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ScholarSpace will be brought offline for upgrades on Wednesday December 9th at 11AM HST. Service will be disrupted for approximately 2 hours. Please direct any questions to firstname.lastname@example.com
|A test of the Extended Technology Acceptance Model for understanding the Internet adoption behavior of physicians
|Wiley-Patton, Sonja
|University of Hawaii at Manoa
|Information technology (IT) has become pervasive in the healthcare industry. Many view the Internet as a strategic healthcare tool. The Medical Records Institute suggests that Internet-based health applications (IHA), for example, electronic health records, e-prescribing, and mobile health are the goals of most healthcare organizations (2002). The use of the Internet for electronic medical records, e-billing and patient scheduling can enable the health care industry to reduce its inefficiencies and errors in care delivery (HlMSS/IBM Leadership Survey, 2000). While the use of IT in healthcare has increased tremendously, key players, specifically physicians still have not fully
embraced the valuable resource of the Internet. Despite the purported advantages of lT investments in healthcare many doctors do not widely use Internet-based health applications in their clinical practices. Physicians often misunderstand the functions and full potential of the Internet (Wang & Song, 1997). Health & Health Care 20 I0 report that less than 5% of physicians use computers to record all clinical information for an average patient. The present study examined physicians' intentions to adopt Internet-based health applications for use in their clinical practices. This research reports on the test-retest reliability of the extended Technology Acceptance Model-TAM2 (Venkatesh & Davis, 2000). Data were collected from a survey of pediatricians to evaluate the effectiveness and appropriateness of the model in the medical environment. Results from the study indicate that TAM2 is appropriate but not completely applicable to the unique characteristic of physicians. The test-retest indicated reliable results with the exception of the result demonstrability construct. The results of multiple regression analyses indicated that perceived ease of use was not significant in predicting physicians' behavioral intentions in this study. As theorized the primary predictor variable perceived usefulness was a strong determinant of intention to use. Results indicate that physicians tend to be pragmatic in their IT acceptance decisions. Physicians focus more on the technology's usefulness rather than its ease of use.
This dissertation discusses the implications, limitations and presents possible explanations for the inconsistencies within the extended technology acceptance model when it is applied to a professional group not commonly examined in IS research.
|Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Hawaii at Manoa, 2002.
Includes bibliographical references (leaves 168-180).
Mode of access: World Wide Web.
Also available by subscription via World Wide Web
xv, 180 leaves, bound ill. 29 cm
|All UHM dissertations and theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from this source for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without written permission from the copyright owner.
|Internet in medicine, Pediatricians -- Attitudes, Medicine -- Information technology, Internet users -- Research, Attitude (Psychology) -- Testing
|Restricted for viewing only
|For UH users only


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Given Vancouver's healthy lifestyle, it's no wonder that spas flourish here. The city's day spas – no longer the pampered princess domains of the past – are being swamped with locals (male and female) begging to be wrapped in sea-weed, slathered with Moor mud, pummelled by jets of water and generally exfoliated, kneaded, purified and revitalized. Hotels and spas are responding to the demand by expanding and investing in the newest products and treatments.
If you fancy a treatment with a special Vancouver flavour, consider the Fairmont Pacific Rim's Willow Stream Spa for its Coastal Mountain Body Wrap; the Shangri-La Hotel's CHI Spa for its West Coast Wave Massage; and the West Coast Seaweed Journey at the Pan Pacific Hotel's Spa Utopia.
Among Vancouver's popular spa outlets are:
|Story idea
Vancouver's spas are not just for the ladies and many have developed dedicated and highly popular programs for men in recent years. In particular, the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver's Absolute Spa has a strong focus on the fellas with dozens of specic treatments – from waxing to body scrubs – aimed at men. Consider a story on this spa from a man's perspective, including several treatments as part of your story.

subset: commoncrawl


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Tigers pitcher Anibal Sanchez reacts to striking out Red Sox shortstop Stephen Drew during the sixth inning of Game 1 of the ALCS Saturday in Boston. / Julian H. Gonzalez/DFP
The first game was like a blind date.
Neither knew what to expect.
Anibal Sanchez came into the American League Championship Series almost a complete unknown to the Boston Red Sox. Several of the Red Sox had never faced him.
Now, comes the hard part. He has to do it again.
Sanchez will start Game 5 Thursday night in Comerica Park. This will be the first time in his career that he will be facing a team twice in the same postseason series.
Sanchez did not face the Red Sox during the regular season. But now, they have seen his stuff, just five days ago.
Or rather, they have swung and missed his stuff. Sanchez threw six innings in Game 1 and finished with 12 strikeouts. He didnt allow a hit and the Tigers eked out a 1-0 win in Fenway Park.
Certainly, the Red Sox are now more familiar with Sanchez.
But what will happen tonight? Hard to say.
Second dates are always complicated affairs.
Morris warns about second start
Sanchez dominated Game 1 because the Red Sox swung at pitches out of the strike zone. So it stands to reason that Sanchez will try to make the Red Sox swing at bad pitches.
Everybody adjusts, said Jack Morris, the former Tigers great who is now a TV analyst. Its harder to face them back-to-back when you have a lousy game the first one. Its easier to have back-to-back good ones than do it the other way.
So thats good news for Sanchez.
He was certainly good, if not great, in Game 1.
You are going to test to see if they do the same thing again, Morris said. Will they swing out of the zone, the way they did the first game? If they swing out of the zone, then you have them eating out of your hand again.
For the record, Morris thinks Sanchez will have another great game today.
The way this thing is going, I expect every pitcher to throw a gem, Morris said. I dont know if anybody is hitting right now. They are missing balls they shouldnt miss. And these are the one and two offenses in the American League. Go figure.
Watch out for Big Papi
Sanchez has now had two starts in this postseason.
The first was a disaster. He threw only 41⁄3 innings against the Oakland Athletics in Game 3 in the American League Division Series. He gave up eight hits, including three home runs.
Why was he so bad?
He had a long layoff between his last start of the regular season on Sept. 28 until his first start of the postseason on Oct. 7 against Oakland.
I think that layoff really hurt him in that Oakland start, to be honest with you, manager Jim Leyland said. I think it hurt him a lot and then he came back and pitched a few days later that second start, he got it going real good.
Sanchez was not perfect against the Red Sox. He walked six batters.
I need to work more on the throw strike, he said. Last time I threw too many away, and I dont want to do on my next outing.
So the key for Sanchez will be the same for all of the Tigers pitchers. He will have to work to keep the top of the order off the bases because they are so dangerous on the bases. And he needs to be careful against Bostons power hitters.
Shane Victorinio has seen Sanchez more than anybody from Boston, although he has had very little success against him, going 10-for-50.
One matchup to keep an eye on? Sanchez has to be extremely careful against David Ortiz, who has three hits in six at-bats against Sanchez.
David is a good person, Sanchez said. Beside that, everybody knows hes a great player. He got the big hit for Boston all the time when Boston need it. He did a couple days ago the way he tied the game with a grand slam.
The key for us is keep David Ortiz out of balance, you know, make some good pitch against him. I know hes one of the guys can turn the score, can change everything, on one swing.
Contact Jeff Seidel: firstname.lastname@example.com . Follow him on Twitter @seideljeff.


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December 2012
Billing Software Security Tips
Some of the most sensitive information an attorney handles is in the practice's billing software. Although Easy TimeBill has built-in security features, users can make the legal billing and accounting software more secure. Remember that any security chain is only as strong as its weakest link, so follow all of these tips to keep client information safe.
Get Rid Of The Administrator – When you first create a firm in Easy TimeBill a default user named "Administrator" is created to allow you to use the program. One of the first things you should do is select "Tools > Setup Users" and then double-click on the administrator account to edit it. Change the name from "Administrator" to something else. This makes it a little harder to break into the legal time and billing software since a hacker has to figure out the user name and the password.
Use Strong Passwords – Passwords should be at least 8 characters long and contain at least two of the following: upper case letters, lower case letters, numbers and symbols. Don't use obvious passwords like the names of your kids, and never use "password" as your password! It's fine to use names and words you'll remember but use creative spelling to alter them. For example, you went to Tulane University so you might try "2laneUni" as a password you'll remember but others won't figure out.
Multiple Users, Multiple Accounts – Don't have everyone use the same account. It's easy to create an attorney time and billing software account for each user. This allows you to restrict what each user can do (see the next section) and to disable accounts of employees who no longer work for the firm.
Restrict Permissions – You can set billing, bank and trust permissions separately for each user. Don't give people capabilities they don't need. A bookkeeper who only records transactions shouldn't be given permission to write checks, for example. It's better to give too few permissions and add new ones later than to give someone too much power that ends up being abused.
Install Security Software – The law firm billing software is only as safe as the computer it's on. Make sure to have firewall, antivirus, antimalware and other security software installed on each computer and be sure to keep it up to date. That last point can't be stressed enough. Digital threats change very quickly so it is essential to keep security software updated.
Lock The Door – People often become so obsessed with electronic protection they forget the importance of an old-fashioned lock. Computers are more at risk of being stolen than being hacked into over the internet.
Easy Soft attorney practice management software includes security features such as password protection and encrypted files, but you can make the software more secure by following these guidelines. Find out more ways to keep your information safe by contacting one of our experts today.
Avoid The Taxman–Don't File 1099-S If You Don't Have To
Nobody likes the enormous stack of paperwork that goes along with a real estate transaction. Wouldn't it be great if you could avoid filling out a document and save money on top if it? Well in some cases you can. Part of the HUD 1 closing process is IRS form 1099-S, but not every sale needs to be reported. According to the IRS there are five kinds of real estate transactions that don't require 1099-S forms to be filed.
1) A de minimis transfer – In other words, if you sell the house for basically nothing. In this case, the IRS defines "nothing" as $600. If the total value of all property, services and money received by the seller and documented on the HUD settlement statement form is less than $600, the sale doesn't have to be reported.
2) Satisfying a secured debt – If you are transferring the property to the lender to satisfy the mortgage obligation then it does not have to be reported. This would include foreclosure, abandonment or a deed in lieu of foreclosure.
3) It's not a sale – If the home is being given as a gift or the financing is not related to the acquisition of real estate then it doesn't have to be reported to the IRS.
4) Corporate transfers – If the seller is a corporation, government or volume transfer or, then no 1099-S is not necessary. A volume transfer or is someone like a builder or developer that treats the property as inventory rather than as an asset.
5) Homeowners – This is the most common one. The 1099-S is designed to tax real estate investors, not average homeowners moving to a new residence. In a nutshell if you lived in the house, didn't sell another house recently, and the total gain reported on the HUD 1 closing form is $250,000 or less then you don't need to file a 1099-S. The real rules are more complicated than that but that gives you the gist of it.
You still have to file your HUD statement but if you can avoid the 1099-S this means not only less paperwork but less money out of pocket. The main reason not to file the 1099-S is the seller won't be taxed on the sale.
DISCLAIMER: We aren't real estate attorneys. We aren't tax accountants. We are software developers with access to the instructions for form 1099-S. Consult with a professional before making any decisions about your home or taxes.
If you do need to file a 1099-S, Easy Soft's HUD settlement statement software makes it easy to file the form manually or electronically. Contact Easy soft for more information on the 1099-S module or to ask us about any of our law practice management software products.
December 29, 2012 in Other Comments Off
Technorati Tagged : hud 1 closing, hud settlement, hud settlement statement form, hud statement, law practice management software, statement software
Technorati Tagged : hud 1 closing, hud settlement, hud settlement statement form, hud statement, law practice management software, statement software
Untangling The Trust Knot: Networked Trust Management Software
Even a one-person law firm has to manage multiple trust matters through a single account, the dreaded IOLTA. Even though the monies are all in one account, every single penny has to be tracked separately so the firm doesn't accidentally–or purposely!–"borrow" from one matter to pay expenses on another. It gets even more complicated in larger firms when many attorneys, paralegals, accountants, bookkeepers and clerical staff members need access the trust records.
Attorney time and billing software takes a lot of the headaches out of the process. Arithmetic errors are a thing of the past, although users still need to be careful about simple data entry mistakes such as transposing numbers. Dedicated escrow account software facilitates the process of tracking each transaction and assigning it to the proper matter, ensuring the funds don't intermingle.
Today's networked trust accounting software allows employees from all over the firm to access trust records, with permission of course. Anyone working on a matter can enter transactions as they happen rather than forwarding paperwork to an accountant or bookkeeper to enter the figures. People familiar with a case are less likely to make data entry mistakes than someone entering meaningless numbers off an invoice.
Security is a key element of attorney practice management software. Attorneys must maintain client confidentiality, even within the practice. Nobody should have access to a client's file who isn't working on the case. Security is even more important when dealing with trusts. Only authorized users will be allowed to enter transactions. Users can be given limited, view-only access if they are workers who need to audit the records or generate reports but don't need to be able to make changes.
Attorney trust account software walks a delicate balance between accessibility (which allows employees to complete tasks quickly, accurately and efficiently) and security (which prevents problems ranging from simple mistakes to deliberate fraud). Don't settle for half measures. Use only dedicated trust software to manage your escrows so you can be assured you have the accessibility and security features your practice needs.
Find out more about Easy Trust, our escrow software, by downloading a demo or contacting an Easy Soft representative.
December 28, 2012 in Other Comments Off
Technorati Tagged : attorney practice management software, attorney time and billing software, attorney trust account software, escrow account software, trust accounting software
Technorati Tagged : attorney practice management software, attorney time and billing software, attorney trust account software, escrow account software, trust accounting software
Self-Employment Complicates Spousal Maintenance Calculation
As of 2010, calculating temporary maintenance New York divorces is a simple matter of plugging each spouse's income into two formulas and taking the lower result. The formulas are designed to take bias out of the New York spousal maintenance formula but they also prevent judges from overruling the formulas to fix unfair situations, such as when self-employment income skews the results.
If the spouse's each make less than $524,000 per year then temporary New York State spousal support is calculated one of two ways. The first method subtracts 20% of the lower-paid spouse's annual income from 30% of the higher-paid spouse's income to determine support. The second method calculates the payments as 40% of their combined income minus the lesser-paid spouse's income. Whichever value is lower is the temporary support. There is also a low income check to ensure the payor retains enough income for self-support.
While spouses make traditional incomes reported on W-2 forms, then it is a reasonable assumption that each person's future income will be about the same. However self-employment income can complicate the calculations in ways the law can't cover.
A self-employed spouse who saw the divorce coming could cut back on work to appear poor. The artificially lowered income is entered on the NY spousal maintenance worksheet and the temporary maintenance is calculated unfairly. Technically the spouse isn't lying about income, just manipulating the formulas.
On the other hand the unpredictable nature of self-employment means maintenance payments that were fair for last year's income are completely wrong for this year's revenue. A spouse has a record year and is burdened with unreasonably high payments despite the fact revenues plummet the next year. An owner pulling the business out of a recessionary slump is making low payments that don't reflect how the business grows over the next few months.
Some might say, "But it's only temporary." However the temporary maintenance calculated in a New York State uncontested divorce has a strong influence on the judge's determination of a permanent maintenance agreement. An unfair temporary award can bias the final decision, resulting in a long-term unfair payment. Yes, the affected spouse can apply for a change but that takes time during which the unfair payments stand.
The way the law stands, there isn't much that spouses or attorneys can do about the temporary maintenance award but they can be sure to present evidence to the court that demonstrates the temporary award is unfair so the judge will be more reasonable in the final decree.
The first step in negotiating a fair maintenance settlement is accurate numbers. Easy Soft law practice management software takes care of all the calculations a law practice needs, from spousal maintenance formulas to tracking hourly fees. Handle cases more quickly and efficiently by automating your practice with Easy Soft products and learn more about EzSupport-NY, our NY family law software.
Divorce Settlement On The Go: CIS NJ For Your Mobile Device
When you are discussing a divorce settlement with your client, an opposing attorney or the judge you can't say, "Sorry, I'll have to go back to my office before I can give you some numbers." You need quick answers about child support. You can run Case Information Statement software on your laptop, but even the smallest laptop can be clumsy and awkward to use in many situations.
Nearly every attorney has a smart phone or tablet today so Easy Soft offers EasySoft, our free Case Information Statement (NJ) software for your mobile device. Anywhere you have access to the internet you can quickly calculate New Jersey child support just by plugging in a few numbers.
EasySoft brings the basics of New Jersey child support calculations to your iPhone, iPad, Blackberry or Android device. The app is free and is eligible for the same high-quality technical support as any of our legal practice management software titles. If you have an incompatible device or just don't want to install an app, we also offer a web version of New Jersey CIS calculations that can be used on any device with web access.
Using the EasySoft app is easy. Enter information on the number of children, including the number over 12, the number of nights and basic income information for each parent. Click the "Calculate" button and instantly you have a weekly child support figure. Click on the "Details" button for a breakdown of how that figure was reached.
We don't claim EasySoft is a replacement for our full product, but it serves as a valuable companion application that lets you calculate child support values anywhere you need to. You'll still need the full desktop product to calculate more complicated child support situations, generate forms, track case information and so on. However with EasySoft you have an accurate child support calculator in your pocket. You'll find that the ability to come up with quick figures can be a great advantage in divorce negotiations.
EasySoft is a simple and convenient tool for attorneys on the go. Download the app to your phone or tablet for free by going to our CIS NJ page and clicking on the "FREE Mobile App" tab.
December 26, 2012 in Other Comments Off
Technorati Tagged : case information statement nj, case information statement software, cis nj, legal practice management software, new jersey cis
Technorati Tagged : case information statement nj, case information statement software, cis nj, legal practice management software, new jersey cis
Why Divorced People In New York State Don't Pay Alimony
Would it surprise you to learn that couples who have divorced in New York over the last thirty years don't pay alimony? Well it probably surprises those couples too, since it's still common for one spouse to send monthly payments to the other. Technically New York State spousal support is called "maintenance" rather than "alimony". Is there a difference? Yes.
Alimony was based on the outdated assumption that women are incapable of surviving without a man to support them. It was also seen as a punishment to the husband for not taking care of his marital obligations. This changed when the U.S. Supreme Court ruled an Alabama alimony law that penalized only husbands was unconstitutional. The New York Domestic Relations Law was amended in 1980 and 1986 to create a different kind of support that was called "maintenance" instead of "alimony".
The New York spousal maintenance formula looks at payments with a different philosophy than in the past. An important factor is the independence of each spouse after the divorce. Since two-career couples are common, it is more likely that each spouse will be capable of self-support. However if one spouse has shouldered the bulk of domestic duties at the cost of career opportunities, then maintenance is appropriate to allow the less-moneyed spouse some time to pursue opportunities to become independent.
The NY spousal maintenance worksheet is designed to determine a fair amount to give the poorer spouse the ability to maintain a similar standard of living as before while pursuing other opportunities. That leads to another change in philosophy: alimony was typically permanent, or at least until the recipient got remarried, while maintenance is often awarded only for a limited time period.
The payment formulas are different than they were prior to 1980. The way payments are viewed by judges and lawyers are different. And yet, to be fair, divorcing couples probably don't see much of a distinction. It probably doesn't make it any easier to write that check every month knowing it's maintenance rather than alimony. However it is a fairer, non-sexist way to view post-divorce financial obligations that is better for both parties than alimony was.
Whether you call it maintenance or alimony, Easy Soft's New York divorce software calculates it right. If the New York Domestic Relations Law is amended in the future, we will update our law office management software to reflect the new changes. Download a demo of EzSupport-NY to see how easy it is to calculate spousal maintenance and child support for your clients.
December 24, 2012 in Other Comments Off
Technorati Tagged : law office management software, new york divorce software, new york spousal maintenance formula, new york state spousal support, ny spousal maintenance worksheet
Technorati Tagged : law office management software, new york divorce software, new york spousal maintenance formula, new york state spousal support, ny spousal maintenance worksheet


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- Filed Under
Pierre Atlas' Feb. 13 column was one-sided to the point of being dishonest. I can give Atlas his argument, but in no way is the opposing view "ludicrous" ("2nd Amendment isn't about protection from tyrannical government").
The history of armed conflict stands in opposition to Atlas' thesis. The guerrilla tactics of the Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts and the "Arab Spring" illustrate that a lesser armed adversary is capable of inflicting severe damage on an opponent, if not to the point of victory, at least in terms of blood, treasure and political will.
As far as the right to disobey national law, Atlas is correct that the Second Amendment does not give that right. But neither did King George III give his consent when the 13 colonies moved to dissolve the bonds tying them to England. There is significant evidence the ratifying states were very concerned about, and instituted the Second amendment, at least in part, to combat, the tyranny of a national government.
The Founders knew that tyranny is the natural evolution of governments. If guns in the hands of the populace are not a deterrent to tyranny, then why did the likes of Hitler, Lenin, Stalin and Mao all outlaw guns? Probably not to protect the children, but to further the evolution of their government.
Rob Hood


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SALT LAKE CITY (AP) - "American Idol" runner-up David Archuleta has posted a farewell YouTube video to fans as he prepares for a two-year Mormon mission in South America.
The 21-year-old singer says in a video blog posted Wednesday that his contact with fans will be limited while he's in the undisclosed country.
KSL reports he entered the Missionary Training Center in Provo, Utah, on Wednesday as a precursor to the assignment.
Archuleta competed on the seventh season of "American Idol" and has since released three albums. He announced at a December concert that he'd be going on a mission, like many young men in the
He says in his video that he's "trying to focus on something else" besides his career, and looks forward to spending more "one-on-one time with my Heavenly Father."
Copyright 2015 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.


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Rebecca Nagle
Artist, Activist
Activist Rebecca Nagle's project, "FORCE: Upsetting Rape Culture," spoofed Victoria's Secret underwear to spread awareness of sexual assault, with underwear sporting messages like "NO MEANS NO." Her latest project is The Monument Project, a call to create a national monument to survivors of rape and abuse.
Key stories
about Rebecca Nagle


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jessica simpson
Jessica Simpson in a Denim Jacket
Jessica Simpson wore a dark wash denim jacket over a leopard print maxi dress to show off her big baby bump as she carried her daughter Maxwell into a lunch date in Los Angeles, California.
I had no idea that Jess was so pregnant! I hadn't seen any candid shots of her in a while so I wasn't aware she was due soon. Maxi dresses and denim jackets seem to be such a big trend at the moment! Are any of you wearing the combination?
Images courtesy of Pacificcoastnews.com.
Jessica Simpson in Goldsign Sissi Flare in Focus
Jessica Simpson poses for the cameras while promoting her Jessica Simpson Girls' collection debut at Macy's. She wore a pair of Goldsign's Sissi flare jeans in Focus with a star patterned blouse and Jessica Simpson shoes.
Jessica seems to choose flares and wide-leg styles over skinny jeans. I think these look great on her and are very flattering, especially with a pair of heels. You can buy these jeans from Shopbop.com for $249.
Who Wore It Best: Current/Elliott Perfect Shirt
Current/Elliott's perfect shirt is one piece that has been worn in so many different ways by so many different celebrities. Jessica Simpson layered hers over a floral romper, Ciara, Hailey Duff, and Kate Hudson each paired theirs with jeans, while both Jennifer Garner and Drew Barrymore dressed their shirts up with skirts and Lea Michele and Vanessa Lachey kept their looks casual with leggings. You can view all the Who Wore It Best posts here.
Jessica Simpson in Goldsign Sissi Platform Flares in Focus
Spotted catching a flight to New York, Jessica Simpson smiled for the cameras as she made her way into LAX. Jessica was flying to New York to appear on Katie Couric's new show, Katie. Jessica appeared on the show to discuss her newborn daughter Maxwell and her weight loss struggles.
Jessica wore an all black outfit, with an embroidered tunic and a pair of Goldsign Sissi platform flares in Focus. I think these are a great pair of jeans for Jessica, since she's shorter, the flare makes her legs look longer, especially when worn with heels. What do you think of Jessica's outfit?


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Project Car Hell, LeMons South Edition: RX-7 or Caprice?
Welcome to Project Car Hell, where you choose your eternity by selecting the project that's the coolest... and the most hellish! We had what may be our all-time closest vote yesterday, with the 4x4 Econoline beating the lowrider Econoline 202 votes to 200. Today we're going racing! We've had Arse-Freeze-A-Pa-Looza… »


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New offseason workout, advice helps catcher Sanchez rebuild status
Pirates/MLB Videos
INDIANAPOLIS — Two conversations and some core workouts rebuilt Tony Sanchez's prospect status.
Sanchez fell from the No. 46-ranked prospect in the game by Baseball America in 2010, to No. 79 in 2011, to out of out of the top 100 in 2012 and then dropped from the Pirates' top-10 prospect list this spring. His diminished status was tied to a quiet bat. Sanchez hit .241 at Double-A Altoona in 2011. He hit .233 in half a season at Triple-A Indianapolis last season.
There never was any questioning his defensive acumen at catcher or his makeup, but for Sanchez to become a Major League regular, he had to hit. So this offseason he retired his usual workout program and paid $3,000 to train for several weeks at Bommarito Performance Systems in Miami.
It was the conversations and work there that Sanchez cites as the reasons for his offensive turnaround at Indianapolis this season. He entered Sunday batting .300 with a .939 OPS. It was at the complex where Sanchez worked out, observed and spoke with Detroit third baseman and reigning AL triple crown winner Miguel Cabrera and Arizona infielder Martin Prado.
"Miguel is from who I learned to drive the fastball to the opposite field," Sanchez said. "When he's in the cages, he doesn't want to pull anything. ... (The approach) allows me to stay on fastballs.
"Martin was huge on having less movement pre-pitch, especially in my takes. He was big on when I take, see how little I can move, how soft I can be. So I can realize the ball is out of the zone quicker than last year."
Indianapolis manager Dean Treanor said if you examined a spray chart of Sanchez's hits this season, you would find a greater number of hits to the right-center field gap.
"He's been driving the ball the other way. To me, that's his strength," Treanor said. "It's really just letting the ball get a little deeper. Guys have a tendency to want to hit everything out front. You're going to see the ball longer (if you let it travel)."
Sanchez also reshaped his body, becoming stronger thanks to an unorthodox workout regimen at the complex. Balls that were falling short of the warning track are becoming extra-base hits. Sanchez already has seven home runs this season after hitting eight in 2012 and five in 2011.
"They have a really good program with exercise geared toward baseball movement, a lot of things I wouldn't be able to do on my own because I don't have the knowledge," Sanchez said. "There was a lot of agility training, quickness stuff and core stuff that helps with your swing."
The added strength has allowed him to use a heavier bat, a 34-inch, 32-once model, a half-once increase.
"It doesn't seem like much, but it makes a difference," Sanchez said. "Balls in the gap are starting to go over the wall."
Sanchez also has battled the burden of expectations.
He was the third ACC catcher to be selected in the top five of the draft since 2007. In 2007, the Pirates passed on Matt Wieters to draft Daniel Moskos. Wieters has developed into one of the MLB's best catchers. In 2008, the Pirates passed on Buster Posey to draft Pedro Alvarez. Posey has won an MVP and two World Series titles. In 2009, the Pirates drafted Sanchez fourth overall.
Sanchez has tried not to let the comparisons or the Pirates' decision to draft prep catcher Reese McGuire in the first round Thursday become distractions. Rather, with an improved bat, he's hoping to join Posey and Wieters as two-way impact players in the majors.
"Those are one-in-a-generation talents," Sanchez said. "That fact I was drafted anywhere near them was surprising to me. ... They are guys who can hit and hit with power and control a pitching staff. I'd give my left leg to be that talented. I can be that talented, but it's a learning process."
Travis Sawchik is a staff writer for Trib Total Media. Reach him at email@example.com or via Twitter @Sawchik_Trib.
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But after a Friday lunch with a couple work colleagues at Beaufort Street Merchant, I rediscovered an old flame that I'd forgotten just how much I adore.
If you haven't been to Beaufort Street Merchant, it's a beautifully crowded and bustling restaurant; filled with shelves of gourmet bottled food items and gifts, eclectic styling and a back area that features wine for sale. I adore the busyness of this place; with it's mountainous display of baked goods, and steaming mugs of coffee being delivered to the heavily wooden tables and chairs scattered around. In summer, it's an ideal spot to sit on the streetfront outdoor tables and soak in the hoards of people that flock to Beaufort Street - Perth's eating hotspot.
This particular dish was Gnocchi with Swiss Brown Mushrooms, Toasted Hazlenuts, Truffle Oil and Comte ($29). I decided on washing it down with a glass of the 2012 Bone Tree Hill SBS from Margaret River ($9). A perfect cheeky Friday lunch in my opinion!
The truffle oil used in the dish is rich and flavoursome, though towards the end I do find that it gets a bit too oily, but overall it does great things to the other ingredients.
The gnocchi is pan fried, slightly crisp on the outside and dreamily soft on the inside. The hazlenuts scattered on top offers some flavour and crunch; the mushrooms tender and slightly toothsome. Comte isn't a cheese I'm too familiar with but it's a French cheese which is actually the highest produced cheese in France and is usually aged from 12-18 months.
I would definitely order this dish again! And with that delightfully crisp wine, I enjoyed my lunch greatly.
My colleagues order the Arkady Lamb Fillet Salad with Cracked Farro, Tabbouleh, Pistachio, Feta and Pickled Onion ($28) and the Saffron & Leek Mussels with Chips ($22). They were both very quick to report that their lunches were delicious, and oh so satisfying. That's three happy campers!
We set out and it seems luck is on our side as we find parking straight away, and get one of the last tables as we make our way inside, beating the queue of people that follow about ten minutes later. I can tell Jeremy is excited in that way where you've heard great things about a restaurant and are about to try it for yourself.
They come out frothy and light, flavoursome and in the process of cooling down from the added ice. I absolutely loved mine with the sweet but mild watermelon, and that nice almost mediterranean twist of rosewater and mint. Really satisfying!
This is a traditional Italian dish that I used to eat more often than not back in the days when I was dating an Italian guy (days so long past). I do miss the flavours so when I see this on a menu, I have to try it!
If you haven't tried it, it's thin cold slices of veal that has a tuna infused mayonnaise sauce covering it (or in this case, sitting underneath). At Beaufort Street Merchant they serve it with picked baby chard leaves, crispy capers and little crumbed mozzarella balls.
And those crumbed mozzarella balls... well I don't quite know where to start! Stringy, moorish and oh so crunchy on the outside. Love, love, love them. And I mean love.
Polenta, pastry, baby onions and crispy kale. Yes - a hundred times yes thanks!
The beef cheek is so soft it's ridiculous; Jeremy's fork dragging through the meat with ease. There's pastry underneath and on top of the beef which is homemade puff - buttery and crunchy it ticks all the boxes. The baby onions that accompany the dish are sweet and caramelised; the kale lightly fried to give it an even greater crunch.
It's a HUGE dish. And I mean huge. It comes out and takes up the majority of our table; and when he finishes the last bite, I can see he is really full. Like a bit of struggled breathing and that almost drunk feeling when you've over consumed. But did he regret ordering it? Hell no, is the answer I get.
They come out looking like polenta chips do; those thick brick style concoctions that sit atop a cumin spiced yoghurt. The chickpea chips are firm on the outside, incredibly soft on the inside. They're almost like tofu in texture and I love the combination of them with the yoghurt sauce - they go very much hand in hand, and it makes this a dish to try.
While Jeremy's full, I'm a little bit tempted by the idea of dessert. I know it's lunchtime so it's a bit on the naughty side, but I'm craving something sweet to finish up our meal. Our helpful waiter brings us a menu to consider ordering dessert while telling us about the specials of the day. A peanut butter semifreddo has me halted in thought, but when I hear that wistful sigh that follows his explanation of the Special Cheese Board ($15), I'm sold.
Triple cream brie with truffles inside, lavosh crackers, candied walnuts and pumpkin honey spread. How can I not order this, it has so many elements that appeal to me. And it comes out quickly, looking absolutely incredible.
The brie is dreamy; so creamy and full of truffle flavour. The candied walnuts are sweet and sticky; the lavosh crisp. But the real winner is that pumpkin honey spread! I will (I actually believe this) crave this for well into the future. It's heavily pumpkin flavoured, but so sweet from that creamy honey that it's infused with. A match made in heaven in my opinion - and when paired with the lavosh and brie, it's all I need in life. I actually think I might believe that! Yes it's an extreme reaction to food, but isn't that the beauty of falling in love with a dish?! I love food, and when I find something new and exciting (which that pumpkin honey spread was), I get a little bit carried away!
After the last bite of cheese is finished and the final drop of spread licked clean, Jeremy and I are stuffed to the very brim. It's been a more expensive lunch than we usually indulge in, but boy has it been a great one. I love Beaufort Street Merchant. And after two successful meals there in as many days, I'm happy to say that it wasn't a honeymoon period, it's the real thing.


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Thursday, March 12, 2009
© Copyright 2015 Clayton News Daily
By Maria Jose email@example.com Got an extra shoebox lying around the house? If so, think twice before throwing it away, because it just might bring joy and relief to a homeless woman or child in the area. The United Way Women's Legacy Shoebox Project 2009 is an annual service that aids homeless women and children in metro Atlanta by providing them with sealed, travel-size toiletry items in decorated shoeboxes, while enlisting the public's help in assembling the packages. "We're trying to raise awareness of the homeless women and children in the area," said Sheri Willis, associate director of resource development for United Way in Clayton, Henry and Butts counties. "Most people don't think of women and children being homeless, and they need the items that we ask to be donated." The most popular items needed for the project are travel-size shampoos, soaps, hand disinfectants, feminine products, and hand towels. Items that are not eligible for donation are used or opened items, sewing kits, medicines and candies. According to a United Way official, the project was created in 2005 by United Way of Metropolitan Atlanta. Last year, more than 9,100 shoeboxes were collected and distributed to 61 homeless shelters across the 13-county region, in which the organization serves. Drop-off sites in the Southern Crescent, include: In Butts County, the Jackson Progress-Argus at 129 South Mulberry St., Jackson; In Clayton County, the WorkTec office at 221 Stockbridge Road, Jonesboro; In Henry County, the United Way office at 107 Westridge Industrial Blvd., McDonough. Approximately 200 shoeboxes have been collected, so far, at United Way of Henry County, but none had been delivered, as of Wednesday, to the Jackson Progress-Argus or WorkTec. "Usually, we collect for about a month, and this time, we're collecting for a little over two months," said Willis. "We've extended it to give the community time to get their shoeboxes together -- and what better day than Mother's Day." Contributors can decorate their boxes, if they desire, by wrapping the lids and boxes separately. In the past, WorkTec employees have taken matters in their own hands, literally, by applying a little flavor to shoeboxes that were delivered undecorated. "If someone brought in supplies without a decorated box, we would feel more comfortable looking in it and adding items, and decorate it as well," said Dorothy Cochran, director of WorkTec, and a member of the Clayton County United Way advisory board. "Some of the staff would ask us what we need, and they would go to the dollar store and purchase those items. We just want to make sure the shoeboxes are full." The project got started this year on Sunday, Feb. 1, and will end Friday, April 10. The boxes will be distributed on Mother's Day, May 10. After the collection deadline, United Way volunteers will assemble at the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers building in downtown Atlanta, and begin inspecting the boxes to make sure they don't contain any unwanted items. "The volunteers will do inspections in three-hour increments, from 9 a.m., to 4 p.m., and we do this to make sure we don't give away things like razors or opened and used items." said Willis. For more information about the Shoebox Project, visit www.unitedwayatlanta.org, or call United Way of Metropolitan Atlanta at (404) 614-1000.
More like this story
- United Way collecting shoeboxes for area homeless ( February 2, 2008 )
- Daughtry Future Achievers giving back: United Way 2010 Shoebox Project ( April 9, 2010 )
- United Way decorating contest starts ( April 4, 2012 )
- Clayton residents support homeless in shoebox campaign ( June 7, 2013 )
- Businesses combine efforts to support troops ( November 11, 2011 )


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Christian Ponder has a 70.1% completion rate.
- Filed Under
Don't look now, but the Minnesota Vikings are tied for the lead in the NFC North.
After Seattle and the NFL replacement referees defeated Green Bay on Monday night, Minnesota and Chicago were left atop the division at 2-1. If the Lions were at all in danger of overlooking a Vikings team that finished 3-13 last year, there's little chance of that happening when Minnesota enters Ford Field on Sunday.
"No, definitely not," receiver Nate Burleson said. "We can't overlook anybody with a better record than us. They played us tough last year. But we know how the division is, though. ...


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Healing The Skin
And The Earth
Ernest Supplies is a new skincare brand for men founded on the idea that healthy ingredients make for healthy skin. Inspired by this, Miloby approached the design as more than just "bottle in a box" project but, rather, developing an identity that "expresses the healing properties of the antioxidants and vitamins contained within while the package itself leaves behind the smallest carbon footprint possible." The firm further explains: "Most beauty and skincare brands formulated with premium-quality ingredients are typically very over packaged – from the outer carton to large caps and heavy bottles. For this project we were focused on eliminating all extraneous elements and making the product as lightweight as possible. This reduces the material used up front, but also on the energy consumed to deliver and dispose."


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Herbs 101: Chervil
Chervil is an herb that looks similar to Italian flat leaf parsley … it also tastes similar to parsley but has a slight sweet oniony flavor.
It's used in a lot of French recipes and is a main ingredient in Fines Herbes, a combination of herbs used to flavor many foods.
It can be difficult to find.. we even had a difficult time finding what it looks like dried… but we found it at The Spice House. Com… you can order it from them online.