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The first issue of For the Culture is out! For the Culture is a new food magazine dedicated to African, African American, and African Diaspora women and femmes in the food and wine industry. The first cover features historian and author, Dr. Jessica B. Harris, and the overall theme of "It's Personal + The Pandemic." The magazine is edited by chef and cookbook author Klancy Miller, and features work by all Black women writers and photographers. Miller describes the magazine as filling a void in the food media world, and serving as a place to celebrate and amplify Black voices. The magazine was first funded through a crowdsourcing campaign and a bake sale in 2020, and the first official issue just came out in January 2021. The first issue is centered on personal stories of the pandemic, and contributors from around the world weighed in with their experiences. The original theme was only "It's Personal," but Miller later modified it to include the pandemic as 2020 went on, which has obviously affected the food and wine industry and communities of color (and their intersections) particularly severely. I treated myself to a copy of For the Culture for my birthday, and I highly recommend this beautifully photographed, written and researched magazine. Get your copy on the For the Culture website here for $25.
Category Archives: Books
In Bibi's Kitchen by Hawa Hassan takes readers on a trip of East Africa
We wrote previously about highly enjoying Hawa Hassan's Somali recipes on Bon Appetit, so we were delighted when we learned that Hassan was releasing her first cookbook, with Julia Turshen, in late 2020, In Bibi's Kitchen: The Recipes and Stories of Grandmothers from the Eight African Countries that Touch the Indian Ocean. We bought In Bibi's Kitchen for ourselves for Christmas, and are happy to report that it is delightful, both as a cookbook, and as an intimate insight into the lives of the featured cooks. The recipes in the book cover the eight African nations that border the Indian ocean: South Africa, Mozambique, Madagascar, Comoros, Tanzania, Kenya, Somalia, and Eritrea. Hassan is a Somali-American chef and entrepreneur, and wanted to shed some light on the culinary traditions of East Africa, and we are so happy that this under-explored culinary region is so nicely featured in her new cookbook.
The rich trans-Indian Ocean culinary and cultural exchange is apparent in these recipes, which mix Indian, Middle-Eastern and Sub-Saharan African flavors (and tons of warm spices). We especially loved that Hassan included recipes for the spice blends in the book including the cinnamon, cumin, and cardamom redolent Xawaash (similar to Yemeni Hawaij spice blend). Another aspect of the book we particularly enjoyed was that each chapter starts with an interview with a grandma – or "Bibi" (living in Africa, or abroad) – about her life, cooking, and recipes. As an additional bonus, the on-site photographs by Khadija Farah, and food photography by Jennifer May are simply gorgeous. We have only tried a few recipes from In Bibi's Kitchen, so far, but they have all been excellent and utilize mainly ingredients which can be obtained in a well-stocked grocery store. Vogue UK has a sampling of 3 recipes: Ma Gehennet's Shiro (chickpea stew) from Eritrea, Zanzibar Pilau (rice) from Tanzania, and Ma Kauthar's Mango Chile Sauce from Kenya. This weekend we aim to try a new recipe from the book: a Somali-inflected pasta dish called Suugo Suqaar (recipe here), which she previously demo-ed on Bon Appetit. Don't delay, you can buy In Bibi's Kitchen, from Bookshop.org here.
Bellies En-Route's Egyptian Cookbook
When we were in Egypt in October 2018 (has it really been that long)? We took a food tour in Cairo with Bellies En-Route, led by Mia. Eating our way through Cairo with experts was definitely one of the highlights of our trip, and you can read the summary of our tour here. When we learned that the Bellies team had released their first cookbook, Table to Table, this year, we knew we had to get a (virtual) copy. We love making cuisine from all of our travels, so we were delighted to see that the Bellies had highlighted some of the dishes that we had sampled on the Cairo food tour, particularly the Macarona Béchamel, which is an Egyptian cousin to macaroni and cheese. Along with recipes, the book is really well-designed, and contains a heaping helping of cultural insights that you would not normally see in a cookbook.
All in all, you receive 16 recipes including including 2 soups, 3 appetizers, 8 mains, and 3 desserts. We are particularly looking forward to making the lentil soup (shorbet ads), the potato & chicken casserole (seneyet batates bel ferakh), moussaka, and the basbousa, a classic semolina-based dessert that we tried for the first time on our tour (pictured among other desserts on our tour below). All of the recipes are handed down from family members, which makes them extra special. With the uncertain Covid-19 situation, runnign a food tour business is precarious, so go and help out these amazing entrepreneurs. You can buy the Table to Table eCookbook, which comes as a handy PDF download (or a file to send to a Kindle). from Gumroad here for $16.99. Follow Bellies En-Route on Instagram to learn about their latest adventures.
Filed under Books, World Eats
Ghanaian cuisine gets its due with "The Ghana Cookbook"
We are always excited when a cookbook comes out that features an under-represented cuisine. In this case, Ghana gets the star treatment in Barbara Baëta and Fran Osseo-Asare's "Ghana Cookbook." Disappointed with the lack of African cookbooks available in the US, Osseo-Asare had previously created a Ghanaian cookbook for kids, "Good Soup Attracts Chairs." The latest cookbook was co-written with Ghanian culinary expert Baëta, and contains the iconic foods of Ghanaian cuisine,as well as anecdotes and stories about Ghanaian culture. This Medium article by Osseo-Asare talks about how the cookbook came to be, and contains a few recipes: plantain pancakes and a hibiscus drink.
How to Cook Like Toulouse-Lautrec
In honor of Bastille Day, here is a fascinating French cookbook to explore, "The Art of Cuisine" by Henri Toulouse-Lautrec (yes, the artist)! This is in fact a compendium of his recipes, published after his death, along with sketches and other notes. An avowed denizen of Parisian nightlife, Toulouse-Lautrec was also something of a gourmand. In his cookbook you will find recipes for such exotic fare as "baked kangaroo" (containing no kangaroo) and more simple recipes typical of his native Southern France.
Fabrico Próprio, a field guide to the world of Portuguese pastries
We are back in Portugal for the third time and there are still so many pastries to try! An invaluable resource for my pastry post doc has been the book Fabrico Próprio (which means "made in house," a label you will see on many bakeries), which I purchased in Lisbon in 2012. The book, by Rita João, Pedro Ferreira and Frederico Duarte presents a social history of semi-industrial baking in Portugal, and also serves as a field guide, identifying 92 emblematic pastries and many iconic cafes through lovely pictures and Portuguese/English bilingual text. The book was clearly a labor of love, and the authors were quite thorough in their documentation of pastelarias throughout Portugal (but especially in Lisbon). We love using this book's detailed photos and drawings as a guide to the sweet offerings in Lisbon, since the Portuguese pastry experience can sometimes be overwhelming. You can learn more on the book's comprehensive website. We highly recommend this book! Fabrico Próprio is available on the book's site for 35 euros – and with free international shipping!
Filed under Books, Pastry Post-Poc
Von y Carmen: Cooking her way through Puerto Rican Classics
We love our mofongo, and we are grateful that Chicago has a bunch of great Puerto Rican restaurants. Despite its deliciousness, Puerto Rican cooking flies a bit under the radar in the US. However, we have grown to love it and are looking for a good basic cookbook. Apparently much like Joy of Cooking for the US, Puerto Rico has an iconic tome, Cocina Criolla, by Carmen Valldejuli that has pretty much every recipe you need to know. This Puerto Rican classic has inspired journalist Von Diaz to get in touch with the soul of Puerto Rican cuisine by cooking her way through it, a la Julie and Julia.
The Modern Art Cookbook
[Via Brain Pickings] We are enthralled by Mary Ann Caws' Modern Art Cookbook. It seems a little different than most cookbooks, and in this book you can find recipes, illustrations and stories, not only inspired by, but sometimes written by, famous contributors to the modern art world. We could certainly see ourselves making Kahlo's Red Snapper, Veracruz style or Picasso's Herb Soup.
A Tribute to Nelson Mandela's Favorite foods
As you have surely heard by now, Nelson Mandela passed away yesterday at the age of 95 after a long illness. The great humanitarian was a multifaceted man, and often spoke of food in both the literal and metaphorical sense. Speaking of one of his favorite dishes, amasi (traditional South African fermented milk), Mandela wrote to his wife Winnie from prison:
"How I long for amasi , thick and sour! You know darling there is one respect in which I dwarf all my contemporaries or at least about which I can confidently claim to be second to none – healthy appetite."
His personal chef since 1992, Xoliswa Ndoyiya, published a cookbook, "Ukutya Kwasekhaya: Tastes from Nelson Mandela's Kitchen," filled with his favorite recipes. "Ukutya Kwasekhaya" means home "home cooking" in Xhosa, Nelson Mandela's first language, and the recipes in the book exemplify the hearty and delicious home cooking of South Africa: sweet chicken, umphokoqo (corn porridge), and umsila wenkomo (oxtail-stew).
However, this isn't the only book about Nelson Mandela and food. Anna Trapido's book "Hunger For Freedom" weaves stories about food into Mandela's biography. Trapido's book includes recipes by other chefs that were among Mandela's favorites, including stuffed crabs and chicken curry. I think we will try some recipes in tribute.
An Encyclopedia of Street Food Around the World
The Chicago Reader had a recent post about a comprehensive street food encyclopedia, Street Food Around the World, and we are completely intrigued. We live for street food, from Acaraje to Sfincione. This hefty book covers street food from all around the world, and includes history and cultural commentary as well. Is this our perfect coffee table book?
The BBC recently did a short video piece on the culinary renaissance in Brazil's favelas, brought about by the recent pacification programs. The Guia Gastronômico das Favelas do Rio ("Gastronomical Guide to Rio's Favelas"), mentioned in the video, was recently released, giving intrepid foodies a roadmap of 22 restaurants in eight comunidades. We're always for unique food options – so let's go!
What the World Eats – a photography series
A fascinating set of photographs by Peter Menzel and Faith D'Aluisio have been making the rounds this week. The pair traveled around the world in 2007, photographing families displaying one week's worth of food – a striking set of images now published in their book, Hungry Planet: What the World Eats. You can easily scroll through hi-res copies of some of the images on imgur, but it would be worth your while to slog through Menzel and D'Aluisio's work in a series two galleries published by TIME in 2007 (galleries one, and two here, as well as a third gallery with other images from the book), since they feature information on each family's location, weekly expenditures, and favorite meals, as well as the full set of 27 images (not all of which are on imgur).
As revealing as these photographs are, they raise as many questions about the relationship between class, nationality, ethnicity, and access to food; as well as the obvious representativeness of each family of their national origin (this is easily dealt with in the original book, but imgur leaves out all the identifying information so that each photo is just labeled with a country.) Interest and criticism aside, can we just say, can we have Menzel and D'Aluisio's job? What lucky people to have so many families invite them into their homes – we're sure they had many good meals come out of the project!
World Cuisines in Portugal: A Guidebook for International Foodies
On our first full day in Lisbon, after acquiring our monthly metro passes we decided to head downtown and reacquaint ourselves with Lisbon. Surprisingly, we pretty much remembered our way around, and sampled a few Pasteis de Nata as we headed toward the Tagus River. Unfortunately, it started to drizzle unexpectedly ( and counter to weather reports) so we ducked into Betrand Livreiros, a bookstore in the Chiado neighborhood, to avoid the rain. Naturally, as we waited out the weather, we starting browsing for books. There was a pretty healthy culinary section with a bunch of global cookbooks – but one in particular caught our eye: Cozinhas do Mundo em Portugal (World Cuisines in Portugal). However, this was not a cookbook, but a guidebook! Along with descriptive information about various cuisines, typical ingredients and meal structure, the book listed restaurants in Portugal that specialized in each cuisine. While the book covered all of Portugal, there are many restaurants in Lisbon. Cuisines from Asia, Europe and Africa are represented, from obvious choices like Japan and Italy to the more esoteric Guinea Bissau and Luxembourg. There are even a few Irish pubs and American restaurants listed. We just couldn't pass up this cool book, and it is now part of our growing travel book library in Lisbon. It is already littered with sticky tabs and we are well on our way to checking a few more countries off of the list.
Paris vs. NYC
Macarons vs. Cupcakes, Cheese vs. Cheesecake, Patisserie vs. Pastrami. Vahram Muratyan's Paris vs. NYC blog compares the cuisines, attitudes and styles of each iconic city in colorful graphics. While we were in Paris we saw the book based on the blog for sale, and it is now available stateside! You can buy the book online, along with art prints of the images.
Sweden: The Minimalist Design of the IKEA Cookbook
IKEA is primarily known for their cheap minimalist furniture and home goods. Apparently this stark and organized aesthetic also translates to their foray into cookbooks, "Hembakat är Bäst" (Homemade is Best). Not satisfied with mere lists of ingredients, the cookbook presents the ingredients as works of art in themselves, photographed by Carl Kleiner. Below is an image of the ingredients for Drommar, a type of Swedish cookie. NotCot has an extended post on these awesome images. And for those who can't read Swedish, here is a recipe for Drommar.
Filed under Books, Design and Photography, Links
Recipe for South African Sosatie Chops
It's the return of recipe Friday! This recipe comes from Faldela Williams' Cape Malay Illustrated Cookbook. This slim volume covers the unique South African Cape Malay cuisine, developed by the descendents of Indian immigrants to South Africa ( a population known as the "Cape Malays" ) We think this book is probably intended for kids owning to the whimsical illustrations, but no matter – we like it too! Our entree into cooking south african food is the sosatie – a traditional barbecued kebab dish that has many permutations (as all good national dishes do). This particular version is made with pork chops instead of pieces of meat.
p.s. Sorry, the directions are all in metric! Convert here.
Sosatie Chops
1kg lamb chops
2 large onions, thinly sliced
10 ml crushed garlic
3 bay leaves
3 whole cloves
5 ml tumeric (borrie)
30 ml curry powder
10 ml roasted masala
45 ml sugar
7 ml salt
60 ml lemon juice or white grape vinegar
Combine the marinade ingredients and marinade chops for one hour. Place meat and marinade in a saucepan with onions and cook, covered, over medium heat for 45-60 minutes, or until meat is tender. Serve with boiled squash and mashed potatoes.
This recipe was super easy to make – and it was absolutely delicious. The marinade itself was extremely intense (in a good way) spiced but not at all spicy. We expect it would be good for other meats like chicken as well – or beef kebabs.
The Rise and Fall of French Cuisine
The London Review of Books has a great review of a new book, Au Revoir to All That: The Rise and Fall of French Cuisine by Michael Steinberger about the role of French Cuisine in tastemaking over time. The book argues that in the past few decades French cuisine has lost its grip on the culinary imagination – but why? Simply put – failure to innovate. While France does its version of haute cuisine well, it does not do innovation as well as the US or Spain (among other locations). This, coupled with changing attitudes about food both inside and outside of France were the death-knell to France's hold on world cuisine. I'd definitely be interested in this read.
Feeding America: Digitizing Local Cookbooks Throughout History
Feeding America is an interesting project out of Michigan State that is dedicated to digitizing local cookbooks from all eras of American history. I came across this site when I was researching recipes for St. Lucia's Day, and found a Swedish-American bilingual cookbook from 1897. You can browsw by year or interest, which includes ethnic cookbooks, and then look at pages of the cookbook itself or a trascript of the recipes. Other great finds include Aunt Babette's Jewish cookbook from 1889 and a Chinese-Japanese Cook Book from 1914.
The Obamas: ETW Fans?
We read today, with much interest, that the Obamas chose Marcus Samuelsson to be guest chef at their first state dinner. We found this surprising, because from our vantage point he didn't seem like the obvious choice. Samuelsson was drubbed by Bobby Flay on Iron Chef America (27-15 in the taste category – ouch) back in 2008; and we noted in October that the line at Chicago Gourmet for an autographed copy of his new book consisted only of ETW representative L, while Rick Bayless' line stretched for blocks. The Obamas had said previously that Bayless' Topolobampo is their favorite Chicago restaurant – so why the switch to Samuelsson? There can only be one explanation: they read our endorsement of Samuelsson's book and work. The Obamas must be ETW fans.
Thanks, first family!
As luck would have it…
I wrote about the book French Milk a couple of months ago – but as luck would have it I found a nearly-new copy at a used book sale on Saturday. Now that I have read the entire book I must recommend it highly!


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I know, this subject seems odd. A lot of people fear loneliness. And there are some people who enjoy the silence around them. But the concept of no one being there for you is a daunting thought. Loneliness is not healthy and It can cause health problems. But the Brightside of being lonely does exist. It's a great opportunity to reflect and grow – to really learn things about yourself you normally wouldn't if you're constantly surrounded by people.
Listen to yourself
A moment of loneliness allows you to connect with yourself. Your mind is loud for you to hear and pay attention. This is the time to understand your thoughts. Any issues or pain you are going through can be thoroughly analyzed. This moment can be scary for some because facing off with your thoughts is unpredictable (especially if you suffer from mental illness). Take the time to develop a deep relationship with yourself. This is the perfect time to figure out your limits and what you desire most from life. You'll be surprised how beneficial this is. I'm usually a lone wolf. Those times of complete silence have made me more aware of who I am. I've realized any mistake I've made or hurting someone's feelings when I'm alone with my thoughts. My alone time helped me look closely at my decisions and taught me how to make better ones.
Connecting with God
Loneliness gives you a chance to hear God clearly. You are not distracted by outside influences – it's just you and your creator. You can have a deep conversation with God and hear his reply. Reading the Bible and meditating on his word is another way to have one-on-one time. You'll suddenly feel peaceful in silence and the fear of being alone will slowly melt away. Knowing God is with you at all times when no one else is will fill your mind with ease.
Explore more
If you are lonely, don't feel bad. Some people take it as being a sad thing or pathetic. Use your alone time to experience adventures. Don't feel embarrassed to travel alone or attend a movie by yourself. The best relationship you can have is with yourself. Take yourself out for dinner – treat yourself. You deserve the best and if another person can't provide that for you (or they try but can't fully deliver), give yourself the best. Being lonely doesn't have to be a bad thing.
Do what you really want to do
Family and friends have the tendency to influence our quality of living. Sometimes, we feel obligated to care for others before we care for ourselves. Use your loneliness to do and be exactly what you want. If a friend usually wants you to be a party animal but that's not who you are, use your alone time do what you want to do. If family expects you to put their needs first, being lonely gives you the opportunity to put you first. Now don't get me wrong, I'm not encouraging anyone to isolate themselves – that's not the point. Those few moments you have of complete solitude can be used for self-improvement and enjoying who you are to the fullest.
Improve your dating life
The best way to know what you want and don't want in a relationship is to know who you are. Being lonely is good in this situation. Utilizing the previous methods can strengthen your perception of a potential mate. Take the time to know your limits and needs, and you won't want someone who might be bad for you. This is one of the great benefits of loneliness. You'll develop so much respect for yourself, so you can't afford someone to come in your life and mess that up.
Of course, if loneliness is causing you great sadness, talk to someone (i.e. friend, therapist, or call a crisis line). Attend church or some other community and surround yourself with positive people. Otherwise, use your loneliness for good. Create an unbreakable relationship with yourself.

subset: commoncrawl


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The Pittsburgh Steelers have recently concluded their offseason schedule, complete with nine OTA practices and the three-day minicamp, and are currently off for about five weeks before they re-emerge in Latrobe for the start of training camp.
Not much is expected to happen between now and then as far as new goes regarding the team. Ideally, the players will simply be focused on getting in the best possible shape heading for the long haul that begins with training camp and concludes, hopefully, with a deep postseason run.
That means that the roster heading into camp should just about be set, so now during the dead time it's worth taking a dip back into the positional depth charts to see where we stand following the offseason reports, finishing up with the specialists.
Greg Warren: Warren is one of just four players remaining from the team's 2005 championship season, having been a rookie that year, if I'm not mistaken. Despite being among the longest-tenured long snappers in the league—and for good reason—however, you don't really see him mentioned when the position is brought up, which is admittedly rare.
It seems, though, that we are moving into an era in which the position is being taken more seriously. Some long snappers are beginning to sign higher-valued contracts for multiple years, and teams are even drafting long snappers. The Steelers are fortunate to have a long snapper as consistently accurate as Warren, who will likely remain in his spot until he chooses to retire. Because as I always say, you don't know you need a long snapper until you don't have one.
Shaun Suisham: Though he is among the oldest players on the team, Suisham has only been a part of the Steelers organization since mid-way through the 2010 season. Since then, he has been the most accurate kicker in team history.
Though he holds a career percentage of 84.1, which places him as the 15th-most accurate kicker in history, his 87.9 percent accuracy with the Steelers would stand as the third-best conversion rate in history, behind two kickers who have only been in the league for less time than Suisham has been with the Steelers.
Brad Wing: By far the specialist position with the least amount of experience and stability on the Steelers is the punter position, which has been manned by five different players since 2011, including the incumbent Wing.
The Steelers brought in Wing a year after he failed to make the Eagles squad, which was a year after he was kicked off the LSU football team. They also signed veteran Adam Podlesh, who was never able to report in order to compete. Wing got the job by default and turned in an uneven and inconsistent performance.
Jordan Berry: So the Steelers went back to Australia for the third consecutive season to look for another punter, this time with first-year player Berry. He beat out Richie Leone during rookie minicamp for the chance to compete against Wing, but neither instill a great deal of confidence in the unit making positive strides this year.


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MTG Client Portfolio
Just a few of the many businesses we've helped over the years.
McGrath Incorporated: WordPress Website Re-theme
McGrath Incorporated is a full-service Mechanical Engineering firm, specializing in the design and implementation of Building Mechanical Systems. With a woefully outdated website they needed a new modern look.
Conifer Acupuncture: WordPress Website Design and Maintenance
Local Conifer Acupuncturist Sharon Coyner needed a new website, one that she could be proud of and use to grow her clientele. MTG delivered.
Colonial Home Services: Website Redesign with Local SEO
This Virginia based Electrician has since expanded into HVAC services with the help of a new WordPress website and effective local SEO.
Barnaby Heating & Air: WordPress Website Management and SEO
Serving the communities around Rowlett, Texas, Barnaby has entrusted MTG with their presence management for several years.
Lewis MacLean Plumbing & HVAC: Full Web Presence Management
Located in British Columbia, Canada, this longtime customer uses MTG for our full suite of presence management services.
Butter Plumbing: Website Design, Social Media & SEO
This Las Vegas plumbing company with 25 years of local experience came to MTG with several digital marketing needs.
Suburban Roofing: Website Redesign and SEO
With no website or search engine presence to speak of, Suburban Roofing chose MTG to launch their digital marketing presence.
Bernie's Auto: WordPress Website & SEO
Bernie's Automotive is a longtime customer that has grown from one location to two with the help of a new website, SEO and PPC.
Dran's Heating and Cooling: Website Design & SEO
Dran's Heating & Air Conditioning is a full-service HVAC contractor. They hired us for a full website redesign and Local SEO.
Ruff's Dog Ranch: Website & Local SEO
Ruff's chose us to develop a brand new website for their company with subsequent SEO to get them on page one of Google.
Tactile Medical: PPC, SEO & WordPress Management
This Minneapolis, MN based medical device manufacturer uses MTG for WordPress website management, SEO and Google PPC.
Joe Hillman HVAC: Website, PPC & SEO
Marketing Type Guys handles digital marketing for both Joe Hillman HVAC and Joe Hillman Plumbers in south Florida.
JE Design and Build: Squarespace Website Dev
As a 10 year old interior design company, JE Design Build came to MTG for a new website built in Squarespace.


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Buying Bitcoins in Kenya is very easy using LocalBitcoins.com.
- Log into your Local Bitcoins account
- Click on Buy Bitcoins
- Select offer
- Click on Buy
- Enter amount in Ksh
- Accept terms and Send request to trade
- Pay through MPesa using instructions provided by seller within escrow time
- Click on paid once you've sent the money.
- Wait for bitcoins to be released
- Leave a good review if transaction went smoothly
If you don't have an account with LocalBitcoins.com click below to register:
Check out this video guide of buying Bitcoins on LocalBitcoins.


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This modern spacious one bedroom apartment offers a large wrap around balcony perfect for entertaining and is conveniently located within walking distance to Crown St restaurants, parks and transport. Located in a popular & well maintained building with manager this apartment offers a great lifestyle.
- 1 bedroom with built in and balcony access
- Open plan living leads to a huge entertainers balcony
- Modern kitchen with stainless steel appliances & dishwasher
- Stylish bathroom/ internal laundry with dryer
- Huge wrap around balcony overlooks pool
- Security parking for one car
- 25m lap pool, gymnasium and roof terrace with bbq facilities
- Total size 96m2
Please contact us to arrange a time.


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A startup founded by a retired researcher at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has moved closer to commercializing technology he helped develop at the U.S. Department of Energy facility.
The company, Polaris Renewables, is the first business to directly spin off from NREL since 1992.
Philip Pienkos, who retired in April 2020, founded Polaris Renewables. The Colorado company, with offices in Potsdam, New York, is building upon technology he invented along with Tao Dong and Lieve Laurens of NREL. The renewable polyurethane they developed, called non-isocyanate polyurethane (NIPU), can be made from commercially available oils like linseed oil or soybean oil or even the oils from algae or food wastes.
Photo of Philip Pienkos in a lab
Phil Pienkos. Photo by Dennis Schroeder, NREL
The number of companies that license technology from NREL is long, but few instances exist of a scientist from the laboratory so directly involved as to start a business around a discovery. Pienkos, however, wants to see it through.
"My grand ambition is to see our renewable polymers in production," he said.
Polyurethane—a common plastic in applications ranging from sprayable foams to adhesives to synthetic clothing fibers—has become a staple of the 21st century, adding convenience, comfort, and even beauty to numerous aspects of everyday life. The sheer versatility of the material, which is currently made largely from petroleum byproducts, has made polyurethane the go-to plastic for a range of products. Today, more than 16 million tons of polyurethane are produced globally every year. The renewable polyurethane is nontoxic, sustainable, and has a lower carbon footprint, but with similar physical properties to petroleum-based polyurethane.
The NIPU synthesis pathway also has the advantage of fixing carbon dioxide into the finished product. As much as 30% of the weight is from carbon dioxide delivered during the reaction. This is in addition to the carbon dioxide captured by the plant or alga to produce vegetable oil feedstock from photosynthesis.
Pienkos, who joined NREL in 2007, was group manager and strategic project lead at NREL's National Bioenergy Center until his retirement. He is now an emeritus researcher at the laboratory. Pienkos holds a Ph.D. in molecular biology, and had previously started two companies.
His original goal after retirement was to provide technical consulting in the areas of renewable fuels and chemicals, but his plans began to change when he recognized the value of this technology. And now, NIPUs are attracting global attention. An international initiative called Fashion for Good, which works toward bringing sustainability into the fashion industry, last year chose his company for its accelerator program because of NIPU's potential uses as coating for fabrics and outdoor gear and foams for footwear and other applications. The technology also won an R&D 100 Special Recognition Award: Market Disruptor—Products in 2020.
Eric Payne, a senior licensing executive at NREL, said Polaris Renewables has the option to negotiate an exclusive license to use NIPU for textile and athletic apparel. The technology remains available to license in other fields of use, such as for vehicle and building material applications.
A startup founded by a retired researcher at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has moved closer to commercializing technology he helped develop at the U.S. Department of Energy facility.


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Cryptocurrency exchange Kraken is the latest high profile firm to halt trading of XRP for its US-based users.
The exchange announced the decision on January 15, following in the footsteps of other major exchanges that have either suspended XRP trading on their platforms or outright delisted XRP. The likes of Coinbase, eToro and Bitstamp have taken similar action – while Grayscale Investments has completely dissolved its XRP Trust after liquidating its XRP holdings.
"Given the recent SEC filing against Ripple Labs Inc., we are halting XRP trading for U.S. residents no later than January 29, 2021 at 5pm PT (January 30, 2021 at 1:00 UTC). We may begin implementing this process at any time on January 29, 2021, so all U.S. clients are strongly encouraged to resolve their positions prior to that day," a statement from Kraken read.
Residents in the US that have open XRP trades are urged to satisfy their resolve their trading positions or those positions will be cancelled and liquidated by the firm on January 28. Nevertheless users will still be able to deposit, hold and withdraw XRP on Kraken.
Clients that live outside of the United States will not be affected and Kraken's XRP markets will continue to operate.
SEC vs XRP and Ripple
In December 2020 the SEC made headlines as it announced its intent to launch a lawsuit against Ripple, CEO Brad Garlinghouse and executive board chairman Christian Larsen for what it deems to be an unregistered security offering of XRP over the past six years.
While Garlinghouse and Ripple have made compassionate pleas to the wider cryptocurrency community to allow the firm to prove its case against the SEC's claims in court, cryptocurrency exchanges and service providers have moved quickly to limit the damage from the ongoing windfall of the looming legal battle. The case is due to begin pre-trial proceedings in February 2021.


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Kaytee Silent Spinner is the wonderful, whisper quiet workout wheel for your furry friend. Patented ball bearing technology makes these wheels super silent while your small pet gets the healthy, stimulating exercise it needs.
- Provides a quiet workout
- Promotes healthy exercise
- Super silent ball bearing technology
Each Silent Spinner Wheel features a ribbed running surface that provides traction while remaining safe and comfortable for your furry friend's feet. Attach directly to your pet's cage, or use the sturdy metal base to stand the wheel on its own! Silent Spinners are ideal for hamsters, mice, and gerbils (Mini and Regular), as well as chinchillas and pet rats (Large).
Note: Ships in assorted colors – let us choose one for you!
Mini: 4.5″ Diameter
Regular: 6.5″ Diameter
Large: 10″ Diameter
Giant: 12″ Diameter


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Contributed Article/Courtesy Gila Watershed Partnership of Arizona
CLIFTON – The beautiful San Francisco River is designated an important bird habitat and is a hot spot for the local community to recreate. Unfortunately, it is also designated an impaired waterway because of high levels of E. coli, a bacteria that can be harmful to humans. River clean-ups are one of the ways we work together to improve water quality.
Individuals, groups, and families are welcome to join us for our next clean up event, Saturday, September 7, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. We will meet at the Riverside Park in Clifton, under the ramada at 8 a.m. for check-in and a safety briefing.
Bring your own reusable water bottle and we will provide the water. Hats, sunglasses, and closed-toed shoes are highly recommended. Gloves, safety vests, and garbage bags will be provided. All volunteers will receive a free lunch and 10% off at Chase Creek Marketplace on the day of the event. RSVP is required for lunch.
To RSVP or for more information, contact Kara Barron, Science & Outreach Manager, Gila Watershed Partnership at (928) 424-3886 or email: firstname.lastname@example.com.
The event is in partnership with SEACAB, ADEQ, the town of Clifton, Freeport-McMoRan and Friends of the Frisco.
The Gila Watershed Partnership was founded in 1992 by community members who were concerned about having a say in our watershed issues. Its mission is to engage the community in improving the water quality and ecosystem condition of the Upper Gila Watershed through education and economic opportunity. GWP is shaping a new vision for the watershed – one that includes improvements to the environment, economy, and quality of life for all members of the community.


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Terence Gordon director of "What's In A Name: The Alfredo Versace Story" and producer Terra Renee president of AAWIC (African American Women In Cinema) joined "Nasty" Neal! Come see "What's In A Name" January 25 at the AAWIC Sundance special film screening program during Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah!
Reserve your complimentary tickets today!
African American Women In Cinema
Please subscribe in iTunes!
"Growing Up" by Eytan Mirsky


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Baiada Livestock Managers Visit Aviagen UKUK - Aviagen hosted Mike Govers and Jim Barr from Baiada Poultry Pty Limited of Australia on a visit to review flock management practices in the UK.
The guests got a chance to tour several Aviagen grandparent facilities and also a number of Vion breeder farms at various stages of production during their week-long visit.
"It is always beneficial to provide customers with the opportunity to see operations in other countries" commented Alan Thomson, Aviagen Regional Commercial and Technical Manager.
"Reviewing and comparing production management programmes typically surfaces some new ideas or alternative thinking that can often help both parties in their quest for performance improvement."
Mike Govers, Baiada Livestock Manager indicated that the visit was an excellent way to periodically review current practices and believed that he had uncovered a couple of interesting ideas that were worthy of follow up on returning back to Australia.
Baiada Poultry is a major integrator with production and processing facilities in five states and two leading consumer brands in the Australian market.


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Dr Karl Jawhari: How to Keep Your Spine Strong and Healthy
The spine is one of the most important parts of the body. It holds up the head, supports the body and contains nerves that enable us to move, among other things. It goes without saying then that having a strong and healthy spine is a must. Dr Karl Jawhari shares that there are simple things you can do to improve the health of your spine, especially if you're coming off from an injury. Read on to find out how:
1. Strengthen your core muscles – The benefits of having a strong core or strong abdominal muscles go beyond aesthetics and looking good — you also feel good because in part you're taking away pressure on your lower back. In other words, a strong core provides support to the spine. There are many exercises you can do to strengthen your core. What's important is your posture while doing the exercises says Dr Karl Jawhari. If you do the exercises wrong, you can put yourself and your spine at risk.
2. Wear proper shoes – Did you know that the type of shoes you wear plays a part in supporting the spine? Proper shoes are not only for your feet but also for the spine as they provide ample support to help keep your spine aligned. This is why some shoes are designed and marketed to provide balance and support. If you are already experiencing back pain, it's even more important to wear proper shoes. When you wear the wrong shoes, it affects your gait which can create stress on your back, explains Dr Karl Jawhari.
3. Avoid sitting for prolonged periods of time – If you have an office job where you're chained to your desk for eight hours a day or more, try to get up from your seat as many times as possible during the day to provide your back with some relief. You may find that the longer you sit, the more you're hunched over your desk or staring at the computer screen. This is why an ergonomic chair and proper posture go hand in hand to protect your back from the damage sitting down causes.
4. Sleep on a comfortable mattress – After a long day's work, many of us look forward to lying down and getting some rest but your choice of mattress and pillows can also affect your spine, says Dr Karl Jawhari. While part of it is based on preference, there are general reminders to note. For instance, if the mattress is five to seven years old, it may be time to get a replacement.
To get more info touch us at www.drkarljawhari.com


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consider my
Product Design Lead with over 15 years of diverse experience in Visual, UX, and UI Design, an MS in Strategic Brand Communication, including hands-on industry experience in delivering outstanding products and marketing materials in higher education, IT, insurance, finance, real estate, hospitality, e-commerce, and nonprofits. Proven strengths in creative leadership, including direct supervision, and the recruitment and mentorship of 20 + co-workers and interns with diverse backgrounds and levels of job experience. Have led cross-functional teams through the ins and outs of shipping native and platform-agnostic products that are component-based, goal-driven, user-centric, and delightful to use.
Lead User Experience Designer
COUNTRY Financial (Contract)
Bloomington, IL
I define and oversee the end-to-end user experience of Agency-facing digital products used by approximately 2000 Insurance and Financial Reps to nurture clients, forecast revenue, and make strategic business planning decisions.
User Experience Researcher
COUNTRY Financial (Contract)
Bloomington, IL
Conducted UX Research for Agency-facing digital products in the insurance and financial sector, including research design, stakeholder analysis, participant recruiting, interviewing/prototype testing, user feedback surveys, data collection and analysis, and presentation to stakeholders and leadership.
Lead Product Designer
Jimmy John's, Inspire Brands
Urbana-Champaign, IL
Working in a multi-disciplinary Agile team, I oversaw product design decisions for 5-star native consumer apps that were used by millions of users. During this time I introduced user testing, consumer research, and data-driven design practices; eliminated tools and plugin dependencies by migrating design production, prototyping, and handoff files from Sketch to Figma; introduced best practices for incorporating design into Agile workflows; created user scenarios; performed competitive analyses; developed concept maps; designed static and interactive wireframes and prototypes; and compiled lean specification documents for mobile applications, including iOS, Android, Siri Shortcuts, Android Voice Assistant, and Apple Watch.
Graphic Design Department, Parkland College
Urbana-Champaign, IL
I developed curricula, taught Design and Media Principles and co-taught Graphic Design I, two foundational graphic design course that introduced all aspects of communication design including: creative problem solving, applied design principles, proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, fundamental typography, and visual literacy.
Lead Product Designer
Wolfram Alpha LLC
Urbana-Champaign, IL
Working closely with leadership, marketing, business analysis, researchers, developers, and content strategists, I oversaw brand and product design decisions for a knowledge-based computational engine used daily by 1.2 million students, teachers, researchers, and hobbyists around the globe. I was involved in the full creative life cycle of web projects, including the ideation, design, and validation of new products, streamlining of existing user interfaces, and implementation of marketing campaigns that spoke to diverse international audiences.
Strategic Design Specialist
Creative Services, University of Illinois
Urbana-Champaign, IL
Taking +80 projects per year from concept development to final execution, I developed innovative and strategic marketing, communications, and branding solutions for a broad range of university audiences; provided leadership, direction, and implementation regarding UI design, usability, UX research, and ADA compliance; guided clients in brand discovery and strategic planning; and developed pattern library and visual standards for websites and apps.
Art Director
NCSA, University of Illinois
Urbana-Champaign, IL
As the lead designer at the National Center for Supercomputing Applications at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign my primary responsibility was to develop, implement, and oversee the visual identity of NCSA through print, web, mobile, video, and social media.
School of Art + Design, University of Illinois
Urbana-Champaign, IL
I taught and developed the curriculum for Introduction to Graphic Design, a service-learning graphic design course that used reversed classroom techniques to focus on process, theory, and real-world design issues.
Creative Director
Conservatorio S.A.
Panama, Panama
During my stay at Conservatorio I created, developed, and managed bilingual design projects for international markets, collaborating with stakeholders in establishing a unified marketing strategy for the company and its affiliated brands.
Champaign, IL
I work with clients from a wide range of industries and backgrounds to identify strategic opportunities and solve marketing challenges through print, web, mobile, video, and social media.
Other Positions
Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, Elins Eagles-Smith Gallery, sculpturesite.org, BorderZone Arts, and more!
Bay Area, CA
From 2001-2005 I worked for various art galleries, museums, and cultural institutions throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. During this time I acquired increasingly sophisticated design and marketing responsibilities, including designing websites, collateral, ads, environmental art, and identity packages for art galleries as well as coordinating PR campaigns for nationally recognized exhibitions.
Core Competencies
Brand Management, Creative Direction, Pitches and Presentations, Mentoring, Project management, People Management, Agile, Excellent Writing and Verbal Skills, Brand Discovery Workshops, User Research, User Insights, Contextual Interviews, Surveys, Card Sorts, Usability Studies, A/B Tests, Storyboarding, Interactive Prototypes, High-fidelity Wireframes, Typography, Illustration, Color Theory, Style Guides, Pattern Libraries, Google Analytics, Integrated Marketing, Promotional Strategy, Messaging Strategy, Content Strategy
Technical Competencies
HCI principles, HTML, CSS, ADA Compliance, WCAG 2.1, Apple Human Interface Guidelines, Material Design Guidelines, Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, Sketch, InVision, Zeplin, JavaScript, Information architecture, Tableau, JIRA, UserZoom
Strategic Brand Communication MS, GPA: 4.0
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
UX Certification
Nielsen Norman Group
Graphic Design AAS, GPA: 4.0
Parkland College
Champaign, IL
Art History BA, GPA: 3.97
Rutgers University
New Brunswick, NJ
Volunteer Work
Art Director
Pens to Lens Screen-Writing Competition
Coordinating Committee Member
University of Illinois Web Conference
Portfolio Reviewer and Mock Interviewer
Parkland College Portfolio Seminar, CUDO Portfolio Review, U of I College of FAA
Inaugural Board of Directors Member
Champaign-Urbana Design Organization (CUDO)
Bilingual in Spanish and English, Intermediate Fluency in Italian and Portuguese


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Yesterday the second and final day of Purim. So we made latkes! We only do this once or twice per year, and this weekend just felt right. The actual holiday of Purim coinciding with our jones was just serendipity.
Monday we're instructing pals Andrea and Alex and Benjamin (and her parents, and their neighbors) in the fine art of Shawarma. Along with that, we'll be preparing tabbouleh (they go so nicely together). We seldom take our show on the road, so wish us luck.


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Ameritherm Inc.
Rochester, N.Y.-based Ameritherm Inc., a radio frequency induction heating equipment supplier, has acquired substantially all the assets of Cheltenham Induction Heating Ltd., Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, England. Cheltenham Induction Heating will operate as an autonomous subsidiary under its current name as part of the Ameritherm organization. According to Ameritherm, the investment represents a strategic initiative that expands both companies' applications engineering, service and support capabilities while building upon their combined worldwide sales and marketing resources.


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The 49ers' first injury of the 2020 season came before the team was even allowed back in the facility. NFL Media's Ian Rapoport on Thursday reported wide receiver Deebo Samuel suffered a Jones fracture in his foot during an offseason workout. The fracture required surgery and should leave him out for a minimum of 12 weeks. The second-year receiver has other plans.
Shortly after reports of the injury surfaced, Samuel took to Twitter and Instagram to say he'd only be out for 10 weeks, and that he'd be back before the season started. A 12-week timeline would've put him back in action just before the team's season opener against the Cardinals on September 13.
He posted a similar message on his Instagram story, and a more thorough message on an Instagram photo.
View this post on Instagram
Life is full of disappointments, failures and setbacks. None of those things can permanently stop you. Within yourself you got the power to overcome anything that life throws at you, the most powerful thing besides God to me is a made up mind and the mission I'm on as well as my teammates it's no way a setback, adversity or anything else can detach me from the goal I've set. I'm surrounded by people who support me in the ways that matter the most. No person, situation, or circumstance can define who you are. I'm coming back harder than everrrr if you don't believe me look at every adversity I faced then compare the bounce backs and you'll get the picture. See you in 10 weeks 😈
This is the same injury 49ers wide receiver Trent Taylor suffered last preseason. While Taylor wound up missing the entire year, the prolonged absence had to do with complications from the surgery, not the injury itself. Taylor was equally optimistic about returning when he initially went down.
Samuel sustained an ankle injury in 2017 while at the University of South Carolina. The Jones fracture occurred in his left foot, which is the same ankle he fractured in college according to Chris Biderman of the Sacramento Bee.
While the optimism is high from Samuel, it wouldn't be a surprise to see the team work him back in very slowly. They open the year against the Cardinals at home, then hit the road for back-to-back road games against the New York Jets and New York Giants.
The team will get a better opportunity to evaluate Samuel once they're back at the facility for training camp. There are no plans for the league to push training camps back as of mid-June. If the season does wind up getting pushed back from the Sept. 13 start date, Samuel may not miss any games while sticking to a time frame less optimistic than his 10-week goal.


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The thing about Mr. O is that he doesn't say much. That's dandy because after three weeks at home, I've grown accustomed to long periods of silence. I live with two kind and agreeable roommates (my friend Cristina and her 11-year-old daughter Irene), but without a word we often migrate to separate corners of our top floor apartment.
Yesterday I had a stroll to take with Mr. O and since there are so few opportunities to do so, I put on a blue skirt, boots and a pair of dangly earrings. Then I descended the quiet stairs I've been running up and down every other day to preserve some semblance of cardiovascular fitness. It was a cloudy day outside but I felt a thrill as the walls fell away.
"Which way should we go?" I asked Mr. O, but another of his merits is that he lets me make the decisions.
I'll admit initially Mr. O was less companion and more knock-off Prada bag because I was swinging him around with glee as I relished the fresh air. I noticed that birds also chirped in the trees I couldn't see from my terrace or the courtyard below our apartment and that around the corner the daffodils were a paler shade of yellow.
A car passed and I looked up to find a matching curiosity in the driver's eyes.
"Where on earth is she going?" he was likely thinking since other than a handful of dog walkers and one man in headphones avoiding eye contact, I was the only pedestrian.
"Where is he going?" I was asking myself because we're not supposed to vacate our neighborhoods and everything deemed inessential is buttoned up. Perhaps the driver was doing the same thing I was in mixing a lingering dab of Italian furbizia, the crafty ingenuity necessary to manage life in Italy, with a vat of good old-fashioned cabin fever.
In terms of rebelliousness, a lengthier than necessary walk with Mr. O to the neighborhood compost bin was on the scale of buttoning up a jacket before your nail polish has dried all the way. Yet I felt like a diamond thief as I turned corners I didn't need to turn and pet a dog through a metal fence I didn't touch just in case the beer virus really can survive on metal up to nine days.
Ever since I was yelled at in a threatening manner on my bike, I've been keenly aware of other people's reactions to me being outside. It's like we're in a giant social experiment which has turned us all into miniature police officers in various stages of training, programmed in weeks to react to a new set of "rights" and "wrongs."
As if to prove my theory, a woman unloading groceries from her car cast me a military-grade suspicious gaze. I transferred Mr. O to my other hand to hide him as I passed an organic container and struck up a gay whistle that sounded like a horror movie theme song as it reverberated off the empty concrete.
By then Mr. O had taken on the role of companion like the volleyball in "Cast Away" that Tom Hanks character calls "Wilson." So perhaps I wanted to prolong our time together when I settled on an empty bench shielded from the road by a fortress of bushes. And if a policeman came…?
"Ma'am, you are supposed to be in your house," the officer would say.
"Yes sir, but I had to take out the compost," I would answer, which in Italian is organico.
"What are you doing with it on this bench?" He would ask. Since "it" in Italian always has a sex and organico is "male," he would've said, "What are you doing with him on this bench?"
"Saying goodbye," I would say in the hopes that he too had had in these last three weeks a moment in which something like taking out the compost became akin to the quest for the Holy Grail.
Yet, what a singular pleasure to linger outside for a moment and gaze up at the sky. I thought about what I'd like to do when this viral fog lifts and we're able to do things we took for granted before like riding on a train or hugging our friends. I thought about how glorious it will be to take my bike, tent, sleeping bag and stove and slumber beneath the stars.
I once bike toured with my ex-husband through several Croatian islands near Dubrovnik. We stayed put for two days in a small town because a roaring southerly wind called the "Jugo" (or Sirocco) had arrived. The locals told us that important decisions were discouraged during those powerful bouts of wind that affected people's moods and health. I later read when the Jugo blows in, no Council sessions are held and no laws can be formed or changed. Crimes committed during these gales are also punished more leniently.
Famous Dubrovnik author Tereza Buconic wrote, "One does not even like oneself when Jugo is blowing, so how can a decision be made about another with such a confused mind?"
Sound a bit familiar?
Hence, although for the umpteenth time I also pondered touching base with one of my exes (even just to wave an olive branch or two) I decided it was ill-advised during an apocalypse. There's actually a meme or seven in circulation based on this exact topic and articles by the New York Post and The Guardian that are giving my intuition a high five.
Besides for me, it becomes clearer each day that this is a period to honor the intangible and unconcrete. It's the era of the inward gaze, of dreaming, imagining and cultivating the patience and flexibility we'll all need when this challenge ends and ushers in a whole host of unforseen others.
A runner flew by, yanking me from my ruminations. Now here was a rebellion level on par with plugging your electric car into your neighbor's outdoor wall outlet between the hours of midnight and four a.m. I exchanged a look with Mr. O, and together we made our way back to the main road. I was still "far" from the apartment in quarantine terms but I figured if any police passed, they'd be more keen on questioning the runner who had decided to dress in a subtle shade of neon yellow.
Then, I opened the compost bin closest to the apartment and placed Mr. O inside with a gaggle of his kin. It will be several days before I'll have the hallowed excuse of leaving the apartment to take another ramble with him.
But perhaps tomorrow I could venture forth for a newspaper or if I felt feisty, a trip to the grocery store. Then I'd be separated from the apartment for long enough to miss it because grocery stores must now meter shoppers entering their premises. The other day I waited in a coiling line outside the Coop for forty minutes for the pleasure of re-stocking the fridge.
As I climbed back up the stairs and noted the pleasant ache of sore muscles, I chuckled. Call me crazy but aside from the bouts of sadness that are an inevitable part of this experience, I view it as an absurd adventure. After all, I'd just gone on decent a walk with a bag of compost and come away with a new friend.


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musical fidelity
Musical Fidelity amp a surprise
04 03, 13
The Musical Fidelity M1HPA performed like a champ at the March 2 Head-Fi meet in Austin. I can't figure out why MF doesn't advertise or explain the DAC section -- that's all I used during the show. Since this amp/DAC has two front-panel output jacks, it allows easy comparisons between cans, and it's got good output to drive most cans -- I'm not sure if it will drive the HiFiMan HE-6. The large volume knob permits super-fine adjustment to volume. It's a star product, at the $800 price point and it will form the core of my demo rig over at RK Audiology, the audition location.
Launch date
15 12, 12
We're hoping to formally launch Nice Cans of Austin in late January, 2012. We should have some items in stock before then, so feel free to contact us to discuss.


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Before I forget, I must write a quick recap of everything that happened earlier this month on our journey north to South Dakota during the pandemic. I will have to use my Google Photos library to help jog my memory. Sadly, I have run out of free WordPress storage, so you will have to visit Facebook for my photo gallery.
Thursday, July 2 – You already know this part—the flight there. I started writing my trip recap a few days ago and the flight itself was so long of a post I just left it at that and decided I'd sum up the rest of the trip separately. So yeah, we landed in Sioux Falls and Dad was there to pick us up and haul us back to Carpenter. Lauren and the kids fell asleep pretty quickly after an exhausting day of travel. Once we pulled in the yard two hours later, they were all awake and ready to greet Grandma… and then it was right back to bed.
Friday, July 3 – For some reason I thought John and Edie would be checking cows with Grandpa every morning, but there was really only one opportunity, and that was first thing Friday morning. And the cows we saw weren't even Grandpa's! We just drove to a pasture and got out to look at some cows, but the kids were dazzled nonetheless. John had been promised he'd get to do a lot of driving on the farm, and so he got up on Grandpa's lap and steered. The rest of the day was getting acquainted with the Glanzer cousins—Hadley, Adrienne, and Auden. Edie became fast friends with the girls. John and the girls swam in the cousins' pool, played in Alex and Ann's new camper, went tearing around the countryside in their fun four-wheeler thing, and even fed bottle calves. John and Edie, native city folk, clearly had a blast! At night, Jordan, Abul and the Krogman cousins arrived. When the sun went down, the adults mostly picked up and headed to Alex's for some boozing, which lasted until 3am or so.
Saturday, July 4 – Jordan, Abul, Mom, Edie and I started Independence Day off with a bang by taking a 4-mile walk around the section. The kids were quickly back to the pool for the bulk of the day. That afternoon we wished Peyton a happy 17th birthday, Jordan and Abul prepared dinner, and then we all proceeded to the yard for a bean bag tournament. When the sun began to set, several of us hopped in cars and headed to Lake Byron to watch the fireworks on the lake.
Sunday, July 5 – Lauren joined the same crew from the day before as we took an even longer walk, about 5 miles. The bulk of the afternoon was set aside for helping Dad and Alex change out eight semi tires! And then it was a family photo session. Alex and Ann prepared a feast for everyone, highlighted by northeastern South Dakota's favorite regional delicacy, chislic—cubed and fried venison. Alex and I headed back to Lake Byron to get the 411 on operating a friend's pontoon for the following day. Jordan even had some old friends out for the night. It had all the makings of a rowdy one, but despite our best efforts, we were unable to party til the wee hours of the night again.
Monday, July 6 – Now that the 4th of July crowds had long gone, we had Lake Byron to ourselves. Between the pontoon and Dad's boat, everyone set out to sea. While some were dragged behind the boat on the tube, others laid back and lounged on the pontoon, basking in the harsh UV rays. I took one turn on the tube even though I really shouldn't have with my neck surgically fused together. After a violent spill, I vowed to permanently retire from tubing. I think it's safe to say most everyone was fried by the time 5:00 came around. Burned and dreary-eyed, we returned to the farm where we watched Hamilton on Disney+ before bed.
Tuesday, July 7 – Jordan and crew packed up and shipped out, leaving Alex and Ann wondering what other fun might lie ahead. Presented a few options, we decided on Storybook Land in Aberdeen, the most magical place in South Dakota. Alex, Ann and girls piled in one car, with our family and Emmy in another and we made the 90-mile trek. It was a gorgeous day for Storybook Land. With the pandemic, the park was pretty sparsely attended, so we ditched the masks and the kids ran freely. John hated his roller coaster experience, but other than that everyone had fun. We stopped for ice cream and hauled ass home. That night, Lauren and I baked three pizzas for the group. We hung around chit-chatting and reminiscing about old Grandma Bell stories. It was back over to Alex's for some drinking games until well after midnight.
Wednesday, July 8 – We awoke to our final morning on the farm. I went for a solo walk out through some pastures and fields to soak in the atmosphere before heading back to the city. I forgot how many animal holes there are everywhere, but alas I was not attacked by a badger, skunk, gopher or other beast. Mosquitoes, though, were another story. Edie and John got their final cousin time and farm time. One last dip in the pool, one last time climbing up to the tractor cab, one last new fun thing as Grandpa hauled out the kids' old go-kart. We had planned to stay the full day, but thanks to American Airlines canceling our 11:50am Thursday flight and putting us on a 7:30 flight, we figured we'd better get to Sioux Falls that night and stay at a hotel.
Thursday, July 9 – We woke up and flew home, again, you can read the story on the previous post.
All in all, a great visit back. It absolutely did not feel like we were part of the pandemic hysteria on the farm. The family was willing to risk the chance that we had been infected with COVID on the flight, which it turns out we were not. I think we can safely say that ten full days after return we are coronavirus-free.
While we were gone for 7 1/2 days, we were really only at the farm for 5 full days plus that half-day of packing and heading to Sioux Falls. Some year in the future, if we're still in Austin, I would like to drive north in the summer, possibly in an RV, and park it there for a couple weeks. I can always work remotely, and Lauren can too at the moment. I suppose our next visit back could be around Christmas, but we all know Mom doesn't care for her children traveling on crappy roads during the winter! If I were a guessing man, I would say our winter break could go in one of several ways, but I it all depends on what happens with coronavirus and if it's still lingering around or in even fuller force in December. Either we travel to Minneapolis, some families visit us down here in Austin, or there is some sort of meet-in-the-middle idea. Another opportunity to return to the farm could be whenever Willow Lake's 2021 alumni gathering is, as that is our class's 20th reunion.


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It weighs 2.2 pounds and measures 12 and 1/4" tall by 3 and 1/8" across at the top by 3 and 1/4" across at the bottom by 4 and 1/4" across at the fattest section. There is minimal wear present however there are no breaks, bends, chips, or repairs. Please view all my photographs for further details. Please note all sales are final. I do require a signature upon receipt for all the items I sell.COME VISIT MY E-BAY STORE JUNKENTREASURES OFTEN SINCE I ADD INTERESTING ITEMS ON A DAILY BASIS. The item "Vintage Cloisonne Vase Tall Chinese Japanese Trumpet Vase Birds & Flowers" is in sale since Thursday, March 19, 2020.
This item is in the category "Collectibles\Decorative Collectibles\Cloisonne". The seller is "redbig73" and is located in Linden, New Jersey.This item can be shipped to United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Denmark, Romania, Slovakia, Bulgaria, Czech republic, Finland, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Estonia, Australia, Greece, Portugal, Cyprus, Slovenia, Japan, China, Sweden, South Korea, Indonesia, Taiwan, Thailand, Belgium, France, Hong Kong, Ireland, Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Italy, Germany, Austria, Bahamas, Israel, Mexico, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Switzerland, Norway, Saudi arabia, United arab emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Croatia, Malaysia, Chile, Costa rica, Dominican republic, Panama, Trinidad and tobago, Guatemala, El salvador, Honduras, Jamaica, Aruba, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Saint kitts and nevis, Turks and caicos islands, Bangladesh, Bermuda, Brunei darussalam, Bolivia, Egypt, French guiana, Guernsey, Gibraltar, Guadeloupe, Iceland, Jersey, Jordan, Cambodia, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, Macao, Martinique, Maldives, Nicaragua, Pakistan, Paraguay, Reunion, Uruguay, Russian federation.


text: Sleepwalkers Our current beliefs establish the limits and boundaries of our reality. We are storytellers by nature. Since the beginning of civilization we have used stories, myths and legends to make sense of the world around us. Since the dawn of man, we have created stories to understand our place in the world and … Continue reading Father, The Sleeper Has Awakened!


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Jana Eisenberg
Who doesn't love a good diner? Breakfast is hearty, comforting, warm and with endless cups of hot coffee. Diner lunch and dinner are also iconic. Thoughts of hamburgers, a nice club sandwich and a bowl of soup may well be dancing in your head right now.
Diners, in their various shapes and forms, are a quintessential American experience, where at breakfast, you'll find regular Joes, early birds chasing a worm or night owls winding down. Feel like pie or donuts this morning? No one's going to judge you in a diner.
Jana Eisenberg
From classic originals to family-owned neighborhood joints, Buffalo's got some great choices to get your belly (and soul) filled.
749 Military Rd., Buffalo
(716) 447-9661
This is hands down the best breakfast spot in Buffalo. The portions are big. The food is great. The service is wonderful. The staff is incredibly friendly. Make sure to order the homemade toast.
For those inclined, you can even choose from full (breakfast) bar service. How about a morning Martini?
Located in a blue collar semi-industrial area, Sophia's is worth carving out some time to try their corned beef hash and other specialties. There might be a line if you go on the weekend. That's at least in part due to the national attention the restaurant has received from the Food Network and others.
Our advice: avoid a wait by going on a weekday. You'll be welcomed and seated in no time, alongside locals and regulars.
Jana Eisenberg
Olympic Restaurant
4611 Genesee St., Cheektowaga
(716) 839-4022
Great value. Great service. The Olympic is a reliable Western New York mainstay. The menu at this airport-adjacent diner is so comprehensive, it's almost overwhelming.
Jana Eisenberg
Olympic Restaurant
It seems they serve everything. Breakfast is always great; you can't go wrong with Greek specialties like the souvlaki and home fries.
Jana Eisenberg
Olympic Restaurant
Try the house-made rice pudding or one of their many tasty pies. Sunday morning is filled with travelers from nearby hotels, even though you might only be stopping in for your once-in-a-lifetime Olympic meal, the friendly servers are eager to make your visit a pleasant one.
Swan Street Diner
700 Swan St., Buffalo
(716) 768-1823
This sweet spot is housed in an original 1937 Sterling Company diner car; it was transported across the state to Buffalo and lovingly refurbished.
It's a tiny space and open every day. Owned by the Zemsky family's Larkin Development Group, it's an homage to the old days, with a mini-donut machine and milkshakes; they also acknowledge modern appetites--Chef Amanda Amico features gluten-free and vegan options as well. (The tofu scramble is a favorite.)
Swan Street Diner
Whatever carb-tastic craving you may have -- biscuits with sausage gravy? Pancakes? -- Swan Street can fill it. The eclectic menu also features breakfast tacos, brûléed grapefruit, and a side of steamed veggies, if you're really eating clean. Someone there likes champagne; they serve mimosas "all day, every day," according to the menu.
Swan Street Diner
Weekday mornings are nice. The Larkinville district is slightly off the beaten path, so make time to get here and enjoy.
Jana Eisenberg
The Plaka
2904 Delaware Ave., Kenmore
(716) 871-9800
An old-school style diner in this first-ring suburb is reminiscent of the type of place that used to inhabit every corner in New York City. The welcoming exterior tells you all you need to know, and what to expect.
Jana Eisenberg
The Plaka
Sit at the counter or grab a booth or table. The waitstaff has that world-weary, seen-it-all air -- they probably know what you're going to order before you do.
Very quick service, with the essential coffee pot going around frequently. And these are not your fancy downtown prices -- wallet- and family-friendly is the word.
Breakfast is served all day. Plenty of free off-street parking in back.
Lake Effect Diner
3165 Main St, Buffalo
(716) 833-1952
All-American farm-to-table comfort food is served in this 1952 chrome and neon-lit diner car -- another vintage structure that was moved from its former location (this time, it was Pennsylvania), and refurbished.
Lake Effect Diner
Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served any time. Located near the south campus of the University at Buffalo, it's another stop on The Food Network's "Diners, Drive-ins and Dives" list. Traditional menu offerings include all the usual suspects: the hamburger and fries are a classic, and breakfast includes all the standards.
Lake Effect Diner
Some surprises include vegetarian friendly choices you might not find in a typical diner -- their "Mega Wraps" are served on herb flat bread. Everything is cooked from scratch. Milkshakes come in 25 different flavors and are available in a low-fat versions.
More from NYUp.com
Elmwood Village: Profile of a unique Buffalo neighborhood
Dining in Buffalo: New restaurants adding to farm-to-table experience
Buffalo distilleries to keep your spirits up: A taste, a dram, a cocktail, anyone?
Buffalo's best Japanese restaurants: A guide to sushi, ramen, more
Game On: Buffalo's best pinball, VR, video games and more
Spice up that feed: Buffalo's most Instagrammable locations
Beyond Blue and Blue Light: Labatt House takes shape in Buffalo
Buffalo's Frederick Law Olmsted legacy: The park system that started it all
Get caffeinated, and get a feel for Buffalo, through these great coffee shops


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Wooden stir sticks are a great alternative to plastic stir sticks. After all, these products can be made from recycled wood particles and are inherently biodegradable. When you want to provide the best options for your patrons, try out wooden stir sticks for coffee, tea, and more.
When it comes to consuming hot foods and beverages, Americans are in the lead. In fact, it's estimated that Americans consume an excess of 10 billion bowls of soup annually. When you want to cool down your hot beverages, rely on the wooden stir sticks provided by WoodU
Following are some benefits of wood coffee stirrers.
Wood stirrers are designed for stirring in milk, cream, or sugar, use in your favorite cafe` latte, hot chocolate, tea or any drink! Wood can handle the high heat of beverages without transferring any wood taste.
Wood stirrers are made of different quality and the best ones are manufactured from 100 percent white birch wood. Made from a renewable resource, wooden stirrers are more eco-friendly than plastic stirrers. They are biodegradable, and can be thrown out with food waste.
As a one-time use product, wood stirrers offer convenience. Save time and water by not having to wash!
Wooden coffee stirrers are high quality, and will not shred or splinter. No splinters or pieces of wood in your beverage or mouth! Wooden stirrers are an economical alternative to plastic stirrers.
Round coffee stirrers and square coffee stirrers are examples of some of the shapes in which coffee stirrers are available in the market. They also come in different sizes
For break rooms or the office! Everyone will appreciate the convenience of having wood stir sticks available for their morning cup of coffee or tea! Great for home use- family and guests will love these stirrers!
Research undertaken identifies wood as the most substitute material to plastic for stirrers as these are comparable in price to plastic stirrers and are also disposable. For the modelling in this impact assessment we assume that
wooden drink stirrers are the substitute for plastic drink stirrers. It is a conservative assumption to assume that consumers continue using single use wooden stirrers; as if consumers switch to reusable stirrers the environmental benefits of the ban would be greater.


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- There's one nerve-wracking, yet vital part of the on-boarding process recent grads need to master: negotiating salary and benefits.
- 43 percent of workers are still asked about salary history during job interviews.
- Future employers may base their proposed pay on a candidate's previous salary level.
Many college graduates are likely to land job offers in the weeks following their commencement.
Though they may be ready to launch themselves into their futures, there's one nerve-wracking, yet vital, part of the process new grads need to master: negotiating salary and benefits.
Bargaining with a prospective employer can be daunting for someone in their first full-time position, yet getting the right salary from the start can help ensure that future employers don't lowball their compensation.
That's because future employers may base their pay offer on a candidate's previous salary. In fact, 43 percent of workers are still asked about salary history during job interviews, according to compensation research firm Payscale.
Requesting a higher salary for a new job can be a lot of pressure, according to Daniel Orozco, the director of Southwestern University's Center for Career & Professional Development, but it's appropriate to do, as long as it's handled the right way.
Do your research
Paul Wolfe, the senior vice president of Human Resources at Indeed, a job-seeking website, said that research is the first thing a new hire should do when negotiating pay.
Wolfe said a job seeker needs to know what he or she is worth. You can search online what a position usually pays, factoring in your education and experience.
Then, set a minimum salary you are willing to accept based on those multiple sources.
However, Orozco said you don't need to negotiate a higher salary if research shows you're being offered the appropriate amount of money.
Don't drop names or give ultimatums
Orozco said if candidates are aware of another employee's salaries at the company, they should never use that employee's name when negotiating.
"That's the kiss of death," Orozco said. It can also lead to trouble for the employee, he added.
He said that making demands or giving ultimatums can come across negatively during the negotiating process.
Negotiate more than salary
"Salary clearly is the most important part of compensation, but there are other benefits, as well," Wolfe said.
Those may include bonuses, long-term incentives such as equity (in a start-up, for example), medical and dental insurance, and paid time off.
Wolfe said it is important for job seekers to negotiate what is most important to them. So, if a new-hire knows that he or she is getting married soon and will be going on a honeymoon, it may be better to negotiate more vacation time.
Be prepared to be told 'no'
Even after all of your research, an employer may still deny your request. Wolfe said this is part of the process.
"If you don't get the salary you want, you need to be honest with yourself and do some soul-searching," Wolfe said.
Wolfe said it is also important to keep in mind the periods when employers review salaries to give out raises and bonuses. If you do a good job, you may be able to earn a raise later on.
More from Personal Finance:
If you're hunting for a job, expect to do this for free
Here's what you need to qualify for public service loan forgiveness
Few people know about this key college savings plan


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Jim C. Hines posted this a few minutes ago and I'm tripping over my keyboard with jealousy, why didn't I … Continue reading IOTD
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"So where ever you're targeting advertising your page on Facebook is a waste of money. I wish Facebook would remove … Continue reading Writer's Tool Box: Not Facebook Part Zwei


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It is lovely to see and hear about the activities you have taken part in this week to promote good mental health and take care of your well-being. Let's continue to take time to talk, time to think, be creative, move and listen and get outside (if you are not currently isolating).
Time to Talk – Let the people you live with know how you feel about lockdown and being at home all the time. What is difficult about being at home? Do you miss your friends and family? What could you do about this – could you video call them or send them a picture to let them know you are thinking of them. What do you enjoy about lockdown and being at home? Do you enjoy spending lots of time with the people you live with?
Get Thinking – Look at yourself in a mirror. What do you see? How do you express yourself everyday to others? Do you like to wear big, bright bows? Or gel your hair? Smile in the mirror. What changes do you notice in your face? What happens to your mouth, cheeks, eyes? Frown in the mirror. What happens to your face now?
Create – A happy box! Make yourself a box of all the things that make you feel happy and safe. You could use an old shoe box and decorate it to express yourself. Whenever you feel sad, scared or worried, you could go to your happy box and look at or play with things in there that make you feel happy again.
Go Outside – If you are not isolating and it is safe to go outside, how about going for a walk or a bike ride with someone you live with. Wrap up, go outside, get some fresh air and relax after a hard days work.
Move and Listen – Find something energetic to do for at least 10 minutes. Get your heart rate pumping and release any stress or worries. You might like to run, trampoline, workout with Joe Wicks or dance with Oti Mabuse. I have attached some links to videos and dances below to get you moving and listening. However, feel free to choose any others of your own.


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The basketball coaching community of Osceola County was saddened to hear about the passing of Julius Tharpe, known by "Tony" to many, on Friday.
A celebration of life, yet to be scheduled, will be held at St. Cloud High School. Tharpe served as a basketball coach, a referee for youth and adult leagues, but was an an inspiration to those outside the basketball and sports world with his direct and focused yet friendly, caring and easygoing manner. The tributes on social media have been plentiful and touching.
"You touched many lives when you came in contact with them, myself included," said Heber Laracuente, who coached with Tharpe at Gateway. "Whether it was with your smile or your perspective on life or basketball or in general, your positive attitude. I know I'll take your teachings, your knowledge, 'Knowledge is Power' or one of your mottos, "Little things become Big things."
Marlin Roberts is the football coach at Gateway, and also assisted for many years in the basketball program.
"The true definition of a teacher and one of the greatest coaches I've ever learned from," Roberts said of Tharpe. "One of the last old school no nonsense coaches. They don't make 'em like this anymore."
He was an assistant on head coach Donnie Preston's staff of an Osceola High girls team that advanced to the state tournament in 2001; four years prior, the program was winless. He was later on the staff of Gateway High's boys program working with longtime coach Bob Baker. Living in St. Cloud his last few years, he gave back to St. Cloud High School and that community as well through basketball and his spirit.
Tharpe was a mainstay at summer basketball camps and the area's Midnight Basketball program, which helped high-school aged players improve in the offseason and run on the efforts of volunteers like them.
Born in Neptune, New Jersey, he came to Central Florida in 1990 by way of the Chicago area and Massachusetts. His cancer diagnosis came less than a year ago.


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Laurita Winery continues to put on weekend event like no one else on a consistent basis. The next one that should be on your radar is the Laurita Summer Food Truck Fair, which will be held on July 17-18 and will feature food trucks, live music, and yes, even a fireworks show on Saturday night.
Summer Food Truck Fair!! July 17th and 18th! NO SESSIONS!! Come anytime!
Saturday 11-9:30 and Sunday 11-7. FIREWORKS Saturday Night!!
$12 per person 21+. Everyone 20 and under is Free Admission!
** 2020 Food Truck Passes will be accepted! **
- Cold Stone Creamery
- 5 Sisters Food Co.
- Pita Bowl (Sunday only)
- Buzzettas
- Maddalena's Cheesecake
- Empanada Monster
- House of Cupcakes
- RED Pizza Express
– Snack Shack
Saturday, July 17
11-2pm Pennington Station
2:45pm-5:30pm The Shore Syde Band
6:15pm-9:30pm Fast Forward 80s
Sunday, July 18
11-2:30pm The Rangers Nouveau
3:15-7pm Fish Eyed Blues
Tickets WILL BE AVAILABLE at the door!
FEATURING gourmet food trucks! Arm painting by Macaroni Anne Cheeze! Country line dancing! Live music ALL WEEKEND! Fire pits and complimentary firewood! FIREWORKS SATURDAY NIGHT! (*As always, fireworks and fire pits are at the discretion of the fire marshal.) Wine tasting! Vineyard tours! AND MORE!!
Tickets for the Laurita Summer Food Truck Fair are available for purchase through the link below at $12 per person 21+ years of age. It's free for anyone 20 years old and younger. It'll be held from 11:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. on July 17 and 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on July 18 at Laurita Winery on 85 Archertown Road in New Egypt, NJ.
source: Laurita Winery via Facebook


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Sheldon Zakreski, The Climate Trust
As published by TriplePundit – December 15, 2017
The Social Cost of Carbon (SCC), which places a dollar figure on the long-term damage done by a metric ton of carbon dioxide emissions (mtCO2) in a given year, is a phrase many folks have never heard of, yet it greatly affects both our economy and the environment. As of early 2017, the SCC has been used to justify regulations that have more than $ 1 trillion in benefits, according to Yale University economist William Nordhaus. The SCC is an important tool in federal policy because proposed environmental regulations must demonstrate that the benefits outweigh the costs.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) came out with updated SCC figures this past October that are a marked departure from the past. Reducing the previous 2020 SCC estimate of $45 per mtCO2 to roughly $3.50 per mtCO2. The effect of such a change is that it will become more difficult to propose policies that substantially lower emissions. For example, under the prior SCC figure, the Clean Power Plan (CPP) would have generated $20 billion in benefits, but the benefit estimate under the updated figure is a significantly diminished $1.6 billion. Therefore, if the Trump Administration's efforts to repeal the CPP are blocked by the courts, the lower SCC figure could be used to justify substantially weaker emissions reductions than those originally envisioned in the Plan.
Beyond the obvious change in administrations, the two primary factors driving the SCC figure are the scope of the damage assessment, and the discount rate. The EPA under President Obama factored in global damages from CO2 emissions, whereas the most recent update only considers damages within U.S. borders. The rationale for including global damages is that climate change is a global problem, and that this inclusion signals to the world that the U.S. is considering the global impact of emissions originating within its borders. This is a critical message, as it gives the U.S. leverage to push for other countries to commit to greenhouse gas reductions as their emissions cause damage to the U.S.
The second factor explaining the significant drop in the SCC is the discount rate. As a measure intended to factor in the cost of damages years out from emissions occurring today, the SCC must incorporate a discount rate. The higher the discount rate the lower the value of the future benefits from reducing emissions today. The $45 in 2020 SCC figure is based on a 3% discount rate, while the October 2017 update uses a discount rate of 7%, which basically means Trump's EPA assumes future damages from greenhouse gas emissions will be relatively inconsequential economically speaking.
The SCC is often cited as an important benchmark for carbon reduction policies, but as states fill the void left at the federal level, the following considerations might serve as a useful guide for how the SCC may, or may not, inform state carbon policies.
The Social Cost of Carbon is a critical figure for establishing federal policies, as it prices the damages from climate change. The extent to which a value is placed on avoiding those damages today depends on the scope of damages (national versus global) and the discount rate one places on future damages. While it is a useful regulatory metric for policy making, applying it to carbon price policies can be challenging given the subjective nature of the SCC.
Image credit: Flickr/Bureau of Land Management


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The Seattle Seahawks defeated the Arizona Cardinals by a score of 28-21 on "Thursday Night Football" to avoid a sweep and move to 7-3 on the 2020 season. Here are five takeaways from the game.
A questionable penalty fuels Cardinals' first scoring drive
DK Metcalf corralled in a deep shot from Russell Wilson for a third-down conversion into Arizona territory, only to have it called back due to a questionable holding call on Damien Lewis, followed by an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty on Ryan Neal. This aided the Cardinals in their first scoring drive to tie the game up at 7-7. The Seahawks prevailed anyway, but that holding penalty was an extremely ticky-tack call and could have had severe ramifications for Seattle.
Major turnaround for Russell Wilson
Wilson had a critical bounce-back game this week to lead his team to victory against Arizona, completing 23 of his 28 passes for 197 yards, two touchdowns, and most importantly, no interceptions. The offense incorporated a deftly balanced attack that served Wilson well. With his pair of TD passes in this game, he became the third quarterback in NFL history to throw for at least 30 touchdowns in four consecutive years, joining Brett Favre and Drew Brees. This was just the game the veteran signal-caller needed, and we can only hope he will continue being efficient and averse to turnovers like he was tonight.
Injuries mounting
Carlos Hyde may have returned, but Chris Carson is still out, Greg Olsen ruptured his left plantar fascia, and Brandon Shell and Bo Scarbrough both suffered what could be serious injuries. Just about every team is missing quite a few players, but the casualties are mounting for the Seahawks and this could cast a dark shadow on the short and long-term future of the 2020 season. "Thursday Night Football" is gruesome.
Running game back in business
The running game was excellent Week 11, thanks in no small part to Hyde and Scarbrough. The rushing attack accumulated 165 yards, with Hyde rushing for 79 and a score. The Seahawks ran the ball more than they passed for only the second time this season and assisted Wilson's efficient outing by taking some pressure off of him. It is clear that running backs do matter at least a little bit, especially for Seattle.
Defense still bad, but came up clutch
Make no mistake, this defense is still bad. A Cardinals second and 21 turned into a third and 2 in one play, and Arizona subsequently converted. Early in the fourth quarter, the defense left Chase Edmonds with nobody around him to catch a wide-open touchdown to cut Seattle's lead to 23-21. However, they also forced several three-and-outs and notched three sacks of Kyler Murray. Most importantly, they made clutch plays when they needed to, and this was punctuated by Carlos Dunlap sealing the victory with a fourth-down sack of Kyler Murray. The defense still shouldn't be trusted on a consistent basis, but this could be a turning point for them. The Seahawks will certainly need better defensive performances going forward, so this could be a game to build on.