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2012 Foodie Highlights, 5 Family Health Resolutions for 2013, and a Veggie-Filled Recipe for Spinach Mac & Cheese
2012 was a whirlwind year filled with fun foodie adventures, Janice's mega kitchen makeover, a Best Culinary Podcast nomination from IACP, and the exciting news that we won a recipe app contest from the app development company, Mobile Skillet. We're entering 2013 with a big bang for sure! On this week's Cooking with the Moms radio podcast, we share highlights from 2012, dish about food trend predictions, divulge our personal health resolutions (hint: Liz vows to get rid of her wrinkles!), and serve up a super healthy and family-friendly recipe for Spinach Mac & Cheese. We hope you'll tune in.
In 2012, we forged a partnership with health and well-being company, HumanaVitality and created 15 makeover recipes for their Tumblr page. HumanaVitality shares our philosophy that eating right and living a healthy lifestyle is doable for everyone … especially when nutritious recipes like Spinach Mac & Cheese are at your fingertips!
Spinach Mac & Cheese
Makes 8 Servings
We love this recipe because it's nutritious, moderate in fat and sodium thanks to ingredients like reduced-fat cheese, 1% milk, and a roux made with evoo versus butter, and kids love it. Talk about a great way to get more veggies on the family table.To streamline this recipe a bit, skip the Parmesan cheese and the baking dish and serve the gooey pasta straight from the pot.
- One 10-ounce box frozen chopped spinach, thawed
- One 13.25 ounce box whole wheat elbow pasta
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups 1% low-fat milk
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- One 8-ounce package shredded reduced-fat Cheddar cheese (2 cups)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1. Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Drain the spinach in a colander. Press with the back of a large spoon to remove excess moisture. Set aside.
2. Cook the pasta until almost tender. Drain and set aside.
3. While the pasta is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a Dutch oven or saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring frequently, until softened, about 7 minutes. Add the garlic and cook until golden and fragrant, about 1 minute.
4. Whisk the flour, pepper, and remaining 2 tablespoons oil into the onion mixture and cook for 1 minute. Whisk the milk, broth, soy sauce, and mustard slowly into the flour mixture. Raise the heat and bring to a low boil, stirring constantly. Reduce the heat and continue to simmer and stir gently until the mixture thickens, about 3 minutes.
5. Remove from the heat and stir in the Cheddar cheese and spinach until well combined. Add the cooked pasta and stir to combine. Spread the mixture evenly in a 9 x 13-inch baking pan or dish. Top with the Parmesan cheese and bake until bubbly and the top turns golden brown, about 15 minutes.
Nutrition Information per Serving: 370 calories, 12g fat (4.5g saturated), 550mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate, 6g fiber, 21g protein, 100% vitamin A, 40% calcium, 15% iron
Liz stopped by Boston's NECN TV station for a New Year's segment on family resolutions. You can watch the segment on the NECN site or read on for Liz's five resolution tips!
1. Start the Day with a Hearty, Nutritious Breakfast
Kids who eat breakfast have better school attendance and test scores compared to students who skip their morning meal. Other breakfast benefits include weight control. People who skip breakfast are twice as likely to be overweight compared to breakfast eaters. Surprisingly, skippers end up eating 100 more calories a day. Skipping breakfast also makes it tough to make up for nutrient shortfalls throughout the day. Breakfast eaters consume more of several key nutrients including calcium, potassium, fiber, and folic acid. Morning meal ideas include our Ham & Cheesy Breakfast Sandwich and our Peanut Butter Pancakes.
2. Fill Half Your Plate with Fruits & Vegetables
People who eat fruits and veggies every day have a lower risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and certain cancers. In the New Year, follow the advice of MyPlate and get in the habit of filling half your plate with fruits and veggies. Shake things up to avoid fruit and vegetable boredom! Try cara cara oranges, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, Asian pears, dinosaur kale, and add canned pumpkin to pancake and muffin batters. Healthy veggie ideas for families include our T-Rex Kale Chips and our Better-for-You Brussels Sprouts Gratin.
3. Eat Together as a Family
Turn off the TV and the cell phones and eat meals together. Research shows that when kids eat together with their families, they end up eating a more nutritious diet. A new study from the UK found that children whose families always ate meals together consumed 4.4 ounces (1.5 portions) more fruits and vegetables a day compared with children whose families never ate together.
4. Be a Meal Planner
Get organized and plan ahead. Sit down once a week and plot out your meals … and get the kids to help too. By planning ahead, you're less likely to order take-out and more likely to create healthy, home-cooked meals. To help you get organized, check out our free, downloadable 7 Day Meal Planner and our cookbook, No Whine with Dinner.
5. Switch from Full-fat Dairy to Low Fat
This simple swap can dramatically cut calories and artery-clogging saturated fat from the diet. A simple switch, like going from a glass of whole milk to a glass of skim milk takes saturated fat from 5 grams down to zero. One of our favorite recipes that calls for low-fat dairy is right here in this blog post: Spinach Mac & Cheese!
Have a happy and healthy New Year, and feel free to share YOUR resolutions with us. We always love hearing from you.
Gadget Gift Ideas from the Recipe Redux, An Italian Tomato Press, AND a Recipe for Bubbe's Applesauce
My mom makes the best brisket in the world. She makes the best latkes. AND, she makes the best applesauce. My boys call my mom's applesauce, Bubbe Sauce. (Bubbe is a term of endearment for a Jewish grandmother.) Her secret to applesauce success, other than the intuitive cooking that allows her to add a dash of this and a pinch of that with stunning success, is the smooth, lump-free texture. My dad, you see, won't eat food if it's lumpy. Yes, my mom is not just a great cook … she's a saint.
To get the perfect consistency for her applesauce, my mom doesn't mash nor does she puree. Instead, she runs the cooked apples — peel, seeds, and all — through an Italian Tomato Press that she bought at Williams-Sonoma ($39.95). I too am now the proud new owner of said device.
For this month's Recipe Redux, nutrition bloggers from across the web are sharing their favorite kitchen gadgets … and recipes to go with them. For the challenge, I chose the Italian Tomato Press, which I'm now calling my Handy-Dandy Applesauce Maker, and a recipe for Bubbie's Applesauce. I hope the gadget roundup offers inspiration as you shop for last-minute holiday gifts or look to stock your kitchen with tools that bring better health and more nutrient-rich cooking to your family's table in 2013.
The tomato press/applesauce maker is easy to operate (though I must confess that figuring out how to pull it apart in order to clean it was a bit confusing). Feed it cooked apples, turn the crank, and voila, applesauce. The skin comes out from one part of the machine and the smooth applesauce from another. When my 14-year-old son, Simon, got home from school and saw what I was doing, he stepped right in, refused to let me help, and cranked away. Whatever it takes …
Bubbe's Applesauce
Makes 8 Servings
Applesauce is versatile. I used three pounds of organic gala apples, and I tossed in some dried cranberries and a cup of strawberries. The next time I make Bubbe's Applesauce, I pan to use apples, a pear, and maybe even some dried apricots. As for sweetening the sauce, it may not need anything, but you could certainly use brown sugar, honey, or agave. Homemade applesauce is nutritious — I'm loving the 5 grams of fiber — and since my boys adore it, it's an easy way to get more fruit into their diets.
- 3 pounds gala apples, quartered, stems removed (not peeled or even seeded)
- 1 cup strawberries, stems removed
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- Juice of one lemon
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Brown sugar, optional (add a tablespoon or two if you're using tart ingredients like fresh cranberries or Granny Smith apples, or add at the end to taste)
1. Place the apples, strawberries, water, cranberries, lemon juice, and cinnamon in a medium Dutch oven or saucepan and stir to combine. Place over medium-high heat, cover, and bring to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the apples are very tender, about 45 minutes. (If you want to speed up the cooking time, cut the apples into smaller pieces.) Let cool about 10 minutes.
2. Working in batches, press the cooked fruit mixture through the tomato press. Add the juices too. Run the peel through the press two or three times to press out as much of the fruit as possible. Sweeten with brown sugar to taste.
Nutrition Information per Serving (1/2 cup): 110 calories, 0g fat (0g saturated), 0mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate, 5g fiber, 0g protein, 35% vitamin C
Here's a picture of my mom and dad. I took it last year as they celebrated the 50th birthday of their trusty GE refrigerator. Too cute ….
The Great Food Blogger Cookie Swap 2012 … and Our Recipe for Monster Cookie Makeover
There's nothing better than a good ol' fashioned cookie swap, and this year, we took part in the granddaddy of 'em all. Thanks to two dedicated bloggers, Love & and Olive Oil and The Little Kitchen, the second annual Great Food Blogger Cookie Swap welcomed well over 500 food bloggers from around the world. As part of the swap, we were given the names of three fellow food bloggers, Hannah from Cats and Commas, Ali from Cheater Bites, and Jackie from Just Add Milk, and then we sent each of them a dozen of our homemade Monster Cookies. In return, we received three dozen cookies from three other food bloggers: Kelley from The Culinary Enthusiast, Janet from A Cook at Heart, and Kristin from Nanna's Cookbook. How fun is that?!
To participate, we made a $4.00 donation to Cookies for Kid's Cancer, a non-profit organization that raises money for pediatric cancer research. To thank us (which they really didn't have to do), OXO sent us a Be a Good Cookie spatula.
For our makeover, we swapped the usual butter for heart-healthy canola oil, tossed in dried cranberries, used chocolate-covered sunflower seeds (they look like little ornaments and they're naturally colored), cracked open three Eggland's Best eggs (gotta love the extra omega-3, vitamin D, and lutein), and added just one cup of brown sugar for all 40 cookies. We used lots of oats too, which are downright nutritious!
Monster Cookie Makeover
Makes 3 Dozen Cookies
Here at Meal Makeover Moms' Kitchen, we're all about taking popular recipes and giving them a healthy and delicious makeover. We recently asked our Facebook fans which cookie they'd like us to make over and Monster cookies came up several times. This recipe was inspired by a Monster Cookie recipe we found on The Pioneer Woman and another one from Paula Deen. As you can only imagine, the original recipes had LOTS of butter! We hope you love our butter-free, better-for-you-but-just-as-luscious makeover. Happy holidays!
- 4 cups quick-cooking oats
- 3/4 cup chocolate sunflower seed drops (we found them at Trader Joe's)
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup semi-sweet mini chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup canola oil
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup peanut butter
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Oil or coat two large baking sheets with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
2. Whisk together the oats, sunflower seed drops, cranberries, chocolate chips, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl until well combined.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, brown sugar, oil, and vanilla until well combined. Whisk in the peanut butter until the mixture is smooth. Pour the liquid ingredients over the dry ingredients, and stir until just moistened.
4. Working in batches, scoop the batter using a 2-tablespoon cookie scooper and place on the prepared baking sheets, flattening slightly with the heel of your hand to create circles, about 2½ inches in diameter. Leave about 1 inch between each cookie.
5. Bake, 1 sheet at a time, about 10 minutes, or until the cookies are golden brown. Cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring the cookies to a wire rack. Repeat with the remaining dough.
For the "BEFORE" nutrient analysis, we used The Pioneer Woman's Monster Cookie recipe with 2 sticks of butter:
Nutrition Information per Serving (1 cookie): 200 calories, 9g fat (5g saturated), 160mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate, 1g fiber, 2g protein
Here is the nutrient analysis for our "AFTER" creation with 1/4 canola oil!:
Nutrition Information per Serving (1 cookie): 130 calories, 7g fat (1.5g saturated), 95mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate, 2g fiber, 4g protein
The cookies were shipped to Liz's house (no worries, she shared with Janice), and you can't imagine the excitement Liz felt when the packages arrived. (Bottom left of the montage to bottom right) Amaretti Cookies from Nanna's Cookbook, Double Chocolate Biscotti from The Culinary Enthusiast (great for dunking in hot tea), and Pebbly Beach Fruit Squares from A Cook at Heart.
Many thanks to Love & Olive Oil and The Little Kitchen for organizing The Great Food Blogger Cookie Swap. Count us in for next year! As for this year's recipes, Here's a link to Recipe Roundup Part 1.
Almond-Apricot Snowballs: A Classic Holiday Cookie Gets a Healthy Makeover
This weekend, it finally felt like winter here in the Boston area. The temperature dipped below freezing, the snow was falling, and each of our towns — Lexington and Melrose — held holiday celebrations. The spirit of the holidays is in the air (brrrr) and the holiday desserts are everywhere! To help you navigate all those gooey, decadent December treats without going overboard on the fat and calories, our friends over at CanolaInfo have added a new twist on holiday classics with their Skinny Mini Holiday Desserts collection. We broke out our aprons this week and made these Almond-Apricot Snowballs just for you.
Instead of making these fluffy cookies with gobs of butter, margarine or shortening (gasp), heart-healthy canola oil becomes the go-to source of fat.
By adding almonds and dried apricots and a mix of vanilla and almond extracts, the flavor of the holidays shines through with each little bite.
This is what the snowballs look like before they're covered in powdered sugar. If you want to cut back on the sugar and calories even more, you could stop at this stage in the recipe. (We sneaked a nibble before the powdered sugar went on, and the cookies were still incredibly delicious.)
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow. Consider making a batch of these better-for-you snowballs for your next holiday cookie swap or party.
Almond-Apricot Snowballs
Makes 36 Cookies
We can't take the credit for this Almond-Apricot Snowballs recipe. It comes compliments of CanolaInfo. They know how to swap out solid fats like butter and replace them with oil, and on their website, they even have a tip sheet for making the switch.
- 2¼ cups all-purpose flour 560 mL
- 1 cup granulated sugar 250 mL
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch 45 mL
- 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 mL
- 3/4 cup canola oil 175 mL
- 2 tablespoons water 30 mL
- 1 teaspoon almond extract 5 mL
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 5 mL
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds, chopped 125 mL
- 1/2 cup finely chopped dried apricots 125 mL
- 1¾ cups confectioners' sugar, for rolling 425 mL
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In medium bowl, combine flour, sugar, cornstarch and salt until completely combined. Add canola oil and beat until well combined Add water, almond and vanilla extract. Mix. Stir in almonds and dried apricots.
3. Scoop batter with small ice cream scooper, melon baller or spoon, making all same size. Place them on un-greased baking sheet about 1 inch (2.5 cm) apart.
4. Bake cookies about 12 to 15 minutes or until just set. Cool on baking sheet for 2 minutes and then transfer to wire rack until just warm.
5. Pour confectioners' sugar into bowl. While cookies are still warm, but not hot, roll in confectioners' sugar. It will adhere slightly to cookies, making them look like snowballs. Return cookies to wire rack and when totally cooled, roll in confectioners' sugar again. Store in air-tight container for up to five days. Tip: Roll the cookies in the second coating of confectioner's sugar right before serving.
Nutrition Information per Serving (1 snowball): 120 calories, 5g fat (0g saturated), 20mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate, 13g sugar, 0g fiber, 1g protein
For more holiday-inspired recipes, head on over to our Recipe Index.
Recipe Redux "Vintage Side Dish" Challenge: Green Bean & Wild Mushroom Casserole … Plus, How We Managed to Test This Recipe Without a Working Oven
It's Recipe Redux time again, and for this month's Vintage Side Dish challenge, we updated a time-honored holiday classic: Green Bean Casserole. Traditionally made with frozen green beans, a can of cream of mushroom soup, and topped with French's French Fried Onions, we felt a made-from-scratch makeover was in order. Deciding not to be too Scrooge or extreme with our recipe renovation, we kept the creamy base with a saucy mix of mushrooms, shallots, a roux of evoo and flour, and low-fat milk, and we played around with two different topping options. And somehow we managed to do it all without a working oven between us. Read on for a tale of two ovens and the recipe.
We couldn't decide which topping to go with so on one side, we added Trader Joe's Fried Onion Pieces (not the healthiest topping in the world but an element some folks love too much to give up) and on the other, we used a mix of crushed Corn Flakes, chopped pistachios, and grated Parmesan.
Green Bean & Wild Mushroom Casserole
Makes 6 to 8 Servings
Vegetable side dishes are our favorite part of Thanksgiving dinner. But with cans of creamy soups, gobs of butter, and handfuls of full-fat cheese, classic veggie recipes can lose their healthy halo! For our recipe redux, we lightened things up and added big-time umami with the button and shiitake mushrooms.
- 1 pound green beans, trimmed and cut in half
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
- 8 ounces button mushrooms, roughly chopped
- 3 ounces shiitake mushrooms, roughly chopped
- 1 medium shallot, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon dried thyme
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups 1% low-fat milk
- 1 tablespoon reduced-sodium soy sauce
Topping / Choice 1:
- 1 cup fried onion pieces (we used Trader Joe's brand)
Topping / Choice 2:
- 1 cup corn flake cereal, coarsely crushed
- 1/4 cup toasted pistachios, coarsely chopped
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add the green beans and blanch for 5 minutes. The water will come back up to a boil after about 2 minutes, but your total blanch time should be from the time the beans hit the water until the 5-minute kitchen timer rings. Drain the beans in a colander and run under cold water to stop the cooking process. Drain and set aside.
2. Meanwhile, heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a Dutch oven or medium-size saucepan over medium heat. Add the mushrooms, shallot, salt, pepper, and thyme and cook, stirring frequently, until the mushrooms are tender and have given off most of their liquid, about 7 minutes.
3. Stir the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil and the flour into the mushroom mixture and cook for 1 minute. Whisk the milk and soy sauce slowly into the flour mixture. Raise the heat and bring to a low boil, stirring constantly. Reduce the heat and continue to simmer and stir gently until the mixture thickens, about 3 minutes.
4. Stir the beans into the sauce until combined. Transfer to a casserole dish and top evenly with either the onion pieces or with a mixture of the corn flake cereal, pistachios, and Parmesan cheese. Bake until the topping turns golden and the sauce is bubbly, about 15 minutes.
Nutrition Information per Serving (with onion topping): 170 calories,10 g fat (3g saturated), 230mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate, 3g fiber, 5g protein, 15% vitamin A, 15% vitamin C, 15% calcium
Nutrition Information per Serving (with corn flake topping): 160 calories, 9g fat (1.5g saturated), 230mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate, 3g fiber, 6g protein, 15% vitamin A, 15% vitamin C, 15% calcium, 15% iron
Our updated green bean casserole with a savory mushroom sauce and some retro Thanksgiving-themed tableware and decorations purchased by Liz at a local tag sale.
So are you ready for the tale of our two ovens? For starters, Janice has no oven. In fact, she has no kitchen. That's because she's in the middle of a giant kitchen renovation. For the past few months, we've been testing recipes at Liz's house. As for Liz's Jenn-Air oven, the other night as she was testing a new recipe for corn flake coated, oven-roasted chicken thighs, her oven became possessed, switched itself onto broil, and proceeded to burn the chicken to smithereens. Thankfully, Liz heard the oven alarm go off before the chicken caught on fire, but the oven was kaput. Needless to say, it's tough to test recipes when you have no oven.
Here is a photo to prove that Liz is NOT making up this story …
Have a happy and healthy Thanksgiving everyone.
Recipe Redux October Cooking Challenge: Orange Cauliflower Tex-Mex Casserole
Every month (well, almost every month), we participate in the Recipe Redux dietitian blogger cooking challenge. This month's assignment: A recipe featuring orange food. We have two fabulous nutrition students from Boston University who are interning with us for the semester, so we asked them to create an orange recipe and write a guest post.
Sophie and Annette were like kids in a candy store when we dropped them off for a scouting mission at Wilson Farm in Lexington, MA. They grabbed a bunch of orange foods including Rugosa Squash (we blogged about this heirloom variety last week) and these gorgeous heads of orange cauliflower.
Read on for the guest post and the recipe! (And while you're at it, be sure to check out Annette's blog, Food Science Nerd!)
Hi Everyone. We're Sophie and Annette, and we're seniors at Boston University. Sophie is originally from England and Annette grew up in Durham, NC. Coming out to Liz's house in Lexington for the past few weeks has been a nice break from our fast-paced, always-studying lives in Boston. And since both of us love to cook, we've enjoyed our time in the temporary MMM Kitchen (The Moms usually cook at Janice's house but her kitchen is getting a makeover)! We had a blast cooking this casserole for the Recipe Redux, and we can't' wait to read all of the other posts.
Some of our favorite finds at the farm (from top left) were the Cinderella pumpkins (shout-out to Annette's Disney obsession), the golden beets, sugar pumpkins, and small "fancy" gourds, but we decided the best option for this challenge was the orange cauliflower.
Sophie had a flashback to a childhood favorite called Cauliflower Cheese. Her mum (that's what they call "moms" in the UK) made this recipe all the time using a lot of butter and Cheddar cheese, so we decided to use it as the starting point for our recipe redux.
The original Cauliflower Cheese recipe was handed down to Sophie's mum from her grandma. Now, we're turing it into a lighter but equally flavorful Meal-Makeover-Mom-approved version. To do that, we replaced the butter with olive oil to increase the amount of heart-healthy fats and replaced the whole-fat cheese with reduced fat. We also reduced the amounts of both ingredients to lower the overall calories and fat. We spiced up the recipe with green onion, cumin, and chili powder and added extra crunch with a sprinkle of Panko bread crumbs and grated Parmesan cheese.
This is what it looks like, all bubbly and crunchy straight out of the oven!
Orange Cauliflower Tex-Mex Casserole
Makes 6 to 8 Servings (7 cup yield)
Who could turn down cauliflower with a recipe like this one? It's so comforting! By the way, if you can't find orange cauliflower, use the regular white. It's still packed with great nutrition.
- 1 large head of orange cauliflower cut into 1-inch, bite-size florets (about 9 cups)
- 2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 4 green onions thinly sliced, white and light green parts
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups 1% low-fat milk
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 4 ounces shredded reduced-fat Cheddar cheese (1 cup)
- Kosher salt and black pepper
- 1/4 cup Panko bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Pour 1/2-inch of water into the bottom of a medium-size saucepan. Cover and bring to a boil. Place the cauliflower in a steamer basket and lower into the pot. Reduce the heat to a low boil, replace the lid, and steam the cauliflower until crisp tender, about 8 minutes. Transfer to a 7 x 11-inch baking dish and set aside.
2. Carefully empty the water from the saucepan and wipe away excess moisture with a paper towel. Place the oil in the saucepan, and heat over medium heat. Add the green onions and cook, stirring frequently, until golden, about 5 minutes. Add the flour and whisk constantly until smooth, 1 to 2 minutes.
3. Whisk the milk, cumin, and chili powder slowly into the flour mixture. Raise the heat and bring to a low boil, stirring constantly. Reduce the heat and continue to simmer and stir gently until the mixture thickens, about 3 minutes.
4. Remove from the heat and stir in the Cheddar cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Pour the sauce evenly over the cauliflower. Stir together the bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese in a bowl and sprinkle evenly over the top. Place in the oven and bake until the cheese bubbles, about 15 minutes. Remove from oven. Reposition rack in upper third of oven and preheat broiler. Place casserole back in oven and broil until lightly browned, 1 to 2 minutes.
Nutrition Information per Serving (about 1 cup): 170 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated), 230mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate, 3g fiber, 11g protein, 190% vitamin A, 110% vitamin C, 25% calcium
Don't be fooled by how indulgent this dish tastes! One cup of raw cauliflower has only 25 calories, and orange cauliflower has the added benefit of higher amounts of carotenoids, the antioxidants that give this veggie its orange color. One 1-cup serving of this casserole provides 25 percent calcium, thanks to the low-fat milk and Cheddar cheese, a dash of phytochemicals from the cumin, and a whole serving of veggies.
Here Comes Honey Boo Boo … and a Healthy Makeover Version of her Favorite Sketti Dinner
There's been a lot of hype lately over the hit TLC show, Here Comes Honey Boo Boo. This popular reality show stars Alana (AKA Honey Boo Boo), a spirited seven-year old beauty pageant contestant and her family, Mama June, Sugar Bear (her dad), and her three siblings.
We're not fans of the show per se, but we've watched some clips, and today, we even used the Honey Boo Boo Nickname Generator to find out our Honey Boo Boo "names." In case you're wondering, you can now refer to Liz as Lavender Wonderful and Janice as Jayla Bootyboo. But all kidding aside, we WORRY about this family. Their diet, from what we've seen, is filled with processed foods — salty, starchy snacks and sugary beverages — and sorely lacks fresh fruits and vegetables. As for the family's favorite meal, it's a dish called Sketti, a mixture of cooked spaghetti, ketchup, and butter or margarine.
If you read this blog, you know we're not judgmental. It's always been our goal to help families eat a healtheir diet, and you've probably heard us say that while it's impossible to be perfect, it's absolutely possible to be better. For example, if your family eats a B-minus diet, bring it to a B-plus or even better. By doing so, you'll make a positive impact on the short and long term health of everyone at your table. So long story short, when we saw this video, we decided to do what we love best: create a healthier, more nutritious, and equally delicious version of Sketti.
Mama June, if you're out there, we hope you'll give this recipe a try 🙂 We are confident that through good nutrition, Honey Boo Boo will be a stronger, happier, and healthier child … and a better pageant competitor.
By using everyday, inexpensive ingredients (i.e. nothing weird or hard to find) like whole wheat blend pasta, pre-shredded carrots, tomato sauce versus ketchup, and a healthier "butter" spread, we cut fat and calories dramatically while boosting fiber and vitamin A (read on for our before/after analysis).
Saucy Sketti with Carrots
Makes 6 Servings
All children need great quality calories — lean protein, whole grains, fruits, veggies — to sustain them throughout the day. After all, it's hard to hold your head high … especially when you're wearing a tiara … without filling your belly first with sensible meals and snacks! For this spaghetti dish, we suggest serving a giant colorful salad on the side.
- One 14.5 ounce box dried whole wheat blend spaghetti
- One 10-ounce bag matchstick carrots
- 1/4 cup soft buttery spread
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- One 15-ounce can tomato sauce
- Grated Parmesan cheese, optional
1. Bring a large saucepan of water to a boil. Add the pasta and carrots and stir a few times. Cook at a low boil until the pasta is done and the carrots are tender, about 10 minutes. Drain.
2. Return the saucepan to the stove and place over medium heat. Add the tomato sauce, buttery spread, and brown sugar and stir to combine. Continue to stir until the spread melts and the ingredients are well blended. Stir the spaghetti and carrots into the tomato mixture until well combined. Serve in individual bowls, and top with Parmesan cheese as desired.
"AFTER" Nutrition Information per Serving: 380 calories, 10g fat (1g saturated), 490mg sodium, 58g carbohydrate, 7g fiber, 14g protein, 80% vitamin A, 15% vitamin C, 20% iron
"BEFORE" Nutrition Information per Serving: 520 calories, 24g fat (4.5g saturated), 510mg sodium, 65g carbohydrate, 3g fiber, 11g protein, 25% vitamin A, 15% iron
Yes, even The Meal Makeover Moms let their hair down once in a while. Here's an action shot as we check if the spaghetti is done.
Mohonk Mountain House Adventures and a Recipe for Better Blueberry Buckle
Visiting the Mohonk Mountain House in New Paltz, New York is like taking a step back in time. My family has been going there for the past six summers — though my first trip to Mohonk took place when I was just a wee lass of eight. On our most recent trip last month, we were warmly welcomed with a jar of homemade raspberry jam and a recipe for Mohonk Mountain House's Heirloom Berry Buckle. Needless to say, I immediately noticed that their buckle called for A LOT of sugar and butter. Please don't think I'm putting them down, but after the long weekend, I couldn't help but try my hand at my own version of a buckle. Here's what I came up with with the help of my oh-so- talented partner in MMM crime, Janice.
A buckle or crumble is defined as a type of cake made in a single layer with berries added to the batter. It is usually made with blueberries. The topping is similar to a streusel, which gives it a buckled or crumpled appearance. (Source: What's Cooking America.)
Better Blueberry Buckle
Makes 8 Servings
For the batter we added some whole wheat pastry flour and ground flaxseed for more fiber and nutrients, and we gave butter the boot in favor of heart-healthy canola oil. We used an Eggland's Best egg for extra omega-3, vitamin D, and vitamin E and kept the sugar to just half a cup. For flavor and texture, we used vanilla yogurt, lemon juice, and lemon zest. As for the topping, once again, we swapped the butter for canola, and we turned to oats for crunch.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup whole wheat pastry flour
- 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup expeller pressed canola oil
- 1/2 cup low-fat vanilla yogurt
- 1/4 cup 1% low-fat milk
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1¼ cups blueberries
For the Topping
- 1/4 cup old fashioned or quick-cooking oats
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon expeller pressed canola oil
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Lightly oil or coat a 9-inch round cake pan with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
2. Whisk together the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, flaxseed, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, sugar, and the canola oil until well blended. Whisk in the yogurt, milk, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
4. Pour the liquid ingredients over the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Gently stir in the blueberries. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan.
5. To make the topping, place the oats, brown sugar, flaxseed, and cinnamon in a small bowl and stir to combine. Add the oil and stir until the oat mixture is well coated. Spread the topping evenly over the batter.
6. Bake about 35 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. (Cover lightly with foil about halfway through if the topping browns too quickly.) Transfer to a wire rack and cool, or serve while still warm.
Tip: If you don't have blueberries, you can use raspberries instead (same amount).
Nutrition Information per Serving (1 slice): 280 calories, 11g fat (1g saturated, 1.3g omega-3), 200mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate, 3g fiber, 5g protein
There are endless fitness opportunities at Mononk. During my hike to the look-out tower, I looked down and saw my boys swimming across the lake with a group of other guests.
Simon and Josh are OBSESSED with fishing and spend most of their time at Mohonk at the "secret spot." This year, they caught a bunch of rainbow trout, and one unlucky fish ended up on our dinner table. The chef at Mohonk was kind enough to create this gorgeous dish of rainbow trout with roasted tomatoes, bell peppers, and Kalamata olives. My dad felt bad eating the fish since it had led a happy life, but knowing that the lake is stocked, the rest of us enjoyed the meal without too much guilt.
My mom and dad have been married for 57 years and they're still going strong!
The Sisterhood of the Traveling Orange Sunglasses! In the photo: my sister Marian, my niece Andrea, my mom, me, and my sister Amy.
Mohonk is a magical place filled with activities to suite anyone's fitness level, food preferences, or state of mind. From strolling through the gardens and feasting outside at the Granary to reading a book on the grand front porch to yoga, it's a place where extended families can gather to enjoy quality time together. I'm already counting the days until next summer 🙂
Recipe Redux August Challenge: Nantucket on My Mind … and a Recipe for Tilapia Tacos Your Way
Nantucket is a beautiful island off the coast of Massachusetts, and I first discovered it back in the late 80's. Yes, yes I know; many of you were just born around that time! 🙂 Anyway, for the past few summers, Tim and I have taken our boys to Nantucket, and we've all fallen in love with the place. Once the whaling capital of the world, Nantucket is now a vacation destination where visitors can walk down cobblestone streets in the old town, ride bikes, sun themselves at the beach, grab a fishing rod and try their hand at catching a fish, eat great seafood (especially the fish tacos at Millie's), go boating, and a whole lot more. For this month's Recipe Redux challenge, we were charged with taking a favorite vacation food and making it healthier, so I decided to play around with a fish taco of my very own.
One of the cool things about Nantucket is the remote beaches. One afternoon during our week-long visit this August, we drove our four-wheel Jeep to Great Point where the boys had an opportunity to go fishing. Yours truly opted out of that activity.
Josh and Simon would fish all day if given the opportunity!
After getting skunked at the beach, we decided to rent a boat for a morning and give Great Point another try. We figured we'd have better luck offshore. By noon, the boys had hooked over a dozen bluefish. We took one home and Tim cooked it up for lunch. Fish sandwich anyone?
The testosterone kicked in when my husband gutted and filleted the fish. The boys were fascinated.
One of our favorite beaches is out in Madaket. After the beach, we love to head over to Millie's for fish tacos. Millie's is also a fun spot for watching the sunset.
This grilled striped bass in corn tortillas with tomato and sweet corn salad, guacamole, and lime sour cream hit the spot. Other than the sour cream, it's pretty darn healthy.
For this month's Recipe Redux, I decided to create my favorite Nantucket fish taco meal at home. We're big fans of fish tacos around here; I typically cook up a pound and a half of tilapia fillets, lay out a bunch of toppers, and tell everyone to have fun creating their own.
For this taco recipe, I offered my family roasted bell peppers, caramelized red onion, fresh cilantro, and guacamole for the toppers. But you don't have to stop there. Other topper options we've enjoyed include black beans, corn kernels, grilled portobello mushrooms, coleslaw, salsa, and light sour cream, and of course, fresh lime juice.
Tilapia Tacos Your Way
Makes 5 to 6 Servings
This is more of a concept than an actual recipe. It's flexible. No real rules apply other than having a base — in this case flour tortillas — as well as fish and lots of toppers. For me, it's all about the veggies. Here, I chose colorful bell peppers and red onions, but you can switch up the veggies based on what's in season: grilled or sauteed zucchini, shredded carrots and shredded lettuce, sauteed greens, etc. For us, avocados diced or turned into guacamole are a must.
- 1½ pounds tilapia fillets (4 to 6 fillets)
- 2 tablespoons of your favorite marinade (I used Baja Seafood Cooking & Grilling Sauce)
- As many flour tortillas (or corn tortillas) as you want
- 3 bell peppers, quartered, tossed with EVOO and grilled or roasted (or sliced thin and sauteed)
- 1 red onion, cut into thin half-moon-shaped slices and caramelized in a skillet
- 1 bunch fresh cilantro, washed and separated into sprigs.
- Guacamole
- Other topper options: Corn kernels, beans, salsa, coleslaw, light sour cream, lime wedges
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Place the tilapia on a cutting board and slice each fillet down the center where the fish connects to create 2 smaller fillets. Place in a bowl, add the marinade, and toss until evenly coated. Let sit for 30 minutes.
2. Place the fillets on a baking sheet and bake until the fish flakes easily with a fork and is cooked through, about 12 minutes.
3. To build the tacos, heat each tortilla individually on a dinner-size plate for about 30 seconds in the microwave. Place one piece of fish down the center of the tortilla and top with any or all topping ingredients. Roll up burrito style and enjoy.
The worst part about Nantucket is leaving.
Until next year …


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In 2010, making it as a rapper is all about traversing two worlds. Post-millennial hip-hop superstars have dual obligations: They must meet fans' expectations of fierce beats and agile lyricism, but they must also deliver stellar financial returns to the record company. In order to accomplish both seemingly disparate feats, many have simply resolved to split themselves in two. Atlanta rapper B.o.B garnered a reputation as a whip-smart stylistic heir to Cee-lo and Outkast over a series of impressive mixtapes. Come album time, he released The Adventures of Bobby Ray, a shockingly saccharine song set where he cavorted with the likes of Weezer's Rivers Cuomo and Bruno Mars. Bobby Ray was a huge hit, but it left much of his fanbase wondering where the B.o.B they'd come to know had gone. His solution? Satiate the hardcore hip-hop contingent with another mixtape.
With Pink Friday, Nicki Minaj is the latest artist to attempt parlay a promising mixtape career into a burgeoning pop empire. The thing is, as much as Minaj wants to blow up, she isn't quite sure how to do it yet. Pink Friday's songs split the difference between crass lyrical smack talk, doe-eyed teen pop fodder, vulnerable ballads, and wholesome motivational anthems. Minaj's department store fitting room approach to her message and image can be off-putting. On the album's first song, "I'm the Best," she opens up about wanting to be successful to support her family. The next song finds her snarling, "I am not Jasmine/ I am Aladdin," as she dons her tough-guy outfit for "Roman's Revenge," a foul-mouthed and damagingly direct rebuke of her sometime rap rival Lil' Kim. A few songs later she's fighting off loneliness on "Save Me" and finding solace in a significant other on "Right Thru Me." Humans are nothing if not conflicted, touting a dearth of competing allegiances and interests, but what looks like multifaceted depth in a persona sounds like a lack of commitment and direction in an album. Pink Friday lacks cohesion. What's worse is that its execution is sloppy.
Minaj's scattershot approach to songwriting would be fine if she pulled it off with wit, charm, and skill. But this album's greatest failure isn't its personality crisis. It's Minaj's voice and delivery. Like her Young Money compatriot Drake, Nicki's flow champions style over substance, and as such, Pink Friday, like Thank Me Later, is peppered with more than a few embarrassing lyrical flubs. She rhymes the same word with itself ("This stone is flawless -- F1/ I keep shooters in the top of the F1") endlessly ("Even when my daddy was on crack, I was crack/ Now the whole album crack"). She absolutely abuses her stutter flow, obnoxiously filling whole measures with filler on "Did It on 'Em" and other songs. The punch-line flow popularized by Drake and Big Sean arrives here at its most obnoxious form, worming its way into every verse of every song. As a result, she is routinely blown away by her guest features. Pink Friday's finest moments are all too often assailed by Minaj's lyrical quirks and crutches, and the great shock of this album is that she probably fares better as a singer than she does as a rapper.
As a singer, Minaj follows the Rihanna framework. Her voice isn't very nuanced, and her range is a far cry from formidable. But she knows it, so she doesn't push beyond her limits. Minaj gets by on simple melodies and raspy bluster. The simple, repetitious vocal runs on songs like "Save Me" and "Here I Am" go a long way toward disguising an amateurish singing voice in catchy, accessible hooks. It doesn't always work out, though. This aesthetic torpedoes the grating, monotonous "Your Love" and "Check It Out." And both of the times more accomplished singers turn up for cameos (Rihanna on "Fly" and Natasha Bedingfield on "Last Chance"), we're served with stern reminders of Minaj's lack of experience as a crooner. For every adept performance on Pink Friday, there is something less than enjoyable waiting to happen.
It's sad that, having spent the last few years clawing her way to the forefront of hip-hop's mainstream elite through an impressive series of mixtapes and features, Minaj would use the occasion of her debut album to pull a bait and switch, to turn off the wild-eyed charm that won her an audience and turn in this fragmented collection of stabs at radio play. Pink Friday lives or dies on Minaj's ability to fully embody all of the various personas she toys with, the singer, the rapper, the lover, the fighter, the tomboy, the girly girl, the big sister, the bitch. But she isn't always engaging, and she doesn't always sound at home with this material. She's got a sense of the concessions that need to be made to streamline and reach a bigger audience, but she doesn't have the experience or pop smarts to make it work. Minaj actually addresses the subject on "Dear Old Nicki," a eulogy to her former self. "I loved your rawness, and I loved your edge," Minaj tells herself. We all did. Come back, girl.
Artist: http://mypinkfriday.com
Label: http://www.weareyoungmoney.com
Audio: http://www.myspace.com/nickiminaj
Twitter: http://twitter.com/nickiminaj
After a few years of hopping around on other artists' songs and releasing a few mixtapes, Nicki Minaj's Pink Friday finally gives her a vehicle to call her own. The Young Money rapper's debut comes after a major bidding war in 2009 in which Minaj was able to retain all of her merchandising, sponsorship, endorsement, touring and publishing rights. Lead single "Massive Attack" is a choppy, more experimental collaboration with R&B singer Sean Garrett that defies her previously established "Barbie" persona, while follow-up "Your Love" is a sweeter rumination on puppy love, even though her reference to NBA player Tracy McGrady is a little dated. (Seriously, he hasn't been good in years.)
With "Your Love," Minaj was the first woman since 2002 to lead Billboard's Rap Songs chart while unaccompanied by any other artist. Minaj also worked with producers like Swizz Beatz, Kanye West and Black Eyed Peas' will.i.am to create a record that she claims is about "telling every girl's story."
Kings of Leon - Come Around Sundown | Bad Religion The Dissent of Man |
Abstract published. That is a funny T-Mac reference at this point.
I LOVE Nicki Minaj!
dats f*cked up y she go and do that.......U to drizzy!!!!!! cant wait till the cd drops........
I love her!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ahhhhhhh i can not wait!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! omg!!!!!!!!!!!
omg. i cant wait until pink friday come out. nicki minaj is my wife.. i love her !!!! <3
album cover art and track list added.
i loveeeeeee nicki ;; but why she take this long for a Cd ndd ir onlyhave 11 songs ! they better be the best 11 song i ever heard by her .
mii favourt song is fly i love the first verse
Damn, Craig. Ether right here:
"It's sad that, having spent the last few years clawing her way to the forefront of hip-hop's mainstream elite through an impressive series of mixtapes and features, Minaj would use the occasion of her debut album to pull a bait and switch, to turn off the wild-eyed charm that won her an audience and turn in this fragmented collection of stabs at radio play."
Yeah, great writeup. Well done.
Thanks guys.
i really really really love nicki minaj and i really want her album supper bad but i want th CD that doesn't have all that cursing in it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
i luv nikki luv da cd 2 mii bff bought it 4 me 4 mii b-day which isnt til da 27 dis month cant wait 2 here it BYE.........
If you love "nikki" so much, learn to spell her name...and i loveeee nicki! She's new music, and it's coming from a different perspective. Give her a break. If you don't like her, you don't have to be here! :)
love nicki minaj she rocks really she does rock her music rocks

subset: commoncrawl


text:
New Member
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Nitrate Removal Filter ?
Has anyone used or is using the Aquaripure nitrate removal filter system on there aquarium? Looking at there video and any information I can find seems to say they work. Do they work as advertised? I understand everybodys aquarium and water are different. I usally have about 40ppm nitrates average in both my tanks. One is a 75 gallon and a 40 gallon. I have about 20ppm in my well water. I do not over feed and do water changes every week in both tanks along with vaccuming the substrate. When you start with nitrates it does not take long at all for them to increase.
Any information on this filter system is appreciated. I do not mind spending the money if it works as advertised. Thanks
Any information on this filter system is appreciated. I do not mind spending the money if it works as advertised. Thanks
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I wouldn't worry about the nitrate as long as it doesn't go much above 40ppm. Before I move I had a well that also gave out 20ppm of nitrates and my nitrates went to about 40 in some tanks too. I never had an issue with it. I can suggest trying plants, but it might not be very easy to make a difference on those larger tanks with low light plants.
I agree that 20 to 40 is not at a critical stage Mikaila31. I am not a perfectionist but close to it.I try to have the best water conditions possible for my tanks and the fish. Even tho I do water changes every week when I add water with nitrates allready in it that increases the nitrates pretty fast. Thats why I was asking about the Aquaripure nitrate filter system if it does what is advertised. If it does I will buy one and install it on my 75 gallon tank. If it works I will get one for the 40 gallon tank. I appreciate your feed back. Thanks
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There have been multiple discussions about this here on the forum and links from Aquaripure as well.
If you type Aquaripure in the search box at the top RH side of the forum home page, all of those links and discussions will come up for you.
Happy reading :)
If you type Aquaripure in the search box at the top RH side of the forum home page, all of those links and discussions will come up for you.
Happy reading :)
Animal testing is a terrible idea; they get all nervous and give the wrong answers.
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Israel News - Stay Informed, Pray Informed
The Palestinian Authority acknowledged on Sunday that it is only continuing to take part in US-brokered peace talks with Israel in order to secure the release of more jailed Palestinian terrorists.
As one of the conditions for getting the Palestinians to the negotiating table in the first place, Israel agreed to four prisoner releases, the fourth of which is scheduled to take place at the end of this month.
Speaking to Israel's Army Radio on Sunday, chief Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat said that he had urged Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas to pull out of the peace talks as the Palestinians were clearly not going to have 100 percent of their demands met.
But, Erekat revealed, Abbas is determined to maintain the ruse of genuinely negotiating peace until the fourth prisoner release occurs. Abbas has made securing the release of thousands of jailed Palestinian terrorists a central component of his hoped-for political legacy.
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told reporters on Sunday that given the wide gaps that remain between the Israeli and Palestinian positions, it would require at least another year of serious negotiations to reach an agreement.
Since Israel is unwilling to compromise on its security, and the Palestinians refuse to give an inch on their demands, Netanyahu is said to be considering a number of creative solutions, including one modeled on the complicated border agreements that exist between Belgium and the Netherlands.
Netanyahu has already stated that Israel would never again forcibly uproot Jewish civilians, meaning that if a Palestinian state is established, tens of thousands of Jewish settlers, at least, will either have to move willingly inside Israel proper, or be allowed to live as residents or citizens of said Palestinian state.
That prospect has not sat well with either Israelis or Palestinians.
A third way is the adoption of the Belgium-Netherlands model. There is a portion of the Dutch-Belgian border where both nations maintain sovereign enclaves within the territory of the other (mostly Belgian enclaves inside the Netherlands). In fact, in one area, there are even Dutch enclaves inside the Belgian enclaves.
The idea is to enable Netanyahu to keep his promise to not uproot any Jews, while still giving the Palestinians a largely-contiguous state.
PHOTO: Abbas celebrates at his headquarters in Ramallah with a group of released Palestinian terrorists. October 30, 2013
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Seagate FreeAgent GoFlex TV HD Media Player
Seagate delivers a full-featured media streamer at an affordable price
Looking for a versatile media streamer that can handle music, photos, and videos from your home network and the Internet? The Seagate FreeAgent GoFlex TV ($100, price as of August 5, 2010) is one of the best in a growing field of attractive candidates. The GoFlex TV shapes up as a worthy competitor to its Western Digital rival, the WD TV Live Plus, though the slightly pricier WD TV maintains a small advantage in features, interface, and speed.
Like the WD TV Live Plus, the FreeAgent GoFlex TV is a connected box that lets you play media from computers, media servers, and storage devices on your network, or from USB flash or hard drives plugged directly into the device (you can also insert a portable GoFlex hard-drive module directly into the GoFlex TV, which eliminates extra clutter). The GoFlex TV supports a generous number of Internet services, including Flickr, Netflix on demand, Picasa, YouTube, a slew of popular sites through MediaFly, and other sites via category widgets (such as Finance).
But also like the WD TV Live Plus, the GoFlex TV lacks built-in Wi-Fi support: You can add that via an optional $50 USB adapter, but be prepared for degraded media playback if you live in an area where lots of other Wi-Fi networks are competing for scarce bandwidth.
Setting up the unit took only a few moments; I have to give Seagate high marks for the unit's simplicity. I hooked it up to my HDTV with an HDMI cable I had on hand (the GoFlex TV supports component, composite, and HDMI connections, but provides cables for only the first two), and then linked it to my network via the included ethernet cable plugged into a HomePlug AV switch.
After I connected the AC adapter to a power outlet, a couple of screens for setting language and date/time appeared, but no further action was required: Within a minute or so, the home screen popped up. I was immediately able to browse both my home network and the Internet services using the unit's remote, which is somewhat larger than most half-size remotes but still smaller than a typical TV or cable remote. I quickly set up my Netflix on-demand service (the screen displays a code that you must type into an activation screen on the Netflix Website).
Navigating is fairly simple since the home screen provides access to media in several ways, including some that are deliberately redundant. At the top is a row of options for media types (Music, Photos, Video), as well as Internet and local-network location. Then comes a row of shortcuts to the Internet services. Finally it gives you a row of icons for navigating all directly connected and local-network devices--be they USB flash drives, GoFlex drives you may have plugged into the GoFlex TV, networked PCs, or media servers (DLNA or Samba shares).
But playing or viewing material, especially over a local network, can be slow. Sometimes files take quite a few moments to appear (Seagate says this is because the device is building an index). Also, the GoFlex TV doesn't support file operations: You can't copy files from a network location to a local drive, a WD TV feature that can be useful if streaming over the network is poky and you don't want to have to use a PC to transfer media to a local drive. And in my tests, some media files inexplicably failed to play at all--I got several messages saying that MP3 files I had ripped from CDs were in an invalid format.
Though the home screen makes digging up content supereasy, I was somewhat disappointed to find that a lot of features--including any network settings or playback adjustments (such as slideshow options)--are accessible only when you click the menu button on the remote. I appreciate that Seagate wanted to reduce screen clutter, but this arrangement makes these features a little less discoverable.
For people who own a GoFlex drive, Seagate provides Media Sync software that makes it easy to transfer and update the contents of a PC or Mac media library to the drive. But you have to connect the drive to the computer to perform updates--you can't update it when it's connected to the GoFlex TV.
The GoFlex TV supports a wide range of DRM-free media formats; it's also the only media streamer I've seen that lets you play DivX video. And thanks to a deal Seagate made with Paramount, the GoFlex TV provides a feature for designating it as an authorized playback device for Paramount movies you've purchased and stored on digital media (some GoFlex drives were sold with the movies preloaded, so you could view them once you paid online to unlock them).
The device's Netflix support is basic, allowing you to play videos that you've placed in your on-demand queue on the Netflix Website. The unit doesn't support the newer Netflix interface that appears on Roku and WD TV Live Plus streamers, which lets you browse and add content to your queue directly from your TV screen. The omission is hardly a fatal flaw, but the feature's convenience is undeniable.
Other GoFlex TV services looked fairly similar to the way they do on other Internet-connected media streamers--you can log in to your YouTube account to view (and designate) favorites, you can search for photos on Flickr (but you can't log in to your account to easily view your own), and so on.
Overall, I found the GoFlex TV to be serviceable, with easy setup and a large selection of Internet content as major pluses. It is on the slow side, however, and the interface could be better (especially for accessing settings and Netflix movies). For $20 more, I give the WD TV Live Plus the edge.
This story, "Seagate FreeAgent GoFlex TV HD Media Player" was originally published by PCWorld.
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Although the only reason for becoming a Christian is that it is the truth, that it is reality; nonetheless, since we humans are weak and corrupt there also needs to be at least some short-term reward for conversion.
There needs to be some therapeutic aspect to conversion.
And that which requires therapy is modern secular life; which (whether pleasurable or miserable on average) is perceived as ultimately alienated, purposeless, meaningless.
Alienation, detachment, alone-ness, lack of any connection or relation to the world - is pervasive in modernity.
Alienation can be solved with animism, with paganism; it can be solved in fantasy and sometimes in art; it can be solved in human love (of spouse, of family).
And alienation can also be solved by Christianity which affirms a continuous personal relationship with God (specifically Jesus Christ) so that we are never truly alone.
Also, for a Christian there is the continual reality of Unseen Warfare, of the struggle for salvation affected by angels and demons (which are Christian interpretations of the conscious natural entities of animism or the gods and goddesses of paganism).
Since the Christian is never alone, and always the object of attention; alienation is a temporary illusion - not a permanent reality.
Furthermore, for a Christian the unity of Man is not a mere aspiration, but a fact. We are - whether we like it or not - all in it together; and what we think and do affects not just ourselves but everybody.
No Man is an island: not even in his 'private' thoughts; humans are necessarily social even in solitude. Hence the divisions between practical and personal, work and prayer, contemplation and labour are abolished. A desert-dwelling hermit may exemplify the fullest membership of humankind.
Purposelessness is a feature of modernity where life is specialized, each specialism exists only to serve other specialisms, yet each specialism is narrow, literal and un-engaging.
Everything feels trivial because it is going nowhere for no reason.
Some moderns 'lose themselves' in work or human relationships, others in whatever happens to provide temporary distraction or relief from consciousness (e.g. intoxication, busyness, serial pleasure-seeking). But these are merely means to an end which is left blank by modernity.
For the Christian, however, there is an underpinning purpose to life: which is salvation. All our choices lead either toward, or away from, salvation.
Properly understood, there is also the possibility of increasing holiness - which is termed theosis - i.e progress in this life towards God-like-ness. The success of theosis is Sainthood - a Saint being understood as one who lives partly in Heaven while still on earth.
So, for a Christian, nothing is trivial: everything is goal-directed.
Meaninglessness is the sense that nothing matters in an indifferent universe. The secular materialist looks up at the stars and feels infinitely insignificant.
By contrast, Christianity states that on the contrary everything is significant.
It offers a cosmology, a description of reality, which encompasses this life, the reality of the soul and its survival of death, the nature of the next world into which the soul survives, the existence of beings intermediate between Man and God - namely angels and demons.
When a Christian looks up at the stars he become partially aware of (is glimpsing) spiritual reality: a universe of life, meaning, struggle - the field of transcendent truth, beauty and virtue - and a reality in which his own soul is a focus of vital importance.
So that although Christianity is not about 'being happy' (rather it is a struggle until death, an unseen warfare); and although Christianity is not about re-making the world in accordance with our subjective desires (not about lets-pretend or wishful-thinking - but rather about fitting oneself to reality); nonetheless adopting the Christian perspective does offer some immediate and profound psychological rewards.
For a Christian things matter: choices matter, what we do has meaning and purpose; and the universe is in personal relation to the perceiving soul.
What happens in life is never lost in time and space - but (for better or worse) is a permanent reality of the soul.
Wholeness, weight and significance are restored to life; there is no longer reason to live wholly for distractions.
So although wholeness, weight and significance bring a new set of problems for the convert - Christian conversion is not entirely a matter of struggle, trial and tribulation; it does have immediate rewards.
Conversion to Christianity means reality is real and has our human experience at the centre of things; there is no longer need to live by strategic evasion of consciousness and systematic suppression of thinking.


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The OrdListBox is a class derived from System.Windows.Forms.ListBox and was written by me when I was working on a project where I had this requirement of having ordered items in a list box. The issue was that there might be multiple copies of the same item in the list box and I had no way to differentiate among these duplicate items. The duplicate items would obviously be textual abstractions of distinct underlying objects. MFC had CListBox::SetItemData which allowed us to associate a 32 bit value with an item in the list box. I assumed rather enthusiastically that there would be something analogous to that in the .NET ListBox class. It was with an intense annoyance that I realized that I couldn't find anything to do the job. Of course for all I know there might be some hidden feature somewhere which I had overlooked and missed. But anyway I had to write my own class to achieve what I wanted to. I was a little stuck when Shog9 brilliantly helped me out with a beautiful but simple suggestion that I totally missed out on.
The class basically allows you to associate strings with each list box item. Now when you add an item to the string using the new method added to the derived class, this order string will be used to determine the position where this new item would be inserted at. The order string can be either numeric or non-numeric. If the order string is numeric then 6 comes before 12, but if the order string is non-numeric you must watch out, because 6 is now greater than 12 on account of it's position in the character set.
//... /* Create a new OrdListBox with numeric order */ OrdListBox listBox1 = new OrdListBox(true); //... /* You must use this method to add items to the list box. Because if you use ListBox methods to add items, the class will obviously fail! */ listBox1.AddOrderedItem(textBox1.Text,textBox2.Text); //... /* You can call ListBox methods too */ listBox1.Items.RemoveAt(listBox1.SelectedIndex); //... /* GetItemOrder can be used to return the order */ MessageBox.Show( listBox1.GetItemOrder(listBox1.SelectedIndex), listBox1.Items[listBox1.SelectedIndex].ToString()); //...
Initializes a new instance of the OrdListBox class.
public OrdListBox( bool bNum );
This will add a new ordered item to the ordered list box, and it will insert the new item at the correct position within the list box, that will maintain the order of the items in the list box, after the new item has been added to it.
public void AddOrderedItem(string ItemText, string ItemOrder);
This method will return the order value of an item in a list box given the index of the item within the list box.
public string GetItemOrder(int index)
The method will return a string that represents the order value of the specified list box item.
public class OrdListBox : System.Windows.Forms.ListBox { public OrdListBox(bool bNum) { bNumeric = bNum; Sorted = false; //required } public void AddOrderedItem(string ItemText, string ItemOrder) { ItemData data = new ItemData(ItemText,ItemOrder); int c = Items.Count; /* Loop through list box and locate point of insertion */ for (int i = 0; i < Items.Count; i++) { if (data.IsLess((ItemData)Items[i],bNumeric)) { //Found! Now insert Items.Insert(i,data); break; } } if( c == Items.Count) { //Missed out, so insert at end. Items.Insert(c,data); } } public string GetItemOrder(int index) { if(index < 0 || index >= Items.Count) return null; else return ((ItemData)Items[index]).ItemOrder; } private bool bNumeric = false; /* Inner class which defines the object that we insert as a list box item */ class ItemData { public ItemData(string str1, string str2) { m_ItemText=str1; m_ItemOrder=str2; } private string m_ItemText; private string m_ItemOrder; /* Required for list box display purposes */ public override string ToString() { return m_ItemText; } /* This method figures out whether the instance object is less than the given object. It does this in two different ways depending on whether the order has been set to numeric or non-numeric */ public bool IsLess(ItemData d, bool bNum) { if(bNum) { int i1 = Convert.ToInt32(m_ItemOrder); int i2 = Convert.ToInt32(d.m_ItemOrder); return ( i1 < i2 ); } else { return ( m_ItemOrder.CompareTo(d.m_ItemOrder) < 0 ); } } public string ItemOrder { get { return m_ItemOrder; } } } }
This article, along with any associated source code and files, is licensed under The Code Project Open License (CPOL)
General News Suggestion Question Bug Answer Joke Praise Rant Admin
Use Ctrl+Left/Right to switch messages, Ctrl+Up/Down to switch threads, Ctrl+Shift+Left/Right to switch pages.


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PyML is an interactive object oriented framework for machine learning written in python. PyML focuses on kernel classifiers, providing tools for feature selection, model selection, and methods for assessing classifier performance.
User Ratings
User Reviews
I have used PyML quite extensively and have found it to be very useful for developing kernel methods for classification.
Facing errors when trying to install Pyl 0.7.13 under Python 2.7.6 on Windows 8. I do below steps: SET VS90COMNTOOLS=%VS110COMNTOOLS% Go to the directory having setup.py in the extracted PyML folder and run: python setup.py build python setup.py install But on both steps I get errors as below, related to ext/hash_map no such file found. C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Visual Studio 11.0\VC\INCLUDE\xlocale(336) : warning C4530: C++ exception handler used, but unwind semantics are not enabled. Specify /EHsc e:\ajit\pyml-0.7.13.tar\dist\pyml-0.7.13\pyml\containers\ext\SparseDataSet.h(14) : fatal error C1083: Cannot open include file: 'ext/hash_map': No such file or directory error: command '"C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Visual Studio 11.0\VC\BIN\cl.e xe"' failed with exit status 2
Thanks for software and updates.
Great product pyml
Great app


text:
October 18, 2011
MTV Reality Show Coach to Speak at DSBN STAT Conference
The annual DSBN STAT (Students Taking Action Today) conference is an opportunity for students to become inspired and empowered to make positive changes in their schools and communities. Hundreds of elementary and secondary students are expected to attend the event taking place at Welland Centennial on October 26 and 27.
This year, students will be developing their leadership potential with teen life coach Jeff Yalden. Jeff is a coach on MTV's Made, a self-improvement reality show for teens. The series pairs teens up with a coach who helps them attain their goals. On the show, Jeff has helped teens train to become comedians, debaters and more. Outside of the show, Jeff is an author and motivational speaker who promotes respect and personal responsibility.
On his website, Jeff writes that he helps students discover their true ambitions. "In finding their purpose, they find clarity, character and happiness. I help them draw their own conclusions, make their own choices and understand the consequences of what they choose."
Student Achievement Leader Kelly McDonnell says the STAT Conference is an important part of the DSBN's Character Education Plan. "Our students understand they have an important role to play in the health and well being of their schools and communities. Through the STAT conference and other educational opportunities, students will gain the tools and confidence to take action and model good citizenship," says McDonnell.
Event Details:
Date: October 26 (intermediate students) and October 27 (secondary students)
Time: 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. (both days)
Location: Welland Centennial Secondary School, 240 Thorold Road West, Welland


text:
Cancer Genetics |
Causes of Lung Cancer04/20/2004 |
What causes lung cancer?
The following website will give you a very nice summary of the possible causes of lung cancer. Basically, it is the result of cellular damage as a result of exposure to various substances that can damage the DNA of lung cells. As damage accumulates, the potential for a cell to become cancerous increases. This means that the cell(s) began growing with irregular shapes, they don`t stop growing when they should, and they have the potential to invade nearby tissues, and metastasize to other parts of the body. For a more detailed description, I recommend the NCI`s cancer site: http://www.cancer.gov/cancerinfo/types/lung
Duane D Culler, PhD, MS Clinical Instructor of Genetics School of Medicine Case Western Reserve University |


text: Inside Naomi Campbell's New Spaceship HouseJesus Diaz10/25/12 12:30pmFiled to: ArchitectureZaha HadidCapitol HillNaomi Campbell91EditPromoteShare to KinjaToggle Conversation toolsGo to permalink Naomi Campbell's new spaceship is almost done. The stunning 28,524-square-foot (2,650-square-meter) mansion feels like a smoothed Star Destroyer, with two 65-foot (20-meter) towers as the ship's bridge overlooking lush hills covered with birch and pine forests. The photos and the scale is nothing short of stunning. Advertisement The interior is as futuristic as the exterior, with gigantic glass panels, smooth curves everywhere and extremely tall ceilings.Russian billionaire Vladislav Doronin commissioned the house to Zaha Hadid, an architect who is known for her futuristic style. Just take a look at her Star Trek Federation Fleet academy (or a government building in Montpellier, France) or her hi-tech Batman speedboat. I wonder which of the two towers is their bedroom. Perhaps both. [Zaha Hadid] Advertisement Music: The Secret Control Room by AlexusualImages of the house under construction Reply91 repliesLeave a reply


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A brief history of zealotry
Reza Aslan '95, 15 Dec 2013
Reza Aslan '95 in conversation with three SCU scholars of religion—Paul Crowley, S.J., Catherine Murphy '83, M.A. '87, and David Pinault—about faith, politics, and how we talk about the life and times of Jesus of Nazareth.
Winter 2014
Valleys of Amazement and Heart's Delight
SCM, 15 Dec 2013
With her latest work, The Valley of Amazement, just out, writer Amy Tan talks about how her first, groundbreaking novel, The Joy Luck Club, has its roots right here in Santa Clara.
Winter 2014
New books by alumni
Alden Mudge, 15 Dec 2013
With The Circus that Ran Away with a Jesuit Priest, Nick Weber pens a meditative and humorous memoir about the two callings he heard: the Jesuit order and the circus.
Winter 2014
Getting to the truth of Silicon Valley
Mike Cassidy, 5 Dec 2013
Tech commentator and author Michael S. Malone '75, MBA '77 has made the study of Silicon Valley his life's work. And his new novel finds the point where fact and fiction meet.
Reading the way
Clay Hamilton, 26 Nov 2013
Something to be thankful for: literacy and social good. The stories of Francisco Jiménez '66 continue to inspire both.
New from SCU faculty
SCM, 26 Sep 2013
Gordon Young writes about rebuilding in his hometown of Flint, Mich., Kirk Glaser co-edits New California Writing, and more.
Fall 2013
New books by alumni
SCM, 26 Sep 2013
Tales woven across nations and generations by Khaled Hosseini '88, a true crime memoir by Dennis Walsh J.D. '82, and other nonfiction and fiction offerings.
Fall 2013
When place means Flint
Kenneth Caldwell, 8 Aug 2013
Rust Belt prodigal Gordon Young discusses all things Flint as well as his new book Teardown: Memoir of a Vanishing City.
Viral Zealot
Jeff Gire, 30 Jul 2013
He has a brand-new top-selling book, but viral internet fame is pushing Reza Aslan '95 even further into the spotlight.
Miller's Tale
Steven Boyd Saum, 1 May 2013
To tell the story of Bob Miller '67 is to tell the coming-of-age tale of Las Vegas itself. And it's the chronicle of a man who served a decade as governor of Nevada. Quite a journey for the son of an illegal bookie from Chicago.
Spring/Summer 2013


text:
From Bulbapedia, the community-driven Pokémon encyclopedia.
Revision as of 12:49, 10 April 2013 by IVsaur (talk | contribs) (It's not only regional Pokédex mentioned)
By Pokédex number, 004 may refer to:
- #004 Charmander, in the National and Kanto Pokédex
- #004 Cyndaquil, in the New Pokédex and the Johto Pokédex
- #004 Torchic, in the Hoenn Pokédex
- #004 Chimchar, in the Sinnoh Pokédex
- #004 Tepig, in the Unova Pokédex
By Browser number, 004 may refer to:
- R-004 Bellsprout, in the Fiore Browser
- R-004 Bidoof, in the Almia Browser
- R-004 Pichu, in the Oblivia Browser
- S-004 Dialga, in the Oblivia Browser
- N-004 Bulbasaur, in the Oblivia Browser (Past)
By hexadecimal identifier, 004 may refer to:
- Clefairy, a Pokémon who in Generation I has the index number of 004
- Charmander, a Pokémon who in Generation II and onward has the index number of 004
- The Poké Ball, a type of Poké Ball which in Generation I and from Generation III and onward has the index number of 004
- The Great Ball, a type of Poké Ball which in Generation II has the index number of 004
- The index number for the move Comet Punch
In the Pokémon anime series, 004 may refer to:
- Challenge of the Samurai, episode 4 of the original series
- You Never Can Taillow, episode 4 of the Advanced Generation series
- Dawn of a New Era!!, episode 4 of the Diamond & Pearl series
- The Battle Club and Tepig's Choice!, episode 4 of the Best Wishes series
- Celebi: Voice of the Forest, the fourth full-length Pokémon movie
- Pikachu's Rescue Adventure, the fourth Pikachu short animation
In the Pokémon games, 004 may refer to:
- Route 4, a route in Kanto
- Route 4, a route in Unova
- The island commonly referred to as Four Island, officially named Floe Island
- The town named Four Island on Floe Island
- TM04, a Technical Machine
- HM04, a Hidden Machine
- ゥ .4, a glitch Pokémon in Pokémon Red and Blue
- 4. ., a glitch Pokémon in Pokémon Yellow
- Rawst Berry, a Berry that debuted in Generation III
- Secret Storage 4, a location in Pokémon Trozei!
- Huge Storage 4, a location in Pokémon Trozei!
- Phobos Mobile No.4: Phobos Sub, a location in Pokémon Trozei!
- SOL Laboratory 4, a location in Pokémon Trozei!
In the Pokémon manga, 004 may refer to:
- Wanted: Pikachu!, round 4 in the Red, Green & Blue chapter of Pokémon Adventures
- Win with Teamwork!!, chapter 4 in Pokémon Diamond and Pearl Adventure!
- Mitsumi's Wish, the fourth special chapter in Pokémon Diamond and Pearl Adventure!
- Battle in a Bitter Cold Land!, chapter 4 in Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Ginji's Rescue Team
- Haunting My Dreams, chapter 4 of The Electric Tale of Pikachu
- The Cowardly God Of Plagues, chapter 4 of Ash and Pikachu
- Kuchiba City, chapter 4 of Pokémon Zensho
- Let's Aim For The Goal!, chapter 4 of Pokémon Gold & Silver: The Golden Boys
- Akane-Colored Eevee, chapter 4 of How I Became a Pokémon Card
- The Spring World Challenge (Part One) "A New Formidable Rival!?", chapter 4 of Aim to Be a Card Master!!
- A Fated Reunion, chapter 4 of Phantom Thief Pokémon 7
- Receive the Moon Stone!!, chapter 4 of Pokémon Pocket Monsters
- There's Someone More Important Than Clefairy?!, chapter 4 of Pokémon Ruby-Sapphire
- Battle Between Student and Master!, chapter 4 of Pokémon Battle Frontier
- Tangela's Secret, chapter 4 of Magical Pokémon Journey
- Evolution is Scary (chamo?), chapter 4 of Pokémon Chamo-Chamo ☆ Pretty ♪
- Crystal Orb of Rainfall, chapter 4 of Pokémon Get da ze!
- Clash! Yū vs. The Wandering Player, chapter 4 of Pocket Monsters Platinum: Aim to Be Battle King!!
004 may also refer to:
- Generation IV, the fourth set of Pokémon games
← 003 | Number Disambiguations | 005 → |


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Brazilians are just like, insane. Their asses? They need to share with some of our American bitches, because it's unreal the amount of ass they have. We found this hottie in Rio, ass-king us if she could do an anal scene. UHHH YESSS PLEASE.
Age: | 32 |
Ethnicity: | Latina |
Bra size: | 34C |
Height: | 5'4 |
Weight: | 132 |


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Difference between revisions of "Petrel"
(→In the Pokémon Adventures manga) |
Line 292: | Line 292: | ||
As Archer begins to lose his mind, Petrel becomes scared and decides to escape. Knowing that his teammates would stop him if he appeared as himself, Petrel decides to disguise himself as Giovanni so that he can walk freely. Before his plan can be executed, the real Giovanni arrives and stops him. |
As Archer begins to lose his mind, Petrel becomes scared and decides to escape. Knowing that his teammates would stop him if he appeared as himself, Petrel decides to disguise himself as Giovanni so that he can walk freely. Before his plan can be executed, the real Giovanni arrives and stops him. |
+ | |||
+ | During the heat of the battle, Petrel attempted to leave his comrades and escape by disguising as [[Bugsy]]. However, Gold spots him and points him out. Lance recognizes him as Petrel and stops him from fleeing by having his {{Lance's Dragonite|Dragonite}} lift him up in the air. Lance then reveals that it was Petrel who managed to defeat him before by disguising as {{adv|Yellow|a trainer with the powers and birthplace as him}}. |
====Pokémon==== |
====Pokémon==== |
Revision as of 16:55, 3 February 2013
Petrel ラムダ Lambda | |
Art from HeartGold and SoulSilver | |
Gender | Male |
Eye color | Black |
Hair color | Purple |
Hometown | Unknown |
Region | Johto |
Trainer class | Executive |
Generation | II, IV |
Games | Gold, Silver, Crystal, HeartGold, SoulSilver |
Member of | Team Rocket |
Rank | Executive |
Petrel (Japanese: ラムダ Lambda) is one of the four Team Rocket Executives introduced in Pokémon Gold and Silver. However, his true identity wasn't revealed until Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver.
In the games
In Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver, Petrel is apparently Team Rocket's master of disguise. He is first seen dressing as Giovanni and then battled in the Team Rocket HQ. In Goldenrod Radio Tower he appears again, using his disguise skills again, this time dressed as Radio Tower Director.
Petrel's motives on Team Rocket are more mild-mannered, as he freely gives out information such as passwords and the location of the Director. He even considers himself a "nice guy" and hands over the key. In fact, it is his giving out of this information that leads to many of Team Rocket's defeats, despite his opinion that the player can't use the information anyways.
Petrel's position has existed since Pokémon Gold and Silver. However, his existence was easy to miss because all Rocket Executives used the same sprite (now adopted as Archer's canonical design), making it seem to some like there was only one Executive. The Rocket Executive that Petrel is based on was then given a canonical design and an official name in HeartGold and SoulSilver, along with the other three Executives, to distinguish them as individuals. Proton's case is the same.
Pokémon Gold, Silver, and Crystal
First battle
Second battle
Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver
First battle
Second battle
Pokémon Gold, Silver and Crystal
Team Rocket HQ
- Before battle
- "What? Who are you? This is the office of our leader, Giovanni. Since disbanding Team Rocket three years ago, he has been in training. But we're certain he will be back some day to assume command again. That's why we're standing guard. I won't let anyone disturb this place!"
- After being defeated
- "I… I couldn't do a thing… Giovanni, please forgive me…"
- After battle
- "No, I can't let this affect me. I have to inform the others…"'
Radio Tower
- Before battle
- "Y-you! You came to rescue me?"
- "Is that what you were expecting? Wrong! I'm an imposter! I pretended to be the real thing to prepare for our takeover. Do you want to know where we hid the real Director? Sure, I'll tell you. But only if you can beat me!"
- After being defeated
- "OK, OK. I'll tell you where he is."
- After battle
- "We stashed the real Director in the underground warehouse. It's at the far end of the Underground. But I doubt you'll get that far."
Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver
Team Rocket HQ
- Disguised as Giovanni
- "Muhahaha, we've been waiting for you. So, you are <player>… Me? You don't know who I am? It is me, Giovanni. The majestic Giovanni himself! Wahahaha! …Huh? I don't sound anything like Giovanni? I don't even look like Giovanni? How come? I've worked so hard to mimic him!"
- Before battle
- "I am a Team Rocket Executive! You must be trying to sneak into the radio-transmitter room. Well, that's not going to happen. That room is protected with a special password. The password is "Hail Giovanni". Surprised to hear it from me? Knowing the password won't help you though. The door won't open unless I say the password. It only reacts to my voice."
- After sending out last Pokémon
- "Hey, you're good!"
- During battle (less than half HP)
- "Wow, strong!"
- When defeated
- "I… I couldn't do a thing… Giovanni, please forgive me…"
- After being defeated
- "Since disbanding Team Rocket three years ago, our Giovanni has been missing. But we're certain he's been waiting for the right time for our revival... Wahahaha! Losing to you won't change the fact that you are unable to get in the radio-transmitter room! You need my voice to unlock it!"
Radio Tower
- Disguised as the Director
- "Ahem, do you hear me? ...I am the Director. We have decided to broadcast wonderful shows to praise Team Rocket! Everyone, I don't want to hear you complain. Just do a good job to... Yikes! I am busy impersonating the... Who are you? ...Oh no, it's you again, <player>?"
- Before battle
- "No, no, no! I was pretending to be the Director to influence the entire region to support Team Rocket! This time I won't hold back! Give me all you've got!"
- After sending out last Pokémon
- "What? Am I losing?"
- During battle (less than half HP)
- "Hey, wait, are you serious?!"
- When defeated
- "OK, OK. I'll tell you where he is."
- After being defeated
- "Listen carefully. We stashed the real Director in the underground warehouse. It's at the far end of the Goldenrod Tunnel. I am a nice guy. I will give you the Basement Key to get to the underground warehouse. Take it with gratitude!"
- "Hahaha... I doubt a child like you'll get that far."
Petrel's sprite from Gold, Silver, and Crystal |
Petrel's sprite from HeartGold and SoulSilver |
Petrel's VS sprite from HeartGold and SoulSilver |
In the manga
In the Pokémon Adventures manga
Petrel appears in the HeartGold & SoulSilver chapter alongside the other three Executives. He, along with his fellow teammates, take control of Team Rocket from Carr, saying that they will stay true to Giovanni's intentions. In this series, Petrel is a master of disguise, and has the ability to quickly disguise himself as any person he has met.
Petrel uses his Koffing to attack Silver and Clair at the Dragon's Den but loses and has his plate stolen. Later, he attacks Silver and Eusine at the Johto Safari Zone to recover the plate he lost. Using his Pokémon, Petrel gains an advantage over the two and nearly sends them off a bridge. However, Silver manages to rise up from the water, defeat Petrel, and take the two plates he had with him. Using his disguise skills, Petrel manages to escape from Silver's grasp and escape.
Later, he joins his fellow teammates to finish their plan to capture the legendary Pokémon Arceus. They arrive at the Ruins of Alph and witness Gold battling Arceus. After Arceus sends them all to the Sinjoh Ruins, the Four Generals restrain Arceus and force it onto the Mystri Stage.
Using its great powers, they force Arceus to create the legendary Pokémon Dialga, Palkia, and Giratina. While Archer, Ariana, and Proton start tearing up at the thought of pleasing Giovanni, Petrel reveals to Silver that he knows that he is the son of their boss. He reveals to Silver that he intends to betray his teammates by lying to Giovanni by telling him that Archer, Proton, and Ariana attacked Silver. With this information, Giovanni would destroy the three while Petrel would become Team Rocket's second-in-command for acting like he was protecting Silver.
Despite being blinded by Petrel's Golbat, Silver manages to escape his grasp and fly to where Dialga, Palkia, and Giratina and still being created. Using himself as a distraction, Silver manages to stall the Four Generals long enough for Gold and Crystal to destroy the Pokémon Arceus was forced to create. Now freed from their control, Arceus uses its powers to send Petrel and his teammates flying.
As Archer begins to lose his mind, Petrel becomes scared and decides to escape. Knowing that his teammates would stop him if he appeared as himself, Petrel decides to disguise himself as Giovanni so that he can walk freely. Before his plan can be executed, the real Giovanni arrives and stops him.
During the heat of the battle, Petrel attempted to leave his comrades and escape by disguising as Bugsy. However, Gold spots him and points him out. Lance recognizes him as Petrel and stops him from fleeing by having his Template:Lance's Dragonite lift him up in the air. Lance then reveals that it was Petrel who managed to defeat him before by disguising as a trainer with the powers and birthplace as him.
| ||
Petrel owns many Koffing that he relies on for battling his enemies. They were first used to attack Silver and Clair at the Dragon's Den. Silver managed to defeat them and take the plate one was holding. Later, they were used to stop Silver from reaching the Pokémon Arceus was creating.
None of their moves are known. | ||
Debut | VS Koffing |
| ||
Raticate was first used to battle Silver at the Johto Safari Zone. Using its powerful jaws, Raticate nearly sent Silver and Eusine falling off a bridge. Later, it was used to stop Silver from reaching the Pokémon Arceus was creating.
Raticate's only known moves is Hyper Fang. | ||
Debut | VS Weavile |
| ||
Golbat is Petrel's mode of flight transportation. It was first used to battle Silver at the Johto Safari Zone. Later, it restrained Arceus and pulled it into the Mystri Stage. Petrel later used it to blind Silver by licking it with its long tongue, paralyzing his eyes with its venom.
Golbat's known moves are Air Cutter and Lick*. | ||
Debut | VS Feraligatr |
In the Pocket Monsters HGSS Jou's Big Adventure manga
Petrel's role in Jou's Big Adventure becomes a bit similar to the games. Jou meets Petrel in the Lake of Rage where he has a Tag Battle with Jou and Lance. Later, he is seen in Team Rocket's hideout watching Jou battle the grunts.
| ||
Petrel sent out Raticate along with Ariana's Gloom in a Tag Battle against Jou and Lance. It was beaten by Dragonite's Twister.
None of Raticate's moves are known. | ||
Debut | Jou VS Team Rocket |
In the TCG
This listing is of cards mentioning or featuring Petrel in the Pokémon Trading Card Game.
Related cards Cards listed with a blue background are only legal to use in the current Expanded format. Cards listed with a silver background are legal to use in both the current Standard and Expanded formats. | |||||||
Card | Type | English Expansion |
Rarity | # | Japanese Expansion |
Rarity | # |
Team Rocket's Trickery | Su | Undaunted | 78/90 | Reviving Legends | 076/080 | ||
Tyranitar Constructed Standard Deck | 018/019 | ||||||
- In Generation II, all the Rocket Executives (male and female) went unnamed. In the case of the male Executives, they all shared the same sprite, which eventually led to some confusion among the fans when Proton and Petrel were revealed. It was believed by many that they were introduced in Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver. However, closer research proved that the Executive role Petrel is filling has existed since Gold and Silver, having same role and Pokémon as his Generation IV counterpart. The only addition to his role is his masquerading as Giovanni, which no other character did in the original versions. Although Proton and Petrel's designs, names, and personalities weren't fleshed-out until Generation IV, they have both technically existed since Generation II.
Language | Name | Origin |
Japanese | ラムダ Lambda | From Lambda, a type of Japanese rocket. |
English, Spanish | Petrel | From Petrel, a type of British rocket. |
French, German | Lambda | The same as Japanese. |
Italian | Maxus | From Maxus, a sounding rocket. |
Korean | 람다 Lambda | Same as Japanese name. |
Members of Team Rocket | |
Bosses: | Giovanni (anime • Adventures • Pocket Monsters) |
Executives: | Archer • Ariana • Petrel • Proton |
Trios: |
Jessie, James, & Meowth (JJM) Koga, Lt. Surge, & Sabrina (Triad*) Ken, Al, & Harry (TRET) Carr, Sird*, & Orm (T3B) |
Duos: | Butch & Cassidy • Attila & Hun • Annie & Oakley* |
Others: |
Executives • Scientists • Grunts • Rocket Brothers • Gideon • Dr. Fuji Domino • Iron-Masked Marauder • Tyson • Wendy • Dr. Namba Sebastian • Viper • Mondo • Pierce • Dr. Zager • Christopher Miyamoto • Rocket Scout • Matori • Kaede • Blaine* |
This game character article is part of Project CharacterDex, a Bulbapedia project that aims to write comprehensive articles on each character found in the Pokémon games. |


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Annual AwardsVoting for the Hart, Calder, Norris, Lady Byng, Selke, and Masterton Trophies is conducted after the regular season by the Professional Hockey Writers' Association. The Vezina Trophy is selected by the NHL general managers, while the Jack Adams Award is selected by NHL broadcasters. Points are awarded on 10–7–5–3–1 basis except for the Vezina Trophy and the Adams Award which are awarded 5–3–1. Hart TrophyFor Most Valuable Player
†Theodore won on the first tie breaker (first-place votes). Calder TrophyFor Rookie of the Year
Norris TrophyFor Best Defenseman
Vezina TrophyFor Outstanding Goaltender
†Theodore won on the first tie breaker (first-place votes). Lady Byng TrophyFor Sportsmanship and Gentlemanly Play
Selke TrophyFor Best Defensive Forward
Adams AwardFor Coach of the Year
Other AwardsLester B. Pearson Award (NHL Players Assn. MVP)—Jarome Iginla, Calgary; Jennings Trophy (goaltenders with a minimum of 25 games played for team with fewest goals against)—Patrick Roy, Colorado; Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy (regular season goal-scoring leader)—Jarome Iginla, Calgary; Art Ross Trophy (regular season points leader)—Jarome Iginla, Calgary; Masterton Trophy (perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey)—Saku Koivu, Montreal; King Clancy Trophy (leadership and humanitarian contributions to community)—Ron Francis, Carolina; Lester Patrick Trophy (outstanding service to hockey in the U.S.)—Olympic and NHL head coach Herb Brooks, St. Louis Blues GM Larry Pleau, and the 1960 U.S. Olympic hockey team.


text:
Join Dulux and receive FREE eNewsletter, exclusive invites to Dulux webinars, plus periodic Giveaways!
Code: 194-51950
Approvals: APAS-0117/3, APAS-C- 0118/3 (system approval) CONFORMS TO AS4548.1, AS4548.2 : Long Life coatings for masonry
DULUX AcraTex 955 AcraShield is a mid-build, Elastomeric performance coating applied by conventional nap roller or airless spray to form a finishing barrier coat in AcraTex Texture and Anti-carbonation systems. Available in Matt and Low Gloss finishes across the full Dulux World of Colour range, AcraShield delivers a paint like appearance with film builds twice that of standard decorative paint for enhanced crack bridging performance. AcraTex Texture Systems are specified with AcraShield weather-proofing topcoat for optimum life cycle efficiency.
Clean all equipment with water after use.


text:
Also from November 9
All stories
- 'CityBall' town hall set for Tuesday
- November 9, 2009
- It's been one year since MetroSports producer Stephen Spiegel released the documentary "CityBall" and offered an inside look at life for student-athletes in the Interscholastic League in Kansas City, Mo.
- Audiologist speaks to Leavenworth County Sertoma Club
- November 9, 2009
- Mary Wade, audiologist and fundraiser for the Annual Fund for the Sertoma Foundation, was guest speaker when the Sertoma Club of Leavenworth County met at noon Nov. 5 at Pullman Place Restaurant.
- Craft fairs draw large crowds
- November 9, 2009
- The annual Holy Angels Catholic Church and Alpha Delta Kappa craft fairs were a success Saturday, with parking lots at the church and Basehor-Linwood High School nearly full.
- Elm Grove dedicates new church
- November 9, 2009
- The members of Elm Grove Baptist Church had their first service Sunday in the new $2.5 million building.
- Commuter forecast for November 9, 2009
- November 9, 2009
- There is a slight chance for showers this morning with that possibility increasing on into the afternoon. Expect only minor construction delays along U.S. 40 and I-70 as you make your way from Lawrence to Topeka or Kansas City.