text:
Branagh, Youngs Discover Gold on Beach in Barcelona
B.J. Evans
Manager, Media Relations and Publications
Phone: 719-228-6800
E-Mail: email@example.com
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (May 31, 2008) - With former International Olympic Committee President Juan Antonio Samaranch in attendance for the SWATCH FIVB World Tour women's final on Saturday at the Plaça Carles Buïgas, the U.S. beach volleyball team Nicole Branagh and Elaine Youngs completed "a remarkable comeback" to capture the gold medal at the US$350,000 Hyundai Open Barcelona on the steps in front of the National Museum of Art of Catalunya.
With their 2-0 (21-18, 21-14) win in 40 minutes over fourth-seeded Talita Antunes and Renata Ribeiro, the second seeded Branagh (Orinda, Calif.) and Youngs (El Toro, Calif.) successfully rebounded from an opening-day defeat to a team from Cuba to win five-straight elimination matches to reach the semifinals, where the Americans defeated two teams from Brazil.
It was Branagh and Youngs' first SWATCH FIVB gold medal as a team and the victory improved their standing for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games where the Americans are currently ranked sixth with 4,120 points for their best eight international finishes since May of 2007. The U.S. teams of Jen Boss (San Juan Capistrano, Calif.) and April Ross (Costa Mesa, Calif.) and Tyra Turner (Fort Meyers Beach, Fla.) and Rachel Wacholder (Laguna Beach, Calif.) have been gaining ground on Branagh and Youngs.
"Right now I am feeling great," said Youngs, who captured the bronze medal at the Athens 2004 Olympic Games with Holly McPeak. "I know tomorrow when we travel back to the United States we'll feel the pain of playing nine matches in four days. This is a great victory for us, especially since these points are very important for qualifying for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. The difference today was our service game along with keeping the pressure on the Brazilians through the match. Our goal was to win one point at a time and never let up."
In addition to becoming only the second team to bounce back from a setback in the second-round of the loser's bracket to win a SWATCH FIVB World Tour gold medal, Branagh and Youngs shared the $28,000 first-place check. Branagh also had seven of the top eight serves in the Hyundai Open Barcelona with her best SWATCH service being 51 miles per hour.
While Branagh was named the SWATCH most outstanding player for the inaugural Hyundai Open Barcelona, Youngs became the oldest women to win an "open" FIVB event. At 38 years, three months and 16 days, Youngs surpassed the previous mark set in July 1998 at a SWATCH FIVB World Tour stop in Portugal by compatriot Linda Hanley (38 years, one month, 25 days).
After losing 2-1 (17-21, 21-12, 15-7) to 15th-seeded Milagros Crespo and Imara Esteves Ribalta of Cuba Wednesday, Branagh and Youngs won their last seven matches to net their first SWATCH FIVB World Tour title in their 15th international event together. While Branagh was capturing her first SWATCH title, Youngs was advancing to the top of a FIVB podium for the 12th-time with her fourth different partner.
Youngs' last SWATCH title came in 2004 with McPeak in Norway as three Americans teams filled the Stavanger podium. Six of Youngs' FIVB titles were with McPeak, three gold medals with Masakayan and two crowns with Barbra Fontana, who was Hanley's partner at the 1998 Espinho.
Four of Branagh and Youngs' wins this week were over teams from Brazil, including a 2-1 (22-20, 14-21, 15-13) victory in 62 minutes over top-seeded Juliana Felisberta Silva and Larissa Franca. The Americans are now 3-1 in SWATCH matches against Renata and Talita, who shared the $19,500 second-place prize.
Sunday's finale was the 72nd-time Brazil and the United States have competed for a SWATCH FIVB World Tour women's gold medal. The Americans now lead the gold medal series 43-29. While Talita and Renata are 0-2 in title meetings with Americans for the top spot on a FIVB podium, Youngs is 3-4 in SWATCH gold medal matches against teams from the South American country.
In the bronze-medal match, Juliana and Larissa won their fourth medal in five SWATCH starts this season by defeating seventh-seeded Vassiliki Arvaniti and Vasso Karadassiou of Greece 2-0 (21-14, 21-14) in 36 minutes. FIVB winners in Australia and Japan this season, Juliana and Larissa shared $14,000 for third-place with the Greeks splitting $10,500.
More information and photos are available on the FIVB beach volleyball site at www.fivb.org/EN/BeachVolleyball/index.asp?sm=12.


text:
Looking California, Feeling Minnesota - Tim's blog from the pro ranks.
MLB DRAFT HISTORY: Drafted by Minnesota (23rd round, 718 overall) on June 7, 2011.
AS A SENIOR IN 2011: ABCA All-America Second Team... NCBWA All-America Third Team... Daktronics All-America Third Team... ABCA West Region Pitcher of the Year... NCBWA West Region Pitcher of the Year... Daktronics West Region Pitcher of the Year... CCAA Co-Pitcher of the Year... ABCA All-West Region First Team... NCBWA All-West Region First Team... Daktronics All-West Region First Team... All-CCAA First Team... All-CCAA Tournament Team... College Baseball Lineup All-Star... Became UCSD's all-time wins leader on Feb. 11 vs. Mesa State... Also broke school record for career innings pitched on Mar. 24 vs. Cal Poly Pomona... Broke a third UCSD all-time record on Apr. 15 vs. Cal State Stanislaus, becoming the school's leader in strikeouts... Named the NCBWA West Region and CCAA Pitcher of the Week on Feb. 21... The San Diego Hall of Champions Star of the Month for February... The ucsdtritons.com Athlete of the Week on Mar. 28 and Feb. 28... An NCBWA preseason All-West Region pick... Named a Tino Award semifinalist on May 8 ... Named to the Athletics Director's Honor Roll at the Bronze Level (GPAs 3.00 to 3.299).
AS A JUNIOR IN 2010: ABCA All-America First Team... NCBWA All-America Second Team... Daktronics All-America Second Team... ABCA All-West Region First Team... NCBWA All-West Region First Team... Daktronics All-West Region First Team... All-CCAA First Team... Threw three consecutive complete games tallying just three earned runs in that stretch... Recorded 77 strikeouts versus 22 walks... Recorded five or more strikeouts in eight outings including a season high nine against Chico State on Feb. 19... Ranked first overall in the CCAA for innings pitched collecting 124 total innings... His 2.03 ERA was the best in the CCAA and also ranked first in wins with 13... Across the nation his ERA placed 18th overall, while his 13 victories were good for a second place tie just two shy of the leader.
AS A SOPHOMORE IN 2009: NCBWA All-America Honorable Mention... Daktronics All-American Honorable Mention... ABCA Gold Glove winner... ABCA All-West Region First Team... NCBWA All-West Region First Team... Daktronics All-West Region First Team... All-CCAA First Team... Served as UCSD's ace with a team low 2.28 ERA, an 8-6 record with two complete games and a team-high 118.2 innings pitched... Gave up 99 hits, 17 walks and struck out 77 batters.
AS A FRESHMAN IN 2008: ABCA All-West Region Second Team... Daktronics All-West Region Second Team... CCAA Freshman of the Year... All-CCAA Honorable Mention... Went 8-2 out of the bullpen, pitching 70.2 innings and striking out 61 batters... Held opponents to a .243 batting average... Pitched a career-high 5.2 innings of relief against Barry allowing one run... Struck out a career-high six batters on two occasions.
HIGH SCHOOL: A 2007 graduate of Jackson Hole HS in Jackson, Wyo.... Named a two-time American Legion All-State member and Team MVP... A member of the team which won the American Legion Wyoming State Championship... Pitching statistics included 76.1 innings, 19 runs on 32 hits with 130 strikeouts... As a hitter, held a .440 average with 10 home runs and 25 stolen bases... A member of the golf team, earning all-state and all-conference honors... A three-time Bronc Golfer of the Year... Team advanced to the Wyoming 3A State Championship for four years.
PERSONAL: Born Sept. 14, 1989... Parents are Stephen and Nancy Shibuya... Father graduated from UC Davis while mother is an Eastern Kentucky graduate where she played volleyball... Father is a ski instructor while his mother is a teacher... A pharmacological chemistry major in Revelle College... Career plans include becoming a teacher... A fan of the Los Angeles Dodgers and the movie Star Wars... Favorite athlete is Mike Leake, a starting pitcher for the Cincinnati Reds... Hobbies include cycling, fishing, golf, hunting and skiing.
CAREER HIGHS (current through 2011 season)
CAREER STATISTICS (current through 2011 season)

subset: commoncrawl


text:
The Pilgrim Hawk
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- Brief Synopsis:
- This powerful short novel describes the events of a single afternoon.
- Long Synopsis:
- This powerful short novel describes the events of a single afternoon. Alwyn Tower, an American expatriate and sometime novelist, is staying with a friend outside of Paris, when a well-heeled, itinerant Irish couple drops in--with Lucy, their trained hawk, a restless, sullen, disturbingly totemic presence. Lunch is prepared, drink flows. A masquerade, at once harrowing and farcical, begins. A work of classical elegance and concision, The Pilgrim Hawk stands with Faulkner's The Bear as one of the finest American short novels: a beautifully crafted story that is also a poignant evocation of the implacable power of love.
- Book Quality:
- Publisher Quality
- 9781590174852
- Publisher:
- New York Review of Books, Incorporated, The
- Date of Addition:
- 01/16/13
- Copyright Date:
- 1940
- Copyrighted By:
- Glenway Wescott, Michael Cunningham
- Adult content:
- No
- Language:
- English
- Categories:
- Literature and Fiction
- Submitted By:
- Bookshare Staff
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- This is a copyrighted book.
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text:
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size 1
Calories 274
Total Fat 15.5 g
Saturated Fat 4.5 g
Sodium 1283 mg
Total Carbohydrate 9.5 g
Dietary Fiber 1.5 g
Protein 25.5 g
Ingredients and Preparation
Ingredients Measures
Canola oil 2 teaspoons
Boneless pork loin, sliced into strips ½ pound
Medium scallions, sliced 2
Medium celery stalk, sliced 1
Carrots, thinly sliced 1 cup
Teriyaki sauce 2 tablespoons
Low-sodium soy sauce ½ tablespoon
Water 2 tablespoons
Plain, low-fat yogurt ¼ cup
Sesame seeds, toasted 2 teaspoons
- Heat 2 teaspoons of oil in a large nonstick wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pork and stir-fry for 4-5 minutes, until cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Add the scallions, celery, and carrots, and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes. Add the teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, water, and yogurt. Bring to a boil.
- Add the pork and simmer for 1-2 minutes. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve over rice.


text:
The Colorado Supreme Court has overturned a state election rule, siding with a federal court in saying voters in the Sept. 10 recall election don't have to vote on the recall question in order to vote for a replacement candidate.
The decision means that Pueblo and El Paso county special election ballots will have to be reworded to reflect that decision.
"It means we're back to square one in drawing up the recall ballot and programming our voting machines," said Pueblo County Clerk Gilbert "Bo" Ortiz.
"We were hoping to start early voting before Sept. 5 but that doesn't seem likely," Ortiz said Tuesday afternoon.


text:
A collection of text-wrangling methods
text to
wrap characters and optionally
indents by
indent characters
# File rubygems/text.rb, line 12 def format_text(text, wrap, indent=0) result = [] work = text.dup while work.length > wrap do if work =~ /^(.{0,#{wrap}})[ \n]/ then result << $1.rstrip work.slice!(0, $&.length) else result << work.slice!(0, wrap) end end result << work if work.length.nonzero? result.join("\n").gsub(/^/, " " * indent) end
This code is based directly on the Text gem implementation Returns a value representing the "cost" of transforming str1 into str2
# File rubygems/text.rb, line 31 def levenshtein_distance str1, str2 s = str1 t = str2 n = s.length m = t.length max = n/2 return m if (0 == n) return n if (0 == m) return n if (n - m).abs > max d = (0..m).to_a x = nil n.times do |i| e = i+1 m.times do |j| cost = (s[i] == t[j]) ? 0 : 1 x = [ d[j+1] + 1, # insertion e + 1, # deletion d[j] + cost # substitution ].min d[j] = e e = x end d[m] = x end return x end
Commenting is here to help enhance the documentation. For example, code samples, or clarification of the documentation.
If you have questions about Ruby or the documentation, please post to one of the Ruby mailing lists. You will get better, faster, help that way.
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text:
April 9, 2014Who What Wear Blog
VaVa Vroom! Statement Spring Hair & Beauty From Cosmopolitan UK
Neon lips, nail colors that pop and braids, braids, braids! Can we please live in this Cosmopolitan UK spread? Is it just us, or does model Lisa Seiffert look like a dead ringer for Lindsay Lohan in the orange lipstick shot?
Get the look:
Photographer: Olivia Graham
Make-up by: Robin Schoen
Hair by: Miok
Explore: Shourouk, beauty, Beauty Editorials, Editorial, Cosmopolitan UK, Bright Lips, Braids, Beachy Texture, wavy hair, Hair, Nail Polish


text:
Rank: 9361
Not recently active
My names Janelle, but please call me Nelly, I'm Twenty years old and I live in California. I used to have an account a couple years ago but forgot my information so I had to make a new one. I'm not vegan, but I'll do whatever it takes to help animals. I want to be the voice they don't have.


text:
OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. – After leading her then-No.4 Alabama Crimson to a three-game sweep of then-No.6 Georgia Kelsi Dunne (Port Orange, Fla.) was selected the USA Softball Player of the Week for the week of March 30 – April 5 announced today by the Amateur Softball Association.
The sophomore collected all three wins against Georgia on the weekend with three starts, posting a 0.54 ERA on the weekend. She came in for an inning of relief in the seventh of game two to help her team break the tie and earn a 3-2 win in eight innings. Dunne's three wins increase her win total against ranked opponents to six on the season.
She held the potent Georgia offense to just a .190 average and one run. Dunne allowed eight hits and struck out 11 on the weekend.
This is the first-time honor for Dunne as USA Softball Player of the Week.
About ASA
The Amateur Softball Association, founded in 1933, is the National Governing Body of softball in the United States and a member of the United States Olympic Committee. The ASA has become one of the nation's largest sports organizations and now sanctions competition in every state through a network of 83 local associations. The ASA has grown from a few hundred teams in the early days to over 240,000 teams today, representing a membership of more than three million. For more information on the ASA, visit http://www.asasoftball.com/.
About USA Softball
USA Softball is the brand created, operated and owned by the ASA that links the USA Men's, Women's, Junior Boys' and Junior Girls' National Team programs together. USA Softball is responsible for training, equipping and promoting these four National Teams to compete in international and domestic competitions. The USA Softball Women's National Team is one of the only two women's sports involved in the Olympic movement to capture three consecutive gold medals at the Olympic Games since 1996. The U.S. women have also won eight World Championship titles including the last six consecutive as well as claimed two World Cup of Softball titles. For more information about USA Softball, please visit http://www.usasoftball.com/.


text:
Papa's Hot Doggeria
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Papa's Hot Doggeria
How to play Papa's Hot Doggeria
Working for Papa isn't all sitting back and catching fly balls. You need to keep his customers happy while he's out pointing his foam finger. Load up the hot dogs and other orders quickly and accurately and hit your sales targets for better tips. Add some color to the walls to put a smile on your customers' faces. Don't keep them waiting or you'll never get to home base!
Perfect view of the game? Not till you've hit those hot dog customers out of the park.
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text:
May 2, 2005 WIC Update
SUBJECT: Mandatory Local Agency Plan (LAP) Training
SUBJECT: Local WIC Provider Survey
SUBJECT: National Maternal Nutrition Intensive Course
SUBJECT: Prenatal Weight Gain Chart
- Please read the following and reply with the attached LAP training registration form before June 15, 2005.
The Missouri WIC Program is providing LAP Preparation Training for all Local WIC Providers. The one-day sessions will provide attendees with updated information about using current reports and data to correctly fill out a newly revised LAP tool. Special attention will be paid to setting appropriate goals and objectives for the next five years.
The training will be hands on and delivered in person to facilitate the answering of specific questions your agency may have about your particular LAP. Our sessions in the district offices will depend on trainees from each agency sharing a laptop computer. We currently have six available computer laptops for each of these trainings; we do not have enough for everyone. We know that many of you have laptops available as well. If you have a laptop available to use for this training, mark this on the registration form and please bring your computer laptop with you. Contact us if you have any questions about if your laptop will work.
We will have sessions at each of the district health offices as well as here in Jefferson City throughout the month of July. Space and our laptops are limited at each site, so fax or e-mail to the State WIC office as soon as possible. Due to limited space we ask only two people from each agency attend. We suggest you send the person primarily responsible for the budget sections and the primary person responsible for filling in the nutrition sections.
The following is additional information regarding the training sessions:
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (One-hour lunch break)
Central District (WIC training facility): WIC Nutrition Training Room, 930 Wildwood, Jefferson City
Eastern District: 220 South Jefferson, St. Louis
Northeast District: 708 Patton, Macon
Northwest District: 3717 Whitney Ave., Independence
Southeast District: 2875 James Blvd., Poplar Bluff
Southwest District: 1414 West Elfindale, Springfield
Please register using the attached LAP Training Registration form only. If questions, please reply to Glenn Studebaker, Technical Assistance Coordinator, at the State WIC office at (800) 392-8209 or by e-mail at email@example.com.
- The State WIC Office is requesting information from the local WIC providers on a variety of topics. Attached is a survey that we would like each agency to complete and return to Crystal Collins at firstname.lastname@example.com or fax at 573-526-1470 by June 1, 2005. Survey results will be shared with the LWPs once tallied.
- The University of Minnesota, School of Public Health and the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, WIC and Nutrition Services Unit, Nutrition Training Institute are sponsoring an educational opportunity:
The Maternal Nutrition Intensive Course by video stream
August 15 - 16 from 8:30 - 5:00 p.m.
The National Maternal Nutrition Intensive Course is a continuing education program that focuses on improving the health outcomes of pre-conceptional, pregnant, postpartum and breastfeeding women and their infants. The course provides an overview of factors that affect the nutritional status of women of childbearing age, a variety of cutting edge nutrition issues related to pregnancy and lactation, and characteristics of effective nutrition counseling and services. The course will be video streamed to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services at 930 Wildwood, WIC Nutrition Training Room, Jefferson City, Missouri. 14 continuing education credits are available. There will be no charge for Local WIC Providers. All questions regarding the training should be sent to Kelly Dotterweich at (573) 751-6183 or by email at email@example.com.
- The Prenatal Weight Gain Chart (NS-11, formerly NPE-11) has been printed. Each local WIC provider will be receiving a 3-4 month supply from the DHSS warehouse during the week of May 2, 2005. If your agency needs additional charts, please complete the WIC Supply Request Form WIC 8 and fax it to the DHSS warehouse. The following revisions have been made to the prenatal weight gain chart to reflect measurements more accurately:
- Removal of the Multiple Fetuses Weight Gain Channel.
- All the weight gain channels originate at the zero point.
- Adjusting the Weight Gain Channels to reflect the accurate intersection points at start of the second and the third trimester (13 and 26 weeks, respectively).
- The new weight gain channels reflect the correct intersection points (i.e. weight gain) for all weight gain classifications (Overweight/Obese, Normal Weight and Underweight).
- An additional column to record (positive or negative) weight change.
- Note additional information and revisions have been made on "Guidelines for use of the prenatal weight gain chart" at the back of the Prenatal Weight Gain Form.
For questions regarding ordering of the Prenatal Weight Gain Chart, contact Takako Tagami at 1-800-392-8209 or email email@example.com.
For questions regarding the revisions on the Prenatal Weight Gain Chart, contact Rose Sipakati at 1-800-392-8209 or email email@example.com.
Please discard any old Prenatal Weight Gain Charts and begin using the newly revised chart.
- The State WIC office was just notified that in May the Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) Health Promotion Unit staff will be conducting presentations on chronic disease prevention. The workshop will assist communities with identifying and addressing priority risk factors through evidence based interventions. The workshops are free and will be offered in six (6) locations throughout the state. A Chronic Disease Prevention Regional Workshop registration form and information about the workshops are attached. The locations of the workshop are listed on the registration form. Registrations are to be sent to Karen Scheulen, Health Promotion Unit, fax number 573-522-2899 or e-mail firstname.lastname@example.com. (Please note the e-mail address on the registration form is incorrect.)
Have a great week.
Phyllis Fuller
Maternal Nutrition Intensive Course Registration Form.pdf
National Maternal Nutrition MN July2005.doc


text:
Buck Mountain Botanicals Organic Grindelia is well known among Western herbalists for its usefulness as a respiratory herb. Grindelia is composed of substances that act as expectorants (stimulate mucus secretion) and reduce inflammation in the respiratory tract making dry, hacking coughs more productive. In addition, Buck Mountain Botanicals Grindelia acts as an antispasmodic helping to calm a spastic cough while dilating bronchioles relieving the symptoms of asthma.
In Dr. Fox's opinion Grindelia is the best natural cough suppressant and expectorant available. Buck Mountain Botanicals Grindelia can be useful for easing the symptoms of Bordetella (Kennel cough) as well as assisting horses with heaves and dogs, cats and birds, virtually all creatures, with respiratory infections.
A natural, Holistic remedy for various respiratory symptoms.
Acts as an expectorant (stimulates mucous secretions) and reduces inflammation in the respiratory tract making dry, hacking coughs more productive.
Acts as an antispasmodic helping to calm a spastic cough while dilating bronchioles relieving the symptoms of asthma.
Useful for easing the symptoms of Bordetella (Kennel cough).
Effective for all animals with respiratory infections.
Formulated with organic herbs.
Extracted into a tincture making it more easily assimilated by the body.
Available in a 1oz elixir.
Buck Mountain Botanicals Ingredients
Organic grindelia and ethyl alcohol.
Organic Grindelia Suggested Use
Use one ml per 25lbs for carnivores orally as needed. It can be cut with honey, syrup or water. The label suggests 1 to 1 but Dr. Fox uses up to four parts light weight syrup (from canned fruit) to one part elixir.
Buck Mountain Botanicals Grindelia Contraindications
Large doses may cause profuse sweating (i.e. more than five ml of the uncut elixir per 100 weight). May have a relaxing effect on the heart so do not use on animals with heart or circulatory problems. Contraindicated in animals with renal failure or other kidney disease.
View our entire Herbs for Dogs and Cats selection.
View more Buck Mountain Botanicals Herbal Products.
Because we know it is important to you, most orders are shipped fast within 24 hrs on business days by Priority Mail!


text:
iHerb Customer Reviews
Savings of: $0.97 (9% off)
This product has been Discontinued and Replaced by SDV-00101. Same exact product, new part number!
No corn syrup!
Posted by Reviewer2257340 on Feb 09, 2010
The reason I don't like most commercial vanilla is they add corn syrup. This is just organic vanilla bean in alcohol. I'll add my own sweetening, thank you!
Almost unusable
Posted by Reviewer2961402 on Feb 07, 2010
Very synthetic taste, I haven't yet found a way to use this for anything. The taste of vanilla is mild, the taste of alcohol and soapy chemical after taste is strong.
vanilla extract
Posted by Reviewer1651804 on May 01, 2011
Didn't work as a substitute for pure vanilla powder, so I have to do some testing - probably nothing wrong with the product though!
did not like
Posted by Reviewer2347235 on May 29, 2011
only thing I tasted was alcohol!
Tastes great,,
Posted by bray29 on Jul 20, 2012
Tastes great, love that it is organic, a little goes a long way.
Vanilla extract
Posted by Reviewer2869993 on Jul 05, 2012
My favorite vanilla extract. The flavor is very nice, and I'm all for the fairtrade+ concept. Thumbs up!
Good stuff!
Posted by MikeMember on Apr 22, 2008
Excellent value & quality!
Big bottle vanilla extract
Posted by Reviewer2144919 on Jul 27, 2009
Great to make chocolate malt. Iherb.com really great price.
My favorite brand without added corn syrup
Posted by Reviewer2664686 on Aug 03, 2009
It is hard to find vanilla extract without added corn syrup. The corn syrup is completely unnecessary. This brand has a pure taste and smell and is my go-to for vanilla in coffee, cooking, baking, everything!
not very impressed
Posted by Reviewer1202829 on Mar 10, 2011
It is ok, but not enough vanilla taste and too much alcohol and water.


text:
The Ecological Footprint can be understood as simply as a family budget, according to a new video released by the Community of Andean Nations (CAN).
The CAN and its member nations – Ecuador, Colombia, Bolivia and Peru – began working with Global Footprint Network in early 2009 on an initiative to maintain one of the CAN region's richest and most important assets: its natural resource base. The initiative seeks to demonstrate the interdependence between a country's natural wealth, its economic health and, ultimately, the well-being of its people.
As part of the initiative, the CAN recently launched a video, to be circulated online and in television media, that explains this lofty concept in terms almost any family can relate to. "It's as if a family needed to adjust expenditures because of having another child," the video explains, "yet nevertheless, in spite of these forces, the family continued to spend more money." Now, however, the video says, the CAN is working to address that situation – in particular Ecuador, which has adopted specific Ecological Footprint reduction goals.
The CAN has also released a preview version of a report on the Ecological Footprint of the CAN countries that it will release with Global Footprint Network in 2010. The teaser, which introduces people to the concept of the Ecological Footprint and provides a snapshot of the data, can be downloaded here in English and Spanish. The longer report will provide an in-depth look at the ecological trends in each of the member countries, along with perspectives and commentary by in-country experts.


text:
Description & Details
Romantic swirls of floral Chantilly lace dip into a seductive plunge cut, suspended by elegant double straps. Pair with the Bienvenue Garter Belt, Thong or Knickers for a complete set.
- From the Celeste collection, by Simone Perele
- Adjustable straps
- Hook-and-eye closure
- Polyamide, elastane, Chantilly lace
- Hand wash
- Imported
Contact a BHLDN Stylist
for styling and sizing advice, reassurance,
and second opinions


text:
Bill Kauffman
Manager, Media Relations and Publications
Phone: 719-228-6800
E-Mail: email@example.com
U.S. Women's Press Kit for FIVB World Grand Prix
Unofficial DataVolley Stats - Official FIVB Stats
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Aug. 21, 2010) – Jordan Larson (Hooper, Neb.) scored a match-high 16 points in leading the U.S. Women's National Volleyball Team to a fifth straight victory with a 25-16, 25-16, 25-16 win over Thailand on Saturday afternoon in Hong Kong during Pool G of the 18th FIVB World Grand Prix.
Team USA, now 6-2 in this year's FIVB World Grand Prix and with 18 points, concludes the tournament preliminary round on Aug. 22 at 12:45 a.m. Pacific Time against China. Earlier this year, the Chinese defeated the Americans in the Montreux Volley Masters gold-medal match on June 13 in Switzerland. China is ranked second in the world by the FIVB, while the U.S. is ranked fourth.
The U.S. has already qualified for the FIVB World Grand Prix six-team Final Round to be held Aug. 25-29 at Ningbo, China, after clinching a spot on Aug. 20. Team USA has not played in the FIVB World Grand Prix Final Round since 2008 when it finished fourth. The Americans have not reached the World Grand Prix podium since bronze medal finishes in 2003 and 2004. The U.S. won the World Grand Prix in 1995 and 2001, its only other podium finishes.
The U.S. opened the match with a 6-1 lead in the first set and went on to win 25-16, despite Thailand coming back to within two at 8-6. Team USA used an 8-3 spurt to break free from an 8-7 advantage and cruised to a 25-16 victory. The Americans scored nine of 10 points in a key point of the third set to take a 21-11 advantage and never looked back in a 25-16 victory.
"The Thailand team is a very good team," U.S. Women's National Team Head Coach Hugh McCutcheon (Christchurch, New Zealand) said. "We respect them a lot as they played late last night and have to play early today. Our team played well. Our job is to win, but our goal is to get a good team together and continue to improve both individually and as a team. China is a strong team and we will prepare as usual. It's hard to say who will win tomorrow, but we expect it will be a good match."
Larson collected 13 kills on 22 swings with just one error, two blocks and an ace for her 16 points as the U.S. spread its scoring to nine different players in the match. Destinee Hooker (San Antonio, Texas) notched six kills on 15 attacks, two blocks and an ace for nine points. Foluke Akinradewo (Plantation, Fla.) chipped in six kills on seven errorless attacks and a block for seven points. Alisha Glass (Leland, Mich.) charted three kills on four attempts, two blocks and an ace for six points. Logan Tom (Salt Lake City, Utah) scored four kills and a block, while Heather Bown (Yorba Linda, Calif.) pocketed three kills on five attempts, one block and an ace for five points. Megan Hodge (Durham, N.C.) tacked on three kills and an ace for four points. Jennifer Tamas (Milpitas, Calif.) scored three kills on four attacks in the third set, while Ogonna Nnamani (Bloomington, Ill.) rounded out the scoring with two blocks.
Glass provided 10 running sets on 49 attempts in running the U.S. offense. Nicole Davis (Stockton, Calif.) charted a team-high 13 digs to go with 10 excellent receptions on 11 errorless attempts. Larson added 13 excellent receptions on 18 errorless attempts to go with five digs.
"It's a very nice match and we enjoyed the game," said Tamas, who is the U.S. captain for this year's FIVB World Grand Prix. "The Thai team is very challenging. Its attack and block are very good. We look forward to tomorrow's match and hope to continue to improve. Our win today is due to the whole team's contribution."
McCutcheon started Tom and Larson at outside hitter, Akinradewo and Bown at middle blocker, Hooker at opposite and Glass at setter. Davis was the designated libero for the match. Nellie Spicer (Barrington, Ill.) and Nnamani were subbed in all three sets as double-subs. Hodge subbed into the second set for Tom and started the third set. Tamas started the third set in place of Bown, while Cynthia Barboza (Long Beach, Calif.) was a sub in the third set.
Team USA out-blocked Thailand 11-2 and held a 5-1 margin in aces. The Americans also had a 41-33 advantage in kills and limited its errors to 12 for the entire match. The U.S. converted 48.8 percent of its attacks into kills with a .440 hitting efficiency and just four attack errors, thanks in part to 30 excellent service receptions on 39 attempts. Thailand committed 18 errors in the match and converted just 32.4 percent of its attacks into kills as part of a .186 hitting efficiency. The U.S. held a 25-17 dig margin.
Team USA defeated Thailand earlier in the 2010 FIVB World Grand Prix with a convincing 25-18, 25-21, 25-13 victory on Aug. 14 in Thailand.
Malika Kanthong led Thailand with 11 points, all on kills. Onuma Sittirak added nine points in the loss.
"Congratulations to the USA team," Thailand Head Coach Kiattipong Radchatagriengkai said. "They played very well and it was a very good game. Our team was not too good today because we played a difficult match last night and physically they are not strong enough. We made errors in reception and skills. Our team learned a lot. We will try to improve our skills and minimize our errors in the future. We wish the USA team good luck in tomorrow's match."
Earlier today, Netherlands (4-4, 11 points) defeated Dominican Republic 25-19, 25-22, 25-20 in Pool I at Tokyo. Later today, Poland (6-1, 18 points) plays Puerto Rico (1-6, 3 points) and Brazil (6-1, 18 points) takes on Chinese Taipei at Taipei, Chinese Taipei in Pool H. Japan (6-1, 18 points) hosts Italy (5-2, 15 points) in a battle of Final Round participants at Tokyo, while China (5-2, 16 points) hosts Germany (2-5, 7 points) in Hong Kong.
For the latest news on the FIVB World Grand Prix, visit the U.S. Women's National Team FIVB World Grand Prix event web site at usavolleyball.org/events/3056. The page includes archived press releases, schedule and results involving all 12 World Grand Prix teams, photos, statistics and match videos by Universal Sports.
The U.S. went in front 4-1 with kills by Glass and Hooker, followed by a Glass block and kill leading to a Thailand timeout. After the break, the U.S. scored a fifth and sixth straight point with a Thailand error and Tom kill. Thailand stopped the run with two points of its own to close to within three at 6-3. Thailand scored the first two points after the first technical timeout to close to two at 8-6. Team USA gained a four-point cushion at 11-7 with an Akinradewo kill and Larson block. The U.S. increased its margin to 13-8 with kills from Larson and Glass. Thailand scored the next two points to move the score to 14-11. Larson connected for a kill and Akinradewo put up a block after a Thailand service error to push the American advantage to 19-13. Hooker served an ace after a Larson kill to send the score to 22-15. Larson gave the U.S. set points with an ace after a Thailand service error at 24-16. The U.S. ended the set at 25-16 with a Thailand attack error, its seventh error of the set. Larson paced the American offense in the first set with seven points, while Glass chipped in four points from her setter position. Team USA held its errors to just two. The U.S. had a 3-2 margin in blocks and 2-0 edge in aces.
Bown scored a kill and ace to give the U.S. an early 3-1 lead in the second set, but Thailand quickly tied the set at 3-all. Akinradewo and Larson turned in consecutive kills to yield a 6-4 U.S. lead. The Americans jumped their lead to three points with a Bown kill and Thailand error at 10-7. Team USA stretched its margin to 12-8 with a Thailand service error and Tom block. The U.S. gained a 14-9 advantage with a Glass ace after a Thailand service error. Team USA went into the second technical timeout leading 16-10 with an Akinradewo overpass kill after a Hooker kill. Out of the break, Thailand scored the next two points to close the deficit to 16-12. Team USA responded with an Akinradewo kill and Hooker block at 18-12 prompting a Thailand timeout. Larson pocketed consecutive kills to increase the American advantage to 20-13. Bown picked up a block and Hodge scored a kill on her first play of the match to give the U.S. a 22-14 lead. The U.S. added to the run with a Nnamani block that Thailand could not cover cleanly, followed by a Hodge block at 24-14. Thailand saved two set points before Hodge scored her third kill of the set to close it out at 25-16. Bown scored five points to lead the U.S. in the second set as the Americans netted four blocks and two aces.
Team USA scored three unanswered points with two kills from Akinradewo and one from Larson to give the U.S. a 5-2 lead. The Americans went up by four points at 9-5 with a Thailand service error and Glass block. Thailand cut into the deficit with an ace at 11-9. Akinradewo and Larson put up consecutive kills and Larson followed with a block to yield a 15-10 U.S. lead. Hodge served an ace at 16-10 for the Americans' fourth straight point. Hooker and Larson collected consecutive kills to extend the Team USA lead to 18-11. Out of a Thailand timeout, Larson added another kill and Hooker put up a block at 20-11. Tamas added another block for the fifth straight point at 21-11. Thailand stopped the run with two points of its own at 21-13. Thailand cut the deficit to seven points at 23-13 with back-to-back points. Team USA answered with a Tamas kill and Nnamani block to end the set at 25-16. Larson provided the U.S. with six points in the third set and the Americans scored four blocks in the period.
Volleyball fans across the world will be able to watch three FIVB World Grand prix matches a week as FIVB TV announced on Aug. 5 that it will stream matches on the Internet. One match per day from the three preliminary rounds as well as all matches form the Final Round will be streamed live on www.laola1.tv/en/int/fivb/video/203---.html. The USA-Italy match on Aug. 13 was shown live as part of the package, while the USA-China contest on Aug. 22 rounds out the preliminary round coverage. As a note, the FIVB TV matches cannot be viewed in most locations within the United States based on negotiated broadcast rights.
Fans in the United States can watch all remaining USA matches on Universal Sports (www.universalsports.com), on a tape delayed same-day coverage. Selected matches will also be shown on Universal's television channel. All matches will be on-demand after they take place. To find out if Universal is in your home area and its daily schedule, click here.
For more information on the U.S. Women's National Team, visit its home page by clicking here.
U.S. Women's National Team Roster for FIVB World Grand Prix Pool D (Hong Kong)
# - Name (Pos, Ht, Hometown, College)
1 - Ogonna Nnamani (OPP, 6-1, Bloomington, Ill., Stanford)
2 - Alisha Glass (S, 6-0, Leland, Mich., Penn State)
5 - Stacy Sykora (L, 5-10, Burleson, Texas, Texas A&M)
6 - Nicole Davis (L, 5-4, Stockton, Calif., Southern California)
7 - Heather Bown (MB, 6-3, Yorba Linda, Calif., Hawaii)
8 - Cynthia Barboza (OH, 6-0, Long Beach, Calif., Stanford)
9 - Jennifer Tamas (MB, 6-4, Milpitas, Calif., Pacific)
11 - Jordan Larson (OH, 6-2, Hooper, Neb., Nebraska)
14 - Nicole Fawcett (OPP, 6-4, Zanesfield, Ohio, Penn State)
15 - Logan Tom (OH, 6-1, Salt Lake City, Utah, Stanford)
16 - Foluke Akinradewo (MB, 6-3, Plantation, Fla., Stanford)
17 - Nellie Spicer (S, 5-9, Barrington, Ill., UCLA)
18 - Megan Hodge (OH, 6-3, Durham, N.C., Penn State)
19 - Destinee Hooker (OPP, 6-4, San Antonio, Texas, Texas)
Head Coach: Hugh McCutcheon (Christchurch, New Zealand)
Assistant Coach: Karch Kiraly (San Clemente, Calif.)
Assistant Coach: Jim Stone (Columbus, Ohio)
Technical Coordinator: Jamie Morrison (Dana Point, Calif.)
Athletic Trainer/Medical Support: Jill Wosmek (Silver Lake, Minn.)
Team Leader for Poland/Thailand: Reed Sunahara (Cincinnati, Ohio)
Team Leader for Hong Kong/Ningbo: Laurel Iversen (Kalaheo, Hawaii)
FIVB World Grand Prix Standings
Brazil (18 Points) 6-1 - Aug. 21 vs. Chinese Taipei
Japan (18 Points) 6-1 - Aug. 21 vs. Italy
Poland (18 Points) 6-1 - Aug. 21 vs. Puerto Rico
China (16 Points) 5-2 - Aug. 21 vs. Germany
USA (18 Points) 6-2
Italy (15 Points) 5-2 - Aug. 21 vs. Japan
Netherlands (11 Points) 4-4
Germany (7 Points) 2-5 - Aug. 21 vs. China
Dominican Republic (5 Points) 2-6
Thailand (3 Points) 1-7
Puerto Rico (3 Points) 1-6 - Aug. 21 vs. Poland
Chinese Taipei (0 Points) 0-7 - Aug. 21 vs. Brazil
NOTE: Matches won 3-0 or 3-1 earn the winners 3 points; Matches won 3-2 earn the winner 2 points and the loser 1 point
2010 FIVB World Grand Prix Schedule
Pool A (Sao Carlos, Brazil * Ginasio Nilton Olaio Filho)
Aug. 6: Brazil def. Chinese Taipei 25-15, 25-19, 25-12
Aug. 6: Japan def. Italy 30-28, 27-29, 25-20, 25-13
Aug. 7: Brazil def. Japan 25-20, 25-19, 25-20
Aug. 7: Italy def. Chinese Taipei 25-15, 25-20, 25-19
Aug. 8: Italy def. Brazil 25-22, 25-21, 18-25, 25-19
Aug. 8: Japan def. Chinese Taipei 25-16, 25-16, 25-16
Pool B (Gdynia, Poland * Gdynia Competition Hall)
Aug. 6: USA def. Dominican Republic 26-24, 22-25, 25-14, 25-19
Aug. 6: Poland def. Germany 25-18, 16-25, 25-22, 26-24
Aug. 7: Poland def. Dominican Republic 25-23, 25-16, 25-14
Aug. 7: Germany def. USA 25-23, 25-22, 16-25, 25-23
Aug. 8: Poland def. USA 16-25, 26-24, 25-19, 25-23
Aug. 8: Dominican Republic def. Germany 25-19, 22-25, 31-29, 16-15, 19-17
Pool C (Chengdu, China * Sichuan Provincial Sports Bureau)
Aug. 6: Netherlands def. Thailand 25-22, 25-22, 25-23
Aug. 6: China def. Puerto Rico 25-20, 25-18, 25-22
Aug. 7: Netherlands def. Puerto Rico 25-9, 25-12, 25-21
Aug. 7: China def. Thailand 25-16, 25-16, 25-22
Aug. 8: China def. Netherlands 19-25, 25-20, 25-15, 25-21
Aug. 8: Puerto Rico def. Thailand 25-22, 25-23, 25-21
Pool D (Bangkok, Thailand * Keelawes 2)
Aug. 13: USA def. Italy 26-28, 26-24, 25-23, 25-15
Aug. 13: Thailand def. Puerto Rico 25-16, 25-19, 25-16
Aug. 14: Italy def. Puerto Rico 25-12, 25-17, 25-18
Aug. 14: USA def. Thailand 25-18, 25-21, 25-13
Aug. 15: USA def. Puerto Rico 21-25, 25-22, 25-12, 25-15
Aug. 15: Italy def. Thailand 21-25, 25-23, 25-21, 25-20
Pool E (Macau, China * Forum de Macau)
Aug. 13: Brazil def. Dominican Republic 25-14, 25-18, 25-14
Aug. 13: China def. Netherlands 25-16, 25-19, 25-16
Aug. 14: Brazil def. Netherlands 25-21, 21-25, 25-15, 26-24
Aug. 14: Dominican Republic def. China 25-20, 20-25, 21-25, 25-22, 15-9
Aug. 16: Netherlands def. Dominican Republic 25-23, 25-20, 17-25, 23-25, 15-7
Aug. 16: Brazil def. China 25-12, 25-19, 25-19
Pool F (Okayama, Japan * Okayama Momotaro Arena)
Aug. 13: Poland def. Chinese Taipei 25-16, 25-19, 25-15
Aug. 13: Japan def. Germany 26-28, 25-17, 25-20, 25-11
Aug. 14: Germany def. Chinese Taipei 25-19, 25-14, 25-19
Aug. 14: Japan def. Poland 25-19, 25-21, 19-25, 25-16
Aug. 15: Poland def. Germany 25-23, 25-23, 29-31, 25-20
Aug. 15: Japan def. Chinese Taipei 28-26, 25-15, 25-11
Pool G (Hong Kong, China * Hong Kong Coliseum)
Aug. 20: USA def. Germany 25-15, 25-18, 25-13
Aug. 20: China def. Thailand 16-25, 27-25, 25-23, 25-15
Aug. 21: USA def. Thailand 25-16, 25-16, 25-16
Aug. 21: China vs. Germany, 3:45 p.m. (12:45 a.m. PT)
Aug. 22: Germany vs. Thailand, 1:15 p.m. (10:15 p.m. PT on Aug. 21)
Aug. 22: USA vs. China, 3:45 p.m. (12:45 a.m. PT)
Pool H (Taipei, Chinese Taipei * Taiwan University Gym)
Aug. 20: Brazil def. Puerto Rico 25-18, 25-13, 25-20
Aug. 20: Poland def. Chinese Taipei 25-19, 25-18, 25-9
Aug. 21: Puerto Rico vs. Poland, 2:30 p.m.
Aug. 21: Chinese Taipei vs. Brazil, 4:30 p.m.
Aug. 22: Brazil vs. Poland, 2:30 p.m.
Aug. 22: Chinese Taipei vs. Puerto Rico, 4:30 p.m.
Pool I (Tokyo, Japan * Yoyogi National Stadium)
Aug. 20: Italy def. Netherlands 29-27, 25-16, 25-15
Aug. 20: Japan def. Dominican Republic 25-15, 23-25, 31-29, 25-20
Aug. 21: Netherlands def. Dominican Republic 25-19, 25-22, 25-20
Aug. 21: Japan vs. Italy, 7 p.m.
Aug. 22: Dominican Republic vs. Italy, 2 p.m.
Aug. 22: Japan vs. Netherlands, 5 p.m.
Final Round (Ningbo, China * Ningbo Beilun Gymnasium) – Team distribution 2-6 based on final Preliminary Round ranking minus China)
Aug. 25: 2 vs. 5, 1:30 p.m. (10:30 p.m. Pacific Time on Aug. 24)
Aug. 25: 3 vs. 4, 3:30 p.m. (12:30 a.m. Pacific Time)
Aug. 25: China vs. 6, 7:30 p.m. (4:30 a.m. Pacific Time)
Aug. 26: 2 vs. 4, 1:30 p.m. (10:30 p.m. Pacific Time on Aug. 25)
Aug. 26: 3 vs. 6, 3:30 p.m., 12:30 a.m. Pacific Time)
Aug. 26: China vs. 5, 7:30 p.m. (4:30 a.m. Pacific Time)
Aug. 27: 5 vs. 6, 1:30 p.m. (10:30 p.m. Pacific Time on Aug. 26)
Aug. 27: 2 vs. 3, 3:30 p.m. (12:30 a.m. Pacific Time)
Aug. 27: China vs. 4, 7:30 p.m. (4:30 a.m. Pacific Time)
Aug. 28: 2 vs. 6, 1:30 p.m. (10:30 p.m. Pacific Time on Aug. 27)
Aug. 28: 4 vs. 5, 3:30 p.m. (12:30 a.m. Pacific Time)
Aug. 28: China vs. 3, 7:30 p.m. (4:30 a.m. Pacific Time)
Aug. 29: 4 vs. 6, 1:30 p.m. (10:30 p.m. Pacific Time on Aug. 28)
Aug. 29: 3 vs. 5, 3:30 p.m. (12:30 a.m. Pacific Time)
Aug. 29: China vs. 2, 7:30 p.m. (4:30 a.m. Pacific Time)


text:
About the Author: Morgan O'Brien serves as Staff Assistant to the Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan. Morgan writes from Kabul International Airport in Afghanistan.
Over the past two days, I've had a front row seat as a cross-section of around 300 civilian and military experts from the United States, Afghanistan and the rest of the international community met for a "Rehearsal of Concept" (ROC) that turned an airport terminal building into a multinational conference center.
Co-chaired by my boss, Ambassador Richard C. Holbrooke, the Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan, and General David Petraeus, commander of United States Central Command, the ROC Drill sought to dig deep with the Afghans and the international coalition into U.S. and ISAF thinking on the year ahead in Afghanistan. Dozens of key players from the field discussed the details of their plans and programs to promote an across-the-board, cooperative civilian-military, international and Afghan discussion on the challenges posed and ideas for making continued progress.
"Over the past year, we have consistently sought inputs from all of our partners to ensure we developed a comprehensive, civ-mil, counterinsurgency campaign," said General Petraeus. "This event, however, took that partnership to a new level. These were invaluable, very productive sessions."
The sessions were not only invaluable and productive, but fascinating to watch. It was refreshing to see such a wide array of nations -- with a dozen Ambassadors and 13 Afghan ministers and other senior officials, and international organizations -- talk with one another as partners sharing a common platform and common goal. Rather than theory, they looked at what could actually be done in the coming months. Sitting in the same room as a collection of individuals like ISAF commander General Stan McChrystal and President Karzai who will end up in my children's history books (if books exist when I have kids -- I'd continue, but I'm not sure if it would be appropriate for DipNote if I turned this post into a love letter to my new iPad), was a one of those moments that makes you appreciate the unique opportunities the Foreign Service provides.
As Ambassador Holbrooke and General Petraeus both pointed out numerous times over the past few days, the build up to this moment was the furthest thing from spontaneous. Last May's ROC Drill, held at Washington's Ft. Leslie McNair, laid the foundation for this year's event.
"While we identified a number of areas for improvement last year, it was virtually all American participants, something we wanted to improve upon for this year," said Ambassador Holbrooke. "To get 300 people to Kabul took many, many months -- the planning for this event began during President Karzai's inauguration in November."
In what Ambassador Holbrooke described as the "capstone" of the ROC Drill, President Karzai addressed the participants during the Sunday afternoon session, thanking attendees for coming to Afghanistan, and recognizing the value of this forum. Another moment I enjoyed was seeing the embassy interpreter -- a young Afghan man whose name I'm not going to mention here -- take tremendous pride in announcing the arrival of his President to the conference attendees. President Karzai's attendance was not just a big deal for the Afghan participants.
"President Karzai's participation carries great importance," said Ambassador Holbrooke. "We greatly appreciate the fact that he came."
In addition to President Karzai's brief visit, more than a dozen Afghan ministers and officials representing fields including intelligence, finance, policing, foreign affairs, trade, agriculture, justice, local governance and many others were on hand to participate in the discussion for most of the two days.
In Washington, desk officers often prepare background documents, meeting prep papers and information memos about foreign officials whom they may only know from embassy reporting cables. But the ROC drill brought Ministers Zakhiwal, Atmar, Popal, Wardak director Saleh and a host of others off the pages of briefing checklists and into the middle of the action. I saw these men share their thoughts about how to move their country forward with our leaders and saw the most prominent figures on all sides really listen to one another.
"We spent the last two days with some of the smartest, and most dedicated people in Afghanistan," said Jack Lew, Deputy Secretary of State.
The American co-chairs, the Afghan leaders, and the international representatives all agreed that the two-day event was a success and decided the practice should continue more frequently. "The last two days were so successful that we are planning another ROC drill here, in the near future," said Ambassador Holbrooke.
"We had a very good exchange on the topics discussed over the last two days," said General Petraeus. "But there are still seams and areas for improvement."
At the conclusion of the event, Ambassador Holbrooke and General Petraeus met with President Karzai to deliver a two-hour long outbrief and begin planning for future events, which will include not just an additional drill but also a visit by President Karzai to the United States in mid-May and the Kabul Conference in the summer.
Masood in California writes:
Simply put! Mr. Karzai needs to get his act together and deliver! Corruption is not the option anymore!
Eric in New Mexico writes:
@ Morgan,
My dad once told me, "Son, never believe anything you hear, only half of what you read, but believe what you see and get your eyes checked often."
That said, I'm wondering if your boss would recomend I get checked after reading the following assesments, (one old, one recently posted), or is the vision 20/20 and we're still all on the same page?
>Date: Wed, 19 Sep 2001 03:41:03 -0600
>To: email@example.com
>From: (Eric in New Mexico)
>Subject: "Powell doctrine"-Exit options
>> Dear Mr. Secretary,
It seems logical to me when looking at the rebuilding of Germany and Japan after WW2, why we haven't been targets of terrorism by these former enemies, it may also be logical to view the rise of Hitler as a direct result of the sanctions imposed opon Germany at the end of WW1.
I agree that the war that has been declared opon us will take time, and cost much to win. I hope you will forgive my being so bold as to propose the following;
Based opon the fact that the people of Afghanistan have no self-determination of their fate, and are at the mercy of the Taliban(or who-ever controls them), and given the fact so many are abandoning the country in fear, it seems to me that this mission must be a liberation, not a reprisal, I mean by this that we perform surgery-heal the patient(Afghanistan).
In order to retain support, especially throughout the Arab world, for a sustained presence in the region, it will be necessary to address the humanitarian needs of the refugees immediately to;
A.Show compassion in the midst of our wrath.
B.To prevent further human suffering due to terrorist acts opon us.
I will base the following on the assumption that the military surgery undertaken will remove the cancer in a similar fashion as in WW2-unconditional surrender.(*)
Given the resulting void in government structure, and to avoid setting up what might be viewed as a "puppet" government, I propose this as an alternative:
Restore the government prior to the Soviet invasion, most of that ruling family is in exile.(although a monarchy,it held democratic ideals despite the influence of the Soviets and had no clue about the Soviet agenda until too late) .
I have only my gut instinct to go on, but the "northern alliance" might agree to this as it would bring the country full circle, bringing hope again and the ability to function as a distinct political entity in the U.N.
In addition I believe that the whole premise by which we may safely exit the situation with the goals in hand is this;
If the average Afghan citizen can say they're better off than they were before the Taliban took over, and having the world's help rebuilding, not only will the world respect us, but we'll give them nothing to hate us for in the future.
The massive response with food, shelter, clothing to the refugees prior to any action against the Taliban or bin Laden will immediately let the world know without a doubt that we consider them victims of terrorist aggression, and that our mission is to rid them of this and restore sanity.
If we do this right, the long term prognosis will be a full recovery from a terminal illness.
Afghanistan may need a decade of peace to achieve this.
The stability necessary for this can only come from the people's desire to be at peace, and a hope for the future.
(*) Unconditional surrender in this case does not require use of nuclear weapons to achieve objective, if used, all support will evaporate, and the objective(long term)is lost. I believe it's logical given the terrain, that this may have been considered, hopefully only for a fraction of a second.
I must apologize for not having introduced myself.
I'm a house painter, a trade which allows me to have way too much time on my hands to think about things. Father to two girls who stop traffic unintentionally.
Granddad worked on the bomb with Oppenhiemer, therefore my interest in history and sociology, and partially my reason for this e-mail. The other is to help if I can.
Best wishes and Godspeed,
The time stamp, header, and letter are unaltered except to delete personal and irrelevent content for posting.
My understanding through constituancy services is that this and others were passed around among a half dozen folks @ State and the Whitehouse when it was read ( in this case 4-5 hours after sending)
I know Amb. Finn appreciated this when I sent it to him and I hope your boss does as well. The latest assesment follows (5000 character limits being what they are).
Give my best to all concerned please and thanks for posting and keeping folks informed,
Eric in New Mexico writes:
@ Morgan,
(part 2)
This current assesment was given in response to doubts expressed here on Dipnote based on news reporting of late.
Lot of folks concerned, and that why I'm asking for the feedback.
Could help dispel doubts on all sides.
Be safe,
"Karzai's major worry is not just his credibility with his own people, it's about not wanting his country to become the battlefield for regional powers, including between the US/ISAF and Iran.
He's not stupid, just under a lot of stress to perform, with the entire world looking on.
Personally I think he's using a little reverse psycology on his own people in posing the thought of becoming Taliban himself. Afghan's in general hate the Taliban more than they do any foreign forces in there to deal with them and al-quaida. Karzai knows this.
So I think he's trying to motivate his own people to stand up for themselves, to make the choices they need to make to secure their future as an independant country that's taken control of their future.
Fact is, he can't solve corruption all by himself and so when he told tribal elders in Kandahar that the tribes needed to deal with "their own thieves" I think he's giving them a choice in the timing of military action so they have a little time to kick the taliban out on their own, as well as deal with the corruption that supports the taliban.
It's interesting that he accused the UN and others of trying to set up a "puppet gov.", it wasn't made clear whether he was going to lead it or someone else was. But he's often been called a "western puppet" by the taliban and he's trying to win the support of his people in some pretty trying circumstance.
I can't say it's not going to backfire on him, but if we demonstrate some "legendary patience" and give him some time to put his agenda to work, it's just possible he'll motivate his people to do what they need to do to secure their own future.
If one was to compare body language Karzai exibited with Amanidijad compared with Gates, McCrystal or Obama, one can sense the stiffness in his bering with the Iranian leader as compared to a generally relaxed association with those he has a working relationship with. Even when disagreements happen, he thanks the American people for their support.
So I don't doubt he knows who his friends are."
Posted on Wed Apr 07, 2010
O.C. in USA writes:
Can't Karzai get shares in a new hospital or medical system in exchange for relinquishing drug profits? Have him give up his illicit profits, build a state of the art medical system with the opium money and let him be on the Bord of Directors.
Eric in New Mexico writes:
@ Morgan:
What about that letter of 19 Sept 2001 do folks not understand all these years later? I knew exactly what I was asking my government to do. And how hard it would be to achieve. Two administrations now have been working hard at it to make it so.
The goals I outlined in Sept. 2001 have been met with one exception, there as yet has not been a "decade of peace" to allow for full recovery of the "patient" and Afghanistan coming full circle. At risk of repeating myself, here's how I think reconciliation can happen on the ground. We don't need Mullah Omar or Gulbadin Hectmayr's approval to achieve it, for the truth is self evident; That promoting world peace is all about getting the other guy to lay down his weapons, and talk alone rarely achieves that. Nor is it done by military means alone, both means must be proven effective together under the circumstances they are targeted to change. "The question of reintegration is sort of a "right of passage" for those formerly of the Taliban, in the process the individual must go through after laying down arms and agreeing to terms unconditionally.
A program in place whereby three things happen for that individual to be successfully reintegrated into peaceful Afghan society.
1. That work is a method of decompression from combat used as a tool to create a peaceful mindset and something to look forward to in life.
2. That in order to prove loyalty to the constitution and Afghanistan; that the individual will plant trees for the government of Afghanistan for a period of 2 years and be paid a living wage for his labor. Planting trees will form an appreciation for life rather than retain a willingness over time to destroy life, in theory.
3. That upon successful completion of educational (reading, writing, arithmetic) training during those 2 years (can't plant trees in the winter), the individual is granted full legal status as an Afghan citizen-"in good standing with the government", with the right to vote, and start a business.
I think some sort of probationary period would be in order if the law abiding Afghan citizens are to be respected. Not to speak for Afghans in this, I think it's just human nature to want assurances of peaceful intent. The Taliban have got to pay their dues to a future Afghanistan all Afghans can be joyful in calling home. The way to make democrats out of separatists is to include them in that process. This way they come to understand that we're not there to steal their land, just there to help them heal it, being in our own national interests as well as theirs.
I think given a choice between fighting and having the opportunity to do something one can show off to their grandkids as they sit in the shade you created in a greener Afghanistan that has successfully won the war against desertification, then I think you'll find more than a few walking away from the fight they're in with us today. End the illegal logging along the Pakistan border by paying the local Afghan loggers to plant trees instead, and then create a few more national parks to preserve the existing forests, and the Afghan government will retain sovereignty over its natural resources rather than have them pillaged by opportunists.
The tree planting that the US is sponsoring now has turned into one of the most popular programs among Afghans that has been stood up so far, if I understood the Sec. of Agriculture correctly. I'm wondering if folks @ State are as curious as I am just how far we could stretch a program to solve more than one problem at a time."
---end post
I'm sure President Karzai has ideas, as do Afghans in general about how to go about achieving reconciliation, but if Amb. Hollbrooke thinks this a valid suggestion to offer as a solution, I think President Karzai is pretty open to a few constructive ideas. Perhaps he'll see fit to pass it on in some form or another.
Best regards,


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This is the second part of Modern Painters's list of the "50 Most Exciting Collectors Under 50" (for Part I, click here). To see an illustrated gallery of the figures listed here, with their descriptions, click on the slide show.
Mohammed Afkhami
Dubai/New York
Managing partner of MA Partners dmcc, a commodities derivatives consultancy based in the Middle East, Afkhami also serves as an adviser on capital placement to several of the largest global alternative investment firms. He collects international contemporary art, in particular Middle Eastern art, and is a founding member of the British Museum's Middle East and North African art acquisition committee.
Laura and John Arnold
Recently retired founder of the Centaurus Advisors hedge fund and self-made billionaire, John Arnold, the "king of natural gas," and his wife, Laura, are committed philanthropists and art collectors. The couple live in a Cubist-inspired house designed by New York architect Alexander Gorlin and collect predominantly modern and contemporary art. Inspired by Warren Buffett and Bill Gates, they have pledged to give away half of their wealth over the course of their lifetime.
Haro Cumbusyan and Bilge Ogut-Cumbusyan
"I think a collection should be worth more than the sum of its parts. It should put the artworks into context, reveal unexpected relationships, or allow for surprising new readings," says Haro Cumbusyan. He and his wife, Bilge, collect mainly video, film, and new media. Because both of them work with technology in their professional lives — Bilge as an investment consultant in technology, media, and telecommunications; Haro as a management consultant — they feel very comfortable with "emerging technologies and connecting cables," as they put it. Focusing their collection on moving images provided them the opportunity to acquire artworks on a modest budget.
"Everything goes back to art institutions: Bilge and I started dating at the Guggenheim and got engaged at the Whitney," recounts Haro. Their interest in art institutions motivated the two to open Collectorspace, a nonprofit venue in Istanbul dedicated to making works in private collections publicly available in exhibitions. Says Haro, "For an artwork to be relevant, it should enter the public consciousness."
Hilary Hatch-Rubenstein
New York
A psychoanalyst by trade and a chairman of the Junior Associates at MoMA, Hatch-Rubenstein has an appetite for art influenced by her parents' longtime involvement with the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Her first individual purchase, at the age of 15, was an Andy Warhol print of Greta Garbo. Since then her collection has grown to include artists such as Yayoi Kusama, Jim Lambie, Nick Relph and Oliver Payne, Franz West, Tomma Abts, and Mark Leckey.
Alexander Heller
New York
The son of New York–based dealer Leila Heller, Alexander obviously learned quite a bit from his upbringing in the art world. "I first attended Art Basel at the age of 4," Heller recalls. Now, his eclectic collection of roughly 70 pieces is divided, he says, between Western and Middle Eastern work, including that of Farhad Moshiri, Shiva Ahmadi, Afruz Amighi, Damien Hirst, George Condo, and Marilyn Minter.
"The period of art which I most admire is the 1950s and '60s movement in America, particularly Roy Lichtenstein, Jasper Johns, and Robert Rauschenberg," he says. "Leo Castelli is a hero of mine, and one day I hope to have a collection full of works by the artists whom he represented and promoted."
Jamie Cohen Hort
New York
Daughter-in-law of notable collectors Susan and Michael Hort, Jamie is an art consultant who earned her chops working at the Hirshhorn Museum, the Jewish Museum, and the IBM Gallery. Her family has also been an influence, and last year she curated the installation in the couple's home for their exclusive Armory Week brunch. In addition Hort often advises the various charities she supports, such as the Jewish Community Project and the Rema Hort Mann Foundation, which offers grants to emerging artists (and support to cancer patients). Like her mother- and father-in-law, Hort has a passion for emerging artists. Her particular affinity is for the gallery scene on the Lower East Side, which she told the Financial Times in 2011 "generally has the advantage of a lower price entry point."
Susi Kenna
New York
Having worked for both Jim Kempner Fine Art and Christie's auction house, Kenna now runs the Creatives Agency, which offers branding, special projects, and design services to the art world. She's been actively collecting since 2005. "I can tell you a story about every piece," she says. "If I can't connect a work to a meaningful person, place, or thing — it's not for me." Recent acquisitions that she's especially proud of include mixed-media works by Andrea Mary Marshall and Eric Mistretta. They join a collection that includes multiple pieces from Hew Locke, Carlos Charlie Perez, and Sam Schonzeit.
Nathan Köstlin
"I don't see myself as a collector," says the 39-year-old Köstlin, sitting in the family portrait room of the building — including a two-floor commercial space, formerly his venture, ArtBar71 — he shares with his husband, Ulrich Köstlin. While traditional portraits in the room show the faces of his husband's family, dating back to the 1500s and further, a hamster cage by Franziska Holstein — homage to Nathan's pet name — places the Vietnam War orphan in a rightfully different light.
Like his portrait, Köstlin's collecting is far from traditional. "It's one thing just to have a Warhol, a Lichtenstein — that becomes status. It's another to know the artists, to understand their motives and the whole evolution that brought them to create the pictures that you love. But it's also another thing to support them so that they can make further strides. The only way to get them there is to push them a little bit," he explains. Thus, while the collection does have a fair share of established names — Christo, Heinz Mack, Thomas Florschuetz, and Manfred Butzmann among them — Köstlin's focus is on the young and struggling talents in Berlin. Much of the work was purchased directly from studios, including the two large light-box paintings by Cornelia Renz that adorn the cavernous dining room, one of Stevie Hanley's first corner paintings, and a self-portrait by Michael Müller. "We're trying to make constant Polaroids with artists who are feeling with their ear to the ground the pulse and the rhythm of where our world is today and then putting it in a historical context," he says. Perhaps pulling from his own past, one senses that Köstlin sees himself as adopting these "lost souls," as he calls them, collecting lives as much as tangible works in the process. — Alexander Forbes
Andrea Kusel
Curator of art at the Paisley Museum since 1996, Kusel is also chairman of the board of Street Level Photoworks, a nonprofit organization in Glasgow committed to fostering public interest and participation in photography. Her academic training in film and television studies, museum studies, and art history has enabled her to bring a modern perspective to the museum's historical collection, as well as to her own purchases.
Dean and Mara Landis
New York
CEO of Entrepreneur Growth Capital, Dean is a third-generation financial manager. Along with his wife, Mara, Dean actively contributes to a number of children's charities when not buying works by contemporary artists such as Julianne Swartz.
Suzanna Lee and Manish Vora
New York
Lee, a member of the Whitney Contemporaries steering committee and the Creative Time creative council, lives with her boyfriend, Vora, cofounder of Artlog and Grey Area, and their burgeoning collection. "It seems that portraits have been dominating our collection and that many of the artists we love live in Brooklyn," Vora says. "Most recently we have acquired a beautiful portrait from Sarah Kurz, a Jackie O portrait on a Vogue magazine cover by Andrea Mary Marshall, and a Peggy Guggenheim portrait by Rachel Kaye. We also have two large, full-body portrait canvases from Panamanian artist Miky Fábrega that we have decided to loan to friends, as we could not fit the works in our East Village apartment." Lee and Vora are anticipating the arrival of newly acquired works from Natalie Frank, Nic Rad, and Nir Hod.
Daisuke Miyatsu
Ichikawa, Japan
Miyatsu lives in what he terms his "dream house," still under construction and conceived in collaboration with the artist Dominique Gonzalez-Foerster, who had never before undertaken an architectural project. Inside, one finds a commissioned work by Yoshitomo Nara, an ink-and-wash work on a sliding screen, made as a personal favor for his longtime collector and friend; bathroom wallpaper by Japanese conceptual artist Shimabuku; a trompe l'oeil ceiling in the main bedroom by young Japanese artist Teppei Kaneuji, in which strange creatures fashioned from paper peek out from knots in the wood. On the landing stands a mirror whose frame was created for him by Yayoi Kusama. Meanwhile, Miyatsu's formal collection — the one that was celebrated in a special exhibition at MOCA Taipei last year — is miles away in a temperature-controlled, earthquake-proof Tokyo warehouse.
Miyatsu happily calls collecting an addiction, and he has fed his habit for the past 18 years, even though he has nothing like the money that most connoisseurs bring to the endeavor. In fact he is widely known in Asia as the "salaryman collector," having financed his impressive collection of international contemporary art with the paycheck from his job as a Tokyo office worker. Miyatsu's passion was sparked while he was still at school, when he came across the work of Andy Warhol. But it was Japan's eccentric genius Yayoi Kusama who transformed him into a collector. "Do you know how the astronaut feels in '2001: A Space Odyssey' when he encounters space?" Miyatsu asks. "That's how I felt when I first stood in front of her work." A few years later, when he had a steady job, he launched his collection with a small Kusama drawing from 1953. In the years that followed, Miyatsu's Kusama collection grew, and he also began collecting works by the likes of Nara and Olafur Eliasson. "There is something egotistical about being a collector," he says. "And that is why it is my responsibility to keep the collection safe in storage so that one day it can be passed on." — Madeleine O'Dea
José Antonio Marton
São Paulo
One of the most successful designers in Brazil, Marton began to collect in 1990, when a friend gave him a Renina Katz painting, "Os Retirantes," as payment for a job. In 1995, with his brother Fernando, he founded Marton+Marton, a firm dedicated to design, architecture, and art projects. Every month the company advises an average of 30 to 50 artists. Most of the 400 or so works in Marton's collection are by artists who launched their careers in the 1980s and '90s. "My focus has always been Brazilian artists like Vik Muniz, Ernesto Neto, Rosângela Rennó, Valeska Soares, Marcelo Cidade, Marcius Galan, and Ana Tavares, among others," Marton says. That's not to say his collection stays within national boundaries — he also owns work by Anselm Kiefer, José Pedro Croft, and Charles Long.
Andreas Melas
A dealer as well as a collector, Melas began his career at Deitch Projects, in New York, before branching out with Andreas Melas Presents, in its initial manifestation as a project, and then as a bona fide exhibition space in Athens. In 2011 Melas joined up with Helena Papadopoulos (of Berlin's Nice and Fit) on their eponymous Greek gallery. Melas's collection includes work by Sterling Ruby, Martin Boyce, Cyprien Gaillard, Urs Fischer, and Joe Bradley.
Jillian Murphy
New York
While working at C24 Gallery and also acting as co-director of the independent migratory curatorial organization AD Projects, Murphy finds time to add to a personal art collection that she began around 2006. That year she was given a Gary Simmons painting, "Untitled #1 (Study for Marnie's Room)." "It definitely shaped the direction for my collection," she says, "as it's aesthetically beautiful but also inherently disastrous. Everything I have collected since is both beautiful and chaotic."
Valeria Napoleone
Napoleone, married to a banker and the mother of three, collects art exclusively by women. With well over 200 pieces — paintings, sculpture, photography, film, video, and installations — her collection includes work by Shirin Neshat, Ghada Amer, Joanne Greenbaum, Nina Canell, and others. She has been a judge for the MaxMara Art Prize for Women and chairs the development committee at the nonprofit Studio Voltaire.
Alden and Janelle Pinnell
Texas collectors are known to have a penchant for glamour, but Alden Pinnell is cut from different cloth. The 41-year-old cosmetics magnate is just as likely to be spotted in jeans, cooking a whole roasted pig alongside artist Virginia Overton at his kunsthalle-like art space, the Power Station, as he is chairing a high-profile charity art auction. Alden's boundary-breaking spirit is the driving force behind his art space, which opened a year and a half ago in a sprawling former Dallas Power and Light warehouse.
Since then, the Power Station has hosted ambitious installations by Overton, Matias Faldbakken, Oscar Tuazon, and Jacob Kassay. "The Power Station allows artists to make work outside the white cube," says Alden. "Not all art is collectible." Which isn't to say he doesn't collect. Though he never displays his collection at the Power Station, Alden and his wife, Janelle, have been quietly assembling some 200 pieces of contemporary art over the last decade with the help of art adviser (and Power Station board member) Rob Teeters. As their kunsthalle demonstrates, the Pinnells eschew showy, Pop-inflected pieces for a more contemplative aesthetic. Work by artists like Mark Manders, Michaël Borremans, Lucas Samaras, and Nigel Cooke fill their home. "The art that we like the best in our collection isn't too seductive," Alden says. "It's like music: The songs you don't understand immediately are the ones you are still listening to 20 years later." — Julia Halperin
Sharmin Parameswaran
Kuala Lumpur
Formerly an accountant and now a manager of the media company Astro Malaysia, Parameswaran grew up in an art-collecting family; her father, Malaysian diplomat Datuk N. Parameswaran, has one of the country's largest collections. After starting her own collection with a small painting by Raja Azeem Idzham, Parameswaran launched Interpr8 with childhood friend Cindy Tang. The company, dedicated to making Malaysian art more accessible to young collectors, recently had its inaugural exhibition, "At First Glance," at White Box @ Publika in Solaris Dutamas.
Piper Perabo
New York
The multifaceted Perabo — a stage and screen actress who is also in the restaurant business as a co-owner of SoHo spot Jack's Wife Freda — is an art lover and collector. She has expressed fondness for an eclectic roster of artists, from Ryan McGinley to Anish Kapoor to Gordon Matta-Clark.
Lauren Prakke
"Super contemporary!" exclaims Prakke, when asked how she would describe her collection. The London-based American, originally from New York, worked on Wall Street and in the City before venturing into the art world. She's since become a stalwart of Britain's younger generation of collectors and patrons. "I did the usual," she remembers of her early art days. "Make a few mistakes, do a degree in contemporary art, make fewer mistakes, go to all the fairs under the sun, absorb, start to get the hang of it, and read copiously."
Prakke is the founding chairman of Tate's Young Patrons group, now the institution's fastest growing network of supporters. She also spearheads the cultural production company Restless Buddha, serves on the Junior Leadership Circle of Women for Women International, and is the founder of Prakke Contemporary, a production and consultancy agency that operates on a project-by-project basis. "My philosophy is that if you throw yourself in the water, you will swim," Prakke says. Her collection includes works by such edgy luminaries as Thomas Houseago, Wangechi Mutu, Vanessa Beecroft, Barry Reigate, and Matthew Day Jackson. — Coline Milliard
Rodney Reid
New York
In cofounding the Contemporaries, a nonprofit art and social club that exposes young professionals to contemporary art and culture, Reid directed his passion for art collecting toward fostering a community of like-minded people. The invitation-only collective has approximately 2,000 members in Atlanta, London, Los Angeles, Miami, and New York City. Reid, executive director at UBS, is an aficionado of contemporary photography whose collection includes Alec Soth, Vik Muniz, Pieter Hugo, and Chuck Close.
Christian Schwarm
Head of the international marketing agency Dorten, Schwarm is more recognizable as founder and managing director of Independent Collectors, a social network site for contemporary art enthusiasts. As the largest online resource of privately owned art, the free-to-join Web site has grown to about 4,000 collectors from almost 90 countries since its inception in 2008. Schwarm himself began collecting in 1995 with the acquisition of works by Fiona Banner and Peter Piller, whom he continues to follow. Today his collection includes about 200 works by artists such as Haegue Yang, Jonathan Monk, and Fiete Stolte.
Dan Tanzilli
New York
A director at the art-focused public relations firm Fitz & Co, Tanzilli is building a private collection while acting as cochair of the Guggenheim's Young Collectors Council (YCC). "I have a lot of really great drawings and works on paper, which are clearly more accessible and work well in my small Union Square co-op," he says. "I have an incredible painting by Angel Otero and a great geometric abstraction by Marc Swanson that I just love; they're real focal points." Tanzilli's collection also includes works from Klara Kristalova, Alex Da Corte, Michael Velliquette, Sam Durant, and Jim Hodges. At the moment, he's gearing up for the YCC's Guggenheim International Gala after-party this fall.
Maurice van Valen
In 2011 Van Valen made headlines when he donated 63 artworks to the Stedelijk Museum, including pieces by Atelier Van Lieshout, Isa Genzken, and Rachel Harrison. The gift was a godsend for an institution that had been heavily criticized in the press since the arrival of MOCA veteran Ann Goldstein as director. It was also a declaration of local support from the lawyer and encouragement for others to follow suit in a country where philanthropic gifts are not a major part of the cultural landscape.
Van Valen bought his first artwork — a series, actually, of lithographs by the Dutch artist Corneille — when he was only 15, with money he had saved from Christmases and birthdays. "I had this awareness: This is the beginning of something beautiful, of something big," he remembers. The budding collector then moved on to Pop art: He bought a series of Keith Haring screen prints that he sold at Christie's before turning 18 and began collecting in earnest. Today his collection, he says, is "a mixture of artists from all ages," with a particular focus on "artists' artists" and the lesser-known figures. Dutch artists like Johan Lennarts feature prominently, as do artists from Los Angeles — such as Eric Wesley, Yutaka Sone, Morgan Fisher, and William Leavitt — where Van Valen lived for a while. He also keeps a close eye on U.K.-based Michael Dean, Andy Holden, and Andrea Büttner. In 2003 Van Valen opened a commercially successful but short-lived gallery. "I strongly disliked the activity of selling art," he says. Yet he's not against renewing his holdings. "For me collecting is not working on a static thing, it is always fluid." — CM
Christiane zu Salm
Founder and CEO of the private equity fund About Change Ventures (ACV), zu Salm developed an interest in contemporary art during her 15-year career in the media industry. After revamping MTV Central Europe and founding two TV channels while CEO of Euvia Media AG, she founded ACV and an accompanying exhibition initiative, "About Change, Collection," at Berlin's Am Kupfergraben 10, in 2007. Since then, zu Salm has organized a number of shows and projects around her collection, which has grown out of an initial focus on the collages and assemblages of artists like Kurt Schwitters and Picasso to include works by Arnulf Rainer, Carsten Nicolai, Cy Twombly, Franz West, Hanne Darboven, Jon Kessler, Jörg Herold, Josh Smith, Karl Holmqvist, Lee Friedlander, Martha Rosler, Nam June Paik, Pae White, Thomas Hirschhorn, Tobias Rehberger, and Yves Klein. — Tracy Stuber


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From our files: Feb. 13, 2013
Feb. 13, 2003
NEWS: People in Fort Dodge were shocked to see a jump in gas prices from $1.49 per gallon to nearly $1.64 per gallon in two days.
SPORTS: The Humboldt boys beat Eagle Grove 79-43 in basketball.
Feb. 13, 1988
NEWS: Fort Dodge Police Sgt. Ivan Metzger was named assistant to Chief Barry Weber.
SPORTS: The Dodgers beat Marshalltown 61-57 in boys basketball.
Feb. 13, 1963
NEWS: Bernard Collins, of Clarion, was re-elected president of the Iowa Swine Producers Association.
SPORTS: Carol Miller had the high women's game in the Friday Night Circus bowling league with 170.


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How Backstage Casting Made Web Series 'Rom.Dot.Com' a Reality
Backstage web editor Suzy Evans shares how she cast her web series "Rom.Dot.Com" using Backstage.
How Backstage Casting Made Web Series 'Rom.Dot.Com' a Reality
Backstage web editor Suzy Evans shares how she cast her web series "Rom.Dot.Com" using Backstage.
A Humble Apology to Actors from the Creators of 'Murder For Two'
Songwriters Kellen Blair and Joe Kinosian share about their show "Murder For Two" and their plan to employ more actors.
How I Went From Unknown Actor to 'Big Fish' on Broadway
Newcomer Ciara Renee shares how she went from unknown to getting offered three Broadway shows in one day to making her Broadway debut in "Big Fish."
6 Tips to Getting Your Indie Film Made
Liz W. Garcia's feature film directorial debut "The Lifeguard," starring Kristen Bell, is now in theaters and Garcia talks about what it takes to get a movie made.
How Girl Empowerment Results in Powerful Theater
Katie Cappiello, co-founder of the Arts Effect All-Girl Theater Company and director of its current production "SLUT", on the importance of helping young women find their voices.
Actors' Podcast Celebrates Broadway Ensemble Members
Broadway actors Mo Brady and Nikka Graff Lanzarone share about their new podcast, The Ensemblist.
How Being a Casting Director Helped Me Direct 'Timmy the Great'
This has been a remarkable journey, which I hope is only the beginning as "Timmy The Great" has a wonderfully universal story. I am blessed with a wonderful cast, a wonderful show, and having a wonderful time.
How YouTube Launched Our Talent Showcase
The idea for "Carner & Gregor's Barely Legal Show-Tune Extravaganza" series was hatched when Derek and I started discovering video performances of our songs on Youtube—many by talented college students from around the country and world.
Why You Shouldn't Ask a Playwright for a Rewrite. Yet.
Playwright Jonathan Tolins, who wrote the acclaimed "Buyer & Cellar" starring Michael Urie, shares how actors can best work with playwrights.
How Patti LuPone Changed My Life and Career
Director/writer/performer Ben Rimalower shares how he turned his obsession with Patti LuPone into a hit one-man show.


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Paneer cubes 2 cup
Baby potatoes 2 cup
Sweet corn 1 cup
Green chillies 2
Chat masala 2tsp
Lemon 1/2
Salt to taste
Oil for shallow frying
Cook the baby potatoes till soft, drain, remove the skin and keep aside
Cut the paneer into cubes
Heat oil in a kadai. Shallow fry the potatoes, paneer in batch till they turn slightly brownish. Let it rest on an absorbent paper. Finally fry the green chillies in the same oil and take it out
Mix everything in a bowl. Sprinkle salt and chat masala.
Mix well. Squeeze lime and see your kiddo enjoy the snack:-)
Blogging Marathon page for the other Blogging Marathoners doing BM#14
Linking this to Kid's Delight, hosted by Rujuta themed on Easy to make Snacks under 30 mins


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Quality of Worklife
The University of Akron promotes a positive and productive work experience by supporting professional development and providing tools to help foster health and wellness. These learning opportunities help employees cope with day to day stresses and special challenges, such as eldercare, personal finances, and money management.
To Register for Seminars
Wellness and Fitness Programs
Physical activity is important to stress management. The Student Recreation and Wellness Center offers its members a wide range of physical fitness programs. In addition, wellness seminars are conducted each term for members of the UA community. These wellness programs are free, but registration is required. Check out the wide range of programs and services available at our Student Recreation Wellness Center.
Financial Wellness
The state of our personal finances affects our sense of well-being. Striving to maintain or achieve "financial wellness" in today's economy can be challenging and stressful to everyone. To increase your financial well-being, we invite you to attend one or more of the following helpful seminars presented by PNC Bank.
Providing Support for our Veterans
This training will enable University faculty and staff to provide more culturally appropriate services to veterans, service members and their family members. Because many returning veterans have adjustment issues and must seek care in the civilian community, this seminar will discuss behavioral health issues and the importance of knowing about military culture. Click HERE for more information.
Please visit the Seminars Training page to register: Reserve a seat
Stress Management and Relaxation Skills
Any workplace can be stressful and it is important to find time to relax and recharge during the day. If, like many of us, you find yourself eating lunch at your desk, take a few minutes to relax with one of the following guided meditation exercises:*
1. Mental Journey
2. Breathing
3. Guided Imagery
4. Meditation
5. Guided Imagery 2
6. Music 1
7. Music 2
8. Relax
*MP3 sound files are from Dr. Bruce Rabin's "Learn to Decompress with Dr. Stress" program through Carnegie Mellon University's Learning and Development group. Guided meditations are part of the UPMC "Mental Journey for Stress, Coping and Relaxation" program.