text:
Actually, yeah. It's a big deal. One whole beet. No matter that it's only just barely golf ball sized.
How is your garden growing?
All of our summer adventures so far have been largely unplanned. Knowing that we weren't going on any major trips this summer (we're saving up to visit family in South East Asia this Christmas!!), we just kind of decided to take each weekend as it came and be open to taking a long weekend here and there if it presented itself. We had visions of camping trips around North Georgia and the Great Smokey Mountains, visits family, a long weekend out to Savannah, maybe even some spontaneous road trips somewhere new to us. But otherwise, we decided to treat our activities around Atlanta like mini-adventures. Being spontaneous and flexible has had some rewards. Like Fernandina Beach; we didn't know we were going there until a week before, thanks to the generosity of dear friends. Perhaps inspired by this laid-back approach to holidays, this Fourth of July weekend we did something kind of spontaneous, which ended up being really memorable.
The semi-planned part of the trip was that we agreed kind of mid-week last week to meet my mom at our family's cabin in Sparta, NC, near the border of Virginia. Luckily for us, my mom is also game to travel on short notice. The spontaneous part of the trip, for us anyways, was that we decided to take the long but scenic route, stopping in Asheville first for lunch and then taking the scenic roads along the spine of the mountain up to Alleghany county. Normally, Luke and I are pretty car-averse, so this decision — to add essentially 2 hours to an already lengthy trip — surprised us both. But boy, were we glad we did it. Without realizing it, the route took us straight through some of the special places I grew up going to with my family and to one place in particular that is special to us both: the place where we got married. Starting with Camp Grier in Old Fort, NC, where we had our outdoor wedding back in 2010, we then drove past Linville Falls and Linville Caverns whose glistening stalactites had been a marvel to me as a child, Grandfather Mountain, which I climbed a couple times growing up but not in over a decade (if not more), the old house next to the New River where our whole family used to gather in the summers — cousins, uncles, grandparents — for a week of gem-mining, dam-building, and watermelon seed spitting contests. Eventually the road snaked through Boone and Ashe County, with its famous cheese store that supplied our family with squeaky curds and bizarrely shaped waxed cheeses every Christmas for all of my eighteen years at least. For much of the drive we followed the bends and wiggles of the New River, which I hadn't seen in several years, although my memories of swimming and tubing in its icy waters are as vivid as if they happened yesterday. Finally, we arrived in Sparta just as the summer sun was folding into the lush Christmas tree dotted hills, the air smelling of freshly cut alfalfa grass. Obviously, we drove with the windows down the whole way.
Once we arrived at the cabin, after that long drive down memory lane, we were fully in relaxation mode. The weather was unseasonably cold even though the sun shone in the blue sky both days we were there. Mom and I didn't mind one bit that we had to get resourceful with our attire as we hadn't counted on sub-50 degree temperatures when we'd packed our overnight bags (hence the overalls I'm wearing in these pictures). On Friday, after sleeping in late and drinking coffee on the porch, we hopped onto the Blue Ridge Parkway and followed it south to Doughton Park. We couldn't have asked for a more beautiful day to walk the trail there.
Or to climb a tree.
Or to reminisce about walks in England. This is one walk in the Appalachian's that always reminds me of walks in the English and Scottish countryside — it's the nearly bare hills and the rolling farmland below that takes me back. It's also one of the best walks for views of the Blue Ridge, I reckon.
Or to take pictures of butterflies that almost perfectly matched their surroundings.
Or, of course, to eat watermelon. It is the thing to do on the 4th of July, after all.
It was so nice to be in the mountains again. As much as we love Decatur, it's so necessary to get away from the humid city in the summer. More long weekends like this, please.
I hope you had a relaxing 4th of July, too. What did you get up to?
Nearly three years ago, I wrote about an Atlanta landmark, Outwrite Books & Coffeehouse:
It was the silence that drew me in. Toward the end of the interview, WABE's All Things Considered host Denis O'Hayer asked Outwrite Bookstore owner, Phillip Rafshoon, what he would do if the store closed. Up until now Rafshoon had been articulate, upbeat and eloquent talking about Atlanta's premiere LGBT bookstore. The main focus of their conversation was how he planned to rescue it from closure. But now there was a pause. A long pause. As if, the thought was too grim to bear thinking about.
In the store on the first day of Atlanta Pride weekend, this thought seemed the farthest thing from everyone's minds. And from where I browsed and weaved through the crowd of shoppers and coffee shop loungers, that this bustling store could close was unfathomable.
That day did come, and Outwrite closed its door in January 2012. There's a restaurant now on the corner of 10th and Piedmont where the bookstore used to stand. I admit, I still look whenever I pass the corner, half expecting, half hoping to see the old Outwrite sign. At the time when it closed I wrote "I hope that Atlanta is not losing its one and only LGBT safe place; rather, that because of Outwrite's trail-blazing leadership, the city has become more open and accepting, and that the community now has countless safe places." In hindsight, I'm pretty sure that Outwrite's closing had more to do with the economic pressures of running an independent bookstore when online bookstores dominated the industry than it did with this idea that Atlanta didn't need an LGBTQ headquarters anymore. A lot of independent bookstores were closing in 2011/2012, not just the inclusive ones.
Even so, I'm sorry that the Equality movement in Atlanta doesn't have a symbolic headquarters on the corner of 10th and Piedmont. I'm sorry that Outwrite wasn't around to serve (as it most certainly would have) as a hub of excitement between late 2012 and 2013 when the country watched national support for marriage equality rise from 51% to 57%. How great would it have been if Outwrite were around for that? Its sounds a little like I'm grieving a dead family member who wasn't around for some of life's most important milestones, but maybe that's an apt comparison for an independent bookstore. When we acknowledge the real good independent bookstores do in a community, we'd be crazy not to regret the cancer that is killing them prematurely (did you like my dramatic yet subtle allusion to online bookstores?).
Happy to see my local feminist bookstore included on Paste's list of the Last 13 Feminist Bookstores in North America. Unhappy that there are only 13 left on the continent when they provide vital services to the communities that are lucky enough to have them. What services, you ask? Just off the top of my head, here are a few that come to mind:
A while back, I interviewed Sarah Look, co-owner of Charis Books & More as they were preparing for the 2011 Decatur Book Festival. I'm reposting an extract from our conversation. Her words bear repeating. You are welcome to read our chat in full, if you like.
Who are your customers?
You know, we have a really good mix of folks. I think people hear feminist bookstore and they don't know what that means, they don't know if they're welcome here, if it includes everyone. A quarter of our store is dedicated to multi-cultural children's books. So, you know, it's a lot of women, a lot of people of color, a lot of families, a lot of queer folks and GLBTQ-identified folks and a lot of pro-feminist men who stop here and have supported us for a long time.
Do you only sell feminist literature?
We have a very broad definition of feminism.
What is your definition?
It's not static. We believe in liberation and equality for all people, in the broadest sense of the world. And that's not just about women; it's about people from all different ethnicities and nationalities, it includes families and children and folks from all different walks of life.
Have you seen that term change over the years in the store?
Yes. We have certain guidelines about what we look for when we order for the store and they kind of stretch and grow. We say we have multi-cultural children's books and that's also, to us, broadly defined, because we're limited to what is available, but we want children and parents to reflect their lives no matter what they look like or what kind of family they have.
Do any of you live in one of the 13 remaining cities with feminist bookstores? I'd love to hear about it!
For Pride week, in addition to regular posting on For the Love of Bookshops, I will by reposting a few indie features from the archives that take a look at how indie bookstores have long supported Equality. I hope you enjoy.
There's an independent bookstore in Chattanooga sandwiched between art galleries, jewelry boutiques and a purveyor of organic dog bones. Visitors nearly run into it when they step off the pedestrian Walnut Street Bridge, or when they emerge from Good Dog hot dog deli with heavy bellies and contented sleepy smiles, perfect conditions for browsing the used and new and all creatively curated bookshelves at Winder Binder Gallery and Bookstore. Like Chattanooga and, specifically, like Frazier Ave, Winder Binder bookstore is an eclectic hub; part bookstore, part record store, part art gallery, it is an indie that has responded to the struggles in the book industry by diversifying into other similarly endangered markets. But in Chattanooga, a town that clearly values art, parks, nature and locally owned businesses, that combination seems to be working.
Books to read before seeing the movie — clearly, these are people after my own hear.
And while you're at it, why not put a turquoise vespa in the middle of your shop?
Records and books just feels like the perfect symbiotic relationship. Don't you agree? Plus, the way the light came through the windows (captured poorly on my Android camera phone) and the way the records are displayed in crates reminded me of this Atlanta treasure.
There's definitely a "support local" feel to Winder Binder. An entire bookshelf is devoted to Tennessee and Chattanooga authors, and the art is done by local artists.
Famous figures from history action figures. My dad was clearly ahead of this literary gift trend when he bought me a librarian action figure once as a gift.
This was the first time I'd seen these children's books inspired by classic works of literature. Have you seen them? In some ways, I think they're quite clever, but in other ways I have mixed feelings. On the one hand I quite like children developing an awareness of these books from a young age. They're essentially just young reader picture books matching new vocabulary (glove, fan, tiger, jungle) to images and quotations taken from the original works. While some were quite good, I made the mistake of reading Anna Karenina first of all, which had been reduced to a mere fashion primer. "Quelle horreur!" said the Tolstoy fan-girl in me. All the pictures and quotes had to do with Anna's wardrobe and jewelry … that was it. Really? Would having that as their first introduction to this great piece of literature ever endear a teenager to actually read the book? It wouldn't me, and what a great shame that would be. Anyways. Maybe I read too much into it. Moving along…
In the end, I did buy a book. Knowing what you want to buy ahead of time is good in its own way, but to me, the proof of a successful bookstore is when you leave with a book that you possibly never considered before that day. I love browsing shelves that others have arranged according to a specific vision, and being led to books that otherwise I would not have thought to pick up. On this particular day, I read the first chapter of The Bridge of San Luis Rey and quite enjoyed the world I found in Peru in the year 1714. I bought this humble little 1927 edition, which is the perfect weight and size for a purse. (Any idea why hardback books today are so much heavier than back in the day?)
Have you visited any great indie bookstores lately? Do tell! I'll add them to my long "to visit" list.
This post is part of a running series I do called "Indie Feature." If you like, you can read about other independent bookstores I've featured in this series here.
Despite having a birthday on a somewhat festive day of the year (Summer Solstice, midsummer, first day of summer, June 21st — it goes by many names), my birthday fetes are traditionally low key. I leave the maypole dancing up to others and opt instead for small gatherings (if any) or a hike somewhere beautiful. More common, though, is the coinciding of my birthday with summer travels, resulting in "parties" with as few as two people — Luke et moi on a mountain somewhere in France — or as many as make up the eclectic group we find ourselves with in the moment: extended family, friends we haven't seen in years and are visiting, fellow travelers we meet along the way. That's all just to say, I associated June 21st with travel, summer, the outdoors, good food, memories of summers on my granny's lake, but big, candles-on-cake parties? Not so much.
Which is why it felt natural to spend the day exploring a new city (and river) just a stone's throw away from us in Atlanta. Chattanooga is a place we'd been meaning to check out and a birthday seemed as good a day as any.
I don't think we were going with any particular expectations for the day — mainly, we just wanted to breath some fresh mountain (almost) air and escape the heat of the city. We did not escape the heat, but we were delighted to find that Chattanooga is quite the happening town. Did y'all know this? Just under 2 hours north-west of Atlanta, this scenic Tennessee town has so much to offer in the way of art galleries, eateries offering local fare, breweries, museums, water features, and, being as the city straddles the Tennessee river and is surrounded by hills, tons of outdoorsy activities. Really, our kind of town. Plus, the downtown area (both of them — there are two commercial centers, one on either side of the river) had this classic 1950s downtown feel, complete with old painted advertisements on buildings. It's not overly crowded or car heavy, and, in fact, we were impressed by the city's initiatives to pedestrianize the city. There are touring bikes you can rent (we didn't), and of the four suspension bridges transversing the river, three have walking paths and one is pedestrian/bicycle only.
I'd read good things about Good Dog, which I was happy to see offered veggie dogs. In my vegetarian days, veggie dogs were one of those meals that satisfied my nostalgic cravings for the childhood favorite (not to mention, they're just so convenient), without the stomach aches and nightmares that usually followed a meal of the pink slim variety I ate as a child. Needless to say, even though I'm eating more ethically sourced meat these days, the standard mystery meat franks have yet to tempt me away from their veggie equivalents. In the end, though, we forgot to specify "veggie dog" and were served Good Dog's handmade, all beef dogs instead. I was a little nervous, it must be said, but happily, Good Dog's attention to details with regards to sourcing only quality beef paid off. I am happy to report that my first meat hot dog in 8 years was delicious and did not result in stomach cramps or nightmares. Whew! Even so, let's be honest. A Chicago dog is never about the meat; it's all about the toppings. I was loving the "neon green relish," which lived up to its name, and the pickled jalapeño that was as long as the hot dog itself.
There was a independent bookstore… but that's all I'll say about it for now. Consider this a teaser for a full post on the subject later this week.
Filled up on hot dogs and ice cream (which didn't hang around long enough for a photo — sorry), we got back in the car and attempted to find a particular swimming hole recommended to us by the bookstore clerk. No surprise to anyone, there were detours and wrong turns, but even these led to some amazing views and even a few river walks.
It seemed like everyone was on the river which means the locals had all laid claim to the best swimming holes. But no bother. We saw this as an opportunity to explore the bits in between the swimming holes. A great excuse to test out my new Saltwater Sandals. Have you heard of this brand before? I needed some cute sandals that I could wear around town and to work, but which would also be serviceable on walks along varied terrain. These Saltwater sandals supposedly last years (there's a pattern in the reviews of people saying they wear them for 8 years and them by another pair just like them), they're water proof in both fresh and saltwater, and they're cute as all. Double bonus, they're actually a really reasonable price. Birthday score!
We did eventually find the swimming hole recommended to us, though it ended up being closed for maintenance. We cheekily climbed over the gate anyway and were walking brazenly down the path when we ran three park rangers. They were as nice as could be and told us about another place to swim, even more beautiful than the one we were aiming for, about 40 minutes up the road. Weird connection: one of the rangers (a self-proclaimed Tennessee redneck) noticed Luke's accent and within minutes they had made the most obscure and random connection I've ever witnessed. I won't go into it, but it involved a fellow called Sir Titus Salt. So random.
When we finally did make it to the bit of river our new park ranger friends had suggested, it was 5pm or so and Tennessee was doing what southern states do so well in the summer at that time of day: storming. A little rain wasn't going to keep us away, though, so we parked up and headed toward the sodden path. At that moment, we rain into another park ranger who warned us not to be gone long. We assured him we probably wouldn't swim since it had gotten chilly and we wouldn't have the hot sun to dry us off. "It's not the river I'm worried about," he said. "It's the path. I've seen flash floods come through in under 15 minutes. We had to rescue some hikers just a couple weeks ago."
Though our swimming plans never quite panned out, Chattanooga was the perfect place to spend an easy summer birthday.
One thing I've come to terms with since starting this blog is that I probably won't be opening my own independent bookshop anytime soon. Which I'm okay with. Writing For the Love of Bookshops, I get to share my love of books and support indie bookshops at the same time, without the stress of owning a precarious business. But even so, there's the part of me that still fantasizes about creating my own physical shop space (evidence, here) and filling it with my own hand-picked recommendations.
So imagine my delight when I read about a collaboration between Penguin Random House and HIVE retail site that allows wannabe bookshop owners like me to open up our own (virtual) bookshops while supporting brick and mortar independent bookshops at the same time (and sticking it to Amazon). The idea behind My Independent Bookshop is pretty simple: you link your online bookshop to a physical bookshop in the UK of your choosing and start recommending your favorite books. Any time someone purchase one of your recommended books, a percentage of the sales goes to your partner brick and mortar. Genius right? There's also a whole community of fellow bookshop owners on the site who you can connect with and ask for book recommendations. One cool feature is that several well-known authors have opened up shop on the site and actively recommend their favorite books.
Best of all, it pairs the convenience of one-click online shopping with the neighborliness of supporting your local independent bookshop. After all, they are the ones who actually contribute taxes and economic opportunities to your community, and theirs are the windows in which you likely first laid eyes on the book you later went and bought on Amazon. Justsayin — I know how it is.
As a longtime supporter of independent bookstores, I'm thrilled at this new initiative and hope it really takes off. Beyond offering an alternative to shopping at Amazon, I'm excited about the community of bookshop "owners." One feature I like a lot is the Find Some Inspiration button, that allows you to search other peoples recommendations based on a book you read and loved. You can also "like" other people's bookshops and — how cool is the? — if you find a bookshop whose collection just speaks to you, you can request a personal recommendation from the owner. Pretty cool, huh?
I've linked my bookshop with Mr. B's Emporium of Reading Delights in Bath, UK, because it is the shop that ticks all the boxes in my mind of what an independent bookstore should be. I don't believe users are able to link up with shops outside of the UK yet, but I'm hoping it's only a matter of time before they expand.
What do you think? Will you set up a shop? If you do, let me know — I'd love to connect!
(Just so you know, this is an unsponsored post. I'm writing about it because I love the idea and 100% behind supporting independent businesses.)
There's not much that can be said about this book that hasn't already been said. Many who have praised Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie for her 2013 novel have called it "fearless," "vivid," "epic"– I read it back in February and thought it was all these things. Column McCann gave voice to my own feelings when he declared "Adichie's great gift is that she has always brought us into the territory of the previously unexplored. She writes about that which others have kept silent."
On its face, Americanah is a love story. Like every good love story, it features a couple that is separated for some length of time, faces challenges while apart, and then is reunited to find that, though they have grown personally and their love has evolved, their passion for one another remains unaltered. However, the love story in this novel is also a vehicle driving a much more ambitious discussion about issues extremely relevant to readers today: race, immigration, body image, relationship models, feminism, for a start. For me, it was the struggle that took place in between the lovers' parting and reuniting that was so compelling.
Story summary:
Ifemelu and Obinze are inseparable and in love throughout high school and their first year of university in Nigeria. When the country's political struggles start to burden Nigerian universities, students are compelled to pursue educational opportunities abroad. Ifemelu leaves military-ruled Nigeria for the US, where she soon learns about the country's complex race-based systems of oppression. With humor and an outsider's insight, she grapples with what it means to be black in America. Best of all, she starts a blog. Meanwhile, 9/11 happens, the U.S. cracks down on immigration, and Obinze is unable to join Ifemelu in America as he hoped to do. With few opportunities available to him, the intelligent and dignified Obinze finds his way to the UK where he lives the dangerous and tenuous life of an undocumented worker. A harrowing event that happens during Ifemelu's penniless first year in America prompts her to end communication with Obinze, and, from the surface, they appear to move on in their careers and relationships. However, neither is ever far from the other's mind, even as Ifemelu's blog earns her international success and a fellowship to Princeton, and Obinze rises to become a wealthy, self-made man in Lagos. Fifteen years after emigrating, Ifemelu returns to a newly democratic Nigeria. Turning her keen eye and sharp tongue from America's social and racial landscape, she begins to write about the social structures in her home country. Just as Ifemelu establishes herself in Lagos, Obinze reenters her life.
Have you read this book yet? Like Mccann, in reading Americanah I felt like Adichie was giving me a great gift: insight into worlds I have little exposure to. The world of a black woman in racially defined America; the world of an undocumented immigrant; the world of elite businessmen in a burgeoning new economy. The roles are unfamiliar territory for some (me, a white woman with privilege), all too familiar for others (any person that doesn't fit into America's dominant culture). But the human experiences are universally attainable and so, so moving.
Personal Asides:
1) My one regret with this book is that Adichie created an incredible-sounding blog, "Raceteenth or Various Observations About American Blacks (Those Formerly Known as Negroes) by a Non-American Black," and all I wanted to do when I finished reading Americanah was read this imaginary blog. So here's my cry to the blogging community: what are some great blogs about navigating race lines in America and the world? Challenge me!
2) I like the book cover from Penguin Random House, Spain (pictured). Hair is a big theme in the book, and it really made me think differently about my cultural views about beauty and personal space.
Miraculously, when I looked at the temperature just now, it says we're only in the low 90s. "Miraculous" because it feels hot enough to boil water. That Georgia humidity is no joke, y'all. For two people who work from home a lot of the time and also try to conserve energy (it's fans and windows here most of the time), we have been having to come up with alternatives to full-blast AC. Otherwise, we're two sweaty and miserable curmudgeons. (Tip: please don't come over to our apartment without calling first. Our work attire has been decidedly scandalous here of late. Consider yourself warned.) Another unfortunate side effect of this heat and our sitting in it all day, is we get to craving what we should not be craving: ice cream for Luke, beer for me. To curb our taste for cooling snacks and beverages, we've taken to keeping a jug full of naturally flavored water chilling in our fridge. Using fruit from the farmers' market and herbs from our container garden, we've stumbled upon some deliciously cooling flavor combos. Our favorites are…
Blackberry, Citrus & Thai Basil (pictured above)
1 lemon sliced in rounds
1/2 of a grapefruit, sliced in rounds and halved
4-5 thumb sized blackberries (fresh or frozen)
A few sprigs of fresh thai basil (flowers included are lovely)
Raspberry, Lime & Mint
6-8 fresh (or frozen) raspberries
1 lime sliced in rounds
A few springs of fresh mint
Watermelon, Lime & Rosemary
1/2 cup fresh cubed watermelon
1 lime sliced in rounds
A couple sprigs of fresh rosemary
Pineapple, Mint and Coconut Water
1/2 cup of fresh cubed pineapple
A few sprigs of fresh mint
1-2 cups of fresh coconut water from a young coconut (here's a video about how to open a young Thai coconut. It's surprisingly easy! Ever since we learned how, we've been buying them at the farmers' market and experimenting cooking with fresh coconut meat, milk and water. We highly recommend them.)
For all the flavor combinations, just combine all the ingredients in a water jug or large mouth mason jar. Fill the jug about 3/4 of water (add water in addition to the coconut water if you're using it). Pack the jar with ice. Let the water infuse in the fridge for at least an hour before enjoying. Hint: every time you drink some, just top the jug off with more water. It will continue to infuse the new water. We typically keep a single jug of flavorings going for about 24 hours before throwing out the spent fruit and herbs.
I'm sure flavored water is not new to you, so I'd love to hear what some of your favorite combos are.
The travel bug has been bitting me hard in recent months. When will we have our next big adventure? Can we map it out right now? These are the questions I volley at Luke on a daily basis — as in, 6 to 8 times a day. (Above is a map + list of countries we scribbled out a couple nights ago (on a bar napkin) that we'd like to visit. We even prioritized them by environmental and political urgency and age appropriateness.)As anyone who suffers from the compulsion well knows, once the bug flares up, there's nothing to do but….
…obsessively read travel blogs. Oh? You thought I was going to say "travel?" Well, yes, ideally that would be the solution. But until that time when careers and finances can all sort themselves out to make room for a vagabond lifestyle, we do the next best thing: plan and dream. In the spirit of wanderlust, here are some of the travel blogs I've been particularly enjoying lately.
Nomadic-Habit is where Mirianna Jamadi's documents more than a year of 'round the world travel that she began with a boyfriend and is finishing solo. While her reflections tell the impressive backstories, it's her photography that drew me in Striking and deeply-felt, she captures the blink-and-they're-gone moments of daily life. I'm not lying, I spent an entire afternoon in south east Asia with Mirianna one day. I couldn't. pull. away.
DoubleTakes is possibly my favorite blog for getting notices about new posts through email. Each post is one mid-day toe dip into the world of design or …. the world. Whether they're featuring a set of handmade, letterpress postcards that caught their eye, a round-up of their three favorite travel photographs from the week, or a one to five minute virtual getaway to some unfairly beautiful part of the world with their Video Captures series, each post is like that square of Lindt 75% Cacao that the chocolate addict reserves and relishes for a daily treat (do I sound like I know what I'm talking about?). I highly recommend subscribing by email. You'll see what I mean.
Roads & Kingdoms is where I go when I don't just want to look at pretty pictures of vacation destinations, but when I want to learn about somewhere off-the-beaten path. After all, curiosity is what makes the traveler tick, right? Read about the rising careers of rags-to-riches motivational speakers in Lagos, Nigeria, or the power of chickpeas and yoghurt to unite refugees and locals in a Turkish border town.
World of Wanderlust is escapism of a different sort — career escapism. Brooke is a down-to-Earth Australia native who travels the world (sometime to a different country every two days!), writing astute travel tips and recommending some of the most wanderlust-inducing luxury hotels along the way. But that's not the most inspiring part. We'll reserve that place of honor for her career, which she's managed to carve out at the ripe old age of 22 (!!). Brooke has made a full-time job out of traveling. How? She gets asked that question a lot, as you can imagine. Her answer is one of the reasons I continue to check in with her every few days, despite the fact that I'm insanely jealous. She explains:
It's not because of my photography skills (that still remain amateur), not because of my incredible wit (though somewhat better than my photographic skills), nor because I am a genius with world history pouring out of my brain (though I did study world history in university). No, it's none of the above. It's because I had the courage.
I appreciate Brooke's humility and the reminder that, for all of us, the one thing that stands in the way of us and our dream is a step of courage.
Deep breath now…. and back to reality. But before you go, I'd love to hear: what are your favorite sites for fueling travel inspiration?
(Top photos are from For the Love of Bookshops. All others are by photographers from Nomad-Habitat, DoubleTakes, Roads & Kingdoms and World of Wanderlust respectively.


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CageToday.com caught up with Julie Kedzie, recently signed AFL fighter and the first female MMA fighter to be sponsored by the clothing company Tapout.
Julie was featured last week on the current season of the reality show Tapout on Versus. She currently trains with Greg Jackson camp out in Albuquerque. In this interview she discusses the show, training with Team Jackson, and her future with the AFL.
CageToday.com: Can you tell me a little bit about your martial arts background and how you got started in MMA?
Julie Kedzie: I began training when I was about four years old in Tae Kwan Do and then my family moved to Indiana when I was about twelve. I joined a school called the Joe County Martial Arts, continued my Tae Kwan Do training, and there they offered cross training. By the time I was 18 I kind of discovered Muy Thai and combat submission wresting and Brazilian Ju jitsu. – and I fell in love with them (laughs).

subset: commoncrawl


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The Association for Career and Technical Education announced the topic for the Cliff Weiss Essay contest (held in the memory of former ACTE Senior Director of Communications Cliff Weiss (1951-2004). This year's essay topic for secondary and postsecondary students is "What does this year's theme, Learning Today, Earning Tomorrow, mean to you?"
In the essay, students should describe how learning career and technical education (CTE) today provides them with the skills and knowledge to be successful in their future career. ACTE will use the winning essays to inform policymakers, parents and educators about CTE's role in preparing students to compete in the global economy.
The contest is open to high school and college/postsecondary students taking at least one course in CTE. The essays should be between 400-600 words, in Microsoft Word format, and e-mailed by Wednesday, February 16 to email@example.com. Only one entry is allowed per person. A secondary and postsecondary student winner will each receive an award of $250 in addition to having their essay published on ACTE's Web site.
For complete rules on the contest, please visit ACTE's Cliff Weiss Essay Contest or contact Sabrina Kidwai at firstname.lastname@example.com. Winners will be announced at the end of February.


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- Admissions
- Academics
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- Cost & Aid
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- About Plattsburgh
An 18 credit minor to teach students the essential elements of using geographic information systems (GIS) technology and software (ArcGIS 8.x from E.S.R.I.). Students learn how to create and use GIS data layers from remote sensing, field methods and existing map products.
If you would like more information about environmental science at SUNY Plattsburgh, please contact
Dr. Robert Fuller (Director)
Campus Location: Ward Hall 239, Plattsburgh, NY 12901
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Police suggest residents in the McClure Avenue area keep their cars and garages locked due to reports of thefts in the past few days.
Someone stole almost $5,000 worth of items from an unlocked garage in the early hours of Monday in the 600 block of McClure Avenue, police said. Missing items included a Tom-Tom GPS unit and a push mower. Found in the alley behind the house, shoved under a bush, were two golf bags, one with custom-made clubs, police said.
A resident in the 700 block of McClure reported his yellow lawn mower worth $200 and kept in the back yard against the house was taken around 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, police said.
Police urged Sharon residents to call Mercer County 911 if they see something suspicious.
Local News
McClure Avenue residents beware
Police suggest residents in the McClure Avenue area keep their cars and garages locked due to reports of thefts in the past few days.
- Local News
Intruder hurts woman, takes $5
A home invasion in Hermitage Friday night sent an elderly woman to the hospital and netted the robber $5.
March against crime set for Aug. 5
At the last Southwest Mercer County Regional Police Commission meeting, Chief Riley Smoot Jr. presented the number of incidents for each of the four communities in May.
Farrell topped out at 819.
Peaceful pathways
History buffs and picnickers in the Shenango Valley won't have to drive to Sharpsville to hang out at the old Erie Canal extension lock. They'll soon have the option to walk or roll in on bicycles and even powered chairs to visit Canal Park near the outflow of Shenango Dam.
Balloon Quest celebrates 25 years
Today is the final day of the 25th annual Western Pennsylvania Balloon Quest at Scotland Meadows Park.
News briefs from July 26, 2014
Man faces bomb threat charges
June building tops $4 million in Hermitage
Elderly man survives plane crash
An elderly man survived wrecking his plane into a bank, then landing into a wetland, about 200 feet south of Runway 28 at Grove City Regional Airport in Springfield Township on Friday.
Man arrested for April gunfight
Federal marshals and local police arrested Dontae Rashad Pinkins Thursday on a warrant accusing him of involvement in an April gunfight with another man in a Sharon alley.
Hearing changed in starving case
The time and place for the preliminary hearing of a Greenville mom accused of starving and beating her 7-year-old young son has been changed.
Drawn to Mexico
Jason Schell probably is not exaggerating when he says that millions of people have seen his art.
Farrell man, 24, arrested on warrant in connection with April shooting
Federal marshals and local police arrested Dontae Rashad Pinkins Thursday on a warrant accusing him of involvement in an April shootout in Sharon.
Pinkins, 24, of Farrell, is in Mercer County Jail after failing to post bond on gun charges.
Additional details to follow.
Firm will study timing of traffic signals
Hermitage commissioners on Wednesday hired Whitman, Requardt and Associates LLP to study the timing scheme of traffic signals along parts of Hermitage Road and East State Street.
3 area fire depts. awarded grants
Three area fire departments will share in more than $590,000 in grants meant to help Pennsylvania's rural communities guard against the threat of fires in forests and other undeveloped areas, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Ellen Ferretti announced.
One suspect in home shooting is jailed
The first of three suspects police say were involved in an attempted robbery that ended in a shooting is in jail.
K.I.D.S. day
Hoping to reach children at just the right age, when they are old enough to understand but not past the point where it may be too late, Mercer County Behavioral Health Commission counselors held an "alternative activities" day at the courthouse Thursday, complete with music and dancing, hot dogs and treats, games and T-shirts.
Grant available to boost security in district courts
County officials are looking to quickly upgrade security systems in the five district judge offices, not due to an increase in risk, but because current systems are antiquated and there is a short window to apply for some financial help with the costs.
- More Local News Headlines
- Intruder hurts woman, takes $5


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Naperville North's Bryan LoLordo spins away from West Aurora defender Joshua McAuley Friday in Aurora. | Mary Beth Nolan~For Sun-Times Media
Based on the previous meeting, expect another nail-biter Wednesday when West Aurora plays host to Glenbard East with a share of the DuPage Valley Conference title on the line.
The Rams prevailed 58-56 at home on Jan. 18, holding on for the win as a potential game-tying shot by the Blackhawks' Jontrel Walker after a drive down the lane rolled off the rim as time expired.
"I think the second half was like a dogfight and we ended up making the last play," a relieved Glenbard East coach Scott Miller said afterward.
The pressure is off his team in some respects because they were able to wrap up at least a share of the crown with Saturday's win over Wheaton Warrenville South. Glenbard East is 12-1 in the league and 17-6 overall.
The teams had entered last weekend's action tied at 10-1, but the Blackhawks dropped a two-point decision Friday at home to Naperville North before rebounding on Saturday to pummel West Chicago. It means West (20-5, 11-2) faces a must-win to claim a share of the title.
"I don't think it's gonna have any effect on how we approach the game, technically or mentally," Blackhawks coach Gordie Kerkman said. "If we were tied (with Glenbard East) and had to win it outright, nothing changes. I don't think the position has anything to do with our motivation."
In other words, his team had better be motivated. How close was the last meeting?
West jumped out to a 10-2 lead to open the game, but the Rams' 6-foot-2 guard Tahron Harvey got 16 of his game-high 24 points in the second quarter to lead East to a 34-30 advantage at the break.
Matt Williams' second half defense on Harvey was a factor as the Blackhawks clawed their way back into it, tying it at 47-all on Josh McAuley's 18-foot jumper with 5:05 remaining. It was a one-possession game the rest of the way.
Junior wing Jaron Hall added 16 points for the Rams and they needed every one of them, because the Blackhawks were holding 6-4 senior wing and three-year varsity starter Marvin Grant-Clark scoreless — a feat that's unlikely to happen again.
Walker finished with 22 points to lead West, which got 12 more from McAuley to go with his seven rebounds and two blocked shots. The Blackhawk big man has 87 blocked shots (3.6 per game) this season, which is probably a school single-season record but there's no way to verify it.
"In my experience, I think it is without question," said veteran West broadcaster Neal Ormond, who goes back even further than Kerkman, who is in his 37th season as head coach.
"Certainly before my time and even in my early years, I doubt that's a statistic we kept," the veteran coach said.
While the number is nice, Kerkman wouldn't put too much emphasis on it.
"I think (McAuley) can get carried away, like a lot of high school and even college and pro players do, in the way that he attempts to block shots and not think about the consequences," Kerkman said, remembering an interview he once heard with NBA great Bill Russell of the Boston Celtics.
"Russell used to say he tried on his first block of the game to hit the ball into the stands," Kerkman said. "After that, he tried to block it above his head. Josh is a little more immature right now than Bill Russell and (McAuley) tries to swat everything. What you have to realize is, when you do that, you're swinging down and there's a chance you're going to hit the shooter's arm on the way down (and draw a foul)."
And McAuley riding the bench with foul trouble, as the Blackhawks learned in the second half last Friday against Naperville North, is not a good place for them to be.
Tag(s): Top Headlines Featured Top News Glenbard East West Aurora Top News


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It took a bit to get out on the runway because we were being held by the tower due to the air traffic. I took a moment to pray and breathe again. Major Fisher asked," Are you excited?" I said, "Yeah, I'm looking forward to this." We talked some more and I was getting a bit more relaxed. I relied on my talent of conversation that had left me earlier in the morning to get me out of my head of getting sick and being overwhelmed. Then it was the moment. Time for take off!
We moved out on the runway, turned right and then the next moment the F-16 was speeding down the runway. I am used to commercial airlines where we pull out on the runway and pause before zipping down. Nope that wasn't this ride. While racing down the runway I had the though again, "How is this happening that I am in a Thunderbird?" Well it was happening and we were off the ground and flying forward. "When is the climb going to happen? When are we going straight up? What will this feel like?" All of these thoughts are racing through my head and then we went into the sky. Wow! We are going straight up and the ground was falling away behind me. Major Fisher told me to look over my shoulder to see this view because it isn't a view many people get to see and I wasn't going to pass this up. While doing this though all of the bladders in the G-suit inflated and were squeezing me. "Huh?! Wait I'm supposed to be squeezing? Crap, I forgot my breathing" This is a really odd sensation of having what are like chaps full of bladders and a vest that automatically inflate to keep your blood pumping. Imagine a bunch of blood pressure cuffs all around your legs and abs that all inflate at once. Within seconds we were at 16,000 feet and after a small roll were flying out over the water of South Florida. I was almost rendered speechless but was able to tell Major Fisher, "That was amazing" He said, "Welcome to my office" and what an office view! I could get used to this if only my stomach would let me. I was already feeling that queasy feeling and we just took off. Uh oh! Ok time to focus on talking and getting to know more about flying. The tower told us to go on a heading of 360 something or other and well we turned and started flying to the Lake Placid Air Space. This is a very surreal feeling to be flying in an Air Force F-16 flying at amazing speeds and feel like you aren't moving a lot.
Major Fisher asked me about how long I have been in SFL and how I made my way down here. We talked about my career so far and how I love living in South Florida. He made a few course changes according to the towers instructions and as he moved the stick I could feel every move. My ears weren't catching up to my head. Major Fisher asked how I was feeling and I told him I felt like I couldn't calm down so he told me to go to 100% oxygen. "Luke I am your father" LOL So I was breathing 100% oxygen and just trying to chill out. My mouth got dry after a bit and "Eight" told me to take a sip of water that was in my G suit pocket. I did this but was very conscious to not drink too much because that would come back up. OK, I felt a bit better and kept saying to myself," If I throw up it is OK. I'm not the first and I won't be the last." Major Fisher then told me that were a few minutes away from the Air Space we were going to and I was amazed because it felt like just a few minutes to me.
OK now it was time to do the maneuvers we talked about. I frankly couldn't remember what was about to happen and was just trying to relax and have fun. The first was the first turn to test how I would respond to the G's and to practice my G strain. Captain Fisher said "Ready?" I said "Ready!" Then he said "Here come the G's." I took my quick breath in, held in the back of my throat, curled my toes, squeezed the soccer ball, squeezed my butt to the high heavens and did my air exchange. I'm being pushed back into my seat and the G-suit is inflating and I am having the time of my life. The turn was brief and lasted maybe fifteen seconds by my estimate but frankly I am probably wrong. WOW! What a feeling. We finished that turn and I was already exhausted. We pulled about 6-7 G's. That is tough work. Major Fisher checked in and I told him I was fine. What I didn't say was my stomach was gurgglin just a bit. But I knew it wasn't that moment of "Drop Mask, Drop Mask, Drop Mask" So he asked if I was ready to pull about 7-8 G's or what I thought was 7-8 G's. I said, "ready!" "Here Come The G's" Quick breath in to the back of my throat. Curl my Toes, Squeeze the ball, squeeze my butt to the high heavens and do my air exchange. The G suit is inflated and I am seeing clearly meaning I'm doing great on my G Strain. Where did this elephant come from that is sitting on me? How did that get in the Thunderbird? Within a few seconds we were out of the turn and I said, "Man that is exhausting!" I loved every minute but my stomach was not happy after pulling G's. I was burping a bit and stayed on the 100% oxygen. It was time to reach for my first airsick bag. Major Fisher asked if I was ready to pull 9 G's and I said, "let's hold here for a minute" He quickly powered down a bit an maneuvered us around the air space where it was safe. After a few moments of flying around and deep breaths, Major Fisher asked if I wanted to skip the 9 G's and I thought, "Hell no!" I didn't come up here for nothing and I am pulling 9 G's. I said, "Let's do it" or I think that is what I said but we were on our way to pull 9 G's. The plane powered up and we were ready. You know the sequence: "Ready?" "Ready!" "Here Come the G's, short pause and quick breath in the back of the throat, curl the toes to flex the calf, squeeze the ball, squeeze the living daylights out of my butt and do the air exchange. HOLY MOLY THIS IS HARD! Every millimeter of my skin on my face is being pulled to the back of my head, I am being molded into the seat and I can't move. "K" Huh" 1,2,3 "K" "Huh" 1,2,3 SQUEEZE. No tunnel vision, no G- lock YES! I'm doing it. "K" "huh" ok we are pulling out of the turn but keep squeezing and keep breathing. Whew! Ok, done! Rock on that was awesome. Major Fisher said, " You just pulled 9 G's!" All I could say was that was awesome! And then ," I think I might get sick" Eight told me to get the bag ready and to drop the mask. I dropped the mask and was fighting the feeling of throwing up. I despise every part of throwing up. I hate the loss of control and of powerlessness. Well here was the moment and I figured to just let go and I did and up came the water! Up came the water again and then I was a bit more relaxed. I tied the top of the bag off as I was told and made sure I kept the plane clean. Once the mask was back on and Major Fisher asked if I was back with him I felt a bit better.
At this moment I was ready to call it a day before doing any of the loops and barrel rolls etc but I will never have this chance again to fly in a Thunderbird. So when the question was asked if I wanted to try a loop I of course said let's do it. The loop was simply magical. Nice and gradual and we flew right through our smoke trail. It was the easiest part of the trip so far. No drop in my stomach, no queasy feeling just a great big loop. That was a piece of cake and I could see why pilot's love flying. Next was the barrel roll. Once again we started into the maneuver and I was at ease. Major Fisher told me to look for the smoke trail and I could see the pattern we made. Next was where we would do some of the negative G moves and frankly Major Fisher and I were on the same page thinking that my stomach might not be able to handle those moves. CRAP! I wanted to do the 8 point roll and all of the tricks that I have seen them do for years. Alas, my stomach said no so we agreed to do a high speed pass over the Avon Park Bombing Range to say hello and then head home.
Here came the turn and apparently my stomach just doesn't like turns. I grabbed the second bag, got ready and more water! Ugh are you kidding me? We are turning and I am missing this great pass because my ears trying to stay level just didn't agree with the turn. Well Major Carletti told me that you don't know when it will happen but it may happen at any time so remember to "Drop mask, drop mask, drop mask." So once all of that was done I was able to put the mask back on and tell Major Fisher that I got sick again. He said to "Keep the bag handy" so I did and we headed back to base.
I felt like I had worked out hard in the gym lifting my max while running a marathon and I wasn't even flying the plane. The ride home seemed a bit longer because I was exhausted and wasn't feeling 100%. I didn't talk too much on the flight home and Major Fisher told me that we were ten minutes away and that he would take it down easy. Thank you Jesus! We were going down and I still wasn't feeling great but thankfully the cold air was on my neck and we were going to land. Man were we going down fast! Major Fisher said," It's going to get warm in here" and then the cool air went to warm air and that was not what my stomach needed. We were going down and turning at the same time over the airbase. Warm air combined with a turn didn't sit well with my stomach so I dropped the mask again and took care of business. I surely didn't want to throw up when we were landing but I did and thankfully could put my mask back on before we taxied back to the parking space. Major Fisher asked if I was ok to do a plane side interview and talk a bit and I knew I could do at least that. Finally we were back where it all started and I was still in awe that I just flew in a Thunderbird. We were there and parked. I could see my dad taking pictures with his I-Pad and video. The Canopy was raised and it was time for me to get out of the plane. Umm?? What do I do with the second bag? Thankfully someone was there to help me out of the plane and he took the bag. So, I unhooked my lap belt, the shoulder harness, took off my mask and helmet and stored that. Took out my ear plugs and was ready to descend the stairs and put my feel on the ground.
Once down the ladder I took off my G-suit and Vest and had a nice drink of water. I needed one because I was tired from the G-strain and well my extra abdominal workout provided by my upset stomach. I looked up to see the Thunderbird team standing in front of me along with my photographer from the station and my father. Major Fisher was at my side and told the team what we did that day and that I pulled 9 G's. They presented me with my VIP certificate showing the date that I flew with the Thunderbirds and also my 9 G pin signifying that I pulled 9 G's. With those presentations Major Fisher turned over the floor to me. What was I going to say to verbalize my appreciation for this once in a lifetime experience? All I could say was growing up in an Air Force family that I know the significance of serving our country and that I am grateful for your service. I thanked the Thunderbirds for my freedom and told them that I am able to go to work, to school, to the grocery store because of my freedom today. I thanked them for their service from the bottom of my heart.
I thanked Major Fisher and then I didn't expect what came next. Each member of the Thunderbird team lined up to shake my hand and in turn I was able to thank each of the team members on sight. I even was able to pass on to Staff Sgt. Hooks that I kept his plane clean.
As I reflect back on my experience with the United States Air Force Thunderbirds I am filled with so much pride to part of an Air Force family. The Air Force members that serve our country are some of the finest men and women I have met in my life. I told my dad as we drove away from Homestead Air Reserve Base that I am very grateful for his service to our country and for an amazing childhood. Because of the Air Force, I had the opportunity to live in two foreign countries and travel to many more. I learned at a young age to be able to adapt to any situation quickly and learned the bonds of friendship and family grow strong within the military. I was reminded of the dedication of our military, the attention to detail and the pride in a job well done every moment of my journey with the Thunderbirds and it is an experience that I will cherish for the rest of my life.
So when I went to the Wings Over Homestead air show a few days later and watched the Thunderbirds show I was able to say to my friends, " I went up in that plane!" and smiled at all of the memories of my childhood of watching the Thunderbirds on my Dad's shoulders to seeing my Dad smile as his son flew into the Wild Blue Yonder with America's Ambassdor's in Blue.
Thunderbirds Team Bios:


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Minor league transactionsBy
I've already gone into how much I enjoy digging through BA's minor league transactions page, so I figured I'd make it a nice little bi-weekly feature. I guess this will be the standard format, but enough already…
New York Yankees
Signed: SS Andrew Beattie
Released: RHP Cory Stuart, C Mark Davis, 2B Kevin Howard
Optioned to Double-A: RHP Jeff Kennard
Placed on minor league disabled list: RHP Joba Chamberlain, RHP J. Brent Cox, RHP Chris Garcia, RHP Mark Melancon, RHP Paul Patterson, RHP Steven White, 2B Russell Raley, SS Andy Cannizaro, SS Grant Plumley
Place on voluntarily retired list: 1B Ben Jones
Placed on restricted list: RHP Rolando Japa, RHP Daniel McCutchen, RHP Hector Noesi
Four of the Yankees' top 15 prospects begin the season on the shelf. Melancon and Garcia both had Tommy John surgery. Cox had elbow surgery and will likely miss the season.
I'm guessing that Mark Davis is actually Ben Davis. Even though Kevin Howard was released, I'd still rather have him than Tony Womack. Looks like Low-A Charleston's all-time leader in homers (35) and RBI's (165) called it career. Thanks for helping Tabata get pitches to hit last year, Ben.
Potential scrap heap steal: C/1B Shawn Wooten, who was cut by the Padres. (very slim pickin's this time around)
He's still in baseball?: RHP Tim Drew (Nancy and Stephen's brother), who was signed by the Indians. 3B (and former Yank) Erick Almonte, who was cut by the Rockies. OF Bubba Trammell, who was put on the Orioles' minor league disabled list.
The forever underappreciated Ramiro Mendoza was cut by the Mets.
2 Comments»
Mike I was wondering when Abe Almonte was comming to play in the US this year?
I believe he's already in the states and is down in Extended Spring Training. He, Jesus Montero and Prilys Cuello *should* make their debuts with the GCL Yanks when the Rookie level season starts in June.
Abe Almonte is going to tear. it. up.


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Determining once and for all if the Sixers have upgraded or downgraded their SWAG level this offseason.
We may have better shot selection than Lou Williams, but we certainly can't rap as well. But we tried.
Boss is gone, Brand is gone, is Andre next?
News that doesn't really matter and isn't news: Rod Thorn says the Sixers want to re-sign Lou/Hawes.
More confirmation that Lou will definitely be looking for a new contract from somewhere this offseason.
It's never just one person to blame for a loss, but Doug Collins gets most of the blame for the Sixers collapse.
Sixers manage to take a game from the Pacers, move closer to securing a playoff spot.
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With a built-in environmental sensors, smart USB ports, and promises of IFTTT-compatibility, these crowdfunded plugs could put some pressure on WeMo.
D-Link needs to partner with IFTTT and fix performance inconsistencies to match the versatility and convenience of Belkin's WeMo Switch and WeMo Insight Switch.
The 2015 Volkswagen Golf GTE remixes the GTI's 200-hp output with a plug-in hybrid power-train, blending performance with 130-mpg efficiency.
Pricing not available
The 2014 Honda Accord Plug-in keeps up with the competition in some ways, but the overall package lacks cohesion, and quirky features such as the right-side camera don't add much.
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The Cel-Fi is an effective solution to extend T-Mobile or AT&T signal to where you couldn't get it before, but it's cost-prohibitive for homes and hence suitable mostly or business users.
BMW went back to the drawing board to come up with the i8, a car with three motors, four seats, all-wheel-drive, and a swooping exterior that's straight out of the future. Our first impressions on the road.
A security initiative from Google hopes to identify and put a stop to previously unknown, unpatched bugs that threaten the Web at large.
The Mac maker is forcing users of older versions of the Flash Player plug-in to update in the name of security.
D-Link's Wi-Fi Smart Plug had potential, but ultimately left us in the dark.
A note on the site encourages subscribers to switch to Beats, which Apple is in the process of acquiring for $3 billion.


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|Excellent - 47 reviews
Guests at this inn will be 2 miles from skiing at Jay Peak Resort. The inn boasts an on-site restaurant and a hot tub. Jay Peak Golf Course is 5 miles away. A flat-screen TV and free Wi-Fi are featured in every guest room at the Jay Village Inn. A refrigerator and en suite bathroom are also included. Guests can relax in the seasonal outdoor pool or the sau...
Overall Rating - Excellent - 47 reviews
Poor 1.0
rooms very small,The first room they gave us had flys and lady bugs all over the ceiling and window. The second room, very small.The tv was on top of the frig. (which was the biggest item in the room?) the bathroom was big, almost half the size of the room.. in the bathroom. the tolet seat was cracked, the ceiling fan cover was falling down, the shower head was huge and shot water out like needles. The lighting was poor. Just poor space management for that size room. I have stayed in b/b alot but this was not good, no coffee set up down stair for guest. In this area other than the large add very nice lodge at jay's peak ski resort, There was no other hotels to stay at.. The inn was WAY OVER PRICED.At an average price ofxxx per night for three nights. I guess if you are there for only the sking you might over look some of this. The grill down stairs was nice and the food was good.
|Excellent - 2 reviews
When you stay at The Rendezvous Bed & Breakfast in Lowell, you'll be within the region of Pump House Indoor Waterpark. Take in the views from a garden and make use of amenities such as a fireplace in the lobby
Overall Rating - Excellent - 2 reviews
Excellent 10.0
The breakfast.
NothingExceeded our expectations. Hosts were very nice.
Excellent 10.0
The innkeepers were personable, hospitable, and interesting.
|Excellent - 20 reviews
When you stay at Phineas Swann Bed & Breakfast Country Inn in Montgomery Center, you'll be within the region of Pump House Indoor Waterpark. Make yourself at home in one of the 9 individually decorated guestrooms, featuring DVD players and flat-screen televisions. Complimentary wired and wireless Internet access keeps you connected, and cable programming pro...
Overall Rating - Excellent - 20 reviews
|Excellent - 28 reviews
With a stay at Jay Peak Resort in Jay, you'll be near ski lifts and minutes from Pump House Indoor Waterpark. This family-friendly resort is within the region of Mont Sutton. Make yourself at home in one of the guestrooms featuring refrigerators and microwaves. Flat-screen televisions with premium TV channels are provided, while complimentary wireless Intern...
Overall Rating - Excellent - 28 reviews
Excellent 10.0
We were at Jay Peak for a wedding and were pleased with the accommodations.
Excellent 10.0
cottage layout and cleanliness, accessibility to shuttle bus
no bathroom on bedroom's floorgreat skiing and resort atmosphere
|no reviews
Located in Westfield, this accommodation is 10 miles from skiing at the Jay Peak Resort and offers a games room with billiards. Guests can also enjoy free Wi-Fi. Each apartment at the Carmel Cottage & Loft has a kitchen complete with a stove, oven, refrigerator and kitchenware. The apartment has a balcony and a seating area with a sofa bed. The Carmel Loft...
|no reviews
With a stay at Top of the Hill in Newport (Derby - Newport), you'll be close to Baxter Park and Haskell Free Library and Opera House. This bed & breakfast is within the vicinity of Veteran's Memorial Park and Lake Salem Beach House. Make yourself at home in one of the 2 guestrooms featuring DVD players. Conveniences include phones, as well as coffee/tea make...
|no reviews
|no reviews
Cliff Haven is situated on 300 breathtaking acres in Vermont's rural countryside. The farm house, built in 1804, has been gracefully restored and an addition added with 3 very spacious guest rooms offering the latest comforts in a warm old-fashioned atmosphere. Private swimming pond, fantastic lake and mountain views and gourmet breakfasts complete the packa...
|no reviews
Little Gnesta is a Swedish-Inspired B & B on the isthmus which is downtown Newport, VT. Just two blocks from the magnificent Lake Memphremagog, Little Gnesta offers four simple, yet elegant rooms, combining Gustavian and Swedish-country design elements. At Little Gnesta you'll sleep "Scandinavian" with fluffy comforters atop queen-size Carpe Diem beds, i...
|no reviews
Voted Editor's Choice by Yankee Magazine twice!Our one-of-a-kind, immaculate inn sits on 7 acres of beautifully manicured lawns directly on Lake Salem. All rooms have private en-suite baths. Take the kayak or canoe out on the lake (no charge). Have a romantic dinner at the inn. Celebrate a special occasion. PACKAGES AVAILABLE ARE ON OUR WEBSITE: .lakesal...
|no reviews
Journey's Salon & Guest House is a place for radiance and rest offering salon services as well as comfortable accommodations. Come and experience home away from home. Stay in one of our 3 guest rooms, each with a queen size bed , sitting area and shared bath on the main level. Common areas include: kitchen, dining, media/living rooms and a cozy reading...


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AT&T Georgia Makes Contribution to Support The Clean Air Campaign
AT&T Georgia presented a check for $10,000 to The Clean Air Campaign today at the non-profit organization's quarterly Board of Directors meeting, held at the Metro Atlanta Chamber.
"Through our partnership with The Clean Air Campaign, AT&T Georgia has worked to put our employees in position to make sustainable transportation choices," said AT&T Georgia regional director of external affairs Dennis Boyden. This year, AT&T Georgia employees have eliminated some 12.7 million vehicle miles of travel from the roads and kept 6,348 tons of pollution out of the air we breathe.
The Clean Air Campaign is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that has forged mutually-productive partnerships with many of Georgia's leading employers in pursuit of cleaner air and less traffic congestion. Each day, the commute options programs supported by federal, state, local and private sector funds - like those from AT&T Georgia - help commuters, employers and schools breathe easier.
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The members of Trinity United Reformed Church welcome you to their home page. We invite you to explore the pages of this Web site, and to join us in praise, worship, prayer, Bible study, and ministry to each other and the community. We are a church where God's love shows and our faith grows!
Sunday Worship
We worship on Sundays at 9:30 AM. Our second worship service (different from the first service), is on Sundays at 6:00 PM.
Nursery care is provided during all services. Sunday School for all ages and a Small Group Prayer time are offered on most Sundays after the morning worship service, September through May.
Website last updated on July 20, 2014


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The two victims in Saturday's fatal accident in Upper Bucks County have been identified by police. One victim is from the Croydon section of Bristol Township.
The driver of the Chevrolet Cavalier involved in the crash was identified as Stacy Byrne, 32, of Prospect Avenue of Croydon, police said.
The driver of the Toyota Camry — which hit the Cavalier from behind, struck a rock and went airborne — is identified as Mary E. Dodds, 49, of the 100 block of Damson Lane, Montgomery Township, police said.
The passenger in the Cavalier who was injured was Byrne's husband, Ian Byrne.
Byrne was treated at Lehigh Valley Hospital.
The accident happened Saturday evening at Routes 152 and 113 in Silverdale Borough, Upper Bucks County, police said.
Police believe speed may be a factor in the accident.
According to Hilltown Township Police, a Chevy Cavalier was stopped at a red light on northbound Baringer Avenue (Route 152), at around 5:20 p.m. A Toyota Camry hit the Cavalier from behind, police said.
The driver of each vehicle was pronounced dead at the scene, police said.
The intersection was closed for nearly four hours.
An exact cause of the accident remains under investigation.
Hilltown Township Police were assisted by Montgomery Township Police, Pennridge Regional Police, Bedminster Township Police, Dublin Borough Police, Perkasie Borough Police, Quakertown Borough Police, Doylestown Township Police, Silverdale Fire Co., Perkasie Fire Co., Hilltown and Perkasie Fire Police, Grand View Hospital Medic 151, Chal-Brit Regional EMS, JeffState Medical Helicopter and Bucks County Coroner's Office.


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Massimiliano Fuksas - La Nuvola09/07/2012
La Nuvola (the Cloud), in the EUR district of Rome, is an ongoing project by Massimiliano Fuksas, an Italian architect known for his combination, and often contrasting, of architectural styles into a single structure.
La Nuvola is a large rectangular, translucent building which contains a central, cloud-shaped, 10,000 square metre structure of teflon and steel, suspended between the ceiling and floor. Inside this 'cloud' will be an auditorium and meeting room, the focal point of the congress centre which will also house cafes, restaurants, exhibition spaces and a hotel.
Fuksas, known for his projects such as Milan's FieraMilano and Vienna's Twin Tower, is also curretly involved in China's Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport project, in cooperation with Knippers Helbig.
Susan Strongman


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28 members
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IN THE END - A Flash Fiction Story
After so many hours lying in this hospital bed, he had developed an ear for every unusual noise the hostile environment could throw at him; the dripping noise of a hundred tubes, the constant humming of machines, the never ending pumping of a-many unnatural hearts. His surroundings had become his new home; an uncomfortable, indiscreet, inhuman home with a horrific smell that he abhorred but knew he would never leave.
And for all his time in and out of here, he had a few not-so-bad memories, except that lately things had been getting worse and now she had arrived. He hadn't seen her, and though nobody else around him acknowledge her moving about, he could feel the cold breeze of her presence. He was tired and a few times over the last days, he had greeted her with more relief he cared to admit; but soon the desire came back. The same heart aching desire that had forced him to get this far, and a guilty feeling over powered him.
Now, it was not only in the air; he could hear her too. The slithering sound underneath his bed the others chucked to his old mechanical bed, but he knew better. He could almost see the cloaked figure blossoming in the shadows, crouching, waiting for his heart to show the slightest sign of weakness to snatch it right out of his chest, leaving him in the end as cold and pale as her.
By Georgina Morales.
Hey Georgina, I'm new follower of your blog and also bumped the blog with +1 on google+. When you get a chance visit http://iron2112fist.blogspot.com/ and if you like it follow and + back.
Hey there..! :)
I am new here..! I just stumbled upon your profile..!
I would really appreciate it if you'd follow my blog @ http://readingwithanacrasia.blogspot.in
P.S: Please do leave a link to your blog so I can follow you back :)
thanks <3
Thank-You for the friendship! I will definetely have to check out your book. I am thankful to have a place where I can come and exchange contributions with such gifted and inspirational people. I have just completed my autobiography entitled "Born In Betrayal". The website is http://https://www.createspace.com/3694258. Alot of people ask me why I decided to reveal my story to the world. I believe that we all are connected in some way or another, and that our experiences of personal struggle and triumph could possibly have the potential to help another person along this journey of life. I am a survivor and I give all of my credit and glory to God. I believe that my book will change your life and the lives of all who read it. After the storm I find that even the darkest of days and nights still had a purpose and a meaning. God Bless!
I can say that I love to write and story feature women(some men) who had been scorn, wrong or downright cheated on! Whatever happen to living happily ever after!
Hi Georgina - Writing is a great thing. I know I love it. Keep after it and keep growing as a writer. My 5th book will be coming out the middle of 2012. It's the second in a series, The Samantha Cain Mystery Series. I retired a couple of years ago so I could write full time and I am. I love every minute of it and thank God He is blessing me so. Check out my web site http://author.deborahlynne.com
Thank you for the comment. Glad to finally have internet again to reply.
I have written a few books, love to review books too.
I just follow your blog and thanks for following my blog as well.
Sorry I took so long to answer you but I was rather busy. I will follow you real soon, right now I'm just catching up on things.
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January 29, 2010 (From New York)
Yann Coatanlem - Citi Institutional Client Group
Managing Director and Head, Multi-Asset quantitative Analysis Group
"Commodity Derivatives: Term Structure Modeling and Risk Management"
Yann Coatanlem is a Managing Director in Citi Institutional Client Group and head of the Multi-Asset quantitative Analysis Group. He joined the Arbitrage Desk of Salomon Brothers in London in 1994. His current responsibilities include research, development and trading support for the Hybrid and Multi-Asset Derivatives desk, the Commodity desk and Prime brokerage globally. MAQA's key responsibility is to help businesses at all stages of a new product development cycle: structuring and marketing, analysis of key risk factors and market inputs, modeling and pricing, integration in various front end technology platforms, risk management, market value adjustments, model validation, credit approval, economic capitals, quantitative strategies. Amongst various activities outside Citi, Yann runs a think tank, Club Praxis, which focuses on economic and social reforms in France. He graduated in Mathematics from Ecole Nationale Supérieure d'Informatique et de Mathématiques Appliquées de Grenoble (ENSIMAG), and from Hautes Etudes Commerciales (HEC) in Paris.
January 22, 2010 (From New York)
David Ye - Nomura
Managing Director and Head of Risk Management for the Americas
"Modeling Mortgage Loan Loss"
Dr. Ye holds a Ph.D. in Mathematics from Duke University. He joined PNC Bank in 1996 and rose to the position of Chief Market Risk Officer for PNC Financial Services Group. In 2005 David joined Nomura as a Managing Director and Head of Risk Managment for the Americas, a position he is leaving in January 2010. At Nomura, Dr. Ye led a team of 50 risk professionals with responsibilities for market, credit and operational risk. He played an instrumental role in the decision of Nomura management to exit the mortgage-backed security market in early 2007, and subsequently be in a position to acquire portions of Lehman Brothers.
December 4, 2009 (From New York)
George Nunn - BNP Paribas
Managing Director and Head, Interest Rate and FX Structuring
"Interview Skills"
George Nunn is a Managing Director and Head of Interest Rates and Foreign Exchange structuring. His group develops new fixed income financial products and provides tailored solutions that address BNP's client needs across debt financing, derivatives and accounting. His group also builds customer facing businesses which complement BNP's fixed income activities in the Americas. George spent four years as head of interest rate option trading for CSFB in London before joining BNP Paribas in 1991 where he held senior positions in both London and New York until 2000. George left BNP for HSBC where he was Head of Interest Derivative trading until returning to BNP in 2007. George received two B.Sc. Degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Management from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
November 20, 2009 (From New York)
Mark Carhart - Goldman Sachs
Co-Chief Investment Officer of the Quantitative Investment Strategies Group
"Insights on the Direction of Institutional Asset Management"
Mark M. Carhart, Ph.D., CFA recently retired as Co-Chief Investment Officer of the Quantitative Investment Strategies Group at Goldman, Sachs & Co. Mark joined Goldman in 1997, was named Managing Director in 1999 and Partner in 2004. While at Goldman, he served on the Investment Management Division's Management Committee and Investment Policy Group. Prior to joining Goldman, Mark was Assistant Professor of Finance and Business Economics at the Marshall School of Business at USC, a Senior Fellow of The Wharton Financial Institutions Center, a member of the Investment Board of Mercer Global Advisors and a consultant for Dimensional Fund Advisors. His academic research on the predictability of mutual fund performance has been published in The Journal of Finance and the Review of Financial Studies, and he also contributed to the book, Modern Investment Management: An Equilibrium Approach. Mark began his investment career as a research analyst for Latimer Management in 1988. Mark earned a B.A. from Yale in 1988 and and a Ph.D. from the University of Chicago Graduate School of Business in 1995.
November 13, 2009 (From New York)
Bruce Tuckman - Barclays Capital
Head of Quantitative Research for Prime Services
"Consistent Pricing of FX Forwards, Cross-Currency Basis Swaps, and Interest Rate Swaps in Several Currencies"
Bruce Tuckman was most recently a Managing Director at Barclays Capital, as the Head of Quantitative Research for Prime Services and as a member of the executive committee of that division. After receiving his Ph.D. in economics from M.I.T., Bruce was a professor of finance at New York University¹s Stern School of Business and a visiting professor of finance at UCLA¹s Anderson Graduate School of Management. He began his Wall Street career in 1994 at Salomon Brothers¹ Fixed Income Proprietary Trading Group. Since then he managed several research functions in the fixed income, financing, and prime brokerage areas, including his tenure at Lehman Brothers from 2002. Bruce is the author of many academic and industry articles and of the book Fixed Income Securities, 2nd Edition published by John Wiley & Sons. He is now working with a think tank on government policy as it relates to financial markets.
November 6, 2009 (From New York)
Dmitry Sendersky - BlackRock
Director and a co-head of Term Structure and Security Valuation
"From Chaos to Order - the Evolution of the CDS Market"
Dmitry Sendersky is Director and co-head of the Term Structure and Security Valuation team, part of the Financial Modeling Group within BlackRock Solutions. Dmitry entered the financial modeling field in 2000, joining Kiodex, a start-up delivering commodity risk management services. In 2002, he moved to RiskMetrics where he worked on corporate credit. In 2005, he joined BlackRock, becoming head of Corporate Credit Modeling. Dmitry has a BS/MS in Applied Math from Kiev Polytechnic Institute, an MS in Math from the University of Cincinnati, and a PhD in Applied Math from SUNY Stony Brook.
October 30, 2009 (From New York)
Keith Grimaldi and Stephen Antczak - Cantor Fitzgerald
Managing Directors
"Is it Time to Short the Credit and Equity Markets?"
Keith Grimaldi is a Senior Managing Director at Cantor Fitzgerald, and is responsible for the trading of all CDOs and other Structured Products. Mr. Grimaldi was formerly the Global Head of CDO Trading and Origination at UBS Securities. Prior to joining UBS Mr. Grimaldi was an Executive Director at CIBC from 1998 to 2003 where he was in charge of the syndication, trading and distribution of collateralized debt obligations and other esoteric securitized transactions in the public and private placement markets. Mr.
Grimaldi was also a Vice President at Citicorp where he held various positions including Head Asset-Backed Securities Trader. Prior to his experience at Citicorp, Mr. Grimaldi was a stock-index futures trader with Thomson McKinnon where he worked on the NY Futures Exchange. Mr. Grimaldi holds a MBA from Fordham University and a BS in Business Administration from Georgetown University.
Stephen Antczak is a Managing Director at Cantor Fitzgerald, where he heads the firm¹s Corporate Strategy effort. Steve has worked in a strategy capacity for more than fourteen years across a broad range of asset classes, including the government bond, high-grade corporate, leveraged finance, structured finance, and equity markets. Stephen's work includes developing general market views and strategies, building valuation and hedging models, as well as making specific trade recommendations for both internal and external clients. Prior to joining Cantor, Stephen headed the Leveraged Finance Strategy team at UBS, and prior to that was a senior strategist at Merrill Lynch. He also previously worked at the Bureau of Labor Statistics as an economist. Stephen is also an Adjunct Professor at Baruch University and at Fordham University. Stephen recently co-authored a book titled Leveraged Finance: Concepts, Methods, and Trading of High-Yield Bonds, Loans, and Derivatives with Frank Fabozzi. He also earned a ranking on Institutional Investor's All-American Research Team this year. Stephen graduated from the University of Michigan with a B.A. in economics and an MBA. He was awarded Chartered Financial Analyst status in 1999.
October 23, 2009 (From New York)
Javed Ashraf - UBS
US head of Equities Quantitative Strategies
"Blind Signal Separation Volatility Surface Process"
Javed Ashraf is the US head of Equities Quantitative Strategies at UBS. Over the last twelve years, Javed has developed derivative valuation models, trading strategies and auto hedging algorithms for the equity derivative/equity linked business. Javed earned a BEng in computer engineering from Salford, an MBA from City University and a MSc. in financial mathematics from the University of Chicago. Javed's presentation provides insight into the proprietary trading of equity/equity-linked derivatives.
October 9, 2009 (From New York)
Bulent Baygun - BNP Paribas
Managing Director and Head of Interest Rate Strategy
"Building Fixed Income Portfolios"
Bulent Baygun is a Managing Director and head of US interest rate strategy at BNP Paribas. His team develops strategies for Treasuries, swaps, interest rate derivatives, Agencies, TIPS and MBS. Prior to joining BNPP, Bulent worked at Barclays Capital, first as head US interest rate strategist, and most recently as the global head of quantitative strategy. He started in finance at Salomon Brothers in the Government Bond Strategy group (now part of Citigroup Global Markets), after working as a research scientist in oil exploration at Schlumberger Doll Research. Bulent has a PhD in Electrical Engineering, and a M.S. in Mathematics, both from the University of Michigan, as well as M.S. and B.S. degrees in Electrical Engineering from The Middle East Technical University, Ankara, Turkey.
October 2, 2009 (From New York)
Hitesh Mittal - ITG
Managing Director and Head of Liquidity Management
"Liquidity Management"
Hitesh Mittal is Managing Director and Head of Liquidity Management at ITG. In this role he oversees ITG's algorithmic trading and crossing products. Hitesh has been with ITG since 2001. Hitesh has a BS in computer science from JNV University and MBA in finance from Stern School of Business.
September 25, 2009 (From New York)
Ramon Verastegui - Societe General Corporate and Investment Bank
Vice President, Global Equity Derivatives Solutions Division
"Innovations in Exotic Equity Derivatives"
Dr. Ramon Verastegui is Vice President at Societe General Corporate and Investment Bank in the Global Equity Derivatives Solutions Division where he is in charge of the engineering group that structures and prices equity and hybrid exotic derivatives for the firm's Americas-based hedge fund clients. Dr. Verastegui has degrees from ICAI in Madrid (B.S.,M.S.), Ecole Superieure d'Electricite (M.S.,D.E.A.) in Paris and Columbia University (M.S., M.Phil., Ph.D.). He has also been a visiting scholar at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
September 18, 2009 (From New York)
Giuseppe Nuti - Deutsche Bank
Head of Algorithmic Trading Desk, Global Rates
"Algorithmic Trading"
Dr. Nuti runs the algorithmic trading desk within Deutsche Global Rates. The Algorithmic Trading team develops, implements and runs trading strategies in both a market-making and a proprietary setting. The market-making algorithms developed are primarily aimed at inventory management and P&L generation. Within the proprietary trading algorithms, most of the research is aimed at high-frequency strategies and flow analysis. Dr. Nuti teaches mathematical finance and algorithmic trading components of the Financial Computing course at at University College London and supervises PhD students at both University College London, and the Cass Business School. Dr. Nuti's research interests are in trading probability in exchange driven markets, the interaction between market participants in price-setting microstructure (both in simulated and real life environments, and market-making algorithms within different auction methods.
September 11, 2009 (From New York)
Robert Cohen, Mick Kalishman, & John Haldi - C&C Trading
Managing Members
"Applications of Computational Finance in Prop Trading"
Robert Cohen and Mick Kalishman both joined Charlton/SLK in 1995 on the floor of the American Stock Exchange in the equity options specialist group. In 1998, Rob created Charlton/SLK's on-floor Index/ETF Arbitrage operation and in 2000, with Mick, co-founded the off-floor arbitrage and market making division of C&C Trading. John Haldi John has been responsible for technology at C&C since he joined the firm in 2007. His background includes time spent as an option specialist on the floor of the Amex and also as the CTO of an upstairs options market making firm.


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At the risk of ridicule for using ridiculously light weights and being far from an al caslow esque sumo deadlifter, I would highly appreciate it, if some of you guys could look at my top sets from my session tonight and give me some pointers.
First off sumo is not my stronger stance but im hoping to change that, the weights in the vid are roughly 75% give or take. Anyway...
this was the max I am working off...
Last edited by J L S; 11-21-2012 at 02:38 PM.
Check out my training:
My smolov blog '12 : start 475 - finish: 520
Not too bad, Jay.
My impressions:
- widen the stance a bit
- keep your toes pointed a bit more outward
- knees OUT
- don't jerk the weight up, push your feet against the ground and your knees out, and it will go up
WTF are you doing with your toes when you lock the reps out? Don't do that!
Haha! its a semi sumo rock! Ive brought the stance in a touch to protect my hips and help off the floor.
The points about my feet though I agree! I think it may be a few things including the angle thats causing the crazy toe movement! Some flat soled, firmer(extra solid) shoes and pointing them out a bit more sounds like it could be on the money, its helps me balance in this instance! thanks for the input!
Check out my training:
My smolov blog '12 : start 475 - finish: 520


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Tagged: HIV
As the International AIDS Conference wrapped up today, international aid agency Oxfam praised the advocates and the scientists who have ignited momentum to shift from "fighting AIDS" to "ending AIDS," and urged governments and the pharmaceutical industry to make this vision a reality.
Despite commitment to end AIDS, the US government is introducing stronger intellectual property rules through trade agreements and bilateral pressure that will undermine the fight against AIDS by devastating the ability of developing countries to access affordable anti-retroviral medicines.
Governments which have failed to pay their contributions to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Malaria and Tuberculosis are guilty of breaking their own promise to extend HIV treatment just months after they made it, Oxfam said today.
The eight Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) were set out in 2000 and agreed to by the 192 member states of the United Nations. By signing up to these targets, governments of the world have committed to working to lift around 500 million people out of poverty by the year 2015.
African governments must keep their promises to invest in healthcare, a coalition of organizations from across the continent said today, at the launch of the "Alternative Presidents Debate" at the African Union Summit in Kampala.
World leaders made no real commitments to ensure universal access to prevention, treatment and care for AIDS at this week's International AIDS conference in Vienna.
HIV and AIDS women's health advocates at the International AIDS Conference have criticized the lack of funding and policy support from international donors and governments for female condoms, which are a critical woman-initiated tool for fighting the HIV epidemic.
As preparations for the world AIDS conference in Vienna get underway, world leaders must take steps to provide immediate access to HIV and AIDS treatment, care and prevention for the millions of poor people who need it.
An Oxfam-commissioned survey reveals that sixty percent of rape victims were gang raped. More than half of the assaults took place in their own homes. There has also been a shocking increase in the number of civilian rapists.


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(American, Soul Food, Steak, Vegetarian Menu)
The Detroit Princess is a 5 story riverboat located in downtown Detroit. Serving lunch and dinner mo...
(African, American, Barbeque, Deli, Seafood, Soul Food)
Kenny's Ribs and Chicken is home of the Chicago smoked ribs featuring the "St. Louis" rack and extre...
"Lazybones Smokehouse is one of Metro Detroit's most popular barbeque restaurants. A pick-up and del...
(Breakfast, Chinese, Mexican, Soul Food)
"Discover your creative side at Palette Dining Studio. Indulge in a full spectrum of freshly designe...
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Completely remodeled in 2005. Nikolas is best known for giant portions of BBQ ribs and chicken. Ni...
(Cajun-Creole, Seafood, Soul Food)
Co-owners Chef Giles and David Theriault prefer to have their diners share their experience with you...
Tracie's Southern Cooking is a friendly carry-out catering restaurant specializing in southern cuisi...
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"Uptown BBQ has been a household name in BBQ for almost 20 years in Detroit. With the new addition o...


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Last edited by ThePuck; 02-22-2013 at 03:57 PM.
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Considering neither Hermann's nor Butera's 2012 season was strong at the MLB level why didn't the Twins sign "competition" for them? Why was Parmalee's poor hitting deemed for banishment but not Butera's? To respond "he needed AAA experience" isn't any more relevant to Parmalee than for Butera. To me, the real answer is derived from "Why was anybody signed to compete with Butera (and Hermann) to be a bench catcher for the Twins?" Those guys are plentiful, cheap, and can easily be dismissed without issue. The answer is easy.
Last edited by CDog; 02-25-2013 at 02:51 PM.
I think your post gets at a lot of things that are different than what I was wondering about in this topic, though. My angle was to take the original post's thought that Gardy wanted more pop, presuming that a good place to do that would be to replace Butera, and then to try and see how likely this was based on what was different at the start of last year (when he wasn't on the 25-man) and the remainder (when he was).
Your facts that Butera played more than "emergency" levels is undisputed, but my point was to figure out WHY. I maintain it's because Morneau moved from DH where he started the year to 1B when he returned from injury. This left Mauer and Doumit DH'ing frequently (almost always one or the other), and I believe THAT is the reason Butera was kept and played (I have made no conclusion about whether this is right or wrong, simply that it was "the reason").
My guess as to why Parmelee was demoted when he hit poorly and Butera was not: Parmelee had been the STARTING 1B. His replacement became Justin Morneau. Butera was the third-most-frequently used catcher. His replacement was...Hermann?
My guess as to why nobody from outside the organization was brought in to possibly be that third catcher instead of the aforementioned group: (This space intentionally left blank)
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Your first post in this thread, in its entirety, said Butera came up when Morneau went out for a couple of weeks. There was no additional commentary as to why or anything about the Morneau-Mauer-Doumit-Butera chain. From there I wanted to get at what was different, especially when Morneau came back. Since Butera stayed, it didn't seem as simple as Morneau Out = Butera In.
In response to my attempt to look at what changed, you replied that Gardenhire wanted Butera all along and used Morneau going out as his excuse. I still don't see how that makes sense, and don't see where you made the arguments that you seem to wonder how I missed. Was it in a different thread? I don't see it here. I apologize if I'm missing it somehow.
All of that is outside the topic of the thread, though, and I'll re-state the essence of where I was going to hopefully get us out of the mire here: Butera was kept on the roster after Morneau came back because the DH was almost always Doumit or Mauer. Before Morneau went out, it wasn't necessary because Morneau was the DH (and, therefore, Doumit was not). So if the hope is that there is "more pop off the bench" in place of a third catcher, it seems unlikely to me unless A) someone other than Doumit is the primary DH, or B) the popper can also fill in at catcher.


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At a press briefing Saturday, Mayor Michael Bloomberg warned the public that although gas supply chains were being restored, it might "take a few days," to feel the effects.
On Friday night, the "Buckeye Pipeline," which services New York City, brought in 100,000 barrels of fuel to the five boroughs, the mayor said.
But that doesn't mean you'll have gas to get to work Monday.
"As I have cautioned, it may take a few days before you see the real effects of this additional supply at your neighborhood service station," Bloomberg said.
But he added, on the up side, less gas means less traffic. "There should be considerably less congestion on our roads from here on out," he said.
The comments came after the U.S. Department of Defense set up mobile fueling stations in each borough (including at the Brookyn Armory at 1579 Bedford Avenue) and across Long Island, offering free gas with a 10-gallon limit per person.
But after long lines formed, the state Division of Military and Naval Affairs issued an advisory asking the public to stay away until more fuel is released.