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King Cake & Chicken Gumbo: Menu for a Mardi Gras Feast
Any plans for Mardi Gras this year? If grand parades and collecting beads aren't your quite your style, I highly recommend calling up some friends for a New Orleans-style feast. Hand your guests a Hurricane cocktail as they walk in the door, serve up plates of gumbo, and pass out giant slices of King Cake before they leave. Get some good jazz to play on the stereo, and the Mardi Gras spirit will find its way to you.
The MenuStarters:
- The Original Hurricane
- Creamy Crawfish Dip
- Pepper Weenies with Smoked Bacon & Vidalia Onion Marmalade – cut bite-sized for an appetizer
The Scene:
The scene is Mardi Gras! Put on something sparkly or dapper, whichever suits your mood. Invite people who you love to be with, who make you laugh, and who aren't afraid to mingle. I see this as a mingling affair. Tell them when to show up, but not when to leave.
Make It Happen:
This is a menu that can be adapted to a cozy gathering of close friends or rollicking house party. For a larger party, all these recipes can be easily doubled (or tripled!) to meet your needs.
Prepare the Hurricanes in a pitcher and leave it by the door with a tray of glasses. The base for the crawfish dip can be prepared ahead and then warmed up in the oven just before guests arrive. Ditto on the weenies.
Start the gumbo several hours ahead of the party so it's happily simmering away on the back burner by the time guests arrive. Even better, make it the day or two before and just warm it up to serve. Like chili, gumbo gets better with time.
The King Cake can be prepared while the gumbo is simmering, but be sure to account for the hour it takes for the dough to rise. Painting it with icing is the best part and never fails to make a dazzling presentation.
Wait to make the Milk Punch until people are ready for dessert. It's easy enough to blend the drink at the last minute and pour it into glasses while people are diving into the cake.
What else would you serve to have at your Mardi Gras party?
(Images: See linked posts)


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commercial and artistic design is quite vast, as I have been exposed to various
demanding working environments with very diverse design requirements.
Adapting and developing different working styles was the only way to succeed and throughout 15 years of working experience I have developed a great sense of colour, lighting and composition which along with an excellent eye for quality and attention to detail allow me to come up with stunning and innovative compositions.
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subset: commoncrawl


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Can Honda get its mojo back?
victor23 Posts: 201I think this car will age nicely...Looks better than the new Camry overall... Like it even better than the new Fusion
Yes, it will. It is not flashy, with clean "classic" lines. Very inoffensive, for better or for worse. It is not easy to look worse than a new Camry, the worst, probably, Camry of all. Not that it is particularly ugly, but the lack of effort, passion and attention on the part of its designers is too much apparent. Everything screams: "Budget, rental, unloved, also-run". No midsize car deserves this. Difficult to disagree with Motor Trend on that. Fusion... first pictures were exciting, but now it looks too chubby to me. Still waiting what are they going to screw up with new Mazda. (Looks like they already did.)0
I like the new Mazda 6 better than the Fusion actually...and we're quite impressed with our Mazda 3s as it passes 113k very soon. Still runs great and screwed together very tightly with no squeaks or rattles. We've never ever had a car with this many miles but the wife just doesn't want to let it go. The a/c unit is acting up again but still blowing cold. So I'd buy another Mazda product based on how well our current one is holding up.
I think the new Accord and Mazda 6 will both do very well in the market...better than either the Camry or Fusion once people drive 'em.
The Sandman :sick: :shades:
2015 Audi A3 (wife) / 2015 Golf TSI (me) / 2009 Nissan Versa SL Hatch (daughter #1) / 2008 Hyundai Accent GLS (daughter #2)0
serenity185 Posts: 22If the new Accord is anything to go by, it does seem like Honda is getting it together. The reviews for the Accord have been pretty positive, and the efficiency of the packaging reminds me of older Hondas that weren't huge on the outside but had plenty of room on the inside. The only cars I'd cross shop it with are the new Altima and upcoming Mazda 6.0
Hopefully, the redo of the '13 Civic will address some of the current problems going on. Making it a bit more like a mini Accord isn't such a bad thing...look how well Hyundai is doing with the Elantra. Hopefully Toyota will do the same with the Corolla, that car absolutely needs something serious to happen to it...reliable is great but it lacks any sense of style or fun! Personally, I hope they nail it this time with the Civic!
The Sandman :sick: :shades:
2015 Audi A3 (wife) / 2015 Golf TSI (me) / 2009 Nissan Versa SL Hatch (daughter #1) / 2008 Hyundai Accent GLS (daughter #2)0
Here it is!
2013 Honda Civic to Debut at Los Angeles Auto Show With More Youthful and Premium Styling
I think the changes are great, but it's the interior that has drawn the most criticisms...0
andre1969 Posts: 23,362Not a bad looking car. But honestly, I don't have a problem with the curent Civic, although I'll admit I haven't looked at one closely. There's a lady at work who has a 2012, and she's happy with it. I've seen it in the parking lot, and I don't have a problem with it.
When it comes to compact cars, who's considered to be the "winner", these days, anyway? The Civic has drawn a lot of flak, but I swear the Corolla doesn't seem to have advanced all the much in at least a decade. The Nissan Sentra seems to have fallen to "also-ran" status, but my friend's grandmother recently bought a used 2010 model. I sat in it the other day, and it seemed to be a nice car.
I guess cars have gotten so good in general these days that even if you end up picking the "loser", you still end up with a decent car.0
Ya, there are a couple of owners here at work, and none of them have anything bad to say. I do think the revisions are well done, but the rumor is the 2-tiered dash has been deleted for a more traditional setup which will make a lot of the naysayers happy.0
the Acura ILX is basically the same platform, and it has a normal dash. Looks quite a bit different.
I kind of liked the dash myself. The main reason I did not buy one back in 2006 (got an Accord instead) was because I hated the seats!
My daughter (just about to get her full license) likes them. One of her friends got a few year old couple recently, and it is nice.
most likely, if I had to replace my volvo (which is about to become "her" car most of the time) I would look hard for a 2006+ generation Civic for her.
2019 Acura TLX A-spec 4 cyl. (mine), and 2013 Acura RDX AWD (wife's)0
Don't like the rear much but the front is very nice. The rear looks too much like the 2012 Accord with the lights...think the Acura version is nicer all around. I do like my two tiered dash as it's quite easy to read and everything I need is right where it should be. Mine should be around for a long time as I'm just about to hit the 35k mark this week.
The Sandman :sick: :shades:
2015 Audi A3 (wife) / 2015 Golf TSI (me) / 2009 Nissan Versa SL Hatch (daughter #1) / 2008 Hyundai Accent GLS (daughter #2)0
stever Posts: 52,683The earthquake may not be a damaging as Hyundai and Kia shooting themselves in the foot by messing up their EPA mpg testing.
"People bought into the whole program: cool-looking cars that also offered great value, including high fuel economy," Caldwell said. "Now it turns out that one part of that formula wasn't true."
Hyundai and Kia's growth came as Honda struggled with poor reviews for models including its 2012 Civic and worked to restore assembly operations in 2011 following natural disasters in Asia that cut parts supplies.
"The timing is beautiful for Honda," said Jake Fisher, director of automotive testing for Consumer Reports, in a phone interview. "They'd been seen as falling behind in fuel efficiency, not keeping up with Hyundai and others.'"
Hyundai Fuel-Economy Flap Seen as Turned Tables for Honda (BusinessWeek)
Other automakers will benefit but none so much as Honda.0
Civic taking a commanding lead for November by almost 7500 units
Also looks like the Civic was #3 for monthly sales of everything, only missing the Silverado by about 600 units!
Top 10 Best-Selling Vehicles in November 20120
IIHS Ratings
Rated good:
-- Honda Accord, four-door
-- Suzuki Kizashi
Rated acceptable:
-- Ford Fusion
-- Honda Accord, two-door
-- Kia Optima
-- Nissan Altima, four-door
-- Nissan Maxima
-- Subaru Legacy
-- Subaru Outback
-- Dodge Avenger
-- Chrysler 200, four-door
-- Mazda 6
-- Volkswagen Passat
Rated marginal:
-- Hyundai Sonata
-- Chevrolet Malibu
-- Volkswagen Jetta sedan
Rated poor:
-- Toyota Camry
-- Toyota Prius v
Read more: http://www.autonews.com/article/20121220/OEM11/121219849#ixzz2FacNoTlN2018 Acura TLX 2.4 Tech 4WS (mine), 2018 Honda CR-V EX AWD (wife's)0
Video and full story at link:
"The Accord sedan shows how safety belts and airbags work together to provide exemplary protection. The dummy stayed engaged with the Accord's front airbag, and the steering wheel remained relatively stable because there was only moderate intrusion into the occupant compartment. That meant that the driver airbag was in the right position to cushion the dummy's head and chest. The side curtain airbag extended far enough forward to prevent the dummy's head from hitting interior components."
"Toyota falls short
Shoppers looking for a midprice family car will recognize some perennial bestsellers on the TOP
SAFETY PICK+ winners' list, including the Accord, Altima and Fusion.
One nameplate they won't find is Toyota. The Camry, which is the top-selling midsize car in the United States, and the Prius v, a 4-door hybrid wagon, earn poor ratings for small overlap protection and are the worst performers of the midsize group. The Camry was redesigned for 2012, and the Prius v was an all-new model for 2012.
The Camry and Prius v illustrate what can go wrong in a small overlap crash...
In the Camry, the force of the impact shoved the front wheel back into the footwell, bending the windshield pillar and pushing the parking brake pedal and the left outer edge of the instrument panel rearward into the driver's survival space. Likewise, there was significant intrusion in the Prius v, along with high forces on the dummy's legs and feet. The Prius v is the only car in the midsize test group to earn a poor rating for hip and thigh protection.
The Camry's driver airbag and side curtain airbag deployed, but the steering wheel moved so far to the right that the dummy's head made only minimal contact with the front airbag. The side curtain airbag didn't extend far enough forward to help prevent the dummy's head from hitting the instrument panel. In the Prius v, the side curtain airbag deployed too late in the crash to offer protection.
"Toyota engineers have a lot of work to do to match the performance of their competitors," Lund says.2018 Acura TLX 2.4 Tech 4WS (mine), 2018 Honda CR-V EX AWD (wife's)0
names the Accord their best rated midsize sedan. A few quotes:
"....The new Accord is roomy, nice to drive, well equipped, and very fuel efficient.
Its 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, when matched with the smooth continuously variable transmission, squeezes out an excellent 30 mpg overall and 40 on the highway. That's as good as a tiny Honda Fit and better than most compact cars. The 3.5-liter V6 is super-smooth and quite powerful, snapping off a 6.3-second 0-to-60 mph time that is competitive with some sports cars. And its 26 mpg overall is among the best in its class.
Inside, you are treated to one of the best driving positions available, comfortable seats, and terrific visibility. All Accords have a standard backup camera, rare among family sedans. Uplevel models include advanced safety features seldom found in this category, including forward-collision and lane-departure warning systems, and Honda's new Lane Watch blind-spot camera system....
In the final tally, the four-cylinder Accord jumped 10 points in our Ratings to take over the top spot among entry-level sedans...
Based on its history, we expect above-average reliability for the Accord.
The Accord is one of the more agile family sedans, with subdued body lean and decent steering feedback....
Honda has finally solved the Accord's longtime problem with road noise; road and wind noise are nicely muted....
The CVT is smooth, quick, and unobtrusive, marking a new benchmark for that type of transmission. You'd be hard pressed to tell that it isn't a conventional automatic, high praise indeed....
Drivers will find plenty of space in the cabin. The cloth front seats are wide and supportive, although the LX model lacks power seats and lumbar adjustment. The powered leather seats provide better support and more adjustments and have two-position seat memory, a unique feature in this class. The rear has a supportive bench that's comfortable for two adults but tight for three.
Fit and finish is generally very good....
The Accord's gauges are a model of clarity, and most controls are easy to use....
All Accords come with standard dual-zone automatic climate control, a nice touch....
The trunk is large and nicely trimmed...."2018 Acura TLX 2.4 Tech 4WS (mine), 2018 Honda CR-V EX AWD (wife's)0
based on all the glowing reports on the new Accord, and how well received the refreshed Civic is (and based on sales) I would say they are doing just fine. And the CRV sells like hotcakes too. Even the Odyssey, as ugly as it is, moves units.
That is a solid base of core vehicles, though they could use some freshening with the niche ones (like the Fit).
I surprised myself by replacing a Honda with an Acura (Odyssey to RDX) recently. I thought as my fleet turned over, I would be done with the brand (I did replace my Accord with a Volvo for my daughter to use). I did buy an older Integra last week as a spare runabout car, but I don't think that revisiting 2000 counts as getting Mojo back.
actually though, it is a glimpse into what Honda/Acura used to be. Relatively simple, incredibly well made, light and nimble. And the quality of the interior materials blows away a new model.
2019 Acura TLX A-spec 4 cyl. (mine), and 2013 Acura RDX AWD (wife's)0
nippononly SF Bay AreaPosts: 12,726I hear the Fit gets its update next year. Wouldn't it be wonderful if they introduced an SI trim line for the Fit? THAT would bring back a little of the mojo for me....
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)0
Just saw the back end of what appears to be a 2013 Civic LX and all I can say is wow! I thought it was a Lexus until I focused on the word Civic. With the new Accord and now this, I think Honda has finally found it's way back. Very impressive looking!!
The Sandman :sick: :shades:
2015 Audi A3 (wife) / 2015 Golf TSI (me) / 2009 Nissan Versa SL Hatch (daughter #1) / 2008 Hyundai Accent GLS (daughter #2)0
Looks like Honda's goal of making up the lost sales from the tsunami was successful to say the least.
Up 24%, for the year, an additional 275k units over last year. Even Acura managed to capture another 32 thousand units this year over last. With a new MDX coming, things look good for 2013.
We'll see how the RLX does...0
For the RLX, I predict at least 500% more than the 2 per month that have sold in the past year :shades:0
It'll be interesting to see how the RLX compares with the competition. I'd guess the 2014 TLX will be a slightly smaller and less expensive RLX. Both models, but especially the TLX, will be critical for Acura.0
TL seems to be the non-CUV bread and butter for the brand, it has to succeed.
RL/RLX...current one has virtually disappeared the past few years. New one looks quite boring styling-wise, maybe they aren't depending on it.0
The previous three generations of the TL were very competitive. While they weren't outstanding in any particular area, they were good overall, and were excellent values. The current generation, by contrast, is a styling disaster in my eyes, and just an okay value. I'm hoping that Acura can restore the TL to its former standing in the near-luxury segment.
I used to think that RWD and a V8 option would be required to compete well in the luxury market, but Acura was wise not to invest in the latter. As for RWD, Audi seems to be doing just fine with FWD architecture.0
No V8 is fine, but some styling differentiation is needed. That's the RL/RLX's problem - invisbile. TL can get away with being a fancy Accord, but can the RLX get away with being a really fancy Accord, now that the mid lux segment is so competitive? Might be a reason the brand doesn't really exist outside of NA and maybe China.
TL really needs a styling redo. Even de-beaked, it is not a pretty car. Such a dramatic change from the prior model, which had very clean styling.
I wonder what percentage of Audi sales are Quattro. I bet in the US, it is huge.0
Good points! Indeed, while the TL can get away with being a premium Accord, as the Lexus ES has proven, the RLX needs to be more.
Acura seems to have recognized that it needs to differentiate its most premium sedan more from the Accord, because the RLX has moved more upscale, size and engineering wise, than the RL. "All-Wheel Steer" independently controls the toe angle of the rear wheels, and the all-wheel drive option will feature hybrid electric assist power to the rear wheels. It remains to be seen how significant these enhancements are in competitive comparisons.
One of our cars is a '99 TL with 139,000 miles that's been satisfying and low maintenance. The latter characteristic has been a positive differentiator for a premium sedan, although our '07 A4, with 64,000, has been trouble free since the warranty expired. The engine was completely rebuilt under warranty, due to excessive oil consumption, but that problem was completely fixed. In addition, a leak in the back seat area (strange) was repaired, and the ignition switch was replaced under warranty. We've been very happy with our A4 since these things were taken care of, but we're keeping our fingers crossed.
Audi has been making steady progress on quality, but from what I read it still doesn't equal Acura and Lexus. I'm willing to accept that in exchange for other attributes.
The main reason we drive older cars is that we like the lower cost of ownership versus trading more frequently, and we don't worry as much about parking nicks and scratches. If they're more than minor, we get them repaired. Also, most of the new electronic features are of little value to us.0
RL/RLX is in a tough spot in a way. Bigger and more expensive than C/3er/A4/IS etc, cheaper yet not nearly as prestigious as E/5er/A6/GS etc. IMO, TL competes with the lower line lux, so the RL needs to aim higher if it is to exist at all. New one is bigger and surely full of tech, but time will tell if the market buys it. It's really bland looking, and that will be a handicap.
My neighbor has a TL, maybe 2007 model, the loaded Type S version with bodykit etc. Seems like a really nice car. The 2005+ RL seems like a used car bargain, too.
Even as someone who likes German cars, aging Audis scare me, as historically they are much more troublesome than aging MB/BMW, and parts availability can be marginal for older models. I suspect the newest of the breed will fare better.
I drive slightly older cars because I can't afford the cars I like when new (I have expensive tastes), and I don't like huge depreciation. I am also not completely addicted to the latest tech - although I would like a new car to have nav and modern lighting, I still enjoy simply having power windows and AC, and the xenons/nav on my E55 seem downright modern to me. I daily drove the fintail for several years, it conditioned me to lack of gadgets.0
I periodically evaluate at what age/mileage to trade the A4 Quattro. Maybe at 85,000 miles, about the time it'll need a new timing belt, is reasonable. That's just a guess, though. In the meantime I'm maintaining it as though it's a long termer. For example, I had the coolant flushed and replaced with Audi coolant, even though according to the Owners Manual it's supposed to be life-time. I'll soon do the same with the transmission fluid. I don't think any coolant or fluid is life-time. Have you done these things with your E55?0
Yes, I have done coolant by the book, and transmission at about 45K. The E55 also claimed "lifetime" transmission fluid, but it is a high torque application, and there are instances of failure around 100-150K without fluid changes. Any automatic car should probably have that fluid changed every 50K or so no matter what the maker claims - cheap insurance.
Funny, this is on topic in a way, with the rash of Honda transmission failures starting about a decade ago. Friend of mine lost the unit in his 03 Accord V6, at 70K - luckily he had an extended factory warranty.0
Honda has 3 of the top 7 selling vehicles in the US. Take out the pickups, and Honda has 3 of the top 4 selling non-truck vehicles for December.
Ford F - Series PU 68,787
Chevrolet Silverado PU 50,699
Honda Civic 33,118
Toyota Camry 31,407
Dodge Ram PU 30,211
Honda Accord 29,428
Honda CR-V 25,7332018 Acura TLX 2.4 Tech 4WS (mine), 2018 Honda CR-V EX AWD (wife's)0
Honda's 5-speed automatic, introduced for the 2000 model year in certain Acuras, and later in Hondas, was indeed problematic. The company was quite good about replacing bad transmissions, but they weren't good about coming clean with an explanation of what caused the problem, and exactly what the fix was. The company was also inconsistent regarding replacements. Some owners had more than one transmission replaced while others had to fight to get even one replaced.
We dodged the bullet because our TL, which we bought new, has the older 4-speed. That transmission has generally been reliable. Mine has been trouble free. The 5-speed was introduced in the second year of the '99-'03 TL platform run.
The '00s-'03s were the problematic ones. There was a high incidence of failure, but the majority didn't fail prematurely. Honda never disclosed the percentage of transmission failures. By the '04 model year the problem was pretty much solved.0
one of the reasons I decided to get rid of my 2005 Odyssey a little early (75K on it I think) was not wanting to worry about the trans. Plus is was about to need some other stuff (tires, Tbelt). And of course, my wife was tired of having a minivan!
Of course, I also have a 2000 3.2TL with the original tranny that has 167K on it, so what do I know!
2019 Acura TLX A-spec 4 cyl. (mine), and 2013 Acura RDX AWD (wife's)0


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The epitome of the tough girl.
A gun slinging, horseback riding, no-nonsense women who can wear a cowboy hat with the boys but steel their hearts with the passion and ruthlessness of the Sundance Kid, Molly Gray took the stage hostage with her musical charm at the Hult Center this past week in Girl Crazy.
As the pillar theatrical performance for the 2011 Oregon Festival of American Music, Girl Crazy (1930) brings together unforgettable tunes that stick in your head like gum on your shoe with musical comedy that only the infamous George & Ira Gershwin could create. The 1930s musical follows New York playboy, Danny Churchill, who is sent out West to get over his girl crazy ways, as he falls in love with the only set of legs in sight, Molly Gray.
A comical love story with popular, catchy songs, the community theater performance left me humming its famous tune "I Got Rhythm" and joking with my friends about whipping out my tap shoes for a living room re-make (I'm horrible).
Oh and did I mention that this was a Bucket List item.


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As part of the search to identify and fund early-stage but promising technology companies, QPrize 2014 has officially started accepting applications. This international seed-investment competition from Qualcomm Ventures offers finalists support within the wireless ecosystem across seven regions: China, Europe, India, Israel, Korea, Latin America, and North America. Finalists from each region will receive convertible-note funding from Qualcomm in order to bring their business plans to reality.
From the pool of entrants, up to eight finalists will be selected from each region. A competition will then be held to choose every regional finalist. Competitors are evaluated by a panel of experts on business innovation, market potential, management capabilities, and financial projections. Each finalist will be awarded $100,000 as seed funding and will receive an invitation to compete against the other regional finalists at the QPrize Grand Finals. The finals winner will receive an additional $150,000 in funding.
The deadline to submit business plans is April 18. Last year's Grand Finals winner, iOnRoad, helps drivers improve their skills in real time using smartphone cameras and a series of algorithms. Its Android and iOS apps provide assistance with a variety of functions including augmented driving, collision warning, and "black-box"-esque video recording. The company was acquired less than 30 days after the final competition.
More information about QPrize 2014 can be found here.


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The Texas A&M International University Small Business Development Center (TAMIU-SBDC) will sponsor several workshops during the month of June.
Wednesday, June 8: The Art of Starting a Business: Basic Business Essentials Workshop is free of charge from 5:30 to7:30 p.m. at the TAMIU Western Hemispheric Trade Center, room 126. Instructor Norma Rodriguez, SBDC certified business advisor, will present this practical workshop that helps businesses to avoid common pitfalls, evaluate strengths and weaknesses, and the skills needed to succeed. Participants will also explore initial paperwork, assessment process, legal structures and importance of the business plan.
Friday, June 10: The Art of Customer Service will be offered from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at Student Center, room 120. Fee is $20. The purpose of the workshop is to learn the Art of Customer Service using the "CIVIL" framework, it will help your business and organizations experience employee empowerment, repeat business, loyal customers, and an overall satisfactory customer service strategy. Join instructor Tina Rodriguez for an interactive two-hour presentation.
Wednesday, June 15: Anatomy of a Business Plan Workshop from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at TAMIU Western Hemispheric Trade Center, room 126. Fee for the seminar is $20, and each participant will receive Linda Pinzon's "Anatomy of a Business Plan: a Step-by-Step Guide to Building a Business and Securing your Company's Future," a $50 value. Instructor Angelo Piccirillo explains that planning is the map to success in the business world. One needs to write a business plan when: starting or buying a business; financing or refinancing a business or raising debt or equity capital.
Friday, June 17: The TAMIU-SBDC, in conjunction with the Texas Rio Grande Legal Aid: Legal Assistance to Microenterprise Project (L.A.M.P.) will be providing a seminar designed to assist potential and existing business owners with legal issues. The free of charge seminar is scheduled from 9:00 a.m. to noon at TAMIU Student Center, room 230. Amber Van Schuyver, staff attorney, will be conducting the presentation. Van Schuyver explains that micro-entrepreneurs must grapple with a wide variety of legal issues, from entity selection and formation, to employment law issues, contract issues, commercial lease issues, and tax issues. This presentation will cover these and other topics, giving participants a greater understanding of the legal issues facing their business.
Wednesday, June 22: Small Business Certifications through the U.S. Small Business Administration – Selling your goods and services to the Federal Government. The free of charge seminar is scheduled from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Classroom location will be provided with registration confirmation. The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) assists eligible entrepreneurs to gain a foothold in the government-contracting arena who are interested in selling their products or services to the federal government through the various SBA certification programs. Business Opportunity Specialists will outline the eligibility criteria and the on-line application process of all three programs. The certification programs can be essential instruments for socially and economically disadvantaged small businesses to include those businesses located in historically under-utilized areas as well as women-owned small businesses. In addition, attendees will learn about other SBA programs and services to assist small businesses through the many stages of businessgrowth, i.e., the guaranty loan programs, surety bond guarantees, counseling and training resources and the new Small Business Jobs Act.
Thursday, June 23: Managing Cash-The Small Business Owner's Guide to Financial Control Workshop is scheduled from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at TAMIU Western Hemispheric Trade Center, room 125; a $20 fee includes Workbook. Cash flow is what comes into and goes out of a business. Gaining financial control by understanding cash flow is crucial to business success. Norma Rodriguez, certified business advisor, will review cash–the fuel that runs your business, maximizing your cash flow, tools for speeding up cash collections, overdue invoices, three tools for helping with accounts receivable, cash flow statements, and four short-term financing solutions.
For more information or to register for any of these workshops, call the TAMIU SBDC office at 956.326.2827 or e-mail:firstname.lastname@example.com or register online at http://sbdc.tamiu.edu
Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests
and interviews should contact the Office of Public Relations, Marketing and Information
Services at email@example.com
Texas A&M International University
5201 University Boulevard
Laredo, TX 78041
© 2019


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May 06, 2012
The real answer is this single bottle of 1943 Dom Perignon, one of the oldest wines of the most famous labels in the world, a Champagne grown and made in what must have been one of the darkest years of the second world war.
The year 1943 seems like a long time ago, and it is, though you're still in your 60s if that's your birth year. Not young by any means, but not old. Not quite yet.
It's an eternity for Champagne, especially this one.
I don't usually mention the Dom though. It's not wine you can have dinner with anymore. It's gone. The wine that once existed is now a memory, the bottle an urn on the shelf. Something I'll always keep because it makes me smile.
This bottle came with a few others from my great uncle, a gourmand in the old school sense who's long deceased. I house sat once and in the old wine cabinet were some legends, including a few of these. I opened one and it was dead then, maderized, cooked.
The others showed the same signs of seepage, usually from heat expanding the wine, forcing is out around the seal of the cork, ruining the wine. I kept one and have had it ever since, like a pipe from my grandfather, nothing I'll ever use but something from them both, something of them.
It's just not really wine anymore. It's become something different, its life unwound until it's a pile of thread on the table, an unraveled spool, sweeter still because it makes you smile anyway. Even if it can't come for dinner anymore.
Posted by Vincent Fritzsche at 11:51 AM
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Alternative Names
Travelers health; Infectious diseases and travelers
You can stay healthy during travel by taking the right steps to protect yourself before you go. You can also do things to help prevent disease while you are traveling. Most infections you catch while traveling are minor. In rare cases, however, they can be severe, or even deadly.
Diseases vary in different places in the world. You will need to take different preventive steps, depending on where you are going. The following things should be considered:
- Local climate
- Insects and parasites
- Sanitation
The best public sources for up-to-date travel information are the:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) World Health Organization (WHO)
Talk to your health care provider or visit a travel clinic 4 - 6 weeks before you leave for your trip. You may need several vaccinations. Some of these need time to work.
You also may need to update your vaccinations. For example, you may need "booster" vaccines for:
- Diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (Tdap)
- Influenza (flu)
- Measles - mumps - rubella (
MMR) Polio
You also may need vaccines for diseases that are not commonly found in North America. Examples of recommended vaccines include:
Hepatitis A Hepatitis B Meningococcal
- Typhoid
Certain countries have required vaccinations. You may need proof that you have had this vaccine in order to enter the country.
- Yellow fever vaccination is required to enter several Sub-Saharan, Central African, and South American countries.
- Meningococcal vaccination is required to enter Saudi Arabia for the Hajj pilgrimage.
- For a complete list of country requirements, check the CDC or WHO web sites.
People who may have different vaccine requirements include:
- Children
- Elderly people
- People with weakened immune systems or
- People who expect to be in contact with certain animals
- Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding
Check with your health care provider or local travel clinic.
If you are traveling to an area where malaria is common, you may need to take medicines that prevent the disease. These medicines are taken before you leave, during your travel, and for a short period after you return. How well the medicines work vary. You should also take steps to prevent insect bites.
To prevent against bites from mosquitoes and other insects:
- Wear insect repellent containing DEET or picaridin when you are outdoors, but
use it safely.
- You may also need to use a bed mosquito net while you sleep.
- Wear trousers and long-sleeved shirts, particularly at dusk.
- Sleep only in screened areas.
- Do not wear perfumes.
You can get some types of infections by eating or drinking contaminated food or water. There is a high risk of infection from eating undercooked or raw foods.
Stay away from the following foods:
- Cooked food that has been allowed to cool (such as from street vendors)
- Fruit that has not been washed with clean water and then peeled
- Raw vegetables
- Salads
- Unpasteurized dairy foods, such as milk or cheese
Drinking untreated or contaminated water can lead to infection. Only drink the following liquids:
- Canned or unopened bottled beverages (water, juice, carbonated mineral water, soft drinks)
- Drinks made with boiled water, such as tea and coffee
Do not use ice in your drinks unless it is made from purified water. You can purify water by boiling it or by treating it with certain chemical kits or water filters.
Clean your hands often. Use soap and water or an alcohol-based cleanser to help prevent infection.
Do not stand or swim in fresh-water rivers, streams, or lakes that have sewage or animal feces in them. This can lead to infection. Swimming in chlorinated pools is safe most of the time.
Diarrhea can sometimes be treated with rest and fluids. Your health care provider may give you an antibiotic to take on your trip in case you get sick with severe diarrhea while traveling.
Get medical care right away if:
- Diarrhea does not go away
- You develop a high fever or become dehydrated
Contact your health care provider when you return home if you were sick with a fever while traveling.
Arguin P. Approach to the patient before and after travel. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Cecil Medicine. 24th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders Elsevier; 2011:chap 294.
Basnyat B, Ericsson CD. Travel medicine. In: Auerbach PS, ed. Wilderness Medicine. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Mosby Elsevier; 2011:chap 84.
Fairley JK, John CC. Health advice for children travelling internationally. In: Kliegman RM, Behrman RE, Stanton BF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 19th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders Elsevier; 2011:chap 168.
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia-Ministry of Health. Health Regulations: Meningococcal meningitis. Accessed February 9, 2014.
World Health Organization. Country list: Yellow fever vaccination requirementsand recommendations. Accessed February 9, 2014.
Review Date:
Reviewed By:
Daniel Levy, MD, PhD, Infectious Diseases, Lutherville Personal Physicians, Lutherville, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.


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About 20 Centreville residents attended the Centreville Village Council meeting Monday night.
By Wanda Yoder
Journal Correspondent
About 20 Centreville residents attended the Centreville Village Council meeting Monday night.
Two residents said they were unhappy with the council and were there to volunteer for a seat. The council voted to accept applications and name a candidate for the one open position at its next meeting at 6:30 p.m. March 18.
A few were concerned and confused about recent reports of gas theft by a village staff member.
A number of residents told the council that they were there to support a former Department of Public Works staff member, Alex Milliman.
Milliman discussed the matter after Monday's meeting, saying he was fired in spring 2012, and believes the reason for his dismissal was for reporting that his manager, Randy Baker, had stolen gas from the village.
During the meeting, Centreville resident Roland Margold spoke in support of Milliman, saying that he has known him for the past 12 years.
"He has done nothing but report a wrong," Margold said.
Other members of the audience said they felt the same way about the situation and believe the council made incorrect decisions in the matter.
The council did not respond to any of the comments. Council president Eric Weis would not comment further, but simply said things would be "cleared up."
After a brief discussion of regular business, the council adjourned to meet in a closed session to discuss personnel matters.
After the meeting, Milliman said he had seen Baker take the gas.
"He tried to explain it by saying that he did not have time to stop and get gas elsewhere," Milliman said. "I was given no reason for being fired at the time."
"When he was caught again in December, the council suspended him for just a couple days," Milliman said, stressing seeming unfairness of the situation.
In other business Monday, council member Chris Sheteron said the police committee had met with Sheriff Brad Balk and Undersheriff Mark Lillywhite. Cutting police coverage will not be an option, Sheteron said.
The sheriff's department has agreed to work with the village to get a used vehicle instead of purchasing a new cruiser, a situation that has caused a financial dilemma for the council.
Council member Dennis Allen also told the council that the county cut wages and insurance costs in its budget, which would ultimately lower the cost of police coverage to the village. A public hearing on the proposed budget for 2013-14 has been set for 6:40 p.m. March 18.
In another matter, Baker told the council that he had received bids for resurfacing of Clark Street, although the bids are not "apples to apples."
Although no bid awards were made, bidders include Rieth and Riley Construction at $104,197; A-1 Asphalt, $96,993; and Michiana Paving and Material, $73,555.
Baker will return to the council with more concise and detailed bids.


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Saturated slopes worry California cities
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Saturated mountainsides are looming over foothill communities in Los Angeles County as a storm centered off California rotates bands of rain into a state that sorely needs the moisture but not at such dangerously high rates.
Evacuation orders remain in effect for hundreds of homes in the foothill communities where fires have burned away vegetation that holds soil in place, and bursts of rain cause the mountains to belch occasional debris flows.
The storm marks a sharp departure from many months of drought that has grown to crisis proportions for the state's farming industry. But such storms would have to become common to make serious inroads against the drought.
Officials warn that despite lengthy lulls, more heavy downpours are expected, and they're urging residents who have left their homes to be patient.
The storm is forecast to move east over the Rockies and into the Plains and Mississippi Valley through Sunday.
A mixture of sleet and snow in Kansas, Missouri and Illinois will eventually change over to all snow while northern Arkansas will see freezing rain. The system also has its sights set on the Appalachians and the East Coast into Monday.


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NEW YORK --Blizzards, hurricanes and superstorms: The past few years have been marked by very significant weather events in the tri-state region.The Eyewitness News weather team looked at these recent events,and what they may mean for our near future.
Lee Goldberg starts of the program with an analysis of winter and the impact of melting polar ice caps. Bill Evans takes a close look at summer along the coast and the first summer post-Hurricane Sandy. Jeff Smith with tornados and why there are more of them. And finally, Amy Freeze with surviving severe weather, whether on the bus, in a cab or on the train.
And what can we expect this summer? Will it be hotter than normal? Cooler than normal?
Get Eyewitness News Delivered
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Date: 03/21/2013
Writer: Samuel Horstman, (575) 646-3082, firstname.lastname@example.com
The New Mexico State University's men rodeo team extended their lead in the region, moving their position in the nation to third place. The men also had several wins in individual categories, including men's team both days after their most recent rodeos in Florence, Ariz.
"With four rodeos left, we need to focus on staying sharp and getting the most student athletes qualified for the College National Finals Rodeo," said Jim Brown, NMSU rodeo coach.
The team ended the weekend with wins in the bareback riding, team roping, tie-down roping, saddlebroncs, steer wrestling and men's all-around.
In bareback riding the men took home the top two spots both days, Tony Buckman took first place and Paden Underwood took second. Cooper Dewitt took first both days in saddlebroncs.
The men also did well in team roping, on the first day Ky Barry and Kurtis Barry both took second place and on the second day Pacen Marez took first place, Cody Mirabal and Reno Eddy took second place.
Ky Barry and Marez took the top spots in tie-down during the first day. Both men also won in men's all around over the weekend.
The women also had wins both days in individual as well as women's team. On the first day, Brandi Pfeifer took third and fourth place in breakaway; Kayla Lewis took fourth in barrels; and Shelby Montano took second in goat tying. The women also placed third in woman's team.
On the second day Nicole Sweazea took third in breakaway, first in goat tying and in women's all around. Other wins include Meghan Johnson, who took fourth in barrels.
The next competition for the NMSU rodeo teams will be on March 23 in Tucson, Ariz.
© 2013 New Mexico State University Board of Regents
NMSU - All About Discovery!


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June 2013
Panetta Tells the Class of 2013 to Hold Government Leaders Accountable
Marika E. Krause
SANTA CLARA, Calif., June 15, 2013- More than 50 years after earning his first degree from Santa Clara University, former Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta returned to his alma mater to deliver the 162nd undergraduate commencement speech and ask the Class of 2013 to hold government leaders accountable.
"You are not just our hope for our better future. You are our future and the key to whether we remain a government of, by and for the people," Panetta told the more than 1,000 new graduates, who lovingly chanted "U.S.A." as he took the stage.
Panetta graduated magna cum laude with a B.A. in political science in 1960 and graduated from Santa Clara University's School of Law in 1963. He went on to serve eight terms in the U.S. House of Representatives, as President Clinton's Chief of Staff, and as director of the CIA. He and his wife, Sylvia, founded the Panetta Institute for Public Policy in 1997 to promote leadership and careers in public service. They both received an honorary Doctorate of Public Service degree at the ceremony, more than 50 years after meeting on campus.
"Mixers were our version of computer dating, " joked Panetta, about the events where students from Catholic women's schools would visit, and where he met Sylvia. "She is my love, my partner and my friend. We will celebrate 51 years of marriage in July."
Panetta also taught a political science course at SCU and served on SCU's Board of Trustees from 1988 to 2009.
"I am very proud of the Santa Clara University of today," said Panetta. "You're a 21st century campus, men and women reflecting the great diversity of our society, open to all faiths and beliefs, a broad curriculum that reflects our times and a commitment to your creed of building citizens who are leaders of competence, conscience and compassion."
Valedictorian Ashley Armstrong, an anthropology major who played for the SCU women's basketball team, spoke to her peers about how the Jesuit philosophy of "education of the whole person" had transformed her and her classmates.
We are action-oriented and free-thinking individuals, prepared to make a positive impact on the world with the Jesuit dedication to excellence and commitment to others that Santa Clara University has instilled in us," said Armstrong, who volunteered with the service group Santa Clara Community Action Program for two years and with the Bay Area Women's Sports Initiative for four years at SCU. She was also a Global Social Benefit Fellow her junior year, traveling to Paraguay to study microfinance programs — an experience she called "humbling and transformational" in her speech.
Patricia and Stephen Schott '61 each received an honorary Doctorate of Public Service for their commitment to Catholic organizations and the Catholic community at large. Their foundation has helped several schools in the Bay Area and their generosity has helped fund a baseball stadium and the new admission and enrollment services building.
Founding artistic director of the Signature Theater Company in New York, James Houghton '81, received an honorary Doctorate of Performing Arts for his success invigorating American drama and launching a program to keep performances at the company affordable.
Robert Mathewson, S.J., received an honorary Doctorate of Education for his work revolutionizing Jesuit high school education, including by introducing counseling departments.
Watch Panetta's Entire Speech Here: http://youtu.be/zk0uVEyThkI
About Santa Clara University
Santa Clara University, a comprehensive Jesuit, Catholic university located 40 miles south of San Francisco in California's Silicon Valley, offers its more than 8,800 students rigorous undergraduate curricula in arts and sciences, business, theology, and engineering, plus master's and law degrees and engineering Ph.D.s. Distinguished nationally by one of the highest graduation rates among all U.S. master's universities, California's oldest operating higher-education institution demonstrates faith-inspired values of ethics and social justice. For more information, see www.scu.edu.
Media Contact: Marika Krause I firstname.lastname@example.com I (408)- 829-4836


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Good news for expectant and nursing mamas who crave coffee: a new study has found that consuming caffeine doesn't cause their babies to wake up at night, reports NPR.
Researchers in Brazil tracked 885 babies born in 2004 for a study published online today in Pediatrics. Although they hypothesized that moms who consumed large amounts of caffeine would have babies that awoke more frequently at night, that's not what they ultimately found. They looked at the impact of maternal caffeine ingestion on crying and colic at three months of age, as well as frequent nighttime waking at 12 months, none of which seemed to be impacted by mothers' caffeine intake.
Plus: NEW App: What's Safe (and What's Not) During Pregnancy
Researchers interviewed moms shortly after they gave birth and examined their babies. A follow-up interview three months later asked the mothers about their babies' sleep habits during the 15 days prior. Researchers also took samples of coffee from the women's home to measure the caffeine content.
Plus: Pageant Mom Defends Daughter's Super-Caffeinated "Go-Go Juice"
The American Academy of Pediatrics has previously advised that moderate amounts of caffeine (two to three cups of coffee a day) are safe for breastfeeding women. Nearly 20 percent of the moms consumed more than 300 milligrams per day (either from coffee or the herbal drink mate) and were considered heavy consumers of caffeine; only one mother reported not consuming any caffeine during pregnancy. About 14 percent of the babies woke up an average of three or more times per night; 41 percent woke up at least once a night. Researchers are unsure of why they didn't find a link between moms' caffeine consumption, although one theory is that the babies may have developed a tolerance to it.
Did you drink caffeinated coffee or tea during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?


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At least 35,000 people worldwide have been convicted as terrorists in the decade since the Sept. 11 attacks on the United States. But while some bombed hotels or blew up buses, others were put behind bars for waving a political sign or blogging about a protest.
In the first tally ever done of global anti-terror arrests and convictions, The Associated Press documented a surge in prosecutions under new or toughened anti-terror laws, often passed at the urging and with the funding of the West. Before 9/11, just a few hundred people were convicted of terrorism each year.
The sheer volume of convictions, along with almost 120,000 arrests, shows how a keen global awareness of terrorism has seeped into societies, and how the war against it is shifting to the courts. But it also suggests that dozens of countries are using the fight against terrorism to curb dissent and throw political opponents in jail.
The AP used freedom of information queries in dozens of countries, law enforcement data and hundreds of interviews to identify 119,044 arrests of terrorism suspects and 35,117 convictions in 66 countries, accounting for 70 percent of the world's population. The actual numbers undoubtedly run higher because some countries refused to provide information.
That included 2,934 arrests and 2,568 convictions in the United States, which led the war on terror — eight times more than in the decade before.
The investigation also showed:
— More than half the convictions came from two countries that have been accused of using anti-terror laws to crack down on dissent, Turkey and China. Turkey alone accounted for a third of all convictions, with 12,897.
— The range of people in jail reflects the dozens of ways different countries define a terrorist. China has arrested more than 7,000 people under a definition that counts terrorism as one of Three Evils, along with separatism and extremism.
— The effectiveness of anti-terror prosecutions varies widely. Pakistan registered the steepest increase in terror arrests in recent years, AP's data shows, yet terror attacks there are still on the rise. But in Spain, where convictions per year are more or less steady, the armed Basque separatist group ETA has not planted a fatal bomb in two years.
— The broad use of anti-terror laws to get rid of dissent can backfire. Authoritarian governments in the Middle East relied on strict anti-terror laws as one way to keep order, only to face a backlash in the Arab Spring uprisings.
AP's findings start to fill in the largely blank picture of what has happened with the global war on terror, launched by the United Nations with the strong backing of the United States.
"There's been a recognition all around the world that terrorism really does pose a greater threat to society and that it needs to be nipped in the bud early," said John Bellinger, who as legal adviser to the National Security Council was in the White House Situation Room during the al-Qaida attack on the World Trade Center. "Also, more authoritarian countries are using the real threat of terrorism as an excuse and a cover to crack down in ways that are abusive of human rights."
After 9/11 the U.S. and the U.N. declared war not just on al-Qaida, but on terrorism worldwide. The U.N. immediately sent millions of dollars in foreign aid and lucrative contracts to press countries to adopt or revise their anti-terror laws. The term "global war on terror" was born.
Since then, almost every country has passed new or revised anti-terror laws, from tiny nations like Tonga and Luxembourg to giants like China.
Over the last nine months, AP reporters in more than 100 countries set out to find how — and how much — anti-terror laws were used. But some countries claimed they had no records, declared anti-terror information top secret or were reluctant to report any terrorism at all, lest it hurt their image.
The numbers show how much countries have come to rely on anti-terror laws, and how thin the line is between use and abuse.
Turkey, long at odds with its Kurdish minority, tops all other countries AP could tally for how many anti-terror convictions it has and how fast the number is rising.
One of Turkey's terrorists is Naciye Tokova, a Kurdish mother of two who lives in a small village in arid southeastern Turkey. Last year she held up a sign at a protest that said, "Either a free leadership and free identity, or resistance and revenge until the end."
She couldn't read the sign, because she cannot read. Tokova said she was asked to hold a banner she thought was about peace.
She was convicted and sentenced to seven years in prison.
"Of course, I'm not a terrorist," Tokova, who is free on appeal, said as she sat on a floor cushion in her home, wearing a traditional flowered shawl. She was defiant, replying curtly to questions after long pauses.
In the past, Tokova has inked her thumb print on a petition honoring the Kurdish rebel chief and gone to a rally where protesters clashed with police. And she speaks only Kurdish, a language Turkey has barred in schools, parliament and most official settings, including court.
Kurds make up 20 percent of Turkey's 75 million people, and the Kurdistan Workers' Party is responsible for much of the violence in the country. The U.S. and European Union label the Kurdish party as terrorist, but urges Turkey to do more for the Kurdish people.
While Turkey has for decades imprisoned Kurds, it stepped up its campaign against Kurdish autonomy in 2006, when it followed the lead of its European neighbors and revised anti-terror laws. The new laws considered peaceful protests as security threats, and gave protesters sentences similar in length to those of convicted guerrillas.
Anti-terror convictions shot up from 273 in 2005 to 6,345 in 2009, the latest year available, according to information from an AP request under Turkey's right to information law.
Turkey's prime minister, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, says the country is fair to its Kurds.
"We have never compromised on the balance between security and freedom," Erdogan said.
The broad use of anti-terror laws worldwide shows that what constitutes a terrorist depends largely on where you are.
The day after the 9/11 attacks, President George W. Bush told the U.N. General Assembly that the world stood "at a difficult and defining moment."
The trouble is, no one actually agrees on what makes a terrorist. Definitions range from those who set an almost impossibly high bar for terrorism to those who sweep up anyone who might oppose the government.
"If anything should have revealed to the world the essence of unacceptable terrorism, it was 9/11. Unfortunately, a decade later, we seem no closer to reaching agreement," said law professor Kent Roach at the University of Toronto, whose book on 9/11 and its impact on anti-terrorism will be published in September.
Even the U.S., which fought to get anti-terror laws passed, has come under criticism for allegedly not handling terrorist suspects fairly, especially at the military detention center in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and for not defining terrorism clearly. In fact, the FBI, the CIA, the Defense Department and the State Department don't agree on what terrorism is.
China has an anti-terrorism statute, but it prefers to consider terrorism part of a vague charge of "endangering state security," under which it has arrested more than 7,000 people, mostly in Xinjiang, according to the government's annual crime reports. Xinjiang is known as East Turkistan to ethnic Uighurs fighting for an independent homeland.
Strong anti-terror laws are necessary to crack down on violence and ensure safety, State Councilor Meng Jianzhu said during a national anti-terror conference this summer. Meng pledged to handle terrorists with an "iron fist."
That doesn't mean just violent offenders.
Two years ago, Dilshat Perhat, an Uighur entrepreneur in China, asked visitors to his popular Uighur-language website not to post political comments because he knew they were illegal. Even so, someone posted a call for a demonstration on the website in the middle of the night.
Perhat deleted the comments the next day and informed the police, as required. But he was arrested anyway, amid an outbreak of violence that killed 197 people in China's Muslim-majority northwest. Perhat was convicted in a one-day trial last year, and sentenced to five years in prison on charges of endangering state security.
China quickly accused Uighur activists abroad of organizing the violence as an act of terrorism. Hundreds, possibly thousands, of Uighurs were rounded up in house-to-house sweeps and arrested. At least two dozen were executed, and an unknown number remain unaccounted for.
Even those with no hand in the violence, like Perhat, were sentenced to prison for up to 15 years. Two other website operators were sentenced to three and 10 years respectively.
Perhat is now in Xinjiang's No. 4 prison.
"They wanted to use him as an example, to threaten and show their power to the Uighur people," said Perhat's brother Dilmurat, a graduate student in the U.S. "Inside China, any peaceful protest by the Uighurs is labeled as an act of terrorism by the Chinese government."
The increase in anti-terror prosecutions reflects how much they have become a weapon, however blunt, in the fight against terrorism. But when it comes to actually stopping violence, the record is mixed.
The rise in terror arrests in Pakistan was steeper than in any other country the AP examined, with the help of billions of dollars from the United States. Arrests have gone up from 1,552 in 2006 to 12,886 in 2009, partly because of four military operations that year.
Since amending its terror laws in 2004, Pakistan has made 29,050 arrests in all, according to the independent Pak Institute for Peace Studies.
Yet terror attacks in Pakistan are still on the rise. Pakistan suffers more deaths from terror than any other country in the world, except for Iraq.
Only about 10 percent of terrorism cases in Pakistan end in conviction, according to the country's human rights commission. That compares with 90 percent in the U.S. Pakistani witnesses usually refuse to testify because of death threats and the lack of protection. And prosecutors have no power to make plea bargains, making it hard to get co-defendants to turn on each other.
Pakistan's anti-terror laws may even make things worse, at least in the short term.
When arrests go up, so do attacks, according to Syed Ejaz Hussain, a Pakistani police officer who studied thousands of cases for his doctorate at the University of Pennsylvania. And when police arrest hard-core terrorists, Hussain found, casualty rates go up almost 25 percent.
"It's defiance. Terrorists want to punish the government in a bigger way after the arrest of their hard-core group member, and one way to do so is to commit a mass-killing event," says Hussain, whose house in Lahore was bombed while he was in the U.S. Back in Pakistan now, he says that despite his standard-issue gun and bullet-proof jacket, terror is never far from his mind.
Like Pakistan, Spain is no stranger to terrorism, but has had some success fighting it. Spain stands out for how steadily it has convicted people over the past decade, with about 140 convictions a year, according to data from AP's freedom of information request.
ETA, the Basque separatist group, once was responsible for killings every month. Today it is severely weakened.
No one is shouting victory yet — this is ETA's 11th ceasefire — but the group annnounced earlier this year that it has ended a "revolutionary tax" levied for decades on Basque businesses to finance its terror campaign.
"The terrorist attacks 10 years ago on the World Trade Center and the Madrid bombings helped forge a strong feeling of rejection toward ETA," said Spanish journalist Gorka Landaburu, who is Basque and himself a victim of an ETA mail bomb in May 2001 that blew off his thumb and fingertips. "Society lost a bit of its fear."
After 9/11, Spain passed a tough new law under which it can ban political parties that support terrorist acts, collaborate with terrorist groups or refuse to condemn violence. By 2003, Spain had outlawed Basque political party Batasuna, which had ties to ETA. Convicted terrorists in Spain face a maximum of 40 years, 10 more than for other crimes, including murder.
Political science professor Roman Cotarelo of Spain's National Open University notes that Spain's Political Party Law was introduced "in a period made fertile" by the Sept. 11 attacks.
"Every democratic country has to resort at one time or another to exceptional measures to defend itself," Cotarelo said.
A new Basque pro-independence political coalition won a local election after it made clear it rejected violence — something unimaginable a decade ago. It now controls dozens of Basque town halls. And polls say ETA is no longer Spaniards' chief worry.
For Landaburu, a gray-haired, chatty journalist who runs the magazine Cambio 16, the terror is still there, in his pinched brow and in the two bodyguards who follow him to work, to a bar for a beer or even just walking with his family. When he gestures with his hands, which he often does, there's a stump where his thumb once was.
But he feels ETA's days are numbered.
"Things are much calmer," he said. "People can breathe more easily."
Anti-terror laws are still playing out in unexpected ways, particularly in the Middle East, long seen as the cauldron of terrorism.
After the terrorist attacks on the U.S., many Middle Eastern countries quickly adopted strict anti-terror laws. But the laws inadvertently united activists of all stripes — trade unionists, Islamists, Internet bloggers — in the Arab Spring.
Tunisia passed its anti-terror laws in 2003. The staunchly secular regime used the laws to crack down on signs of piety, to protect itself and to prevent the rise of Islamic militancy. It convicted 62 people under the laws in 2006, 308 in 2007 and 633 in 2009, according to the U.N.
One of those convicted was Saber Ragoubi, a slim, soft-spoken young man with a full beard and an engaging smile. The smile is a recent addition — he was just fitted with two new front teeth to replace the ones kicked out of his mouth by the heavy boot of a prison guard, he says.
Ragoubi joined an anti-government group in 2006, because he says he wanted religious freedom. The group was trained by an Algerian group that later declared allegiance to al-Qaida.
Ragoubi says he never held or planned to hold a weapon, but he did support plans to attack police stations and the much-hated secret police.
When the police found him, Ragoubi was tried and sentenced to life in prison. For years, he says, he was kicked and beaten, his hands and legs chained to an iron bar in what was called the "chicken on a spit" position. He says he was shackled him to a metal chair and electrically shocked, and told his mother and sisters would be raped in front of him if he didn't sign a confession.
"To this day, I don't know how I bore all that torture during that time," said Ragoubi, who now lives in an unfinished neighborhoood where goats graze under straggly olive trees in trash-filled empty lots.
Under former leader Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, as many as 2,000 Tunisians were detained, charged or convicted on terrorism-related charges, according to a 2009 State Department report. The U.N. says some were tortured.
But five days after Ben Ali fled in January, the new ministers released everyone convicted under the anti-terror laws — even those who had indeed committed violent crimes. The danger is now that militant Islam could rise without the check of strong anti-terror laws. At least one formerly banned Islamist party, the progressive and nonviolent Ennahda, is back, and Ragoubi says he has turned down an offer to represent it.
The role of anti-terror laws in — and against — the Arab Spring continues.
Bahrain and Syria have charged protesters under their own anti-terror laws. Saudi Arabia, concerned with keeping al-Qaida from taking root in the kingdom, is considering an anti-terror law that would carry a minimum prison sentence of 10 years for challenging the integrity of the king.
"Regional unrest provides a breeding ground for new threats," a statement from Saudi authoritites read.
Ten years after 9/11, the push for a global assault on terrorism still runs strong. Mike Smith, director of the U.N.'s Counter-Terrorism Committee, calls prosecuting terrorists "incredibly important."
"These are not ideological warriors, these are common criminals," said Smith, one of the highest-ranking officials in the world dedicated to anti-terror laws. "When prosecutions are carried out, it helps to take the glamour out of what they are doing."
But almost everyone, including the U.N. and the U.S., agrees that the cost is some erosion of human rights.
In 2005, the U.N. named Finnish law professor Martin Sheinin as special rapporteur on human rights and counter-terrorism. His job is to report on how anti-terror prosecutions are playing out. After six years, Sheinin agrees with the need to sweep out terrorists but concludes that the brush being used is too broad.
"Originally the approach was the more the merrier, the stronger counter-terror laws, the better for the security of the world. But that was a serious mistake," he said. "Nowadays people are realizing the abuse and even the actual use of counterterror laws is bad for human rights and also bad for actually stopping terrorism."
AP staff writers who contributed to this report include: Christopher Torchia from Turkey; Christopher Bodeen from China; Paul Schemm from Tunisia; and Ciaran Giles from Spain.


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Leonardo Dicaprio & Toni Garrn Vacation in the Snowy French Alps
Leonardo DiCaprio and his girlfriend Toni Garrn enjoy a romantic vacation on the patio at Cap Horn on Tuesday (February 18) in Courchevel, France.
The 39-year-old actor and his 21-year-old model girlfriend took in the sights of the ski resort in the French Alps before grabbing lunch in the outdoor area.
Leo just attended the 2014 BAFTAs, where he was nominated for the Leading Actor for his role on The Wolf of Wall Street, but lost out to Chiwetel Ejiofor for 12 Years a Slave.
Look out for Leo on Oscar night on March 2, where he is also nominated for his work in the flick.


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Flights from AndersonSearching for Cheap Flights from Anderson. There are Many flights depart from Anderson everyday. With ixigo, travellers can earn upto ₹1000 ixigo money on domestic & ₹5000 on International flights and save a lot on their flight tickets.
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As much as I enjoy fall (I love layering peacoats, Steve Madden boots, Hue tights, chic cardigans and colorful pashminas.) I do not enjoy the cold weather that comes with it. Every morning I have a harder time getting out of bed than I did the day before. Wrapped tightly in my warm and cozy comforter I have zero motivation to step out of my queen-size bed and enter the realm of what I consider to be the "cold plague."
Unfortunately I don't have any sage advice on getting out of bed in the mornings, but I do have some tips on how to reward yourself for the days you mange to get up: Use herbs to create a warm, relaxing bath.
According to our 2006 article, Warming Winter Baths, lavender, sandalwood, rosemary and basil are a handful of herbs that will help create a therapeutic bath.
The Essential Oil Company offers organic essential oils to help you create your blends at reasonable prices. Try out some of these blends from our article Warming Winter Baths:
• Stress-Relieving Aromatherapy Bath
• Energizing Aromatherapy Bath
• Restorative Bath Salts
• Winter's Night Bath Salts
• Muscle-Soothing Bath Salts
• Peaceful Dreams Bath Salts
Unfortunately, there's not always time to mix your own herbal blend. For those days, try out some of my favorite bath products that don't require a lot of time and energy:
Earthwork's "Sweet Lime Bath Truffles" ($30). Offered in packages of six, Earthwork's bath salts emit a very powerful scent that send you straight into a state of relaxation. The lime is especially enticing and the bath truffle, which is large, takes its time to dissolve. Save each truffle for a especially tiring day.
Organics by Noah's Naturals "Lavender Sea Salt Soak" ($16.99). After you pour a handful of these intoxicating bath salts into the bath, make sure you wait a good two minutes before stepping into the warm water—the salts are fairly sharp. But it's worth the wait. The lavender leaves the skin looking healthy and tension-free.
Here are some other products I want to try:
Pangea Organics' line of massage oils ($25). I first noticed this line of products while whopping at World Market. Pangea offers three oil blends: Italian White Sage & Geranium; Malagasy Ginger with Lemongrass; and Pyrenees Lavender with Cardamom. The oils smell invigorating and each combination of herbs is designed to create a different type of enjoyment for your stressful woes.
Aubrey Organics' Camomile Calming Bath Soak ($7.98). This company is known for creating organic products at reasonable prices, keeping organics within reach for those who claim green products are too expensive. This camomile bath soak also uses almond and organic jojoba to soothe the body.
I think tonight I'm going to make a warm bath, light a few candles, turn up the volume to my Imogen Heap album and relax with the latest copy of The Herb Companion. What are you doing to fight the cold weather? What's your favorite herb to use in a warm bath? And what's your favorite piece of fall clothing (mine are ankle boots!)? Comment away!


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uredia is a valid word in this word list. For a definition, see the external dictionary links below.
The word "uredia" uses 6 letters: A D E I R U.
No direct anagrams for uredia found in this word list.
Words formed by adding one letter before or after uredia (in bold), or to adeiru in any order:
b - daubier g - gaudier l - uredial n - unaired uranide q - querida s - residua
Shorter words found within uredia:
ad adieu ae ai aid aide aider air aired ar are arid aurei dare de deair dear die dire due dui dura dure ear eau ed er era id idea irade ire ired rad raid re read red redia rei ria rid ride rude rue rued uraei urd urea
List shorter words within uredia, sorted by length
Words formed from any letters in uredia, plus an optional blank or existing letter
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Other words with the same letter pairs: ur re ed di ia
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Barcelona had magnificent streets: 4 for cars in either direction, 2 for bikes in either direction, and wide pedestrian promenades that are at least 2 lanes wide.
Those magnificent streets are full of cars, scooters, and bikes. Most of those bikes fold so they can be taken on the Metro, store easily in a small apartment, and are inexpensive. I saw all types of folding bikes, including one with an electric motor. The bike lanes have their own lights and even take you safely around the roundabouts.
Out in the country, near Girona, we just rode right up, into, around, and out of the roundabouts on our way to ancient ruins, hills, or the coast.


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Brazilian Dance Party
23 August 2014
Newport, RI - After an overcast, light and tough Day Two, the skies cleared allowing for a sunny, 10-15 knots of breeze from the Northeast for the final two races of the 2014 Audi Melges 20 U.S. National Championship hosted by Sail Newport. The team on Portobello consisting of owner/helm Cesar Gomes Neto, tactician Andre Forseca and John Bowden wasted no time in putting a stamp on this event to become the first non-U.S. team to claim the prestigious Audi Melges 20 National title. "I only got into the fleet about a year-and-a-half ago and it has been amazing to be a part of," said the Miami-based Gomes Neto at the awards ceremony. "Many thanks to everyone who has helped us and supported us, most especially my crew."
Making the long trek for the third and final day of racing north of the Newport Bridge to Halfway Rock, the fleet arrived and made their preparations for Race Seven in a series of Eight. PRO Bill Canfield started on time with the fleet splitting both right and left.
With the shifty Northeast breeze in pay, several teams were able to get in phase and sail fast to take control. Morgan Kiss on Baciami showed her college sailing prowess by leading at the top mark followed closely Gomes Neto and Jason Michas' Midnight Blue. While the Kiss did her best to hold off Gomes Neto, it was to no avail as they quickly overtook the lead on the first run and going on to win the race. Morgan digressed further with her father Michael catching up only to challenge her at the finish line. The Baciami team never let up taking second ahead of Bacio in third.
For the final race of the championship, the breeze ticked up slightly in the 11-15 range. Once again the fleet split left and right, and immediately after the start, it looked like the unthinkable might happen with Gomes Neto called OCS and having to re-round. With the fleet darting to the windward mark, Gomes Neto was deep, but just as he did throughout the Series, his consistent speed and solid tactics enabled him to claw back into the race passing boats at will to put the nail in the coffin with yet another bullet.
Once teams got their boats 'trailer ready', Sail Newport hosted a great awards presentation with yet another solid spread of food and beverages. The Audi Melges 20 fleet and Sail Newport is proud to have hosted such a high-level, quality National Championship. Newly crowned National Champion Cesar Gomes Neto and his Portobello team were all smiles, and their title will be put to the test as they are planning on attending all North American events this fall in Toronto and San Francisco. Viva Brazilia!!!
Regattas don't just happen on their own. A wide range of individuals, partners and teams are involved on so many levels. The International Audi Melges 20 Class wishes to extend thanks to every team that participated at the 2014 Nationals, Melges USA, our championship venue host Sail Newport — specifically Kim Cooper and Chris Jensen who never stopped the hustle, PRO Bill Canfield and his race management team, and beer sponsor Heineken for quenching the thirst of many Audi Melges 20 sailors over the weekend. A very, very special thank you goes to Sam Rogers who provided a unique insider's comment for press and media releases each day. This insight enabled the Audi Melges 20 Class to bring you not only the overall perspective of racing each day, but also what it was like looking from the inside out — invaluable information. Thank you Sam!
And lastly, but certainly not least — a very special thanks to Tovi Kiss on Lip Service, who shuttled us around the course bringing you amazing images of racing in the Audi Melges 20 and enabled us to bring you real time reporting via Facebook and Instagram.
Beginning August 25, racing commences for the second running of the 2014 World Championship, hosted by Fraglia Vela Riva in Riva Del Garda, Italy. A record-breaking fifty-seven teams have enrolled for the event of their life! The action runs from Wednesday through Saturday, August 30.
Substantial media coverage will be provided, so if you were unable to join the fleet in person, there will be an opportunity for you to follow the action. Complete racing updates will be posted online at the Official Audi Melges 20 Facebook Page as it happens. Be sure to also follow the fleet on Instagram, Twitter and YouTube. Tune in for the latest racing information, results, video interviews, and photos. Race reports, press releases and photos will be available online each day post racing at melges20.com.
And, it doesn't stop there. The Audi Melges 20 fleet is proud to present the Canadian Nationals on September 19-21, the Pacific Coast Championship on September 27-28 and the pinnacle intercontinental event of the season — the 2014 North American Championship on October 3-5 in San Francisco! Registration is open for all events, so teams from across the continent and around the world should plan to race.
TOP FIVE RESULTS (FINAL - After Eight Races, One Discard)
1.) Cesar Gomes Neto/Andre Forseca, Portobello; [13]-2-3-2-2-2-1-1 = 13
2.) Drew Weirda/Scott Nixon, W; 6-4-2-1-3-[8]-6-7 = 29
3.) Marc Hollerbach/Jonathan McKee, Fu; 1-1-8-6-5-[9]-4-5 = 30
4.) Jason Michas/Mark Mendelblatt, Midnight Blue; 3-[10]-10-3-9-1-5-3 = 34
5.) Jim Wilson/Sam Rogers, Oleander; 5-3-1-[11]-11-3-8-9 = 40
Official Yachtscoring Event Website
View Full Entry List
View Full Crew List
Audi Melges 20 on Facebook
Audi Melges 20 on Twitter
Audi Melges 20 on Instagram
Audi Melges 20 on YouTube
View Full Photo Gallery - JOY


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Baruch College Hosts Lecture on Equality and Justice
The Lillie and Nathan Ackerman Lecture Series
NEW YORK, NY- October 23, 2013- With the recent headlines on stop and frisk, Baruch College's School of Public Affairs welcomes Jeffrey Fagan, PhD, as the guest speaker of the Lillie and Nathan Ackerman Lecture Series on Thursday, November 21. Fagan will lead the discussion titled Indignities of Order Maintenance Policing.
During the lecture, Fagan will touch upon the theory and practice of policing, and new research on police interactions. He will trace how "street policing" produces psychological harms that undermine the legitimacy of the law.
Jeffrey Fagan, PhD, is an Isidor and Seville Sulzbacher Professor of both Law and Epidemiology at Columbia University. He is the New York State Attorney General's lead investigator of the NYPD's policy on Stop, Question, and Frisk.
He is a Senior Scholar at Yale Law School, and a 2013 Visiting Professor at Yale Law School and is a Fellow of the American Society of Criminology. He was a Fellow of the Straus Institute for the Advanced Study of Law and Justice at the New York University Law School, served on the Committee on Law and Justice of the National Academy of Science, the MacArthur Foundation's Research Network on Adolescent Development and Juvenile Justice, and the National Science Foundation's National Consortium on Violence Research. From 2002-2005, he was a Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Health Policy Research Fellow.
The Ackerman Lecture series invites leading intellectuals and public figures to address major questions of equality and social justice.
WHAT: The Lillie and Nathan Ackerman Lecture Series on Indignities of Order Maintenance Policing
WHEN: Thursday, November 21, 2013
6:00 to 7:30 p.m.
WHERE: Mason Hall at Baruch College
17 Lexington Avenue at 23rd Street
About Baruch College:
Baruch College is a senior college in the City University of New York (CUNY) with a total enrollment of more than 17,000 students, who represent 160 countries and speak more than 100 languages. Ranked among the top 15% of U.S. colleges and the No. 5 public regional university, Baruch College is regularly recognized as among the most ethnically diverse colleges in the country. As a public institution with a tradition of academic excellence, Baruch College offers accessibility and opportunity for students from every corner of New York City and from around the world. For more about Baruch College, go to http://www.baruch.cuny.edu/.
Manny Romero, (646) 660-6141, firstname.lastname@example.com
Mercedes Sanchez, (646) 660-6112, email@example.com


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The early Christians lived in a police state and were judged subversive if they refused to worship the Roman emperor. Yet even during periods of persecution, these Christians insisted they were law-abiding citizens. The anonymous author of a short second-century essay known as the Letter to Diognetus, for instance, said of his brothers and sisters: "They share the laws men make, but their lives are better than the laws.... In a word, what the soul is to the body Christians are to the world."
Of course, that ringing sentence described an ideal never yet fully realized. There have always been plenty of Christians to whom the psalmist's rebuke of the Hebrews could be applied: "They mingled with the nations and learned to act as they did" (Ps 106:35). To be accurate, it should be said that Christians aim to be what the soul is to the body.
Granted this qualification, it is fair to say that genuine Christians have not sought to flee the world but to improve and perhaps to transform it. This is true even of apparent exceptions. The medieval monasteries cultivated not only contemplation but also the surrounding fields. Contemporary Amish-Americans may spurn much machine technology but they excel in such civilizing enterprises as farming, cooking and crafts.
Christians have, however, often collided with one or another political state because both religious and civil society are deeply concerned with many of the great zones of human experience—family life, education, the arts and sciences, the care of the sick and the welfare of the poor and the quality of national life.
John Courtney Murray, the Jesuit theologian who was one of the chief architects of the Second Vatican Council's "Declaration on Religious Freedom" (1965), used to point out that the church has two goals in its relationship to any state: freedom to pursue its own mission and as much harmony as possible between its values and laws and those of civil society.
Both goals encounter impediments in the United States today. In a report to the U.S. bishops last November, Mark Chopko, general counsel to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, noted certain threats to freedom. "Religious institutions," he said, "have increasingly been subjected to pressures to conform to the culture in ways that are contrary to their teachings."
One case Mr. Chopko cited was analyzed in America's pages two weeks ago by Thomas C. Berg, a law professor ("Religious Freedom in the Catacombs"). A California law says that if private employers offer their employees prescription-drug insurance, this coverage must include contraceptives and drugs that induce abortion. Catholic Charities of Sacramento does indeed provide drug insurance but wishes to be exempt from the requirement of paying for contraceptives. On March 1 of this year, the California Supreme Court denied that exemption.
That the question of abortion should have been a factor in this case is not surprising, since abortion is the most glaring current instance of disharmony between a civil law and the moral principles not only of Catholics but also of many other citizens. After all, a Newsweek poll in 1998 found that 56 percent of those surveyed believe abortion is wrong, although 69 percent think a woman should be allowed to choose it with her doctor's advice.
A number of Catholic politicians, both Republicans and Democrats, routinely say that although they are personally opposed to abortion, they defer on this bitterly divisive question to the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision of the U.S. Supreme Court that in effect legalized abortion on demand.
All the same, as our editorial of May 24 noted, it is reasonable to expect Catholic politicians to do what they can to reduce the number of abortions. One officeholder who did just that was Robert P. Casey (1932-2000), who was governor of Pennsylvania from 1987 to 1995. He was a liberal on economic and social policy but also firmly pro-life. Under his leadership, the Pennsylvania legislature in 1989 passed a law placing a few restrictions on abortion. In 1992 the U.S. Supreme Court upheld three of these provisions. Pundits like to say that Roe v. Wade is the law of the land, but to be correct they should say Roe v. Wade as qualified by Planned Parenthood v. Casey is the law of the land.
His party penalized Governor Casey for his courage and convictions by refusing to allow him to speak at the 1992 Democratic National Convention. His deeds, however, had already spoken for him. To borrow a few more phrases from the Letter to Diognetus, Robert Casey had not only been a witness to the Gospel, but he had also played "his full role as a citizen."


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Springsteen was a different kind of loud and certainly more sustained. Stevie Van Zandt riffing on guitar, the Big Man wailing on sax, and The Boss himself at full throttle.
But other than that evening, I've never heard John Paul Jones Arena louder than Thursday.
Itching for a reason to scream themselves hoarse, a sellout crowd found every reason as Virginia dumped Duke 73-68 in a game that wasn't nearly that close.
The Cavaliers not only led throughout but also, and most startling, cuffed the third-ranked Blue Devils around. This with starting power forward Darion Atkins still sidelined with a shin injury and reserve center Mike Tobey slowed by the lingering effects of mononucleosis.
"We're not the most physical team," Virginia coach Tony Bennett said after the ritual court-storming. "I wouldn't call that a trademark of ours. But today I thought for the most part we were, and it made a difference."
Here's how big a difference:
Duke missed 32 shots but had a scant three offensive rebounds, one each by point guards Quinn Cook and Tyler Thornton, and one credited to the team.
Translation: Center Mason Plumlee and forwards Josh Hairston and Amile Jefferson combined for zero.
Indeed, Virginia's swarming interior defense rendered Plumlee, the ACC's No. 2 scorer and rebounder, irrelevant. He played the entire 40 minutes but managed only five shots, 10 points and seven rebounds.
"It was a very, very physical game and we're not equipped to that type of game, and we got knocked back," Blue Devils coach Mike Krzyzewski said.
For all of Joe Harris' brilliance – his career-high 36 points Thursday are the most by any ACC player since North Carolina's Harrison Barnes scored 40 against Clemson in the 2011 conference tournament – the Cavaliers' enforcer was Akil Mitchell.
His 19 points and 12 rebounds are career-bests in ACC play, and he keyed Virginia's 36-25 rebounding edge. Mitchell was also the primary defender against Plumlee, with Justin Anderson doubling.
"He had to earn his catches and he had to earn his looks," Bennett said of Plumlee. "Our guys really swarmed him well. … One-on-one it would be hard to guard him."
Of Mitchell, Bennett added: "He's so active. … His quickness and his nose for the ball. That was the best I've seen him. He made a big difference on the ball screens. … He's really improving, and you can see it."
So empowered was Mitchell that he good-naturedly trash-talked Duke's Seth Curry, his former teammate at Charlotte (N.C.) Christian Academy and an extraordinary shooter. The reason was Mitchell's unusually accurate free-throw shooting: 9-of-10.
"He's got a little swag to him," Evans said of Mitchell. "Sometimes we have to tell him to calm down."
Duke (24-4, 11-4 ACC) calmed the crowd down by rallying from an 18-6 deficit to within 28-26 early in the second half, but Harris scored six points in a 12-2 run that put Virginia (20-8, 10-5 ACC) back in control.
One possession during that run epitomized the evening.
With Plumlee contesting, Harris missed a 3-pointer from the top of the key. But as Plumlee stood motionless, Harris charged past him, gathered the rebound and made a layup for a 32-26 lead.
Inexcusable lack of effort by Plumlee. Admirable hustle from Harris, a a first-team all-conference lock who, with three regular-season games remaining, absolutely merits player-of-the-year consideration.
"When you've got a guy playing at that level, their other kids played well, but it brings everybody up," Krzyzewski said. "You know you're playing with a stud."
Bigger picture: Virginia defeated a top-five team for the first time since conquering No. 3 Duke at University Hall on this very day in 2002. The Cavaliers also moved to within a game of the second-place Blue Devils in the ACC standings and, if they win out against Boston College, Florida State and Maryland, could well be the No. 2 seed for the league tournament behind Miami.
"Remember this forever," Evans said.
"I'm losing my voice already," Mitchell said.
On Jan. 28, Virginia was No. 114 on the Rating Percentage Index, not within shouting distance of NCAA tournament consideration. One month later, the Cavaliers tipped off against Duke at No. 67 and clearly in the conversation.
Thursday will earn them another bump (Morning update: The Cavs are 58th.) but to avoid a pressurized ACC tournament and/or stressful Selection Sunday, Virginia would be well-advised to keep winning.
Easily lost amid the anticipation for Thursday: The Cavaliers' next two tests are on the road, at Boston College and Florida State. They are 1-3 in Chestnut Hill since the Eagles joined the ACC and have lost eight straight in Tallahassee, last winning there in 2001.
"Our destiny's in our own hands," athletic director Craig Littlepage, the 2006 NCAA selection committee chairman, said before tip. "We don't have to worry about somebody else beating this team or that team. … If we take care of business, we've earned ourselves, I think, a spot in the tournament."
Krzyzewski would not disagree, and he dismissed any notion of Duke gazing ahead to Saturday's much-hyped rematch with Miami.
"We have not mentioned one word about Miami," Krzyzewski said. "We were totally vested in this. Virginia just played great. … They had our full attention and full preparation for this. They beat us when we were trying to be at our best, and it was because of them that we were not."
I can be reached at 247-4636 or by e-mail at email@example.com. Follow me at twitter.com/DavidTeelatDP
Here's a link to my Daily Press print columns.


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by Len Lear
The Philadelphia Parking Authority (PPA continues to operate by a double standard in Chestnut Hill. Apparently PPA reps are taught to write (tickets) but not to read (no-parking signs). They bring their vans to Chestnut Hill, park illegally or park at meters without putting any money in the meters (this is not the first time we have put photographic evidence of their arrogance in the Local). Then they get out of their vans and ticket cars all up and down Germantown Avenue for doing the exact same thing they do with impunity. Many businesses on the Avenue will tell you that they have lost customers who have been ticketed while shopping here, never to be seen again since they can shop at malls without being ticketed. This PPA van was photographed Friday, Nov. 2, in mid-afternoon, parked in a "Bus Only" zone on the 8700 block of Germantown Avenue, directly across from the Friends of the Fountain Plaza. Of course, there might be a totally justifiable explanation for this arrogant, lawless behavior by PPA. It is possible that the PPA van was washed up on Germantown Avenue by Hurricane Sandy, or maybe the driver was blinded by the sandstorm on the beaches of Chestnut Hill, and he could not see any of the kiosk signs. The question is: since this PPA van in a "Bus Only" zone is an accident waiting to happen, can we call police and ask them to tow this hazardous vehicle away?