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Debbie DeAngelo: Low-effort ways to detox your home
Don't just worry about the dust bunnies you can see in your home. Worry about the chemicals you can't.
Minimizing your contact with chemicals and potentially harmful substances shouldn't be limited to the foods you eat or the products used on your skin.
Your home environment needs consideration, too. The chemicals applied to furniture, carpeting, flame-resistant clothing, dry cleaning, lawn and garden products, and many other household items can have an immediate effect on your body or can wreak havoc after long-term exposure.
Even though it's impossible to completely avoid toxic substances, simple proactive changes in your daily routine can reduce your exposure. Here are four low-effort ways to maintain a healthy home.
Get rid of room fresheners. Whether for your home, car or office, air fresheners are worse than the odors you're trying to mask. That pleasant, artificial aroma adds to indoor air pollution.
Sprays, aerosols, candles and plug-ins commonly contain illness-inducing phthalates, acetaldehyde and synthetic fragrances.
Some of the ingredients in air fresheners are considered hazardous.
The best ways of deodorizing a room include opening a window, running a fan and using a well-placed box of baking soda.
Kick off your kicks. The soles of your shoes serve as a blueprint of your day's journey. From public restrooms to chemically treated lawns, you're bringing everything home with you.
Removing your shoes at the door prevents you from tracking in whatever you've stepped in day in and day out. This becomes even more important if you have babies crawling around on the floor or kids sitting and playing on the carpet.
Unless you want fertilizer in your kitchen, lead dust in the TV room and road sealant in your bedroom, ask everyone entering your home to place their shoes on a mat next to the door. Cleaning Fido's paws every time he comes in helps, too.
Toss the dryer sheets. These polyester sheets are coated with a chemical fabric softener to keep clothes feeling plush and to prevent static. This is accomplished by transferring a light chemical coating to your clothes.
Some of the ingredients used in dryer sheets have been linked to asthma and other lung problems in otherwise healthy individuals. Scented versions carry with them dozens more chemicals used to duplicate a specific aroma. Manufactured fragrances utilize hundreds of chemicals, many of which are listed as carcinogens, hormone disrupters and reproductive toxins.
Although dryer sheets are unnecessary, many people can't imagine doing laundry without them.
A few other alternatives include running white vinegar in the rinse cycle of the washing machine to soften clothes and buying reusable, chemical-free dryer sheets.
Clean green. Pick up any household cleaning product and read the litany of ingredients on the label. Do you recognize them? Probably not.
Even if you can't pronounce them, you'll be left with little doubt as to how chemically laden they are.
From dish soap to furniture polish to all-purpose cleaner, we invite this toxic parade into our home on a daily basis.
Fortunately, there are low-cost options for highly effective cleaning agents.
Buying chemical-free brands is an option too, but for the budget conscious, it's just as easy to buy the ingredients and mix them up.
Commonly used ingredients in D.I.Y. recipes include distilled white vinegar, liquid Castile soap, baking soda and borax. There are many books and websites that list recipes for making your own nontoxic cleaning products.
DEBBIE DeANGELO is a registered nurse at UPMC Hamot and an Erie Times-News columnist.


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C V S/ Pharmacy - Coopersburg, PA - Phone: (610) 282-4131
Gourmet Shops in Coopersburg can be defined as the shops where one can buy a variety of foodstuffs, like- oysters, langoustine, mushrooms, world jams, beef fillets, wild game, fowl, smoked salmon, and many more.
Governor Cuomo Announces First Solar Schools Project At The New York Institute For Special Education In The Bronx
Governor Cuomo's K-Solar Program Increases Use of Renewable Energy in Schools (New York, NY) Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the New York Institute for Special Education in the Bronx will be the site of the state's first solar schools project and will have solar panel arrays installed thanks to a power purchase agreement with SolarCity. This public-private partnership..

subset: commoncrawl


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The Mariners
This period property is bursting with character, charm and friendly atmosphere and has a seperate restaurant, private gardens with sea views and a heated 'Breeze House' which means you can enjoy dining overlooking the Jurassic Coast - all year round. Open daily for morning coffee, lunch, afternoon tea and evening meals.
- 4 AA Stars Inn
- AA Awards AA - 1 Rosette 2015
Opening Times
|Open Christmas
|Open New Year
|Opening (1 Jan 2016 - 31 Dec 2016)
What's Nearby
Town Mill - Lyme Regis
Fully restored working watermill in the heart of Lyme Regis. Regular demonstrations of milling, art...0.16 miles away
Lyme Regis Philpot Museum
*** Lyme Regis Museum is getting bigger! We're building our exciting extension, the Mary Anning...0.28 miles away
Lyme Regis Beaches
Lyme regis is a picturesque and historic seaside town set in an area of outstanding natural...0.34 miles away
Charmouth Beach
Charmouth Beach is slightly shelving and is made up of pebbles and sand.
Charmouth Beach is...1.7 miles away
Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre
Set up to encourage safe and sustainable collecting of Jurassic fossils from local beaches, the...1.71 miles away
Golden Cap
Golden Cap is the rather obvious name for a high, flat-topped hill of deep orange sandstone on the...4.25 miles away
Seatown Beach
A steep shelving beach with pebbles and shingle.5.08 miles away
Eype Beach
Eype Beach is a steeply shelving pebble beach and is located three miles from Bridport.
Walkers...6.76 miles away
Bridport Leisure Centre
The leisure centre is open seven days a week and has a comprehensive programme of activities to...7.66 miles away
Lyme Bay RIB Charter
Exciting & exhilarating boat trips running from West Bay along the Jurassic Coast.RIB Blasts,...7.75 miles away
West Bay Beach
Shingle, sand and pebbles. Steep shelving.
Slipway and harbour.
Auxiliary coastguard.7.82 miles away
Palmers Brewery
Palmers Brewery is situated in Bridport, a charming market town nestling in the hills on the...7.85 miles away
Bridport Museum
From Romans to rope-making. Bridport Museum tells the unique story of the town from its Saxon...7.92 miles away
Furleigh Estate Wine Tours
Set in West Dorset's wonderful green and rolling hills, Furleigh Estate makes some of the best...7.99 miles away
Forde Abbey and Gardens
Forde Abbey is a fascinating combination of mediaeval monastery and family home. Many of its 12th...8.2 miles away
Donkey Walking Adventures
At Donkey Walking in Dorset we invite you to spend a morning or afternoon with one of our friendly...8.76 miles away


text: Rajasthan Royals innings19.4 overs: Rajasthan 197 for 5 Hodge vs Steyn. Who is going to win the battle? First ball yields a double. A single off the second. Hodge is off-strike now. Yagnik looks under tremendous pressure. Steyn and Sanga are chatting meanwhile, discussing their strategy. All to no avail as Yagnik slams a boundary past the point fieldsman. Another four and it's over. Rajasthan Royals chase down 196! Great chase by the Dravid-led team. Their second successive win. The win takes them to the top.19th over: Rajasthan 186 for 5 Botha departs off Rajan's first ball. Tanmay Mishra takes an easy catch at deep mid-wicket as Botha tries to go for a big shot. Another twist to the tale. Dishant Yagnik is the new batsman. Can he and Hodge do it for Rajasthan? Here comes a four off the bat of Hodge. Rememember he has been dropped once. What is happening here? Rajan loses his cool and bowls a beamer. Gets a warning. Hodge makes him pay by hitting a six off the next ball. What a batting by the Australian. 10 runs are requited off the last over - for a Rajasthan win.Botha c Ankit Sharma b Anand Rajan 14 (9) 18th over: Rajasthan 172 for 4 After being dropped by Chipli earlier in the over, Botha hits Christian for a six off the fifth ball. It's anybody's game from here. Deccan have dropped two catches so far and that can cost them dear.17th over: Rajasthan 159 for 4 Brad Hogde hits Steyn for four fours. It's not over yet.16th over: Rajasthan 142 for 4 Shah finally out. Tries to hit Mishra out of the part but holes out to Jhunjhunwala at deep mid-wicket. Mishra's third strike so far. He has really turned the tables on RR.Shah c Jhunjhunwala b A Mishra 12(11)15th over: Rajasthan 134 for 3 Brad Hodge unleashes his fury on Ankit Sharma as he hits a six. Hang on. There is a drop catch. Shah tries to hit over long-on but his execution is poor and Dale Steyn bungles an easy chance. 14th over: Rajasthan 123 for 3 Rahane out. Tries to launch Mishra over long-off but fails to do so and Daniel Christian takes an easy catch. This is a big blow to RR's hopes. It was the leggie's second wicket in as many overs. Rahane c Christian b A Mishra 44 (31) 13th over: Rajasthan 119 for 2 Owais Shah is the new batsman. We know what he is capable of. Here comes a four off his bat. Ankit Sharma despairs. The contest is well and truly on.12th over: Rajasthan 110 for 2 Now Menaria takes over. Launches Mishra into the mid-wicket stands with his left leg out of the way. Menaria out. A soft dismissal. Tries to do a repeat of his previous shot but his execution is poor this time as he finds Duminy at short mid-wicket.Menaria c Duminy b A Mishra 22 (20) 11th over: Rajasthan 101 for 1 Anand Rajan returns and Rahane lofts him over covers for a one bounce four. Menaria follows suit as he smashes a four through the covers. With that RR reach 100. That is some start. 10th over: Rajasthan 89 for 1 Legspinner Amit Mishra is brought on and lo and behold, Rahane hits him for a six over covers. Makes room for himself to execute it. What a match it's turning out to be. 9th over: Rajasthan 78 for 1 Dale Steyn is brought back on. He conceded three fours in his first overs to Dravid. Now is the time for redemption for him and he pretty much redeems himself by giving away just four runs. 8th over: Rajasthan 74 for 1 Ashok Menaria is the new batsman. He has the reputation of a big-hitter. A quiet over by all means as just four runs come off Daniel Christian. 7th over: Rajasthan 70 for 1 Rajan on again. What a start by the hosts. Dravid played a blinder of an innings. RR have got the start they wanted. Their best bet Rahane is still there. Match on. A four off the last ball. Rahane hits it straight back over the bowler's head. 6th over: Rajasthan 62 for 1 Dravid is in his zone. Hits Christian for a big six over covers. Makes room for himself and executes it to perfection. It's hard to believe that he has taken retirement. There is so much cricket left in him. Another big shot, a four this time. The ball travels through the covers like a bazooka. Dravid out off the fifth ball! Unfortunate dismissal. The yorker ricochets off his shoe to hit the wickets.Dravid b Christian 42 (24)5th over: Rajasthan 50 for 0 Anand Rajan drops Rahane off his own bowling. But a tough chance, it has to be said. Meanwhile, Dravid unleashes another four, past the mid-off fieldsman. Another four, a thick edge off the Dravid's bat, the ball goes past wicketkeeper Sangakkara like a tracer bullet. The 50-run partnership comes up between Dravid and Rahane, and the former has been the chief destroyer so far.4th over: Rajasthan 39 for 0 Daniel Christian is being taken to the cleaners. Three fours in the over. One by Dravid, two by Rahane. 3rd over: Rajasthan 25 for 0 Now Rahane gets into the act. Greets Ankit with a four in the direction of long-on. Rahane starts from where he had left off.2nd over: Rajasthan 17 for 0 Dravid takes Dale Steyn by the scruff of his collar. Takes three fours off the South African bowler. A great contest. 1st over: Rajasthan 5 for 0 Spinner Ankit Sharma opens the bowling for Deccan. Ajinkya Rahane and Rahul Dravid play him cautiously. Rahane scored a superb ton in the last match and he is, without a doubt, a key here.Deccan Chargers innings20th over: Deccan 196 for 2 Duminy hits another four, past the gully fieldsman. Here comes a six. Fifty for Duminy. Straight over the bowler's head. He follows it up with another. This time over mid-wicket. Amit Singh having a bad day at the office. What an innings by JP Duminy, 58 not out off 26 balls. Christian played a perfect foil to him with 29 not out off 19 balls. It's a big total and going to test Rajasthan's batsmen not a little. They scored almost a similar score against RCB, but that time they batted first. Here it will be another thing. 19th over: Deccan 178 for 2 Daniel Christian takes a four off Pankaj Singh's first ball. Makes room to hit past the point fieldsman. It went like a rocket. Hang on. JP Duminy goes one better. A huge six over long-on. Dances down the track and sends the ball into the stands. What strike. Here is another six. Duminy is taking Pankaj to the cleaners. The direction is a bit straighter this time. Duminy is showing why is touted as one of the most dangerous batsmen in the world. The over concludes with a single. 19 from the over.18th over: Deccan 160 for 2 Amit Singh returns and Christian greets him with a four off the first ball. Another four off the fifth ball preceded by two doubles. The last ball also is dispatched for a four. A great over for DC. Amit is looking dejected. Who won't after giving 17 runs?17th over: Deccan 143 for 2 Another six. This time it's Christian. Hits straight over the bower's head. Super shot. 11 runs off the Brad Hogg over. 16th over: Deccan 132 for 2 The stage is set for an onslaught. The first ball yields three byes as wicketkeeper Yagnik does a bad job behind the wicket. Bowler Trivedi expresses his disappointment. By the way, the pitch has slowed down to a great extent in the last few overs, making it difficult for batsmen to go for big shots. Hang on. Here is the second six of the innings. Duminy hits a ripper over mid-wicket. Utter disdain for the bowler. 15th over: Deccan 119 for 2 JP Duminy is the new batsman. He is a big-hitting player and on his day can be unstoppable. Botha is operating and does well against his compatriot. Meanwhile, Owais Shah fields superbly on the straight boundary to deny Christian a boundary. 14th over: Deccan 110 for 2 Dhawan out. Tries to slog-sweep Trivedi over square-leg but finds Hodge who takes a running catch on the boundary. A top-class innings comes to an end. Dhawan c Hodge b Trivedi 52 (43)13th over: Deccan 108 for 1 Daniel Christian is the new batsman who finds it hard to deal with Botha's offspinners. Just three runs off the over.12th over: Deccan 105 for 1 Brad Hogg concedes nine runs in the over. Despite the wicket, the runs are coming freely for DC.11th over: Deccan 96 for 1 RR strike through Brad Hodge. Sangakkara departs. Hits Hodge for a four and a six before getting out. Tries to go for a big shot but finds a leading edge. Wicketkeeper Yagnik takes an easy skier. Sangakkara c â Yagnik b Hodge 44 (32)10th over: Deccan 83 for 0 This is the highest opening stand by any team this season. Hogg bowls another tidy over. DC can't afford to slacken here. They have to put a big score on the board to test a powerful Rajasthani batting line-up. You remember what Ajinkya Rahane did against RCB. 9th over: Deccan 77 for 0 Trivedi bowls his second over and Dhawan smashes another four past the point fieldsman. The rest of the over is relatively quiet with singles. 8th over: Deccan 70 for 0 Now Australia veteran Brad Hogg takes the ball. Will he able to change the trend? That's the question. He has bowled the best over so far. A couple of lbw shouts against Dhawan, who has found it hard to pick the bowler. But the left-hander makes up for it all with a four off the last ball. Still, a good over going by what we have witnessed so far on this lifeless deck. 7th over: Deccan 63 for 0 Siddarth Trivedi comes into the attack but it seems he won't be of much use on this pitch. Dhawan hits him for a boundary on the leg side off the second ball. One more thing, the outfield is very fast. It's really travelling out there. By the by, this is Deccan's highest opening partnership this season.6th over: Deccan 57 for 0 Botha back on but Sangakkara is as disdainful as ever. He notches up a four off the fourth delivery. The rest of the over is relatively quiet. Can't help and I will say it again that the pitch is full of runs. No assistance for the bowlers so far. 5th over: Deccan 49 for 0 Pankaj Singh returns. But fails to impress as Sanga takes a four off the fifth ball. The pitch is as flat as a pancake. A high-scoring game is on the cards, there are no doubts about that. 4th over: Deccan 39 for 0 Amit Singh again. First ball yields five runs on account of a bye. Dhawan hits another four, off the third ball. Great going. Another good over for DC. For the first time in this tournament they are batting with purpose. Both batsmen are determined to put the disappointment of the last matches behind. 3rd over: Deccan 26 for 0 Early signs show it's a batting paradise. Shikhar takes a four off Botha's first ball, well hit past point. Another four off the fifth ball. Dhawan looks in imperious touch. Again past the point fieldsman.2nd over: Deccan 16 for 0 Now it's Amit Singh's turn to bowl. He also had a great game against RCB. Sangakkara hits a delightful four off the last ball. The rest of the over is quite quiet. 1st over: Deccan 9 for 0 Pankaj Singh opens the proceedings for Rajasthan. He was one of their top performers in their last match against RCB. However, it has been a bad start for him here as Kumar Sangakkara hits him for a four towards the fine-leg boundary. More action in this over, a huge run-out appeal against Shikhar Dhawan. Replays show he is in. Another four, this time off the bat of Shikhar Dhawan. The over concludes. Good start for DC.3:30 p.m. Deccan win toss. Sangakkara says, "We'll bat first."The much anticipated change has arrived for DC. JP Duminy is in, replacing the Australian Cameron White. Also playing this game for Decccan are Tanmay Mishra and Abhishek Jhunjhunwala, who have been drafted into the XI at the expense of Parthiv Patel and Ravi Teja.The interesting bit about Tanmay is that he is playing as an Indian player (as he holds an Indian passport) despite having represented Kenya internationally.There is an injury-forced change for hosts Rajasthan. Shreevats Goswami got injured minutes before the toss, making way for Dishant Yagnik. Playing XIs:Rajasthan Royals: Ajinkya Rahane, Rahul Dravid (capt), Owais Shah, Brad Hodge, Ashok Menaria, Dishant Yagnik (wk), Johan Botha, Bradd Hogg, Amit Singh, Siddharth Trivedi, Pankaj Singh.Deccan Chargers: Bharat Chipli, Shikhar Dhawan, Tanmay Mishra, Daniel Christian, Kumar Sangakkara (wk), JP Duminy, Abhishek Jhunjhunwala, Ankit Sharma, Amit Mishra, Dale Steyn, Anand Rajan3:15 p.m. Aloha! We are in the territory of the Royals, Rajasthan Royals to be precise, and they are hosting the men from Hyderabad, the Deccan Chargers. This is Match 20 of IPL 5.Rajasthan are turning out to be the tournament's surprise package, making heads turn just like in the league's inaugural season, which they won under Shane Warne. This time Rahul Dravid is at the helm with three wins in the five games they have played so far, which perches them just behind the table-toppers Delhi Daredevils on the leaderboard.Deccan have so far been a no-show, losing both the matches they have played so far. The distinct advantage could be that they are the only team to have played just two matches, with every other team having played four games at least. So don't count them out just yet. The toss is coming up next, until then read the game's preview.


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Two-thirds of temporary workers employed in services or manufacturing
May 02, 2001
Temporary workers were most often assigned to work in the manufacturing and services industries in 1999. Relative to traditional workers, they were much more likely to be working in manufacturing and much less likely to be in wholesale and retail trade.
The percentage of temporary help agency workers in the services industry was slightly larger (38.7 percent to 35.2 percent) than for traditional workers. By a ratio of nearly 2-to-1, however, temporary workers were more likely than workers in traditional arrangements to work in manufacturing. This ratio was more than reversed in the wholesale and retail trade industry, where traditional workers were represented more than 2.5 times as often.
These data are from a February supplement to the Current Population Survey (CPS). Find out more in "Characteristics of and preference for alternative work arrangements, 1999," by Marisa DiNatale, Monthly Labor Review, March 2001.
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, The Economics Daily, Two-thirds of temporary workers employed in services or manufacturing on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/opub/ted/2001/apr/wk5/art03.htm (visited September 29, 2016).
Recent editions of Spotlight on Statistics
A look at healthcare spending, employment, pay, benefits, and prices
As one of the largest U.S. industries, healthcare is steadily growing to meet the needs of an increasing population with an increasing life expectancy. This Spotlight looks at how much people spend on healthcare, current and projected employment in the industry, employer-provided healthcare benefits, healthcare prices, and pay for workers in healthcare occupations.
Employment and Wages in Healthcare Occupations
Healthcare occupations are a significant percentage of U.S. employment. Some of the largest and highest paying occupations are in healthcare. This Spotlight examines employment and wages for healthcare occupations.
Fifty years of looking at changes in peoples lives
Longitudinal surveys help us understand long-term changes, such as how events that happened when a person was in high school affect labor market success as an adult.


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Yes, female chefs are breaking the glass ceiling. Find out how they're penetrating the culinary world (and find links to some of their award-winning recipes).
Remember Casey Thompson, one of the most promising contestants of Top Chef? Get to know more about her in this interview, done right before the chef showdown. She didn't win, but we hope that she'll be one of the female chefs to truly penetrate the male-bastion that is the culinary world.
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Chefs aren't easily impressed, but hands down, many of them agree that Raymond Blanc is one of the best. The man behind Le Manoir Aux Quat' Saisons has proven his mettle as a restaurateur, hotelier and businessman. He is also one of the key influences in French cuisine and reinvented many of its classic dishes. "I just want to show the beauty of the flavour and texture… even when I peel a carrot, I think how to produce the flavour better," he says.
His first foray into the kitchen wasn't automatically successful, though. When he was 17 he tried to impress his mother by making a crêpe suzette. But he used a glass dish instead of a frying man, and ended up blowing up the glass and smearing the kitchen with caramel.
But despite that accident his love for cooking returned when he looked through a restaurant window and saw a chef flambé a sea bass.
From there he climbed up the ladder, starting as a dishwasher, then a waiter, training under chefs and working double time to save for his own restaurant. He opened Les Quat' Saisons in Oxford when he was 28 years old. He also has his own show, The Restaurant.
Get celebrity chef cooking tips from Rick Bayless and Jose Garces here. The two teamed up to make a mean batch of steaks. One gem of insight: "To get more flavor from dried ancho chilies, toast them briefly in a dry skillet until they crackle." Blended with broth or tomatoes, the ancho's flavor is better than using commercial chili powder, he said.
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Do you want to be a celebrity chef? Or at least pretend to be one? Have your 30 seconds of fame on Foodtube.net. Here, you can upload (or watch) videos of people who think they can cook… but then again, how much different is it from what Rachael Ray does?
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Antonio Carluccio, an Italian chef who runs a successful restaurant chain and has made a number of television appearances, stabbed himself in the chest with a kitchen knife.
According to the accounts no one knows what really happened, or whether it was an accident or a suicide attempt.
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Check out this link for one of Emeril's recipes — a simple dish of creamed spinach that's received rave reviews from the foodie community.
Yes, he's one celebrity chef who can actually cook.
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It's good to see celebrity chefs getting together for a good cause — in this case, raising money for the March of Dimes.
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Gordon Ramsay's video game of "Hell's Kitchen" is due for a release — but the public was shocked at news that it would only be given a PG Rating.
The man swears, throws objects, and is generally called the culinary world's potty mouth.
But apparently, he's still tame compared to video games that have you slaughtering ogres and demons.
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Has Oprah not learned from the Rachael Ray fiasco? She is now endorsing vegan chef Tal Ronnen, who is already beginning to reap the wonders of fame judging from this article.
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tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20266288.post8323884620311533412..comments2016-08-23T01:39:20.228-07:00Comments on Adventures in Babywearing: Babywearing Tip Of The Week: On Traveling...Stephanie Precourthttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-20266288.post-69367061254318908872007-12-26T07:32:00.000-08:002007-12-26T07:32:00.000-08:00I started wearing my babies when I had baby number...I started wearing my babies when I had baby number 4. I love it and have been able to wear my last three children. My husband has his own sling beacuse he likes to wear them also.
When we flew to Phoenix last year we had a 5 month old and I did the same thing at the airport. I wore her and she was quiet and content.Susanhttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-20266288.post-89822688430243903252007-12-23T15:11:00.000-08:002007-12-23T15:11:00.000-08:00Great ideas!Great ideas!hyperactiveluhttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-20266288.post-47823455101784083412007-12-22T09:14:00.000-08:002007-12-22T09:14:00.000-08:00I saw people wearing their kids in slngs on our la...I saw people wearing their kids in slngs on our last trip to DisneyWorld. The thing I couldn't believe was how many of them were wearing them improperly. All the fabric scrunched up around their necks. They all looked so uncomfortable I finally took pity on one mom and helped her get things together. I rearranged her sling for her so that it fanned on her shoulder and supported her back. She and baby were both much more comfortable and happy after that. And then my DH reminded me that we were supposed to be on vacation and it wasn't my job to go around helping hopeful sling wearers.
People need more baby wearing education. Slings are tricky but they are oh so wonderful when you get it on properly.BethGohttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-20266288.post-81783521294709941072007-12-21T22:48:00.000-08:002007-12-21T22:48:00.000-08:00alright, things have come a long way since the snu...alright, things have come a long way since the snugli!!! I wish, wish, wish slings were out and popular for my children, but that dumb snugli that hurt my back and I couldn't get tight enough or in the right spot was the next best thing!! I used it more with the second and third because I needed those ten more hands!!! Great post Steph and Sheryl!! I am so jealous but happy that we keep on finding better ideas for helping with children!!chrissyhttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-20266288.post-48117070201071031242007-12-21T20:03:00.000-08:002007-12-21T20:03:00.000-08:00I am a ring-sling user mostly but I have found tha...I am a ring-sling user mostly but I have found that my MeiTai is the best bet for airport travel. I can keep my 21month on my back as I go through security and have my hands free to carry bags or load things on the conveyor belt, etc... I guess an Ergo would do the same job. The TSA people always made me take him out of the ring sling due to the metal but the MeiTai is a lifesaver!! Very timely tip! We leave for FL tomorrow. Happy Holidays.Farrahhttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-20266288.post-77455711291221698232007-12-21T16:46:00.000-08:002007-12-21T16:46:00.000-08:00That is a great looking pouch! I wonder where she ...That is a great looking pouch! I wonder where she got it...? Tee hee. Marry Christmas!milk&honeyhttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-20266288.post-3456607566242359132007-12-21T10:48:00.000-08:002007-12-21T10:48:00.000-08:00It's so true! I liked babywearing with my first ch...It's so true! I liked babywearing with my first child, but it was absolutely indispensable when I had a newborn baby and a toddler. Yay for slings and baby carriers!ErinOrtlundhttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-20266288.post-15139777500576421872007-12-21T10:07:00.000-08:002007-12-21T10:07:00.000-08:00Baby wearing is SO great. We could go out anywhere...Baby wearing is SO great. We could go out anywhere with our baby snug and happy in his (or her!) sling. What a great trip, Sheryl!Beckhttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-20266288.post-28500864459486246932007-12-21T09:25:00.000-08:002007-12-21T09:25:00.000-08:00OH I just LOVE Sheryl......she's so cute. I don't ...OH I just LOVE Sheryl......she's so cute. I don't have a baby to wear so I just want to say hi to you and Sheryl.....! hahahahaMore Than A Single Momhttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-20266288.post-17359863147761173892007-12-21T09:13:00.000-08:002007-12-21T09:13:00.000-08:00I am praying our travels go as smooth tomorrow, we...I am praying our travels go as smooth tomorrow, we are not taking a stroller for our 3 or 1 year old. We are taking two Ergos (one borrowed) but I think we'll try to make the 3 year old walk. We are not just forging the airport, but a taxi ride, train to a bus and then the airport. I think the airport will be the easiest!Kiki@Seagulls in the Parking Lothttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-20266288.post-54514078964179324572007-12-21T05:58:00.000-08:002007-12-21T05:58:00.000-08:00Great tip! Thanks to you and Sheryl both.Great tip! Thanks to you and Sheryl both.Jana (sidetrack'd)http://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-20266288.post-70158739087167799442007-12-21T04:57:00.000-08:002007-12-21T04:57:00.000-08:00This is an awesome benefit of babywearing! I just ...This is an awesome benefit of babywearing! I just wanted to add that on an airplane, I have been made to take the baby out of the sling during the flight...I thought it was retarded, cause if soemthing happened I would want baby strapped to me! But the fligth attendant insisted it was against policy. BUT otherwise in the airport it worked GREAT!

And when visiting relatives with a new baby over the holidays, keeping baby close helps ward off the baby holders and germ spreaders too! :-)Elizabeth F.http://firstname.lastname@example.com


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Now the bad news. I have never experienced such an excessive engine noise and vibration. It was so bad that at 3am on the second morning I attended at reception. My complaint was dealt with sympathetically and we were subsequently transferred to another cabin further away from the engine room.
On the whole this is a traditional small ship with a very helpful staff that provides a good service.


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Web posted Tuesday, November 24, 1998 5:42 a.m. CT
Brown to prepare Longhorns for 10 a.m. start
The Associated Press
AUSTIN (AP) - Mack Brown was born in Tennessee and graduated from Florida State. But the first-year Texas coach says he knows all about the rivalry behind Friday's football matchup with No. 6 Texas A&M.
"This isn't my first rodeo," Brown said Monday. "I've been in big games before. In the spring, I asked people if they wanted to beat Texas A&M or Oklahoma more. They said `Yes.'
"I'm planning on being here a long time, so I've got to get used to this game and the Oklahoma game. I want the A&M experience."
Texas (7-3, 5-2 Big 12 Conference), which dropped out of The Associated Press poll this week after an open date, defeated Oklahoma 34-3 earlier in the season.
What's different about Friday's game for Brown is the early start. Kickoff for the nationally televised game on ABC is scheduled for 10 a.m. Although it's the same time as it was the past two years, it's a new twist for Brown. His only other game that started before noon was as an assistant at Oklahoma.
"You go to bed Thursday night you'd better be ready to play because you're going to get up and it's going to be gametime," Brown said.
And it could have the Longhorns enduring early wake-up calls the rest of the week. Brown is considering having his players get up at 5:30 a.m. the next several days to get accustomed to the early hours. On Friday, the team will have to rise early enough to be at the stadium by 8 a.m.
"If they get up at 5:30, I'll get up at 5:30," Brown said. "They'll probably call me at home to make sure I'm up. They don't need to be getting up at 7 all week and then on game day get up at 5:30."
Texas quarterback Major Applewhite said he'll get up any time Brown wants, although Applewhite says he can't remember the last time he saw 5:30 a.m.
"Coach Brown knows what's best for the team," Applewhite said.
Intensifying this year's edition of the rivalry is Ricky Williams' quest for the NCAA Division I-A career rushing record. Williams needs 63 yards to break Tony Dorsett's record of 6,082.
Getting the record and winning go hand in hand, Applewhite said.
"We're not going to win if Ricky doesn't get yards," Applewhite said.
Dorsett is supposed to be at the game, and few doubt the record will be broken, including Williams. The senior tailback has gained at least 145 yards in each the past three games in the series.
"Should I? I don't want to doubt myself or my offensive line. I think it's great that he's going to be there to watch me break the record,' Williams said. "He was a great running back when he played."
The Longhorns also will be going for their second win this season against a top-10 opponent. Texas lost to No. 3 UCLA 49-31 and to No. 2 Kansas State 48-7 before beating then-No. 7 Nebraska 20-16.
"If this team had a little easier schedule, it probably could have been in the mix of some things near the top," Brown said.
Texas' chances of reaching the Big 12 championship game were lost Nov. 14 in a 42-35 defeat at Texas Tech. That loss instead sent A&M (10-1, 7-0) to the league's title game Dec. 5 against Kansas State.
A victory against the Longhorns would keep alive A&M's slim hopes of playing for the national title. The Aggies have won 10 in a row after a season-opening loss to Florida State.
"There's more pressure on A&M than us," Brown said.
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|The Qualitative Report
An online journal dedicated to qualitative research since 1990 Volume 13 Number 1 March 2008
|Ronald J.
Chenail, Ph.D., Sally St. George, Ph.D., Dan Wulff, Ph.D., Maureen
Duffy, Ph.D., and Laurie L. Charles, Ph.D., Editors
Teachers Who Left the Teaching Profession: A Qualitative
Understanding (pp. 1-11)
PDF Full Text
Liza Gonzalez, Michelle Stallone Brown, and John R. Slate
Abstract: In this study, the researchers investigated public school teacher attrition in the State of Texas. The study examined the problem by focusing on the predominant reasons teachers give for leaving the profession after working only one year as a teacher. Eight persons who had left the teaching profession after one year teaching were contacted and interviewed concerning their reasons for leaving. The three most influential factors found were lack of administrative support, difficulties with student discipline, and low salary levels. Study findings and implications for policy are discussed. Key Words: Teacher Attrition, Teacher Retention, and Teacher Shortage
Using an Adversary Hearing to Evaluate the Effectiveness of a
Military Program (pp. 12-25)
PDF Full Text
Richard L. Miller and Jeanne Butler
Abstract: This study describes the design and implementation of an adversary hearing used to evaluate professional development initiatives in a military environment. The adversary hearing model used in the evaluation was developed to meet the requirements of an environment that differs from other environments in which adversary hearings have been used. The evaluation was conducted to determine whether a professional development program of the U. S. Army, Europe, actually enhanced soldier development and demonstrated consideration by leaders for their followers. Several key issues related to program effectiveness were discovered in the process of the adversary hearing that were not evident in a survey evaluation of the program. Key Words: Adversary Hearing, Program Evaluation, Judicial Evaluation Model, and Participatory Research
A Book Review of Marilyn Lichtmans Qualitative Research in
Education: A Users Guide (pp. 26-29)
PDF Full Text
Karen Dawson and Sally St. George
Taking Charge of Ones Life: A Model for Weight Management Success
(pp. 30-52)
PDF Full Text
Marlene Adams
Abstract: Obesity is a serious, prevalent, and refractory disorder that increases with age particularly in women who enroll in formal weight loss treatments. This study examined the processes used by obese postmenopausal women as they participated in a formal weight loss program. Using grounded theory, interviews were conducted with 14 women engaged in a formal weight loss study examining success with specific, targeted weight loss treatments based on ones weight control self-efficacy typology. Taking Charge of Ones Life emerged as a model for weight management success, comprised of three phases: engaging, internalizing, and keeping ones commitment. This study supports the unique, complex, and individualized nature of making a decision to lose weight and then maintaining ones commitment to weight loss. Key Words: Obesity, Women, Postmenopausal, Weight Management, and Grounded Theory
From the Outside Looking in: How an Awareness of Difference Can
Benefit the Qualitative Research Process (pp. 53-60)
PDF Full Text
Claire Tinker and Natalie Armstrong
Abstract: While much has been written on the problems that can arise when interviewing respondents from a different social group, less attention has been paid to its potential benefits for the research process. In this paper we argue that, by being conscious of ones outsider status, an interviewer can use it as a tool through which to elicit detailed and comprehensive accounts from respondents, and ensure rigorous and critical analysis of the data produced. Key Words: Outsider, Insider, Research, Ethnicity, Interviews, and Qualitative Research
Types of Knowledge, Forms of Practice (pp.
PDF Full Text
Margaret Arnd-Caddigan and Richard Pozzuto
Abstract: This study was designed to explore the way that use of theory influenced a social workers conceptualization of a simulated case. The participant in this case study was a woman employed in child welfare, who holds an MSW. She was chosen because her response in a larger study represented a deviant case. Data analysis included both thematic analysis and an analysis of a written report based on ideas taken from institutional ethnography. The authors use this case example to illustrate the ways that ones understanding of theory may impact social work practice. Key Words: Technical-Rational Practice, Reflective Practice, Social Work Practice, and Institutional Ethnography
Midlife Metamorphosis (pp. 78-99)
PDF Full Text
Patricia Evans
Abstract: The study was conducted in response to the need for an increased understanding of the aging experiences of women transitioning midlife. The purpose of the research was to explore the personal understanding of the changes that occur during the midlife period. A qualitative case study was implemented to ascertain how women of the Latter-day Saint (LDS) faith experience the midlife transition. The narratives of 10 LDS women ages 35 to 65 were obtained through personal interviews. The data were analyzed from a feminist, social constructionist, and narrative perspective using Chenails Qualitative Matrix as a formal coding system to guide the process of analysis and reporting (Cole, 1994). The findings indicate that the younger cohort had inner conflicts; those in the middle age cohort experienced role confusion; and the oldest cohort experienced generativity. These findings may suggest that a positive metamorphosis takes place in women during the midlife transition. Key Words: Midlife and Transition Qualitative Research
Ethical Challenges in Participant Observation: A Reflection on
Ethnographic Fieldwork (pp. 100-115)
PDF Full Text
Jun Li
Abstract: In this essay I reflect on the ethical challenges of ethnographic fieldwork I personally experienced in a female gambling study . By assuming a covert research role, I was able to observe natural occurrences of female gambling activities but unable to make peace with disturbing feelings of my research concealment. By making my study overt, I was able to fulfill ethical obligations as a researcher but unable to get female gamblers to speak their minds. I responded to such ethical dilemmas by adjusting the level of involvement, participating in female gambling culture as an insider and observing it as an outsider. This fieldwork suggests that the ethics of participant observation should be addressed in relation to the sensitivity of the research topic, the vulnerability of the researched individuals, and the plasticity of field membership roles. Key Words: Participant Observation, Female Gambling Culture, Sensitive Research, Research Ethics, and Field Membership Roles
The Use of Hermeneutics in a Mixed Methods Design (pp.
PDF Full Text
Claudia von Zweck & Margo Paterson and Wendy Pentland
Abstract: Combining methods in a single study is becoming a more common practice because of the limitations of using only one approach to fully address all aspects of a research question. Hermeneutics in this paper is discussed in relation to a large national study that investigated issues influencing the ability of international graduates to work as occupational therapists in Canada. Using methods that reflect different ontological and epistemological beliefs was necessary to attain a comprehensive view of enablers and barriers that influence workforce integration. Hermeneutics proved to be a credible and flexible strategy for combining methods to create a deep understanding of acculturation issues for international occupational therapy graduates wishing to work in Canada. Key Words: Qualitative Methods, Multi-method Approach, and International Mobility
A Qualitative Investigation of Pre-Service English as a Foreign
Language (EFL) Teacher Opinions (pp. 137-150)
PDF Full Text
Leyla Tercanlioglu
Abstract: Pre-service English teacher education students perceptions of their education experience provide greater insight into developing an effective teaching strategy in English teacher education. The objectives for the study were: (1) to identify issues of interest or concern to the department and (2) to determine satisfaction levels concerning departmental issues. Data were drawn from focus group interviews involving 5 student-teachers in each of 5 groups. The findings showed that the English teacher education department students thought that the department was not fulfilling many of its purposes, although there were some strengths. Identifying what students think can help to open English teacher educators eyes and minds to the realities of the English teacher education both locally and globally. Key Words: Pre-service English Teacher Education, Student-Teachers, Perceptions, Qualitative Research, and Institutional Evaluation


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Featured Golf News
A PGA Show of Consequence
No one would have admitted it at the time, of course, but in the 1990s and early 2000s exhibiting your latest products at the PGA Merchandise Show and convincing PGA professionals and other purchasers to buy them was really something of a cakewalk. "To be honest, it was all rather easy," says Tim Clarke, general manager of Wilson Golf, which is celebrating its centenary this year.
"The strong economy and the fact a lot of Baby Boomers were beginning to reach retirement age meant there was plenty of interest and money in the game, so securing new business didn't seem terribly difficult." Companies brought dozens of executives, sales reps and even office staff to Orlando, schmoozed customers with apparently bottomless expense accounts, and wrote dozens of purchase orders before mid-morning on the first day.
How different the climate has become these last half-dozen or so years. Not only has the game - indeed the whole world - had to endure the gravest recession since World War II, it has also had to withstand a marked reduction in interest both from existing golfers and the general population.
Speaking at a TaylorMade-sponsored event the night before the 2014 Show began, Joe Beditz, president and CEO of the National Golf Foundation (NGF), told an audience of several hundred PGA professionals, key industry personnel and media that of the 30 million players golf could claim in 2004, 5 million have jumped ship because the amount of time and money now needed to play the game can no longer be spared. And though hi-tech equipment is making it easier to hit the ball further, courses have gotten longer and greens considerably faster, making the game slower and actually more difficult. Fifty-seven percent of the 1,200 non-golfers the NGF surveyed last year on the subject of participation had a negative view of the game, meanwhile, many calling it "boring."
This year's Merchandise Show, the 10th managed by Reed Exhibitions' senior vice president Ed Several, probably looked like any other on the surface, that is to say on the exhibition floor. Manufacturers showed off their latest wares with a variety of attention-grabbing paraphernalia - a tank in the case of Odyssey promoting its line of six Tank putters - and, says Tim Clarke, the big brands spent "crazy money" on their booths while getting involved in what he likened to an arms race ("My booth is bigger than your booth").
But while a great many firms were genuinely upbeat about their performance during the Show, reporting better than anticipated booth traffic, interest and resulting sales, most conceded the problem of golf's fading popularity was an ever-present concern. Indeed, the subject of golf's future growth permeated more or less every conversation, especially those conducted by the industry's biggest stakeholders.
"Unquestionably, the message of growing the game was loud and clear and delivered via a variety of methods at this year's Show," says the PGA of America's director of business development, Dan Baker. "The Golf Channel's Morning Drive had a significant focus on the need to generate new golfers. Three different PGA Forum Stage presentations and the 'State of the Industry' panel all created dynamic and lively dialogue on growing the game. Packed education conferences taught best practices in marketing golf and attracting people to the game."
The usual excitement of the PGA Show was certainly evident, says Clarke, who has deftly led Wilson from a 0.7 percent market share to 3 percent in the seven years he has been the GM. "But at the same time, we are all concerned for the long-term future of our sport," he adds. "The economic conditions still aren't entirely favorable of course but, more than that, we are fighting society's lifestyle changes. Working adults, especially those with children, just don't have time to play a full round of golf. And there are countless demands on kids' time, too. They have so many other sports and activities vying for their attention, plus it's often hard to get them away from their video games. We need more players like Rickie Fowler and Rory McIlroy - young guys who make golf look cool, like Tiger did 15 years ago."
Addressing the problem on the first morning of the Show was a panel of six experts who assembled on the PGA Forum Stage to discuss, among other things, ways to attract new people to the game. (Some argued the panel consisted of five experts - Ted Bishop, Mark King, David Fay, Mike McCarley and Annika Sorenstam - plus Donald Trump, although to be fair, besides one or two strange remarks, "The Donald" did actually make some useful contributions.)
Bishop, who had a notable first year as president of the PGA of America, hiring a CEO (Pete Bevacqua), taking on the R&A and USGA over the anchor ban, naming Tom Watson as Ryder Cup captain, choosing Bethpage Black as a future venue of the PGA Championship and Ryder Cup, and introducing the idea of the PGA Championship being played overseas, said he thought it was "incumbent upon us to create a different type of golf experience."
"Golf has always been viewed as a nine- or 18 hole game," he continued. "And the fact of the matter is, if the consumer only has 30, 45 or 90 minutes of recreational time budgeted in their day, they don't really have an alternative way to spend that at the golf course. We have to do a better job thinking of different ways to grow the game."
Sorenstam emphasized the importance of making the game family-friendly and also removing age and gender barriers, saying that, as a 13-year-old in her native Sweden, she had played club tournaments with both men and women adults. "We call it 'open' golf," she said. "Everybody plays with everybody."
Fay, former executive director of the USGA, suggested a program for kids focused on getting the ball airborne, saying, "If you can get a kid to get the ball airborne, you're probably going to get them hooked." And McCarley, president of the Golf Channel, said the game could become a little less restrictive, making the point that, at most facilities, kids need to tuck their shirt in and can't wear cargo shorts, use their cell phones or listen to music while they are playing. "They will tell you they're going to stay home or do something else," he said.
McCarley also made an analogy with the music industry suggesting that golf is ready for the sort of interference Apple Inc. caused when it introduced the iPod, iPod touch and iTunes. "It completely disrupted the entire industry," he said. "But they are now dominating it, and they made it cool again, because everyone is walking around with earphones with wires hanging out of them. But it needed that sort of disruption to make it work, and I think golf is ripe for that right now. It's very similar."
At the end of the discussion, the floor was opened up to questions, the first of which came from a journalist who said she had been listening to the same spiel for five years or more. She asked what initiatives were being put in place to build the game from the bottom up rather than the top down (with pitch-and-putts instead of expensive, new courses for wealthy, elite golfers), and also what was being done to make golf a participation sport as well as a spectator sport.
Another questioner, a gentleman who said he had played a big part in inventing golf cart GPS systems, suggested the game was stuck in the past and needed to move forward by offering more applications and information through the on-board computers. "Where can you watch football?" he asked. "Look at San Diego last week. They played Cincinnati. I called every golf course in San Diego at 10 in the morning, and they were completely empty. Sixty golf courses. All you needed to do was have your scorecard tuned into the football. That's how you grow the game."
It was now that Mark King, TaylorMade's president since 1999, CEO since 2002 and one of the game's most original thinkers, rejoined the conversation. "I think we should be wearing shorts," he said. "I think we should have uniforms. I think we should do something that when you saw the competition, you would think, that's a cool competition." No one laughed.
No doubt a few eyebrows rose when their owners instantly pictured a group of 50-year-old males in Lycra shorts and red/blue team shirts cheering on their teammate while he teed off. But most people remained unmoved, mindful of who had uttered these rather off-the-wall ideas. This wasn't a casual, once-a-year golfer who had given the subject less than a second's thought, but the man who had steered his company from $300 million in sales to $1.5 billion thanks to innovations like adjustable drivers - 2004's r7 Quad was the game's first, white-crowned drivers that first appeared at the beginning of 2010, and a driver called RocketBallz, which debuted at the end of 2011.
Indeed, this was the man who, just the evening before, had hosted the event where the NGF's Beditz had given those depressing figures highlighting the rapidity with which people were leaving the game. Essentially, this event was a launch party for a new grow-the-game initiative called "Hack Golf," which King is spearheading with Gary Hamel, a prominent management consultant named by both the Wall St. Journal and Fortune Magazine as one of the world's leading business strategists.
Hamel believes the problem needs a fresh pair of eyes . . . scratch that, thousands of fresh pairs. "We need to hear from people on the fringes," he told the crowd. "We need thousands, not dozens, of mind-flipping ideas."
Moments before, King had lamented it was the same industry people that had been around "forever" who were looking at the "same issues" through the "same lens." He even suggested that, were there any truly great minds in the game, it wouldn't be facing the problems it is now.
Though he has set aside $5 million over five years to finance the program and implement worthy proposals submitted on the hackgolf.org web site, King indicated he intends to relinquish his and TaylorMade's control of the agenda within the next six months. His plan is for it to become a "broad industry initiative."
Tim Clarke certainly hopes it will. "For anything to work, it must be supported by the entire industry," he says. "As the market leader, TaylorMade is probably more conscious of the growth model than other companies, but eventually everyone must buy in."
There will be no quick fix, Clarke warns, adding that it certainly isn't going to happen overnight. "The PGA Junior Golf League, Get Golf Ready, and Play it Forward are all good ideas but they aren't having a dramatic impact. We need a long-term strategy."
The strategizing began a few years ago when golf's numbers started to dwindle and its future problems became apparent. The action plan that has developed since then has done little so far to stem the flow of defectors, but it got a powerful boost in Orlando last week. Could it be, in fact, that 20 years from now a stable, thriving golf industry looks back and marks the 2014 PGA Show as the turning point?
Tony Dear is an Englishman living in Bellingham, Wash. In the early 1990s he was a member of the Liverpool University golf team which played its home matches at Royal Liverpool GC. Easy access to Hoylake made it extremely difficult for him to focus on Politics, his chosen major. After leaving Liverpool, he worked as a golf instructor at a club just south of London where he also made a futile attempt at becoming a 'player.' He moved into writing when it became abundantly clear he had no business playing the game for a living. A one-time golf correspondent of the New York Sun, Tony is a member of the Golf Writers Association of America, the Pacific Northwest Golf Media Association and the Golf Travel Writers Association. He is a multi-award winning journalist, and edits his own website at www.bellinghamgolfer.com.
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Yves Bolduc may have been able to work simultaneously as a doctor and an MNA and but the Health Ministry has told the people who run public health offices that they are not permitted to moonlight as doctors.
La Presse reports that, as a result, six regional public health directors have resigned in recent days.
The Health Ministry says being a director of public health is a full time job and people accepting the position acknowledge that when they agree to be paid a manager's salary instead of under the pay provisions for physicians.
The starting pay for a public health director is $180,000.
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Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at Somerville Public Library's fourth annual Hispanic Heritage Festival.
The festival will focus on Hispanic culture as portrayed through traditional music, dance and art. This year the festival, which is sponsored by Somerville Public Library, will be held at VanDerveer School, 51 Union Ave. in Somerville on Saturday, Sept. 22, from 1-4 p.m. Entertainment will be provided by mariachi, Juan Linares, El Gallo De Michoacan, and by dance groups representing many different Hispanic countries.
Registration for the festival is requested. Patrons with further questions can call SCLS at 908-725-1336 or visit the website at sclsnj.org. The Somerset County Library System has branches in Bridgewater, Bound Brook, Hillsborough, Manville, at the Mary Jacobs Library in Rocky Hill, North Plainfield, Peapack & Gladstone, Somerville, Warren Township and Watchung.


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The Dog Days can still be hard on pets
July 3, 2013 - Jenny Rukenbrod
Did you know that the Dog Days of Summer are upon us? Yes, those hot dry summer days most commonly found, at least in our neck of the woods, to be in July and August. If you are like me, you thought this phrase came from a commercial for lemonade or a Broadway play. But that is not the case. In fact, in ancient Rome, these days were seen to be evil and troublesome. A brown dog would be sacrificed âto appease the rage of Siriusã which was known as the "Dog Star." As the brightest star in the constellation Canis Major, Sirius was thought to cause the sultry weather. Fortunately for brown dogs, today we look for a shade tree or air-conditioned enclosures as a way to beat the heat. But in a community where people and pets are connected, we must be mindful that heat does kill. Already, the headlines have carried yet another case where a child was left asleep in an enclosed car on a warm day. We listened, horrified by the account of a nearby K-9 officer that perished in a patrol car when the air condition failure alert malfunctioned. Reminders seem redundant or insulting, yet the act continues, which leads me to repeat the warning. Even with an outside temperature of 70 degrees, the inside temperature of a car with the windows open can climb to 100 degrees in minutes. While leaving the car running with the air condition engaged is an option, numerous accounts prove that failure can occur with tragic consequences. No doubt, if you saw a sleeping or unconscious human in a car on a warm day, you would act immediately. But what would you do if it was a pet? As I seem to suggest on a regular basis via this column and otherwise, turning a blind eye is not acceptable. In the case of a hazardous situation involving a parked vehicle, call authorities immediately. Living with the haunting memory of what may happen if you do not act is not worth a small investment of time and effort. Local law enforcement should be equipped to advise you on the situation. Heatstroke is an excruciating death. The life of your pet or loved one depends on your good or bad judgment. With the long daylight hours and balmy temperatures of summer comes plenty of outdoor activity for people and pets. While we humans can depend on shoes or sandals to protect our feet, pets do not naturally come with extra layers to insulate from hot sidewalks and pavement. Paw pads can become painful at 120 degrees with damaging burns and blisters occurring at higher temps. Wait until evening for a healthy walk or seek out an indoor, climate controlled location for safety and comfort. Such a facility will be opening soon near Salem called the Animal Resource Complex. In a community where people and pets are connected, summer is a special time. May your Dog Days be the best ever!
Jenny Pike People and Pets: A Community Connected June, 2013
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Teaching online courses opens up exciting new possibilities, but it's a lot different than standing in front of students in a lecture hall. It requires new skills and methods to get your points across in as engaging a way as possible.
Join (better yet watch) Mike Munger, Art Carden, Kevin Currie-Knight, and others, as they take you through the new ABC's of current best teaching practices in six, one-hour, online sessions! Upcoming topics:
Learn more and register: http://www.theihs.org/Teaching-Workshop-H-Net


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Mark your calendars for 3,337,200,000,000,000 nanoseconds from now. That's when we'll see Intel's next line of Core processors.
The clock has ticked down some since Intel first posted the counter on its social media networks today, but that doesn't change the date of June 3 for the introduction of Core's 4th generation, also known as Haswell.
The date falls during the dates of Computex 2013 (June 4 - June 8 in Taipai, Taiwan), and while we've heard of this chip before, Intel should announce the chip's availability.
According to sources speaking with VR-Zone, several product launches - desktops, mobile, etc. - will be scattered throughout the days of Computex.
Haswell that ends well
Haswell is all about power efficiency and Intel intends to have the chip make it into everything from traditional desktop PCs to tablets.
It's a 22nm model and will come with four cores, and from what we've seen the GPU performance is dramatically improved over earlier Core models. CPU is more mediocre, but we'll have to wait and see how it shakes out in actual products.
Article continues below


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We endure some pretty harsh winters here in the Northeast. But many don't stick around for the weather.
It's time to fly south for the winter.
"They find places along the Delaware Bay, along the Atlantic flyway, where they can stop, rest and feed. Now the ducks and geese will stay here as long as they can," said Tina Watson, Bombay Hook National Wildlfe Refuge.
The refuge is located in Smyrna, Delaware is a migratory resort. With 16,000 acres, it's part of the Atlantic flyway, the main route most birds take as they migrate north and south in this area.
For some birds, it's a long trip, from the northern part of Canada to the southernmost tip of South America.
The refuge is a place for the birds to rest, and a place for people to watch them.
The terrain is flat here, and there are good viewing spots for viewing. There are several 30-foot-high observation decks.
Back on the ground, there's a 12-mile auto tour which is 10-feet above sea level. To the left are the fresh water man-made empoundments.
The water level can be manipulated to suit the birds' needs.
To the right: 13,000 acres of tidal salt marsh. Beyond that, the Delaware Bay.


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NEW YORK — Fans are showing their grief over Whitney Houston's death by buying her music. Since her death, her album sales have been boosted by almost 6,000 percent.
Data released late Tuesday by Nielsen SoundScan showed that Houston's album sales for the week ending Sunday — the day after her death — were at 101,000. The week earlier, she had sold just 1,700 copies of her albums.
Her "Greatest Hits" album catapulted to the No. 6 position on Billboard's Top 200 albums chart, with about 64,000 copies sold. In the past week, it had sold only 607 copies.
And "I Will Always Love You" sold 195,000 digital tracks. The past week it had sold 3,000, an increase of 6,877 percent.
The 48-year-old Houston was one of music's top-selling artists.


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The Falcons are facing a lot of decisions this off-season and that starts with their 14 unrestricted free agents. We will go through them one by one and decide whether or not the Falcons should re-sign them. A lot of times it's not as easy as it looks as some decisions have more than just roster spot implications. We also have to think about the salary cap as it is expected to increase by just $200,000 this season.
Will Svitek has been a good contributor for the Atlanta Falcons since he joined the team in 2009. From 2009 to 2011, Svitek played in 45 games for the Falcons and started 12 including 10 starts in 2011. In 2012, Svitek was slotted in as the back-up left tackle but was also cross trained for other OL positions to help out if needed. Unfortunately, Svitek suffered a pre-season arm injury and missed the entire year.
We asked our twitter followers if we should re-sign Svitek and here is what they said:
@gritsblitzblog absolutely not. This year we need a healthy and complete team
— Falcons 2014 Champs (@iamsix7) February 10, 2013
@gritsblitzblog No, resign Baker instead.
— James Gallagher(@JamesGall13) February 10, 2013
@gritsblitzblog no
— anthony stanley (@falconfan1974) February 10, 2013
Much like our last free agent decision it sounds like the Falcons fanbase wants to go in a different direction. I tend to agree and it's mainly because of price tag. Svitek made $1.75 million last season (and had a cap number of $2.31 million due to signing bonus). If Svitek could be had for a significantly less number I would be interested in keeping him due to his versatility.
Verdict: Players coming off injury are definitely a question mark and unless a significant discount is given I would have to say the Falcons should let Svitek sign elsewhere.
Previous Free Agent Decisions:


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I assume with these journals that you reply to your own thread to post a new entry.
My previous post was my intro, long though it may be. This one will be an overview of my eating habits.
I've used a calorie counter for awhile now, and I am apparently always a little under 1200 calories a day. I probably need to up the calories at least a little, but I'm not sure how, especially because I feel full with all my meals and snacks, so I don't want to overstuff myself.
An extra-large egg, a slice of bacon, salsa, breakfast tea with stevia. I cook the bacon first, and then cook the egg in the resulting bacon fat. I've tried adding another egg or another slice of bacon, but I feel overfull on a bigger breakfast.
I sometimes skip breakfast altogether.
Chicken or fish with vegetables, all of it cooked in butter or avocado oil or olive oil or coconut oil. Interesting that real butter doesn't bother my stomach like other cow's milk products do.
Similar to lunch
I average about three cups of vegetables at lunch and at dinner. My favorite vegetables are spinach, cucumbers, tomatoes, zucchini, bell peppers, bok choi, kale, collard greens, asparagus, broccoli.
The chicken and fish servings are about palm size.
Fruit (berries; grapefruit or grapes occasionally) or nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans) or a coconut-almond-date roll.
A cheat for me would be dark chocolate - the good stuff, not the cheap stuff. Dark chocolate-covered coconut pieces are a favorite.
I definitely crave fruit. I try to stick to berries, but they're scarce in winter, so I gravitate to grapefruit and oranges. I've tried frozen fruit, but it tends to taste watery and freezer-burnish. I also prefer my fruit to be as locally grown as possible, in the USA at a minimum.
breakfast tea (black tea) - one cup a day
green tea, unlimited
water, unlimited
I'm not a fan of avocados or macadamia nuts or cauliflower or beets. I've tried to like them, but I just don't. I don' t like raw carrots either - steamed or cooked are fine, though.
Giving up gluten-containing grains wasn't hard for me since I was allergic to them anyway and had avoided them for years. Giving up gluten-free grains has been difficult, though, because it's another trap. There are so many gluten-free products out there, but a gluten-free cookie or five, is still a cookie or five. In other words, just because it's gluten-free doesn't mean it's healthy or good for you. I've been experimenting with almond flour and coconut flour. Not thrilled with either though. I may just give up baking altogether.
I'm still wrestling with rice, which has been my go-to gluten-free grain for awhile now. I love rice, especially rice noodles. I've switched to sea kelp noodles, but it's not the same. They're so squeaky!
Giving up sugar has been hard, too. I love my dark chocolate, and the above-mentioned gluten-free baked products (Pamela's and Amy's products are my weaknesses). I've switched to raw honey instead of sugar, and I use stevia as my tea sweetener. I don't bake with stevia though, as it leaves a yucky aftertaste.
Sheep's milk and goat's milk don't bother me the way cow's milk does, so I occasionally have feta or halloumi made from sheep's milk or goat's milk. I recently switched from soy milk to almond milk. I do miss cereal and gf oatmeal. I know there are primal versions of both, but I've not been impressed with any of them.


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This weekend will be a busy one in downtown Charleston.
In addition to the folks coming out for the BB&T Charleston Wine + Food Festival this weekend, it's also the First Friday Art Walk in the French Quarter.
The majority of galleries will be open to the public 5-8 p.m. showing the latest exhibits.
Here's a smattering of what's going on, but your best bet will be to just wander around the French Quarter, especially towards Gallery Row on Broad Street.
Gallery Row
Acclaimed artist Santiago Perez will be at the Mary Martin Gallery showing his magical, fantastical, realistic characters of murgatroids, eggmen and princesses. It's hard to explain in writing how awesomely strange these are.
Visit Ella Walton Richardson Fine Art to see local artist Christian Snedeker's signature marsh scenes, Folly Beach and church camp paintings.
Walk upstairs and check out the works of Hilarie Lambert, Michael Gray and Tina Christophilis at the Lambert Gray Gallery.
For a bit of a different flavor, see the landscape and figurative oil paintings of Beijing artist Hai-Ou Hou at Coco Vivo Fine Art.
At Ellis-Nicholson Fine Art, Judy Bauman's impasto paintings really are "One of a Kind," which is the name of her exhibit. These vivid works created by a thick application of paint with a palette knife convey emotions of fun and happiness.
At Robison and Richard Fine Art, Sharon Rusch Shaver of Nashville, Tenn., will be showing her oils remembering her many travels. Shaver is a member of the International Plein Air Painters.
Find out more at www.charlestongalleryrow.com.
Artist Guild Gallery
"It seems to me Charleston charms one to plant. The simplest and most beautiful camellia, the hardy climbing rose, the ever-blooming hybrid azaleas, and all the annuals fit to bloom. My garden and the surrounding beauty of the Lowcountry have become part of my life and take all the fruits of the spirit to endure. Cut flowers are one of the rewards that inspire me to paint," Mary Stuart Hay said of her show at the Charleston Artist Guild Gallery.
Hay's show focuses on the natural beauty surrounding us, especially floral still lifes.
Her show will be up through March at 160 East Bay St.
There will be a reception 6-8 p.m. Friday at the gallery.
Robert Lange Studios
In this group show called "Evolution," 20 artists were asked to find a piece of art from their childhood and create a new painting referencing the older work.
In addition to showing both pieces of art, there will be a short description telling the story behind the younger work.
" 'Evolution' has already become one of my favorite group show themes. Finding an older work forces the artist to really take a look at how far they've come, and there have been a lot of laughs as we've talked about those first paintings," said Megan Lange, gallery co-owner.
Fellow artist, husband and gallery co-owner Robert Lange agrees and adds, "Our hope is for the work to inspire visitors to the show in their own creative endeavors."
Artists participating in the show include: Robert Lange, Nathan Durfee, Amy Lind, Fred Jamar, Kerry Brooks, Jessica Dunegan, Joshua Flint, Ali Cavanaugh, JB Boyd, Megan Aline, Adam Hall, Erik Johnson, Mia Bergeron, KC Collins, Karen Ann Myers, Heather Horton, Shannon Runquist and Francis Sills.
Robert Lange Studios is at 2 Queen St. Call 805-8052 or go to www.robertlangestudios.com.
'Steel Magnolias'
"If you can't find anything good to say about anybody, come sit by me."
That line is one of the most famous from "Steel Magnolias," a funny, endearing and heart-warming story of a small group of women in a tiny town in Louisiana.
Directed by Sheri Grace Wenger of Midtown Productions, this show has been called "the funniest play ever to make you cry."
The show stars Emily Giant, Leslie Vicary, Susie Hallatt, Hope Grayson, Susan Lovell and Joanna Cretella.
They've had sold-out performances for the last few weeks, and you've only got a few chances left to see "Steel Magnolias" at Midtown, behind the Walgreens at the intersection of Camp and Folly roads on James Island.
There are performances at 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday and March 7-9 with a Sunday matinee at 3 p.m.
For tickets, call 795-2223 or purchase online at www.midtownproductions.org.
After: Kerry Brooks self-portrait will be part of the "Evolution" exhibit at Robert Lange Studios.×
Before: Francis Sills' "Dawn" will be part of the "Evolution" exhibit at Robert Lange Studios.×
After: Francis Sills' "Dusk" will be part of the "Evolution" exhibit at Robert Lange Studios.×
Before: Amy Lind's portrait of her father will be part of the "Evolution" exhibit at Robert Lange Studios.×
After: Amy Lind's portrait of her father will be part of the "Evolution" exhibit at Robert Lange Studios.×


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Created in this Craftsy class
Craftsy Block of the Month 2013 taught by Laura Nownes
Learn new quilting techniques, make new friends and create a sampler quilt! Laura Nownes demonstrates 10 fabulous blocks and numerous techniques in this FREE class.
Other projects made as part of this class:
QuiltingFirst Sampler Quilt
Offer some kudos...
Join the conversation...
Ask a question...
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Whoohoo! Love your fabric choices. Such fun! And of course you know my love of the B,W&R combon. Can't wait to see what comes!
01/21/2013 Flag
Cute little paw prints. Nice color choice. I kinda wish I had picked something other than white for my light part of this block, but I guess it's OK. Next one I do I can sub another choice for white. I'm excited to see your Feb. block.
02/08/2013 Flag


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- Still happening
July 13, 2013
The govt last year extended the club's lease up to 2050.
- Seeking good company
July 13, 2013
Madras Club is today home to modern aristocrats.
- Mission admission
July 13, 2013
The news of a member stumping up over a crore for entry to Mumbai's Breach Candy club only proves that the allure of private clubs still holds…
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From the Times Of India
Jobs in Detroit's car factories are moving to India.
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India's first superstar died almost a lonely life.
Robin Roy
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Crowdsourcing, tv style
It pays to be part of the 'spontaneous' audience at a reality TV show.
A year ago, had he been asked to laugh for no reason in particular, Vishal Suvarna would have found it embarrassing. Today, it's all in a day's work. Suvarna's unusual career started when he was a final-year science student. He signed up to be one of the several faces that reality show cameras like to fleetingly acknowledge. The attraction was the Rs 500 per shift it fetched him in 2010 and a possible future as a production manager. However, the recent boom of talent and chat shows has ensured that clapping and laughing for the camera is now a source of livelihood for Suvarna.
Among his fellow rent-a-laughers are a few middle-aged housewives and retired men but most are youngsters who cannot otherwise afford to pay their bills without this 'career' in hand.
Crowd gathering for TV shows is the job of various 'co-ordinators' and 'suppliers' to whom the production houses outsource their requirements. If it's a talk show, they ask for middleaged "aunties" and "uncles" who are otherwise ignored by most channels.
For most shows, jeans-clad youngsters are preferred. Girls who are too dark are made to sit in the back row and the front row generally consists of aspiring models who work only on a nine-hour shift basis.
Says Pappu Lekhraj, a popular name in this business of crowd sourcing : "A good-looking crowd comes at a premium. "
A job that only entails laughing, clapping and dancing might sound easy but it involves a lot of uncertainty and some discomfort - unpredictable timings, endless waiting and a strictly monitored work environment. Phones have to be switched off, meals postponed and the bladder controlled for hours. Lunch is the only assured meal and it could vary from a packed sandwich to a plate of rice.
"Sometimes they ask us to dance when we are dead tired and hungry, " says Meeta, who is still hurt about the fact that she was once rejected for being "too short".
Contrary to what is seen on television, audience reactions are tightly monitored and directed. When the audience is asked to guffaw, it has to, even if it means tickling your neighbour to get the required effect.
Suvarna has been witnessing the circus of reality shows from the ringside too long to watch its edited version on TV. "It's all acting, " says the veteran audience member who says that he has seen regulars in the paid crowd circuit appear on reality shows with fake problems.
At most new shows, few in the audience know what to expect. At the beginning of one serious political talkshow this reporter attended, one of the members was heard asking his co-ordinator : "Aunty, who is going to sing?"
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Mumbai Indians captain Harbhajan Singh celebrates the dismissal of New South Wales Blues' David Warner. (AFP Photo)
Mumbai Indians batsman Aiden Blizzard is clean bowled by New South Wales bowler Stuart Clarke. (AFP Photo)
New South Wales Blues Shane Watson celebrates catching out Mumbai Indians Ambati Rayudu with teammates. (AFP Photo)
Mumbai Indians' Kieron Pollard is clean bowled by New South Wales bowler Patrick Cummins at The MA Chidambaram Stadium. (AFP Photo)
New South Wales bowler Mitchell Starc gesture while fielding. (AFP Photo)
New South Wales batsman David Warner walks off the field after being caught out by Mumbai Indians' captain Harbhajan Singh. (AFP Photo)


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Epson provides ink cartridge yields based on the ISO/IEC 24711 and 24712 standard for inkjet products, which excludes the first installed cartridges. Prior to creation of the new ISO standard, Epson and other printer manufacturers provided yields based on their own internal standards. The new ISO standard is widely recognized as the most reliable method to test inkjet printers under standard conditions or for the purpose of comparing achievable ink yields from various competitive printers.
Colour - T099220, T099320, T099420, T099520, T099620 (Standard-capacity): About 500 pages per color, an average yield of Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Light Cyan, and Light Magenta
Black - T098120 (High-capacity): About 545 pages
Colour - T098220, T098320, T098420, T098520, T098620 (High-capacity): About 855 pages per color, an average yield of Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Light Cyan, and Light Magenta
In accordance with the ISO standard for individual colour cartridges, colour yields are determined by taking an average yield, based on continuous printing, of all individual colour cartridges. Individual cartridges conveniently allow the user to replace just the colour of ink that has been expended. When using cartridges with combined colour tanks, as do some competitive products, several colours of ink must be replaced when one colour has been expended, so ISO ratings are based on the first colour to be expended.
Yields may vary considerably based on images printed, print settings, paper type, frequency of use, humidity and temperature. The printers ship with full cartridges, and a variable amount of ink remains in the cartridges after the "replace cartridge" signal. Part of the ink from the first installed cartridges is used for priming the printer. Since no single yield standard can duplicate a customer's actual printer usage, Epson recommends that customers also consider print yield comparisons from reputable independent sources.
Epson recommends that customers choose an inkjet printer based on their expected printing needs, considering page yields as just one factor of evaluation. Other important factors include image quality, fade resistance of prints, reliability and printer features.


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Contact Information
Children's Theatre Company2400 Third Ave S
Minneapolis, MN 55404
(612) 874-0400 (Phone)
(612) 874-0400 (Phone 2)
(612) 874-8119 (Fax)
Region: Minneapolis / St Paul
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- Discounts available for students, teenagers, seniors, and groups.
Children's Theatre Company (CTC) creates extraordinary theatre experiences that educate, challenge, and inspire multigenerational audiences. CTC is the first theatre for young people to win the coveted Tony Award® for Outstanding Regional Theater (2003) and has welcomed more than 11 million people to performances and education programs over the last five decades. As one of the 20 largest theatre companies in the nation, CTC has created over 200 new works, dramatically changing the canon of work for young audiences.
More Information
- www.childrenstheatre.org/about/location.html
Other Date Information
- Box Office Hours: TU-F 10am-5pm, Saturday: 9am-2pm, Sunday: 12pm-5pm, Administration: M-F 8am-5pm
Attraction Attributes
- Accessible to Disabled
- Can Accommodate Groups of 45 or more
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A Year With Frog and Toad
2400 Third Ave S
Minneapolis, MN 55404
Call: (612) 874-0400
Waking from hibernation in the spring, the perky Frog and the worrywart Toad plant gardens, swim, rake leaves, go sledding, and learn life lessons through four, fun-filled seasons. The amphibian odd couple celebrate and rejoice in their differences that make them the best-est of friends while joined by a colorful cast of birds, mice, turtles, and that slo-o-ow snail with the mail. Nominated for three Tony Awards® including Best Musical, this unforgettable and tuneful musical is back on our stage after almost a decade! Don't miss this exuberant story based on the treasured books by Arnold Lobel in a musical that soars like a kite and blossoms like spring.
2400 Third Ave S
Minneapolis, MN 55404
Call: (612) 874-0400
Hold on to your pumpkins! The magical, fantastical, and all-too-hilarious Cinderella returns to our stage for the holiday season. Freshly updated with all new songs, gags, and mayhem, you'll jeer at the deliciously dysfunctional stepmother and sisters as much as you'll cheer for Cinderella in her quest to attend the magnificent ball and fulfill her destiny. Put on your glass slippers, and join us for this spectacular and outrageous telling of our unique Cinderella, guaranteed to delight.
Dr. Seuss' The Sneetches
2400 Third Ave S
Minneapolis, MN 55404
Call: (612) 874-0400
World Premiere!
On Sneetch Beach, there's a line in the sand—Star Bellies on one side, Plain Bellies on the other. That's the way it is, was, and will be. At least until the sneaky and greedy Sylvester Monkey McBean comes to town with his Star On machine. Suddenly, the difference between the haves and the have nots—those with stars and those without—isn't so clear. What will the Sneetches do now? In this rousing and inventive musical adaptation of Dr. Seuss' powerful parable about the surface things that divide us, it will take a courageous friendship between an unlikely pair of Sneetches to find the answers.
Elephant & Piggie's We Are in a Play!
2400 Third Ave S
Minneapolis, MN 55404
Call: (612) 874-0400
Best enjoyed by preschool+
Let's talk about the elephant in the room, Gerald is no good at dancing. But the pessimistic pachyderm has the help of his perky pal Piggie to teach him how. The melodic musings of this dynamic duo make for one grand day at the theatre as Elephant and Piggie put on a show where we learn the important responsibilities of being a good friend. Based on The New York Times best-selling book series by Mo Willems, Elephant & Piggie's We Are in a Play! is a jazzy, jolly, and joyful vaudevillian romp of a musical that will leave you tickled pink. Complete with the nutty back-up singers, The Squirelles, get ready for this raucous dance party that will have the whole theatre "Flippy Floppy Floory"!
The Last Firefly
2400 Third Ave S
Minneapolis, MN 55404
Call: (612) 874-0400
Best enjoyed by grades 3+ (no lap passes available)
It begins with light, a sliver, a flash, then comes a sound, a pulse, a beat, a crash like a giant hammer smashing through the sky. Thus, the story of Boom, the son of Thunder, begins as he sets out on an epic search for his father, ultimately discovering his true self and the strength within him that always existed. This mythical adventure will transport you and your child on a fantastic journey where the littlest things can make all the difference in the world.


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RADNOR, PA - October 23, 2008 -- Airgas, Inc. (NYSE: ARG), the largest U.S. distributor of industrial, medical and specialty gases, and welding, safety and related products, today reported record earnings and strong growth in sales and operating income for its second quarter ended September 30, 2008.
Quarterly net earnings grew 44% to $72.8 million, or $0.86 per diluted share, compared to $50.6 million, or $0.60 per diluted share, in the prior year. The prior year quarter included $0.04 per diluted share of integration expense primarily associated with the June 30, 2007 acquisition of Linde's U.S. packaged gas business, and a one-time non-cash charge of $0.03 per diluted share related to the conversion of National Welders Supply Company from a joint venture to a wholly owned subsidiary.
Second quarter sales increased 15% from the prior year to $1.2 billion. Acquisitions contributed 7% to the increase, and total same-store sales grew 8% in the quarter, with gas and rent up 12% and hardgoods up 4%.
"We are performing very well in a moderating economic environment," said Airgas Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Peter McCausland. "Our expanded offering that targets infrastructure construction has been successful in gaining new business, particularly in the energy and power segments. About 40% of our sales come from our strategic products, which posted 11% organic growth in the quarter and are focused on the medical, life sciences, research, environmental, and food and beverage markets.
"Acquisition activity has been strong in the first half of our fiscal year, with a total of six acquisitions and $142 million of acquired annual revenue to date," added McCausland. "We are expanding returns by effectively integrating acquisitions and leveraging our distribution infrastructure." Return on capital* increased 40 basis points over the prior year to 13.6%.
Year-to-date free cash flow* was $112 million, compared to $92 million in the prior year. "We continue to generate strong free cash flow, even while funding significant plant projects that will be operational in the coming quarters," McCausland said. "We were pleased to announce today that we increased our quarterly dividend 33% to $0.16 per share because of the confidence we have in our growth outlook and cash flow."
The Company expects earnings per diluted share of $0.82 to $0.84 in the third quarter and reiterated its full-year expectations of $3.30 to $3.40 per diluted share in fiscal 2009.
The Company will conduct an earnings teleconference at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time on Friday, October 24. The teleconference will be available by calling (888) 819-8045. The presentation materials (this press release, slides to be presented during the Company's teleconference and information about how to access a live and on-demand webcast of the teleconference) are available in the "Investor Information" section on the Company's Internet site at www.airgas.com. A webcast of the teleconference will be available live and on demand through November 25 at http://investor.shareholder.com/arg/events.cfm. A replay of the teleconference will be available through October 31. To listen, call (888) 203-1112 and enter passcode 4467282.
* See attached reconciliations and calculations of the non-GAAP return on capital and free cash flow financial measures.
About Airgas, Inc.
Airgas, Inc. (NYSE: ARG), through its subsidiaries, is the largest U.S. distributor of industrial, medical and specialty gases, and hardgoods, such as welding equipment and supplies. Airgas is also one of the largest U.S. distributors of safety products, the largest U.S. producer of nitrous oxide and dry ice, the largest liquid carbon dioxide producer in the Southeast, and a leading distributor of process chemicals, refrigerants and ammonia products. More than 14,000 employees work in over 1,100 locations, including branches, retail stores, gas fill plants, specialty gas labs, production facilities and distribution centers. Airgas also distributes its products and services through eBusiness, catalog and telesales channels. Its national scale and strong local presence offer a competitive edge to its diversified customer base. For more information, please visit www.airgas.com.
This press release may contain statements that are forward looking, as that term is defined by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 or by the Securities and Exchange Commission in its rules, regulations and releases. These statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding: Our expectation of significant plant projects being operational in the coming quarters; confidence in our growth outlook and cash flow; and expectations for fiscal 2009 earnings per diluted share of $3.30 to $3.40 and third quarter earnings per diluted share of $0.82 to $0.84. We intend that such forward-looking statements be subject to the safe harbors created thereby. All forward-looking statements are based on current expectations regarding important risk factors and should not be regarded as a representation by us or any other person that the results expressed therein will be achieved. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement include: customer acceptance of price increases; supply cost pressures; increased industry competition; our ability to successfully identify, consummate and integrate acquisitions; adverse changes in customer buying patterns; our continued ability to access credit markets on satisfactory terms; significant fluctuations in interest rates; increases in energy costs and other operating expenses; the impact of tightened credit markets on our customers; the impact of changes in tax and fiscal policies and laws; the extent and duration of current recessionary trends in the U.S. economy; the effect of catastrophic events; political and economic uncertainties associated with current world events; and other factors described in the Company's reports, including its March 31, 2008 Form 10-K, subsequent Forms 10-Q and other forms filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Consolidated statements of earnings, condensed consolidated balance sheets, consolidated statements of cash flows, and reconciliations of non-GAAP return on capital and free cash flow financial measures follow.
(a) During the six months ended September 30, 2008, the Company purchased six businesses, including three associated with the distribution of packaged gases and related hardgood products, one associated with the rental of safety equipment, one associated with refrigerant gases and one international acquisition related to the rental of welding equipment. The six acquired businesses generate aggregate annual revenues of approximately $142 million. A total of $194.7 million was paid for the acquisitions and the settlement of holdback liabilities associated with prior acquisitions.
(b) The Company participates in a securitization agreement with three commercial banks to sell up to $360 million of qualified trade receivables. Net proceeds from the securitization were used to reduce borrowings under the Company's revolving credit facilities. The amount of outstanding receivables sold under the agreement was $360 million at both September 30, 2008 and March 31, 2008.
(c) The Company maintains a $1.7 billion senior credit facility with a syndicate of lenders. Approximately $300 million was available to the Company under this facility on September 30, 2008.
(d) The tables below present the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share for the three and six months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007:
(1) On July 3, 2007, the preferred stockholders of the National Welders joint venture exchanged their preferred stock for common stock of Airgas (the "NWS Exchange Transaction"). Prior to July 3, 2007, the preferred stockholders of National Welders had the option to exchange their 3.2 million preferred shares of National Welders either for cash at a price of $17.78 per share or for approximately 2.3 million shares of Airgas common stock. If Airgas common stock had a market value of $24.45 per share or greater, exchange of the preferred stock was assumed because it provided greater value to the preferred stockholders. Based on the assumed exchange of the preferred stock for Airgas common stock, the 2.3 million shares were included in the diluted shares outstanding.
The National Welders preferred stockholders earned a 5% dividend, recognized as "Minority interest in earnings of consolidated affiliate" on the consolidated statement of earnings. Upon the exchange of the preferred stock for Airgas common stock, the dividend was no longer paid to the preferred stockholders, resulting in additional net earnings for Airgas. For the periods in which the exchange was assumed, the 5% preferred stock dividend was added back to net earnings in the diluted earnings per share computation.
For periods prior to the NWS Exchange Transaction, the earnings of National Welders for tax purposes were treated as a deemed dividend to Airgas, net of an 80% dividend exclusion. Upon the exchange of National Welders preferred stock for Airgas common stock, National Welders became a 100% owned subsidiary of Airgas. As a 100% owned subsidiary, the net earnings of National Welders are not subject to additional tax at the Airgas level. For the period in which the exchange was assumed, the additional tax was added back to net earnings in the diluted earnings per share computation.
(e) Unaudited business segment information for the Company's Distribution and All Other Operations segments is shown below:
(f) Certain reclassifications have been made to prior period consolidated financial statements to conform to the current presentation.
Media Contact:
Jay Worley (610) 902-6206
Investor Contact:
Barry Strzelec (610) 902-6256