text:
A disposable diaper put on by means of pressure-adhesive tape, has a liquid-permeable inner layer closest to the user during use of the diaper, a liquid-tight outer layer, and an absorbent layer disposed between the inner and outer layers. Tape tabs at one end of the diaper close to the corners of the diaper have a portion permanently joined to the liquid-tight outer layer at that diaper end. A plastic strip for fastening the tape tabs when putting the diaper on the user is disposed on the opposite end of the diaper and consists of a material which is inelastic and has suitable properties for fastening the tape tabs as well as removing and refastening the tape tabs. The plastic strip is elongated transversely of the diaper to permit adjustment of the tension of the diaper around the user by loosening and refastening the tape tabs. The strip extends across the width of the diaper on the outside of the liquid-tight outer layer. The tabs are also fastened to the same side of the liquidtight outer layer.
1. A disposable diaper which can be secured about the body of a user by means of pressure-sensitive adhesive tape tabs, said diaper having a first end and a second end opposite said first end, comprising:
a liquid permeable inner layer closest to the user during use of the diaper;
a liquid-tight outer layer having an inner surface and an outer surface;
an absorbent layer disposed between the inner layer and the liquid-tight outer layer;
a pair of tape tabs at said first end of the diaper, each tape tab being positioned close to a respective one of the corners of said first end of the diaper with a first end portion of each of said tape tabs being permanently joined to the liquid-tight outer layer at said first end of said diaper; and
a single plastic strip comprising a material selected from the group consisting of polypropylene and polyester glued on said outer surface of said liquid-tight outer layer, adjacent said second end of said diaper,
said plastic strip having an embassed exposed plastic surface away from the user serving as a tape-receiving surface for releasably fastening the pair of tape tabs when putting the diaper on the user,
said plastic strip comprising a material which has suitable properties for fastening of the pair of tape tabs thereto as well as easy removal of the tape tabs therefrom and refastening of the tape tabs thereto, without risk that the plastic strip will stretch and be broken by the removal of the tape tabs therefrom,
said plastic strip being elongated transversely to the diaper to permit adjustment of the tension of the diaper around the user by loosening at least one of said tape tabs from said plastic strip, adjusting the relative position of the loosened tape tab and the plastic strip, and refastening the tape tab to said plastic strip in the thus adjusted position,
each of said tape tabs having a width no greater than the width of the plastic strip, each of said tape tabs having a second end portion opposite from its first end portion, each said second end portion having a pressure sensitive adhesive on the side thereof that contacts said plastic strip, whereby said plastic strip extends as a belt continuously between the tape tabs when the diaper is secured about the body of the user,
said adhesive having a greater cohesion than the adhesion between said tape tabs and said plastic strip,
and the tear strength of said plastic strip being greater than the adhesive strength of said tape tab adhesive for the material of said plastic strip,
whereby the combination of said liquid-tight outer layer, said plastic strip and the glue therebetween allows said tape tabs with said adhesive thereon to be releasable from and refastenable to said plastic strip without stretching and breaking said plastic strip.
2. A disposable diaper as claimed in claim 1, wherein said single plastic strip is substantially inelastic.
This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 051,192, filed 5/18/87 which is a continuation of Ser. No. 844,268 filed 2/26/86, which is a continuation of Ser. No. 543,894 filed 10/20/83, all of which are abandoned.
The present invention relates to a device in a disposable diaper put on by means of pressure adhesive tape, comprising a liquid permeable outer layer, preferably of non-woven material, closest to the user during use of the diaper, a liquid-tight outer layer, suitably of polyethylene, and an absorbent body disposed between the outer layers.
Disposable diapers now use almost exclusively tape tabs to tighten the diaper around the body of the user. Despite great efforts, diaper manufacturers have up to now not succeeded in designing tape fastening arrangements which fulfill all requirements.
Since we are dealing with disposable products, it is necessary for reasons of economy that the liquid-impermeable outer layer of the diaper, which forms the backing of the diaper and usually consists of a plastic layer, be made very thin. This will of course adversely affect the strength of the layer.
Usually a very thin layer of polyethylene is used with very low tear strength. The tape tabs are by an end portion securely joined to the corners at one end of the diaper, and the opposite end portion of the tape tabs is provided with an adhesive the adhesive capacity of which must be relatively high in order to make it possible when putting the diaper on to fasten this tape portion using reasonable pressure to the liquid-impermeable outer layer at the other end of the diaper.
In practice it has proven necessary to use an adhesive the adhesive capacity of which exceeds the tear strength of the liquid-impermeable outer layer. This means in turn that it is practically impossible to correct an improperly put-on diaper or to inspect the diaper without tearing the plastic layer apart by attempting to loosen the tape.
A number of different attempts have been made to solve this problem. One method has been to reinforce the liquid-impermeable layer, which layer consists, as was mentioned above, usually of a thin polyethylene layer, which because of its low strength is easily stretched and tears when pulled. European Patent Application 9278 for example describes a diaper in which the plastic outer layer has been reinforced in the tape fastening zone with an adhesive coating applied to the inside thereof, said coating having a higher tensile strength and stretching less than the plastic layer.
It is true that one thereby achieves a diaper which, with respect to removal and refastening of tape, is better than diapers without reinforcement of the tape fastening zone, but nevertheless, this solution is still far from satisfactory. The adhesive capacity of the tape is higher than the tear strength of the plastic layer, which means that fragments of the plastic layer can be torn off and stick to the tape when it is removed. This means of course that the adhesive capacity of the tape when refastened will be less than what it was in the beginning.
A further significant disadvantage of fastening the tape directly to the thin polyethylene layer is that the adhesion will be poor. Since it is out of the question to press the tape hard against the plastic layer and thus against the infant, the adhesion will not be satisfactory, even though the tape per se has good adhesion. This is because of the fact that the thin plastic layer does not have a smooth surface but has an uneven surface. The thin polyethylene layer is not even initially smooth and even during the manufacturing of the diaper it is subjected to both pressure and heat treatment, causing additional surface unevenness.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,067,337 describes another method of approaching the problem caused by the thin liquid-impermeable plastic outer layer. This patent reveals a tape attachment arrangement, in which the adhesive surface of the tape tabs has been divided into segments by means of a net applied on the adhesive surface itself. It is intended that the adhesion will be reduced thereby so that it will be less than the tear strength of the thin plastic layer. The disadvantage is of course that the adhesion of the tape tabs can be easily reduced to such a degree that the adhesion will be unsatisfactory.
In a fastening arrangement on the market for disposable diapers of the type in question, removal and refastening of the tape means is achieved by making the tape means of several separate tape tabs adhering to each other. The first tape tab used is designed to remain on the diaper plastic when the diaper is loosened and the next tape tab is used for refastening the diaper. A fastening arrangement constructed in this manner will however, for obvious reasons, be complicated and expensive to manufacture. Furthermore, the number of refastenings is limited by the number of tape tabs adhering to each other.
According to the present invention however, a disposable diaper of the type described by way of introduction has been achieved which completely eliminates the above-mentioned disadvantages. It is characterized primarily in that at one end of the diaper there are tape tabs disposed in a manner known per se close to the corners of the diaper with a portion permanently joined to the liquid-tight outer layer at said diaper end, and that one or more plastic strips, for fastening the tape tabs when putting the diaper on the user, are mounted on the opposite end of the diaper and consist of a material which is inelastic and has suitable properties for fastening of the tape as well as removal and refastening thereof.
As regards the plastic backing of the diaper, several requirements must be fulfilled. It must be soft and comfortable for the user and, since it is a disposable product, it must be thin and inexpensive. It has previously not been possible to combine these requirements with good tape adhesion as well as good tape removal and refastening.
By arranging one or more plastic strips on the plastic backside of the diaper for fastening the tape tabs, this or these strip(s) can be entirely adapted to the desired characteristics of the tape tab fastening as regards strength and adhesion.
The adhesion between the tape tabs and the special plastic strip(s) according to the invention can also be predetermined as desired. It must not however be greater than the cohesion of the adhesive if there is to be refastening capability. If one selects a smooth and even plastic strip, the adhesion will be great and one can then select tapes of lower quality than those used previously, making the product, the diaper, less expensive to manufacture.
The adhesion and refastening capacity of fastening tabs on a disposable diaper can thus now, by virtue of the invention, be optimized by selection of tape and type of plastic for the strip(s) to which the tape tabs are fastened, as well as by suitable treatment of the surfaces of the plastic strip(s). Attention must only be paid to adhesion and refastening. These characteristics can be easily controlled with advantage by for example different stamping of the plastic strip(s).
The plastic strip(s) can suitably be of material, preferably polyethylene or polypropylene, having a tear strength greater than that of the backside of the diaper plastic outer layer. By virtue of the fact that the plastic strip(s) according to the invention is(are) inelastic, there is no stretching when a tape tab attached thereto is pulled off.
A significant advantage over previously known fastening arrangements is that the tape tabs, by selecting surface smoothness of the plastic strip(s) can be given sufficient adhesive grip even if the tape tabs are only pressed very weakly against this(these) strip(s).
The invention will be described in more detail below with reference to an example which is shown in the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 shows a diaper in a folded-out condition provided with an arrangement according to the invention.
FIG. 2 shows a tape tab on a larger scale and
FIG. 3 shows the diaper shown in FIG. 1 in its condition for use.
In FIG. 1, the absorbent body 1 has been indicated with dashed lines. It is surrounded by a liquid-permeable layer 2 of nonwoven textile which will be in contact with the user's body and by a liquid-tight thin layer 3 of polyethylene, which forms the backside of the diaper. The two layers 2,3 extend laterally outside the absorbent body and are joined there to each other.
The tape tabs 4,5 are permanently mounted with one end on the plastic layer 3 at one end 8, the rear end, of the diaper on the side flaps 6,7. At the opposite end 9 of the diaper, the front end, a nonelastic and smooth plastic strip 10 of polyester is mounted, which is glued securely to the liquid-tight layer 3 constituting the backside of the diaper.
FIG. 2 shows a tape tab in the folded-up condition before use. It has a first portion 11, which is coated with an adhesive and is permanently fixed to the plastic layer 3. The midportion 12 is however not coated with adhesive, but is instead coated with a release agent so that the third portion 13 of the tape flap, which is coated with adhesive, can, as shown at the Figure, be folded-in over the midportion 12 for detachable contact therewith. Finally, an end portion 14 of the tape tab is folded over itself to form a grip.
When the diaper is in the condition of use as shown in FIG. 3, the side flaps 6,7 of the rear end 8 of the diaper overlap the lateral portions of the front end 9 of the diaper. The third adhesive-coated tape portions 13 of the tape tabs 4,5 are pressed against the plastic strip 10 fixed to the backside of the front end of the diaper to fasten the diaper to the user. The adhesive tape portions 13 even with very little pressure, achieve a good grip on the smooth plastic strip, which can be a polyester strip for example. Since this plastic strip is inelastic, it does not stretch when the tape tabs are pulled off. The tape tabs can be easily removed without risk that the plastic strip will stretch and be broken, which is however a common occurrence in previously known diapers, where the tape tabs are fixed directly to the thin polyethylene layer serving as the backside to the diaper.
A suitable material for the plastic strip 10 is also polypropylene.
The manufacture of diapers provided with an arrangement according to the invention is suitably done with the diapers lying transversely to the manufacturing line, making it particularly easy to apply the plastic strip 10. It is then possible to allow it to extend across the entire front end 9 of the diaper so that the strip can be applied continuously. It is however not necessary that the thin polyethylene layer covers the entire backside of the diaper; rather it is sufficient that the plastic strip 10 and the polyethylene layer 3 overlap at the front end 9 of the diaper.
The plastic strip 10 serving as a fastening zone for the tape tabs 4,5 and extending over the front end of the diaper, will in practice function as a sort of belt for the diaper which is essentially only subjected to longitudinal stresses. It is thus not necessary to fix the strip 10 to the diaper along its entire surface.
In the example described above, the plastic strip for fastening of the tape tabs in accordance with the invention is assumed to have a smooth and even surface. This provides the strongest adhesion, but when one must also take into account tape quality and refastening possibilities, it can be suitable to emboss the plastic strip to obtain optimum characteristics.
Patent Citations
Non-Patent Citations
Referenced by
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text:
The new 2014 Skis from Volkl carried in the Dodge Ridge Sport Shop and Demo Center. Check out the selection below, and come up to Dodge Ridge to try them out and find your next pair of skis!
Light Weight, Easy and Playful
With Progressive technology and a lightweight construction, The Aurena suits intermediate skiers who want to improve their frontside skiing while reducing fatigue.Ski Category: Women's All Mountain
Sidecut: 120-75-105
Awards Won:
All Mountain Freeskiing
The new Kendo has re-set the bar a notch higher for all mountain freeriding, with a126-89-110 shape and the addition of tip rocker. With easy handling on the groomers PLUS excellent soft snow performance, the Kendo takes any skier from the bowls to the frontside and back with aplomb. Back for 13/14 season with a graphic update.Ski Category: Men's Freeskiing
Sidecut: 126-89-110
Awards Won:
New for 2013/2014!
A powder ski for easy, drifty turns, the new Völkl One is a brand new model for skiers who want to excel in both deep and variable snow conditions. The early taper in the tip and tail allow the ski to instantly maneuver in any direction at any time. ELP Full Rocker design allows a slightly stiffer flex than other skis in this category, for added stability.
Sidecut: 138-116-130
Awards Won:
Big Mountain Freeskiing
An undisputed highlight in Völkl's long history of building big mountain powder skis that match incredible float with uncanny groomed snow performance, the Shiro has a shape of 151-119-135mm. Its Extended Low Profile rocker features a long, gradual bend with a high tip and tail profile for maximum float. The flex and sidecut are matched to the rocker profile.Ski Category: Men's Powder
Sidecut: 151-119-135
Awards Won:
Pipe & Park
Adding to an already impressive stable of women's freeskiing skis, Völkl introduces the Yumi, an all mountain freeride ski with a shape of 125-83-103. For female skiers who want to tackle the front and back side of the mountain on a light weight, yet stable ski that can handle anything – from bumps, to trees, to hard pack – the Yumi is an impressive new ride.Ski Category: Women's Freeskiing
Sidecut: 125-83-103
Awards Won:

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Results 11 to 20 of 127
British Sikhs revive deadly art banned by the Raj
The warrior art of Shastar Vidya (weapon science) once practiced by Sikhs in the Punjab, was banned by the ruling British, who were intimidated by the success, bravery and sheer aggression of the martial art. The blue turbans were forbidden and only a ceremonial form of the art was allowed in the Raj. The closely guarded secrets of the true form went underground.
Style: stick,Taiji, mountainbike--
Worry not! I'll get this all sorted out for you guys!
Now, off to find trident.Combatives training log.
Gezere: paraphrase from Bas Rutten, Never escalate the level of violence in fight you are losing. :D
Drum thread
Pavel Tsatsouline: kettlebell workouts give you cardio without the dishonour of aerobics.
That was exactly my point.
I don't see any reason why the Raj would have banned Sikhs from practising martial arts, because they were a designated 'martial race'.
This means they were drafted into the British army and were some of the most trusted and most loyal soldiers. We gave them guns and cannons for gods sake, why would we be worried about them doing a bit of playing about with swords and spears and stabby shoes when in the same time period we were actively arming them with the latest European weaponry.
Britain gained control of the Sikh territories in 1849, 8 years later when the Indian Mutiny erupted in 1857 and we nearly lost the whole of India. The Sikhs stayed loyal to the British and helped us recapture Delhi and other crucial sites.
It makes no sense for the Raj to have banned a Sikh martial art.
1: We gave them shitloads of high tech weaponry.
2. They were intensely loyal.
I also haven't seen any reference to a specific act, proclamation etc... about it.
Searching in google scholar for this martial art renders no results.
Registered Member
- Join Date
- Apr 2007
- Location
- SF Bay Area
- Posts
- 47
Posted On:
11/01/2011 5:55pm
Style: Judo--


text:
Lonely lingerie has just released it's new collection, and lawwwdha'mercy, it's got me feelin' some type of way. I've never celebrated Valentines Day with the bf, but I'm thinking it's the perfect excuse to show myself some love and drop some coin on a set or two. In my dreams I would have one of everything. Wait, two of everything. If you do celebrate Valentines, I suggest now is the time to make some heavy hints to your love. Or you know, just ask straight up – whatever works for you.
I'm such a fan of the way many of the Lonely bra styles are made to be shown off, a little hint at what's beneath with a low cut top or sheer blouse. The peek-a-boo cut-outs on the Sabel high-waist and Lulu briefs are also a treat. But what to choose? The sexiness of the Sabel & Lux styles, or the dreaminess of the Cyd, Lulu & Flora? Peep all the styles below:
Sabel cut-out bra, Sabel longline bra, Sabel highwaist brief, Sabel two-strap bra, Sabel tri brief.
Lux underwire bra, Lux brief
Lulu bodysuit, Lulu softcup bra, Lulu underwire bra, Lulu brief
Cyd longline bra, Cyd underwire bra, Cyd brief.
Sabel longline bra, Sabel cut-out bra, Sabel two-strap bra, Sabel highwaist brief, Sabel tri-brief.
Flora midline bra, Flora softcup bra, Flora underwire bra, Flora brief.


text:
Book Depository BlogRSS
It's Usborne Day!
Thu, 03 Oct 2013 09:18
To celebrate 40 years of Usborne books this year, Saturday 5th October has been declared Usborne Day! As part of the celebrations, we've got a brilliant prize to give away, comprising of 40 bestselling Usborne titles, as well as lots of Usborne Day goodies, including a T-shirt and limited edition tote bag! To enter, simply answer the question below. Good luck! Competition closes October 28th.
PLUS: We also have some fun activity sheets for you to download and print off!
Competition now closed
Posted by Adam
Categories: prize, competition, Usborne, 40th
Permalink: Its-Usborne-Day
Usborne Day
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- Sarah McCartin
Books are the greatest treasure on earth.
- Posted Fri, 04 Oct 2013 02:32
- Raylene De Passey
Usborne books are brilliant. Great instructions, simple to use and a variety of topics. I love them.
- Posted Fri, 04 Oct 2013 02:21
- Belinda Midson
We can't get enough of the Usborne books at our house. Our son loves the lift-the-flap books to learn how everything works :) Good Luck everyone!
- Posted Fri, 04 Oct 2013 02:21
- Kate
We use Usborne books for Homeschooling. My daughter loves Time Traveller, and she loved the Usborne book of house and homes and also Usborne book of the world!
- Posted Fri, 04 Oct 2013 02:04
- Filomena Gaglia
Awesome competition once again bd.
- Posted Fri, 04 Oct 2013 01:56
- Germaine Katherine Cormier
I have five grandchildren. I am familiar with Usborne books. This would be an awesome collection. I read them over and over.
- Posted Fri, 04 Oct 2013 01:51
- Sheelah Toren
Absolutely love Usborn books. A fantastic gift idea.
- Posted Fri, 04 Oct 2013 01:48
- Mira Najdovska
Quietly wishing that I will win this fantastic collection.
- Posted Fri, 04 Oct 2013 01:43
- Shirley Turner
I have a baby great grand daughter that would love this collection.
- Posted Fri, 04 Oct 2013 01:40
- opksue
thanks for the chance and the contest. good luck to everyone who enters. :)
- Posted Fri, 04 Oct 2013 01:34
- John McMillan
I would love to sprinkle some Usborne book magic into my new little grandson's life.
- Posted Fri, 04 Oct 2013 01:30
- Lynette Fouracre
no such thing as enough books!!!! Lynette Booklover
- Posted Fri, 04 Oct 2013 01:24
- ione myers
Would love to win this for my grandson.Really that's only an excuse, I like reading kids books as well
- Posted Fri, 04 Oct 2013 01:22
- Cheryl Forbes
Happy Birthday to you! Bring on another 40 years, so that I can give them to my grand children as well!
- Posted Fri, 04 Oct 2013 01:17
- Sue Markwell
What a lovely thing to do - share the joy of reading by giving away books
- Posted Fri, 04 Oct 2013 00:59
- Eline Franklin
Congratulations! My girls love the Usborne books we have. Great giveaway - thank you! :-)
- Posted Fri, 04 Oct 2013 00:55
- Lachlan Williams
I'd love to win this intriguing collection children's books. I work as a children with disabilities support worker in a rather rural region and have wanted to update our collection of books for quite some time.
- Posted Fri, 04 Oct 2013 00:42
- Vanessa Spencer
Wonderful Birhday news hope I win as I work with children that need books
- Posted Fri, 04 Oct 2013 00:40
- Rachel
Congratulation Usborne day!! and plz me!! me!! me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
- Posted Fri, 04 Oct 2013 00:35
- evey JurssLewis
Please, please, please pick me!!! My family are diagnosed bibliophiles and I have more than 20 nieces and nephews, 2 children of my own and even great nieces and nephews that would love this prize!!!!
- Posted Fri, 04 Oct 2013 00:34
- Ellyn M Harpantidis
I'd love to win this great prize to begin a little library for my baby who is on the way! Hopefully he'll grow up surrounded by books- and loving them!
- Posted Fri, 04 Oct 2013 00:32
- janie green
Happy 40th Usborne books! What a wonderful prize for children. I bought Usborne books for my daughter to encourage a love for books and would love for my grandson to have the same opportunity!
- Posted Fri, 04 Oct 2013 00:25
- Lyn Goroncy
What a great prize, our grandchidren, 6 of them will be over the moon with these books.
- Posted Fri, 04 Oct 2013 00:20
- kerry a kelly
thanks for the chance and the contest. good luck to everyone who enters. :)
- Posted Fri, 04 Oct 2013 00:19
- Lee Ryan
Put the ipods and netbooks away, what a wonderful promotion, some lucky person will get to experience real live books......a joy which bypasses many children today.
- Posted Fri, 04 Oct 2013 00:17
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text:
Whether you were the first one in line for the new iPhone or you plan to wait a little longer, you're going to need some accessories for it. But why pay full price for them? Take home the iPhone 5 USB Charge/Sync Cable and Wall Adapter and use it with your brand new toy. This adapter is necessary for charging and syncing your new phone since your old iPhone gear isn't compatible.
Take your pick from 9 different colors! Red, Pink, Purple, Orange, Yellow, Blue, Green, White, & Black
You can also order an optional USB wall plug with your cable for an additional $2.99! (Please note the adapter only comes in white)
- Lightning to USB Charging/Sync cable
- Compatible with the new iPhone 5, new iPod Touch, and new iPod Nano
- 3 foot length
- 9 Different colors available
- Great gift idea!
Warranty: 30 Days
Condition: New


text:
|Kicked-Up Coleslaw
This cole slaw is marvelous. Don't be fooled by the amount of garlic powder--it's not a typo. It uses a lot, but the taste is divine.
Ordinarily, I don't use shredded carrot. Genuine cole slaw doesn't contain carrot. I know many restaurants and cooks do use it, and it's pretty good, but it wasn't ever part of the original recipe. I just happen to have some leftover carrots--surprise--so I used some.
|Not your usual cole slaw
I prefer shredding with my tried-and-true 8-inch chef knife because it really SHREDS. I find a food processor's shredding blade sadly inadequate, but if your mileage varies and you prefer that, by all means. A mandoline will work--sorta--until you get down to the base of the piece of cabbage. Then you have to shred with the knife anyway. I started out this time using my mandoline, since it get sad from not being used so much, but had to end up with the knife so I just did the rest of the cabbage that way. I do have to clean the mandoline--but that's another story :)
Aaaaannnd--it's served with THIS
Kicked-Up Cole Slaw
- 5-6 cups shredded cabbage
- 1/4 cup shredded carrot
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbs water
- 2 tbs cider vinegar
- 1 tbs garlic powder
- 2 tbs sugar
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp Old Bay Seasoning
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
|Kicked-Up Coleslaw


text:
life without mathematics
since feeling is first who pays any attention to the syntax of things will never wholly kiss you eecummings
Monday, September 9, 2013
Crowing. Loud and good humoured, full-bellied crowing.
Yet not from a crow.
From a twinkling eyed, softly wrinkled man in a supermarket carpark. Hardly what I was expecting on a rather ordinary Monday morning, in an more ordinary than ordinary corner of ubiquitous suburbia.
Yet there he was.
And not even shyly.
As I looked up and around, my interest piqued by this nearly, but not quite, crow call, my eyes found those of Birdcaller. And we continued to hold each other's look for enough time to share a few sentences:
"It's true! I'm out here crowing loudly at a crow. And it's possibly a bit silly. It's probably even pretty silly. But I'm doing it, and I'm really having a good time!
"It's true! I caught you! I can see you out here crowing loudly at a crow. And yes it might be a bit silly. It probably is rather silly. But I can see you're having a great time, and I think you're fabulous!"
After exchanging those unspoken sentences, Birdcaller carried on crowing, and I carried on towards the supermarket.
But all day I've held a twinkle and a sparkle in my heart. For Birdcaller. And for his confident, possibly even audacious, commitment to do just exactly what was right for him. Without any undue concern for anyone else.
Do you crow? Maybe not with an actual crow like Birdcaller, but do you follow your bliss with confidence and enthusiasm?
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Posted by life without mathematics at 1:32 PM 0 Voices in conversation
Thursday, September 5, 2013
Reinvigorated. And Slightly Reinvented.
I have long-loved the mystery and magic of a palimpsest. An ancient document weathered by time in the first instance, but kept and treasured for its intrinsic value. And for its unrealised, yet well understood, future value. Not only did these ancient documents contain valued messages, but they were valued as future receptacles of future messages. Even when their current value had passed, it was understood that they would be worthy of being reinvented, and reinvigorated. They would be valued and treasured in new and different ways.
The loyalty and respect that I have understood these precious documents were surrounded with resonates within me. I love that these parchments, so hard to create in the first place, had life, and then more life, and then even more life again. Not only are they so beautifully sustainable, with the eyes our resource-depleted world has given us for recycling and re-use, they capture emotional depth and integrity that touches me.
So, when I've looked at my blog, and wondered where I might take it, I've found palimpsests coming to my mind over, and over again. I've decided that my blog will become a palimpsest. I will honour and value, and retain, much of what I crafted in times past, and yet I will reinvigorated and reinvent it. It will carry messages from the past, and yet also fresh messages more fitting for the me that is now and today.
Since it is not only my blog that is a palimpsest. I am seeing myself as a palimpsest too. My Woman Journey has gladly taken me through career, and into motherhood, and is now moving me back towards career. Surrendering myself to mothering as fully as I could has grown me in directions and depth I never thought possible before the journey began. Though there were many days in that journey when I desperately yearned for solitude, actually experiencing it did not bring the relief and freedom I had hoped for. Instead, I was flooded with fear and grief. What would be lost from the me that I had grown to love? As our children now move so rapidly and wonderfully towards their own life scripts, what would my role be? Would there a role that would deeply satisfy me? Uncertainty surrounded me, and at times overwhelmed me.
After many months of feeling my way round inside the world that altered itself without my permission, and after poor health stripped me of energy for anything greater than life at its most basic Maslowian level, I have come to peace. Peace that reminds me that my life is diverse, and rich, and multi-textured. I am not a text telling just one story. I am a palimpsest. A valued, treasured document telling some dominant and more obvious stories pertaining to now, but also, and always, carrying messages and imprints from other stories that my life has told.
Two palimpsests, then. My blog, and my identity. I am releasing them both to be reinvigorated, and reinvented. I am re-scripting them both with a greater emphasis on my role in a bigger and more outward world. A world that is much larger than simply the world of my family. The counsellor script, which I think has never really slipped that far from the strongest messages embedded in my parchment self, is the one I now strengthen and grow.
Join me again as I begin the process of re-invention!
Have you ever been through a major reinvention of yourself?
Posted by life without mathematics at 1:01 PM 0 Voices in conversation
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
I'm angry.
Really angry.
I'm angry at the way we are all so uncomfortable with anger.
Our society is so uncomfortable with anger that it teaches us to suppress and repress our anger. We subdue this most messy of emotions until we trick ourselves into thinking we are calm and peaceful people whose feathers are never ruffled by anything Life throws up. Not ruffled, and certainly not, not never, ever angered. Peace is privileged. However, the peace that is achieved through avoiding conflict is not truly peace. It may bring calm in the short term, but in the long term, repressing emotions will damage us.
The deep irony to me is that while we are taught to repress our anger, our Society is overflowing with anger and violence wherever we turn. Anger towards children, towards partners, towards our animals, towards our environment. It seems pretty clear to me that suppressing and repressing anger isn't bearing fruit that's worth keeping.
I so wish we could lose our discomfort with anger enough to see that it's not anger that's the problem. Anger is a helpful and positive emotion, just like the ones we are comfortable with. Joy, Pleasure and Love. We are comfortable keeping these, and other feel-good emotions. Anger, however, gets pushed so far to the margins, that it's off the page. And the function of Anger gets overlooked.
Anger is energy. Anger is Energy to change things that are harming us. Without anger, we have no powerhouse of energy to repel things that harm and damage.
So, I say, anger is not the issue. Being angry is not the issue. Feeling angry is not the issue. Acknowledging our anger is not the issue.
But. Acting out in anger. Now that's the issue. Doing angry things in an out of control manner. That is the real issue.
So how can we allow anger to be present, yet manage it so it doesn't become a raging, terrifying inferno wreaking havoc? The familiar and well-known strategy of an "I-Statement" is simple, yet effective. It allows us to voice our anger, yet it's structured enough to assist us to keep our anger under control. This structured statement provides us with guidance and structure at a time when we can be vulnerable and stressed. It will help us manage our anger so we can have an outcome we can feel proud of.
An I-Statement goes like this: "When you don't listen to me, I feel angry." The key bits are,"When you...." and "I feel....". The "When you...." structure limits our comments to a specific event. Instead of a huge tirade towards the offending party that may become personal and critical, it is more appropriate to limit comments to a specific event. Then, once the offending behaviour is named, it is totally important for us to take responsibility for our feelings by naming them. This is the, "I feel...." part. Although it may seem simple, specifically naming our anger can be both uncomfortable and empowering.
If this is a new approach for us, it's quite normal to feel vulnerable and uncomfortable when speaking about our feelings. Especially anger. However, be reassured, it will get easier with practice. The structure and guidance of the I-statement will be like a parent holding our hand through a difficult time. The I-Statement will make it easier for us to navigate our way through anger if we are unfamiliar with it, and it will help us manage our anger so we can benefit from the energy it brings to keep us physically and emotionally safe.
Please reassure yourself after a messy session of conflict resolution, just as we would reassure our growing and developing children if they were struggling with a new challenge: "It's OK. That might not have gone the way you'd hoped, but you're learning." New skills take time to become comfortable and effective. Learning how to be angry might take many, many, many efforts. Each time, we will be getting better at it. Let's give ourselves the space to learn how to do this important thing.
The end result is so worth it. It's only when we learn to allow our anger to fuel us towards the resolution of conflict that we can truly and honestly engage with others.
Utilising our anger is the only way to truly land at the sought after destination of Peace.
What is your spin on anger? How do you manage your anger?
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Posted by life without mathematics at 6:23 PM 7 Voices in conversation
Themes: Anger
Monday, November 28, 2011
The Age of Innocence
Thank you, BIG, for a lovely treat today. Last week, Jo and Lilly ran a giveaway....and I WON SOME TICKETS!
Movie going, actually at the movies, isn't something we've done much of. Actually, Five has been to one, Seven about two and Ten about four. It's all just a bit too pricey, the experience often threatens to be too crass, and the thought of attending a theatre crammed with rustling, chattery other littlies all just combine to seem too, too much like torture.
However, freebies do sweeten the deal, and a Christmas movie on the weekend we planned to 'get Christmas out' seemed just too appropriate. A grey and soggy day sealed it. To the movies!
Delightfully, every aversion I have to going out to the movies was countered with a pleasant antidote. Two complimentaries addressed the pricey factor, and since we only shared the theatre with a grandma and her two, and a mum, and her two or three, a relatively empty theatre addressed the chattery factor. Just leaving the crass factor.
Well. There simply wasn't any of that in this sweet film. What a gentle and innocent, truly sweet story this film tells. Ten, Seven and Five were engrossed throughout, as were Husband and I. Santa's Apprentice tells the story of the current Santa reaching the end of his 174? year stint, and his need to find a replacement. Unwillingly and reluctantly, he bows to the pressure of all the previous Santas who gather and implement the spinning of the globe to locate someone who will meet three criteria: an orphan, named Nicholas, who has a pure heart. And it's not much more complicated than that. An Australian Nicholas is located, allowing for some summer scenes and Aussie accents, and the apprenticeship begins.
My greatest take-away from this charming film is that efforts to preserve innocence for our children are truly worth all the effort and pain they can sometimes bring. Ten is surrounded by peers who talk of M rated movies ALL the time. Despite confessing to nightmares, and finding comfort through sleeping on the floor of their parents' bedroom, these oh so young people continue to batter at the door of the adult world, quite desperately trying to enter in and taste all they can of the expansive array of apparently desirables they believe fill the adult world.
And yet they are still Ten. And, after seeing ours at this movie, they may still quite pleased really to wear a Santa's hat at the movies, if there happens to be a free one given at the door, as there happened to be this time. And they may be quite content really to attend simple and innocent movies like Santa's Apprentice, if we can be brave enough to keep them in an age-appropriate world.
Be brave, fellow parents!
Do you find your older young ones are chafing to transition to an older world?
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Posted by life without mathematics at 5:00 PM 2 Voices in conversation
Themes: Parenting
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Peace and quiet.
You are my muse. In the still and peace, my own quiet voice stirs again.
Peace and quiet, peppered with a good dollop of melancholy. I find I can write everyday if I am obeying some driving motivation that I have either implemented for myself, or that comes from 'obeying' some good idea that I'm following. But if I truly wait until the good ore bubbles its way up inside and hotly pours out over onto the page, then it's peace and quiet, and a good dollop of melancholy that are the necessary ingredients.
Up, and happy, and bubbly I enjoy. And that's where life has taken me recently. Extended family, busy children, and lots of lovely reasons to celebrate. But for writing, reflection and insight, I need the still and quiet. And the melancholy. I'm pretty good on the melancholy. Strong feelings that sweep me away, or some hormonally generated introverted thinking that draws me into myself like a warm, soothing deep bath.
Now is a melancholic season. And now, my voice stirs again. Stirs of its own accord. Beats to its own drum and wants to bubble out onto the page.
So, phoenix-like, here I am again.
What is your muse? Is it a single ingredient muse? Or a particular set of conditions?
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Posted by life without mathematics at 4:10 PM 4 Voices in conversation
Themes: Writing
Friday, October 21, 2011
anticipation spilling over
hottie cooking away
book waiting by bed
house all quiet
early night
Posted by life without mathematics at 9:43 PM 4 Voices in conversation
Themes: pleasures
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text:
16 themes from the popular movie series arranged for alto sax.
Part of Alfred's Harry Potter Instrumental Solos series, this book/CD combo provides you with arrangements for the alto sax which can be performed as ensembles or solos by students who have completed the first book of any standard band method. A fully orchestrated accompaniment MP3 CD is provided, featuring each song as a live performance demo track followed by a play-along track.
Song titles:
"Double Trouble"
"Family Portrait"
"Farewell to Dobby"
"Fawkes the Phoenix"
"Harry in Winter"
"Harry's Wondrous World"
"Hedwig's Theme"
"Hogwarts' Hymn"
"Hogwarts' March"
"Leaving Hogwarts"
"Lily's Theme"
" A Window to the Past"
"Wizard Wheezes"


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Frequently Asked Questions
- Frequently Asked Questions for MBA, MBA with Concentration, MACC, MMIS, and MLSCM
- Frequently Asked Questions for Full-Time MBA
Frequently Asked Questions for MBA, MBA with Concentration, MACC, MMIS, and MLSCM
Do the foundation courses need to be completed before starting the graduate program?
Yes, foundation courses must be completed before enrolling in 6000-level courses. Specific foundation course requirements can be found in the curriculum section of each degree program we offer.
How often do classes meet?
Classes typically meet one night per week from 5:30 p.m. - 8:15 p.m. during the Fall and Spring semesters and 5:30 p.m. – 10 p.m. during the summer.
Do I have to take the GMAT or GRE to enroll in classes?
Before enrolling in 6000-level graduate courses, students must meet admission requirements with an acceptable GMAT or GRE score.
Where can I get help with financial aid?
Students may contact the Financial Aid office at 800-342-0471 or through the website at www.gcsu.edu /financialaid/.
Are the courses in Macon and Warner Robins satellite courses viewed on a TV?
No, the courses offered in Macon and Warner Robins are taught by our full-time academically and professionally qualified faculty who travel to each location to teach the courses.
Can I take some of the Georgia WebMBA® courses and count them toward the traditional MBA program?
Students may not switch back and forth between these two programs because the Georgia WebMBA® program is a lock-step cohort program. WebMBA courses are reserved for the students in the cohort.
Is there a time limit on the foundation courses?
There is no time limit on the completion of foundation courses; however, students who feel they need a refresher should use their own discretion when decided whether or not to repeat them prior to enrolling in the 6000-level graduate courses.
How long do I have to complete my graduate degree?
The degree must be completed within seven years.
Can I be admitted to a program if I haven't taken the foundation courses?
Yes, you can be admitted to the program as long as you meet the admission requirements. However, the foundation courses must be taken before you begin the 6000-level courses.
Frequently Asked Questions for Full-Time MBA
I do not have a degree in business. What prerequisite courses must I take prior to applying?
The Full-Time MBA program does not require that you complete prerequisite courses in business prior to applying to the program.
Can I apply to the Full-Time MBA program if my undergraduate degree is in business?
This program is designed specifically for students with an earned baccalaureate degree in a non-business discipline. If you have an undergraduate degree in business from a U.S. school, you are encouraged to apply to our part-time MBA program offered in Macon and Warner Robins. All international students should contact the MBA director at email@example.com to confirm eligibility for the program.
Will I be able to specialize in an area?
No. The program aims to provide students with a broad management perspective while developing a range of skills and knowledge from the fundamental business disciplines.
How often do classes meet?
Each class typically meets two times per week.
What does a lock-step sequence mean?
A lock-step sequence means that students enter the program during a specific semester and complete the program with a cohort group taking specified courses each semester as a group.
Will there be an orientation?
There will be a one-day mandatory orientation in August. Further detail will be provided upon admission to the program.
How many students are typically in the incoming MBA class?
There are typically 15-20 students in the incoming MBA class
Can I transfer credit into your Full-Time MBA program?
No. Because this is a lock-step, cohort program, transfer credit is not accepted. All of the courses must be completed with the cohort.
Can I take MBA courses offered at Macon and Warner Robins and count them toward the FullTimeMBA program?
Students may not switch back and forth between the Full-Time MBA and the Part-Time MBA because the Full-Time MBA is a lock-step cohort program.
How do I apply to the Full-Time MBA program?
Please go to our web site at mba.gcsu.edu for details on the application process
What are the admission deadlines?
The priority admission deadline is March 1 and the regular admission deadline is April 15. The final application deadline is July 15. Applications are reviewed within two weeks after each deadline.
Do you require previous work experience for admission to the program?
How do you evaluate candidates for admission?
Admission is highly selective and is based on undergraduate performance, GMAT or GRE score, individual essay, recommendations and an interview.
Is there a minimum GPA requirement to apply?
No. Although our students often have competitive undergraduate GPAs, there are many other equally important components of the application. The GPA is just one factor used to evaluate a candidate.
When should I take the GMAT or GRE?
GMAT or GRE scores must be submitted with the admission package by the posted application deadlines.
Is there a minimum GMAT or GRE score required for admission?
No. We accept applicants with a wide range of test scores.
What is the topic for the application essay?
"Where do you see yourself in five years and how will the Full-Time Master of Business Administration help you get there?"
Is the recommendation deadline the same as the application deadline?
Yes. Please bear in mind that it is the applicant's responsibility to ensure that all three recommendations are submitted by the deadline date. We suggest that of the three recommendations, two come from academic professors. The third recommendation can come from a professional or personal source. Recommendations should be individuals who know the candidate well and who can attest to the candidate's potential for successful completion of graduate studies.
What is the process for recommenders?
The recommendations are submitted separately from the candidates' application and will automatically be included in the application upon submission. Applicants should not wait for recommenders to submit their recommendations before submitting their applications.
Is an admission interview required?
We invite candidates to interview on an invitation-only basis after submission of a completed application. This is an excellent way to get to know Georgia College. Applicants invited for an interview but unable to visit campus will be provided the opportunity to complete a telephone interview as part of the admission review process.
What should I expect for my interview?
Your interview will last approximately 15-20 minutes and will be conducted by members of the MBA admissions board. Interviews may take place in person or over the phone.
What is the cost of the Full-Time MBA program?
The cost is based on standard graduate tuition. Additional costs include the International Study Tour and some workshops.
What does the International Study Tour cost and where will we go?
The estimated cost is from $4500 to $5000. This is in addition to tuition costs. The location will vary from year-to-year. Previous cohorts have visited Germany, India and Australia.
How do I apply for financial aid?
Students may apply for financial aid through the Financial Aid Office's web site at www.gcsu.edu/financialaid. For more information, please contact the Financial Aid Office at 478-445-5149.
Are there Graduate Assistantships available? How do I apply?
Yes, there are a limited number of graduate assistantships that are awarded on a competitive basis. You can find an application on our website at mba.gcsu.edu.
Who should I contact if I have questions regarding the Full-Time MBA program?
You can contact Lynn Hanson, Director of Graduate Programs in Business, by email at email@example.com or by phone at 478-445-5115.


text:
The photos of Evelyn Lozada's steamy photo shoot for Maxim.com came out last week, and for those of you who are curious how a shoot like that goes down, we've got a video documenting the whole thing. You've got to love a woman who can rock her heels, amazing engagement ring, and not much else.
To see more of the photos from the shoot, we've got them over here.
[Video: Maxim.com]


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|Issues Facing California's Skate Parks
|Written by Administrator
|Tuesday, 07 April 2009 12:05
Three years ago, California Parks & Recreation magazine conducted a comprehensive exploration of the skate park concept, examining liability issues as well as the potential of skate parks to help reduce crime and vandalism by inviting skaters to come in off city sidewalks and into an organized activity area. Since then, the number of skate parks has soared faster than a skateboarder on a half-pipe jump. Rarely seen outside a few pioneering mid-sized cities a few years ago, skate parks have now popped out of the landscape all the way from tiny Ripon (population 10,000) to sprawling Los Angeles.
The rapid rise in the number of skate parks was encouraged in part by enabling legislation that limited the vulnerability of skate parks to legal action arising from injury claims. One bill, AB 1296, modified a section of the state's Health and Safety Code in 1997 by declaring skateboarding a hazardous recreational activity (HRA) and alleviated skate parks of liability for injuries sustained by skateboarders age 14 or older. With proper warning signs posted, skate parks were granted a measure of immunity from liability for injuries resulting from failure of a skateboarder to exercise proper caution. Similar legislation, AB 915, introduced in 1997 by Assemblyman Scott Baugh, applied to in-line skaters, but set the age threshold at 18 or older. The bills required cities, counties and park districts with skate parks to submit annual reports to the Judicial Council detailing information about lawsuits filed by persons injured while skateboarding or in-line skating on public property.
Both bills contained a sunset clause, with an expiration date of Jan. 1, 2001, for AB 915 (the in-line skating bill), and Jan. 1, 2003, for AB 1296 (the skateboarding bill). Driven out of the Assembly by term limits, AB 1296 sponsor Bill Morrow (R-Oceanside) won election to the State Senate and he's now sponsoring a bill, SB 994, that would renew the provisions of AB 1296 and extend its sunset date to Jan. 1, 2008. The Senate already has passed SB 994, and it's now awaiting review in the Assembly Judiciary Committee before going to the floor of the Assembly. "From there it goes to the governor's desk, where we expect it to go through," said Jayme Murray, legislative aide to Sen. Morrow.
An apparent majority of public skate park operators have been operating under the false impression that AB 1296 (the skateboard bill) superceded and enveloped AB 915 (the in-line skating bill). It did not. And state Government Code section 831.7—which identifies bicycle jumping, downhill skiing, kayaking, trampolining and body contact sports among its listing of HRAs—does not specify that classification for in-line skating.
The multiple-use dilemma
Complicating matters, skate parks are being asked to accommodate more than just acrobatic in-line skaters and skateboarders. Thrill-seeking cyclists and scooter riders want to test their skills on ramps and jumps as well, putting skate park operators in an awkward position. They don't want to turn recreational enthusiasts away, but they're reluctant to allow them to use the same courses as skateboard riders—justifiably so for maintenance as well as safety reasons.
"Bicycles and scooters can tear up the concrete finish on ramps and damage coping on jumps not designed for their use. While skaters and skateboarders coexist very well, there is a need for separate facilities designed with proper materials specifically for BMX use," declares Anne Schultze, recreation coordinator for the city of Modesto, which operates a 13,000-square-foot skate park. Airborne bicycles, with their handlebars, kickstands, chains and gears, pose substantial hazards to kids on skateboards.
Although skate park operators had sought changes in legislation—specifically, reduction of the age threshold below 14 and inclusion of language encompassing in-line skaters, cyclists and scooter riders—Sen. Morrow's office did not pursue such changes due to opposition from the powerful trial lawyers' lobby. "We tried to lower the age to 7, but the bill wouldn't have made it out of any committees," said legislative aide Murray. "The language is as narrow as it is only because that's as much as we can get through."
But the limitations in California statutes haven't prevented park and recreation agencies from exploring recreational options for skateboarders, in-line skaters, trick cyclists and scooter riders. Dick Guthrie, for one, avoids placing much emphasis on legislation, recognizing its limitations. Guthrie is director of human services for the city of Claremont, among the state's pioneers in skate park development. Now a seasoned veteran in skate park administration, Guthrie is chairperson of the Southern California Skate Park Coalition. That organization is a collective that serves as a forum for exchange of ideas and disseminates information to its membership.
" The current legislation, and the proposed reauthorization, SB 994, provides a bit of a comfort zone to residents of communities," observed Guthrie, who has become a respected authority on skate park development and management.
The age cutoff in the legislation has not noticeably influenced provision of services to younger skateboarders. "Several agencies have even constructed skate parks with areas geared to younger skaters," says Guthrie. "In some of the earlier parks, including our own, heights of ramps and other features were very moderate, typically with drops of no more than 18 inches. That has changed as time has demonstrated that kids pretty quickly learn the skills and adapt to some of the greater drops. Now parks commonly have drops of 4 feet up to 8 feet. As we've gone from so few parks to hundreds of parks, we've learned that regardless of ability level, skaters find places at which they're comfortable in parks."
The Southern California Skate Park Coalition has spawned a Northern California counterpart, headed by Terri Davies, safety analyst with the Yolo County Public Agency Risk Management Insurance Authority in Woodland. Membership in the two groups combined encompasses about 130 public agencies.
Davies, whose background is in construction safety, believes that park and recreation agencies should regard the 14-year-old threshold as a reflection of the judgment capabilities of skaters. "Younger kids may lack sufficient judgment to determine danger, so the responsibility lies with the parent or the agency, and both must take due caution," she says. Despite the potential for injury, few lawsuits have been filed against skate parks. "Skaters regard a broken arm as somewhat of a badge of honor," Davies explained. Consequently, skaters discourage their parents from reporting their injuries. Still, she advises agencies to enact ordinances "with some teeth," mandating use of personal protective equipment and identifying acceptable and forbidden types of activities. "Although community service districts cannot enact such ordinances, any general city can and should."
Materials and maintenance
While proper insurance, strong ordinances and clear signage provide a measure of protection for skate park operators against reckless use of their facilities, they have no immunity from accidents resulting from poor design or inadequate maintenance.
"Injury rates soar when skate parks are not built properly," asserts Heidi Lemmon, founder and director of Skate Park Association USA, a nonprofit trade association that researches and suggests building and safety guidelines. The organization, based in western Los Angeles, also operates a separate nonprofit charitable organization that pursues grants to help public skate parks raise funds for after-school programs.
"The other big mistake agencies make is sending designs out to bid with no qualifications, and awarding the contract to the low bidder whose experience is in paving driveways and is not accustomed to working with curved surfaces. They'll give the concrete a brushed finish, and when the kids fall, that just rips their skin off. And they'll use concrete rated at 2,500 pounds per square inch, which will fall apart when you're skating on it. Concrete surfacing for a skate park needs to be rated at a minimum of 4,000 pounds per square inch." She cites the unhappy example of a Southern California city that commissioned site planning from a competent skate park design firm, then awarded the construction contract to a paving firm that submitted the lowest bid but was inexperienced in skate park construction. "The surface was bumpy and kinked. A smooth surface lets kids slide when they land, but if the surface is bumpy, they'll lose control or their skateboards are gonna grab, and they could be seriously injured. The agency ended up having to jackhammer up the entire park and rebuild it using one of the contractors we recommended." Skate Park Association USA offers its members a list of recommended contractors and designers with a proven track record. "They understand the nature of precise transitions, speed lines, flow patterns, proper surfaces and other technical aspects of skate park design and construction," said Lemmon.
Liability expert Allan Amico agrees. He's a risk manager for the California Joint Powers Insurance Authority, a self-insured pool of 87 public entities, primarily cities and also some special districts. Amico, who participated in efforts to introduce legislation that would provide more liability protection for skate park operators, urges agencies not only to have skate parks properly designed and constructed, but also to institute a rigorous maintenance program.
"Agencies must be able to show records of inspections and maintenance. That is a state requirement," said Amico, whose office is in La Palma, near Knott's Berry Farm. "In any case involving liability, the agency must be able to produce documentation of maintenance. Park maintenance supervisors should check for cracked concrete, metal reinforcing peeling away from concrete and other defects. Make sure that if a fall occurs, it isn't going to be the fault of the park itself."
The intensive use of skate parks gives agencies a good recreational return on their investment.
"Skate parks are not terribly expensive," said Guthrie, noting that construction costs average about $25 per square foot. "So the average skate park, which is now about 12,000 square feet for most cities, is running around $300,000." He offers a telling comparison: "A moderate-sized public restroom facility, now costs about $150,000 to $200,000 including design fees." Because of the relatively low cost, Guthrie has become an advocate of construction of separate skate parks for skateboarders and cyclists.
"That's the hot-button issue now for those of us operating skate parks. Parks can be designed for bikes by providing for proper density of concrete, and proper steel-edge coping," said Guthrie. Separate facilities also resolve incompatibilities between skateboarders and cyclists. "If you ask most BMX bike riders they'll say, 'we have no problem with skateboarders, so we can share the park.' If you ask skateboarders you don't get the same answer. We've asked. We do a lot of asking. The natural response would be to schedule hours or days for skateboarders and other days for bikes, assuming you retrofit your park to withstand the maintenance issue. The problem with that is you're taking time away from your skateboarders. Scheduling also is going to increase the supervision that's needed, because someone has to be there to monitor that."
Modular equipment
Other options are available to recreation providers unable to underwrite the cost of developing a conventional concrete skate park. Manufacturers of playground equipment are now producing lightweight, durable, portable skate ramp systems made of metal or composite materials. Some agencies are collaborating with school districts in development of such facilities, while other school districts are initiating such projects entirely on their own.
Big cities have been much less reactive than smaller towns in developing skate parks. So the mammoth Los Angeles Unified School District, the nation's second largest, has begun a program of its own, called "Beyond the Bell."
Operating skate facilities on a pilot basis on only six campuses as of this past March, the year-old program has entered a phase of rapid growth, opening one new facility each week for the remainder of the current school year, primarily on middle school grounds. The skate park equipment at the schools is modular, on wheels. After-school operation is supervised, and the equipment is loaded and stored in locked 40-foot cargo containers at night and on weekends. The project was prompted by the realization that schoolyards were already functioning as de facto skate parks.
"After school you see as many as 50 kids riding skateboards outside the school sites," said Dennis A. Stecchi, the L.A. Unified School District's regional recreation director in charge of the "Beyond the Bell" program. "For many years we pushed those kids away; we need to start embracing them."
Raised by a single mom, Stecchi was once one of those disenfranchised kids. He's still a skateboarder, and a strong advocate for the sport, which he believes poses no more liability risks than other recreational pursuits.
"High schools put pads on kids and tell them to hit each other. Skateboarding is a nonconfrontational, individual sport, with accident rates lower than any of the other sports," Stecchi declared. "The injury rate on the apparatuses at elementary playgrounds are far higher than for participants in skateboard parks."
Skate Park Association USA's Heidi Lemmon agrees that skateboarding injuries are often far overestimated, explaining that some safety gear can contribute to injuries more than it prevents them.
"Pads do no more than prevent road rash, and wrist guards can be detrimental because a majority of injuries in skateboarding are caused by flying skateboards," said Lemmon "Skaters want to make sure they can grab another board that's flying through the air at them. That commonly happens because these kids will do the same trick over and over and maybe land it once out of 20 times, so the board is really flying out most of the time. Because wrist guards cover the thumb area of the palm, they can prevent you from grabbing a board. Wrist guards are more appropriate for roller hockey or beginning skaters, who tend to fall backwards. Kids at the beginner level shouldn't even be in a skate park—they belong in front of their house. We advise agencies to post their signs, recommend the equipment, and then just leave it at that."
Regulation enforcement
Lemmon offers an additional recommendation regarding enforcement of posted regulations.
"We really oppose cities using police to ticket the kids," said Lemmon "Police departments are understaffed, and there's too much crime out there. Having them baby-sit kids for the city or for the parents is such a waste of taxpayer money. Within the first three months after opening a skate park, one city wrote $43,000 in tickets to kids for violating safety regulations. That's not really about safety, it's about revenue. Police should let kids at skate parks get to know them, and should make sure their presence there is driving away drug dealers and pedophiles. That's what the police are for. If mom wants to make sure that her kid is wearing a helmet at the skate park, let her go sit there and watch him. Our police officers have better things to do, and they deserve better treatment."
But beyond all that, she believes the greatest problem confronting cities is inadequacy in the number and size of skate parks. "Most of them are jam-packed all the time. The city of Lexington, Kentucky, built an 80,000-square-foot skate park that is just a masterpiece, and Calgary built a 91,500 square-foot-park." While such showplaces are beyond the budgets of most cities, she advocates building any facility within means. "Some cities that are unable to get insurance coverage for a skate park are building skate plazas by adding planters and benches within other parks. It's not technically a skate park; it just happens to be a really fun place for kids to hang out and skate."
Contact Information
So. Cal. Skate Park Coalition
No. Cal. Skate Park Coalition
Skate Park Association USA
California Joint Powers Insurance Authority
Beyond The Bell Branch


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March is here and the madness has already begun. The last week of the SEC regular season came with program changing wins and losses among the SEC&#...
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2 Hikes | FVFn |
The bowl season is almost over and the SEC has won four games and lost two. There are two SEC bowl games left one with a guaranteed win and the oth...
3 Hikes | FVFn |
The wait, speculation, and predictions are over as the SEC released the 2012 schedule.There are some surprises, some unfairness, and some really go...
3 Hikes | FVFn
5 Hikes | FVFn


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Complete Press Release - CSUN Hosts La Sierra University
Northridge Notes
Homeward Bound, Home Cooking, Home Sweet Home ... Following the longest road trip (nine days, four games) in school history and a journey that chalked up nearly 6,000 miles, Cal State Northridge has found its way home ... The Matadors begin a three-game home series on Sunday, December 1, at 2:00 pm against La Sierra University ... Then on Tuesday, Dec. 3, CSUN hosts Southern Utah at 7:00 pm followed by a Dec. 5 contest against Seattle University at 7:00 pm ... Six of the seven games this year have been away from the Matadome ... The Matadors have not played at home since Nov. 8 when CSUN recorded a 86-74 victory over Hope International University ... CSUN, under first year head coach Reggie Theus, has undergone a complete makeover since last year ... Nine new players have joined six returnees to comprise the 15-man varsity roster ... The scoring, rebounding and assist trio of Josh Greene (6-0, 180, Senior, Guard, Los Angeles, Ca), Stephan Hicks (6-6, 200, Junior, Guard/Forward, Thousand Oaks, Ca), and Stephen Maxwell (6-7, 220, Junior, Forward, Thousand Oaks, Ca) return to lead the CSUN scoring and rebounding attack ... Greene, Hicks and Maxwell have collectively played a total of 220 games, scored 2,834 points, grabbed 1,124 rebounds, dished out 351 assists and recorded 243 steals ... Hicks only needs 23 points to reach the 1,000 point plateau, thus becoming only the 17th player in Matador history to accomplish that feat ... A total of 420 players in the 55-year history of Matador basketball have worn the red & black uniforms since the university began intercollegiate competition in 1958-59.
"We want to make the Northridge community, the University, the student body, the faculty and staff proud of the product we put out on the basketball court. The Matadors will be the hardest playing team in the Big West Conference. It's going to be fun. I'm looking forward to the challenge."
CSUN head coach Reggie Theus
Radio Report
Ghizal Hasan and Alan Zinsmeister are the radio voices for CSUN basketball this year ... Their live broadcasts can be heard on gomatadors.com ... Hasan served the 2012-13 season as the voice of women's basketball for CSUN ... Zinsmeister begins his tenth season as color commentator for CSUN.
Series Story
This is the first meeting between Cal State Northridge and La Sierra University ...
La Sierra Ledger
La Sierra University is a Seventh-Day Adventist co-educational university located in Riverside ... Founded in 1922, La Sierra Academy later became La Sierra College ... The school was later merged into Loma Linda University in 1967. In 1990, La Sierra separated from Loma Linda University to become an independent school ... The Golden Eagles compete under the rules of the NAIA and are members of the California Pacific Conference ... La Sierra University is currently 2-6 ... Cal State Northridge and La Sierra have played one common opponent this year ... CSUN beat Hope International, 86-74, in the season opener while the Golden Eagles fell to HIU, 99-71 ... Daveon Woods, a senior guard, leads the team in scoring (16.1 ppg) followed by freshman guard/forward Wolfgang Wood at 14.1 ppg ... Woods scored a season-high 35 points in the season opener against Westmont College... Garrett Kiefer is the rebounding leader at 5.1 boards per game ... Garrett chalked up a season-high ten rebounds against Westmont.
Matadome Madness
CSUN has played 614 home games at the Matadome with a winning percentage of .649 ... In 51 previous seasons on CSUN's home court, the Matadors have produced 41 winning seasons, five .500 seasons and only five losing seasons.
Minutes Memo
With only eleven players on the roster, everbody is getting a chance to play ...Three starters are averaging 33 minutes or more per game, respectively ... Stephan Hicks (6-6, 200, Junior, G/F, Thousand Oaks, Ca) checks in at 34.9 mpg while Josh Greene (6-0, 180, Senior, Guard, Los Angeles, Ca) is at 33.0 mpg and Stephen Maxwell (6-7, 220, Junior, Forward, Woodland Hills, Ca) at 32.9 mpg ... Hicks has played in 32 or more minutes in six of the seven games ... That included 41 of 45 minutes in CSUN's 80-77 overtime victory over Austin Peay (11/22/13) ... Greene has charted 31 or more minutes in six games while Maxwell has clocked 34 or more minutes in five games ... Two other starters are averaging 28.6 and 28.4 minutes per game, respectively ... They are Tre Hale-Edmerson (6-9, 215, Forward, Center, Sheridan, Or) and Landon Drew (6-1, 175, Sophomore, Guard, Los Angeles, Ca) ... Seven of the eleven players are averaging in double-digits in minutes played.
Free Throw Facts (Part #1)
Over the past two seasons, Cal State Northridge has demonstrated its strength from the free throw line ... In 2011-12, the Matadors broke the school record with a .755 season free throw percentage ... Last year, CSUN shot .733 from the charity stripe, fourth-best for a single season in school history ... In the season opener against Hope International (11/8/13), the Matadors hit 32-of-33 free throws (.970), a school record and sixth-best for a single game in NCAA history ... After seven games, Cal State Northridge is hitting .800 (160-for-200) from the charity stripe, tops in the Big West Conference ... In three games, CSUN has hit 80 percent better.
Free Throw Facts (Part #2)
Two of CSUN's strength on the free throw line starts with Josh Greene (6-0, 180, Senior, Guard, Los Angeles, Ca) and Stephan Hicks (6-6, 200, Junior, Guard/Forward, Thousand Oaks, Ca) ... Greene has played in 97 games in three-plus seasons at CSUN with a career free throw percentage of .844 (third-best in school history) ... Hicks has played in 62 games (57 as a starter) in two-plus seasons with the Matadors with a free throw percentage of .809 (293-362), seventh-best in CSUN history.
Season Story
Cal State Northridge has chalked up a 3-4 record in this young season in 2013-14 ... The Matadors have played only one game at home, an 86-74 victory over Hope International (11/8/13) in the season opener ... CSUN set a school record with a .970 free throw shooting percentage against HIU ... The free throw effort was also sixth-best for a single game in NCAA history ... CSUN hit 32-of-33 free throws to erase the old school record of .944 (17-for-18) set at Cal State Dominguez Hills on January 28, 1989 ... Stephen Maxwell (6-7, 220, Junior, Forward, Woodland Hills, Ca) hit 11-of-11 free throws and Josh Greene (6-0, 180, Senior, Guard, Los Angeles, Ca) connected on 8-of-8 free throws to help CSUN to the free throw record ... CSUN led by as much as 19 points, 62-43, with 10:25 left in the game ... Maxwell produced a game-high with 23 points along with 12 rebounds.
"Our objective is to make a student-athlete successful not only at CSUN but in life. This is the start of their journey. We want to make the Northridge community, the University, the student body, and the staff proud of the roduct we put out on the basketball court."
Reggie Theus, CSUN head coach
Maxwell's Memo
Stephen Maxwell (6-7, 220, Junior, Forward, Woodland Hills, Ca) comes from a family that stresses academics ... Maxwell has two sisters who have gained outstanding academic distinction in the classroom ... Jessica Maxwell graduated from Occidental College and earned her Ph.D in the Department of Art and Archaeology at Princeton University ... Jessica is now a visiting assistant professor in Modern and Contemporary Art at the University of California's (Berkeley) Department of Art History ... Tiffany Maxwell is a highly successful costume designer/stylist specializing in custom, handmade garments primarily for stage and music videos in Los Angeles ... Maxwell's brother, Kevin, is an accomplished singer from the swing and jazz era (like Frank Sinatra) and is currently recording a CD ... Stephen Maxwell, a Communications major, gained Big West All-Academic honors last year.
"My mom reminds me every day about the importance of an education. She cares more about
education than anything. I really admire her for that."
CSUN junior forward Stephen Maxwell
Reggie Review
Dave Yanani is a legendary coach in the Los Angeles area who not only enjoyed success on the high school level but also coached collegiately at Cal State Dominguez Hills and Cal State Los Angeles ... Yanani gave CSUN head coach Reggie Theus his first job in coaching as a volunteer assistant at Cal State Los Angeles in 2002-03.
"Reggie discovered he loved coaching so much. He had a love for teaching, interacting and communicating with the players. He showed his competitive side as a teacher. Reggie embraced his coaching role on the team."
Dave Yanai, former Cal State Los Angeles head coach
Trevone's Tale
Trevone Williams (6-6, 225, Sophomore, Forward, Los Angeles, Ca) worn uniform #30 last season to honor his late uncle, Trevone Castleberry .. Williams has changed his uniform to #10 this year to honor his late father, who wore that uniform number when he was a star athlete at Crenshaw High School and Antelope Valley College.
"#30 is still in my heart for my late uncle but #10 is 'home' to honor my best friend, my dad. From the time I wake up, and during the course of the day, I think about my dad."
CSUN sophomore forward Trevone Williams
J.J.'s Jargon
J.J. Thomas (6-6, 220, Junior, Opelausas, La) hails from Opelousas, a small town in Louisiana ... Thomas can cook with several specialities that include crawfish etouiffee, jambalaya, shrimp creole, and gumbo.
"Opelousas (La.) is the spice capital of the world and the center of Zydeco music. Southern people are warm and friendly. People from the South want to make you feel at home."
CSUN junior foward J.J. Thomas
Record Report
Josh Greene (6-0, 180, Senior, Guard, Los Angeles, Ca) has scored 1,091 points in his three-plus-year career with Cal State Northridge, becoming only the 16th player in school history to reach the 1,000 point plateau in the 55-year history of Matador basketball ... Greene's 1,091 career points are 12th-best in school history ... Stephan Hicks (6-6, 200, Junior, Guard, Thousand Oaks, Ca) has scored 977 points in his two-plus years at CSUN, only 23 points short of becoming the 17th player in school history to reach the 1,000 point plateau ... Hicks tied a school record with a perfect 12-for-12 effort against Austin Peay (11/22/13) ... Hicks has 293 career free throws, tenth-best in school history ... With two three-pointers in his last game at Montana State (11/26/13), Greene now has 164 successful shots from behind the arc to move ahead of Rob Haynes (2005-09) into second place in school annals ... Greene is 18 three-pointers short of catching the school record holder Ian Boylan (2001-05) with 182 ... Greene has attempted 446 career three-pointers, third-best in school history and only 26 short of catching Vinnie McGhee (2009-12) in second place in the school record book ... Greene has dished out 265 career assists, ninth-best in the Matador record book, and only five short of catching Tony Prestera in eighth-place in the Matador record book.
Footnote Facts
Josh Greene (6-0, 180, Senior, Guard, Los Angeles, Ca) has switched his uniform number from #0 to #1 ... Landon Drew (6-1, 175, Sophomore, Guard, Los Angeles, Ca) graduated from Fairfax High School ... One of his high school teammates was Reggie Theus' son, Reggie Jr., who is a freshman basketball player at the University of South Carolina ... Landon's father, Larry, is the head coach of the NBA's Milwaukee Bucks ... Amir Garrett (6-6, 210, Guard, Los Angeles, Ca) is a left-handed pitcher in the Cincinnati Reds organization ... Garrett's fastball has been clocked at 96-miles per hour ... Aaron Parks (6-3, 198, Freshman, Guard, Baltimore, Md) had never visited California before taking a basketball recruiting trip from his East Coast home in Baltimore (Md) to the West Coast, specifically the campus of Cal State Northridge ... Chris Pompey, CSUN assistant coach, played football at the University of Pittsburgh in 1984 ... One of his teammates was quarterback Dan Marino, who later enjoyed a Hall of Fame career with the Miami Dolphins ... The announced crowd of 14,770 to watch CSUN at Fresno State was the seventh-largest crowd to watch the Matadors play ... The school record remains 20,999 when CSUN traveled to Brigham Young (11/24/12).
Matadome Memo
The Matadome, home to the Cal State Northridge men's and women's basketball programs, has enjoyed a major overhaul that makes the 51-year-old building enjoyable for CSUN fans ... An extensive multi-million dollar makeover has included a new court, video boards, new graphics, new scoreboard, new sound system, high definition cameras, a live video production studio, new seats and bleachers, VIP floor seating, air conditioning, and the improvements go on-and-on ... Matador fans attending games will be thoroughly impressed ... The Matadome has endured a few dull, mundane names, Matador Gym, Northridge Gym, San Fernando Valley State Gymnasium ... The Matadome was once called KPE100 (Kinesiology Physical Education 100) ... During the first four years of collegiate men's basketball at Cal State Northridge, the Matadors had to play their home games at several high schools in the San Fernando Valley including Granada Hills, Monroe and Birmingham High Schools ... In the 51-year history of the Matadome, the Matadors have produced 41 winning seasons, five .500 seasons and only five losing campaigns.
Post-Game Points
Cal State Northridge has played 1,524 games since the start of the basketball program in 1958-59 ... A total of 420 players have worn the Red, Black & White of Cal State Northridge ... Thirty-one states have been represented in years past on the Matador roster ... This year's 15-man roster will feature ten players from the Southern California area (Robert Cid, Landon Drew, Devonte Elliott, Amir Garrett, Josh Greene, Stephan Hicks, Kevin Johnson, Stephen Maxwell, K.J. Smith, Trevone Williams), one player from Louisiana (J.J. Thomas, Opelousas), one player from Maryland (Aaron Parks from Baltimore), one player from Nevada (Ben Vozzola from Las Vegas), and player from Oregon (Tre Hale-Edmerson from Sheridan), and one player from Pennsylvania (Dominique Youmans from Philadelphia).
Schedule Saga
The 56th season of Cal State Northridge basketball season will be as exciting as the previous 55 years ... In the past eleven seasons, Cal State Northridge has played at least one Pac-12 school ... This year is no exception ... On Nov. 12, CSUN traveled to the Galen Center to face the USC Trojans ... The trip to USC began a six game road trip that took the team to Fresno State (11/16/13) and four games at the Central Michigan Tournament (Nov. 21-26) ... Fourteen home games will be played at the Matadome in 2013-14 ... Big West Conference play will start at home with a Jan. 9 (7:00 pm) encounter against UC Davis ... The conference season will end at home against four-time league champion Long Beach State on March 6 (7:05 pm) ... Cal State Northridge started its 56th year of intercollegiate basketball competition in 2013-14 ... During that time, the Matadors have played 215 colleges and universities that have represented 43 states ... Geographically, Cal State Northridge has played as far west as Hawai'i and as far east as New Jersey (played in Rider College in 2008-09).
Conference Chatter
Cal State Northridge has been tabbed to finish seventh in the Big West Conference basketball pre-season media poll ... The Matadors generated 89 points ... UC Irvine is picked to win the league title with 183 points followed by UC Santa Barbara (167 points), Cal Poly (165 points), Long Beach State (164 points), UC Davis (114 points) and Hawai'i (110 points) ... CSUN is picked for seventh place followed by Cal State Fullerton (57 points) and UC Riveside (31 points) ... According to Athlon Sports Magazine, CSUN is predicted to finish second in the Big West Conference ... Athlon picked UC Irvine to win the conference followed by CSUN, UC Santa Barbara, Long Beach State, Cal Poly, Hawai'i, UC Davis, Cal State Fullerton and UC Riverside.
"No Big West team can match the off-season buzz created by the Matadors, who hired former NBA Star Reggie Theus as head coach. Theus, who guided New Mexico State to an NCAA bid in 2006-07, will bring the up-tempo style he learned playing under Jerry Tarkanian at UNLV. He also spent two seasons as head coach of the Sacramento Kings."
Athlon Sports Magazine


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Nestled within a tranquil hardwood forest, yet only minutes from shopping, entertainment, downtown Atlanta, I-85, Georgia Perimeter College and the Oakbrook Corporate Park area, you'll find well designed one, two, and three bedroom Norcross apartment homes at Oakbrook Pointe. Many homes feature kitchens with breakfast bars, vaulted ceilings, wood burning-fireplaces, washer and dryer connections, ceiling fans, and so much more!
We welcome you home to your Norcross apartment each day to all the amenities you deserve: a state-of-the-art fitness center, two resort-style swimming pools, lighted tennis courts, an indoor basketball court, a new playground, and a professional, caring staff.
Let us show you the quality and attention to detail you've come to expect at our Norcross apartment community. Come home to Oakbrook Pointe!


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MSS as promised here is the recipe...pesto is a classic specialty from genoa...this is considered the original version by most...I often skip the butter to cut back on calories;)
1 cup fresh basil leaves
4 oz pine nuts
2 peeled garlic cloves
1 cup olive oil
6 tbsp. soft butter
1/2 tsp. salt
pinch pepper
1 cup grated parmesan cheese
Place clean & dry basil in blender with nuts, half oil & garlic. Blend.
Add butter salt & pepper & blend again while adding the oil in a steady stream until the mixtures is like a paste. Mix in the cheese.
If planning to freeze skip the butter & cheeses until ready to use. We freeze ours in ice cube trays, when frozen through we put them in air tight containers, & defrost how ever many cubes you need in the refridgerator. When thawed mix in the cheese & butter...
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Senior Mary Podlaski
Jan. 12, 2012
CINCINNATI - The Xavier men's and women's swimming team is back in action this weekend fresh off its annual training trip to Florida. The Musketeers will host the Eastern Michigan Eagles at O'Connor Sports Center at 5 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 13. Three seniors Chadeau Wilson, Michael Zennedjian and Mary Podlaski will be honored in a Senior Night ceremony. The squad will them head up to Rochester, Mich., for a dual meet with Oakland and Cleveland State on Saturday.
Coming into this weekend's meets, the Xavier men's and women's teams are receiving votes in the latest CSCAA Mid-Major Division I Poll. Eastern Michigan's men are ranked eighth and the women are ranked 12th in the same poll. Oakland is seventh and 10th respectively, while Cleveland State is ninth for the men and receiving votes for the women's team.
Stay tuned to GoXavier.com for results from this weekend's meets.


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Clayton's been working hard on the farm, poor boy; he's coming home all spattered with mud, smelling like livestock, with a big fat tired grin on his face. Today he got bit in the ass by a goat, he carried around fluffy baby lamb, played with the freshly hatched baby chicks, moved a whole chicken coop, sloped hogs, etc. Tonight I needed to whip together a hearty something something to make my man's man all fortified for his supreme acts of labor, and I thank Mario Batali for introducing me to this super simple super satisfying dinner on the fly. I, of course, did my own thing to it, but the concept is based on something I saw him make on one of his old shows on the FoodNetwork over a decade ago. The macaroni is obvious: noodles, and squiggly ones to boot! The "alla telefono" refers to the stretchy stringy cords of fresh mozzarella cheese melted into this delicious pasta and sausage baked dish. With my quick-made basil marinara sauce, dinner is red and good and gooey and rich and fresh and hot and yummy and awesome. 'Nuff said.
Macaroni alla Telefono
1 lb sweet Italian sausage
1 carrot
1 stalk celery
1 small onion
4 cloves garlic
a handful of fresh basil
2 tbs tomato paste
1 large can crushed San Marzano tomatoes
burrata cheese
2 cups noodles (your choice, but something squiggly works best)
salt and pepper
fennel seeds (optional)
caraway seeds (optional)
I was cheeky today, I admit it. I noticed that Savenor's afternoonFacebook posting was a link to a blog – an excellent blog, to be sure – but it got me thinking: I gots me a blog, and I shop at Savenor's, too. Methinks perhaps I just need to say "Here's what I do with your meats, yo'" (to mix my vernaculars) and maybe they'll dig my blog, too. So I slid the stud behind the counter my cool biz card, and I'm sure any day now they'll offer me half their profits to compensate for all you rich browsers discovering them through my portal into the world of FOOD. That's right. Lolita's a trendsetter, she is. Today I bought my cheese (they were out of fresh mozzarella, but burrata served the purpose of both ricotta and mozz at the same time), my sausage (which was heavenly), my tomato paste, and a loaf of french bread at their Cambridge joint. After slipping the dude my card. In shameless self-promotion. 'Cuz that's how I roll.
I start with a simple mirepoix and minced garlic and stir it around in a hot oiled pan.
I add a few dashes of sea salt, some cracked black pepper, and a teaspoon each of fennel seeds and caraway seeds. I toss this around for a few moments to toast and soften.
I'd left the camera on; Clayton walked by at a random moment, and saw this image in the viewfinder. I agreed it was… compelling. So I snapped. And so I share. My stemless wine glass dripping with cava, our scratched kitchen table surface, and one of Clayton's paintings coloring the background.
To my pan I add two tablespoons of tomato paste. I blend it well with my sauteed veggies.
I add my can of crushed tomatoes, blend well, and let this mixture simmer, covered, for the next 20-30 minutes.
Meanwhile, I've heated a glug or glugs of EVOO in a pan, and now I've laid my fresh sausage over the sizzle. I'm going to rotate them regularly, so that they cook evenly through without splitting with too much heat drying out and fracturing the membrane. Using tongs…
… I roll my sausages…
… every minute or so, just as the surfaces start to brown…
…and I finish off with some wrist-flip rolling, until my sausages are perfectly golden all over their little cylindrical bodies, all plump and toasty, all heated fully through, still bursting with savory pork juices. Oh mama.
See? As I slice my sausages, they ooze with juices and are perfectly cooked throughout, without being too browned and blistered on the outside. And as I sneak a mouthful, and one for Clayton, we revel in the peppery, garlicky, flavorful, distinctive deliciousness before I…
… dump them disks into my thick rich tomato sauce.
I stir this all up, then add a handful of ripped fresh basil leaves to the blend, and I turn off the heat.
I've boiled off my pasta to just slightly underdone (I always think of Joyce's "Underdone's"), since they're going to bake for a while, which will bring them to just the right al dente.
I mix this all up real good like. *Real* good like.
This plump ball of mozzarella (a wee wee bit rubbery at just the apex of the curve) stuffed with ricotta ended up being the *perfect* diary for dinner. It comes from "The Mozzarella House" in Everett, MA — but they've got no website! Technological deficiencies aside, their cheese is damn good (even if a little pricey, at $7.99 in comparison to Trader Joe's more consistently produced, just as tasty, $2.99 8oz portion). Anyway, the mozz will melt and stretch, and the ricotta will melt and cream. I slice it, then roughly chop it, then scoop it up with the flat of my blade and…
… dump it into my hot saucesausagepasta. I mix this up real good like…
… and I scoop it into an oiled baking dish, and throw it into a 350° oven for 15 minutes or so.
Meanwhile, I slice my beautiful baguette down the middle and cut it into planks. I douse each slice's surface with melted butter, sprinkle them with garlic powder, and grate some fresh parmigiano reggiano on top, then stick this on a sheet pan over parchment paper into the oven (which is already baking off my pasta) to toast.
I pull my pastabake out when I see the bubbling heat crawling up the sides of my glass baking dish. This is about 15 minutes later. This is about 10 minutes away from being devoured.
As I spoon the warm deliciousness into my bowl, I can show you why this is called "alla telefono" — see how the mozzarella stretches into supple cords, like telephone wires, as I serve up my dish? It's almost a struggle; I have to use another spoon to cut the wires, or they'd stretch, it seems, until eternity.
Spoonfuls of macaroni and mozzarella and tomato goodness are perfectly gloopy, with firm springy noodles laced with rich sauce, dotted with savory sausage, and threaded with creamy chewy cheese. Served with buttery baked cheesy garlic bread, served with love, served with hard working man man in mind. Clayton husband needed something from the heart to fill his stomach, and judging by the love-looks he's been shooting my way since we walked away from the dinner table, he's happy as can be. Mission accomplished!