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- Aug 23:
- Sex abuse case against Silicon Valley tycoon Clyde Berg hangs by a thread after wife flees court again
- Aug 22:
- Wife of Silicon Valley tycoon testifies
- Aug 21:
- Wife of Silicon Valley multimillionaire abruptly flees witness stand in abuse case
- Aug 20:
- Wife of Silicon Valley real estate millionaire testifies about alleged sexual, physical abuse
- Aug 5:
- Silicon Valley real estate magnate facing charges in suspected sexual abuse of wife
SAN JOSE -- A Santa Clara County judge took the extraordinary step Monday of dismissing sexual assault charges lodged against a prominent real estate mogul by his wife -- after finding she had fabricated the entire bizarre incident -- ending a weeklong court battle fraught with twists and turns, including last-minute accusations of special treatment for the superrich.
Ellena Berg, Clyde Berg's 37-year-old wife, had accused the 74-year-old multimillionaire of a horrific crime that could have sent him to prison for the rest of his life -- outfitting her with a spiked dog collar and leash, chaining her at gunpoint to a bed for two days and sexually assaulting her with a golf putter when she was nine months pregnant.
In dismissing the charges, Judge Ron M. Del Pozzo said Ellena Berg's testimony "is not worthy of belief." During her sporadic stints on the stand, interrupted by frequent 15-minute breaks, the tall, thin, blonde Swedish native fled the courthouse twice in great emotional distress. She was voluntarily hospitalized this past weekend in Good Samaritan Hospital's's mental health ward.
"Whether it's a product of just flat-out lying or a product of being mentally ill, which she'd been for a long, long time," the judge said, "what was clear to this court was this witness was unworthy of belief."
The judge said he and the Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office reached the same conclusion independently over the lunch hour Monday after five days of testimony -- that there wasn't enough evidence to hold Clyde Berg over for trial. Technically, Del Pozzo granted the prosecution's request for a dismissal, but he said he would have dismissed the case anyway. The judge noted the rarity of his decision, estimating that 95 percent of preliminary hearings are pro forma because the standard of proof is so low, with defendants being held to answer on the charges.
Wealth no factor
Ellena Berg remained stoic as the judge recited a long list of reasons he found her story "ridiculous," folding her arms tightly across her chest as the drubbing wore on. Later, when her attorneys spoke up in her defense and accused the District Attorney's Office of bowing to the "political and economic power" of her husband, she dissolved into tears.
Clyde Berg, his cane leaning against the defense table, looked visibly relieved, smiling slightly for the first time since the hearing began Tuesday.
Prosecutors vehemently denied the accusation, saying in a statement, "We make prosecutorial decisions based on the evidence in the case, not the money in the defendant's bank account. The only role wealth played in this case was to demonstrate that money is not the ticket to a happy life or a harmonious marriage."
Clyde Berg declined to comment Monday, but he has insisted the DA's Office treated him unfairly and should have dismissed the case far sooner. All along, he has contended he was the victim of a greedy scam aimed at getting around a restrictive prenuptial agreement.
Del Pozzo essentially agreed it was a money grab. If Clyde Berg had been convicted of felony domestic violence and sexual assault, he could have gone to prison for more than 15 years to life. Ellena Berg would have stood a far better chance of winning a lawsuit seeking punitive damages for what she described as a decade of abuse, capped off by the bizarre incident in September at their spacious home overlooking the San Jose Country Club.
Clyde Berg is the brother and business partner of billionaire Carl Berg, one of the richest people in the United States. The brothers developed campuses for many of the valley's signature companies and recently sold their firm for $1.3 billion.
'Tongue can't dial'
The judge cited several clues he noted in deciding Ellena Berg was being deceitful. Monday morning, she testified that she couldn't remember or she used words to that effect, more than 44 times in less than 90 minutes. She didn't know the couple's wedding date or her husband's birth date even though she said she was still in love with him. Continually, noted the judge, she kept stalling on the stand to give herself time to think.
However, Ellena's attorneys angrily told the court that she was suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder as a result of the abuse and had been ill-treated by the prosecution. They also said they would ask the state Attorney General's Office to refile the charges, which veteran lawyers said is extremely unlikely.
But despite the judge's scathing ruling, it is unlikely the DA's Office will turn against Ellena Berg and file the little-used charge of making a false report against her, sources familiar with the case said.
It was Ellena Berg's explanation of how she called 911 after retrieving a cellphone she'd hidden under her mattress with her hands cuffed behind her back that the judge found particularly preposterous.
At one point, Ellena Berg "goofed," according to the judge, when she was asked by defense attorney Kurt Seibert to demonstrate how she braced herself when she slid out of bed. In a Perry Mason-type moment, she had re-enacted her motion -- but with her arms in front of her body, not behind her, as they would have been if she really had been cuffed.
Del Pozzo was most scathing when it came to her claim that she made the 911 call by pressing the raised "send" button with her tongue.
"That tongue testimony was ridiculous," the judge said, adding a ditty in the manner of famed O.J. Simpson lawyer Johnnie Cochran: "If the tongue can't dial, there's not going to be a trial."
Contact Tracey Kaplan at 408-278-3482. Twitter.com/tkaplanreport.


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Pet Friendly Cottages Wales
Just show me Pet Friendly Wales Cottages
There are many reasons to book a pet friendly cottage in Wales -
not least because this beautiful country boasts three National
Parks and five Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. So just imagine
all those amazing walks for you and pooch!
Pet Friendly Cottages throughout North, Mid and South Wales
For seaside fans, choices range from Anglesey and the Llyn
Peninsula in the north, to the Gower Peninsula and Pembrokeshire in
the south - home to Britain's only truly coastal National Park,
featuring rugged cliffs and sandy beaches, not to mention the
Pembrokeshire Coast National Trail.
Or book a pet friendly cottage in mid Wales and discover the
Ceredigion Coast Path of Cardigan Bay, the sweeping sands and dunes
of Ynyslas Beach near Aberdovey, or the spectacular Mawddach
Estuary at Barmouth. For a mix of award-winning beaches and awesome
mountains, plus a fabulous collection of pet friendly cottages, opt
for the Snowdonia National Park.
Where else would 'Scamp' love to romp about? The
Clwydian Range of North Wales. The Afan Forest Park near Port
Talbot. Or the Brecon Beacons National Park, offering enough
mileage and choice for the most demanding hound!
And don't forget, if you're planning a two-week pet
friendly cottage holiday in Wales, consider combining two different
regions - options are endless in this truly scenic country.
We can also offer you pet friendly cottages
elsewhere in the UK and Ireland.

subset: commoncrawl


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rogerfederer.com - 08.08.08 - what a day!
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08.08.08 - what a day!
Dear fans
It is an absolutely fantastic combination to be celebrating my birthday and the start of the Olympic Games - on the very same day!
The Olympic opening ceremony here in Beijing will start on the 08.08.08 at 8:08:08 pm - that's quite a few eights! Eight has always been my personal lucky number. And eight is considered one of the luckiest numbers in Chinese tradition because of its unique pronunciation. So being here in China on this specific date and time, celebrating my birthday during such an amazing event... It is almost impossible to find the right words to describe this feeling.
I am looking forward to tonight enormously, leading Switzerland into the stadium with our national flag. The huge crowd, the amazing ceremony and the best athletes from all over the world gathered here, will all make for another memory to last forever. What a privilege it is to be here!
I also want to take this opportunity to thank you all for your unconditional support. I love to come to my website and find you all discussing the future, the present and also the past. Your interest in all different topics around me, tennis and sports in general is fascinating. Thank you for all the time so many of you have invested in writing me messages, letters and cards and making me special gifts. This means a great deal to me and it fills me with pride to have so many of you thinking of me.
Our community is steadily growing towards the barrier of 200'000, what an amazing number. So many individuals from all over the world with a common interest meeting in one spot - precisely like here in Beijing for the Olympics! I would like to say thank you one more time and hope you enjoy the Games, wherever you are.
Beijing loves Roger!!
Quiero decirte que espero que pases un dia muy especial en tu cumpleaños, junto a las personas que te quieren y rodean, espero que puedas alcanzar los objetivos que te has propuesto d
i saw you walking with the Swiss flag !!!
Greetz from Holland
I wish you a very happy birthday, and I wish you the very best luck at the Olympics, go for the GOLD!!!! Hope you get it. I will always support you and I am very proud to be you fan.
I wish you good luck and success in Olympic!!!!!


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Mary Ann Petty of St. James, passed away Wednesday November 21, 2012 at the Golden Living Center in St. James. She was 90 years 9 months and 18 days of age.
Mary Ann Petty was born February 3, 1922 in St. James, the daughter of the late Jefferson Davis and Elizabeth Liza Jane Parrish Cox.
Mary Ann was married to Ralph Clark on November 18, 1939, he entered into rest in 1979. She then married Roy Petty on January 29, 1983, he entered into rest in 1986.
Mary Ann is survived by daughter: Helen Welch and husband Jim of St. James; Sons: George Clark and wife Wanda of Salem; Marvin Clark and wife Linda of Rolla; Step-daughter: Joyce Petty of Grand Junction, Colorado along with 9 Grandchildren, 19 Great Grandchildren and 13 great-great grandchildren. Along with a host of friends.
Mary Ann Petty will lie in state from 6:00 - 8:00 pm Saturday November 24, 2012 at the Jones Funeral Home in St. James.
Funeral Service will be conducted 2:00 p.m. Sunday November 25, 2012 at the Jones Funeral Home in St. James with Don Carson officiating. Burial will be in the St. James Cemetery. On-line condolences at www.jonesfunerals.com
Arrangements are under the directions of the Jones Funeral Home in St. James.
Location, ST | website.com


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Volunteers to clean roads and waterways
Published: Tuesday, October 1, 2013 at 9:47 a.m.
Last Modified: Tuesday, October 1, 2013 at 9:47 a.m.
Keep Manatee Beautiful officials need volunteers to help keep local waters clean and participate in the annual International Coastal Cleanup.
The event will be from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday.
Adopt-A-Highway, Adopt-A-Road and Adopt-A-Shore groups will be doing cleanups at their designated sites.
Other volunteers can participate by checking in at 9 a.m. at:
- Anna Maria City Hall, 10005 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria.
- Emerson Point Conservation Preserve, west end of 17th Street West on Snead Island, Palmetto.
- Kingfish Boat Ramp on State Road 64 West, Holmes Beach.
- Terra Ceia on U.S. 19 on the northwest corner of bridge by Crab Trap I.
- F.I.S.H. Preserve, 11601 Cortez Road W., Cortez.
- Historic Wares Creek at Bradenton Woman's Club, 1705 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.
- Ward Temple, 1017 Fifth St. W., Bradenton.
- Old Braden River Historical Society at State Road 64 East boat ramp on the Braden River at 29th Street East, Bradenton. Free use of kayaks on a first-come, first-served basis at this location.
nRay's Canoe Hideaway, 1289 Hagle Park Road, off Upper Manatee River Road, Bradenton. Free boat launch and canoe use on a first-come, first-served basis.
Bring your own gloves, sunscreen and cooler. Wear closed-toe shoes. Trash bags and drinks will be provided.
For more information, call 795-8272, email firstname.lastname@example.com or visit www.manateebeautiful.com.
Donors are sought at bloodmobile stop
Suncoast Communities Blood Bank is seeking prospective blood donors.
The bloodmobile will be parked from 1 to 4 p.m. Wednesday at Sandhill Insurance, 3815 U.S. 301 N., Ellenton.
For more information, call 803-9300.
Airman completes basic military training
Air Force Airman Nicholas A. Henderson graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio, Texas.
The eight-week training program included military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills.
A 2011 graduate of Braden River High School, Henderson is the son of Kimberly and Steven Henderson of Bradenton.
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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|This fantastic pot roast made in the crockpot tastes great for Phase One.
(We're nearing the end of the Month of Daily Phase One recipes, and I'm trying to make sure I've shared as many of my long-time Phase One favorites as I can mix in with the new recipes. This Crockpot Recipe for Hungarian Pot Roast with Sour Cream and Paprika Gravy is something I used to make on the weekend when I was teaching school, and then I'd take it for my lunch all week. I'd never get tired of eating this delicious pot roast!)
A few weeks ago I made this Hungrian Style Pot Roast with onions, red peppers, and sour cream paprika gravy. I ate some and then made several little containers to take for lunches at school. Then I raved about how good it was at lunch every time I ate some. Since then, my co-workers have been more than patient about waiting for the recipe, so I'm glad I finally got around to posting it.
Of course the recipe has its origins in Goulash or Gulyas, a Hungarian dish I think I first heard about when The Frugal Gourmet used to make it on TV (ahem, quite a while ago!) There are as many variations of goulash as there are cooks making it, but the kind I've made the most always had pieces of beef, tomatoes, red peppers, onions, and plenty of paprika. A few years back I made Goulash Soup on the blog, but I'm surprised to realize I haven't shared a recipe for actual Hungarian Goulash. I'll get working on that, but in the meantime, get out your crockpot and make this pot roast!
Then add roasted red pepper slices, canned tomatoes, and beef stock, which was reduced as it deglazed the pan the onions were browned in.
CrockPot Recipe for Hungarian Pot Roast with Sour Cream and Paprika Gravy
(Makes 6-8 servings, recipes created by Kalyn)
2 tsp. + 1 T olive oil
1 rump roast, about 2.5 pounds (trim visible fat if there is any)
generous amount of steak seasoning (about 1 T) to rub on roast before browning
4 large yellow onions, cut into slices at least 1/2 inch thick
2 T sweet Hungarian or Spanish paprika (or more)
1/2 tsp. sharp Hungarian paprika or smoked Spanish paprika (optional, but good)
1 jar (12 oz.) roasted red bell peppers
1 can (14.5 oz.) diced tomatoes with juice (I like petite dice for this)
2 cups homemade beef stock or low-sodium beef broth
fresh ground black pepper to taste
1 1/2 cups sour cream (I used light sour cream, do not use fat free)
I used a 3 1/2 quart Crockpot slow cooker to make this.
While roast browns, peel onions and cut into slices at least 1/2 inch thick. Heat addditional 1 T olive oil in pan, then add onions and paprika and saute onions until lightly browned, turning often to brown all the onion slices. Put onions in crockpot on top of and around the roast. Add 2 cups beef stock to frying pan, scraping off any browned bits and simmering until beef stock is reduced to about 1 cup.
Cook on high for about 4 hours, or until roast feels tender when pierced with a fork. When roast is tender, remove meat, let cool a few minutes, and then cut into thick slices. While meat cools enough to handle, strain liquid into frying pan (catching the vegetables) and simmer over medium high heat to reduce for gravy. Add sliced meat and vegetables back into crockpot and keep warm. When liquid has reduced by about half, whisk in sour cream. (Edit: A reader named Ned left the suggestion to add a small amount of the liquid to the sour cream and whisk together, then whisk that mixture back into the juice in the pan for easier combining without lumps. I think that sounds like a great idea.) Pour sour cream gravy back over meat and vegetables in crockpot and cook about 20-30 minutes more, or until heated through. Serve hot.
South Beach Suggestions:
More Phase One Ideas with Beef:
Leftover Roast Beef Italian Stew
South Beach Phase One Meatloaf with Tomatoes, Fennel, and Flax Seed Meal
Balsamic and Onion Pot Roast (Crockpot)
Kubideh: Grilled Ground Meat with Mediterranean Spices
Quick Sriracha-Beef Lettuce Wraps
More Recipes with Hungarian Paprika and Beef
(Recipes from other blogs may not be South Beach Diet friendly; check ingredients.)
Goulash Soup with Red Peppers and Cabbage from Kalyn's Kitchen
Beef Goulash with Dumplings from Simply Recipes
Authentic Hungarian Beef Gulyas from Luna Pier Cook
Beef Goulash from The Foodie Fashionista
A Sort of Hungarian Goulash from Food Glorious Food
Find more recipes for beef and Hungarian Paprika using Food Blog Search.


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Ginger Martin possesses a track record shared by only a small handful of real estate professionals globally. Recruited by Sotheby's International Realty in 1996 as a founding associate of its now 80 agent strong San Francisco brokerage, she quickly secured her position in the top one percent of the firm's agents worldwide. After a decade of unprecedented success, Ginger brought her polished reputation and discerning client roster to the Napa/Sonoma Wine Country where she and her husband own a winery and home.
After initiating the opening of the wine country brokerage, Ginger immediately established an unparalleled reputation for her representation of the finest primary and vacation homes, luxury estates, vineyards and land. Ginger appreciates maintaining strong ties with her colleagues and clients in San Francisco, the Silicon Valley and internationally, while her success as a preeminent Napa and Sonoma Valley Realtor continues to flourish.
Sotheby's International Realty named Ginger a "Top 25 Agent" in 2013 with over $100 million in sales while NRT ranked her in the top three percent of over 42,000 esteemed sales associates. The Wall Street Journal has named Ginger as one of the "Top 200 Agents" in the United States for the last three years running. This recognition is alongside highly respected agents from Manhattan, Miami, Los Angeles and San Francisco.
At $35 million, Ginger and her team closed the highest valued residential real estate sale in the history of Sonoma County followed by sales of the highest valued Napa Valley residential properties in 2011 and 2012. In addition to these crucial accolades, Ginger was the listing agent for the two highest priced residential sales in Napa Valley in 2014 and is poised to continue her achievements as a consistent top producer in the luxury wine country market.
Ginger's distinguished clients greatly benefit from her extensive experience with a personal real estate portfolio that includes land and residential purchase, development, construction, management and sale. Combined with two decades as CEO of her own sales and marketing firm, Ginger's business savvy and high-level of knowledge regarding the luxury real estate market is difficult to compete with.
In addition to her commitment to her clientele, Ginger is devoted to her community, humanitarian projects and the arts. She regularly donates a percentage of her sales to a wide range of non-profit organizations including the Sonoma Mentoring Alliance, Sonoma Museum of Modern Art, Napa's "Festival del Sole" and Sonoma State University's Green Music Center and Weill Hall. Globally, she is a significant contributor to the International Rescue Committee (IRC) and Anti-Defamation League (ADL).


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New round of quantitative easing will weaken dollar
Phil Dunleavey, Watertown
I read with interest Raymond Sullivan's Sept. 14 letter, "Labor Department's jobless statistics make no sense." He did a good job explaining the misleading, unrealistic and ridiculous way the federal government reports unemployment statistics.
Read more of this story and more!
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Princeton, NJ, June 17, 2014–The Hispanic Theological Initiative
(HTI) will present their eighteenth annual lectureship as part of their summer
workshop. The event, which will take place in Stuart Hall, Room 6, on Wednesday,
July 9 at 7:00 p.m. on the Princeton Seminary campus, will discuss what it
means to be a Latin@ with a Ph.D., both for the individual and for the
community at large. The lectureship is free and open to the public.
Addressing the topic
"Latin@, You Have a Ph.D., So What?" are Dr. Sarita Brown, president of Excelencia in Education based in
Washington DC, Dr. Arturo Chávez, president and chief executive officer of
Mexican American Catholic College in San Antonio, Texas, and Dr. Elizabeth
Conde-Frazier, vice president of education and dean of Esperanza College at
Eastern University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
HTI is the only program in the nation
that focuses on supporting Latin@ leaders to achieve doctoral degrees in
religious and theological studies. "Given the cost and the time commitment, a
Ph.D. degree is a difficult degree for any ethnic group to attain. Many believe
that since [email protected][email protected]
The lectures will be followed by a
reception in the Private Dining Room of the Mackay Campus Center. For more
information, contact HTI at 609.252.1721.
About Princeton Theological Seminary
Princeton Theological Seminary, founded in 1812, is the first seminary established
by the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church. Its mission is to educate
leaders for the church of Jesus Christ worldwide, and its more than 500
students and 11,000 graduates from all fifty states and many nations around the
world serve Christ in churches, school and universities, healthcare
institutions, nonprofit agencies, initiatives for social justice, mission
agencies, and the emerging ministries of the church in the twenty-first
© Princeton Theological Seminary P.O. Box 821, 64 Mercer Street, Princeton, NJ 08542-0803, 609.921.8300 An Institution of the Presbyterian Church (USA)PTS Calendars | A to Z Index | Information Technology | Trustees Website
Terms & Conditions | Web Privacy


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Clear your schedule for New Zealand NOW – from Auckland to the Bay and everything in between. Cross the Harbour Bridge, kayak the sea, swim with the dolphins and see the 'Hole in the Rock' while fast boating through the islands! Plus, for you culture vultures, trek through the native Kauri Forest and glimpse the Tribal Lands of Nga Puhi Maori. Looking for a little peace and quiet? You'll have a day to kick back beachside too!
Ready to book? Want to talk to a specialist?
Top Offers & Trip Notes
Itinerary + Inclusions & ME Time Optionals
ME Time Optionals
ME Time optionals will take your trip to a whole new level with unforgettable experiences unique to the places you visit. See more, do more, live more & go home completely regret-free. Costs for these aren't included in your tour cost & are payable to your Trip Manager in local currency.
On our trips we don't just take you to the destinations, we make sure you get under the skin of every place you visit. From amazing food & accommodation, to exclusive access to incredible experiences, with Contiki you'll get unbeatable value & a completely unique travel experience.
Arrive in Auckland & check into the Mercure Hotel Auckland from 2:00pm. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore! Meet your fellow travelers & Tour Manager this evening.
Kia Ora! Meet up with your Contiki Crew in Auckland, New Zealand's largest and most cosmopolitan city. Surrounded by volcanoes, islands and a stunning harbour, you'll soon understand why this is the "City of Sails" and was once home to the America's Cup.
This morning we'll crossing the iconic Auckland Harbour Bridge & take in the full-blown vistas of the harbour, Rangitoto, and other neighbouring volcanic islands on the way.
With a stop at Parry Kauri Park, there's time to walk through this famous reserve and see many of New Zealand's ancient Kauri (a native tree). Some of the Kauri are 50m high and over 1000 years old.
The final stop today is the small coastal town of Paihia. It's the gateway to the Bay of Islands, one of New Zealand's photogenic natural playgrounds.
Your Trip Manager will point out the colonial style Treaty House at Waitangi. This is where modern-era New Zealand was born when the British Crown and Maori signed a treaty in 1840. You'll also find out about local Maori culture as you check out the Nga Puhi tribal lands.
Tonight, get to know the other Contiki travellers, Trip Manager and Driver over a typical 'Kiwi' dinner – fish 'n' chips – where you can eat outdoors under the night sky if the weather is good. After dinner, head out to a local music venue in Paihia with the group.
- See the 'City of Sails' harbour made famous by the America's Cup
- Cross Auckland's Harbour Bridge
- Walk through native Kauri Forest
- Check out Whangarei & Kawakawa's famous Hundertwasser toilets
- Tuck into a true Kiwiana fish 'n' chips dinner
With a full free day here, you'll really get to enjoy the laid-back, natural beauty of the Bay of Islands. Chill out, or choose from loads of activities on offer here. There's a catamaran cruise where you can stop off at remote islands, swim and feast on a tasty BBQ lunch. If you're lucky, you'll even spot some dolphins.
Or you could use your free time to head off with some friends to learn about New Zealand's settler history. Jump on a ferry out to New Zealand's former capital, the pretty township of Russell. Grab an ice-cream, relax in its cute cafés and walk past some of the town's historic cottages.
We also offer you the option of a day trip to Cape Reinga, New Zealand's most northern point where the Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean merge. Our Local Guide can tell you all about the Maori beliefs associated with this site. Then it's off to the sand dunes of Ninety Mile beach and a drive through the Northland Region.
Lastly, for the adrenaline-junkies, there's a chance to go parasailing – perfect for getting views of the awesome surrounding bay scenery.
- Kiwi Parasail NZ$115 (single) NZ$95 (tandem)
- Horse Trek'n NZ$115 (half day), NZ$229 (full day)
- Coastal Kayaks NZ$89(half day) NZ$139 (full day)
- Carino Day Sailing NZ$125
- Awesome Adventures Cape Rienga Trip NZ$119
- Fish Spot X NZ$95
- Dolphin Cruise NZ$109
- Island Adventurer NZ$75
- Day in the Bay Cruise NZ$149
- Cape Rienga/Island Adventure Combo NZ$179
- Hole in the Rock Cruise NZ$99
- Waitangi Treaty Grounds Tour NZ$25
Back in Auckland, we'll show you the city spots before heading up the iconic Sky Tower!
- Catch a 360° view of Auckland with a trip up the Sky Tower
Say a final farewell to your new friends as your trip ends this morning after breakfast.
Ready to book?


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Do you know what this is?
Oh come on. It's really pretty obvious, I think. My son and daughter-in-law are having another baby and it's going to be a smurf.
Remember? (Of course you do. You're older than dirt, just like me.)
OK, you know I'm kidding. They're going to have a another baby boy and I'm going be be a grandma again! And since they can't decide on a name, I've decided to name him Hym. (For the record, Hym would be Herm if he were a she, but as they say in the silent movies, it's a mute point.) This is what I do when I can't sleep.... I think up ridiculous baby names. And I dream of baby hugs and kisses. SIGH.
So this little bundle of delight is expected at the beginning of April and I wanted you all to know that I'm the happiest and luckiest woman/grandma alive. Happy New Year and may God's love and peace be with you throughout 2013.Thank you for keeping me in your thoughts and prayers.


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LG to Unveil webOS-Powered TV
South Korea's LG Electronics Inc. will soon take the veils off a television model that will run on the "webOS" operating system, highlighting its ambition of creating a prominent operating system for so-called smart TVs.
LG bought webOS, a mobile-device operating system, from Hewlett-Packard Co. earlier this year. The operating system was originally developed by Palm Inc. to power smartphones that would compete with the likes of Apple Inc.'s iPhones. H-P acquired Palm in 2010 and used webOS to power a tablet and its smartphone models. But the system failed to gain traction with the developers who write apps for devices and the devices didn't sell well.
Despite H-P's struggles with the operating system, LG had said in February, when announcing the deal, that it was drawn to webOS because of its technology and because the company wanted its own operating system.
LG now plans to showcase an Internet-connected television model powered by webOS in January at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, a person familiar with the matter told The Wall Street Journal.
He didn't elaborate on the features of the operating system, but said it would retain the "cards" system, or a stack of pop-ups that allows users to navigate multiple applications, originally used in the webOS mobile devices launched by H-P.
The person didn't comment on the company's plans to market the webOS-powered TVs but said the operating system may be developed and later adopted for LG's other consumer electronics, including smartphones.
LG, the world's second-largest TV market after Samsung Electronics Co., has been busy churning out new premium TV models this year to spark interest in a segment that accounts for nearly 40% of its revenue. The company is also set to showcase a whopping 105-inch curved-screen television at CES, with a similar model expected from Samsung.
While the market for operating systems for mobile devices is dominated by Google Inc.'s Android, there is no such leader for smart TVs.
Samsung has long been working on a new operating system, together with Intel Corp., dubbed the Tizen that is expected to power smartphones and TVs. Tizen's expected debut next year will likely intensify the competition between the two Korean conglomerates.


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Welcome to my webpage, the webpage of David 'daqq' Gustafik. I'm a hobyist electrotechnician/programmer. I like to play around with robotics, electronics in general and programing microcontrollers (namely the AVR family, I also dabble into ARMs, x51, FPGAs, I did a little PC programming...). Currently I'm employed in a hardware development firm and enjoying it 🙂
On this page, I am presenting my projects, myself, sharing knowledge, offering services and help/consulting.
My projects deal mostly with low voltage apps (clocks, simple measurment, robotics) but there are exceptions, such as the coilgun.
Please browse around the page, enjoy it.
I also provide electronics development. To contact me, please visit the About section of the page.
Oh, and please note that most of the projects here are from many years ago, when I was still young and stupid 🙂 Now I'm just stupid.


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Products You Can Share With (or Steal From) Your Man
You've probably used papaya in a facial scrub, but are you eating it, too? The fruit is a vitamin C serum and exfoliant all-in-one. It contains two days' worth of vitamin C, which helps to brighten and tighten skin. It's packed with vitamin A compounds, which regulate cell turnover in much the same way that a topical retinol-A does, albeit gentler. Papaya also contains the digestive enzyme, papain, which helps decrease redness in the skin by combating inflammation.
The Easy Recipes: A golden smoothie made with papaya, almond milk, and raw honey is a skin elixir. Or try fish topped with a papaya, carrot, and cilantro salsa.
You've heard of coconut water. Now it's time to get acquainted with its even richer counterpart, coconut kefir, which is made by fermenting coconut water with beneficial bacteria. A shot of coconut kefir contains 15 billion CFU of probiotics, which is three times more than most commercial yogurt. These beneficial bacteria keep skin clear by crowding out pathogenic microbes, which can cause acne and hormonal imbalances. Coconut kefir is naturally sweet, which means it can also help to appease cravings for our skin's biggest foe, sugar.
The Easy Recipe: Drink coconut kefir first thing in the morning on an empty stomach; this will keep more of the probiotics alive.
7 Ways to Recover From a Sunburn


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Krisha McCoy, MS
A doctor guides robotic arms to do surgery on the heart. The surgery is done through several tiny keyhole incisions.
Robot-assisted cardiac procedures are done to treat a variety of conditions:
Benefits of robot-assisted cardiac procedures may include:
Problems from the procedure are rare, but all procedures have some risk. Your doctor will review potential problems, like:
Some factors that may increase the risk of complications include:
Be sure to discuss these risks with your doctor before the surgery.
Depending on the reason for your surgery, your doctor may do the following:
Leading up to the procedure:
There are two options for anesthesia:
Several keyhole openings will be cut in the spaces between the ribs. Next, a small camera will be passed through one of the incisions. This small camera is called an endoscope. It will light, magnify, and project an image of the organs onto a monitor. The endoscope will be attached to one of the robotic arms. The other arms will hold instruments for grasping, cutting, dissecting, and suturing. These may include:
While sitting at a console near the operating table, the doctor will use lenses to look at a magnified 3D image of the inside of the chest. Another doctor will stay by the operating table and adjust the camera and instruments. The robotic arms and tools will be guided with joystick-like controls and foot pedals. After the instruments are removed, incisions will be closed with sutures or staples.
After the procedure, you will be:
Usually 1-4 hours, depending on the procedure
Anesthesia will prevent pain during surgery. Pain and discomfort after the procedure can be managed with medications.
This procedure is done in a hospital setting. The usual length of stay depends on the procedure you had done. Your doctor may need to keep you longer if you have any problems.
When you return home, do the following to help ensure a smooth recovery:
It is important for you to monitor your recovery after you leave the hospital. Alert your doctor to any problems right away. If any of the following occur, call your doctor:
If you think you have an emergency, call for medical help right away.
American Heart Association
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
Health Canada
Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada
About minimally invasive and robotic cardiac surgery. Columbia University Medical Center, Department of Surgery website. Available at:
http://www.columbiasurgery.org/pat/mirobotic/procedures.html. Accessed July 25, 2013.
Atrial septic defect repair. Inova Health System website. Available at:
http://www.inova.org/services/childrens-heart-program/conditions-treatments/atrial-septal-defect. Accessed July 25, 2013.
Valve repair/replacement surgery. Society of Thoracic Surgeons website. Available at:
http://www.sts.org/patient-information/valve-repair. Accessed July 25, 2013.
Robot-assisted heart surgery. Cleveland Clinic website. Available at:
http://my.clevelandclinic.org/services/heart/disorders/robotically-assisted-heart-surgery. Accessed July 25, 2013.
Last reviewed February 2015 by Michael Woods, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Copyright © EBSCO Publishing. All rights reserved.


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It's no surprise that Tolee is a panda for Halloween--pandas are his favorite animals!
Watch Ni Hao, Kai-lan only on Nick Jr.
Divide the vanilla frosting into 2 bowls. Tint one part gray with a drop of black food coloring. Spoon the white frosting into a resealable bag. Tint the chocolate frosting black with the black food coloring. Spoon the black frosting into a small plastic resealable bag. Seal the bags.
Cut 12 of the black jellybeans in half crosswise for the eyes. Set aside.
Spread the tops of the cupcakes with a thin layer of gray frosting and make smooth. Snip a small corner from the bags of frostings. Pipe an outline of the white area with the vanilla frosting. Fill in with more vanilla frosting and make smooth. Pipe the mouth, eye brows, eyes and noses on costume with the black frosting.
Add the black jellybean halves as the eyes, and the jellybean nose. Add the cookie halves as the ears. Add the pink candy decors as the cheeks. Repeat with the remaining cupcakes.
Try this tasty Kai-lan Halloween treat--it will never go extinct!
Give an apple a Rintoo-licious makeover with some yummy dulce de leche
Little dragons everywhere will love Rintoo's too cute Halloween cupcake!
A simple sheet cake gets the royal treatment with frosting & fruit chews!
Follow these 5 simple steps to make a super sweet treat
The cutest Koala you've seen on a cupcake!
They're as sweet as Hoho, himself!
The tasty treat that's fit for a tiger!
Smoothies are super with a little ladybug luck!
Kai-lan has a healthy meal all wrapped up!
Like magic, these yummy cupcakes will disappear into thin air!
Be like a brave bunny & bake this easy recipe with your little rabbit!
What's hiding under that sheet? One fin-tastic treat!
Little guppies will flip for this funny take on dessert!
These fetchin' cupcakes will stand out at your little guppy's next party!
Create bakery-worthy cupcakes that look like Max & Ruby
Try this tasty Kai-lan Halloween treat--it will never go extinct!
Charm loved ones with Dora's dainty cupcake rings on Valentine's Day!
Roll out the red carpet for the cutest cupcakes around!
Little dragons everywhere will love Rintoo's too cute Halloween cupcake!
Get your party started with Dino Dan & these delicious treats!
A cupcake and a simple ice cream cone turn into an edible microphone!
It's a-Bot time for these yummy cupcakes!
Shape up with these math-minded cupcakes from Geo!
Make way for Milli's mighty good cupcakes!
Follow these 5 simple steps to make a super sweet treat
The cutest Koala you've seen on a cupcake!
They're as sweet as Hoho, himself!
The tasty treat that's fit for a tiger!
Who knew Toodee would make such a blue-tiful cupcake?
PLEX the robot rocks out in cupcake form. Go Plex! Go Plex!
These treats are as easy as A-B-C
Treasure the smiles when you make these cupcakes for your little pirate!
These Oswald cupcakes with gummie hats will be a big hit!
Move over, ice cream!
What beats a cupcake? A cupcake topped with Austin!
Your favorite guinea pig makes for a wonder-ful cupcake!
Enjoy this "serious" treat together!
No Blue's Clues birthday party would be complete without this familiar face
Bake up Backyardigans by the dozen. Here's Uniqua!


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This fun dress features hot pink and white stripes with black rose accents. Includes d-ring. The tulle underlay adds some extra fluff to the dress.
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Barnes & Noble, the largest U.S. bookstore chain, is teaming with Google's shopping service to offer same-day delivery in selected urban areas in a bid to win more customers and compete with Amazon.com.
The deliveries started Thursday in the San Francisco Bay Area, West Los Angeles and Manhattan, where Google's online Shopping Express already operates, Jaime Carey, the bookseller's chief merchandising officer, said in a phone interview.
The program may help the New York-based bookseller better compete with Amazon, which has captured customers with its expedited delivery, vast online offerings and Kindle tablets. The e-commerce giant earlier this week said it's rolling out one-day shipping on some products to six additional cities on top of the four it already serves.
Carey, 53, said Barnes & Noble's partnership with Google will allow the retailer to reach new customers and he expects the new one-day service to expand as Google's Shopping Express also grows.
"I anticipate as they move forward into these new markets, we're going to move with them," he said.
Google, based in Mountain View, debuted Shopping Express in March last year, working with retailers including Target and Walgreen. Google, which confirmed the partnership in an emailed statement, declined to elaborate on future Shopping Express locations. Its website says it's expanding the delivery service soon.
Barnes & Noble Chief Executive Officer Michael Huseby is splitting off the retailer's bookstore chain and loss-making Nook electronic-reader business into separately traded companies in an effort to improve performance.
Shares of the retailer rose 2.6 percent to $21.75 at the close in New York. The stock has climbed 45 percent this year.
The partnership was earlier reported by the New York Times. Barnes & Noble already offered its own same-day delivery to Manhattan customers.


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See who's on Catholic Mingle:
Reader seeks literate partner. I'd like to meet an educated, passionate, talkative lady, with a hope of leading a simple, loving, fami...
WPH is a 45yr-old single man in Saint Louis, Missouri
I went cbc hs, I really enjoy boating, the outdoors is a big part of my life.
boatmaster3 is a 54yr-old single man in Saint Louis, Missouri


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Register Now for Summer 2013 Classes
Move one step closer to earning degree this summer. Register today for the Summer 2013 semester—undergraduate and graduate classes are available. Check the Schedule of Classes (Stateside, Europe, Asia) for specific start dates and availability.
To register, log into MyUMUC. For advising and registration assistance, please call 800-888-UMUC (8682), or send an e-mail to email@example.com.


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Description:HP 128MB 100 MHz DIMM ECCPart Number(s)Hewlett-Packard Part# 323017-001
Note: Our Part# 323017-001 is guaranteedgenuine HP product with a HP serial number and logo. We do not sell 3rd party HP memory.
Overview:Compaq is a Hewlett-Packard (HP) brand. HP is a technology solutions provider to consumers businesses and institutions globally. The company's offerings span IT infrastructure personal computing and access devices global services and imaging and printing.


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Fun in Harmar
Organizers pleased with attendance at this year's festival
July 29, 2013
A sunny Sunday afternoon brought hundreds to the final day of the 2013 Harmar Days Street Festival. Organizers and vendors alike said all three days of this year's event were well-attended....
Seems very funny that Goodoleme didn't do their homework before posting. There were three judges and none were related to the contestants.
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seems very funny that the winners in the apple pie contest, their spouses were the judges.and no I did not know anyone personally that had entered a pie in the contest
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Way to go Joyce !
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Alabama QB McCarron to return for senior year
Published: Wednesday, December 12, 2012 at 5:25 p.m.
Last Modified: Wednesday, December 12, 2012 at 5:25 p.m.
TUSCALOOSA | Alabama quarterback AJ McCarron says he will return for his senior season with the Crimson Tide next year.
McCarron made the announcement in a statement released by the school on Wednesday. The Mobile native says the NFL is a dream, and he thinks another year at Alabama will help him succeed.
"I love the University of Alabama, my coaches, my teammates and our fans. I am excited to have the opportunity to play with my brother (sophomore tight end Corey McCarron), continue to grow as a leader, continue to help our team win football games and develop even further as a quarterback," McCarron said in the release. "The NFL has long been a dream, but I think another year at Alabama can only help my chances of being successful at the next level."
McCarron leads the nation in passing efficiency headed into the BCS championship game against Notre Dame, and he helped Alabama win the national championship last season.
McCarron's 26 touchdown passes this year is a single-season record for the Tide. He threw for 2,669 yards with just three interceptions.
Alabama coach Nick Saban says he's pleased McCarron is coming back. He says McCarron can add to what he's already accomplished at Alabama and better prepare for pro football.
"He's done a great job for us and has really grown, not only as a quarterback and a player, but as a leader of our team," Saban said in the release. "Like I've said before, we want to help our players make sound decisions when it comes to what is best for their future. Our goal at Alabama is to help our guys develop a career off the field by graduating, become the best football players they can be during their time here, and try to win a championship while preparing them for the possibility of playing in the NFL.
"AJ has great support from his family and the people around him. He showed very good maturity in looking at all of the factors and making an informed decision on his future. He has a chance to add to what he has already accomplished here while also better preparing himself for the next level. We're excited to have him back for his senior season."
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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View other products by Hodell-Natco
Sheet Metal Screws - Flat Head - 18-8 Stainless Steel
These flat head sheet metal screws (or commonly called tapping screws) are designed for quick entry into sheet metal, plastic, wood, fiberglass, aluminum, plywood and hard rubber. Sheet metal screws tap their own internal mating thread when inserted into a predrilled or prepunched pilot hole. The resulting fit has close to zero clearance for a strong hold. Phillips ® drive sheet metal screws. Imported.


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Tuesday, Dec. 18, 2012
STOCKBRIDGE, Ga. (AP) -- Police in Clayton County say one of their officers has died, less than a day after he was wounded in a gunfight south of Atlanta.
Police said in a statement Tuesday morning that 24-year-old Clayton County Officer Sean Callahan died of his injuries around 5:16 a.m. Tuesday.
Clayton police said in the statement that Callahan joined the department about four months ago because he wanted to do something that he loved. Police asked for prayers for his family, the police department and the Clayton County community "as we endure the loss of a fallen comrade."
The shooting happened Monday afternoon after police were called to a domestic dispute near a motel on Davidson Parkway in Stockbridge -- about 20 miles southeast of Atlanta.
(Copyright 2012, The Associated Press)


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News 12 This Morning / Thursday, Oct. 11, 2012
AUGUSTA, Ga. -- It's fair season in the South. Fairs are going on all over the state, and the Georgia-Carolina State Fair kicks off Friday in Augusta. The barns will be filled with animals and hogs, and they want to make sure that while you are visiting the fair you are safe.
Barrels of hay already fill the barn in preparation for the Georgia-Carolina Fair. Starting Friday, these barns will fill with animals, and on Sunday, the hogs will arrive.
"We're always real excited when the fair comes," said Barn Manager Sid Mullis. "We have four different animal shows during the fair, we kind of space them out where we'll have animals in the barn the whole time."
This year the Department of Agriculture is sending out a special warning about swine flu after the death of an elderly woman in the Midwest.
"Immediately after that happened we got all sorts of things from the Department of Agriculture and the CDC about what we should do," Mullis said.
So they're posting signs and to make sure all patrons are aware.
"We're posting a warning sign for people that may walk into the hog area just to warn them that the people are more susceptible are young children under 5 years old and elderly over 65 and anybody who has any kind of preexisting conditions," he said.
The H3N2 virus can be passed from swine to humans and the most common time for it transfer is at the fair, but they say it is rare and they are taking every precaution possible.
"We do have a Department of Agriculture inspector here while all the animals come in so they actually look a all of them make sure they are in good health before they come in," Mullis said. "If they're not, they simply don't let them in the barn."
If you plan to visit the fair, just make sure you wash your hands and don't eat or drink in the barn.
"It's kinda like just catching a cold," Mullis said. "If you keep your hands washed, then typically you don't get it as much."
There have been no reported cases so far in Georgia or South Carolina. The symptoms are the same as the normal flu.
The Georgia-Carolina Fair opens Friday night at 5 p.m. It will be Quarter Night, so it is expected to be very busy. The fair runs from the 12th through the 21st and there more fairs to come in the area.


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When the surf is down, and the winds are slight, it's time to walk on water -- or so say an increasing number of Bay Area residents reveling in one of today's hottest sports, stand-up paddleboarding.
Nicknamed SUP -- and pronounced like a slacker's greeting -- this splashy rec activity can be enjoyed by nearly anybody anywhere there's a body of water. And it's gloriously addictive.
"We got hooked," Oakland SUP-er Parker Page confesses. After just one lesson in Alameda, Page and his wife, Laura, bought their own boards and paddles. Now they scour weather reports so they can rush out and paddle on calm mornings.
"We're honing our skills," Laura says. "We want to make sure that if a boat wake comes at us, we're good."
What began as a niche hobby -- albeit one with an ancient Polynesian past -- hit the mainstream in 2010, when the Outdoor Industry Association's annual survey of outdoor pursuits counted a million passionate paddleboarders in the United States alone. By last year, it was 2 million -- and SUP had more first-time participants that year than any of the other 40+ outdoor recreational activities included in the annual study. The sport is popular in lakes, rivers and coves from Russia to Peru. It has its own competitions and even its own magazines.
A huge part of its popularity is its equal-opportunity aspects, says Jane Cormier, who owns Boardsports School & Shop with partner Rebecca Geffert. "We get a lot of couch surfers who don't do a lot of other sports," Cormier says.
Although their operations in San Francisco, San Mateo and Alameda also focus on kiteboarding and windsurfing, Cormier says, "Paddleboarding appeals to the masses more than anything else that we do. It's so approachable. It's so easy -- it's very social."
Cormier sees a wide range of ages, both genders and every level of fitness among customers, who take lessons or just paddle around in happy groups, followed by the occasional curious baby seal, as rays and fish glide below.
San Francisco Bay paddlers will likely see an array of birds wing past -- gulls, cormorants or loons, depending on the season -- while they admire the ever-present views of cityscapes and the towering hills that ring the Bay.
"I really love the idea of standing up on the water as opposed to sitting in a kayak," Parker says. "It's a very different experience."
Whether around a bay, in a lake or river or on the coast, SUP delivers quick, positive reinforcement, says Scott Ruble, who owns Covewater SUP in Santa Cruz with his wife, Leslie. "Within three or four minutes, that feeling of instability -- maybe you're shaking a little bit -- goes away."
Students learn the basics in an hour and a half, Cormier tells her beginning students, and serious upper-body strength is not a requirement. Ruble makes similar assurances. That first lesson, he says, is spent learning "how to stand up, how to turn, how to go straight, how to stop. All the things needed to be sufficient on a shore or a lake. That's all you need to next get on any body of water and have fun."
A few SUP newbies forgo lessons, a shortcut that may end up taking far more time, says Mitch Powers, a manager at Sausalito's Sea Trek Kayak & SUP. "I can't tell you how many people I see out there who do it on their own, and they have poor technique," he says. They struggle with their balance, hunching their posture and bending over too far -- which skews the odds toward a dip in the drink. They stare at their feet instead of the horizon, lock their knees instead of bending them and some even hold the paddle backward. A learning curve that could be swiftly conquered gets very steep indeed when you're holding your paddle the wrong way.
So take a lesson, the experts say, and keep an eye on the weather. Ideal paddling conditions involve "little wind and calm water, because most people haven't invested enough in lessons and practice to take windy, choppy conditions," Powers says.
Parker is even more blunt: "If it's too windy, your body becomes a sail and that makes it much more difficult."
Windy or not, SUP is serious exercise, a bit like straddling an ever-moving balance ball while rolling your arms. It's a full-body workout that strengthens the core muscles -- and there are more advanced forms of the sport, too, including stand-up paddle surfing. Now it turns out, SUP and paddle surfing are wooing some former surfers, including Santa Cruz firefighter Frank Laguna, back to their sport. Laguna took up SUP eight months ago.
"Once I tried it, I never looked back, and I've had a great time," he says. "It got me back in the water again and enjoying life."
Now, Laguna paddleboards or stand-up surfs with his whole family and savors one particularly enviable benefit: While regular surfers wait for that elusive wave, "you can catch one- or two-foot ankle-biters and just cruise on those."
Another red-hot SUP offshoot is paddleboard yoga, which increases the usual yoga perks by working new muscle groups to stay balanced on the board. And then there's the environment.
"I teach yoga at indoor studios, and the only place where you really feel connected, awake, aware is on the water," says yoga instructor Malia Hill, whose SupAsana East Bay offers classes in the 80-acre lake at Pleasanton's Shadow Cliffs.
If you're worried that your downward dog will end up a waterlogged pooch, don't fret. Wider boards with built-in mats and modified yoga poses make this version of yoga accessible to both novices and experts. "When people fall off these boards, it's because they've gotten so comfortable on them that they walk off," says Kathleen Carpenter, Hill's business partner. "Or they fall in to cool off."
Like many fellow SUP-ophiles, Carpenter became so enthusiastic about the sport, she got her husband and daughter hooked on both SUP and its yoga variation. They love the exercise, the peaceful environment and the escape from stress.
"We're so passionate about it," she says with a laugh, "we need an intervention."
The 411 on SUP
Stand-up paddleboarding is hot -- and getting hotter by the day. Here's the lowdown on where, when and how to catch a ride.
The basics: Obviously, paddleboarders need a paddle and board, equipment you can borrow or rent from any SUP supplier or tour operator (see list below), but you'll need clothes too. Spring and fall are peak seasons for paddleboarding in the Bay Area because of milder winds. Depending on the season and water temperature, you may need only board shorts, light tops or bathing suits. You likely will need a wetsuit for rougher weather, colder seasons, chilly water and more advanced versions of SUP, such as paddle surfing and "downwinding" -- using the wind at your back to go longer distances fast.
Best places to SUP: Most paddleboarders seek flat water and low winds, which makes locations like these optimal: Sausalito's Richardson Bay, Tomales Bay, Bolinas, Lake Tahoe, Fremont's Quarry Lake Regional Park, Foster City's Leo J. Ryan Park, Alameda's Crown Beach, Livermore's Del Valle Regional Park, Princeton's Pillar Point Harbor and Capitola's harbor and New Brighton Beach. Find dozens of launching spots for paddleboards, kayaks and canoes around the Bay at www.watertrails.info/SFBayPutIns.
Lessons and tours
Boardsports School & Shop: The best location to learn SUP among this operation's three sites is Alameda's Crown Beach. Introductory classes are $69, and semiprivate or private clinics run $99 and $139, respectively. Tours ($39-$59) and custom trips are also available; www.boardsportsschool.com.
Sea Trek Kayak & SUP: This outfitter, which operates in Sausalito's beautiful, protected bay, offers introductory lessons ($60) and tours ($60-$75); www.seatrek.com.
Covewater SUP: This Santa Cruz operator runs beginner's classes in the protected harbor ($59) and introductory ocean SUP classes in calm Capitola ($69) as well as coastal tours ($69); www.covewatersup.com.
SupAsana East Bay: These popular SUP yoga sessions are held in the lake at Pleasanton's Shadow Cliffs Regional Park. Introductory lessons ($35) start with SUP instruction. Extended classes ($45) and custom events also are available. Find details at www.facebook.com/SupAsanaEastBay; book a class at www.bookwhen.com/supasanaeastbay.


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Welcome to the eG Forums, a service of the eGullet Society for Culinary Arts & Letters. The Society is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization dedicated to the advancement of the culinary arts. These advertising-free forums are provided free of charge through donations from Society members. Anyone may read the forums, but to post you must create an account.
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By Chris Hennes
While not a new cookbook by any means, I haven't really had time to dig into this one until now. We've previously discussed the recipes in Jerusalem: A Cookbook, but not much has been said about Plenty. So, here goes...
Chickpea saute with Greek yogurt (p. 211)
This was a great way to kick off my time with this book. The flavors were outstanding, particularly the use of the caraway seeds and lemon juice. I used freshly-cooked Rancho Gordo chickpeas, which of course helps! The recipe was not totally trivial, but considering the flavors developed, if you don't count the time to cook the chickpeas it came together very quickly. I highly recommend this dish.
By jamesglu
I am going to be welcoming a group of Orthodox Jews to my lodge in New Zealand for Christmas and Boxing Day. They are kosher, but are willing to eat fish. What kind of starter do you think we can serve them that will be festive and yet not a violation of their religious observance?
By David Ross
Mmmm. The sweet, spiced aroma of a freshly baked pumpkin pie wafting over the Thanksgiving table. A large bowl of chilled, sweetened cream is passed around the table, a cool dollop of cream cascading over a slice of "homemade" pumpkin pie. (In many households, removing a frozen pie from a box and putting it in a hot oven is considered "homemade.").
Americans can't seem to get enough pumpkin pie during the Holidays. Some 50 million pumpkin pies are sold for Thanksgiving dinner and according to astute company marketing executives, 1 million of the pies are sold at Costco. And Mrs. Smith sells a few million of her oven-ready, frozen pumpkin pie.
In August of 2013, we debuted the Summer Squash Cook-Off (http://forums.egullet.org/topic/145452-cook-off-63-summer-squash/)
where we presented a number of tasty zucchini and patty pan dishes showcasing summer squash. But our squash adventure wasn't over. Today we expand our squash lexicon with the debut of eG Cook-Off #71: Winter Squash.
(Click here http://forums.egulle...cook-off-index/ for the complete eG Cook-Off Index).
Cut into jack-o-lanterns for Halloween and crafted into cheesecake for Thanksgiving, pumpkin reigns supreme each Fall. But pumpkin is just one variety of winter squash--squash that grows throughout the summer and is harvested in fall. The acorn, butternut, spaghetti, hubbard, kabocha, red kuri, delicata, calabaza and cushaw are but a few of the many winter squash cousins of the pumpkin.
Winter squash is not always the best looking vegetable in the produce section--knobby, gnarled and multi-colored, winter squash has a hard, tough skin. Peel back the unfashionable skin and sweet, rich squash meat is revealed.
Winter squash cookery doesn't end after the last slice of pumpkin pie. You can stuff it with a forcemeat of duck confit and sautéed mushrooms, purée roasted squash into a creamy soup garnished with lardons or slowly braise squash with peppers and corn in a spicy Caribbean stew.
Please join us in sharing, learning and savoring winter squash.
By worm@work
I am a newbie both to this board and to the world of mexican cooking. I love tamales but the place where I live distinctly lacks good mexican restaurants. The best tamales I've tasted were made by my mexican friends mom at home and served fresh and they tasted like something that'd be served only in heaven. Am dying to try making them myself but I don't have the slightest idea how to get started. Can someone give me a tried and tested recipe using ingredients that I'm likely to be able to buy in the US? I'd be really really really grateful. Oh and I'm a vegetarian although I do eat eggs from time to time. So I need a vegetarian recipe too . Really looking forward to some help!!!
Thanks a million,
By fabienpe
Salad of semi-dried tomatoes, three flavours, tomato syrup
Serves 6 as Appetizer.
14 ripe tomatoes
3 garlic cloves
2 shallots
olive oil
6 small basil leaves
25 cl balsamic vinegar
Semi-dried tomato petals
- Peel the tomates (dive them few seconds in boiling water and refresh them immediately). Cut them in 4 quarters. Separate the seeds and the inside from the meaty outside. You should have four 'petal' of tomato per tomato. Keep the waster, seeds and inside meat in a ball.
- Place the 56 petals (you'll only need 54) on an oiled baking tray. Dry gently for 2 to 3 hours around 100°C.
- With one garlic clove, prepare 6 garlic chips that you can cook gently in oil in the oven at the same time as the tomatoes. The chips should be crispy.
Tomato sirup
- Put the left over of the tomatoes (water, seeds, etc.) in a blender. Strain. Add a bit of sugar. Reduce down the liquid in a pot over low heat until slightly sirupy.
Balsamic glaze
- Reduce down the balsamic vinegar over low heat (it should not boil) until sirupy.
Assembling 1/2
When the tomatoes have dried and cooled down.
- Finely chop the rest of the garlic.
- Prepare 6 small shallots rings. Chop the rest of the shallots.
- Julienne de basil a thin as you can.
- Cut the mozzarella in in small 18 rectagles (about 3 mm thick) and slightly smaller than a tomato petal.
- Line up six tomato petals. Cover with julienne of basil. Cover with another tomato petal. Keep in air tight box in a fridge. Do the same with chopped garlic and chopped shallots. Allow to cool down for at least an hour.
- Keep the other petals (you should have 20) in the fridge.
Assembling 2/2
Before serving.
- Line up 18 petal. Top with a rectangle of mozarella each. Top with the other flavoured petals.
- Paint the plates with tomato sirup, balsamic vinegar glaze and olive oil.
- Dispose one flavoured tomato petal pile of each flavour on each plate. So each plate has one with basil, one with shallots and one with garlic. Fleur de sel.Decorate each pile with a smal basil leave, a shallot ring and garlic chip accordingly.
Keywords: Appetizer, Vegetarian, Easy
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SACRAMENTO -- Gov. Jerry Brown on Thursday proposed a $106.8 billion general-fund budget that seeks to pay off a big chunk of the state's long-term debt while making modest investments in public schools, health care and the troubled bullet train.
While the state's finances have improved significantly since the days of embarrassing, multibillion-dollar deficits, Brown said at a morning news conference that he believes the newfound fiscal stability could be short-lived and that restrained spending of scarce state resources is crucial.
The governor calls for spending $11 billion -- or more than 10 percent of the total budget -- to pay down $24.9 billion in remaining debts the state racked up during the previous decade. More than half of that money would be used to repay public schools, whose state aid payments were slashed by as much as 20 percent in recent years to balance the budget.
He also wants to put $1.6 billion in a "rainy day fund" that will help the state get through future recessions.
Brown noted at the news conference that when you include unfunded term pension obligations in the massive "wall of debt," the total comes to about $355 billion.
"When you're at this level of long-term liability, it isn't time to just embark on a raft of new initiatives," Brown said at a Capitol news conference.
"Lots of programs may seem attractive, but when you have this level of long-term liability, it isn't time to just embark on a whole raft of new initiatives," he said, "This is a strong budget, a balanced budget , but it's not free from liability."
Indeed, the budget does not address long-term liabilities in the state's teacher retirement fund, which will require billions of dollars extra a year to make solvent. Instead, Brown said he wants to create a plan for long-term solvency this year. The teachers' pension fund is estimated to be $80 billion in the red.
Wednesday's early-evening leaks of the budget to the media forced the Brown administration to move up a news conference scheduled for Friday morning.
Brown was scheduled to promote his budget plan later Thursday in San Diego and Los Angeles to get maximum media exposure in an election year.
The governor also wants to commit $670 million in new money to the expansion of Medi-Cal benefits for mental health, substance abuse, adult dental and specialized nutrition coverage.
The state's $68 billion high-speed rail project, which has been snarled by recent court rulings that block the state's use of bond proceeds to fund the project, will also get a boost next fiscal year that could prove to be a lifeline, according to the governor's spending blueprint.
Brown wants the bullet train to get $250 million generated by the state's landmark cap-and-trade law -- and the controversial funding would continue for years. Another $600 million in fees this fiscal year would fund projects that reduce transportation emissions, increase energy efficiency and restore some state forests.
The independent Legislative Analyst's Office is projecting a $3.2 billion surplus for the next fiscal year and continued budget surpluses for the next several years.
A daunting $27 billion deficit greeted Brown when he returned to the governor's office in January 2011 -- nearly three decades after he left the office. So he laid out an austere path riddled with billions of dollars in education and social service cuts that hit his Democratic constituencies hard.
The governor's cautionary approach is caused in part by the source of the state's revenue. His budget assumes about $4 billion in capital gains tax revenue, driven by the soaring stock market. But it also acknowledges that such income is highly volatile and will probably be short-lived.
Brown's tax increases under Proposition 30 -- the tax measure voters approved in November 2012 -- will begin expiring later this decade: The state sales tax hike will last four years and the higher income taxes on those making more than $250,000 a year will last seven years.
Despite Brown's call for budgetary prudence, the 8.5 percent increase in general fund spending over the current fiscal year includes additional money for nearly every area of state government. K-12 school spending will increase by 11.4 percent after years of devastating cuts.
The University of California, California State University and community college systems will receive a total of $1.1 billion. About half the money would go to community colleges, which are expected to grow rapidly in the next few years.
Since the legislative session opened on Monday, it's been obvious that there's been little appetite among legislative leaders for substantially increasing spending -- especially since it's an election year in which the Democrats hope to hold on to their two-thirds majorities in the Senate and Assembly.
The budget also proposes $815 million for critical deferred maintenance in state parks, highways, schools, courts and other state facilities, and $619 million to expand water storage capacity, improve drinking water supplies and increase flood protection.
Although he has not formally announced his re-election bid, Brown himself has been aggressively raising money and is widely expected to seek a final four-year term.
Senate President Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg, D-Sacramento, and Assembly Speaker John Perez, D-Los Angeles, both said in recent days that California's "fiscal stability" is their top priority this year.
"Right now, it's important not to overreach," Steinberg said. "We know there was real damage done to people, especially vulnerable people, these last few years, but it's important to exercise some restraint."
Steinberg said he agrees with Brown's emphasis on paying down old debts and bolstering a "rainy-day fund" that will help California survive future recessions.
Still, he said he believes that other funds should be spent on statewide early kindergarten programs (not currently in Brown's budget), rehabilitation for prisoners and services for people with developmental disabilities. Perez has called for some surplus funds to be spent on job training and college scholarships for the middle class.
Steinberg cautioned, however, that this week is just the start of budget negotiations that will stretch on for months, so it's too soon to know what programs will see their funding boosted.
Senate Republican Leader Bob Huff said the Democrats' calls for fiscal restraint are something he can get behind.
"This notion of restraint is a truly Republican message," Huff said. "Still, I think there is pent-up desire among some Democrats to spend, and those efforts could easily become a runaway train."
But even many ultraliberals in the Legislature such as Sen. Mark Leno, D-San Francisco, concede that there likely will not be enough surplus money to substantially increase funding of health and social programs.
Still, he said, "with such great need out there, some will argue that restoring the social safety net is more important than paying down the wall of debt as quickly as the governor says we should."
One of the Republicans who will challenge Brown this year if he decides to seek re-election said Brown's budget still proposes too much spending, saves too little in reserves and does not do enough to create tax incentives that will keep businesses in California.
"We're seeing people literally get a U-Haul and leave California, and he's spending money like it's 1999," said Assemblyman Tim Donnelly, who lives in the San Bernardino Mountain community of Twin Peaks.
The Associated Press contributed to this report. Contact Jessica Calefati at 916-441-2101. Follow her at Twitter.com/calefati.


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- 1-1/2 pounds fresh asparagus, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 loaf (1 pound) sliced bread, crusts removed
- 3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 2 cup cubed fully cooked ham
- 6 eggs
- 3 cups milk
- 2 teaspoons dried minced onion
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground mustard
- In a saucepan, cover asparagus with water; cover and cook until just tender but still firm. Drain and set aside. Lightly brush butter over one side of bread slices. Place half of the bread, buttered side up, in a greased 13-in. x 9-in. baking dish. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup cheese. Layer with asparagus and ham. Cover with remaining bread, buttered side up. In a bowl, lightly beat eggs; add milk, onion, salt and mustard; pour over bread. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Bake, uncovered, at 325° for 50 minutes. Sprinkle with the remaining cheese. Return to the oven for 10 minutes or until cheese is melted and a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. Yield: 10-12 servings.
Nutritional Facts 1 serving (1 piece) equals 271 calories, 13 g fat (6 g saturated fat), 142 mg cholesterol, 736 mg sodium, 24 g carbohydrate, 1 g fiber, 15 g protein.
Location, ST | website.com


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- La Roja
- Currently Unavailable
The Spanish striker Fernando Torres spent some quality time with the reds of Liverpool but has since chosen to seek greener pastures at Stamford Bridge with the Blues of Chelsea! Watch out for Fernando Torres the one they call "El Nino!"
Celebrate La Roja in 2014 in this official adidas home jersey.
While Spain's traditional colors are red and yellow, the 2014 home jersey features a rich red and gold to celebrate Spain as the reigning FIFA World Cup™ champions.
ClimaCool jersey with embroidered adidas logo on the front, woven Spain team crest and championship star and 2010 FIFA World Cup™ championship patch.
Transparent tape on the sides further subtracts from the jersey's weight. Subtle pinstripes on the torso add to this jersey's elegant and classic design.
Each of adidas' 2014 federation jerseys has an iconic band across the shoulders to signify unity.These revolutionary kits are the lightest that adidas has ever designed.
100% polyester.
NOTE: Tight fit, which means any jersey classified as Authentic will run small. The authentic is the actual piece that is worn on field. The authentic uses a performance cut for a snug fit. It has a bonded crest. The authentic also features upgraded materials. The upgraded, technologically advanced materials on the authentic jersey will result in a lighter weight.
Due to national team selection process, we cannot guarantee that this player is going to wear this number, or that he will play in Brazil until the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™ squads are confirmed later this year.
Lamentamos que todavia no hay descripción en español para este producto.


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The Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod
Cost-Effective Solutions for Audio-Visual and Instructional Technology! For more than 60 years, Kansas City Audio-Visual has served the education and religious markets with cost-effective solutions to enhance presentations, meetings, and worship. KCAV represents virtually all leading manufacturers of audio-visual, projection, and instructional technology solutions. We specialize in portable and installed computer/video systems, along with a full range of audio equipment. Services include researching solutions for your specific needs, with free consulting services from our LCMS specialist, Tracy Walden. In addition to selling equipment, KCAV services include rental, meeting room and sanctuary design, install/support, as well as service/repair. Let Kansas City Audio-Visual be your AV partner!
Stay Connected! Join the LCMS Network:
Contact us online
• Church Info Center: 888-843-5267 • Staff Switchboard: 800-248-1930 • Donor Care Line: 888-930-4438
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Subscribe to the digital edition of The Lutheran Witness
© 2003 – 2010The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod.All Rights Reserved. The LCMS is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt charity. Our Tax Identification Number is: 43-0658188


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The NCAA Tournament and the RPI
With the NCAA tournament's selection committee meeting in less than a month to choose the field's 68 teams, the Journal spoke Wednesday with Xavier athletic director Mike Bobinski, the committee's chair, about the RPI, NCAA tournament expansion and how the committee prepares. The interview has been condensed and edited.
How do you prepare for selection weekend, and when do you start?
It begins when the absolute first game tips off. We meet as a committee in the beginning of November and set the strategy and give everybody their marching orders.
The single biggest thing a committee member has to figure out is how to process all the information that's available to you and how you individually can be best prepared. It's a huge data management task.
The committee says that the Ratings Percentage Index (RPI) is just one of the tools that it uses for selection. It seems to be the benchmark used most often even though it has been criticized. Why do you think the RPI is the best evaluative metric?
Whether it's the best is a matter of opinion. I've become more comfortable with our use of it over time because I've really come to know now that I'm in the room that we don't ever pick teams based on their RPI. We don't ever look at teams and say, their RPI is a certain number, therefore they must be in the field. It doesn't work that way.
We do absolutely use the RPI when we evaluate a team's performance against the top 50 or top 100 or their strength of schedule. It's absolutely a tool we use to organize the field. We use it to group teams in certain ways. That's undeniable that we use it from that perspective. What people sometimes believe is we use the RPI as a selection tool, and we never, ever do that.
It's a consistent way of organizing the data and slicing and dicing things, but we look a lot deeper than that.
The RPI is descriptive, not predictive.
It's based on history. It's based on what happened.
We're not in the business of predicting what will happen in the tournament. Yes, we seed the field, but we seed the field based on history and how we've evaluated what teams have accomplished, not based on what they're going to do. We don't ever try to predict the results of the tournament. The beauty of the tournament is its unpredictability.
You said recently that the NCAA conducted a study comparing the RPI to other metrics and found that "the RPI actually did end up with the highest level of predictive value and the highest correlation with ultimately success in the tournament." But that was refuted yesterday.
I misspoke when I said that. I should've kept my mouth shut.
It may not be the best predictive measure, but it's very, very close. But that's purely for information. We're not trying to predict the result.
Most of the smartest analysts of college basketball prefer metrics other than the RPI. If the committee considers the RPI one of the most reliable systems, why do so few others use it?
I think part of that is certain folks gravitate toward other ranking systems because of particular features they may prefer that may not be present in the RPI. Some people like margin of victory or different weighting on style of play.
I use a combination of different systems when I look at teams and also weigh that with my own observations. I want to see a team play and get a sense of who they are and how they look.
Will the committee ever factor in margin of victory, or is that a non-starter?
I don't see that becoming a criteria that we would ever place any great weight on. The bottom line is you win or you lose, and a close win is every bit as good as a big win. You ask any coach in America and I'd guarantee they'd say the same thing.
It's possible to game the RPI by scheduling in a way that would inflate a team's RPI ranking. Is that a concern?
People may think they're gaming it. But we never look at that number in and of itself. It's always what makes up that number — particularly if it's a bit of a head scratcher, either a little bit higher or lower than you might think. We dig much deeper than the pure numbers.
So there are ways for sure to come up with very favorable looking RPIs by how you organize the schedule. We've all figured that out. It's a well-known fact in the committee room how that gets done. We really look at the essence of a team's profile and not so much the pure numbers. We have the time and commitment and resources to dig a lot deeper.
Would the committee's job be more difficult if the NCAA tournament were 96 teams instead of 68?
I like where we are in terms of 68. I think 96 would present the same problems because there will always be a 97th team, just like there's a 69th team right now. That will never change. I don't think the number matters as much as we want the games to be of such interest that people will care about who did and didn't get in the field.


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Expected UK Availability: w/c 9th November dLAN® 200 AVplus quickly and easily establishes a network connection over the household electrical wiring The integrated socket ensures that no electrical outlet is lost. The integrated mains filter improves data transmission in the home network Transfer rates of up to 200 Mbps - for applications that require a high bandwidth Easy data encryption at the touch of a button Product description Perfect network performance The new HomePlug AV adapter from devolo provides extra convenience for your private home network with its integrated electrical socket and mains filter. The integrated electrical socket enables additional terminal devices or multiple sockets to be connected to the adapter just like to a normal wall socket. No power supply is lost. And the integrated filter significantly improves data transmission in the home network.
The dLAN® 200 AVplus transmits bandwidthintensive data easily and securely over the existing electrical wiring - without installation effort. In addition, the "Quality of Service" function prioritises the bandwidth requirement of the data traffic, which has a speed of 200 Mbps, thus ensuring maximum voice and video reproduction. TV and video images are received and displayed with absolute smoothness. QoS also guarantees the clear, instant reproduction of voice data, even when other applications are running on the network at the same time. QoS makes your network a joy to use!
Customer reviews
Write a review for the Devolo dLAN 200 AVplus adapter 200Mbps here!
Very good alternative to WiFi
Reviewed by Grouzy. Review Posted 29/11/2009
I was already using AVeasy version (without plug filter) and was finding it much more stable than wifi (no disconnections problems, stable transfer rates). This AVPlus version added another 2MB/s to the transfer rate (I'm usually around 7MB/s now)
No way I come back to Wifi really !
- Overall
- Ease of use
- Value for money
Beware the increased height of plug!
Reviewed by Kiran. Review Posted 19/09/2010
I use the AVeasy with excellent results.
Just bought the AVPlus starter kit - the built in power outlet means an increase in the height. Virtually impossible to use with any sockets at skirting level in my house. There just is not the required clearance. Add a few centimetres to the 13 cm. height, and you need some 15cm. clearance.
The AV Easy is only 8 cm. height.
Check out the dimensions!
- Overall
- Ease of use
- Value for money
The opinions expressed in this reviews section are those of our customers and not of BT Shop. Nothing contained herein amends BT Shop's terms and conditions.


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'The Luminaries' Author Eleanor Catton Wins Man Booker Prize
Eleanor Catton, author of the novel "The Luminaries," has won the 2013 Man Booker Prize for fiction.
The prize brings with it £50,000 (about $80,000). The book, set in 19th century New Zealand during its gold rush, coincidentally went on sale in the U.S. on Tuesday.
"It won because it is audacious, original and exciting," said Reagan Arthur, the American editor who worked on "The Luminaries." "We hope this introduces her to a wide and appreciative audience. She is an original voice."
The book's publisher, Little, Brown, an imprint of LagardereA's Hachette Book Group, currently has about 13,000 hardcover copies in print in the U.S. Ms. Arthur said the publisher is going back to press for more.
Although the award is given in the U.K., it has a strong following among readers in the U.S., said Patricia Bostelman, vice president of marketing for Barnes & Noble's consumer bookstore group.
"It's very good in terms of generating sales," said Ms. Bostelman. "The key is whether the book is immediately available." The award also lifts sales of an author's earlier titles, she added.
Hilary Mantel's "Bring up the Bodies" won the 2012 prize.


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Reggie wrote: In your second paragraph, you said, "We just make up the best theories we can."
In the first, you said, "[Ancient people] didn't know about electricity, or diffusion, or nuclear effects."
From that, I can glean that neither do we. We think we know, just like you think you know that occurrences cannot be rationally attributed to supernatural beings, or like you think you know what happens during an atomic explosion. You don't, nobody does. We make assumptions and build on those assumptions with more assumptions. But wipe them away, we're all still trying to bang on rocks to make fire.
Consider that those that believe and have faith in God are not wondering about these kinds of things. They know, and already have all the answers they will ever need. Doesn't seem like they're very disadvantaged to me.
Reggie wrote: The original statement in question was exactly that "ancient peoples" were less technologically advanced and therefore made up God to explain things away.
Seems like a liberal and unsubstantiated jump to make, in my opinion, and it is completely relevant to the discussion.
Don't be mad, we're discussing.
caligula wrote: you dont happen to have any links on this subject that i could peruse do you? because frankly this is news to me and i am unprepared to debate this.
edit: this is to messiah carey
caligula wrote: well look at roman mythology, they attributed everything to gods, everything they couldnt explain. its not nearly so easy to see in the bible, but its not such a big jump from mythology to christianity, because they are along the same lines...
Reggie wrote: You know, this discussion reminds me of something Robert Anton Wilson pointed out about Western vs. Eastern culture in one of the books in the Cosmic Trigger trilogy. He says that in the West, the impetus is to form opinions about things, while in Eastern culture, this is generally not the case. In our rush to form opinions, says Wilson, we create substantiation that isn't really there in order to validate our own thinking. And through these opinions, we further base other opinions.
This is not to say that you are wrong and I am right. It is just to show that there are more than one mode of thought and discourse, and the "us vs. them" mentality is only one of them. I don't believe in God--at least not any God that I would have to pay--but I will say that there is plenty of evidence to prove and disprove God's existence. The evidence you choose to believe is the one that determines your opinion on the matter--but that doesn't make it more correct or valid. It should go without saying that the same goes for me.
BoggleTheory wrote: Have any of you heard of 'ooparts' ...


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DUBLIN -- City leaders are surveying the public to find out if people want a third dog park in town.
Dublin has one full-size pooch play land, the 2-acre Dougherty Hills Dog Park on Amador Valley Boulevard, and a quarter of an acre for small dogs only within the Bray Commons Park on Finnian Way. Some residents say that's not enough, especially in a fast-growing town where the main dog park is often crowded. Before deciding what to do, the City Council called for opinion survey open for the public to take part in through Feb. 28.
People can access the survey questions until then online through the city website, www.ci.dublin.ca.us, or get printed survey copies at Dublin's civic center, library, senior center or community center. Signs will be posted at city parks with QR codes to access the survey on mobile devices. Ten questions relate to a possible dog park, while other questions relate to overall park priorities for Dublin.
"We want to hear from local residents," said Paul McCreary, Dublin's parks and community services director. "This will be an important element of the city's decision: Does the public want another dog park, and, if so, what elements should it have?"
Dublin resident Sheila Jessup-Schwarz said she wants another dog park. She has been rounding up information and supporters and attending city meetings to make her case.
"Dogs need safe, fenced areas to run and socialize," said Jessup-Schwarz, who has two shepherd-Labrador mix dogs named Cody and Max. She said the grass-covered Dougherty Hills Dog Park is good but can be crowded with people and their pets. While city officials note that the Dougherty Hills Dog Park is near the geographic center of Dublin, Jessup-Schwarz said opening a new park in East Dublin would save time and fuel for East Dublin residents such as herself.
"A new dog park would be good for the environment and good for building a sense of community," she said. "Dog parks are a good place to meet people and make friends."
Dublin Mayor Tim Sbranti said it's too early to say whether the council will commit to a new dog park.
"There appears to be public interest, but it involves a commitment of resources, so we want to get all the information we can," said Sbranti, who has a yellow Labrador.
McCreary said the city would look at potential dog park areas within existing parks or designated park sites -- rather than trying to buy new land. The city spent some $570,000 to develop the Dougherty Hills Dog Park in 2007, officials said.
Contact Denis Cuff at 925-943-8267. Follow him at Twitter.com/deniscuff.


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Digestive Disorders Health Center
Risks continued...
You may have some bloating. There may be bruising around the incisions for a few days. You may have some pain around the incisions. Do not drink carbonated beverages for 1 to 2 days after the laparoscopy to lower your chance of gas pains and vomiting.
The gas used during the laparoscopy can irritate your diaphragm for a few days. You may have some pain or achiness in your shoulder for a couple of days after the laparoscopy.
Some of the gas in your belly may leak into your skin and cause a crackling sound if you rub the skin surrounding the stitches. This is not serious and will go away in a few days.
Call your doctor immediately if you have:
- A large area of redness or swelling around the incisions.
- Bleeding or drainage from the stitches.
- Fever.
- Severe belly pain.
- Hoarseness in your voice that lasts more than a few days or gets worse.
Laparoscopy is a surgery that uses a thin, lighted tube put through a cut (incision) in the belly to look at the abdominal organs or the female pelvic organs . Your doctor may talk to you about the surgery once you are fully awake. He or she may call you at home later to talk to you about the results. Results of any lab tests on tissue samples may not be available for several days.
The organs are normal in size, shape, and position.
Adhesions, cysts, or abnormal growths, such as tumors, are not seen.
No signs of disease (such as endometriosis), inflammation (such as appendicitis), or infection are seen.
An organ may be abnormal in size, shape, or position.
Adhesions, cysts, or abnormal growths, such as tumors, may be seen.
Signs of disease, such as endometriosis, or infection may be seen.
An ectopic pregnancy may be present.
Inflammation of an internal organ may be present, such as appendicitis, cholecystitis, or pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
Scar tissue may be seen on an internal organ, such as the fallopian tubes.
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise
Today on WebMD
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This course is registered with the WebApp called "NYU Classes". Anyone registered for this course will be able to access the course webpage in "NYU Classes".
In addition, we have registered at Piazza.com for class discussions:
I find Piazza to be much more convenient than NYU Classes for this purpose.
There are two main things you can do at NYU Classes:
- check your grades for homework assignments and exams.
- get and submit your homework assignments.
You can directly go to your "NYU Classes" with this link:
Alternatively, you may log into your NYUHome account with your NetID and password, and click the "Academics" tab to look for the link to "NYU Classes".
More information about "NYU Classes" is found in


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Eagle Project Review runs concurrently with Roundtable. For Scout Leaders - go to the Council Web Page and click on Advancement and then on the left of the page "Life to Eagle.' This is a summary of the entire Eagle Project Approval and Eagle Board process. If you are a new Scoutmaster and/or even need a refresher, it is recommended that you review this official document."
Roundtable Theme: Patrol Leaders and the Patrol Method in action. Hear two successful Scoutmasters and their Patrol Leaders discuss how it works for them.
Position of the month: Patrol leader
Knot of the month: the timber hitch
Valley Forge Office | Rogers S. Firestone Center | 1485 Valley Forge Road | Wayne, PA 19087 | 610-688-6900
Copyright © 2016; Cradle of Liberty Council


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Fat Blocker Reviews
There's nothing like the great feeling of having a complete set of information at your fingertips. That's what have available in these weight loss resources: an absolutely comprehensive look at just about every fast weight loss program out there. If you're looking to lose weight fast, this page is a great place to start your due diligence and find the fast weight loss program that is right for you.
With all of the weight loss programs out three, you are bound to find some "lemons." These are fast weight loss programs that promise a lot but don't deliver. Some may give you the results you desire, but often at a high cost when it comes to your health and your body chemistry. The key to weight loss is sustainability. There isn't a diet program out there that doesn't involve discipline. Fast weight loss is a total commitment, and it starts with you.
As you browse the fast weight loss programs listed on this page, take a look at the nutritional content, taking into consideration the long term effects of the program you are selecting. Remember that, in the long run, it's your health and your life that's at stake. There's simply no quick and easy weight loss solution.
However, truly sustainable weight loss—and a healthier, happier you—is attainable. The resources on this page are designed with you in mind. We hope you find a weight loss program on this page that leads you to a more fulfilling total health lifestyle.


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FRUITVALE, Colo. (KKCO) - Arminel Estevez says she never expected she could go to college. She says, "I'm planning on going to Mesa State. Then I'm transfering to CU Boulder."
School administrators say Arminal comes from a Spanish-speaking family, and she will be the first person to graduate from high school, much less college. They say she was a mediocre student in middle school, and wasn't unlocking her full potential. That's why she was chosen for the AVID program at Central High School. "Why was I chosen? I was never told why I was chosen. But I hope it was because they saw something in me like, this person can go very far."
Avid is an acronym for "Advancement Via Individual Determination." It helps a certain type of student realize they can accomplish anything through rigorous studying, note-taking, organization, college application and resume instruction.
All students must also carry a massive binder throughout their time in the program. Assistant Principal Lanc Sellden says, "Anytime you see someone in the AVID program, they've got a giant binder under their arm and a kink in their back."
Sellden says, AVID "looks at getting middle school students who are on the right track, but not necessarily pushing themselves like they should." He says Arminel has a lot of dreams, and AVID is helping her reach them. After graduating from CU Boulder, she plans on becoming a linguist.
Another Central student is participating in the JROTC program. Britteny Rogers says, "I've always had a thing for being in the military. I think it'd be a great thing to do, serve your country."
Britteny says she'd like to go into the U.S. Air Force or the U.S. Navy. Central is the only school in District 51 that offers the JROTC.