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Tue, May 1, 12 at 22:52
I recently was given my grandmother's sewing machine from my Dad. He said it was purchased before he entered the Army in 1950 but not sure where from. It is in a table.There is a silver plate stamped NATIONAL on the front. The color is white with a blue face. a #126 stamped underneath and the foot pedal is a Boco model 66 1A-115V AC-DC also the table is stamped...71818X
the front is a blue color. there is three white buttons on the front bottom that reads.....embr. silk. norm. one on each. There is three large silver dials on front with a small white dial in the middle.One of the dials is says button holer. Also a silver dial just above the needle 0-9. There are two silver spool holders on back and one on top. The table is of a dark oak color and the door swings out to the left with a spool holder attached to the inside of door. If anyone has any info or need pics I can provide....PLEASE help. |
Follow-Up Postings:
national made sewing machines to be marketed by Wards and Sears....they were not very good machines. I know I had one that dated from about 1955. Did you do a google search? |
- Posted by cooksnsews (My Page) on Thu, May 17, 12 at 23:53
Can you post a pic somewhere? It doesn't sound like a machine made by National in the USA, more like a post WWII Japanese machine with a National badge. No American made Nationals had zig-zag or buttonhole capability. |
- Posted by rednecklady (My Page) on Thu, Jun 7, 12 at 22:39
Hello cooksnsews I can't figure out how to email you the pics can you direct me please...thanks |
- Posted by cooksnsews (My Page) on Sat, Jun 9, 12 at 1:36
You have to have the pics stored on the web, on a site like Flickr or Webshots, etc. On the Kitchen Forum, there is a thread for newbies that is constantly being bumped that explains how to load pics into a post. |
I recently inherited a National sewing machine, too. Does anyone know how to tell what year it was manufactured? Photos attached. |
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November 30, 2006
Bridgid Quinn or Ruth Nyblod
(571) 272-8400 or
firstname.lastname@example.com ;
Media Advisory, 06-69
Commerce Under Secretary to Highlight Kansas City's Innovation
Conference Call to Focus on Importance of Intellectual Property Protection to Kansas City's Economy
[Call in by 11:55 a.m. ET]
Washington, D.C. — Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) Jon Dudas will highlight by teleconference on Friday, December 1, the importance of intellectual property protection to Kansas City, to the creation of jobs and to the economy, as well as the dangers of piracy and counterfeiting in the knowledge-based economy. He also will report on the national employment numbers for the month of November, which will be released that morning.
Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property Jon Dudas
Discussion about U.S. government efforts to curb theft of intellectual property, the importance of intellectual property protection in a global market, as well as to the Kansas City economy, and the creation of new jobs in Missouri, Kansas, and the entire United States.
Friday, December 1, 2006
12:00 noon ET.
Reporters should call 1 888-790-3349, passcode IP, by 11:55 a.m. ET to participate.
Note: The passcode (IP) and leader's name (Jon Dudas) will be required to join the call.
Under Secretary Dudas will take questions after his presentation.

subset: commoncrawl


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713-525-2170 firstname.lastname@example.com
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Every year, accomplished freshmen are chosen to receive the Father Vincent J. Guinan full-tuition scholarship. In doing so, the University of St. Thomas stands by its commitment to provide an affordable and accessible private, liberal arts education to students. This year's Guinan Scholars are Emily McCauslin, Isabel Sutter, Luke Malone and Joshua Chen. Read more
Several scholarships are available to new freshmen, transfer and current students who demonstrate a strong commitment to and participation in the Catholic community. For eligibility requirements and application process for each Catholic scholarship available, please visit the Catholic Scholarships page.
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Merit scholarships, Eagle Scout scholarships and Girl Scout Gold Award scholarships are available for eligible incoming freshmen. For eligibility requirements and application process, please visit the Freshmen Scholarships page.
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UST has been awarded an S-STEM grant from the National Science Foundation, which provides funds for scholarships to students majoring in a STEM discipline. Please visit S-STEM Scholarships page for more information.
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Re-instate Eddie Daly
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I know that if I felt I had an issue I needed to discuss, Eddie would be there for me, he would listen and he would support me. This is what a colleague and a team leader does, it is not right that he doesn't get the support he is willing to show others.
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Eddie has been there for all of us, with upbeat attitude in the hardest of times, impeccably turned out, professional attitudes and above all kindness and compassion to all patients regardless.
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Eating Clay | Dr Carolyn Dean MD ND
- 121total visits
Ingesting Clay - Dr Carolyn Dean MD ND
Tags: Healthy Living, Naturopathic Physician, Naturopathy
Most Recently Shared on October 25, 2012 at 12:44 pm By:
Dr Carolyn Dean discusses the benefits of taking Edible Earth - a combination of calcium bentonite and calcium montmorillonite clay. A unique property of Edible Earth is that it will increase bone density. It's more than just the bioavailability of calcium, but rather the synergy of the minerals in the clay.


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New Raptors GM and President of Basketball Operations Masai Ujiri has hit the ground running since his hire in early June. Really, he's had no choice with changes to his front office and scouting staff in progress, a draft on the horizon followed by a free agency period that will set the course for his tenure in Toronto.
Amidst the flurry of activity on the 15th floor at ACC, Ujiri took a few minutes to sit down with me in his office to discuss his start with the Raptors.
Jay Satur: How would you characterize your first few weeks back in Toronto?
Masai Ujiri: For me it's exciting. When you're working, you can't complain. It's been hectic, but it's been exciting. It's changed — obviously teams vary in the NBA — but I'm here. I've gone back and forth (between Denver) a little bit during this transition period with the Nuggets. There's been combines you have to go to and all that stuff you have to try and fit in while also coming here and establishing the office and taking care of a lot of stuff that needs to be done. So it's been a whirlwind but it's been fun.
JS: You're starting to make some changes to your front office. Are you close to finalizing who you want to bring in to round out your staff?
MU: There are just some places we had to make changes. That's what happens in sports. You come in to an organization and you're going to bring the guys that you feel you're going to go forward with. It's unfortunate this stuff is going to happen. It's hard for me because I worked here, I worked with a few of these people. But the truth of the matter is that going forward, some change is needed. We had to do this.
JS: As of right now, you have no picks in this year's draft and you're still assembling your front office staff. How difficult does that make it to prepare for next week?
MU: For me, it's not difficult at all because you approach the draft like you are drafting. Even though we don't have a draft pick, we have to be prepared with all our information, all our rankings and every little detail that you need on players in the draft. I think we have to be very prepared going in because you never know what's going to happen on draft day. You could get a couple of calls that would shock you, so you have to be prepared for any circumstance.
JS: You've also made sweeping changes to your scouting staff. Coming from a scouting background yourself, what needs to change in terms of how this franchise evaluates and scouts at the professional, collegiate and international levels?
MU: One of the things I do is that I don't restrict people to regional scouting and so it cuts my staff down. Some teams do it where they'd hire regional guys and guys in different areas and I'm a little bit different. I want whoever I have seeing everything. So when we go into a room and we have a discussion, everyone is very honest and has a strong opinion because you've seen the player or seen the prospect.
So the staff is going to shrink a little bit in those situations… It's unfortunate that there has to be changes and fewer opportunities in terms of scouting positions, but a smaller staff is how I want to go.
JS: Any updates on the status of head coach Dwane Casey or potential changes to his staff? [NOTE: It has since been confirmed Casey will return in 2013-14]
MU: Things are on the move and we're still going through the process. We'll figure it out and I know that's a wide-ranging answer. Things have gone well with Coach, we've had tons and tons of meetings, we have dinner tonight [Tuesday] with Rudy Gay, so we're moving the right way. As those decisions [with assistants] need to be made, we will make them the best way we feel is heading in the right direction for the organization.
JS: You've mentioned your desire for the Raptors to establish an identity. What needs to change with the existing group here and what do you want to potentially bring into the mix to help create that identity?
MU: We want to play hard and give effort. I think it starts with a high-energy team. We do have some talent and we are going to continue to build off that, whichever way it is. Whether you're bringing in pieces to add there or you're getting more younger players, it doesn't matter. Nobody is going to take away that heart, that passion, the hard work, the intensity with which we play the game. We want to be solid in every single area. There has to be tons of communication and that comes from the front office, to coaching, to players. It's all of us building that togetherness going forward so when we go to war, we all have each others back.
JS: Finally, we've heard about the role Bryan Colangelo has played in your development, but I've heard the same about senior adviser Wayne Embry. How has he helped you?
MU: He's been awesome. He keeps you grounded. He gives you honest advice. Some people want to just feed you what you want to hear, Wayne is not like that. He'll tell you how it is.
Just the wealth of experience you get from him and when you bounce something off of him, the response you get and also that other perspective that you wouldn't even think of is what he gives you. We're very appreciative to have him with us.
Quite honestly, even when I was in Denver he was a really good sounding board for me. Even for some things outside of basketball and I'm appreciative of that.


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Ksendra is a creature molded by Vryer's science, who has worked non-stop under the deranged scientistŌĆÖs guidance on a form of autonomous life to be put at the service of the GHEIST. This is how she managed to create a new type of nanotechnology that is not only deadly but also intelligent and driven by a will of its own. And some of the skills of these little spiders are particularly surprising, like their ability to slide into the web of reality and provide Ksendra with blurred visions of the futureŌĆ"
At level 2: min 4 278 Clintz At level 3: min 4 192 Clintz At level 4: min 4 688 Clintz At level 5: min 4 352 Clintz |


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To Highly Esteem
In our current series at LifeChurch.tv called Forgotten Virtues, the first message I taught was on "Honor." If you are interested, you can view it here.
When Jesus said a prophet is without honor in his hometown, the Greek word he used was "atimos" (pronounced at'-ee'-mos). It means to dishonor, to treat as common or ordinary.
The word translated as honor from Greek is the word "time" (prounounced tim-may'). It means to value or highly esteem. This word means to treat as precious, weighty or valuable.
Applied to our daily lives, we could say:
- Honor builds up. Dishonor tears down.
- Honor believes the best. Dishonor believes the worst.
- Honor values. Dishonor devalues.
If you want a common marriage, dishonor your spouse. Treat him or her as ordinary. If you want an exceptional marriage, highly esteem your spouse. Treat him or her as precious or valuable.
You might say, "But he isn't acting honorably."
Remember, respect is earned, but honor is given. If you treat someone with honor even though they haven't earned it, they might start behaving honorably.
Romans 12:10 in the ESV says, Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor." (Emphasis mine)


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Maghreb parliamentarians attend Geneva conference
Maghreb legislators are in Geneva this week for the 3rd World Conference of Speakers of Parliaments, APS reported on Tuesday (July 20th). According to a statement from Algeria's upper house of parliament, participants will discuss international standards for democratic parliaments and the role of the Inter-Parliamentary Union. The 3-day event, titled "Parliaments in a world in crisis: ensuring global democratic responsibility for the common good", ends July 21st.
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huntsville passport
There is no better way to experience Huntsville than by using our Passport!
The Passport program provides visitors an opportunity to visit the area's many attractions while saving on admission prices.
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Lucky Duck Scavenger Hunt
It's always open season! Search Downtown Huntsville on a FREE scavenger hunt like no other with our latest permanent activity. Can you find all 12 ducks?
Welcome To Huntsville - "Rocket City"
The high-tech city of Huntsville which sprawls at the foot of a mountain in North Alabama is equally at home in the 19th century or the 21st. Huntsville's tourist attractions reflect the heritage of Alabama's first English-speaking city, the strife of the American Civil War and the accomplishments of America's rocket scientists.
The city is nicknamed "The Rocket City" for its close history with U.S. space missions. Huntsville has been important in developing space technology since the 1950s.
Looking for an Official Visitors Guide for Huntsville. Alabama?
Gather the information and inspiration that you need! We can mail you a copy of our guide, or if you just can't wait, download the guide and flip through our virtual copy and experience all the great attractions, shopping,dining and accommodations that await you.
Virtual walking tour highlights Huntsville's historic beauty
Exciting news! Experience a fascinating tour of Huntsville's history - any day, any time! Thanks to the new Digital Huntsville History Tour, explorers of all ages will be able to access narration and information on 40 different historical locations, all from a mobile device. To check out the site and learn more, click here.
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There's no need to fuss with downloading apps, huntsville.org, automatically recognizes smartphones and other mobile devices, allowing users to explore accommodations, attractions, weather, and share your experiences (and photos) with Facebook .


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Third Millennium Bible (TMB) | New International Version (NIV) |
1 Let brotherly love continue. | 1 Keep on loving each other as brothers. |
Third Millennium Bible (TMB), New Authorized Version, Copyright 1998 by Deuel Enterprises, Inc., Gary, SD 57237. All rights reserved. (Third Millennium Bible Online) | Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide. (New International Version Bible Online) |


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Michelle Obama Delivers Big
Her task was to dispel all the myths and rumors disseminated about Michelle, falsely portraying her as some radical anti-American angry woman. She did so effectively and the country also saw a lovely American family moment at the end when her two lovely daughters joined her on stage and they all chatted with Obama via video link up.
[Black Star News Editorial: Election 2008]
Yesterday Michelle Obama delivered a powerful and resounding message: "We are all Patriots and part of the American Dream."
That was the theme of the prospective First Lady's speech. Her story -- the American story -- of rising from modest background, recalling how her brother protected her and how her father, even as he suffered from MS, got up earlier every morning, in order to bring food to the table and provide for her and her siblings. He was "our rock," Michelle said.
"It was the greatest gift that a child could receive," she said, referring to her parent's sacrifice to ensure that she and her brother got an education, and that was why she had faith that "The American Dream endures."
And now, she added, "We want our children and all children in this nation to know that the only limit to the heights of their achievement is
the reach of their dreams and their willingness to reach out for them."
She spoke of how she fell in love with Barack Obama and recalled how he drove them home when she delivered their first child. She spoke about his generosity, his drive, his vision, his intelligence, and why he would make a great president.
She spoke about her love for the country and how, nowhere else in the world, could her story have been duplicated.
Then she delivered a great tribute to Senator Hillary Clinton, and recalled how she delivered 18 million cracks on the glass ceiling -- a reference to the total votes Clinton earned during the primaries and how it repudiated the traditional cap on a woman's professional trajectory in this country.
Michelle reduced grown men and women to tears. The task to unify the Democratic Party going into the General Election is halfway complete.
Her task was to dispel all the myths and rumors disseminated about Michelle, falsely portraying her as some radical anti-American angry woman. She did so effectively and the country also saw a lovely American family moment at the end when her two lovely daughters joined her on stage and they all chatted with Obama via video link up.
"You work hard for what you want in life," is the motto that has sustained both her and Barack, Michelle said.
The impact of Michelle's speech is already being felt.
A Wall Street Journal poll shows that 38% of whites surveyed have a positive image of Michelle Obama, while only 29% had a positive view of Cindy McCain.
Tonight, Senator Clinton will grab the baton from Michelle and continue the relay, heading towards Thursday, when Obama will run the final stretch.
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Apple-Cherry Crumble Bars
Reminiscent of a fruit crisp, this sweet-tart dessert upends the usual proportions of jammy filling and buttery oatmeal crumble to great effect.
- Yield: Makes 2 dozen
Photography: Victor Schrager
Source: Martha Stewart Living, November 2007
- 3 cups dried apples, about 7 ounces
- 3/4 cup dried cherries, about 4 1/2 ounces
- 1 3/4 cups apple cider
- 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons packed light-brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 sticks (16 tablespoons) cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces, plus more for dish
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Butter a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Simmer apples, cherries, and cider in a covered saucepan, stirring occasionally, until fruits are softened and plump, about 5 minutes. Drain, reserving 2 tablespoons liquid. Let cool.
Coarsely chop fruit. Combine with 2 tablespoons sugar, 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, and reserved cooking liquid.
Whisk together oats, flour, baking soda, salt, remaining 3/4 cup sugar, and remaining 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon in a large bowl. Cut in butter with a pastry blender or 2 knives until crumbs range in size from peas to gum balls. Press 4 cups of oat mixture into bottom of prepared dish. Spread fruit filling on top, leaving a 1/4-inch border on all sides. Sprinkle remaining oat mixture on top.
Bake until golden brown, about 35 minutes. Let cool in dish on a wire rack. Cut into 24 bars. Bars can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reviews (19)
BettyPaige 3 Feb, 2011
I made these and I love the flavor but the consistency is not right. They ended up being pretty much an apple crisp. I am wondering if it would be better to mix the fruit with the oatmeal mixture. They fall apart and are not bars at all. They are more like upside down apple-cherry crisp. Anyone had luck with making these work as bars?
mykele 10 Jan, 2011
If you are in Weight Watchers, they can as part of your membership
get nutrition conversion info from your group leader. Also if anyone
wants answers, just go to the contact us usually shown in the lower
part of the site. Comments are apparently not monitored but they will
reply to CONTACT US and your requests. mykele -
Trishjean 10 Jan, 2011
I totally agree with Leighannet, it would be nice if the nutritional info was added to all the recipes. I am on Weight Watchers and rarely use MS recipes because of the lack of info.
kojak 2 Sep, 2010
I used a combination of dried apples, then a blend I had of dried cranberries, cherries
kojak 2 Sep, 2010
I used a combination of dried apples, then a blend I had of dried cranberries, cherries
leighannet 31 Aug, 2010
thank you to those who comment about how the recipe TASTES and what worked/didnt work. I'm excited to try these bars in the fall. The constant complaints about lacking nutritional info are getting old, and im a dietitian!! I agree, it would be nice, but clearly nobody from MS reads these comments or cares to change the recipes to include the info.
Trishjean 24 Feb, 2009
I agree with Keepitsimple. I wish the nutritional values were included in the recipes.
As a Weight Watchers member who has lost 100 pounds, i sometimes get sick of having to go to Weight watchers site and build a recipe to get the nutritional values. -
pizzamom 3 Feb, 2009
Weight watchers who use E-tools can plug into the recipe builder all the ingredients and servings and it will calcuate points for you. This is the best way to approach any new recipe with confidence! Hope this helps.
Keepitsimple 25 Jan, 2009
I enjoy copying these recipes, but as a Weight Watcher, it would be VERY helpful to me to have the nutritional content (calories, fat content, fiber content, sugar content) printed at the end of the recipe so I would know how to incorporate the food into my diet points. Also, I think now everyone is trying to eat in healthy ways and this would be helpful to everyone. Thanks
Joanie52 22 Jan, 2009
Why doesn't someone form MS ever answer our questions?
sadvorak 21 Jan, 2009
Probably has to do with consistency. Starting with fresh fruit would create a much longer cooking time...and even then the chances of getting a 'jammy' consistency from fresh apples and fruit would be slim. Here it takes only 5 minutes to reconstitute. What's great is that you can buy small quantities of dried fruit from the co-op to cut cost.
ehscott 21 Jan, 2009
I'm curious as to why this recipe uses dried fruits that are then rehydrated. Why can't you just begin with fresh fruits?
emptynester 20 Jan, 2009
I doubt that I would try to serve these as cookies. I would put them in a bowl and serve them warm with ice cream or whipped topping.
lilylady 6 Dec, 2008
Delicious, but so crumbly. Only about half the cookies would be suitable to put out for company. Any suggestions, because I love the flavor
tifscatku 12 Nov, 2008
So yummy! My grocery store didn't carry dried apples, so I substituted apricots. Next time I'm thinking dried peaches and cherries would make a delicious combination.
OneRecipe 2 Oct, 2008
I brought these bars to a party tonight, and they were a huge hit! Everyone asked for seconds. I substituted dried cranberries (craisins) for the cherries, and added a tablespoon of fresh orange zest to the fruit/sugar mixture. Absolutely delicious. Next time, I'll double the amount of fruit called for -- I wouldn't mind having more sweet filling to go between those wonderful layers of buttery crumble.
4Eidelweiss 7 Feb, 2008
This bar was an explosion of flavor! Wonderful ratio of fruit to crust/topping. I reduced the sugar in the oat mixture by 1/8 cup because I like desserts less sweet. I also used 1/2 apple cider and 1/2 cherry cider from Trader Joes Market. The apples were tinted a light red color and the flavor addition was amazing. I also added some chopped toasted pecans to the topping mixture. I love the added crunch. Try these - you'll love them!
gissie 23 Jan, 2008
Hum more than good !
lilylady 21 Dec, 2007
Try this!! An absolute flavor treat.


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I've been paging through a new book from Concordia Publishing House, Lutheranism 101. It's a light-hearted yet informative look at all the ins and outs of Lutheranism. I came across a description of "the most recognized symbol for Luthernaism" — Luther's seal. I guess this is proof positive that I don't know much about Lutheranism since I never even knew Martin Luther had a seal.
Anyways, the explanation that Luther gives for his seal is interesting and I thought my readers would find it intriguing as well. So here is an excerpt from Lutheranism 101 about Luther's Seal. The seal is pictured on the cover of this book in the image above.
Martin Luther's seal is easily the most recognized symbol for Lutheranism, and for good reason. In Luther's day it was common practice for prominent members of the community to have a personal seal or coat of arms. The symbolism on the seal would tell others something about the person, what they did or believed. Through his bold preaching and teaching about the Word of God, Martin Luther had become well-known. So it was that while Luther was at Coburg Castle in 1530, Duke John Frederick, the Electoral Prince of Saxony, made an order for the creation of a seal that was meant to express Luther's theology. Luther's seal is rich with symbols and color. In a letter to a friend, Luther explained the symbolism of his seal.
"Grace and peace in Christ! Honorable, kind, gentleman and friend,
Since you are keen to know whether or not your example of my seal hit the mark, let me share with you in a friendly way some of my preliminary thoughts regarding the elements of my seal that I want to fashion as a kind of trademark for my theology.
The first element should be a cross, black within the heart. That is the color that it should naturally have, by which I can remind myself that faith in the Crucified One makes us into saved people. One becomes justified according to what one believes in the heart.
Now, about why it is a black cross, it should put the flesh to death; it should hurt. But leave the heart in its proper color [red]. This is because through the cross, the human nature does not decay. The cross does not kill off the human nature altogether; rather, it preserves the human nature in new life. The just person shall live by faith, but only by faith in the Crucified One.
But this heart should be located in the middle of a white rose to show that faith gives joy, comfort, and peace. It immediately sets [the believer] into the midst of a white, joyful rose, not like the peace and joy that the world offers. That is why the rose should be white, not red. White is the color of the spirits and all angels.
This rose is set within a sky-colored field, because this joy that is comprehended in spirit and faith, this joy that is now grasped in hope but not yet openly revealed, is the beginning of the heavenly joy to come.
And around this field is a golden ring, because salvation in heaven endures forever; it has no end. It is more precious than all other kinds of joy and wealth, just as gold is the most noble, most precious of all ores.
May Christ our dear Lord be with your spirit, even unto that heavenly life to come. Amen! [See Luther's Works. American Edition volume 49:356-359]
–from Lutheranism 101, (Concordia Publishing House), pg. 20-21
Pick up a copy of Lutheranism 101 from the following online retailers: Christianbook.com, Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com, or direct from Concordia.
Disclaimer: This book was provided by Concordia Publishing House for review. I was under no obligation to offer a favorable review.
~ Originally posted at Fundamentally Reformed


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How do I know how much charcoal to use?
It's easy to determine the number of briquettes you need…simply spread them in a single layer just a bit beyond where the food is to be cooked. Then, mound up the charcoal in a firebox and light it.


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We'll be in Boston the week of Dec 17 to meet up with my 19 yo son who is currently out of the country but will be in Boston that week. That's the reason we've picked the dead of winter to visit Boston which otherwise I know would be crazy! It will be me, my husband, my 16 yo son and my 19yo son.
Most of the tourist attractions I've been finding on the internet (other than museums) will be closed and I was hoping to get some good indoor ideas of alternative things to do. We will do a couple of museums but can't do six days of that! We'll be staying at the Mariott Copely, and don't plan to rent a car if we can avoid it. Also looking for restaurant ideas which will accomodate my vegetarian son. Thanks for any and all ideas, suggestions, etc! |
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Chicago Heights pita plant has major expansion
By Mike Nolan firstname.lastname@example.com May 16, 2013 8:40PM
Wouter De Beuckelaer, business development manager for Pita Pan, talks about the new production line during the grand opening celebration for Pita Pan's expansion in Chicago Heights, Ill., on Thursday, May 16, 2013. | Matt Marton~Sun-Times Media
Article Extras
Updated: June 18, 2013 8:10AM
Holding a small crucifix in one hand and clutching a clump of basil dipped in holy water in the other, George Kaloudis walked Thursday alongside an array of ovens in a Chicago Heights pita bakery.
The blessing of the hulking machine with holy water by Kaloudis, presiding priest at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Chicago, was part of a formal unveiling of a major expansion at Pita Pan Old World Bakery.
Once the new production line begins operation in a couple of weeks, the company, which has been in Chicago Heights for seven years, will be able to turn out about 3 million pieces of pita bread a day, according to Andre Papantoniou, co-owner of Pita Pan with his brother, Kostas.
Calling the new facility the "bakery of our dreams," Andre Papantoniou said it's a crucial piece of fulfilling the company's goal of being "recognized as a leader in flat bread" and related baked goods.
Most of what Pita Pan makes is sold directly to the food service industry and fast-food restaurants. Customers include Taco Bell, which uses Pita Pan's flat breads for its gordita and chalupa items, and Quiznos. Pita Pan also is working to get its products into retail outlets, including supermarkets.
Pita Pan distributes its products throughout the United States and Canada as well as to some European markets. It has about 45 employees, and the expansion initially will create at least 40 new jobs.
Although production capacity is being greatly increased, Papantoniou said Pita Pan took great pains to ensure that the end product doesn't taste mass produced. Consistency in production techniques means the company is offering "flat breads with old-world taste," he said.
What's immediately apparent walking into the new 105,000-square-foot building is how much space is not used. There's room for two additional production lines, but when they're installed and what they'll make "depends on where the demand from the market leads us," Wouter de Beuckelaer, the company's business development manager, said.
"It's possible we could create a unique product for a major player in the market," he said.
Outside the factory, two silos, each holding 130,000 tons of flour, supply production lines. In the new production line, an enormous stainless steel hopper is suspended above mixing bowls, each the size of a hot tub and able to hold 2,500 pounds of dough.
Once mixed, the dough moves along a cutting line, then the bread rolls on into the oven. Once baked, pitas take a ride on a multi-level carousel, where they cool prior to packaging.
Along with Pita Pan, the Papantonious own Olympia Foods, a distributor of gyros meat and related products, located near Midway Airport.


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Top 10 Ways Your Library Can Help You Keep Your New Year's Resolution
The Top 10 Ways Your Library Can Help You Keep Your New Year's Resolution
Every January millions of people make resolutions to improve themselves in some way. Whether it's to eat healthier, volunteer more often or learn a new language many of these people give up after only a few months for various reasons, mostly because it's difficult to change their ways. But did you realize that there is a free resource available in your community that can help you keep your resolution no matter what it is? That magical place is your local library. Here are ten reasons you should resolve to use it every day in 2015:
1) Read more: This one seems obvious enough. Libraries are places you can get physical and digital books to read. What people don't realize though is not only can they find endless rows of books but they can also get recommendations on which ones to select.Librarians are master curators, the guardians of good taste. One of the things they're great at is providing you options on what to read next. No longer do you have to hope for the best with two sentence summaries. Many libraries even have websites set up to help you discover your next great read.
2) Watch less TV: When we get home from a long day of work the easy thing to do is plop down in front of the television. It's mindless and easy. The hours we spend in front of the television though could be spent reading, learning a new language or working out. What's great about libraries these days is you don't have to actually go to the buildings to use their materials. Nearly every library in North America offers digital titles available for you to download on any smartphone, tablet or device. Now you never have to worry about making it to the physical library in time. Whether you're on your couch, in bed or at the office during lunch you can access something to read anytime, anywhere.
3) Exercise more often: Working out is tough. It can be time-consuming, frustrating and even a little embarrassing at first. Those long sessions on treadmills or at the gym can get boring quickly. To make this time more enjoyable download a digital audiobook from your library on your smart phone. Audiobooks are perfect for not only helping pass the time but making you look forward to your time on the elliptical. In fact, digital audiobooks have never been more popular and many people use them to multitask while sitting in traffic, doing mindless work or chores at home.
4) Keep up with current events: Staying up to date with world news can be tough. Subscriptions can be pricey and you aren't always around to catch the nightly news. Did you know you can get the latest editions of countless newspapers and magazines from the library as well? In fact, not only do libraries let you borrow periodicals but you can do it for free on your smart phones as well.
5) Give more to charity: Libraries are free for patrons to use at any time. They are nonprofit, which means that money can sometimes be stretched. Support your Library as this will enable them to purchase newer books, offer more programs and possibly even hire new staff.
6) Learn something new: Ray Bradbury once famously said, "I couldn't go to college, so I went to the library three days a week for 10 years." Libraries provide access to scholarly articles, educational materials, language learning programs and much more to help you better yourself and there's no need to pay for expensive college courses or deal with undergrads trying to find themselves.
7) Spend more time with family: Libraries offer reading clubs for children year round as well as crafts and activities to promote brain growth. Many libraries have even begun providing digital "Kids eReading Rooms and Teens eReading Room" so that young readers have a safe digital environment to discover age appropriate content. This is the perfect opportunity to bond with your kids over the stories you grew up loving.
8) Travel more/spend less: in 2015 it's time to officially abandon the time honored tradition of overpaying for books at the airport because you couldn't fit them in your bag. Now you can borrow titles on your tablets to read in the plane or on the beach. Some libraries, like San Antonio Public, are even putting branches in the airports to provide temporary library cards for travelers who are just stopping through their city.
9) Start a new career: Did you know that libraries will help sharpen and improve your resume while looking for a new job? If you're starting a new company but lack work space they provide business labs, maker spaces to promote creativity and even technology like 3D printers to create models and presentations. If you're an aspiring writer they can even help you publish your novel.
10) Be less stressed: Sometimes you just need to get away from the distractions of everyday life. By carving out time every day to focus only on reading or learning something new you'll form a habit that will reinvigorate your life quickly and, because all these materials are available with just a library card, it won't cost you a dime.
Get started on your New Year's resolution to read more -- read a sample of Cheryl Strayed's Wild instead of going to the movies!
article in the Huffington Post
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Rejected cover and Mo-Yan's "Frog"
Rejected Covers is an ongoing series for which artists reveal their inspirations and unused design ideas for popular titles. Below, Nayon Cho, Senior Designer at Penguin, discusses the process of designing the cover for the latest novel by Mo Yan, a Chinese Nobel Prize winner. Yan's latest book explores the country's family planning policy through the eyes of a zealous midwife.
Frog is a beautifully written, harrowing novel about life in one Chinese village, that starts before Mao's Cultural Revolution and ends in the present day. Nobel Prize-winning novelist Mo Yan does an incredible job tracing the wrenching impact each major historical shift has on individual lives. I had never read any of Mo Yan's books, nor was I familiar with fiction set during the Cultural Revolution, so this was a great opportunity to read such a novel written by a master.
The book is narrated by a man nicknamed Tadpole, who tells us the story of his aunt Gugu, a midwife in their village. Gugu begins the novel as a young, intelligent, progressive woman trained in the most advanced medical techniques. She brings her new skills back to her village, determined to practice as a modern midwife. However, circumstances turn her into a strict Party follower, who is in a unique position to enforce the new One Child policy, and she does so with single-minded zeal. Tadpole narrates her life with compassion, but does not spare us the heartbreaking consequences of her campaign to keep the villagers in line.
I was asked to design a jacket that shows Gugu in a sympathetic light. It was very challenging for me to do so, as I found her actions largely inexcusable. I explored many different options, using many different photographs of women in China in the 1960s, but none of them presented Gugu as a sympathetic enough figure. Here are two examples.
Inspired by the text, I also tried a different direction. With a wonderful four-letter title like Frog, I wanted to take the oportunity to have it play a (literally) large role in the design. I set it in a monumental scale and thought about how it could function as a design element. I took the narrator's name, Tadpole, and found an illustration I thought worked well both as a representation of him, and of a sperm about to fertilize an egg (the "O"), to highlight Gugu's role as a midwife.
The design that was ultimately approved uses the same title treatment, but with different art. One of the central horrors of the book is the danger many unborn babies are placed in by Gugu. I found a great photograph of a peaceful porcelain baby sleeping in a nest. The baby is so fragile, but it also could be a figurine crafted by one of the characters in the book, who creates meticulously realistic porcelain dolls. To show the danger surrounding the village's babies, I perched the nest precariously on top of this tall tall title, thinking of the nursery rhyme lines, "When the bough breaks / the cradle will fall / and down will come baby / cradle and all." I'm happy with this design, and think it succeeds in every important way: the baby represents a key aspect of the plot, the monumental scale of the title signals the importance of the novel, and it is overall a warmer, less abstract design. The author was very happy with the jacket as well, which is always a rewarding end to an important project.
Interested? Start reading the e-Book today!
A "thrilling" conversation with Lisa Gardner
Lisa Gardner is the New York Times bestselling author of crime thrillers with more than 22 million books in print. As Lisa Gardner, she's written an FBI Profiler series, as well as the Detective D.D. Warren series, and standalone novels. As Alicia Scott, she's written romance novels.
In Crash and Burn, Lisa brings back Tessa Leoni and Sergeant Wyatt Foster. Nicky Frank, a married woman, survives a horrific car crash on a rainy night off a desolate highway in New Hampshire. Though severely injured, she crawls up a steep embankment and flags down help, begging police to find her missing daughter, Vero. A massive search is launched. When Nicky's husband Thomas shows up, he drops a bombshell on the police: there is no Vero. He tells the police Nicky suffers from a brain injury sustained in two previous accidents, and has conjured the child from thin air. But as the detectives investigate, many questions arise. Is the child a delusion, or is she real and in grave danger?
How and when did you begin writing fiction?
I wrote my first book at seventeen. I was very lucky because it was published three years later. I started my career as Alicia Scott, writing romantic suspense novels. There was always a dead body and an investigation. I wrote seven or eight of those novels, and got more and more interested in suspense. I also grew more comfortable doing research and cold-calling detectives, prisons and morgues. The more research I did, the bigger the crimes became.
I came up with the idea for a standalone thriller called The Perfect Husband. It featured a serial killer who broke out of a maximum security prison. His revenge against everyone who put him there included pursuing his ex-wife. So, even back then, I was writing a kind of domestic thriller. That was my first Lisa Gardner book, and I've never looked back.
What made you begin writing at the young age of 17?
I didn't know any better. Seriously. I lived in Oregon. Had never met an author, editor, agent. In other words, I had no idea how hard it is to write a novel, let alone how impossible it is to get one published. On the other hand, I had an idea for a murder mystery. So I wrote it.
How did you manage to get published by age 20?
Once I started telling people I'd written a book, they asked when I was going to publish it. This was a new thought for me. But a good friend helped me find a book on how to get published. This was back in the early 90s when the paperback market was exploding, so demand for new voices was higher. I followed the steps for submission spelled out in the guide. Several years and several rewrites later, my first book found a home! I'd told friends when my book sold I was going to buy a Mercedes! Big successful author, right? First lesson in publishing: my book did sell, and I earned just enough money to buy a computer, and even then I had to wait for the computer to go on sale. But it was still absolutely amazing to hold the finished novel in my hands. It gave me goose bumps.
I understand that while writing your first crime/suspense novel, you were working in the food service industry. After your hair caught on fire a number of times, you decided to focus solely on writing. Tell us about that.
Like many novelists, at the beginning of a career, you're writing for love, not money. It took a good ten years for me to become an overnight success. (Laughter). I had many jobs; one was as a waitress at a Greek restaurant. They had an appetizer called flaming saganaki, which is deep-fried cheese over which brandy is poured and then lit on fire. It was the nineties and a time of really big hair. If you didn't pour the brandy properly, the fire could blow back and get onto your hair. It happened quite often. I got plenty of "pity tips" from patrons because of it. So, I'm really grateful every day that the writing thing worked out.
You once described your writing process as "out of the mist." Tell us what you mean by that?
I'm not a plotter. I do lots of research. It's one of my favorite parts of writing. I may know some key forensic points, but I don't like knowing what's going to happen next. If I already know who the good or bad guys are, then the reader will know, too. For instance, with Crash and Burn, when I began the book, I didn't know if Vero existed. I didn't know if Thomas or Nicky were good or bad. I prefer it when characters can go either way--good or bad. There's more complexity, and there are some secrets. One of the things that keeps me showing up each day and writing is that at some point, I want to know the answer.
You're known for doing a good deal of research. In fact, it's clear from Crash and Burn, you researched Post-concussion Syndrome. But you've also talked about the dangers of doing too much research. Will you comment on that?
I think doing research is the most fascinating part of my job. I get to speak with people who do really cool things for a living. You can surf the Internet and talk to experts, but at the end of the day, you must sit down and start writing. You have to produce a novel--you must tell a compelling story.
Speaking of research, I know you depend heavily on experts in various fields. Tell us about that.
The most fun I ever had doing research was cold-calling a body farm, an anthropological research facility. That was for the first Tessa Leoni book, Love You More. The novel involved skeletal remains, and I spent three days working with a forensic anthropologist. Other kinds of experts with whom I've worked have been physicians; boxing coaches; medical examiners; computer forensics experts; firemen; blood spatter experts; and firearms coaches. I've been to four or five different prisons. For Crash and Burn, I dealt with an auto accident reconstruction expert. Each book I've written has been a learning experience for me.
What would you be doing if you weren't a writer?
Probably some type of criminology. With all the research and consulting with experts, what's fascinated me most is the psychology of crime. What is the nature of evil? Is it inborn or acquired through the environment. Or is it a product of abnormal physiology, such as with the Texas bell tower sniper who had a brain tumor. I write fiction, but if I wasn't doing that, I think I'd be involved in criminology.
You're one of the most successful novelists working today. What has surprised you about the writing life?
It doesn't get easier. With thirty books written, you would think I'd feel proficient, but each book is painful in its own way. To paraphrase Dorothy Parker's observation: I don't know that I like writing. I know I like having written.
I'm always just feeling my way to that other side--the completed novel. I feel I'm forever gnashing my teeth and banging my head against a blank computer screen. (More laughter)
What do you love about the writing life?
I love that magical moment when it all comes together in a way I couldn't ever have imagined. I always think of writing as a giant leap of faith. There's that "Ah ha" moment when things just fall into place. Those days are amazing and precious. The art takes over, it all comes together, and I've actually completed a novel despite myself.
If you could have dinner with any five people, from the literary world or from history, living or dead, who would they be?
One would have to be Stephen King. He's my favorite author and an inspirational voice in my career. I loved his book, On Writing. I think he would be amazing and fun to talk to. I would like to invite Queen Elizabeth I, because she was a woman who ruled at that time in history; and because of everything she accomplished. I'd love to have Grace O'Malley, the pirate queen, and Elizabeth's arch rival at the dinner, too. Ben Franklin would have to be there. He was a great philosopher, thinker, writer and an inventor, too. And then, I'd love to have Sherlock Holmes to round out the dinner party.
Which authors do you enjoy reading today?
Stephen King, Karen Slaughter, Tess Gerritsen, Lee Child, Laura Hillenbrand, Kristin Hannah, and I read a lot of YA with my daughter.
Congratulations on writing Crash and Burn, an intriguing story that calls into question the reliability of memory and one's perception of reality.
Browse the list of titles at your Library.
article written by Mark Rubinstein, author of Mad Dog House and Mad Dog Justice for the Huffington Post
Ready for a wilderness adventure?
Publisher's Weekly calls this novel "..a domestic drama with wilderness adventure..(it is as) emotionally satisfying as it is viscerally exciting. ".
Esquire says it is "Outstanding...the days when you had to choose between a great story and a great piece of writing? Gone".
Oprah Magazine describes it as "a twisty thriller". Mr. Johnston has won multiple prizes for his short stories. "Decent" is his first novel. It is ready to read anytime you are.
Check it out from your Library using Option #1 or Option #2.
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'Trust No One:' A Talk With Jayne Ann Krentz
Photo: Mark Von Borstel
Under seven different pseudonyms, Jayne Ann Krentz has written more than 120 romance novels. Many have been bestsellers. Now, she uses only three names: Jayne Ann Krentz when writing contemporary romantic-suspense; Amanda Quick for historical romance-suspense; and Jayne Castle when penning paranormal romance-suspense.
Trust No One, a contemporary romance-suspense novel, features Grace Elland, a creative marketing assistant to a Seattle-based motivational guru. Grace discovers her boss's body, and after reporting it to the police, begins receiving cryptic and vaguely threatening emails. Strangely, they come from her dead boss's computer. To make matters worse, when she was a teen-ager, Grace also found a dead body, an event that left her with night terrors and panic attacks. Even worse, it appears someone is trying to frame Grace for her employer's murder.
You're an outspoken advocate for the romance genre. What are your thoughts about the genre and its standing?
The romance genre is slammed with the same critiques applied to all popular fiction. I think it's because people tend to take popular fiction for granted. They don't appreciate that romance novels, and all popular fiction, transmit our culture's core values to the next generation. Romance novels convey values especially important to women. Most crucial is the belief in the healing power of love. In popular fiction--romance included--the values we see preserved are ones everyone recognizes: an appreciation of honor; the healing power of love; doing the right thing when the chips are down; and the issue of good versus evil. The romance genre--along with other forms of popular fiction--affirms those values. They really derive from ancient heroic literary traditions.
I also find the romantic suspense novel to be a very American genre. It captures the essence of two strong characters facing a dangerous situation in which they must work together to survive. It's an American story with its roots in the old Wild West. As Americans, it's really our story.
Do these elements make romance novels so enduring?
While the healing power of love is probably the core value, there are other factors that account for the enduring power of the genre. Romance novels affirm the importance of nurturing and of loving protectiveness. The foundation of "family" is at the center of the story. It's not about sex; nor about romance, per se. It's all centered on family. I think that's why the appeal of romance novels is so enduring. Most women, and many men, too, have an appreciation for family. That's the key to the romance story. Rather than calling the ending a 'happy ending,' the ending of a romance novel is actually the formation of a new family.
Do you see your audience as being primarily women?
I write a story to satisfy myself. I don't really focus on the audience. I think about what the story needs in order to be satisfying to me. Statistically, yes, most readers of romance are women. But, keep in mind, the majority of all fiction is read by women. I think the suspense and thriller genres tend to appeal more to men because they're the warrior stories. But, one of the most popular male writers among women is Lee Child. I understand in his latest Jack Reacher novel, Reacher learns he has a son. And that's important because if you don't have a family, you don't have a future.
Trust No One is written from both Grace's and Julius's perspectives. Is it an advantage to write from multiple points of view?
I think using a few perspectives helps the story tell itself in a way that satisfies the reader. I like being in different characters' heads. That technique expands the story, gives it more depth. One of the risks a writer takes when he or she starts jumping around from one character to another--sometimes called hip-hopping--is the danger of distancing the reader. If you bounce around too much, the reader may lose the sense of identification with the main character. So, it's a balancing act.
Do you ever use the first person narrative point of view?
I've never done that. Actually, many of us grew up with that technique, having read Gothic novels. A number of them were written in the first person, but I think that perspective limits the story's reach. For instance, in the first person narrative, you can't really talk about what the bad guy is doing or thinking.
From your oeuvre of works, it's clear you've written two, three, and sometimes four novels a year. Tell us about your writing schedule and routines.
Nowadays, I think you'll see many more mystery and thriller writers doing more than one novel a year. Robert Parker was writing three a year. John Sandford is doing two. It's always been a marketing consideration. I wrote a good number of novels each year at the beginning of my career, but don't do it anymore.
I've always been a disciplined writer. Most successful writers I know are very disciplined. I'm at the computer at seven in the morning. I work until about noon; after that, any creativity I may have is pretty well shot for the day. Then, life gets in the way and I go shopping. (Laughter).
Is there a reason you've used so many pen names over the years?
It was always a business decision. There were times when I was writing for two or three different publishing houses and they each demanded a different name. They wanted to tie up a particular name.
You're still using three different names for your novels.
Yes, I've been using those three names for three years. The market changes from season to season. One season, the Amanda Quick name works better; and the next season, Jayne Castle takes off. I want to leave one or two names behind, but as long as they work, I'll keep using them. They allow me to take my core stories into three different landscapes or subgenres. I find it refreshing to move among my three worlds.
Is it accurate to say you created the futuristic romance subgenre with the novel Sweet Starfire?
People credit me with that, but I got the idea from Anne McCaffrey.
The erotic scenes in Trust No One are done very artfully. Will you talk about writing erotica?
To an extent, it's like writing violent scenes. The trick is to remember that what happens physically isn't the important thing. What matters most is the emotional element. It's crucial to depict the emotions with which the characters enter the scene, and those they have at its conclusion. The erotic scene should be a life-changing event. It should add to the progress of the romance itself, in the same way an act of violence must trigger the next step in a thriller novel. In order to rise above the level of prurience, the erotic scene must demonstrate growth--in either character development or the novel's plot.
You've had such writing success for years. What about the writing life has surprised you?
What surprises me is the fact that today, authors get stuck with so much of the marketing end of publishing. It wasn't the case when I started out. I think it's because of the chaos in the industry now. Publishers used to get your book into bookstores and they did the marketing. But today, with so much happening online, the reality is that most writers are forced to do a great deal of their own marketing.
What do you love about the writing life?
I just love seeing a scene come together on the page. I live from scene to scene. If I actually sat down and thought about the fact that I've got five hundred pages to go, I'd be doomed before I started. Each scene, for me, is a little story unto itself. When I get that scene just right, I feel so good.
If you could have dinner with any five people from history or literature, living or dead, who would they be?
Any five from the stable of writers who wrote the Caroline Keene Nancy Drew books, my favorite and formative series.
Congratulations on writing Trust No One, a contemporary romantic-suspense novel that's certain to appeal to millions of people.
article written by Mark Rubinstein, author of Mad Dog House and Mad Dog Justice for the Huffington Post
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5 Things You Didn't Know About 'Jurassic Park'
The 1993 release of "Jurassic Park" was certainly a dinosaur-sized event. From reportedly causing a rise in the number of students applying to paleontology programs to influencing the naming of the new NBA team -- the Toronto Raptors -- the Jurassic (but actually Cretaceous) excitement was pretty clear. Through the movie's massive marketing campaign, "Jurassic Park" even led to the creation of the "Supersize" option at McDonalds -- appropriately called Dino-size at the time. Despite dinosaurs only appearing in about 15 minutes of the movie, America was certainly taken by dinomania.
With the forthcoming release of "Jurassic World," the adventurous desire to revisit the world's most dangerous amusement park is coming back. In honor of Steven Spielberg's birthday, Dec. 18, here are five things you didn't know about one of his classic movies:
Hold on to your brains.
1. The noise used to convey the velociraptors talking to each other is actually the sound of tortoises having sex.
The sound designer for "Jurassic Park," Gary Rydstrom, told Vulture in 2013, "If people knew where the sounds in 'Jurassic Park' came from, it'd be rated R!"
Since nobody knows exactly what dinosaurs sounded like, Rydstrom spent months recording animal noises. After talking with Rydstrom, writer Kyle Buchanan concluded that "some of the sounds are sorta smutty." Rydstrom's work on "Jurassic Park" paid off, winning him two Academy Awards.
Many different dinosaur noises were created by capturing various animals -- such as horses and a dolphin -- in heat, but arguably the most smutty is the origin of the velociraptor grunts:
It's somewhat embarrassing, but when the raptors bark at each other to communicate, it's a tortoise having sex. It's a mating tortoise! I recorded that at Marine World … the people there said, "Would you like to record these two tortoises that are mating?" It sounded like a joke, because tortoises mating can take a long time. You've got to have plenty of time to sit around and watch and record them.
2. The cast was stranded for days in a motel without food or water when a major hurricane hit the shooting location.
Hurricane Iniki, the most powerful to hit Hawaii in recorded history, struck while the cast and crew of "Jurassic Park" were on the island of Kauaʻi. Winds that apparently reached 145 mph trapped everyone in a motel, which actress Laura Dern explained in 1993 to Moveline:
Don't forget, we were stuck in a hurricane in Hawaii together and had to all stay in a motel room together for a couple of days. No food, no water. It was scary. We didn't know what was going to happen. The morning after, Steven, Jeff Goldblum and I walked through the ruins and we really felt bonded. So maybe that kind of experience created a gentler, more open relationship with Steven. He was very honest in sharing with us his frustration about his complete loss of control. He couldn't protect his crew, he couldn't protect his sets. And Spielberg had a lot of fear about it, getting everybody out. He said to me recently, "I felt more bonded with you guys than I have in a long time with people on a movie."
3. The dinosaurs were modeled off Robert De Niro and Jack Nicholson.
In an interview with Cinefantastique in 1993, Academy Award winning visual effects expert Stan Winston noted that making the dinosaurs seem as if they truly came to life was the "biggest challenge" for the movie. Winston, who also won an Academy Award for this particular job, said the dinosaurs needed to be the equivalent of a couple actors with recognizable names:
They had to act. We couldn't cast a gorgeous actor who couldn't deliver a line; we had to create saurian Robert De Niros and Jack Nicholsons. That's stretching it, but in the broadest sense of the term, we did need to create characters that performed. I think what we accomplished is beyond anything like this that's been done in motion-picture history. I'm hoping the audience will feel as I do.
4. Steven Spielberg was hilariously terrible at fake roaring as he tried to scare the actors into thinking they were seeing a real dinosaur.
HuffPost Live asked Laura Dern earlier this year about her time on "Jurassic Park," and she shared this amazing story of Steven Spielberg having a very weak dinosaur roar:
I remember we were all standing in a row, and this crane of, like, chewed up metal comes up, and we're supposed to realize what the T-rex can do and all have this look to the side when we hear a sound. And we did a take and then we cut and Steven's like, "You guys were all looking different directions." We said, "Steven, we're supposed to respond to the sound and there's nothing there. We don't know when we're supposed to respond, so we're responding at different times." He goes, "Oh, oh, okay, I got this." Rolling and action! And we're all there looking, and the camera pushes in, and then Steven, through a megaphone, goes, "RAWR! RAWR!" And all of us looked at each other, and I remember Richard Attenborough going, "Oh, Steven, um, this is troubling."
5. The whole creation of the series may owe its existence to a joke that author Michael Crichton kept telling people.
Crichton had been thinking about the basic premise of Jurassic Park for awhile, but it wasn't until he started publicly joking around about having a huge money-making idea that people pressured him to actually write the story. In a 1993 profile, the Guardian quoted Crichton as saying, "I'd tell them I was writing the most expensive movie ever made. But it was only a joke ... Of course, this being Hollywood, I'd only made my joke a few times before people started saying let's have lunch."
Spielberg ended up taking Crichton out to lunch and offered him $1.5 million for the rights and $500,000 to write a movie script. Spielberg presumably heard the joke as at the time, Crichton and Spielberg were also working on a screenplay that ended up becoming the TV show "E.R."
BONUS: Most of the dinosaurs in "Jurassic Park" are actually from the Cretaceous Period. Michael Crichton had an amazing response when confronted about this.
For a 1993 article in The New York Review of Books, writer and paleontologist Stephen Jay Gould addressed this problem:
Pardon some trivial professional carping, but only two of the dinosaurs featured in the film version of Jurassic Park actually lived during the Jurassic period -- the giant sauropod Brachiosaurus, and the small Dilophosaurus. All the others come from the subsequent Cretaceous period—a perfectly acceptable mixing given the film's premise that amber of any appropriate age might be scanned for dinosaur blood. Still, the majority might rule in matters of naming, though I suppose that Cretaceous Park just doesn't have the same ring.
Gould also confronted Crichton about the difference:
When I met Michael Crichton (long before the film's completion), I had to ask him the small-minded professional's question: "Why did you place a Cretaceous dinosaur on the cover of Jurassic Park?" (for the book's dust jacket—and now the film's logo -- features a Cretaceous Tyrannosaurus rex). I was delighted with his genuine response: "Oh, my God, I never thought of that. We were just fooling around with different cover designs, and this one looked best." Fair enough; he took the issue seriously, and I would ask no more.
Article written by Todd Van Luling for the Huffington Post
Checkout a copy of the movie or read the book or eBook or listen to the audio version. Your Library has copies! Can't decide, here's the entire collection.
A geek's guide to geeky holiday gifts
I'm focusing mainly on devices that are particularly good at consuming media (like eBooks, audiobooks, videos, and music).
Today, it's on to the strange new land of "phablets," to be followed by my top picks for less expensive devices.
On the subject of phablets, let me get this out of the way first: the term "phablet" drives me crazy for some reason, so from now on, I'll just call them "giant phones."
We'll classify them as any phone with a screen larger than 5". Sound fair? To get on with it, there are actually several choices out there for giant phones, but for me, it really boils down to these:
The Google Nexus 6
I have a Nexus 6 sitting next to me right now, and I kind of love it. The screen is drop-dead gorgeous, and the way they packed 5.96" worth of screen onto a device that doesn't feel clunky makes me think they hired Doctor Who to help with the design. It's only a tiny bit bigger than the iPhone 6+ which has a 5.5" screen (there are a lot of comparison photos in the Forbes review if you're interested in checking it out).
All that being said, the phone is pretty large, so it can take some getting used to. You've been warned. Me? I think it's worth it. The Nexus 6 isn't perfect, but I'm honestly having trouble coming up with complaints to share with you here. There are still a few bugs (to be expected with any brand new phone), but they're minor, and software updates are imminent. I'd like the back of the phone to be a little grippier, but it's easier to hold onto than the aluminum-encased competition like the HTC One or iPhone 6. Price-wise (at $649), I don't think there's a better deal out there for a "flagship" phone. It's cheaper than the Samsung Galaxy Note 4 and the iPhone 6+ (off contract), and easily goes toe-to-toe with either for quality and features.
Other notables (the iPhones 6+ and Galaxy Note 4)
The other big players in the giant phone pond are the Apple iPhone 6+ and the Samsung Galaxy Note 4. There are others out there, but these are the two most popular at the moment.
They're both good phones, but both are more expensive than the Nexus 6.
I'd say to go with the iPhone if you're already heavily entrenched within the Apple ecosystem.
Go with the Galaxy Note if you prefer a slightly smaller device (compared to the Nexus 5 and iPhone 6+) that still sports a jumbo screen.
It's like I said: either phone is a solid choice–I just like the Nexus 6 better. It gets software updates faster, has more screen to go around, and the price is pretty good for what you're getting.
Looking for something less expensive?
There are some really good options out there for gadgets on a budget, but I'll keep this limited to my favorite inexpensive tablet and eBook reader:
- ASUS MeMo Pad 7: At around $130, this is a steal of a tablet with a surprisingly good screen and a decent amount of horsepower. (review)
- NOOK GlowLight: It's not perfect, but it's $99 and doesn't come with ads. I wish it still had physical buttons, but I still like it. (review)
The wrap-up
There you have it–my top picks for tablets, readers, and giant phones this year. Any of the devices I've listed above would be great for ravenous consumption of media.
The most important thing to keep in mind when making your purchase is something us writers tell ourselves daily: who is your target audience? Make sure you're picking the right gift for the right person.
My brother, for example, loves his Apple products, so I wouldn't go out and buy him an Nvidia SHIELD tablet.
My wife likes to do more than read books on her device, so I would choose a tablet over an eBook reader for her.
You get the idea, and hopefully my list helps you pick out the right gift (or, barring that, helps you buy a little something for yourself).
If you have any questions, or feel like I left something off the list that should be there, feel free to call it out in the comments. Keep in mind, I'm human, and that means my advice comes laced with my own preferences.
My only hope is that, when it's time to tear off the wrapping paper, I'll have helped you put a smile on someone's face. Go forth, my friends, and find that perfect gift! Happy holidays, and good luck!
Posted: 16 Dec 2014 05:11 AM PST by Quinton Lawman, a Technical Writer with OverDrive
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The measures require passengers to pack any liquids, aerosols and gels that they wish to take in their carry-on baggage in a transparent and re-sealable plastic bag.
There are several reasons for this:
You can minimise the time it will take you to clear security screening by presenting at the screening point the correctly packed liquids, gels and aerosols that you wish to take in your carry-on baggage.
Passengers can choose the type of plastic bag that they wish to use as long as it meets the requirements of the additional screening measures. The bag must be transparent, re-sealable and of a capacity not exceeding 1 litre (20cm x 20 cm or 15cm x 25cm) in volume.
Bags of this type, such as re-sealable sandwich bags, are readily available at most local supermarkets.
You may not be able to board your flight if you have any liquids, gels and aerosols in your carry-on luggage, unless these items are in containers of no more than 100ml and are in a transparent, re-sealable plastic bag.
You will be referred to your airline if you have any concerns.
You can still bring food from home as long as it is solid in form. This includes, breads, fruit, vegetables, hard cheeses, biscuits cakes or muffins (without a cream, jam or liquid filling), or similar dry, firm or hard items.
You cannot bring food that is a liquid, jelly or a sauce, such as a casserole, stew, soup, curry, gravy, jams and preserves, pickled foods, honey, or yoghurt.
If you are going to take your food items off the aircraft with you at your destination, make sure you are aware of the Customs and Biosecurity requirements in your destination country.
For New Zealand's Customs requirements, please contact the New Zealand Customs Service at www.customs.govt.nz
For New Zealand's Biosecurity requirements, please contact Biosecurity New Zealand, at www.biosecurity.govt.nz
There are exemptions in place for people with special dietary requirements, and for baby foods. See below for details of these exemptions.
Yes, liquids, aerosols and gels in containers too large to be taken into the cabin as part of your carry-on baggage should be carefully packed in your hold baggage.
The usual restrictions to carrying Dangerous Goods still apply. Check www.caa.govt.nz or contact your airline for further information on Dangerous Goods.
If in doubt the best advice to follow is to pack all non-essential items, that is, items that you will not require for the duration of your flight, in your hold baggage (the luggage you 'check in' and do not have access to during the flight).
The measures require passengers to pack any permitted liquids, aerosols and gels that they wish to take in their carry-on baggage in a transparent re-sealable 1 litre plastic bag.
You can minimise the time it will take you to clear security screening by presenting at the screening point the correctly packed liquids, aerosols and gels that you wish to take in your carry-on baggage.
Your plastic bag must be free of large logos or motifs (where a bag does have a logo the reverse side must be clear). This is because they have the potential to obscure items in the bag.
If Aviation Security Officers cannot quickly check the contents of the plastic bag, you and other passengers will be delayed while your bag is opened and checked.
The white strip across the centre of many zip-lock plastic bags is acceptable
For the purposes of the liquids, aerosols and gels measures, 100 grams is considered the equivalent of 100ml.
You can take any creams, ointments, waxes, etc, in containers up to 100g.
Yes, you can transfer or decant liquids, aerosols and gels into other containers. However, the container that you use must have a volume no greater than 100ml. For example, you may not transfer or decant 100ml of a product, such as shampoo, into a container that holds 200ml. If you do this then you will not be permitted to take this item on board the aircraft with you.
It is important to remember that the normal restrictions for dangerous goods will still apply. More detailed information on the restrictions for dangerous goods is available on the CAA website at www.caa.govt.nz or you can also ask your airline.
These measures apply to any items that can be poured, sprayed or smeared or melt at room temperature. This includes, but is not limited, to:
These or similar items can only be taken in carry-on baggage on board aircraft in containers of 100ml or less, with all containers fitting into the resealable transparent 1 litre plastic bag. This bag must then be presented separately at the security screening point.
Passengers can still pack as many of these items as they like, in any quantity, in their hold baggage. The usual restrictions relating to dangerous goods still apply. See http://www.caa.govt.nz/ for further information or contact your airline.
If you are only travelling with carry-on baggage, you must still comply with these measures.
Yes, you can take an empty bottle, and fill it up once you have been through security screening.
Please note that you will not be able fill your bottle prior to the security screening point. You will still be able to purchase ready filled containers of water after passing through the security screening process.
You can take a wedding cake as long as it is solid, and does not have a liquid, cream or jam filling.
The measures apply to a wide variety of items as there are so many different types of liquids, aerosols and gels that could be used as explosives.
Existing technology for testing for liquid explosives is not developed enough to enable every liquid, aerosol and gel carried by passengers to be quickly analysed at the airport. Because it will be too slow to test every item, the new measures apply to all liquids, aerosols and gels except for those in quantities too small to make dangerous explosive devices.
Page last updated on 30 Apr 2009


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Usually, calling the New York Jets a flaming, toxic mess is like saying that being punched straight to the nose isn't enjoyable, or that pigeons are the mosquitoes of the bird kingdom. An obvious fact will always remain an obvious fact.
But the purging has begun under new general manager John Idzik, especially on the defensive side of the ball. Three safeties were cut (Eric Smith, Yeremiah Bell, and LaRon Landry, with Dawan Landry added), while Bart Scott was jettisoned too, and Mike DeVito was allowed to walk. To rebuild it, you must first destroy it.
That destruction will soon continue with the dismissal of Tim Tebow, the most irrelevant and redundant player on the roster, and at that point the quarterback competition will begin in earnest between Mark Sanchez and David Garrard. But potentially the most important offseason move has yet to come.
You may have heard this Darrelle Revis trade talk, yes? We only write about it around these parts three times daily. If he's traded, will the Jets' early focus shift to cornerback? Since I have long-honed the fine journalistic skill of asking the tough question first, that's how I led of our latest draft dive into questions followed by answers with Scott Salmon from Gang Green Nation,and Brian Bassett from The Jets Blog.
1. If a Darrelle Revis trade is completed, or even if it continues to be very close to happening on draft day, will the Jets either trade up for Dee Milliner, or take him if he falls?
Salmon: I don't believe the Jets will take Milliner, even if they trade Revis. Here's why: last season, the Jets had the No. 2 pass defense with first rounders in Antonio Cromartie and Kyle Wilson while Revis was injured. A slot-corner would therefore be the most important addition, and it would be a waste considering all of their other holes to take Milliner at No. 9 (or trade up for him) at arguably their strongest position group on the field.
Bassett: Oh, did I miss that story?! While it seems like a logical step for both teams to take, it sure seems like both teams are locked in a staring contest. As far as Milliner he might well be available to the Jets at No. 9 but might not get much past that as Tennessee needs corners and other teams like the Falcons might then make a move to go up and get a player to fit their scheme like Milliner. Last year proved that the Jets can still field a competent secondary without Revis with Cromartie, Wilson, Lankster and Trufant … but remember that they did so with durable veteran Yeremiah Bell and 2012 Pro-Bowler LaRon Landry who are both gone. Milliner might not be the perfect fit for Rex Ryan (he loves pure man-coverage corners) but he has a wide skill set at the spot and will likely be a very versatile player in the NFL. I would expect the Jets to look to bolster their secondary a little further on by grabbing a safety on Day Two or a cornerback early on Day Three.
2. After they recorded only 30 sacks last year, a pass rusher has been a widely mocked first-round pick for the Jets, even though they've spent a top pick on a defensive lineman in two straight drafts. If that's the chosen direction, who's the best fit? Ziggy Anash's athleticism could be hard to pass on if he's still on the board.
Salmon: There have been a number of reports that Rex Ryan is in love with Barkevious Mingo, who might be the most explosive athlete in the draft. If he's put in space and allowed to pin his ears back, he could be dynamic behind Muhammad Wilkerson and Quinton Coples. Ansah is another option, and he could develop into one of the best linemen in the league under Ryan and DL Coach Karl Dunbar. Jarvis Jones is always a possibility, but the team doesn't seem to have much interest in him, and his medical issues are always a concern.
Bassett: Agreed, but Ansah looks to be long gone … it's been amazing to see him as a late first rounder coming into the Senior Bowl and Combine now shoot to a top ten pick. Dion Jordan is another interesting name, but I would expect both to be gone by the seventh pick. The name that seems to keep coming up for the Jets is Barkevious Mingo, who looks to be a relentless pass-rusher and would possess the right temperament to succeed in a Ryan system. I've argued that the Jets might not feel the need to take one of the top ten guys and wait a round or two more because whoever plays at the rush-end spot for the Jets will get the benefit of having an opposing offensive line's attention diverted by Muhammad Wilkerson (who ranked out only behind JJ Watt as 3-4 DEs in 2012) and upcoming star Quinton Coples.
3. This draft should be top-heavy with offensive line talent. One of the top guards (Chance Warmack or Johnathan Cooper) will likely be available at No. 9. Should they be pursued as an upgrade over Vladimir Ducasse? Or are there greater needs elsewhere?
Salmon: Many people consider guard to be the most pressing issue, so Warmack/Cooper could be a good fit at No. 9 considering how dominant they are. While I would be happy to see Warmack drafted there, I think the Jets may be better off taking Larry Warford or Brian Winters, among other guards, later in the draft to maximize positional value.
Bassett: Ummm … YES!!!! The Jets signed former Steeler OL Willie Colon and it's assumed that Colon will start at one of the guard spots. The question is what they will do with the other. If the Jets were to draft a player like Warmack or Cooper in the first or Warford in the second it would immediately upgrade an already decent unit. The other line of thinking is that should one of the tackles (most notably Lane Johnson) slip to the ninth pick, the Jets might be tempted to draft a tackle and pinch last year's RT Austin Howard inside. I think that move would also immediately upgrade the the line at two spots instead of just one.
4. When should a safety be drafted? There's a deep talent pool at the position this year. The ninth overall pick may be a little too early for Kenny Vaccaro, and instead John Idzik could wait on Jonathan Crypien or Eric Reid in the second round.
Salmon: I think you're exactly right. Cyprien and Reid are good possibilities. Other players of interest are Matt Elam, D.J. Swearinger (who has visited the team), Shamarko Thomas, Baccari Rambo, Phillip Thomas (coached by DB Coach Tim McDonald), T.J. McDonald (son of Coach McDonald), and Duke Williams. There's an incredible amount of depth here, so if the Jets don't start looking at safeties until the fifth round, they should still be able to get some good players.
Bassett: You are reading my mind based on some of my earlier comments! To be sure, this is a deep pool. The Jets have signed LaRon's brother, Dawan Landry, who is a better run-stuffing safety and the other spot is unsettled, but assumed to be in the hands of 2012 sixth rounder Josh Bush for now. This class has so many good coverage players, but the name that keeps surfacing in relation to the Jets is South Carolina's Swearinger, who might be available in the third round.
5. Will a quarterback be drafted early? Projections are still somewhat scattered on Geno Smith, but he seems unlikely to fall as far as ninth, and that's too early for Matt Barkley. Maybe Mike Glennon in the second round?
Salmon: It sounds as if the Jets have no interest in drafting a quarterback early, possibly because of the uncertainty of Rex Ryan's job and the generally "weak" quarterback class. There's been some interest in Glennon, and E.J. Manuel as well. The Jets have hosted Zac Dysert, and it seems they're particularly interested in.
Bonus only Bassett question: What other needs should be addressed? There's been some speculation about a wide receiver being selected early to both complement Santonio Holmes and provide support for Mark Sanchez, assuming he wins the job. The Jets are among the teams Tavon Austin has visited…
Austin would be an interesting prospect and I think he's an explosive player, but worry that drafting him too high in an as-of-yet unbaked offensive system might be trouble .. akin to the Dolphins taking Ted Ginn back in 2007 without the supporting cast around him versus what the Vikings did in 2009 when they took Percy Harvin late in the first and then went out and got Brett Favre to get him the ball. Now, could the Jets give Austin everything he needs, most notably at the QB spot, in 2014 with a potential bumper crop of QBs with names like Teddy Bridgwater, Johnny Manziel, Tajh Boyd and AJ McCarron? Absolutely.
The tight end spot is another big one for the Jets. WR Jeremy Kerley has proven himself to be a solid slot receiver, so a starting in-line tight end who is an excellent blocker (and save the Jets using a very predictable backup tackle as a tight end) and who also has the ability to consistently catch passes is something that's been missing for the Jets since at least 2008


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Creeps in this petty pace from day to day
To the last syllable of recorded time
And all our yesterdays have
lighted fools
The way to dusty death: Out, out brief candle.
Life's but a walking shadow, a poor player,
That struts and frets his hour upon the stage,
And then is heard no more. It is a tale
Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury,
Signifying nothing.
V.v. 21-31
Arguably the second greatest, or at least best known, of Shakespeare's tragic soliloquies after Hamlet's "To be or not to be," Christopher Gerson's Macbeth delivers it towards the end of the fifth act. Having "supped full with horrors," up to his neck in guilty blood, he utters the statement of world-sick nihilism, perhaps the most notable in the English language until recalled in Hemingway's Clean Well Lighted Place: "It was all nothing, and a man was nothing too...our nada who art in nada, nada be thy name."
The tomorrow and tomorrow soliloquy reads wonderfully as poetry, but how in the world is the actor to deliver it effectively as drama? Many a budding thespian in high school or college has tried it, and even with little knowledge of the theater at all, knew he came nowhere near. The first production of Macbeth I ever saw was Roman Polanski's cinema version and I concluded after the final "nothing" that Polanski needed to work harder on his English. Macbeth is a difficult part to play in a hard play to stage.
Gerson's rendition of the soliloquy is understated but effective, almost deadpan. By now his Macbeth is beyond any strong emotion, only disillusionment and despair. His concluding "nothing" is said without inflection or expression at all.
In perhaps a departure from the usual reading of the play, Director Doug Scholz-Carlson begins with a pair of youthful and lusty Macbeths. Instead of the austere dowager or wicked stepmother that I, at least, had always pictured, Kim Martin-Cotten's Lady Macbeth makes a young, fiery, and sexual entrance. She comes together with Macbeth in a passionate embrace, and their ambitious scheming is charged with a carnal energy.
Played this way, her goading of Macbeth to "screw his courage to the sticking point" is less monstrous than naive; she doesn't seem to know what she is getting them into. By the fifth act of this, one of Shakespeare's shortest plays, Lady Macbeth has aged emotionally as well as physically, in a piece of fine acting by Martin-Cotten. Like the old man in Hemingway's story, she too needs a well-lighted place to stave off the horror in the darkness and, after taunting Macbeth for his timidity, quickly succumbs to madness and, it is strongly suggested by the text, suicide.
Indeed, this is a play so full of violence and blood and murder as to deserve an R rating in any film version. If it were a video game you wouldn't let your children play it. Yet, Scholz-Carlson's fast-paced production never quite reaches the point of overkill (sorry), the looming murk and fog of night, and lurking ghosts and witches giving it enough of a Halloween feel to relieve the overall oppressiveness just a bit. Once again the familiar minimal set used for all the GRSF productions does an excellent job of suggesting castle and heath and haunted night; the costuming is richly evocative of a grim, medieval brutality, while nevertheless doing the charms of Lady Macbeth ample justice.
There are also bravura performances here in some of the lesser parts; Chris Mixon's performance of Macduff, particularly when informed of the slaughter of his wife and children " "What, all my pretty chickens and their dam/ At one fell swoop?" " is wonderfully nuanced and convincing in yet another difficult scene in a hard play for the actor. And Kern McFadden's Banquo was a standout, although I would have liked him as a little more antic ghost in the banquet scene.
Do be sure to go see Macbeth, and don't wait too long, for the short, short GRSF season will be over at the end of July. Even if Shakespeare is not your favorite dish, it will do you good to sit down and take in a play at the Performing Arts Center on the WSU campus, where you can bear witness to your tax dollars spent wisely and creatively on a lovely public venue that is, for once, not an assault on the eye or good taste.


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Tag: rhianna pratchett
Showing results 1-2 of 2
Gail Simone Aims High with "Completely Badass" "Tomb Raider"
Writer and avid gamer Gail Simone tells CBR News how much writing Dark Horse's soon-to-debut "Tomb Raider" comic book means to her.
Running The Mirror's Edge With Rhianna Pratchett
CBR News catches up with games journalist turned games writer Rhianna Pratchett to talk about EA's "Mirror's Edge" video game and her first comics work, Wildstorm's comic book tie-in.
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