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Yesterday, I had a short but meaningful Twitter conversation with fellow librarian Aaron Tay about "how much is your library service worth to users."
I shared with Aaron a new "service" my library is offering this year—custom loan periods. I am actively working with teachers to offer extended loan periods for independent reading assignments to help students stay out of "fine" territory and to schedule a day in which they come back to the library to return the books or renew if needed. In addition, my staff and I are actively asking students who do individual checkouts if they need a longer loan period than the standard two weeks we offer; if they do, we offer three and four week loan periods. My hope is that students will be able to enjoy their books and then return them without worry of fines by having the extended loan period. Only time will tell if these new options will entice more students to use the library and help reduce overdues/fines, but I feel the initiative is worthwhile.
My Twitter-sation with Aaron, along with some other readings and blog posts I've reflected upon this summer, have had me thinking again today about "customer service" in my library and library program. What services or special options can my library offer and add to our current menu to attract and retain student use of the library? To encourage collaboration with teachers? What matters to them?
A dream I had in an afternoon nap today somehow reflected these musings. I dreamed that I was on a trip back from Florida with family and Tammy, our media clerk. In the dream, we stopped at a convenience store that was a major tourist attraction in the Southeast because it offered quality gas and other standard store fare, but it also gave customers the opportunity to sit in a royal blue Corvette and enjoy a high tech simulated driving experience inside the store. In my dream, I marveled at how people came from all part of the Southeast to shop at the store and "ride" in the Corvette. While I realize the content of my dream borders on nonsensical, the principle is perfectly logical—offer your customers services they can't refuse and that they love—-and they will keep them coming back.
Two blog posts I have read this evening reinforce my thinking about how I can continue to market my library brand more effectively. The first blog post, "Brands That Matter" from Seth Godin, offers two important questions:
- Do I want people to interact with me and my brand in unexpected ways (as opposed to just quietly consume it)?
- When they interact, do I overwhelm people with delight worth remarking about?
If retail strategies have so much to offer libraries, I'm now left wondering, what do popular and "addictive" websites, like Facebook, have to offer schools trying to shape their online presence?


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It's hard to tell if Mayor Bloomberg's new video is supposed to advertise NYC's new transportation policies or is setup to a porno that never gets to the sex, but we can see both featuring a slightly mad Ed Koch.
The real point of this video, other than to give cameos to various city officials, is to show off the city's new program allowing livery cabs to pick up people hailing on the street in outer boroughs. The award for worst/best acting either goes to either David Yassky, chairman of the Taxi and Limousine Commission (the guy in the black coat at the beginning), or Bloomberg for his in-car jams to Lady Gaga.
Is this what it's like to be in Bloomberg's mind?

subset: commoncrawl


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Created in 2013, The Laib Wax Room, lined with fragrant beeswax and illuminated by a single bare light bulb, is the first permanently installed artwork at the Phillips since the Rothko Room in 1960. German artist Wolfgang Laib (b. 1950) installed the work in a space he helped to select in the original Phillips house. The Phillips Laib Wax Room is also the first wax room that Laib has created for a specific museum. Accommodating one to two people at a time, it offers a personal, meditative encounter.
To install the work, Where have you gone – where are you going?, Laib melted approximately 440 pounds of beeswax at a constant temperature to achieve a uniform golden hue. He used tools such as a spatula, spackle knife, electric heat gun, and warm iron to apply the wax on the walls and ceiling of the 6-by-7-by-10-foot space.
For Laib, The Phillips Collection was a logical choice for the work because of its intimate, experiential character. Laib visited the Rothko Room for the first time in October 2011, and it left a profound impression. "A wax chamber has a very deep and open relationship to Rothko's paintings," he explains. To enter a wax room, Laib says, is to be "in another world, maybe on another planet and in another body."
Laib began working in beeswax in 1988 and has used removable wax plates to create wax rooms for exhibitions at the Museum of Modern Art, New York (1988), the Kunstmuseum Stuttgart, Germany (1989), the De Pont Museum of Contemporary Art, Tilburg, the Netherlands (1990), and the Kunstmuseum Bonn, Germany (1992). Laib went on to create beeswax chambers in nature—his first, created in 2000, is situated in a cave of the French Pyrenees and is accessible only by footpath; his most recent is on his property in southern Germany.
Watch the installation of the Laib Wax Room
The Laib Wax Room is supported by The Phillips Collection Dreier Fund for Acquisitions; gifts in memory of trustee Caroline Macomber; Brian Dailey and Paula Ballo Dailey; a community of online contributors; and a partial gift of the artist. Wax donated by Sperone Westwater, New York.
Over four decades, Laib has used organic substances associated with life-giving sustenance—milk, pollen, beeswax, rice—to create art of extreme simplicity and meditative power. In 1975, he produced his first Milkstone, an ongoing series in which the slight concavity of a polished white marble slab is filled daily with fresh milk. Phillips Curator at Large Klaus Ottmann performed this ritual every morning during an installation at the Phillips in 2011.
Laib's pollen pieces are also highly ritualistic—in spring and summer the artist collects dandelion, hazelnut, pine, buttercup, and moss pollens from fields surrounding his home and then displays the delicate material in simple jars or sifted directly onto the gallery floor. Wolfgang Laib's Pollen from Hazelnut, his largest pollen piece to date, was recently installed in the atrium of the Museum of Modern Art in New York.
Laib lives and works in Germany and India. Born in Metzingen in 1950, he originally studied medicine, but in 1972, he turned to art. His work has been the focus of major exhibitions in France, Germany, Spain, Mexico, Bolivia, India, and Japan, and at the Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles, and the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, Washington, D.C. Laib's work is in numerous private and public collections around the world, including the Centre Georges Pompidou, Paris, France; the Museum of Modern Art, New York; the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, Washington, D.C; San Francisco Museum of Modern Art; the Kunstmuseum Bonn, Germany; the Kunsthaus, Zurich, Switzerland; and the Museum of Contemporary Art, Helsinki, Finland.
The Laib Wax Room is supported by The Phillips Collection Dreier Fund for Acquisitions; gifts in memory of trustee Caroline Macomber; Brian Dailey and Paula Ballo Dailey; a community of online contributors; and a partial gift of the artist. Wax donated by Sperone Westwater, New York.


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and Advanced Telescope Making
at Brian Lula's
Heaven's Glory Observatories
HGO I Observatory in MA 20" RCOS on HGO fork mount at HGOII HGO I Scope & Equatorial Mount
Heaven's Glory II in New Mexico moonlight Working at NASA's SOFIA Observatory - 2010
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Website developed by Jeff North


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OPINION: Why the childcare system needs to change
I'm quite sure that I speak on behalf of many (if not all) families across the country when I say that something urgently needs to change with regards to the system of childcare in this country.
As a mother of two young children, both of whom are in care, the amount of stress and time used in not only securing a place for your child, but also keeping up with the costs once the child/children are in care, is incredibly stressful and a major contender I would assume for many a relationship breakdown.
I have recently returned to work from maternity leave and that process in itself was disheartening to say the least, where I was advised by one Centrelink staff member that I would in fact be better off financially not returning to work at all.
So to be clear, as an educated, career-driven, professional woman I was being told to stay at home because financially there was no incentive for me to return to work. Go figure!
For two children in full-time childcare, it works out for us to be around $500 per week and that's after all rebates and subsidies. So effectively the Centrelink worker was right, because after paying childcare and rent, that's pretty much all of my income gone.
I don't know what the golden answer is to this problem, but I do wonder if it's a bigger shift of mindset around the issue that needs to occur. Maybe as a society we need to place more value on the importance of families and all that it entails and provide more flexibility for those people trying to balance work/family life?
Something definitely needs to change regarding the costs involved, as the way things currently stand, it is very difficult for many families to justify working just to pay for childcare. It's not the childcare workers receiving the money either, so I don't know where the money is going, but whatever the case, something needs to happen as families are at crisis point.


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What happens next:
- Imminently, the Fed's Open Markets Operations desk will commence buying $40 billion in MBS per month, or about $10 billion each week. Concurrently, the Fed which is continuing Operation Twist, will still purchase $45 billion in "longer-term" Treasurys, sterilized by the $45 billion or so in 1-3 years Bonds it will sell until the end of the year at which point it runs out of short-term paper to sell.
End result: every month through the end of 2012, the Fed's balance sheet expands by $40 billion in MBS.
- Beginning January 1, 2013 the Fed will continue monetizing $40 billion in MBS each month, and will continue Operation Twist, however it will adjust the program so that it continues to increase its long-term holdings at $85 billion per month, without sterilization as it will no longer have short-term bonds to sell. It will also need to extend its ZIRP language "through the end of 2016" so all bonds 1-3 years are essentially risk free, as they are now, in effect eliminating the need to sell them.
End result: every month in 2013 the Fed will increase its balance sheet by $85 billion, consisting of $40 billion in MBS, and $45 billion in 10-30 year Treasurys, or the natural monthly supply of longer-dated issuance. The Fed will therefore monetize roughly half of the US budget deficit in 2013.
Putting it all together, the Fed's balance sheet will increase from just over $2.8 trillion currently, to $4 trillion on December 25, 2013. A total increase of $1.17 trillion.
This is what the Fed's balance sheet will looks like:
Another way of visualizing this is how many assets as a percentage of US GDP the Fed will hold on its books. Currently, this number is 18%. By the end of 2013, the Fed's historical flow operations will be accountable for 24% of US GDP.
Why is this important? Simple: when the time comes for the Fed to unwind its balance sheet, if ever, the reverse Flow process will be responsible for deducting at least 24% of US GDP at the time when said tightening happens. If ever.
What is scariest, is that as of this moment, all of this is priced in. Any incremental gains in the stock market will have to come from additional easing over and above what Bernanke just announced.
And finally: Fed's DV01 at December 31, 2013: ~$4 billion


text: Bird Watching is Britain's best-selling magazine about wild birds and birding. Each issue is packed with expert advice on when, where and how to see more birds - from common garden visitors to the most elusive residents. There are features from Britain's best-known birders, superbly illustrated by the world's best bird photographers - as well as guides to the best sites, ID masterclasses and reviews of all the latest gear.


text:
Dear customers, due to the Corona crisis and the associated new restricted shipping conditions
of Deutsche Post / DHL, we can currently only guarantee delivery within Germany.
We therefore ask our international customers to send us an email beforehand to determine whether delivery to the recipient country is currently possible.
We hope for your understanding. Your Bavarian Beads Team.
Information: Because of machine maintenance we have plant holidays from the 27.10.2020 until the 06.11.2020.
Information: We have plant holidays until the 06.11.2020.
All open orders are still being processed and will be sent out soon.In this period no orders will be processed.
ATTENTION: During this time the checkout procedure is not available!!!
We hope for your understanding. Your Bavarian Beads Team.
Dear customers, the process time for purchasing presses is currently about 8 weekdays (Mo-Fr).
These tools are made of high-quality brass in a specialized company in Germany.
The dowel pins allow safe and easy handling.
The size of the form, diameter or position of the mandrel hole can be customized according to your wishes (if technically realizable). Please contact us!
time of delivery to USA: 7 - 14 weekdays
26 mm x 27 mm
32 mm x 20 mm


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Passover is challenging if you are trying to keep healthy. With eggs and potatoes as the main ingredients of choice, it is difficult to stay on the healthy track. We're excited to present Bonnie Giller and her cookbook "Passover, the Healthy Way" - CookKosher
beat salad! yum! hope i win:)
I snack on chocolate all day... but I love matzah farfel, matzah and cream cheese, and my fathers famous poached eggs. Yummmm. :)
My favorite Passover food would be any kind of dessert of course!!!
HMM my favorate pesach food would be Choroset sandwich with Matzo Horseradish and romaine I can eat it all week!
Hi all,
I am tired of paying $7+ for passover cakes. Anyone have favorite recipes. They all look the same on line.
matzoh brei - savory, with fresh herbs and cottage cheese on top!
Matzoh with nutella, and kishka.
Most favorite Pesach food - scrambled egg with matzah.
So far something very good for the kinderlach...and some adults like me who likes the nosh....I just found this recipe. Enjoy!
Chocolate Salami - Salame Cioccolato (parve)
Obviously, this is not only for Pesach! Ask any Italian child and they will probably name chocolate salami as their favorite dessert, any time, anywhere.
4 tablespoons water (or oil, for a softer texture)
8 tablespoons sugar
2 cups semisweet chocolate, grated (or semi-sweet chocolate chips)
a few drops of vanilla or almond extract (you could also use a couple of tablespoons of a sweet liqueur such as Amaretto, but your kids will really want to eat this!)
1 cup shelled walnuts, or pistachios or hazelnuts
1 cup broken Passover cookies
2 tablespoons candied orange (optional)
Melt the chocolate with the sugar in your microwave or in a bain-marie. Add 4 tablespoons hot water and stir until smooth. Add the cookies, nuts, liqueur or extract, candied peel. Taste and add a couple of spoonfuls of honey if you would like it sweeter, and one or two more tablespoons hot water if it's hard to stir. Allow to cool. When it's lukewarm, shape it into a salami and wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminium foil. Let it rest in the refrigerators for at least 6 hours. About 30 minutes before serving, unwrap and cut into slices. For a softer texture, replace the water with almond or seed oil.
Thanks to koshervenice.
Ps. I seriously need a Passover cookbook! email@example.com
I make a kugel from matza that my mom always made. It is portable for a trip to the zoo, or to school or work. I make it a bit healthier than my mom did-
broken matzas, applesauce, cottage cheese, cinnamon, raisins and eggs.
I use egg whites and unsweetened applesauce and no sugar. It is sweet enough with the applesauce and raisins.
so yummy!
my favorite is Matzo-ball soup but I eat that year round. Specific to passover, my favorite is matzo brae (matzo and eggs like french toast) smothered in maple syrup
Matza Latkes ofcourse !
I honestly do not know nothing but Matzah Ball soup and only made it once but have been getting recipes and plan to put them in use but my Matzah Ball soup was AWESOME so will vote that..lol
Matzah Brei is the best. I have passover vanilla to mix with the egg and it is like having Passover french toast - yum!
Without a doubt, my mothers gefilte fish. My mother is 85 years old and makes the greatest gefilte fish. Ad 120.
I love Pesach, I get to make different types of recipes that I save only for then.
Cakes, fruit and veg kugels, kneidalach and stuffed chicken are just a few of my favorites.
I'd love a new cookbook please! :-)
Apple Custard! can totally be made all year round, but its the type of thing that is "Pesachdig!"
homemade salmon gefulte fish with parsley mayonnaise.
Tai Basil Ginger Chicken
(wonderful for Seder, soup and main course)
Chicken stock or soup
2 whole or cut up chickens
1 inch piece fresh peeled ginger cut in strips
about 1 cup fresh basil (Tai, Italian and / or purple, any, or combine them) (I grow my own herbs so there is no hametz problem)
Scallions, onions or chives
1/2 cup fresh squeezed lemon or orange juice
3 or 4 carrots peeled and grated into long strips
kosher salt to taste
Fill large stock pot with soup about 1/2 full. Bring to a boil. Add ginger. lemon or orange juice boil for about 5 min.
Add your chicken and fresh basil and onions. COVER YOUR POT Simmer for about 30 min on med high. Add carrots. Cover the pot! Turn off or remove from heat and DO NOT UNCOVER THE POT! Allow 30 min at least up to a few hours. The chicken will continue to cook and stay intact and hot.
Serve the soup with the carrots or plain
Remove the chicken to serving platter and serve as your main course
I like to serve this with smashed golden potatoes with olive oil, and fresh snipped chives, julien steamed carrots and zucchini and onion kugel.
It really is very delicious, and no, it is nothing like boiled chicken!
It really is delicious, not roasted, different and easy!
This looks interesting. Thanks for typing it up!
I love to make interesting fruit salads as a refreshing change from the typical heavy Passover foods.
Pesach is sooo fattening. I love all the foods that are not good for you. Cakes, matzoh pancakes, and matzoh brie. I would love a cookbook that is creative yet delicious. I hope I win.
Roasted veggies are a healthy and light favorite side dish for the Passover holiday! I hope I'll be lucky - would love to win the cookbook!
I happen to love all the coconut macaroons on Pesach!
My favorite passover food is cookies made without matzo meal
pesach spong cake and my family specialty charoset
I love a piece of whole wheat matzah with butter, marmalade, and sliced cheese. Oh, and chocolate covered macaroons are pretty nifty, too. I have very simple tastes! :)
I love Matza Brie! eggs with matzah peices...
Stuffed matzoballs with a ground meat and onion filling, similar to a middle eastern "torpedo". Delicious!
cranberry matza kugel
My mothers False fish, made with ground chicken, and served with homemade mayonnaise.
I love the egg noodles we make for the soup - special for Pesach!
My favorite Passover food is my rebetzin's nut cake. Mrs. Fogelman makes the lightest, tastiest cakes. I'm still waiting for a lesson from her.
I wait all year to have my Pesach mock chopped liver made from eggs and onions. Delicious. We also love Pesach brownies.
chocolate all year round, the dairy variety
matzah pizza - on shmurah matzah! i have been told that my gefilte fish kugel is awesome too, but as a vegetarian, I couldn't tell you - I just know that there is never any left. :)
I love all things Pesach but I think my favorite would be my cranberry veal breast. Only make it for Pesach.
A Sephardic farfel dish from Rhodes generously shared by Gilda Angel. The dish is called Sodra. It is a pilaf and absolutely delicious. I only make this delight for Peasch.
My mother's cold borscht recipe. Handed down for generations, it is a refreshing cold drink. Of course it can be made any time of the year, but we never do.
I look forward to making chicken crepes with mushroom sauce. I Love this as an appetizer. I use the chicken from chicken soup and make a mushroom chicken filling for the potato flour and egg crepes with a mushroom sauce using lots of mushrooms for pouring over the chicken crepes.
I love Matza pizza!! Or Mazta lasagna meat or dairy yum
My favorite pesach food is potato kugel, something about it!
As a fellow potato kugel lover, I also love it for Passover and make it every year with rendered chicken fat and eggs and some carrots for color served with apples sauce or just all alone. Big favorite at my house, as my daughter floats out of bed when she inhales the kugel cooking in the oven and feels the need for a nosh. I also use onions with the potato and eggs, and it goes so well with brisket or chicken or turkey or all alone - a true potato kugel freak will eat it cold, right out of the frig and almost enjoy the heartburn, until the next year when it appears again. My secret for keeping it healthy is to make it only once a year and serve with whatever fleshadic meal you are creating. Enjoy! Happy Passover everyone!
sorry about my spelling, just meant served with whatever meat or chicken you are making.
Like so many other commenters, I look forward to the unhealthy pesach foods. We love making avocado dip and homemade mayo to shmear on matzo. I could really use a cookbook with healthy alternatives.
Matzei Brei!!
Can't say i'm healthy, but i love homemade french fries - only have a deep fryer for pesach!
My fav, since I was a little girl...Matzo with cream cheese & jelly, yummmmm!
my favorite passover food is maccaron with coco and nuts,
definitely egg lukshon.
Farmer's chop suey- chopped cucumbers, scalions, radishes mixed into cottage and sour cream mixture, spiced with salt and pepper. This eaten with Matza, of course.
all time favorite, maccarons!
Tzimmes! Sweet potatoes, carrots, prunes, honey, lemon juice and flanken. Learned to make it from my grandmother 40 years ago, and it's been my specialty ever since.
Oh most definitely Lamb chops or Lamb roast!! With Roasted Potatoes and Carrots, Bell Peppers, Garlic, Onion, Seasoned with my special seasoning that I get from the local season maker here in my small town.
The thing I love to eat most on Pesach is sliced potato on Matzo (with butter)- how sad is that - and surprisingly I never eat it at any other time of the year
matza pizza with mushrooms!
really good flourless brownies!


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Batman Beyond Unlimited #9
The first time in print for these digital-first adventures!
Catwoman battles The Jokerz as a shocking new ally joins the fight!
It's open warfare over Metropolis as KOBRA's attempt to destroy the Earth begins!
The cataclysmic conflict between Superman and Lex Luthor's heir comes to a head!
Cover Illustrator


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Doing some calculations here it seems like it would be not only possible, but actually feasible to tow around as much as a 6kW solar trailer or even more with a CHAdeMO plug. The trailer would have to fold up of course, and then be unfolded to plug in and charge. It would also have to be a huge trailer when unfolded, or possible several solar panels set onto the ground. I calculate an estimated 480 square feet of PV panels. An 8' x 20' trailer that has three stacks of solar panels could be put together. The stacks could easily slide out from each othe making a 24" x 20" panel. Or it could be folded even more. For an example 24 of 4' x 5' panels stacked on top of each other. If made thin enough, like 1/2 inch, 48 of 2' 6" x 4' panels could even fit inside the car!
Solar can be done for as little as $1 per watt or even less nowadays. I was noticing PV kits for as little as $250 per kilowatt with everything except glass and frames. If there were a cheap but sturdy solution to glass and frames, with a 1,000lb trailer only costing $250, and the CHAdeMO plug being around $1,300 this is starting to look feasible. The book to CHAdeMO protocol costs some $160. The solar cells can be arranged in a 400V DC configuration. Of course a lot of small panels would require a lot of high voltage DC connectors. But 600V DC connectors aren't that expensive actually.
Besides a cheap and lightweight glass and frame system that's foldable and able to be angled towards the Sun, what I'd also be lacking is a way to control the current and the CHAdeMO communications. Of course most of the time the solar panels will likely put out much less current than called for by the Leaf, so it may be as easy as a simple contactor that shuts off when charging voltage gets high after 80% instead of ramping down the current at that point. Then the panels can be folded up and stored away and the Leaf would have another 60 or 80 miles to go again anywhere there's sunlight. A backup generator could also be taken along on the trailer.


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LUBBOCK, Texas (AP) New Texas Tech coach Kliff Kingsbury has wanted to be back in Lubbock since he left a decade ago.
Late last week the former Red Raiders quarterback was watching film to prepare for Texas A&M's game against Oklahoma in the Cotton Bowl and getting ready to accompany Aggies quarterback Johnny Manziel to New York, where he became the first freshman ever to win the Heisman Trophy.
On Saturday, the Texas Tech job came open when Tommy Tuberville left after three seasons to take the Cincinnati job.
The next day Texas Tech athletic director Kirby Hocutt talked to Kingsbury about the job twice.
``It's just been a whirlwind but I couldn't be happier, beyond ecstatic to be back. It feels like home,'' Kingsbury said after landing in Lubbock on Wednesday night. ``This is where I wanted to be, it's where I've wanted to be.''
Kingsbury and Hocutt met in Austin yesterday and the deal was sealed there Wednesday afternoon. Hocutt announced the news with a video posted on Twitter not long after.
``Wreck `em Tech,'' Kingsbury said in the video, giving the school's Guns Up sign when the camera panned to him.
Hocutt and Kingsbury agreed to a four-year deal, the terms of which have not been settled. Kingsbury will be formally introduced at a news conference Friday.
Kingsbury was the Aggies offensive coordinator this year. If it was any other school, Kingsbury said, he would have stayed at A&M.
``He understands,'' Kingsbury said of Manziel. ``He knows how I feel about him. He's as good a player as I've ever seen and probably the fiercest competitor I've ever been around, so it was definitely hard with that. But this is where I belong.''
Kingbury was the first in a string of record-setting quarterbacks for the Red Raiders under former coach Mike Leach. Kingsbury passed for more than 12,000 yards at Tech.
He has never been a head coach and at 33, he'll be one of the youngest in major college football.
Hocutt called him the ``right fit'' for Texas Tech.
``He's prepared his whole life for this,'' said Hocutt, who was the same age as Kingsbury when he got his first athletic director job at Ohio University. ``He's ready and I had no hesitation.''
Not long after Kingsbury was hired former Texas Tech receiver Danny Amendola, now with the St. Louis Rams, tweeted: ``We jus got our swagger back. Wreck em TECH. Lets ride.''
Kingsbury flew back from Austin with Hocutt and other school administrators, who all were meeting with the university's regents late Wednesday.
Red Raiders fans never warmed to Tuberville. Texas Tech still emphasized the passing game and the spread offense under Tuberville, but many Tech fans had a hard time getting past the firing of the popular Leach.
There's no doubt about what kind of offense the Red Raiders will run now. Kingsbury has been part of some of the most prolific offenses in the country the past few years. His offenses spread the field and move quickly, favoring the up-tempo that is all the rage. Texas A&M is third in the nation in total offense at 552 yards per game heading into the Cotton Bowl against Oklahoma.
Before Tuberville came to West Texas, the Red Raiders had two coaches in 24 years - Spike Dykes and Leach. Kingsbury becomes their second coach in four years.
Kingsbury will work with sophomore quarterback Michael Brewer, this season's backup to Seth Doege. Brewer played high school football under Chad Morris, who Hocutt interviewed for the Red Raiders coaching job Tuesday in South Carolina. Hocutt later flew to Nashville, Tenn., to meet with Titans defensive coordinator Jerry Gray.
Kingsbury knows Brewer's talent, calling him a ``winner'' and a ``heck of a player.''
``I just got through coaching one of those up that was pretty decent, so hopefully we can get him going,'' he said of Brewer.
Kingsbury followed Kevin Sumlin to A&M from Houston, where he mentored quarterback Case Keenum and the 2011 Cougars led the nation in total offense, passing offense and scoring.
He is a Texas native from New Braunfels, not far from Austin.
During his years as Texas Tech's quarterback Kingsbury put together some monster passing games passing. He still holds the school record for most completions in a game. Against Missouri in 2002 he completed 49 of 70 passes for five touchdowns and 510 yards.
Drafted by the New England Patriots in 2003, Kingsbury played for five NFL teams. He also played in the Canadian and All-American football leagues.
The past two seasons have seen the Red Raiders slide down the stretch. This year they lost four of their last five games and in 2011 they dropped five straight to close the season for the program's first losing season since 1992. Under Tuberville, Texas Tech did not have a winning Big 12 season.
The Red Raiders play Minnesota in the Meineke Car Care Bowl on Dec. 28 in Houston.
Chris Thomsen, who led the offensive line under Tuberville, will coach the bowl game.


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Eppendorf™ Research plus™ Variable Adjustable Volume Pipettes: Single-Channel
Adapt for specific liquids or other external conditions with these ultra-light fully autoclavable pipettes. Eppendorf Research plus™ Variable Adjustable Volume Pipettes feature a spring loaded tip cone, a secondary adjustment option and an improved volume display.
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|±5%, ±1.2%, ±1
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|2, 10, 20μL
|Single-Channel Adjustable Volume Pipettes
|20μL Pipette tip
|46 mm
|2 to 20 μL


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"Clone Wars" director Genndy Tartakovsky is set to take on the new animated family comedy "Hotel Transylvania" about a vacation resort run by the count himself. But wait, he's also a dad! Adam Sandler, who is somewhat tolerable, will play Dracula, Kevin James, who is not tolerable, will play Frankenstein and Fran Drescher who is just lovely will play his bride.
Speaking of Dracula, Asia Argento, who is Dario Argento's daughter and therefore bat shit insane, has posted a bunch of pictures on her twitter account from the set of "Dracula 3D". The film is a new retelling of the classic vampire story by said bat shit insane girl's father. And if the pictures bore you there's some other ones from her recent vacation to Colonial Williamsburg. I assume.
Dimension Films has picked up the rights to Kyle Kurpinski and Terry D. Johnson's sci-fi book "How to Defeat Your Own Clone" with the plans of adapting it for the big screen. The book, which is something of a handbook, is a comedic romp into the world of what to do when the machines rise up and try to destroy us all. Which I think was suppose to happen a few weeks ago. Little late with the advice, fellas.
A new poster for the upcoming Daniel Craig flick "Dream House" has hit the tubes and it's kind of bad ass. Mostly because it's got Daniel Craig in it and he could take all of us in a fight. Well I'm guessing he could. I don't know who's reading this. If The Rock is reading this I don't think he could take you. Also I'd like to hang out with you if that's possible.
I assume most 14 year old girls dream of waking up and finding a pony in their front lawn but here's a story about one who woke up to find a naked 34 year old man in her bed. I can't imagine any 14 year old girl dreams about that. If they do you should probably get them some help.
And here's a fun story about a Mexican prisoner who tried to smuggle himself out of prison by hiding in his girlfriend's suitcase. Yes there's a picture and yes it's adorable.


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Once dubbed as an iTunes-killer, Songbird has been plagued with bug issues—the most recent involving a nasty bit of business with its iPod add-on. Apparently it deletes music without user permission.
Naturally, it is highly recommended that you uninstall the add-on. Songbird is currently working on the problem, but if you have already been bit by the bug and you don't have a backup, it might be a good idea to look into some free software tools for recovering deleted files. [Songbird via Lifehacker]


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Doctor Who 3.75″ Figures Argos wave
Doctor Who 3.75″ Figures Argos wave
Highly detailed and fully articulating action figure of you favourite Doctors.
Available from www.argos.co.uk
Includes the 12 Doctor from series 8.
One supplied.
Size H9.5cm.
For ages 5 years and over.
Not suitable for children under 3 years old.
Good hunting!
The figure on the left, shown in the catalogue will not be produced. The figure on the right is the approved version.


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Starcher Trek puts the lunatic spies of ISIS in charge of the Enterprise, using footage from Star Trek: The Animated Series and audio from Archer to cast Sterling Archer as Captain Kirk, Lana as Uhura, and Ray as Sulu. It's a silly joke, but a good one.
Things get much more surreal in the second episode of Starcher Trek, when an animated Mallory Archer appears on the Enterprise:
Starcher Trek [via Neatorama]


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If pouring water into the floor drain does not eliminate the odor, contact us at the numbers listed below for assistance. Sewer odors are handled on an emergency basis. A crew will respond to determine the problem and will leave a door tag that explains their findings if no one is home. This is a free service.
Monday through Friday, 7:00am - 3:30pm: call 309.524.2325
After 3:30pm or on weekends and holidays: call 309.524.2300
You can also submit a request for a non-emergency situation. More information...
You can also submit a request for a non-emergency situation. More information...
The purpose of Moline's Basement Backup Prevention Program (also known as the Backwater Valve Program) is to provide assistance to the City's residential property owners by reimbursing a portion of the cost for the installation and materials of backwater valves on sewer service lines attached to City sewer mains. A backwater valve is a fixture attached to a sewer line, in the basement of a home or building foundation, to aid in the prevention of sewer or drainage backflows. Typically, property owners are responsible for all costs associated with the installation and maintenance of backwater valves. Currently, this program is only available to single-family, owner-occupied residences within the City of Moline. Commercial and industrial properties are not eligible.
For more information about this program, please contact 309.524.2300, Monday through Friday, 7:00am to 4:00pm.
You can also submit a request for a non-emergency situation. More information...
You can also submit a request for a non-emergency situation. More information...
The City's wastewater system provides essential public health protection for the people of Moline. The federal Clean Water Act requires municipalities like the City of Moline to treat its wastewater. In Moline, treated wastewater is discharged to either the Mississippi or Rock Rivers. Treatment helps protect aquatic life as well as keep waters safe for fishing and recreational uses. Our wastewater treatment plants remove suspended and dissolved solids from water, and reduce organic matter and pollutants. They also disinfect the wastewater to ensure that discharged water does not contain pathogenic bacteria life.
In the second stage, or secondary treatment, 85 - 95% of pollutants are removed. Air is mixed with wastewater, along with bacteria and other microorganisms that are grown and maintained at the treatment plant. These organisms consume harmful organic matter. A sedimentation tank allows the microorganisms and the solid wastes, which they have converted to, settle and separate from wastewater. Chlorine is added to wastewater as a disinfectant before it is discharged.
The solids that were removed from both primary and secondary treatment are sent for further processing in digestion tanks where they decompose. When stabilized, these bio-solids meet all local, state and federal regulations for utilization for beneficial land application reuse as fertilizer.
Three main by-products are created by wastewater treatment: bio-solids, methane gas, and water. Bio-solids can be used to fertilize land, as discussed below. As solids decompose in the digestion process, they produce methane gas. Methane gas is now used to heat process tanks at the treatment plant. It will eventually be utilized to produce a portion of the electrical and heating energy needs of the plant.
Bio-solids are the treated solid material left over from the wastewater treatment process. Currently, Moline's South Plant bio-solids are applied to farmland as fertilizer. The solids from the North Plant are taken to the landfill, as they are not reducible by digestion and contain a low percentage of organic material, making them less beneficial for land application.
Your property, street or curb may be marked with colored spray paint to locate the utility lines.


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Give Generously Without Overspending
How to celebrate Christmas without going overboard — or over budget. From our Dec. 4 issue.
How can I celebrate Christmas without going overboard — or over budget?
Our society is especially good at focusing on the externals of Christmas. Some stores have their Christmas aisles all ready to go after Labor Day. You can hear Christmas music non-stop right after Thanksgiving. While no doubt these contribute to a "festive" atmosphere, it's important for us to remember that the Advent season is a gift from the Church to help us prepare our interior for Christ's coming.
As the Catechism says, "When the Church celebrates the liturgy of Advent each year, she makes present this ancient expectancy of the Messiah; for by sharing in the long preparation for the Savior's first coming, the faithful renew their ardent desire for his second coming" (524). If we use this time well to recommit ourselves in our relationship with the Lord, we will also be prepared to better appreciate the "externals" of the Christmas season.
Christmas spending is a major issue for many families. In some cultures, it is customary for gifts to be given throughout the family, down to second cousins. Many families succumb to this pressure and find their credit-card balances ballooning because of it. Don't get me wrong. It's important to share in a spirit of generosity during the Christmas season. It's just that we need to re-examine what it means to be truly generous.
I encourage you to sit down now, and think through your gift plans for this Christmas. First, you'll want to develop your overall Christmas budget. Then you can determine how that spending can best be allocated. It's also a time you can think about creative ways you can show your love in ways that won't break the bank.
Consider making homemade cards, baked goods or jam for your family and friends. Each fall we make an annual outing to go apple picking. Some of the apples are for eating, but most go toward making apple butter, which is given to family and friends as Christmas gifts. Another favorite is to share the gift of time. Many couples in the midst of raising families find it very difficult to go on a "date" due to the lack of a babysitter. "Coupons" for periodic babysitting help from a trusted source would be a much appreciated gift.
What better way to celebrate the real meaning of Christmas than by helping those who have fallen on hard times? You can participate directly by volunteering for one of the local outreaches provided by your parish or broader community, whether it is a soup kitchen or other type of ministry. Many communities offer programs where you can "adopt" a needy family for Christmas by providing food and gifts. Allow your children to participate financially by sharing some of their allowance for this purpose. What a marvelous way for your children to learn about the joy of giving. God love you!
Phil Lenahan is president of Veritas Financial Ministries (VeritasFinancialMinistries.com)
and author of 7 Steps to Becoming Financially Free: A Catholic Small Group Study (OSV).


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Reds make Hannahan signing official
As we've been relaying in our "developing story" streams for the last couple of days, the Reds have inked the free agent third baseman. Here's the press release:
REDS SIGN FREE AGENT JACK HANNAHANInfielder Agrees To 2-Year Deal With Club Option
CINCINNATI - Cincinnati Reds President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Walt Jocketty today announced the signing of free agent IF Jack Hannahan to a 2-year contract through the 2014 season with a club option for 2015.
Jocketty and Hannahan will be available today at 11:30 a.m. at the administration office building at Great American Ball Park.
"Jack is known for being a great teammate and a clubhouse leader everywhere he's been," Jocketty said. "He's very good defensively and is capable of playing any infield position. We think he was the best utility player out there."
Hannahan, 32, in 105 appearances for the Cleveland Indians last season hit .244 with 16 doubles, 4 HR and 29 RBI despite a minor back injury that limited his playing time.
In his career, Hannahan has appeared in 451 games at 3B, 39 games at 1B, 9 games at SS and 1 game at 2B for the Indians, Detroit Tigers, Oakland Athletics and Seattle Mariners.


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PIMCO CEO Mohamed El-Erian has been named chairman of President Obama's Global Development Council, and will help the administration in its efforts to increase global development.
El-Erian, 54, is also the bond giant's co-chief investment officer, along with founder and chairman Bill Gross. El-Erian will continue in his current role at PIMCO.
This isn't his first foray into public service. He spent 15 years at the International Monetary Fund in Washington, D.C.
He first joined PIMCO in 1999 and was a senior member of PIMCO's portfolio management and investment strategy group. Before joining PIMCO, El-Erian was a managing director at Salomon Smith Barney/Citigroup in London.
The White House also announced eight other appointments to the council:
- Richard C. Blum, chairman of Blum Capital Partners;
- Sylvia Mathews Burwell, president of the Walmart Foundation;
- Esther Duflo, economics professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology;
- Sarah Beardsley Degnan Kambou, president of the International Center for Research on Women;
- James M. Manyika, director of the McKinsey Global Institute and a senior partner at McKinsey & Company;
- William K. Reilly, senior Adviser to TPG;
- Steven Schwager, retired CEO of the American Joint Distribution Committee;
- Smita Singh, former director of the global development program at the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation.
President Obama said, "These dedicated and accomplished individuals will be valued additions to my Administration as we tackle the important challenges facing America. I look forward to working with them in the months and years ahead."


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A building, construction and decoration materials wholesaler and retailer from Lithuania is offering distribution services
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As craft beer has exploded, so has the number of incredible places that serve it. This list celebrates those special haunts with less than three locations and one passionate focus: beer. There might be darts and a jukebox or candlelight and a turntable; there might be five beers or 500. But in every spot on our list, you'll find an excellent brew in your glass and people—staff, owners, barflies—who care about that as much as you do. (Read last year's list here.)
APEX | Portland, Ore.
Whether you're inside the sleek aluminum bar eyeing the real-time digital tap menu or out front tipping back pints on the fleet of picnic tables, Apex's hoppy list of 50 brews is the perfect intro to the IBU-centric taste of the Pacific Northwest. 1216 SE Division St., apexbar.com
BAILEY'S TAP ROOM | Portland, Ore.
There's no better place in downtown Portland to submerse yourself in beer than Bailey's: Fresh hoppy flavor pours from 20 rotating taps while the locale's exposed brick, shiny wrap-around wood bar and two-story windows blends city-chic with rustic Northwest attitude. 213 SW Broadway, baileystaproom.com
BEER?REVOLUTION | Oakland, Calif.
"This place is great!?It's the first place I've seen that works at both a crazy selection and making it accessible to everyone. I love the fact that from novice to liver-hardened beer geek, everyone is made to feel comfortable." –Morgan Cox, Ale Industries 464 Third St., beer-revolution.com
BELMONT STATION | Portland, Ore.
Part bottle shop, part biercafé with all the neighborhood charm you can stomach: This is the spot to tip back a few pints during one of the many (like, multi-weekly) intimate beer events, then pop into the adjacent bottle shop and pick from more than 1,300 beers to take home. Need advice? The staff's always on point with tips for newcomers. 4500 SE Stark St., belmont-station.com
BEVERIDGE PLACE PUB | Seattle
This neighborly West Seattle pub feels like your grandpa's den—if your grandpa stocked nearly 200 craft bottles and scored rare kegs from Two Beers and Ninkasi. Just try to find Triplehorn Landwink IPA on cask somewhere else: You won't. 6413 California Ave. S.W., beveridgeplacepub.com
BLIND LADY ALE HOUSE | San Diego
Peep where your pint of Automatic Transition Pale Ale's made (hint: in BLAH's back room) while waiting for an artisan pizza, or get sucked in by walls of vintage cans, retro beer murals and random kegs knocking about this trendy yet beer-serious bar. 3416 Adams Ave., blindlady.blogspot.com
CHURCHILL'S PUB & GRILLE | San Marcos, Calif. (NEW TO THIS YEAR'S LIST!)
Come here for authentic English charm—the cozy nooks, stained glass and WWII photos almost feel better suited to the British countryside—and toast to King and country with an epic list of American beers, like a 2009 bottle of Russian River Temptation. 887 W. San Marcos Blvd., churchillspub.us
THE DAILY PINT | Los Angeles
"Dive bar" is a badge of honor when the beer's this sublime: Four cask engines and taps that rotate faster than a Tilt-a-Whirl are the hallmarks of this 25-year-old establishment. Dress down, play some darts and kick it with your friends in this beloved, casual LA haunt. 231 Pico Blvd., thedailypint.net
DRAUGHT HOUSE | Austin, Texas
There's a reason this place has been around 45 years, and it's still packed almost every night of the week. Line up for superb beer from 70 taps (including stellar house favorites) and hunt for a seat in the two-story chalet-style bar, or join the wisest patrons with a B.Y.O. lawn chair in the parking lot. Fido's welcome, too. 4112 Medical Pkwy., draughthouse.com
EL PRADO | Los Angeles (NEW TO THIS YEAR'S LIST!)
How can a bar with only seven taps make this list? When one of those seven taps is Ayinger Rauchbier and the bartender, fresh off a visit to the brewery, happily tells you all about it (and, knowledgeably, about the other six selections, too). A candlelit, hallwayesque bar with a turntable and cool, urban vibe make this our favorite small-but-excellent spot. 1805 W. Sunset Blvd., elpradobar.com
ENCINITAS ALE HOUSE | Encinitas, Calif. (NEW TO THIS YEAR'S LIST!)
A few blocks from the surf sits this shaded, hole-in-the-wall beer paradise. Grab a Belgian rarity from the 350-bottle list, a gargantuan garlic burger and a bit of breeze before heading back to the beach. 1044 S. Coast Highway 101, encinitasalehouse.com
FALLING ROCK | Denver, Colo.
Situated in craft beer's ground zero, this iconic beer bar has hosted every brewer you've ever heard of; it's a serious mind-trip contemplating the gems that have poured through the 75 taps or been served at the endless stream of special events, including the annual, always sold-out Rare Beer Tasting during GABF. 1919 Blake St., fallingrocktaphouse.com
FATHER'S OFFICE | Los Angeles
The rumors about the burger are true, so, yes, the wait in line to get into this pint-sized long-bar is worth it. Better yet, it's the O.G. of craft beer awesomeness in the trend-driven city that's finally caught on to beer, so those in the know will feel right at home chatting with knowledgeable servers and sipping from 36 simply perfect taps. 1018 Montana Ave., fathersoffice.com
HAMILTON'S TAVERN | San Diego
Amid San Diego's crème de la crème beer scene, this neighborhood alehouse is a simple mainstay that brings the best of beer and fun. Sure, hundreds of tap handles dangle from the high ceilings, but the locals here nosh on comfort food from the adjacent café and chat about more than what's on the taps (and two casks!) or in their bottles (more than 200). 1521 30th St., hamiltonstavern.com
THE HAY MERCHANT | Houston, Texas (NEW TO THIS YEAR'S LIST!)
This frisky new spot along one of Houston's main thoroughfares is brick-dressed and brings it with 78 beers on tap, 5 of which are on cask. Not only is the selection deep, but it's one-of-a-kind: The bar lends barrels to breweries for one-off projects. Plus, the food's got flair, from fried headcheese to Chicken Fried Texas Water Buffalo. 1100 Westheimer Rd., haymerchant.com
HORSE BRASS PUB | Portland, Ore.
You can credit this well-worn, 37-year-old bucket-list bar as one of the nation's original craft houses. Packed to the gills with classic beer memorabilia and stocked with every stalwart and newfangled beer imaginable, this English-style pub is beer Nirvana. 4534 SE Belmont St., horsebrass.com
LA TRAPPE CAFÉ | San Francisco
Head to the cozy basement of this rustic bar and be whisked away by a beer menu filled with whimsical Belgian rarities. Pair a Cantillon with a plate of mussels and be totally transported. 800 Greenwich St., latrappecafe.com
LITTLE BEAR | Los Angeles (NEW TO THIS YEAR'S LIST!)
This Arts District spot gets points for style (Old World urban with a fresh coat of paint), but even more for its simply sick collection of always-changing Belgian and Belgian-inspired brews—think imported Caracole Saxo, Blind Ambition Belgian-style brown from nearby it-brewery Ladyface, and Brainless Corruption, a Belgo IPA collaboration from Salt Lake City's Epic and the capital's DC Brau. 1855 Industrial St., littlebearla.com
NAKED CITY TAP HOUSE | Seattle
A superclean, sprawling space posted with flatscreens and one of the Northwest's greatest regional tap selections? A rare combo, but it's exactly what you get at this laid-back tavern. Watch for head-spinning one-offs like early fall's Notorious ALT, an imperial altbier the taphouse brewed with Ninkasi and Skagit River. 8564 Greenwood Ave., nakedcitybrewing.com
O'BRIEN'S AMERICAN PUB | San Diego
It's not always location, location, location: This no-frills strip-mall spot holds icon status with a serious following. A self-proclaimed working man's bar, it draws an in-the-know set, especially when breweries unleash their rare beers on its 20 taps. 4646 Convoy St., obrienspub.net
PAPAGO BREWING CO. | Scottsdale, Ariz.
Beer's on the rise in the Valley of the Sun, but this strip-mall standout has been home to an elevated selection for 11 years. Recently renovated and doubled in size, it's still shuffleboard-and-Trivial Pursuit-casual, but now it brings its A-game with 31 rotating taps (including award-winning house beer) and a fridge-lined wall of bottled greats. 7107 E. McDowell Rd., papagobrewing.com
THE PINE BOX | Seattle (NEW TO THIS YEAR'S LIST!)
Shooting to the top of Seattle's beer scene is this brand-new, airy beer bastion inside a former Capitol Hill funeral home. More than 30 taps and the world's only built-in Randall pours Evil Twin Hop Flood, Mad Viking Bourbon Imperial Stout and Snipes Mountain lager through chilies, limes and cilantro. 1600 Melrose Ave., pineboxbar.com
PETROL STATION | Houston, Texas (NEW TO THIS YEAR'S LIST!)
This cozy neighborhood hideaway is small, but it hosts a sizable beer selection that makes hopheads in other parts of the state green. Join its active beer-loving community on Facebook and chat about the latest, greatest release, or just head in blindly (you won't be disappointed) for a burger and beer in this Houston hop spot. 985 Wakefield Dr., 713.957.2875
SARAVEZA BOTTLE SHOP & PASTY TAVERN | Portland, Ore.
Retro beer-brand bric-a-brac fills every crook and wall of this little corner joint beloved by local brewers, while potato-stuffed pasties and Packers football drives home that Wisconsin feel—the stellar West Coast beer selection, however, is decidedly Portlandish. 1004 N. Killingsworth St., saraveza.com
SMALL BAR | San Diego (NEW TO THIS YEAR'S LIST!)
From the wooden abbey-style front door to the pointed arch back bar to the moody red-and-black décor, this tiny University Heights spot is Gothic-chic. Beware the looming keg suspended from the ceiling—and limited elbow room—as you peruse the mostly local taps inside this cute watering hole. 4628 Park Blvd., smallbarsd.com
STRANGEWAYS | Dallas, Texas
Just shy of its two-year anniversary, Strangeways is bombed-out in a cool way (think exposed brick and beams) in an emerging D-town 'hood. The beer selection rocks, with 40-plus taps, and the superfriendly staff knows its stuff. Smiths fans, welcome home. 2429 N. Fitzhugh Ave., 214.823.7800
STUMBLING MONK | Seattle
If you never make it to Belgium, this Capitol Hill hole in the wall is the next best thing. Dark and gritty, the place isn't much to look at, but its unalloyed devotion to Belgian beers—Belgo-brewed and American-made, fresh and vintage, draft and bottle—makes the Monk one of the beer-geek greats. 1635 E. Olive Way, 206.860.0916
SURLY GOAT | Los Angeles
Practically unmarked, this cool West Hollywood bar gets bustling (read: really loud), but if you're serious about craft beer you'll find an even more boisterous brew on the 27 taps. 7929 Santa Monica Blvd., surlygoat.com
TIGER! TIGER! | San Diego (NEW TO THIS YEAR'S LIST!)
As Blind Lady's sister location, expect the same thoughtfully curated list of locally minded beers, but prepare to make some new friends: The hall's long picnic tables pack young, hipster patrons shoulder-to-shoulder while pitchers of craft suds give this buzzing bar a fun, social vibe. 3025 El Cajon Blvd., tigertigertavern.blogspot.com
TONY'S DARTS AWAY | Burbank, Calif.
On a suburban thoroughfare in Burbank, this lodgy-feeling outpost loves beer, the earth and you. Stop in for a surprisingly full-flavored vegan sausage and one of 40 California-only taps; chat with your friendly barstool neighbor about all of the earth-friendly efforts (like recycled everything, no bottles and locally sourced food, for starters). 1710 W. Magnolia Blvd., tonysda.com
THE TORONADO PUB | San Francisco
This iconic Haight Street bar's been a weigh station for craft beer for a quarter-century—and host of the most famous barleywine festival for almost as long—and as evidenced by the throngs of beer geeks (and bikers) that clog the small, crusty bar each night, it's still the place to sample California's beer scene. For a slightly roomier version, check out its second location in San Diego's North Park neighborhood. 547 Haight St., toronado.com
THE TRAPPIST | Oakland, Calif.
Housed in a charming 1870s Victorian building, The Trappist's Belgian-leaning beer list will knock your socks off. Fear not: There's a staff Cicerone to guide you through the foreign scroll of rarities on the topnotch l00-plus-bottle list. 460 Eighth St., thetrappist.com
ASHLEY'S | Ann Arbor, Mich.
It's easy to find excellent beer in Michigan (Short's, Jolly Pumpkin, Arcadia Ales), but to find it in one wood-dressed place where you'll rub elbows with grad students and true students of beer, you've gotta go to Ashley's. Some love it for the proximity to campus nightlife, but the savvier set reveres it for the 70-plus taps that often get first dibs on Michigan's finest. 338 State St., ashleys.com
BANGERS & LACE | Chicago
Fueled by artisan sausages and the Wicker Park hipsters who down them en masse, this vintage-sparse beer bar's libations are nothing if not thought-provoking: The 32 taps are obscure (Bourganel Biere Au Nougat, previews from newbie Solemn Oath), and the short but sweet bottle list wanders even further off the beaten path (think Sarasola Sagardoa cider from Spain). 1670 W. Division St., bangersandlacechicago.com
BRIDGE | St. Louis
It's the classiest beer bar you'll ever have the pleasure of sipping a St. Louis small-batch in, but the knowledgeable yet respectful staff (who can curate a cheese plate like no other) keeps the vibe unstuffy. 1004 Locust St., thebridgestl.com
BUCKEYE BEER ENGINE | Lakewood, Ohio
Grab a seat at the horseshoe bar, order up a cask-conditioned pint from local brewery Indigo Imp, and marvel at the inventive displays of beer paraphernalia—like the beer-bottle light fixtures illuminating this upbeat watering hole. 15315 Madison Ave., buckeyebeerengine.com
CLUBHOUSE BFD | Rochester Hills, Mich. (NEW TO THIS YEAR'S LIST!)
Think traditional beer house, but quirkier: beer-kitsch décor with a sense of humor, samplers served on ping-pong paddles, and the occasional cheeseburger slider sandwiched between two Krispy Kremes. The 40 taps and 150 or so bottles mix world-class pours with Michigan greats. 2265 Crooks Rd., chbfd.com
CRESCENT MOON ALE HOUSE | Omaha, Neb.
The crux of "Beer Corner, U.S.A." (which includes a few sister bars and a bottle shop) is Crescent Moon, which pulls American barrels and bottles you don't see everywhere else—including picks from Nebraska outfits like Spilker, Upstream and Empyrean—into one congenial, oh-so-Midwestern beer spot with killer Reubens to boot. 3578 Farnam St., beercornerusa.com
EL BAIT SHOP | Des Moines, Iowa
You'd never guess that this quirky road biker mecca shilling Mexican food takes its beer so seriously—until you find the nearly 200-beer roster and see stuff like Peace Tree Hop Sutra. 200 SW 2nd St., elbaitshop.com
THE FOUNDRY | Kansas City, Mo.
Midcentury chic meets modern beer inside this hip Westport 'hood bar. Sip from an impressive collection of more than 200 brews (neatly divided by character: "crisp, delicate" vs. "crisp, bright") while knocking out a game of pool on the bar's vintage table. 424 Westport Rd., foundrykc.com
FOUNTAINHEAD | Chicago (NEW TO THIS YEAR'S LIST!)
Still a baby in Chicago's beer-bar scene, this buzzing tavern wins over connoisseurs with a pedigreed beer director (he's a Goose Island and Sheffield's alum, as well as a Cicerone), a friendly rooftop garden and 200 globe-spanning, rotating beers. The beer's topnotch, but the mood's low-key. 1970 W. Montrose Ave., fountainheadchicago.com
THE HAPPY GNOME | St. Paul, Minn.
The congenial vibe, large stone hearth and wooden booths are warm shelter from MSP's wicked winters, so step on in and suit yourself with custom flights (pick five, write 'em down and hand 'em to the server) from a seriously credible beer list of 75-plus taps. 498 Selby Ave., thehappygnome.com
HEOROT | Muncie, Ind.
Often the lone Indiana stop for craft brewers crossing the Midwest, the dark, Viking-ish décor's not much to look at, but the 450-beer menu is unquestionably world-class. A brand-new brewing setup in the basement means house beers any day now. 219 S. Walnut St., 765.287.0173
HOPCAT | Grand Rapids, Mich.
Powered by the seemingly endless supply of local beer energy (newbie Perrin Brewing launched here; Short's claims a slew of taps; Founders is a few blocks away), HopCat's as beer-serious as it ever was, though still upbeat and welcoming in that Midwestern sort of way. 25 Ionia Ave. SW, hopcatgr.com
INTERNATIONAL TAP HOUSE | St. Louis
A bottle-cap mosaic in the foyer heralds the nearly 500 beers spewing from this industrial-styled tavern in the city's Soulard area; artfully written menu descriptions of the 40 on tap make for entertaining reading. No food, no frills; just excellent beer, a killer patio and bartenders who can spout ABVs and tasting notes on demand. 1711 S. 9th St., internationaltaphouse.com/soulard
KRUG PARK | Omaha, Neb. (NEW TO THIS YEAR'S LIST!)
Bare-bulbed and old-timey, the year-old Krug Park's wood-and-brick décor gets a shot of life from a cool crowd and a chalkboard tap menu announcing rarer pours from well-known craft breweries. The bar's Beer Society club (join for $20) gets the sweetest deals: discounts on every order, invites to special events and members-only pours. 6205 Maple St., krugpark.com
LA CAVE DU VIN | Cleveland
A flicker of candle flame and the glow from the bottle coolers is all the light you have to go by in this subterranean beer mecca, which means the handful of taps, discerning bottle selection and vintage list under lock and key are best enjoyed on a date—leave your beer notebook at home. 2785 Euclid Heights Blvd., lacaveduvin.com
LOCAL OPTION | Chicago
If Lars Ulrich had a beer bar, it'd be this edgy Lincoln Park cavern. The rocker crowd's a little surly, but they've got a soft spot for craft beer; 31 taps touch on Belgium's De la Senne and the East Coast's High & Mighty, plus a few seriously unsung house beers. 1102 W. Webster Ave., localoptionbier.com
MAP ROOM | Chicago
Want to travel the globe for beer without the jet lag? Visit the great beer nations (Belgium, England, Germany, and the U.S. of A., of course) by pint glass with super-smart staffers as your translators and old National Geographics as your inspiration. You'll never taste everything—the Cicerone who mans the beer list rotates the spigots often—but it can't hurt to try. 1949 N. Hoyne Ave., maproom.com
THE MALT HOUSE TAVERN | Madison, Wis. (NEW TO THIS YEAR'S LIST!)
The real beer crowd escapes Mad Town's collegiate rowdiness at this humble tavern, where Wisconsin-made 3 Sheeps beers and AeppelTreow ciders mingle with European craft. 2609 E. Washington Ave., malthousetavern.com
MCNULTY'S BIER MARKT | Cleveland
Rich, dark wood tones and soft lighting set the mood for this swanky, Belgian-enriched bar, while bottles of 3 Fonteinen Oud Gueze circa 2009 and plates of pickled pork shoulder help make this joint one of the classiest beer spots in Cleveland to bring a date. 1948 W. 25th St., bier-markt.com
MICHAEL & LOUISE'S HOPLEAF BAR | Chicago
Even a new expansion that doubled its size (not to mention a visit from "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives") couldn't squash the humble, neighborhoody vibe of this beer bar icon. The Belgian-leaning food menu's grown, and with a slew of new taps, the beer list remains one of the world's best. 5148 N. Clark St., hopleaf.com
THE MITTEN BAR | Ludington, Mich.
If it wasn't brewed in Michigan, you won't find it here: This vintage-cool spot intent on beer education pours the best beers brewed within state lines, including kegs you won't find anywhere else. Here-and-gone food specials like house-smoked pork belly and the live music lineup keep drinkers in their seats. 109 W. Ludington Ave., mittenbar.com
OLD TOWN POUR HOUSE | Chicago (NEW TO THIS YEAR'S LIST!)
More upscale and less neighborhoody than Chicago's other beer bars but just as beer-heavy, Pour House boasts Cicerone-certified staffers slinging pints from 90-plus taps. The beer's not your usual Chi-town stuff, either, with Cali's Port Mongo IPA and Michigan's Greenbush Distorter Porter pouring alongside Bottlenectar, the bar's collaboration amber with nearby Two Bros. Brewing. 1419 N. Wells St., oldtownpourhouse.com
PALM TAVERN | Milwaukee
This cozy, drive-by-and-you'll-miss-it beer joint that's still somehow under the radar continues to score some of the world's sweetest barrels—bully for the bar's adoring beer-geek (but friendly!) public. Picking between pints like 3 Fontienen Zwet.be and New Holland Dragon's Milk's a Herculean task, but the patient, smart staffers make for light guesswork. 2989 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., 414.744.0393
REPUBLIC | Minneapolis (NEW TO THIS YEAR'S LIST!)
Tour the Twin Cities' burgeoning beer scene at this eclectic-cool West Bank pub. More than 50 taps (and one cask) pour delights from all the breweries you haven't ticked yet—Indeed, Harriet, Steel Toe and more. 221 Cedar Ave. S., republicmn.com
ROMANS' PUB | Milwaukee
Still gruff, still pouring a head-turning selection of American and Belgian crafts that keep serious tickers busy. Stumble in when the owner's feeling generous, and you might score a taste of one of the vintages lurking in the cellar. 3475 Kinnickinnic Ave., romanspub.com
ROYAL MILE | Des Moines, Iowa
Shepherd's pie (both traditional and fried versions), Union Jacks and the best collection of U.K. beer on this side of the pond make this British pub and its upstairs Belgian bar one of America's best. Boddingtons, Strongbow and Harviestoun Old Engine Oil are all here, but so are lesser-poured greats like Coniston Bluebird Bitter and Isle of Arran Dark. 210 4th St., royalmilebar.com
SHEFFIELD'S | Chicago
Real geeks may scoff at the loud Lakeview crowd, but four separate bars pouring the best in craft, a barbecue menu that stands on its own, and what remains one of the city's best beer gardens keeps Sheffield's at the top of the pile. No wonder it's still a top stop for visiting breweries like Brooklyn, Sierra Nevada and Michigan's Brewery Vivant. 3258 N. Sheffield Ave., sheffieldschicago.com
SUGAR MAPLE | Milwaukee
The management should really be bragging about Sugar Maple's quietly awesome lineup of 60 all-American, Wisconsin-heavy craft taps, but they're too busy booking cultish indie bands to play practically every night of the week—so Tweet-worthy tappings from New Glarus and O'So stay close to the vest. 441 E. Lincoln Ave., mysugarmaple.com
THE ARMSBY ABBEY | Worcester, Mass.
The cozy corner pub Armsby Abbey offers one of the most impressive beer selections on this list: Rarities like Cantillon Iris 2007 and hyperelusive beers like Anchorage Lovebuzz saison make it a beer ticker's paradise. 144 Main St., armsbyabbey.com
BEER TABLE | Brooklyn
Justin and Tricia Philips focus on the truly artisanal at their tiny Brooklyn haunt, pouring vintage brews, incredible bottles and constantly changing rare taps for experimental pairings with everything from cheese to dehydrated watermelon. Linger for the pairing dinners, or stop into the Grand Central Station retail spot to take the experience home. 427b 7th Ave., beertable.com
THE BIER BARON TAVERN | Washington, D.C.
A Washington institution, this cavernous beer hall and inn (formerly The Brickskeller) in the capital's Dupont Circle neighborhood is as essential to visit as the Smithsonian: Its exhaustive 550-plus beer list spans brewing history, from ancient gruits to black IPAs and everything in between. 1523 22nd St. NW, bierbarondc.com
BIERKRAFT | Brooklyn (NEW TO THIS YEAR'S LIST!)
The first spot in the Big Apple to sell growlers, this upbeat, 18-tap beer and sammy shop (and biergarten, and bottle shop) is just another testament to Brooklyn's beer health. Free bites and brew tastings on Tuesday are one reason to go, but an even better one? The creative pours coming from the staff-manned brewing system. 191 Fifth Ave., bierkraft.com
BLIND TIGER | New York City
This Bleecker Street bar exudes Village character: dimly lit, charmingly cramped and packed with whispering patrons sipping on goblets of Belgian sour ales. Go Wednesday nights when the bar offers free cheeses to pair alongside its lengthy list of worldly brews. 281 Bleecker St., blindtigeralehouse.com
THE BREWER'S ART | Baltimore
Sipping snifters inside this historic Baltimore townhome feels like a surreal open house. The venue's sun-splashed foyer and cozy fireplace set the stage for the brewpub's delicious Belgian-inspired creations and esoteric guest beers that make this piece of real estate a beer lover's dream destination. 1106 N. Charles St., thebrewersart.com
CHURCHKEY | Washington, D.C.
Everything beer guru Greg Engert touches turns to gold, but Churchkey remains his crowning achievement: A swanky bar with more beer than D.C. lobbyists, Churchkey's the spark that started the capital's craft beer revolution. 1337 14th St. NW, churchkeydc.com
DEEP ELLUM | Allston, Mass.
From beer to spirits, the steam punkish Deep Ellum offers discerning taste without pretension. Its to-die-for beer list (seriously, Cantillon Saint Lamvinus is on there) is so perfectly curated, it's even more jaw-dropping than the list of historic Manhattan cocktail creations. 477 Cambridge St., deepellum-boston.com
EBENEZER'S PUB | Lovell, Maine
Inside an old farmhouse, bar owner and beer connoisseur Chris Lively stables one of the most extensive beer collections on earth. Beyond the 18 taps pouring impossible-to-find stuff, he serves more than 1,000 bottles (including vintages dating back to the '60s), and his cellar boasts some of the most obscure beers in the world. 44 Allen Rd., ebenezerspub.net
EULOGY BELGIAN TAVERN | Philadelphia
It's the bar where everyone knows your name—or, at least, where they're willing to learn it while tucking into a pot of mussels and a goblet of Duvel. A few blocks from Independence Hall, this shadowy Belgian-inclined pub manages to pack a huge beer list and big Philly hospitality into one tiny colonial space. 136 Chestnut St., eulogybar.com
THE FARMHOUSE | Emmaus, Pa.
The English-style pub inside this 19th-century stone farmhouse specializes in vintage beer, and if you've got the cash (like $250 for a bottle of 1994 Chimay Grand Reserve), the drinking sessions in this bucolic setting will be among your most memorable. 1449 Chestnut St., thefarmhouse.com
THE GREAT LOST BEAR | Portland, Maine
Part of the beer-bar Old Guard, this Portland dive has everything you want in a beer bar: a tavern vibe, an unfussy crowd, a gigantic wing-and-burger-driven menu, and a treasure trove of beer. More than 50 taps (including a handful of casks) pour one of the greatest roundups of Northeastern brew, roping in offerings from regional stars like Maine's Baxter, New Hampshire's Tuckerman and Vermont's Switchback. 540 Forest Ave., greatlostbear.com
THE GREY LODGE PUBLIC HOUSE | Philadelphia
This northeast Philly blue-collar bar feels like the same lodge granddad would have escaped to for a few rounds of lager with his war buddies. The laid-back atmosphere and friendly banter remains, but the Lodge's strict keg-rotating policy and emphasis on fresh regional craft is certainly 21st century. 6235 Frankford Ave., greylodge.com
MAX'S TAPHOUSE | Baltimore
Check your nerd at the door: Sure, you can sip a Goose Island Pere Jacques here, but this Inner Harbor bar's more than its 140 drafts and 1,200-plus bottles. With a cool twentysomething crowd and vibrant weekend scene, this is the best place around to knock back craft and score digits on a Saturday night. 737 S. Broadway St., maxs.com
MEMPHIS TAPROOM | Philadelphia
Off the beaten path, this classy Kensington corner joint is where locals go to explore everything from Italian barleywines to local pours from the beer engine. If you're feeling peckish, know this: The Taproom's kitchen even took Guy Fieri to flavor town on an episode of "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives." 2331 E. Cumberland St., memphistaproom.com
MONK'S CAFÉ | Philadelphia
"It's in my home city of Philly, and it delivers everything a beer lover needs:?All the food incorporates beer, a huge beer selection and a super-knowledgeable and engaging staff." –Jimmy Seifrit, 10 Barrel Brewing 264 S. 16th St., monkscafe.com
NOVARE RES BIER CAFÉ | Portland, Maine
Blink and you'll miss the sign pointing the way to this off-the-beaten-cobblestone-path Old Port neighborhood bar. Once inside the delightfully warm, brick pub, grab a seat at one of the communal tables and get decisive: This little bar stocks more than 500 beers from around the world. 4 Canal Plaza, novareresbiercafe.com
THE PUBLICK HOUSE | Brookline, Mass.
This Boston-area bar's packed to the rafters with students each night, but the Publick House isn't a typical college bar: With its deliciously Old World tap and bottle selection (predominantly Belgian and Belgian-style) and authentic abbey décor, it's the perfect place to study up on Trappist beer culture. 1648 Beacon St., 617.277.2880
RATTLE N HUM | New York City
Just blocks from the Empire State Building, this beer-geek bar's the best spot around to escape bustling Midtown Manhattan. An inviting, stretched-out space houses the crowds who make friends at the communal tables in the back. Order something to share, like Sixpoint Grand Crue, or indulge yourself with whatever's on cask. 14 E. 33rd St., rattlenhumbarnyc.com
SPUYTEN DUYVIL | Brooklyn
Embodying Brooklyn's cool, artisan vibe, this easy-to-miss spot has a backyard-style garden and a serious beer list served properly, plus a solid collection of Belgians to geek out over. Hungry? Get the artisanal meat and cheese plate, or head across the street to the (same owner's) lauded BBQ joint, Fette Saue. 359 Metropolitan Ave., spuytenduyvilnyc.com
SUNSET GRILL & TAP | Allston, Mass.
With a selection as vast in scope as the majors of liberal arts students who populate the bar, energetic Sunset's one of the best spots in Boston to learn beer. Cram your way through epic lists of IPAs, lambics, strong ales and meads before diving into higher-level studies in beer cocktails, like the Cincinnati Lunch Box, a blend of Allagash White, orange juice and Amaretto. 130 Brighton Ave., allstonsfinest.com
THREE PENNY TAPROOM | Montpelier, Vt.
From its wooden sign to its awning and glass bay window façade, this place is a picture-perfect Main Street bar—which happens to reside on an actual Main Street. Inside, the venue's antique tin ceiling endures, but the liquid is anything but antiquated: A nicely curated list of mostly regional brews (like Lawson's Finest Hopzilla) makes this charming bar a craft beer force. 108 Main St., threepennytaproom.com
TOP HOPS BEER SHOP | New York City (NEW TO THIS YEAR'S LIST!)
A former Anheuser-Busch distributor took every guy's beer-cave dreams and brought them to life in this minimalist Lower East Side tasting room. One of the world's most stats-rich chalkboard menus details the 20 taps (including when the lines were last cleaned), bright coolers stock more than 700 bottles, and the friendly staff is generous with their help—and samples. 94 Orchard St., tophops.com
THE AVENUE PUB | New Orleans
From Avenue Pub's second-story balcony you can reign over the Mardi Gras parade, but it's the ever-personable owner Polly Watt who rules the roost at this all-day, every-day creaky house with 50 taps flowing the finest selection in the Big Easy. 1732 St. Charles Ave., avenuepub.com
BREWMASTERS BAR & GRILL | Raleigh, N.C.
From Monday specials on craft cans to Poker Night Tuesdays to Wednesday Homebrew Humpdays, we simply love this joint's style; the 66 taps featuring a slew of Carolina brews and the epic pint of bacon (you read that right) are icing on the cake. 301 W. Martin St., brewmastersbarandgrill.com
BRICK STORE PUB | Decatur, Ga.
This big, bricky stalwart has encouraged Decatur to "drink good beer" for 15 years. Linger over crafts at the main bar or trek upstairs to the wholly Belgian setup for some real rarities; then, get really involved and ask about what's been fermenting in the bank-vault-turned-cellar. 125 E. Court Sq., brickstorepub.com
BUSY BEE CAFÉ | Raleigh, N.C.
Vintage beer, sour ales, barrel-aged brews and a hefty Belgian-style list—and that's just the bottle selection. The Bee's two bars split 19 taps from breweries east of the Mississippi, but don't miss the rare barrel option: These special beers were aged specifically for sale at this craft-obsessed spot. 225 S. Wilmington St., busybeeraleigh.com
CLOSED FOR BUSINESS | Charleston, S.C.
Don't let the name fool you: This artsy, screen print-lined Charleston spot's open and pouring the best beer around. Classic and trendy pints abound, but stick to the bar's perfectly themed flights like Tall Dark and Handsome, featuring a thoughtful collection of black IPAs, stouts, porters and schwarzbiers. 453 King St., closed4business.com
GROWLERS POURHOUSE | Charlotte, N.C.
The refurbished 1936 beer engine inside this charming, exposed-brick bar gives it cred, but so do the beer classes (held the first Tuesday of each month), the beer and cheese pairings, the beer cocktails and, of course, the 14 taps each dedicated to a specific style. 3120 N. Davidson St., growlerspourhouse.com
HARRIKA'S BREW HAUS | Swansboro, N.C.
Located inside a converted beach town bungalow, this recently expanded bar-and-bottle-shop is as quirky as it is serious about beer: Roughly 700 bottles are up for sale (plus a few on tap), ready to be cracked open on the bar's sculpture-filled yard or umbrella-topped beer garden. 911 Cedar Point Blvd., teaandbeer.com
HOLY GRALE | Louisville, Ky.
A 1905 Unitarian church houses this upscale pub; the look is reminiscent of its holier days. The beer's all topnotch, with pours from Mikkeller and newbie West 6th. A farm-fresh spin on bar food pleases the pickiest locavores, and yes, homebrewers: Those are hop vines trellising out back. 1034 Bardstown Rd., holygralelouisville.com
THE J. CLYDE HOT ROCK TAVERN & ALEHOUSE | Birmingham, Ala.
Beer's getting a boost in 'Bama, and for five years, wood-decked pub J. Clyde has fought the good fight for craft. With brewmaster-led beer dinners, tap takeovers and more than 200 brews on offer, it remains a step ahead in this fledgling beer state. 1312 Cobb Ln., jclyde.com
MR. BEERY'S | Sarasota, Fla.
Whether you came for the Wednesday beer pairings, the Thursday craft pitchers or the occasional brewery night with special keg tappings, you're sure to return for this beach-casual bar's 24 taps and inventive spirit. Ever sipped a Leffe Brune through a cherry Twizzler? 2645 Mall Dr., mrbeeryssrq.com
THE NOOK | Huntsville, Ala.
"The Nook was the first craft beer bar in the area. Connell Allen bought an old, run-down bar with the idea of making it a nice place to go (clean, nonsmoking, well-lit, great patio) to enjoy craft beer. Most of—if not all— the local breweries debut there, and they always have local beers on tap. Plus, there are weekly special beer releases, and [manager] Beverly is constantly trying to get in rare, special beers from craft breweries throughout the world." –Dan Perry, Straight to Ale 3305 Bob Wallace Ave. S.W., thenooktavern.com
THE PORTER BEER BAR | Atlanta, Ga.
Husband-and-wife team Nick Rutherford and Molly Dunn committed to beer big-time in their little brick-and-wood Atlanta haunt. Just do the math: 700-plus bottles, a newly unveiled 300-bottle-strong vintage list (give it a few years, it'll be stunning) and 36 crafts on tap. 1156 Euclid Ave., theporterbeerbar.com
REDLIGHT, REDLIGHT | Orlando, Fla.
This unassuming roadside bar's got an impressive number of beers (23 taps, two beer engines and 200 bottles). Rare sightings like 10 meads, six farmhouse ciders and five craft sodas round out a healthy selection of IPAs, wheats, Belgians and stouts. 2810 Corrine Dr., redlightredlightbeerparlour.com
SERGIO'S WORLD BEERS | Louisville, Ky.
Go in for a bottle, get suckered into a pint from the more than 40 global taps. With more than a thousand beers to choose from, it's no wonder the regulars at this humble dive are tight-knit; perusing the shelves and fridges can take hours. The few who know exactly what they want in advance can reserve bottles online. 1605 Story Ave., sergiosworldbeers.com
TAPWERKS ALEHOUSE & CAFÉ | Oklahoma City, Okla.
It's as fun to explore this three-story Bricktown bar as it is to excavate the whopping 212-tap list. Grab a seat at the bar or seek out a leather chair in a hidden nook, browse books in the upstairs library, shoot pool and darts, or just follow the noise to find live music, which hits the stage three nights a week. 121 E. Sheridan Ave., tapwerks.com
THIRSTY MONK | Asheville, N.C.
More than 50 taps pour inside the two bars at Thirsty Monk's bright and airy downtown location (plus an additional 200 bottles), but what's most impressive are the little details: Thorough tasting notes accompany every beer, so a night of sampling becomes an extensive education. 92 Patton Ave., monkpub.com
TRAPPEZE PUB | Athens, Ga.
College town Athens gets a higher-level beer education at the orange-walled, craft-savvy Trappeze Pub. The beer list's mapped out by style, and with more than 200 bottles (plus 30 on tap) and the half-glass option, you can sip (and learn) like a true beer scholar. 269 N. Hill St., Suite 6, trappezepub.com


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AUTO RACING: Brad Keselowski expresses anger towards NASCAR
FORT WORTH, Texas >> Brad Keselowski had plenty of good things to say about his team for all it overcame for another top-10 finish.
As for his feelings about NASCAR, the defending Sprint Cup champion is pretty angry these days.
"The things I've seen over the last seven days have me questioning everything that I believe in, and I'm not happy about it," Keselowski said in the garage area after Saturday night's race at Texas.
Before the race that Kyle Busch won to complete a weekend sweep, NASCAR confiscated the original rear-end housing from Keselowski's No. 2 Ford and the No. 22 of Joey Logano, his Penske Racing teammate. That could lead to penalties, including possibly suspensions, the loss of championship points and fines.
Logano was late to the starting grid because of the additional inspections after changes, and he had to start at the back of the field. He charged to a fifth-place finish, four spots ahead of Keselowski, who kept his starting spot of 16th.
"I have one good thing to say, and that was my team and the effort they put in today, in fighting back with the absolute (expletive) that's been the last seven days in this garage area," Keselowski said.
Keselowski, who has six top-10 finishes and is second in season points behind Jimmie Johnson, got a penalty a week earlier at Martinsville for pitting outside his stall. He still disputes that.
"There's so much stuff going on. You guys have no idea ... what's going on," Keselowski said. "I could tell you there is nobody, no team in this garage with the integrity of the 2 team. And the way we've been treated over the last seven days is absolutely shameful.
"I feel like we've been targeted over the last seven days more than I've ever seen a team targeted," he said. "But my guys, they kept their heads on straight and they showcased why they are a winning team and a championship team. We're not going to take it. We're not going to be treated this way."
NASCAR had no immediate response to Keselowski's comments.
Keselowski met with NASCAR chairman Brian France before the Daytona 500 after a lengthy profile piece in USA Today in which the driver made wide-ranging and sometimes critical comments about the direction of the sport.
After the Texas race, Keselowski said there is so much stuff going on now that he could "make a list two pages long."
Busch completed his NASCAR record seventh Cup-Nationwide weekend sweep, and second this season, with his Texas two-step at the 1 1/2-mile, high-banked track.
After winning the Nationwide race the previous night, Busch started from the pole Saturday and led 171 of 334 laps. It was his 26th career Cup victory, first at Texas, where he became the first driver to win in each of NASCAR's top three series -- also with six Nationwide wins and two in trucks there.
Busch regained the lead from Martin Truex Jr. during the last caution. After a strong restart with 16 laps to go, Busch stayed in front and won by a half-second with an average speed of 144.751 mph. He credited his No. 18 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota crew for the victory in his 300th career start.
"They won me the race getting me off pit road first, being able to dictate the restart and just run a hard pace there," said Busch, who was later asked if he would have been able to catch Truex without that final caution, and if he would have then been able to get around him.
"That's a lot of ifs, and unfortunately, I don't really have an answer for you," he said. "But I'd like to say that we had a shot at him."
Truex has now gone 210 races since his last Cup victory in June 2007, a span in which he has finished second six times.
His Michael Waltrip Racing Toyota led 142 laps at Texas after not being in front any of the first six races this season. NASCAR discovered a problem afterward, saying that the No. 56 was too low in the front. The sanctioning body said the issue would be looked at further and addressed in the next few days.
"Finishing second is good. I'm not saying that's not the case. It's just when you've been so close to winning so many times since your last one, it really sucks to run that good and finish second," said Truex, who did move from 25th to 16th in season points. "Circumstances, the way they play out sometimes, they go that way. ... Second is a great accomplishment, but it's not what we're here for."


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Below is a 5 minute SPX chart. Note the small triangle that has formed. This triangle looks like it was entered from the top, BUT, when you consider what happened overnight it was entered from the bottom. So, this one could break either way. it's good for about 25 SPX points either way. The DOW looks stronger, as does the NDX & RUT.
I'm still being careful here, but think that it's bullish if we break up and get back inside that bottom bear wedge boundary (light blue).
Schedule for Week of December 6, 2020
2 hours ago


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2015 World Alpine Ski Championships prompt Vail camera request
VAIL — From big-box stores to hotels to coffee shops, just about any place open to the public has security or surveillance cameras. The number of cameras in Vail may spread in the next year or so.
Among the new items proposed in Vail's 2014 budget is roughly $120,000 for about 24 new surveillance cameras — with 15 or so in Vail Village and another nine in Lionshead.
Vail Police Commander Craig Bettis said the request would fill a public-safety need for both current events and the 2015 World Alpine Ski Championships. Some current events can draw as many as 30,000 people to parts of Vail Village, and Bettis said as many as 150,000 people could come into the village during the course of the championships.
The reason Vail police want the cameras is one-word simple: Boston.
"Boston was a game-changer," Bettis said of the April 15 terror attack near the finish area of the Boston Marathon. While big open-air areas are harder to secure than arenas and stadiums, cameras in strategic spots in Boston helped authorities identify bombing suspects within hours, Bettis said.
"Cameras are a real force multiplier," he said. "Without cameras, it could have been weeks or months before suspects were identified."
Bettis said "there are no privacy issues" with the proposed camera locations, all of which would overlook public spots.
Bettis said the cameras would be watched in real time during big events. Most of the time, though, the cameras would be set to a wide-angle view watching and recording without being monitored by humans. People in the town's dispatch center would be able to watch live images and be able to zoom and move the cameras if an emergency call came in.
Bettis used the example of a bar fight that spilled out into the street. Dispatchers could have real-time views of incidents and send an appropriate number of officers to respond.
While cameras in Vail Village and Lionshead would be new, they're old news in many other parts of town.
Mike Rose manages Vail's bus system and parking structures. He said there are several cameras in the structures — at the entry and exit gates, at the transportation center where buses and taxis park and in the elevators. But there aren't cameras in the parking areas — too many would be needed to cover all that territory.
The cameras aren't intended to reduce crime, Rose said, but do provide a way to get a better idea of what's going on in and around the structures.
Cameras are also helpful at the Eagle County Regional Airport. Greg Phillips, county aviation director, said he couldn't give too many details about the number or precise location of cameras, but he said there are "quite a few" in and just outside the passenger terminal.
Cameras in the terminal help when there are conflicts between passengers, or between passengers and airport employees, Phillips said.
"We can use (video) to help us understand what really happened," Phillips said.
Back in Vail, Tivoli Lodge owner Bob Lazier joked that he'd appreciate more cameras in the village so he could keep better track of the family dog.
On a more serious note, Lazier said he thinks cameras in public places are valuable tools.
"I'm not sure we wouldn't be negligent if we didn't have them — if we use them with integrity," Lazier said. "It's a tool they really need in the toolbox."
Lazier added that there are numerous surveillance cameras in the public areas of the Tivoli.
"We could be negligent if we didn't have them," he said.
The Loaded Joe's locations in Vail and Avon also have cameras inside, and company co-owner Kent Beidel said he doesn't really think about whether or not he's on camera in public places — "I've got nothing to hide," he said.
Beidel said there's a "very reasonable" argument for surveillance cameras in public places. "It sounds like the best use is what (police) are pitching," he said.
And safety is at the core of the pitch for cameras in the resort villages.
"There's an expectation from the public that they're in a safe environment," Bettis said. "We need to do a better job (with security). Nothing is not a target any more."
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Eagle County bear sightings have doubled from 2019
Are we seeing more bears because there are more bears on the valley floor, or because we're all spending more time at home? It could be a bit of both.


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Ext.Direct Spring 1.0.0
Another library for all the Spring 3 / Java users out there. Ext.Direct Spring implements all the features from Ext.Direct and it provides support for DirectStore create,read,update and destroy methods.
Version 1.0.0 is available in the Central Maven Repository.
Have a look at the project web site http://code.google.com/p/extdirectspring/ and send me your feedback and bug reports If you would like to join the project just send me a message and I will add you as a project member. Everybody is welcome to join the project.
Huge credit goes to MoShAn480 and his SpringExtJs http://code.google.com/p/springextjs/ library. It provided me with a good base to implement this libary on.
Feedback is very appreciated