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forum: Food & Drink
#41 Sat 12 Nov 05 4:59am
Re: Indian Recipes.....by Suresh Nair
serves 2-3
1 chicken
1 piece fresh ginger about 3/4 inch or 2 cm
12-14 garlic cloves
1 large onion
1 cinnamon stick
2 whole brown cardamom pods
4 whole green cardamom pods
1 whole star anise
(use all 8 arms and the seeds inside them)
12-14 black peppercorn
6-8 cloves
1 tsp turmeric 5 ml
1 tsp red chili powder 5 ml
(or substitute fresh red chilies, diced)
2 green chilies
(12 cup yogurt 125 ml
(14 cup oil 60 ml
(preferably ghee, if available)
salt to taste
fresh coriander leaves
1 Clean and joint chicken. If you don't like the skin, remove it.
Mash the ginger into a paste (or chop finely) and mince the garlic.
Heat oil in a large frying pan. Use ``medium high heat''.
Break apart the star anise to release the seeds inside the arms.
To the frypan, add onions, cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, star aniseed, peppercorn, cloves, garlic and ginger. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Sautz(aee until the onions are cooked but not browned.
Add the chicken, turmeric, and chili powder and cook on a medium heat,
stirring often.
When the oil starts to separate (the gravy will have oil floating
on its surface), add the yogurt and cook till the chicken is done and
the gravy is thick. Finally, add the fresh coriander leaves.
This is the basic recipe. Try varying the whole spice combinations
until you find a favorite. The recipe doubles well.
A cardamom pod is not the same thing as a cardamom seed. Make sure you get the pods. A pod is about the size of a pea, and contains seeds inside it.
Don't substitute the ground version of any of the whole spices, the effect will not be the same. And don't use white cardamom pods.
You may want to remove the smaller whole spices
prior to adding the yogurt so that unwitting guests don't eat them.
Try the recommended quantity of garlic. The flavour is surprisingly subtle.
More yogurt makes more gravy. Also a longer cooking time.
Vary the amount of chilies to suit your taste. This recipe is medium hot.
The spice quantities may be varied to suit your preferences
Whenever you are in India particulalrly in mumbai
Call me on my new number 91 9833220208.
#42 Sat 12 Nov 05 5:03am
Re: Indian Recipes.....by Suresh Nair
Chicken Biryani
Basmati rice 500 gms.
Chicken pieces 1kg.
Garam masala powder 4 tsp.
Milk ½ cup
Whole garam masala 4 tbsp.
Butter 50 gms.
Sliced onions 1 cup
Golden fried sliced onions ¾ cup
Chopped garlic 4 tbsps.
Rose Water 2 tbsps.
Chopped ginger 4 tbsps.
Oil 5 tbsps
Red chili powder 3 tsps.
Salt To taste
Coriander powder 1 tbsp.
Saffron ½ gm.
Turmeric powder 2 tsps.
Curd (yogurt) 2 cup
Bay leaf 4 nos.
Chopped tomato ¾ cup
1. Marinate chicken pieces .Mix salt, ½ of the red chili powder, ½ of the chopped ginger, ½ of the chopped garlic, 1 tsp. Garam Masala Powder, ½ of the turmeric powder and Curd/Yogurt. Mix well and put chicken pieces in this for an hour.
2. Wash and soak rice in water for about 30 minutes.
3. Boil water, add ½ of the Whole Garam Masala , bay leaf and salt and boil rice till ¾th done. Drain rice and keep aside.
4. Heat oil in a thick bottomed pan. Add remaining Whole Garam masala .Let it crackle. Add Sliced onions and sauté' until light golden brown.
5. Then add remaining chopped ginger, chopped garlic, coriander powder, turmeric powder, red chili powder, 1 tsp. Garam Masala powder and chopped tomatoes. Cook for about 5 minutes. Add marinated chicken and cook till chicken is tender.
6. Dissolve saffron in warm milk and keep aside.
7. Arrange alternate layers of chicken and rice. Sprinkle saffron dissolved in milk, remaining Garam Masala powder, mint leaves, golden fried sliced onions and butter in between the layers and on top. Make sure that you end with the rice layer topped with saffron , rose water and spices.
8. Cover and seal with aluminum foil . Cook in a preheated oven, for 10-12 minutes. Alternatively cook on an indirect slow flame for 10 to 12 minutes.
Whenever you are in India particulalrly in mumbai
Call me on my new number 91 9833220208.
#43 Sat 12 Nov 05 5:06am
Re: Indian Recipes.....by Suresh Nair
Fish Molee
500 gm: Fish (preferably firm fleshed and single-boned)
2 no: Onions, large
3 no: Tomatoes, medium
4 no: Green chillies
1 small piece: Ginger
4 cloves: Garlic
1/4 tsp: Turmeric
2 no: Red chillies
2 cup: Coconut grated
1 tbsp: Vinegar
5-10 no: Cashew nuts
Salt to taste
Cut fish into thick slices, wash and keep aside.
Cut onions into fairly thick rounds, chop ginger fine and slit green chillies.
Extract 1/2 cup of first milk from coconut and 2-1/2 cups of second milk. Keep aside.
Chop tomatoes small, and keep 1/2 cup separately.
De-seed red chillies and grind till smooth along with garlic and turmeric.
Grind cashew nuts separately till smooth. Heat oil and put in the onion rounds and chopped ginger. Sauté till onions are transparent, but do not let them brown.
Add the green chillies and sauté for a minute more. Then add the tomatoes and the ground ingredients and salt.
Sauté till the tomatoes begin to turn pulpy. Pour in the second coconut milk and mix in the ground cashew nuts and vinegar.
Stir till gravy is well blended, check for salt and gently drop in the fish pieces.
Cover and cook over low flame till fish is done and gravy is thick.
Add a little more water if gravy is too thick.
Drop in the reserved tomato pieces and cook for 2 minutes.
Gradually add the first milk and swirl the dish around till it is well mixed.
Keep for just a minute longer on the fire and remove.
Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with a single sprig of mint.
Serve with plain rice or thickly sliced fresh bread.
Love & Regards
Mumbai - India
#44 Sat 12 Nov 05 5:08am
Re: Indian Recipes.....by Suresh Nair
Gosht Biryani
Ingredients (Serves: 4)
1 kg: Mutton or lamb
2 cups: Basmati rice
1 tsp: Whole garam masala
2 cups: Yogurt
5 tsp: Ghee or oil
2 cups: Sliced onions
2 no: Green chillies
2 tsp: Ginger paste
2 tsp: Garlic paste
2 cups: Chopped tomatoes
Salt to taste
2 tsp: Coriander powder
2 tsp: Garam masala powder
1 tsp: Turmeric powder
1 tsp: Cumin powder
1 tsp: Red chilli powder
A generous pinch: Saffron
1 no: Ginger (two inch piece)
½ cup: Fresh coriander leaves
½ cup: Fresh mint leaves
½ cup: Warm milk
50 gm: Butter
For Garnishing
Fried sliced onions
Clean mutton or lamb and cut into one and half inch sized pieces.
Pick, clean and wash rice. Soak rice in water.
Chop green chillies. Peel ginger and cut into julienne (thin strips).
Wash coriander and mint leaves and roughly chop them separately.
Soak saffron in warm milk and keep aside.
Marinade meat pieces with yogurt, salt, turmeric powder and one tablespoon each of ginger and garlic pastes. Marinade for about four hours in a cool place.
Cook rice in salted boiling water along with whole garam masala till rice is almost cooked. Strain and keep the rice warm.
Heat ghee or oil in a thick-bottomed pan or pressure cooker. Add sliced onion and chopped green chillies. Cook till onion is light golden brown. Make sure to stir continuously.
Add remaining ginger and garlic pastes and mix well. Add marinated meat and cook on high flame for seven to eight minutes. Now, add coriander powder, cumin powder and red chilli powder. Mix thoroughly.
Stir in three cups of water, bring it to a boil, reduce heat and cook covered till meat pieces are almost cooked. Add chopped tomatoes, salt, one teaspoon garam masala powder and chopped fresh coriander leaves. Cook for fifteen minutes on medium heat, stirring occasionally.
*In case you are cooking meat in the pressure cooker, add chopped tomatoes, salt, garam masala powder, two cups of water and chopped fresh coriander leaves after adding dry spices. Pressure cook till meat pieces are almost cooked. It normally takes two or three whistles to cook the meat.
Ensure that the cooked meat does not have too runny a gravy. If that is the case, cook on high flame to reduce water content.
Arrange half the quantity of cooked meat in an oven proof dish and spread half the quantity of cooked rice on top of the meat. Sprinkle a little garam masala powder, half amount each of ginger julienne, saffron dissolved in warm milk and mint leaves. Dot the rice with half the quantity of butter. Place a layer of remaining meat on top of the rice, followed by cooked rice and repeat the earlier process with the remaining quantities of ginger julienne, saffron milk, garam masala powder, mint leaves and butter.
Cover it with aluminum foil and cook in a pre-heated oven for fifteen to twenty minutes.
Serve garnished with fried sliced onions and mixed vegetable raita.
Love & Regards
Mumbai - India
#45 Sat 12 Nov 05 5:09am
Re: Indian Recipes.....by Suresh Nair
Hyderabadi Haleem ...try this its yummy
1 kg: Mutton-boneless, cubed
1 kg: Cracked wheat-soaked in water for » one hour and drained
1 ½ cup: Yogurt
1 tbsp: Ginger-garlic paste
1 ¼ cup: Onions-chopped fine
1 tsp: Green chilli paste
2 tsp: Green coriander paste
¼ cup: Lemon juice
3 no: Black cardamoms-seeds only 3
½ tsp: Cinnamon-broken and powdered
1 tsp: Chilli powder
1/2cup: Oil
2 tsp: Salt
Green chillies and mint leaves for garnish
Mix together the yogurt, lemon juice, chilli and coriander paste, cardamom and cinnamon powder, chilli powder, ginger-garlic paste and salt.
Marinate the meat in this mixture and leave 3-4 hours. Add enough water to the wheat and cook till tender. When cool enough to handle, blend to a paste in a blender.
Heat the oil and add the meat mixture. Turn around over high heat, till opaque.
Add water to cover and cook, covered over low heat till tender.
Add the wheat paste and continue to cook another 15-20 minutes
Love & Regards
Mumbai - India
#46 Sat 12 Nov 05 5:11am
Re: Indian Recipes.....by Suresh Nair
Kashmiri Roast Yakhni - Leg of lamb with a spicy coating
1 lamb leg: About 3 kg, cut into 4 pieces
1.5 kg: Yoghurt (dahi, creamy)
250 gm: Ghee
½: Nutmeg
2 tsp: Ginger paste
2 no: Onions
2 tbs: Cayenne pepper
2 tbs: Poppy seeds (white)
1 tbs: Black peppercorns
1 no: Garlic clove (It's supposed to be "gold garlic")
1 tbs: Almonds
1 no: Small piece dried coconut
6 no: Cardamoms (black)
3 no: Cinnamon sticks
4 no: Bay leaves (Indian tez patta)
1 lump: Asafoetida (hing) soaked in 1/2 cup hot water
Salt to taste
Grind together: black pepper, cayenne, poppy seeds, garlic, ginger, onions, almonds, coconut, nutmeg and salt.
Make slashes in the meat and fill with spice/onion paste.
Put meat into a pan with ghee, dahi, cardamoms, cinnamon, and bay leaves, then cook on medium heat. Turn meat occasionally and sprinkle with hing water, adding water or dahi if necessary. As meat becomes done, reduce heat. Meat should be absolutely tender when done.
Love & Regards
Mumbai - India
#47 Sat 12 Nov 05 6:14am
- Forum champ
- From Cambodia, eh?
- Member since Tue 09 Nov 04
Re: Indian Recipes.....by Suresh Nair
Frizz - Thanks for well wishes !
Suresh - MMMMMMMMMMmmmmmore please ... merci.
#48 Sat 12 Nov 05 9:50am
- Member
- From Slovenia
- Member since Sun 01 Aug 04
Re: Indian Recipes.....by Suresh Nair
thx so much, so many great recipes to choose from. I've no idea what to make this weekend, might go with that fish molee that's caught my eye straight away. Here in Europe (in winemaking countries), we're celebrating and tasting new wine this weekend - hope this dish goes well with some of it... Best regards!
#49 Sat 12 Nov 05 10:58am
- Forum champ
- Member since Fri 11 Feb 05
Re: Indian Recipes.....by Suresh Nair
Suresh - these look delicious! the Murgh Musallam Chicken Curry has caught my eye.
Thanks for posting such great recipes.
#50 Mon 14 Nov 05 4:53am
Re: Indian Recipes.....by Suresh Nair
Paav Bhaaji
2 cup: Mixed vegetables chopped fine
1 cup: Potatoes-chopped fine
1 cup: Onions-grated
1 tsp: Chopped cloves of garlic-ground together
1 tsp: Chopped ginger
1 cup: Tomato-grated
½ cup: Tomato puree
Green chillies-chopped to taste
2 tsp: Cumin seeds
½ tsp: Turmeric
1 tsp: Pav bhaji masala
½ tsp: Powdered red pepper
1 tbsp: Salt
6 no: Pav breads ( pav is an indian version of dinner rolls but they are very soft )
6 tbsp: Butter for the bread
½ cup: Oil
Heat oil and add cumin seeds, then the onion paste and sauté till brown and fat separates.
Add the mixed vegetables and potatoes and sauté first over high heat, then over low, till cooked through.
Add tomatoes and puree, green chillies, turmeric, salt, pav bhaji masala and red pepper and continue cooking till the fat separates. Keep mashing the vegetables with the stirrer as it cooks.
Love & Regards
Mumbai - India
To serve, heat some butter, slit the bread horizontally and fry in the butter till brown.
Serve with the vegetables


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Pulaski Technical College's outstanding faculty, staff and alumnus were honored last week at the annual Arkansas Association of Two-Year Colleges' conference in Hot Springs.
Brandi Coleman Hutsell, the college's graduation and records coordinator, was recognized as Pulaski Tech's outstanding staff member.
The late Johnny Dollar, History Department chair, was honored as outstanding faculty member. Johnny's wife, Susan Dollar, accepted on his behalf.
Pulaski Technical College

subset: commoncrawl


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People who unexpectedly jump into a Spanish accent mid-sentence when pronouncing the word "Latino," only to finish their statement in accent-free English.
Though Jumping Beans were at one time Latino newscasters exclusively, people of any race or occupation can now be Jumping Beans.
by Robert Lanham, Author of Food Court Druids, Cherohonkees, and Other Creatures Unique to the Republic August 04, 2004
a jumping bean is a person of non-latino heritage who assumes a latino accent when saying words in spanish. I have to clarify that one can say the proper word without assuming the accent.
I saw mr. hernandez (pronounced "Hairnondayz" with thick, sent-up latino accent) on the street today.
by disgruntled cracker December 27, 2004


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Beacon provides the nation's most promising cosmetology students with education and opportunities to network with the industry's highest profile salon owners and stylists during PBA Beauty Week, held each July in Las Vegas. Beacon students attend specialized classes with the biggest names in the industry, get up close and personal with NAHA finalists and get a firm understanding of the business of beauty.
Beacon allows you, the supporter, to build brand awareness with the industry's most promising cosmetology students in attendance through our marketing and promotional opportunities.
As a sponsor or advertiser, you will receive exclusive benefits and special recognition before, during, and after the event. Whatever your budget or goals, our staff can create the marketing and promotional opportunity that is right for your company!
Download the Beacon & PBA Beauty Week 2013 Sales & Sponsorship Brochure here. Questions? Contact a member of our sales team at 800.468.2274 (480.281.0424)


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Welcome to our top comic books from 2012! We would like to share with you some of our favorite books / series from 2012. Hopefully, we can inspire you to check out some new titles, or revisit some old ones.
Dakster Sullivan - This has been my first year as a comic book reader and I have a few favorites that have kept me coming back for more. Here is my list, in no particular order.
Ame-Comi Girls by DC Comics (written by Justin Gray, Jimmy Palmiotti and art by Eduardo Francisco) – This story is my favorite digital read. The characters are all strong, smart, and totally kick ass females. The issues are a little shorter than a normal comic book, but that's because it's released every Monday, instead of just once a month.
The Phantom Stranger by DC Comics (written by Dan DiDio and art by Brent Anderson) – The Phantom Stranger is a much under-loved character in my opinion. This is one of those books I would love to see fleshed out as a TV series. The character is addicting and his stories have a mix of heart and action that keep me coming back each month.
Avengers vs. X-Men by Marvel Comics – This is one of the first mini-series I've read and the graphic novel became the first one in my collection. The story follows the X-Men and Avengers as they fight over the right thing to do with the superpower Phoenix force on its way to Earth. Of the twelve rounds, my favorite issue is still round 9 (written by Jason Aaron and art by Adam Kubert), where Spider-Man took center stage and taught Hope a valuable lesson.
All-New X-Men by Marvel Comics (written by Brian Michael Bendis and art by Stuart Immonen) – The All-New X-Men follows the events of AVX, as the original five X-Men arrive in the future to stop their future-selves from making horrible mistakes. The art is just a fun to look at as the story is to read.
He-Man and the Masters of the Universe by DC Comics – He-Man and the Masters are back in a six-part mini-series by DC Comics. My husband looks forward to this every month and we have some pretty neat conversations over what happens in each issue. The characters remind me of the animated series that came out in 2000. There has been some physical changes to a few of the characters (for instance, Teela is blonde), but nothing to drastic to turn off longtime fans. I only wish it weren't a mini-series, because it has made me fall in love with the world of Eternia all over again.
Justice League by DC Comics (written by Geoff Johns and art by Jim Lee) - This series has a special place in my heart because it was the first comic book series I ever picked up, and I'm happy to say I'm still hooked and reading it every month. At first I only liked some of the characters, but now I'm in love with them all and I'm eagerly awaiting to see what DC Comics has in store for the team in 2013.
Robyn Hood by Zenescope (written by Patrick Shand and art by various contributors) - This is the first 17+ rated comic book I've read and it has me coming back every month for the main character Robyn. Her attitude and the way she carries herself through the trials life throws at her is a very compelling story. The mix of comic book action and real life scenarios makes this a great title to pick up. While I don't agree with some of the content, her strength and desire to kick butt helps put this story on the list.
Kelly Knox – Captain Marvel (Marvel Comics) – Writer Kelly Sue DeConnick, Artist Dexter Soy
My favorite new comic book of 2012, hands down, is the relaunched Captain Marvel. Carol Danvers, previously Ms. Marvel, has taken the mantle of Captain Marvel and headlines on of the best series of the year. Written by one of my new favorite writers, Kelly Sue DeConnick, Captain Marvel combines a fantastic heroine with a sense of duty with a retro vibe that makes the character feel like she has already solidified her place in history.
Recently issues have introduced another intriguing character in the Marvel universe who I wasn't familiar with, Monica Rambeau. Her interactions with Carol have been fun to read, and I'm looking forward to see where 2013 takes them.


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House Speaker Chuck Kleckley, R-Lake Charles. (American Press Archives)
Last Modified: Saturday, February 23, 2013 1:04 AM
By John Guidroz / American Press
A large part of the savings in Gov. Bobby Jindal's $24.7 billion proposed budget relies on the privatization of LSU's public hospital system, and some Southwest Louisiana lawmakers said they are concerned because none of the agreements are official yet.
"None of those leases have been signed," said Sen. Dan "Blade" Morrish, R-Jennings. "There are memorandums of understanding. If you want to talk about coming back with a midyear budget crisis, those are things that could really come back to haunt us."
Morrish and Sen. Ronnie Johns, R-Lake Charles, sit on the Joint Budget Committee, which met in Baton Rouge on Friday to discuss the budget proposal. Johns said he is concerned about "trying to pinpoint what the savings will be before the leases are signed."
"We're very far away from this actually happening," Johns said. "The bottom line is what was thrown out today is just a start."
Both Johns and Morrish said they wonder how the state's savings will be realized, especially if it is based on the assumed sale of excess state property and other contingencies.
"I have some real concerns," Johns said. "There is a projected $47 million in revenue from the sale of state properties. We're not sure if that's going to come to realization."
Jindal's budget proposal also calls for using $424 million in one-time money, a tactic that Rep. Brett Geymann, R-Lake Charles, has openly criticized. He said these "accounting gimmicks" eventually lead to "midyear cuts and beginning year shortfalls."
Morrish said he also has issues with using one-time money, but said it is "not the driving force behind the budget."
Kristy Nichols, the state's commissioner of administration, told the committee that higher education would face a 19-percent cut if one-time funds weren't used.
House Speaker Chuck Kleckley, R-Lake Charles, said he is "not a big supporter of one-time money," but he does not want additional cuts to higher education, health care or other areas.
"The bottom line on one-time money is that I don't have information on where it's coming from," he said. "But we have been in a crisis, and we have to put this (budget) together."
Kleckley said he was "cautiously optimistic" of the budget presentation.
"It looks like we bottomed out," he said. "We can see a light at the end of the tunnel. Things are not as bad as they seem."
The budget also calls for consolidating certain programs that Johns and Morrish said they support. They said the meeting was the first step in a long process before a final budget is approved. The state is constitutionally required to have a balanced budget.
The House Appropriations Committee plans to discuss the budget March 12. Geymann and Rep. Bob Hensgens, R-Abbeville, sit on the committee.
The session begins April 8 and will adjourn June 6.


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Adopted 9/22/98; revised 2/23/99; revised 8/24/99; revised 11/28/00; reviesed 01/23/01; revised 07/22/03; revised 5/25/04; revised 12/28/05; 02/28/06; 06/27/06; 05/27/08; revised 06/23/09; reviewed 3/23/10; reviewed 3/22/11; revised 3/27/12; revised 03/25/14
General Rules for all Meeting Rooms
- Royal Oak Public Library programs and Library affiliated groups shall have priority in use of the facilities.
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- Rooms are available for use -- including set-up and clean-up -- only during the library's open hours:
- Monday - Thursday: 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- Friday & Saturday: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- The room must be vacated no less than 15 minutes before the library closes and all group members must exit the library by closing time.
- Activities in the meeting facilities may not disrupt other patrons.
- The Library will not provide storage space.
- Users who fail to return the meeting facilities to the same condition as they found them are liable for any and all cleaning or damage.
- Use of the meeting facilities does not constitute an endorsement of the users or their activities by the Royal Oak Public Library or the City of Royal Oak.
- The Royal Oak Public Library and the City of Royal Oak are not liable for injury or damage sustained by individuals or groups while using the facilities.
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In honor of the 60th Anniversary of the local Tennessee Valley Chapter (TVC) of the Special Libraries Association (SLA), International SLA President Deborah Hunt recently visited Tennessee. SLA is the global organization for innovative information professionals and their strategic partners, which has the mission of promoting and strengthening its members through learning, advocacy, and networking initiatives. September 13th Ms. Hunt made several stops at local information institutions, touring facilities and visiting with staff about issues facing libraries, information and knowledge managers.
During the 1700's, the Reverend Thomas Bayes was a nonconformist minister at the Mount Sion Chapel in Tunbridge Wells, UK, about 40 miles southeast of central London. Having studied both theology and logic at the University of Edinburgh, he was also a mathematician and developed a strong interest in probability late in life. He was known to have published only one book on theology and one book on mathematics in his lifetime. A third manuscript he never published about the probability of cause made him famous. After his death, a good friend Richard Price recognized the importance of the paper and, after extensive editing, submitted it for publication. More than 20 years later, the great French mathematician, Pierre-Simon Laplace devised the formula for Bayes' probability of causes and acknowledged Bayes as the discoverer of what we now know as Bayesian inference.
Theodore Roosevelt, in his famous speech "Citizenship In A Republic" starts by saying "it is not the critic who counts;" What makes the speech poignant is that all too often it is the critic who counts because we see time and time again the media pointing out "how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better."
Too often we only hear about failures and waste in government, yet the contributions and success of government-funded science and technology are ubiquitous and often under-reported.
Wouldn't it be nice if your name were a unique identifier and nobody else had the same name as you? Unfortunately, most of us share our names with a number of other people, most of whom we have never met and never will. But we have all probably experienced the challenge and frustration of trying to find a specific person from a list of people with the same name. Remember when we used phone books? Trying to pick out the person you needed from a listing of multiple names? Actually, searching the internet doesn't make this process any easier.
At the legendary 1987 American Physical Society conference, sometimes called the "Woodstock of physics", thousands of physicists descended upon a New York Hilton ballroom to hear about the discovery of high-temperature superconductivity (HTS) in ceramic materials.


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son of Dr. E. W. and Charlotte E.
of Boston
died Aug. 3, 1836
AEt 4 ms, 7 ds
Charlotte Eliza Forster, born 19 January 1810 in Manchester, Massachusetts and died 31 March 1885 in Manchester, was the daughter of Captain Israel Forster and Hannah Story (Captain Forster built the house in 1804 for his first wife Hannah Lee) . Charlotte married Ezekiel W. Leach on 23 February 1835 in Manchester. Ezekiel was born 1 July 1809 in Manchester, and died 2 March 1842, the son of Thomas Leach and Hannah Norton. This child who died in 1836 was named for his grandfather, Captain Israel Forster.
Dr. Ezekiel Leach studied medicine at Amherst College and with Dr. George S. Shattuck of Boston, and recieved his medical degreee in 1835. He belonged to the Baldwin Place Baptist Church in Boston, and lived there for several years before removing south for his health. He died at sea on a voyage from Savannah to Havre, at age 33. He left a collection of papers to the Massachusetts Historical Society.
The Leach Family of Manchester is related to me since we are all descended of Lawrence Leach and his wife Elizabeth (my 10x Great Grandparents). He lived at Salem, Massachusetts, and one son came to Manchester and another to Bridgewater. He died sometime before 25 June 1662 when his will was probated.
Also, Captain Israel Forster had a child, Hannah Lee Forster, by his first wife, who married Benjamin Leach Allen on 24 August 1824 in Manchester, Massachusetts. He is a distant cousin, on my Mom's side of the family. Mom's maiden name was Allen, and all the Manchester Allen's are descended of William Allen, born about 1602, and an original proprietor of Manchester. William Allen and his wife Alice Norman are my 9x Great Grandparents.
Copyright 2011, Heather Wilkinson Rojo


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MISSISSAUGA, Ontario — The first of 39 former Zellers stores Walmart bought from Target in Canada celebrated its grand opening as a Walmart store earlier this month.
According to Walmart Canada, the 69,000 sq. ft. store located in Newmarket, Ontario, will feature easy-to-navigate aisles with directional signage, and a bright interior color palette to define the store's merchandise areas along with lower shelving to improve sightlines. The store will also conain a pharmacy.
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The first round of openings are due for the March or April time frame in the greater Toronto area.


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Home › Forums › Off Piste › Mountaineering & Alpinism › Lighten up a Shasta Load
May 6, 2011 at 2:10 pm #1273432
Hi all,
Heading to Shasta in a couple weeks and wondering what I can leave behind. We're camping. Anyone want to take a crack at the list below? It's my personal gear, with some group stuff added. Trying to figure out my bare minimum here on Shasta, before Rainier, etc.
Basically I'm wondering:
[] warm enough for May?
[] what I could swap out to lighten up?
So far, people have said to ditch the shell pants (no) and shovel (yes). Haven't heard any thoughts on options like
– 50cm alu ice ax (doesn't seem helpful to me: I'm 6'2" and a 50cm ax seems awkward in self-arrest position, and doesn't offer as much security in self-belay); save 7 oz.
– alu crampons instead of steel (I've seen the points break off; doesn't seem all-mountain enough to justify the weight savings)
– silnylon pullover instead of shell jacket (save 6 oz)
– no windshirt (save 3 oz)
– no sleeping bag stuffsack; 3 oz.
-something else instead of a 100 oz camelback?
-can't think of what else would lighten things up, short of buying a new sleeping bag, boots and NeoAir.
Boots— 4 lb. uninsulated leather, similar to Sportiva Glaciers
pole w/ basket— BD trail model (no foam grip or strap)
pack— GG Virga
snowshoes— MSR Denali
gaiters— trail running
crampons— Grivel Air Tech steel
ice ax— BD Raven Pro 65cm
sleeping bag stuffsack— silnylon compression (will prob. leave this)
baseball hat w/ neck flap
wool hat
uninsulated shell mitts w/ removable primaloft liners
wool t-shirt
pants— Patagonia Simple Guide (unlined, lightweight)
fleece shirt— Patagonia R1 hoody
windshirt— Patagonia Houdini
shell jacket— 10 oz.
shell pants— 18 oz. (note that I'm not bringing long underwear and the soft shell pants are unlined, so these are for warmth, not rain)
Wool boxers
2 pr. Socks— thick wool
insulated jackets— Nanopuff and a 12 oz hooded down thing I just bought on Gear Swap.
tent— 2 tents between us 3, 4 snow stakes
sleeping bag— 30 degree synthetic + 50 degree down quilt (all I've got)
sleeping pad— ~1 lb. 3/4 length Insulmat (R ~2.5), plus a partial Z-rest, about 4' long
foam beak to protect my nose
lip stuff
compulsory p00p bag from the Forest Service
headlamp— Tikka
1 snowclaw
food 4 lbs. (friday eve. – sunday morn.)
stove, gas, spark— bringing a Jetboil and a Reactor for 3 people; would just bring the Reactor but partners like their Jetboils
insulated cup and a spoon (no bowl);
bladders— bringing one 100 oz. Camelback
cell phone
compass & map
small knife, tape, bandaids, tumsMay 6, 2011 at 2:26 pm #1733876
ManfredBPL Member
Hi Will,
You might want to have a look at this link Ryan Commons climbing Mt. Shasta in May 2010
It contains his pack list as well as a great video.
Have fun and be safe out there!
ManfredMay 6, 2011 at 2:38 pm #1733878
Yes, it is best to plan it as a two-night trip. Most of the time, you will be able to finish it before the second night.
You might be a little too thin on the insulated jacket. What you have now would not have gotten me through it five or ten times.
You want a retainer strap for your sunglasses. When descending, the glissade often feels like you are on a ride inside a washing machine.
For the tent, I would select one that is the most wind-worthy. If it is a little snug for three guys, then that is OK. That will help keep you warmer. It's only for two nights, right? Four snow stakes might be a little thin, but that depends on the tent. If you have cord, you can bury shovel parts or snowshoes in deadman fashion. I always carried at least one big snow fluke.
A 30-degree F sleeping bag is pretty thin. You will likely freeze your butt unless you have on every stitch of clothing inside the bag. The worst bag that I ever carried up there was a minus 10 F down bag.
One really dependable stove is all you need to melt snow for three. Select the one that sits lower, or can be wind-shielded easiest. Digging a snow hole is part of that.
A Camelback is OK for going up, but something more indestructable is better for the descent. I generally carried two one-quart water bottles, and I kept Gatorade in one of them. You can use a lot of water on the bottom half of the mountain where it gets hot.
A Snowclaw is better than nothing, but a Lifelink is better. An all metal shovel is better yet, but almost overkill. If you are on the standard route, it is common for all strangers camping near one another to borrow and loan snow shovels.
Whatever you carry for food, make sure that half of it can be eaten without any cooking or water. You can go a long way on cheese and cookies.
Of course there will be all sorts of small items like TP and duct tape. You want to stick some duct tape around the sharp part of an ice axe until you need it. A loud whistle might be handy, as is a standard first aid kit. Good tape gets used a lot up there.
–B.G.–May 6, 2011 at 2:49 pm #1733883
Jerry AdamsBPL Member
@retiredjerryLocale: Oregon and Washington
I don't know exactly where, but you can get an idea about low temperatures at
cursor around to where you're going
lows could be in the 20s FMay 6, 2011 at 3:03 pm #1733889
In twenty-five years on Shasta during May, the coldest that I ever saw at Helen Lake was +8 F with a 40 mph wind. When you get up around 13,000-14,000 feet, the windspeed can be much higher. However, that tends to be during the middle of the day.
For Helen Lake, we used to put four people in a three-person tent to improve warmth.
The worst time, though, is when you have to wake up at 4 a.m. and move out at 5 a.m. That one hour is the worst.
–B.G.–May 6, 2011 at 3:44 pm #1733911
Thanks for the help. Sounds like I will be shivering a lot with the current clothes. I've worn the same alpine climbing in AK in February, but there wasn't any sitting around.
I enjoyed Ryan's video, but am leery of bringing an 85L pack and plastic boots.
Re: Bob's comments—
You might be a little too thin on the insulated jacket. What you have now would not have gotten me through it five or ten times.
-OK, will add a second micropuff. I'm down here for school and left a lot of comforts (belay jacket & pants etc.) at home. 8 degrees, huh? I expected warmer!
For the tent, I would select one that is the most wind-worthy. If it is a little snug for three guys, then that is OK. That will help keep you warmer. It's only for two nights, right? Four snow stakes might be a little thin, but that depends on the tent. If you have cord, you can bury shovel parts or snowshoes in deadman fashion. I always carried at least one big snow fluke.
– 4 stakes + 2 axes, + a windwall of snow. I will collapse the tent flat when we leave for the top, mark it with GPS, and if it snows, find it by the snow wall or coordinates when we get down.
A 30-degree F sleeping bag is pretty thin. You will likely freeze your butt unless you have on every stitch of clothing inside the bag. The worst bag that I ever carried up there was a minus 10 F down bag.
-I normally wear all my clothes and sleep inside my backpack. But I will see about bringing 50 degree quilt to add to the bag. I don't have a warmer bag and don't want to rent a 0 degree.
One really dependable stove is all you need to melt snow for three. Select the one that sits lower, or can be wind-shielded easiest. Digging a snow hole is part of that.
-yes, I advocated for that; the other two just bought their stoves and are going to carry them anyway.
A Camelback is OK for going up, but something more indestructable is better for the descent. I generally carried two one-quart water bottles, and I kept Gatorade in one of them. You can use a lot of water on the bottom half of the mountain where it gets hot.
-I may bring one of the huge white nalgenes, then, plus a small clear one to put in my bag at night with hot water.
A Snowclaw is better than nothing, but a Lifelink is better. An all metal shovel is better yet, but almost overkill. If you are on the standard route, it is common for all strangers camping near one another to borrow and loan snow shovels.
-OK, we will bring one metal shovel instead.
Whatever you carry for food, make sure that half of it can be eaten without any cooking or water. You can go a long way on cheese and cookies.
-For lunch, I bring jerky, dried fruit, logan bread, and something sweet for the water bottle. For dinner I bring potato mix, olive oil, nuts, parmesan cheese, and drink it as soup.
Of course there will be all sorts of small items like TP and duct tape. You want to stick some duct tape around the sharp part of an ice axe until you need it. A loud whistle might be handy, as is a standard first aid kit. Good tape gets used a lot up there.
-OK, will bring duct tape. I keep it in the pack, though, so it's in good shape for using over blisters.May 6, 2011 at 4:45 pm #1733941
Will, I think I was up there in May for 26 years, of which I managed to summit 22 times. The weather was very bad on the other four years. One year, we had the other extreme, and we were walking around at the summit with only one wool shirt on. You really need to prepare for the extremes. Sunburn and dehydration are big risks there.
If you can't work out the best stove plan, then at least make sure that all stoves use the same type of fuel so that you can share. For three guys, you need a melting pot of about two quart size.
For the descent, you want to have duct tape or first aid tape handy and warm in your pocket. Sometimes somebody will get a good nick or puncture from an ice axe or from crampon points. I've seen some nasty accidents up there around Red Banks.
If you get into a cloud bank, either all three walkers need to stay very close together, or else one person can walk off-route and get into trouble. In the old days, I used to carry 100 feet of good 5mm cord to help that. That might be overkill now. Still, it would not be stupid to have 100 feet of some 3mm dyneema cord. When you get to the summit plateau (~14,000 feet), your brains may be fried. Either you get disoriented or else simply neglect to use your compass. GPS works very well.
–B.G.–May 6, 2011 at 4:53 pm #1733945
Great insights. Thanks! I'll followup after the trip with a report. Anyone else want to weigh in?May 6, 2011 at 6:09 pm #1733967
Re: "When descending, the glissade often feels like you are on a ride inside a washing machine." Would it be worth the weight to bring cheap over-shorts so you don't shred expensive pants, and / or slip foam next to your butt so you don't shred that?May 6, 2011 at 6:35 pm #1733976
Yes, we went through that whole discussion many years ago. It is nice to be able to do a sitting glissade down Avalanche Gulch, going at warp speed. On some years, the snow is soft enough that you won't shred your trousers. On other years, shredding will occur due to hard/sharp ice mixed with volcanic particles.
We tried everything. One guy wore cheap over-shorts, but they filled up with snow and ice. Leather shorts would be better. One guy made himself a "girdle" out of an old truck tire inner tube. That wasn't much good. The only place where I actually used anything special was from Red Banks down to Helen Lake. I used some cheap rain pants. Those were cheap enough that I could sacrifice them, and they were smooth enough that they neither slowed me down nor sped me up, but they were waterproof enough to protect me. I made that 2000-foot portion of descent one time in nine minutes.
One thing I learned was to keep my heels tightly together to control speed. The only problem is that it puts up quite a spray of snow and ice, which is why you are wearing your sunglasses with a retainer strap.
–B.G.–May 6, 2011 at 7:53 pm #1734006
Bob, in your 26 years, did you ever see anyone get hit with a rock, or see the after-effects? Did you ever wear a helmet?May 6, 2011 at 8:26 pm #1734015
I never personally saw anybody get hit with a rock of any dangerous size. I never wore a helmet.
I saw lots of rocks flying down the hill, but they were much smaller than a golf ball. Most of the rocks get glued down by ice before May. I think later in the season there would be more rocks flying as they thaw out.
One year there were big ice balls about the size of a grapefruit, and they were fairly round. The snow surface just happened to be hard that year, so these frozen ice balls were just flying and bouncing down the hill, even down to timberline. My party was going up right at timberline, and there was another party carrying their wounded climber out. The wound was from getting clobbered by an ice ball. Immediately we started taking turns watching uphill. You could see the next ice ball coming for two seconds, and then it would whiz past. In two seconds, you could dodge it.
Whenever you see any falling projectile like that, yell "ROCK!"
–B.G.–May 6, 2011 at 10:11 pm #1734066
Ryan WMember
I second the need for a warmer puffy layer. Absolutely.
I've used a 32 degree bag before and a 0 degree. It can be hit or miss in May. I'd take my 0 but if a 30 is what you have then that is what you have. It looks like you are taking a sufficient pad and sounds like you can fit your clothing inside you sleeping bag. Fuel well, snuggle up to a water bottle, and you should be ok. Midnight situps are always an option. Toss the extra bag/blanket in the truck and reassess at the trailhead. Definitely squeeze 3 guys into the two man tent. It helps with warmth and cuts down on the workload of prepping another tentsite, teardown etc.
Maybe a light liner glove. My hands overheat in primaloft but are cold otherwise.
I wear softshell pants and pack a lighter weight shell for storms only and sometimes ditch them depending on the forecast.
I like having a small sit pad but that doesn't fit into your pad strategy.
I'm a fan of a bladder when climbing, but my climbing packs don't have easy access water bottle pockets. Nothing worse than having to stop on the slope to futz with gloves, packs, bottles, etc to snag a drink. A bladder keeps me moving, warm, and hydrated, all positives.
You didn't list the small repair items, knife, sunglass case, etc but I assume you have that dialed in.
Make sure you have a good way of securing your crampons for the glissade.
Most people you see will be wearing plastics but that is because plastics comprise the majority of the rental inventory. If your leathers fit well and you are good on your sock combo, then you are good to go.
Have funMay 6, 2011 at 10:46 pm #1734075
"Make sure you have a good way of securing your crampons for the glissade."
Mark just made a good point. Some people bring a daypack to the summit, and that way they have a place to store water bottle, camera, crampons, etc. Some people use their regular backpack for that.
On the descent, if you are leaning back in your sitting glissade, it drags the pack. If you have a regular backpack there, it can protect your back a lot better, but that means that it might also take a lot of abuse (shredding).
With some crampons, you can face them point-to-point and wrap them with a bit of cord, and then throw them in your pack. Some people just decide to wear them all the way back down to Helen Lake. That's OK if you remember that most injury falls are on the descent. Whatever you do, do not attempt to glissade while wearing your crampons. That just invites bad accidents. Plus, you will have others shouting obscenities at you.
–B.G.–May 6, 2011 at 11:10 pm #1734085
Lighten your load: Get rid of the snow shovel unless you want to scout avalanche conditions assuming you know how to do this. Use your ice axe and your shoes/hands instead for making platform for tent, its 1 lousy night. Get rid of the rain pants. If its raining you ain't climbing(optimum conditions for a wet avalanche in spring). If its snowing hard you ain't climbing, you are going home. If its light snow, you MIGHT climb.
Don't glissade while wearing crampons? Why not? Just don't use your feet DUH! Unless its mush of course, then feel free, of course if its mush why the heck are you wearing pons? If there are ANY icy spots DO NOT use your feet/pons. For glisade, bring a heavy duty garbage bag, gets shredded, who cares. Actually, one can actually run down VERY steep soft snow VERY fast with no worries. One can easily descent 3000 feet in under 15 minutes this way with no glissade at all. GLissading on your rump you can easily bruise your tailbone if its icy. If its semi icy, use your sitting closed cell foam pad and keep your ice axe out. For most glissades one has to use your shovel end, not the pick end unless its actually icy though I have noted that most in semi- icy conditions where glissading is great fun most get afraid due to lack of experience and will walk down a steep section instead.
Putting Crampons point to point? that never works, now you have a porcupine on 2 fronts. I have never seen any sets of crampons work well this way. Do like everyone else in the know, points outwards, use straps to strap to back of pack with points pointing outwards. Or, if you REALLY want to put them inside your pack, you need something to cover said crampon points like the rubber covers sold in your mountaineering shop. Added weight. Useless weight if you asked me. Though if you really really want to have a rain cover(I never do nor do I know any other mountaineer that ever carries one) then you need those point covers so you can put them on the inside or outside of your pack without ripping things up.May 6, 2011 at 11:50 pm #1734096
Brian must have been joking! Perhaps he has been up Shasta even more than I have.
"Don't glissade while wearing crampons? Why not? Just don't use your feet DUH! Unless its mush of course, then feel free. If there are ANY icy spots DO NOT use your feet/pons."
The steepest part of the standard route is just below Red Banks, and it is about a 33 degree angle slope that faces sort of southwest. As a result of the melt-freeze, it is pretty unpredictable for descent speed. It can be anywhere from solid ice to mush. Part of the problem is that you are up on the summit early in the day, perhaps 10 a.m., and then you are descending right after that when the slope may be going through transition. When doing a sitting glissade, your feet are straight out in front of you, downhill. If you can hold that position and keep your heel points elevated off the snow, then I suppose that it might be possible to keep your crampons on. However, that is a pretty unnatural position to me, and I don't think that I could hold it for long. As soon as your heel points get low, then you stand a good chance of "catching a point" and that flips you up so that now your head is going first down the hill with your feet flaying along behind. This is not a good position for initiating a self arrest. Around 1995, I was watching a guy who did exactly that. He was doing a good sitting glissade for 100 yards or so, got a little speed up, and then he caught a heel point. In an instant, it flipped him up and over, and he was sailing down the hill head first. I was probably 100 yards laterally across the hill, so there wasn't anything that I could do for him except to witness it all. Once he was flipped over, he was sailing out of control until he ran into two other descenders. That knocked out his momentum, so he stopped soon after. One of the other two descenders was knocked senseless and went sailing on down the hill. I believe that person fell for about 1,500 feet down the slope, still alive. I walked over closer to the guy who had initiated the whole accident and shouted to him, "Are you OK?" He lifted one hand up over his head, and I took that to mean that he was still alive. I shouted back to him that you Never, Ever do a sitting glissade with your crampons on. Then I walked on down the slope. The injured person was treated by a wilderness ranger who just happened to be in the right place. Later, when I reached Helen Lake, that ranger interviewed me as a witness to the entire stupid accident.
It is the icy descent where you specifically need to use crampons for walking unless it is safe for a sitting glissade.
"Putting Crampons point to point? that never works, now you have a porcupine on 2 fronts. I have never seen any sets of crampons work well this way. Do like everyone else in the know, points outwards, use straps to strap to back of pack with points pointing outwards."
It probably varies from one brand to another, but my Salewa crampons have fitted together point-to-point for over thirty years now. Note that they are 10-point crampons, and not severe front-point crampons to use on an ice wall. Perhaps people in one part of the country do it differently from California. Points outward sounds painful.
–B.G.–May 7, 2011 at 12:16 am #1734100
One year, eight of us from California had spent the day skiing up to Helen Lake, which is the standard overnight camp on the standard route. A couple of hours later, a bunch from the Mountaineers in Seattle came up, and they set up their camp just 75 feet from ours. Everybody knew the drill, so tents were dug in and stoves were busy melting snow. Right before sunset, the salmon colors were just beginning to form up and down upper Avalanche Gulch, and everybody just kind of stood there and soaked up the view. I reminded my group that we were going to wake up at 4 a.m. and move out at 5 a.m.
Right then, something broke loose above, and a snow avalanche was tumbling down toward Helen Lake. In a second, I estimated that the avalanche was going to slowly turn off to our right, so we stood our ground. The Seattle guys were trying to decide which way to run. They were probably more used to North Cascades snow and not California snow.
The avalanche made its turn to our right and then stopped. The leader of the Seattle group said, "That's it. I'm not going up in the morning."
At about 5 a.m., we crossed the avalanche debris (carrying some shovels), did the summit, and then returned safely to camp. The Seattle group and their tents were gone.
–B.G.–May 7, 2011 at 5:56 pm #1734383
Re: "Don't glissade while wearing crampons? Why not? Just don't use your feet." I WANT TO SEE VIDEOS OF THAT! Exactly how is that supposed to happen? Do you lay on your back with your thighs going straight up, and your lower legs horizontal to the snow? If so, how can you see where you are going? You're supposed to be using the spike of your axe like a side rudder to control you speed and direction, but how can you do that in that position? If you're not laying on your back, are you doing an exptreme stomach crunch with your knees against your nose, balancing on the single point of your buttocks? Good luck keeping from swiveling right to left to right to backwards to left to right, let alone maintaining the crunch.May 9, 2011 at 11:17 am #1734517
Douglas RayMember
@dirtbagclimberLocale: Pacific Northwest
I've seen many people glissade wearing crampons effectively, and heard many argue that it is a reasonable practice. Yet every edition of Accidents in North American Mountaineering that I have ever perused had at least one case of someone dying whilst doing so. That and rappelling off the ends of your rope seem to be some of the most consistent killers of mountaineers.
I would say in soft conditions there is little chance of catching a crampon point and flipping over, it's in hard and variable conditions when that is a danger. I suppose with careful technique it would be possible to reduce that risk, but I don't know that it's worth it to save the little bit of time taking the 'pons off.Personally, I don't think it's much hassle to take crampons off for the glissade. Usually by the time you are done glissading you are down to where the snow is soft enough not to need them. Being able to use your feet for control makes glissading safer and easier.
I like to carry crampons inside my pack. I put them point-to-point to save space, than stick them in a cheap stuff-sack to protect everything else from them. I expected to have to replace the stuff-sack often when I started this practice but that has not proven to be the case.May 9, 2011 at 1:26 pm #1734603
Good Grief B-G. Are you always a black and white guy? Ever heard of gray?
Like everything else there are no 100% rules regarding crampons. It all varies on condition. If its ice, you ain't glissading either. My tailbone would be thanking me.
Steering with your feet. Good Grief, what a joke. You can't steer with your feet. It never works even if in your mind you think it does. YOU CAN steer with your axe and by LEANING although Very little.
Owned several 14pt pons, none of them have ever stacked p-p worth a darn. Never seen anyone elses do so either. Seen many folks try to do so with a pon bag as Douglas wrote. I don't like the extra weight. Why wouldn't you just strap them to the back with their own webbing? Selwa pons, they nest? Sweet! Do they bend the tips?
I read ANAM every year, and can recall exactly one time some guy caught a pon and died. Lots of folks slip, catch a pon point while catching their slip and rip up their knees in ANAM every year, but this has nothing to do with glissading.
So, B-G you go up Shasta all the time? So. I go up mountains in BC, Alberta, WA, MT, WY, CO all the time with plenty of glissading. Its all the same.
LOOK AT THE CONDITIONS and apply JUDGEMENT. Like everything else in life, discernment is key.May 9, 2011 at 2:18 pm #1734629
Brian, you just proved my point. You must do your ice axe and crampon work in another area besides California. This thread was solely about California's Mount Shasta's Standard Route. You did not list that in your places to go.
The slope angle, snow and ice conditions, weather, and everything else all play into how descents need to happen safely.
I would not want to strap crampons onto my back as you suggested. Way too much chance of that producing a broken rib.
Salewa is a brand name of crampons. I've never heard of Selwa.
Steering with your feet. Yes, actually heels. Works great. It is actually more for speed control. Come to California sometime so that you can learn that all snow is not the same. The original poster may have valued Shasta experience more than Alberta experience.
–B.G.–May 9, 2011 at 6:56 pm #1734776
Snow is snow no matter where it is. Alaska to Mexico to Kilamajaro. The fact you believe otherwise says volumes about your experience level or lack thereof. Thaw, freeze, and solar radiation are all the same depending on season altitude etc.
Crampons on your back? Say what?
Heels don't steer as you originally claimed, now you are claiming for slowing down. Well that is what your ice axe pick and adze are for unless its supper SOFT, otherwise you can do your flip with normal boots on as well when glissading.
If you are purposefully going glissading where its ice and you feel you need more than your pick/adze to slow down, you shouldn't be glissading to start with. Of course who in their right mind would glissade on ice? Best way to bruise/break something along with sever lacerations.May 9, 2011 at 10:18 pm #1734859
Re: "…slowing down. Well that is what your ice axe pick and adze are for …"
Do you mean self-arrest, rather than glissade? If you are sliding down the slope on your belly, with the shaft across your chest, the adze above your shoulder and the pick digging into the slope, that is a self-arrest, not a glissade. There is a standing glissade, like skiing, and a sitting glissade, but both utilize the spike, not the pick and not the adze.May 9, 2011 at 10:45 pm #1734862
Brian, you are participating in this thread in an unusual manner. For example, you stated "Crampons on your back? Say what?"
That was from my inquiry when you first mentioned carrying crampons on your back on May 9. You first mentioned the back.
Then you stated "Heels don't steer as you originally claimed…" When did I make such a claim? (I didn't)
Steering is tricky when you are flying down a 33 degree slope. I think shifting your body weight from side to side does the most.
Despite your belief to the contrary, snow is very different from place to place. For one thing, north in the Rockies, like Alberta that you mentioned, the snow is cold enough at formation that the crystal structure is quite different from Mount Shasta's snow in May. If the air is consistently cold, then the crystals don't transition as much. That's why the northern Rockies and the Rockies in general have climax avalanches so often. Mount Shasta has avalanches, but they are more of the heavy/wet snow slides that run a short distance and then stop.
The snow labs in different areas can show you how different the snow is. I encourage you to visit one in your northern Rockies.
–B.G.–May 9, 2011 at 10:50 pm #1734864
Robert, I wish I could remember the exact words of an old quote about self-arrests. I will paraphrase it.
"There are three forms of self-arrest: the Standing, the Sedentary, and the Involuntary, and they usually follow in that succession."
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Read more:For a portion of Steve Demeter's life, he was only known as "the other guy."
He was the other guy who played third base in the Detroit Tigers' minor-league system.
He was the other guy in a famous trade that happened before the start of the 1960 season.
He was the other guy with potential for a great major-league career.
But Demeter was not just any other guy.
"He didn't talk about it much, but Steve was better at most things than almost everybody else," said George Coury, Demeter's longtime friend.
Demeter, a 1952 Homer-Center graduate, died Sunday morning after experiencing recent heart problems. He was 78 years old.
Read more:MOBILE, Alabama - Hank Aaron Stadium, the home of the Mobile BayBears, is linked to the rest of the Port City by Bolling Brothers Boulevard. Earlier today, one of the namesakes of that street died.
Milt Bolling, who went from Mobile to spend seven seasons playing baseball in the American League, died this morning at age 82 at Providence Hospital, his brother, Frank Bolling, said.


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[quote user="Redeyejedi"]
[quote user="BlueSanta"][quote user="Redeyejedi"]Pittsburgh and Syracuse are trying to leave the Big East and go to the ACC[/quote]
Big East is in trouble. There went a ton of their basketball revenue.
The Big East should of been more aggresive in recruting teams. TCU must be kicking themselves for joining that dead league. There going to get there BCS bid pulled. I read that Iowa State and Baylorwill join the Big East if the BIG 12 falls apart. If i was Texas Id go Independant. Why join a league that u have to win for a BCS berth.They could be like Notre Dame and suck but if they win 10 games they will get a BCS bid every year.
Anyone watch WV MD want to know how Irvin plaed[/quote] I watched them but didn't really notice him Did he play?


text:
Payment for Overtime
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- Issue Date: August 12, 2004
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Policy StatementThe Institution will compensate its non-exempt and marine crew employees for hours worked in
overtime status. Payment will be made at 1 ½ times the rate of pay in effect when the overtime
is worked.
Reason for PolicyTo describe payment for overtime.
ContentsPolicy Information
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Who Should Be Familiar With This Policy
Overview & Procedures
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text: Saw this on Craigslist, just goes to show you that all vehicles are valuable for parts choppers / car & truck theives. It sucks because it's clear that some folks really spend time and energy and to just have someone take it undermines the whole concept for what this country is all about . Good to have a lot of photos of the truck so that you can easily help identify it should it ever show up somewhere. http://dallas.craigslist.org/mdf/laf/1228991230.html TX Plate: 98J HS4


text:
Got a call to check on some bees in a birdhouse 12 ft up in the air. It looks to be a very simple removal, but I am wondering about the about of queen cells / swam cells that may be building. The birdhouse is about 8 " wide an 12 " tall. THe are busting at the seems. So I am pretty sure That when I get them in my back yard they will be ready to start swarming.
What's the best way to cut into this box? Vacuum? or just rubberband some frames and catch the queen. Tell me what you would do. Thanks


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ビッグガーデンアパートメント - シティセンター
お部屋の大きさ35 m²
Floor No.
- キッチン
- 洗濯機/乾燥機
- テレビ
- ベランダ/テラス
- インターネット/WiFi
- タオル
- 利用可能な駐車場
Accommodation summary
|Rua do Bonjardim, 4000 Porto, ポルトガル
- Located 6 minutes walking to city hall, 5 to metro (straight line to airport) and 20 to river.
- Has one room with double bed and a living room with sofa bed.
- The house has just two independent apartments and a 70 square meters shared backyard garden.
- Has a small kitchenette, all equipped with Microwave, Induction Hob, Fridge/freezer combi, Kettle, bread toaster.
- Complete bathroom with shower, hairdryer, soap and towels provided.
- In backyard there is a laundry room with washing machine, shared by the two studios.
- Terrace is equipped with outdoor furniture: table and chairs, umbrella and a deck chair.
- Internet wi-fi.
- Cable TV with big screen and around 100 Channels in several languages.
- Possibility to rent bikes
- Free public car parking on street.
- In the neighborhood we can find all type of services: many restaurants (all price ranges), cafes, typical grocery stores, fruit shops, bakeries, take-away, pharmacy, ATMs, etc.
ハウスルール1) Please communicate as soon as possible the time of arrival, to the apartment, via inbox
2) No pets allowed.
3) Feel free to use all the cooking utensils including the appliances. Please clean them after use.
4)Smoking allowed just outside, in the garden.
5) No loud noises in the apartment, mainly after 10pm (neighbors)
6) Please throw the garbage before the check-out.
7) Late check-in fee (for checking-in after 22:30): €10
|Weekly rate for up to 2 guests
|¥ 3408596
|Monthly rate for up to 2 guests
|¥ 10488270
|¥ 131110 ゲスト・宿泊日の追加
|6 ヶ月あたり
|Check-in before
Clean, cozy and nice appartment and even nicer hosts! António gives you a bunch of great tips for restaurants and not so known highlights of amazing Porto. We enjoyed our short stay a lot! Thanks a lot.
A convenient and cozy place, a romantic nest for a couple. Very close to the city center and sightseeing but, on the other hand, in the thick of the local life with quiet non-touristic restaurants and shops. And finally very friendly and helpful landlord and landlady!
Nice hosts (thanks for all the tips, late checkout possible...), nice flat. It can be a little small if you plan on staying longer but for a few days its perfect. The flat has been renovated recently and you can see it. The garden (more a terrace with some green) and its view also must be nice if the weather allowes to use it. The only little downside was the bed. It´s quite small for two people (or I am just spoiled by my own) but otherwise a perfect little getaway. Cafe and Snackbar next door, a little walk to the supermarket (but if you walk to the old town its on the way back), 5 min to the metro...I would always stay there again!
A cute apartment with a very relaxing garden. Quiet and well situated. Perfect for a couple. If you are travelling with children, it may be a bit small, and there may have some safety issues with the steep stairs within the apartment and in the garden, although our four-year old did not have any problem.
Porto is a great place to visit, and we had a great time. Thank you so much, Pedro, for the warm welcome and all the valuable information.
We have been really well received.
They give us evrything we needed.
The flat is really nice, clean and well-arranged.
the street is perfect to meet local portuguese guys and to see portuguese culture.
We highly recommand this house
A lovely flat, where you will feel at home, small but very cosy and clean. Very nice garden to enjoy with good weather.
You can find everything you need in this appartment, close to the center, 10 mins by metro.
Warm welcome from Pedro, showing us kindly the best places to visit.
It was the first time we used Windu for travelling, and we enjoyed the experience. We'll repeat for sure!
The apartment is fantastic but even better are Pedro and Danute who welcomed us (patiently, because we were late, sorry again) with a bottle of Vinho Verde, they gave us a lot of important information about what to see and do! and they even shared some information with us about the life and situation in Portugal.
The terrasse is perfect for breakfast, dinner and even a "city-romantic" sunset ;) the neighbourhood is quiet but in a few minutes walking you can reach the center! THANKS a lot for everything!!!!! we will come back!
It had been a wunderfull week in Porto, although the weather wasn`t so good. When we arrived Pedro and Danute welcomed us with a very nice bottle of wine and lot of helpful informations about Porto. The appartment is very cute and just renovated. You find there everything you need and the roofgarden is fantastic!
We had rent a car (there are a few free parking places in the street), but when you want to stay just in Porto you don`t need one. You can reach everything by foot...but take comfortable shoes...it goes up and down :-)
We have loved Porto :-)
We both liked the pics and the fact there was a garden made us choose this apartment. When we arrived it was just as we hoped; clean, sufficient, and designed with just enough details to make us feel at home. We had a nice welcome by our host and felt free to contact when needed. Porto is beautiful, we really enjoyed our city trip.
This place is great to start and end your everyday adventure!
- すべてのお部屋はチェック済み
- どのホストともお電話で直接お話いただけます


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Get an overview of this hotel3-star bed & breakfast in Jacksonville with free breakfast
Popular property highlights
Situated near the airport, this bed & breakfast is steps from Art Presence Art Center and Quady North. Beekman House and Beekman Loop Trail are also within 10 minutes.
Property Features
A library and free breakfast are available at this bed & breakfast.
All 9 individually decorated rooms offer cable TV.
Room AmenitiesInformation missing or incorrect? Tell us!Opens in a new window
Jacksonville's Magnolia Inn
Bed & Breakfast Amenities
Bed & Breakfast Amenities
A complimentary breakfast is offered.
- Total number of rooms - 9
- Free breakfast
- Library
Room Amenities
- Air conditioning
- Private bathroom
- Individually decorated
- Cable TV service
Where to Eat
Guests are offered complimentary continental and full breakfasts.
Nearby Things to Do
The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.
- Downhill skiing nearby
- Hiking/biking trails nearby
- Mountain biking nearby
Bed & Breakfast Policies
Check-in time ends at 8 PM
Check-in time starts at 3 PM
Special check-in instructions:
Check-out time is 11 AM
Children and extra beds
- Children are welcome.
- Pets not allowed
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy.
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card or cash deposit are required at check-in for incidental charges.
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges. Special requests cannot be guaranteed.
Bed & Breakfast Name
- Jacksonville's Magnolia
- Jacksonville's Magnolia Inn
- Magnolia Inn


text:
Full Contact Golf is like the activity golf, except you can take your aggression out on other players by hitting them. You can hit another player anywhere except the head with any club you want. You can only hit another player if they get a hole in one, or take more than 10 shots to get the ball in the hole (making the game more fun)
"Damn, it took me seventeen tries to get my ball in the hole, guess I am getting hit in the leg soon. I guess this is what I signed up for when I decided to play Full Contact Golf. Better not be a nine-iron."
by 5K337LORD March 21, 2012
The vengeful act of crapping on a lover's chest while they sleep.Buy the plush


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Gambian journalist detained on contempt of court charges
Abuja, Nigeria, July 11, 2012--A Gambian judge ordered the arrest of a journalist Tuesday on contempt of court charges, the third instance of a journalist being detained on such charges in as many weeks, according to local journalists.
Police arrested Sidiq Asemota, the legal affairs correspondent of the pro-government Daily Observer, while he was on assignment at the High Court in Banjul, the capital, his employer reported. Judge Emmanuel Nkea of the Special Criminal Court had issued an arrest warrant for Asemota on Monday, news reports said.


text:
The Imbiber: Barchetypes
We take you through the 10 most common bars and how to navigate them.
As you've probably gathered by now, I go to a lot of bars. It's a by-product of being a member in good standing of the international boozing press. Over the years, certain similarities have emerged between these bars. Upon noticing this I immediately realized further research was in order. Several weeks later I remembered what the similarities were again. And the process started all over again. It's like the circle of life, only drunker. And now, after two full decades of remembering to try to figure it out, I have done it. I have determined that there are precisely 10 kinds of bar in the world. I call them the Barchetypes. And to give the last 20 years of my drinking some modicum of meaning, I'm going to tell them you about them.
Notes Toward An Ontological Exploration of The Ten Barchetypes and the Flora and Fauna Pertaining Thereunto
The Pub
Pubs differ from dive bars in that they're usually larger, cleaner and more tourist-tolerant (and when I say tourist, I mean anyone who didn't grow up within a three-block radius of the place). They tend to be cozy spots where a lot of drinking still gets done, but you're far less likely to see someone projectile vomit on his wife, get beat up by a Teamster, collapse and die of liver failure, or put their shit-digits in the pretzel barrel. Most pubs offer good beer, reasonably priced drinks and greasy cheeseburgers that taste awesome after midnight. The Cool-People-To-Total-Jag-Off ratio in these places tends to hover around 10-to-1. Disregard this ratio, however, if said pub has a karaoke night. In this case the ratio reverses. Depending on the frequency of said karaoke night, you may actually want to consider downgrading this place's rating from a Pub to a Plastic Bar (see below).
- The Plastic Bar
My friends and I sometimes call these Karl Rove bars. Which is to say, The Plastic Bar was born without a soul. You might know them as fern bars, or yuppie bars or "that place with the frozen daiquiri machine." But while they may not have authenticity on their side, they do have booze, so let's not get too hung up on technicalities. Treat your plastic bar the same way you'd treat a museum exhibit. Speak softly, don't touch anything and leave as quickly as possible. You may have sex with things you find inside the plastic bar, but only once. 3. The High Concept Bar
These are built upon a central idea that is sometimes clever, but more often tiresome once the novelty has worn off (this process usually takes about a week). These typically sprout up in major metropolitan areas like New York, LA and Paris where there's an ample supply of either a) tourists looking for expensive thrills or b) arrogant twits who believe they're more sophisticated than the average beer-swilling Philistine and feel the need to prove it by embracing the latest in nightlife novelties. For example, I was once dragged by a publicist to the Ice Kube Bar in Paris where, for somewhere in the neighborhood of 75 dollars (luckily I wasn't paying), I got to dress up like an arctic explorer and spend 20 minutes doing Grey Goose shooters inside a bleak frozen chamber made entirely of ice (as evidenced by the pic on the right). The publicist maintained that freezing my dick off just to catch a buzz was an "authentic experience like no other." Funny, it seemed an awful lot like another highly authentic experience called "homeless in winter," only a hell of a lot more expensive.
I will admit that there are a few high-concept bars that are just too awesome and original to be dismissed. For instance, the Skeleton Bar in Gruyère, Switzerland (yes, where the cheese comes from) is a magnificent, otherworldly boneyard designed by HR Giger, the guy who won an Oscar for production design on "Alien" and also conceived the highly controversial Dead Kennedy's album cover, "Frankenchrist." That place is genius. But for every Skeleton Bar, there are ten Rodeo Bars and ten Waikiki Wallys. Bottom line is, when in doubt, stay the fuck away.
The Strip Club
Ah, where to begin? Mandatory two-drink minimums for watered down cocktails in plastic shot-glasses at 15 dollars a pop. Or 20 dollar glasses of fruit punch masquerading as Mai Tais that you're obliged to buy the stripper who's charging you 20 more for every three minutes of grinding robotically on your lap to some suggestive hip-hop song from 10 years ago. Throw in all manner of creeps, pimps, punks and skanks and what have you got? A multi-billion-dollar industry that generates more money per year than theater, opera, ballet, jazz and classical music concerts combined. Which I'm kind of relieved about, quite frankly. Because a world in which people pay more to see an anorexic perform a pirouette than they do to see a ripe pair of titties is no world I want to live in. Still, if you're looking to get any kind of serious drinking done, don't do it here unless you just sold your tech startup to Google.
- The Full Of Itself Bar
This category was the subject of some debate between me and my editor. He wanted to put The Full Of Itself in with the Vertical Bars. He is a heathen. I say that because these bars are specifically aimed at that vertical slice of humanity that enjoys liquor, they deserve a category all their own. Plus, there are too many of them around these days to ignore. I'm talking, of course, about the bars that purport to bring a science and a purism and a sense of history to the creation of cocktails. In these places you'll often hear bartending referred to as "mixology." You are also very likely to be charged $15-$20 per drink. Which is great when they're great. But their trendlet has attracted poseurs, and when these places are bad, they are deeply hideous. Because the last thing you want when you're trying to enjoy a relaxing drink is either smug superiority from the bartender or a member of the waitstaff insisting on telling you about the fair-trade origin of the drink's agave syrup. Shut the hell up and make with the alcohol fetching. And turn off the fucking lounge music. Oh and a comfortable chair would be nice. I should reiterate that many of these places are wonderful and employ some of my favorite people in the world.
The Hotel Bar
These come in many shapes and sizes, but have one defining characteristic that unites them. Hotel Bars are always located within stumbling distance of a bedroom. And that means possibilities. Not all of them good ones.
- The Live Music Joint
These places barely qualify as bars because trying to order a drink is a lot like trying to secure a bowl of gruel in a Calcutta soup kitchen. Be prepared to hold your own against a crush of sweaty alcohol-starved humanity. Then there's the aural assault that is the experimental ragecore quartet (see also: friends of the friend who dragged you there) and the converse-wearing Indie rock fans who get exponentially more annoying for every minute you age past 30. Bring throat lozenges as you'll be screaming "WHAT?" at the top of your lungs most of the evening, not just because the music is loud but because the only thing fewer people do than pine for a drink at a live music joint is shut up and pay attention to the music. Do not, under any circumstances wear open-toed shoes to the Live Music Joint. Especially if you plan on using the bathroom.
The Sports Bar
In addition to being the barchetype responsible for the second-highest number of divorces, sports bars are also a factor in a large number of DUI arrests, full-scale brawls, illegal gambling rings and chicken wing choking incidents. As a result, men can't seem to get enough of them. This is because men, while occasionally sweet and erudite, are complete assholes most of the time. And with the exception of a few really messed up sex clubs, there's nowhere a man can tap into his inner-asshole more completely than a place where the menus are shaped liked goalie masks and feature meals named after ballparks and Heisman Trophy winners. In fairness, I did once have a transcendent dining experience at a Hooters in South Florida - though I have a suspicion that it owes something to the fact that Sandra, our waitress, insisted on sitting in my lap every time she came to check that we had enough beer. It's possible that made me elevate my Pasta Testaverde with marinara sauce and peppers to legendary status. But Mama mia, what a meal!
- The Vertical Bar
These are places that cater to a highly specific clientele, i.e. bikers, leather enthusiasts, oenophiles, fur wearers, midgets, furry midgets, or fans of 80s synth-pop bands. I mention that last one because once, while in the Estonian capital city of Tallinn, I went to a subterranean watering hole called the DM Baar that is devoted entirely to the musical stylings of Depeche Mode. As it turns out I just can get enough of the DM Baar. To avoid the trek to northern Europe, you can simulate this for yourself by holing up with 30 people and several bottles of vodka in a dark basement while "Songs of Faith and Devotion" plays on perpetual loop at high volume. How long does it take before someone snaps? If you're part of the regular clientele, never. If you're a lonely, horny, vodka-soaked booze journalist dicking around Eastern Europe, however, the answer is 26 minutes and 53 seconds. I seriously considered calling the consulate and ordering a daiscutter strike just to be sure we stopped the infection before it could spread. 10. The Neighborhood Dive
The neighborhood dive is a no frills joint owned and operated by a native son with a name like Sully or Mac. These bars are open every day from 6 a.m. til 2 a.m (4 a.m. in New York) and cater to a tightly knit, fiercely loyal clientele that revel in the camaraderie, cheap drinks and proximity to home. Beyond being a temple of worship for the local sports franchises, a neighborhood dive doesn't purport to have a "concept" or "theme." There is no food to speak of, save for some pretzels on the bar (those who dislike e. coli are advised to stay away), a pegboard filled with individual packages of chips and perhaps a jar filled with pickled eggs (I dare you). With the possible exception of replacing a worn-out dartboard or updating the jukebox selections every decade or so, neighborhood dives don't keep up with the times. They are enduring reminders that the more things change, the more working class drinkers remain the same. They are places of poetry and I love them dearly.
Dan's book "Living Loaded: Tales of Sex, Salvation and the Pursuit of the Never-Ending Happy Hour" is available at Amazon, Borders Barnes & Noble and wherever books are sold. Follow Dan on Twitter and Facebook


text:
Rep. Ruth Jones McClendon (left) with Gov. Rick Perry (center)
and McClendon Scholars
FYI Features: Five UTSA students learn about Austin politics and real life as McClendon Scholars
(May 20, 2005)--UTSA senior Brad Domangue didn't begin his spring 2005 internship at the state capitol with dreams of some day becoming a state representative. He was there to keep an eye on things. A watchdog, a future political journalist -- that's what he would be. Not a politician.
Nearly two months later, Domangue hates to say it, but "[The internship experience] kind of makes me want to go into politics."
Today's headlines
- La Prensa Foundation is newest member of UTSA Lone Star Society
- UTSA alumna Jordan Kaufmann wins $50K for new stent-graft start-up
- UTSA begins new way-finding sign installation this summer at Main Campus
- USA Today: UTSA long jumper Tyler Williamson rescues three-year-old boy
Article tools
Score one for Rep. Ruth Jones McClendon. It was her scholarship program that brought Domangue to the capitol in the first place. McClendon teamed with UTSA and its Institute for Law and Public Affairs in September 2004 to form the McClendon Scholars Program. Through the program, five UTSA students received a $10,000 stipend each to spend five months in Austin interning in the Texas House of Representatives during the regular legislative sessions.
Of the five students, only LaTronda Sanders-Darnell interned with Rep. McClendon. Domangue spent the session with Rep. Jim McReynolds, while Alexis Sampson worked for Rep. Peggy Hamric. Annete Zarate and Destinee Waiters interned with Rep. Velma Luna and Rep. Yvonne Davis, respectively.
McClendon, who represents district 120 in San Antonio, teamed with UTSA in creating the program with the idea of putting UTSA students on equal footing with students who normally live in Austin during the legislative session.
Major contributors to the inaugural program were SBC Communications Inc. and the San Antonio Coca-Cola Bottling Co. According to Richard Gambitta, department chair of political science and geography, the group is already halfway to its fund-raising goal of $50,000 for the next legislative session.
Meanwhile, McClendon is excited about next session's crop of interns, noting that the program can only continue to grow, especially after the inaugural group's success.
"All over the Capitol I hear people talking about the McClendon Scholars," says McClendon. "When they got here, they just became a part of the system and they were so anxious to learn. I'm so proud that UTSA saw the need for this program and has been so supportive."
The experience has meant something different for everyone involved. For Sanders-Darnell, it's meant a lot of time away from her husband and three children ages 15, 10 and 1. She's in the office by 6 a.m. and often works long hours. But, her mother-in-law has stepped in to help a lot and she's been able to see first hand a process that is a lot different than just reading about it in books.
"Because you're dealing with real people, real emotion and a lot of time people are talking about a bill that affects their brother or their cousin, and they are very emotional about it, you get a different experience than learning through books," says Sanders-Darnell.
For Waiters, life on the hill has served up one big adrenaline rush. Probably the most politically active member of the group, Waiters has spent the session with the most outspoken representative. Her enthusiasm for shaping policies that affect people's lives is infectious.
She spent much of the spring session working on juvenile justice and family issues. Her favorite moment? When the group heard a bill on paternity rights that she had tracked and written talking points for discussion. Waiters genuinely wants to help people and is passionate about her causes, making the capitol a perfect place to be.
"So far, it's been an amazing experience," she says.
Meanwhile for Domangue the defining moment of the spring internship had nothing to do with policy and everything to do with people. When a mother brought her two young daughters to the capitol to meet McReynolds, the representative from their district, the busy rep spent two hours showing them around the capitol and talking to them.
"I don't think I could work for a better person," says Domangue. "Who's to say one of those little girls isn't going to be the next governor, next president or next mayor of Lufkin. It was one of those moments that let me know, okay... this is what it's about... this is what this building exists for."


text:
Shashi Tharoor:
Why nations should pursue soft power
India is fast becoming a superpower, says Shashi Tharoor — not just through trade and politics, but through "soft" power, its ability to share its culture with the world through food, music, technology, Bollywood. He argues that in the long run it's not the size of the army that matters as much as a country's ability to influence the world's hearts and minds.
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