, and has endured four years apart from his three children.
In exile the 34-year-old accountant, who is recovering from lung cancer, has become a leading campaigner for democracy and the overthrow of Mr Mugabe.
But as the political situation in Zimbabwe has spiralled toward chaos, the British government has withdrawn his benefits and left him with the threat of deportation hanging over his head.
(via The Wrap)
The great Torygraph swindle
and the Black Boy
Tragic - I know you will feel for us.
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Now that's what I call a CV
New York university requires all applicants from high school to answer the following question: "Are there any significant experiences you've had, or accomplishments you have realised, that have helped to define you as a person?" ... the reply of one applicant found its way into cyberspace, where, in the US, it has now acquired a mini-cult status:
"I am a dynamic figure, often seen scaling walls and crushing ice. I have been known to remodel train stations on my lunch breaks, making them more efficient in the area of heat retention. I translate ethnic slurs for Cuban refugees. I write award winning operas. I manage time efficiently. Occasionally, I tread water for three days in a row. I woo women with my sensuous and godlike trombone playing. I can pilot bicycles up severe inclines with unflagging speed, and I cook 30-minute brownies in 20 minutes. I am an expert in stucco, a veteran in love, and an outlaw in Peru. Using only a hoe and a large glass of water, I once single-handedly defended a small village in the Amazon basin from a horde of ferocious army ants. I play bluegrass cello. ...
Read the rest here
(Thanks to Steve)
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Blessed relief
Sunday, March 18, 2007
What a waste of money?
A damning report by the highly respected health think-tank, the King's Fund, reveals that productivity in the health service has actually declined, despite the huge injection of cash. …
The author of the King's Fund study, economist John Appleby, said the figures showed why hopes had been dashed that tens of billions of extra NHS spending would mean major improvements in frontline care. … productivity levels among GPs, consultants and nurses have nowhere near matched the scale of the increase in the NHS's funding in England.
There is a lot that jars in this report. It assumes all improvements in staff conditions and numbers were a waste, diverting money from patient care. What struck me most were the comments about productivity. Surely if we want to improve the quality of service we need to reduce productivity. Smaller class sizes reduce the productivity of teachers; if GPs see fewer patients in the same time, they are giving each patient more attention; lower case loads help social workers do a better job and may save lives. Reducing productivity can actually mean a far better experience for those that use services. What on earth is the benefit of stressed-out front-line staff dealing with more and more people, with insufficient time to do the job properly? Let those of us in the public sector fight for lower productivity to make more jobs and to serve the public better.
The Trap – 2
However, it dealt adequately with the failure of targets as the latest management fad, inadequately with genetics, passably with the growth of inequality and simplistically with market theory. He even gave Adam Smith's Theory of Moral Sentiments a fleeting mention, a glimpse that there is more to the story than Game Theory and a mistaken attempt to increase human liberty. A false dawn? I shall now watch next week's with a little less scorn.
Bialyshtok and Bloo-oom
After two and a half hours of exuberant lunacy, I was laughing all the way home and can't get the songs out of my head. To paraphrase one of the numbers, where did it go right? It was a parody of a parody and an even bigger parody of all the musicals in the world I have tried to dislike. It was bold, energetic, over the top, loud and brassy. Its humour was wild, anarchic, incorrect and unceasing. The dialogue that was lifted from the film did disappoint; no one could match Zero Mostel and Gene Wilder after all, but the songs were hilarious and the dance routines spectacular in their absurdity. Even the miscast Peter Kay camped it up to marvellous effect. My favourite moments were the singing Nazi pigeons and the tap dancing routine by the little old ladies with Zimmer frames.
Nothing is good unless there is a serious heart to it. Mel Brooks has often talked of humour as one way to combat evil with the joy of humanity. OK this is probably pretentious garbage but I have to find an excuse for enjoying a musical. Now I can truly say that I only hate musicals that take themselves too seriously.
Thursday, March 15, 2007
To intervene or not
Mahmood Mamdani has been a recent presence in the media arguing against a military intervention in
… peace cannot be built on humanitarian intervention, which is the language of big powers. The history of colonialism should teach us that every major intervention has been justified as humanitarian, a 'civilising mission'. Nor was it mere idiosyncrasy that inspired the devotion with which many colonial officers and archivists recorded the details of barbarity among the colonised – sati, the ban on widow marriage or the practice of child marriage in
The purpose of this is seems to be to de-legitimate intervention by associating it with imperial designs, which have nothing to do with the ostensible purpose of intervention. This is a familiar line of argument. The obvious objection, that the chroniclers of abuse may indeed be disinterested in anything other than the righting of wrongs and be human beings appalled by human cruelty, rather than sinister agents of imperial aims, is one that needs to be taken seriously. However, there is more to it than that. Whatever the motive for recording it, slavery and genital mutilation are, by any standards, an abomination and do not cease to be so simply because they are recorded by colonial officers. The victims are not fussy where their liberation comes from and it is often only global and regional powers that have the ability to act.
Humanitarian intervention is more frequently the language of the oppressed which the big powers ignore, a sentiment echoed by some bitter voices from
That said, intervention can be self-serving and can fail. However, the record of non-intervention is permanently stained, not just by
Mamdani may well be correct that an armed intervention could make the situation worse in Darfur. That is a judgement I am not qualified to make. However, when he moves from the specific to the general I am reminded of Solzhenitsyn's 1973 essay, Peace and Violence. In it he argues that establishing peace by merely ensuring the absence of war is not sufficient. Instead a peace camp should raise its standard in opposition to violence of all kinds, especially the violence of a state against its own citizens. He wrote,
To achieve not just a brief postponement of the threat of war, but a real peace, a genuine peace erected on sound foundations, it is necessary to fight the `quiet', hidden forms of violence no less fiercely than the `noisy' kinds. The aim must be not only to stop the rockets and cannons, but also to set the limits of state violence at the threshold where the need to defend society's members ceases. The aim must be to outlaw from the human condition the very idea that some are permitted to use violence regardless of justice, law and mutual agreements.
Peace will then be served not by those who count upon the good nature of the men of violence, but by those who are incorruptible, unbending and tireless in their insistence on the rights of the persecuted, the oppressed and the murdered.
This widespread error of defining peace as 'anti-war' rather than `anti-violence' has naturally also led to a mistaken estimate of the role of certain politicians in the struggle for peace. The best fighter for peace comes to mean someone who collects laurels at airports and in parliaments, who will pay any price to ward off the breath of war…; who is prepared to make any concessions to gain a break in the press recriminations and create a breathing space for trade and pseudo-prosperity. On the other hand people who point out the global dangers to peace from all types of violence run the risk at times of being called `warmongers' - or at least will be called so behind their backs.
How prescient.
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Churchill and anti-Semitism again
The issue of Churchill's attitude towards Jews has arisen again. The Observer has printed an article, based on a press release, referring to,
This technique always reminds me of confession evidence in miscarriages of justice where the single confession under duress overrules the hundreds of previous and subsequent denials. It makes for a good article but poor history. The problem is publicists love things like this, especially when a new book is due out, regardless of the views of the author. As for Churchill, his profound admiration of the Jews and life-long Zionism may have, at times, been tinged with the condescension and prejudice of the age, but he was no anti-Semite.
Monday, March 12, 2007
Hobsbawm and Spain again
The Spanish knew so many things that Hobsbawm will never know – and above all, they know that while Orwell's methods might not have guaranteed the victory of the Spanish Republic, those of Stalin and his admirers assured its defeat.
It is long but worth reading. The full article is here.
The future belongs to us
Sunday, March 11, 2007
The Trap
Tonight was about 'freedom' but was really an assault on managerialism which was linked to, I kid you not, The Cold War, Game Theory, Public Choice, Friedrich Hayek and R D Laing. Phew!
The film did hint at, though not carry through, a critique of cynical thinking that has leaped the barrier into full blown paranoia, which I see as the root of much conspiracy theory. I liked that but Curtis' picture of market theory is a caricature and his view of managerialism is flawed.
How I hate managerialism! It torments the life out of me and has made much working life miserable, stifling initiative and damaging what it is supposed to promote. But Curtis really doesn't do it justice. It didn't begin with game theory. What were Stalin's 5-year plans after all? They were number and target driven all right. And this points to an important fact. Managerialism has never been about liberation. Only its most optimistic advocates saw it as rooted in some form of liberty. It is about control and is a system of domination. Its roots are to be found on the left and right. It is in Taylorism, in Fabian technocracy, Stalinism, as well as some aspects of 'market' thought that Curtis picks up on. This is what Hayek was writing against, not advocating. It is what Orwell opposed. It is what Braverman wrote about, and libertarians of left and right railed against. This isn't a curious by-product of ideas that promised more liberty, but a systematic attempt to impose central control for whatever purpose. It is about centralised authority breaking the power of the autonomous.
Right target Adam, wrong analysis.
I posted this before reading Norm's exquisite parody. He clearly has psychic powers as he described the programme I watched without having seen it.
Madeleine Bunting liked the programme. I knew I had been too kind about it.
Wednesday, March 07, 2007
To deter is human
… the anti-nuclear movement claimed that MX in the US, Cruise and Pershing missiles in Europe and Trident for the UK were weapons designed to fight rather than deter a nuclear war.
The problem with Kamm's analysis is that for a deterrent to be credible it has to be useable and thus nuclear weapons had indeed to be part of a war fighting strategy. 'Massive retaliation' simply was not credible. It was the equivalent of a suicide pact. The result was that NATO developed the strategy of 'flexible response'. This accepted the assumed numerical superiority of the Warsaw Pact's conventional forces, but if there was a breakthrough by Soviet troops this would act as a 'trip wire' that would allow the first use of tactical nuclear weapons.
Whilst some of the anti-nuclear movement did misconstrue both Soviet and American intentions, the thoughtful critics of nuclear policy accepted that this strategy did indeed strengthen deterrence. Their concern was what would happen if deterrence failed. 'Flexible response' could have turned into the Schlieffen Plan for a nuclear age and become intensely dangerous, especially as 'prevailing' in a nuclear war necessarily meant being the first to attack. Kamm ignores this argument, though it is present in much of the anti-nuclear material of the 80's.
This is far from being "intellectually disreputable". It gets to the heart of the problem of deterrence theory. For a deterrent to be credible people have to be prepared to use it, yet if it is used its whole purpose will have failed and unleashed precisely what it is there to prevent. This is normally an acceptable risk, but the CND argument is that nuclear weapons are so overwhelmingly destructive that the risk undermines the effectiveness of deterrence and could possibly destroy human civilisation. It also places a reliance on human rationality that is not always borne out by experience. It is not enough simply to state that the weapons deployment was defensive and necessary, it is important to engage with the big question of the consequences of a possible failure caused by reckless, rather than rational, statesmen.
The house that Nikolai built
Saturday, March 03, 2007
Free - to have fun
This may seem a very obvious point. But the right has spent the past 30 years trying to convince everybody that it isn't true. Even policies designed to tackle poverty directly are said to make it worse. The minimum wage, we were wrongly told, would destroy jobs. Welfare is said to rot character, or to trap people in poverty - a problem that could be easily solved by making many means-tested benefits universal or possibly, as political philosophers such as Columbia University's Brian Barry propose, introducing a basic subsistence income that everybody receives from the state.
Well some of the 'right', anyway. There are a number of loons who insist that a good dose of cutting welfare will give the poor the incentive to get off their arses and become self-reliant without actually spotting that the most enterprising might do that through robbing their mews cottage. I can only see the withdrawal of subsistence as an act of violence against the poor if unaccompanied by alternatives. But the idea of a citizen's income is one that has had followers amongst libertarians and redistributionists alike. Brian Barry is from the social democratic left, building on Robert Theobald's 1966 book, The Guaranteed Income: The Next Step in Economic Evolution?. But the scheme has also been supported by the likes of Milton Friedman, whilst the Centre for Policy Studies issued a pamphlet in 1984 on it (Stephen Davies: Beveridge Revisited: new foundations for tomorrow's welfare), and The Institute for Economic Affairs has published on it too. I believe that it is still Green Party policy.
Whilst libertarians would agree with Wilby that 'the big state that the right so deplores could be a great deal smaller' if the basic income eliminated the complex mire of income-related benefits and interventionary schemes and programmes, this is not the main argument that unites left and right libertarians.
The exercise of liberty can only be meaningful if it is without artificial constraint. Economic insecurity militates against risk, poverty incapacitates people, stripping them of even simple choices. Collective measures to ensure security liberate people in all kinds of different ways. At the moment the government is deeply wedded to the idea of conditionality, not only based on income but also on behaviour. In repeating its mantra of 'no rights without responsibilities' it is extending its power to attempt to shape behaviour to meet its own idea of what a 'responsible' citizen should be. Of course that idea is firmly middle class. It is working class attitudes and mores that are attacked – 'they are fat' – 'they smoke' – 'look at their disgusting children with their hoodies'. This is nothing new. The following is a quote from a Devon fisherman about temperance campaigners, published in 1911,
There's a lot to be learnt in pubs, an' 'tis a fine affair, I reckon, for to hae a good chatter over a glass or two o' beer. If you didn't do that you'd go to bed an' sleep. An' that's all some o'em wants 'ee to do, seems so - work an' sleep - an' never enjoy no life.
The citizen's income is certainly worth exploring and there are organizations like the Basic Income Earth Network and the Citizen's Income Trust promoting it. The attraction lies in the fact that it can be more than just an anti-poverty device, it can enhance liberty and let people enjoy a life – their life, the life they want to lead. They can have fun too.
The Uses of Literacy
Fifty years ago this month, an obscure lecturer in Hull University's adult education department was surprised to find his opinions prominently displayed across the pages of several popular newspapers.
As an obscure lecturer in Hull University's successor to the Adult Education Department, the Centre for Lifelong Learning, I felt a pang of pride. This post is not about the book, it is just to celebrate the fact that, unlike so many Adult Education departments, we are still here and, for the time being, thriving. The 80's and 90's were difficult decades for all Adult Education much was lost. With the election of Labour in 1997, many of whose leading lights owed their careers to Adult Education, I thought that at least the damage would stop. Instead it has continued apace. It is a disillusion and disappointment that I find hard to forgive.
Friday, March 02, 2007
Dance of the Sugar Plump Fairy
All the way from Russia, this company has a minimum weight qualification for budding ballerinas - 17 stone. Brilliant. What role models.


text:
Oilfeed or Oil fed Drill Coolbor brand are unique with Straight Shank Spiral flutes with Internal Coolant Channels for carrying coolant directly to the cutting edge. Have longer tool life than any other drill. For drilling tough material with 135 degree split / notched point style. British made in excellent 1st quality to BS122 - Click on
Oilfeed Drills Inch to buy all sizes from 1/8" to 13/32"
Oilfeed MTS Drills Inch from 3/8" to 1-3/4"
Oilfeed MTS Long Drill Inch from1/2" to 1-1/2"
- View what customers say about Us Satisfied customers include Rolls Royce, British Petroleum, Exxon Mobil Chemical, British Airways Avionics, Scottish Power Energy, etc


text:
|Partner Login
|Partner Login
Thoroughbred Racing News
Welcome to
Winners Circle Partners
Thoroughbred horse racing is one of the most exciting sports in the country and year-round action is available at eight major racetracks in Maryland and surrounding states. While racing is known as the "Sport of Kings", the truth is most people can share in the excitement for a reasonable cost and reduced risks by joining a thoroughbred horse racing Partnership. With purses now supplemented by slots revenue at most regional tracks, there is no better time to get in the game.
Winners Circle Partners is led by an experienced owner and group of trainers that can manage any aspect of racing, including purchasing, training and racing young thoroughbreds or claiming current runners. Our goal is to accommodate all your needs and help you enjoy the thrill that thoroughbred horse racing offers.
Let Winners Circle Partners get you in the game and into the winners circle.


text:
I love how it has filled out and grown so beautifully. And this wall just bakes in the summer sun.
You cannot beat the color and texture of succulents. My new favorite plants. Here we can keep them all year as we do not have frosts very often.
That's gorgeous! What a wonderful idea.ReplyDelete
Looks great, I love the one in the back.ReplyDelete
It's beautiful, Elaine. I love the way you've planted it. I, too, am just recently getting into succulents. I planted one outside in the spring and of course, Riley's Dish Planter is full of succulents.
Thanks so much for joining in this week!
That's lovely!! Great idea!ReplyDelete
So pretty! Love this idea and can't wait to show my mom because she will love it too. I know that she will want to copy this idea for her patio.
Big Hugs,
Susan and Bentley
These are georgous!ReplyDelete
That turned out great. I love succulents and that is a wonderful way to display them.ReplyDelete
I have a few hot spots in my garden and succulents really fit the bill .
I adore succulents. So versatile, needs little water, and have such texture.
Beautiful! Those succulents look very happy indeed.
Not likely to see a sunny wall here in Ontario for a few more months...
Ahhhh...The blessings of living in Southern California! Your plants are such lush shades of green and so healthy looking. Clearly, they are happy!
Blessings, Elaine,
Carolynn xxx
Those look so great and healthy! Ours here would be drooping over the edge. Might have to try those.
I LOVE your fountain with the succulents. I too, love these plants. I love how they have that soft bluish tinge to them. I only have one, and have used it as a houseplant so far. I'll put it outside this summer. Would love to find an old fountain to plant!ReplyDelete
I adore succulents too! Yours look so lovely and are thriving in your fountain, what a great idea.
Happy weekend!
That looks so great! I think it's time for some succulents here!
hugs, Linda
Succulents are so interesting...very pretty.
Absolutely beautiful!!ReplyDelete
Good job ~ they're happy and it looks great.ReplyDelete
I would love to have this hanging on my screen porch. It would be perfect@ReplyDelete
This is so beautiful! I love to see old broken fountains used this way.
I can only grow winter hardy succulents but there are some nice ones that will over winter well here. I am envious of your variety though.
That is so gorgeous. I live in Eastern Kentucky and the winters are really cold. My hen and chicks do okay in the garden but I don't really pay much attention to them because they are out in the yard. I have a large urn (too heavy to move) that I'd love to fill with succulents but I am not sure if it survive snow and freezing temps.ReplyDelete


text:
Essential Playoff Tailgating Tips
Your team made the playoffs. Congratulations. You scored tickets to the game? Well that deserves a celebration. As winter sets in, the NFL cookout staple of tailgating becomes as much about surviving as it does gorging. Sub-zero temperatures, wind and sobriety can be a devastating combination. Here are some tips for your winter weather tailgate:
Hot Beverages: Many hardcore tailgaters will stick by their beer of choice, but for those willing to adapt; a hot cider, hot cocoa with a nice shot of choice will both be appropriate to warm you up. While on the topic of hot liquids...
Soup and Stew: Yes, you'll grill out, that's a given. But heat up some soup and stew to add to your cornucopia of delightful choices. Stew is easy to disperse, and spoons are a much easier glove-used-utensil than forks and knives. Make sure you remember the essentials: Pot, ladle, bowls, etc.
Precook Your Food: Minimize time between packaging and mouth. Always a plus. Spending less time standing around and more time eating is a must.
Styrofoam Floor: I know it may sound crazy, but take it from a seasoned Kansas City Chiefs extreme-weather tailgater; if you can stow away some sheets of styrofoam next time you get a package, it will make a world of difference beneath your feat or folding chairs when its below zero outside.
Bring the Right Gear: Don't get caught unable to light your grill in the cold wind. Frustrated fans will quickly abandon your tailgate for warmer pastures if things go south. Try an industrial lighter to get the job done, such as the Zippo Flex Neck Utility lighter to dominate the cold and wind. A regular lighter, if it even lights, may suffer at the hands of winter winds.
Game Ideas: Tossing around a football in the cold will quickly turn into tossing a frozen rock at each other's face. Combine that with wearing bulky gloves and you have a Marsha Brady situation waiting to happen. Bags (cornhole, bean bags, bag toss, whatever you call it) is the premier cold weather tailgating game. Simply, you can hold a drink in your other hand, and you won't embarrass yourself by showing off your Drew Brees (or more likely Ryan Leaf) throwing skills.
Enjoy Yourself: Sitting around talking about how cold it is will only make you feel colder. Talk about how great Aaron Rodgers is or how decent Matt Ryan is. Toss a football around for thirty seconds until your hand freezes. Just be happy you aren't a Chiefs fan or a Colts fan or one of the dozens of other team's fans sitting at home.
Tailgating is a time honored tradition in professional football, and is proven to help your home team win (actual results may vary). Making sure you're prepared for the cold weather will enhance your tailgating time. If you do decide to brave the cold and paint your chest and go hat-less, then don't cry. There's no crying in tailgating.
Kyle Ayers is a writer for CBS Local and KorkedBats.com, as well as a stand up comedian living in New York, Earth.
for more features.


text:
James A. Welton, class of 1904, was Albion College's first African American alumnus.
James A. Welton came to Albion in 1900 from Mt. Meigs, Ala., where he was born and raised by his parents, Clara and Richard, former slaves and sharecroppers.
Before arriving in Michigan, Welton attended the Normal School for Colored Children in Montgomery, Alabama, and then served as the assistant principal of the public school for black children in Mt. Meigs.
During his tenure at Albion, Welton received his teaching certificate and became well known for his exceptional oratorical abilities. He was elected class treasurer during his junior year and periodically wrote articles for the Pleiad and the yearbook. After Albion, Welton returned to the Normal School in Montgomery. He taught math and Latin and served for one year as the school's football coach. He also worked as the superintendent of the religious school at the Dexter Avenue Baptist Church (later to become famous when the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. became the church's pastor). He married in 1906 and later moved in with his wife and children to Birmingham, Ala., where he worked as the principal of an elementary school until his death in 1929.
Welton posthumously received Albion College's Distinguished Alumni Award in 2002, the first and only alumnus/a to be so honored.
The home of the Black Student Allicance is named after Welton as The James Welton House, located at 1109 Jackson St.


text:
Palestine and the World Heritage Convention
Since Palestine was admitted to UNESCO on 31 October, there have been several misleading media reports about the status of Palestinian cultural heritage sites. Here is how UNESCO's World Heritage Committee works and what it has done with respect to cultural sites in Palestine.
The World Heritage Committee inscribes sites it considers to be of "outstanding universal value." Nominations must include legal and management provisions to ensure they are properly conserved. The Committee is an intergovernmental body with a membership of 21 State Parties elected by an assembly of all States Parties to the World Heritage Convention. There are no quotas for regional groups, but it is established practice to ensure an equitable representation of different regions and cultures.
The UNESCO office in Ramallah has been implementing projects to preserve cultural heritage in the Palestinian territories since it was established in early 1998. In 2002, the World Heritage Committee recognized the potential outstanding universal value of the Palestinian heritage and requested the UNESCO Secretariat to help the Palestinian Authority protect it. Since then, the World Heritage Committee has funded the preparation of an inventory of cultural and natural heritage sites in Palestine. It has also funded specific conservation projects for sites included in the inventory and a range of capacity-building activities. The inventory is not official since Palestine was not a signatory to the World Heritage Convention when it was prepared.
Now that it has signed and accepted UNESCO's Constitution, Palestine can ratify UNESCO Conventions, including the World Heritage Convention. Membership in the Convention becomes active three months after ratification.
Once it becomes a State Party to the World Heritage Convention, Palestine will be able to submit nominations of sites for inscription on the World Heritage List.
All States Parties must present the World Heritage Committee with a Tentative List of sites they intend to nominate one year before nominations are submitted.
Decisions on inscription are made by the World Heritage Committee, upon the recommendation of the International Council on Monuments and Sites or the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, the two advisory bodies for cultural heritage and natural heritage respectively. Nominations must be submitted by State Parties before 1 February every year if they are to be examined during the Committee session the following calendar year.
Thus, Palestine's sites could not normally be considered for inscription by the World Heritage Committee before 2014, unless it is determined that a nomination needs to be processed on an emergency basis. Emergency processing can occur when a site unquestionably meets the criteria for inscription on the World Heritage List and has suffered damage or faces serious and specific dangers from natural events or human activities. It is then considered at the next annual meeting of the World Heritage Committee.


text:
1 hr 15 mins
91 m
Moderate track
(0km) Wattamolla Picnic Ground Toilet Block → Overflow Carpark
150 m
4 mins
Easy track
(0.15km) Overflow Carpark → Curracurrang Cove
1.4 km
26 mins
Moderate track
Curracurrang Cove
Maps for the Wattamola picnic area to Curracurrang Cove walkYou can download the PDF for this walk to print a map.
These maps below cover the walk and the wider area around the walk, they are worth carrying for safety reasons.
|1:25 000 Map Series
|Port Hacking
|1:100 000 Map Series
Cross sectional view of the Wattamola picnic area to Curracurrang Cove bushwalking track
Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Wattamola picnic area to Curracurrang Cove
Overview of this walks grade – based on the AS 2156.1 – 2001
Under this standard, a walk is graded based on the most difficult section of the walk.
|3.1 km
|1 hr 15 mins
Grade 3/6
Moderate track
|Short steep hills (3/6)
|Quality of track
|Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
|Clearly signposted (1/6)
|Experience Required
|No experience required (1/6)
|Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)
|Generally useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats) (1/6)
Some more details of this walks Grading
Here is a bit more details explaining grading looking at sections of the walk
Around 1.4km of this walk has short steep hills, whilst the remaining 150m has gentle hills with occasional steps.
Quality of track
Around 1.4km of this walk follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles, whilst the remaining 150m follows a smooth and hardened path.
This whole walk, 1.6km is clearly signposted.
Experience Required
This whole walk, 1.6km requires no previous bushwalking experience.
This whole walk, 1.6km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).
This whole walk, 1.6km is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats).
Similar walks
The walk from Wattamolla picnic area to Eagle Rock is an excellent way to see the the Royal coastline and the Eagle Rock formation. This walk heads south from Wattamolla, following the Coast Track, leaving the sea cliffs for a while to pass through some beautiful heath, then back to the coast, to the Eagle Rock Lookout. The walk returns to Wattamolla the same way, for a bite to eat and a swim.
Total climbing: 292m
7.4 km Return
3 hrs
Moderate track
The Wattamolla to Garie Beach walk is a scenic coastal stroll which takes you along the top of the coastal cliffs, before dropping down to the fantastic Garie Beach. The coastal cliffs give views out to sea, with many ledges also giving views down onto the waves crashing into the rock. The descent onto Garie Beach has some of the best views of coastline in the Royal National Park.
Total climbing: 317m
7.6 km One way
3 hrs 30 mins
Hard track
This is a long and scenic walk down to Garie Beach. The walk travels along the ridge and then the heath covered cliff edge, with views over the coast and far out to see, as it meanders along to the beautiful Garie Beach. The descent from the headland onto Garie Beach also gives magnificent views of the coast to the south.
Total climbing: 357m
13.3 km One way
5 hrs
Hard track
Following the coast through the Royal National Park with its magnificent coastal views, this walk is truly amazing. Although walked traditionally from Bundeena, this direction makes for a shorter first day. There are coastal and cliff views along much of this walk. There are also a small house communities early in the walk. Stay overnight at North Era Campsite. Water is very limited it is best to carry all the water you need.
Total climbing: 1244m
27.4 km One way
2 Days
Hard track
Heading south, this walk covers the coastline of the Royal National Park and can truly only be described as amazing. With breathtaking coastal views from Bundeena to Otford this walk follows the cliffs along a well managed and signposted track. You will enjoy the truly fantastic views out to sea and along the cliffs. Make an early start for day two, it is bigger that it appears.
Total climbing: 1351m
27.4 km One way
2 Days
Hard track
Other Nearby walks
1.7 km Return
45 mins
Moderate track
This walk is an excellent loop which takes in both the coast and the heathy inland of Royal National Park. Nearly the whole walk has views of the sea. Big Marley and Little Marley are great places to wet the feet. The dunes behind Big Marley are also worth exploring, as is Deer Pools if time allows.
Total climbing: 343m
10.4 km Circuit
4 hrs
Moderate track
Providential Point is a quick and easy walk to see some beautiful coastline. The walk passes through the Providential Point campsite and continues out to the fenced cliff edge. These views are complemented by the large cliffs on either side of the lookout on this great short walk.
Total climbing: 49m
1.6 km Return
45 mins
Easy track
This isn't a particularly special walk, but is a nice way to see different heath environments. The walk follows an old road which has now been turned into a service trail. There are many wildflowers and banksia along this walk, providing great flower displays in the warmer months of the year.
Total climbing: 50m
4.1 km One way
1 hr 30 mins
Moderate track
This walk is the most direct route down to Big and Little Marley. The beaches are fantastic, secluded areas with Big Marley hosting a large sand dune and lagoon. The beaches are not patrolled and can have dangerous surf conditions, so take care. Deer Pool, and it's waterfall, is also a highlight on the walk in.
Total climbing: 245m
9.7 km Return
3 hrs 30 mins
Hard track
3.8 km Return
1 hr 30 mins
Hard track
This walk takes you down from the ridge to the quiet Deer Pool on Marley Creek. You pass the Big and Little Marley beaches, with an optional side trip to Wattamola Dam. This side trip is well worth it on a hot day to take a dip. The walk then leads away from the coast to loop back to the starting point on Bundeena Drive.
Total climbing: 353m
11 km Circuit
4 hrs 30 mins
Hard track
This walk becomes more interesting once you reach the end of the service trail section and start on the bush track. There are great views going down the hill, and once at Bola Creek the track meanders alongside the creek, through a dark forest, until meeting up with Lady Carrington Dr.
Total climbing: 74m
4.7 km One way
1 hr 45 mins
Moderate track
Winding next to Bola Creek, the Wallumarra bush track is very pretty, as is the track to Palona. Great rest areas at Bola Picnic Area, and next to the waterfall at Palona Cave, cap off a great walk. While the Wallumarra service trail and the side trip to the Beehives are not the most interesting tracks in Royal National Park, the Wallumarra bush track and the trail to Palona Cave make up for this.
Total climbing: 439m
11.8 km Return
4 hrs 30 mins
Hard track
Initially following a section of service trail, this walk heads along the ridge before descending to Bola Creek. The walk becomes more enjoyable after the service trail section, especially down on the creek as the walk winds its way through the forest. After a short break at the Bola Picnic Area, the walk circles around, following the Forest Path. This track was one of the first in Royal National Park (established in 1886) and still remains very pretty.
Total climbing: 470m
12.5 km Circuit
4 hrs 30 mins
Moderate track
This walk follows Mount Bass Fire Trail, then a bush track, to Winifred Falls. Be prepared to get your feet wet crossing upper Winifred Falls. The Winifred Falls are really nice, and can be complemented by the brilliant side trip down to to South West Arm pools. These pools are a great place for a swim and a bite to eat before returning to the road.
Total climbing: 213m
6.7 km Return
2 hrs 30 mins
Hard track
This short walk explores a piece of the Royal National Park, with lovely wildflowers in spring, and some great sandstone rock formations. The main highlight is the creek. Flat Rock Creek, as the name suggests, has a solid and flat bed. The rock is red in colour and the water flows across the width of the creek. This spot is great on a sunny day to contrast the blue sky with the red rock.
Total climbing: 21m
294 m Return
15 mins
Moderate track
Plan your trip to and from the walk hereThe Wattamola picnic area to Curracurrang Cove walk starts and ends at the Wattamolla Picnic Ground Toilet Block (gps: -34.138377, 151.11485)
Your main transport option to Wattamolla Picnic Ground Toilet Block is by;
Car. There is free parking available.
(get details)
Fire DangerEach park may have its own fire ban, this rating is only valid for today and is based on information from the RFS Please check the RFS Website for more information.
Weather ForestThis walk starts in the Metropolitan weather district always check the formal BOM forecast or pdf before starting your walk.
Forecast snapshot
Park Information & Alerts
Short URL = http://wild.tl/wpatcc
Gallery images
There are other downloads I am still working on.
You will probably need to login to access these — still all free.
* KML (google earth file)
* GPX (GPS file)
Special Maps/ brochures
* A3 topo maps
* PDF with Lands Topo map base
* PDF with arial image (and map overlay)
I wanted to get the main site live first, this extra stuff will come in time.
Happy walking
Matt 🙂


text:
2023-10-02 15:48:56
Given the nature and quality of work undertaken by us, our team consists of individuals who have intellectual horsepower, are collaborative in a team setting and have excellent execution skills. The richness of our backgrounds gives us the range of expertise we need to tackle our clients' most complex problems.
Our highly qualified team of analysts has completed their post graduation in different fields of management, Biotechnology, Information Technology etc. and has relevant experience in their respective fields. The team draws on its collective industry experience to deliver analysis, comments, opinions and advice on the latest market trends and conditions.
Our Quality assurance team is responsible for the cross verification of the data and sources, factual checking, data consistency, flow of information, etc. They come from varied backgrounds and professional degree in B.tech, Mathematics, Statistics, Economic (hons.) etc.
Our creative team of content writers undertakes research on industry related topics and regularly pitches articles, reports and manages content for our website.
Pre and post sales and marketing team interact with clients on regular basis and is also involved in brand awareness of the company.


text:
Crochet Hoops by Two Butterflies
Sewing Machine Hoop Art by 2 Little Superheroes
DIY Crate Shelves by Morning by Morning Productions
Strawberry Heart Cupcakes by Scattered Thoughts of a Crafty Mom
Your Whims Wednesday!
Thank you for hosting Rebecca!ReplyDelete
Thanks so much for featuring my crocheted hoop earrings!!!ReplyDelete
Thanks so much for hosting and for the feature!ReplyDelete
Thanks for hosting a fantastic party Rebecca! Hope you have a wonderful week!
Becky @ Posh Pink Giraffe
Thanks so much for hosting! Have a fabulous week!
Thanks for hosting another great party.
Hi Rebecca! Thank you for hosting, it's always a thrill to be party of your wonderful parties. Have a happy day :-)ReplyDelete
Thank you for hosting a great party!ReplyDelete
Great features! Thanks for hosting!
Have a nice day!
Thanks for the party!! :)ReplyDelete
Thanks for hosting and for featuring my closet organization! I also love the crate feature...good choice!ReplyDelete
Thank you for hosting. I'm linking and following from Fluster Buster. I would love it if you would stop by and link up to my party Fluster's Creative Muster.
Hugs and Smiles,
What a great party you are hosting! I'm new to link up here and very excited about it. I would love for you to come visit our blog Huckleberry love sometime!
Thanks for being an awesome host! I haven't been around blogging for a while, and it's fun to be back! :)ReplyDelete
Hi Rebecca! Thanks for featuring my heart cupcakes! Have a great rest of the wee!
Just found your lovely blog...a delight to follow & share link love with!ReplyDelete
Hi, Rebecca
Love partying with you. Thank you for hosting.


text:
Table of contents | Policy brief (pdf)
As global competition intensifies and innovation becomes riskier and more costly, the business sector has been internationalising knowledge-intensive corporate functions, including R&D. At the same time, companies are increasingly opening their innovation processes and collaborating on innovation with external partners (suppliers, customers, universities, etc.).
What drives these global innovation networks across different industries? How are they related to companies' overall strategies? Are they accessible for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)?
Such global networks clearly have important implications for policy making, given the important role of innovation in OECD countries' economic growth.
This publication presents the findings of a recent OECD project on globalisation and open innovation, expanding upon work carried out by the OECD following a March 2005 OECD forum on the internationalisation of R&D. It also builds on information in a chapter of the OECD Science, Technology and Industry Outlook 2006 on the internationalisation of R&D, as well as a volume entitled The Internationalisation of Business R&D: Evidence, Impacts and Implications, published by the OECD in June 2008. Presentations and discussions at a symposium on open innovation in global networks (Copenhagen, February 2008) were another source of important input to this publication. The report also draws heavily on a large number of company case studies in various countries that were undertaken by national experts.
Executive Summary (download)
Chapter 1. Open Innovation in Global Networks
The concept of open innovation | Applications of open innovation: user innovation, lead markets and open source | Open innovation in the innovation literature | Drivers of open innovation: demand and supply factors | Global networks and innovation ecosystems | Open innovation across industries | Modes of open innovation | The advantages and disadvantages of global innovation networks | Global innovation networks and intellectual property
Chapter 2. Empirical Measures of Open Innovation
Case studies and surveys | Trends in R&D collaboration | Innovation surveys: the role of networks and collaboration | Patents: co-inventions and co-applications | Trends in licensing | Some tentative conclusions
Chapter 3. Insights from the Company Case Studies
General overview | Quantitative findings on the globalisation of innovation | Qualitative findings: open innovation on a global scale | Towards an integrated model of open innovation
Chapter 4. Policy Implications
Policy issues related to globalisation and open innovation | Policy responses | Towards a different innovation policy?
How to obtain this publication
Readers can access the full version of this book choosing from the following options:
Related Documents


text:
Drought Led to Collapse of Civilizations, Study Says
Study of fossilized pollen helps solve an intriguing historical mystery.
What happened about 3,200 years ago to bring about the collapse of not just one but a number of flourishing civilizations on the eastern shores of the Mediterranean?
A study of fossilized pollen particles taken from sediments at the bottom of the Sea of Galilee may have solved an intriguing historical mystery that has been troubling archaeologists for decades.
"In a short period of time, the entire world of the Bronze Age crumbled," says Israel Finkelstein, an archaeologist at the Institute of Archaeology at Tel Aviv University, who was one of the lead scientists in the study.
"The Hittite Empire, Egypt of the pharaohs, the Mycenaean culture in Greece, the copper-producing kingdom located on the island of Cyprus, the great trade emporium of Ugarit on the Syrian coast, and the Canaanite city—states under Egyptian hegemony—all disappeared and only after a while were replaced by the territorial kingdoms of the Iron Age, including Israel and Judah."
Wars, pestilence, and sudden natural disasters have all been postulated as possible causes, but now, thanks to sophisticated pollen-sampling techniques and advances in radiocarbon dating, Finkelstein and his colleagues believe they know the primary culprit: drought, or rather a succession of severe droughts over a 150-year period from 1250 BCE to about 1100 BCE.
These fairly precise dates come from core samples drilled into the sediments at the bottom of the Sea of Galilee. The drill cores extended 18 meters into the seabed and cut across a range of sediments deposited over the past 9,000 years.
Pollen: "Fingerprints" of Plants
"We focused our study on the time interval between 3200 BCE and 500 BCE," says Dafna Langgut, a University of Tel Aviv palynologist (one who studies ancient pollens). She, along with Finkelstein and University of Bonn geology professor Thomas Litt, authored the study, which appeared this week in Tel Aviv: Journal of the Institute of Archaeology of Tel Aviv University.
By studying pollen samples taken at 40-year intervals, the scientists were able to monitor changes in the vegetation. "Pollen grains are the 'fingerprints' of plants," says Langgut. "They are extremely helpful in the reconstruction of ancient natural vegetation and past climate conditions."
The scientists noticed a sharp decline around 1250 BCE in oaks, pines, and carob trees—the traditional flora of the Mediterranean in the Late Bronze Age—and an increase in the types of plants usually found in semiarid desert regions. There was also a big drop in the number of olive trees, an indication that horticulture was on the wane. All are signs, say the researchers, that the region was in the grip of regular and sustained droughts.
Shortages and Unrest
The most crucial years of the collapse were probably between 1185 and 1130 BCE, says Finkelstein, but the entire process extended over a longer period of time.
"I think that climate change can be seen as a sort of a 'prime mover' that initiated other processes," says Finkelstein. "For example, groups of people in the northern regions were uprooted from their homes because of destruction of the agricultural output, and [they] started moving in search of food. They could have pushed other groups to move by land and sea. And this in turn caused destructions and disruption of the delicate trade system of the eastern Mediterranean."
The dates the researchers came up with via pollen analysis correspond nicely to the few remaining historical records of the period, which mention shortages of grain, disruption of trade routes, civil unrest, and pillaging of cities as people began to fight over diminishing resources. The Late Bronze Age was also a period when marauding bands known as the Sea Peoples raided coastal areas in the eastern Mediterranean.
The tumultuous period ended only when rains returned and uprooted groups began to settle down again.


text:
Skid-Steer Loader MaintenanceSkid-Steer Loader Maintenance
Here are some tried, true and new routines for keeping your workhorse machine in order.
July 17, 2012
A well-maintained skid-steer loader can be one of the most dependable, versatile and highly productive machines in a beef operation. You can significantly extend the life of your machine by following the manufacturer's routine maintenance recommendations. Good daily maintenance can be further strengthened with a commitment to getting current on the kits that can enhance preventive care and the advanced fluids required for compact equipment compliancy with the EPA's emission standards.
You know how inconvenient breakdowns can be. There's rarely time to trailer equipment to the dealership for repair, much less schedule a service truck to drive out to your farm. Plus, your herd doesn't know downtime. So it's vital to have a working loader.
Perform daily basics
Since you perform most of your own skid-steer loader maintenance, it's important to take time for daily visual inspections of the machine and its components and to complete basic procedures. In fact, daily maintenance is the single most important aspect for overall longevity of a loader. When done properly, it can prevent the majority of issues. Most manufacturers' operation and maintenance manuals and some engine compartment decals provide instruction on daily fluid-level checks, such as engine oil, hydraulic oil and coolants.
Measurable fluid loss may indicate loose hoses, fittings or other potential damage. It's also important to make sure that the fluids and filters are changed at scheduled intervals and are running at proper temperatures. As oils and coolants age, their additives break down and begin to impact performance. Additionally, it's important to grease pins and bushings at a manufacturer's specified intervals to minimize wear on pivot points.
Prepare for the season
Depending on the time of year, plan to take some special steps in your fluid maintenance plan. Follow these tips for cold weather:
Select engine oil viscosity to match the expected temperature range.
Use low-temperature grease for proper lubrication on pivot points.
Use fuel rated for colder temperatures. Some areas provide winter fuel that is blended or refined for the region to improve flow.
In hot weather, follow these tips:
Select engine oil viscosity to match the expected temperature range.
Frequently monitor coolant levels.
Keep cooling components like the radiator and oil cooler clean to maximize their efficiency.
Treat attachments equal
A skid-steer loader's attachments are the tools that deliver the versatility you need to move commodities, build fences, cut brush or push snow. Attachments such as augers, grapples, rotary cutters, snow blades and snowblowers deserve the same attention as the machine itself.
Visual checks of attachment components such as hoses, cylinders and guards, auger flighting and teeth, cutting blades and edges can detect if wear is developing or damage has occurred. Some attachments also require fluid-level checks and lubrication.
Reduce worksite debris
Because beef operations typically handle a significant amount of commodities such as feed, hay silage and bedding, skid-steer loaders are regularly exposed to airborne debris. According to Mike Perry, service manager at Bobcat of Wooster in Ohio, accumulation from moving these materials can impact machine performance and engine life.
"If you're not cleaning the chaff and silage off of radiators and oil cooler screens, it can cause issues ranging from slight engine overheating to more major and costly repairs," Perry says.
To further reduce problems from this floating debris, some manufacturers offer engine guard kits to enhance running time and durability. These kits can provide extra protection for engine compartments with debris screens for radiators, muffler guards and lift cylinder debris shields.
Pair advanced fluids to Tier 4 machines
Today's skid-steer engines burn cleaner and run hotter. As the EPA's engine emissions standards are taking effect in the compact equipment industry, equipment owners must be more knowledgeable about fuel and oil selection to prevent downtime issues. Interim Tier 4 and Tier 4 engines require ultra-low sulfur diesel that burns cleaner in the new exhaust treatment devices and systems designed to lower engine emissions. CJ-4 oil is required for these engines as it is formulated to reduce ash. Additional filters on storage and transfer tanks will also help ensure clean fluids are used to minimize downtime.
Create good habits
Even if it's not always convenient to make time for routine skid-steer loader maintenance, it's worth every minute. You can speed up the process on machines that provide quick access to daily engine checkpoints. Items like easily visible hydraulic sight gauges and reachable grease zerk locations on critical pivot points make it simpler to perform greasing procedures. Removable screens and tip-up components also simplify oil cooler and radiator cleaning.
If you keep routine maintenance simple and become knowledgeable about industry-leading enhancements, you'll stay ahead of costly repairs.
You May Also Like
The dollars and sense of sustainabilityFeb 18, 2023
Recent Headlines
Current Conditions for
New York, NY
Day 77º
Night 62º
Enter a zip code to see the weather conditions for a different location.


text:
Fast growing and low maintenance shrubs your garden needs this spring.
Happy Wednesday! Has Spring arrived in your neck of the woods? We've been in a state of 'weather whiplash' lately with rain, blustery winds, hail, freeze warnings, a tornado watch and 80 degree temperatures. . . all in one week! I'm thankful that the only snowballs I've seen with this crazy spring weather are the ones that are blooming!
Chinese Snowball Viburnum's hydrangea-like blooms start out a soft spring green, changing over to cream and transitioning to white. It grows in zones 6 – 9 with a mature height and spread of 6 – 10 feet. It blooms on old wood, so you want to prune or shape soon after it finishes blooming. It's wonderfully low maintenance, easy to grow and thrives in full or partial sun. If you don't know your gardening zone, you can find a USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map and search by zip code, here. We're in zone 7b in our area of North Carolina.
Doublefile Viburnum is another low maintenance beauty. . . plant her a sunny spot, give her plenty of room and watch her grow!
It's hard to tell from my photo but she's as wide or wider than tall, growing to 8 – 10 feet in height and matures to 15 – 20 feet wide.
The blooms grow out horizontally on the branches and resemble lace-cap hydrangeas.
Our Doublefile Viburnum is a 'Shasta' variety and receives full sun and grows in USDA zones 5 – 9.
Bridal Wreath Spirea has been beautiful this year! The graceful arching branches and have an old-fashioned appeal and look of a cottage garden.
It blooms best in full sun but will tolerate partial shade.
Prune or shape your bridal wreath immediately after it blooms. Cut back a third of the canes, preferably the oldest and tallest, all the way to the ground to preserve the shrub's naturally arching shape.
It's a fast grower and is hardy in USDA zones 4 – 8 with a height of 5 – 9 feet and mature spread of 6 – 8 feet.
We planted another snowball viburnum by my Potting Shed two years ago.
It has been blooming with white snowballs for the first time this spring!
I highly recommend you plant a snowball viburnum if you have room in your landscape!
♥ Keep Calm and Garden On ♥
DIY Hand Stamped Garden Markers tutorial, here.


text:
As you all know by now I am a huge fan of shopping online. There are many reasons I enjoy shopping online and the biggest I think, is convenience. Being able to order what my family needs and have it shipped right to my door saves me time and money. Often by the time I could get out the door to shop, I am too tired. I do not want to drive 30 mins each way to fight the crowds. When I go into the store, I often buy more than I intended on as well. So shopping online is a great option for me.
Every month there are items we need to stock up on. Having a big family with teenagers, our bathroom needs to be well stocked. Hygiene items, body wash, cosmetics, vitamins and cleaning supplies need to be purchased often. If we do not have them in the house, chaos will break out.
I have started getting my family to make a list and eave it on the fridge. Any items that we need to picked up, are added to the list. They need to be very specific and they have to give me notice or their requests may get missed.
Last week there was a list and I knew I would not be heading into town any time soon. So I went online and placed an order with HealthSnap.ca
HealthSnap is a 100% Canadian online retail site based out of Toronto, Ontario. HealthSnap sells thousands of products that fall into a number of different categories including: Baby & Mom, Beauty & Skin Care, Diet & Fitness, Household, Medicine, Personal Care, Sexual Wellness, and Vitamins & Supplements.
To make the online shopping experience on HealthSnap even more accessible and convenient HealthSnap has partnered with a number of local pharmacies to give HealthSnap users the option of ordering through HealthSnap for either Home Delivery or Pharmacy Pickup at a convenient pharmacy in their neighborhood.
We are particularly excited about the Pharmacy Pickup option because not only does it allow HealthSnap users the potential of faster deliveries (as early as the same day!) and lower shipping costs (Pharmacy Pickup orders are always free, regardless of the value), but it also helps support small local businesses in this increasingly digital and hyper-competitive economy.
With free home delivery cross Canada on orders over $50, I knew I was at the right place. They had everything I needed and more!
- Beauty products
- Skin care
- Personal care
- Medicine
- Vitamins
- Baby and mom needs
- Household
- and personal care products
This Canadian company loves to support small businesses and local mom and pop shops. If you are in the GTA area, you can get your delivery sent to a local pharmacy for pick up. For those in the GTA, they offer Next Day shipping to any of their partnering pharmacies. This is great when you are planning your daily errands and need something quick!
Searching for what I needed was easy and quick! The search bar allows you to choose brands, products, or search by symptom. Many options would come up and I could choose by brand, price and quantity.
Each product shows a price, customer rating, description, ingredients and directions for use. Payment options include; Paypal and all major Credit cards. I ordered a bunch of products and they arrived in just a few days by Canada Post. HealthSnap.ca emailed me notifications every step of the way to inform me of my order, shipment etc.
Everything arrived bubble wrapped and protected and before we officially ran out of what the family needed. I am so excited about shopping more often on HealthSnap.ca as it is saving me so much time and money. They have everything I could possibly need and more.
HealthSnap is offering one Canadian reader a great Olay bundle including the following valued at $89.99
- Olay Total Effects 7-in-1 Anti-Aging Moisturizer Plus Touch of Sun (50 mL)
- Olay Total Effects 7-in-1 Anti-Aging Touch of Foundation Moisturizer (50 mL)
- Olay Total Effects 7-in-1 Anti-Aging Night Firming Treatment (50 mL)
This post has been brought to you by HealthSnap.ca All opinions are honest and my own