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Update: Order deadline extended…
Montlake Elementary invites you to purchase your holiday season trees and wreaths from us to support your local school while decorating for the season. All proceeds from this fun community event go directly to the Montlake PTAto benefit our students. Trees include Sheared Douglas Fir, Natural Noble Fir and Natural Grand Fir in many sizes. Also available are Noble Fir wreaths and swags as well as Cedar/Douglas Fir garlands.Trees and garlands are pre-sold only and order form and payment must be submitted no later than
Friday, November 16 Wednesday, November 28th. An order form is available here.You will be able to pick up your tree and garland at the school on Saturday, December 8 between 11 am and 2 pm. Come early and enjoy a Pancake Breakfast beginning at 10 am.
Via Montlake PTA
Originally posted November 10, 2012


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Quote: "[In the United States] we keep marrying other species and other ethnics... See, the problem is the Swedes have pure genes. Because they marry other Swedes .... Finns marry other Finns, so they have a pure society. In America we marry everybody, we marry Italians and Irish."
"They were outraged that somebody was saying ... there was a certain group of people that attacked us on 9/11. It wasn't just one person, it was one religion. Not all Muslims are terrorists, but all terrorists are Muslims."

subset: commoncrawl


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"The best you can do," stresses Kuan Yin, "is to live a life governed by integrity. Live your life with authenticity. Do the best you can and be honest with yourself and others. There is a collective agreement that this (life you are living on earth) is reality. Therefore, you have to play along...Do not believe that your humanity prevents you from being spiritual. Know that this (earth) drama doesn't mean spirituality doesn't exist on the earth plane. Try to be forgiving and objective when enduring your own earthly drama. Indeed, one's approach to one's own life drama can actually affect the outcome. That is, certain interactive strategies can render an "ordinary" drama, spiritual. Don't fall into the trap of ego and money. Don't be too concerned whether the drama you're experiencing is a result of karma. Rather, emphasize the concept that we are all one, that no one is better than the other. You are all sacred energies and everyone is as sacred as the next."
Lena Lees
Source: The Living Word of Kuan Yin: The Teachings & Prophecies of The Goddess of Compassion & Mercy
Contributed by: Hope
Copyright © 2016 Gaiam, Inc.


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When using version 1.6.0., .srt files are no longer being loaded/displayed on PS3 media server. I am using OS X 10.7.4., PS3 is on latest firmware (4.21). I just reinstalled 1.5.4. and everything works fine!
Did I miss something in the changelog that states that you have to manually (re)activate the reading of SRT's? Or am I doing something else wrong?


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Cosmo Beauties of the Week
A potent blend of sesame, sweet almond, olive and jojoba oils, this deeply conditioning oil is an incredible moisturizer (rub a couple drops between hands and pat over damp skin) but it also glossifies limp locks when smoothed over frazzled ends.
Bobbi Brown Extra Face Oil, $62, nordstrom.com
Theres a reason industry insiders consider Argan oil to be the beauty cure-all of the moment. Loaded with vitamin E and fatty acids, it manages to heal and moisturize almost everything it touches. Try it on chapped lips, too, for an instantly kissable pucker.
Josie Maran 100% Pure Argan Oil, $48, josiemarancosmetics.com
How to Get Perfect Eye Makeup


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Meridian Mayor Cheri Barry is proposing an animal control advisory board be re-established to oversee the issue in Meridian and Lauderdale County. Her plan calls for the board to address the city's and county's animal control issues.
However, during a work session Thursday, county supervisors raised questions about whether this can happen.
Lauderdale County took over the running of the animal shelter in Meridian just over two years ago.
"We share a shelter, which is actually owned by the city and leased to the county and the county runs it," said Ryan Couch, director of Lauderdale County Animal Control. "So, both parties need to have an active role in it."
Since the county took over the operation in 2001, the city and county have shared the shelter, but operated independently. The shelter's three county workers respond to county calls and the two city workers respond to city calls. It is this arrangement which has supervisors questioning whether the mayor's proposal can be done.
"That's the question. And we just want the animal control committee to bring their recommendation back to us so we can discuss it further, because there are some legalities that have to be worked out," said Joe Norwood, president of the Lauderdale County Board of Supervisors. "Within 24 hours we have not figured this out."
County attorney Rick Barry says when the county first took over the animal shelter there were questions about how city's and county's interaction could be handled.
"When this process took place around 2000, 2001, there was an attorney general's question that we asked for because there was a question about taking over animal control," said Rick Barry. "But the attorney general's opinion stated that inside the city, the city is going to enforce its ordinance and the county enforces its."
Because there are still many questions and few answers, District 2 supervisor Wayman Newell and District 5 supervisor Kyle Rutledge as members of the county's animal control committee have been asked to look into the matter.
Norwood says supervisors will likely not be able to make any decision about whether or not the county can get involved until their meeting in mid-April.
The county's animal control committee works to address the needs of the shelter. If the city relaunches its animal advisory board, supporters say the group would examine ways to secure grant money, donations and more volunteers for the shelter.


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Deby Curcio comes from a long line of excellent Italian cooks, so when she and her husband, Jim, sold Kula's Café in Dillon a few years ago to concentrate on producing their gluten-free baking mixes, Deby knew some of her biggest supporters would also be some of the hardest palates to win over.
"My dad, I trick him all the time," she said. "He eats it and he devours it, and then I say, 'You know, I made that gluten free.' I like to trick people, especially family members because they're your hardest critic, and when you can put something over on them, you know that you've succeeded."
The couple launched Toosie's Gluten-Free in 2011 with a goal of continuing to "trick" people with baking mixes and flour that have all the flavor and textures of wheat flour without any of the gluten.
Born of necessity
Toosie's was born of necessity when Deby became gluten intolerant after having a health crisis. Her immune system shut down, leaving her with multiple chemical sensitivities, chronic fatigue and many other digestive problems.
"Finding out that gluten was one of the issues and eliminating the gluten helped me to repair my gut," she said. "Your gut lining becomes more permeable. Eliminating the gluten helped me heal that, and your digestive system is tied into your immune system, so healing your gut helps you have a healthy immune system."
The Curcio's started doing gluten-free baking commercially at Kula's for one of the chiropractors who had an office next door to the café, Jim said.
"Deb had some health issues, so she knew gluten-free baking," he said. "We started to do a ton of gluten free. We needed to do gluten-free pancakes, and we started doing it in bulk. She started creating all these mixes because we needed to, and then we decided to sell the café and start doing all the mixes."
Deby is a chef by trade, and she and Jim owned a large restaurant on the East Coast for almost 15 years before coming to Summit County. She said she worked on the formulas for her Toosie's mixes for a couple of years, starting with family recipes and bits and pieces from her restaurants and playing with ingredients so that they would work at any elevation.
"Gluten free in itself just reacts differently," she said of baking at altitude. "It's the main reason why you don't need the high-altitude adjustment. I was able to get my formula so that it would turn out perfectly at sea level or high altitude."
It was also important that the flour be a one-to-one substitution so people could use it in their own family recipes without doing a lot of math.
"That was one thing that I wanted to do with the all-purpose flour was to simplify it so it's a cup for cup substitution," Deby said. "If you have grandma's banana bread recipe that you love, you can sub regular flour for our flour and it will turn out."
Full line of products
The Toosies Gluten-Free label includes cake, brownie, bread, pancake and muffin mixes, as well as its signature all-purpose flour. Each mix has a slightly different blend of several types of flours, Jim said.
"You have to use a mix to get the right consistency," he said. "We were trying to do a complete range of products, so when people wanted to bake something, they could do it. Some people do one certain kind of flour, but my wife really cares about the textures and flavors; everything should taste the way it should be, like a normal pancake, muffin, cake or brownie.
"The all-purpose flour is for more delicate type baking, but for breads, you need a different texture and makeup."
Deby said she uses brown rice flour as a base instead of white rice flour to add nutritional value to her products. She said people have asked her why she doesn't just make brownies and cakes and muffins and sell the finished products, but she said because of all of her chemical allergies, she's chosen to be a big proponent of additive-free and color-free cooking.
"If I was to produce a product like that, in order to make it shelf stable, you have to use chemical stabilizers," she said. "I still believe that people should make things from scratch. You can use organic, and you know it's a real product that you're putting into the brownies or whatever it is you're making.
"We've also simplified the recipes with the mixes to where, with the muffin mix, when you add milk, you can use almond milk, rice milk, vegan butter — it still will turn out. There's still some flexibility to adapt it to other food allergies that you have."
Reduce stress, increase nutrition
By choosing some of the most common items that people bake, Deby said she's been able to make Toosie's Gluten-Free a pretty well-rounded product.
"With the bread mix, you can do pizzas and cinnamon rolls, anything yeasted," she said. "I'm proud of it because I named it after my mom who I lost to cancer about seven years ago, and she was the one who taught me how to cook. I can keep up the tradition and honor her, and it makes everyday life a little less burdensome."
There's a lot of extra stress and work that goes into your daily life when you have to be mindful of gluten, Deby said, and it's been rewarding for her to do demos where people say they can't tell the difference between her products and those made with gluten.
"People tell me it's better than any chocolate cake they've had, even without the flour," she said. "When you have an allergy, you don't feel like you are suffering because this is what you have to eat instead of 'normal flour.' The ingredients are still real; it's just a blend of flours.
"To be able to see families ease what they have to do, cooking two or three meals, or a birthday party and they have to make two cakes — I've put out a product that takes the burden off of these mothers who can cook just one meal because you can't tell the difference."
Deby did point out that just because her products are gluten free doesn't mean you should overindulge.
"A brownie is still a brownie; it's still sugar, butter, eggs," she said. "We're not telling you to eat a brownie every day because it's gluten free, but we want to give people, if they do want to have that treat for a birthday, special occasion, it's very palatable. People who have diet restrictions; I know what they go through because of the food restrictions I've had. I didn't want people to suffer because they have an allergy."
Where to find it
Toosie's Gluten-Free baking mixes and all-purpose flour are available online, and the company also sells its gluten-free flour in bulk to The Mug Shot Café in Breckenridge and Cameez Frozen Yogurt & Coffee in Frisco. Toosie's founder Deby Curcio said that she might also approach Whole Foods about carrying the line.
"It's a process, but now that we have the Whole Foods here, it's an avenue that we need to check out," she said. "If the locals request that they'd like to see a product, it's easier to get it. When people are asking for a product, then the store starts listening when we start approaching them."
Visit www.toosiesglutenfree.com to purchase products, find both sweet and savory recipes that use them and read more about Toosie's Gluten-Free.


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ASPEN - An Aspen High School student facing criminal and civil charges stemming from an alleged incident of sexual misconduct against a fellow student is attending classes at the school this semester.
Aspen School District Superintendent John Maloy confirmed that the student is enrolled at Aspen High. He would not confirm or deny whether the student had been asked to the leave the school this spring; Colorado Department of Education records show that one student at the high school was expelled in 2011-12. The alleged victim graduated from AHS in 2012.
"We have taken appropriate measures and this student has returned to school," Maloy said. "We have made sure to create - as we do on a daily basis - a safe learning environment for all students."
According to documents filed in Pitkin County District Court in August, a Pitkin County man and his daughter are suing a local couple and their son, as well as the Aspen Valley Ski and Snowboard Club and its board of directors, after the boy allegedly made unwanted sexual advances toward the girl during a December ski-team trip to Summit County. At the time, both were 16-year-old members of AVSC's J2 ski team who attended Aspen High School.
According to AVSC Executive Director Mark Cole, the boy "is not currently eligible to be training with us." Cole would not comment further on the pending litigation or criminal charges.
The lawsuit, which includes counts of unwanted sexual conduct and/or sexual assault, among other accusations, seeks monetary compensation for mental and emotional distress, pain and suffering, anxiety and inconvenience as well as statutory damages and attorneys fees.
On the criminal side, Deputy District Attorney Arnold Mordkin confirmed that there are "pending juvenile court cases in both Pitkin and Summit counties." He said the charges are "felony-level type crimes" but could not elaborate because the case involves a minor.
The boy's return to Aspen High has created concern among some parents. According to Maloy, the district is "taking the matter seriously and has attempted to address the concerns of students and parents on both sides of this issue." And while the district does not have a formal, written policy regarding the enrollment of students who are facing criminal charges, administrators "follow a specific protocol" before allowing such students to attend classes.
The first step is a threat assessment, whereby a minimum of two professionals evaluate the student to determine whether "he or she may or may not be seen as a threat or potential threat to other students."
The next step, if necessary, is the creation of a "safety plan." According to Maloy, this could involve teachers, support staff, resource officers and others. It could include "a limited or declining" class schedule and/or "certain supervision or monitoring requirements."
The final step would be "a conversation with the appropriate parties" about whether a particular student can be excluded from school.
"Being charged with a crime does not automatically remove the right to attend school nor our obligation to educate," Maloy said. "So what we must do is assess the level of threat and respond accordingly.
"There are a host of possible outcomes in these situations."
Maloy said the Aspen School District is in contact with prosecutors to stay abreast of the court proceedings, and "based on the outcome, we will determine if additional steps need to be taken."
The boy is set to appear in Pitkin County Court on the criminal charges in November.


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Hi! I've been cycling for a while and noticed that my mouth tends to get really REALLY dry. I've tried only breathing through my nose, but I don't seem to get enough air that way. Should I just take some water breaks, or is there some special way you should breath while riding?
Thanks a bunch!
Yes, you need to hydrate... especially on rides longer than 15-20 miles.
Hydration is crucial; especially if you live in the south. Make sure you're not mixing your sport drink too strongly. If so, you'll actually dehydrate by drinking it. The key to hydration is to drink BEFORE you're thirsty. It's a lot easier to maintain fluid levels than to replenish them. The latter has you playing catch-up for the whole ride... and the hours afterwards.
Some people have had success keeping hydrated with using a "camel-back" type hydration back-pack. With the bite valve close by it makes it easy to continually take a sip of water and avoid the dry mouth. Or, if you prefer take a sip from your water bottle at a specific time interval, like every 15 minutes, whether you "feel" thirsty or not.
To attack the problem from a different angle; you did mention not being able to breathe through your nose. If you want help in that area, try a breathe right strip. They open up the nasal passages, especially helpful if that area is already constricted. Common if you've ever had your nose broken.
Not sure if this is a no-no but i can not ride if i'm not chewing gum. I find that drinking LOTS of fluid...Inhaling through my nose-exhailing through my mouth helps control my pie hole hydration. Mint gum seems to be the best...not too sugary.
So, did you open your nose and drink more water? Are you still dry?
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Get the latest in smart, convenient and innovative tech here at Rakuten.co.uk. Our incredible range of electronic products features everything from iPods, to memory sticks, TVs and more from some of the biggest industry brands, all for great value.
Within our featured electronics you can count on discovering the new tech you need. You can also uncover some great bargains on quality gadgets and technologies too when you take a look through what's available.


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Holiday Spirit
Here it is December and Christmas is just around the corner (if the TV is to be believed) and that means it's time to think about what I should get for family and friends so they realize that all the friendship and love I sent their way through the year is real. For some time now I have given away little robots that I built; nothing special, just tracked or rolling object avoiders which people tell me are 'cute.' But this year due to circumstances beyond my control, my workshop is closed for remodeling. So it's either spending money to buy about thirty of Chris' mini tracked Rocket Brand robots and go on an assembly binge, or I'm going to have to figure something else out.
The question is, what should I do? Since I have a reputation to uphold as a resident family electronics wizard, I can't resort to ties or socks without leaving people feeling like I have let them down. I suppose I could send everyone a pair of needle nose pliers, a handful of LEDs and some shards of wire and tell them it's a clock kit. They'd never actually set out to assemble it so they'd never know the difference. But that seems a little underhanded.
Considering that I have somewhere around 300 different robots that I've built, bought or been given, I guess I could just take a tenth of them and stick shipping labels on them. But again, that doesn't really appeal to me. The way I see it, I haven't given them away yet so I must feel some kind of connection to them that would make me sad if I parted with them.
I think the best idea would be to simply send absolutely nothing and then give each of them a call on Christmas, feigning that I don't know what day it is and just happened to call them because I was thinking about them lovingly. They would realize that Christmas merely slipped my mind, which is a forgivable sleight for a resident genius. We're expected to be so wrapped up in our genius thoughts that something as minimal as a holiday could slip our minds.
Yeah, I think that's the solution. It's economical, passes good cheer and prevents everyone from thinking I forgot about them –in spite of the fact that they forget about me. Come to think of it, none of these people has given me anything for Christmas that I recall. So yeah, screw 'em.


text: The naughty Rachel Roxxx is showing off her smoking hot body in a bikini, lounging by the pool. She is so beautiful! The sun and water get her all hot and bothered so she strips down and fingers her pussy, while sticking the vibrator up her tight little ass. She loves it in her sexy ass! What an amazing video, great orgasm!


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Soccer Star Kristine Lilly Shares Her U.S.-Germany World Cup Prediction
Retired U.S. soccer star Kristine Lilly knows a thing or two about playing under the World Cup spotlight. Not only was she part of the U.S. women's national teams for five FIFA Women's World Cups, she is also the world record holder for the highest number of international caps at 352.
"It's more nerve-racking to watch than to play," Lilly told Speakeasy about viewing the tournament this week. She watched Sunday's nail-biting U.S.-Portugal match with a couple of her former soccer teammates. "You can't control what happens on the pitch when you're not playing."
Lilly said she feels good about the U.S. team's chances in the so-called "group of death," which includes Germany, Ghana and Portugal. She believes the U.S. has been doing all the right things, like scoring early against Ghana in their first match. For today's game against Germany, Lilly will be watching closely. "I think they're going to move on," she said of the U.S. team. She predicts the match might end in a tie, with plenty of goals scored. "They only need to tie."
With both the World Cup and summer season upon us, Lilly has teamed up with Let's Play, a community partnership led by Dr Pepper Snapple to encourage children to be active. Lilly encourages parents to get directly involved with their children's activity. "When you do something, your kids are watching," she said. That's why she'll race her own kids in sideline sprints (see below). "Parents tend to have more fun than they imagine," she said.
With tablets, smartphones and videogames vying for kids' attention these days, building good habits early also helps. "We had Atari when I was growing up," she said, even while admitting that her two-and-a-half-year old can manipulate an iPad pretty well.
Lilly, who rose to prominence as an athlete in the male-dominated world of sports, thinks it's good to let girls play sports with boys during the earlier years, when mixed teams are commonplace. "I played with boys growing up," she said. "Girls tend to be shy" compared to boys, she added, but playing sports together allows girls to learn by playing—something you can't necessarily teach.
Kristine's Soccer-Inspired, Summer Play Ideas
Dribble Relay
- Set up some small orange cones or plastic cups in a zig-zag pattern.
- Divide your family into two equal groups and give one person from each team a soccer ball. Have the team members stand on opposite ends of the yard.
- To begin, the team member with the soccer ball has to dribble around each cone to the other side, tag their teammate and pass them the ball.
- Then, the teammate has to dribble the ball back through the cones and race to the other end of the field. The team to complete the obstacle course first, wins!
Kick-out Keep-away
- Great for a large group of kids, give all players a soccer ball (or any type of ball they can kick around) except for the person who is "it."
- Set up four cones or plastic cups on each corner of your "field," and when the game begins, all players dribble their ball while the person who is "it" tries to kick each ball out of bounds.
- When a player's ball is kicked out of bounds, he/she is eliminated. The last player with a ball wins!
High-Five Goals
- Set up a couple of markers to signify a "goal."
- Pass the soccer ball to your child, and have them kick it back to you.
- After three kicks back and forth, tell them to run over to you and give you a high-five, and then kick the ball into the goal. This is a great game for little ones!
Sideline Sprints
- Put a mark on the lawn or driveway about 15 yards away, or whatever distance works best for your space.
- Run to the line and back five times.
- Next, do five jumping jacks and count them off together out loud.
- Continue the sequence, but this time, run to the line and back four times, and work your way down to one time. It is a great workout game for parents AND kids, and helps little ones learn how to count.
Hydration Station
- It's so important to stay hydrated when you're playing outside in the heat. I like to keep a small cooler filled with cold water or juice in the fridge so I can easily grab it and during outdoor play in the summer.
- Just make sure your kids don't drench the "coach" after they score a goal!
Write to Robin Kawakami at firstname.lastname@example.com. Follow @robinha


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Fishing cats are small cats native to south and southeast Asia. Their short, stout legs are built for swimming rather than running or climbing.
Zoo scientists are studying their reproductive biology and zoo management in a cooperative program with some zoos in Thailand.
In another project, Zoo scientists are studying their ecology in suburban habitats in Sri Lanka.
You can find two fishing cats on Asia Trail.


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News 12 at 11 o'clock / Friday, March 29, 2013
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW) -- "It will mean a lot to this community right here," said Shakela Jones.
The thoughts of many now that former nightclub DiLussa Lounge is becoming Provisions Christian Lounge -- a lounge for Christians and non-Christians to have some good, clean fun.
"One of the things that God was laying on my heart concerning our young people is that they need a place to go where they don't have to constantly look behind their backs while they are enjoying themselves," said James Abraham, pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church and manager of the new lounge.
Before it was DiLussa Lounge, it was popular nightclub, Club 5150, which was shut down after two women were shot and one was killed there back in September of 2011.
Now, Abraham says it will be used to bring positivity to this area of Augusta.
"With all the shooting and all the gang-banging -- what we're doing, it's a total switch," Abraham said.
A switch create a space dedicated to giving young people and anyone else who wants to join, a safe place to party.
"We're having Christian drama," Abraham said. "Also, we're looking to have spoken word poetry and Christian karaoke."
"It feels wonderful to me," Jones said.
Jones, 19, is a member of Abraham's church and says this place is exactly what the community needs.
"This is a move that I was looking forward to in the community," Jones said. "Not only in the Augusta area but everywhere, because it's needed for our young people."
And although it's a Christian lounge, everyone is welcome.
"It's for everybody," Abraham said. "And we want everybody to be able to come in and enjoy Jesus with us."
Provisions Christian Lounge is at 2864 Deans Bridge Road in Augusta.


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—John M. Coluccy, Ph.D., and Kurt A. Anderson
Nest success has long been touted as the most important factor in maintaining healthy duck populations. But recent research indicates that duckling survival also plays a crucial role in population dynamics. The premise is simple: while eggs must hatch to produce young, young must also survive to be recruited into the breeding population. Greater duckling survival often means larger fall duck populations.
Despite its importance in population dynamics, duckling survival is one of the most poorly understood components of the waterfowl life cycle. It takes 50-70 days for ducklings to attain flight status, and survival during this period is highly variable, ranging from less than 10 percent to as high as 70 percent. The most common causes of duckling mortality include predation, adverse weather conditions, starvation, disease, and parasites. Ducklings are excellent fare for nearly every type of predator, including fish (largemouth bass and northern pike), amphibians (bullfrogs), reptiles (snakes and snapping turtles), and mammals (foxes, raccoons, mink, and feral cats). Likewise, other birds such as hawks, owls, gulls, herons, and crows will make a meal of ducklings.
Ducklings are sensitive to weather extremes. While their fuzzy down feathers are an excellent source of natural insulation in dry weather, they are of little value when wet. Ducklings also lack the additional thermal support of adult contour feathers. Cold, rainy, and windy conditions can lead to death from exposure (hypothermia) and may either reduce food availability or prevent ducklings from exploiting food resources. Additionally, ducklings can be killed by hail or above-average temperatures. In the summer of 1953, an estimated 148,000 adult and young waterfowl perished because of severe hail storms in Alberta.
When departing the nest, upland-nesting hens often travel overland with their young to reach brood-rearing wetlands. Family units also travel overland when hens lead their broods in search of undisturbed wetlands with ample cover and food resources. Surprisingly, duck families often don't travel to the nearest wetland and may waddle considerable distances (a mile or more) along paths, roadways, trails, or watercourses and through dense vegetation or wide-open areas. Ducklings are especially susceptible to predation during overland travel and may also become exhausted or disoriented, resulting in separation from the brood.
Research has identified several additional factors influencing duckling survival, including age of ducklings and hens, brood size and movement, hatch date, and habitat conditions. During the first week following hatch, ducklings are extremely vulnerable to hypothermia and predation. A recent study in Ontario found that daily survival of mallard ducklings was nearly nine times greater for older ducklings (those more than seven days old) than for younger ducklings. Similarly, older hens benefit from past experience raising broods, social dominance, better body condition, and the ability to devote greater resources to reproduction. Older hens should therefore have a clear advantage when it comes to raising young. Nevertheless, a positive relationship between hen age and duckling survival has been demonstrated only in gadwall and a few other waterfowl species.
The date of hatch may influence duckling survival as well. An increase in survival of earlier-hatched ducklings has been observed in several species. Mallards and northern pintails, which are among the first ducks to nest in spring, are known to benefit from an advanced hatch date, as do many other species. This pattern is thought to be related to a decreased risk of predation, greater wetland quality and food availability, and increased maternal care earlier in the breeding season. Because early nesting females typically enjoy higher nest success and duckling survival, they may make a disproportionately large contribution to duck recruitment. Interestingly, lesser scaup may benefit from a delayed hatch, which could explain their tendency to initiate nesting after most ducklings of other species have already hatched.
Traits such as size, body condition, and gender may also be important determinants of duckling survival. Larger offspring have larger yolk reserves and may benefit from greater mobility, higher feeding efficiency, and the ability to withstand colder temperatures. Therefore, larger ducklings, which are presumably in better condition, enjoy higher survival than smaller ducklings. Few studies have evaluated differences in survival between male and female ducklings, and existing results are conflicting.
Perhaps the most important factor influencing duckling survival is habitat. Research has shown that duckling survival is greater in landscapes that contain abundant seasonal wetlands with a mix of emergent vegetation and open water. A greater density of this wetland type on the landscape provides hens and broods with options, as they are able to move in response to disturbance, foraging conditions, and pressure from predation. When seasonal wetlands are lost because of wetland drainage or drought, options for hens and ducklings are limited. Broods that travel overland in search of suitable habitat must cover greater distances between wetlands, increasing their exposure to predators. Moreover, when broods reach their destination, they are more likely to encounter mink, which also may be concentrated in remaining wetland habitats.
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President Franklin D. Roosevelt signs the Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp Act into law.
First duck stamp, designed by Pulitzer-prize winning editorial cartoonist, Jay N. "Ding" Darling, issued.
Prairie drought peaks.


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Eager iPhone owners rushed to download Google's (GOOG) new Maps app, driving it to the top of the most-popular list in the iTunes store Thursday and marking a triumphant return for one of Apple's (AAPL) biggest rivals.
The new app, which became available in the iTunes store Wednesday night, may be a short-term boon for Apple if its release helps soothe the many complaints that Apple has heard from iPhone users over the last six months -- ever since Apple replaced an earlier Google Maps application with Apple's own flawed mapping service on the most recent version of its signature smartphone.
But analysts said the upgraded Maps app is also a powerful tool for Google, as the Mountain View Internet giant seeks to cultivate a profitable relationship with millions of smartphone owners who have chosen Apple's iPhone over competing devices that run on Google's Android operating software.
"Thank you, Google!" read the first of more than 12,000 mostly favorable reviews that iPhone users posted after downloading the new app Thursday.
Even so, Cupertino-based Apple will undoubtedly keep working to improve its own mapping technology as it battles Google for supremacy in the mobile computing market. More than half of all smartphones used in the United States are Android devices, while slightly more than a third are iPhones, according to the research firm comScore.
Analysts say location-based services are increasingly important for both tech giants, as more people access the Internet on mobile devices. But Apple's homegrown maps service was widely criticized for offering buggy responses and inaccurate information, in contrast with the mapping technology that Google has developed and refined over more than a decade.
"If anything, this puts more pressure on Apple to sort out their own maps," said Carolina Milanesi, a consumer technology analyst with Gartner. "Maps are a key part of the future of mobility. They can't just throw in the towel now."
Google doesn't charge consumers to use its Maps app. But Milanesi said data from the app provides Google with valuable insights into its users' interests and travels. It also could help Google introduce them to other services and ultimately show them paid advertising.
Unlike Google's old Maps app for iPhones, the new version invites users to log in with their Google Gmail account, which would help Google exchange more information with them. While the login is optional, Milanesi said she expects many people will use it.
Google also announced it will release a software development kit that independent app builders can use to incorporate Google's mapping technology into other mobile services.
Google's old mapping service was extremely popular with independent developers who build apps for the iPhone and iPad, said Nolan Wright, co-founder of Appcelerator, a Mountain View firm that makes software used by app builders. The IDC research firm reported over the summer that 80 percent of all mobile software applications have features that are keyed to the user's location.
Wright cautioned that "it remains to be seen" whether developers will embrace the new Google app for Apple's iOS platform. Apple's own maps are still the default service on iPhones and iPads, which means users must take the extra step of downloading Google Maps if they want to use it. Wright said some developers may be cautious about using Google's maps until they see how many people use it.
Apple also has an advantage over Google because Apple's maps are embedded into Apple's operating system, which means other Apple services such as Siri will use Apple maps by default, said Charles Golvin, a mobile-technology expert at Forrester.
Golvin said that means Google's new app still won't provide "as fluid an experience" when compared with the Apple service, or even the old Google app, which was the default service on iPhones until it was replaced. On the other hand, Google's new app includes popular features, such as turn-by-turn directions, that Google has long offered on Android phones but were not part of Google's old app for iPhones.
Apple has apologized for the flaws in its maps and replaced an executive who oversaw the project. But Golvin said "the maps problem continues to be a black eye for Apple. It remains to be seen whether Apple's customers will return to using Apple's maps once they address all the problems there."
Investors seemed to agree with Golvin's assessment that the new iPhone app is "a win for Google." Google's stock rose $5.14, or 0.7 percent, to close at $702.70 Thursday. Apple's stock fell $9.31, or 1.7 percent, to close at $529.69.
Contact Brandon Bailey at 408-920-5022; follow him at Twitter.com/BrandonBailey.


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TROY, N.Y.�� Ted Schoff was among the honorees Nov. 10 when the New York State Baseball Hall of Fame presented its third induction class at the Hilton Hotel in Troy.
Formerly the Capital District Baseball Hall of Fame, the New York State Baseball Hall of Fame recognized seven former Major Leaguers, two teams and nine statewide contributors in its 2013 induction class and presented its Johnny Podres Lifetime Achievement Award to former Brooklyn Dodger Ralph Branca.
Schoff, a native of St. Johnsville, played college baseball at Division I Brown University then coached and taught in Little Falls for more than a quarter of a century. His teams won several Center State Conference and Section III championships and his 1982 Mounties won a state championship on home turf at Veterans Memorial Park.
When health issues forced him out of the dugout, a group of his former players launched a campaign to have it renamed the Ted Schoff Dugout on the first base side of Veterans Memorial Park. A sign at the top of the dugout lists Schoff�s sectional championships.
Joining Schoff among the statewide inductees were Saratoga Catholic coach Phonsey Lambert, John Krawiecki from the University of New Haven, Bob Bogdan from Skidmore College, general manager Nick Lambros from the Oneonta Yankees, Dale Long Jr. from Union College, umpire Len McHugh, Queensbury Spartan Jay Marra, and Doug O�Brey from SUNY-Albany. They join past inductees which include veteran Fort Plain coach Craig Phillips, the late Bob Bellizzi who coached at the College of Saint Rose and helped establish what are now the Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League and New York Collegiate Baseball League, and former governor Mario Cuomo who played minor league baseball before beginning his career in politics.
The Major League inductees for 2013, in addition to Branca, were Craig Biggio, Ed Kranepool, Mark Lemke, Dave Lemanczyk, Lou Whitaker and Pat Simmons.
Location, ST | website.com


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Monday, March 9, 2009
Eggs.... Pickled Pink!
Most recipes for pickled beet eggs suggest pickling the beets along with the eggs. I (nor the rest of the family) do not care for pickled beets. So we eat the beets separately.
Pickled Eggs
1 dozen hard boiled eggs, peeled
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
1 15 oz can of red beets
2 cups water
1 tsp salt
Combine water, sugar, vinegar, liquid from the beets, and salt in a sauce pan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 10-15 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool. Place eggs into a container and cover with the liquid. Cover and refrigerate for at least 12 hours.
7 comments:
- Not Another Omnivore said...
Hahaha! I love it!!!
- March 9, 2009 at 10:31 PM
- baobas said...
This is reminiscent of how we celebrate the full month of a child in Chinese culture. Only that we weren't smart enough to use beet root! Hard boiled eggs are boiled in a pink colouring and given away on the baby's 1st month. I'm sure yours are much tastier!
- March 10, 2009 at 3:52 AM
- stephaniewolfe said...
Mmmm. I remember eating these as a child. Yummy!
- March 10, 2009 at 5:37 AM
- Thependragonseye said...
These are common locally (in PA Dutch country) and I use them periodically in bento boxes - I always get tons of comments. They always look stunning.
- March 10, 2009 at 8:49 AM
- DocChuck said...
Great photo. Check out MY version (with a sprinkle of humor) of Texas-style pickled eggs on my website.
- March 10, 2009 at 9:00 AM
- Mags said...
Chuck... loved your version...LOL
Hey... now you've got me thinking about putting some hot peppers in mine!
- March 11, 2009 at 1:54 PM
- Nanan said...
PERFECT COLOR CHOICE FOR BACKGROUND - love the photo - can taste it!!!!! oh - that photo of the french onion soup in the last post was fabulous also - it is still in my mind!
- March 15, 2010 at 9:52 PM


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rogerfederer.com - Phenomenal Roger in Indian Wells
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Phenomenal Roger in Indian Wells
Roger has became the first player to win three consecutive titles at Indian Wells! He defeated No. 12 James Blake, 7-5, 6-3, 6-0, in Sunday's final. Roger was feeling in an acquisitive mood, having erased a 4-1 first-set deficit.
Roger has not lost a match in the United States since the summer of 2004. "I hope I get the [big] whale," said a smiling Roger, referring to the unique trophy at Indian Wells. He now counts thirty-six titles, seven of them Grand Slams.
"Even though I don't fall on my knees and cry and everything, it still means a lot to me," Roger said. "Sometimes, really, the big satisfaction comes later on, maybe a few months down the road when I go like, 'Wow, I really did well in Indian Wells.' "
The way he pulled Blake around the court, Roger might as well have been at the control of a video game. That particular point came at deuce in the eighth game of the second set, with Blake serving at 3-4. It earned him a break point, his fourth of the game, and Roger finally secured the break with an easy forehand volley.
"I felt very, very confident on the court," Roger said. "At some moments obviously I knew this is almost impossible that I'm going to lose this final."
The way Roger dominated the last two sets, it was hard to imagine he ever had problems winning finals. After his news conference, he revealed it once concerned him because he had done so well in finals when he was playing in juniors. "I thought, 'What's wrong?' Now I'm over that," he said.
The self-confidence about his game settled in long ago. And Blake made sure Roger's other qualities were not overlooked. During the post-match presentations, Blake told the crowd about the time he received a note in 2004 while he was hospitalized in Rome after breaking his neck during practice.
It came from Roger. They didn't know each other particularly well. But Roger acted instinctively and spoke to Mirka about doing something. "I heard it was very serious," Roger said of Blake's injury. "And I just thought, 'Poor guy, I hope he gets better.' I said, 'Mirka, let's get a pen and paper.' "
U can do it well.
Congratulations! The ATP Player of Year 2005! I am sure there are many many more to come. You are a true champion. You are a great model for all youngsters and you are my two sons role model and keep up with your good work. Your parents mu
Wakeel Ahmad-Lahore
and congratulation to


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The Timberland Welfleet Women's Boots are made from a durable rubber material and feature seam sealed construction to keep your feet dry in any element. This traditional lace up style is completed with rustproof hardware for durability and an authentic look. Removable SmartWool footbed wicks away moisture ensuring that your feet are warm and dry. Rubber lug outsole provides the ultimate traction control and weather protection that will last you through the seasons.


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GRAND JUNCTION, Colo (KKCO) It allows start-ups to raise money for their business or product. It's also an opportunity for investors to own a part of businesses. The way it works it you just go to a "crowd-funding" site such as "kick-starter." Then you find the business you'd like to support and make a donation. The Grand Junction Business Incubator is trying to raise awareness of "crowdfunding," and get more businesses to use it in our area.
"Hopefully one of the outcroppings of this is we'll actually have a list of people we can go to for our people who are trying to raise capital and grow their companies. Generally to start a business, you would do boot-strapping; your own money, or friends and family. Once you got to a certain point, and people have a great idea or ability to run a company, they're trying to find a way to get it off the ground; so people are looking at any venue they can, any way to do it. Like anything, you've got to be educated; because there will be fraud, no question. There will be fraud and abuse, so you've got to be smart about it; talk to people; make sure you check all your resources out before you spend any money, and just be smart about how you navigate it, but it's gaining traction absolutely," says Jon Maraschin, Executive Director of the Grand Junction Business Incubator.
Senator Michael Bennett will be visiting the Grand Junction Business Incubator Friday, July 20th at 8am to talk about crowdfunding. Doors open at 7:30am. The free event is open to the public. For more information on the event and crowdfunding, contact the Grand Junction Business Incubator at (970) 243-5242, or www.gjincubator.org.
To learn more about crowdfunding, copy and paste the following link to a Wall Street Journal article in your browser.


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The three people arrested in the rape of a woman in the Garden District in February were back in court May 20.
The attorney representing one suspect asked that the suspects be tried separately. Judge Franz Zibilich is yet to make a ruling.
Christopher Davis, 18, Joseph Davis, 16, and Sheldon Jefferson, 15, pleaded not guilty in front of criminal district judge Franz Ziblich in March.
Two of the people accused are juveniles, but are being charged and tried as adults.
No trial date has been set.
All three remain in the Orleans Parish Prison.


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Flat Rock committee to hold public forum on park idea
Published: Wednesday, November 14, 2012 at 1:31 p.m.
Last Modified: Wednesday, November 14, 2012 at 1:31 p.m.
The Flat Rock Park Exploratory Committee has been looking into the feasibility of the Village of Flat Rock purchasing the Highland Lake golf course and turning it into a public park.
The committee has been gathering information from the public and will hold an open public forum at 7 p.m. Thursday at St. John in the Wilderness Parish Hall. Parking space at the church is limited, and people are encouraged to carpool.
The public is also invited to visit www.villageofflatrock.org and take an online survey, or email comments to firstname.lastname@example.com.
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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Do you have a secret stash of dinner party stories, or stories you tell friends in a bar, or to entertain a date?
I'm talking about those stories that you know inside and out; the really good ones that people beg you to tell over and over. And after you pretend to NOT want to - you turn a tale loose and leave people laughing, crying -- or sitting in amazement.
All good storytellers have these -- but what many don't realize is all the hidden value that a collection of stories with a common theme can have.
My speaking students are often amazed to find out that their crazy boss stories, the drunken family vacation stories, or the story of how they survived an illness (or their childhood) often have a message that goes much deeper than just entertaining a few friends. And, when they harness that message, and frame it properly, it can be a message that businesses will pay a lot to hear.
In the speaking class I'm teaching now, I have a student who works in the transit system. She has hilarious stories about nightmare bus riders. And now she's putting a collection of them together to create a fabulous speech about using humor to deal with difficult people. Her speech is not only hysterical, but it's got great on the nose content that would be of value not just to bus drivers -- but to ANYONE who has to deal with the public. So her potential audience would be ...hmm, let me see...everyone?
Another student is an actress, with wonderful stories about auditioning for commercials. Appearing in over 200 commercials has made her an expert on how to interview to win and wow all the audiences of your life. Once we framed what she knew with that "just right" wording in that last sentence, she realized how valuable her experience is -- not only for actors - but also for anyone who wants to get a job, land a promotion, win over a jury, or just impress a date. (That would again be... everyone!)
We've all learned something from our years on this planet. Even small day-to-day struggles of overcoming obstacles and having success often have hidden treasure in them that can be of value to others -- and that corporations and organizations will pay to hear. I call that the "Message of You," and when we share that message (whether we get paid or not), we all can make a difference in someone else's life.
Are you ready to find your message?
Here's a quick exercise from my new book, "The Speaker's Bible: Make a Career Out of the Message of You" (St. Martin's Press, 2013):
EXERCISE: Discover Your Message by Asking Your Tribe
In this exercise, I want you to ask your closest friends, your family members, and your co-workers two questions:
"What have you learned from me?" and "What are the stories I tell over and over again?"
When you ask the people in your life these questions, you're going to be very surprised by the responses you get. Try it and find the theme - and the value -- of "The Message of You."
I invite those of you living in LA to come to our first showcase - "A performance of kick-butt motivation." Admission is free (two item purchase). Come by and say hi and watch a very unique show.
Where: Flappers Comedy Club 102 East Magnolia Boulevard, Burbank, CA
When: Sunday, March 4th at 5:00pm
-Judy Carter
Author of The Comedy Bible, Motivational-Humorist, and Comedy Coach
|Making Dreams Come True for Comics and Speakers since 1984
The Hidden Value of Your Stories
6 comments:
- Mr. Ed said...
Judy, do you mean like the story I have about the dog (dead of course)that I had in my freezer, before hurricane Wilma hit in south Fl, knocking the power out for two weeks, leaving me no choice but to wait in line the next day, and many days aftet that, for up to eight hours each day, to get one bag of ice, to put on the dead dog, to try and keep it from thawing out?
Mr. Ed
- Mr. Ed said...
Judy, do you mean like the story I have about the dog (dead of course)that I had in my freezer, before hurricane Wilma hit in south Fl, knocking the power out for two weeks, leaving me no choice but to wait in line the next day, and many days aftet that, for up to eight hours each day, to get one bag of ice, to put on the dead dog, to try and keep it from thawing out?
Mr. Ed
- IanTimothy said...
Hi Judy..Here I am in cold England talking to the girl who changed my life..seriously ..I am a stage hypnotist who picked up your Comedy Bible for ideas for my show..and I unexpectedly I found the ideas about promotion etc so useful..the "how to" is also brilliant and I am now a constant notebook carrier..so with the book..the notebook and the recorder I am now carrying the "Judy Carter AIDS strain..ing my brain..to success" Many Thanks Ian Timothy
Hi Judy,
What I love about you is ,you love the act out as much as the story. I will always remember palm springs and how your workshops make you feel like the center of attention.
Connecting with the intended audience is always about feelings. :)
- Brian T Shirley said...
Wonderful advice and I will use it with my stand up, my speaking and I've followed it a little without knowing by posting some Life/Road stories on my website. And now I'm kind of excited to say that some of these stories will be published soon in an upcoming online book along with several different authors. your advice is dead on!
Brian T Shirley
woodworking plans , http://woodworkingplans1.com/#insulmine ted woodworking


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SAN JOSE -- As a little girl, Elba Moran grew up in Pinole, a member of a Mexican-American family that had little interest in celebrating Mexico's victory over the French army on May 5, 1862.
So on Sunday, a day before Cinco de Mayo, Moran happily made the drive from Vallejo with her 2-year-old son, Damien Cruz, to soak up as much Mexican culture as she could, hoping the sounds and sights of dancers, bands and food at the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds will also seep into Damien's young soul.
"It's hard when you grow up not surrounded by your culture," said Moran, 30, looking down at her boy. "I would definitely like for him to be part of it."
Even on May 4, it was impossible not to feel the pride of Cinco de Mayo pulsing throughout the fairgrounds, where people literally draped themselves in the Mexican flag and cruised up and down Tully Road outside the fairgrounds' entrance with green, white and red-striped Mexican flags flying from trucks and cars and motorcycles.
The typical carnival food had a decidedly Mexican flare on Sunday. And emcees, trying to attract crowds to various cultural performances, used blaring loud speakers to compete against one another in Spanish.
Victory over French
For Rebeca Tellez of Napa, it was more important to be surrounded by like-minded people who had gathered, ostensibly, to commemorate the Battle of Puebla, which represented an unlikely triumph of a poorly armed Mexican militia over the invading French army.
While often mistaken as Mexico's day of independence, Cinco de Mayo honors the victory of an estimated 4,500 Mexican fighters led by Gen. Ignacio Zaragoza Seguin over 6,000 professional French soldiers.
The battle in the state of Puebla lasted four hours.
While the French won the bigger war and went on to rule Mexico for three years, Cinco de Mayo remains a source of cultural pride for the Mexicans' ability to push back outsiders and retain their national identity.
"It is the biggest thing," Tellez said. "It is a celebration of our country."
Tellez made the trek from Napa to San Jose on Sunday with her niece, Jessica Tellez, 24, and Jessica's distant cousin, Giovani Diaz, a cattle rancher from Jalisco, who was visiting.
As Diaz got up grinning after being thrown from a mechanical bull that he paid $5 to ride, Jessica Tellez said the fairgrounds' Cinco de Mayo festivities made her feel closer to her family in Mexico.
"Since my family's from Jalisco, I love the culture and everything about it," Tellez said. "It's very important to me."
Cultural pride
Across the fairgrounds, eight members of the much larger Calpulli Tonalehqueh Aztec dance group honored their ancestors who predated Mexico's victory in the Battle of Puebla.
Chris Torres, 23, of Cupertino, also goes by the Aztec name Coyolmitl and said Sunday's event reminds Mexican-Americans in California of their indigenous heritage.
"It's important to know that we are not immigrants," Torres said. "The word 'immigrants' means we come from the outside, from somewhere else. We are migrants, which means someone who moves around in our own area."
The youngest member of Calpulli Tonalehqueh to perform Sunday, David Ramirez, 12, had perhaps the most worldly view of what it means to represent both the Mexican and indigenous Nauhatl cultures in 2014.
"We're so caught up in technology today," Ramirez said, as his sister wore a pair of ear buds while playing with her smart phone. "It's important to show people the old ways. It makes me feel good and it makes me feel proud."
Alexis Rosas, 14, of San Jose, got involved with the dancers after watching them perform as a bystander.
Joining the group has since pulled Rosas and her entire family more deeply into their Mexican heritage, said Rosas' mom, Antonia.
As Rosas prepared to go on stage, Antonia Rosas could not hide what it means to see her daughter connect modern-day Mexican-Americans with their cultural roots.
"This is one proud mom here," Rosas said.
Later Sunday evening, San Jose police were out in force preparing for the Cinco de Mayo crowds that flow into and through downtown and over in East San Jose.As of 8:30 p.m. there was only one arrest and, according to police spokeswoman Heather Randol, police dispersed one gathering at 19th and Santa Clara streets for unlawful assembly.
Howard Mintz contributed to this report. Contact Dan Nakaso at 408-271-3648. Follow him at Twitter.com/dannakaso.


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Thanksgiving dinner will be slightly more expensive this year thanks to an increase in the price of a turkey, according to an annual price survey conducted by the American Farm Bureau Federation.
"Birds are a little higher, about a dime per pound higher than what we have seen in the past," said Bucky Lee, manager of the Marietta Food 4 Less.
However, most of the other Thanksgiving staples, such as potatoes, stuffing and gravy are consistent with last year's prices, meaning the overall rise in cost is not very significant, he added.
Article Photos
JASMINE ROGERS The Marietta Times
Food 4 Less manager Bucky Lee stocks Butterball turkeys at the store Monday. The rising cost of turkeys has contributed to an overall rise in the cost of a typical Thanksgiving dinner this year. However, the steady and even lowered cost of other Thanksgiving staples has helped to keep that cost increase minimal
Lowell resident Alyce Welsch, 72, also anticipates the price going up. She feeds around 14 family members throughout the day.
"I know everything is going to be more expensive cause prices are always going up," she said.
Despite the rising costs, nothing will be left out of her traditional Thanksgiving menu, said Welsch, who has already begun shopping for and preparing food for the big day.
"We do the same thing every year," she said.
For the AFBF survey, 155 volunteer shoppers are given a shopping list, sufficient to feed a family of 10, and asked to hunt for the best deal without using coupons or special promotions. The shopping list includes turkey, bread stuffing, sweet potatoes, rolls with butter, peas, cranberries, a relish tray of carrots and celery, pumpkin pie with whipped cream and beverages of coffee and milk.
Survey participants found the biggest increase this year was reflected in the price of a 16-pound turkey, which at $22.23 has risen 66 cents from last year. However, a lowered cost of items such as the cream, stuffing and potatoes, has meant the overall cost has only risen 28 cents from last year. According to the AFBF, a budget conscious family should be able to feed a party of 10 this year for $49.48.
At less than $5 a person, that price seems overly optimistic to some local shoppers.
"I would like to see how they do it on $50," said Lowell resident Juanita Crum.
Because her children are grown, Crum does not plan on having a big Thanksgiving meal next week. However, Crum's mother will host a meal on Saturday for about 75 family members. To keep the cost down, the meal is a potluck, with each person bringing their best dish, said Crum.
However, the survey pricing seems attainable to 60-year-old Waterford resident Alta Coffman, who has a long repertoire of Thanksgiving dinners under her belt.
"I think it is realistic, but I am a very frugal shopper. I will watch for the best buys," said Coffman.
Coffman's husband, Ralph Coffman Jr., is president of the Washington County Farm Bureau, and said he has seen the costs rise from a production standpoint.
"From the manufacturing side, the feed costs have really gone up. The fuel costs have really gone up," said Ralph.
Though the overall cost has only marginally increased over the past year, the same survey has showed significant jumps in years past. Just two years ago, the average price was $6.01 cheaper.
However, many say they are willing to sacrifice cost to keep their family traditions alive.
"I don't think people care (about cost). It's all about family and memories," said Crum.


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In Their Own Words – The Only Thing I Worry About
This "In Their Own Words" essay was submitted by Loary Bartlett of Owensboro, Ky.
My son Zakk was just diagnosed this May with PDD-NOS, high functioning autism, but the story does not stop there. It began in December 2005, when my mom and I recognized that my son was beginning to lose his balance and his eyes were dancing in his head. Immediately, my husband and I took him to the local pediatrician's office, who referred us to the children's hospital in Louisville, Kentucky, where they treat this kind of stuff. We had no idea what we were going to endure for the next four years of our lives.
It turned out that Zakk had cancer, neuroblastoma, in his pelvic area and a condition called OMS (opsoclonus myoclonus). OMS is a rare neurological disease which includes symptoms like dancing eyes, jerking muscles, loss of balance, loss of gross motor skills and loss of speech. To this day, my son has not regained speech. We have been told by the doctor that if he does not retrieve it by the time he is seven, he will never talk. May of this year, he was finally diagnosed with high functioning autism.
You're probably wondering, how in the heck has my family survived? Sometimes I wonder that myself, but with help from family and friends and a open mind about what is happening in our lives, we are able to keep our heads above water, barely. The one thing I keep telling myself is, DO NOT QUIT fighting for Zakk; he is a wonderful boy and when you meet him, you can see that in his smile. As long as Zakk is smiling and laughing, I am happy, and that is the only thing that I worry about.
"In Their Own Words" is a series within the Autism Speaks blog which shares the voices of people who have autism, as well as their loved ones. If you have a story you wish to share about your personal experience with autism, please send it to firstname.lastname@example.com. Autism Speaks reserves the right to edit contributions for space, style and content. Because of the volume of submissions, not all can be published on the site.
July 8, 2010 at 9:29 am
So they misdiagnoised him back in Dec 2005? That had to be a very painful experience. Hopefully you can get him some speech and occupational therapy for him. the early the better. get as much intervention as you can. there is DCF voluntary services that help my family out a lot. Also, you will need a school that can teach him because the regular schools usually cant do that. I wish you the best of luck with him. Hang in there it is a long road!
July 8, 2010 at 10:25 am
I am very sorry to hear your family especially your little boy has endure so much so soon in his life. I have a 5 year old little man who was diagnosed when he was 2.5 with Autism. The worst day of my life. I cried for 2 days, then I got busy. I read and still read everything on Autism. I was afraid with him being a child of the state, they would take him and put him away. Not knowing anything of Autism. But I talked to his social worker who set me up with First Step, who really helped us. I also decided to help him on my own. I read to him more,I pointed to pictures and had him point back. I would repeat words to him until he started saying them, then would jump for joy or cry when he did. Every new thing he does brings tears to my eyes, from when people told me he wouldn't do this or that. I finally got to adopt him, he's biological mother never had the patients, told the courts to let me have him. And the Therapist told them that my baby needed me, I was good for him. But all said and done My little man is good for me. He has made me a better person, I now look at those big brown eyes and that contagious smile and wonder what would I have done without him. Good luck from my family to yours, your family will go on our prayer wall and we'll keep you in our hearts.
July 8, 2010 at 10:16 am
My heart breaks for you and your family. Please, please take care of yourself and your other family memebers. You all need your strength, good health and sanity to make it through the challenges you face. I had a brother with severe autism, and it took over my mom's life to no avail. Talk to the professionals, get in touch with agencies. There are lots of people out there who want to help you. Use all of them, and early interventions are a must and essential, and your state is required by law to provide these interventions. Please find time for yourself. You are important and although everyone needs you, you need to stay sane in this process. God Bless.
July 8, 2010 at 10:23 am
I will for sure keep your family in my prayers. Gods love, compassion, and healing know no bounds. He is in control even when things seem to be unbearable. There is hope that never runs out, love that heals all wounds, and faith that can still move mountains. I pray for hope, peace, and rest for your family…and mercy and healing for this precious child. God is for you and not against you.
July 8, 2010 at 10:29 am
Keep believing in your son and read some of the amazing stories that have been posted on this blog. There is hope. Always focus on your child's smile.
I don't know what it is like where you live, but in Texas there are alot of resources. Our schools are equipped to teach children with special needs and there are speech and other services that can be accessed through the school system, at no cost to you. I know, because I am one of those special education teachers.
Hang in there and thank you for posting your story. Know that you have a little precious boy that loves you.
July 8, 2010 at 10:51 am
don't ever ever give up! keep fighting God is awesome and He is looking out for our children, He can make miracles, we just need to be strong in our faith. Love your son with all your heart that is the best therapy a child can get. Trust me as a mother of a HFA child i have been there too I know how it feels. Thanks for your story.
July 8, 2010 at 11:13 am
GOD gives special kids to special people…that is what i have always been told. my son tests my patience, but it is the most rewarding job…we can't give up!!
i live in lewisport, with an autistic child…i am curious if there is a support group in owensboro for parents of autistic children?
July 8, 2010 at 12:04 pm
Never give up! Push the envelope, surprise people. Never take a diagnosis to be the end all do all. Receiving such diagnoses I can imagine to be something that could completely knock you off your feet. Go with that, feel the pain and embrace it. Then look at your lovely son, and embrace him. I have an autistic son and I definitely think that now, a year after his diagnosis, that he is the best thing that happened to me as a parent. I'm thankful that this has taken me to new limits and new levels of understanding…and love. The above comment is true…GOD only gives you what you can handle. I think of this daily, if not hourly.
July 8, 2010 at 12:12 pm
It really astounds me when a doctor tells parents that "if your child doesn't ____ by a certain age it will never happen." No matter what the _____ is, whether it is talking, walking, or anything else you must keep in mind that the doctor is HUMAN. He or she cannot see into the future! They are speaking from statistics, but statistics are not necessarily the way it will go for every child. With the proper therapies your child has a good chance of talking even after he turns 7. Please don't let any doctor imposed deadline make you lose hope or give up on trying to make it happen. One thing I have learned from experience with doctors is that many of them don't want to create "false hope" and so they end up taking away all hope. Another thing I have learned is that many times the parents end up knowing a lot more about the disorder than the doctors they take their children to because we take the time to research. There are some great doctors, but you really have to look for them!
July 8, 2010 at 1:44 pm
God never gives us more than we can handle. Sometimes He trusts us a little too much, but if we believe in Him and in our amazing kids, we can achieve anything. I'm sure your child have changed your life for the better, even through tough times. I know as a mother of a child with Autism I have learned to appreciate the little things I once took for granted with my other two boys. These children are truly amazing and a true blessing in our lives. May God bless you and your family and continue to give you the strength to never give up. just think that Zakk has been to hell and back and he has never stopped fighting.
July 8, 2010 at 1:55 pm
Thank you so much for sharing your experience and your beautiful son with the rest of us.
July 8, 2010 at 6:12 pm
Agree wholeheartedly with Monica – doctors also don't always realize how desperately we, as parents, believe their word is gospel. after all, "if the doctor says it, it must be true" – used to be the mantra.
July 8, 2010 at 9:13 pm
thank you for sharing your story. my son just turned 4, and he is the greatest little guy! i can't imagine him being any other way. don't ever give up! it is the teeny, little, every day things that add up. god bless
July 8, 2010 at 9:22 pm
May god bless Zakk. You are a strong person and more importantly a loving parent. I am sure that Zakk sees the fighting spirit in you and it gives him the strength. I don't know you personally but I understand you and wish you and Zakk the best which is yet to come. You just have to believe in it.
July 9, 2010 at 1:32 am
Hi Loary, my name is Ileana Morales, my son David was diagnosed with autism at the age of 7,by the age of 10 ,he would only speak 4 to 5 words ( mama, papa, "toy" (of course) and tom and jerry). Doctor Tuchman from the Dan Marino center, told me that something happens when they turn 11…and it did.now David is now, 17 and he won't stop talking ( and I'm so happy about that). Now we have different problems, now hw wants a girlfriend and he is having problems socializing,but Im working on it. and his therapist made a comment the other day: "when they become 20 they improve more and more. so just keep going…you'll see…your kid (thanks to G0d) will amaze you.
July 12, 2010 at 3:43 am
Hi, Ileana, I'm a mother of a wonderful 3-yr old boy with autism. I would love to hear your experiences as you raise your son. He hasn't spoken any meaningful words yet, but I'm not losing hope that someday he will. I'm so happy for your son's accomplishments. If you're interested I wanna be friends with you online. Here's my id: email@example.com. God bless!
October 21, 2010 at 12:04 am
We have another child who is in our church with the same thing (Princeton, NJ). How are so many children become sick??? A large majority of these kids have double dx's or sometimes, as my child's friend has 7 DXs!!! so young??? All we can do is love them, try to keep them happy and try to teach them. Enjoy them while they are here. I will keep him in my prayers and I give you much kuddos for I know…it's hard to Rest. Rest in God and give it over to HIM. The Boss surely will give you some answers, fortitude and strength when you need it. *Hugs and much love from an ASD Mom* We're in this together as a community.
December 18, 2011 at 1:34 pm
Hello Loary,
I am in the same boat with my son, Waseem. He was diagnosed with neuroblastoma, stage IV, in September of 2006. He was also diagnosed with moderate autism the same week at Riley Hospital in Indianapolis. Because of the treatment for the neuroblastoma, he has moderate hearing loss, but can't tolerate hearing aids because of the autism. Did you go through this, and if you did, what did you do?
July 8, 2010 at 8:16 pm


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News 12 First at Five / Wednesday, April 3, 2013
HEPHZIBAH, Ga. (WRDW) -- A woman now knows her fate after a judge convicted her of DUI manslaughter. Kalisa Luke will spend four years behind bars, but the victim's family says they just don't think it's enough.
Sherry Milton is the wife of Hilton Alphonso Milton, known as Tony, who was killed by a drunk driver almost 10 months ago.
"The hardest part is moving on. I have a problem with letting go," Milton said.
She remembers the night that deputies knocked on her door like it was yesterday, saying, "My first concern was, what did he do? And they said, 'No ma'am. He's dead.' And it was like at that moment, my life just stopped."
Since that night, there's been a face that haunts her thoughts.
It's the face of Luke, the woman who killed her husband.
"The night that she decided to drive drunk changed my life," she said.
On Monday, Luke took a plea deal. A judge gave her 15 years: four to be served in prison, the rest on probation, but Milton says she doesn't think the punishment fits the crime.
"The laws against people driving under the influence of alcohol need to get stricter. It's like they're getting a slap on the hand when they should be getting something else," she said.
She says Luke's decision changed every aspect of her life, even her address. She moved out of her old house a couple of months ago.
"It was just too many memories in that house. I didn't feel at ease, "she said.
While she tries to piece her life back together in a new home, she wants others who may be thinking about getting behind the wheel drunk to hear this message: "When you get behind the wheel and you're under the influence, you put everyone at risk, including yourself. You could take a life that you can't give back, and this is what happened in this situation."


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TuneLyrics is a lyrics-fetching freeware and is a perfect companion with iTunes. [now with high-quality artwork search]
Ever wish that you could know the lyrics to the songs you are listening to on iTunes? Not willing to spend money on costly lyrics-fetching applications? Not anymore. Introducing TuneLyrics, a free alternative lyrics-fetching application that fetches lyrics on-the-fly, while you enjoy your favorite songs on iTunes. No more worries about filling in the lyrics for your songs anymore!! As of now, TuneLyrics will also help you search for high-quality album artwork for your songs : )
Required OS: 10.4
Tags: artwork , album , free , itunes , music , freeware , lyrics
13 Opinions
I use TuneLyrics in combination with Get Lyrical. If one does not find the lyrics the other does. I like the TuneLyrics options to auto-search with google for you if you are out of luck. Sometimes the lyrics might be listed under a different artist (or album), that is something you need to clue out sometimes. :D
How to use? Start playing a song in iTunes whilst TuneLyrics is open and bingo. The TuneLyrics window will show the lyrics, click Accept for them to auto-copy to the song. Click Google if it cannot find the lyrics.
One advantage of Get Lyrical is you can simply select the songs to tag with lyrics (can select lots of songs at once.) I think this would be a great improvement if added as an ability to TuneLyrics, no need to play the song first. This would speed the process up for lyric tagging an entire album.
I just got TuneLyrics and I have mixed feelings. It gets lyrics for every song so far, unfortunately only about 75% were the correct lyrics, often it gave lyrics for a totally different song... I didn't throw anything obscure at it either, popular 1960's Motown music. For that reason, I would definitely NOT recommend using this in automatic mode unless you don't care that a good portion of your lyric tags could be wrong.
Artwork search is just Google image search. My album art was already in order so no need to use that feature but I highly doubt it would perform much better than iTunes "Get Album Art" feature does.
Pros: it works most of the time, has a simple interface, and it is very fast
Cons: it doesn't work every time/ it is untrustworthy in auto mode
MyRating: 3 out 5 stars
Never finds lyrics, worthless.
It works, it's simple and lightweight, growl support is a nice touch :)
Now if there was a way to hide the app from the dock or make it a menubar item it would be perfect!
@lolcaz Crashed? How?? plz give more details : (
I was happy with this, until I realised that it crashed every time I used it. Now I'm using GimmeSomeTunes with much more success.
where the heck are the instructions?
I ain't that smart.
here's no user group,info page or anything
this is not good. i reaslly want to use this app.
Awesome app. You can go into prefs and tell it to automatically send lyrics to iTunes, and just hide it. Nice interface too.
It seems to work quite well here. Very simple but does its job.
A bit strange that Command+, takes you to update and not the preference window.
Interface? Um... there's like nothing. And, it doesn't work. Two signs an app is bad.
Page 1 of 2. 13 entries.


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Anyone want to help make a list of the best lacrosse tournaments?
I am only involved with mens lacrosse, so not sure what you are looking for. My 16 y/o son played on a tournament team this past summer and again this coming summer and by far the most fun he had was at the Lake Placid Summit tournament. Ity usually takes place first week of August, the weather was amazing the setting was beautiful and had some great competetion there as well. The cool thing about this tournmament was that it was guys and gals. For that one solid week its all lacrosse in Lake Placid New York. dependding on where you are it may be worth a long drive to go and really enjoy yourself.
What age groups are you looking for? And what part of the country? I play post-collegiate on a team in New York and we just came back from Cherry Blossom in DC which also has a U-18 tournament. Laxtoberfest in October in Annapolis is fun. The one that we have a blast at every year is the OC Lax Classic in Ocean City, Maryland in August.
I would definitely put the Colonial Cup Tournament and Combine at the top of my list! It runs in Willliamsburg, VA July 24, 25 & 26. The venue has at least 7 lighted, pro-turf fields so no rainouts. They have 2017-2011 teams and college coaches coming from up and down the east coast, mid-west and west. Their Combine which runs the 25th-26th sets up drills and small game scenarios for 2014-2011 to work with college coaches. It's a great set up and in a great location...check it out! http://www.eteamz.com/premiertournaments/index.cfm?subsite=5308479
The best resource I have found for Lacrosse tournament information is Lacrosse-Tournament-Guide.com They have just about every tournament in the US listed along with general info about each one. You can even review tournaments you've been to or read other people's reviews for some of them. Check it out at http://www.lacrosse-tournament-guide.com/
Was this tournament or combine set up for girls also? Were the college coaches there for active recruiting purposes or for teaching purposes or both? Did the players need to submit player profiles? Any information will be helpful to us as we plan to travel a great distance at considerable expense. thank you.
ACTIVE is the leader in online event registrations from 5k running races and marathons to softball leagues and local events. ACTIVE also makes it easy to learn and prepare for all the things you love to do with expert resources, training plans and fitness calculators.


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HOUSTON – Houston went 17-for-30 from the field (.567) in the second half to vault past the Texas A&M-Corpus Christi men's basketball team in a 78-67 victory on Saturday at Hofheinz Pavilion. Jeff Beverly (20) and Joy Williamson (18) each had career highs in points for the Islanders (3-6) in a losing effort.
John Jordan added 19 points, six assists and five rebounds for A&M-Corpus Christi in his return to his hometown. Houston (6-2) placed five players in double figures, led by TaShawn Thomas' 14. The Cougars forced the Islanders into 15 turnovers at the offensive end, and outscored the visitors 40-18 in the paint.
Early on, the Cougars showed strong offensive efficiency, starting 5-for-10 from the field to open up a 14-9 lead. But the Islanders tightened defensively, and coupled that with an impressive uptick on the offensive end to embark on a 16-4 run to garner a 25-18 advantage. Jordan was the catalyst, scoring eight of the visitors' 16 in the rally.
The teams traded baskets for a 27-20 score, but Houston came right back after that, getting back-to-back buckets in close en route to a 5-0 run, making it a two-point game. The Islanders then got a key triple from Williamson to put the score at 30-25, but Houston closed the half on a 4-1 run for a 31-29 Islanders lead at the half.
Beverly led all scorers with 10 points on 3-for-4 shooting, hitting a pair of threes. The Islanders went 12-for-24 from the field, including a 3-for-5 performance beyond the arc, in the opening stanza. Houston, by comparison, went just 9-for-23 from the field.
The Cougars continued the momentum out of the break, regaining the lead on a Jherrod Steggers dunk that made it 33-31. After the Cougars extended their edge to 38-35, the teams engaged in a back-and-forth that saw neither team lead by more than a single possession until Jordan hit a pair of free throws to tie it at 47. After U of H got a Danrad Knowles tip in and three-point play from Jaaron Simmons to push the lead to five, Williamson drilled a three to cut the lead to just two at 52-50.
UH then embarked on a critical 11-3 run to push its lead to a game-high 10. The rally culminated with five straight points that featured dunks by TaShawn Thomas and Knowles to make it 63-53 and force an Islanders timeout. From that point on, the Cougars had an answer for every attack from A&M-Corpus Christi, and were able to seal the victory down the stretch at the line.
The Islanders will return to action on Thursday, Dec. 5, as they head to Norman, Okla., to take on the University of Oklahoma. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. at the Floyd Noble Center.
For all the latest on Islanders Basketball, be sure to follow the team on Twitter and Instagram (@IslandersMBB) and like the official Facebook page (Islanders Mens Basketball).


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We will organize a "dive against debris" in combination with a treasure hunt...
Activities will take place both under water and on land. BBQ will be held after the "Cleaning!"
All Volunteers are welcome - Diver, Non-Diver, Children, ...
For more information, don´t hesitate to contact us!!
Make a Donation Today!
Copyright © 2013 Project AWARE Foundation. All rights reserved.


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Hey guys!
When have you planned to release version 3 of Qcad? I have just read in 2009, but not an exact date/month/quarter.
Is there a list of all new features somewhere?
Moderator: andrew
andrew wrote:QCAD 3 is well under way. However, it will be released sometime in 2010. We are unable to give you an exact release date at this point.
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text:
Suspect Sought in Auburndale Bank Robbery
Published: Thursday, February 21, 2013 at 7:39 p.m.
Last Modified: Thursday, February 21, 2013 at 7:39 p.m.
AUBURNDALE | Police in Auburndale are searching for a man who wore a disguise and a drawn-on mustache when he robbed the Bank of America branch at 300 Havendale Blvd. on Thursday morning.
Witnesses said a man wearing an Afro-style wig and glasses passed a note to the teller demanding money. He said he had a weapon, though none of the bank employees saw one, according to Auburndale police.
The robbery took place at 9:57 a.m. Witnesses said the man is black, 5-feet, 11-inches or 6-feet tall and 185 to 195 pounds. He wore a white T-shirt with a front left pocket bearing an insignia of a spade. He had a darker, form-fitting shirt beneath his T-shirt, said Auburndale police Lt. Carlos Roman. The darker shirt had small red and blue stripes, and the end of the shirt wrapped around the suspect's thumbs.
The man is believed to have driven from the bank in a bright red, late-model Chevrolet or GMC quad-cab truck with a silver or diamond-plate tool box. The truck turned west on U.S. 92, toward Lakeland.
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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Discover our great Executive First fares this Fall.
Sample fares displayed are round-trip Executive First Class fares per person, and include taxes, fees, charges and surcharges. Applicable exchange rates were correct at time of transmission, but may vary. Seats are limited; offer may no longer be available on all eligible dates. Final fares may vary depending on the routing, date of departure and return. Fares are valid at the time of transmission and apply to new bookings only. Change/cancellation restrictions and fees may apply. Additional charges may be levied at local airports.
Some itineraries may require connections. Itineraries involving connections may have higher or different prices due to varying taxes, fees, charges and surcharges. Flights to the US require transfer in Canada.
Unless otherwise specified, flights may be operated by Air Canada, Air Canada ExpressTM carriers (Jazz Aviation LP, Central Mountain Air, Sky Regional Airlines Inc., Air Georgian or Exploits Valley Air Services Ltd.) or Star Alliance® member United Airlines or United Express carriers (SkyWest Airlines, Chautauqua Airlines, Shuttle America, Trans States Airlines, GoJet Airlines or Mesa Airlines) or Lufthansa or Lufthansa affiliates or subsidiaries.
Additional conditions apply.
* Touch-screen TVs at every seat are available on all Air Canada-operated aircraft, except on certain Boeing 767's, and on select aircraft operated by Air Canada Express.
** As voted by the readers of Business Traveler


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- Destinations
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Offers valid on new bookings only. Prices shown are per-person, land only based upon double occupancy, except if expressly noted otherwise on the offer. Offers are subject to availability at time of booking and may be changed or discontinued at any time without notice. Blackout dates, minimum night stays, minimum stay requirements on air, seasonal surcharges, resort fees (if any), and other restrictions may also apply. Individual offers may require purchase of Travel Smart Plan or travel waiver. Offers are not valid for Group Travel. Some booking and travel dates may vary. Other promotions and departure dates available which may result in a different rate and/or hotel inclusion. Customer may be responsible for hotel taxes and fees on free nights and other offers, where applicable. Ask your Travel Specialist for details. Classic Vacations CST# 2079429-20
PO BOX 5650 Lautoka
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Hotel Ratings
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Amenity Highlights:
- Equipped with air conditioning, netting-canopied beds, and jetted tubs, the resort's villas are set along the beach or an adjacent hillside. Guests dine on fresh seafood and local produce overlooking the outdoor pool or follow one of the resort's many trails to a bar on a point that faces the setting sun. Arrangements for candlelit dinners on the beach and private picnics on a nearby island can also be arranged.
PO BOX 5650 Lautoka
Vomo Island,
- Mamanuca Islands
Airport:Nadi International NAN
OverviewFully refurbished, Vomo Island Resort's villas embody natural elegance and style, in keeping with the beauty of the surroundings. Each spacious villa is air-conditioned, private and filled with perfumed candles, fresh local fruits and flowers. These small considerations are typical of the refinements that define the Vomo experience.Every villa features an extended sun deck with reclining loungers and al fresco dining table and chairs. Inside the villa you can unwind in a luxurious sleeping area and separate living and dressing area. There is a private spa in the bathroom so you can soak up some island serenity with a glass of champagne.
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Extra person charges may apply and vary depending on hotel policy.
Rollaway beds and cribs (infant beds) may be available and should be requested at the time of booking; fees may apply.
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- Pets not allowed
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Rates include all meals and non-alcoholic beverages during meals.
Reef RestaurantA la carte breakfasts, light lunches, and gourmet dinners featuring fresh seafood and Pacific Island produce are served overlooking the pool, beach, and Yasawa Island group across the water. An island band plays nightly, with lovos, mekes, and other cultural ceremonies performed on a regular basis.
Vuda BarThis poolside bar provides a pleasant oasis for morning coffee and afternoon cocktails..
Rocks BarLocated at the western point of the island, this bar is a popular place to sip a cocktail or glass of wine as the sun sinks beneath the sea.
Guests have access to a freshwater swimming pool and the pristine beach that encircles the island. An on-site activity team can help with kayaks, windsurfers, Hobie cats, and snorkeling equipment, all of which are complimentary for guest use. Back on land, guests can play tennis, croquet, lawn bowling, and volleyball, or practice their strokes on a nine-hole, Par 3 pitch and putt golf course. They can also explore the island's natural charms via jogging trails, island hikes, and floral garden tours. Fee-based excursions, including deep-sea fishing, island-hopping, and helicopter-sightseeing tours, can be arranged on site.The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or near the hotel; fees may apply.
- Basketball
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- Helicopter/airplane sightseeing
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Available Room Types:Garden Villa
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Important Dates:Book from 12/05/2011 through 03/26/2013
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This is an excerpt from EERE Network News, a weekly electronic newsletter.
November 25, 2009
DOE Awards $620 Million for Smart Grid and Energy Storage Projects
DOE awarded on November 24 a total of $620 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funds for projects around the country to demonstrate advanced Smart Grid technologies and integrated systems, as well as large-scale energy storage systems. The 16 Smart Grid demonstration projects, which include smart meters, distribution and transmission system monitoring devices, and a range of other smart technologies, will act as models for deploying integrated Smart Grid systems on a broader scale. This Recovery Act funding will leverage $1 billion from the private sector to support a total investment of more than $1.6 billion. An analysis by the Electric Power Research Institute estimates that implementing Smart Grid technologies could reduce U.S. electricity use by more than 4% by 2030.
DOE will award $435 million to support 16 fully integrated, regional Smart Grid demonstrations in 21 states, representing over 50 utilities and electricity organizations with a combined customer base of almost 100 million consumers. The projects include streamlined communication technologies that will allow different parts of the grid to "talk" to each other in real time; sensing and control devices that help grid operators monitor and control the flow of electricity to avoid disruptions and outages; smart meters and in-home systems that empower consumers to reduce their energy use and save money; on-site energy storage options; and on-site and renewable energy sources that can be integrated onto the electrical grid. For example, Consolidated Edison Company of New York, Inc. will demonstrate a secure Smart Grid in New York and New Jersey that will offer grid monitoring and automated control of transmission lines and will better accommodate renewable power generation. The system, which will include lower Manhattan, will accommodate electric vehicle charging stations, and will feature customer systems designed to help expand the use of renewable energy and lead to greater customer participation in the electricity system.
An additional 16 awards for a total of $185 million will help fund utility-scale energy storage projects that will enhance the reliability and efficiency of the grid, while reducing the need for new electricity plants. Improved energy storage technologies will allow for expanded integration of renewable energy resources like wind and photovoltaic systems and will improve frequency regulation and peak energy management. The selected projects include advanced battery systems (including flow batteries), flywheels, and compressed air energy systems. One recipient is 44 Tech Inc., which is getting $5 million to partner with Carnegie Mellon University to demonstrate a sodium-ion battery for grid applications. This project will showcase a new, low-cost, long-life, highly efficient, environmentally friendly, stationary battery that uses proven and fully novel cell chemistry. See the DOE press release, and a complete list of the projects (PDF 59 KB). Download Adobe Reader.