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Index of content:
Volume 13, Issue 6, November 1995
Surface investigations by scanning thermal microscopy13(1995); http://dx.doi.org/10.1116/1.588094View Description Hide Description
A scanning thermal microscope has been developed which is capable of imaging thermal properties of materials with high spatial resolution. First results indicate a lateral resolution less than 200 nm. The microscope employs a miniaturized thermal probe whose tip is formed as a thermocouple. The probe is laser heated to generate a thermovoltage. A sample approaching the heated tip leads to a heat flow from the tip to the cooler sample surface and thus to a decrease of the measured voltage. In the initial experiments we scanned the tip above the sample surface with open feedback loop and mapped the thermovoltage at each location of the scan range. Furthermore, we closed the feedback loop keeping the thermovoltage constant and measured the z displacement of the piezoelectric tube carrying the probe. All these measurements yield topographical as well as thermal information of the sample surface.
Synthesis and atomic force microscopy characterization of GeFe nanophase materials13(1995); http://dx.doi.org/10.1116/1.588095View Description Hide Description
Nanocrystalline GeFe samples with Fe concentration varying from a few percent to about 86% were synthesized using an inert gas condensation method. The samples were compressed into thin disks in vacuum before exposure to air. Magnetization measurements found that the magnetization of the samples cannot be described by a simple Langevin function. Atomic force microscopy has been used to characterize the average size of the nanocrystals in the samples. For samples with a low concentration of Fe, atomic force microscopy images show distinct individual clusters with an average size of about 500 Å in diameter. For samples with a higher concentration of Fe, individual clusters cannot be distinguished, and atomic force microscope images show a mountain‐like, rugged morphology on the sample surfaces.
Scanning tunneling microscopy investigation of Co cluster growth and induced surface morphology changes on highly oriented pyrolitic graphite13(1995); http://dx.doi.org/10.1116/1.588096View Description Hide Description
Co nucleation and growth on graphite were studied by scanning tunneling microscopy. Co atoms were found to adsorb preferentially on the B sites. Two‐ and three‐dimensional Co clusters were observed, distributed uniformly on the graphitesurface. The internal structure of the Co cluster is quite disordered. Cluster evolution on the surface was observed in sequential images, suggesting that atom dissociation and incorporation may be one of the mechanisms for cluster migration. Co cluster‐induced superstructures were observed to localize around the clusters on the surface. The patterns of some superstructures reflect graphite's threefold symmetry. Thermal annealing of the sample resulted in Co‐promoted etching of the graphitesurface.
Fabrication of thickness‐controlled silicon nanowires and their characteristics13(1995); http://dx.doi.org/10.1116/1.588097View Description Hide Description
A process for fabricating thin Si nanowires is proposed which can reduce the parasitic series resistance of the nanowire. The process includes electron cyclotron resonanceplasma deposition of a SiO2film through the openings of a patterned resist film. Since the SiO2 thickness decreases as the opening narrows, the SiO2film can be made thinnest in the nanowire region. Therefore, during the following reactive‐ion etching, the SiO2film in this region is removed first and the Si layer is then selectively etched. A Si nanowirefabricated through this process shows quantized conductance at temperatures as high as 200 K.
Si nanostructures fabricated by electron beam lithography combined with image reversal process using electron cyclotron resonance plasma oxidation13(1995); http://dx.doi.org/10.1116/1.588098View Description Hide Description
A new image reversal process has been developed for Si nanodevice fabrication that uses electron beamlithography and electron cyclotron resonance (ECR) plasma techniques. This process is based on Si oxidation with an ECR oxygen plasma through the openings in resist mask patterns. Si on SiO2 is selectively etched by either Cl2‐based ECR plasma etching or KOH anisotropicetching by using a plasma oxide mask. ECR plasma formed silicon oxide with a thickness of 2–3 nm was found to be an excellent etch mask for these etching techniques. Highly directional ECR oxygen plasma keeps the change in the resist linewidth and edge roughness small enough for nanofabrication. Furthermore, the linewidth of reversed Si patterns can be reduced by SF6 addition to Cl2 in ECR plasma etching. This image reversal process successfully achieves 10‐nm‐scale Si wires and pillars.
New microfabrication technique on a submicrometer scale by synchrotron radiation‐excited etching13(1995); http://dx.doi.org/10.1116/1.588099View Description Hide Description
Synchrotron radiation‐excited etching of Si, SiC, and WO3 has been investigated using a noncontact mask with a pattern of submicrometer scale. The blank pattern of the mask was replicated on the etchedsurface, and highly area‐selective etching was realized at the size of ∼0.4 μm. The spatial distribution of synchrotron radiation intensity on the sample determined the depth profile of the etched region of the sample. Some adsorbate which might be redeposited etching products appeared in the vicinity of the blank pattern of the mask.
Dry development of photosensitive polyimides for high resolution and aspect ratio applications13(1995); http://dx.doi.org/10.1116/1.588100View Description Hide Description
A plasma developing process for photosensitive polyimide layers has been investigated as an alternative to wet development. Silylation of photoimageable polyimide by applying an organosilicon compound and subsequent ultraviolet exposure using a g‐line mask aligner equipment lead, as a consequence, to copolymerization of photoactive functional groups of silylating agents and sensitizer groups of the polyimide‐based photoresists. Development of the photoresist layer is carried out by means of oxygen‐containing plasma.Interaction of oxygen plasma with a silylated surface of polyimide leads to the formation of a silicon oxide layer that acts as a barrier giving large differences in the etching rates of the photoresist covered and not covered with organosilane. The influence of O2plasma etching process parameters on the etching selectivity is studied. The photochemical silylation process and the dry developing method have been characterized by scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy.
Feasibility study of photocathode electron projection lithography13(1995); http://dx.doi.org/10.1116/1.588101View Description Hide Description
Photocathode electron projection is an electron lithography technique that may be used to pattern semiconductors at the deep submicron level. Using a robust goldcathode, mask features in the range of 0.11–0.54 μm have been transferred to electron resist coated wafers with adequate depth of focus (≂5 μm) and large field of view (≂2 cm2). Low accelerating voltages ∼3 keV minimize proximity effects, and with a mask to wafer spacing of a few millimeters, the necessary magnetic field is ≂0.46 T.
Ion beam modification and patterning of organosilane self‐assembled monolayers13(1995); http://dx.doi.org/10.1116/1.588102View Description Hide Description
The patterning and modification of organosilane self‐assembled monolayers on Si native oxide surfaces by low‐ and high‐energy ion beams were investigated. The nature and extent of low‐energy (50–140 eV) Ar+ ion‐induced modification of a 2‐(trimethoxysilyl) ethyl‐2‐pyridine monolayer was studied by x‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and by the quality of the electroless Nipatterns obtained. C(1s) and N(1s) core level x‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy indicated that the ion‐induced modification of the monolayer involved loss of the ethylpyridyl chain by sputtering and/or decomposition. The type of modification was independent of the ion energy and fluence, but the extent of modification depended on both parameters. The modification of the pyridine monolayer was monitored by the percent loss in the N(1s) peak area; modification commenced at a fluence of 5×1014 ions/cm2 and was observed for all ion energies studied. However, selective electroless metallization occurred only for monolayers that suffered ≳50% loss in the N(1s) x‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy signal. A damage saturation level of 80% N(1s) loss was indicated at an ion fluence of 9×1015 ions/cm2. A high‐energy focused ion beam lithography system was also used to evaluate the high resolution patterning of N‐(2‐aminoethyl)‐3‐aminopropyltrimethoxysilane, (aminoethylaminomethyl) phenethyltrimethoxysilane, and pyridine monolayers by Ga+, Si++, Au+, and Au++ ions at energies ranging from 50 to 280 keV. The highest resolution metal features obtained were 0.3‐μm‐wide gaps on phenethyltrimethoxysilane and pyridine monolayers using Ga+ and Si++ ions. Aminopropyltrimethoxysilane monolayers were found to require ten times higher ion fluences to achieve comparable results with the phenethyltrimethoxysilane and pyridine monolayers for all ions investigated.
Observation of sidewall contamination in submicron contact holes by thermal desorption spectroscopy13(1995); http://dx.doi.org/10.1116/1.588103View Description Hide Description
The etching contamination remaining in Al‐base SiO2 contact holes after hole fabrication followed by a series of cleaning treatments was analyzed by using thermal desorption spectroscopy. The hole aspect ratio dependence was measured for fluorinated aluminum molecules, the major desorption species. The amount of contaminant material in the holes was found to increase with the sidewall area of the holes, suggesting that the contaminant material desorbs from the bottom surface and accumulates on the SiO2 sidewall during contact hole etching.
Reducing electron energy dispersion of nonformed metal–insulator–metal electron emitters using the near‐threshold drive method13(1995); http://dx.doi.org/10.1116/1.588104View Description Hide Description
The energy distribution of electrons emitted from an Al/Al2O3/Au metal–insulator–metal (MIM) electron emitter is measured. The thickness of the insulator is 5.5 nm. The energy distribution becomes narrower as the operating voltage V d decreases since the low energy tail of the distribution is cut off by the potential barrier of the surfacework function φ of the emitter. When the emitter is operated in the nonformed state, ΔE, the full width at half‐maximum of the distribution, is 0.32 eV for V d =5.0 V, which is slightly above φ of Au (4.7 eV). As V d increases, the high‐energy tail of the distribution broadens whereas the shape of the low‐energy tail remains unchanged. For a formed MIM emitter, ΔE becomes broader by 0.15–0.2 eV more than ΔE of a nonformed emitter at each V d ; thus, operation in the nonformed state is essential to obtain good monochromaticity. The spatial distribution of the work function in the emitter surface is also measured by the retarding potential method. The variation of φ, which limits the ultimately attainable monochromaticity with the near‐threshold drive method, is measured as 0.05 eV. It is estimated that ΔE less than 0.2 eV could be attained by the near‐threshold drive if the insulator thickness and V d are further reduced.
Thermomechanical analysis of failure of metal field emitters13(1995); http://dx.doi.org/10.1116/1.588105View Description Hide Description
An analysis of the thermomechanics of metal (chiefly molybdenum)field emitters under normal operating conditions is given. The focus is on various ''intrinsic'' phenomena and the possibilities of triggering catastrophic breakdown. The heating is found to be predominantly Nottingham in origin (as opposed to ohmic) and is not appreciable unless the currents are well beyond the normal operating regime, e.g., as might occur under arcing conditions. As a result, the increases in temperature in operating tips are generally minimal unless the heat sinking to the substrate is weak, e.g., in ultrasharp tips, in tips on long, narrow posts, and/or in tips with severely degraded thermal conductivity. Apart from these exceptions, the small temperature excursions mean that no thermal runaway, melting, thermal desorption, or other direct thermal effects occur. Thermal stresses are of course also minimal; however, Maxwell stresses can be large under normal operating conditions, approaching the yield strength under high bias conditions.
Mechanisms of copper removal during chemical mechanical polishing13(1995); http://dx.doi.org/10.1116/1.588106View Description Hide Description
Schemes using chemical mechanical polishing of copper have been proposed for the patterning of interconnections in copper multilevel metallization. In this article, the phenomena involved in the removal of copper during copper chemical mechanical polishing are investigated. The concentration of chemical etchant in the polish slurry is varied to investigate the chemical component, and the applied pressure is varied to investigate the mechanical component. Two slurries, an ammonium hydroxide plus ferricyanide slurry and a nitric acidslurry, are used to polish both copper and Cu2O thin films. Removal of copper or Cu2O is hypothesized to be a result of mechanical abrasion, while the role of the chemical etchant is to dissolve the material abraded from the surface rather than to etch the material directly from the surface.
Charges and defects in SiO2/Si systems after exposure to microwave plasmas13(1995); http://dx.doi.org/10.1116/1.588107View Description Hide Description
SiO2/Si systems with the SiO2films produced by plasma‐enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) usually have a high density of interface traps (D it) as compared to those with the SiO2filmsgrown thermally because in the former the systems have been subjected to plasmaradiation. To simulate the radiation effects due to microwaveplasmas during the deposition of SiO2films by PECVD, we used high‐quality thermally grown SiO2films to form SiO2/Si systems and studied the changes of the behavior of such systems after being exposed to microwaveplasmas at various device temperatures. The results show that for SiO2/Si systems without metallic electrodes, the density of electron‐trapped charges, Q ot, in the SiO2 bulk and D it are higher after plasmaradiation. For SiO2/Si systems with aluminumelectrodes on the oxide and the Si surfaces, the effects of plasmaradiation on the values of Q ot and D it are less, indicating that aluminumelectrodes act as protective layers partly screening the plasmaradiation, but the penetration of vacuum ultraviolet light from the plasma to the SiO2 bulk produces electrons and holes in SiO2 bulk, which react with oxygen vacancies in the SiO–Si (nonbridging) bonds forming positive trapped charge in the SiO2 bulk and at the SiO2/Si interface. The value of D it increases with increasing SiO2film thickness and decreases as the device temperature is increased from 25 to 200 °C during radiation. A further increase in device temperature beyond 200 °C leads to a reverse trend, implying that the defect generation and annihilation processes take place simultaneously during plasmaradiation. Annealing in a forming gas at 400 °C removes most of the radiation‐induced defects. It should be noted that under a PECVD situation the radiation damage could be much worse particularly at the beginning of the PECVD process whereas the SiO2film is still very thin.
Gate oxide loss at the periphery of a metal–oxide–semiconductor field‐effect transistor resulting from a polysilicon gate etch with a helicon etch tool13(1995); http://dx.doi.org/10.1116/1.588053View Description Hide Description
This article describes a study of gate oxide loss at the gate periphery of a metal–oxide–semiconductor field‐effect transistor(MOSFET) resulting from a polysilicon gate etch with a commercially available low pressure, high density plasma helicon etch tool. When the oxide is removed at the periphery of a MOSFET with the gate etch process, it is possible to damage the underlying silicon in the source and drain regions leading to device degradation or failure. Conventional oxide thickness and scanning electron microscope measurements after the gate etch have been shown to be inadequate in detecting microtrenches and microholes in the oxide at the gate periphery. To measure the integrity of the oxide at the gate periphery, a modified MOS (MMOS) capacitor test structure has been developed to measure the electrical field breakdown strength of the oxide at the gate periphery. This article describes a MMOS study of the oxide loss and underlying etch mechanisms encountered in a low pressure, high plasma density helicon etch tool.
Analysis and Monte Carlo simulations of spontaneous etching: Cl–Si(100)‐2×113(1995); http://dx.doi.org/10.1116/1.588054View Description Hide Description
Scanning tunneling microscopy observations of the growth of Cl‐induced etch pits on Si(100)‐2×1 lend themselves to quantitative determinations of vacancy size distributions, particularly those that are linear or branched at some point along the linear pit. These result in rate constants and energy differences for the dominant etching channels. By considering nearest‐neighbor and second‐nearest‐neighbor interactions, we determine the attractive interaction energies between dimers in a row, 0.28 eV, and between dimers in adjacent rows, 0.22 eV, as well as the repulsive second‐neighbor dimers, −0.08 eV. These results are tested by means of Monte Carlo simulations.
Si1−x Ge x pulsed plasma etching using CHF3 and H213(1995); http://dx.doi.org/10.1116/1.588055View Description Hide Description
Selective reactive ion etching of Si over Si1−x Ge x and Si1−x Ge x over Si has been demonstrated by using a modulation‐frequency, plasma‐etch technique which employs CHF3 and H2 as the etch precursor gases. The selective etch crossover region appears at a modulation frequency of 2–3 Hz for a duty cycle of 50%. It is suggested that the etch selectivity phenomenon arises from the relative ion‐assisted and purely chemical components of the radio frequency plasma and decaying plasma afterglow.
Surface preparation of ZnSe by chemical methods13(1995); http://dx.doi.org/10.1116/1.588056View Description Hide Description
The effects of several chemical treatments on ZnSesurface composition and morphology have been analyzed with scanning electron microscopy and Auger electron spectroscopy. Polycrystalline bulk and thin film ZnSe heteroepitaxed onto GaAs were used. Large variations in the etching rate and surface conditions, such as roughness, contamination, oxides, and stoichiometry, have been observed with different etchants. Contamination by carbon and oxygen was present on all the treatedsurfaces.Surface oxides could be thinned by dipping in HF or HF/NH4Cl, which did not etchZnSe. Methanol with 1% bromine etchedZnSe vigorously and selectively, and resulted in a rough surface. A relatively smooth ZnSesurface resulted from etching in NH4OH/H2O2, but excess Se precipitated from this solution to form whiskers. These whiskers could be removed using CS2. No excess Se was found after etching in hot NaOH but a thicker oxide and a pitted, rough surface was observed. A two stage etch consisting of NH4OH/H2O2 followed by CS2 is recommended for a smooth, near‐stoichiometric surface.
Influence of in situ argon cleaning of GaAs on Schottky diodes and metal–semiconductor field‐effect transistors13(1995); http://dx.doi.org/10.1116/1.588057View Description Hide Description
The influence of in situ argon cleaning of GaAs on the electrical characteristics of Schottky diodes and metal–semiconductor field‐effect transistors (MESFETs) is investigated. The beam energy was varied from 50 to 500 eV and the characteristics were compared to wet chemically cleaned devices. The characteristics of the Schottky diodes showed a significant degradation as a consequence of damage introduced by argon cleaning. Recovery was obtained with an additional annealing step at 300 °C for diodes cleaned at energies below 125 eV. For higher energies, the samples became worse with annealing. MESFETs showed degraded performances for positive gate voltages due to a high gate leakage current. Improvement was also obtained upon annealing.
Etching temperature dependence of the surface composition and reconstruction for Cl2‐etched GaAs layers13(1995); http://dx.doi.org/10.1116/1.588058View Description Hide Description
In order to understand the mechanism of the Cl2‐etching reaction with GaAs, the composition and reconstruction of in situ Cl2‐etched GaAssurfaces were studied as functions of the etching temperature. From an Auger electron spectroscopyanalysis and reflection high‐energy electron‐diffraction observations, it was shown that the GaAssurface changed from As stabilized to Ga stabilized during low‐temperature (∼50 °C) etching, while it remained As stabilized during high‐temperature (150–250 °C) etching. This result can be understood by considering the temperature dependence of the desorption rate of chloride compounds. At low temperature, the desorption of Ga chlorides is more suppressed than that of As chlorides, resulting in rough Ga‐stabilized surfaces. At high temperature, the desorption of any chlorides is not suppressed. Thus, stoichiometric etching is realized, resulting in smooth As‐stabilized surfaces, which are advantageous for high‐performance microdevice fabrication.


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1. Elhard '16 one of seven from CSB/SJU to win Fulbright ETA Award
CSB 2016 graduate Diana Elhard is returning to Turkey to teach college-aged students as a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant.
July 26, 2016
- By Megan Flynn '17
2. Money Magazine touts SJU and CSB as 'Best Colleges for Your Money'
SJU ranked No. 25 and CSB No. 47 in third annual poll by magazine, and are the top-ranked schools in Minnesota.
July 14, 2016
3. Park '16 one of seven from CSB/SJU to win Fulbright ETA Award
Paul Park '16 is an exception to the (Fulbright) rule. He has experience teaching and traveling the globe, and is headed to Thailand to be a Fulbright Teaching Assistant.
July 12, 2016
- By Tommy Benson '17
4. CSB/SJU students awarded StAG Champion Award while studying abroad
A group of CSB/SJU students studying in London received the first-ever StAG Champion Institution award from the Foundation for International Education (FIE) during the 10-week Student Switch Off Campaign - the first time in history that an entire institution was awarded the StAG Champion Award.
July 6, 2016
37 South College AvenueSt. Joseph, Minnesota 56374320-363-5011
CSB Campus Map
PO Box 20002850 Abbey PlazaCollegeville, Minnesota 56321320-363-2011
SJU Campus Map
Copyright © 2016 - All Rights ReservedEmail the CSB/SJU Web CoordinatorNondiscrimination/Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity800-544-1489 - Office of Admission

subset: commoncrawl


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This page requires a MaxPreps membership account.
Don't stress... It's free and easy to setup.
The Pius X Thunderbolts volleyball team won Friday's away tournament match against Lincoln by a score of 2-0.
(September 20, 2013: Lincoln, NE 68510) In Friday's non-league contest, the Pius X Thunderbolts (Lincoln, NE) volleyball squad were winner over the host Lincoln Links (Lincoln, NE), by a margin of 2-0.
Next up, the Thunderbolts battle the Marian Crusaders (Omaha, NE) in a non-league contest, on Friday, September 20. Pius X will attempt to better on its 11-1 season record. The Crusaders go into the contest with a 7-3 record after their 3-0 league win over Papillion-LaVista South (Papillion, NE).
With the loss, Lincoln moves to 0-9 on the year. The Links host Marian (Omaha, NE) to battle the Crusaders in a non-league contest on Friday, September 20. The Crusaders go into the contest with a record of 7-3. Marian won 3-0 in their recent league contest against Papillion-LaVista South (Papillion, NE)


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Recent News
Classroom Grant Application Deadline March 6, 2015
The new classroom grant application is now available on the classroom grant page.
Summer Camp Marine Biology Sea Camp
Since 1995, the Clarkston Foundation has provided scholarships to students of all ages for their chance to continue their education throughout the summer at educational camps. This past summer the Clarkston Foundation provided support in sending Phoebe Savoie to Marine Biology Sea Camp in Galveston Texas! Phoebe was able to catch and study stingrays, sharks,… Click Here to Learn More…
Oakland Summer Writer's Camp 2015
The Clarkston Foundation supports many different educational opportunities for students in our district. We could not do this without the support of our parents in the community, and our staff. One camp that seems to be a hit with our students is the 'Oakland Summer Writer's Camp'. Every summer we have anywhere from 6-12 students… Click Here to Learn More…
High School Scholarships
The Clarkston Foundation for Public Education has five individual college scholarships available Here are the 4 categories: The David M. Reschke Arts Scholarship - 1 for $1,000 The Robert A. Olsen Math/Science Scholarship - 1 for $1,000 The Shelmar Education Scholarship - 1 for $1,000 The Chuck Keegan Scholarship - 2 for $500 each All four scholarship categories have the following … [Continue Reading...]
Classroom Grant Application
Classroom Grant Application
Clarkston Foundation grants are intended to start-up new and innovative programs that could not be funded within a school's operating budget. Traditionally, the emphasis has been placed on programs that serve the sciences or arts but the Foundation has now opened classroom grants to all core subject areas. Two opportunities have high priority. The first opportunity is the Rising Starts Grant … [Continue Reading...]
Teacher of the Year Nomination Form
Teacher of The Year Nomination
Teaching is a wonderful and rewarding career. Shaping the minds and attitudes of our students is the … (Continue reading and access link to nomination form)
How to Volunteer for the Clarkston Foundation
One of the best aspects of the Clarkston Foundation is that we are an entirely volunteer organization. This allows us to give virtually 100% of every dollar we make back to the community. There's also a downside to this. Sometimes it's hard to find all the help we need. That's why we have created our volunteer program. By signing up below you can choose the areas that you would like to … [Continue Reading...]


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Today I've started having this annoying issue while trying to run my web application.
The scenario is as follows:
I have a Web Application Project (WAP from now on) and 4 Library Projects (BusinessEntities, BusinessLogic, DataAccess and Utils).
DataAccess references BusinessEntities BusinessLogic references BusinessEntities and DataAccess The WAP references BusinessLogic, BusinessEntities and DataAccess
When I run the WAP I get a
System.TypeLoadException: Could not load type 'Namespace.DataAccess.ClassDataAccess' from assembly 'DataAccessAssembly', Version=1.0.3551.29465, Culture=neutral, PublicKeyToken=null'.
This is when a method from BusinessLogic tries to create an isntance of a DataAccess class. I use reflector on the DataAccess dll inside de bin folder of the WAP and it does contain the class I'm calling.
I've already tried deleting temporary asp.net file but without success, I'm using Cassini as web server (did not tried IIS yet)


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1) Two masses, m1=2kg and m2=4kg are thrown horizontally withthe same speed of v=10 m/s to strike and get attached at the twoends of a uniform rod of length L=10m, pivoted at its center ofmass. The rod is capable of rotation in the horizontal plane. Themasses strike the rod at the same time. Calculate the rotationalkinetic energy of the system after the collision. The mass of therod is M=2kg.
Please list the formula and how you derived them. Thanks. Havean exam coming up. Need a good grade.


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We paid an expensive WP "expert" to make a template for us only to find that an important default WP feature isn't working.
In Admin > Settings > Reading we set the front page to display a static page but that doesn't change anything and the front page just displays posts.
The developer claimed "we didn't specify that the front page would display static content before the job started" and of course he won't fix it for us.
Every other template I've seen or used worked with this option, what is the problem here and why doesn't our blog work right.
Having just shelled out a bunch of cash I don't want to spend more than $20 or so to fix this. I'd much rather a Free solution ;)


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SEOUL, June 16 (Yonhap) -- The ruling and main opposition parties are engaged in a tug of war over the timing of a parliamentary inspection into the nation's top intelligence agency following the conclusion of a prosecution investigation into allegations that the agency meddled in last year's presidential election, party sources said Sunday.
Wrapping up the two-month probe, the prosecution indicted Won Sei-hoon, a former head of the National Intelligence Service (NIS), without physical detention on Friday. He is suspected of ordering an online smear campaign against opposition candidates to sway public opinion in favor of the ruling party prior to the Dec. 19 election.
The prosecution concluded that he had slandered liberal candidates and praised conservative President Park Geun-hye, the then ruling party's candidate. She eventually defeated then-main opposition candidate Moon Jae-in and took office in February.
In March, the floor leaders of the governing Saenuri Party and the main opposition Democratic Party (DP) agreed to kick off a parliamentary inspection into the case immediately after the conclusion of the prosecution investigation.
The DP insists that the National Assembly start an immediate probe into the scandal, saying the prosecution has finished its probe into the NIS case.
In a recent party meeting, Rep. Chun Byung-hun, the DP floor leader, called on the ruling party to deliver on the March agreement.
Rep. Shin Kyoung-min, who heads the DP's task force on the spy agency scandal, told Yonhap News Agency by phone that "there are no legal and political reasons to delay the parliamentary investigation, and the ruling party would be an accomplice of the NIS if it refuses to start an immediate parliamentary inspection."
The ruling party, however, is reluctant to accept the opposition demand, arguing the prosecution has yet to conclude its investigation into other suspicions surrounding the scandal.
"The spy agency's online smear campaign was neither intended to help Park win the election nor sway the results of the poll," a senior party official said. "In addition, an investigation should be conducted into the DP's illegal activity surrounding the case."
The spy agency scandal erupted days before the Dec. 19 election. Acting on a tip that a female NIS employee had been working at her superior's orders to slander Moon and manipulate public opinion from an office in southern Seoul, DP party members blocked her from leaving the office for days.
The ruling party contends that the DP had violated the human rights of the NIS employee by forcing her to stay in the office.
In a meeting with reporters, Moon said he is "enraged by the NIS case," and called for Park's efforts to reform the spy agency and the prosecution.
"I think Park should hold herself responsible for the case. But it is too late and undesirable to blame her for the election results," Moon said.
"I think her duty now will be dealing with the case in a stern manner and taking it as a chance to set the NIS and the prosecution right," he added.
Neither President Park nor her office has yet to give any official response to the probe results, but one of her closest aides took a cautious posture.
"Due to its contentious nature, I think we have to wait until the court makes a ruling," the official simply said, requesting anonymity.
"Park has a resolute will to reform the spy agency before the investigation into this case. I am quite sure that efforts to reform it have begun upon Park's taking office," he added.
Meanwhile, the DP said it had received a tip-off that Kim Yong-pan, the former head of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, had been ordered to disrupt a police probe into the scandal. Kim was indicted without physical detention on Friday on suspicion of abusing his authority by pressuring police investigators to scale down their probe.
"We received a tip that there was a wirepuller behind Kim's meddling in the police investigation," Rep. Park Young-sun, a DP lawmaker and head of the National Assembly's Legislation and Judiciary Committee, said in a news conference.
The lawmaker, however, failed to disclose who was behind it.
<All rights reserved by Yonhap News Agency>


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Hi everyone!
This year for our neighborhood superbowl party, I was asked to bring dessert.
Anyone have any great ideas? There's only going to be about 10 adults, so it doesn't have to be huge, but I want something good and different.
Hi everyone!
This year for our neighborhood superbowl party, I was asked to bring dessert.
Anyone have any great ideas? There's only going to be about 10 adults, so it doesn't have to be huge, but I want something good and different.
I would do an assortment of bars so people could grab while they're watching the game. Here are some ideas that are all really good:
100,000 Calorie Bars
Meri (MyCarolinaBabies)
1 package German chocolate cake mix
3/4 cup butter, melted
1/3 cup evaporated milk
6 ounces chocolate chips
1 cup chopped nuts
50 caramels
1/3 cup evaporated milk
Mix together the cake mix, butter and 1/3 cup evaporated milk. Spread half of this mixture in a 13x9-inch pan. Bake for 6 minutes at 350F. Sprinkle the chocolate chips and nuts on top of the baked mixture. Melt caramels in milk. Drizzle over the nuts and chocolate chips. Pat remaining batter on top of this. Bake for and additional 20 minutes.
My Notes: I do half with nuts and half without and both ways are really good!
(Amy - amylz)
1 stick butter, butter (melted)
1 1/2 c. graham crackers, crumbs
1 c. chopped walnuts
1 c. chocolate chips
1 c. butterscotch chips
1 c. flaked coconut
1 can condensed sweetened milk
Mix butter & graham cracker crumbs and pat into 13x9" pan. Sprinkle on nuts, chips & coconut. Pour condensed milk over top. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes or until golden brown.
Apple Brownies
Lori~M&M'sMom courtesy ZOOM on PBS
1 cup peeled, chopped apples
1/2 cup softened butter
1 cup sugar
1 egg
1 cup flour
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
8x8 inch baking pan, greased
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. In a large mixing bowl mix 1/2 cup of butter that is softened or at room temperature with 1 cup of sugar. Beat in 1 egg. Add in 1 cup of flour a little bit at a time while you stir it into the butter mixture. Add 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder. Add 1 cup of peeled and chopped apples. Pour mixture into a 8 x 8 inch baking pan greased with butter. Try to distribute the apples evenly around the pan. Use oven mitts to put the baking pan into the oven. Bake the brownies at 350 degrees for 35 to 40 minutes. Use oven mitts to take the brownies out of the oven and let them cool before cutting them into bars
Apple-Cinnamon Bars
Amy - amylz
101 Things to do with a Cake Mix
1 Yellow Cake Mix
1 stick butter or margarine, softened
1/3 cup coconut
4 medium apples
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 cup sour cream
1 egg
Preheat oven to 350. Cut butter into dry cake mix with fork or pastry blender until mixture is crumbly. Mix in coconut. Pat mixture into ungreased 9X13 pan. Pat slightly up on the edges. Bake 10 minutes. Peel, core, and slice apples. Arrange apple slices on warm crust. Mix sugar and cinnamon; sprinkle on top of apples. Beat the egg with a wire whisk. Blend sour cream into the egg. Drizzle mixture over apples. Bake 25 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden.
Blond Butterscotch Brownies
Katie (Katiedid) from Simple & Delicious
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups packed brown sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup butter, melted and cooled
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup semisweet chocolate chunks
4 Heath candy bars (1.4 ounces each), coarsely chopped
In a large bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, baking powder and salt. In another bowl, beat the butter, eggs and vanilla until smooth. Stir into dry ingredients just until combined (batter will be thick). Spread into a 13-in. x 9-in. x 2-in. baking pan coated with cooking spray. Sprinkle with chocolate chunks and chopped candy bars; press gently into batter. Bake at 350 for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack. Cut into bars. Yield: 2 dozen. Katie's Notes: I used 1 cup Hershey's Mini Kisses and some leftover mini size candy bars, 3 Musketeers, Reese's Caramel Peanut Butter Cups, Kit Kats, and M&Ms.
Bossk Brownies
Amy (amylz)
Star Wars Cookbook
2/3 c. all purpose flour
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 c. cocoa powder
1/2 c. butter, room temperature
1/2 c. packed brown sugar
1/2 c. sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 c. white chocolate chips (we used milk)
Preheat oven to 350 and butter 8 in. square pan. Stir flour, cocoa, baking powder and salt together. Mix butter and both sugars until well blended and creamy (about 3 minutes). Add eggs and vanilla extract. On low, add flour mixture until just combined. Stir in chips. Pour batter into pan and smooth top. Bake about 25 minutes.
Brownie Goody Bars
Amy - amylz
from Betty Crocker Makes:20 bars
1 package (1 pound 3.8 ounces) Betty Crocker fudge brownie mix
1/4 cup water
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 eggs
1 tub Betty Crocker Rich & Creamy or Whipped vanilla ready-to-spread frosting
3/4 cup salted peanuts, coarsely chopped
3 cups crisp rice cereal
1 cup creamy peanut butter
1 bag (12 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips (2 cups)
1. Heat oven to 350F. Grease bottom only of rectangular pan, 13x9x2 inches, or spray with cooking spray.
2. Stir brownie mix, water, oil and eggs in medium bowl until well blended. Spread in pan.
3. Bake 28 to 30 minutes or until toothpick inserted 2 inches from side of pan comes out clean or almost clean. Cool completely, about 1 hour. Frost with frosting. Sprinkle with peanuts; refrigerate while making cereal mixture.
4. Measure cereal into large bowl; set aside. Melt peanut butter and chocolate chips in 1-quart saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly. Pour over cereal in bowl, stirring until evenly coated. Spread over frosted brownies. Cool completely before cutting, about 1 hour. For 20 bars, cut into 5 rows by 4 rows. Store tightly covered.
High Altitude (3500-6500 ft) Stir 3 tablespoons Gold Medal all-purpose flour into dry brownie mix. Increase water to 1/3 cup; decrease oil to 1/4 cup.
Caramel Apple Bars
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups quick-cooking oats (don't substitute)
1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar
1 tsp baking soda
1 1/4 cups butter or margarine, melted
1 1/2 cups caramel ice cream topping
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups coarsely chopped peeled apples
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Heat oven to 350F. Grease 15x10x1-inch pan with shortening. In large bowl with electric mixer, beat base and topping ingredients on low speed until crumbly. Press half of mixture (about 2 1/2 cups) in pan to form base; reserve remaining mixture for topping. Bake 8 minutes.
Meanwhile, in 1-quart saucepan, mix caramel topping and 1/2 cup flour until well blended. Heat to boiling over medium heat, stirring constantly. Boil 3 to 5 minutes, stirring constantly, until mixture thickens slightly.
Remove partially baked base from oven. Sprinkle with apples and walnuts. Pour caramel mixture evenly over top. Sprinkle with reserved topping mixture.
Return to oven, bake 20 to 25 minutes longer or until golden brown. Cool on wire rack 30 minutes. Refrigerate until set, about 30 minutes. Cut into 8 rows by 6 rows.
Chocolate Toffee Caramel Bars
Katie (Katiedid) from Pillsbury
1 pkg. yellow cake mix
1/3 cup oil
2 eggs
12 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips
3 chocolate covered toffee candy bars cut into pieces
1 cup vanilla chips
1/2 cup butter
32 vanilla caramels, unwrapped
1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk (not evaporated)
Heat oven to 350. Grease 13x9 pan. In large bowl, combine cake mix, oil and eggs; blend well. Stir in chocolate chips, vanilla chips and candy bar pieces. (Mixture will be thick). Press half of mixture in bottom of greased pan. Bake for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, in medium saucepan, combine butter, carmels and sweetened condensed milk. Cook over medium-low heat until caramels are melted and mixture is smooth, stirring occasionally. Slowly pour caramel mixture evenly over partially baked crust. Top with remaining cake mix mixture. Bake an additional 25-30 minutes or until top is set and edges are deep golden brown. Cool 20 minutes. Run knife around sides of pan to loosed. Cool 40 minutes. Refrigerate 1 hour. Cut into bars. Store in refrigerator.
Christmas Caramel Bars
Katie (KatieDid)
1 c packed brown sugar
1 c butter or margarine, softened
1 ½ tsp vanilla
1 egg
2 c all-purpose flour
½ c light corn syrup
2 T butter or margarine
1 c butterscotch-flavored chips
1 ½ to 2 c assorted candies and nuts (such as candy-coated chocolate candies and salted peanuts)
Heat oven to 350 F. Mix brown sugar, 1 c butter, the vanilla and egg in large bowl. Stir in flour. Press evenly in bottom of ungreased rectangular pan, 13x9x2 inches. Bake 20 to 22 minutes or until light rown. Cool 20 minutes. Heat corn syrup, 2 T butter and the butterscotch chips in 1-quart saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly, until chips are melted; remove from heat. Cool 10 minutes. Spread butterscotch mixture over baked layer. Sprinkle half the bars with candies and remaining half with nuts; gently press into butterscotch mixture. Cover and refrigerated at least 2 hours until butterscotch mixture is firm. For bars, cut into 6 rows by 6 rows. Yield: 36 bars Success Hint: To make smoother cuts, spray knife with cooking spray before cutting bars. Variation: Use your favorite candies and nuts.
Fluffy Lemon Cheesecake Squares
Katie (Katiedid) from Recipezaar
2 c graham cracker crumbs
1/2 c butter, melted
1/4 c sugar
3/4 c sugar
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 (3 oz) pkg lemon jello
3/4 c boiling water
1/4 c lemon juice
1 tsp lemon extract
1 (12 oz) can evaporated milk, chilled
Mix crust ingredients, press into 13x9 pan. In small bowl stir together sugar and cream cheese until fluffy. In another small bowl, mix jello and boiling water; add lemon juice and extract. Set aside to cool. Place large mixing bowl and beaters in freezer while jello cools. You can take a coffee break here. When bowl has chilled, whip evaporated milk on high until thick and holds a peak. Turn mixer to low; mix in cream cheese mixture. Mix in the jello mixture. Pour over crust in pan. Chill; cut into squares.
Glazed Peanut Butter Bars
Katie (KatieDid)
3/4 c butter, softened
3/4 c creamy peanut butter
3/4 c sugar
3/4 c packed brown sugar
2 tsp water
2 eggs
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 c all-purpose flour
1 1/2 c quick-cooking oats (1 c quick-cooking, 1/2 c old-fashioned)
3/4 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 1/4 c milk chocolate chips
1/2 c butterscotch chips
1/2 c creamy peanut butter
In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter, peanut butter, sugars and water. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Combine the flour, oats, baking soda and salt; gradually add to the creamed mixture. Spread into a greased 15x10x1-inch baking pan. Bake at 325 F for 18-22 minutes or until lightly browned. For glaze, in a microwave-safe bowl or in a pan on the stove, melt chips and peanut butter; pour over warm bars and spread evenly. Cool completely on a wire rack before cutting. Yield: 4 dozen
Lemon Bars
Amy (amylz)
Brenda Strom 10 to 12 servings.
Bottom Lemon Cake Ingredients:
16 ounces store bought angel food cake mix
1 (22-ounce) can lemon pie filling
1 cup finely shredded coconut
Top Creamy Frosting Ingredients:
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup butter, softened
2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
Lemon zest, for garnish
Bottom Lemon Cake: In mixing bowl, combine cake mix, pie filling, and coconut. Stir until thoroughly mixed (do not add any liquid). Spread this mixture in a 10 by 15-inch baking pan. Bake for 30 minutes in a preheated 350 degree F oven. Cool.
Top Creamy Frosting: Combine all ingredients until blended well. Frost the Bottom Lemon Cake. Garnish with sprinkles of lemon zest and cut into 1 1/2 by 2 1/2-inch bars. Cover and refrigerate overnight for better flavoring.
Peanut Butter Cup Bars
Jennifer (mom99-02)
2 cups crushed graham crackers (I use 2/3 box - 2 packs)
1 cup melted butter
2-1/2 cups powdered sugar
1 cup peanut butter
1 pkg chocolate chips
Mix the above together (except chocolate chips) and spread into 9x13 pan. Refrigerate to set. Melt 1 pkg chocolate chips and spread on peanut butter mixture. Refrigerate again until chocolate hardens. Remove from refrigerator a little while before serving, so its easier to cut through the chocolate.
So-Easy Lemon Bars
Amy - amylz
Makes: 36 bars
1 roll (16.5 oz) Pillsbury Create 'n Bake refrigerated sugar cookies
4 eggs, slightly beaten
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons butter or margarine, softened
2 tablespoons grated lemon peel (2 medium)
1/3 cup fresh lemon juice (2 medium)
1 to 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
1. Heat oven to 350F. In ungreased 13x9-inch pan, break up cookie dough. With floured fingers, press dough evenly in bottom of pan to form crust. Bake 15 to 20 minutes or until light golden brown.
2. In large bowl, beat eggs with wire whisk or fork until well blended. Beat in granulated sugar, flour and butter until well blended. Stir in lemon peel and lemon juice. Pour mixture over warm crust.
3. Bake 20 to 30 minutes longer or until edges are light golden brown. Cool completely, about 30 minutes. Sprinkle with powdered sugar. With knife dipped in hot water, cut into 6 rows by 6 rows.
High Altitude (3500-6500 ft): Bake crust 18 to 21 minutes. After topping crust, bake 25 to 30 minutes.
Mom to 2 boys (14&10)
I agree, having your hands somewhat free is a good idea. I'd stick to bars, cookies, truffles, brownies... things you can eat easily without a knife and fork!
Thanks everyone for your comments. I too think some type of finger food would be a good idea.


text:
ODT Online
ODT /directory
It seems an appalling irony that in a peace-loving and
''civilised'' society, some of the worst violence we
experience in this country goes on in what should be the
safest place for any New Zealander - their home.
White ribbons fluttered on the black leather jackets of the
motorcycle riders who roared up to St Paul's Cathedral
yesterday morning.
A South Auckland man has been taken to hospital with
life-threatening wounds following a domestic dispute.
New Zealand's White Ribbon motorcycle ride against violence
towards women will make a stop in Queenstown tomorrow morning
at Hamills Bar and Restaurant in Remarkables Park.
Fans are urged not to take out a poor Rugby World Cup final
result on their families.
A 4-year-old boy has been injured after boiling water was
thrown over him during a family violence incident in Te Kuiti
this morning.
Vic Tamati had every intention of killing his entire family
the night his wife told him she was taking their children and
not coming back.
It is all right to report domestic
violence, is the message Janice Paterson, the former partner
of Gore district councillor Steven Dixon, is sending to the
community after he was sentenced this week.
The Government needs to launch an inquiry into why New
Zealand has such high domestic violence and maternal
mortality rates compared with other Organisation for Economic
Development and Co-operation (OECD) countries, the head of
United Nations Women New Zealand says.
Submit your news & photos - Login or
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Invercargill, Southern Rural Life - Otago and
Southland, The Courier - Timaru, Courier Country - Canterbury and
West Coast, Queenstown Times - Queenstown, Mountain Scene -
Queenstown, The Oamaru Mail - Oamaru, The
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West Coast Messenger - West Coast, The Ashburton Courier -
Ashburton, The News - North Canterbury, Extra! schools
publication, Property
Times South Canterbury


text:
1,170 words (≈ 5 minutes)
A Harry Potter X Twilight cross-over short story.
Edward Cullen still has doubts about his mate, Harry, and the situation they've found themselves in. The young man was a Wizard, sure, but he was still human; and humans were breakable. Was the pregnancy worth the risk?
Harry Potter is adamant that their baby is worth every single risk. The only thing that he and Edward haven't discussed yet was names. Harry has only one name in mind, but he is unsure of Edward's reaction.… (more)
Language: English
Written in: 2012
Published: 2012-01-16
Word count: 1,170 words (≈ 5 minutes)
License: Attribution No Derivatives (cc by-nd)
Tags: fan fiction, short story, Harry Potter, twilight, gay, romance
phwushhh. Hi yo hello howdy everybody.
I'm Julie, you can call me Julie. I'm Australian.
My eBooks are free (buhcuzz all the good things in life are free (like air)... and because I'm not that great).
And I publish under 'juliemort'. Just because I can.
In fact you can even call me Juliemort. I lied - just call me Julie.


text:
In the January 2011 data dump, a VoteTypeId value of 15 started showing up in votes.xml, but the readme.txt file only documents VoteTypeId values up to 13. What kind of vote has VoteTypeId="15"?
Meta Stack Exchange is where users like you discuss bugs, features, and support issues that affect the software powering all 158 Stack Exchange communities.
What is meta?
What is meta?
Here's how it works:
- Any Stack Exchange user can ask a question
- The community provides support, votes on ideas, and reports bugs
- Your voice helps shape the way Stack Exchange operates
These are flags that record when a moderator reviews a post or comment. Essentially a "response" to VoteTypeId = 13 (InformModerator), which is not included in the data dump.
I assume they are part of the new system that tracks how frequently flags for mod attention are acted upon, which is why the data only goes back 4 weeks or so (as opposed to only keeping a 4 week history). As it sits, that data doesn't really say much, and may be stripped from subsequent dumps.
I've updated the data dump schema docs to reflect this new type. I've fixed up the Data Explorer VoteTypes table as well, which will show up next month when the data is updated.


text:
It happened to me with 2.7 and now 2 out 5 times I log into my blog site it tells me to upgrade. I can take a full screen shot of the my backend area if it need be.
It also happens on certain parts of the backend such as, the settings and tools areas.
Is this a bug only on my side or this is happening to other WordPress 2.7 users?


text:
Blart is an occasional feature in the vis-art section that captures a quick thought that applies to a single object. It has been devoted to a biblical murderess amid "the neutered aftershock of futurism," to "craniopagus, a kind of facial fusion, which is very uncomfortable and extremely rare, though not unheard of," to an American revolutionary murder victim and Charlie Brown, and now to Todd Simeone's and Nietzsche's "moment of 'chance itself.'"
I named the feature Blart because I wanted the writing to feel like it had the rush of blurting to it, like someone was blurting something out about art.
Except that it appears that I did not invent the word Blart after all (such hubris), and in fact, that the word has several colorful uses in the land of the queen mum. Yes.


text:
Oil roulette
CAP's Daniel J. Weiss and Valeri Vasquez explain strategies for minimizing speculation in this CAP repost.
The oil shock of 2008 helped drive the U.S. economy into the Great Recession. Oil at that time cost a record $147 per barrel, and gasoline prices surged to $4.11 per gallon in July 2008″"the highest price ever. This squeezed families' budgets because it is very difficult for most people to significantly reduce driving in the short run when prices rise. And the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission, or CFTC, found that the 2008 oil record was partly driven by speculators driving up prices to make a quick killing.
This year "it's like d©j vu all over again."
Oil prices are rising to heights not seen since 2008. Oil rose from $85 per barrel to $112 per barrel in a little more than two months""a whopping one-third leap. Gasoline prices have followed along, rising by 70 cents per gallon""or 23 percent""during this same time. As our economy struggles to recover from the Great Recession, Americans are again forced to pinch pennies to afford their commute to work, school, and worship. Meanwhile, oil companies prepare to reap record profits in the first quarter of 2011.
As in 2008, there are serious indications that speculators are driving up oil prices. CFTC Commissioner Bart Chilton released data that found that:
Hedge funds and other speculators have increased their positions in energy markets by 64 percent since June 2008 to the highest level on record.
Similarly, a dozen U.S. senators wrote to CFTC Chairman Gary Gensler that "speculators are seizing on recent political turmoil in North Africa and the Middle East to drive energy prices to unwarranted levels," citing numbers from the CFTC's weekly "Commitment of Traders Reports" that indicate since January 25:
Money managers have increased their long positions in NYMEX West Texas Intermediate crude oil futures contracts by more than 35 percent, or the equivalent of 75 million barrels of oil.
According to Investopedia, a long position in a commodity futures contract is made when an investor "enters a contract by agreeing to buy and receive delivery of the underlying [commodity] at a set price – it means that he or she is trying to profit from an anticipated future price increase." By buying oil futures long, speculators are betting that they expect oil prices will increase over the life of the futures contract so the oil is more expensive at delivery time compared to the original purchase price. Political instability in an oil-producing nation or region often leads end users and speculators to increase their purchase of long oil positions due to the anticipation that future prices will be higher. The fear that prices will continue to rise leads oil end users to pay more now for future delivery of oil to lock in a lower price than the one they expect upon delivery.
Indeed, two weeks ago Goldman Sachs & Co. researchers caused a stir in the commodities trading world when it named "excessive speculation" the culprit for inflating oil prices "$20 higher than supply and demand dictate," and advised its clients to sell off their oil-related assets because they were being overvalued due to speculation.
Oil market analysts note turmoil in the Persian Gulf as a factor for higher oil prices, beginning with a small price bump around the January democracy protests in Egypt. The uprisings soon spread around the region.
Prices then took another leap up when regional political unrest hit Libya, disrupting its production of 1.8 million barrels per day, or about 2.1 percent of the world's daily production. A decline in Libya's prized sweet crude (the best for refining into gasoline) certainly rattled Europe and its market for crude oil. But market fears about potentially declining global oil supplies should have been ameliorated when Saudi Arabia used its vast reserves to fill the supply gap. But as Marcela Donadio, Americas Oil and Gas Leader for Ernst & Young, observes:
When Saudi Arabia increases production, as they just did, it is clear that oil supplies are plentiful and that the current pricing volatility is driven by market psychology and not necessarily real-time fundamentals.
The United States, too, has relatively ample domestic reserves""enough to reasonably allay fears of an immediate supply disruption. And then there is the question of relatively static demand. Daily energy and environment news service Greenwire noted that:
Current U.S. crude oil inventories are roughly 12.6 million barrels larger than the past five-year average levels. Demand for gasoline from U.S. drivers has barely budged from where it was a year ago.
Although there are ample international and domestic supplies, analyst Donadio notes that "driven by angst over broad geopolitical concerns, markets are proactively reacting to a potential supply problem." This reaction to Persian Gulf instability makes it relatively easy for speculators to bid up prices because of fear of potential supply disruptions and price increases. Oil end users and other traders buy more future contracts. This, in turn, leads to price increases and the cycle repeats. Indeed, Reuters reported that political unrest in the region drove investors "to accumulate the equivalent of almost 100 million barrels of oil between mid-February and late March on top of their existing positions, adding approximately $10 to the 'risk premium.'"
Oil speculation has real costs to oil prices and to the overall economy. According to an estimate released by Goldman Sachs, "every million barrels of oil held by speculators contribute[s] to an 8 to 10 cent per barrel rise in the oil price." Reuters reported:
Using Goldman's 8- to 10-cent estimates and data on speculators' positions from the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission, Reuters calculated that as of last Tuesday, the total speculative premium in U.S. crude oil was between $21.40 and $26.75 a barrel, or about a fifth of last Tuesday's price.
Such an increase would have a real drag on the U.S. economy. Analysts project that a sustained $10 increase in the cost of a barrel of oil can reduce our gross domestic product by up to 0.2 percentage points this year alone. In addition, a sustained $20-per-barrel increase in oil prices could yield at least a 50-cent-per-gallon hike in gasoline costs.
Speculators playing the oil market to make a fast buck are not the only factor contributing to high oil prices. Because oil is priced in dollars, the relatively weak value of the dollar makes oil an attractive purchase for speculators because oil is also priced in dollars but also rising in value. And the greater demand for oil, the higher the price.
What to do about oil-and-gas speculation?
Politico reports that "Republicans are getting ready to capitalize on record prices at the pump with a May focus on oil and gasoline." But what will they point to? After all, House Republicans voted twice to make it significantly harder for the CFTC to establish and enforce safeguards that reduce speculators' ability to drive up prices to make quick bucks. In February House Republicans voted nearly unanimously to pass H.R. 1 to fund the government for the remainder of fiscal year 2011. It cut the CFTC budget by nearly one-third.
Fortunately, President Barack Obama and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) made sure the CFTC received more, not less, money to police commodity markets in the final legislation that funded the government through September of this year. It boosted the CFTC budget by $34 million, a 20 percent increase over FY 2010 levels. The Senate Appropriations Committee says the extra funds will "provide critical funding to better protect the average investor and increase safeguards against excessive speculation."
But House Republicans came back at the CFTC just weeks later. On April 15 the House passed Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan's (R-WI) budget proposal for FY 2012 that begins October 1, H. Con. Res. 34, by 235-193. All but four Republicans voted for it while all Democrats opposed it. In addition to many other draconian cuts, it chainsawed the CFTC budget by 34 percent, which would compel the agency to cut its staff by two-thirds. This would destroy the CFTC's ability to police oil markets and would instead let speculators run wild""free to bet with abandon on oil prices, making it impossible for everyday Americans to budget for their driving costs""oftentimes (like now) at a huge cost to their wallets..
So what's the most effective solution? The CFTC and other federal agencies must promptly develop and enforce safeguards that reduce the impact of speculators on oil prices. Specially, the CFTC should:
- Investigate speculative fraud. On April 21 President Obama directed Attorney General Eric Holder to create an Oil and Gas Price Fraud Working Group to "monitor oil and gas markets for potential violations of criminal or civil laws to safeguard against unlawful consumer harm." The group will function as a subset of the Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force Working Group and include representatives from the Department of Justice, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, the Federal Trade Commission, the Department of the Treasury, and other essential federal agencies.
- Raise margins on speculative oil contracts. Investors who want to buy an individual stock must provide 50 percent of the value of that stock up front. Oil speculators, on the other hand, only have to provide 6 percent for an oil futures contract. In other words, one must provide $500 to buy $1,000 worth of a single stock, while only $60 up front is required to purchase oil futures.
- The CFTC should heighten margin requirements for speculators to safeguard the market's financial integrity as authorized by Section 736 of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act. The law's emphasis on "protect[ing] the financial integrity of derivatives clearing organizations" makes heightened margin requirements permissible for "risk management purposes to protect the financial integrity of transactions." As recommended by Sens. Bill Nelson (D-FL), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), and 10 other senators in their March 16 letter to the CFTC, these "higher margin levels would reduce incentives for excessive speculation by requiring investors to back their bets with real capital. The margin increase should only apply to speculators, not true hedgers." Dodd-Frank specifically allows the CFTC to differentiate between speculators and true hedgers (p. 90). This margin increase should apply strictly to speculators, not the actual merchants and producers who are oil end users and are using future contracts to hedge against higher prices.
- Establish "position limits" to reduce potential for abuse. "Position limits" are an important safeguard that restricts the size of the bets investors can make on commodities. The Dodd-Frank law provides the CFTC with the ability to set such limits but it has not yet acted. Dennis Kelleher, a former securities lawyer who now heads the financial reform advocacy group Better Markets, urges the administration to "impose position limits, which would stop excessive speculation now." He believes the CFTC has "the power to do this quickly."
- Appoint a CFTC commissioner who advocates strong speculator limits. The CFTC's mission is to protect both "market users and the public from fraud, manipulation, abusive practices and systemic risk." Five CFTC commissioners fill staggered five-year terms and are central to this mission. One of the commissioner seats expires in June 2011. President Obama should take this opportunity to appoint a new commissioner that is pro-middle class and pro-American family, and supports the aforementioned measures to reduce the impact of speculators on oil prices.
- Charge a fee for speculator trades. Another way to limit the potential for speculators to manipulate the market would be to charge a small transaction fee for oil speculators. People who oil need must buy it""and hedge it""long term, which is why oil end users, such as airlines, should be exempt. Only serial speculators churn contracts daily, sometimes hourly. The fee per contract should increase as the speculators' volume of futures contracts increases. The funds levied could pay for more CFTC oil-market cops to police trades and prevent the market manipulation of prices that can devastate middle- and low-income Americans, and oil-dependent businesses.
These solutions will rein in speculators and lessen the high gasoline prices that place a financial burden on American families.
What to do about our oil addiction?
But to ultimately solve the problems the surging cost of oil gives this country, we must make fundamental changes in our energy policies. This means building cars that are able to attain 60-plus miles per gallon by 2025. It means cutting foreign oil use by 5 percent annually in order to reach an end goal of slashing these imports in half by 2022. And it means ending billions of dollars of tax giveaways to Big Oil companies, using those funds to diversify transportation choices and finance advanced vehicle technologies. Only by using less oil, reducing imports, and investing and using clean energy technologies can we diversify our sources of energy and lower the cost of oil and gasoline. We need to start now.
Daniel J. Weiss is a Senior Fellow and Director of Climate Strategy at the Center for American Progress. Valeri Vasquez is a Special Assistant on the Center's Energy Opportunity policy team. And thanks to David Min, Associate Director for Financial Markets Policy at the Center, for his help on this column.
21 Responses to Oil roulette
Gasoline prices have never been higher in Connecticut. I live in the states 'cheap' region, east of Hartford- price of regular unleaded is around $4.18 a gallon. I drive a small car, that still costs over $40 dollars to fill up. I would dread having to fill up a truck or larger SUV- $100–
If we had started to become energy independent 30 years ago, embraced solar and wind power- where would we be tody?
Ignoring climate change is the flip side. In 2041 what will the world be like…if we fail to reduce C02? I care not to think.
Joe, please get your priorities straight. Do you want cheap gasoline for everybody, or do you want less CO2 in the atmosphere? The correct response to high gasoline prices is to BUY LESS GASOLINE. Not everyone can buy less, of course; but if suburban parents just put their children on the buses instead of driving them to school in SUVs, reduced consumption would drive retail prices down and those nasty speculators would lose their shirts. If commuters started using carpools, they would really destroy the speculators.
Government efforts to keep prices down, (by subsidizing oil production, for example) just increase consumption. So quit whining and propose government regulation only where it's needed, such as for environmental protection.
[JR: I don't think there is anyone on the blogosphere who has posted more analysis of how to reduce oil consumption. And as I've said many times, I don't think speculation is the major cause of the price run-up. But that doesn't mean oversight of markets isn't a good thing.]
Joe, by reposting this hogwash, you endorse it. Please read the "What to do about rising oil-and-gas prices" section. There is nothing about reducing consumption. Speculators (and airlines protecting themselves against possible future price increases) can drive up the price of oil a bit, but they can't do it for long. (That's why Goldman Sachs is advising their clients to back off.) When I go to a gas station, I buy gasoline, not crude oil. The price at the gasoline pump is affected much more by the public's willingness to buy than by speculators' purchases of oil futures.
Whether "oversight" is good or bad depends a lot on how broad it is. "Appoint a CFTC commissioner who advocates strong speculator limits" is excessive.
[JR: Nice try. That section clearly ends, "But to ultimately solve the problems the surging cost of oil gives this country, we must make fundamental changes in our energy policies. This means building cars that are able to attain 60-plus miles per gallon by 2025. It means cutting foreign oil use by 5 percent annually in order to reach an end goal of slashing these imports in half by 2022. And it means ending billions of dollars of tax giveaways to Big Oil companies, using those funds to diversify transportation choices and finance advanced vehicle technologies. Only by using less oil, reducing imports, and investing and using clean energy technologies can we diversify our sources of energy and lower the cost of oil and gasoline. We need to start now."
I publish longer blog posts than most websites, but it simply isn't fair to require the authors of opposed to repeat everything they have ever written on the subject. This is a piece primarily on speculation. As I've said countless times, I don't think it is the major contributor to oil prices, but several credible experts say that it is excessive. If you want to disagree with the post, that's fine, but they also don't mention electric vehicles here. Or countless other things that I've posted tens of thousands of words on.]
The Democrats won in 2008 partly because of gas price spikes. Speculators played a minor but significant role then, as they are now.
There's another way to manage prices- restricting actual supply, instead of trading on perceived political problems in the Middle East. There is talk that this is happening now.
Expect the Kochs and their friends from Exxon and Chevron to suddenly have to schedule refinery and pipeline maintenance in the summer and fall of 2012. A 5% reduction in refined oil availability would be chaotic, and lead to huge windfall profits, a win-win for the oil companies. The media won't report it much, but even if they do the public will still be in a bad mood over $5 and up gas, and will vote accordingly, giving the Republicans a big edge. I don't know how you stop it, since the oil companies control supply as well as the media.
" (That's why Goldman Sachs is advising their clients to back off.)" states Jeff T @3:
I will give you another motivation for GS. They want to cover their A** for future litigation protection while at the same time encouraging bit players to sell at a lower price while they simultaneously BUY. I would love to see their transaction list for the last few weeks.
I mostly think high oil prices are needed in USA to help us get more efficient with oil — like EU is. Oil will soon be too expensive to maintain our inefficient infrastructure. Plain and simple. A little pain now will save our economy big time.
But there is one big downside to high oil prices: it makes effective carbon pricing for other fossil very hard to do. And that makes it hard to level the pollution playing field with less-pollution clean energy alternatives.
Coal and natural gas need carbon pollution pricing…but hard to get anything close to the carbon pollution price needed while oil is off the charts from market pricing already.
I'm starting to think we might need to shift to a floor pricing policy for carbon pollution pricing. Put a rising floor price on each fossil fuel and only put a carbon pollution price on that fuel when it is below the floor to bring it up to the floor price.
Biz might be open to this as it provides more certainty around pricing and because it removes carbon pricing when the marketplace is already pushing the pricing above the level needed to get CO2 reductions.
That would help with carbon pricing backlash on high gas prices where the carbon price isn't even needed at that point.
The end of cheap oil during a boom in cheap natural gas and still cheap coal is going to be another thorny issue to navigate.
Thanks Joe for this article, and of course the topic is too complex to exhaust in one post. Jeff's point that "When I go to a gas station, I buy gasoline, not crude oil. The price at the gasoline pump is affected much more by the public's willingness to buy than by speculators' purchases of oil futures." requires added nuance. Commissioner Chilton's quote that "Hedge funds and other speculators have increased their positions in energy markets by 64 percent since June 2008 to the highest level on record." addresses all U.S. exchange-traded energy markets (primarily futures). That includes WTI crude, No. 2 heating oil, natural gas, AND unblended unleaded gasoline. So, the phrase "The price at the gasoline pump is affected much more by the public's willingness to buy than by speculators' purchases of oil futures." ignores speculative activity directly in gasoline futures. Of course, the ethanol component cost is affected by feedstock prices, competing energy sources, and the cost of the substantial petroleum and coal energy component inherent in at least the domestic production of ethanol.
I have not parsed the precise changes in gasoline speculative positions over the period Comm. Chilton referenced, and this might be a beginning point for those who want to do that: http://www.cftc.gov/MarketReports/files/dea/history/hist_energy_lf.htm
Leif (#5) is right. Goldman Sachs got caught during the mortgage bubble betting against the advice and products they were selling publicly.
Big Money hedges bets and doesn't reveal their hand. Believing what they say is like taking the table chatter of a skilled poker player at face value.
Another point I've read in a few places recently is that not all "oil" is equal.
I've seen the Saudi oil described as "sour" and high sulphur compared to Libyan oil which is "sweet" and higher grade. There are reports of an imbalance in "sour" and "sweet" on the markets that is obscured by lumping them all together. And one reason Saudi's aren't pumping more is that "sour" pipeline is full and it doesn't really replace Libya oil directly.
The key point though is that cheap oil is running out and price spikes are going to be with us repeatedly from here on out. The only way to protect yourself is to reduce your need for oil.
As a simple example, you can cut your oil demand by 66% by trading your SUV, van, pickup for a Prius. Drive a little less and you've made an 75% cut in oil demand in your direct personal transportation. That will let you weather a huge oil price spike with extra money in your wallet.
Piggybacking on Barry's good post #9, European refineries have been better able to refine sweet/low-sulfur crude, and the U.S. refineries have been better able to handle both sweet and sour product. The Euro refineries reportedly are converting to sour capability, as the feedstock moves toward more sour. Oddly, the Euro market appears to have surpluses of gasoline and heavy fuel oil, but insufficient diesel production. It appears that expansion of Mid-East refining capacity is an ongoing process as well.
Saudi Arabia did not raise production to meet the Libyan shortfall. Saudi Arabia CUT production by 800k barrels per day in March.
Saudi Arabia does not have, or does not intend to use, spare capacity.
The oil price is driven by supply and demand.
The cry of speculators is the last ditch of business as usual defenders to pretend that we are not facing the limits to growth. That oil production has not peaked. But it has, and there is only one thing that will bring the oil price back down: a recession. Which will happen sooner than later.
People who oil need must buy it—and hedge it—long term, which is why oil end users, such as airlines, should be exempt.
Making certain organizations exempt would add complexity and give them incentive to expand their hedging operations beyond what is strictly need. Any transaction tax should be uniform and the airlines and others can pass the costs on to consumers. The added cost to consumers from a transaction tax will be more than offset by the fall in oil prices – if they really are being run up by speculation.
I found these posts about gas prices rather odd. From a point of view of the climate high gas prices are a good thing. If in absence of climate legislation speculators drive up gas prices this blog should applaud it (or at least say nothing), not suggest that speculation should be curbed.
High prices for petroleum products, if sustained, encourage more crude oil production development. Not good for the climate when prices inevitably fall. The simplest and sanest answer is a carbon tax and dividend, and the sooner the better.
PeakVT at #12
Do you have any idea what airlines pay in premiums to hedge their Jet A contracts?
I know, because I work for a large legacy carrier, and it's not negligible…There is no way that they would hedge beyond what they need. As it stands now, most only hedge a small percentage of their fuel needs due to the cost of the hedging contracts. The airline that I work for locked in a mere 30% of 2011 fuel needs at $90/bbl.
Fuel is now an airline's largest cost on the balance sheet, and the most volatile. The airlines most certainly deserve the right to be able to hedge their fuel costs, without restriction.
I agree with Leif and Barry above. Goldman Sachs will give 'advice' that suits its (ie its owners, partners and functionaries) interests, not those of its sucker 'clients', let alone the public as a whole. So long as the plutocrats can skim off billions in profits, 'bonuses' and hypertrophied 'salaries', (the 'end') the means by which it is accomplished are irrelevant. Money justifies any behaviour, no matter how morally repugnant.
Dean #15 is the way I understand the commercial fuel hedging situation as well. Hedging such a large fuel need is expensive and tricky (I suppose not hedging to some extent also is expensive and tricky). A precisely timed hedge using futures might not be as expensive, but that's hard to achieve. Anything else requires either a potentially massive margin commitment, often expensive option premiums, or both. Currency values make it more than a computation based on product supply and demand forecasts. There might not even be an adequately liquid vehicle to use directly (there really is no jet fuel instrument for direct hedging), leading buy-hedgers to price based on raw crude or possibly a blend of refined product. (I think railroads have a similar issue with diesel fuel.) That opens considerable risk exposure to refinery schedules and refined product mix. It's a headache, and as a practical matter I don't see how or why legitimate buy-hedgers should be or can be restricted. The regulatory problem is identifying and separating true users from faux user-speculators, especially if the faux user-speculators are large and offshore. (I suppose Enron gave us a glimpse of that.) It's a constant problem to maintain base hedging capability, allow critical liquidity-providing speculation, and restrain speculation from drowning the game all at the same time. I don't know–maybe it's a problem of too-large companies swamping finite-product markets. We have that in other commodities as well–two, maybe three, large merchandisers pretty much run the macro wheat, corn, and soybean markets. I suppose at some point the entire mega-industrial complex appears unsustainable.
I'm not buying any of this. The writing by Ezra Klein and Krugman and analysis by James Hamilton are much more cogent and coherent. The mechanism by which speculation raises commodity prices is highly dubious, and in any case is not explained. If speculation does raise prices, then it will only encourage producers to hold supply off the market, so that the producers take the gains rather than the traders. Saudi has clearly signaled that they will no longer attempt to cover production shortfalls. And the numbers show that they did not cover the production shortfall from Libya, as falsely asserted in this piece. There is no doubt that long traders are making money, as they did last time (until they didn't), but the traders are following the market rather than leading it. Just look at the numbers.
I understand this piece is from CAP. They are normally quite accurate, but it appears that anti-corporatist populism may be getting the better of them here.
Dean@15 – First, it's a bad idea to add exceptions to a tax, because they tend to grow over time. Taxes are best when low and simple, otherwise they hit the groups least able to shield themselves by hiring lobbyists and lawyers. Second, adding exceptions means that a bureaucracy would have to be set up to verify that this or that organization is what it says it is and has a right to the exception, adding costs. Third, most financial transaction taxes don't have to be high (less than 1%) to discourage speculators. Perhaps it is different in this case, but most likely the tax will constitute a small portion of the final price. Fourth, as I pointed out before, if speculation really is driving up prices, the benefit of the tax will be much greater than it's cost. Otherwise, the entire discussion is moot. And, finally, the idea that any company "deserves" a tax break is just laughable.
MiMo @ 13 states that we at CP should applaud speculators because raising fuel costs will lower usage. By the same token we should applaud food speculators as more folks will starve thus lowering fuel usage. Both practices are abhorrent to me and are a clear indication of capitalism structured to help the few at the expense of the many. That our capitalistic system enriches the already rich with total disregard to the suffering below is a clear sign of need for systems change. Humanity first? Earth's life support systems first? Clearly not money first…
All the money being spent to make sure that the people believe the only reason for high gas prices is speculators in the oil market is to keep the fact below the public radar that we have in fact passed the cross over point between production and supply. Yes there are market reasons for some of the price increase, but most is the fact that with the global economy beginning to recover and the shut in of production in Lybia we have reached the point of max output that can be maintained over time. If the Saudi's could flood the market with the amount of oil it would take and that they swear they have to bring prices down and calm the volital price increaces we have now they would.


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Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West
by Gregory Maguire
Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West Theme of Guilt and Blame
At one point Sarima, who likes to fire off wise, fortune-cookie sayings, tells Elphaba that her guilt is the only thing tethering her to the world. Sarima links together the ideas of guilt, life, and home and emphasizes the way in which guilt is more than just a private emotion in Wicked. Guilt, especially for Elphaba, is something almost tangible. It is at the core of her major relationships (especially familial ones); it drives her actions (especially in the post-Fiyero years); it largely defines who she is as a person; and it practically functions as a companion to her near the end of her life. Guilt is an almost physical burden that Elphaba drags around with her. And where there is guilt, there is of course blame.
Questions About Guilt and Blame
- How do guilt and blame play a role in the relationship between Nessa and Elphaba?
- "Maybe the definition of home is the place where you are never forgiven, so you may always belong there, bound by guilt. And maybe the cost of belonging is worth it" (5.9.20). How is this idea demonstrated in the book?
- Frex often says Elphaba is punishment for his guilt. What exactly does he mean by this?
- Why does Elphaba so desperately want and even need forgiveness from Sarima? What does Sarima's forgiveness represent for her?
- Elphaba crumbles, totally defeated, when she fails to assassinate Madame Morrible in the Emerald City at the end of Volume Three. Is Elphaba feeling guilty and horrible because she failed, or because she nearly killed a bunch of children in her desire to take her out?


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The EverFocus EZ755 Outdoor True Day/Night IR Bullet Camera (NTSC) is equipped with Exview HAD II sensor, and records images at a resolution at 720 TVL and has a low light sensitivity of 0.05 lux.
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- Up to 165' (50 m) of IR distance
- Built-in heater for operation down to -40°F (-40°C)
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Controlling health care costs is the fundamental domestic policy challenge facing the United States. Increasing health care costs reduce state funding for education, especially public colleges and universities, raising tuition costs and student indebtedness.1 Increasing health care costs constrain middle-class wages as increases in productivity are siphoned off to fund health insurance rather than take-home pay.2 Increasing health care costs account for a large part of the federal budget deficit and are the fundamental driver of the United States' long-term debt.
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Former LSU, NFL wide receiver enjoys giving back
Published: Monday, July 22, 2013 at 11:27 a.m.
Last Modified: Monday, July 22, 2013 at 11:27 a.m.
Skyler Green is a happy guy.
Green, who was born in Houma and is a former LSU Tigers football player and had stints with several professional teams, was in Thibodaux recently for the Pro Football Combine camp, and he was having a very good time.
"I'm always in a good mood doing stuff like this," Green said of counseling and coaching youngsters at the camp. "I remember being in this situation back in the day, going to football camps and trying to get people to recognize that I was a football player. This is a great opportunity to give back."
Green, 28, has a wealth of experience to draw upon. The L.W. Higgins graduate went on to play for LSU, where he was named 2005 SEC Special Teams Player of the Year and picked up all-American honors from ESPN and Sports Illustrated.
Green's biggest moment as a Tiger came in 2003 when he made a diving catch with less than 2 minutes to go to beat Georgia, a game that sent LSU to the SEC Championship game and eventually the national championship.
Green was also a member of the previous year's "Bluegrass Miracle" team, when Devery Henderson caught a "Hail Mary" to beat Kentucky as Wildcat fans were storming the field, thinking they had beaten the Tigers.
Green wasn't on the field for the play, but made it to the post-catch celebration. He barely made it out.
"I ended up on the bottom of the pile," he said laughing. "I couldn't breathe for about 2 minutes."
Green was drafted in the fourth round of the 2006 NFL draft by the Dallas Cowboys, the beginning of a professional career that, despite a few impressive performances, never really took off.
"When I got into the league, I never really found a spot," he said. "Coach (Bill) Parcells kept switching me back and forth from running back to receiver, running back to receiver. My weight kept fluctuating, and I kind of got lost in the numbers. It didn't really work out in Dallas. They cut me three times, but kept bringing me back and I ended up on the practice squad."
A similar situation played out in Cincinnati, where Green made the roster but ended up being cut and re-signed to the practice squad.
From the Bengals, Green moved to the hometown Saints, where again he was cut and signed to the practice squad. He did make it onto the roster for the last two games of the 2008 season, where he returned kickoffs for a 33 yard average.
Green said playing for the Saints was a special thrill.
"Playing for the Saints was really something special," he said. "Playing for your home team, there's really nothing better than that. I played in front of people who had been following my career since high school. It kind of made you hold your head up high."
After a stint with the Edmonton Eskimos, Green wound up the Arena League, playing for another hometown team, the New Orleans Voodoo. In his first game, he scored five touchdowns.
"The field is 50 yards shorter," he said. "I'm kind of a quick acceleration guy, and that helped me create separation. Being in motion all the time helped me a lot. I got used to that in Canada, being that those guys are in motion all the time. In Canada, everybody who's not on the ball can be in motion. But being in the Arena League was fun. I got knocked over the wall a couple of times, so I feel like my body has a couple of badges. But it was fun."
Green is currently a free agent and is seeking a new agent after his long-time agent, Albert Elias, died in December.
"This camp was my agent's camp," he said. "So I'm looking for new representation, someone who can get me one more shot in the league before it's too late."
At 28, Green says he's been thinking about life after football. He currently works as a personal trainer, and says coaching is a definite possibility.
"I'm probably going to be a coach one day," he said. "I'm not sure if I want to start at the college level or the high school level. I've had a lot of high school coaches wanting me to come coach for them, but I told them there's a lot of time left. I want to be sure that I'm done playing so I can devote myself fully to the job and give 100 percent to those guys."
Reader comments posted to this article may be published in our print edition. All rights reserved. This copyrighted material may not be re-published without permission. Links are encouraged.


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Ripley's Believe it or Not
•April 11, 2011
Naberius: Quote...."As a retired 30-year Marine Corps reservist who made four trips to Asia as a Marine but missed combat by two weeks, I want my fellow Utah veterans to know that Donald Trump applied for and received five military draft deferments, thereby avoiding any military service. And now he wants to be commander in chief. A basic rule of American military service is that we are not obligated to obey any illegal order, yet he has said he would issue them, such as torturing prisoners and killing the enemies' families. His military record and knowledge stands for itself.


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im 16 and i have been out of competitive play for about 5 months due to an injury. now im back and i have been selected to play in a team where everyone is older than me and most of the have high school scolarships and i have a chance to get one myself. so please recommend some excersices and drills to improve stamina, speed, and defense!! Thanks
well if u just got back from and injury you need to get back in shape.You can do that by doing suicides or simply jogging around your neighborhood and you should also find your shot.it will take some time but just have confidence.
For stamina I reccomend running/jogging around your neigborehood or track field for about 25-45 minutes about 3 times a week.
I have a drill for speed.Stand on one side of the free throw line,run to the other side of it touch,run back and do the same.Repeat this about 20-25 times or you can time yourself and see how many you can do in say about one minute.Do this about 2-3 times a week.
Conditioning-I just reccomend running/jogging and some upper and lower body workouts.Pushups work well and so do squats for your legs,as well as calf raises.Calf raises will also increase your vert.
And I do reccomend you work on your shooting and do work on the fundamentals as you haven't played for a while with an injury.
I hope that helps.
~Good Luck ~~
ACTIVE is the leader in online event registrations from 5k running races and marathons to softball leagues and local events. ACTIVE also makes it easy to learn and prepare for all the things you love to do with expert resources, training plans and fitness calculators.


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light cycle...yessss
Comments (6)
Are you temping orally? I was getting temps in the 96s last month orally, and then I switched to temping vaginally and they went up into the 97s. I was happy because I read about low thyroid issues with low temps. It doesn't mean you have hypothyroidism, but some woman consider it a symptom. I am glad your cycle is going back to normal since the pill. I am terrified of the pill after reading some peoples experiences when coming off it. I have never tried any birth control.
Oh, def don't worry about the thyroid if you aren't temping vaginally. I hesitated when switching, but so many ladies recommended it, and I wasn't happy with the inaccurate temps orally. So much can effect it, like sleeping with your mouth open, which I probably do.
I also have gained a little weight since my son. Maybe 15 lbs or so. I'm not sure if it's effecting my chances.
My thoughts always go back to "what's wrong with me," but I can't focus on it. This is only cycle 3, I have to stay positive. I know I have a tipped uterus, so that's something I worry about, but it didn't seem to effect me getting pregnant a few years ago. I kindof wish I had done this sooner, but my situation wasn't right. Now I have insurance, and having a baby won't be as stressful as having one without it.
This is going to be our month, right?? Fingers crossed!
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Is It Conceivable That Barack Obama Won't Run for Reelection?
Not really, no.
In his Washington Post column today, Howard Kurtz asks, and answers, this very question. Not surprisingly, Kurtz decides that there's a "ninety-nine percent chance [Obama] runs again." Still, though, it's an interesting hypothetical to contemplate, and Obama's remarks about the possibility leave room for interpretation. [Media Notes/WP]


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TechCrunch is wrapping up another Disrupt conference (this time in Berlin), and the man who started it all has some very public, very not-nice things to say about the website he created.
Arrington tweets he's going to elaborate on his beef soon, but for now, we can tell he's pissed about how the competition's judging went. Is it because he couldn't hand an award to another startup he stands to directly profit from?
We've heard plenty about tensions between AOL and TechCrunch's current editorial team, and it goes without saying that Mike Arrington has a strange relationship with the whole outfit, given that he was forced out of it. Beneath the press release writeups lies a whole lake of bile.
TechCrunch hasn't replied to a request for comment.
Update: Arrington posted more thoughts about TechCrunch's conflict of interest problem (which he had nothing to do with, of course):
2. Editorial at TechCrunch seems to be completely submissive to sales. If sales wants something, it happens. Way too many sponsors on stage, for example. And the speakers are nearly constantly herded to "VIP events" that are really just sponsor events where sponsors pay to have a captive audience of well known entrepreneurs and venture capitalists. Speakers are being packaged and sold to sponsors, and they are complaining about it.
3. Picking the winner of the battlefield startup competition should be free of any influence of non-editorial people and judges. The only people who should be in the room to decide who wins the battlefield should be the judges and the editors, and the editors shouldn't be voting or trying to influence decisions.


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Tiger Woods shot a four-under-par 67 on Saturday to move to just one shot behind the tournament leader, Brendon de Jonge.
Tiger will be in the last group off at 1:15 p.m. ET with De Jonge and Bo Van Pelt.
Bleacher Report will follow Tiger's attempt to win his third title in 2012 with continuous updates throughout his round today.


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Great look & fit
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
I wanted to find speaker stands that would work best for my speakers. I couldn't be happier with them. Just some advice..don't use the eight screws they give you to screw into your speakers,very bad idea. Mine stay on the stand just fine..no need for screws.
Pros: Great fit & look.
Cons: none


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Nick Foles has a concussion and Michael Vick is still recovering from a pulled left hamstring. One week ago, the Eagles envisioned both as capable starting quarterbacks. Entering Sunday's game against the New York Giants, they might face the prospect of having neither healthy.
If that happens, rookie Matt Barkley would get his first start.
Coach Chip Kelly said he did not know what the status of Vick or Foles would be for Sunday. Foles needs to go through the NFL's concussion protocol, which includes being cleared by an independent neurologist before he can return to the field.
Vick has made progress in his recovery, but Kelly still needs to see how the veteran feels this week. Vick is less than 100 percent, but he'll likely play even if he's less than fully recovered, according to a league source.