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The Ed Reed suspension drew a strong reaction from defensive players all over the NFL this week, but don't get this mixed up. The sanctions against the Baltimore Ravens All-Pro safety simply served as the tipping point for a group of guys who have grown to feel like second-class citizens in a first-class league.
Two days after Reed's suspension was levied, and a day after it was reduced to a $50,000 fine on appeal, I was on the phone with 10-year veteran Bradie James, now with the Houston Texans. The linebacker used a question about the absence of Brian Cushing as a launching point for getting into a deeper topic.
"When Cushing got hurt -- and I just wanna put this out there -- we got a chance to see the discrepancy in fines," James said, steering the conversation in another direction. "That was a season-ending injury, and (New York Jets guard Matt) Slauson got $10,000. Meanwhile, (Texans linebacker Tim) Dobbins gets $30,000 for hitting a quarterback. That's a discrepancy in the fine system, offense vs. defense. Pretty simple."
Pro football players understand that their time is limited, and that teams are unapologetic about moving on from guys who have seen a brutal game take a toll on their body.
It's not hard to understand why the protection of their careers is a sensitive subject with players. And as James said, the average defensive player's view is likewise easy to comprehend. Rules are in place to mitigate the physical on-field risk for offensive skill players, and quarterbacks in particular; the feeling is that there isn't equity in that area for the folks on the other side of the line of scrimmage.
"We do take offense to it," San Francisco 49ers safety Donte Whitner, a seven-year vet, told me over the phone on Wednesday. "But that's the nature of the business. We always get the short end of the stick. The rules they put in are always designed to help out the offense."
The league, as you might imagine, disagrees with that assertion.
NFL executive vice president of football operations Ray Anderson recently studied the numbers. He said he found that the split between fines for illegal shots by offensive players and those by defensive guys is "much more balanced than you might think." And he was resolute in emphasizing that there isn't a bias.
"We have constantly made sure to protect all players, and we've expanded some of the rules in response to what defensive coaches and players have told us," Anderson said. "We added protection on illegal crack-back blocks, the plays when the H-backs and receivers come back to the interior of the line; those defensive guys are protected as defenseless players."
Anderson added that, in light of Cushing's injury, "There's no question the competition committee is going to take a look at all the low blocks we've seen, including chop blocks, in the offseason. So our response would be that we've taken recent action, responded to some concerns and hope to continue to take significant steps to protect all players."
You'd have trouble finding many defensive players who believe the league has done enough.
Whitner raised the point that some blocks that are outlawed on kickoffs and punts are legal for offensive players. It's clear that the problems, in these guys' minds, can't be boiled down to a couple of categories.
"I'm not gonna beat around the bush," Detroit Lions safety Louis Delmas said. "There's no possible way to beat around the bush. They definitely don't protect us at all. I know they can do a better job, as far as cut blocks, high/lows. I don't understand why a runner can put his hands on your facemask, but as soon as you go to put your hands on his facemask, it's a penalty. I don't understand it. But I hope in the near future, the league will do a better job of actually looking at plays and seeing why they're fining guys."
One reason that Anderson provided for the disparity -- and he didn't dispute that defensive players have been disciplined significantly more than their offensive counterparts -- is the league's effort to get concussions under control. This part, to Anderson, is simple. The nature of the game being what it is, there are going to be more high hits from defensive players than offensive players. So the initiative to curb head shots is going to skew the numbers against the defensive players.
"If you're up around the head and neck area, it's gonna be treated more severely, because of the concern with concussions and the life-altering potential there," said Anderson. "Folks will disagree with it, but we've made the determination that hits in the head and neck area, particularly if they're flagrant, are ones we're going to come down harder on. That's the candid truth. But that doesn't mean hits like the one on Cushing won't get attention. You'll probably see significant upgrades on the fines on those going forward."
For the time being, as Detroit defensive end Cliff Avril put it, defensive players feel like "we have to protect ourselves." And no matter how Anderson or the league frame things, the players believe the NFL has its motive, and they think it's centered on the fact that, in Whitner's words, "Scoring points is at a premium -- it sells tickets, it gets ratings -- and playing good defense and stopping teams doesn't do that."
The hope from those guys is that Anderson delivers on his promise, and that change is on the way.
"It's crazy," Delmas said. "We're not just talking about fines, about money; we're talking about guys' careers. Dude cut-blocked Cushing from the back without him looking; (Cushing's) out for the whole season, but (Slauson's) fined $10,000. It's not about money. Crazy. It's about protecting guys."
Players on the spot
The intense race for the playoffs is in full gear. Check out the latest situation in the postseason chase. More ...
Minnesota Vikings DE Jared Allen: Doesn't matter if it's Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler or backup Jason Campbell that Allen is getting after on Sunday; this is the type of game that Allen should have a chance to impact. He said earlier in the week that the first priority is stopping the run, but the All-Pro's ability to abuse Bears left tackle J'Marcus Webb on passing downs has to be a huge concern for Chicago. That matchup will be key to the Vikings' attempt to reach seven wins.
Indianapolis Colts ILB Pat Angerer: Despite last week's blowout loss to the New England Patriots, Indianapolis remains in the thick of the playoff hunt in the watered-down AFC. And for a young team that's been through a lot, this week's matchup is a big one. The Buffalo Bills have played well in their last two games and will be coming off 10 days of rest. The biggest issue for the Colts will be dealing with running backs C.J. Spiller and Fred Jackson, which puts Angerer in the crosshairs.
Green Bay Packers K Mason Crosby: First time I've shined the light on a kicker here, but it's that time of year, when the stretch run looms and contenders with guys struggling at the position have to consider making a change. And make no mistake: Crosby is struggling, having hit just six of his last 13 field-goal attempts. Making a big kick on Sunday night against the New York Giants could buy Crosby a reprieve -- if he misses one, he could get a ticket out of town.
Atlanta Falcons QB Matt Ryan: It's a credit to Atlanta that the Falcons have been able to win on Ryan's two bad days this season (against the Oakland Raiders in October and the Arizona Cardinals last week). Ryan bounced back after the Raiders game with a huge performance against the Philadelphia Eagles. To keep the NFC South race from opening back up, Ryan will need to do it again, this time against a Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense that will make Ryan beat it (the unit ranks No. 1 against the run).
Coaches in the spotlight
San Francisco 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh: I applaud the guts Harbaugh is showing by going with quarterback Colin Kaepernick. I, like everyone else, was also impressed with what I saw on Monday night. But don't confuse what's happening here. This is a risk, asking a young, inexperienced player to lead a Super Bowl contender's huddle starting in mid-November. Harbaugh's gotten a lot right in his two seasons. So this will be fascinating.
Arizona Cardinals offensive coordinator Mike Miller: The Cardinals rank 31st in the NFL in total offense and 30th in scoring offense, a level of production that hasn't been unfamiliar since Kurt Warner and former coordinator Todd Haley left. The organization really likes rookie quarterback Ryan Lindley, so now he gets his shot to effect change. And it's high time that some quarterback -- any quarterback -- shows progress under Miller and his staff.
Something to spot on Monday night
Job security. Or lack thereof. Normally, I focus on the Thursday game here, but because of the holiday week, we're looking ahead to the Rubbernecker's Special in Philly. Both Philadelphia Eagles coach Andy Reid and Carolina Panthers head man Ron Rivera (Reid's former linebackers coach) are under fire, and the heat will be turned up on the loser of this nationally televised affair. The key for both men is to find a way to show promise around their respective young quarterbacks.
Spot check
The Denver Broncos' run defense: Of late, Denver's defense has gotten better as quickly as the offense, improving to fifth in the NFL in total D and sixth against the run. But when the Broncos struggled earlier in the year, it was because guys like New England Patriots RB Stevan Ridley and Houston Texans RB Arian Foster helped their offenses control the game. The Kansas City Chiefs aren't exactly a top-level test for the Broncos, but Jamaal Charles and Co. could provide a measuring stick on the ground.
Follow Albert Breer on Twitter @AlbertBreer.


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Aussie retailer GASP made headlines this week with its insanely rude response to a customer complaint. Now another dissatisfied customer shares her story.
Apparently a salesperson told the new complainant, "Look at what you're wearing. Let me find you something to wear so that you can dress good for once in your life!" And when she declined to buy anything (we can't imagine why), he called her a "fat bitch." This star employee turns out to be the same one who caused the initial email flap by implying that customer Keara O'Neil was fat and dowdy. And the chain remains unrepentant — says manager Matthew Chidgey, "Our shops are packed, everyone knows us now and I can't thank [O'Neil] enough for what she did for us." And in an email to the Herald Sun, Chidgey added,
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More Gasps As Shop Service Spat Spreads [The Age]
Gasp Clothing's Email Scandal Unveils Infamous Customer Service [IBTimes]


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Farewell to Spring
The summer issue of World Ark magazine will hit mailboxes in less than two weeks. Before it does, take a few minutes to revisit the spring issue online. Donna Stokes took us to a women's project in Nepal. Ragan Sutterfield looked at Haiti's pig
Date: May 28, 2010


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I made this LED suit. It's made out of about a hundred button pins I designed that each have 6 RGB LEDs. You can find more information about the button pins here. They are all networked to share power and each button pin can send messages to their neighbors.
Each pin has a button, and pushing this button will generate a new pattern randomly (flash type, flashing speed, base colors, color ranges, ...). The pattern also has a propagation speed at which it sends the pattern information to its neighbors, who will then pass it to theirs. The pattern spreads on the suit organically. There is no central brain on the suit. Any single button pin can fail, or connections can break and the rest of the suit will keep working. It is a distributed system.
The pins are velcroed on the suit so it can be washed.
The PWM and UART are both software.
The suite was for Burning Man and present at BM2011.
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text:
We have covered the catchers. We have covered the shortstops. We are staying up the middle with a look at some of the top second basemen in the game as we look at some of the top college baseball players across the country in our countdown to the start of the 2011 season.
1. Zack MacPhee – Arizona State
MacPhee had a good freshman season at ASU, but he was great as a sophomore in 2010. The switch-hitting second baseman was named the Pac 10 Player of the Year and also earned unanimous First Team All-American recognition after batting .389 with nine home runs, 64 RBIs, and 20 stolen bases to help the Sun Devils reach the College World Series under first-year head coach Tim Esmay. MacPhee also broke a nearly 40 year-old school record with 14 triples. His 1.150 OPS, helped by his .664 slugging percentage, were both team-highs. MacPhee combines with sophomore shortstop Deven Marrero to give ASU one of the youngest, fastest and best middle infield combos in the nation this season.
2. Ryan Wright – Louisville
After earning Freshman All-American honors in 2009, Wright stepped-up his game for the Cardinals in 2010. He hit .366 with 16 home runs, 17 doubles and a team-best 80 RBIs for a Louisville team that was ranked from start to finish last season. The Ft. Wayne, IN native also scored 61 runs with 19 stolen bases and a 1.051 OPS. He committed just three errors for a stellar .989 fielding percentage. Wright's torrid pace didn't end when Louisville's season did. He continued his hot hitting by batting a team-high .381 for the USA Collegiate National Team over the summer. He scored 18 runs with 12 RBIs while starting in 17 of 19 games.
3. Kolten Wong – Hawaii
Wong earned WAC Freshman of the Year and Freshman All-American honors as Hawaii's starting centerfielder in 2009, but a move to second base helped his team reach new heights in 2010. Wong batted .357 with seven home runs, 15 doubles, 40 RBIs, and team-highs of 57 runs and 19 stolen bases to help the Warriors reach the NCAA Tournament for the first time in four years. Wong was named the WAC Tournament MVP while helping his team to its first WAC Tourney title since 1992. The Hilo, HA native had more success over the summer, when he was named the Cape Cod League MVP after batting .341 for the Orleans Firebirds.
4. Tommy La Stella – Coastal Carolina
The Closter, NJ native played sparingly in 2008 in his only season at St. John's, but he was a vital member of the Chanticleers in his first season in Conway, SC in 2010. La Stella led the Chants with his .378 batting average, while posting 14 home runs, 66 RBIs, 63 runs, and 14 doubles. His 1.072 OPS was the second-best among Coastal Carolina batters who combined to hit 111 home runs last season. La Stella also struckout just 15 times with 32 walks in 246 at-bats last season (once every 16.4 ABs), to make him the 29th toughest batter to strikeout in Division I baseball. On top of that, he committed just five errors all season. His .977 fielding percentage is the best by a second baseman in Coastal school history.
5. Dan Paolini – Siena
Now a junior, Paolini has blasted 37 home runs in his first two seasons at Siena. He was named a Freshman All-American and Metro Atlantic Conference Rookie of the Year in 2009 after batting .430 with 11 home runs. His average came down, but his home runs went off the charts last year when he hit .368 with 26 HR and 64 RBIs. His 26 long balls set a new MAAC single-season record and tied for the second-most in Division I baseball in 2010. Paolini's .816 slugging percentage (6th in the NCAA) helped him to a whopping 1.255 OPS. The 6'0 slugger, who participated in the inaugural TD Ameritrade Home Run Derby last summer, was also stellar in the field. He committed just four errors and finished with a .985 fielding percentage.
6. Kevin Tokarski – Illinois State
Tokarski's 2009 season ended too soon, but he had a 2010 campaign that he probably didn't want to to ever end. He played in just four games in 2009 after breaking his wrist, but bounced-back big time last year to set six Illinois State single-season offensive records. Tokarski was named the Missouri Valley Conference Joe Carter Player of the Year after batting .412 with 84 hits, 70 runs, 25 doubles, 33 stolen bases, and 53 walks. His .412 average wasn't a school record, but it was good for 36th in the nation, while his .538 on-base percentage ranked 7th nationally. The Redbird leadoff man also has the ISU career stolen base record with 66.
7. Tyler Rahmatulla – UCLA
Rahmatulla didn't get to play during UCLA's runner-up finish at last year's College World Series, but the Bruins would have never made it to Omaha if not for his clutch hitting. He infamously broke his wrist in the dog pile celebration that followed UCLA's June 13 Super Regional-clinching win over Cal State Fullerton. A day earlier, Rahmatulla's two-out 9th inning home run staved-off elimination to help the Bruins to an 11-7 win in 10 innings. It was all part of a season that saw the 5'11 sophomore bat .328 with seven home runs, 45 RBIs, 13 stolen bases, and a team-best 52 runs scored. The All-Pac 10 second baseman looks to again be a vital cog in the UCLA offensive attack in 2011.
8. Anthony Gomez – Vanderbilt
The guy they call "Go-Go" got it done as a freshman in 2010. Gomez earned Freshman All-American status after leading his team as well as all SEC freshmen with a .379 average. He had 30 RBIs with 41 runs, while dropping down a team-best 13 sacrifice bunts as the Commodore's primary two-hole batter. Gomez also struckout just nine times in 214 at-bats in his first season in the SEC. His first career home run came off LSU All-American closer Matty Ott in the top of the 9th inning in a May 7 game in Baton Rouge. He committed just five errors in the field for Vandy's Super Regional team.
9. Tyler Hanover – LSU
Hanover is one of the few remaining everyday players from LSU's 2009 National Championship team. He batted .321 in 53 starts as a freshman in '09 and then hit .332 with 16 doubles, 35 RBIs, and 49 runs while starting all 63 LSU games last year. Hanover also batted .526 at the SEC Tournament and drove-in the winning run in the championship game win over Alabama. The 5'6 junior also played solidly in the field, with just six errors and a .979 fielding percentage. Hanover has played in the last two Cape Cod League All-Star Games at Fenway Park for the Yarmouth-Dennis Red Sox.
Werman is another classic two-hole batter. He ranked 31st in the nation with a .414 batting average and also dropped down a team-high 15 sacrifice bunts as a sophomore in 2010. His .414 average was the highest by a Virginia player since 1981 and is the fifth-best in school history. Werman scored 32 runs with 23 RBIs and 10 stolen bases, while sporting a respectable .500 slugging percentage. The momentum for his breakout sophomore campaign began during Virginia's run to the 2009 College World Series, when the 5'7 freshman hit .442 over the course of UVA's last 16 games. That included a .600 clip in Omaha. Werman committed just two errors in the field in 2010 for Virginia's Super Regional team.
11. Danny Muno – Fresno State
Muno is one of those guys who has been around forever. He was Fresno State's starting shortstop as a freshman when the Bulldogs ran to the CWS National Championship in 2008. He earned WAC Freshman of the Year honors that season. Now a senior, he could end his career with more games than anyone who's ever worn an FSU uniform. Muno batted .329 with seven home runs, 33 RBIs, 10 stolen bases, and scored a team-best 68 runs in 2010. He earned first team All-WAC honors at second base in 2009, but settled for second team last year with Hawaii's Kolten Wong taking top honors.
Others To Watch…
Ross Heffley – Western Carolina
Riley Henricks – Portland
Matt Jensen – Cal Poly
Ryan Jones – Michigan State
Trevor Knight – James Madison
Kevin Muno – San Diego – The 5th year senior is the older brother of Danny Muno.
Will Muzika – Furman
Michael Ratteree – Rice
As Well As…
Cory Spangenberg – He was named Big South Conference Freshman of the Year in 2010 at VMI after batting .380 with 11 HR, 49 RBIs, and 24 stolen bases. However, he is playing at Indian River CC this year and plans transfer to Miami (FL) for the 2012 season.
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Top 11 Non-Conference Schedules In 2011
Top 11 Catchers To Watch In 2011


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** Requires iOS 6 or later


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The almanac portion of the booklet is laid out alphabetically, so while playing you can find answers to specific questions quickly. Useful entries remind you exactly what role pieces like the robber play, how actions like maritime trade work, and how to set up the board or finish the game.
Exploring and Developing Catan
The board consists of 19 terrain hexes surrounded by the ocean. Each type of terrain produces a different type of resource: brick, wool, ore, grain or lumber. There's also a desert hex that produces no resources. As the game progresses, players use resources to build roads along the edges of these hexes and settlements or cities on the intersections where three hexes meet. Each player begins the game with two settlements and two roads.
Each player's roll of the dice causes certain hexes to produce resources, which you collect if you have a settlement on one of them. On your turn, you'll use various combinations of the resources you've acquired to build new roads and settlements, upgrade settlements to cities, or purchase development cards. The ability to trade resources with other players adds a new level of strategy and ensures that the game includes lots of interaction between players. You can also trade without worrying about other players using an unfavorable maritime trade rate. Elements including a robber piece that lets you steal from other players and a variety of development cards add intrigue to the game.
The objective of The Settlers of Catan is to be the first one who collects 10 victory points. Each settlement is worth one victory point and each city is worth two victory points. You can also earn victory points by holding the "Longest Road" card, the "Largest Army" card, or special victory point development cards.
Best-Selling Game of the Year
It's easy to see why The Settlers of Catan has been recognized as a best-selling Game of the Year in both Germany and the U. S. We found this game to be fun and engaging for both children and adults, and the variable nature of the playing field really made us want to play again and again. When we started pausing to contemplate our opponents' strategy and factoring the probability of different dice rolls into our moves, the game sometimes took longer than expected, but we were so engrossed we didn't even notice until it was all over.
Due to the widespread popularity of the original game, several expansion sets (sold separately) are available that allow you to explore new aspects of the game or add more players. The only downside to this game is that you need to have either three or four players to play, so it's great that expansion sets are available that will allow you to add players.
What's in the Box
Six sea frame pieces, 19 terrain hexes, nine harbor pieces, 18 circular number tokens, 126 game cards, 16 cities, 20 settlements, 60 roads, two dice, a robber and a rules and almanac booklet.


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Why Yes, We Have Learned A Lot About The NSA's Surveillance Programs
from the alternative-pleading deptIt was fairly amazing in the wake of the initial leaks on NSA surveillance efforts that we saw folks in DC -- including many in the press -- try to claim that it was (a) no big deal and (b) everyone knew it was going on anyway. Soon after this came out, Steve Worona pointed out that many of the arguments appeared to be the equivalent of alternative pleading, in which people (normally) lawyers try to plead things that are clearly contradictory. In this case, Worona noted the alternative pleading went this way, demonstrating the ridiculousness of the attempted "defense" of the program:
- There is no massive secret NSA surveillance program.
- And everyone has known all about it for years; it's no big deal.
- And revealing it would be a major threat to national security.
Roger Cohen, at the NY Times, has a really good rundown of things we would not know about if it weren't for these leaks:
We would not know how the N.S.A., through its Prism and other programs, has become, in the words of my colleagues James Risen and Eric Lichtblau, "the virtual landlord of the digital assets of Americans and foreigners alike." We would not know how it has been able to access the e-mails or Facebook accounts or videos of citizens across the world; nor how it has secretly acquired the phone records of millions of Americans; nor how through requests to the compliant and secret Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court (F.I.S.A.) it has been able to bend nine U.S. Internet companies to its demands for access to clients' digital information.Indeed, and that's really only scratching the surface, because more and more info keeps coming out, both directly from the leaks, but also from the responses to those leaks. Tim Lee, over at the Washington Post has tried to put together a list of everything we now know about the surveillance efforts, which is already out of date, given additional leaks and additional statements, but it's a good starting point.
We would not be debating whether the United States really should have turned surveillance into big business, offering data-mining contracts to the likes of Booz Allen and, in the process, high-level security clearance to myriad folk who probably should not have it. We would not have a serious debate at last between Europeans, with their more stringent views on privacy, and Americans about where the proper balance between freedom and security lies.
We would not have legislation to bolster privacy safeguards and require more oversight introduced by Senator Patrick Leahy, Democrat of Vermont and the chairman of the Judiciary Committee. Nor would we have a letter from two Democrats to the N.S.A. director, Gen. Keith B. Alexander, saying that a government fact sheet about surveillance abroad "contains an inaccurate statement" (and where does that assertion leave Alexander's claims of the effectiveness and necessity of Prism?).
The clear point is that we're learning some very valuable things in terms of the level of government overreach with these programs, and how they've been used to expand the plain reading of the laws that are supposed to protect us, such that the government is basically making a total mockery of those laws. But one thing we cannot say is that these revelations are "nothing new" or that everyone knew about them all along.
Filed Under: nsa, nsa surveillance, revelations


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How To: Use Wood Filler
Use wood filler to repair scratches, chips, gouges and other surface imperfections in the furniture and trim work around your home, effectively and efficiently.
Scarred flooring, rotted window frames, chipped furniture—common problems like these can be time-consuming and expensive to repair. Or they can be dealt with quickly and affordably by homeowners who know how to use wood filler. If you've never worked with this stuff before, get excited: It might soon be your favorite item in the toolbox. Simple in concept and easy to apply, wood filler works wonders to remedy surface imperfections in a vast, varied range of household items.
Which type of wood filler should you use? The answer depends largely on the job. As the name suggests, stainable wood fillers are receptive to staining so that once you've applied the product, you can stain over it to ensure the repaired section matches the rest of the piece that you're fixing. Typically, water-based wood fillers may also be stained (or painted), but unlike other products in the same category, these are specially formulated for use indoors. Common applications are molding, paneling, and cabinetry. Heavy-duty solvent-based wood fillers are meant primarily for outdoor use and perform well on exterior siding and trim.
MATERIALS AND TOOLS Available on Amazon
– Sandpaper
– Shop vac (or tack cloth)
– Wood filler
– Putty knife
– Polyurethane sealer
– Paint or stain
Working with wood filler may at first blush strike you as messy and haphazard, but precise results are not only possible, they are in fact rather easy to achieve. It's important to note, however, that wood filler is intended strictly for superficial issues, such as scratches and gouges. If the damage calls for a proper repair, wood filler is no substitute. That said, there's no shortage of ways in which to use wood filler to improve the look of both practical and decorative elements that have seen better days.
Start by preparing the surface to which you are going to apply wood filler. For one, that means removing any loose chunks of wood or flaking paint. Next, sand any rough edges in or immediately adjacent to the damaged area you wish to repair. Finally, clear away all lingering dust and debris by means of a shop vac or moistened tack cloth (if you use the latter, wait for the area to dry completely before you proceed).
Now, apply the wood filler using a putty knife. Start at the edge of the damaged area, pressing the wood filler into the depression. Overfill slightly to allow for the fact that the filler shrinks as it dries. Once you have applied as much filler as necessary, smooth over the filled area with a clean part of the putty knife.
Allow as much time as needed for the wood filler to dry. Depending on the depth of the application, that could take anywhere from 15 minutes to eight hours. Once dry, sand the filled area so that its height is flush with the surrounding wood. When you run your hand over both the undamaged and freshly filled parts of the item you are fixing, you should feel only the slightest difference between the two.
Having sanded the area smooth, complete the project by applying your choice of finish. In most cases, the goal will be to make the repair virtually unnoticeable. So if you've been working on a baseboard painted white, concealing the fix is simply a matter of painting over the filled area in the same shade.
Stained pieces are trickier to deal with. For the best possible match, it's recommended that you dab some wood filler onto a piece of scrap wood. Wait for it to dry, then test the stain to see how it looks. Depending on the test results, you may then choose to thin out the stain, use a different color, or (if you got a close enough match) proceed to apply the stain to the item that you've now successfully fixed—cheaply, easily, and possibly in less than an hour.


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Bubba Watson cries.
That comes as no grand revelation to those who have spent any time around the defending Masters champion. Bubba is a frenetic, emotional creature with the attention span of a toddler who just ate a bag of candy. But there is never any question about what he thinks, where he stands or what he is feeling. This is a guy who cries during the National Anthem at baseball games, someone who can barely get through a dinner-table prayer without his voice cracking; a man who cannot speak of his late father in complete sentences without breaking down, and who has wept in the arms of family members after each of his four wins.
He is also the person who made Dufnering a thing by posting the first picture of himself in the comatose pose propped up against his famous Dodge Challenger, the General Lee. And he posts videos of himself doing everything from trolling his house in a Santa Claus suit to driving a hovercraft golf cart over a pond and onto a green. He smashes produce with a golf club on late-night television and will video-bomb a reporter during a live broadcast.
On the flip side, Bubba also went verbally ballistic on Steve Elkington after Elk supposedly moved during his backswing, and he is someone who mumbles insults loud enough to be heard three rows deep in the gallery during his rounds.
He is awkward, often inappropriate, certainly the most easily diagnosed ADHD candidate to have never seen a doctor, and the most creative, talent-rich player on tour today. But he is something else as well, something that makes him almost irresistible: he is genuine.
This is not a player who feels the need to dye his spiked hair or wear neon clothing to get attention. With his solid white shirt buttoned to his neck and trousers that look like they came from the "uncool" rack at Macy's, Bubba walks out of the clubhouse looking as vanilla as anyone in golf.
He feels no need to feign sophistication as evidenced by the menu at the Champions Dinner on Tuesday night in Augusta -- a grilled chicken, green bean and macaroni and cheese plate that could have easily come from the value menu at KFC.
The savant doesn't show up until the clubs come out. That is when he does things that no one in the history of the game ever dreamed possible.
On the range this week, Bubba had done what he always does, going through his entire bag without hitting the same shot twice. He hits low cuts, high hooks, high slices, and mid-range knock-down draws: never once attempting anything conventional and never feeling the need to hit a shot more than once.
That same mindset carries over into competition where Bubba hits shots no one else even sees: like the 370-yard driver off the fairway at Kapalua that sliced 100 yards into the middle of the green, or the drive he hit during the Tavistock Cup that started over Lake Isleworth and sliced 70 yards into the center of the fairway, or the most famous rope-hook gap wedge in history from the pine straw at Augusta National, a shot that still has the people shaking their head in awe from a spot that has become a tourist attraction at Augusta National.
"Sunday when me and my wife were playing, we were coming down off of 18 tee, there as a group of guys over there," Bubba said in his press conference on Tuesday. "I yelled at them and I said, 'No, that's not the spot, it's a little over.' Turns out it was Billy Casper and his son."
He would love to see a plaque on the ground there -- "Wouldn't you?" he asked rhetorically -- but he was quick to point out that he would never presume to ask Augusta National to put one there.
Bubba harbors a genuine and heartfelt love for the traditions of Augusta, even if he sometimes doesn't know quite how to show it. So, he cries.
When asked if he had done anything interesting in his green jacket, his face tightened and the tears streamed down his face before he finally composed himself enough to admit that he had wrapped his then newly-adopted son Caleb in it.
Caleb will be a part of the festivities on Wednesday as well, making an appearance during the par-three contest when children and grandchildren are as much a part of the action as the players.
But don't expect any shenanigans from Bubba -- no disrobing or jumping in the water or use of his standard tag-line, "You're welcome."
"I have too much respect for Augusta National," he said. He didn't cry after that line, but no one doubted his sincerity in the least.


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For much of the season, the University of Alabama baseball team relied on pitching, both from the starters and the bullpen, and solid defense to carry the bulk of the heavy lifting.
HOOVER | For much of the season, the University of Alabama baseball team relied on pitching, both from the starters and the bullpen, and solid defense to carry the bulk of the heavy lifting.
That was until recently, when the bullpen showed cracks and let leads slip away.
Not Tuesday.
Sophomore right-handed reliever Jay Shaw threw a career-best performance and the middle infield defense of Mikey White and Kyle Overstreet continued its stellar play to help lift Alabama over in-state rival Auburn, 6-3, Tuesday afternoon in the first round of the Southeastern Conference Tournament at Hoover Metropolitan Stadium.
Alabama (33-24) advances to the second round and the double-elimination format against No. 2 LSU today at approximately 12:30 p.m.
Freshman designated hitter Chance Vincent broke a tie game in the bottom of the eighth with a bases-loaded single as part of a three-run inning to send the Crimson Tide to victory.
Shaw had his number called earlier than expected when starter Justin Kamplain was lifted after three innings. Kamplain, who had been UA's most consistent starter as of late, never found a rhythm and lacked his normal command.
That wasn't a problem for Shaw, who tossed five scoreless innings — a career high — in the win.
"Anytime a starter gets a little roughed up, you want to come in and pound the zone with your fastball, and I followed it up with my secondary stuff," Shaw said. "I had guys making plays behind me."
No play was bigger than the one White and Overstreet made in the seventh. With the game tied at 3, Auburn had the go-ahead runs on first and second. Shaw delivered a pitch that was sent up the middle for what looked like a sure RBI single.
Instead, White dove to his left to make the grab, flipped the ball with his glove to second baseman Overstreet, who snared the ball with his right hand and fired it to first in one motion to nail the runner by two full steps.
"When I saw Mikey lay out, I wasn't sure he was going to get to it," right fielder Ben Moore said. "I saw him get the glove on it, and then when he flipped it in his glove (to second) I started going crazy."
The game remained tied and Alabama capitalized an inning later with Vincent's RBI single. It was a bit of redemption for Vincent, who came up in the sixth in a nearly identical situation with the bases loaded and one out. He hit a grounder back to the pitcher that resulted in a force-out at home.
"I knew I had to get the job done," Vincent said. "First time with the bases loaded I didn't get it done. So in my last at-bat I knew I had to get something done."
Brett Booth added to the rally, scoring on a Kenny Roberts sacrifice fly, and Andrew Miller padded the lead, scoring on a wild pitch.
Austen Smith went 3-for-4 with a run scored and a RBI and Moore added two hits, a RBI and two runs scored.


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Prepare yourself for a long post, with many many photos :)
It feels like forever since i've last blogged. I was gonna do a summer 2010 post a while ago, but i felt like ill wait until the end of august to accumulate all the photos i wanna share.
So let me start with the wedding that i attended. It was on August 7th, held at our city CourtHouse. I didn't arrive until 3pm for the wedding ceremony, because i had to work that day, so i missed out on the things that happened in the morning. I actually woke up at 5 in the morning that day to do my hair, because i knew i wouldn't have time to do it after work. I only had 2 hours ish to get ready, and i like to take my time.
I've already shared a few photos in previous posts, but here is more photos i'd like to share. So lemme start with the beauty/fashion part of this post.
this is a very pretty pair of earrings i found at le chateau. I really like them. I was surprised they were sterling silver hooks(usually they aren't), because i usually get ear infection otherwise!
i love love this braclet, it's really adorable. My boyfriend actually found this while we were in le chateau also. Super CUTEEE
This is a head band i got a long time ago at forever 21. It was cute, i thought i'd never use it, but i thought it go perfectly with the hairstyle i was going for
I've already posted this, but these are the pumps i was rocking. It was rather difficult to walk in at first because they were sooo high!
Moving onto Nails. I did my nails a few days prior, however i didn't let it completely dry so it got messed up. I was then too lazy to re-do it, so i just left it
For for makeup, i was going for a more subtle look. The quality of the picture below is a little bad, because i think my hands were shaking while we were in the car. I used all my favourite products basically. On my lips is Way to Love by Mac, with Shisedio lipliner in perfect rouge (i believe). On my eyes, is Satin Taupe (best mac eyeshadow ever made), naked lunch, and black tied, with hand written. The lahses i used were by NYX (if you take a look at my "Holy Grail ProductS" post, you'll see it). On my cheeks, i believe i had on Nars Deep Throat.
Lastly, here are some FOTDS while i was in the car ;)
the hairstyle i was going for was curly hair to the side. I also put the headband to the same side, because it gave me that extra poof & i thought it made it a little bit more formal. I was a little upset, because i thinned out my hair major time a month earlier, so my hair wasn't as volumous as i would have liked.
That ends the beauty/fashion part of this post. Now, lemme move onto the wedding itself! Like i said, it was at the City CourtHouse. Here is a beautiful photo taken by the professional photographer of that day: Zaheer Molu (Amazing photographer!) of where the ceremony was held. The weather was perfect!
Family and close relatives were seated in the front & I had front row seat! :D so i was able to get some good shots. This is a closer shot of where the bride and groom will stands with the Priest.
Althought i've been to a few white-style weddings this is the first time i've watched the whole "walking down the alsie and saying of the vows" (mainly because i always seem to miss it!) Here's the bride and groom saying their vows. It was very emotional for the bride. She started to get teary while struggling to utter her vows. I thought i was going to start crying as well! This is after 8 years of datting! All i can say is finally!
Here is an even better shot taken by the photographer
the cute flower girl and boy
Following the vows, was the reception, where appetizers & drinks were served. I actually didn't photograph the place at all or take any pictures outside. I was starving to death at that point, because i haven't eaten all day, and i woke up at 6 for work! So basically all i could think about was food at that point. They had sushi, and curry chicken, & deep fried shrimp were a few of the appetizers served on a skewer. Eventually we got bored hanging out outside, so we went into the CourtHouse to look around.
I've actually never been there before, but there are actual JAIL cells at the bottom floor. The purpose of those jail cells were to hold prisioners, until their court trial (which is held on the upper floor). My boyfriend told me it's haunted, and apparently the ghosts come out to play at 3am. I was a little nosy, so i googled it and apparently an innocent man was sentenced to death there. GOOD thing I left the party before 3 am. LOL
The bride and grooms wanted to take photographs in there (PRETTY CRAZY!). It gave me a really strange feeling, knowing that someone has basically live in there before, innocent or guilty. Here is a cropped out photo of the jail cell taken professionally by the photographer of this wedding. I cropped out the bride and groom.
A few minutes before 6, everyone started to make their way for dinner. We were lucky to see the decor before everyone else, and i thought it was very pretty! i love the background where the brides& groom (with their brides maid and best men) sat.
I love how the center piece of each table was a chandiler. It was very pretty & unique. It was the first time i saw that done, usually there are flowers. I was also happy to find that we had one of the best table to be seated :)
It was also very cute to find that we each had our name tags with our nicknames. I kept ours. We also got M&Ms in black and white as wedding favours, fresh from the factory! They even had pictures of their faces printed on it. So cute!
This was our dinner. Dinner wasn't as i expected. It was below average. This is the only complaint i would have about the whole night. The vegetables that they served us were OLD! and the steak was too soft and it didn't taste good. We had an option of Steak or Veggie Pad Thai as the main dish prior to attending the wedding.
Lobster Soup (very creamy! not my cup of tea, but some may love it)
There was also Salmon, but i didn't take a picture of it.
Dessert! it was yummi
There was a "hollywood & red carpet" area, where guests can take photographs. Here is my favourite.
my boyfriend and i. We matched to the T! LOL
Us girls being silly but cute
they got rid of the red carpet by this time, because it was after dinner.
& it was a huge surprise to bump into a highschool friend from like years ago! It was so random! Look at how pale i am next to her...sighh
The rest of the night consisted of dancing & drinking like freaks. It was really fun, because the guests weren't shy to go a crazy, so it made dancing really enjoyable.
First dance of the night Bride and Groom. LOVE THIS PHOTOGRAPH. They had dry ice for this part. absolutely amazing
Overall, the wedding was amazing. I love how multicultural it was, with the bride wearing 3 different cultural dress. From the traditional Ao Dai (vietnam) in the morning, to the White wedding dress (for the ceremony) to the Sari (at night). It really sparkes ideas for me when i imagine how i'd like my wedding to be in the future.
I'll end this post with a beautiful picture of the newly wed, taken by their photographer Zaheer Zmolou
Notice Once again, the professional photographs were taking by Zaheer Zmolou. I love his photography. He did an amazing job.
Fresh Summer Makeup Tutorial - This year for me has been a huge process of working hard to keep my skin clear and find routines that are quick, easy, and can fit into my crazy mom life...
1 month ago


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Coanalgesics for Chronic Pain Therapy: A Narrative Review
– Source: Postgraduate Medicine, Nov 2011
By Matthew J Bair, Tamara R Sanderson
[Note: To read the full text of this article free, click HERE. It is a clear, comprehensive guide to medication options and use that "may enhance the effects of opioid analgesics or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), have independent analgesic activity in certain painful conditions, or counteract the adverse effects of some analgesics."]
Chronic pain is inadequately treated in many patients, which has led clinicians and researchers to investigate new indications for existing medications with pain-relieving or adjuvant properties.
These medications are known as coanalgesics.
This review provides an evidence-based overview of select coanalgesics that are used in clinical practice for a variety of neuropathic and musculoskeletal pain disorders.
The coanalgesics include:
• Antidepressants,
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• Anticonvulsants,
• Topical agents,
• Skeletal muscle relaxants,
• And antispasmodic agents.
An update on emergent treatments and uses is also presented.
The goals of this article are to:
• Highlight coanalgesic treatment options that are currently available for patients with chronic pain
• As well as provide guidelines for their use in clinical practice.
Source: Postgraduate Medicine, Nov 2011; 123(6). Bair MJ, Sanderson TR. DOI: 10.3810/pgm.2011.11.2504, by Roudebush VA Center of Excellence on Implementing Evidence-Based Practice; Indiana University School of Medicine; Reiganstrief Institute, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA. [Email: email@example.com]


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Host: Christopher Rose, Outreach Director, Center for Middle Eastern Studies
Guest: Stephennie Mulder, Assistant Professor of Art History and Middle Eastern Studies, UT-Austin
After the decline of the Fatimids, the medieval Middle East entered a period called the Sunni Revival, in which Shi'ism was officially discouraged and Shi'i institutions were closed and replaced with Sunni institutions. Or, at least, that's what the official chroniclers tell us. The buildings themselves tell us a different story–one that tries to bring decades of conflict to an end by accommodating different beliefs.
Art Historian Stephennie Mulder has spent the past decade working in Syria and shares a new look at history of Sunni and Shi'a in Syria during the medieval period; and how both histories are threatened by ISIS and the Syrian Civil War.
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The All-Day Total Tote- Buttercup
An all-time favorite at Clever Girl! We can't get enough of the all-day tote bag. Whether it's running errands, getting to the office, traveling on a plane, or anything in between, this is the essential bag. Crafted from long-lasting vegan leather, it includes a coin purse, top metal snap closure and inside zipper compartment. Absolutely indispensable!
- 16"W x 13"H x 5"D
- 10" Strap Drop
- Top metal snap closure
- Coin Purse Included


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Arnhem1618Paper PadsbySpeedball
BlickPencil Case
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Made in England using quality ingredients, Blick Studio Oils offer great performance at an affordable Blick price. They're ideal for artists of all levels seeking large volumes of color on a limited budget.
Color Swatches created using heavy application/medium application/50% tint and were applied on acrylic primed canvas (7 oz) material.
This Hansa Yellow ranges from reddish yellow to greenish yellow with temperature shifts from cool to warm hues. It has good tinting strength and average to slow drying time.
This Hansa Yellow has excellent lightfastness, particularly in the darker shades.
Hansa Yellow has no significant acute hazards, though its chronic hazards have not been well studied.
Hansa Yellows were first made in Germany just before WW1 from a series of synthetic dyestuffs called Pigment Yellow. They were intended to be a synthetic replacement for Cadmium Yellow.
Arylide, Arylide Yellow, Azo, Brilliant Yellow, Monoazo, Monolite Yellow, Permanent Yellow.
This Naphthol Red is a bright deep red with bluish undertones. It has an average drying time.
This Naphthol Red has fair to good lightfastness, not because of its masstone, but because it fades in tints. Not suitable for exterior use.
Naphthol Reds are not considered toxic. They may cause eye, skin, or respiratory irritation. Contact with dry pigment should be avoided.
Naphthal, Naphthol Bordeaux, Naphthol Carbamide, Naphthol Carmine, Permanent Carmine, Permanent Red.
earth, synthetic
iron oxides (synthetic), iron oxide, silica, alumina, lime, and magnesia or hydrated iron oxide
Fe2O2 or Fe2O3 • H2O
Red iron oxide varies in hue and transparency, depending on hydration and slight impurities. Indian Red is a slightly duller, deep brick hue with a bluish undertone. It is very dense and opaque, with excellent tinting strength and covering power. It is dependable when mixing with all other permanent pigments and yields good flesh tints when mixed with Zinc White. It is the synthetic version of PR102, which is a pigment made from earth reds, or natural red iron oxides, and the names applied to PR101 and PR102 often overlap. The synthetic red iron oxides have mostly replaced natural red iron oxides and are brighter, stronger, finer, and more permanent. Indian Red is the highest grade bluish shade. Light Red, English Red, and Venetian Red are yellowish shades. Mars Violet is a dull and subdued bluish or purplish oxide.
Red iron oxide is very lightfast with excellent permanence.
Red iron oxide has no significant hazards.
Natural red iron oxide comes from the mineral ore hematite, called bloodstone by the ancient Greeks from the word hema, meaning blood. It is one of the oldest pigments, has been used by every major civilization, and was an important mineral for medieval alchemists. It was not widely used in artists' materials until the 17th century and was not produced in large quantities until the 18th century.
Indian Red, Colcothar, English Red, Light Red, Mars Red, Mars Violet, Morelle Salt, Pompeian Red, Indian Red, Red Oxide, Sinopia, Spanish Red, Terra Rosa, Tuscan Red, Venetian Red, Venice Red.
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Tourism is a major economic activity in the European Union with wide-ranging impact on economic growth, employment, and social development. It can be a powerful tool in fighting economic decline and unemployment. Nevertheless the tourism sector faces a series of challenges. The European Commission works to address these with policies and actions.
EU policy aims to maintain Europe's standing as a leading tourist destination while maximising the industry's contribution to growth and employment. It also promotes cooperation between EU countries, particularly through the exchange of good practice. The EU's competence in the tourism sector is one of support and coordination the actions of member countries.
The European Commission works on a number of initiatives to diversify and improve the range of tourism products and services available in areas such as sustainable tourism, accessible tourism, tourism for seniors, and low-season tourism.
To maintain Europe's position as a leading tourist destination, the quality of its services needs to be continuously improved. The European Commission is involved in initiatives that improve the mobility and skills of workers - particularly IT skills - and help tourism entrepreneurs to manage their businesses.
The European Commission has developed the Virtual Tourism Observatory. The Observatory is a portal that gathers information and analysis on performance and trends in the sector. It allows policy-makers and others in the industry to develop better strategies.
The EU Virtual Tourism Observatory
To enhance the visibility of Europe as a tourist destination and increase tourism to the EU, the Commission is implementing a wide range of communication and promotion activities. It is also taking measures to make it easier to travel to Europe.
Promoting Europe as a destination
EDEN is an initiative that promotes sustainable tourism in a bi-annual format. It's based on national competitions that culminate in the selection of a 'destination of excellence' for every country that takes part.
European destinations of excellence
Due to the intensity of global tourism competition, the Commission works with non-EU countries and international organisations to boost tourism to Europe.
International cooperation on tourism
The Commission holds a number of conferences and other events for tourism stakeholders related to key issues facing the tourism industry.


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Growing apple trees in the home garden can be fun and rewarding. Several factors are important to consider before planting for successful apple production. Apple variety and rootstock, site selection, proper planting, training and pruning, adequate fertility, and pest control all contribute to healthy and productive trees. A brief discussion of these considerations follows.
Rootstocks and Tree Spacing
All apple trees sold commercially consist of two parts that are grafted together to form the tree. The "scion" is the top portion that branches and bears fruit and is grafted onto a "rootstock." The type of fruit is determined by the scion variety. The rootstock can be a "seedling," which produces a full size or standard tree, or the rootstock can be "size-controlled" or "dwarfing," which produces a tree that is smaller than full size. The rootstock determines the relative size of the tree but does not affect the type or quality of fruit that the tree bears. Different rootstocks are desirable because they can control the size of the apple tree, reduce the time until the tree reaches fruit-bearing age, and may offer some pest resistance.
Rootstock Characteristics
Table 1 lists some important characteristics of the rootstocks that are commercially available. Tree size is relative and is shown as a percent of the size that the tree would be on a full size seedling rootstock. Rootstock, soil fertility, and pruning can influence tree size, and therefore influence tree spacing. Table 1 suggests a range of planting distances with the wider distances for trees planted in good, fertile soils and optimum growing conditions. Trees on the more dwarfing rootstocks must be staked for the life of the tree to obtain optimum growth and to prevent leaning and potential tree breakage. Commonly used stakes consist of a 3-inch diameter wood pole or a 1-inch diameter metal conduit. The stake should be 10 feet high with 2 feet driven into the ground approximately 6 inches from the base of the tree.
|Tree Size as Percent of Seedling
|Tree Spacing in Row (ft)
|Years to Fruit Production
|* Mature tree is 12-20 feet tall, depending on variety.
** Trees should be staked and tied to the stake at planting.
Variety Characteristics in Order of Maturity
The variety of apple selected should be based on fruit characteristics, bloom time and pollen compatibility. Table 2 shows several popular varieties in North Carolina, listed in order of fruit maturity. Nurseries can also provide varietal information and pollen compatibility suggestions. Crabapple trees can also be used as pollinizers if they bloom at the same time as the desired variety.
All apple varieties should be considered self-incompatible, meaning that they cannot pollinate themselves or any flowers of the same apple variety. The highest quality fruit is harvested when cross-pollination occurs with a suitable pollinizer variety. You will need to plant at least two varieties of apple trees together in order to maximize fruit production and quality. Make sure that the varieties you choose have overlapping bloom dates, so that both varieties bloom at the same time. Some varieties, such as Winesap, Mutsu, Jonagold, and Stayman, produce sterile pollen and should never be used as pollinizers. However, pollen from other varieties can be used to pollinate these pollen-sterile varieties. Remember, two trees of the same apple variety cannot be used for cross-pollination. Since the pollen from apple blossoms is transferred primarily by bees, be careful not to spray insecticides during bloom when honey bees are present.
Site Selection
Soils - Take a soil test prior to planting your apple trees. Your local county Extension center can instruct you in collecting the soil sample, help you interpret the results, and provide valuable information about the soil in your county. Results from the soil test will determine the soil amendments necessary to correct nutrient deficiencies and adjust soil pH. The amendments should be worked into the soil to a depth of 12 to 18 inches where the tree will root, not just the planting hole. Apple trees will tolerate a wide range of soils as long as water and nutrients are not limiting and soil pH is adequate. Avoid heavy, poorly-drained soils and low spots, since apple trees cannot survive if water remains standing in the root zone.
Air Drainage - It is important to select a site where the tree will not be in a "frost pocket," where cold air settles in low-lying areas. In a frost pocket, low spring temperatures commonly kill the blossoms or developing fruit because cold air settles around the tree. Good air drainage, especially during early spring frosts, is critical. Choose a higher site with a slope if possible so cold air will flow down away from the trees and will not accumulate around the trees. Do not plant the trees close to a fence row, wooded area, or at the bottom of a hill, as cold air drainage will be impeded.
Other Considerations - Apple trees require full sun and should be planted where the trees will not be shaded from large trees or buildings. Follow tree spacing guidelines that pertain to the rootstock you have chosen from Table 1. Do not plant trees near wooded areas or streams to avoid animal damage. Prior to planting, remove weeds either manually or with an approved herbicide that will not harm the young tree. If you are planting the tree in a lawn, remove the grass from the planting area in a 4-foot diameter circle. Grass competes with young trees for available water and nutrients and can significantly reduce tree growth and productivity.
Planting the Tree
Tree Purchase and Preparation - Purchase a healthy 1-year-old nursery tree, 4 to 6 feet tall, with a good root system. A small tree with a good root system will transplant better than a large tree. When you get the tree, protect it from injury, drying out, mouse or vole damage, freezing, and overheating. If the roots have dried somewhat, soak them in water for about 24 hours before planting. If you are unable to plant the tree immediately, there are two options:
- Wrap the roots in plastic along with moist sawdust or newspaper, and place the tree in a refrigerator or cooler at 40°F. Never store the tree with fruit or vegetables, as ethylene gas from ripening foods can kill young trees.
- "Heel-in" the tree. To heel-in a tree, dig a trench and place the tree roots evenly in it, cover the roots with soil, sawdust or peat, and water the tree thoroughly. The tree can be kept for several weeks using this method before permanently planting.
Planting the Tree - In North Carolina, trees can be set from late fall to early spring. To plant the apple tree, first dig a hole approximately twice the diameter of the root system and 2 feet deep. Place some of the loose soil back into the hole and loosen the soil on the walls of the planting hole so the roots can easily penetrate the soil. Spread the tree roots on the loose soil, making sure they are not twisted or crowded in the hole. Continue to replace soil around the roots. As you begin to cover the roots, firm the soil to be sure it surrounds the roots and to remove air pockets. Do not add fertilizer at planting time as the roots can be "burned". Fill the remainder of the hole with the loose soil, and press the soil down well. Important: The graft union must be at least 2 inches above the soil line so that roots do not emerge from the scion. When you have finished planting the tree, water well to eliminate air pockets and provide good contact between the roots and the soil.
Training and Pruning Central Leader Tree
Proper training and pruning of fruit trees is essential to the development of a strong tree framework that will support fruit production. Properly shaped trees will yield high-quality fruit much sooner and will live significantly longer. Regular pruning and training will also maximize light penetration to the developing flower buds and fruit. Additionally, a well-shaped tree canopy permits adequate air movement through the tree, which promotes rapid drying to minimize pest problems.
Central Leader Trees - A central leader tree has one main, upright trunk, called the "leader." Branching should begin on the leader 24 to 36 inches above the soil surface to allow work under the tree. The first year, 3 to 4 branches, collectively called a "scaffold whorl," are selected. The selected branches should be spaced uniformly around the trunk, not directly across from or above one another. The major lateral branches are commonly referred to as scaffold branches on which the central leader tree is "built." Above the first scaffold whorl should be an area of 18 to 24 inches, called a "light slot," without any branches to allow light to reach all lower leaves and fruit. This light slot is followed by another whorl of scaffolds. Maintain alternating scaffold whorls and light slots up the leader to the desired maximum tree height. The shape of a properly trained central leader tree is like that of a Christmas tree (except with slots for light) (Figure 1).
Newly Planted Trees - After early winter planting, wait until just before the buds start to grow in the spring to "head," or cut, the unbranched central leader to 36 inches above the soil surface to encourage new lateral branching. When new growth is 3 to 4 inches long, identify the most upright shoot that will continue to be the central leader. Leave it and remove all new shoots growing 3 to 4 inches immediately below this new terminal to prevent competition. This will also encourage lateral growth in the area 6 to 14 inches below the cut tip of the young tree. Branches that form 6 to 14 inches below the cut tip of the tree are less vigorous, less upright, and easier to train as productive scaffold limbs. When the lateral branches, or scaffold branches, are 3 to 6 inches long, they should be spread to a wider crotch angle that will provide a stronger framework for fruit production. Toothpicks or clothespins can be used to prop the young branches out to a 50 to 60° angle. This angle will slow vegetative growth, promote lateral branches, and allow the tree to initiate flowers and produce fruit sooner.
Scaffold Training - Improperly trained fruit trees have very upright branch angles, which result in excessive vigor and serious limb breakage under a heavy fruit load. Larger branches can be spread out using short wooden boards with a notch cut in each end for the branch to fit into. Hanging weights on the branch or tying it down with string wrapped loosely around the limb are other methods for spreading the branches. All upright growth from scaffold branches should be either pulled down to a horizontal position or removed when it is 3 to 4 inches long.
Dormant Pruning vs. Summer Pruning - Pruning the tree during the winter, while it is dormant, will invigorate the tree and cause it to grow and branch more the following season. To promote scaffold branch development, cut the central leader 20 to 28 inches above the highest usable scaffold whorl during the dormant season. It is best to do dormant pruning in late winter or early spring, after the risk of severe freeze is over. Be sure to remove any dead or diseased wood and dried apples at this time as well. After the tree resumes growth in the spring, continue to train the scaffold branches of the tree as you did the previous growing season. Select a new upright shoot to continue the central leader, and remove all new shoots 4 inches below it. Also select the branches to form another whorl of 4 to 5 scaffold branches. Prop all lateral branches out to a 50 to 60° angle.
Summer pruning will devigorate the tree and cause it to grow less in that growing season. Remove all undesirable branches directly across from one another on the central leader when they are 3 to 4 inches long. Also, select lateral branches that are spaced uniformly around the leader to prevent crowding as the limbs grow in diameter. Once the tree has filled its allotted space, lateral branches will need to be cut back to their desired length during the summer to devigorate the tree and prevent further growth, not during the dormant season. Ask your county Extension center for information on the best way to prune your apple tree.
Fruit Thinning - Apple trees often set a heavier crop of fruit than the limbs can withstand. To ensure good fruit size, return bloom for the following year, and to prevent tree breakage, it is necessary to thin the fruit. Every apple blossom results in a bloom cluster of 5 to 6 blossoms. Apples should be thinned when they are about the size of a dime. Cut off enough fruit so that the remaining apples are spaced 4 to 6 inches apart, and leave only one fruit per cluster. It may seem like very few fruit remain, but you will harvest higher-quality fruit, potentially reduce insect and disease problems, and increase the chances for a full crop the next season.
Fertility - Adequate tree nutrition is essential for quality apple production. Determine the nutrient status of your soil by taking a soil sample prior to planting and each year thereafter at the same time of year. Follow the fertilization guidelines provided by the soil test. This will prevent over-fertilization, will be cost-efficient, and will maintain healthy and productive trees. A leaf sample taken in July or August will determine the nutrient status of the tree and can be helpful in conjunction with the soil test. In addition to soil analysis and foliar analysis, regular observation of vegetative growth is a useful indicator of tree fertility. Optimum fertility exists if lateral, outward growth is between 12 and 18 inches per year.
If you are unable to take a soil test, a useful rule is to apply 1 pound of 10-10-10 fertilizer to each tree the first year, 2 pounds the second year, and 3 pounds the third year up to a maximum of 5 to 6 pounds for a mature tree. Always adjust rates of fertilizer application according to annual shoot growth. Apply fertilizer in late winter or early spring before growth begins. Fertilizer should be broadcast on the soil surface around the drip line of the tree. The "drip line" is the circular line at the outer ends of the branches. Avoid getting fertilizer within 6 inches of the trunk as it could burn the tree.
Weed Control - Controlling weeds and grasses around young apple trees minimizes competition for soil nutrients and moisture, encourages vigorous tree growth, and increases fruit size. It will also help to minimize damage from pine and meadow voles, and other rodents. Keep all vegetation controlled out to the drip line of the tree where the outer branches end. Do not use weed whips; these will girdle the tree without any visible signs of injury. Avoid mechanical weed cultivation, such as tilling, as it damages shallow tree roots. Herbicides are effective, but follow the label directions carefully and keep them off the tree. Mulch will also control weeds and conserve soil moisture, however rodents may burrow under the mulch and gnaw tree trunks and roots. When using mulch, place rodent guards around the base of the tree, and pull mulch back in the fall, leaving a 1-foot circle of bare soil surrounding the trunk.
Disease and Insect Control - Diseases and insects can cause serious damage to apple trees and fruit. Good sanitation practices are necessary to control pest problems. Cut out all dead or diseased wood, remove dried apples, and clear leaves and fallen debris away from trees. Disinfect pruning tools with a 10% solution of a household disinfectant (Lysol) or bleach, before and after use and between trees. Household disinfectants, such as Lysol, will not corrode tools or ruin clothing. A regular spray program is essential for high fruit quality and healthy trees. Use a multipurpose fungicide and insecticide labeled for apples. These can be obtained from a garden center and will include application instructions. A spray to control fungus problems should be applied when the first sign of green tissue appears. A horticultural oil should also be sprayed on apple trees at the first sign of green growth in the spring to suffocate scale insects and reduce overwintering mite and aphid eggs. For homeowners with only a few trees, premixed orchard sprays are available from many garden centers. Begin applications after full bloom is over and spray every 10 to 14 days through-out the summer.
If you think you have an insect or disease problem, contact your county Extension center immediately. It is important to identify the pest accurately so an effective treatment can be selected.
Harvesting and Fruit Storage
Apples reach maturity at different times, depending on variety and climate. There is not a specific date at which you can expect to harvest your apples. Instead, you can observe your apples as they grow and inspect the fruit for certain changes which indicate maturity. The "ground" or base skin color of the apples changes from green to yellow as the fruit matures. Flesh color also loses its greenish tint and turns yellow or white. When you are convinced that the apples look mature, take a bite! A mature fruit will be crisp and juicy. A pleasing taste is the final indicator of fruit maturity.
Proper storage conditions help prolong the shelf-life of your apples. Store apples at 32°F and maintain high humidity. The crisper drawers of many refrigerators work well, but keep the fruit away from vegetables since ripening fruit gives off gas that may spoil vegetables. Apples can also be stored in plastic bags in the refrigerator to prevent fruit dehydration.
Always remember, "An apple a day...!"
Publication date: Feb. 28, 1995
North Carolina State University and North Carolina A&T State University commit themselves to positive action to secure equal opportunity regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, religion, sex, age, veteran status or disability. In addition, the two Universities welcome all persons without regard to sexual orientation.


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Use your existing web skills, platforms, and tools to create interactive IM Bots
The IMified platform makes it amazingly easy to connect your existing applications to instant messaging networks or create stand alone IM bots for fun or getting work done.
We'll leave that up to you but the possible uses for integrating IM into your applications are endless. Here are some possible uses: