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May 17, 2008
The Washington track and field team produced two historic Pac-10 champions today on the final day of the Pac-10 Track and Field Championships at Sun Angel Stadium. Sophomore Katie Follett won the women's 1500-meter run and Jordan Boase, James Fredrickson, Joseph Turner, and Ryan Hamilton combined to win the men's 4x100-meter relay. Both titles are the first in Washington history in the respective events.
Both men's and women's teams placed ninth in the team standings at the meet, hosted by Arizona State. The Oregon men's team defended its title with 144.5 points, with the Husky men scoring 63. The Arizona State women also repeated as conference champs, racking up 186.5 points on their home track while the Huskies posted 32.5.
Follett, from Fort Collins, Colo., became the first Husky women's conference champion since Kate Soma won the pole vault in 2004. She held off Stanford's Lauren Centrowitz and Alicia Follmar, and Oregon's Nicole Blood to win in 4:22.41. Husky senior Amanda Miller placed fifth in the race, in 4:27.63.
Follett ran third much of the race behind Centrowitz and Blood, sticking with them when they tried to open up a lead on the field. Rounding the final turn, Follett made her push and overtook the pair of All-Americans.
"(Coach Greg Metcalf) didn't want me to take the lead until about 75 meters to go," said Follett. "The plan was to be patient. I really felt good coming off the turn and I went for it."
Follett is the first UW women's Pac-10 champion in a running event since Anna Aoki won the second of her two 10,000-meter titles in 2001. Follett also returned to the track later in the evening to finish sixth in the 5000m run in 17:00.12.
The win by the men's relay was equally as historic. It is the first ever Pac-10 title for Washington in an event that has been held since 1976. It is also just the third relay win of any kind for the Huskies at the conference meet, and first since 1999 when UW won the 4x400-meters.
There were numerous other top-five performances by Husky athletes this evening, starting with Boase, a junior from Bothell, Wash., who also took second in the 400-meter dash today in a much-anticipated showdown with defending Pac-10 Champion Lionel Larry of USC. Larry successfully defended his crown, winning in an NCAA-leading time of 44.77. Boase also ran under the 45-second mark for just the second time, finishing in 44.97.
Senior Norris Frederick followed up his second-place showing in the long jump yesterday with another second-place finish in the high jump today. Frederick cleared 7-2 ¼ but Cal's Ed Wright edged him by an inch, clearing 7-3 ¼.
UW's best throws performance came from sophomore Zach Midles, who was third in the hammer throw with a best mark of 207-11. Senior Austin Abbott (4th, 800m, 1:48.14) and Turner (4th, 200m, 21.15) each earned five points apiece for the Dawgs as well.
Additional scorers for the women included senior Michelle Turner (6th, 800m, 2:09.84), junior Falesha Ankton (5th, 400m hurdles, 59.52), and senior Kelley DiVesta (7th, pole vault, 13-1 ¾).
The Huskies will now turn their attention to NCAA Regionals, hosted this year by Cal State Northridge from May 30-31. In most events, the top-five Regional finishers qualify for the NCAA Championships.
2008 Pac-10 Track and Field Championships
Joe Sellah Track at Sun Angel Stadium - Tempe, Ariz.
May 17, 2008
Men's Team Results: 1) Oregon, 144.5; 2) Arizona State, 134; 3) UCLA, 108; 4) California, 81.5; 5) Stanford, 79; 6) Washington St., 73.5; 7) USC, 69.5; 8) Arizona, 65; 9) Washington, 63.
Men's Results (UW Only)
100m Dash (Final): -- Joseph Turner, DQ. 200m Dash (Final): 4. Joseph Turner, 21.15. 400m Dash (Final): 2. Jordan Boase, 44.97. 800m Run (Final): 4. Austin Abbott, 1:48.14. 5000m Run (Final): 23. Kelly Spady, 14:54.91; 25. Jordan Sarthout, 14:58.33. 400m Hurdles (Final): 6. James Fredrickson, 51.62. 4x100m Relay (Final): 1. Washington (Jordan Boase, James Fredrickson, Joseph Turner, Ryan Hamilton), 39.52. 4x400m Relay (Final): 5. Washington (Jeff Gudaitis, James Fredrickson, Joseph Turner, Jordan Boase), 3:09.16. High Jump (Final): 2. Norris Frederick, 7-2 1/4. Discus (Final): 15. Zach Midles, 162-3; 16. Peter Follmer, 155-6; 17. Daniel Te'o-Nesheim. Hammer (Final): 3. Zach Midles, 207-11.
Women's Team Results: 1) Arizona State, 186.5; 2) Stanford, 117; 3) Oregon, 100; 4) USC, 91; 5) UCLA, 80; 6) Washington St., 71.5; 6) California, 71.5; 8) Arizona, 65; 9) Washington, 32.5; 10) Oregon State, 0.
Women's Results (UW Only)
800m Run (Final): 6. Michelle Turner, 2:09.84. 1500m Run (Final): 1. Katie Follett, 4:22.41; 5. Amanda Miller, 4:27.63; 9. Kailey Campbell, 4:32.75. 5000m Run (Final): 6. Katie Follett, 17:00.12; 12. Bailey Schutte, 17:18.67; 17. Kenna Patrick, 17:44.47; 18. Mo Huber, 17:49.58; 25. Anna Imperati, 18:29.85; -- Michelle Turner, DNF. 400m Hurdles (Final): 5. Falesha Ankton, 59.52. High Jump (Final): 16 (tie). Liz Fuller, 5-5; 21 (tie). Daria Amiad-Pavlov, 5-3. Pole Vault (Final): 7 (tie). Kelley DiVesta, 13-1 ¾; 12 (tie). Sarah Pappas, 12-1 ½; 14 (tie). Allison Moore, 12-1 ½; 14 (tie); Andrea Peterson, 12-1 ½; 14 (tie). Stevie Marshalek, 12-1 ½. Triple Jump (Final): 11. Daria Amiad-Pavlov, 38-6 ¾; 14. Nicole Vielma, 35-10 ½. Discus (Final): 10. Caroline Veldman, 146-6; 11. Elisa Bryant, 142-6.


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Houston Early Music Season for 2013-2014
Join Houston Early Music for our 2013-2014 Concert Season with five stellar ensembles. Sounds of ancient origins, powerful and timeless, inspire and transport audiences.
(You may download the Season Brochure 2013-2014 in PDF format.)
FRETWORK, with LUTENIST ELIZABETH KENNY
Lacrimae: Music of John Dowland in observance of the 450th anniversary of his birth.
First Christian Church 1601 Sunset Blvd. Houston, Texas 77005
Pre-concert talk by ensemble members at 6:45pm
Buy tickets for Lacrimae: Music of John Dowland | Subscribe to entire season
One of the world's leading viola da gamba consorts, Fretwork, brings their contemporary sensibility to John Dowland's famous collection, Lachrimae. To honor the 450th anniversary of Dowland's birth, we embark on a transcendental voyage from despair to hope through an extraordinary collection of music for viols and lute based on his most famous song, Flow my teares.
Over the last 25 years, this U.K.-based ensemble has brought music old and new to audiences hitherto unfamiliar with the inspiring sound-world of the viol. For their 2013 Tour, Fretwork will be joined by the incomparable British lutenist Elizabeth Kenny.
The concert is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, November 2, 2013 at First Christian Church, 1601 Sunset Blvd., Houston 77005. A pre-concert talk with ensemble members starts at 6:45 p.m.
Houston Early Music's annual celebration of the season.
And Glory Shone Around: An Early American Christmas
Carols, Country Dances, Hymns and Spiritual Songs
Christ Church Cathedral
1117 Texas Avenue Houston, Texas 77002
Pre-concert talk by ensemble members at 4:15pm
An Early American Christmas: Carols, Country Dances, Hymns and Spiritual Songs
Like Saint Nicholas, The Rose Ensemble returns to Houston for a joyful evening of glad tidings and good cheer. From Shaker hymns and Colonial anthems to ballads, country dances and shape-note hymns, this extraordinary performance highlights the early forms that will later give birth to bluegrass and old-time music. Journey through the dance halls of Boston to the hills of Appalachia, as the singers and instrumentalists explore the harmonies of early American Christmastide music.
The ensemble, regularly featured on American Public Media and National Public Radio's Performance Today, reawakens history with vocal music that stirs the emotions, challenges the mind, and lifts the spirit. Experience a fresh take on the sounds of the traditional yuletide season!
The Yuletide celebration will start at 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 15, 2013 at Christ Church Cathedral, 1117 Texas Ave., Houston 77002. A pre-concert talk with ensemble members begins at 4:15 p.m
- There is free parking in the Cathedral Parking Garage on San Jacinto between Texas and Prairie. There is also on-street parking around the Cathedral; it is not necessary to pay the parking meters on Sundays. Cathedral's directions and parking page
Emerging Artists Series
Muse, Modes, and Magic:
Music from the 13th – 17th centuries
Salem Evangelical Lutheran
4930 W. Bellfort Houston, Texas 77035
Pre-concert talk by ensemble members at 6:45pm
Read the Program and Notes for this concert
The youthful and adventurous ensemble The Broken Consort explores music as an ethereal art with magical powers in Muse, Modes, and Magic (and also Mary). The group traces the relationship of these constant elements throughout early philosophy, music and literature, with a diverse secular and sacred repertoire from the 12th to early 17th century. And like the early broken consort, the artists play a mixed group of instruments including lute, oud, vielle, gamba, lute, harp, percussion, and voices.
The Boston-based ensemble is redefining the standard conception and presentation of early music. Explore the philosophies and themes that have captivated our culture for centuries through these exquisite works.
The event is scheduled for 7:30 p.m., Friday, January 17, 2014 at Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church, 4930 W. Bellfort, Houston 77035. A pre-concert talk with ensemble members begins at 6:45 p.m.
Enjoy an evening of captivating entertainment and fresh scholarly insight. The unique imagination and originality of their programming combined with their superb vocal skills has marked The Orlando Consort one of Britain's most important chamber music ensembles.
Forward to the Past:
25 years with the Orlando Consort.
Zilkha Hall, The Hobby Center for the Performing Arts 800 Bagby Houston, Texas 77002
Pre-concert talk by ensemble members at 6:45pm
The Orlando Consort anniversary celebration begins with the chansons from Guillaume de Machaut's master work, Le Voir Dit – a story of the extraordinary epistolary exchange between the aging poet and his young female admirer, Peronne.
Next, the British male vocal quartet offers up an indulgent review of the Consort's favorite fifteenth-century composers. Featuring some of the finest examples of late medieval composition, the group showcases the sacred works of Dunstaple, Ockeghem, Compère, Josquin and many others featured in their extensive recordings.
Enjoy an evening of captivating entertainment and fresh scholarly insight. The unique imagination and originality of their programming combined with their superb vocal skills has marked The Orlando Consort one of Britain's most important chamber music ensembles.
The performance begins at 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, February 11, 2014 at Zilkha Hall in the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts, 800 Bagby, Houston 77002. A pre-concert talk with ensemble members begins at 6:45 p.m.
Heralded as a group that encourages listeners to rehear the world, Ensemble Caprice returns to the Houston Early Music stage for another imaginative, incomparable performance during the 2013-2014 season.
During the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, the musical dialogue between the Old and the New Worlds produced extraordinary results. The internationally acclaimed Ensemble Caprice calls this unique style and fascinating blend of European polyphony and Latin American traditional music Salsa Baroque. Gems from this spectacular musical era will be performed on instruments that were common at the time: flutes and recorders, baroque guitar, violoncello and various percussion instruments.
Heralded as a group that encourages listeners to rehear the world, Ensemble Caprice returns to the Houston Early Music stage for another imaginative, incomparable performance during the 2013-2014 season.
The event is set for 7:30 p.m. on Friday, April 11, 2014, at Palmer Memorial Episcopal Church, 6221 Main Street, Houston 77030. A pre-concert talk with ensemble director Matthias Maute begins at 6:45 p.m.
A full season subscription for all five concerts is $180 General Admission, $155 Senior Admission (age 60 and over). A mini-pass option which allows you to select any three concerts is also available for $110 General Admission, $95 Senior Admission. Individual tickets are available for $40 General Admission, $35 Senior Admission, and $20 Students with valid student ID card.
(You may download the Season Brochure 2013-2014 in PDF format.)
Please Support Houston Early Music with Your Donations
Ticket purchase covers only part of the costs of bringing early music performances to Houston. We need the support of patrons like you. Please make your tax-deductible donation to Houston Early Music

subset: commoncrawl


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Plans were unfoiled on Friday thanks to you all!
Monday, February 11, 2013
So thanks to all of you that pushed me into fitting in a jog when my mind had already said screw it. I ended being brave and asking cranky co-worker if I could take off since I had some overtime, she reluctantly agreed. So I took off before she could change her mind. Hauled ass home, got my gear on and headed outside. This is where it gets funny. I'm looking at the time 3:50, I have to be showered, dressed and ready to go by 5:10 so we can meet up with our friends for dinner. I plan on 3 mile. That is roughly 30ish - 35ish (depending on my mood/pace). Give me time to take a nice, long, hot shower. Blow dry my hair and get all fancied up. Well I also decided to use a new App, instead of RunKeeper I tried IRunner. Stupid me didn't go into setting and change my marker to every .50 miles. So I made it the first mile, didn't occur to me then that, hmm that's weird it only told me once how far I've gone and what my pace is. I was too stoked that my pace was faster than normal to even pay that any mind. So I'm truckin along, waiting for my cue for 1.50 miles so I can turn my butt around and head back home. I keep going, and going. I start thinking, my pace must have really slowed down, this half mile is taking forever. FINALLY, ding 2.00 miles. WHAT!!!! Oh S$*%. Now I'm trying to do math in my head while jogging of when I'll get home with an added mile. Mind you, I'm not very good at math standing still with no distraction. Now I'm jogging, looking out for potholes, watching for cars, waving at young childrens out on their bikes, it was exhausting. So I just decided to try and pick up my pace and get home ASAP. So 45 minutes later, I had done 4.23 miles and my pace was roughly 10.50 MPH. I usually stay around 11:30 MPH! I was stoked. I know I know, not a huge improvement, but I'm rarely ever in the 10 ish MPH unless it's for a brief downhill jaunt. So anyways, moral of the story, maybe I should mess up more often lol.
Saturday I took off. It always seems after a really taxing jog I just can't muster the energy for at least a day to do anything else. Usually it's if I do over 6 miles, but that faster pace really kicked my arse. The Hubs worked on our dishwasher though, (it's all wierd right now, and I do not wash by hand lol) and I have to share this little gem.
She was helping. Kinda. When I took this pic, she was telling the Hubs to scoot over, I've got this. In her left hand she is holding a screwdriver, so for all we know she held the magic key to fixing it.
Sunday I put in the Nike Kinect and did 30 minutes cardio and 30 minutes stregth. Little one came down and joined me for a little while. She loves squats and lunges, they are her very favorite. That is a direct quote.
Already got my workout in today so hopefully I can just settle down at home tonight and relax. But I might also try to get a few walking miles in on the treadmill. I'm a little behind on my mileage goal and I hate to get too far behind because then I'm in danger of throwing in the towel. I know me, and I want to stop me from doing me like stuff!
How was your weekend?
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It sounds like you are doing so awesome!!! Way to go!! Too funny about the running app; at least it worked out for you! We were having problems with our dishwasher for awhile too; that's no fun! Cute picture!!!
1228 days ago
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Good job on your MPH!!!!!!!!!!!! I also rarely get into the 10's so totally understand your excitement
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Great blog! So impressed with your time, that really is awesome. Don't downplay it!
Love your little girl, too - from the plumbers crack to her 'very favorite' exercises. Lol!!
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Awesome job! You kicked some butt! My last run was 6.5 miles and I really hope to be feeling well enough to get in a 7.5 this weekend so that I can feel somewhat prepared for our 15k in 3 short weeks!!
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Awesome, awesome, awesome! I'm go glad you went on that jog and not only did it, but killed it!
That is a hilarious picture!
Thanks for the goodie!
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Awesome run!!!! And good for you for being brave and asking cranky if you can go!!
I didn't know it was possible, but your little girl makes plumbers crack adorable:)
1229 days ago
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This week's U.S. Supreme Court decision that law enforcement officers must obtain a search warrant before viewing the contents of a person's cellphone applies to Wichita Falls law enforcement officials. The Wichita Falls Police Department has wisely already been following the guidelines set down in this latest ruling from the land's highest court so officers here won't have to make any changes in this city of 105,000.
"Cellphones are powerful devices unlike anything else police may find on someone they arrest," Chief Justice John Roberts said.
He further said, "Because the phones contain so much information, police must get a warrant before looking through them."
The unamimous Supreme Court decision handed down Wednesday ruled that obtaining a search warrant is necessary for searching an individual's cell phone because of the vast amount of information on a person's cellphone, according to an article in the Wall Street Journal Wednesday, June 26.
Warrantless searches have been justified in the past by the need to protect officers from hidden weapons and to prevent suspects from destroying evidence. Those exceptions to obtaining a warrant do not apply when it comes to searching an individual's cellphone, according to Roberts.
Privacy advocates hailed the decision as a sign the court will protect constitutional privacy interests of all Americans from the powers of modern technology. Steven Shapiro, legal director of the American Civil Liberties Union said Wednesday's ruling is "revolutionary."
Two cases were before the court this week regarding cellphones. A federal appellate court in Boston had found that a cellphone search violated the Fourth Amendment protection against "unreasonable searches and seizures." However, courts on the other side of the United States reached a different conclusion. State courts in the Golden State held that anything found on an individual could be searched under traditional exceptions to the warrant requirement.
In San Diego, police found evidence of gang membership when they looked through defendant David Leon Riley's Samsung smartphone. A jury later convicted Riley of attempted murder and other charges based in part on video and photographs found on the smartphone. California appellate courts upheld his convictions.
In Boston, police arrested Brima Wurie on suspicion of selling crack cocaine. They were able to use information found on his flip phone to determine where he lived. They then obtained a warrant and went to his home where they found crack, marihuana, a gun and ammunition. Wurie was convicted and sentenced to more than 20 years in the penitentiary.
Modern cellphones hold for many Americans the privacies of their lives, according to the Chief Justice.
Sgt. John Spragins of the Wichita Falls Police Department said the police could see this ruling coming and have already been requesting a second search warrant in most efforts to obtain data from cellphones, according to an article today's Wichita Falls Times Record News newspaper.
The Wichita Falls Police Department under the leadership of Chief Manuel Borrego will not have any of their cases reversed because of cellphone searches. The WFPD deserves credit for a job well done. The leadership has exhibited exceptional foresight.
Anyone interested in receiving free updates of future Wichita Falls Law Enforcement articles may click on the subscribe link adjacent to this article.


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Skydiving.com now has a network skydiving location serving Owings Mills and Baltimore County in Maryland. Call Skydiving.com at 1-800-617-7948 for details, free information and specials on skydiving in Owings Mills, MD today!
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Why Does My Cat?
Why does a try to scratch around his food bowl?
Not all cats do this. This is an attempt to bury any uneaten food for later. In the wild cats will bury their uneaten food so that other animals can't steal their "catch".
Why does a cat eat grass?
There is no definitive answer as to why cats eat grass but some theories include:
- Cat acts as a laxative and helps with the passage of hairballs through the system.
- Eating grass can induce vomiting, which helps the cat bring up hairballs.
- Grass contains some nutrients which aren't a part of their normal carnivorous diet.
- They enjoy it.
Why does a cat purr?
The exact mechanisms of purring are still not known. People associate purring with a contented and happy cat, and certainly this is often the case. However cats will also purr when they are in pain or frightened.
One theory is that purring is a social signal, which sends out the message that the cat is either contented or in need of help.
Why does a cat have whiskers?
Also known as "tactile hairs" or vibrissae, whiskers are long, thick and specialised hairs on the side of the mouth. They are around 2 - 3 times thicker than "normal" hairs and are embedded three times greater than other hairs. Cats have approximately 24 whiskers, 12 on each size.
They are highly motile and extremely sensitive and are supplied with a mass of nerve endings. Whiskers can move forward and backward.
Whiskers have several uses. They can detect air currents and vibrations and cats are able to tell the distance and shape of an object in the dark through the use of whiskers. It has been observed that cats who have had their whiskers cut are able to hunt and kill prey normally in daylight but in the dark they can catch the pray but misjudges where to place the killing bite.
Whiskers are as wide as the cat's body, therefore act as a guide to tell the cat if it is able to fit into a narrow space.
Whiskers are an extremely important sensory tool for the cat and they should never be cut.
Why does my cat vomit on the rug?
I have heard but can't confirm that cats prefer to vomit on rugs to smooth, slippery surface as rugs give them a better grip while they are convulsing.
Why does my cat knead me with his front paws?
Kittens knead their mum's belly when they are feeding. This is a sign of contentment to the kitten and also helps the mothers milk flow.
Why do cats chatter their teeth at birds?
Many cats will make a quiet 'chatter' sound while they are watching birds or other 'prey' from a window. There are two suggested theories as to why cats do this.
- When a cat has caught it's prey it delivers a fatal bite to the neck. It may be that when your cat is watching birds from afar it is re-enacting that fatal bite.
- It has also been suggested that cats make this noise out of frustration because they are unable to get to the prey.
Why does a cat suck/chew on clothing?
This is known as pica. The word pica comes from the Latin word "magpie", which is known to eat almost anything.
As to the cause, nobody knows exactly what causes it but several theories have been suggested;
- Dietary insufficiencies, and possibly needing more fibre, minerals or vitamins in their diet.
- Wool sucking may be a result of a cat being weaned too early, and takes to this as a self soothing mechanism.
- Stress and anxiety.
- Boredom.
- Wool sucking is seen more commonly in Siamese and Siamese cross breeds, which suggests that there may be a genetic component to this behaviour.
Why does my cat bring home dead animals?
Hunting is a natural behaviour in felines. Our mollycoddled cats have no need to hunt for food as it is supplied by us. When a mother cat is teaching her kittens to hunt she will bring home dead prey for the kittens to eat. Once they are older she will bring home injured prey for the kittens and make the final kill in front of the kittens.
The school of thought with this one is that our cats think of their owners as somewhat incompetent hunters, and our cat is attempting to teach us how to hunt, as a female cat would teach her kittens.
Another theory is that they're offering dead animals to us as a gift. It is said that instead of a natural reaction of horror when presented with a dead animal on the doorstep we should heap praise on the cat. None of us wants to be met with horror when giving somebody a gift!
Why do cats always make a beeline for people who don't like them?
Direct eye contact with a cat is a sign of dominance and can be seen as threatening behaviour to our feline friends. People who dislike cats tend to avoid eye contact with cats, thus making them more appealing and "cat friendly".
Why do cats sleep so much?
Cats sleep on average 16 hours a day, which is twice the amount of sleep us humans average. When hunting for food, they use their energy in short, quick bursts to capture their prey and are highly efficient at this. In his book Cat World, Desmond Morris suggests that cats possibly sleep so much because they have time on their hands and they can.
Why does my cat walk sideways?
We've all seen it back arched, tail raised, hair on the back and tail puffed up and doing the sideways 'crab walk'. This behaviour is designed to make the cat look larger and more threatening to the other cat (or person).
Why do cats bury their food?
This is another behaviour which is a throwback from their wild days. What they can't eat in one sitting they hide, so nobody else can eat it in the meantime.
Why does my cat always want attention when I'm on the phone?
Your cat doesn't realise there is somebody on the other end of the phone and thinks you are talking to him.
My cat is chewing/biting his claws, is this normal?
Some cats will bite and chew their claws while they are grooming. This is to remove the outer sheath from the claw.
Nail biting can become a compulsive behaviour in cats, just as it does in humans, but generally it is just a normal part of their grooming routine. It is always a good idea to run such behaviours past your veterinarian.
My cat is nursing from herself, should I be worried?
From a personal standpoint, I wouldn't be worried unless the cat is actually causing physical damage in the process. I had a cat who engaged in this behaviour as a youngster. She would do it when she was stressed or content and it seemed to have a soothing effect on her. Eventually, around the age of 2 years old she stopped. I liken it to thumb sucking in children. But if you are at all concerned, or if your cat is causing damage to herself, do seek veterinary advice.
Also see:
Cat World: A Feline Encyclopaedia - Desmond Morris


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Egyptian Cotton notebook
Haytham Kamal
Distinguished Egyption Cotton start here in the Egypt country and You will find in this notebook some of this country motives decorating the pages,so you can enjoy doodling around them.
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Source: Finding Christ in Christmas /
Today is a day for family, friends, and for celebrating the birth of our Savior. We are going to enjoy the peace from our Savior, savor moments of excitement with our children, and celebrate the significance of today. We wish you and yours a Blessed and Merry Christmas.


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Junior Corey Thompson
Feb. 21, 2011
The East Carolina baseball team is off to a 3-0 start following a series opening sweep of Youngstown State at Lewis Field inside Clark-LeClair Stadium. After one weekend the strength of the squad looks to be the pitching staff, who surrendered just three runs in 27.0 innings, while the starting trio of Seth Maness, Zach Woods and Mike Wright allowed just one in 17 innings - a lead off home run in the season opener.
East Carolina Pirates (3-0)
National Ranking: Receiving Votes (Collegiate Baseball and NCBWA)
Current Streak: W-3
Last Week: 3-0
Feb. 18 - Win vs. Youngstown State, 11-3
Feb. 19 - Win vs. Youngstown State, 1-0
Feb. 20 - Win vs. Youngstown State, 10-0
Upcoming Week
Road vs. No. 13 Virginia (Feb. 25-27)
Pirate Hitter of the Week
Corey Thompson, Junior, INF
Thompson helped the Pirates to a series opening sweep over the Penguins after batting .400 (4-for-10) on the weekend ... He shared the team lead in doubles (2) and RBI (4), while ranking second in total bases (6), slugging percentage (.600) and on-base percentage (.538) ... In the season opener he was 3-for-4 with a team-best three RBI and extended his hitting streak to six games ... Roped his second double of the season for his only hit in the sixth inning of game three driving in his fourth run of the weekend ... He reached base in all three contests and recorded 25 putouts at first base with no errors ... Thompson owns a .383 batting average, which currently ranks fourth among C-USA active players.
Pirate Pitcher of the Week
Seth Maness, Senior, RHP
Maness picked up his 29th career win in the season opener against Youngstown State and set the tone for a series sweep, which included back-to-back shutouts for the first time since 2006 ... The senior right-hander made his third consecutive Opening Day start and improved to 2-1 in those outings ... He worked seven innings allowing one run on four hits with seven strikeouts (all swinging) an no walks ... After surrendering a leadoff home run, Maness retired the next 11 hitters before giving up a single in the fourth frame ... In all he faced 26 batters and posted a 1.29 ERA, while holding opposing hitters to a .160 (4-for-25) batting average ... Maness moved into a tie for third place on the Pirates all-time wins list with Jim Peterson (1983-86) and is fourth all-time on C-USA's wins list.
ECU's pitching staff posted consecutive shutouts (Saturday/Sunday) for the first time since 2006 ... All three starters (Maness, Zach Woods and Mike Wright) combined to allow just one run, a leadoff HR to start the season, in 17 innings ... In all the Pirates hurlers posted a 1.00 ERA allowing three runs (all earned) on the weekend with 25 strikeouts to just six walks.
Six true freshmen made their collegiate debuts for the Pirates with three cracking the starting lineup on Opening Day ... Chase McDonald (DH), Jack Reinheimer (SS) and Drew Reynolds (3B) started all three games over the weekend each collecting a hit in their first collegiate at-bats and played a key role in the Pirates opening weekend sweep ... McDonald batted .300 (3-for-10) with a home run, four RBI, three runs scored while slugging .700 ... Reinheimer recorded a hit in all three games and drove in the game-winning RBI in the fourth inning of the Pirates 10-0 win Sunday on a bunt single ... Reynolds collected a pair of hits and played solid defense at the hot corner and saved a run with a leaping catch on a line drive ... Outfielder Ben Fultz and catcher Joshua Lovick made their debuts as defensive replacements in the season opener and Fultz laced a shot back up the middle in his first collegiate at-bat on Sunday ... RHP Austin Chrismon faced one batter in the seventh frame on Sunday getting Chris Mitko to fly out with a runner on third and two outs.
Junior College second baseman Tim Younger was solid in the Pirates season opener batting .375 (3-for-8) with three walks, two sac bunts and was plunked by a pitch ... He collected two hits in his Pirate debut and drove in the game-winning run in the bottom of the ninth Saturday for a 1-0 victory ... Defensively he recorded one putout and had six assists.
Philip Clark and Trent Whitehead were perfect on the base paths against Youngstown State and combined to steal all seven of ECU's bases ... Clark was 3-for-3 and Whitehead was 4-for-4 on the weekend ... Whitehead tied his single-game career-high with three in the season opener and added one in Sunday's contest ... At the dish, Whitehead batted .273 (3-for-11) four RBI and four runs scored and collected the game-winning hit in game one on a two-RBI double in the second inning ... Clark is tied with Younger for second on the team with a .375 (3-for-8) average and has three RBI.
John Wooten (UTIL) and Zach Wright (C) finally got their bats going in the series finale against Youngstown State each going 2-for-4 at the plate with a RBI and two runs scored ... Wooten recorded the Pirates first triple of the season with a shot to right center in the fifth and Wright followed with a RBI double down the right field line ... Wooten played a variety of positions on the weekend experiencing action in right field, left field and at first base.
Junior Kevin Brandt (1-0) pitched four innings of near perfect relief allowing just two of 14 hitters to reach base (walk and hit) while striking out five for his first win of the season and seventh career win out of the bullpen on Saturday ... Starter Zach Woods scattered three hits and punched out six in five innings of work before handing the ball over to Brandt ... Mike Wright (1-0) picked up his fourth career win Sunday working five scoreless innings allowing three hits with one walk and one punch out.
ECU is off to a 3-0 start ... Since the 2001 season, the Pirates have started 3-0 five times and in each of those years they reached the NCAA Regional and in three of those seasons (2001, 2004 and 2009) made Super Regional appearances.
Head Coach Billy Godwin recorded his 459th career and 196th Pirate win on Sunday in the series sweep ... He ranks third all-time on ECU's wins list and is four away from becoming the third Pirate skipper to win 200 career games (Gary Overton/427 and Keith LeClair/212).
During the opening series, the Pirates ushered in 11,132 fans (3,710 avg.) which included the second-largest opening day crowd at Clark-LeClair Stadium (4,008) on Friday ... Last year ECU welcomed 5,012 fans to see the season opener against No. 2 Virginia on Feb. 19.


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Permanent URL to this publication: http://dx.doi.org/10.5167/uzh-42306
Mueller, T L; Wirth, A; van Lenthe, G H; Goldhahn, J; Schense, J; Jamieson, V; Messmer, P; Uebelhart, D; Weishaupt, D; Egermann, M; Müller, R (2011). Mechanical stability in a human radius fracture treated with a novel tissue-engineered bone substitute: a non-invasive, longitudinal assessment using high-resolution pQCT in combination with finite element analysis. Journal of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, 5(5):415-420.
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The clinical gold standard in orthopaedics for treating fractures with large bone defects is still the use of autologous, cancellous bone autografts. While this material provides a strong healing response, the use of autografts is often associated with additional morbidity. Therefore, there is a demand for off-the-shelf biomaterials that perform similar to autografts. Biomechanical assessment of such a biomaterial in vivo has so far been limited. Recently, the development of high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT) has made it possible to measure bone structure in humans in great detail. Finite element analysis (FEA) has been used to accurately estimate bone mechanical function from three-dimensional CT images. The aim of this study was therefore to determine the feasibility of these two methods in combination, to quantify bone healing in a clinical case with a fracture at the distal radius which was treated with a new bone graft substitute. Validation was sought through a conceptional ovine model. The bones were scanned using HR-pQCT and subsequently biomechanically tested. FEA-derived stiffness was validated relative to the experimental data. The developed processing methods were then adapted and applied to in vivo follow-up data of the patient. Our analyses indicated an 18% increase of bone stiffness within 2 months. To our knowledge, this was the first time that microstructural finite element analyses have been performed on bone-implant constructs in a clinical setting. From this clinical case study, we conclude that HR-pQCT-based micro-finite element analyses show high potential to quantify bone healing in patients. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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Tiffany Harris
Jan. 17, 2013
Virginia Tech Invitational Live Scoring
GREENVILLE, N.C. –The East Carolina track and field program is set to compete in its first meet of 2013 as the Pirates head to Blacksburg, Va., to participate in the Virginia Tech Invitational. The two-day event begins on Friday, Jan. 18, and will conclude on Saturday, Jan. 19.
The Pirates opened the 2013 season last month when they competed at the Christopher Newport Invitational. At Christopher Newport, senior Tynita Butts recorded an NCAA Indoor qualifying mark en route to a first-place finish in the women's high jump with her mark of 6-1.25 (1.86m). In addition to Butts' impressive performance, several other Pirates earned first-place finishes.
Over the past month, the ECU track and field squad has worked tirelessly to prepare for the meet at Virginia Tech. The Pirates are looking to build on the remarkable season they had last year in which they set a single-season record when 21 student-athletes earned bids to the NCAA East Preliminaries.
"Both teams are very excited to compete after a long Christmas break," Head Coach Curt Kraft stated. "As always, we expect each and every one of the athletes to compete to the best of their abilities. Getting better each and every week is a process, so as a coaching staff we have to encourage and continue to reinforce to stay positive and work hard."
Following the Virginia Tech Invitational, ECU will travel to State College, Pa., to take part in the Penn State National from January 25-26.


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Home / LSA Students /
Sophomore Initiative
Every year, we hear lots of the same kinds of concerns from sophomores: "I loved my course in Modern Greek, but my parents say it's not practical enough," or " I've been 'exploring,' but nothing is really grabbing me," or "I took the prerequisite courses and now I don't want to major in Poli Sci anymore."
You're not alone. Virtually every LSA sophomore is thinking about the same issues. In fact, my own sophomore experience might sound similar to what you are going through! For many of us, past and present, the sophomore year seems to hasten these moments of challenge and self-engagement, of figuring things out, of energizing our lives and learning, and of launching us, in one manner or another, into our future.
It's OKAY to not have your 5- or 10-year life plan all figured out. The sophomore year is a year of opportunity and a time for exploration. With the Sophomore Initiative, the College of LSA is creating opportunities distinctly for sophomores, including an amazing set of courses, for you to build into your Michigan experience. We've aimed this website at helping you learn a bit more about how to get the most out of your sophomore year, and how to use a change of plans as an opportunity rather than an obstacle.
Phil Deloria
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Aug 9, 2010 9:15 AM
We don't blame you if you never made it through Anna Karenina. It's a beast of a book. Hell, we wrote a term paper on it and didn't even finish it (thank you, Cliff's Notes). However, you'll plow through Android Karenina ($10) with pleasure. The tale of a woman in a loveless marriage drawn to another man (scandal!) is transported from 19th century Russia to a futuristic time of robots, cyborgs, and of course, androids in this mash up from Quirk Classics (the same folks who brought us Sense and Sensibility and Sea Monsters, natch.)
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As we are approaching the opening of the spring season of soccer here in the Miami Valley, many organizations have already begun to market their camps. There are residential and non-residential camps, most of which last anywhere from a few days to a full week. Prices range from $80 to $500 depending on your choice. This can be huge time and financial commitment. In today's economy, that can really be a challenge. Breaking out of these traditional venues for training is Jared Montz, a former professional soccer player and founder of America's first online soccer academy.
Soccer Examiner: What are some of your most memorable moments from your playing career? What made them special?
Soccer Examiner: Tell me about your organization.
The second reason is I felt like no one was fixing the issue that American soccer players usually only train twice a week with their club team and if they want to make it to the next level they need to train on their own; however, most players don't know what to do on their own. The Online Soccer Academy is planning to fix that issue.
Soccer Examiner: An annual subscription for your online academy is $100. How can I be confident I'll be satisfied?
Jared: It was tough to face challenges and skepticism but ultimately those hard times and obstacles have shaped me into the man I am today. I learned very early that when one door closes, two doors open. The key is to "Believe in it" and back that up with hard work. I just knew it in my heart that I could do anything I put my mind too I just had to keep pushing myself. I overcame these obstacles by never giving up, always striving to improve and not letting anyone tell me I couldn't reach my dreams.
Soccer Examiner: You also have a web service for college bound players. How does that work? What is the cost?
With the website a players gets personalized training on how to you use the website, hosting, a personal domain name, analytics, Online Soccer Academy membership, a JMS College Recruiting Handbook, personal consulting from me to develop their recruiting plan, and they also get a chance to win a $1,000 college scholarship. The cost is $585.
Soccer Examiner: What is your vision for the academy and Jared Montz Soccer?
Jared: My vision is to teach young people if they "Believe in it" and back that up with hard work anything in life is possible. I have a few different platforms to motivate and educate players on how to do that. I want Jared Montz Soccer to become a company players and parents can trust, receive expert advice, inspiration, consulting and coaching.
Soccer Examiner: What do you want parents to know about your services?
Jared: Any purchase you make for your child in a Jared Montz Soccer product is an investment. Whether you are purchasing membership in the Online Soccer Academy or buying a Personal College Recruiting Website it is an investment in your child. Both products are done on player's own time so you, the parent, don't have to drive them anywhere. I believe that if because of me and what I do your child is confident, inspired to work hard and learning what to do on and off the soccer field to become a success in soccer and in life then it is well worth your hard earned money.
Soccer Examiner: What's next for Jared Montz Soccer?


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March 14, 1999
SEATTLE, Wash. - The Washington men's and women's track and field opened the outdoor season by winning 15 events in a continuous drizzle at Saturday's Washington Open Preview Meet at Husky Stadium.
1997 and 1998 All-American Ben Lindsey returned to form, winning the discus with a 183' 3" throw, and taking fourth in the hammer with a personal-best mark of 170' 10". 1999 All-American Derek Prior, fresh off of a tenth-place finish in the 400 meters at last week's NCAA Indoor Track and Field Championships, captured first place in the event, crossing the line in 47.56 seconds, well-ahead of second place Mario Duke of Spokane CC, who finished in 49.48.
Washington's triumvirate of women's throwers each walked with away with an event title, senior Rebecca Morrison in the hammer (156' 3"), senior Seselia Thomas in the shot put (47' 5.75") and freshman Cecelia Barnes in the discus (144' 10"). Senior Lara Kelley and sophomore Chelsie Pentz swept the hurdles and sprints, with Kelley taking the 100m and 400m hurdles events, and Pentz winning the 100m and 200m dashes.
It was also a day for former Huskies to shine. Former All-American Ed Turner provided flashbacks to his days as one of Washington's top sprinters as he claimed victory in the 200m dash in 21.75 seconds, and placed third in the 100m dash in 11.00 seconds. Also returning to dominate the field was B.J. Dawson, who took the 800m dash in 1:53.52. Dawson teamed up with Ja'Warren Hooker, Scott Anabel and Prior to earn an eight-place finish in the 4x400m relay at last year's NCAA Indoor Championships.
The Huskies will look to continue this weekend's success this Saturday in Berkeley, Calif., where Washington will take on Cal and UCLA in the first Pac-10 meet of the year.


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Diagnostic testing services firm Genova Diagnostics acquired Metametrix to generate a combined entity with a broader range of laboratory testing services. The firms will continue to operate under both brands. "Consolidating our companies significantly increases our global presence," comments Ted Hull, chairman and CEO at Genova. "Our combined resources will allow us to expand investments in R&D, clinical trials, medical education, and market expansion." The two firms in combination have 400 employees and operate in 45 countries through its three facilities in the U.S. and U.K.
Metametrix specializes in the provision of clinical laboratory services in the area of nutrients, toxicants, hormonal balance, biotransformation and detoxification, gastrointestinal function, and the microbiome.The firm is in addition working to develop next-generation testing capabilities that will help tailor treatment options for chronic diseases such as cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, inflammatory, mental/emotional, and autism spectrum disorders.
Established in 1986, specialty clinical laboratory Genova offers over 125 specialized diagnostic and genomic-based tests in a wide range of physiological fields including digestive, immunology, metabolic function and endocrinology.
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IMF Executive Board Concludes 2006 Article IV Consultation with TongaPublic Information Notice (PIN) No. 06/71
June 28, 2006
Public Information Notices (PINs) form part of the IMF's efforts to promote transparency of the IMF's views and analysis of economic developments and policies. With the consent of the country (or countries) concerned, PINs are issued after Executive Board discussions of Article IV consultations with member countries, of its surveillance of developments at the regional level, of post-program monitoring, and of ex post assessments of member countries with longer-term program engagements. PINs are also issued after Executive Board discussions of general policy matters, unless otherwise decided by the Executive Board in a particular case. The staff report (use the free Adobe Acrobat Reader to view this pdf file) for the 2006 Article IV consultation with Tonga is also available.
On June 2, 2006, the Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) concluded the Article IV consultation with Tonga.1
According to preliminary information, the economy is expected to expand at a slower pace in 2005/06 than the estimated 2½ percent gain in 2004/05 (fiscal year July-June), reflecting a poor squash season and slower growth in construction. Inflation declined to 9½ percent in 2004/05 compared to about 11½ percent in the previous year, and has since eased further to 5¼ percent during the year to February 2006, reflecting lower domestic food and import price increases. A fiscal surplus of about 2½ of GDP was achieved in 2004/05, in marked contrast to the deficit of 2¼ percent of GDP envisaged in the budget, owing to lower-than-budgeted wages and capital spending, and stronger tax collection. Net domestic credit grew by 21 percent in 2004/05, mainly driven by a rapid rise in housing and personal loans. To rein in this rapid credit expansion, the National Reserve Bank of Tonga (NRBT) reintroduced credit ceilings in January 2006. However, with liquidity conditions tightening in the banking system, pressure on the central bank to ease its monetary stance mounted, and reserve requirements were reduced in March.
In 2005/06, the original budget targeted a deficit of 1.8 percent of GDP, mostly covered by external concessional financing. However, available information for the first eight months of 2005/06 indicates that revenue performance was weaker than expected, mainly because of lower nontax and excise collection. Moreover, following a lengthy strike, civil servants were granted in September 2005 average wage increases of about 70 percent. The salary increase will be paid over two years: 60 percent in 2005/06 and 40 percent in 2006/07. The unanticipated cost of the first phase of the wage increase is estimated to be about 3 percent of GDP. Savings have been carried out (mostly capital expenditure cuts and a hiring freeze) that are expected to more than offset this cost as well as the likely revenue shortfall. The authorities are also working on downsizing the civil service by a quarter by the end of the fiscal year, to be achieved by targeted and voluntary redundancies, and the related severance payments could amount to about 5 percent of GDP.
The trade balance deteriorated in 2004/05, as imports expanded on the back of strong domestic demand, more than offsetting a rebound in exports. Despite a continued increase in remittances, the current account shifted into a deficit. The capital account surplus declined from its record high in 2003/04, as private capital inflows returned to a more normal level. Gross international reserves fell to 3¾ months of current year's imports of goods and services. The pa'anga has remained stable relative to its basket since 2004. Given the high inflation in Tonga relative to its main trading partners, this development translated into a real appreciation of the Tongan currency of about 11 percent (January 2004-February 2006).
Short-term economic prospects are highly uncertain and depend critically on the authorities achieving the proposed substantial downsizing of the civil service. The swing in the fiscal position from surplus to deficit is expected to contribute to a widening of the current account deficit in 2005/06. Only if an expected government asset sale to foreign investors is completed, will there be sufficient financing to maintain the reserve position, keep the exchange rate broadly stable, and prevent major inflationary pressures from emerging. In 2006/07, economic activity would be adversely affected by the proposed civil service downsizing. The payment of the severance package would cushion this effect somewhat, although it could also put pressure on reserves and the exchange rate.
Executive Board Assessment
Executive Directors expressed concern about the deterioration in the economic outlook since the last Article IV consultation. They regretted that the large civil service wage increase in September 2005 marked a departure from the prudent fiscal policy that had been followed over the past years, and underscored that the increase could have significant negative consequences for macroeconomic and external stability.
Against this background, Directors considered that Tonga's economic prospects were highly uncertain and depended on the authorities' ability to manage the impact of the wage settlement. They urged the authorities to follow through on their stated intentions to contain the costs of the wage settlement, and push ahead with key reforms to safeguard macroeconomic stability, improve governance, and enhance the role of the private sector.
Directors welcomed the authorities' commitment to fiscal adjustment, and stressed that more sustainable fiscal measures were required. In this regard, they noted the ambitious plan formulated by the authorities to bring the civil service down to a more appropriate size, based on targeted and voluntary redundancies. Directors also noted, however, that the scale of the envisaged downsizing was unprecedented, and cautioned that alternative measures may need to be considered, should the proposed plan not materialize as expected.
Directors called on the authorities to push ahead with other fiscal reforms. They stressed that strengthening the legal framework and capacity for tax enforcement would be critical to offset the revenue decline in trade taxes expected from Tonga's accession to the WTO. Directors added that a fully operationalized accounting system, including its rollout to all ministries, would be critical to improve public expenditure management. The introduction of a medium-term budget framework signaling the authorities' commitment to a sustainable fiscal policy would help foster donor support. In addition, Directors emphasized that the pace of public enterprise reform should be accelerated and, in particular, that the government should not renationalize the power sector.
Directors welcomed the authorities' resolve to further tighten monetary policy in response to the wage settlement, and utilize the full flexibility of the exchange rate system, if needed. In this regard, the introduction of open-market type instruments was seen as a useful step to improve the central bank's control over monetary developments. Directors noted, however, that these new instruments remained untested, and that the central bank might also need to rely on its more rudimentary credit ceilings in the near term.
Directors noted that indicators of banking soundness had improved, although the recent rapid expansion of credit was of some concern. In this regard, Directors encouraged the authorities to continue to monitor closely credit developments to avoid a deterioration in asset quality. They also called for an early enactment of the Amendments to the NRBT Act to strengthen central bank independence. The authorities were encouraged to build on the progress made in the area of Anti-Money Laundering/Combating Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) to address the remaining issues.
Directors agreed on the need to create a more dynamic private sector in order to foster higher growth. In this context, they supported the authorities' decision to establish a public-private sector task force to identify and reduce critical impediments to private sector development. In particular, Directors called on the authorities to improve the business and investment climate by repealing distortionary tax incentives, reducing restrictions on business licensing and foreign direct investment, and strengthening the legal framework for securing property rights.
Directors encouraged the authorities to improve the reliability, coverage, and timeliness of statistics to strengthen economic analysis and assist the authorities in conducting policies and implementing reforms.


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The 16-year-old son of a Turner Valley veterinarian died April 5 after an accident that occurred while he was practicing in rodeo bucking school. He was enrolled in the Thorsby Haymaker Centre, Edmonton.
Ben Steiger was taking part in a training exercise when his horse threw him. Steiger ended up falling under the horse's hooves just as the animal threw a kick that hit Steiger with unfortunate timing.
Instructor and long-time rodeo participant Skeeter Thurston told the Edmonton Journal on Sunday that, according to the teen's father, young Steiger "really loved to rodeo." Steiger was enrolled in the rodeo school to further his dreams of becoming a future rodeo champion.
Thurston mentioned that the teen raved about Larry Mahan, a well-rounded competitor generally considered top cowboy in bulls and broncos.
It was on Thurston's watch when Steiger was bucked off, landing under the horse's front feet. Immediately after being injured, Steiger managed to get up to run a few steps before collapsing. A sports medicine professional rushed to help Steiger and members of the public also rushed to help. Steiger's father performed CPR on his son over 15 minutes until arrival of the ambulance.
Thurston is attempting to put the sad events of the teenager's untimely accident and death into some kind of perspective. According to the Edmonton Journal, Thurston said,
I've been doing these schools for 20 years ... This is the first tragic accident ... had to witness in a rodeo arena.
A mother of another young and budding rodeo competitor, Cheri Connors, was at the arena during the accident on Saturday. She said she understands the risks involved in rodeo events. She said,
We go in already knowing that anything can happen. It is no different than parents at a hockey game seeing their kids hurt. We just do a different sport.
Alberta's rodeo community is stunned by the ill-fated accident involving Steiger.


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Learn from the man who spends much of his life speaking
To the back of your head knowing what it means to follow
. . .
Learn from the man who spends much of his life speaking
To the back of your head knowing what it means to follow
. . .
The warping night air having brought the boom
Of an owl's voice into her darkened room,
We tell the wakened child that all she heard . . .
Life has loveliness to sell,
All beautiful and splendid things,
Blue waves whitened on a cliff, . . .
Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord:
He is trampling out the vintage where the grapes of wrath are stored;
He hath loosed the fatal lightning of his terrible swift sword: . . .
Back when I used to be Indian
I am standing outside the
pool hall with my sister. . . .
Be music, night,
That her sleep may go
Where angels have their pale tall choirs . . .
What if I didn't shoot the old lady
running away from our patrol,
or the old man in the back of the head, . . .
The moon drops one or two feathers into the field.
The dark wheat listens.
Be still. . . .
There was such speed in her little body,
And such lightness in her footfall,
It is no wonder her brown study . . .
Whose was that gentle voice, that, whispering sweet,
Promised methought long days of bliss sincere!
Soothing it stole on my deluded ear, . . .


text:
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More than seventy years after its publication in 1936, Margaret Mitchell's Gone with the Wind has never been out of print. An icon of American culture, it has had similar success abroad, popular in Japan, Russia, and post-World War II Europe, among other places and times. This work analyzes the continuations of Mitchell's novel: the authorized sequels, Scarlett by Alexandra Ripley and Rhett Butler's People by Donald McCaig; the unauthorized parody The Wind Done Gone by Alice Randall and a politically correct parody; and the many fan fiction stories posted online. The book also explores Gone with the Wind's ambiguous ending, the perceived need to publish an authorized sequel, and the legal battle to determine who may re-write Gone with the Wind.. Price: $33.25
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You may ask yourself with Apple TV, and Roku already on the market why would there be need to produce another streaming device. Well because not only do you get a lot of the other things that the other brands offer such as Netflix, Crackle and Hulu Plus but you also get to choose from Amazon's expansive library of movies. When I say expansive I mean there are over 200,000 movies and television shows to choose from. But that's not all. To find out why this little box could rock your tv watching world just read on.
Best feature of this device is the ability to talk into the remote. How many hours have you spent scrolling aimlessly trying to find a movie or show to no avail? Now all you have to do is hold down the button located at the top of the remote, (the microphone button) which activates the voice search. Say your request then sit back and enjoy.
Ok so now you have found the program that you want to watch and it's available on both Hulu Plus and Amazon the only deciding factor is then price. You get to see both options compared so you can choose the least expensive, which can help you save some bucks because you will need Prime membership to enjoy Prime Instant Video.
There are also neat features such as having the ability to start your movie on your tv and finish it on your phone or tablet, plus display little tidbits about the cast that has been pulled from IMDb. If you love trivia, you will adore this feature. Better yet how often have you watched a movie saw an actor and couldn't remember what else he has appeared in, well that won't happen anymore.
There is also a great selection of games to pick from which you can enjoy by using the remote that comes with your new toy or by getting an add on which would be the Fire game controller.
Now the design of this box is pretty understated which is nice because inconspicuous can sometimes be a good thing. The Fire TV though lovely is not perfect. It does have issues with syncing but I am sure Amazon is already on top of that. Plus aren't we all used to having patience when it comes to thing buffering?


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Festival clinics offer instruction and advice. Photo: Ross Downward
If you've ever pedaled the roads or trails in and around Utah's biggest mountain berg, then you know firsthand what great bedfellows Park City and cycling have become. Rare is a summer day that you'll not encounter a roadie spinning down Old Ranch Road or grinding up Guardsman Pass or Deer Valley's Royal Street. And thanks to the area's 400-plus-mile mountain bike trail network, earlier this year the International Mountain Bike Association named Park City the world's first Gold Level Ride Center. Impressive to say the least.
Want to know what all the two-wheeled hubbub is about? Check out the second annual Park City Cycling Festival, a three-day celebration of tires both skinny and fat for riders who've never straddled a bike to those who consider Park City their own personal cycling mecca, June 28–30. "The event serves not only as a way to draw attention to Park City's amazing outdoor opportunities when its not snowing, but is a way for KPCW to raise funds outside of the typical pledge drive model," says Cindy Kaiser Bywater, KPCW Director of Development and Special Events and one of the main organizers behind the Park City Cycling Festival.
Expert-guided road rides, including climbing Guardsman Pass. Photo: Ross Downward
Park City Cycling Festival events include:
Elite cyclists, including Marty Jemison, Jonathan Page, Andy Damman and Marcel Vifian, guiding training-focused road rides with an emphasis on technique.
Guided mountain bike rides on both classic Park City trails and more recent additions hosted by Mountain Trails Foundation, Jans, White Pine Touring and professional mountain biker Eric Porter.
- Cycling film screenings, après-ride parties, a slope style slalom, maintenance tips and instruction and a bike parade.
- A free cycling-focused expo at the Park City Mountain Resort lower base area including a custom built pump track, exhibitions, safety demonstrations, round table discussions, bike demos, live music, children's activities and more.
A full schedule and registration information are available at kpcw.org or on Facebook at Park City Cycling Festival. All proceeds benefit KPCW, Park City Community Radio.
Melissa Fields is a Utah-based freelance writer. Her blog about things to do, see and eat in Utah is utahvagabond.com.