text:
Saturday, July 27, 2013
posted @ Saturday, July 27, 2013 10:07 AM | Feedback (0) |
Filed Under [
Sunday, May 27, 2012
During my tests to port several databases to SQL Azure, one of the recurring things that fails export is the Extended Properties. So I just wanted to remove them.
This is a simple wayh to list all Extended Properties and the corresponding delete statement.
SELECT 'EXEC sp_dropextendedproperty @name = ' + QUOTENAME(ep.name, '''') + ', @level0type = ''schema'', @level0name = ''dbo''' + ', @level1type = ''table'', @level1name = ' + QUOTENAME(OBJECT_NAME(c.[object_id]), '''') + ', @level2type = ''column'', @level2name = ' + QUOTENAME(c.name, '''') + ';' FROM sys.extended_properties AS ep INNER JOIN sys.columns AS c ON c.[object_id] = ep.major_id AND c.column_id = ep.minor_id
posted @ Sunday, May 27, 2012 10:02 PM | Feedback (3) |
Filed Under [
Saturday, May 26, 2012
This week I was invited my Microsoft to give two presentations in Slovenia. My presentations went well and I had good energy and the audience was interacting with me.
When I had some time over from networking and partying, I attended a few other presentations. At least the ones who where held in English. One of these was "SQL Server Integration Services 2012 - All the News, and More", given by Davide Mauri, a fellow co-worker from SolidQ.
We started to talk and soon came into the details of the new things in SSIS 2012. All of the official things Davide talked about are good stuff, but for me, the best thing is one he didn't cover in his presentation.
In earlier versions of SSIS than 2012, it is possible to have a stored procedure to act as a data source, as long as it doesn't have a temp table in it. In that case, you will get an error message from SSIS that "Metadata could not be found".
This is still true with SSIS 2012, so the thing I am talking about is not really a SSIS feature, it's a SQL Server 2012 feature.
And this is the EXECUTE WITH RESULTSETS feature! With this, you can have a stored procedure with a temp table to deliver the resultset to SSIS, if you execute the stored procedure from SSIS and add the "WITH RESULTSETS" option.
If you do this, SSIS is able to take the metadata from the code you write in SSIS and not from the stored procedure! And it's very fast too. Let's say you have a stored procedure in earlier versions and when referencing that stored procedure in SSIS forced SSIS to call the stored procedure (which can take hours), to retrieve the metadata. Now, with RESULTSETS, SSIS 2012 can continue in milliseconds!
This is because you provide the metadata in the RESULTSETS clause, and if the data from the stored procedure doesn't match this RESULTSETS, you will get an error anyway, so it makes sense Microsoft has provided this optimization for us.
posted @ Saturday, May 26, 2012 10:52 AM | Feedback (2) |
Filed Under [
Friday, February 24, 2012
I have started a new article series at Simple Talk. It's all about the transition from procedural programming to declarative programming.
First article is found here
And it is already viewed 5500 times.
posted @ Friday, February 24, 2012 11:39 AM | Feedback (0) |
Filed Under [
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
posted @ Wednesday, January 18, 2012 1:01 PM | Feedback (1) |
Filed Under [
SQL Server 2008
SQL Server 2005
SQL Server 2000
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Today I had the opportunity to debug a system with a client. I have to confess it took a while to figure out the bug, but here it is
SELECT COUNT(*) OfflineData
Do you see the bug?
Yes, there should be a FROM clause before the table name. Without the from clause, SQL Server treats the name as an alias for the count column. And what do the COUNT always return in this case?
It returns 1.
So the bug had a severe implication. Now I now it's easy to forget to write a FROM in your query. How can we avoid these stupid mistakes?
An way is very easy; always prefix your table names with schema. Besides this bug there are a lot of other benefits from prefixing your tables names with schema.
In my client's case, if OfflineData had been prefixed with dbo, the query wouldn't parse and you get a compile error.
Next thing to do to avoid stupid mistakes is to put AS before alias names, and have alias names after the expression.
SELECT COUNT(*) AS MyCount FROM dbo.OfflineData
posted @ Thursday, September 22, 2011 8:38 AM | Feedback (3) |
Filed Under [
SQL Server 2008
SQL Server 2005
SQL Server 2000
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
CREATE FUNCTION dbo.fnConvertUtf8Ansi
@Source VARCHAR(MAX)
DECLARE @Value SMALLINT = 160,
@Utf8 CHAR(2),
@Ansi CHAR(1)
IF @Source NOT LIKE '%[ÂÃ]%'
RETURN @Source
WHILE @Value <= 255
SELECT @Utf8 = CASE
WHEN @Value BETWEEN 160 AND 191 THEN CHAR(194) + CHAR(@Value)
WHEN @Value BETWEEN 192 AND 255 THEN CHAR(195) + CHAR(@Value - 64)
@Ansi = CHAR(@Value)
WHILE CHARINDEX(@Source, @Utf8) > 0
SET @Source = REPLACE(@Source, @Utf8, @Ansi)
SET @Value += 1
RETURN @Source
posted @ Wednesday, September 14, 2011 6:30 AM | Feedback (2) |
Filed Under [
SQL Server 2008
SQL Server 2005
SQL Server 2000
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Or do they just want to continue with their old habits? The reason for this blog post is that I the last week have tried to help people on several forums. Most of them just want to know how to solve their current problem and there is no harm in that. But when I recognize the same poster the very next day with a similar problem I ask myself; Did I really help him or her at all?
All I did was probably to help the poster keep his or her job. It sound harsh, but is probably true. Why would the poster else continue in the old habit? The most convincing post was about someone wanted to use SP_DBOPTIONS. He had an ugly procedure which used dynamic sql and other things done wrong.
I wrote to him he should stop using SP_DBOPTION because that procedure have been marked for deprecation and will not work on a SQL Server version after 2008R2, and that he should start using DATABASEPROPERTYEX() function instead. His response was basically "Thanks, but no thanks". Then some other MVP jumped in and gave him a solution using SP_DBOPTIONS and the original poster once again was a happy camper.
Another problem was posted by someone who wanted a unique sequence number like "T000001" to "T999999". I suggested him to use a normal IDENTITY column and add a computed column and concatenate the "T" with the value from the IDENTITY column. Even if other people several times proposed my suggestion as an answer, the original poster (OP) unproposed my suggestion! Why?
The only reason I can think of, is that OP is not used to (or even heard of) computed columns. Some other guy posted and insinuated that computed columns don't work on SQL Server 2000 and earlier. To that I just posted that computed columns did in fact work already back in SQL Server 7.
Are people so stuck in their old habit and inept to change for whatever reason that might be? Could it be they are not qualified, or lack enough experience, for their current position? Do they lack basic education about relational databases?
My question to you is, how do you really help people with these mindsets?
posted @ Sunday, July 24, 2011 8:08 AM | Feedback (14) |
Filed Under [
Thursday, July 21, 2011
For the next few months, I will be involved in an interesting project for a mission critical application that our company have outsourced to a well-known and respected consulting company here Sweden.
My part will be the technical details of the forecasting application now when our former DBA has left our company.
Today I took a brief look at the smallest building blocks; the Functions. No function is inline so I can assume some of the performance issues are derived from these.
One function I stumled across is very simple. All it does is to add a timepart from current execution time to the datepart from a variable.
CREATE FUNCTION dbo.GetDateTimeFromDate
@p_date DATE
DECLARE @ActualWorkDateTime DATETIME
SET @ActualWorkDateTime = CONVERT(VARCHAR, @p_date, 101) + ' '+ CONVERT(VARCHAR, GETDATE(), 114)
RETURN @ActualWorkDateTime
This doesn't look to bad compared to what I have seen on the online forums. But there is a hidden performance issue here, besides being not an inline function, and that is the conversion to varchar and back to datetime. Also, this functions crashed in my tests when I changed dateformat to dmy. This is because the developer used style 101 in the convert function. If he had used style 112 the function would not have crashed no matter which dateformat value I use.
So to our next meeting I will explain to the consultants the issues I have with this function and the others that I've found.
A better choice for this function would be
CREATE FUNCTION dbo.GetDateTimeFromDate
@p_date DATE
SELECT DATEADD(DAY, DATEDIFF(DAY, GETDATE(), @p_date), GETDATE())
See, now there is no conversion, it's inline and dateformat-safe! A generic function for adding the date part from one variable to the time part from another variable looks like this
CREATE FUNCTION dbo.fnGetDateTimeFromDatePartAndTimePart
@DatePart DATETIME,
@TimePart DATETIME
SELECT DATEADD(DAY, DATEDIFF(DAY, @TimePart, @DatePart), @TimePart)
posted @ Thursday, July 21, 2011 8:44 AM | Feedback (2) |
Filed Under [
SQL Server 2008
SQL Server 2005
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
There is a new function in SQL Server Denali named DATEFROMPART. What is does, is to calculate a date from a number of user supplied parameters such as Year, Month and Date.
Previously you had to use a formula like this
DATEADD(MONTH, 12 * @Year + @Month - 22801, @Day)
to calculate the correct datevalue from the parameters. With the new DATEFROMPARTS, you simple write
DATEFROMPARTS(@Year, @Month, @Day)
and you get the same result, only slower by 22 percent. So why should you use the new function, if it's slower?
There are two good arguments for this
1) It is easier to remember
2) It has a built-in validator so that you cannot "spill" over the current month.
For the old way of doing this, using @Year = 2009, @Month = 2 and @Day = 29 you would end up with a date of 2009-02-28 and the DATEFROMPARTS will give you an error message.
posted @ Wednesday, July 13, 2011 9:18 AM | Feedback (5) |
Filed Under [
Powered by:
Copyright © Peter Larsson


text:
The all new Madd MGP Kick Extreme 2 Scooter in Grey has arrived. This is a perfect entry level model and great for people who want to give scooter riding a go. The Kick Extreme 2 features a whole load of great parts which you would expect to find on a much more expensive scooter which makes it great value for money. Alloy core wheels come as standard and you also get IHC compression and a threadless fork.
- 4 inch Wide, Concave Flat Bottom Deck inc Composite Blitz Brake and Full Printed Grip Tape
- 100mm 85a Aero Core Alloy Wheels pre-fitted with K1 Bearings
- 22x18 inch One Piece Steel T-Bar featuring Original Squid Grips
- IHC Steel Threadless Fork and Sealed Threadless Headset
- New Fresh Tubular Alloy Extruded Downtube - offering strength without weight

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Autumn Aspens
Liz blahh 8/5/2012 9:26:54 AMBeautiful! #1478838
Dee Langevin 8/5/2012 9:32:32 AMThank you Liz! I found out why they call these trees quaking aspens when I saw the leaves fluttering in the wind. The whole tree seems to shake! #10263623
Neal D. Hatcher 8/7/2012 4:55:54 AMBEAUTIFUL-Fantastic color #10266118
Dee Langevin 8/7/2012 5:50:00 AMThanks Neal! #10266167
Patricia A. Casey 9/4/2012 6:51:42 AMYou have been very busy Dee....This is lovely! very nice DD work. #10307931
Dee Langevin 9/4/2012 1:09:34 PMThanks Patricia! I need to find more time to go back through some photos from my last western trip to find a few more gems. #10308417
Patricia A. Casey 9/24/2012 9:49:18 AMHi Dee.....A huge Congratulations on Finalist...now on to Gold to match the leaves! Cheers =^..^= #10335756
Dee Langevin 9/24/2012 10:42:38 AMThank you Patricia! Hoping we'll both see gold this month! #10335983
JO ANN CLEVELAND 9/24/2012 12:29:20 PMCongrats on this awesome finalist Dee!
jo ann c. #10336417
The Judges at BetterPhoto.com 9/24/2012 5:16:39 PMVery painterly. #10338155
Gerda Grice 9/24/2012 9:20:35 PMLovely colours and excellent use of effects, Dee! Many congratulations on your Finalist! #10339223
Dee Langevin 9/25/2012 5:24:58 AMThank you Jo Ann, Gerda and thank you Judges for your very gracious comments! I'm thrilled to have this image selected this month! #10339822
Neal D. Hatcher 9/25/2012 5:37:42 AMCONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR "BEAUTIFUL FINALIST"--GOOD LUCK #10339842
Dee Langevin 9/25/2012 7:39:07 AMThank you Neal for your wonderful support! #10340135
Merna L. Nobile 10/5/2012 1:57:19 PM
I heard the good news and could not be happier for you! CONGRATULATIONS, Merna
Dee Langevin 10/5/2012 6:38:39 PMThank you Merna for your wonderful feedback! #10357368
Uploaded on 8/5/2012 6:00:26 AM
Camera: Canon EOS 60D Digital SLR Camera
Copyright for this gallery photo belongs solely to Dee Langevin. Images may not be copied, downloaded, or used in any way without the expressed, written permission of the photographer.
Contact photographer via gallery.
Log in to follow or message this photographer or report this photo.


text:
Last Known Status: Unknown
Galgamex Interviews and Features
Below are our features and interviews with Galgamex.
Ancients' Guitarist Talks "Riffs Not Riots"
As was previously announced, Metalunderground.com has teamed up with sponsors from around North America to present a charity fundraiser dubbed; "Riffs Not Riots" in Vancouver, Canada. The fundraiser is to support civilian victims of the June 15th riot that gripped the city and caused millions of dollars in damage. Chris Dyck, guitarist for Vancouver sludge metal act Ancients and one of the 'Underground Hardcore Collective' conspirators who planned the charity event, sat down with Metalunderground.com to discuss his thoughts on seeing the riot unfold first hand and how the charity event came to fruition. More...


text:
(Rain date: Sunday, Oct. 4th)
11:00 AM to 6:00 PM
This year marks the 3rd year in a row that 1920's-clad picnickers will spread blankets under the shade trees among the historic buildings of Governor's Island for two solid afternoons of hot jazz starring Michael Arenella and His Dreamland Orchestra. On Saturday June 7th and Sunday June 8th from 11:30 am-6:30 pm both days, join in on the Gatsby-esque revelry. Activities include: Charleston and Peabody dance lessons, croquet games sponsored by the New York Croquet Club, tug of war games, a pie contest (Saturday only), 1920's motorcars on exhibit, a Bathing Beauties and Gents Vintage Swimsuit Parade (Sunday only), and couture milliners pedaling their chic chapeaux.
Ferry Schedule:
Ferries to Governors Island are free and do not require tickets. Ferries leaving from Manhattan leave from the Battery Maritime Building at 10 South Street. Ferries leaving from Brooklyn leave from Fulton Ferry Landing, at the end of Old Fulton Street. For directions please visit www.govisland.com.
Widely anticipated by flappers, sporting gents and tiny tots alike, this event has been featured and reviewed consistently by The New York Times and the Sartorialist.
A wide array of music, food & drink, activities, games and contests are open for all ages to enjoy:
– A delightful variety of refreshing cocktails will be served by St. Germain.
– Picnickers are welcomed and encouraged.
– Tasty sandwiches and BBQ provided by Cercle Rouge.
– Authentic '78 records from the 1920s played on a phonograph provided by Michael Cumella of WFMU's Antique Phonograph Music Program.
– Charleston lessons given by dance legend Roddy Caravella of Sandra Cameron Dance Studio.
– 1920s Motorcar Exhibition – take a spin around the island in a genuine rumbleseat; hold on to your hat!
– Vintage clothing dealers and boutique milliners – They will all be peddling wares, so be sure to tuck some cash into your garter.
– Special literature/ephemera booths and readings by the Dorothy Parker Society & F. Scott Fitzgerald Society.
– Bathing Beauties & Beaus Promenade
– Live dance performances
– Vintage portraits by R.A. Friedman.
– Tug O' War
– Parade Of Hats
– Bake Sale!
– Pie Recipe Contest – Categories: "Mom's Best," "Best Savory," "Most Deliciously Unusual," and "Hobo's Choice". Special Prizes and coveted gift certificates to be awarded.
Boo. I am not going to be in New York this weekend, but Kevin will be!! Nevertheless, you should go if you're in the area, have fun, take pictures, post them on Facebook or Flicker, send me or Sharon Davis a link, and then we'll post them on Swingfashionista. Think about it!!! Tony and Voon, have fun and send me pictures!!!


text:
Bruins get back on track with win over Wings
In a cruder version of the don't-poke-the-bear warning that should always be heeded here, Bruins forward Shawn Thornton had his own advice for the Detroit Red Wings.
"I don't know if anyone wants to (tick) us off," Thornton said.
The Bruins were plenty ornery on Sunday afternoon at the TD Garden and used it to ultimate effectiveness in a 4-1 thumping of the Wings, a victory that evened the best-of-seven Eastern Conference quarterfinal at a win apiece.
As playoff opponents have known — and felt — for years now, the Bruins are at their best when belligerent. And when the opposition falls into the trap — especially while on the road — it can be tough to escape alive.
"All of our guys, right from the start of the game, tried to get some good, hard, clean hits and keep that going," Bruins winger Jarome Iginla said. "It was a good emotional game for us."
And a crucial victory for the regular-season champion Bruins, who were staring square at the prospect of trailing 2-0 before heading to Detroit for games on Tuesday and Thursday.
Clearly fired up from their lacklustre 1-0 loss on Friday, the Bruins were determined to replace Easter brunch with Easter crunch.
So, there were 33 hits by the boys in black of gold — many of them bone-crushers and many in the first period to set the tone.
For much of the game, there was mayhem in front of Wings goaltender Jimmy Howard, who had a much more peaceful existence in his Game 1 shutout.
And there was the fight that never was at the end of the second period when Wings defenceman Brendan Smith briefly toyed with the idea of scrapping with the biggest Bruin of them all, Zdeno Chara. The Big Z laughed in Smith's face and not a punch was thrown but a message was delivered nonetheless.
It was physical, intimidating, at-times punishing and returned to the Bruins just in time.
-Click the box below for the skinny on this year's post-season
"It should be every night," Thornton said, emphasizing that the bruising Bruins approach had gone missing in the series opener. "We are aware this time of year that there's no excuse not to have it. This time of year, we should always have that physical presence going."
The Wings have more pressing issues than not being sucked into the Bruins style, a task likely to be made easier in the comfort of Joe Louis Arena.
On the one hand, they'll take returning home with a split. On the other, they've managed just two goals in 120 minutes of hockey.
At the top of Detroit coach Mike Babcock's work order will be steadying his special teams. Not only was the Wings power-play held scoreless on Sunday, it managed just one shot on Bruins goaltender Tuukka Rask in almost eight minutes with the man advantage.
The Bruins, meanwhile, counted a pair of power-play goals, including Reilly (brother of Brendan) Smith's first career playoff score in the first and another by Chara, who parked himself in front of Howard and banged home a loose puck.
Milan Lucic scored the all-important third goal for the Bruins late in the second after the Wings had pulled to within one on Luke Glendening's deflection. And Lucic did it on a sliced foot that had to be stitched up between periods.
"If we want to have some success moving forward, that urgency has to remain high," Lucic said.
Speaking of Howard, he'll be in the spotlight after a rough afternoon that included a giveaway that led directly to the Bruins opener from Justin Florek, 7:28 into the game. Howard left his crease to play the puck and, when it sailed away from him, it ended up on the stick of Florek, who ripped it into the empty net.
If Game 1 was a feeling-out process for both teams and an opportunity for the Wings to dictate the play and Game 2 was vintage Bruins, what lies ahead for Game 3?
"I think it's important for us to really grasp what we did and really bottle that up and know what it's going to take to beat this team," Bruins coach Claude Julien said. "They're certainly capable of doing damage if you're not ready."
Red Wings coach Mike Babcock worked well with Bruins counterpart Claude Julien when the latter was his Team Canada assistant at the Sochi Olympics.
But that doesn't mean he wants his NHL team to play the same way as his Beantown counterpart.
So, after seeing his team lose 4-1 to the Bruins on Sunday afternoon, in a game heavy with post-whistle scrums and shoving, Babcock believes his team failed to stick to its basic plan.
The Wings aren't built to muck it up and on Sunday were drawn into that style of game.
"I think you've just got to decide what you want to do," Babcock said. "Do you want to play like them or play like us? You've got to do what you do, not what they do.
"I thought they were way better. We were ineffective, period."
Babcock pointed to his team's four roughing minors — which he said were more than the team had been called for all season — as an example of the distraction.
"I think we've got to stay out of the BS out there and just play whistle-to-whistle and not (worry) about proving your manhood," Wings goaltender Jimmy Howard said. "Just skate and play our hockey."


text:
American Stephens takes 3-set match over Petkovic
June 26, 2013
LONDON (AP) — American Sloane Stephens advanced to the third round of Wimbledon with a 7-6 (2), 2-6, 8-6 win over Andrea Petkovic of Germany on Wednesday.
The 17th-seeded Stephens served for the match at 5-3 in the third set, but got broken.
Stephens broke serve at love in the final game to win the match, which lasted 2 hours, 36 minutes.
Stephens is one of nine women to reach the second week at the 2013 Australian and French Opens and will make it that far at Wimbledon with one more victory.
She played her first Grand Slam semifinal at the Australian Open in January after upsetting Serena Williams. At the French Open, she made it to the fourth round.


text:
The Daily Word in death, Cold War and transgenic bunnies
Bacteria wants to kill you.
Manhattan Project internal spy Nathan Safferstein is dead.
Parish Dennison is also dead.
It's feeling a little Cold War up in here.
Peruse strange post-Brutalist Eastern Bloc architecture.
And now, ladies and gentlemen, your moment of transgenic bunny. ...


text:
With an industry standard for diamond cutting perfection, and innovation unseen in other diamond brands, Hearts On Fire has quickly become the world's fastest growing diamond brand. The World's Most Perfectly Cut Diamond is sold in 500 retailers spanning 31 countries, including 14 HOF stores globally, and authorized HOF retailer websites. Find the retailer closest to you!
If you live in, or are traveling to, Las Vegas or Philadelphia, we also encourage you to stop by our Hearts On Fire boutique stores at The Forum Shops in Caesars Palace (Las Vegas) and at The King of Prussia Mall (Philadelphia). As the first U.S. stores featuring our new, unique retail concept, these amazing locations are truly innovative – making the diamond jewelry shopping experience welcoming and enjoyable. Look for more Hearts On Fire retail stores opening in cities near you in the years to come.
And don't forget, you can also always shop online right on this website, or contact our Perfection Stylist for help (1-877-PERFECT).
Hearts On Fire Stores


text:
James Franco
James Franco, 33, who hosted this year's Oscars and was nominated for lead actor for "127 Hours," has been perhaps the most active actor-scholar of late: He is enrolled in Yale University's English PhD program and North Carolina's Warren Wilson College for poetry. In May, he earned a master's degree from New York University's Tisch School of the Arts and Columbia University's MFA writing program, after already graduating from Brooklyn College for fiction writing last year.
Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times
Copyright © 2018, Los Angeles Times


text:
Don't know much about Ekaterina Kukhareva, a Ukrainian-born designer based in London. Here's what I do know: She does knitwear, she went to Central Saint Martin's College of Art and Design, and she put the models in today's London Fashion Week show in precarious shoes, causing at least one downfall. Check out rich colors, hints of Russian opulence, giant hair curlers and a teeter tumble.
Images via Getty.


text:
August 05. 2014 10:52PM
Manchester Mayor Gatsas protests to refugee resettlement group: What about our own kids?
By TED SIEFER
New Hampshire Union Leader
MANCHESTER — The city's primary refugee resettlement organization has stated that the region is suited for "unaccompanied minors" in its application to settle refugees over the next year.
The statement by International Institute of New England was brought to light by Mayor Ted Gatsas, who has faulted the group in the past for settling refugees in Manchester without providing sufficient resources to support them.
In a letter to Barbara Seebart, the state refugee coordinator, Gatsas said he was "particularly troubled" by the mention of "unaccompanied minors" in IINE's application to settle up to 260 more refugees in the city over the 2015 federal fiscal year, which begins Oct. 1.
"After reviewing previous abstracts, this language is new to this section, and the city of Manchester and the Manchester School District are not prepared to resettle unaccompanied minors," he wrote.
In its abstract to be reviewed by the U.S. State Department, which oversees refugee settlement around the country, IINE points to several aspects of the Manchester area that make it favorable for continued refugee resettlement, such as a low unemployment rate.
In a section outlining the suitability of the area for "refugees with special needs," the application notes that "unaccompanied minors and attached minors are supported in their transition to schools and linked to community resources by the School Impact Team."
Gatsas further noted that the IINE application states that most of the new refugees will come from Syria.
The issue came up at Tuesday's meeting of the Board of Mayor and Aldermen, when Ward 3 Alderman Pat Long objected to an earlier letter Gatsas wrote to state public safety officials expressing concerns about the possibility that any of the minors would end up in Manchester.
Long said the letter sent the wrong message about Manchester.
"They're coming to the United States as a million people have, as refugees," he said. "In my opinion, I don't think they're illegal."
Gatsas disagreed.
"These are not immigrants like I remember my grandfather sponsoring from Greece, where they had to have a job to come. We have 1,000 homeless in Manchester. If we're going to help children from other countries, what are we going to do about the youth in this city?"
The number of children crossing the border without parents or guardians has more than doubled in the past two years, creating what President Barack Obama has described as an "urgent humanitarian situation."
The President has asked Congress for an additional $1.4 billion and wants to create a taskforce to coordinate the federal response.


text:
Nashua mayor opposes casinoBy KIMBERLY HOUGHTON
Union Leader Correspondent
March 27. 2013 11:28PM
NASHUA - As the possibility of legalizing gambling in New Hampshire makes its way through the state Legislature, Mayor Donnalee Lozeau said this week she does not support the idea of building a casino in the Granite State.
"I am opposed to gambling in the state of New Hampshire," Lozeau told the Board of Aldermen after being directly questioned by a board member about her stance on the controversial issue.
Previous gambling studies have shown that a casino could have a devastating impact on New Hampshire, Lozeau said.
"I am particularly opposed to one in Hudson," she said.
Alderman Daniel Moriarty, Ward 9, questioned the mayor about her view on a casino because he believes the Nashua Board of Aldermen should consider formally endorsing the concept of bringing a casino into the Greater Nashua area.
"If it is done right, I think it could be a benefit," said Moriarty, who has done some informal polling of his own on the topic.
"As an alderman, I am concerned about what is best for Nashua, not necessarily what is best for the whole state of New Hampshire," he said following Tuesday's meeting. "Still, I need to see the unbiased studies that show the pros and cons. I also need to talk to the police chief and the fire chief to hear their opinions."
Among the city residents that Moriarty has questioned, about 80 percent support the construction of a casino in Hudson, specifically because it could bring a lot of jobs to the area. It may be wise for a resolution to be submitted to the Board of Aldermen asking that the elected body make a formal stance on the idea of a casino, Moriarty said.
"What is important is that it has to be done soon," he said. "As a Republican, our party stance is typically not for casino gambling, but even Ovide (Lamontagne) supported one in the end. It comes down to whether this is economically wise for Nashua."
On Wednesday, Lozeau said she does not necessarily object to gambling, but stressed that since her time as a state legislator, she has never supported having a casino anywhere in the state.
"I've never thought gambling was a good thing to bet on," she said. "To me, I don't think it has a place in New Hampshire."
The state is not prepared to deal with the possible consequences associated with a casino, said the mayor, adding that studies indicate that the people who will be spending money at a newly built casino are most likely already "income challenged."
"I don't think we should make it easy for them to have that temptation," Lozeau said.
Although some political insiders say Rockingham Park in Salem may be at the top of the list for a casino location, others say the existing Green Meadows Golf Course in Hudson may be a better venue for a larger, convention center-type casino.
Chris Williams, president of the Greater Nashua Chamber of Commerce, said recently that if the chamber were to pursue a gaming venue to support, it would likely favor the Hudson site. Nearly three years ago, the Greater Nashua Chamber of Commerce formally endorsed a proposal to introduce gaming to the state, with the idea that there would be at least two casinos allowed.
Because the newest proposal being considered by elected officials in Concord only enables one casino, Williams said the chamber would have to revisit the issue before it made any formal endorsement again.
With casino proposals being floated in Hudson, at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon and at Rockingham Park in Salem, Moriarty said Nashua and its surrounding communities have a combined 40 state representatives that could be quite influential.
"We have more representation in Concord than any of them," said Moriarty, suggesting the Board of Aldermen should perhaps take a position on the issue.
He also hinted at the possibility of presenting a nonbinding referendum question to city voters asking them whether they support the construction of a casino in Greater Nashua. Alderman-at-Large Barbara Pressly said Wednesday she is opposed to casino gambling in New Hampshire and always has been.
"Our small state has a wonderful quality of wholesomeness and naturalness. Casino gambling directly contradicts the qualities that attracts tourists and encourages families and businesses to move and live here," said Pressly. "Any financial gain is short lived, and the indirect personal consequences for individuals can be harmful."


text:
Pembroke coach Alosa: Welch's punishment too severeBy JOHN HABIB
New Hampshire Union Leader
March 23. 2014 6:50PM
CONCORD — Pembroke Academy head coach Matt Alosa said Sunday he was disappointed the New Hampshire Basketball Coaches Organization stripped Pat Welch of his honors after the Spartans' guard sent out an obscene tweet following his team's NHIAA Division II boys' basketball state title.
"I don't believe the punishment fits the crime," said Alosa, who coached the Division II boys' all-star team at the annual NHBCO Granite State High School games at New Hampshire Technical Institute.
The tweet was posted by Welch on March 15 right after the Spartans' win Portsmouth High. The NHBCO on Friday stripped Welch of his Division II Player of the Year Award and rescinded his invitation to participate in Sunday's senior game and in the annual Twin State Games slated in July at NHTI.
Gary Noyes of Rochester, president of the NHBCO, had no comment Sunday about Alosa's reaction. In a statement released Friday by Noyes, he said, in part "The NHBCO is disappointed to announce the unfortunate decision to rescind the Division 2 Player of the Year awarded to Pat Welch from Pembroke Academy. Last week, Pat Welch was named by the Division 2 coaches as their Player of the Year. Since that time, it has come to the NHBCO executive board's attention that Pat Welch displayed flagrant un-sportsmanlike behavior. We have contacted Pembroke Academy and informed them of our decision.
"Pat Welch will not be allowed to represent his school at either the senior games being held at NHTI this Sunday nor at the Twin State game vs. Vermont this summer. It is with great sadness that this committee has to act on this situation, but we strive to uphold the tenet that this award is not based solely on a basketball player's ability but also on that player's character and demonstrated sportsmanship.
"It has been decided that Jourdain Bell from Bishop Brady will be selected as the Division 2 Player of the Year."
Alosa said "they basically took away Pat's body of work this season because of a tweet that ended up online for 15 minutes," said Alosa. "I don't like and don't condone what was written in that tweet. There's no program I respect more than Portsmouth High."
Alosa said Welch has already apologized in person to members of the Portsmouth administration.
"Our principal (Michael Reardon) and athletic director (Suzanne Klink) drove with Pat to Portsmouth and he personally apologized to their athletic director, principal and coach," said Alosa, who said Welch let his emotions get the best of him after the state championship win.
As for the NHBCO naming Bell as its player of the year, Alosa said "they can give it to him. But as far as I'm concerned, Pat Welch is still the player of the year."


text:
James AveryDetroit Tigers
Pitcher | Ht: | Wt:
|Tigers | Two players signed
Sat, 21 Jan 2012 11:50:25 -0800
The Detroit Tigers have signed SP James Avery (Reds) and 1B Brad Eldred (Giants) to minor league contracts that do not include invitations to major league spring training camp.
|Comment (0)
|| Share:
|| Source: MLive.com - James Schmehl
|Reds | Cut 12 players
Tue, 17 Mar 2009 13:09:52 -0700
The Cincinnati Enquirer reports the Cincinnati Reds optioned Ps Sam Lecure, Steven Avery and Matt Maloney to Triple-A Louisville Tuesday, March 17. IF Juan Francisco was optioned to Double-A Charlotte. P James Avery, 1B Wes Bankston, 1B Kevin Baker, IF Luis Bolivar, P Adam Pettyjohn, P Ben Jukich and P Jordan Smith were all reassigned to the minor leagues.
|Comment (0)
|| Share:
|Reds | Eight prospects invited to Spring Training
Tue, 13 Jan 2009 06:35:14 -0800
Reds.MLB.com's Mark Sheldon reports the Cincinnati Reds invited SS Chris Valaika, SS Todd Frazier, OF Drew Stubbs, C Devin Mesoraco, P Pedro Viola, P Ben Jukich, P James Avery and P Jordan Smith to Spring Training.
|Comment (0)
|| Share:
|Reds | Avery named to Canadian Olympic team
Fri, 01 Aug 2008 17:38:55 -0700
The Canadian Press reports Cincinnati Reds P James Avery has been named to the Canadian Olympic baseball team.
|Comment (0)
|| Share:
|Reds | Avery demoted to Single-A
Fri, 25 Aug 2006 20:47:06 -0700
Cincinnati Reds minor league P James Avery has been demoted from Triple-A Louisville, to Single-A Sarasota, according to USAToday.com.
|Comment (0)
|| Share:


text:
Search found 124 matches
- Wed May 21, 2014 6:57 pm
- Forum: Your Make Money Niche Blog
- Topic: Let The Love Of Sports Make You Money
- Replies: 0
- Views: 25165
Let The Love Of Sports Make You Money
Because of the success of my Online Lottery Site I decided to start another one, namely Get Online Lotteries . This allows me to target new keywords and hopefully build my online lottery customers. If you're looking at making money in the same way I've listed what I believe to me the best affiliates...
- Wed Jul 17, 2013 12:41 pm
- Forum: Promoting Your Blog
- Topic: Sexy Sals Blonde Jokes
- Replies: 0
- Views: 25639
Sexy Sals Blonde Jokes
Having a blog is fine but there's not much point in having one if you're not getting any traffic to it. I've found the best way to get traffic is to leave quality comments on as many blogs as you can. By leaving these quality comments, not spammy ones, you help to build your brand, get backlinks to ...
- Fri Jun 08, 2012 12:43 am
- Forum: The Bloggers Lounge
- Topic: Making Money On My Blog
- Replies: 0
- Views: 34000
Making Money On My Blog
Although when I first started blogging it had more to do with SEO than it had to do with making money. Over time I have searched for ways to make money online, partly because I found it to be an interesting endeavour but mainly because I knew it would attract a lot of readers. I've always made a poi...
- Thu Feb 23, 2012 5:20 pm
- Forum: Building Content
- Topic: Experiment With Different Topics
- Replies: 8
- Views: 8979
Re: Experiment With Different Topics
Mitch wrote:That is, unless you want to try to write more than one or two posts on forensic loan analysis! lol
Yeah that's a real interesting topic Mitch
- Thu Feb 23, 2012 5:19 pm
- Forum: Tips On Building Readership
- Topic: Commenting
- Replies: 4
- Views: 19571
Re: Commenting
Wise words Edward, too bad that many don't follow them
- Thu Feb 23, 2012 5:17 pm
- Forum: Tips On Building Readership
- Topic: What do you write about?
- Replies: 3
- Views: 4931
Re: What do you write about?
Hey Edward, good to know and welcome to WBM
- Wed Jan 25, 2012 9:33 pm
- Forum: Favorite Blogging Platforms
- Topic: Wordpress
- Replies: 6
- Views: 21631
Re: Word press :
EdwardCrooks wrote:I have been a user of this too.Let me tell you one thing that its good for the blog commenting .But we might also some another ways here successfully.
Cool, what's the link to your blog so we can all have a look at it?
- Wed Jan 25, 2012 9:20 pm
- Forum: Building Content
- Topic: Using Emails As A Source For Blog Topics
- Replies: 10
- Views: 13672
Re: Using Emails As A Source For Blog Topics
EdwardCrooks wrote:This comes under e-mail marketing and we count this a strategy of Affiliate marketing and affiliate marketing is a best way to get reward from the each visiting of a visitor/user.
Possibly, but there is good and bad email marketing.
- Sat May 28, 2011 10:05 am
- Forum: Affiliates
- Topic: MyLotto
- Replies: 0
- Views: 30685
Since my last post I think I've just fallen in love with a new affiliate. Rather than rehash this on this post I'd like you to read my post on The Secret To Online Success Is A Passive Income! That post tells you how making money is all about picking the right product to sell and if you pick one tha...
- Fri Mar 11, 2011 6:43 pm
- Forum: Generating Traffic
- Topic: Zaparena Does Drive Targeted Traffic
- Replies: 0
- Views: 28704
Zaparena Does Drive Targeted Traffic
I've just discovered a great way to drive targeted traffic to a particular post. This is great if that post is promoting and affiliate or is otherwise concerned with generating an income. That site is called Zaparena and rather than repeat myself here you can read all about it at this particular blo...


text:
Hello all,
So this year is going to be my first year going to Coachella! Hurray right? Well not so fast, because I have a weekend 2 pass while my friends have weekend 1 passes. How that happened is a long, frustrating story. Anyway, now I need to switch to a weekend 1 ticket ASAP so I can stop constantly worrying about missing this amazing festival I've been dreaming about going to for at least 3 years. *deep breath*
SO Any of you out there who happen to have a WEEKEND ONE PASS and are trying to trade PLEASE TRADE WITH ME. MAKE MY DREAMS COME TRUE.
OR maybe if you're trying to sell a weekend 1 ticket you can trade me and then sell my weekend 2 ticket????
I'm desperaaaate


text:
We are a leading global food and beverage company with brands that are respected household names throughout the world.
Learn more about PepsiCo's Performance with Purpose journey
Our brands are available in more than 200 countries and territories around the world.
PepsiCo Launches bubly, Bringing an Undeniable Pop of Personality to the Sparkling Water Category.
With a portfolio of iconic, beloved and locally relevant brands, we're delivering results today and confidently preparing for the future.
PURCHASE, N.Y., Nov. 14, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- PepsiCo, Inc. (NYSE: PEP) today announced that Alan Hoffman has joined the company as senior vice president, global public policy and government affairs, effective Nov. 26. In this role, he will lead PepsiCo's public policy and government affairs activities worldwide.
View photo of Alan Hoffman
Hoffman most recently served as Deputy Chief of Staff to the Vice President of the United States Joe Biden and Deputy Assistant to the President, where he was responsible for the long-term planning and day-to-day operations of the vice president's office. In this role, he provided policy, political, communications, legislative, and legal advice to the Vice President, Cabinet members and Administration staff.
"Alan is a proven leader who brings tremendous experience and expertise to PepsiCo," said Larry Thompson, executive vice president, government affairs, general counsel and corporate secretary, PepsiCo. "Alan is well-versed in a wide range of public policy issues and widely respected across all levels of government, and we look forward to benefiting from his leadership."
Prior to his most recent position, Hoffman served as Chief of Staff to Senator Biden from 1998 to 2003 and again from 2006 to 2008. He was also senior presidential campaign advisor and chief operating officer to Vice President Biden during the transition following the 2008 presidential election.
Hoffman previously served as senior vice president for external relations for the University of California, directing strategy, communications, marketing, advocacy, government relations, fundraising and community relations for the 10 campuses, five medical centers and three national labs that comprise the UC system.
He also spent time as a partner at Timmons & Company, a Washington, D.C. government relations and consulting firm, and as vice president for external relations at the RAND Corporation.
Earlier in his career, Hoffman served in the Clinton White House working on health policy issues. In addition, he worked in the Department of Health and Human Services as special assistant to the assistant secretary for legislative affairs and in the Department of Justice as special counsel to the assistant attorney general for legislative affairs. He also served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in Philadelphia, where he prosecuted federal crimes for the Justice Department.
Hoffman replaces Dan Bryant, who was recently named chair of the public policy and government affairs practice at Covington & Burling.
Hoffman holds a J.D. and a Masters of Public Administration degree from the University of Southern California and a B.A. degree from Lafayette College.
He will report to Thompson and be based in PepsiCo's Purchase, N.Y. headquarters.
About PepsiCo
PepsiCo is a global food and beverage leader with net revenues of more than $65 billion and a product portfolio that includes 22 brands that generate more than $1 billion each in annual retail sales. Our main businesses – Quaker, Tropicana, Gatorade, Frito-Lay and Pepsi-Cola – make hundreds of enjoyable foods and beverages that are loved throughout the world. PepsiCo's people are united by our unique commitment to sustainable growth by investing in a healthier future for people and our planet, which we believe also means a more successful future for PepsiCo. We call this commitment Performance with Purpose: PepsiCo's promise to provide a wide range of foods and beverages for local tastes; to find innovative ways to minimize our impact on the environment by conserving energy and water and reducing packaging volume; to provide a great workplace for our associates; and to respect, support and invest in the local communities where we operate. For more information, please visit www.pepsico.com.
SOURCE PepsiCo, Inc.


text:
In case you missed it from earlier, here's Mike Check, taking a look at whether Michael Vick is regressing as a quarterback.
Now on to the roundup of what the national media are saying about the Eagles:
Don Banks of SI.com has the Eagles 21st in his power rankings:
Blaming Juan Castillo for all that's wrong in Philadelphia is scape-goating to the highest degree. But you can't make the case that Andy Reid's big gamble on his new defensive coordinator hasn't been part of the problem. The Eagles play soft on defense, have next to no identity and little intensity, and the Philly secondary apparently believes it's against league rules to tackle.
ESPN.com's Pat Yasinskas says QB decisions have not worked out for the Vikings, Cardinals or Eagles so far:
In the case of Vick, the Eagles didn't have to give any player or draft-pick compensation to keep a player already on their team, but they invested a ton of salary-cap room at one position for six years.
What are they getting in return? Not much. Vick, who was better than he's ever been while starting 12 games last season, has been dreadful since leading the Eagles to a season-opening win against Baltimore. Through five games, he's committed 10 turnovers. All last season, he had nine. Vick has put coach Andy Reid on the hot seat for putting all his eggs in one basket.
Former player Matt Bowen says in a National Football Post piece that hiring a consultant is not as effective as it sounds:
There's no question the Eagles have to play a better brand of football under Castillo and I commented on that after the loss to Buffalo on Sunday. But let the Philly coordinator make the adustments, some possible personnel moves in the starting lineup and put this defense in a better position to win (and get back in the NFC East discussion). That is the right move for Reid and the Eagles, because "consultants" aren't always a quick fix.
The Eagles are 21st in ESPN.com's power rankings. Here's Dan Graziano's take on the Birds:
I mean, I've seen four of their five games in person. They have plenty of athletic talent, but they just don't play the game of football especially well. And I really think that's going to hold them back. John Clayton still has them up at 18, which inflates this ranking a bit. But right now they're down there in the bottom third, and they've earned their way there. I'll be interested to see their ranking next week. If they play well and by some miracle win in Washington, I wonder if the voters will bump them way up thinking "they're back." And if they lose and fall to 1-5, they'll have to be down right there at the bottom with the other absolute worst teams in the league. No matter how much athletic talent they have.
Brian Billick of FoxSports.com has the Eagles 21st:
The Eagles are like witnessing a train wreck; while it is hard to watch, you just can't seem to pull your eyes from it. They are up and down the field, but keep turning over the ball in the scoring zones. Defensively, they played hard but still can't seem to tie the front and back ends together, and have way too many missed tackles. Either one will get you beat.
Jason La Canfora also calls the Eagles a trainwreck:
Philly's trainwreck start rolls on, in what is now a vital divisional game against first-place Washington. The Redskins are coming off a bye and need to see more of "good" Rex Grossman, because "bad" Rex has been creeping up far too often.
Pete Prisco of CBSSports.com has the Eagles 21st:
Is Andy Reid in trouble? You have to ask the question. The offensive line is getting Mike Vick killed.
Elliot Harrison of NFL.com has the Eagles 21st too:
Philadelphia's pass rush didn't get many sacks Sunday, and the linebackers -- as a group -- produced nine solo tackles. Much-maligned coordinator Juan Castillo's defense didn't allow many big plays in the passing game, but produced only one turnover and continues to be hampered by general suckiness. Meanwhile, the offense was a giveaway machine with five turnovers. The Eagles are still good on paper, but you don't win too many games with a minus-four turnover differential. In fact, well below 10 percent since 1970.
Doug Farrar of Yahoo Sports takes a look at what's wrong with the Eagles' defense:
To me, this is a simple case of the coaching staff trying to superimpose its ideas about scheme onto personnel that really isn't built for it. Castillo is asking his stationary players to be motion-versatile, his style-point players to be scheme-transcendent, and his star players to act like his rotational guys. In other words, the Eagles bought a bunch of expensive furniture in the offseason, and they have handed over the interior decoration to Wal-Mart. You may also note that I haven't mentioned Rodgers-Cromartie, who hasn't been much of a factor at all.
The Eagles are failing to maximize the attributes of their most talented defensive players, and until that changes, there will be major problems on that side of the ball in Philly.
You can follow me on Twitter or become a fan of Moving the Chains on Facebook.


text:
Zagreb has good flight and other connections to the UK and Europe, so it's easy to reach – and it's only around 2 hours from the UK, which makes it a very acceptable place for a city break. Alternatively, Zagreb is also very well connected to the rest of Croatia by train, bus and air, so it's also a great place to commence your holiday in Croatia – spend a couple of nights here, and then make your way to the coast.
Spend your daytime in Zagreb sightseeing – there's very pleasant walks to be had in both the Upper Town (home to the Cathedral, St Marks's Church, Kamenita vrata, Lotrscak Tower and more) and Lower Town, not forgetting the ubitiquous stroll through the main square, Trg bana Jelacica. There's also plenty of galleries and museums and, befitting a capital, there'll be a handful of exhibitions and events taking place at any one time.
When all this takes it toll, join in Zagreb's cafe society for a cup of strong coffee – or a refreshing beer – at one of the numerous cafes on the main square or on Tkalciceva ulica in the Upper Town.
Finally, why not sample the nightlife? There's a number of bars and clubs in the city to give you a taste of clubbing, Zagreb-style.
Another great thing about Zagreb is that it has plenty of accommodation – from budget hostels to 5* hotels – so you'll be sure to find something that fits the bill, whatever your budget.
Hvar Town
Considered one of Croatia's more upmarket islands, you'll often read about various celebrities and the well-to-do holidaying oneach year, but don't let that put you off. (Although, this may well be a draw to some holidaymakers!)
Hvar is very well-known for its wonderful weather, with the highest annual average hours of sun in the whole of Croatia. The island is also famous for its lavender growing in amongst its beautiful landscape, so you can imagine a pretty heady combination of great weather and beautiful and aromatic surroundings as you relax on the island.
There's a number of stylish hotels located in Hvar Town, and a handful of sights (although not too many – avid sightseers should really go elsewhere), whilst its wonderful harbour is a very pleasant place to while away your time in early evening, people- and yacht-watching.
There's a few beaches close to Hvar Town, though our recommendation is to head to the nearby small group of islands, the Pakleni islands (local boats will take you there) for a relaxing day out.
See more Top Ten Destinations in Croatia, numbers 6 to 10 >>
Join one of the largest professional networks of Catholics!
Provide financial support.
Our mission is to encourage young adult professionals to Work in Witness for Christ .Work in Witness for Christ
Learn More
YCP brings young adults together for a variety of events to foster Catholic identity, encourage community and inspire action.
Executive Speakers
Ministry with young professionals is an important work in our Church in order to develop Catholic leaders, and I am pleased to welcome this ministry and it's efforts to our diocese.
Most Reverend Joe S. Vasquez, Bishop of Austin
The work that the YCP ministry has developed throughout the United States seems to have been successful in helping young adults make the strong connection between their faith and their work lives. I hope that YCP's focus on young adults that working in professional settings will help engage them in parish life and help them better understand the connection between live and faith.
Cardinal Blase J. Cupich, Archbishop of Chicago
The Church understands the great importance of providing compelling options and solid faith formation for young adults between their college graduation and the formation of their families. Young Catholic Professionals addresses this time in their lives.
Most Reverend Bishop Richard Lennon, Bishop of Cleveland
I hope, my dear people, that you will support the Young Catholic Professionals so that this movement within our Church will continue to grow, and our Church will once again flourish in this community, in this society.
Cardinal Kevin Joseph Farrell, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Laity, the Family, and Life
I believe that Young Catholic Professionals will provide a place where the young people can grow in their faith, professionals skills, and most importantly, in their ability to bring the Gospel into the workplace.
Most Reverend Samuel J. Aquila, S.T.L., Archbishop of Denver
Please accept…my support for the formation of a Young Catholic Professionals chapter in the Diocese of Fort Worth. I am confident that the Fort Worth Chapter will thrive in following the mission of encouraging young adult professionals to Work in Witness for Christ.
RTRY WomenS Boots Spring Fall Winter Platform Comfort Novelty Patent Leather Leatherette Wedding Office amp;Amp; Career Dress Casual Party amp;Amp; Evening US6 / EU36 / UK4 / CN36 k2YPzWa
Most Reverend Michael F. Olson, S.T.D. M.A., Bishop of Fort Worth
YCP National exists to preserve and promote the YCP mission. Please use the contact information below if you'd like to get in touch with our staff.
Find Us On Social Sites


text:
Hi...I've been reading through this forum for a few weeks now, and I finally decided to post my plea for help.
I am a first-time mom to a four week old. I had great dreams of the breast-feeding experience, but now that I'm four weeks in and really having a lot of struggles I don't know how much longer I'm going to make it!
With all the reading and the research that I've done on this forum and other websites, I've gathered the following issues with my son:
1/ not efficient at the breast
2/ constantly sleepy at the breast -will feed sometimes for as short as 3 to 4 minutes and then completely fall asleep
3/ potentially might be a "snacker" or has associated the breast with just comfort
4/ not a strong, good latch?
So then what is happening is when he's throwing an absolute tantrum...I try to keep breast feeding, but the above 4 things 'happen' and then ultimately I'll give him expressed milk from a bottle. Please understand that this is painfully my last resort...and it's often after 2 hr feeding session (or attempt at a feeding session)...that goes a little like feed for a few minutes, fall asleep, spend some time trying to wake him, maybe do a diaper change, he awakes, cries & fusses, so then try again with the breast. This cycle can repeat itself 4-5x in one session...which ends up being around 2+ hrs! And at the end...he may fall asleep for 20-45 min at most... & when he wakes & goes crazy...I can't keep going, so I give him a bottle, which he will guzzle down.
I originally thought I wasn't producing enough...but I think my production is decent (not a ton, but it's decent & getting better). I do know & believe that he doesn't have a good latch (the LC at the hospital mentioned this...as he wasn't grabbing all the aureola in his mouth) but would fixing this, fix all the other problems? I'm not sure...
I finally broke down & called a lactation consultant this morning, referred by our pediatrician...it took a lot for me to finally call her..& then I was completely disappointed that she never returned my phone call. I don't know why...but I was very nervous to blindly call her...
I fear he's going to start getting used to feeding from the bottle & will never be a good feeder at the breast. I'm exhausted & can't keep doing these 2+ sessions back to back all day. I'm already fearing how this is all going to turn out when I have to return to work in 8 weeks.
Any advice on how to turn things around before I give up? I won't give up on giving breast milk, but I probably won't be able to breastfeed if it continues like this. Oh, another note is some really bad days, we'll supplement w formula, too.


text:
Celebrating illustration, design, cartoon and comic art of the mid-20th century.
Thursday, December 14, 2006
What's Up with the Necco Wafers?
We'll be looking at some other candy ads before Christmas, but I wanted to showcase these on their own. You can see them at full size in my Retro Christmas Flickr set.
9 comments:
- bonnie-ann black4:53 PM
Neccos may have retained their position in the candy world by virtue of their having been developed for the troops in World War I. their selling point was that they stood up under the harshest conditions and didn't rot or break down (though, i suppose, they did actually break upon occasion). i confess to having loved the chocolate ones, but probably wouldn't taste one today. they're like communion wafers without all the flavor -- or for you non-catholics, like eating the paper off that other hoary favourite -- the Dots!ReplyDelete
I never muched cared for Necco wafers--as candy--but for sheer visual appeal, they beat the hell out of Milk Duds or Mounds Bars. Those soft, powdery pastels, that simple, perfect shape, I mean what else could one ask for? I trace my lifelong love for multicolor polka dots--Harlequin Ware dishes, paper-punch confetti, the classic Marshmallow sofa & Hang Ten coat rack, Gene Meyer ties--back to my first encounter with a roll of Neccos.ReplyDelete
See? I had a feeling about that. And yes, I noticed Necco wafers in some of those retro candy stores that you find these days. They are really an old fashioned candy though, aren't they? Like licourice pipes and sherbert fountains. I'm sure my kids, who grew up on Nerds and Skittles, would turn their noses up at Necco wafers! ;-)
- Anonymous5:28 PM
The formula for Necco wafers has been changed and they are now "all natural"...no more artificial flavors or colors. They're a lot duller looking and the green ones appear to be gone, but the ones that are left taste pretty good. They're a good diet candy since they are fairly low calorie and last a long time.ReplyDelete


text:
Softball: Fox Valley all-area team
Kelly Bremer Elgin
Elgin's junior catcher, Bremer had a strong season both behind and at the plate for the Maroons. Hit .370 with 5 homers and 15 RBI and a .630 slugging percentage. "She was really the only one on our team who could catch Jennah (Perryman)," said Maroons' coach Chad Dahlman. "She was very solid back there and she was the captain on the field. She had some homers and some doubles for us and she puts the ball in play. Her power came around more this year and she's a hard worker."
Alyssa Buddle South Elgin
The honorary captain of the all-area team, Buddle's calming influence and knowledge behind the plate helped lead a young pitching staff to a 19-win season and a regional championship. Hit .505 with 8 home runs, 39 RBI, 11 doubles and 3 triples. Struck out only 6 times in 93 at-bats, had a .946 slugging percentage and a .573 OBP and scored 29 runs. Had a 39 percent throw-our rate of potential base stealers. "She takes charge on and off the field," said Storm coach Jason Schaal. "Her ability to work with our pitchers was tremendous." The James Madison recruit is a repeat all-area selection.
Alex Buhrow Larkin
Larkin's senior catcher, Buhrow was a bright spot for a team that struggled to win this season. Hit .461 with 4 homers and 20 RBI. Also had 4 doubles, 3 triples and a .750 slugging percentage. Only struck out 8 times in 85 at-bats. "Alex is a great kid," said Larkin coach Anne Vogt. "She came out everyday looking to contribute and working to better herself as a player and a person. I always appreciate when a player wants to work hard on and off the field."
Brittany Delao Streamwood
Streamwood's senior SS/3B had a productive season, hitting .359 with 1 home run and 16 RBI. "Brittany has been a great player for us over the past three years," said Sabres' coach Nick Baird. "She started to really come on strong over the second half of the season offensively and defensively. Brittany loves playing the game." A repeat all-area selection.
Anna Eckholm Elgin
Eckholm proved to be a versatile player for the Maroons this season and had another strong season at the plate as well. A repeat all-area selection, she played third base and the outfield and even filled in to pitch 9 innings. Hit .429 with 5 homers, 23 RBI, 8 doubles, a .648 slugging percentage and a .498 OBP. "The three years I've had her she's batted over .400 every year," said Elgin coach Chad Dahlman. "She's at the top of the lineup, she gets on base and she has good wheels and good power. Without her at the top of the lineup we wouldn't have scored as much as we did. She's got a great attitude. She'll run through a wall for you and she can play anywhere."
Lindsay Efflandt Cary-Grove
A four-time all-area standout, Efflandt graduates as Cary-Grove's top pitcher ever. She was 10-0 this season when she took a line drive to the face but she came back to pitch the Trojans' final three games, finishing 10-2 with 1 save and a 0.85 ERA. She struck out 101 batters in 82 innings. Finished her career with 89 wins, placing her 15th on the all-time IHSA record list. This season the Yale recruit also hit .342. "It's going to be tough not having Lindsay out there," said Cary-Grove coach Tammy Olson. "Had she not gotten hurt she might have set the state record for wins (103). She held this team together for four years and she's a great kid. She's a competitor and a true sportsman and I couldn't be prouder of her."
Amanda Eissler Dundee-Crown
Despite the fact the Chargers have struggled on the field, Eissler became a rock for the program. A four-year varsity player, she pitched the majority of her team's games this season and played shortstop when not pitching. She hit .325. "Amanda has had a four-yar commitment to Dundee-Crown softball," said Chargers' coach Tracy Beatty. "She had the ability and the knowledge to play multiple positions and we'll miss her."
Rachel Fugiel Westminster Christian
A junior, Fugiel led the Warriors to a 12-9 season and the program's first regional championship. She hit. 523 with 3 homers and 20 RBI. Also had 4 triples. Was also 6-5 as the team's No. 1 pitcher. "Rachel is one of the most gifted athletes Westminster Christian has seen come through its doors," said Warriors' coach John Wedell. "She is blessed with that killer combination of speed and power. She only struck out three times and she has been one of the main reasons for the turnaround in the softball program at Westminster."
Brooke Gaylord Burlington Central
A junior left-handed pitcher and power hitter, Gaylord's performance this season helped the Rockets to a 27-4 campaign and their first conference title since 2009. In the circle, she was 13-3 with a 1.54 ERA and 92 strikeouts in 100 innings. She also hit .500 with 8 home runs and 35 RBI, 34 runs scored, 14 doubles and 4 triples. Her slugging percentage was 1.075. "We thought we'd have three pitchers when the season started and we lost one (Angie Morrow) after our first game an Brooke stepped up and and did a great job," said BC coach Wade Maisto. "She won some huge games for us and filled her role as a quality No. 1 starter. Even more important was the way she hit. The ball just jumps off her bat. I've never had a girl hit a ball as far as Brooke." A repeat all-area selection.
Kayla Haberstich Bartlett
Bartlett's junior SS, Haberstich became one of the most prolific power hitters in the area this season, hitting .452 with 9 home runs and an area-high 59 RBI. Also had 11 doubles, 38 runs scored and struck out only 10 times in 115 at-bats. Also drew 14 walks, had 7 stolen bases, a .519 OBP and a .817 slugging percentage in helping her team to a 25-10 season and a regional championship. "She was money from the beginning of the year on," said Bartlett coach Jim Wolfsmith. "Kayla can go deep or hit singles with runners on base. She was an RBI machine and defensively she got to balls that shouldn't have been gotten to."
Bekah Harnish Burlington Central
Burlington Central's junior catcher, Harnish had another strong season behind the plate and at bat despite the fact she played the last part of the season with an aching shoulder. The NIU recruit hit .530 with 3 homers and 27 RBI and 11 doubles. Had just 4 strikeouts in 100 at-bats and scored 32 runs in helping her team to a 27-4 season and its first conference title since 2009. Also had a .750 slugging percentage. "She's a rock behind the plate," said Rockets' coach Wade Maisto. "She's just an excellent all-around player. There's really nothing she can't do well and she'll do anything for you. The pitchers have a world of confidence in her and she's totally in charge behind the plate." A repeat all-area selection.
Jacquelyn Hengler Jacobs
Jacobs' senior leadoff hitter set the table for her 18-15 team that reached a regional championship game. The outfielder hit .350 and scored 36 runs while going 14-for-15 stealing bases. Also had 7 doubles and 4 triples. "Being our leadoff hitter she really set the tone for us," said Jacobs coach Jeremy Bauer. "She changed the complexion of a game with her speed. We didn't get shutout once this year and a big reason for that was her being in the leadoff spot."
Jordan Hook Hampshire
Hook, Hampshire's senior right fielder, helped the Whip-Purs' rebuilding program begin with her leadership as well as her play on the field. She hit .405 with 3 homers and 19 RBI. "She's someone who worked her way into a starting position the lats two years and really contributed with her bat," said Hampshire coach Stacey Stepek. "She had a slow start but never got down on herself. She stayed positive and then she caught fire. She did a great job in the outfield for us. She's got a great glove and gets a real good jump on the ball."
Jennifer Hurst Hampshire
Hampshire's senior pitcher, Hurst closed out her career by helping her team to 11 wins. She struck out 209 batters in 217 innings, pitching all but 21 of the Whip-Purs' innings this season. Also had 1 home run and 11 RBI. "Jennifer is a leader and a role model to all the girls. She truly loves the game of softball and gives 110 percent every day," said Hampshire coach Stacey Stepek. "She's more of a quiet presence but the girls respect her and follow her lead. I trusted her with the ball on the mound and she came up with some timely hits for us."
Lauren King Burlington Central
King, Burlington Central's second baseman, was the senior leader of a team that went 27-4 and won its first conference title since 2009. Hit .286 with 1 homer, 26 RBI and 7 doubles, striking out just 5 times in 105 at-bats. "She was the senior leader of our team," said BC coach Wade Maisto. "She came up with some big hits for us in close games and found a way to help us at important times. She brought a great senior influence to a young softball team."
Emily Kisch Burlington Central
One of only two freshmen on the all-area team, Kisch proved that versatility is a virtue for the 27-4 Rockets, helping her team to its first conference title since 2009. Hit .337 with 3 homers, 26 RBI and 6 doubles. Became the team's starting SS but also went 10-1 in the circle with a 2.07 ERA and 122 strikeouts in 81 innings. "She played multiple positions and played them all equally well," said Rockets' coach Wade Maisto. "No matter where I put her she did a good job. There's really not a place she can't play."
Kali Kossakowski St. Edward
A three-time all-area shortstop for the Green Wave, Kossakowski had another strong season. The NIU recruit hit and even .500 with 4 home runs and 19 RBI, again leading the area with 24 stolen bases in 26 attempts. Had 13 doubles, a .582 OBP and a .793 slugging percentage. Only struck out 3 times in 92 at-bats and scored 32 runs. "Kali is the complete package," said St. Edward coach Jaci Corn. "She has natural speed and talent. She is very smart and works extremely hard to get better all the time. Kali is a true leader and a great teammate on and off the field. It's been more than a pleasure coaching Kali."
Alyssa Lach Jacobs
A repeat all-area selection, Jacobs' junior third baseman had another strong season, hitting .543 with 9 homers and 30 RBI. Also had 12 doubles, a .952 slugging percentage and a .579 OBP, striking out just twice in 105 at-bats. "She plays 100 percent every single inning and it doesn't matter what the situation is and that's what you want out of all your players," said Golden Eagles' coach Jeremy Bauer. "Her numbers speak for themselves. She's a dominant player in this area." Lach, who helped Jacobs to an 18-15 season, has committed to Butler.
Sarah Leudo Cary-Grove
Leudo was Cary-Grove's rock behind the plate for four years and especially this season when senior standout pitcher Lindsay Efflandt went down with an injury April 22. Led her 19-6 team with a .365 average, hitting 3 home runs with 17 RBI. Was the only player to hit a home run in the Bandits Jamboree in Rosemont at the end of the season. "She was consistent all season and her best came at the end," said Cary-Grove coach Tammy Olson. "She was on fire at the end of the season and just amazing. She was our captain and our MVP and she had a phenomenal year. She picked people off bases and really brought her game up a level." A repeat all-area selection.
Hailee Massie Crystal Lake South
An injury-plagued season was still a strong one for Massie, CL South's sophomore No. 1 pitcher. She finished the season 8-6 with a 1.62 ERA and had 88 strikeouts in 82 innings. "She fell victim to some injuries this season and we didn't help her out much offensively but she had an excellent ERA and more strikeouts than innings pitched," said Gators' coach Scott Busam. "She kept us in games and she got so much better from last year to this year. I think she can become one of the dominant players in the conference."
Sam McLean Crystal Lake South
McLean is a unique player you don't see much of -- a left-handed shortstop who has Division I range and a strong arm as well as a strong bat and speed. The junior hit .432 with 3 homers, 24 RBI, 10 doubles, 3 triples and only 2 strikeouts in 89 at-bats. "Sam was the heart and soul of our team," said Gators' coach Scott Busam. "She was our best clutch hitter and she played much better than we expected. She was a big reason why we had a winning season (14-10). I'd argue she's one of the best shortstops in the area, even playing it left-handed. She's smooth. She made some really nice plays for us."
Sarah Murray Jacobs
One of only two freshmen on the all-area team, Murray made a splash in her rookie high school season, hitting .450 with 5 homers and 24 RBI. She had 8 doubles and struck out only 10 times in 111 at-bats. The outfielder also led her 18-15 team with 8 sacrifice bunts. "She really stepped up," said Golden Eagles' coach Jeremy Bauer. "We knew early on that she really understood the game. She's one of the smartest players we have. She could hit away, slap, bunt, take the extra base and she makes smart defensive plays. She's really above her age."
Rachel Odolski Bartlett
Bartlett's senior leadoff hitter and right fielder, Odolski set the table for her team to have a 25-10 season and win a regional championship. Hit .455 with 11 RBI, 42 runs scored and 19 stolen bases in 21 attempts while striking out just 4 times in 112 at-bats. Had a .492 OBP. "Rachel had the kind of year you want a senior to have," said Hawks' coach Jim Wolfsmith. "With her speed, she could steal a lot of bases and she covered a tremendous amount of ground in the outfield."
Holly Pagan Bartlett
An untested varsity pitching staff was anchored by Pagan, a junior who went 14-6 with a 2.34 ERA in helping her team to a 25-10 season and a regional championship. Had 87 strikeouts in 132 innings and also hit .393 with 2 home runs and 12 RBI. "Holly really grew as the year went on and that was nice to see," said Hawks' coach Jim Wolfsmith. "She reminds me of the growth Tori Burke and Callie Dennison showed their junior years and she became a top hitter to add to her resume. Hopefully she can continue to grow over the summer."
Miranda Peterson Huntley
One of the top players to come through the Huntley program, Peterson closed out her Red Raider career with a banner season, hitting .534 with 3 home runs, 11 doubles and 37 RBI. She only struck out 4 times in 88 at-bats while scoring 28 runs and drawing 18 walks for her 22-12 team. "Words cannot explain the impact Randi has had on our team," said Huntley coach Mark Petryniec. "We will miss not only her tremendous playing ability but the impact she has made with her leadership on and off the field. Randi has left some big shoes to fill next year offensively and defensively." She is a repeat all-area selection.
Jennah Perryman Elgin
Perryman, a Ball State recruit, took over in the circle for the Maroons this season for her graduated sister Hannah and threw 109 innings, going 8-11 with a 1.67 ERA and 125 strikeouts, an average of 11 per game. Also hit .352 with 10 homers and 33 RBI, 9 doubles and a .824 slugging percentage. "Without her on the mound we don't win as many games," said Elgin coach Chad Dahlman. "Her riseball really improved from last year and her command was there this year. Her batting average was up and her power was up."
Kara Rodriguez South Elgin
South Elgin's senior SS, Rodriguez came back 100 percent healthy from an ACL injury this season and helped lead her team to a 19-win season and a regional championship. Hit .319 with 4 homers and 16 RBI and her 13 career home runs are third in program history. Also had 7 stolen bases in 8 attempts. Will be a cheerleader at Division I North Texas next year. "She had a great season," said Storm coach Jason Schaal. "I just kept saying 'What if she hadn't torn her ACL.' She rebounded very well and had an excellent season. I was very proud of her for taking on the leadership role in the infield. She really helped us improve our play."
Haley Spannraft Huntley
Just a sophomore, Spannraft took over in the circle for the 22-12 Red Raiders this season and went 17-11 with a 2.31 ERA and 102 strikeouts. She also hit .452 with 15 RBI. "Haley really stepped up for us offensively this year," said Huntley coach Mark Petryniec. "In the leadoff role she got our offense started. On the mound, she took the pitching load on her shoulders racking up 179 innings. I look forward to having her the next two years in the circle for us."
2013 All-area roster
Player School Pos. Yr.
Kelly Bremer Elgin C Jr.
*Alyssa Buddle South Elgin C Jr.
Alex Buhrow Larkin C/1B Sr.
Brittany Delao Streamwood SS Sr.
Anna Eckholm Elgin IF-OF Jr.
Lindsay Efflandt Cary-Grove P Sr.
Amanda Eissler Dundee-Crown P/SS Sr.
Rachel Fugiel Westminster Christian P/IF Jr.
Brooke Gaylord Burlington Central P Jr.
Kayla Haberstich Bartlett SS Jr.
Bekah Harnish Burlington Central C Jr.
Jacquelyn Hengler Jacobs OF Sr.
Jordan Hook Hampshire OF Sr.
Jennifer Hurst Hampshire P Sr.
Lauren King Burlington Central 2B Sr.
Emily Kisch Burlington Central SS/P Fr.
Kali Kossakowski St. Edward SS Sr.
Alyssa Lach Jacobs 3B Jr.
Sarah Leudo Cary-Grove C/3B Sr.
Hailee Massie CL South P So.
Sam McLean CL South SS Jr.
Sarah Murray Jacobs OF Fr.
Rachel Odolski Bartlett OF Sr.
Holly Pagan Bartlett P Jr.
Miranda Peterson Huntley SS Sr.
Jennah Perryman Elgin P/3B Jr.
Kara Rodriguez South Elgin SS Sr.
Haley Spannraft Huntley P So.
* -- Honorary captain
Honorable mention
Bartlett -- Alex Morales (Jr., OF), Alyssa Nowak (Fr., 1B), Dana Paul (Jr., C)
Get articles sent to your inbox.
- This article filed under:
- Sports
- Algonquin
- Barrington
- Barrington Hills
- Bartlett
- Burlington
- Campton Hills
- Carol Stream
- Carpentersville
- Cary
- Crystal Lake
- East Dundee
- Elgin
- Fox River Grove
- Geneva
- Gilberts
- Hampshire
- Hanover Park
- Hoffman Estates
- Huntley
- Inverness
- Lake in the Hills
- Palatine
- Pingree Grove
- Plato Center
- Schaumburg
- Sleepy Hollow
- South Barrington
- South Elgin
- St. Charles
- Streamwood
- Trout Valley
- West Dundee
- Bartlett High School
- Burlington-Central High School
- Cary-Grove High School
- Crystal Lake South High School
- Dundee-Crown High School
- Elgin Academy
- Elgin High School
- Hampshire High School
- Harry D. Jacobs High School
- Harvest Christian Academy
- Huntley High School
- Larkin High School
- South Elgin High School
- St. Edward High School
- Streamwood High School
- Westminster Christian School
- Softball
- Wayne Township
- Prep Girls


text:
SAN BRUNO — In a filing that ultimately could force PG&E to reduce pressure in some of its natural gas lines, San Bruno city officials and a key unit with a powerful state agency this week demanded that California regulators require the utility to produce improved records for multiple gas pipelines.
"The public's interest in safety is not being adequately met," Connie Jackson, San Bruno city manager, said Wednesday.
The regulatory filing with the state Public Utilities Commission is the latest development in a lengthy battle over the safe operation of PG&E's natural gas system and comes nearly four years after a fatal pipeline explosion in San Bruno that killed eight people and leveled part of a residential neighborhood.
"It is possible the pressure on one or more of the lines would have to be reduced," Jackson said. "PG&E must produce records that can be verifiable and traceable."
Investigators have determined that PG&E's poor record keeping and faulty maintenance were prime contributors to the 2010 blast.
San Francisco-based PG&E has maintained that its tests with water under high pressure have determined that the pipelines are safe to operate. But that's not enough, according to the July 21 filing from the city and the Office of Ratepayer Advocates.
"A pressure test is not a substitute for accurate records," the filing stated. "Both state and federal laws and regulations require accurate records to operate and maintain a gas transmission system safely over time."
The city and the consumer unit want the PUC to order PG&E to develop a reliable system for managing records.
In a ruling last year, PUC administrative law judge Maribeth Bushey recommended to the PUC that the line beneath San Carlos could be operated safely at the higher pressure requested by PG&E.
"We find that PG&E has made great strides to improve its natural gas system records management," Bushey wrote in her ruling. She added, however, that "An ongoing commitment to continuous improvement is needed to identify and correct remaining errors."
The full PUC eventually agreed with the law judge's ruling and allowed the line beneath San Carlos to be operated at full pressure. Meanwhile, the city of San Carlos recently agreed with the restoration of the higher pressure.
"A leading pipeline safety expert testified that these lines continue to be safe to operate," said Greg Snapper, a PG&E spokesman.
San Bruno's fresh push for improved records from PG&E comes amid an ongoing criminal proceeding that could produce new felony charges against the utility. In a separate proceeding, the PUC is evaluating whether to impose on PG&E fines and penalties that could reach $2 billion.
"San Bruno is completely justified in seeking a new hearing about the pressure in the gas pipelines," said state Sen. Jerry Hill, a Democrat whose San Mateo County-area district includes San Bruno and San Carlos.
"You cannot have any confidence that the PUC is doing its job of regulating PG&E, and it is questionable that PG&E can do its job properly," Hill said. "PG&E has made mistakes in record keeping, its testing, and its training."
Contact George Avalos at 408-859-5167. Follow him at Twitter.com/georgeavalos.


text:
Fruity Mango Roll Ups
Take the idea of serving a fruit side dish to the next level with these colorful, nutrition-packed roll ups. They almost seem like dessert!
1/3 cup whipped cream cheese
2 flour tortillas, burrito-size
1 med. ripe mango, peeled, pitted, cut into 1/2-in.-thick strips
2 kiwis, peeled, cut into 8 wedges
2 tbsp. honey
1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
- Spread cream cheese over tortillas. Place mango and kiwi over two-thirds of each tortilla. Stir together honey and cinnamon; drizzle over top.
- Roll tightly; gently squeeze to secure ingredients. Cut into 1/2-inch slices. Two pieces per serving.


text:
Hometown Dad
Paperback(Mass Market Paperback - Original)
A pair of rowdy boys would be exhausting for two parentslittle wonder single mom Melanie Drake feels overwhelmed. Her sons are her world, but she knows she needs a helping hand to keep them in line. Enter Nathan Kellerrespected banker, descendant of the town's founding father
and baseball coach. Melanie knows he's out of her league, but as her sons learn to love Coach Nathan, Melanie starts falling for him, too. With the whole town rooting for happily ever after, it won't be long before this hometown dad joins their family for good.
Product Details
|Publication date:
|Love Inspired Series
|Edition description:
|Product dimensions:
|4.10(w) x 6.60(h) x 0.80(d)
About the Author
Read an Excerpt
Anxiety knotted Melanie Drake's stomach as she pushed open the heavy glass door leading into the Kellerville National Bank. Her seven- and eight-year-old sons, Andrew and Ryan, raced ahead, chasing each other around the deposit counter in the middle of the floor. As she tried to corral them, their laughter and the slap of their tennis shoes on the marble floor seemed to echo off the walls of the cavernous lobby with its cherry paneling and granite columns. Their misbehavior did nothing to soothe her frazzled mind.
Melanie grabbed each of the boys by an arm and pulled them to a stop. Letting go to adjust the satchel she'd slung over her shoulder, she leaned down and looked them in the eye. She forced herself not to raise her voice. "You two, settle down. Now."
When a teller gave them a disapproving look, Melanie feared her harsh whisper hadn't been as quiet as she'd intended. Staring at her wide-eyed, the boys nodded and said nothing.
"Okay, then." She tried to put on a happy face, even though nothing was going as planned today. She guided the boys to a couple of navy leather chairs situated against a wall near the bank offices. "Sit here."
Andrew and Ryan settled on the oversized chairs, and
she handed them each a book. Ryan surveyed the book, then looked up, wrinkling his nose. "Do I have to read this? It looks boring."
"I'll read it." Andrew snatched it from Ryan's hand.
"Hey, I want that." Ryan grabbed it back.
While Melanie tried to take charge of her warring sons, a stern-faced woman approached. "May we help you?"
Melanie took a calming breath and met the woman's critical gaze. "Yes, I'm Melanie Drake and I have an appointment with Nathan Keller at three-thirty."
"Mr. Keller should be with you shortly." The woman glanced at her watch, then toward the office where Nathan Keller was clearly visible through the large window. She looked down her nose at the boys before turning her attention back to Melanie. "You're welcome to wait right here."
"Thanks." Melanie sat on one of the chairs opposite Ryan and Andrew and breathed a sigh of relief as the unsmiling woman resumed her position behind a desk at the far side of the lobby.
"Mom, he touched me." Ryan pushed Andrew's arm.
Standing, Melanie glared at her sons and pointed to the chair next to hers. "Ryan, over here."
"Okay." Ryan jumped up and obeyed her orders.
After he was seated, she hunkered down between them. "I know you guys don't want to be here, but if you can't behave while I have this meeting, I won't hesitate to make my excuses and leave. You'll both be grounded, and I won't unground you until I see improvement in your behavior. Do you understand?"
They nodded, their little faces solemn, but Melanie wasn't sure they believed her. She sat down and plucked a paperback novel from her satchel. Although she tried to read, her thoughts wandered to her children. Some of their bad behavior was the result of her lax discipline since their father had
died. She was working on being a better disciplinarian, but sometimes she found the task difficult. She knew how much her little boys missed their father and hated to make them feel worse by scolding them.
A single mom, she had all of the parental responsibilities, making for extra stress in her life. People from church stepped in from time to time to help her out, but it wasn't the same as having Tim there to share the parenting duties. She tried to remember that God was with her and would see her through, but she sometimes forgot that one important truth.
Every day was another step toward learning to deal with her grief. She wasn't going to let that sadness keep her from being the best parent for her boys. Loving them and caring for them was her top priority.
She'd been putting on a brave face for her sons, but some days were really hard. She'd made a lot of progress in the past two years, maybe not as much as she would have liked. She wanted Ryan and Andrew to have a bright future, and part of that meant having this meeting with someone who knew investment strategies and could help her make the first move in getting her financial life in order. That's why she was here.
Melanie glanced toward the office where Nathan Keller talked with an older couple. Could he help her? His sandy brown hair, cut in a neat short style, gave him a business-like appearance. Did his serious demeanor mean she could trust him to give her the advice she needed?
Although she was a friend of Nathan's cousin, Juliane, and they attended the same church, Melanie didn't know him very well. His father was the bank president, and his mother taught at the local college. They were prominent people in the little town of Kellerville. According to Juliane, Nathan was being groomed to take over the bank when his father retired.
Melanie had to believe Nathan could answer her financial
Her stomach churning, she looked back at Ryan and Andrew and hoped she could get through the afternoon without another outburst from them. If the boys misbehaved during the meeting, she would be mortified. Would Nathan look down his nose at her the same as the woman behind the desk had?
Melanie felt as though she'd spent most of her life dealing with people who looked down on her because of her upbringing. Her late husband's parents were people like that. Ever since she'd met them, she'd been trying to show them she deserved their respect, not their disdain. She didn't want to think about them and forced herself to concentrate on her book.
"Mrs. Drake." A deep male voice startled her. "I'm sorry to keep you waiting. It's nice to see you."
"That's okay, and it's good to see you, too." Standing, Melanie looked up into Nathan's brown eyesbrown, the color of her morning tea. They exuded warmth. Despite the kindness in them, her thoughts skittered. She hadn't realized she was so nervous, but the notion of making the wrong decision about the money she'd inherited had kept her from making any decision at all. "Thanks for meeting with me."
"The bank is here to serve you."
As he shook her hand, she tried to ignore the little prickles that raced up her arm. Melanie looked over at her sons. "These are my boys, Andrew and Ryan. I didn't intend to bring them, but my sitter cancelled at the last minute. I didn't have time to find another one."
Nathan looked over at the youngsters. Melanie watched to see his reaction. He smiled. Kindness radiated from his smile just as it had from his eyes. "Hello. Which one is Ryan?"
"Me." Ryan sprang from the chair.
Not to be outdone, Andrew pushed his way in front of Ryan. "And I'm Andrew."
Melanie wanted to scold Andrew, but she'd done enough scolding already. Besides, she was too embarrassed to correct her sons in front of this man, who was a VIP in Kellerville.
Nathan shook hands with each of the boys. "I'm glad to meet you, Andrew and Ryan."
The tension in Melanie's shoulders eased as the boys politely returned Nathan's handshake. At least they remembered some of the manners she'd taught them.
Nathan escorted them into his office and indicated that Melanie should sit in the wood-frame armchair at the side of his desk. Grabbing two armless chairs, he set them in the corner in front of a small desk containing a computer. "You guys can sit here, and if you promise not to tell anyone, I'll let you play one of my games."
"We won't tell." Ryan glanced at Andrew. "Will we?"
Shaking his head, Andrew looked at Melanie, then back at Nathan. "I won't, but what about our mom?"
Winking, Nathan grinned at her. "What about it, Mom? Will you keep our secret?"
"Sure. Your secret's safe with me." Melanie noticed for the first time how Nathan's grin made a nice-looking man twice as handsome. But this wasn't the time to let a heart-stopping grin make her realize the way his broad shoulders filled out his gray-pinstriped suit. She'd barely been aware of him when they'd met in passing at church during the last two years. Why was she noticing so much about him today?
While Nathan gave the boys instructions about the game and outfitted them each with a set of headphones, Melanie tried to collect her thoughts. Despite Nathan's affability, her mind whirled. She shouldn't be this nervous. He was trying to put her at ease, but for some reason, his smile had her thoughts scrambled. She gripped the satchel and took a shaky breath. Finally, she squared her shoulders and looked at him as he settled on the chair behind his desk.
"What can I do to help you?" He smiled again.
Her heart hammered. She didn't want him to think she was a complete dunderhead, but she felt out of her league talking about investments. Trying to remember the little speech she'd practiced, she pulled a folder from the satchel and laid it on the desk. "You know I'm a hygienist in your uncle's dental practice. Dr. Joe told me that I should see you about some financial advice."
"Yes, good ole Dr. Joe. He's always looking out for his employees." Nathan patted the folder. "What do you have here?"
"My financial papers."
"What kind of financial advice are you looking for?"
"I'm not sure."
Nathan picked up the file. "May I look through this?"
Studying Nathan's demeanor as he thumbed through her papers, she hoped she hadn't made a mistake in following Dr. Joe's advice. Her boss was like the father she'd never had, and she trusted him to steer her in the right direction. But as she watched Nathan's eyebrows knit in a little frown, she worried that she'd made the wrong decision.
Finally, Nathan looked up. Warmth still radiated from his eyes, but she detected a little curiosity, as well. "There's a lot here. Do you want me to draw up a financial plan for you?"
"What exactly does that mean?"
"I can give you ideas about where to invest your money." He glanced at Andrew and Ryan, who were thankfully quiet and busy with the video game. Looking back at her, Nathan nodded his head in the boys' direction. "I imagine you want to put some of this in a college fund for them."
"Yes." Melanie nodded. "I'm sure you're wondering why it's taken me two years to do something about this."
Nathan shook his head. "No, I imagine you've had to collect yourself after a shocking, life-changing experience. Sometimes, it's better to do nothing than to make emotional decisions that you might regret later."
Melanie placed a hand over her heart. "Oh, you do understand. I just couldn't bring myself to tackle the job. Every time I thought about it I would "
Closing her eyes, Melanie pressed her lips together. She wouldn't fall apart now. Tim was gone. She couldn't bring him back. He would always have a place in her heart, but she had to pick up all of the pieces of her life and move on. That included the money from Tim's life insurance that she'd let sit in the bank and his other investments that she hadn't paid enough attention to.
She summoned her courage. The Lord is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation. The words from a Psalm she'd recently memorized as part of her grief recovery group flitted through her mind, giving her peace for the moment. When her husband Tim had died from an aneurysm at the young age of thirty-four, she'd started the group as a church ministry. Somehow she felt as though she should have it all together by now, rather than letting memories of Tim make her feel weepy two year later.
"Are you okay?"
At the sound of Nathan's soothing voice, Melanie opened her eyes and tried to smile. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to let this affect me. I'm doing better, but as you see, looking at this stuff brings back all the sorrow."
"So you've been putting it off?"
"Exactly. Thank you. Thank you for recognizing the difficulty I've been having." Melanie smiled. This time it was genuine, not forced. "I'm trying to move on with my life."
Nathan nodded. "You are. Just the fact that you came to see me shows that."
"Dr. Joe has been such a help to me. He and Juliane suggested that I get your financial advice. You've made me feel better already."
"Good. I'm here to help you." Nathan closed the folder. "Do you mind if I keep this and look it over more fully? That'll give me time to formulate some recommendations for you. Then we can meet again and get a better understanding of your needs."
"Okay. When would you like to get together?"
"At your convenience."
What would another meeting with Nathan bring? Melanie couldn't forget how this initial encounter made her heart race, but that was from nervousness, wasn't it? She barely knew the man. How could there be any other reason?
"Mom, he's cheating." Andrew's voice made Melanie jump, short-circuiting her response about another meeting. Embarrassed, she hurried to the corner to negotiate the peace. She'd been doing a lot of that lately.
"I'm not cheating. He's just a sore loser." Jerking off the headphones, Ryan stared at her.
Andrew also removed his headphones. "I wouldn't lose, if he didn't cheat."
"The game is over for both of you." Melanie didn't want to turn and face Nathan. What must he think after he'd been so nice to allow them to play? She couldn't slink away, although she wished she could. Gathering her courage, she turned to Nathan. "I'm sorry about this. I'd better take them home."
"That's okay. I'll give you a call after I've had time to study this." He held up the folder.
"That would be fine. Thanks." Melanie could hardly wait to make her exit as she moved toward the door.
Nathan accompanied her and opened it for her. "I'll call you in a few days."
"I'll be waiting to hear from you." As Melanie ushered her sons out of Nathan's office, she couldn't imagine what he must be thinking. It all had to be awfuleverything from her sons' misbehavior to her inability to keep her emotions in check had shown her in a bad light. He must surely think she was a basket case with a couple of brats on her hands. How was she going to face him again? Maybe they could work out the details of her investments by phone and email, and she wouldn't have to see him again. But whatever happened, she wasn't going to let the investments fall by the wayside again, no matter what she had to do.
Customer Reviews
Average Review
Most Helpful Customer Reviews


text:
Corn Ethanol Energy Sources
Energy is required to grow and harvest corn, to process it into ethanol, and to transport the product to market. Most of this energy at corn-to-ethanol facilities today comes from fossil fuels like coal, oil and natural gas. A 2006 paper in the journal Science carefully analyzed diverse earlier studies about the fossil fuel inputs for making corn ethanol. They found that only 5-26% of the energy content in corn-ethanol is renewable, meaning that it is not ultimately derived from fossil fuel.1 Also in 2006, Hill and colleagues published their own detailed analysis and found that about 25% of the energy in corn-ethanol is renewable.2
In 2007, Wang and colleagues updated the widely-cited Greet (Greenhouse Gases, Regulated Emissions, and Energy Use in Transportation) model to reflect the latest understanding of the process used to create corn-based ethanol. They found that approximately 23% of the energy in corn-ethanol is renewable energy. Considering all of these analyses, an approximate value of 20% might be considered representative for today's corn ethanol industry.
See the companion still graphic Corn Ethanol Energy Sources and the related video, Iowa: Corn and Climate.
- Farrell, Alexander E., Richard J. Plevin, Brian T. Turner, Andrew D. Jones, Michael O'Hare, and Daniel M. Kammen. "Ethanol Can Contribute to Energy and Environmental Goals." (PDF) Science 311, no. 5760 (January 27, 2006): 506-508. ↩
- Hill, Jason, Erik Nelson, David Tilman, Stephen Polasky, and Douglas Tiffany. "Environmental, economic, and energetic costs and benefits of biodiesel and ethanol biofuels." (PDF) Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 103, no. 30 (July 25, 2006): 11206-11210. ↩