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Posts Tagged 'Book Reviews'
Book Review: Jefferson Davis and His Generals – The Failure of Confederate Command in the West
STEVEN E. WOODWORTH. Jefferson Davis and His Generals: The Failure of Confederate Command in the West. Lawrence, Kansas: University Press of Kansas. 1990. Pp. xv, 380. $16.95.
Much has been written about the political and military genius of Abraham Lincoln and the successful leader he grew to be while Commander in Chief of a fractured union. But as the country divided and civil war became a reality, a new leader was called upon to assume the role of Commander in Chief for the Confederacy, the seasoned Jefferson Davis. At the precipice of war, betting men looking at the comparative qualifications of the two presidents could easily have predicted that Davis would outshine Lincoln. What kind of leader did Davis prove to be and how did he recruit and manage those men who would become members of his high command? What kind of generals were they and how did their personalities and actions impact the outcome of the war?
Steven E. Woodworth's monograph answers those questions and others through examination of Jefferson Davis' handling of the generals who defended the newly formed Confederacy in the Western theater of the American Civil War. Against a chronology of key events, each commander is introduced with information essential to understanding the skills they brought to war. Woodworth gives us their respective birthplaces, education, military and political experience, and reasons for consideration as senior leaders. Their performances in command roles are examined along with their interactions with Davis. There is brilliance to be sure from both Davis and some of his generals. But there is also incompetence, jealousy, loss of nerve, and even a propensity toward sabotage of brother commanders. Varying degrees of analysis are given to among others: Leonidas Polk, Simon Bolivar Buckner, Albert Sidney Johnston, P.G.T. Beauregard, Braxton Bragg, Early Van Dorn, John C. Breckenridge, Edmund K. Smith, Nathan Bedford Forrest, Patrick R. Cleburne, Sterling Price, William J. Hardee, John C. Pemberton, Joseph E. Johnston, Benjamin F. Cheatham, James A. Seddon, Daniel H. Hill, James Longstreet, Gideon J. Pillow, David Twiggs, and John Bell Hood. Woodworth pulls no punches.
Woodworth concludes that Davis was highly trained, skilled from a breadth of experience in the militarily and in politics, and eminently qualified to assume the role of Commander in Chief of the Confederacy. He was also flawed. His imperfections are revealed as the war in the West is traced from beginning to end. Davis is shown to be incapable of judging objectively the performances of personal friends. He both trusts and delegates too much to his leaders. This trait worked to the detriment of some of the most exceptional men like Albert Sidney Johnston, who accomplished miracles in the defense of western borders despite unanswered requests to fill and equip his ranks. It also left incompetents like Leonidas Polk in power, impairing more talented men like Braxton Bragg. Davis becomes consumed by the war emotionally and physically. In the end, failure in the West is seen to have contributed significantly to the failure of the Confederacy. Woodworth posits that the faults of Davis himself, stemming from a deep-seated insecurity, are contributory to this failure.
Woodworth brings to the work the credentials of a seasoned historian. He holds history degrees from Southern Illinois University (B.A. 1982) and Rice University, where he received a Ph.D. in 1987. At the time of the book's publication, he taught history at Toccoa Falls College in Georgia. He now teaches U.S. history, Civil War and Reconstruction, and the Old South at Texas Christian University. He also teaches military history at the American Military University. He is a prolific and award winning author.
Woodworth provides an insightful contribution to our understanding of the Civil War by revealing the best and the worst of the Confederacy's senior military leadership in the West.
Particularly helpful to an understanding of the challenges faced by Davis' high command is Woodworth's campaign analysis. Also exemplary is the concise summary he provides of key points at the end of each chapter. This important study in leadership fills a gap and stands equal to and complementary of the T. Harry William classic, Lincoln and His Generals. It is both highly readable and academically rich.
Book Review: Two Brothers, One North, One South
Jones, David H. Two Brothers, One North, One South. Encino, CA: Staghorn Press, 2008. 320pp, ISBN 13: 978-0-9796898-5-7, $24.95.
In his historical novel, David H. Jones tells the story of the the Prentiss brothers, William and Clifton, who fight on opposite sides of the American Civil War. The primary narrator is era poet, Walt Whitman, who befriends a dying William in the military hospital at the close of the war. In the young Confederate's final days, he recounts to Mr. Whitman his experiences which Whitman, in turn, finds opportunity to share with brother Clifton, a Union officer, who lies wounded in the same hospital. They are joined by family members who collect around Clifton following William's death.
The story tells of young Southern men dashing off to join the fight and courageous Southern women who persuade politicos to contribute arms and supplies to Southern recruits and who even become blockade runners to ensure that those supplies reach the troops. We are witness to a number of key battles of the war, introduced to the weapons used, and generally educated about what it would have been like to serve in, primarily, the Confederate ranks. There is significantly less information provided through the storyline about the war experiences of brother Clifton and the Northern perspective.
What is unique about the novel is that the brothers featured were real and many will find the facts surrounding their lives, so carefully researched, intriguing. The presentation of the novel is also stylistically unique in that it is written using the formal language of the era.
I had the sense in reading Two Brothers that Jones struggled to nail down the book's genre as he set about writing it. The work often resembles non-fiction with much "telling" of history rather than the "showing" of character-driven action and drama that makes for good fiction. While the "telling" made for interesting history, as a piece of fiction, the book was less than satisfying. That said, Civil War buffs will enjoy the military aspects of the book which are well researched.
Abraham Lincoln: A Presidential Life
Yesterday, I was pleased to receive a review copy of James M. McPherson's upcoming release, Abraham Lincoln: A Presidential Life from Oxford University Press. It is scheduled to be released on the date marking the 200th year since Lincoln's birth. While I've yet to complete it, I was impressed by Dr. McPherson's candor in the introduction about his own shift in opinion about Lincoln and his presidency. While initially critical of Lincoln, not unlike the abolitionists of the era of his presidency, McPherson's years of study brought new appreciation for Lincoln's skills as an adroit commander-in-chief tasked with challenges of incredible complexity.
Hardcover: 96 pages
Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA (February 1, 2009)
Language: English
Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.1 x 0.7 inches
Crusade: The Untold Story of the Persian Gulf War
Rick Atkinson. Crusade: The Untold Story of the Persian Gulf War. Houghton Mifflin Company, 1994. See the publisher's book site here.
Pulitzer Prize winning author Rick Atkinson presents as narrative history the Persian Gulf War from its opening salvo to the American victory parade in the nation's capital. His stated purpose is to tell the story of this "limited war," certainly, but in doing so, he reveals much about America's military elite and their need to heal from the failures of Vietnam. He exposes a heightened intra-service competition not unexpected in a campaign of this size but indicative of the growing role of air power in limited war. He also presents a study in leadership and a particularly frank examination of the Schwarzkopf war room which most senior commanders feared entering due their leader's explosive temperament and demoralizing criticism. It is Atkinson's view that his leadership style actually prevented, to a significant degree, decentralization of initiative conducive to effective field command. The book demonstrates well that the America of the 1990's had reached the level of superpower. Equally revealing is the jockeying for power among Schwarzkopf's commanders. Atkinson makes a clear case for the lopsidedness of the war evidenced by an American technological and logistical strength unparalleled in history. He also emphasizes the advantages enjoyed by America's dominance of the air and the crucial role that played in the conflict's outcome. But he concludes that the American and allied war machine was not flawless. Weapons technology proved in some cases finicky, airplanes vulnerable to Iraqi anti-aircraft batteries, and friendly fire mishaps unavoidable.
Mr. Atkinson comes to the task of authorship with impressive credentials. A graduate of East Carolina University and the University of Chicago, his most impressive qualifications come from a strong record of investigative and writing skills. His role as primary correspondent for the Washington Post during the Gulf conflict certainly put him in the thick of that which could be revealed during the war. More extraordinary is his thorough post-conflict research including extensive interviews and the study of documents made public after the war. At the time of the book's publication, Atkinson had already won a Pulitzer Prize (for national reporting, 1982). He would go on to win two more, one for Public Service (1999) and a third, the 2003 Pulitzer for History, for his book "An Army at Dawn: The War in North Africa, 1942-1943." He would also serve as the 2004 General Omar N. Bradley Chair in Strategic Leadership at the Army War College, and has been a recipient of numerous journalism awards.
Crusade carries importance for a wide audience within the United States military, military historians, and civilian government. But it is particularly informative for the American public. Atkinson pulls from the shadows information about the inner workings of the American political and military engines that drove both strategy and execution of the Gulf War in a manner decidedly more guarded than the Iraq War of the 21st century. The insight allows the reader to make a more balanced evaluation of the conflict. Atkinson demonstrates the fickleness of public opinion in a powerful epilogue which contrasts the military victory parade in Washington with the demise of the Bush administration, even after what was initially considered a successful war. I find it difficult to attribute this, and other conclusions Atkinson draws, as evidence of any bias. Indisputably, the power and relevance of the book has grown immeasurably given Bush-the-younger's return to Iraq post 911.
Highly recommend.
Sweetsmoke by David Fuller
This weekend I finished David Fuller's novel, Sweetsmoke, which I first mentioned on WigWags here.
A work of fiction can be judged by many criteria. My approach is pretty simple.
1) Did it keep my interest past page five?
2) Did I find myself wanting to set other pressing activities aside to return to the story?
3) Did the characters grab me?
4) Was the writing such that I could see what the characters see?
5) If a mystery, did it keep me guessing?
6) Did I learn something?
7) Was I a bit blue the day after I finished it because — I didn't want to be finished?
8) Would I recommend it to family, friend, or colleague?
Here is my run down on Sweetsmoke. The numbered answers below correlate, of course, to the aforementioned questions above.
1) By the time I thought about whether the story had held my interest past page five, I'd just finished Chapter 5. Enough said on that one.
2) My finances remain in a growing "to do" pile.
3) The protagonist, Cassius Howard, was entirely satisfying as the central player in the story. I found particularly intriguing his relationship with his owner, Hoke Howard. And what a fresh idea to make the "sleuth" of the murder mystery that is the undercurrent of the story, a plantation slave.
4) I found Mr. Fuller's descriptive writing excellent. His recounting of the Battle of Antietam (see Antietam National Battleground link here), was shockingly realistic and worth the price of the book alone. He is a master of "showing," not telling. Well done.
5) The mystery's twists and turns definitely kept me guessing. I won't reveal anything here…
6) While I was familiar with the history, Mr. Fuller's description of plantation life from the slave's perspective was insightful. Many readers will benefit from the historical aspects of the book.
7) I am completely miffed that I don't get to continue the story this evening.
8) I just this minute loaned my copy to my sister to read on her vacation. She and her daughter will likely fight over it. Vacation reading is sacred. Only the best.
Some Press for Wig-Wags
I'm pleased to report that Wig-Wags has been featured on the following sites in the past 30 days:
Indiana University Press found my review of Edward Hagerman's book, The American Civil War and the Origins of Modern Warfare. You can read their post here and my full review here.
Jessica Merritt included Wig-Wags in her story titled, "100 Awesome Blogs for History Junkies" along with several of my fellow bloggers. Look for me under the "Academic" header. I only wish I could have been listed under several headers.
And finally, Alltop has listed Wig-Wags on their Top History News page. Alltop has a neat layout. They are effectively a feed aggregator by topic that pulls in the latest posts on sites that meet a topical criteria. Readers can "mouse over" any of the top feeds for a site and the full story will be visible as a pop-up of sorts. I like it!
Academic Book Review – George Bancroft
George Bancroft. By Russel B. Nye. New York: Washington Square Press, Inc. 1964. Bibliography. Pp. x, 212. $.60.
If biographies written in the twenty-first century tend toward tomes, Russel Nye's 1964 work on George Bancroft, the most acclaimed American historian of the nineteenth century, demonstrates how to impress with a modicum of words. Though Bancroft's life spanned almost a century, Nye skillfully paints a portrait of the man against the sweeping landscape of the United States' passage from fledgling country at the turn of 18th century to battle-scarred nation ninety years later, all in fewer than two hundred pages.
Nye's book is part of the Washington Square Press "Great American Thinkers Series," targeting an audience of general readers as well as serious secondary and college students who want readable history. George Bancroft as subject is in good company among other well known Americans included in the series, like Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, and John C. Calhoun. Series editors provided a general outline for Nye to follow, which included a short biography of the subject, a critical evaluation of his central ideas, and his influence upon American thought as a whole.
Nye approaches the task in a somewhat unconventional manner. He begins and ends with reasonably standard material. A chronology of key events in Bancroft's life is placed in the front matter of the book, beginning with his birth in 1800 and ending with his death in 1891. End materials include a list of Bancroft's extensive published works and a complete bibliography and index. It is in the book's narrative that Nye shows structural creativity. He reveals Bancroft by coming at the subject from six different directions: life history, views on education, artistic and cultural perspectives, formation as a politician, views on humanity and the divine, and Bancroft's contribution to historiography.
The first chapter, titled "The Pattern of a Life," provides a highly readable narrative overview of Bancroft's ninety-one years. Nye begins with the family and culture into which Bancroft was born, and then explores his passage through school years, including entry into Harvard at the age of 13. His formative years studying abroad are covered next, and insight is provided into the effects that European intellectuals and artists had on the now young man. Nye brings Bancroft home to the United States, doctorate in hand, and traces his quest for direction in life that leads him away from ministry and into politics and writing. His life as politician and as an emerging and then accomplished historian are described, as well as the events that bring a close to Bancroft's life.
Nye devotes the entire second chapter, "Experiment at Round Hill," to Bancroft's daring project as schoolmaster of a preparatory school for boys in New England. Partnering with a colleague from Harvard, Bancroft incorporates in the endeavor the progressive concepts in education he observed while in Europe. But Bancroft has a love-hate relationship with teaching, and gradually realizes that his destiny lies elsewhere. As the chapter closes, he has sold his interest in the school to his partner and moved on, having left his mark on the history of American education as the creator of the first high school and a modeler of educational reform.
In the third chapter, "The Anatomy of Culture," Nye explores the Romantic Movement's impact on Bancroft and his contemporaries, and makes good use of the subject's actual writing. Excerpts of Bancroft's early attempts at poetry are presented by way of showing that, while his own poetic work was amateurish, he was able to channel his love for art into the role of literary critic, becoming quite adept at it. Nye does a masterful job of showing, through excerpts of Bancroft's reviews and critiques, not only his appreciation of the artistic, but his gift for seeing broad themes like democracy in art. He also shows how Bancroft was able to bring his interest in artistic judgment and creation to his growing preoccupation with history. Instead of losing touch, "he absorbed his interest in art into the larger context of his theory of culture and his concept of history. To him, as to his contemporaries, the boundaries of intellectual specialization were fluid" (63). This fusion of the literary with history defined Bancroft's historical writing. Nye's ability to correlate the cultural milieu of early 19th century with Bancroft's growth as philosopher, theologian, artistic critic, and historian is particularly well done.
Chapter 4, "The Fabric of American Political Life," guides the reader through Bancroft's life as a politician, and his metamorphosis into a Jacksonian democrat and political thinker. Again, Nye identifies themes from Bancroft's writings and personal correspondence, including the idea that political figures are heroes to the populations they serve. Nye closes the chapter with a moving description of Bancroft's role as eulogizer of Lincoln, a man who Bancroft grew to consider as a hero of some stature through the course of the Civil War. He also traces Bancroft's evolving views on slavery.
In Chapter 5, "Nature: Human and Divine," Nye explores how Bancroft came to his religious beliefs and his philosophical stand on the nature of humanity and the divine. This is an important topic because Bancroft's theological thinking informed much of his historical writing and speaking. Nye shows Bancroft as a man of his times, influenced by the enthusiasm of a country running toward a bright future, and yet a man who contributed much to that nation because of his study abroad and exposure to many of the world's foremost thinkers. Nye does a good job of showing how Bancroft reconciled his belief in man's free will as long as it was exercised within the larger will of the divine.
In his final chapter, "The Shape and Meaning of History," Nye looks as Bancroft the historian and the influence of his historiography. He provides an excellent overview of the state of historical study at the turn of and into the early 19thcentury, contrasting rationalistic historical theory against Romantic history a la Rankian Zeitgeist. His review of the expectations of historical writers in Bancroft's generation is excellent. But most important in this chapter are the selections from Bancroft's own essays, illustrating how he conceived of his own calling. His personal philosophy, which he put to paper not long after returning from studies in Europe, placed the office of the historian second only to the poet in its noble call to find God within history.
This perspective, Nye informs, pervaded the first three volumes of Bancroft's most famous work, The History of the United States of America from the Discovery of the Continent, in which it was clear "that he was convinced that the United States was the creation of Divine Providence" (158). The second theme was that of man's right to pursue freedom. Nye takes the reader through the completion and then revision of the seven volumes which took place over the course of most of Bancroft's remaining life. He touches upon the influences of the American Civil War on his writing, and particularly on the volumes having to do with the Revolutionary War. Nye gives insight into Bancroft's work style and ethic, as reflected in a two-volume work on the American Constitution. He interjects some deserved criticism of Bancroft who, he suggests over simplified the events surrounding the Constitution's creation, ignoring "the whole tangled skein of economic and political rivalries, conflicting interests, and clashing personalities" (170).
Nye leaves the reader with a sense for Bancroft's brilliance across a broad range of diverse interests. He paints him as a man who enjoyed the privileges of an education well beyond the norm of his day, and earned by an innate drive and love for scholarship. Nye's Bancroft was comfortable with life choices that went against the norm, an indication of independent thought. But he was also a man of his times, influenced by the great thinkers of his era and yet contributing one of the most important voices of the nineteenth century. He brought to his generation a better sense of the American story, and to a large degree, popularized history with the first complete treatment of the United States through its inception as a nation. He was guided by a strong belief in divine providence and its hand upon America. But at his core, he was, as depicted by Nye, a scholarly man of letters – a distinction I suspect would have pleased Mr. Bancroft. His legacy is a remarkable body of work sadly forgotten by most citizens of the 21st century because of changing standards in historiography.
Nye does a masterful job of identifying Bancroft's core beliefs and the influences that formed the man and his career. He also shows a considerable grasp of the nuances of both history and historiography that were in play in the 19thcentury – worth noting because Nye's training is in literature rather than history. Like all series authors, Nye brings to the work a Ph.D. An English professor at Michigan State University, he might seem like an odd choice to profile a historian, but he proves himself equal to the task, perhaps because biography straddles both history and literature. His obvious mastery of the large collection of papers Bancroft left behind for his biographers is impressive.
Russel Nye was awarded the 1945 Pulitzer Prize for Biography for this work. Is there a better recommendation?
Rene Tyree
American Military University
Photo credit: Einstein at 42 from Wikipedia Commons. Public Domain
Rotov on Suffering
Catching up on my reading, I found Dimitri Rotov's post [here] on Drew Gilpin Faust's This Republic of Suffering to be insightful. Follow his links to his previous posts as well. He suggests that Faust may step in for James McPherson as leading Civil War historian. While I gather he isn't a fan of the latter, he seems to be of the former. I look forward to his upcoming review.
You may recall that I mentioned receiving Faust's book in my posting here. It's near the top of my review list.
For more information on Faust and McPherson, see my the historians page here.


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Mainers are being urged by state officials to leave young wildlife alone.
The Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife held a special event on Thursday at the Maine Wildlife Park in Gray to spread the message.
Three fawns and many other young animals have already been brought to the park this year.
Officials said the animals are safer in the wild than with someone who doesn't have proper training on how to care for them.
The Maine Wildlife Park is managed by the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife and is home to more than 30 wildlife species.

subset: commoncrawl


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Videos > Melanie Jayne > Booty babe Melanie Jayne takes in a massive cock and gets a faceful
Wicked Pictures Wicked has some of the top Pornstars in the game working and shooting movies on a regular basis. You cannot find a more trusted and reputable adult company.
Featured Pornstars:
- Melanie Jayne


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Bangor RAF Officer killed in Tornado crash in Scotland
One of the crew killed in the crash of two Tornados in Scotland has been named as Flight Lieutenant Hywel Tomos Poole from Bangor. The 28-year-old was rescued from the Moray Firth on Tuesday but later died.
The Defence Secretary announced that Squadron Leader Samuel Bailey and Flight Lieutenant Adam Sanders, who were also on board the plane, are still missing and he said must now be presumed dead.
Flight Lieutenant Hywel Tomos Poole was born in Bangor and went to school in the area. He was a member of the University Air Squadron whilst studying at Southampton University and joined the RAF after graduating. He conducted RAF Officer Training in 2006.


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CINCINNATI -- Joe Mauer was back in the lineup on Saturday, June 23. Justin Morneau was out. It worked out well, manager Ron Gardenhire said.
"This is a good day to get Joe back out there and let him get some swings and get Morney a break, too, so it serves two purposes here," Gardenhire said before the game against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ballpark.
Mauer played first base, going 1 for 4 with a double, though Gardenhire said he could have caught.
"He's ready to catch; if I wanted him to catch today, he would catch today," the manager said. "But Morney needs a break."
Morneau is hitting .195 (8 for 41) with seven strikeouts and one run batted in his past 10 games.
"He has hit some balls right on the nose ... but even when you're hitting the ball good, if you're not getting hits you still feel like, 'What do I have to do to get a hit and help this team out?' " Gardenhire said. "It's all about the team with Morney, but those things add up and you get frustrated. I can sense that; I can see it."
Mauer drew a walk in a pinch-hit appearance in Friday's night's 5-4 victory but was replaced for a pinch runner. It was his first appearance since being pulled in the seventh inning of last Sunday's 5-4 victory over Milwaukee because of a deep thigh bruise suffered in a home plate collision with Brewers second baseman Rickie Weeks.
The catcher has been battling swelling in his right leg ever since.
"It's still in there but I'm definitely better; each day has been an improvement," he said. "Obviously I'm going to have to be mindful of what I'm doing out there for the next few days, but it just feels good to be back in the lineup."


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UPDATE: Monroe, La. (KNOE 8 News) - Monroe Police tell KNOE Dean Hart Jr. is in custody pending a bond hearing that has yet to be scheduled. Hart will face sexual assault and kidnapping charges after holding his wife against her will over the weekend.
Police say a news conference will be scheduled for Tuesday afternoon to release more details in the case. A seven hour stand-off with Hart Jr. came to an end shortly after 11:00 p.m. Monday, after a friend was able to convince Hart to leave the home he was barricaded inside. Hart was said to be heavily armed in the home.
MONROE, La. (KNOE 8 News) - Monroe Police have confirmed that Dean Hart, Jr. is in custody.
Hart will face sexual assault charges and kidnapping charges after holding a woman against her will over the weekend.
MONROE, La. (KNOE 8 News) - Monroe Police say that a close personal friend is being used in negotiations.
According to police, Hart has agreed to surrender to the friend, and ultimately to police.
Monroe Police are cautious with this maneuver. Previously, Hart had agreed to surrender to family and he did not do so several times.
MONROE, La. (KNOE 8 News) - Monroe Police says that the standoff will continue into the night. They believe the suspect, Dean Hart, Jr. is not a threat to the surrounding neighborhood.
At 9:35 PM, Monroe Police say they were continuing to negotiate an ending to the standoff. However, family involvement had waned.
Police say that Hart is repeatedly saying, "I don't want to go to jail. I am not going to come out."
Police reiterated that Hart was not considered a threat to the community and neighborhood.
MONROE, La. (KNOE 8 News) - Hilary Hunt reports that multiple family members have arrived at the scene to help Monroe Police in the ongoing police standoff.
MONROE, La. (KNOE 8 News) - Sources close to KNOE 8 News have confirmed that Dean Hart, Jr. is in an ongoing standoff with Monroe Police.
Monroe Police is continuing their standoff and will not confirm or deny that Hart is the home in Oak Alley Subdivision.
Hart is the son of Dean Hart, Sr. The elder was killed in a plane crash in January after the Beechcraft Bonanza he was in crashed near the Ouachita Correctional Center. 3 others were killed.
One of the sources says that the aunt of Hart has been called in to help with negotiations.
MONROE, La. (KNOE 8 News) - Monroe Police have confirmed that the suspect involved in today's standoff will face kidnapping and sexual assault charges.
The standoff continues in the Oak Alley Subdivision near the ULM College of Pharmacy.
MONROE, La. (KNOE 8 News) - Monroe Police have confirmed that the suspect involved in the standoff is in ongoing negotiations.
Officials have confirmed that the brother of the suspect is there on the scene, and is being used in the negotiation process.
Monroe Police have not released the identities of the suspect or the victim in the case at this time.
MONROE, La. (KNOE 8 News) - Monroe Police are negotiating with a man holed up in a home on Bienville Drive in the Oak Ally Subdivision near the ULM College of Pharmacy.
They say he's the suspect in a possible kidnapping, sexual assault and attempted homicide.
Police tell KNOE 8 News, they were notified by a local hospital to the alleged crimes around 7am Monday morning. Police say the victim is a woman around 40 years old and she is safe at this hour.
Police say the victim told them she was held against her will in the home all weekend before she made an escape late Sunday night.
We're told police are negotiating with the suspect who's inside the home where the woman says she was held and believe he's armed.
Police say the two are known to each other.
Negotiations are ongoing and police say they're making progress as of 3pm Monday afternoon.


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In recent years, we've seen a new emphasis on the art of listening. It can't be because listening is all of a sudden more important than it ever was before. Maybe the nature of work in the information age means the the cost of misunderstanding is higher. Or maybe our experts and trainers have been burned by poor listening and decided to produce more thought leadership on the topic.
At any rate, many studies demonstrate the importance of listening. We are apparently able to listen about 3 times faster than we can speak, but we also forget most of what we've heard. Listening been identified as one of the top qualities employers seek. And the ability to listen well has been tied to the ability to lead.
Everyone wants to be hired, to lead well, and to experience true understanding in the communication they engage in. So how can we learn to listen more effectively? There are many solutions for growth, but one of the first may be to understand the various levels of listening that exist. Here are five of the most common ones:
Passive Listening
Passive listening occurs during virtually all of our waking moments. In passive listening, there is no difference between communication we are receiving and the white noise within hearing: traffic, hustle and bustle on the street, background music, the sound of nature, etc. The reason we listen passively is often that we are speaking, concentrating, or listening to something else. No communication with any of these passive elements occurs unless we either stop to give our attention or are interrupted.
Selective Listening
Selective listening occurs when we tune in and out of our present circumstances or conversations. If you are in the car waiting for the traffic report on the radio, you likely let your attention span wander until the report comes on. We often do this with people as well. Picture yourself at a dinner party. When the conversation either holds no interest for you or is not in your area of expertise or knowledge, you drift. But when it comes around to a topic where you have an opinion, you are much more likely to stay engaged. This can often occur in one-on-one conversations as well. If you've ever tried to talk with someone who was looking at their cell phone at the same time, you were likely the recipient of selective listening.
Self-Focused Listening
Self-focused listening listens for meaning, but only as it applies to one's self. If you have been in a work meeting where new upcoming changes were being communicated for the first time, it's likely you were applying self-focused listening. You considered what the implications meant for your circumstances and whether they were positive or negative. If you see a news clip talking about changes to the tax codes, you probably apply self-focused listening. The same thing often happens in one-on-one conversations. Suppose you have a friend who tells you about his recent heart attack. If your reaction is to start figuring out if you have the same symptoms, you are engaged in self-focused listening.
Solution-Focused Listening
Solution-based listening can require immense amounts of skill but also be the most irritating of all the levels depending on the circumstances. included here for a couple reasons. Solution-focused listening also occurs whenever we simultaneously listen and begin to form our response to what is being communicated. In that sense, we quickly translate the input (what we hear) into new output (what we say). It requires a high level of engagement. Solution-focused listening is a must for situations where it's important to think on your feet, such as public debates. But it can create a lot of misunderstanding or disillusionment in more intimate conversations. When a communicator is not seeking a solution, offering on can be very abrasive, especially since it is likely to be inaccurate, (based on limited understanding), inadequate (the listener doesn't have the same circumstances or resources), or inappropriate (communicator isn't seeking a solution at all).
Active Listening
Active listening is the highest level. It is listening for the purpose of determining what the communication really means. Stephen Covey calls this "empathetic listening." Other experts refer to it as "intuitive listening." Since the listener "turns off" the voice in their head that is either crafting an interpretation, response, or solution, all of the focus is on the communicator. Folks who listen actively don't assume they understand when the other person stops talking. They repeat back or ask if their understanding is in fact accurate. Then their curiosity allows them to probe deeper in order to understand more fully. The result is that once understanding truly occurs, future communication and solutions are likely to be much more effective.
There they are; five levels of listening. Each may be appropriate in certain circumstances, but to grow in influence, active listening is far and away the most effective option.
Why is listening so difficult? Who do you know that listens really well?
Nathan Magnuson is a leadership consultant, coach, speaker, and thought leader. To learn more about his services, visit NathanMagnuson.com/consulting or follow him on Twitter.


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Submariner jailed over secrets
Submariner Edward Devenney has been jailed for eight years for trying to disclose secret movements of British nuclear submarines to MI5 agents posing as Russian spies.
Submariner jailed over offer to leak British secrets
A submariner has been jailed for eight years for trying to disclose the secret movements of British nuclear submarines to "Russian spies".
ITV News' Crime Correspondent Jon Clements reports.
Read more: Submariner jailed over offer to pass on British secrets
Submariner jailed over offer to pass on British secrets
A submariner has been jailed for eight years for trying to disclose the secret movements of British nuclear submarines to "Russian spies".Read the full story
Pictured: Submariner jailed over attempted secrets leak
Royal Navy petty officer Edward Devenney has been jailed for eight years today for trying to pass Britain's nuclear submarine secrets to men he believed to be Russian spies.
CPS: 'This was a classic story of betrayal'
– Mari Reid, unit head for the CPS counter-terrorism division
This was a classic story of betrayal.
Edward Devenney was employed by the Royal Navy to protect this country from potential threats to our security.
Instead, he pursued a course of conduct likely to put his country at risk.
We rely on the men and women of our armed forces to keep us safe. It is hard to imagine a greater breach of that role than Devenney's actions.
Devenney: 'I deeply regret my actions'
Outside court, Edward Devenney's solicitor Richard Cannon read a statement on behalf of his client, which said:
I am deeply sorry for the hurt and shame that I have brought on my family and loved ones.
Prior to these events I gave the Royal Navy 11 and a half years of service and I deeply regret my actions and the effect they have had on the Submarine Service and colleagues.
Submariner apologises for 'shame I brought on the Royal Navy'
Before he was sentenced, Lord Carlile, defending, read a letter to the court from Devenney which said:
"I have brought great shame to my family, loved ones and the submarine service.
"I accept the consequences of my actions and I'm truly sorry.
"Mostly I would like to apologise for the shame I brought on the Royal Navy."
Lord Carlile said when the Royal Navy and Ministry of Defence reflected on what Devenney was going through: "They might think twice about leaving a person in post until the issues have been resolved."
Lord Carlile said Devenney had been "something of a blue-eyed boy" until things began to go awry.
Submariner Edward Devenney sentenced to eight years in prison
Royal Navy petty officer Edward Devenney was jailed for eight years at the Old Bailey today for trying to pass nuclear submarine secrets to Russian spies.
Devenney sentencing enters secret sessionby Jon Clements - Crime Correspondent
The sentencing of Edward Devenney has gone into a secret session while classified information is discussed in detail.
It seems to me like MI5 ended up dealing with an issue that Royal Navy HR should have been able to handle.
Petty Officer's leak 'could have harmed security of UK'
It was only through the vigilance of MI5 officers who mounted a sting operation where they pretended to be Russian spies that national security was not harmed, said Mark Dennis QC, prosecuting.
Mr Dennis said: "The potential damage could have been considerable and could have harmed the safety and security of the United Kingdom."
Devenney, originally from Northern Ireland, has pleaded guilty to breaching the Official Secrets Act and misconduct in public office.
Submariner 'disillusioned with Navy' when Russia offer made
A submariner who offered to pass on naval secrets to Russian spies was on the verge of being sacked, the Old Bailey heard today.
Petty officer Edward Devenney, 30, said he was disillusioned with the Royal Navy because his promotion hopes had been dashed through defence cuts.
But he was drinking heavily, had bouts of depression and had just been cleared of a rape charge.
He asked for his training course for promotion to be deferred for a year but his absences without leave and conduct had led to a warning that he would be sacked if it continued, the court heard.


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Who's Afraid of My Neck
One of the greatest tunes, gets mixed up via Christian Martin
Credit to Jackmode Agency
Get the track!
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Pleasurekraft go to La la Land!
Artist of the week : Pleasurekraft
Introducing Pleasurekraft, The brainchild of Kaveh Soroush and Kalle Ronngardh, Pleasurekraft was born in the summer of 2009.
Having had their very first track played by Pete Tong on his Essential Selection, and then doing remixes for Chymera, and John Acquaviva's Definitive imprint, Pleasurekraft became a new name to keep an eye on.
Fast forward to the spring of 2010, and the year's biggest smash hit, Pleasurekraft's "Tarantula" was released. It quickly earned the support of the world's biggest DJ's, and climbed to the top of the charts, and retained the #1 overall position on Beatport for almost an entire month!
Being hailed by everyone as the year's biggest track, and already a summer anthem.
On the heels of "Tarantula", Pleasurekraft are working harder than ever.
While dance music trends come and go, those who stick to a singular vision and belief in the music they consistently produce are always left standingwhen the fads have long gone.
Pleasurekraft is exactly such a group.
Check out there latest remix of Green Velvet's, La la land!
Get the track!
Social Love!
My beatport picks…
A couple of Newbies i found today (Beatport links)
Act Yo Age – Bung Bung (Camel Remix)
Tube & Berger, Kean Sanders – Slumdog Superstar
Dexter Morgan..
Dexter is Back on
One of my many favourite television shows, is finally back! And wow what a awesome episode it is
Here is the torrent link to save u looking.
Dexter – Season 5 Episode 1 – Download
And to celebrate, here is some more free quality music..
Lissie - When I'm Alone (Leo Zero Remix) – Download
Ethix - Breakin' Bad – Nick Catchdubs & Proper Villain Pumper Remix – Download
Daft Punk – The Prime Time Of Your Life (Tits & Clits Remix) – Download
Sean Kingston - Letting Go ft. Nicki Minaj (Kingdom Dub) – Download
Sunday Funday 2!
Slurpee Sunday…
The Martin Brothers vs Maw – Duckworks – Download
Motorpitch, Beware – El Toro (Oliver $ Remix) – Download
Owl City - Fireflies [Tommie Sunshine Edit] (ChEE$e) – DownloadSlurp away
Clap your hands
Saturday, ETU lock down weekend, my long weekend!
Plus its GRAND FINAL DAY!
Heres a remix of a track that gets massive radio play…When i hear this @ my day job, i have to clap to it……
Thanks to Tommie Sunshine
Subcquence – d'Afrique
Trumpets together with a fun ethnic sound makes this tech house tune my favourite new release!
Get the track!
SNATCH! A music label, founded by none other then RIVA STARR
After their first release from David Keno back in April 2010, SNATCH! has released a entourage, of new eps! from the likes of Donk Boys, Lou Lou Players, Kolombo, Thomas Schumacher & more..
There ready for another big ep Release from House guru Pirupa
Out September 27th!
Trumpet Expresss
After years of bringing the freshest underground house sounds to an ever-growing following in their home town of Amsterdam, these two Dutch youngsters were catapulted onto the underground house clique following their head turning 'Fissa Tune EP' on Exploited earlier this year.
A hypnotic trumpet line combined with the duo's illusory sampling style and underpinned by beautifully simple, yet pounding house beats, label boss Jesse Rose signed the EP quicker than you can say 'where can I buy clogs and some tulip oil please?'
'Behind The Fence' and 'The Rules of Hip' provide an intoxicating change of scene. With the soulful vocals and swelling keys of 'Behind The Fence' and the driving conga rhythms and deft beats of 'The Rules of Hip' safely in your record bag many a dance floor will be left buzzing over the coming months.
DJ Support
- Derrick Carter A diverse and sound EP.
- Joe Goddard Nice! I like trumpets, which is lucky.
- Round Table Knights Super EP! The Rules of Hip is so amazing!. Cant wait to play all the tracks!
- Luke Solomon Love this… Really great Lx
- Chateau Flight Like the disco housey feel of Behind The Fence. Thanks for sending
- Joakim The B side, Behind The Fence is great, good deep tool.
- Jimpster Behind The Fence sounds great! Going to be trying it out.
- Crookers This is my new HIT! Phra
- Jamie Anderson Homework are hot!! I'll be playing these tracks loads
- Catz n Dogz / 3Channels Behind The Fence is the one for me! Big tune!!! Voitek Catz n Dogz
Get the track!
Hector & Nate
Introducing Hector & Nate,
They're up and coming pretty damn fast!
Ive been playing Ashiha In my sets for a while now and must say, I'm excited for the new stuff coming out soon!
The Boys have Been kind of enough to share their latest chart with us which is full of BOMBS
- Hector & Nate – Habbekrats [SCM]
- Tomcraft – Room 414 (Tube & Berger Remix) [GSR]
- Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs – Garden (Jesse Rose Play It Down Dub [PID]
- Adam K – Hits Are For Kids [HBD]
- NDKj – Moondancer [SP]
- Eric Volta – DJango [DB]
- Hector & Nate – Jomo [SCM]
- Wolfie – Summer Flex (Hector & Nate Remix) [BHR]
- Daniel Farley & Tom Piper – Give Me Money [BHR]
- Jean Claude Ades – Vallee De Larmes (Loko Remix) [GSR]
Teki Latex – Dinosaurs With Guns (Hector & Nate With Chords Remix)
We No Speak Americano (Hector & Nate No Speak Bass Remix)
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All music posted here is aimed to promote new artists, give you a chance to listen to their music, and ultimately provide you the opportunity to support them by buying it. If you the artist/supporting body have an issue with anything we've featured please e-mail us immediately. If you are an artist and want some promoting, send us your tracks and we'll check it/them out. If you just want to say hello - e-mail us.


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I just finished up another day at Google IO and wanted to share a few tidbits prior to getting this stuff down in text. I spend a little bit of time talking about how ART improves garbage collection performance in Android L release as well as how cloud pairing of mobile devices to Chromecast works using ultrasonic authentication. The big news is obviously Android Wear and I spend a bit of time talking about Google's plans for notifications in Android and my initial experience with LG's G Watch.
Micron/Crucial Announces M500 SSD Line of SSDs
Micron/Crucial briefed us on their new M500 line of SSDs, which upgrades the controller to the Marvell 88SS9187-BLD2 along with moving to 20nm Micron MLC NAND. Along with the...25 by Jarred Walton on 1/10/2013
A Brief Overview of CES' Ultrabooks
I dropped by the Intel booth to see what they had on display, and as expected that had a full lineup of Ultrabooks from various manufacturers. We've covered many...22 by Jarred Walton on 1/10/2013
More Details on Allwinner's A31 Quad Core Cortex A7 SoC
I stopped by Allwinner today to discuss their recently announced and now-shipping A31 SoC. The A31 is based around four ARM Cortex A7 CPUs and a Power VR SGX544MP2...16 by Brian Klug on 1/10/2013
Lenovo and EMC Stir SMB NAS Market with LenovoEMC Joint Venture
News of the Lenovo - EMC joint venture, LenovoEMC crossed the wires last week. We met with Iomega yesterday at CES and discussed what this means for the storage...1 by Ganesh T S on 1/9/2013
Mushkin's High Performance Ventura Ultra SF-2281 USB 3.0 Stick
All of the memory makers seem to have embraced the selling of flash memory devices--be they USB sticks, SSDs, SD flash for cameras, etc. Typically, USB sticks have settled...10 by Jarred Walton on 1/9/2013
Mushkin Unveils Enterprise ProSpec SSD Line
Like many memory companies, Mushkin has also added a selection of flash memory and SSD products to their portfolio. Their current Chronos and Chronos Deluxe lines cater to the...0 by Jarred Walton on 1/9/2013
TRENDnet Joins 802.11ac Bandwagon with AC1750 TEW-812DRU Router and TWE-805UB USB 3.0 Dongle
We have covered CES announcements from Netgear and D-Link already and we now move on to TRENDnet. Despite being headquartered in Torrance in southern California, they seem to have...0 by Ganesh T S on 1/9/2013
Samsung Announces Exynos 5 Octa SoC - 4 Cortex A7s, 4 Cortex A15s
Earlier this morning Samsung announced a new eight core SoC and the spiritual successor to the Exynos 5250 "Exynos 5 Dual" called the Exynos 5 Octa (Exynos 5410?). This...17 by Brian Klug on 1/9/2013
Hands on with Intel's Lexington Platform Z2420 Phone
Yesterday I played around with Intel's Lexington platform FFRD smartphone. Lexington is an entry level cousin of the Medfield platform which is based around Intel's Z2420 SoC and an...3 by Brian Klug on 1/9/2013
Intel Haswell GT3e GPU Performance Compared to NVIDIA's GeForce GT 650M
Haswell isn't expected to launch until the beginning of June in desktops and quad-core notebooks, but Intel is beginning to talk performance. Intel used a mobile customer reference board...253 by Anand Lal Shimpi on 1/9/2013
Mushkin Announces 960GB 2.5" Chronos SSD
Continuing our CES coverage, Mushkin has announced a 960GB model of their popular Chronos SSD. Details are very scarce at this point but I was able to find out...4 by Kristian Vättö on 1/9/2013
Qualcomm and DTS Team-up For Mobile Surround Solution
Qualcomm's already made waves here at CEs with their announcement of the new Snapdragon line-up, and to emphasize the point that Snapdragon 800 is more than just Krait 400...3 by Jason Inofuentes on 1/9/2013
Tactus Gives Touchscreen Users Something To Touch
One of the hardest leaps to make in entering this modern era of mobile phones was the idea of using a touchscreen keyboard. Losing our beloved keys was anathema...5 by Jason Inofuentes on 1/9/2013
HGST/G-Technology Touro, G|Drive, and G|RAID
We met with HGST at their hotel suite and were interested to hear their plans now that they've been acquired by WD. Western Digital bought HGST (who had previously...0 by Jarred Walton on 1/9/2013
T-Mobile Announces AMR-WB (HD Voice) Calls Active on its Network
Last night at CES 2013, T-Mobile CTO Neville Ray announced that AMR-WB (Adaptive Multi Rate Wideband) was enabled on the operator's network, instantly allowing capable phones to place higher...10 by Brian Klug on 1/9/2013
Asustor 6 Series: A Fresh Approach in the NAS Market
We had the chance to meet up with Asustor at CES yesterday. Reviews of some of their offerings had popped up on various websites, and my initial impression was...4 by Ganesh T S on 1/9/2013
DyleTV at CES: Mobile TV Coming One Step At A Time
Mobile digital TV has been a popular technology in parts of Asia for some time, with incredible adoption by mobile customers eagerly devouring hours and hours of video without...1 by Jason Inofuentes on 1/9/2013
Polaroid Reveals World's First ILC Android Camera
Polaroid has been struggling to define itself in the last … well, few decades. In the pursuit of new markets, they're blazing a trail to become the first interchangeable...10 by Jason Inofuentes on 1/9/2013
Lenovo ThinkCentre M92z: Anti-Glare Touchscreens
Wrapping up our Lenovo postings (for now), we conclude with something I didn't realize was practical: a matte touchscreen AIO system, the ThinkCentre M92z. Normally, I would think that...1 by Jarred Walton on 1/9/2013
Lenovo's Erazer X700 Gaming Desktop
Continuing our Lenovo coverage, we have another gaming-centric system from Lenovo, and I have to admit I never saw this one coming. The new Lenovo Erazer X700 is a...2 by Jarred Walton on 1/9/2013


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We now know that a young
man from Marietta, Ohio, was among those killed when a mortar
shell exploded during training. The explosion killed eight marines in Nevada.
Marine Lance Corporal Josh
Taylor, 21, served tours in Afghanistan
and Kuwait and was preparing
for another tour in Afghanistan.
He was engaged to be
married in two months.


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Oh oh! Looks like we're in trouble!!!
From WalterFootball after combine 17 New England Anthony Castonzo LOT 19 NY Giants Derek Sherrod LOT 21 Kansas City Tyron Smith LOT 22 Indianapolis Gabe Carimi OT 27 Atlanta Nate Solder LOT and from Drafttek 13 Detroit Lions Tyron Smith, OT 17 New England Patriots Nate Solder, OT 19 New York Giants Anthony Castonzo, OT 22 Indianapolis Colts Gabe Carimi, OT 23 Philadelphia Eagles Derek Sherrod, OT


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Criminal Justice
Former BigLaw partner admits underreporting his income by $2M
Posted Mar 6, 2013 7:27 AM CDT
By Debra Cassens Weiss
A former bankruptcy partner at Kirkland & Ellis pleaded guilty on Tuesday to four counts of tax fraud.
In a plea agreement, Theodore Freedman, 65, admitted underreporting his income by more than $2 million between 2001 and 2004, the New York Law Journal reports. He will be required to pay $671,000 to the Internal Revenue Service and $169,000 to the state of New York.
The government had also alleged that Freedman deducted expenses for a nonexistent solo practice, and he used Kirkland's address as the address for the solo firm.
Freedman left Kirkland & Ellis in October 2010 and was indicted in July 2011. A law firm spokeswoman refused comment at the time, saying the allegations related exclusively to Freedman's personal conduct.
Sentencing is set for Sept. 17 in New York federal court.
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Tag Archives: ann reardon
Chocolate Strawberry Roses Bouquet
A fresh bouquet of chocolate strawberry roses makes a beautiful and creative gift. Perfect for chocolate lovers everywhere. Chocolate strawberry roses ingredients: cake pop sticks 200g (7.05 ounces) chocolate: you can use tempered real chocolate or melted compound chocolate there … Continue reading
Posted in All Posts, Chocolate, Macarons & Snacks, Other Sweet Snacks Tagged ann reardon, anne, bouquet, chocolate, chocolate covered strawberry roses, chocolate roses, chocolate strawberry roases, how to, how to cook that, make chocolate strawberry roses, reardon, roses, strawberry, strawberry pops, tutorial 8 Comments
Giant Kit Kat recipe
Is this the world's biggest Kit Kat? To make your own all you need is wafers and chocolate, lots and lots of chocolate. The tricky bit is getting that lovely crisp Kit Kat shape. To help I've done all the … Continue reading
Rainbow Loom Band Cake
Rainbow loom band bracelets are banned at my kids school. The reason? Because they are not uniform. They are however creative, good for fine motor skills and fun so all the kids still make them They just don't wear them … Continue reading
Youtube Cupcakes
YouTube is a crazy, hilarious, fascinating, educational, weird and inspiring world, often all at the same time. I just love how the 'How To Cook That' YouTube channel has become so interactive over the years. From teenagers sharing their teary … Continue reading
Posted in Uncategorized Tagged ann reardon, how to cook that, my cupcake addiction, nerdy nummies, pewdiepie, youtube, youtube cupcakes 3 Comments
The Fault In Our Stars Cake TFIOS
The Fault In Our Stars is a best-selling novel by young adults author and YouTuber John Green. Scroll down to see a little more about the book and movie that topped the box office. In response to the tsunami of … Continue reading
Chocolate Book Recipe
This chocolate book, like all good novels, has a delicious twist inside. Each page has a completely different flavour. The 'leather' cover is pure milk chocolate, making this book a unique and decadent surprise for your friends and loved ones. … Continue reading
Posted in Uncategorized Tagged ann reardon, anne, chocoalte garnish, chocoalte truffles, chocolate book, chocolate book mold, chocolate decoration, home made, how to, how to cook that, how to make, howtocookthat, leather journal, recipe journal, riordan, tutorial, video, youtube, youtuber 11 Comments
YouTube Cake Dessert Recipe
First there was the instagram dessert with the logo all the way through, followed by facebook, then you asked for a twitter cake. To finish off my complete set of social media desserts here's a YouTube cake, or should I say dessert. Did … Continue reading
Chocolate Birds Nest
Bird nests are so clever, it makes you wonder how our feathered friends actually get started. Patiently collecting and arranging twigs, leaves and other material to build a warm, secure home. It reminds me of mums everywhere working hard to … Continue reading
Posted in All Posts, Chocolate Tagged ann reardon, anne, birds nest recipe, chocolate birds nest, how to cook that, howtocookthat 8 Comments
Gooey Peanut Butter Chocolate Brownie Recipe
Gooey peanut butter chocolate brownies are best served warm with with ice cream. Gooey Chocolate Brownie Recipe 5oz (141.75 grams) or 2/3 cup butter 7oz (198.45 grams) chocolate 7oz (198.45 grams) or 1 cup sugar 1 tsp vanilla 3 eggs … Continue reading
How To Make Chocolate Candles
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Spaghetti Birthday Cake
I get lots of requests for easy birthday cakes, this one is so easy that my kids made it for their dad's birthday. His favourite meal is spaghetti and his cake of choice is carrot cake. Spaghetti Birthday Cake Recipe … Continue reading
Giant Gummy Bear Kit Kat and m&m cake
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How to Make Chocolate Easter Eggs Recipe
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Divergent Movie Cake
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Worlds Biggest Snickers Bar Recipe
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Posted in All Dessert Recipes, All Posts, Chocolate, Desserts, Gluten Free, Macarons & Snacks, Other Sweet Snacks Tagged ann reardon, giant snickers recipe, how to cook that, how to make, howtocookthat, make snickers, recipe blog, snickers bar recipe, snickers cake recipe, snickers recipe, snickers slice and share, top recipe blog, tutorial, video recipe, worlds biggest 68 Comments
How to Make Chocolate Scrabble
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7 Best Frosting Recipes Taste Tested
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Posted in Cakes & Frostings, Frosting & Fondant Recipes Tagged american buttercream, ann reardon, buttercream recipe, cake frosting, Cream Cheese Frosting, ermine, french buttercream, frosting recipes, how to cook that, icing recipes, Italian Meringue, swiss buttercream, taste test, which frosting is best in the heat?, white chocolate ganache 61 Comments


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SAUGATUCK, MI (WHTC) - The Saugatuck City Council is considering whether to participate in a study that aims to determine the impact of consolidation with Douglas into a single municipal government. If approved by Saugatuck tonight and by Douglas next Monday, the two cities will share in the 10 thousand-dollar expense. Opponents and proponents of a merger have until February 18 to submit petition signatures to put the issue on the ballot.
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It came in the form of an outstretched hand and a joke.
"Thank you for single-handedly making the (Student Government Association) matter," the professor said as he shook SGA President Justin Gawronski's hand.
It was a typical meeting in the long-winding schedule, but this week, he carried a feat larger than most on his shoulders. The Academic Senate had just voted to keep the 16-week academic calendar for the fall, stopping a scheduled change that would have shortened it to 15 weeks.
Early last October, Faculty Association President and Counseling and Special Education Associate Professor Laura Frey told the SGA that stopping the academic calendar change wasn't realistic.
"Unless something insurmountable occurs, the academic calendar will change," Frey said.
Frey didn't seem at that point to even begin to consider the SGA to be that insurmountable force. But, weeks later, SGA passed legislation opposing the calendar change, President George Ross opposed the change only a week after, and, that February, the changes to the academic calendar were put to a halt.
SGA's opposition to the academic calendar was an uncanny move for the SGA. It challenged what many thought was impossible for the SGA to accomplish. The SGA had accomplished many significant tasks in the years before, but the academic calendar was an entirely different matter, one that put it in the center of university affairs.
It was one of the biggest achievements of Gawronski's administration, and it has given the SGA more political capital than any time in recent memory heading into a new administration.
"There was a lot at stake for the SGA when we opposed that," Gawronski said. "Because if we failed to stop it, then it would have been clear that our powers were as limited as people thought; that we didn't have the power to change it. Thankfully, it legitimized the student body as the (insurmountable) force."
At the beginning of his term, SGA was reeling from a botched unicameral proposition, which threatened to eliminate the House. Not even a week into Gawronski's administration, a new scandal arose, surrounding several questionable appointments Gawronski made to the Senate. In the midst of the uproar, Gawronski's first vice president resigned.
"We did have a very rocky start," said Gawronski, a Macomb senior. "My mistakes those first few weeks were less than desirable, but I really value that time as well. Making it through those few weeks gave me the confidence and drive to make it through the next year."
Coming into the new 2012-2013 year, Gawronski had recovered with a victory very few saw coming, including Garwronski himself.
"Tailgating wasn't even on my platform, to be honest. It didn't seem like something the SGA would have been able to affect," Gawronski said. "It kind of just fell into my lap when I came into office."
Gawronski led a student committee that worked with the Central Michigan University athletics department and CMU police in order to re-evaluate and create a positive experience for Chippewa's fans and students. A new, less restrictive tailgating policy was put in place at the beginning of the 2012 football season.
Gawronski said mistakes were made in his administration, as well. Gawronski had three vice presidents during his term. His second, Hesperian senior Killian Richeson, resigned after a little more than a semester in office. Big Rapids senior Michelle Vanhalla, his third vice president, held office for the rest of his term. The high turnover rate is a problem Gawronski said is one that discredits the vice presidency, but he admits it is one he doesn't know how to solve.
Gawronski said his largest mistake was made in October just before the election, when the SGA misplaced 32 voter registration forms. It's a mistake for which he still feels regret.
"That's been my biggest failure; not only did it go against our organization's purpose … we accidentally prevented people from voting," Gawronski said. "(This year) was my first time, and I know it was really important to me."
Gawronski said he endorsed Marie Reimers' and Patrick O'Connor's presidential ticket because they have had direct interaction with his presidency.
"If Marie and Patrick won, they've seen my successes first hand, and I'm sure they'll improve upon what I've done," Gawronski said.
Gawronski said his legacy notes won't include much at all about his legacy, but more about the mistakes he has made and the responsibilities that the new president will face in the future.
Despite his mistakes, Gawronski said he looks back at his administration in a positive light. His last week in office consisted of reflection and a final push for a paid campus ambassador position, a project he has been working on for the entirety of the spring semester and one he hopes is close to fruition.
"I cannot believe where I was at a year ago," Gawronski said. "I've become much more mature; my leadership style has improved. I think I'm definitely going to have a sense of pride when I walk out of here. I left the organization better than when I started."


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METHUEN (FOX 25 / MyFoxBoston.com) A Westford man died and another man was seriously injured in a multi-car crash on Route 495 southbound Friday.
The crash occurred just after 3:30 p.m. near Route 213 in Methuen.
Investigators say 35-year-old Jeffrey Plante of Newburyport was traveling north in a 2005 Toyota Corolla when for an unknown reason his car left the road, hit the median, and went airborne. Plante's car crashed head-on with a 2008 Toyota Camry operated by 32-year-old Kurt Kelly of Westford. Kelly was pronounced dead at the scene.
Plante sustained life threatening injuries and was transported via medical helicopter to a Boston area hospital. His condition remained unknown on Friday night.
Mass. State Police say four cars were involved in the crash.
Both sides of the highway were closed for 45 minutes so that the medical helicopter could land and transport the injured person.
The southbound side of the road remained closed for hours on Friday night as traffic was diverted onto Route 110 in Lawrence. It re-opened by 10 p.m.
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Any thoughts? Jim
Meltdown is a 9a (5.14d) slab in the UK. Nalle Hukkataival (Spelling?) has done a couple V13 slab boulder problems. One of them is available on youtube (search V13 slab), and the other can be seen in this video: climbingnarc.com/videos/the-rocklands-post-week-6/ It'd be fun to see/feel the "holds" on these climbs.
Depending on your definition of pure slab, maybe one of Dawes' slate routes?
Meltdown is a steep slab, but I guess if it's under 90 degrees...There are tonsof 5.13 and up slabs in the UK., slate, grit etc.
Possibly still Tokio Muroi's Banshousha in Ogawayama in Japan? - repeated several times, including by Nalle, so if he thinks his new ones are harder they probably are. Banshousha is 8Bish so V12/13. There is also one Muroi did next to it that is harder and still unrepeated I think. I don't believe Font has any slabs harder than 8B (have not looked carefully though) but those grades are solid (I saw slabmeister Philip Le Denmat fall off a 4c slab once at Font - made my whole trip!)
What was the name of the thing in Yosemite that went unrepeated for more or less forever until it got done again in old-school shoes? Mirror something?


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More than 700 vintage cars from the 1930s to the early 1970s are on display and cruising throughout Greenfield Village all weekend.
There are also presentations and hands-on activities.
With special extended hours on Saturday until 9 p.m., there's even more time to check out the classic cars, vintage trucks, bicycles and even fire engines by the gaslamp light, with a live World War II USO-style show that concludes with a spectacular fireworks display on Saturday night.
Admission to Greenfield Village is free with membership or $24 adults, $22 senior (62 and up) and $17.50 youth (5-12). Children four and under are free. For more information, call (313) 982-6001 or click here
WJBK-TV | Fox 2
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Was that an attempt at humor? Or were you serious? I see this is going nowhere, which is why you were blocked in the first place.
My legal counsel has prepared this response to your questions: "Further discussion of the topic may involve 18 U.S.C., Parts 1 §§ 1–2725 as amended. For this reason I respectfully decline to answer."
Good night.
So what brought you around? Why did you feel so humbled and apologetic? Because to be honest, you were terribly rude, condescending and insulting, as I recall.
I'm happy to make amends, but I'd like to know what that was all about, and what changed. Thanks.
Well, Senator, it is true that I started a new account, and my failure to follow you was a mistake. A grievous, terrible, humiliating mistake. Thank you.
Oh I remember you! What's weird is that I blocked you, but the block is now gone. I did not do that. Did you start a new account? And you're not following me, your account is locked. Why all that if you're turning over a new leaf?
@AAPD0418 (I was a real jerk, but now I've got religion.)
I'm so confused. But I do love Borowitz.
Who are you on Twitter? I appreciate the apology, but no idea what it's about.
I stole it from Andy Borowitz. I retweet his column. His sense of humor appeals to my sense of humor. They came from the same humor source in outer space.
Also, I apologize to you for getting in a snit and unfollowing you. I don't even remember what it was about, but I think it involved me on top of my horse. He is quite high, in the sense of height, not intoxication. You did not deserve it. I have replaced my snit-o-meter with a new one.
Yes, the inauguration did, indeed, happen on Obama's watch. Are you commenting on the wrong thread? Or are you interpreting "bad lip reading" comedy as reality?
And what exactly should he be impeached for again? Never mind. I'll just read Fox talking points and that will refresh my memory.
This happened on Obama's watch. He should resign or be impeached. Disgraceful.
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Nottingham Cookery Courses, UK
Click The Green 'Play' Button Above To Play MP3 File - Sarah being interviewed on BBC Radio 2 Simon Mayo Afternoon Show
A small, informal, Nottingham COOKERY AND BAKING SCHOOL where YOU CHOOSE THE DATE of the COURSE - there is no pre-arranged schedule - THE CLASS IS ALL YOURS!
Click HERE to go to our new web site and choose from all current classes.
Individual cooking lessons and courses for 2-6 people - just book a date and come when you are free!
A range of classes that will help busy cooks with planning/advance preparation and to speed up preparation times. Also options for those who need/want to eat a more healthy [but still delicious] diet
At Courses For Cooks I offer tailored cookery classes for individuals, couples or small groups where you choose by Recipe, Skill [Technique] such as Chefs Knife Skills, Pastamaking or Learn to Fillet a Fish, or by World Cuisine or Themed cooking classes [Indian cooking, Thai cookery, Mexican cuisine or Fish preparation and cooking] and YOU CHOOSE the date. Also available BAKING classes - where you can learn to make croissants and associated pastries and bread
I also offer a range of different restaurant-style RECIPES - so if you specifically want to learn how to make a Madras-style curry just like an Indian Restaurant would make it or a professional Italian Risotto - we have a vast range for you to choose from.
If learning SKILLS is more for you then you can to learn to use professional chefs knives, or perfect your knife skills further with a fillet a fish class or bone out a bass, prepare a crab or spatchcock and joint a chicken. During the game season you can bone and stuff a game bird - so there are lots of Skills-based classes to choose from too.


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Yet again, we have a prominent American undercutting us overseas, as the President did, in 2009, in France, when he labeled America a sometimes "arrogant" nation. This time it was Clinton-appointee, Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg, responding to questions from Egyptian media, who said (quote): "I would not look to the U.S. Constitution, if I were drafting (one) (today)." She went on to say that Egyptians should be guided, instead, by constitutions written (quote): "since the end of World War II." Translation: America's Constitution, despite its Amendments, is outdated, stogy, and lacking hand-outs. As such (and here's the sweet-spot for lefties), it should simply be ignored, the clear-preference of this Administration. Justice Ginsberg's Cairo remarks were made in the context of Egypt's transition to, in her words, a "real democratic state." Yes, Madam Justice, when pyramids fly. The Egyptian uprising replaced a dictator, with the likely dictatorial-ideology of the now-dominant Muslim Brotherhood, hardly the pathway to liberty. Is it really too much to ask that America's public figures, elected and otherwise, make their overseas utterances supportive, reserving any discontent for within the family here at home?
Our inspired Constitution, the very source of our structure, laws and freedoms, has been our guidepost for over 200-years. Despite our flaws and failings, we've become the most prosperous, industrious, innovative and giving country on earth. In sum, the greatest nation ever created. So, then, either truly-love America, warts and all, or follow your nirvanic-delusions to that blissful land of your egalitarian-dreams. An enchanted place of perfect balance between give and take, meaning a government that'll give you everything you want, while taking everything you have.
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Other titles in the Cognitive Strategy Training Series series:
Cognitive Strategy Instruction for Middle and High Schools (Cognitive Strategy Training Series)
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eeveiws the logic and importance of using strategy instruction.
This book is especially important because there has been little attention to addressing the needs of secondary school students whose skill base is weak. It presents the strategies empirically validated as appropriate for middle and high school students. The logic and importance of using strategy instruction with these students is reviewed. Each chapter then presents the concepts underlying the use of strategies in specific subject or skill areas across the curriculum, followed by the empirically validated strategies appropriate to that subject matter, with an emphasis for the teacher of how to teach and support the strategies.
Cognitive Strategy Instruction for Middle and High Schools addresses the unique strategy needs of middle and high school students who are experiencing learning difficulties. Cognitive strategies enable students to actively organize and respond to learning tasks, improving their performance in the subject matter. This book identifies and explains the empirically validated cognitive strategies and provides explicit examples about when and in what circumstances each of these strategies should be used. Each chapter presents teachers with the concepts underlying the use of strategies in a specific subject or skill area, followed by the empirically validated strategies appropriate to that subject matter. The topics covered include mnemonics training, learning from direct teaching, reading comprehension, writing, general problem solving, algebra, science, computer use, second-language learning, test taking, plus a special section aimed at students with learning disabilities. References are included for the teaching professional who wants more information.
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Clearing Your Lungs When You Have COPD: Back
You can lie in different positions to help clear your lungs. To help drain mucus from the back of your lungs, lie on your stomach. Place two or three pillows under your hips. Use a small pillow under your head if it helps you feel more comfortable. Place your arms by your head. Use belly breathing.
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Ever since the late 1990s, the market research firm Harris Interactive has conducted regular polls to determine which NFL teams have the most fans in the United States. Some have experienced wild fluctuations in their rankings – the Denver Broncos, for instance, leaping up from 17th to third in the two years since they signed Peyton Manning – but first place is always the same. The Dallas Cowboys show no sign of relinquishing their status as America's Team.
And yet it has been some time since they dominated America's game. The Cowboys last reached a Super Bowl in January 1996, beating Pittsburgh 27-17. Since then, they have embarked on a course of steady decline. Dallas have reached the playoffs just four times this century, and not at all since 2009.
They were supposed to update that statistic this season. The NFC East was certainly there for the taking. After seven weeks, the New York Giants were winless, the Eagles were struggling to get the most out of Chip Kelly's offense and Washington were going nowhere fast as Robert Griffin III struggled to get back into a rhythm after offseason knee surgery.
If Dallas were not exactly blowing the league away at 4-3, then they were at least the only team in the division with a winning record. Furthermore, they had beaten each of New York, Philadelphia and Washington already – a significant step towards obtaining tie-breakers over their division rivals later down the line.
Three weeks on, however, the Cowboys are still treading water. In fact, they might be beginning to sink. A defeat to New Orleans on Sunday Night Football pulled Dallas back to 5-5 – the same record that the Eagles now hold – but more worryingly also exposed the team's flaws on both sides of the ball. They had not just lost, but been humiliated by the Saints, 49-17.
It was the heaviest defeat that the Cowboys had suffered since Jason Garrett took over as head coach in 2010, and one that sent journalists scurrying for answers. The popularity of this team is well reflected in the coverage that it receives. While the Carolina Panthers' rapid ascent to playoff contention had been widely ignored until their win over the 49ers this weekend, every Dallas defeat seems to bring a national media inquest.
As usual, many people chose to blame the man under center. On the Fox Sports Southwest TV channel, Dallas Morning News writer Barry Horn accused Tony Romo of having no faith in his running game, suggesting that the quarterback was changing plays at the line of scrimmage in order to keep the ball in his own hands.
"We talk a lot about the play calling on this team, but ultimately when they go to the line of scrimmage, who makes the call?" asked Horn, rhetorically. "It's Tony Romo. He has the option of what to do. We asked [offensive co-ordinator] Bill Callahan last week out at Valley Ranch … 'How many plays a game does Romo have the option to go run or pass?' He wouldn't tell us. So I think it's more than you think.
"It doesn't really matter if it's Jason Garrett calling the plays or Bill Callahan's calling the play because it's Tony Romo who has his finger on the button."
Others blamed Romo for not throwing the ball to Dez Bryant more, or simply not doing it right. At least it made a change from being branded a 'choker' – the criticism that is usually pitched his way. Earlier this season Romo was lampooned for throwing a late interception against Denver at the end of a game in which he had outperformed Peyton Manning. The fact that the Broncos quarterback had given up a worse pick in the third quarter was roundly ignored.
Then, as now, Romo was not the chief culprit in his team's demise. Dallas lost to the Broncos because their defence gave up 51 points. Likewise, while Romo did a lot of things wrong on Sunday – putting in his worst performance of the season despite not turning the ball over – the greatest fault still lay on the other side of the ball. Against New Orleans, the Cowboys had given up a franchise-record 625 yards.
That would be troubling enough if they had not already allowed 623 to the Lions just two games earlier. Dallas had fired their defensive co-ordinator Rob Ryan in the offseason, assigning him the blame for two years of indifferent performances on that side of the ball. On Sunday night he stood opposite them on the Saints' sideline, orchestrating Romo's downfall.
But if Ryan had not been the problem in Dallas, then what is? It is a question that many have asked. Judy Battista presented the conundrum neatly on NFL.com when she wrote: "Year after year, Dallas creates the illusion of contending, only to have its disguise ripped away to reveal mediocrity. This is a team that sports plenty of expensive talent, but proves simply incapable, over and over again, of fulfilling its potential."
Injuries have played their part, and the loss of linebacker Sean Lee to a hamstring problem on Sunday bodes badly for that struggling defensive unit. But they alone cannot explain everything. In the end the buck stops at the top, with Dallas's owner and self-appointed general manager Jerry Jones.
"If the GM hadn't had so many drafts rendered useless over an appallingly short period of time, then the Cowboys wouldn't have all these free-agent, off-the-street backups trying to fill gaps for injured players," wrote Tim Cowlishaw on Tuesday in the Dallas Morning News. "Jones' tendency to keep the team in salary-cap jail along with his poor drafts have created a team void of depth …
"There's no need to call out safety Jeff Heath for his tackling deficiencies, which could make a highlight reel for the Saints' backs and receivers. When you're starting undrafted rookies, it's all about your failure to properly conduct a draft."
Jones was his usual engaging self after Sunday's game, spending time with reporters and accepting that, with hindsight, axing Ryan might not have been the smart thing to do. But for this team to move forward then he is sooner or later also going to have to acknowledge his own role.
More than just drafting the players, Jones is the one who oversees all aspects of this team, including the hiring and firing of coaches. He was the one who pushed Garrett into ceding his play-calling responsibilities to Callahan before this season began. Even during Bill Parcells's tenure in the mid-2000s, Jones still retained the final say on all personnel decisions.
His power to influence the fortunes of this team goes far beyond that of Tony Romo. More than any other Cowboys employee, it is Jones himself who needs a thorough performance appraisal.
Making headlines
A couple more stories that have dominated the agenda over the last seven days:
• As if it wasn't bad enough to watch Rob Ryan decimate their offence on Sunday night, Cowboys fans also had to put up with knowing that they missed out on free drinks, too. Not for the first time this season, Ryan celebrated victory by stopping into a local bar, and buying everyone a round.
• The Miami Dolphins' alleged bullying case continues to dominate the news agenda on this side of the Atlantic, with Richie Incognito giving his side of the story during an interview with Fox's Jay Glazer on Sunday, before the team's owner, Stephen Ross, shared his thoughts a day later. This whole ugly affair still has a long way to run, and doubtless there will be several more twists in the tale. In the meantime, it is providing ample material for TV comedians. "Has there ever been a less apt name for a person than Incognito?" quipped Jon Stewart on the Daily Show. "That's the kind of alias an undercover cop comes up with on the fly in one of those Police Academy movies."
• Is Calvin Johnson the greatest wide receiver ever to play in the NFL? Jerry Rice does not think so. "He still has a ways to go," Rice told USA Today this week. "We're just going to let this guy continue to develop, and if he should break the majority of my records or break all my records, I'll be the first one to congratulate him. But I know the sacrifice that you have to put into it. It takes a lot of dedication, a lot of hard work."
• Broncos head coach John Fox is on the mend following heart surgery to replace an aortic valve. His operation took place last Tuesday, and he was released from hospital four days later. Speaking to the press for the first time since, Fox explained that his had been a hereditary condition – one that he was born with and had known about since 1997. He insisted that the rigours of his profession were not responsible for the problem. "I'm very, very healthy. I think the normal length of (hospitalization after) open-heart surgery is five to seven days, and I was out in four," he told reporters via conference call. "They said this wasn't due to poor lifestyle, or not being healthy, too much stress, not enough stress," Fox said. "This is basically something I was born with that I needed fixed. This is really not a lifestyle problem." Even so, he confessed to having to change channels away from the Broncos' game against San Diego at times this weekend as he felt his anxiety rising. No timetable has been set on his return, and that is as it should be. Here's hoping Fox will do exactly what he would ask his players to do, and just focus on getting healthy before he starts worrying about what comes next.
Quote of the week
"It's disgusting. I'm disappointed. I'm embarrassed. A team that's 0-8 comes in here and beats us? Beats us on our home field? [A team] that's 0-8? The Jaguars?" – Titans tight end Delanie Walker holds nothing back in dissecting his team's latest loss.
• Jay Cutler explains how a psychic communicated with his dogs.
• Someone keeps stealing Cowboys linebacker Sean Lee's underpants. We're assuming it's gnomes.
• Yahoo give mid-90s Warner Bros movie Space Jam the 30 for 30 treatment. (OK, so that last one's not NFL-related. Still funny, though.)