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So right now I'm having a Caledonian and carrying the baby around (I can feel, hear and smell her pooping - its a big one) while the two older ones are rampaging about upstairs; my wife is out for a run. She said she'd be back Sunday.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Dad's Mental
So right now I'm having a Caledonian and carrying the baby around (I can feel, hear and smell her pooping - its a big one) while the two older ones are rampaging about upstairs; my wife is out for a run. She said she'd be back Sunday.
Don't Stop Believing People
Seriously. Don't stop believing. Without hope there's nothing. It would be like living in Bulgaria in the 50s. Or Detroit right now.
So keep the faith people. A little Journey. For Andy. Remember, so long ago, Andy, when we met in Edmonton. It seems like another time, another age.
Strangely enough we were both dressed like Steve Perry in this video.
Andy was beautiful that weekend. I will never forget it.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
The Ramblings of Someone Who Stays Up Too Late Because He's A Dummy (Make Stortini Captain Now!)
Monday, February 23, 2009
Born On Third Base
So the question is - do the Oilers do a good job of developing players? I think its an important question, especially seeing how two first round picks, Marc Pouliot and Rob Schremp, are surely going to be shipped out by Canada Day at the very latest, while many other Oiler youngsters have struggled this season. The lifeblood of an organization is drafting and development. If you don't do this right then you'll go nowhere for a very long time.
For the Oilers this was made that much more important by their inability/unwillingness to pay veteran players and also by the fact that they have always been a middle of the road club and as a result they did not have the picks in the top five or even the top ten, with the exception of Sam Gagner a couple of years back. When you're picking 15th or 17th or 21st every year then you had better get it right.
The Oilers have had one major cockup in recent memory, the year where they did not have their own farm club. That was a huge problem. And this season looks like there may have been some odd decisions down in Springfield; the club has struggled and it remains to be seen whether this could impact a lot of prospects who are on their way up.
Anyhow if you look at the Oilers its very obvious that MacT can develop young players. Saying that he does a shitty job at this ignores a long list of guys who have become NHL players under his watch. And Hemsky, Gilbert, Grebeshkov and Comrie are examples of 'skill' guys who have done well under him, putting to rest the notion that he cannot coach skill or that he turns guys into grinders. Strangely enough Comrie never really did as well elsewhere as he did in Edmonton, weird considering his comments and the bitter divorce between he and Edmonton.You might argue that Hemsky was born on third base but he's not the only guy so I don't think its the blind squirrel thing.
And we still have to see how Gagner, Cogliano and Nilsson turn out. All exceeded expectations last year. All have struggled this year at times. With Nilsson its a question of maturity. With the other two it may be growing pains, injury, coaching (Cogliano certainly went south once Moreau became his linemate). It remains to be seen.
But even with these guys and this next generation coming along its safe to say that the Oilers have done a decent job on bringing their young guys a long. All of the guys aforementioned plus Horcoff, Pisani, Brodziak, Stortini, Reddox, Greene, Stoll, Torres, Smid, Chimera, Cleary.
Not bad. But not great either and definitely a tilt towards guys at the bottom end of the roster in a lot of cases. Better that these picks turned into something then nothing but also these types of guys are replaceable for cheap.
So this might be a case of being wishy washy but I think that the next couple of years will really tell the tale and cement the legacy of Lowe and MacT either way. If the youngsters that Lowe has acquired do turn out then he gets forgiven, at least partially, for what he did after June 19, 2006, and he cements his reputation as a guy who did decent work in the draft. If they do not then its either his failure or MacT's.
As for MacT well I think his legacy depends on the current crop of kids. If Gagner, Cogliano, Nilsson, Pouliot, Schremp and Jacques are all failures then I think you would have to pin a lot of that on coaching. MacT's quotes about how Pouliot and Brule need to find their roles don't strike me as, well, very smart, to be honest. Pouliot in particular strikes me a guy who could be a good NHL player with the right coaching. I may be wrong and when he goes elsewhere if he fails folks will point to that and say that, see, MacT was right and he was just a failed pick.
That is an accepted argument by most but I don't know if I buy it. Time lost to injury can ruin a career - see Doug Lynch and probably Ryan O'Marra as well - well then can it not be argued that years of misuse would have the same effect? If a guy spends two or three years of his prime developmental years being miscast then would that not derail his career? I think that is a legitimate argument.
As for Schremp well he is the other test case. He will be gone elsewhere this summer and will probably get a shot next fall. He will put up points - of course the question is whether he will be a guy who can help his team win.
And so in Rob Schremp and Marc Pouliot we have the ultimate referendum on the Lowe/MacT era. Are they guys who never got a fair shot who will blossom elsewhere? Or is they just bad picks by Kevin Lowe?
Or is the truth somewhere in between - that they were flawed guys who are in that 15-30 pick range where you get some quality and some dross and that Lowe picking them was a reasonable bet that just did not pan out and never would have, regardless of the coaching they received. Schremp did get passed over by the majority of the league for a reason, I would say.
My head hurts.
Friday, February 20, 2009
Give Me A Home Where The Mustaches Roam
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Goo Goo Gaa Gaa
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Just Say No
Friday, February 13, 2009
being a fan
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Dream A Little Dream
But a couple of years into school I fell for someone and I acted on it. And then again. And then again after that. Things worked out pretty well each time. No worries.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
OK, Now We Can Cry
As expected, Lubo is gone for the season.
This one is a killer. The presence of Gilbert, Souray and Grebeshkov means that the club may be able to survive but the little Slovak is the team's best defenceman and his loss is a killer. Only Hemsky and Horcoff mean more to the club and one could likely argue that case. I'm one who can pretty well take a pass on Lowe's body of work since June 19th 2006 but this was a terrific trade.
And anyone who saw Staios play on Sunday knows that he's no longer up to the task of playing top four minutes. He gets the nod by default I guess but one has to think that the ripple effect on this one is going to be murder. Staios playing the toughs. Strudwick back on the blue.
Add a Dman to Tambellini's list of things to do, if he ever gets around to it, right after that veteran centreman.
Seriously though this could be the killer, the one that finishes this club off. And MacT as well.


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Kevin Fonash
Kevin Fonash has been the co-producer of Home & Backyard since July of 2010.
Kevin was born in East Stroudsburg, PA and lived there until attending Kutztown University of Pennsylvania in 2005. While in college, Kevin was very involved throughout the campus, including participating in the campus TV station and National Broadcasting Society, where he attended several regional and national conventions. He was also a founding member of Kappa Sigma Fraternity, of which he helped to create the Kutztown chapter and helped organize and perform numerous hours of service to the community.
During his last semester at Kutztown, Kevin interned at WNEP in the production department. In October of 2009, he was hired as as a part-time production assistant, where he ran camera, audio, and teleprompter for Newswatch 16 shows.
In July of 2010, Kevin was given the opportunity to be a full-time local programming producer, of which Home & Backyard is his main responsibility.
Kevin lives in Scranton with his jack russell terrier/beagle mix, Sadie. In his free time, he likes to travel, go to the gym, and spend time outdoors.
You can email Kevin at firstname.lastname@example.com

subset: commoncrawl


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Claire Butcher - Conservation & Environment, Galapagos Island Conservation in Ecuador
My heart was set on the project the moment I saw the title of Conservation in the Galapagos Islands. These islands are known for their biodiversity and, having just studied them at college, I knew this would be an adventure I'd never forget - I was certainly right.
Arriving in Ecuador
Flying into San Cristobal airport I could see through the ocean through the window where there were thousands of sea lions and other sea life; it was beautiful. Once I landed, Daniela from Projects Abroad, picked me up from the airport and took me to my host family's house where we were introduced and had lunch.
Later in the day, Jonathon, the Conservation Manager, picked me up from the house to show me around the town; where the head office and other landmarks were. You can't help but notice the sea lions, they're everywhere; on the beach, pavement and even the benches! The way of life is completely different to the one back at home and I could not help but feel relaxed.
Jonathon introduced me to William, the Ecuador Director, who made me feel completely comfortable and at home straight away, letting me know that if I had any queries or problems, his door was always open. After this I went back to the house to meet the other volunteers and students with whom I would be living.
My Host Family
Although I didn't speak any Spanish when I arrived and my host family spoke little English, I knew straight away that I would have a wonderful time with them. They were so friendly and always had a smile on their faces, asking if there was anything that they could do to help me, such as ordering taxis.
The other people staying at their home knew Spanish well and therefore I was able to communicate well with the family. What I loved about staying at their house was that people kept coming in and out for an evening meal or just to say 'hola'. Their grandchildren often popped round and we would play many games - it was such a lovely family environment.
The Conservation Project
The volunteering project was varied; one day we would be cutting down invasive blackberry bushes with machetes and the next we would be camping on Puerto Chino to go bird watching early in the morning.
Jonathon, the Conservation Manager, was very passionate about the Galapagos and was more than happy to share his knowledge with us, whether that be about the best places to go surfing or the native plant species. Another great thing about Jonathon was that he was very flexible with the work. If there was somewhere you wanted to work or something you want to do, he would do his very best to make sure that it happened. The usual working day was 8am-12pm with some days lasting all day. The afternoons were usually free to spend with fellow volunteers and to go exploring the island.
Free Time
With most of the afternoons being free to spend with friends we spent a lot of time at the local cafe or visiting the local sites including the local beaches, the interpretation centre and Charles Darwin's first landing point on the Galapagos Islands in the Beagle.
Because I only had two short weeks in the Galapagos, I spent my first weekend island hoping with some other volunteers, leaving Friday afternoon and coming back Monday afternoon. We first got the boat to Santa Cruz which has the highest population of all the islands. Here we visited the shops and the tortoise breeding centre. We spent the Friday night there and then on Saturday afternoon we got another boat to Isla Isabella, which is personally my favourite island.
We went snorkelling in the sea where we swam with Galapagos turtles and sharks (don't worry – they are more scared of you). On the Monday afternoon, we got a plane back to San Cristobal which was an experience in itself; only seating eight people in total.
William and his team were a great help with planning our trip! They booked all our boat trips, flights and hotel for us, getting great prices for us. My favourite moment of the weekend trip was snorkelling in the volcanic rocks in Isabella because it was so beautiful and I have never felt so peaceful – I definitely recommend going.
Top Tips
I will finish my story by providing a few tips which will help you if you decide to volunteer in the Galapagos:
- Take small change with you! Many places will not accept $20 bills if you are trying to pay for a $2 water because they don't have the change. So take plenty of $1 and $5 bills with you.
- Learn some basic Spanish before you go and then you can build it up once you are there
- Make the most of your experience!
- Go! The Galapagos Islands are beautiful and so unique – you will have the time of your life!
Claire Butcher
Dit verhaal is een persoonlijke ervaring van een vrijwilliger op dit project en dus een momentopname. Houd er rekening mee dat jouw ervaring hiervan af kan wijken. Onze projecten veranderen constant, omdat we inspelen op de lokale behoefte en we voortborduren op de behaalde resultaten. Ook verschillende weersomstandigheden kunnen de ervaring beïnvloeden. Lees meer over wat je kunt verwachten van dit project of neem contact met ons op voor meer informatie.


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Protect Your Pet from Theft
From parking lots to pet stores and even backyards, The American Kennel Club(r) (AKC) reports that dog thefts are on the rise. Thefts range from tiny puppies being stuffed into purses at pet stores to most recently, purebred pets being snatched from cars in parking lots and shelters. The AKC offers the following advice to prevent your "best friend" from being a target of a crime:**
In the Neighborhood
- Don't let your dog off-leash
Keeping your dog close to you reduces the likelihood it will wander off and catch the attention of thieves.
- Don't leave your dog unattended in your yard
Dogs left outdoors for long periods of time are targets, especially if your fenced-in yard is visible from the street.
- Be Cautious with information
If strangers approach you to admire your dog during walks, don't answer questions about how much the dog cost or give details about where you live.
On the Road
- Never leave your dog in an unattended car, even if it's locked
Besides the obvious health risks this poses to the dog, it's also an invitation for thieves, even if you are gone for only a moment. Leaving expensive items in the car such as a GPS unit or laptop will only encourage break-ins and possibly allow the dog to escape, even if the thieves don't decide to steal it too.
- Don't tie your dog outside a store
This popular practice among city-dwelling dog owners can be a recipe for disaster. If you need to go shopping, patronize only dog-friendly retailers or leave the dog at home.
- Protect your dog with microchip identification
Collars and tags can be removed so make sure you have permanent ID with a microchip. Thieves will not know the dog has a microchip until a veterinarian or shelter worker scans it so keep contact information current with your microchip recovery service provider. For more information, enroll your pet in a 24-hour recovery service and sign-up at www.akcreunite.org.
- If you suspect your dog has been stolen
Immediately call the police / animal control officer in the area your pet was last seen and file a police report. If your dog has a microchip, ask to have that unique serial number, along with the dog's description, posted in the "stolen article" category on the National Crime Information Center.
- Canvass the neighborhood
Talk to people in the immediate vicinity where your pet went missing for possible sightings of the actual theft.
- Have fliers with a recent photo ready to go if your dog goes missing
Keep several current photos (profile and headshot) of your dog in your wallet or on an easily accessible web account so that you can distribute immediately if your pet goes missing.
- Contact the media
Call the local TV station, radio station and newspaper and ask to have a web post put out about your missing pet.
- Don't buy dogs directly off the internet, or at flea markets or from roadside vans
There is simply no way to verify where an animal purchased from any of these outlets came from. Web sites and online classifieds are easily falsified, and with roadside or flea market purchases not only do you not know the pet's origins but you will never be able to find or identify the seller in case of a problem.
- Even newspaper ads may be suspect
Adult dogs offered for sale at reduced prices, for a "relocation" fee, or accompanied by requests for last minute shipping fees are red flags. Dog owners who truly love their animals and are unable to keep them will opt to find a loving home without compensation for re-homing the animal. **
- Seek out reputable breeders or rescue groups
Visit the home of the breeder, meet the puppy's mother, and see the litter of puppies. Developing a good relationship with the breeder will bring you peace of mind when purchasing.
Contacting breed rescue groups can also be a safe alternative if you are looking for an adult dog.
- Demand proper papers on your purebred puppy
Ask for the AKC Litter Registration Number and contact AKC customer service at 919-233-9767 to verify registration authenticity of your purebred puppy.
Prevention & Recovery Tips can be found at www.AKCReunite.org


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The question of whether a current head coach will be fired comes with a far more important question.
Who will replace him?
Earlier this week, former Raiders quarterback and NFL MVP Rich Gannon made a suggestion that will capture the imagination of plenty of Raiders fans: Former Raiders coach Jon Gruden.
"I've had conversations with Jon in the past," Gannon told 95.7 The Game in San Francisco on Tuesday. "I don't think it's outside the realm of possibilities."
Gannon was reluctant to go too far with the Gruden-to-Oakland talk, in large part because Gannon said he thinks current coach Dennis Allen should get a chance to finish what he started. Still, Gannon acknowledged that Gruden will indeed return to the NFL — eventually.
"I know that he still has the desire to get back and do it at some point," Gannon said. "I don't know when. I don't know where. But I know this, that he had two bad experiences as a head coach with some owners that he just had a tough time with. And you know I think it's pretty clear that he didn't necessarily see eye to eye with Mr. Davis . . . . and I think he wants to go somewhere where he's got an owner that's not gonna, you know, try and pick the roster and try and call the plays, and just a guy that he can just come in and work for and hire a staff and get the thing turned around."
That would seem to eliminate a team like the Cowboys, unless owner Jerry Jones has decided to get out of the way. (Yes, I was laughing while I typed that.) But it wouldn't necessarily eliminate the Raiders, given that owner Mark Davis wouldn't try to run the team because he admittedly knows nothing about running a team.
Gannon thinks that Gruden "certainly" would want final say over the personnel, which could makes things at a minimum awkward for G.M. Reggie McKenzie.
Still, at a time when the Raiders feel like a team that is languishing and non-competitive, the return of Jon Gruden — who remains beloved in the Bay Area — could invigorate the franchise.


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Republican-leaning independent groups were supposed to be a key to victory for Mitt Romney. But they ended up being among the big losers of the presidential race, spending an eye-popping $380 million on ads to oust President Barack Obama only to come up woefully short.
Republican-leaning independent groups were supposed to be a key to victory for Mitt Romney. But they ended up being among the big losers of the presidential race, spending an eye-popping $380 million on ads to oust President Barack Obama only to come up woefully short.
Unleashed by the Citizens United Supreme Court decision, which allowed wealthy individuals and corporations to spend freely to influence elections, these super political action committees and other groups played a big role in GOP victories in 2010 — only to fall down badly two years later in their first national electoral test. Republican losses from the top of the ticket on down are forcing the groups' leaders to re-examine their strategy and determine how best to spend their donors' money going forward.
Among those feeling the sting of defeat:
—American Crossroads and its nonprofit arm, Crossroads GPS. Together, the two groups spent $180 million on ads to oust Obama.
The Crossroads organization, cofounded by former President George W. Bush's longtime political counselor Karl Rove, also spent $76 million on ads to help Republicans running in competitive Senate seats, but the GOP lost five of seven of those races. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce spent $33 million on ads for losing Republican Senate candidates.
—Restore Our Future, a super PAC founded by former Romney advisers specifically to boost him, spent $91 million on commercials. Americans for Prosperity and American Future Fund, two nonprofits founded by the billionaire industrialists Charles and David Koch, together spent about $66 million on presidential campaign ads.
—Several smaller groups rounded out the total, including the Republican Jewish Committee, the Ending Spending Action Fund, and Thomas Petterfy, a Hungarian-American billionaire who spent $2.8 million on ads he starred in himself.
Several other enormously wealthy donors also saw their investments in outside groups apparently go down the drain.
—Las Vegas casino magnate Sheldon Adelson and his wife, Miriam, were the top contributors to Republican-leaning groups. The couple gave at least $53 million to organizations supporting former House Speaker Newt Gingrich during the GOP nominating period and later to groups trying to help Romney, according to the Center for Responsive Politics, which tracks campaign spending.
—Texas-based leveraged buyout specialist Harold Simmons and his wife, Annette, contributed $24 million; Texas builder Bob Perry gave $21 million, and TD Ameritrade founder Joe Ricketts gave nearly $13 million.
Carl Forti, a senior strategist for the Crossroads groups and Restore Our Future, said the ads run by outside groups helped mitigate Obama's fundraising advantage and kept Romney in the game.
"I don't buy the premise that it didn't bear fruit. We did what we needed to do to critique Obama's record," said Forti. "If we hadn't spent on TV, the race wouldn't have been as close as it was. We spent out of necessity."
Asked what the organizations should do now to regroup for the future, Forti said, "That's what we have to figure out."
There are no end to theories about how and what the Republican-leaning super PACs could have done differently.
John Geer, a Vanderbilt University political science professor who studies campaign commercials, said the groups fell short in part because their ads were just not that persuasive. Research conducted by Geer's Vanderbilt Ad Rating Project found that few of the super PAC ads had much impact on voters — the vast majority of whom had made up their minds long ago about whether to give Obama another term.
"These ads didn't have a recurring theme, and they weren't particularly good," Geer said. "I was surprised that the super PACs ran a huge amount of ads that collectively were uninspired."
Geer and other critics also said the various groups' ads worked at cross purposes with the Romney campaign and with one another.
Some Republican-favoring spots assailed Obama on spending and tax policy while others went after him on Solyndra, the green energy company that received millions in federal loan guarantees but ended up going bust. Still other ads criticized the president on welfare reform.
The disparate messages may have become muddled for voters.
"The Republican groups could have made a difference," said Bill Burton, whose pro-Obama super PAC, Priorities USA Action, spent about $67 million on ads. "Instead they blew through money with discordant messages and an erratic spending strategy."
Tim Phillips, president of Americans for Prosperity, defended the groups' emphasis on TV advertising in the 2012 election.
But he said Republicans need to recruit better candidates up and down the ballot and make structural changes such as improving their field operations to boost their chances in future races
"We need a deeper, stronger bench and we need to better message our issues and principles. The Romney campaign should have done this and outside groups should have done this," Phillips said.
Fred Wertheimer, a longtime campaign finance reform advocate, predicted that super PACs and other outside groups would be back with a vengeance.
"Some millionaires and billionaires will throw up their hands as a result of this election and say, 'I don't want to do this.' But other people with an interest in government decisions aren't going to walk away from the corrupting influence this system provides," Wertheimer said.


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It's been a rough year for AutoSpies Agent #001, Donald Buffamanti. First he was kicked out of the New York Auto Show for taking early floor photos. Now, we're told the site he started is up for sale.
We've been told a principal for E.K. Wallace LLC in New York's been soliciting bids for buying the site out-right from a couple of the larger consumer in-market sites. We just wonder what site looking to sell cars is going to be interested in buying a web site most well known for re-purposing content from other outlets than for consumer news.


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Sunday, January 22, 2012
January Dinner Party!
The January Dinner Party.
Planning: Planning started before Thanksgiving on this one. A friend of ours wanted to introduce us to two friends of hers. They happened to have just moved to our town and were getting settled in and our friend thought it would be nice to introduce us. I jumped, at the time, at the opportunity to host, something I do love to do. But, the problem was, Thanksgiving was in the middle, plus a trip to Italy for the spouse and I!!!! (AH-MAZE-ING!) So the soonest we'd be able to host was January. That gave me plenty of time to think about what to make, even though I didn't get myself all the time.
I like my guests to feel comfortable with the food, so I always ask if there are any major dietary restrictions. If I have vegetarians coming for dinner, I'm not going to make a huge beef roast. No major restrictions this time around, but there was a preference for chicken, which I'm supper cool with.
Menu: Having just come back from 10 days in Italy, I knew I wanted to make something with an Italian spin to it. After flipping through several of my cookbooks, I settled on a chicken saltimbocca. Traditional saltimbocca is veal. I'm not fond of veal, so this chicken variation was perfectly awesome. For side options, I went with basil risotto and roasted green beans. Dessert would be something we had in Italy and it was incredible; Crema di Mascarpone.
I would also put out a few small nibbles to get us started and I made a great focaccia. Plus plenty of wine!
The focaccia was a standard recipe I've made before, but topped with caramelized onions and rosemary. It's awesome. The dough is pretty simple to pull together and it doesn't take a full day to make.
The table set for our guests. Not much will change over the coarse of the year. This is what we have. If we have more than four people, the table needs to be opened up and the tablecloth doesn't really fit. And with one main set of plates, this is it. That being said, I like to have the table ready to go before people arrive. Have as much stuff as you can ready. When your guests arrive, you want to talk with them, not say hello and have to run away.
I mentioned small nibbles. Any small nibble for me will include some cheese, nuts and cracker. These little crackers were awesome. They had black pepper in them, but they were wafers, not crackers. Fun. Also, I love marcona almonds. Also included, but not seen, I sliced a pear to go with it all. The guests brought more cheese! One thing I've learned over the years, don't over do the nibbles. I have been known to make so many nibbles, we don't really need to eat dinner! So, only a little bit of nibble per person, just hold off the stomach rumbling while we wait for dinner.
The main plate. It was pretty darn delicious! Risotto can be found here. Don't miss read the recipe and make twice as much as you intend! SO MUCH RISOTTO. The green beans were washed and dried. Tossed with olive oil and put on a rimmed baking sheet and into a hot oven, I think 400-425. Roast until they are al dente, about 15-20 minutes. Toss them half way through. When they are done, toss with caramelized shallots for more goodness.
The chicken. Super simple. Take a boneless/skinless chicken breast. Make sure it's cleaned up of any excess fat and then kind of manipulate it into a uniform shape, with the other pieces. Season with salt & pepper. Lay 1-2 leaves of fresh sage on the chicken, then wrap with 1-2 slices of prosciutto, tucking the ends under the cutlet. I then put the cutlets back in the fridge, until I was ready to cook. The extra cool allowed them to firm up a bit.
When you are ready to cook, in a large skillet, over medium-high heat, get 2 TB of olive oil nice and hot. Quickly and lightly dust the wrapped cutlets with flour and place in the pan. Cook for about 10 minutes per side, or until cooked thru. This will depend on the thickness of the cutlets. If things start to burn, lower the heat.
When the chicken is done, remove to a clean plate and deglaze the pan with 3/4 cup of dry white wine and 1/4 cup of chicken broth, reduce by half. Season with salt, pepper and a few chopped sage leaves. Swirl in one to two TB of butter. Add any accumulated juice from the cooked chicken, back into the pan. Spoon the sauce over the chicken, when you serve it.
A note on dinner. I prepped everything in advance. 30 minutes before we were ready to eat, I started cooking the risotto, beans and chicken. Everything, miraculously, was done at the same time +/- a minute of two! It was awesome.
Enjoy dinner and your company!
Dessert! Dessert was something special! Here, you're getting the actual recipe:
Creme di Mascarpone
Serves 6
3 eggs, separated
3 TB fine white sugar* (fine texture, not classy ohh la la)
1 1/3 cups mascarpone cheese
1 tsp orange zest
2-3 TB rum
Beat egg yolks and sugar until pale and fluffy. Fold the mascarpone into the yolks, a little at a time, until fully combined. Stir in the orange zest and rum.
Beat egg whites until stiff. Fold into the yolk mixture. Fold whites into the yolk/cheese mixture. Chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Garnish with shaved dark chocolate, fresh berries and light, crisp cookies!
*The sugar...my sugar does have a vanilla bean split and stored in it...so the sugar does have some vanilla essence. If you want, feel free to add a drop or two of vanilla extra for further awesome flavor.
There we go folks. My first proper blog posts in 10+ months. My first proper dinner party of 2012! Cin cin!
5 comments:
- DancerInDC said...
Yay for a good dinner! I especially loved the crispy wrapping on that chicken. Delicious.
The problem with too much risotto? It doesn't really reheat well. So only make what you think will be eaten at table.
- Brave Astronaut said...
Awesome! Stealing dessert recipe for Recipe Mondays over on my blog!
- DC Food Blog said...
Great how-to tips. There was a Thanksgiving we did where we overdid the nibbles by a long shot. Like the entire main course and dessert was sent home in tupperware because we had homemade pate, soup shooters, five cheeses, almonds, crackers breads, and charcuterie. In our defense, two of the six people were chefs.
- Stef said...
I just saw this now and it brought back such yummy memories of a fun night. Thank you for dinner, and to both of you for being such great hosts. That dessert. Was. Delicious. :-)
- mark lawrence said...
Glad to know about this dinner party. I am sure that this info will help me in arranging office get together party. Well, I am arranging an office event which is in next month and have already booked one of grand corporate event venues San Francisco. Now hoping to have a good party.


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Redesigning A User Interface In The Open
Last month I posted that our portfolio company Boxee (featured in the NY Times today) had hired Whitney Hess to help rethink the user interface and I asked everyone to go give them and her comments on what could use improvement. That was a good example of using the community and being open and receptive to feedback to improve the user experience.
But yesterday, our portfolio company Bug Labs went one step further. They've hired the well known design firm IDEO to help them redesign the hardware UI for the BUGbase (the front panel comprising LCD, joystick and four hotkeys).
And they've convinced IDEO to do the whole redesign process out in the open. So they'll be blogging and talking to the community about the whole process over the next two weeks. You can participate in the design process via the Bug Blog, Bug Community, and the IDEO blog.
If you have a BUG, want a BUG, or are interested in the open source hardware movement and have ideas about how to make the BUGbase better, please click thru to one of those pages and let them know what you think.


text: Networking Relationships: The Key to the Hidden Job Market Yes, it is about who you know. But, more than that, it's about who you know, who you meet and the quality of relationships you have with those people. And that's what's going to help you tap into the hidden job market! Welcome to NETWORKING RELATIONSHIPS: THE KEY TO THE HIDDEN JOB MARKET. For a long time, networking has been a tactic for job seekers to connect with others to uncover and generate job leads. It can be done with friends, relatives, current and former colleagues, fellow students or faculty, and with those you don't know. It can be done face-to-face, over the phone, or using Internet resources. (see online workshop on e-Networking) The job market will continue to be volatile in the short and long term, so it's crucial that job seekers be able to apply more advanced networking skills to reveal this source of jobs. This workshop will focus on the relationship building aspect of networking that most job seekers ignore. Finding a job faster by utilizing relationship building is the key to the hidden job market. The hidden job market has been described in various ways. It is essentially those opportunities that are not advertised in the usual ways, via newspaper, Internet job sites, or company web sites. Percentages vary about the number of jobs in the hidden job market that are unlisted. But, the numbers range from 50-85%. Even with the lower end of unlisted positions, it is worth a job seeker's efforts to tap into this resource. Once a position is listed, you are competing with large numbers of other job seekers, which only reduce your chances of landing a good position. Networking relationships allow a job seeker to tap into a company's anticipated job needs, sometimes before they are actually formalized. Developing relationships or contacts with people who will know of upcoming vacancies or unannounced vacancies or who can lead a job seeker to those who do is the goal of networking. This workshop will describe in detail who to network with, what needs to be in place to establish a fertile ground for networking, and the skills needed to develop ongoing networking relationships. At the end of this workshop, job seekers will know: How to determine who to network with What the job seeker has to have to do effective network relationship building How to build relationships effectively, including tips for introverted job seekers How to network Know Your Interests and Skills Successful networking into the hidden job market starts with two key principles. One of them comes from the famous maxim - Know Thyself - attributed to the ancient Greek philosophers, including Socrates. In the context of networking, this means knowing your interests and skills well enough to talk about them in a way that will quickly showcase who you are, what you're interested in doing occupationally, and what key benefits you have to offer. Some people have little difficulty inventorying their interests and skills. This is particularly true for job hunters who are focused on pursuing a lateral occupational move within the same industry. A sales representative with five years' experience selling kitchen equipment to restaurants who wishes to find employment with another commercial kitchen equipment vendor is likely to have a solid understanding of his or her skill sets and continued interest in sales within that industry. That may not be true for an individual who has decided to seek work in a new occupational area or a different industry. This kind of transition can be accompanied by less than a clear focus on the interests that are motivating the transition. Understanding the relevance and application of skills mastered in one occupation and transferred to another can also be challenging. Students graduating from college can also find themselves in a similar situation in terms of translating skills they've learned in school to the workplace and clearly identifying their occupational interests. Getting a handle on understanding your occupational interests and skills so they can be effectively articulated in networking situations is crucial. If you have any doubts about yours, do some work to define them. This usually means taking the time to contemplate what they are and write them down. The mental discipline required whenever thought is committed to writing will help to ensure you have given careful consideration to the matter and also give you a tangible work product that will facilitate some of the other tasks required for effective networking. The second key principle for successful networking comes from another source of philosophical wisdom, albeit one that's measurably more mundane than Socrates. Yogi Berra, a member of Major League Baseball's Hall of Fame and one of the most quoted icons of professional sports, once said, "If you don't know where you are going, you will wind up somewhere else." Having a clear understanding of the ultimate goal for your networking is just as important as clearly understanding your interests and skills. A poorly defined goal can be a prescription for getting lost in the process, and ultimately a failed endeavor. Set goals for what you want to accomplish with your networking so you can develop and implement a successful strategy. Once again, this is best accomplished by giving it some thought and committing your conclusions to writing. Your goal should be defined more specifically than just "getting a job." Specify the type of position you're seeking and the industry where you wish to work. By doing this, you'll be identifying the community to which you want to become a member. Once you've identified that community, you can more easily research where it exists and seek out its members for information and advice. Reach Out to the Community of Interest to You Once you've identified the occupational/industry community you want to network with, you must identify individual members of that community as potential networking subjects. You should start with a list of your own personal contacts. Because of their familiarity to you, you should feel more comfortable about approaching these individuals to obtain information and advice to help you with your job search. Begin your list with personal contacts, including: friends parents relatives neighbors teachers church members classmates acquaintances friends of parents parents of friends However, you shouldn't stop your search for networking contacts there. It's necessary to go beyond your list of personal contacts to develop other networking subjects. According to JobStar Central, the people on your list do not have to be friends or even acquaintances. If you have ANY common connection, they are potential networking contacts. While this may seem like a daunting task, outstanding networking opportunities are awaiting you if you will simply take the time to do some research and make new acquaintances. Consider professional contacts, such as: employers co-workers former co-workers clients customers coaches doctors and dentists insurance agent merchants bankers professional association members Be Visible and Memorable through Professional Associations Professional associations for the occupational/industry area of your interest represent a rich resource of networking contacts. Members of these associations can offer you the insider information and advice you need to find the kinds of job opportunities that are available only in the hidden job market. To find these associations, you need only do some research. For example, Associations Unlimited, a database with more than 460,000 domestic and international associations, is available online through Regis University's Dayton Memorial Library. You can search this database using keywords to find professional associations of interest to you. The information provided can include a link to the association's web site, where you can find out whether the association has a chapter in your area. Ideally you will want to look for an association that has a local chapter within driving distance and holds meetings, seminars, luncheons or social gatherings on a regular basis. This gives you a chance to meet with members face to face. Go to your first meeting as a guest before paying membership dues so you can decide if the organization has contacts that will be helpful for you. If you find a good organization, student dues are often discounted and can be a good investment in your career development. An association that does not have a local chapter may still have local contacts you may be able to meet. Email correspondence with members of an association who have useful career information can also be helpful. Most organizations also have helpful career information on their web site. Also keep in mind that professional associations may have national or regional conferences that can offer networking opportunities. If you find a conference that would be a good networking opportunity, but learn that the registration fee is beyond your means, contact the sponsor and ask if you can volunteer at the conference in exchange for the registration fee. Some sponsors offer these arrangements, which can be exceptionally helpful to your networking efforts. If you get to volunteer at the conference's registration desk, you'll have a chance to personally meet many great networking contacts! Professional associations also offer opportunities to volunteer on various working committees. These volunteer opportunities can give you a chance to meet the shakers and movers within that occupational/industry community, who typically are the committee chairpersons. They also represent an outstanding way to show your commitment to the occupation, build skills and accomplishments for your resume, and impress the influential members of the committee with the work you perform on its behalf. Another way to get exposure to the professional association community is to consider writing an article for an association's newsletter. Examine several editions of the association's newsletter to identify the nature and scope of articles published. If you feel comfortable about writing an article on a subject that is of interest to you and that you would expect to be of interest to the newsletter's readers, write an article and submit it to the newsletter's editor. If it gets published, it could be read by many members of the association's community. It's a great way to demonstrate your knowledge in the area and to show your interest and commitment to that community. It can also raise your profile within that community significantly. Remember, being visible and memorable are crucial to successful networking. Some additional places to find strategic contacts for networking outside your personal circle include: Regis University Center for Career and Professional Development maintains a list of professional associations on its website. Internet Public Library also maintains a list of Professional Associations on the web arranged by subject area. General information on professional organizations can also be found on the Internet through Associations Unlimited. Link through the subscription at the Dayton Memorial Library web site. When you are researching careers through O*Net you will often find links to professional associations in the Additional Information section of each career profile. Chambers of Commerce Your local chamber of commerce can be an excellent resource for information and contacts in your field. Many chambers hold regular events where you can meet professionals in your community. The State of Colorado maintains a list of Chambers of Commerce in Colorado.There is also a directory of chambers of commerce nationwide at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Site. Business Directories and Trade Journals Contact names, as well as ideas for additional prospective employers, can often be found within printed and online business directories and databases. Some helpful resources in the Dayton Memorial Library web site include online, full-text articles and databases to help you find out about current events and new developments within industries, occupations and organizations. Resources such asReference USA, InfoTrac, Associations Unlimited and Business Source Premier can help you not only find contact names, but also keep you up to date with current developments in companies hiring in your field. Other directories include: Qwest DEX - Online yellow pages with keyword search capabilities Super Pages - Online business directory with corporate web pages and national 411 information Hoovers Online Directory of Companies - Search geographically by company name or industry US World Trade Centers - Most major cities have World Trade Center offices, many of which have online member directories. Network through the Regis University Alumni Career Network When you're contemplating the ways you'll reach out to the occupational/industry community of interest to you, don't forget to consult the Regis University Alumni Career Network (ACN). This is a resource available to Regis University students and alumni through CareerLink. It represents a group of Regis alumni who have agreed to make themselves available for career development information and advice about occupations, industries, and employers. If you're already registered in CareerLink, simply log on, then click on the "Alumni" button in the menu at the top of the page, and follow the instructions for searching the database for an ACN member who has the occupational/industry background and experience of interest to you. If you're not registered in CareerLink, please call the Center for Career and Professional Development at 303-458-3508 to get registered. The ACN's database is a work in progress. So, it's possible you may not find the kind of networking contact you're interested in meeting. However, don't overlook this resource. It may offer an opportunity to network with someone who can provide you with invaluable information and advice. Create Your 30-Second Introduction Once you've identified the occupational/industry community of interest to you, you should be ready to begin preparing yourself to network your way into the hidden job market. Telling people who you are and what you're interested in are the essential elements of this process. It begins when you introduce yourself to others at any networking opportunity. The introduction designed for this purpose is sometimes referred to as an "elevator speech." It's brief, usually not exceeding 30 seconds, and covers each of the following points: Your name; Your title or other identifying designation (e.g., sales manager at [name of company] or student at [name of college or university]; A brief description of the market you serve or wish to serve (i.e., who are the individuals or organizations to whom you now devote or wish to devote your efforts); and The key skills, strengths, and experience that comprise the benefits you offer. As a follow-up to these elements of your "elevator speech", you may also want to include somewhere in your conversation a request to the person with whom you're speaking. The nature of the request will depend on the circumstances, but can be as simple as asking for that person's business card and exchanging it with yours as a predicate to contacting that person in the future. This brief introduction must be well-organized, concise, and designed to make you as memorable as possible in a very short period of time. It's important to script it out and practice delivering it until it flows naturally and doesn't sound scripted. Ask for Information and Advice When you're networking as part of a job search campaign, you should avoid directly asking for a job. Instead, ask for information and advice. People are likely to feel uncomfortable and put-off by someone who asks for a job. But, they're generally receptive and forthcoming when someone expresses the confidence and trust to ask for their advice and treat them as a source of valuable information. Here are some questions/discussions you might want to use if you find yourself in a networking situation: Discuss trends in your field. (Do your homework first. Show your contact that you are knowledgeable about the field.) Can you suggest sources where I might obtain job listings or announcements for the type of work I am seeking? Can you offer other information or resources about employers in my field? What local (or national) firms are most likely to have the type of position that I am seeking? May I contact you if other questions arise? Can you suggest websites, directories, or other print resources that offer information about employers in this field? Do you belong to a professional organization? If so, how can I get in touch with the local chapter? Can you refer me to others in the field that might be available to provide me with additional assistance? When I talk with them, may I use your name? Who would you recommend I contact about………? I would like to know the names of people you know who.... (When you ask someone for this information, be specific and clear about the type of person you would like to contact.) Do you have a contact in……that I could call? Who do you know that I should know given….(the following circumstance) I am looking for…… Who do you know who could help me with this? Any thoughts as to what my next step should be? Is there any other advice or information that you would like to add? What qualifications does your company seek in a new hire? Do you think my resume is suitable for this type of position? Is there further information that should be included? Be Strategic in Your Networking Efforts Being strategic about networking means having a plan – for the organizations you want to connect with and the individuals you want to meet. For example, if you go to the meeting of a professional association with the intention of treating it as a networking opportunity, you must plan ahead. Ask yourself the following kinds of questions: Who are the individuals I want to meet? What kind of information and advice or other resource do I want to get from them? You may find that your plan is limited to meeting two or three individuals who work for small companies in the area of your interest, exchanging business cards with them, and establishing with them a level of relationship that will support your request for a more in depth discussion at another time. Whatever you do, make sure you have a plan before any networking event, and stick to it. Part of being strategic is also remembering to debrief yourself after every networking event. On a sheet of paper answer the following questions: Did I achieve my objectives? If so, what did I learn? If not, what do I still have to do? If you're thinking this process sounds manipulative, you're forgetting the essence of networking, which is building relationships of mutual benefit. In the course of your networking, you need to be a good listener to pick up on the interests and needs of the people you meet. Armed with that information, you can offer to reciprocate with information and advice that will be helpful to them. Networking is a two-way street, and you need to be vigilant for opportunities to help those from whom you are seeking help. The process is not one of manipulation; instead, it's a necessary part of managing your career. Move Strangers or Acquaintances to Become Advocates One of the key goals of networking is establishing a relationship that will move a stranger or acquaintance to become an advocate who will refer you to a job opportunity. In order for this to happen, it's necessary for you to teach those you network with about your competence and trustworthiness. Think about ways you can do this. The accomplishments you've achieved that are listed in your resume are available to address the issue of your competence. So is the work you may do as a committee member of a professional association, as suggested above. Your trustworthiness must come from the personal dealings you have with those with whom you network, including the respect you show them and the efforts you undertake to give them assistance. Building Relationships Many career seekers do not realize that networking is a mutually beneficial activity for both you and your contacts. Many of your networking contacts will be more than one-time interviews or meetings. The most rewarding part of networking is the process of building relationships with your future professional colleagues. The network you build can become a source of mutual support and shared information throughout your career. Your fresh degree and/or prior work experience can provide helpful information to your contacts both now and in the future, adding value to your networking experience. Know that you get more from a face to face meeting: Some people believe that communication has just to do with the words they use, they are wrong. A person communicates with his/her words, body language, appearance, tone of voice, gestures, and even with what he/she doesn't say. In face to face meetings, there is power in the fact that we get to choose the words, body language, and tone of voice that we use so that we can best communicate in our own way using our natural strengths. Often people feel uncomfortable with networking, but being able to build good networking relationships requires visibility. This can be difficult for introverts or people who would rather focus on their jobs than on relationships. However, both are important… they really go hand–in–hand. Unfortunately, it's getting more and more difficult To succeed professionally, it is important to develop a broad range of connections to other people. Even though networking may seem difficult for some, the skills necessary for successful networking can be developed! Many introverts find they will develop their own very effective style of networking in a field they find interesting. Below are some tips for introverts and people who find networking uncomfortable: Often career seekers assume that they are annoying people and that others don't want to be bothered. In reality, most people will be glad to hear from you, especially when they see your genuine interest in their field. Networking it as much about listening as speaking, Be prepared with questions to ask to start the discussion. Everyone likes to be listened to. Your use of attentive listening is as important in making a good first impression as your handshake and introduction. When introverts find themselves in an uncomfortable group situation, they probably aren't alone! They should look for other people who also seem uncomfortable. They will likely be grateful for a low-key, interesting person to talk with. It is often easier for introverts to attend events such as seminars or workshops that have a content-based agenda. These types of events often offer an opportunity to connect with others in a more structured environment where discussion of the information from the program can break the ice. When attending larger meetings, you might do some research about who will attend. While you don't want to limit your contacts, it may help you focus on whom you would most like to meet and the kinds of questions you will ask, using your time and energy productively. Another way of developing more contacts is by joining professional organizations. Beyond simply joining and attending meetings, if you have time to become involved with a committee or project you will form relationships naturally during the course of accomplishing the goals of the group. Letters or emails of introduction can be an easy way to break the ice. Introverts are also more likely to be up on news and trends so occasional emails with pertinent information or articles of interest can be useful in maintaining contacts. It is also easier for introverts to connect by email because they can write and re-write a message until they feel it is right. They don't have to worry about saying something wrong because they were caught off guard. Of course, the email should be used to lead up to a face-to-face meeting if possible. Phone calls and emails 'just to catch up' or share some good news is a good way for introverts to stay in touch. Remember to connect with others on small topics as well as on larger ones. When networking, introverts should rely on their support teams. Networking is challenging and will sometimes not yield the results one anticipates. It is important, therefore, especially for introverts, to rely on a team of supporters to encourage, and motivate and remind one another of the benefits of professional networking. Practice makes perfect. If you tend to get tongue tied, polish your "elevator speech" and practice a few interesting topics. Let your interest in the work of other people in your field lead you to make those phone calls and send out the emails. Believe it or not, you will eventually find that many networking opportunities in your field are too appealing to pass up. Be Patient Networking requires patience, persistence and a sense of humor. Although networking is your most valuable career exploration tool, it is process that takes time and hard work. Keep in mind that the end of a networking meeting is not the end of the professional relationship with your contact. Always ask if you may make occasional contact with that person in the future. Also make sure each contact knows how to reach you via phone and email. It is not unusual for a networking contact to learn new information that may help you after your meeting. Creating Your Future You are the best advocate for yourself in your job search. The odds are remote that the perfect job will materialize for you with no preparation or investment of thought and energy. If you have ever been involved in a sport, played a musical instrument or expected an "A" in a class, you know you didn't achieve proficiency without practice and preparation. Why would any of us not do the same for a successful future? Developing networking relationships is the key. Harvey Coleman, in Empowering Yourself: The Organization Game Revealed (Kendall-Hunt Publishing, 1996), says that 60% of success is about "exposure." It has a much greater impact on your career than performance or the image that you project (the way you dress, body language, posture, confidence, etc.) because "you can't do it alone." In all areas of life, we need other people to help us accomplish any goal that we set for ourselves. So create a plan for how you will proceed with accessing the highest quality of positions to which you aspire. Do your research; make your lists; practice your introduction and what you want to say to people to elicit their assistance; communicate with a positive attitude and tone of voice; create a system to keep track of contacts and information; follow up with people - send thank you notes and emails to all of your contacts and stay in touch with them (create relationships and avoid "drive-by" networking!); and invest the time and energy in your future because Effort = Results! We hope this workshop has provided new ideas and information to help you network effectively. Thank you for participating in this workshop, offered online by Regis University Center for Career and Professional Development. If you have any questions or comments about this online workshop, please contact us at 303-458-3508 or 800-388-2366 x3508.


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People: Photos/Harry Benson
Chronicle Books, Oct 1, 1991 - Photography - 164 pages
This remarkable compendium of 168 photographs, each accompanied by an anecdotal caption, provides an intimate visual history of a renowned generation. From the Beatles to Donald Trump, from Jackie Kennedy to Norman Schwarzkopf, from David Souter to Michael J. Fox, the most famous, energetic, and powerful personalities of our time stand indelibly revealed.
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I cannot tell you how much being a part of this genea-blogging community means to me. They say birds of a feather flock together - well, I've found my flock! You are all awesome and I look forward to following y'all each and every day!
The rules of this award state that you have to post seven things about yourself and then pass the award on to seven other blogs. I've decided to share seven things from my "25 Random Things About Me" post on facebook.
- Everyone calls me an "old soul" - I love genealogy, maps, history, and antique cookbooks. I can also knit, quilt, sew clothes, crochet, and bake bread from scratch - basically anything that you would think your great great grandmother would do.
- When I get grumpy my husband knows to feed me - chocolate and mexican food work best!
- My minivan IS my dream car!
- I try to plan my vacations around where my ancestors are buried! ;)
- Apparently I have a certain scream reserved just for cockroaches - the kids always crack up laughing when this happens. I'm not scared of cockroaches - the scream just comes out!
- Things I have wanted to be in my life: a veterinarian of exotic animals, a molecular biologist, an interior designer, an orthopedic surgeon, a novelist, a pediatric physical therapist, a history teacher, and a founder of a school for special needs children and adults. Now I want to be an Archivist!
- I love people who march to the beat of their own drum. Be yourself it makes everything more interesting.


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TULSA, Okla., Feb. 8, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On February 7, 2013, Syntroleum Corporation (Nasdaq:SYNM) filed suit against Neste Oil Singapore Pte Ltd with the High Court of Singapore asserting its Singapore Patent No. 172,045 entitled "Even Carbon Number Paraffin Composition And Method of Manufacturing Same." In the court filing, Syntroleum alleges that Neste's "operation at its renewable diesel refinery in Singapore involves the processing of a bio-renewable feedstock to produce a hydrocarbon composition having at least 75 wt % even carbon number paraffins" which Syntroleum alleges "is claimed at the very least, in claim 22 of the Patent." Syntroleum's patent issued on November 15, 2012, and expires on December 10, 2028. Syntroleum's action against Neste is not the first dispute between the parties. In May 2012, Neste Oil Oyj sued Syntroleum for alleged infringement of Neste's U.S. Patent No. 8,187,344. On January 31, 2013, the United States District Court for the District of Delaware granted Syntroleum's motion to stay Neste's lawsuit pending reexamination of the '344 patent by the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office (USPTO). Previously, the USPTO had granted Syntroleum's inter partes reexamination request and issued a September 14, 2012 Office Action initially rejecting all claims of the '344 patent as obvious in view of the prior art. The '344 patent is related to and shares the same inventors as a prior Neste patent (U.S. Patent No. 7,279,018), and both are directed to a fuel composition for diesel engines. The USPTO's recent Order is consistent with a prior finding on March 22, 2012 by the USPTO's Board of Patent Appeals and Interferences affirming the Examiner's rejection of the '018 patent's claims. Neste declined to appeal that ruling and on July 31, 2012, the USPTO issued a Reexamination Certificate canceling all claims of the '018 patent. The reexamination proceedings involving the '344 patent remain pending. Syntroleum continues to defend a second suit filed by Neste on December 20, 2012 in the District of Delaware alleging patent infringement of U.S. Patent No. 8,212,094. The '094 patent covers similar subject matter and shares a common inventor with Neste's '018 and '344 patents. Syntroleum denies Neste's claims and will continue to vigorously defend against the Neste patents and is confident that its position will be vindicated.
Syntroleum has invested substantial time and resources in its proprietary Bio-Synfining® technology and will likewise seek to enforce its intellectual property rights in venues around the world.About Syntroleum (Nasdaq:SYNM) Syntroleum Corporation owns the Syntroleum® Process for Fischer-Tropsch (FT) conversion of synthesis gas into liquid hydrocarbons, the Synfining® Process for upgrading FT liquid hydrocarbons into refined petroleum products, and the Bio-Synfining® technology for converting renewable feedstocks into drop-in fuels. Syntroleum has a 50% interest in Dynamic Fuels, LLC, which operates a 75 million gallon per year renewable fuels facility located in Geismar, Louisiana utilizing its Bio-Synfining® technology. For additional information, visit the Company's web site at www.syntroleum.com. The Syntroleum Corporation logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=5984 This document includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as well as historical facts. These forward‑looking statements may include statements relating to the Fischer-Tropsch ("FT") Process, Syntroleum® Process, the Synfining® Process, and related technologies including, gas-to-liquids ("GTL"), coal-to-liquids ("CTL"), and biomass-to-liquids ("BTL"), our renewable fuels Bio-Synfining® Technology, plants based on the Syntroleum® Process and/or Bio-Synfining®, anticipated costs to design, construct and operate these plants, the time of commencement and completion of the design and construction of these plants, expected production of fuel, obtaining required financing for these plants and our other activities, the economic construction and operations of Fischer-Tropsch ("FT") and/or Bio-Synfining® plants, the value and markets for products, testing, certification, characteristics and use of Plant products, the continued development of the Syntroleum® Process and Bio-Synfining® Technology and the anticipated capital expenditures, expense reductions, cash outflows, expenses, use of proceeds from out equity offerings, anticipated revenues, availability of catalyst, our support of and relationship with our licensees, and any other forward-looking statements including future growth, cash needs, capital availability, operations, business plans and financial results. When used in this document, the words "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "plan," "project," "should" and similar expressions are intended to be among the statements that identify forward‑looking statements. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in these forward‑looking statements are reasonable, these kinds of statements involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results may not be consistent with these forward‑looking statements. Syntroleum undertakes no obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements to reflect changed assumptions, the occurrence of unanticipated events or changes to future operating results over time. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ from these forward-looking statements are described under "Item 1A. Risk Factors" and elsewhere in our 2011 Annual Report on Form 10K. ® "Syntroleum" is registered as a trademark and service mark in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
CONTACT: Ron Stinebaugh Syntroleum Corporation (281) 224-9862 www.syntroleum.com


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Heather Mahalik
- Senior
- Twitter: @HeatherMahalik
- LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/heather-mahalik-gasf-gcfe-cfce-ence-mfce-3615535/
To say that digital forensics is central to Heather Mahalik's life is quite the understatement. Heather has worked on high-stress and high-profile cases, investigating everything from child exploitation to Osama Bin Laden's media. She has helped law enforcement, eDiscovery firms, and the federal government extract and manually decode artifacts used in solving investigations around the world. Heather began working in digital forensics in 2002, and has been focused on mobile forensics since 2010 -�there's hardly a device or platform she hasn't researched or examined or a commercial tool she hasn't used.
These days Heather is the Director of Forensic Engineering at ManTech CARD. �At the SANS Institute she is a senior instructor and the course lead for FOR585: Advanced Smartphone Forensics. As if that isn't a full enough schedule, Heather also maintains www.smarterforensics.com, where she blogs and hosts work from the digital forensics community. She is the co-author of Practical Mobile Forensics (1st and 2nd editions), currently a best seller from Pack't Publishing, and the technical editor for Learning Android Forensics from Pack't�Publishing.
Heather is passionate about digital forensics because she loves always having to learn something new. "This field moves so quickly. It is literally impossible to get bored,"�she says. "If you find yourself bored, branch into another realm of digital forensics. The possibilities are endless and so is the fun! I love digging for artifacts and solving the puzzle."
Heather particularly likes working on mobile and third-party applications, a focus of her work. "I love cracking and hacking into apps that are supposed to be secure,"�she explains.
She cites her role as a SANS instructor as one of the most fulfilling achievements of her career. Heather loves it when students reach out to tell her that, thanks to her course, they put a criminal away for many years. As she says: "Nothing compares to knowing that the effort you put into writing and maintaining a course makes the world a better and safer place. SANS gives me the opportunity to share that with others."
Heather's background in digital forensics and e-discovery covers smartphone, mobile device, and Windows forensics, including acquisition, analysis, advanced exploitation, vulnerability discovery, malware analysis, application reverse-engineering, and manual decoding, as well as instruction on mobile devices, smartphones, and computers covering Windows, Linux and Macintosh operating systems.
What's her favorite topic to teach from that impressive r�sum�? "Decrypting and decoding the unparsed data!"�she says. "I spend almost 90 percent of my day job trying to crack into the tough stuff, and my experience naturally flows into the classroom."
Heather previously led the mobile device team for Basis Technology, where she focused on mobile device exploitation in support of the federal government. She also worked as a forensic examiner at Stroz Friedberg and the U.S. State Department Computer Investigations and Forensics Lab, where she handled a number of high-profile cases. She has also developed and implemented forensic training programs and standard operating procedures.
Outside of work, Heather puts her passions into being a mom, cooking, reading, riding her horse, and drinking fine wine and bourbon.
Summary of Qualifications:
- Started working in the�digital forensics field in 2002,�focusing on mobile forensics since�2010.
- Co-author of Practical Mobile Forensics (1st and 2nd editions), currently a best seller from Pack't Publishing.
- Co-author the Advanced Smartphone Forensics Poster
Get to Know Heather Mahalik:
- Heather's blog
- Australian Women in Security Network blog interview
- Interview with Paul's Security Weekly
- Listen to Heather's webcast�"iPhone Forensics - Separating the Facts from Fiction. A Technical Autopsy of the Apple/FBI Debate"
- Listen to Heather's�webcast "To Trust or Not to Trust:�The Relationship Between You�and Your Mobile Forensics Tools"
- Listen to Heather's�webcast�"Smartphone Forensics Moves Fast. Stay Current or You May Miss Relevant Evidence!"
Here's�what students are saying about Heather Mahalik:
"I have been working with phones since 2009, and Heather very casually showed me how much I don't know. Excellent!" -�Harbin Combee, Metropolitan Police Department, Washington, DC
"I am learning so much, it's exciting. Heather is an excellent instructor. Very smart. Knows her stuff."�-�Tris Matthews, Goodhue County Sheriff's�Office
"Heather is a great instructor. The only downside will be not being able to bring her back to my office so we can pick her brain every day!"�-�C. McCollom, Clark County Sheriff's Office
"Smartphone Forensics course is the only unbiased course in the world for mobile forensics, it is for those who really want to take their skill to the next level�and go beyond what�their vendor/tool gives them. Heather is an incredible instructor, regarding mobile forensics, she knows it." - David Bernal,�SCTIUM
Here is What Instructors Say About Heather Mahalik:
"Heather's�cool demeanor and patience with her students shows across the board.� Her expertise shows in her passion for teaching and her interactions with her students.� Her work and connections in government space save lives and are critically important�to our nation's security.� I feel very fortunate to have her as part of our DFIR instructor family." - Rob Lee, SANS Fellow and DFIR Curriculum Lead
"Heather is one of the most knowledgeable and engaging instructors I've ever had the chance to learn from, let alone work with. �Her ability to present complex topics at an understandable level without compromising the technical details is amazing. �In the classroom, she brings the concepts home with extensive real-world experience -�you'll never wonder why a topic is getting coverage -�it's�because you also know the impact to prior casework. Whether you take one of Heather's classes live in person, live online, or via recording, you'll get a solid learning experience." - Phil Hagen, FOR572 author and Certified Instructor
Here is a SANS Summit presentation by Heather Mahalik:
Heather Mahalik Will Be Teaching the Following Courses:
|FOR585: Advanced Smartphone Forensics
|DFIR NetWars Tournament


text: e">Cuz, I Am the President Past Officers of M.A.R.E. Guest Speakers NightMARE Players Billie the Brownie Players Brief History of M.A.R.E. Deceased Members Program of the Week Commercials Births/Deaths WI Hall of Fame Milwaukee Radio Personalities Milwaukee Radio Programs Favorite Radio Stars Great Lakes, IL Old Time Radio Themes Ralph's Recall Pewaukee Class of '54 Autographs 1953 Milwaukee Braves Meiji Japan Pewaukee, WI Norman, OK Lakehurst, NJ Yokosuka, Japan Journey for Mieko Ota Sano Nikko Kanayama Mieko's Memorial Sendai Ashikaga Fujiyama Hiroshima Tokyo Ota, Japan Previous Next List Hatsumi, Sakae and Fumiko. [Back To Top]


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YOU ARE WATCHING: Xue Se Cang Qiong: Season 1
Have a nice day! All The Best
Xue Se Cang Qiong: Season 1
Li Mingyang was originally an ordinary office worker. Because of a strange QR code, he was trapped in a killing city. Here everyone is forced to participate in a survival game that is going to kill or be killed. In the process of finding a way out of the city, the mastermind behind the whole incident surfaced step by step.
Genres: Action, Animation, Fantasy
Movie: Xue Se Cang Qiong: Season 1
Production Co:
Duration: 22 minutes
Release: 2017


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|Brookfields Restaurant
|4343 Madison Ave Sacramento, California 95842
Our History In 1981, Lee Manolakas (fondly known as Mr. M) invested a lifetime of experience in the hospitality industry into a Sacramento restaurant off Bradshaw Road. The concept included favorite family recipes and good "homemade" food served in a warm friendly atmosphere. Reed's Gourmet Meat is a USDA inspected facility located in East Sacramento. The Meat Company serves restaurants and quality-minded grocers in the greater Sacramento area. Brookfields Restaurants purchased Reed's Meat Company in 1997 after the founder retired. Reed's Gourmet Meat provides Brookfields with naturally-aged, freshly-cut CERTIFIED ANGUS BEEF steaks and CAB lean ground chuck. The breakfast sausage is made fresh from pork shoulder using trusted family recipes. This is just another example of Brookfields' commitment to providing their customers with the highest quality everytime! He partnered with his son, Sam, who was also an experienced restaurateur. Both were accomplished chefs. Customers appreciated their dedication to excellence. Many drove miles to dine at Brookfields (originally Bradshaws), often for a favorite menu item. Soon other locations were built. All sites adhere to the original concept. Each morning, the aroma of freshly baked biscuits, muffins and cinnamon rolls greet customers as they enter the restaurant. Most items are made from scratch including soups, sauces and salad dressings. Menu items that cannot be made from scratch are selected with care. All of our steaks are cut, and hamburger ground fresh in our own USDA inspected facility. Today, Sam and his sister, Stacy, operate the three Brookfields Restaurant along with an incredibly talented group of loyal employees. The original site is no longer a part of the group, but the tradition continues. Menu SUNRISE SPECIALTIES San Francisco Joe's Seasoned Beef, Spinach, Olives, Onions and Mushrooms Scrambled with Three Eggs, with Breakfast Potatoes and a Fresh Biscuit.... 8.69 Huevos Rancheros Con Papas Two Fried Eggs on a Soft Corn Tortilla, Whole Beans, Smothered with Our Salsa and Topped with Cheese, Sour Cream, Green Onions and Olives with Our Breakfast Potatoes... 7.79 Mr. M's Eggs Benedict Made with Hickory Smoked Ham, Topped with Mr. M's Sauce Mornay. Served with Brookfields Breakfast Potatoes... 8.99 Classic Huevos con Burrito Thinly sliced Hickory Smoked Ham, Three Scrambled Eggs, Shredded Cheeses and Salsa Folded in a Large Flour Tortilla topped with Melted Cheese, Served with Our Breakfast Potatoes... 7.99 Western Skillet Brookfields Breakfast Potatoes with Bacon, Bell Peppers and Diced Green Onion Topped with Melted Cheddar Cheese and Two Eggs. Served with a Freshly Baked Biscuit... 8.79 Country Breakfast Fresh Hot Biscuit, Sausage Patties and Country Gravy Topped With Two Eggs... 7.79 California Benedict Grilled English Muffin with Three Strips of Bacon, Two Poached Eggs, Our Homemade Mornay Sauce and Sliced Avocado-9.99 HOT OFF THE GRIDDLE Waffle One, Two, Three (Served until 11:30 a.m.) Our New Recipe Belgian Waffle, Two Eggs with Bacon and Sausage7.79 Bruce's Naturally Sweet Pancake Breakfast Three Delicious Hotcakes Made with Sweet Potato Flour and A Dash of Cinnamon, Eggs, Bacon and Sausage... 7.79 Brookfields Hotcake Breakfast Eggs, Bacon, Sausage and Three Buttermilk Hotcakes Made From Our Own Recipe... 7.79 French Toast Combination Our Parisian French Toast, Eggs, Bacon and Sausage... 7.99 Cinnamon Swirl French Toast Made with Our Own Cinnamon Rolls and Served with Two Eggs, Bacon and Sausage... 7.99 Homemade Buttermilk Pancakes A Stack of Our Own Made From Scratch Recipe of Buttermilk Hotcakes 5.99, Short Stack 5.49 GREAT EGG-SPECTATIONS Served with Brookfields Breakfast Potatoes and a Hot Biscuit Chicken Fried Steak And Eggs Hand Battered to Order, Topped with Our Homemade Country Gravy.. 9.99 Fresh Corned Beef Hash and Eggs Our own Recipe Using the Freshest Ingredients, Seasoned to Perfection, Served with Two Eggs and a Fresh Baked Biscuit... 8.69 Brookfields Sausage and Eggs An Old Family Recipe Using Lean Premium Pork... 7.99 Quarter Pound Ham Steak and Eggs... 7.99 Two Eggs, Any Style... 6.49 Bacon and Eggs Honey Cured, Hardwood Smoked Thick-Cut Bacon... 8.99 Ranch Steak and Eggs A Great CERTIFIED ANGUS BEEF Flat Iron Steak... 9.79 EGG-CEPTIONAL OMELETTES Omelettes are Served with Brookfields Breakfast Potatoes and a Freshly Baked Biscuit Cheese-N-Ham Omelette Shredded Cheddar and Jack Cheese and Hickory Smoked Premium Ham... 9.99 Fresh Spinach, Mushroom & Jack Cheese Omelette... 8.79 Brookfield's Denver Omelette The Great Western Mix of Ham, Green Onions and Red and Green Bell Peppers... 8.79 California Omelette Green Chilies, Sour Cream, Guacamole and Shredded Jack and Cheddar Cheese... 8.79 Fresh Vegetable Frittata Open-Face with Spinach, Mushroom, Red and Green Bell Peppers and Green Onions, Topped With Tomatoes and Jack Cheese... 8.69 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Brookfields Offers an Alternative to Eggs That is 75% Less Cholesterol, 70% Less Fat, 50% Fewer Calories, 95% Real Egg and 100% Natural Egg Taste. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From The Bakery The Juice Bar Gourmet Cinnamon Roll 2.99 Bran Muffin (Made from a Family Recipe) 2.49 Bagel & Cream Cheese 2.99 Freshly-Baked Fruit Scone 2.49 Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice... 3.49 Small... 1.99 We Also Serve Tomato, V8, Cranberry, Grapefruit, Apple - Ask About Our Special Fresh Juices... FROM THE GARDEN Strawberries Wild Grilled Alaskan Salmon, Lightly Seasoned, on a Bed of Fresh Spinach Tossed in Our Basalmic Vinaigrette with Sliced Strawberries, Mandarin Oranges and Toasted Almonds... 10.79 Tostada Salad Crisp Four Tortilla with Whole Beans, Strips of Beef or Chicken Breast, Chopped Lettuce, Tomato, Corn, Jack and Cheddar Cheese, Fresh Roasted Salsa, Olives, Sour Cream and Sliced Avocado... 8.99 Cobb Salad Crisp Greens Topped with Chicken Breast, Olives, Bleu Cheese, Bacon, Hard Boiled Egg, Tomatoes and Avocado... 10.99 California Caesar Salad Crisp Romaine Lettuce Tossed with our Caesar Dressing, Topped with a Chicken Breast, Shredded Parmesan Cheese and Croutons... 9.79 Mediterranean Salata Diced Tomatoes, Cucumber, Sweet Red Onions, Kalamata Olives and Feta Cheese Over a Bed of Crisp Romaine Lettuce with Our Balsamic Vinaigrette on the Side... 8.79 Chef Salad A Generous Bed of Crisp Mixed Greens, Thinly Sliced Ham and Turkey and Shredded Cheeses, Topped with Hard Boiled Egg, Tomato Wedges and Cucumbers... 9.99 SUPER SANDWICHES All of Our Sandwiches are Served with Fries California BLT The Traditional Fixings Plus Avocado on Grilled Sourdough... 8.99 Tuna Melt Solid White Albacore Tuna Salad on Grilled Sourdough Bread with Melted Cheese, with Thick-Cut Bacon... 8.79 Chicken Club On a Grilled Parmesan Sourdough French Roll with Lettuce, Tomato, Mayonnaise and Two Strips of Bacon 8. 99 ClassicTurkey Melt On Grilled Parmesan Sourdough Bread with Melted Cheese, Tomatoes and Thick-Cut Bacon... 8.99 FAVORITE SELECTIONS These are Some Family Favorites Frenchman's Dip Slow Roasted CERTIFIED ANGUS BEEF Served with Au Jus and Fries... 9.99 English Style Fish and Chips Three Icelandic Cod Fillets Dipped in Our Our Beer Batter, Deep Fried to a Golden Brown, Served with Fries and Coleslaw... 9.99 ** Two Piece Platter Available... 8.99 Buffalo Bob's Steak Sandwich 7 ounces of CERTIFIED ANGUS BEEF Served on a Sourdough French Roll with Lettuce, Tomato and Our Spicy Mayonnaise. Served with Fries... 9.99 Roasted Hot Beef or Breast of Turkey CERTIFIED ANGUS BEEF or Turkey Breast Served Open Face with Gravy and Homemade Mashed Potatoes... 8.99 Stefan's Vegan Burger Delicious Boca Burger; 100% Vegetarian, Fat Free Patty, Grilled, Topped with 1/2 Avocado and Served on a Whole Wheat Bun with Lettuce, Tomato and Pickles. (Sauce on Request)... 8. 69 "Chubby's" Chili A Large Bowl of Our Homemade Family Recipe Chili Topped with Cheese, Served with Fresh Baked Cornbread... 6.69 SOUP! - Clam Chowder, Chicken Tortilla, or the Soup of the Day A Large Bowl with Our Freshly Baked Cornbread... 6.69 Incredible Artichoke Sandwich Sauteed Artichoke Hearts and Mushrooms, Fresh Spinach, Tomatoes, and Roasted Red Peppers on Flat Bread with Mayonnaise, Feta Cheese and Balsamic Vinaigrette. Served with Fries... 8.99 Turkey Avocado Burger A Half Avocado on a Broiled Turkey Burger Seasoned with Pepper and Garlic on a Whole Wheat Bun with Lettuce, Tomato and Our Spicy Chile Aioli. Served with French Fries... 8.99 "Wabo" Wrap A delicious Combination of Whole Beans, Rice, Fresh Roasted Salsa, Cheddar Cheese, Lettuce and Seasoned Chicken Breast or Strips of Beef with Our Chile Aioli Rolled into A Large Gourmet Flour Tortilla. Served with Fries... 7.99 THE BEST BURGERS All Our Burgers are Flame Broiled, 1/2 Pound Certified Angus Beef Fresh Ground Chuck with Lettuce, Tomato, Pickles and Special Sauce* - Served with Fries Brookfields Gourmet Avocado Burger On Grilled Parmesan Sourdough Bread with Chipotle Mayonnaise, Topped with Sliced Avocado, Bacon Strips and Jack Cheese... 9.69 The Melt Burger Traditional Patty Melt with Melted Cheese and Sauteed Onions on Grilled Rye Bread... 7.99 (*No produce on the Patty Melt of course) Western Bacon Burger Topped with BBQ Sauce, Sauteed Onions, Cheddar Cheese and Two Rashers of Bacon... 9.79 Dad's Burger Smothered with Sauteed Mushrooms, Melted Jack and Cheddar Cheese... 8.99 Classic Cheese Burger... 8.69 DINNER ENTREES Served With Grilled Garden Vegetables and Fresh Baked Bread Add a Cup of Clam Chowder, Chicken Tortilla, Daily Soup or Salad for $1.99 Baked Potatoes Available after 4:00 p.m. BEEF Wrangler Steak Dinner 12 Ounces of Premium Choice Aged CERTIFIED ANGUS BEEF Sirloin Topped with Tangy BBQ Sauce and Thin Crispy Onion Rings. Served with Homemade Mashed Potatoes... 15.99 Carved Roast Beef, Slow Roasted Our Famous Premium Choice CERTIFIED ANGUS BEEF Mashed Potatoes, Au Jus and Horseradish... 11.99 Liver with Bacon and Onions Served with Mashed Potatoes... 10.99 Ranch House Steak Dinner 10 Ounces of Premium Choice Aged CERTIFIED ANGUS BEEF With a Baked Potato... 14.99 Chicken Fried Steak With Homemade Mashed Potatoes, All Topped with Our Country Gravy and Cornbread... 12.99 The Ultimate Meat Loaf Dinner Our Delicious Meat Loaf with Homemade Mashed Potatoes and Gravy... 11.99 Garrett's Stuffed Hamburger Steak Overstuffed with Cheese and Green Chile, Topped with Sauteed Onions and Gravy, with Mashed Potatoes... 11.99 Prawn & Ranch Steak Combination Three Jumbo Prawns DIpped in Our Delicious Beer Batter and Cooked to a Golden Brown. Served with a Tender 7 ounce CERTIFIED ANGUS BEEF Flat Iron Steak and French Fries... 11.99 CHICKEN & FISH Garlic Lemon Chicken Lemon Butter with Fresh Minced Garlic Atop Grilled Chicken Breasts, Mashed Potatoes... 12.99 Southern Style Fried Chicken Two Chicken Breasts Dipped in Buttermilk and Seasoned Flour, Then Fried to a Crispy Golden Brown. Served Over Homemade Mashed Potatoes and Gravy... 10.99 Wild Grilled Alaskan Salmon Slightly Spicy Seasoning, Served on a Bed of Sauteed Spinach with Our Homemade Mashed Potatoes... 14.99 Captain's Platter Icelandic Cod and Jumbo Prawns in Our Beer Batter, Fried to a Golden Brown. Served with Fries... 12.99 Chicken Alfredo Penne Pasta and Grilled Chicken Breast Tossed with Fresh Mushrooms, Spinach and Diced Tomatoes in Our Alfredo Sauce... 11.99 ~VALUE SENIOR MENU~ SUNRISE SPECIALTIES Served Until 11:30 a.m. Monday Thru Friday Buttermilk Hotcakes Breakfast 5.99 Two Hotcakes, One Egg and One Strip of Bacon and One Sausage. French Toast Breakfast 5.99 One Slice of Parisian French Toast, One Strip of Bacon, One Sausage and One Egg. Corned Beef Hash 6.69 Our Delicious Corned Beef Hash Topped with Two Eggs, Served with a Freshly Baked Biscuit. Biscuit and Gravy 3.99 A Freshly Baked Biscuit Topped with Our Rich Country Gravy Ham or Bacon and Egg 5.99 A Ham Steak or Two Strips of Bacon, One Egg, Breakfast Potatoes anti Homemade Biscuit. Brookfield's Sausage and Egg 6.69 Family Recipe, Made Fresh Two Ounce Sausage Links, One Egg, Breakfast Potatoes and Freshly Baked Biscuit. San Francisco Joe's 6.69 Two Fresh Eggs with Ground Beef Spinach, Green Onions and Fresh Mushrooms. Served with Breakfast Potatoes and A Fresh Hot Biscuit. SATISFYING MEALS Served with Grilled Vegetables and Our Fresh Baked Bread. Seniors (60 Years Plus) Receive Tapioca Pudding When Ordering One of the Following Entrees Add One of Our Homemade Soups or Dinner Salad for $1.99 Homemade Pie Also Available at a Special Senior Price. Roast Cross Rib of Beef 9.69 - 4 oz. of Our CERTIFIED ANGUS BEEF with Au Jus and Red Skinned Mashed Potatoes. Ranch Steak Dinner 10.69 - A 7-Ounce CERTIFIED ANGUS BEEF Flat Iron Steak, Served with Fries. Garrett's Chopped Steak 9.69 - 1/2 Pound Broiled Patty Topped with Cheddar Cheese, Sauteed Onions and a Chile Verde Strip, Sauteed Onions, Mashed Potatoes and Gravy. Grilled Alaskan Salmon 10.69 - A Five Ounce Line-Caught Salmon Fillet, Lightly Seasoned and Grilled, Over a Bed of Sauteed Spinach with Mashed Potatoes. Lemon Garlic Chicken 9.69 - A Boneless Chicken Breast, Grilled and Topped with a Garlic Lemon Sauce. Served with Mashed Potatoes. Liver with Bacon and Onions 7.99 - Served with Red Skinned Mashed Potatoes. Captain's Platter 9.99 - Two Pieces of Icelandic Cod and One Jumbo Prawn Dipped in Our Own Beer Batter Fried to a Golden Brown and Served with Fries. Hot Roasted Turkey Dinner 8.99 - 4 oz. of Sliced Turkey Atop One slice of Bread, with Mashed Potatoes and Rich Turkey Giblet Gravy. Ultimate Meat Loaf & Mashed Potato- 8.99 SUNSET SPECIALTIES Includes Daily Homemade Soup Chicken Enchladas- 8.99 Two Hand-Rolled Chicken Enchladas Toped with Our Ranchero and Mornay Sauces. Served with Beans and Rice. 1/2 Turkey Melt Sandwich-7.99 On Grilled Parmesan Sourdough Bread with Melted Cheese, Tomaoes and Thick-cut Bacon. Served with Fries. APPETIZERS Fried Calamari Mound Lightly Battered in Rice Flour Over a Bed of Crispy Tangler Onion Rings, Delicious Dipping Sauces... 6.99 Chicken Strips- 5.99 Onion Rings-4.59 Creamy Artichoke Dip Creamy Cheeses, Artichoke Hearts and Spinach, Served Warm with Tortilla Chips... 5.99 Mozzarella Cheese Sticks- 5.59 DELECTABLE DESSERTS Brookfields Makes Our Pie Fillings, Pie Dough, Cheesecake, Carrot Cake and Cookies From Trusted Family Recipes Homemade Deep Dish Pies Apple, Berry, Seasonal Pie... 4.49 With a Slab of Dreyer's Ice Cream... 1.89 Cinna-Scream A Warmed CInnamon Roll with Ice Cream and Caramel... 3.99 Stacy's Strawberry Short Cake Homemade Biscuit, Vanilla Ice Cream and Strawberries Topped with Fresh Whipped Cream... 3.99 Pan-Baked Cookie Delight A Freshly Baked Chocolate Chip Cookie Topped with Vanilla Ice Cream, Smothered with Hot Fudge and Fresh Whipped Cream... 4.49 Colossal Brownie Sundae We Dare You to Eat This By Yourself-4.99 Dreyer's Ice Cream Single-2.59 Double... 3.59 Our Homemade Cheesecake... 3.69 With Fruit Add...60cents Fresh Baked Carrot Cake... 3.39, Add Ice Cream for 1.29 Tapioca Pudding Topped with Fresh Whipped Cream... 1.99 Thick Milk Shakes Served with the can, the Old Fashioned Way... 4.59 All Natural "Very Berry" Smoothee... 3.99 All Natural "Mocha Freeze" Smoothee... 3.99
|Last Tour Update: Apr 24, 2013


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Kesley Grammer is getting hitched for the fourth time.
The ex-"Frasier" star and his girlfriend, Kayte Walsh, confirmed their engagement to entertainment news outlets on Monday.
"They're very happy and very much in love," Grammer's rep told People. "They never announced it because he wanted to be discreet and enjoy the good news privately."
Frasier, 55, and Walsh, a British 29-year-old flight attendant, were mum on details of the engagement and did not reveal when they plan to tie the knot.
Walsh announced she was pregnant with Grammer's child back in August, about a month after the actor's third wife filed for divorce, E! reported.
Grammer and Camille Dontaci, a former Playboy model turned Beverly Hills "Real Housewife," were married for 13 years and have two children together. Grammer also has two children from earlier relationships.
Walsh suffered a miscarriage in September.


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Back before we lived on Sam Browning, before we had chickens even, Tori our oldest loved to hear this certain story about farm animals. She'd try her best to imitate the sounds of each animal but seemed to have a problem with roosters in particular, you see her Cock-A-Doodle-Doo came out, "Cracker Noodle Doo." She's long since outgrown her mispronunciation, something I admit I'm a little sad about, but now it seems that our family has a new set of rooster problems. Too danged many of them!
If you recall several months back when our new egg layers were just fluff balls living under lamps I mentioned that the mail order poultry companies had a tendency to add in extra baby roosters to fill in gaps on small orders. Live Action Toe Warmers is what I called them at the time. Consequently a phrase made prior to my knowledge of the Turtle Man's catch phase, so no infringement intended. We now call them a nuisance and despite all the warm fuzzy feelings I had for the little guys in their baby days I'm starting to realize why they can be seen as expendable to some. The teen years have hit and they do little more than fight with each other and worry the heck out of the hens.
Oh now don't get me wrong, both Dennis and I can see the need to have a few of them. There's still the notion floating around that we may hatch a few chicks ourselves but the fact remains that seven roosters are just too many. We've pretty much got them down to three that we plan to keep. George, short for Georgio Armani, is a stately and somewhat conceited guy that was actually given to Dennis when another chicken enthusiast had the same rooster overcrowding problem. Then there's Walt Whitman, named for my favorite author, who is destined to create offspring that can in turn produce my coveted chocolate brown eggs. The last one is yet to be determined but will no doubt be one of the Easter Egger breed that lays light greenish blue eggs, this leaves four toe warmers to find new homes. That said I'm making it known that the Morgeson Family will gladly adopt out these fellows to anyone wanting to awake to the heartwarming sound of "Cracker Noodle Doo" each morning. If you're interested you can reach Dennis at the Washington County Extension Office to make arrangements.
With that out of the way I'm free to wax poetic about how wonderful the weather has been. It's hard not to notice that it's feeling more and more like porch weather. While I'm still a little sad about not having a real snow I can't knock the fact that I can walk downtown to do errands with no coat on. Dennis is obviously ecstatic. We have a stack of mail order seed catalogues so big that they could be recreated into a tree. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a little into it myself. While I don't foresee us having any more free time than last year I still hope for some cutting beds. I'm also hoping for a decent crop of blackberries and raspberries, the new vines don't produce much their first year and our last jar of jam is long gone. Sigh.
Then there's my affinity for farm supply stores. I'm not really sure why I like them so much. It's not like we have this massive homestead. All the same I love farming stores and in the spring even more so. Right now they're getting in truckloads of new gardening stuff, animal stuff, seeds, bird feeders, boots, boot scrapers and odd and end metal flowers and such that despite all my claims of having taste call to me, "Amy, oh Amy, you need three metal sunflowers to stick in the landscaping out front because you know there won't be any flowers there for awhile." Really, they're like mermaids, I can't help myself when I hear their siren song. While I won't plug any store in particular I just want to say, if you're feeling blue, might I suggest you take a stroll through one of our many fine local farm stores? It can do wonders to get your spirits up.
Now that I've let slip what a strange bird I am I'll wrap this up with one more note on real birds. While the roosters are annoying teenagers the hens are doing more than enough to earn their keep. We're just starting to realize that with chickens especially you need to be careful what you wish for. We may need a second refrigerator, or at least a ton of new recipes, to keep up with egg production! I couldn't be happier though, we have blue eggs, green eggs, light brown, tan, speckled and one day soon hopefully we'll have deep dark chocolate brown eggs! All in time for Easter and my plans to create decorative blown egg ornaments. Yeah…I really am weird.
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