text:
WESTFIELD — Westfield State University trustees unanimously voted to place president Evan Dobelle on administrative leave with pay after a marathon, 10-hour meeting Wednesday, while a law firm investigates allegations about Dobelle's spending and the board's "leadership concerns."
Trustee chairman Jack Flynn announced at 12:30 a.m. Thursday that Dobelle would remain on paid leave while the law firm Fish & Richardson completes its inquiry into Dobelle's spending habits, expected by Nov. 25. Thomas C. Frongillo, a principal in the firm, has been representing the trustees in their negotiations with Dobelle.
Dobelle, who spent hours with trustees at their closed-door session accompanied by his attorney, left without speaking to reporters. But Dobelle's publicist, George Regan, issued a scathing statement saying that Dobelle plans to file a federal lawsuit against the trustees for the "egregious" violation of his rights.
"We are disappointed that the board has acted unlawfully and has obviously buckled to the intense political pressure surrounding this issue," Regan said in the statement. "The board has defamed president Dobelle and allowed him to be defamed and there will be major consequences to these actions."
The vote to place Dobelle on leave came at the end of a day on which the faculty and librarians taking part in a vote at Westfield State overwhelmingly expressed no confidence in Dobelle's leadership. It also came as Attorney General Martha Coakley's office launched an investigation into whether Dobelle made illegal false claims to obtain reimbursement for his expenses.
The trustees called Wednesday's special meeting in the face of mounting pressure to take action after an outside accountant's report in August found that Dobelle had repeatedly violated university policy by charging personal expenses to university credit cards. The accountant also said documentation for tens of thousands in expenses was so scant that he could not tell whether they were legitimate.
But when the report by O'Connor & Drew was released in August, several board members challenged its legitimacy since the full board never approved it. Dobelle contends that the board's chairman, Flynn, a State Police executive, authorized the expense review as part of a plot to turn Westfield State into a "diploma mill" for the State Police.
Since then, state Inspector General Glenn Cunha has raised his own serious questions about Dobelle's extensive business travel, luxury hotel stays, meals at high-end restaurants, and entertainment all charged to the school. Meanwhile, state Higher Education Commissioner Richard Freeland has frozen some state funding to Westfield State, citing concern about Dobelle's ability to manage money.
"It seems to me highly questionable whether president Dobelle can or should continue to provide leadership to Westfield State University," Freeland wrote to the trustees last week.
On Tuesday, the attorney general's office sent a letter to trustees announcing that prosecutors will be looking into whether Dobelle made any false claims to justify his business expenses, according to someone with direct knowledge of the letter. In 2010, Dobelle had to repay $20,000 in business expenses after an auditor determined that the charges were personal, which Dobelle blamed on clerical errors.
Under the state False Claims Act, the attorney general can impose fines and seek to recover up to three times the amount of the actual damages from anyone who lies or misleads in order to obtain state funds. The letter to Flynn asked for extensive documentation of Dobelle's expenses, according to the person with direct knowledge.
There were few outward signs of support for Dobelle at Wednesday's meeting, in contrast to the August trustees meeting when the board room was packed with student supporters. This time, roughly 20 students in attendance protested Dobelle's conduct, some carrying signs reading, "Don't reward greed" or "throwaway kids fight back," in reference to Dobelle's description of the disadvantages faced by Westfield State students.
"He should know, ethically, that [by] taking money from your school, even if it's to create a brand, you're taking away resources from the students," said Westfield State senior Victor Martinez-Diaz, who said he has borrowed $34,000 for his education so far and helped organize the protest. "How could you be so careless budgeting your money?"
Just before the trustees went into a closed executive session shortly after 2 p.m., representatives of the faculty union gave them the results of their no confidence vote:
'He should know, ethically, that [by] taking money from your school . . . you're taking away resources from the students.'
Sixty-four percent of the 215 faculty and librarians who voted over the last four days agreed with the statement that "I have no confidence that Dr. Evan Dobelle can continue to effectively serve as president of Westfield State University," according to the executive committee of the Massachusetts State College Association, which represents the school's teachers and librarians.
"I'm appalled. I'm disappointed. I'm frustrated," said Westfield State education professor Robin DiAngelo, explaining why she voted "no confidence" in Dobelle. "I want it to be over, but I want it to be over with a satisfying ending: Termination."
Only 28 percent, or 61 teachers and librarians, said they were still confident in Dobelle's leadership, some praising Dobelle's efforts to raise the university's stature over the last seven years.
"Evan Dobelle is the finest president that Westfield State has ever had," said Laurie Simpson, director of academic advising center, and an adjunct faculty member.
"I know the media story and I know the real story. I have full confidence in Evan Dobelle. . . . Many people here support the president."
Dobelle's spokesman, Regan, rejected the vote of no confidence, noting that half of the faculty members and librarians did not participate in the vote. Over all, he claimed less than half of the union membership voted no confidence in his leadership.
"If president Dobelle had read the sensational headlines or had heard the avalanche of threats from commissioner Freeland, who promised to withhold needed funds from WSU, he would be inclined to vote against himself too," Regan said in a statement.Scott Allen can be reached at firstname.lastname@example.com; Andrea Estes at email@example.com.


text:
Every women needs some nice garments to wear after hours…and this new pattern collection from burda style magazine's November issue is full of sultry designs. Shimmering fabrics and sophisticated cuts are seen in sixties-style coats and glamorous dresses.
This trumpet-sleeved Edged Dress has a slim line, thanks to its cleverly placed pleats. It has eye-catching edging on the pleat edges of shimmering sequin that makes the standing collar and trumpet sleeves stand out.
This pairing is a lovely version of a feminine suit. The Open Front Jacket features front bands and welt pockets for a classic look. We love it worn with this Tapered Skirt that has pressed pleats and section seams that make the wearer have magical curves.
Sweethearts don't want to be apart for long. If you're going straight from work to a date, this Piped Tunic is just the thing. You're beautifully dressed up for going out, with satin piping in the waist seam and on the neck edge. A high hem slit and trumpet sleeves are elegant details.
Here is the lovely Quilted Coat. This combination of coat and quilted waist coat is a good companion for cold days. The two are brought together by the faux fur collar. The coat itself follows through on the layered look, with a horizontal pleat at hip level hinting at a jacket. Below this pleat, the coat is slightly flared to give you lots of room for walking fast in the cold!
This Side Tie Top gently swings in the breeze. It has casual dropped shoulders and sew on tie bands. When pulled through two buttonholes that gives a glamorous finish.
As sophisticated as you can get. This knee-length, slightly flared Elegant Coat features a magnificent buttoned in waistcoat, with front bands and Peter Pan collar of fake fur. The outer cotton coat has the same collar shape and is closed, edge to edge, with hook and eye fastenings – trés chic!
We love this Section Dress that is figure hugging in all the right places. It fits perfectly thanks to the neat set-in waistband and section seams.
This is the lovely Open Back Short Coat. The back fastening on this jacket is a single loop and button at the top, so that your dress underneath can show through.
Try making one or all of these sultry patterns to show your special someone.
Happy Sewing!

subset: commoncrawl


text:
HiPERnx wrote:Is the PM down or is it just me?
Need two posts before the PMs are available. You should be able to send them now.
HiPERnx wrote:Is the PM down or is it just me?
Amazingred wrote:You can only get so far here without knowing how to write code anyway so for those of you who see this my advice to you is if you don't know how to program now is the perfect time to learn. You can know the fundamentals of python in a week or two and it'll launch you into a whole new direction on these missions.
sabin007 wrote:While learning PHP, SQL and JS, how good or beneficial is it to create a website solely for the purpose? Thanks anyway
My opinion is that it is pretty important to do this, because you learn a lot more. You get to think creatively! Programming is not only about coding, someone that gets presented with a problem and just starts coding is not a programmer, they are a coder. A programmer will take the time, map out a solution, and have everything figured out before they start coding their project/solution.
When you actually take on the task of building a website, this gives you the opportunity to think like a programmer, get greater practice in, and learn a whole lot more than you would if you just read a tutorial/book on the language and that's it. When building a website with these, it's also a good time to create vulnerable application yourself, and then take on the task of trying to exploit them. It's always great to see a problem from both the development end, and the hackers end, because you learn a hell of a lot more.
Hope this helps,
- Ninjex
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text:
Here are some thoughts from someone who has gone through this learning curve recently:
I suggest leaving your gear at home one day and sitting on the rocks upwind of the main launch to watch how the traffic flows going in and out. You'll get a sense of the appropriate amount of space to leave others on the way in and out, what to do when you are coming in, etc.
Then, walk down to the lower beach and learn how to land there. Landing at the lower beach is a good place to start and you should be prepared to do so in case you can't stay upwind or if coming into the narrow launch is too intimidating. A mistake I made the first time landing at the lower beach was getting too close and landing in the brush above the beach. You're used to landing on a beach so you should be fine, however, there is a wind shadow there to be aware of.
When launching for the first time, get a hold down from someone experienced. The main value of this is getting someone to help you learn the traffic protocols and to keep an eye out for you. There are a lot of opportunities for mistakes and it's easy to forget some of the basics when so much is happening (did you remember to pull your depower strap, are you not flying the kite at 12, did you leave your board at the beach so you can focus on your kite while walking out, etc.). Don't just get anyone, ask around for someone experienced. People are really nice and helpful.
When landing at the upper beach for the first time, try to do it on a weekday so you don't have to deal with high traffic.


text: John Huston directed this cold war spy thriller (from a script by Walter Hill) concerning a British agent trying infiltrate the organization of a nefarious communist spy. Paul Newman is Joseph Reardon, a British secret agent commissioned by Mackintosh (Harry Andrews) to impersonate a jewel thief. When the police are tipped off about his diamond robbery, Reardon is arrested and shipped off to a high-security prison. At the prison, he meets a convicted Russian spy and the two are involved in a prison break, arranged by a mysterious group called the Scarperers. After the successful breakout, Reardon finds himself drugged and sent to Ireland. It turns out that the escapade was organized by Mackintosh in the hopes Reardon could infiltrate the Scarperers and gather information on the group's leader, Sir George Wheeler (James Mason), and prove him to be a Russian spy.~ Paul Brenner, All Movie Guide


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Days End on the Road
Usman M. Bajwa 7/8/2009 12:27:22 AMA beauty of a capture, Renee. Your first attempt looks just fine!
maria Warren 7/8/2009 12:28:13 AMoh wow the colors here are amazing!!!!! #7716554
Troy Gallagher 7/8/2009 12:28:38 AMWOW!! I would say your fist try was very succesful. Excellent work Renee.
Troy #7716558
Tiia Vissak 7/8/2009 12:29:21 AMa fantastic view! #7716563
Teresa A. Burnett 7/8/2009 12:31:11 AMHmmm, I agree, your first attempt is quite successful!! Stunning image, Renee!! I love the lighting in this one!! #7716576
Brett Dolsen 7/8/2009 12:34:36 AMStunning!!Incredible lighting,mood,and treatment Renee!!Brett #7716602
Laura L. Gonzales 7/8/2009 12:35:41 AMWOW! Spectacular colors!! A great capture. Excellent work! Laura #7716610
Jennifer L. Alder 7/8/2009 12:36:19 AMVery beautiful, Renee.... love the depth and light here.
Renee Doyle 7/8/2009 12:40:12 AMThanks everyone !
Max Aureli 7/8/2009 12:43:17 AMMystic!!! Fabulous scene, Renee and the colors and lighting are so intense!!! Great image my friend!!! #7716646
Dominick M. Dimacale 7/8/2009 1:35:08 AMSURREAL IMAGE, RENEE!!!!
A Winner for SURE!!!!
Dominick #7716767
Michelle Alton 7/8/2009 2:52:11 AMAll of your images are winners, Renee. And this, your first try at HDR...Priceless. #7716872
Carolyn M. Fletcher 7/8/2009 2:58:29 AMThis is a beauty! Almost too much color for you to take in! #7716891
jeff crosier 7/8/2009 3:09:20 AMWOW! This is beautiful Renee!! A terrific HDR!! #7716909
Gord MacEachern 7/8/2009 3:32:20 AMOutstanding scene Renee,lighting,composition,and colors are just fantastic. #7716957
Tammy Scott 7/8/2009 3:45:36 AMThis is simply breathtaking! Gorgeous vibrant colors! #7716994
Tammy M. Anderson 7/8/2009 3:54:06 AMThis is stunning, Renee. Light, composition and colours are perfect. #7717007
Kirsten Kiki Kjaer 7/8/2009 4:59:04 AMThis is TOTALLY stunning, Renee. Couldn't agree more. AWESOME work!!! #7717262
Erin Appelbaum 7/8/2009 4:59:43 AMSimply magnificent. Peter #7717265
Ken Smith 7/8/2009 6:00:08 AMStunning for sure! Wow! You are definitely Ms Landscape photographer. Love the exposure and vibrant colors! Kudos on your HDR prowess! #7717491
Linda D. Lester 7/8/2009 6:13:17 AMWOW!!!!!!!! First try! Love the colors and the comp...I love everything about this! Great job!
Zana Pehar 7/8/2009 6:21:31 AMFantastic colors, lighting, composition and tones, Renee. #7717564
Judy V. Kennamer 7/8/2009 6:37:01 AMBeautiful Renee!!! You are such a quick learner!!! You nailed it!! #7717619
Shelly A. Van Camp 7/8/2009 7:36:06 AMWOW..........now teach me! I have matrix, but no clue how to do HDR! I love this, Renee!!! #7717870
Shawn Jennings 7/8/2009 8:07:24 AMGreat job, Renee! Wouldn't it be nice to be there right now! :) #7717972
A P 7/8/2009 8:29:51 AMWoWZer Ding, ding, ding we have a winner first time out. (and a favorite for my folder) I just emailed Ken and told him you don't need any help. You do fine my dear! This is just stunning!!! The DOF just goes on and on until you can't see any further as your own eyes would loose the scene. The tonal definition is insanely great! and the light...WoW is all I can say. I think you should be teaching at BP not submitting. (just because you're to much competition!! LOLOL No I mean it!) #7718021
A P 7/8/2009 8:36:46 AMWoWZer Ding, ding, ding we have a winner first time out. (and a favorite for my folder) I just emailed Ken and told him you don't need any help. You do fine my dear! This is just stunning!!! The DOF just goes on and on until you can't see any further as your own eyes would loose the scene. The tonal definition is insanely great! and the light...WoW is all I can say. I think you should be teaching at BP not submitting. (just because you're to much competition!! LOLOL No I mean it!) #7718040
Ann Coates 7/8/2009 11:17:49 AMRenee, your first attempt! This looks like the work of a pro. Outstanding work. I'm sure we will see this one again. #7718440
Rajeev 270293 Kashyap 7/8/2009 11:43:14 AMWow.....Excellent work Renee! #7718608
Rajeev 270293 Kashyap 7/8/2009 11:43:15 AMWow.....Excellent work Renee! #7718609
Valentin M. Armianu 7/8/2009 11:44:19 AMOutstanding work!! Perfect first attempt (: ! #7718615
Kathleen Rinker 7/8/2009 12:05:54 PMGorgeous image Renee, fabulous work!! #7718707
Mike Clime 7/8/2009 12:23:08 PMFANTASTIC! #7718750
Courtenay Vanderbilt 7/8/2009 2:11:08 PMWow, an exquisite 'first time'. The details, lighting and colors are simply fantastic! #7719128
Tarun Bose 7/8/2009 2:57:45 PMWow! This is Awsome. Mind blowing capture and excellent colours. Too good. A winner for me, Renee. #7719276
Deb Koskovich 7/8/2009 6:10:44 PMHoly cow, fabulous job on this Renee! #7719850
Randy D. Dinkins 7/8/2009 6:46:46 PMI think that the HDR "attempt" is a success. Great shot and the HDR pops it. Beautiful! #7719956
Clyde P. Smith 7/8/2009 6:51:18 PMStunning capture Renee. Nice DOF, color and light. #7719968
Thomas E. Hinds 7/8/2009 7:30:10 PMBeautiful capture! Great light and color! #7720069
Elida Gutierrez 7/8/2009 8:26:19 PMWOW Renee, this is SUPERB!!! #7720195
Carolyn J. Connolly 7/8/2009 10:05:44 PMWOW, Renee - this is just S-T-U-N-N-I-N-G!! Really fabulous work for your first HDR attempt, my friend!! I think we'll be seeing this image again!! :o)
Mind you, in my eyes it's already a winner...and it went *straight* into my L-O-N-G list of favourites!! ;o)
Phil and I trust that all is well with you and Barry up there on the Gold Coast, as it is with us down here near beautiful Lake Macquarie!! :o) We are (generally!) having lovely winter weather at the moment!! How about you fellas? - lol!! ;o) #7720338
Barbara Waldoch 7/8/2009 11:04:07 PMStunning is the only possible word, Renee! #7720390
Lynne Morris 7/8/2009 11:08:02 PMWow this is outstanding Renee, fantastic colours and light. #7720397
ROLAN NARMAN 7/8/2009 11:11:54 PMStunning Renee! Magnificent work! #7720405
Stefania Barbier 7/9/2009 1:16:12 AMthis is absolutely stunning, and a winner in any book Renee!!! #7720620
Wanda-Lynn Searles 7/9/2009 2:21:06 AMWow! What a Excellent capture and Beautiful scene!! I'm adding it to my favorites!! #7720703
JO ANN CLEVELAND 7/9/2009 6:03:13 AMAnother winner? Is for me...
You are such a smart girl! You pick things up instantly, may be a great mind there....hmmmmm, maybe that's my problem! lol
You have mastered HDR
jo ann c. #7721293
Debra R. Harder 7/9/2009 10:08:50 AMHey Renee...it doesn't look like you needed any help at all...simply OUTSTANDING!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU...HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU...HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR RENEE...HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU...AND MANY MORE!! (Trust me...you wouldn't want to hear me sing...LOL) Deb #7722021
John Connolly 7/9/2009 1:48:09 PMWhat a great presentation from the Great Ocean Road, Renee! I like your HDR work here, it is something I have been meaning to have a go at for years! #7722543
Kitty R. Rodehorst-Hanna 7/9/2009 6:40:41 PMAbsolutely GORGEOUS and HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Renee!!! :-) k #7723234
Lisa J. Boulden 7/9/2009 8:22:45 PMWoweee, Renee!
Laurence Saliba 7/9/2009 9:43:18 PMWow what a place!!!! I have to agree a winner here Renee!!! #7723630
Mariann Kovats 7/10/2009 12:20:04 PMAwesome work, Renee! Gorgeous ligthing, comp and colors! I agree with Ann, you should teach this. :) I have never done HDR, if you have time and don't mind to drop an email to me, how did you do this, I would appreciat it very much.
Graeme yew Chow 7/10/2009 9:54:50 PMRenee, gorgeous scenery after the HDR and super composition. I could not get anything like that. It is not just the HDR, but your skill of seeing the foreground blended well with the subject. A winner in here ! #7727074
Cassie L. Woodlee 7/11/2009 10:30:50 AMWOW this is absolutely STUNNING!!!! #7728666
Marilyn K. Lincecum 7/12/2009 11:19:50 AMGORGEOUS image and effects. Beautiful lighting and colors. Love the 3D effect it has, Very well done !!!! #7731773
Alex T. Mizuno 7/12/2009 12:09:36 PMYour first HDR is masterpiece already! The delicate range of lighting is beautifully captured. The details of grass and the sweeping landscape are both extraordinarily! Another splendid work Renee!!! #7731858
Erica Murphy 7/16/2009 10:41:42 AMBreathtaking image Renee! #7745738
Datha Y. Thompson 7/19/2009 8:34:03 PMOutstanding!!! And oh so Gorgeous Renee!!! #7756650
Terry Cervi 7/22/2009 5:41:33 AMA stunning HDR image, Renee!! #7767715
Darryl Wilkinson 8/8/2009 11:32:33 PMWow, this is beautiful Renee, pretty fancy, too! #7831277
Tammy Scott 8/17/2009 2:47:55 PMThis is so gorgeous! Congratulations! #7857444
Alex T. Mizuno 8/17/2009 3:00:24 PMCongratulations Renee! Spectacular work!! #7857548
Courtenay Vanderbilt 8/17/2009 3:13:21 PMBig CONGRATULATIONS on your Finalist, Renee! #7857612
JO ANN CLEVELAND 8/17/2009 3:51:15 PMBig Congratulations on your wonderful finalist Renee!
jo ann c. #7857863
Carol L. Fowler 8/17/2009 4:07:57 PMGorgeous lighting on this Finalist! #7857975
Jeana Clark 8/17/2009 4:27:04 PM
Mary Beth Aiello 8/17/2009 4:42:18 PMJust gorgeous, Renee. Huge congrats on this well deserved finalist. #7858268
Ron McEwan 8/17/2009 5:09:14 PMRenee to congratulate you on this one is surely a pleasure, for sure we will see this again, I will be disappointed if not. A big Congrats any way on your silver, it seems so cheap for such a beauty. #7858492
Amy M. Wilson 8/17/2009 5:25:54 PMWOW!!! STUNNING image...a HUGE congratulations on this beautiful Finalist, Renee! #7858593
Carla Metzler 8/17/2009 5:32:01 PMCongratulations Renee!
Mary Beth Aiello 8/17/2009 6:02:30 PMThis truly is three-dimensional, Renee. Just gorgeous. SO well done. Huge congrats on this fabulous finalist. #7858910
ROLAN NARMAN 8/17/2009 6:12:53 PMHuge Congrats on this gorgeous finalist Renee! #7858999
Ken Smith 8/17/2009 6:26:46 PMWe're sure to see this again...wouldn't surprise me to see this as a 1st place. Congrats, Renee!! #7859177
Debra R. Harder 8/17/2009 6:48:01 PMI'm with Ken!!! This is definitely MAGNIFICENT and deserving GOLD!!! Congratulations again Renee!!! Deb #7859384
Ann Coates 8/17/2009 6:54:41 PMYes, I agree with all the above. Outstanding Renee and congratulations. #7859434
Michael G. Marshall 8/17/2009 7:05:04 PMTerrific finalist, Renee! Congratulations! Michael #7859514
Judy V. Kennamer 8/17/2009 7:11:38 PMThis one just had to be a winner!!! Gorgeous Finalist Renee!!! #7859570
Erica Murphy 8/17/2009 7:40:01 PMI love this Renee! Congratulations! #7859818
Kelly S. Cavanaugh 8/17/2009 7:53:00 PMAbsolutely stunning, Renee! Congratulations! #7859917
Lorna Shutter 8/17/2009 8:03:32 PMWow! Spectacular image, Renee! CONGRATULATIONS on your Finalist Award!!!!! :) #7860008
Evy Johansen 8/17/2009 8:20:55 PMCongratulations again, Renee!! Beautiful finalist! #7860157
Teresa A. Burnett 8/17/2009 9:06:29 PMI kinda thought we might be seeing this beauty again!! Another huge congratulations, Renee!! Hope this one wears gold soon!! #7860385
Mariann Kovats 8/17/2009 9:54:02 PMCongratulations Renee on your Finalist! Awesome capture! #7860474
Karen Engelbreth 8/17/2009 10:32:31 PMCongratulations Renee... #7860533
Stefania Barbier 8/18/2009 12:56:18 AMthis is a stunner Renee.... huge congrats!!!! #7860870
Tammy L. Newcomb 8/18/2009 4:45:16 AMCongratulations on your finalist!! Your image is awesome and I wish you the best of luck into the final round. #7861531
Linda D. Lester 8/18/2009 4:48:37 AMIt has to go all the way....what a beauty!! Congratulations! #7861555
Nick Lagos 8/18/2009 5:32:43 AMWonderful mood and atmosphere here Rennee... great catch...congrats to you #7861782
Shawn Jennings 8/18/2009 6:38:12 AMWTG Renee! Congratulations on your finalist! #7862171
A P 8/18/2009 7:31:51 AMI'm away so I'm going to say CONGRAULATIONS on ALL your finalists here. Everything you touch turns to Silver or Gold. Best of luck in the next round honey. You work is AMAZING and you deserve every award you receive. #7862488
Susan M. Campbell 8/18/2009 10:20:41 AMSo amazing! Congratulations again on a finalist that is so well deserved. #7863244
Donna La Mattino Pagakis 8/18/2009 10:58:22 AMTruly beautiful Renee!!! I'm impressed with your depth and colors~ great work in HDR!
Congratulations on your finalist! #7863427
Jeff Robinson 8/18/2009 2:33:59 PMCongrats Renee on this Outstanding Finalist!! Jeff #7863989
Colleen Farrell 8/18/2009 2:54:34 PMBeautiful, Renee! Big congrats on your finalist! #7864086
Linda Blair 8/18/2009 3:24:00 PMFabulous HDR...a spectaular view....congratulations again!!!!!!!! #7864253
Denny E. Barnes 8/18/2009 3:47:07 PMOutstanding first attempt, Renee!! Congratulations on your excellent and well deserved finalist!! #7864369
John Connolly 8/18/2009 3:49:37 PMMarvelous HDR work Renee!
Kara L. Hendricks 8/18/2009 4:33:52 PMAs always Renee, you leave us in AWE and wanting more!!!
Kristi A. Howson 8/18/2009 8:49:31 PMCongratulations Renee on this and all of your wonderful finalists for July. Best of luck in the next round! You do stunning work! #7865352
Usman M. Bajwa 8/18/2009 9:36:25 PMA fabulous image. Congrats on this awesome Finalist!!! It looks destined for more glory!
Kirsten Kiki Kjaer 8/18/2009 10:48:19 PMHuge congratulations on all your finalists, Renee. Each a fantastic piece of art!!! #7865546
Graeme yew Chow 8/18/2009 11:34:49 PMWow ! expected to see this one again. Congratulations ! Renee. #7865697
Randy D. Dinkins 8/19/2009 2:46:23 AMNot bad for a first attempt at HDR :-). Although, it isn't the HDR that does it here, but the comp. Great eye. Congratulations. #7866141
Jim Kinnunen 8/19/2009 6:45:28 AMCongratulations on this splendid, colorful, dramatic image, Renee!!! #7867157
Elida Gutierrez 8/19/2009 10:36:23 AMOne more time, CONGRATULATIONS Renee!!! #7868050
Linda D. Lester 8/19/2009 3:37:38 PMJust Awesome....so beautiful!!! Congratulations! #7868899
Courtenay Vanderbilt 8/19/2009 3:49:48 PMWTG girl! Congratulations, Renee! #7868985
Amy M. Wilson 8/19/2009 3:57:51 PMBig congratulations on this beautiful gold winner, Renee! #7869047
Max Aureli 8/19/2009 4:19:47 PMCongratulations Renee!!! :-)) #7869169
Lorna Shutter 8/19/2009 4:39:13 PMCONGRATULATIONS on your 2nd Place Win for this incredible image, Renee!!!!! :) #7869293
Shawn Jennings 8/19/2009 4:49:24 PMAwesome! Congratulations on another fantastic win, Renee! #7869359
ROLAN NARMAN 8/19/2009 5:42:55 PMHuge congrats on your gorgeous winner Renee! #7869604
Tammy Scott 8/19/2009 5:54:11 PMCongratulations on this terrific winner! #7869656
Ken Smith 8/19/2009 6:51:19 PMNo surprise here...should have been a 1st! :-) Congrats, Renee!! #7869847
Kathy Cline 8/19/2009 6:55:41 PM
Carla Metzler 8/19/2009 7:05:59 PMCongratulations on your beautiful winner! #7869899
Mariann Kovats 8/19/2009 7:23:38 PMCongratulations on this awesome winner, Renee! #7869946
Christopher Budny 8/19/2009 7:32:07 PMBeautiful winner here, Renee... congratulations (again!) #7869987
Evy Johansen 8/19/2009 7:42:06 PMCongratulations on another beautiful win, Renee!! #7870038
Debra R. Harder 8/19/2009 8:11:47 PMHUGE CONGRATULATIONS again, Renee, on your SUPERB GOLD WINNER!!! This HDR image is STUNNING...as everything you do!!! Deb #7870137
Wendy Moghadam 8/19/2009 8:13:38 PMOutstanding! Congratulations on your win!!! #7870147
Teresa A. Burnett 8/19/2009 8:26:57 PMYAYYYYYY!!! I just knew this one should wear gold, Renee!! Congratulations!! #7870217
Ann Coates 8/19/2009 8:31:57 PMCongratulations Renee on this spectacular winner. #7870247
Cindy Bendush 8/19/2009 9:09:27 PMAnother huge congratulations Renee! #7870396
Datha Y. Thompson 8/19/2009 9:17:19 PMCONGRATULATIONS Again!!!!
Robert Baer 8/19/2009 10:19:56 PMcongrats on this lovely composition renee. #7870539
Mary K. Robison 8/20/2009 12:02:53 AMA huge CONGRATULATIONS to you, Renee!
Katarina Mansson 8/20/2009 12:16:56 AMA first HDR attempt -> a winner...what will come next?! Congratulations on this beauty Renee! #7870628
Laurence Saliba 8/20/2009 1:07:10 AMAlways loved this!!! Congrats again Renee!!!! #7870701
Bojan Bencic 8/20/2009 1:09:07 AMCongratulations on your win, Renee. #7870706
Alan L. Borror 8/20/2009 3:14:05 AMCongratulations on this wonderful winner, Renee! #7870862
Graham Robards 8/20/2009 4:17:14 AMCongratulations Reene, it is wonderful to see an Australian image feature amongst the Gold! ~Well done! ~Pat R #7871041
Stefania Barbier 8/20/2009 4:52:05 AMWOOOHOOOO congrats again for another gorgeous winner!!!!! #7871141
Colleen Farrell 8/20/2009 8:24:56 AMWTG, Renee! Big congrats on your win! #7871954
Linda Blair 8/20/2009 8:31:45 AMCongratulations a beautiful win!!!!!! #7871985
Tarun Bose 8/20/2009 10:46:45 AMBig congrats for your winner, Renee. #7872349
Denny E. Barnes 8/20/2009 1:01:45 PMCongratulations Renee, on your beautiful and well deserved win!! Excellent work!! #7872665
Thomas E. Hinds 8/20/2009 7:07:40 PMTerrific winner! #7873476
Kitty R. Rodehorst-Hanna 8/20/2009 7:09:12 PMFantastic winning image, Renee!!! Again, WTG!!! :-) k #7873483
Ujjwal Mukherjee 8/20/2009 8:49:33 PMHuge congrats,Renee, yet again!!
Carolyn J. Connolly 8/20/2009 9:17:41 PMRenee - I just KNEW that this image would be a winner for you, so B-I-G congratulations on that, my friend...AND on A-L-L your other Finalists and place getters for July, too!! BRAVO!! :o) #7873730
Kelly S. Cavanaugh 8/21/2009 7:04:29 AMCongratulations on your gorgeous win, Renee!! #7874753
Monika Sapek 8/21/2009 10:36:17 AMMany congratulations on your Second Place Win, Renee!
Laurie Daily 8/21/2009 1:36:09 PMCongratulations on another beautiful winner, Renee...absolutley gorgeous!!!
Sam Britt 8/21/2009 7:55:57 PMCongratulations on this winner, Renee! #7876185
Donna La Mattino Pagakis 8/21/2009 7:57:11 PMCongratulations Renee, a beauty! #7876189
Nick Lagos 8/22/2009 11:08:36 PMCongratulations on your first HDR winning image Rennee... very well crated indeed... #7879202
Usman M. Bajwa 8/23/2009 5:44:56 AMCONGRATULATIONS again on this beautiful capture and glad to see this getting GOLDEN, Renee.
Susan M. Hembree 8/23/2009 5:28:19 PMAnother awesome image, Renee! Congratulations on your 2nd place win! #7881555
Graeme yew Chow 8/23/2009 11:59:10 PMYeah ! very deserving winner, Renee. It was a wonderful experience when I was with you and Barry. #7882160
JudyAnn Rector 9/2/2009 2:27:43 PM#7910180
Susana Ms Heide 9/8/2009 6:52:02 PMWhat an incredible HDR debut!!!!This is breathtaking, Renee!! I am speechless!! CONGRATS! #7926950
Lisa J. Boulden 9/23/2009 4:01:02 AMCongratulations, Renee, on this spectacular image!
Dianna Murphy 9/23/2009 9:11:31 AMOh my Gosh Renee, this IS gorgeous, don't know how I missed it. Wow... a REAL winner! #7974747
Dominick M. Dimacale 11/15/2009 6:28:29 AMCongratulations Renee on your Win!!!
Dominick #8132689
Nancy L. Green 10/20/2016 9:01:01 AMABSOLUTELY STUNNING Renee, congratulations on this well deserved POTD!!! <>< #11528630
Sylvia Rourke 10/20/2016 9:02:20 AMCongrats on your gold wins and today's POTD, a spectacular capture. #11528632
Katherine Kuhn 10/20/2016 9:08:35 AMRenee, this is just spectacular! #11528637
Chuck Green 10/20/2016 9:58:11 AMAmazing image, Renee! Congrats! #11528669
Joy Bello 10/20/2016 11:21:32 AMBeautiful! Congrats on your goldens! #11528703
Guy D. Biechele 10/20/2016 11:37:40 AMBeautiful image, Renee! Congrats!! #11528714
Graeme yew Chow 10/21/2016 5:33:35 AMCongrats on your POTD winner, Renee. I recalled that we shot together there! Thanks for the wonderful memory. #11528979
Nancy L. Green 10/21/2016 8:52:27 AMSO GORGEOUS Renee, CONGRATULATIONS!!! <>< #11529040
Another view from the Great Ocean Road, Victoria.
My first attempt at an HDR image .... Huge thanks to Deb Harder and Ken Smith for all their helpful advice :-)
Exif: F Number: 22, ExposureTime: 100/200 seconds, ISO: 100, FocalLength: 24.00 mm, Model: Canon EOS 5D
Uploaded on 7/8/2009 12:11:25 AM
Camera: Canon EOS 5D Digital SLR Camera
Copyright for this gallery photo belongs solely to Renee Doyle. Images may not be copied, downloaded, or used in any way without the expressed, written permission of the photographer.
Contact photographer via gallery.
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Freshman cornerback Marcus Allen batted away a pass on the last play of the game to give the Muhlenberg football team a thrilling 24-17 Family Weekend win against Ursinus at chilly Scotty Wood Stadium.
The win was the fourth straight for the Mules (7-2, 6-2) and moves them to within a game of Johns Hopkins, a 14-12 upset loser to Franklin & Marshall, for first place in the Centennial Conference with a week to go in the regular season.
Muhlenberg came from behind twice in the fourth quarter to force overtime, the second time on a 37-yard field goal by Connor Winter with 57 seconds remaining.
Ursinus (5-4, 4-4) won the overtime coin toss and elected to play defense first. The Mules needed seven plays, all runs, to get into the end zone and take a 24-17 lead. Quarterback Joe Carlucci, who came on in the fourth quarter in relief of injured starter Dan Deighan, had five of the carries, including the touchdown on a 1-yard run off right tackle.
The Bears got a first down on their possession when quarterback Chris Curran sneaked for 2 yards on a fourth-and-1. Two incomplete passes and a 2-yard run brought up fourth-and-8, and Curran's pass for Darius Jones on the left sideline was tipped away by Allen at the 5-yard line.
The overtime win was the first for the Mules since a 33-27 victory against Gettysburg in 2010.
Terrence Dandridge, whose 2-yard run early in the fourth quarter tied the game at 14, rushed for a game-high 89 yards on 23 carries. Deighan was 14-of-25 for 185 yards, going over 5,000 passing yards for his career, and also rushed for 58 yards to move into the top five in CC history in rushing yards by a quarterback.
Curran was 16-of-35 for 241 yards and a pair of touchdowns for Ursinus.
Muhlenberg started on a roll, driving 60 yards in only four plays on its first possession to take an early 7-0 lead. Deighan covered the final 35 yards with a pass to an outstretched John Merklinger.
On their next drive, the Mules drove to the Ursinus 2, but on third down Deighan fumbled the snap. The ball rolled into the end zone, where Max DeNardo recovered it, changing the momentum of the game.
The Mules managed only 15 yards of offense in the second quarter, and the Bears tied the score on Curran's 66-yard pass to Jerry Rahill with 4:37 to play before halftime.
Muhlenberg had a chance to take a lead when it lined up for a 22-yard field goal early in the third quarter but elected to run a fake, and Carlucci's pass into the end zone was high.
Curran connected with Jones for a 39-yard scoring strike with 2:57 left in the third, giving Ursinus its first lead.
After Dandridge's tying score, the Bears drove 65 yards in 10 plays to take a 17-14 lead on a 20-yard field goal by Eric Boyer with 6:46 left. The key play came on the first play of the drive, when Curran escaped two sacks and found tight end Joe Hoy for a 43-yard gain.
The Mules' next drive was halted by Dandridge's fumble near midfield, but the defense forced a punt. Muhlenberg took over at its 28 with 3:49 to play, and on the second play Deighan's knee appeared to buckle as he ran for a 6-yard gain. Carlucci relieved and completed his first three passes to help get the Mules in position for Winter's game-tying field goal.


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5:00 pm
Making Meaning In Literature: A Workshop for Teachers, Grades 6-8 "Workshop 9. Starting In September...." The concluding program takes a close look at the ways in which teachers get ready to help their students become successful and engaged readers. During the first few days of classes, the teachers talk about everything from the mundane to the sublime that enters their minds as they start another year and plan for success. Dr. Langer underscores their remarks with advice for teachers who want to recreate the kinds of classrooms they have seen featured in this workshop. D
6:00 pm
Chef John Besh's New Orleans Heirloom Tomatoes, Cheese and Ham Salad, Five-Minute Cherry Tomato Sauce, and Crab Stuffed Tomatoes. D
6:30 pm
Sara's Weeknight Meals "Girls at the Grill with Elizabeth Karmel" Women of America, pick up your tongs, put on your aprons and man the grill! It's easy with Sara's buddy, grilling expert Elizabeth Karmel, to guide you! First is an easy Chicken Paillard with Greek Farmer's Salad and Tzatziki to get the basics down. Then, pizza! This one is a Blistered Corn and Asparagus Pesto Grilled Pizza. Finally, we'll go all out with Elizabeth's famous Texas Hill Country BBQ with a universally loved finger lickin' sauce. D
7:00 pm
Rick Steves' Europe "Amsterdam and Dutch Sidetrips" Rick explores the riches of the city before visiting dikes, windmills and the world's largest flower market.G
7:30 pm
Travelscope "Rwanda - Among The Gorillas" Joseph follows in the footsteps of Dian Fossey when he treks into the mountain forest of the Parc National des Volcans. Within sight of the five Virunga Range volcanoes he travels in search of Rwanda's endangered mountain gorillas and golden monkeys. As with every Travelscope adventure, the journey includes cultural experiences in a local church, living museum, market, primary school and health clinic. D
8:00 pm
P. Allen Smith's Garden Home "Entertaining Outdoors" Allen is having a party in the garden to celebrate the completion of the house at the Garden Home Retreat. The party area includes an outdoor kitchen and poolside containers for decorative plantings.G
8:30 pm
Ask This Old House "Financing Solar Panels; Framing Walls for Basement-Remodeling" Alternative energy expert Ross Trethewey travels to San Francisco to learn about a new way to finance solar photovoltaic panels and then sees them installed. Afterward, general contractor Tom Silva helps a homeowner frame the walls for a basement remodeling project. D
9:00 pm
For Your Home "Welcome to the Dream Home" Vicki and Sloan introduce this season's project-the Susan G. Komen Dream Home. Meet the builder, tour the home and peek at the overall project. Vicki and Sloan supervise the outdoor landscaping launch. D
9:30 pm
Katie Brown Workshop "Vegetable Medley" Learn to cook, grow, display and love vegetables with exciting projects and delicious recipes. In the Kitchen: Creamy Cauliflower Soup, Colorful Chopped Root Salad and Quick Vegetable Roll-Ups. Projects: Sculptural vegetable centerpiece. D
10:00 pm
Fons & Porter's Love of Quilting "Star of Bethlehem - Part 1" Fons & Porter give tips on choosing fabric for Lone Star or Star of Bethlehem designs and discuss fabric placement options. D
10:30 pm
Donna Dewberry Show "Canvas On Canvas" Donna layers her canvas to create a 3-D seascape painting, and then demonstrates how to make a floor cloth with a fabric border.G
11:00 pm
Cook's Country from America's Test Kitchen "Not Just for Kids" Bridget shows Chris how to make the ultimate Chicken Nuggets at home. Then, Jack challenges Chris to a tasting of yellow mustard. Next, Adam reveals his top picks for broiler-safe cooking dishes. D
11:30 pm
Lidia's Italy In America "USA: Italy's Crowd Pleasers" NULL


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STAMFORD, Conn. (MarketWatch) — Benjamin Graham wrote that investment is most intelligent when it is most businesslike. Like many other ideas from this great value-stock buyer, this assertion is astoundingly profound in its simplicity.
Let us try to figure out what he meant. Imagine getting a phone call from a CEO you know casually, offering to sell you his publicly traded company at what seems like a low price. What would you say?
A natural reaction would be: Why are you selling? Why am I getting a deal?
The next questions might include: What does the company do? What are its products? How does it make money? Why do consumers buy its products and not that of competitors? Who are its competitors, and how do they behave? Why are there not more competitors?
If the company sells overseas, you'll want to ask about the countries where it competes. What happens if bad things happen in these countries? Also, how dependent is the company on its suppliers? What happens if consumer tastes change? Can you trust the managers running the company?
If you are satisfied with the answers to these questions, then you can ask about the numbers. For example: How much cash profit does the company generate each year on average? How much in a good year? How much in a bad year? What explains this discrepancy?
Then you'll want to know how the company does under different economic conditions. If the economy suffers from deflation, can the company hold prices? Can prices rise with inflation?
You'll then try to justify the purchase price. How long would you need to own the company before you recoup your initial investment? If the business goes under, what can you liquidate, and how much money can you get back? If the business continues to grow, how much capital needs to be plowed back in, and at what rates of return? Is this return better than other uses for your money?
Questions unsaid
What is most interesting are the questions not asked, including:
What is the company's stock price? Where was the stock trading last year? Where will it trade next month — has it already had its "run"?
Does the stock chart form a "bearish diamond," and has it fallen through its "support level"? What will be next quarter's earnings per share, and is this higher or lower than Wall Street consensus? How does the stock's P/E or PEG ratio compare with its peers, or the market?
What is daily liquidity in the stock? How many analysts have "Buy" recommendations on the stock, how many have "Hold," and how many have "Sell"? What is the stock's "beta"? Do the shares "zig" while others "zag"?
You would not have asked these questions because you were thinking like a business person. The decision before you was whether this business was worth buying at the price offered to you. If not, you would thank the CEO politely and keep your cash. This company simply was not cheap enough for you.
Such questions illustrate an important set of rules for value investors. You must maintain investing discipline by reminding yourself of the key principles that underpin our craft:
1. Be greedy when others are fearful
Warren Buffett, in his 1994 Berkshire Hathaway shareholder letter, wrote the following:
"We will continue to ignore political and economic forecasts, which are an expensive distraction for many investors and businessmen," he said.
"Indeed," Buffett noted, "we have usually made our best purchases when apprehensions about some macro event were at a peak. Fear is the foe of the faddist, but the friend of the fundamentalist." Read more: Warren Buffett's winning ways, 50 years on.
The last sentence of this quote is particularly important given the human tendency to express emotional reactions in analytical terms.
For example, "I want to wait for this stock to trade lower" may simply mean "I am afraid to pull the trigger." The "equity-risk premium has increased" may simply mean "people are becoming more fearful." "Expected return per unit of volatility of equities has increased" may translate to "people are more bearish about stocks."
To invest based on these "analytical tools" (e.g., discount rates, portfolio weighting and the like) seems more the tail wagging the dog — unless you use these signals as contrarian indicators.
2. Be fearful when others are greedy
Maintaining price discipline is hard to do with record low interest rates around the world.
To use a Texas Hold 'Em analogy, investment strategies that play hands more "loosely" (are more willing to pay up for businesses) are more likely to generate higher short-term marked-to-market returns in an environment like today's, because continuous money-printing means that "blinds" continue to be raised for all investors, forcing investors to "bet" more.
Nevertheless, value investors who maintain their price discipline are more likely to come out better over a longer term. That's because "looser" investment strategies implicitly include a component of "catastrophe put option selling." Those who pay up for a business reduce their margin of safety — the cushion against potential losses caused by unforeseen downside risks, analytical errors, or plain bad luck.
Without this margin of safety, an investor risks sustaining permanent capital impairment if any potential negative scenarios actually occur. Of course, in the meantime, the investor collects a "put option premium," which may show up as strong interim marked-to-market returns.
3. Volatility is a poor measure of risk
The riskiness of this implicit catastrophe put option (or "cat"-insurance) selling is often under-appreciated. Since long-duration investors infrequently "take money off the table," the end point is the most important in any geometric return series of an investment strategy. This cat-insurance selling is unlikely to be well-captured by conventional market price-based measures of return-per-unit risk, such as the Sharpe Ratio.
More generally, it seems quite counterintuitive that "risk" is widely measured using observed market price movements. Just as the best time to sell any cat-insurance is right after that cat-event, the best time to "underwrite" a downside scenario for a company is when that scenario's occurrence is already in the stock price. It is risks not yet observed that usually worry us the most.
4. Price is what you pay; value is what you get
Underlying the value investor's approach is a simple fact: the quoted price of a security only matters when one is a buyer or a seller of it.
Here is the beauty of what we do: We decide whether and when we are a buyer and a seller.
Mr. Market has to offer us an attractive price that we are comfortable with before we would buy, and has to offer us a great price for a security we own before we would part with it. For the rest of the time, we can sit on our hands and wait.
To further stack the deck in our favor, we do not need to have a view on all (or even the vast majority) of the securities Mr. Market makes quotes on each day. We can simply go to Mr. Market with a shopping list of companies we would love to own at the right price, or rummage through the bargain bin that Mr. Market puts out each day to find great deals.
5. Do not lose money
Value investing as an investment approach is logically coherent but epistemically (and psychologically) difficult.
If we were 100% certain that Company A's stock was worth $100, then of course we would buy it at $60, and buy even more if it trades down to $30.
But in the real world there are fundamental barriers to knowledge. There's uncertainty about the future, limits to publicly available information, ambiguities especially in complex systems (limiting the usefulness of the information), and limits to our analytical ability and competence.
One thing we are keenly aware of is that knowledge is slippery, and humbling: we often find that the more we learn about the companies we research, the less we realize we know about them.
Yet we need to hold fast to the belief that there is in fact an "intrinsic value" for a business that we must do our best to estimate.
Intellectual honesty is of the essence: due to agency issues, an analyst can self-interestedly and doggedly insist that intrinsic value of Company A is $100 even if it never trades there, without ever admitting a mistake. Intellectual dishonesty or hubris is deadly for value buyers: stubbornly throwing good money after bad by doubling down on analytical errors (even if they are never acknowledged, even to oneself) is the surest way to lose money.
Soo Chuen Tan is Managing Member of Discerene Value Advisors LLC, a private investment firm that follows a concentrated, long-term, deep value investment philosophy for endowments, foundations and family offices.


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April 17, 2006
LEWISTON, Maine. - The men's track team came away with another victory at last Saturday's tightly-contested quad meet at Bates College. The Engineers, who completed an undefeated season (7-0), scored crucial points in the final events to finish with a winning total of 244 points. Host Bates came in close behind in second with 208 points, while Southern Maine (104) and Colby (89) trailed behind.
With key players out due to injuries, the Engineers needed strong performances across the board to win on Saturday. Freshman Jake Ruzevick set the tone early with an impressive second place time of 9:41.63 in the 3000 steeplechase. MIT then took second in the 4x100 meter relay.
In the 110 hurdles, sophomore Omari Stephens ran a 16:10 to take second. Senior David Blau came up with some huge wins for the Engineers. He won the 100 (11.24) but was edged in 200 and took second (22.67). In the 800, junior Aron Walker took second (2:00.26) and freshman Dan Rodgers (2:00.52) took third to secure another 13 points for the Engineers.
The 5000 meter run proved to be the Engineers strongest event on Saturday. Senior Eric Khatchadourian (15:27.56), junior Spencer Dudley (15:28.45), senior Steve Maltas (15:39.94) and sophomore Chris Wong (15:41.92) placed 1-2-3-4 to take 27 key points.
Senior star Uzoma Orji came up with significant points as usual. He took first in the shot put (17.04m), first in the discus (43.37m) and second in the hammer throw (54.07m).
MIT also capitalized in the jumping events. In the long jump, junior Chris Bateman (6.06m), sophomore Anthony Teixeira (5.87m) and freshman Obinna Anyanwu (5.80m) finished in the top three spots. The Engineers had similar success in the triple jump, with Stephens finishing first (12.48m), Teixeira second (12.26m) and Bateman third (12.20m).
With the victory already sealed, the Engineers placed second in the 4x400 relay with a season-best time of 3:26.25.
The Engineers return home on Saturday, April 22 to host the Co-Ed Invitational.


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Chilled Parve Cucumber-Yogurt Soup with Cilantro and Walnuts - Easy
Welcome to this month's kosher linkup! The challenge this month is cold soup. In the distant past I've made vichyssoise (French for "fancy-schmancy cold potato soup"), but past recipes don't count today. I've never got around to posting my version of gazpacho, but figured it would be a popular choice, so I went with something a little different: cucumber-yogurt soup.
Many recipes on the intertubes flavor this refreshing soup with dill. I tried it once and to me, dill makes it taste like watered-down tzatziki sauce. So I went with the more unusual suggestion of cilantro.
This soup was served alongside a chicken dinner, so I made it with parve coconut yogurt instead. Might also be gluten-free, but I forgot to check the label for that. Soy yogurt can be used, but its flavor is rather pronounced. Coconut yogurt, however, is much milder tasting and I really recommend it here. Feel free to substitute standard bovine yogurt (of the Greek persuasion) if you prefer a dairy version.
The is a very easy recipe. I used English cucumber, which has a very thin edible skin and not coated with wax like an ordinary cuke. It also has tiny seeds which don't need to be scraped out. And since everything pretty much gets tossed into the processor, virtually all of the preliminary chopping does not have to be pretty or uniform sized.
The hardest part of this recipe is toasting the walnuts. While with some recipes I get lazy and skip the toasting part, it should not be skipped here. Chilling tends to mute flavors. You want to coax maximum flavor out of every ingredient. So use toasted walnuts (see this recipe here where I show how to toast pine nuts ... same difference). By the way, be sure to let the nuts cool down before continuing with the directions (otherwise that sizzle you hear coming out the food processor will be the walnuts cooking the yogurt). And be sure to use fresh cilantro, stems as well as leaves. That bottled dried stuff is essentially green tissue paper, but with less flavor.
As for the quantities, the amounts of spices I suggest here are the bare minimum. Taste, then add more of everything to taste. For example, I wound up adding an extra teaspoon or so of kosher salt and an extra light shake of pepper. However, I didn't adjust the recipe shown just in case your idea of pepper is to gently wave the shaker next to the bowl so that you wouldn't faint at the amounts I ended up using.
Chilled Parve Cucumber-Yogurt Soup with Cilantro and Walnuts - Easy
Yield: 4 servings
1 English cucumber
1 (6 oz.) bag chopped walnuts, toasted and cooled, divided
1 lightly packed cup fresh cilantro leaves and stems, roughly chopped
2 (6 ounce) containers plain parve coconut yogurt
2 tsp. chopped garlic (about 2 cloves)
1 Tbl. fresh lemon juice
1 tsp. kosher salt
1/2 tsp. coarsely ground black pepper
1 cup plain seltzer or water
|Dice 'em a little smaller than this.
Slice the cucumber into 4 chunks. Finely dice one of the chunks and set aside for garnish. Set aside 2 tablespoons of the walnuts for garnish as well.
Coarsely chop the remaining cucumber chunks, then place in the food processor. Add the remaining walnuts plus the cilantro, yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, salt and black pepper.
Process 1 minute until smooth, or less if you prefer a more chunky soup. Pour in seltzer or water and process another 10 seconds. Taste and add more garlic, lemon juice, salt and/or pepper if needed.
Transfer soup to a covered container and refrigerate at least 1 hour, to thoroughly chill and for the flavors to "marry." Ladle into soup bowls. Garnish with the diced cucumber and remaining chopped walnuts before serving.


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Former New York City mayor Ed Koch died on Friday at age 88 after a year of repeated hospitalizations, a spokesman for Koch said.
Continue Reading Below
As mayor from 1978 to 1989, the forceful, quick-witted Koch, with his trademark phrase "How'm I Doing?," was a polarizing figure and the city's constant promoter.
Koch died of congestive heart failure at about 2 a.m. (0700 GMT) at New York-Presbyterian hospital, the spokesman for Koch said.
Koch was credited with lifting New York from crushing economic crises to a level of prosperity that was the envy of other U.S. cities. Under his leadership, the city regained its fiscal footing and undertook a building renaissance.
But his three terms in office were also marked by racial tensions, corruption among many of his political cronies, the rise in AIDS and HIV, homelessness and a high crime rate. In 1989, he lost the Democratic nomination for what would have been a record fourth term as mayor.
Mayor Michael Bloomberg said the flags at all city buildings would fly at half-staff in Koch's memory.
"In elected office and as a private citizen, he was our most tireless, fearless, and guileless civic crusader," Bloomberg said. "His spirit will live on not only here at City Hall, and not only on the bridge the bears his name, but all across the five boroughs."
Koch had a quip for every occasion and once said he wanted to be mayor for life. He was the only U.S. mayor to have a bestselling autobiography that was turned into an off-Broadway musical.
This week, "Koch," a documentary about his turbulent three terms as mayor, premiered at the Museum of Modern Art. Koch was unable to attend the premier.
"I don't think there was anybody who had more fun being mayor as Ed Koch," City Council Speaker Christine Quinn, who is in the race to be the city's next mayor, said at the premier.


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06.26.13 – Day 3 - This morning I woke up extra early at the Hotel Coral so that I could check out their gym and spa. If you're like me and you need to get a work-out in, even while on vacation, then rest assured that this hotel has a great gym to accommodate all physical activity needs! The gym has an all-glass wall that overlooks the heated indoor pool, tennis courts, and the hotel's back terrace so I had a great view during my work out. The best part is that there were plenty of treadmills and other equipment so I never had to 'wait my turn' and it was never crowded. Even better news: the hotel plans on improving and enlarging its gym and spa over the course of the next months.
In addition to the Hotel Coral accommodating guests with a wonderful gym and spa the hotel, they provide several outdoor terraces that serve as event venues. Right now the Hotel Coral is working on building even more of these gorgeous garden areas, including an 'island' one in the marina, which will have a 180-degree view of the ocean and valet service to transport guests to the off-land site! Another terrace is currently in the works and is going to be large enough to accommodate 2000 people, which makes for an exceptional wedding venue. For anyone looking to host an unforgettable event right in the heart of 'wine country' at a phenomenal ocean-side location, this is your go-to spot.
Right now, on top of having several indoor meeting and conference rooms the Hotel Coral utilizes its various outdoor venues to regularly host concerts, seating up to 3500 people per show. They often bring famous Mexican singers and international artists but are still able to maintain exceptional service; the Hotel Coral takes pride in hosting concerts and events that are unlike regular public shows because they are a hotel first, which means their priority is always the comfort of their guests. That being said concerts are never hectic and overcrowded, parking is always trouble-free and the hotel always caters to event guests with ample hospitality.
After touring all of these amenities of the extensive hotel, we make our first stop of the morning: Las Nubes Winery. I cannot think of a better way to start any day in Mexico than with a glass of wine, straight from the winery itself- perfect. After a short drive, we arrive at the winery, which is located in a gorgeous 'tucked-away' valley. I feel like I am in an entirely different world: I am surrounded by seemingly endless rolling hills of lavender, olive trees, and of course grapes, on all sides and it feels like I could touch the clouds with how close to the ground they are. Golden sunshine pours through the fields in all directions and I cannot see roads, cars, or any other buildings for miles. This place is so peaceful. I have escaped into some sort of wine heaven- I am absolutely certain of this.
We take a tour of the winery and I feel like I'm dreaming that I'm walking in the clouds; the hills are completely surrounding us and it makes me feel isolated in a good way- I feel safe from the rest of the world. The beauty of this winery is simply indescribable.
We sit down with Víctor Segura who is a partner and wine-maker at Las Nubes. We are lucky enough to get to try several of the wines here and the first thing we learn is that most of them are "dry" blends and that they are best paired with seafood. The first wine we try is called Kuiiy and is definitely my favorite- a slightly sweet blend of sauvignon blanc with a little bit of chardonnay.
***SideNote: 'Las Nubes' is Spanish for 'clouds' and most of the wines at this winery are named after clouds because the winery is notorious for its "walking through the clouds" feel.
As we try the rather crisp and dry rosé called "Jaak", Víctor Segura tells us that at Las Nubes they make all dry and no sweet wines because it reflects his own preferences with wine. If you're like me and don't have a sweet tooth with wine, this winery is your heaven- literally.
We proceed in the wine tasting with a few delicious reds such as the Selección de Barricas, the Colección de Parcelas and the Cumulus (yes, like the cloud!), which was especially intense and flavorful. Additionally, we were able to try the Nimbus and Nebbiolo (again with the cloud-names), which is said to be great with chocolate. I already want to take all of these wines home with me.
***SideNote: According to California-state law, each U.S. citizen can only bring back one bottle of wine from Mexico; the laws regarding the amounts of wine permitted into the U.S. vary state-by-state so this doesn't necessarily apply to someone entering the U.S. through Texas, for example.
***SideNote: In Mexico, if a wine-maker declares over 14% alcohol in his or her wine, the state taxes skyrocket, so it is very rare that you will find any Mexican wines with higher alcohol content. This leads me to wonder how many of these wine labels are accurate…
Segura tells us that his ideology with wine-making relies on the belief that the grape should be the "star" of the flavor; that being said, he rarely makes his wines with 'wood' flavors. Segura says "I try not to have the wood overpower the grapes- I like the grapes to be the most important part" and explains that he likes to keep his wines simple: he believes that he has very good grapes and that is what will really "make" the wine.
While Las Nubes is a relatively small winery, it is open to the public every single day, while most others only open on weekends. The winery may not produce as much wine as others in the area but Segura explains that size does not, in fact, matter: "instead of volume, we have quality".
After leaving the heavenly winery in the clouds, we head over to another wine tasting at the Vinícola Torres Alegre and Family winery. This winery was founded by Victor Torres Allegretes, who is the only winemaker in Mexico with a Ph. D. in winemaking! His son, Leonardois, told us all about the family business and how the winery itself is only three years old.
The Vinícola Torres Alegre and Family winery truly is the epitome of a 'family' business: Leonardois (who studied art) is the artist behind many of the wine bottles' unique labels and his sister (who studied literature) is the writer behind the stories and quotes that are placed on the backs of the wine bottles. These stories replace the typical wine descriptions that are found on the backs of the bottles because Allegretes and his family believe that people should not read about how the wine tastes, rather, they want "people to find out for themselves".
Leonardois explains to us that their focus at the winery is "developing high quality wines" and that they do this using a relatively long process: "We have one of the longest fermentation processes- two months per bottle of wine!" He tells us that at the Vinícola Torres Alegre and Family winery they use a berry-by-berry hand selection process for choosing grapes so that each individual grape that goes into making the wine is approved first!
We begin the wine-tasting with Del Viko Blanco, which is a French Colombard that I found especially clean and crisp. This buttery white wine has minimal tartness and essentially no after taste- perhaps due to the fact that it was was only ever fermented in stainless steal. Next, we tried the La Lllave Blanca, which was a rich golden sauvignon blanc with honey flavors that would go great with any dessert. Of course we had the winery's Del Viko Rosé, which spent an astounding twelve months in oak barrels. Leonardois explained, "we don't like to do things the traditional way", which most certainly is working in their favor. Next was the Del Viko Tinto, which is a blend of sixteen different wines, and we finally finished with the slightly smoky Temperillo Petit Verdot. Excellent.
We leave the family-owned and run winery for dinner at the Corazón de Tierra restaurant, hotel, and winery. This restaurant is a tiny building in the middle of a seemingly isolated valley- everywhere you look is rolling hills and mountains and nothing else. I feel like I'm so far gone from the rest of the world that no one could ever find me in this intimate and peaceful retreat. Even when inside the actual restaurant I don't have to end my affair with the beautiful nature because two of the restaurant's four walls are giant windows, which can be completely opened. As we sit down the curtains are drawn back to reveal ponds and gardens directly outside of the restaurant. Sunshine pours in and cool breezes flow through the dining area- for all intents and purposes we are basically outside. The whole mood is so surreal- I feel like I'm having dinner in the middle of some secret garden that no one else knows about.
We sit down with Corazón de Tierra's owner, Phil Gregory who tells us the story of how the restaurant got started: "My wife told me to. We had dreams of coming to Mexico…mine involved beer and a hammock…hers was more like this…so we compromised and did what she wanted." Hilarious. Gregory is quite the character and his restaurant's food is equally remarkable: the meal begins with a 'starter' of smoked yellowtail on tostada with avocado. Outstanding. This is just the opening act but I could eat this as a whole meal.
Next is a very rich and salty oyster with ramonetti cheese, which is served with an amber beer. Our third course is a spring salad with sunflower petals, followed by a well-delivered duck and clam chili dish. The fifth course was a three-cucumber salad, which was followed by sea bass coated in flying fish eggs with a turnip leaf sauce. This mastermind behind this food is a creative genius; I'm wondering how one could even come up with such ideas. The seventh course is my favorite of the whole extravagant meal: halibut with a beef reduction in shitake mushroom puree. Unbelievable. Finally, we are given a "pre-dessert" of 'pixtle', which is the bone of a Mexican fruit and acts as a palate cleanser; the meal reaches its closure with star anise ice cream topped with an epazote sauce, black radish cream, caramelized French radish, and ginger cake. This whole three-hour-long adventure-of-a-meal was experienced all while watching the Sunset into the valley, right from our table. It is so relaxing and comfortable that I could fall asleep right at the table- but I wouldn't dare do so because my dreams couldn't even compete with my reality.
After dinner we are given a tour of Corazón de Tierra's hotel, which is just as intimate as the restaurant. The cozy hotel has a very homey and comfortable feel to it; in fact, it is more of a house than it is a hotel! The living room acts as a common room for guests and shelves of books line the hallways, serving as a sort-of library. The hotel overlooks the rolling hills of the valley and has a beautiful stone porch where guests can enjoy the view. The hotel also has a swimming pool, massage services, and stays include a huge freshly made breakfast!
The Corazón de Tierra property also has its own vegetable gardens and winery; both provide for products that are used in the restaurant's food! The winery is unlike anything I've ever seen before because it is made from a boat, flipped upside-down. The entire winery is made from recycled materials (including the boat!) and perfectly complements the uniqueness and the natural-feel of the property.
After leaving the heavenly Corazón de Tierra we head over to our final stop of the night: Casa Natalie. This house-turned-hotel is a hidden treasure tucked away right on the Pacific Coast- this is no exaggeration: the hotel is literally right on the water. Casa Natalie is the beach version of the Corazón de Tierra in the sense that it is so intimate and has such a private feel to it; the hotel has only eight rooms available for guests, making for a very exclusive ambiance. The hotel also hosts events such as weddings and conferences, and of course, it has its own restaraunt and spa. This place is perfect for anyone looking to completely escape on a low-key vacation or romantic getaway. The Casa Natalie's most outstanding feature is the infinity pool that 'falls off' right into the ocean-filled horizon. One could relax in the heated pool while watching the Sunset into the Pacific; the design and beauty of this place is just phenomenal.
Right next to the pool the hotel has an outdoor terrace with a modish bar, completing the divine and chic ambiance. On this terrace I have the most exceptional balcony-esque view of the ocean: I look down and the tide is crashing right into the land below me, I can literally feel the waves hitting the ground. I feel like I am swimming in the sea, without actually swimming in the sea; this is the most interactive view of the ocean I have ever experienced because I'm not just looking at the water- I can feel it.
The Casa Natalie is the ultimate getaway for people who want to escape life as they know it in exchange for the most authentic beach resort. This is the unbeaten path of Ensenada, Mexico; nothing about this place is generic, cliché, or touristy. I feel like I dreamt up a secret beach that no one else has ever seen and now that dream is my reality. It doesn't come as a surprise to me when I learn that many celebrities have retreated to this hotel, including Sandra Bullock and Jesse James.
After a long day full of breathtaking Baja experiences, we return to the comfort and glamour of the Hotel Coral for the night. It's late but the restaurant and bar are still open for me to enjoy a chocolate cake dessert and glass of wine. I end my evening by taking a midnight stroll through the lit-up outdoor terraces, right on the ocean, of course. Magical. Everything about Baja is just magical.
Here are links to ALL FIVE DAYS of my wonderful trip to Baja California:
Adventures in Baja California – Day 1 of Our Journey Through Mexico
Adventures in Baja California – Day 2 of Our Journey Through Mexico
Adventures in Baja California – Day 3 of Our Journey Through Mexico
Adventures in Baja California – Day 4 of Our Journey Through Mexico
Adventures in Baja California – Day 5 [Last Day] of Our Journey Through Mexico
Photographs by Lawrence Davis


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Brandon Saad has 2 goals, 1 assist to lead Blackhawks to 7-1 win over Red WingsNHL.com @NHLdotcom
DETROIT - Matthew Saad had two goals and an assist and Dave Bolland scored twice in the Chicago Blackhawks 7-1 win over the Detroit Red Wings on Sunday.
Jonathan Toews added a goal and two assists and Jeremy Morin and Nick Leddy, also scored for Chicago. Cory Crawford made 33 saves.
Cory Emmerton scored Detroit's goal. Jimmy Howard was pulled in favour of Jonas Gustavsson early in the second period. Gustavsson made nine saves.
Chicago led 3-0 at the end of the first period after scoring on its first three shots in a 1:39 span in the game's first four-and-a-half minutes.


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Renormalization Group Theories of Strongly Interacting Electronic Structure
Published on
Our work is in the area of the electronic structure and dynamics of complex processes. We engage in developing new and more powerful theoretical techniques which enable us to describe strong electronic correlation problems.
Of particular theoretical interest are the construction of fast (polynomial) algorithms to solve the quantum many-particle problem, and the treatment of correlation in time-dependent processes.
A key feature of our theoretical approach is the use of modern renormalization group and multi-scale ideas. These enable us to extend the range of simulation from the simple to the complex, and from the small to the very large.
Assistant Professor,
Department of Chemistry,
Cornell University
BA, University of Cambridge, 1996
PhD, University of Cambridge, 2000
Sponsored by
Cite this work
Researchers should cite this work as follows:
Northwestern University, Evanston, IL


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A quirky minor key alternative to the Happy Birthday song. Orchestral arrangement without lyrics. Be careful, though, you may unwillingly begin singing in minor at your next attended birthday party, as do I.
Note: Yes, this is legal. The song lyrics are copyrighted but the melody itself is Public Domain. Furthermore, shifting from a major to a minor key rids any remaining ties. You may use this as a legitimate alternative to paying royalties for the original version.
Both .mp3 and .wav included.
Cheers guys.


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Sept. 1, 2007
CAMBRIDGE, Mass. - Amanda Lester registered all of New England College's goals, including the game-winner after 2:52 had expired in the second overtime, to lift her squad to a 4-3 victory over MIT in non-conference field hockey action on Saturday. In her intercollegiate debut, Jessica Oleinik tallied all three of the Engineers' goals.
MIT (0-1) supplied the offensive pressure through the first 15 minutes of play as it mounted a 4-1 advantage in shots. The Pilgrims (1-0) countered by firing 11 unanswered strikes to close the frame, but the game remained scoreless at the break.
Lester ended the deadlock 1:20 into the second half with a breakaway goal. She then extended NEC's lead seven minutes later by intercepting a pass in the Engineers' defensive zone. Oleinik put MIT on the board after connecting on a feed from Ekavali Mishra in the 51st minute. The Pilgrims continued to attack and found success when Lester converted a pass from Jodie Dresser on a penalty corner with 7:23 left to play. The Engineers cut their deficit in half (3-2) exactly four minutes later on a blast from Oleinik. MIT quickly notched the equalizer with 2:28 remaining when Ashley Mobbs found Oleinik. Both squads were unable to fire off a shot before regulation expired.
NEC had a chance to end the game in the first overtime session as one of its shots just glanced off the post and bounced back to the mouth of the goal. MIT's defense thwarted the scoring opportunity by immediately clearing the ball off the line.
In net, Alexa Herman collected 17 saves for the Engineers while Mary Roux made seven stops for the Pilgrims.
Both teams will continue play on the road next week. NEC will travel to Manhattanville College on Thursday, September 5 while MIT will compete in the Betty Richey Tournament hosted by Vassar College next weekend.


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New Heavyweight Safety Razor from Parker!
One of the great things about a safety razor is that it works under its own weight. With modern multi-blade razors you have to push the razor into your skin to get a close shave. With a single blade safety razor, the weight of the razor is the trick to getting a close shave. The folks at Parker have come out with a beautiful new, heavyweight razor that generates an even closer shave than your typical safety razor. It also features Parker's reliable twist to open mechanism!
See this item at www.knifecenter.com
More information from Parker: Continue Reading


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Rock The Fashion Runway Show: The jewel Wrap Up
Rock The Fashion was absolutely fabulous. This was truely a fashion filled red carpet event. People came out with one thing in mind.Rocking Fashion. The event was thrown at Boulevard 3 and was definately a good time. Like at most of the red carpet events at Boulevard 3 it was packed with some of the most talented and fashion foward designers and models in the industry. You got to see every look from Rock N Roll to Neo Soul. The stars were out and shining extremely bright this night. I ran into so many people that enjoyed there look and their style. Like super cute and very rocked out Wardrobe Stylist and Image Consultant Erin Micklow.
This girl definately one fashion foward chick. She rocked this hair like no other and her personality made her one of my favorite people of the night. She also showed love and represented the I Came for The Cocktail tee shirt from yours truely very own Friend Quote Tee Shirt Line. Loved Her. Then the were another one of my favorite fashion killers.
The Skinny Executives these two debonair fashion foward gentle man are a lifestyle concierge service. That gives VIP service to you.These two arent your normal concierge service they are fashion and lifestyle consultants that bring life into everything. The two are a tag team in making your life a little bit easier. Giving you the skinny on all things fabulous. There were some fashion do and dont's like at any fashion show. The good thing is at this particular event there were definately more do's than do not's.
I love an event that benefit's a good cause and this year the 5th Annual Rock The Fashion Events was sponsored by Runway Magazine and Vh1's Save The Music.Showing up and showing out is what the Rock the Fashion Show was about.
For the past five years the Rock The Fashion Show has evolved. Now this is a fashion show only looking to be only better as the years go on. There were so many new and extremely talented designer that showed off there styles this year. I can only imagine what next year will bring. All I know is that I am definately excited to attend the next one.
What it truely takes to put into an image is dedication, confidence and a unexplained sense of style. Personalities and people bring out the best fashion in anything.Rather its an accessory, a whole outfit, shoes or even hair. Style is in a field all its own. Some of the most well know people are known for a fashion statement they might have made.
The best looks in fashion come from those who dare to be different. The people who could care less what you think.Its how their look makes them feel. You win and lose sometimes in fashion but the best thing about it is you tried something different and even if it didnt work out. At least you tried to see if that was the look or style for you.
Always dare to be different.


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Popular search terms:
apply online, campus map, admissions events, tuition, transcripts, calendar, graduation, scholarships, nursing, bookstore, registrar, academic calendar, athletics
Lisle, Illinois ~ Want to find out why 94 percent of Benedictine University graduates either are working or enrolled in graduate school programs one year after graduation?
Attend "Preferred Visit Day," an event held specifically for prospective undergraduate students who want to find out more about Benedictine University, named the fastest-growing university in the country by The Chronicle of Higher Education.
Preferred Visit Day attendees meet with Admissions staff in small group settings to discuss Benedictine University's renowned academic programs, the admissions process and requirements, applications, scholarships and financial aid. Prospective students will be given a guided tour of campus by current students.
Students may choose to attend one of three Preferred Visit Day sessions at 10:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. on Monday, January 20 at Benedictine's main campus in Lisle.
According to AffordableCollegesOnline.org, Benedictine University is ranked among the top 25 most affordable Catholic colleges and universities in the country with the highest starting salaries earned by graduates.
Benedictine students receive a values-based, Catholic education that prepares them to reach their full potential.
Whether receiving personal instruction from teachers with the highest degrees in their fields, conducting research, participating in internships or applying to a pool of more than $300,000 in academic University-based scholarships, academic opportunities abound. Benedictine students challenge themselves every day and gain a greater perspective on the world through study abroad trips, guest lecturers, music concerts, student clubs and athletic teams.
To RSVP for Preferred Visit Day, go to www.ben.edu/preferred or contact (630) 829-6300.
Benedictine University is an independent Roman Catholic institution located in Lisle, Illinois just 25 miles west of Chicago, and has branch campuses in Springfield, Illinois and Mesa, Arizona. Founded in 1887, Benedictine provides 55 undergraduate majors and 17 graduate and four doctoral programs. Benedictine University is ranked No. 1 among the country's fastest-growing campuses between 2000-2010 in The Chronicle of Higher Education's list of private nonprofit research institutions, and Forbes magazine named Benedictine among "America's Top Colleges" for the third consecutive year in 2013. Benedictine University's Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) program is listed by Crain's Chicago Business as the fifth largest in the Chicago area in 2013.
Marketing and Communications


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For your challenge, make a card, ATC, journal page, tag, whatever using security envelopes.
For this sample I used 3 different secutity envies, Making Memories brad and sticker, justjohanna Lacy Circle Medium, and Target Dollar Spot rinestone brads.
This is just a fun one using the window from the security envie, justjohanna Ghost Bird and Vines and some mummy ribbon.After you make your card load it to either your blog or to the justjohanna gallery. Then, come back here and leave me a link to either your blog post or your jj gallery posting. You have until midnight Pacific time Sunday. Then I will randomly draw a winner of the limited edition justjohanna stamp seen here:
And, everyone who plays in any of the challanges will be entered to win grand prizes!
one winner will receive $250 in justjohanna stamps
one winner will receive $50 in justjohanna stamps
five winners will receive a 25% discount coupon when they place a justjohanna order
Also please go to THIS LINK, which is the justjohanna forum that will take you directly to the Earth Day celebration.


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The Great Flood - In Theaters Now
The Great Flood is in theaters around the United States,
The DVD is now available HERE
Released by Icarus Films on May 20th, 2014
Previous Theater Dates:
|January24th-February 20th
Downtown Independent (213)617-1393
or click HERE
|Los Angeles
|February 11th
|Melnitz Movies AS-UCLA (310)825-4265
|March 14th
|Redcat (323)259-9898
|Lake Worth
|February 21st
|Lake Worth Playhouse (561)586-6169
|New York
|January 9th - March 1st
|Time and Space Limited (518)822-8448
|New York
|New York
|February 2nd - February 16th
Symphony Space (212)864-1414
or Click HERE
|April 11th - April 17th
|Athens Film Festival (740)593-1330
|April 3rd
|Memphis Brooks Museum (901)544-6208
|March 21st - March 27th
Grand Illusion Cinema (206)898-9325
or click HERE
View the Trailer:
Press Quotes:
"Critic's Pick! Visual poetry, sublime" - The New York Times
"Archival wizard Bill Morrison's film finds lyricism in disaster" - The Wall Street Journal
"This is cinema as art, and a classic" - LA Weekly
"Fascinating! Required viewing in U.S. history classes throughout the country" - The Daily Beast
"Hypnotic, playful, wildly evocative...Masterfully assembled; a terrific achievement" - LA Times
"Four stars! [Conveys] all the terror and pity that modern disaster footage imparts [and causes] its subject to breathe anew. - Time Out New York
"A history lesson so vividly immediate as to resemble a ghostly conjuration." - The L Magazine
"A remarkable work!" - The Seattle Times
"[An] extraordinary confluence of talents and subject-matter." - The Telegraph
This probably isn't the kind of compliment the filmmakers want to hear in the week of its theatrical release, but "The Great Flood," a beautiful exploration of the Mississippi River flood of 1927, almost demands to be enjoyed using high-quality headphones. Its soundtrack is an artwork in its own right, one worth savoring as you would a fine recording.
This wordless movie, a documentary that is more like visual poetry, is the work of Bill Morrison, created from old newsreels and other film records, like his earlier work "The Miners' Hymns." Here his collaborator is the guitarist and composer Bill Frisell, whose score (performed by Mr. Frisell, Ron Miles, Tony Scherr and Kenny Wollesen) meshes with the images so evocatively that it seems as if they were born together.
The flood was devastating, especially to what remained of the Mississippi Delta's sharecropper economy, so much so that it helped change the country's demographics, fueling the northward migration of blacks that had already been underway. With just the occasional bit of text on the screen, Mr. Morrison conveys the destruction and the aftermath, although he is sparse enough with the details that viewers might want to prepare by reading at least a summary of the disaster.
The film and Mr. Frisell's music are elegiac over all, but there are sparks of humor in the mournful journey: a rapid trip through a Sears catalog of the period; a look at government officials visiting flood zones for photo ops, much as they might today.
Mr. Morrison's résumé includes an entire movie about decaying film stock ("Decasia"), and his fascination with the phenomenon is evident in "The Great Flood." A number of the film fragments he employs are beginning to deteriorate, and he happily leaves the eroded images as they are. Mr. Frisell's music seems actually to be calling forth the flaws, like a modern-day digital effect. It's a sublime, somewhat eerie touch in a striking experiment in music and moviemaking.
Click HERE for the original article
"The Great Flood," an all-archival clip documentary revisiting the events and effects of the devastating Mississippi River flood of 1927, is by turns hypnotic, playful, wildly evocative and even a bit trippy. But most of all it's a unique, highly immersing audio-visual experience that would be as at home in a museum as it is in a movie theater — and that's a first-order compliment.
Experimental filmmaker Bill Morrison ("Decasia," "The Miners' Hymns") has masterfully assembled a collage of silent, monochrome archival footage of this largely forgotten catastrophe — call it the Hurricane Katrina of its day — in which the Mississippi's levees broke in 145 places, engulfing 27,000 square miles of land from southern Illinois to New Orleans. It resulted in the Flood Control Act of 1928 and the widespread migration of African Americans, many of whom were sharecroppers, to Chicago and other Northern cities.
Morrison organizes his footage, much of which is decayed in ways that lend the picture a vibrant, strangely artistic glow, into mostly successive chapters: "Swollen Tributaries," "Levees," "Evacuation," "Aftermath" and so on. These clips provide a rare and riveting snapshot of a place and time — how people lived, worked, traveled, dressed (boy, were hats popular!) and, in this case, survived. Perhaps most notable is the era's clear racial divide.
Memorably enhancing the movie's time capsule vibe is a bravura sequence that whips and zips its way through an entire 1927 Sears Roebuck catalog. Guitarist-composer Bill Frisell's wall-to-wall, bluesy-jazzy soundtrack beautifully reflects and unifies the visuals while also helping to personalize this distinct endeavor. It's a terrific achievement.
Click HERE for the original article
In the spring of 1926, it began to rain in the Deep South, and it kept on raining, for months, in a relentless torrent that must have felt biblical. For The Great Flood, his gorgeous new found-footage documentary, filmmaker Bill Morrison has plumbed America's newsreel archives to stitch together a visual collage of a flood that ultimately submerged 27,000 miles of land, displacing 1 million people. Here are sights few alive have seen: black sharecroppers toiling in the cotton fields of the early 1920s (though in their look these scenes could well be the slave years); African-American men being forced at gunpoint to shore up the levees; tents lining the coast for miles, the biggest campout in U.S. history. And there are the floodwaters themselves, turbulent, terrifying, insanely beautiful. All of this ancient footage is silent, of course, yet The Great Flood is an aural feast. Jazz guitarist/composer Bill Frisell has created a score steeped in the blues tradition of the region, which means that its inspiration comes from the faces onscreen — mournful yes, but also, amazingly, full of humor and joy. Destined for a long life in museums and history classes alike, this is cinema as art, and a classic.
Click HERE for the original article
No words, no images, no sounds can fully convey the total horror of the Great Mississippi River Flood of 1927. The book that comes closest to putting you in the middle of the most widespread water disaster in American history—it stretched across the entire Mississippi River valley and west, across the river's tributaries, affecting nearly half the states of the Union and dwarfing the impact of a Katrina—is John Barry's "Rising Tide: The Great Mississippi Flood and How it Changed America" from 1997. Now, with "The Great Flood," the master of found-footage cinema, Bill Morrison, offers the closest we're likely to experience of the epic event on the big screen.
Morrison's fascination with the beauty and textures of decayed celluloid is the basis for a series of stunning works, most famously his spectacular multi-media "Decasia," that reclaim and remold our perceptions of what silent cinema looks and feels like—literally reviving films from the dead, a kind of reanimation of cinematic corpses. "The Great Flood" is more history than pure art work: Constructing a chronological retelling of the flood's events, Morrison has painstakingly sought out and edited together documentary footage shot in several States where the flood hit hardest, especially in Mississippi, Louisiana and Arkansas. As always, he's collaborated with jazz guitarist Bill Frisell and his group for a soundtrack (recorded live in Seattle's Moore Theatre). That's meant to be a contemporary response to history.
Huge downpours (at one point, New Orleans was hit with 15 inches of rain in 18 hours) pounded the Midwest and South during the entire winter of 1926 and into early 1927, causing unprecedented swelling of tributaries flowing into the big river. Morrison shows the weather and raging waters, but he's most interested in the social impact: Pre-flood cotton growing on the bountiful Delta, with images worthy of Eisenstein; the desperate, hopeless attempts to shore up levees as the flood comes; the concentration camps built only for African Americans, while white Southerners are seen escaping harm's way boarding trains in their Sunday best; the incredible damage to small towns left in the flood's horrible wake, looking like a giant monster had ripped through it; the massive emigration by rail of countless African Americans, headed north when farm work was impossible.
Disaster causes fundamental change. The great 1755 Lisbon earthquake, causing many to ponder if there really was a God, triggered the Age of Enlightenment. Morrison's movie doesn't explain the full impact of the Great Flood on America and the profound population and racial shifts it caused. But all of this is suggested, especially in its extraordinary final scenes of African Americans living in Chicago, from attending to church to just having fun and dancing up a storm. (Morrison loves to switch his footage from full speed to slow motion, to reveal more detail that our eyes would otherwise miss.) Free of the white man, free of the cotton fields and camps, they can boogie in the Chicago streets. A new world has begun.
Click HERE for the original article
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