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The radio set provides voice, narrow-band data and narrow-band or wide-band CW. Both SSB and AME are provided for voice and data operation. The SSB mode is used for CW and in the SSB mode both USB and LSB are provided.
An automatic antenna matching unit is built into the radio set, for matching almost any antenna over the frequency range of the radio.
The radio set is all solid state with a average transmitter output of 20 watts and low current draw on receive.
Here is more info that I got from the NET.
- Back-pack, Vehicular HF, SSB/AM/CW & data transceiver. A U.S. designed system, the PRC-174 is built in Israel by Tadiran & is part of their HF-700 series of equipment. The Basic RT-936 serves as the heart of several portable or vehicular configurations, with optional power levels of 20 to 500 watts. - Features include digital synthesis with six push-button frequency selection, LSB/USB/DSB(AME)/CW(narrow)/CW(wide) modes, & automatic silent tuning. - Ops 2-30mc in 100cps steps for a possible 280, 000 channels.RF power output is rated at 20 watts. Requires 22-32vdc supplied by batteries (silver zinc or nicad rechargeable).Size 2 11/16"H x 10 5/16"W x 11 5/8"D, 12.5 lbs(less battery). - Known accessories/configurations include, compatibility with earlier generation antennas, audio accessories, power supplies, & mountings, also specially designed automatic test sets, & remote control equipment. AM-1760 100 watt amplifier & OA-807 mount(VRC-176). AM-4760 500 watt amplifier & OA-807 mount(VRC-476). Introduced in 1978. Well that gives you an overview of the radio from the Military viewpoint.
Nothing wrong with the packing or any thing like that, but I think there must be some high frequency vibes from the plane that loosens that hardware. The only copy of the operator's manual that I have found is pretty poor, but all that I have been able to come up with so far.
The radio uses a side mounted whip in the manpack configuration. It uses a unique way of switching the internal antenna tuner from either the front panel BNC antenna connector or the whip antenna mount on the side of the radio by means of a small magnet in the whip antenna base. I found out that the radio will receive on either of the antenna ports, but if you want to use the BNC panel mounted connector you need to remove the side antenna mount.
As far as batteries go the radio runs on anything from 22 Vdc to 32Vdc. It draws about 140 Ma on receive and up to 4 to 5 amps on transmit. This makes it very easy to use the newer battery technology that is in use today. I built a battery for it out of 2700 Ma AA nickel-metal hydride cells. I used 20 cells in series and then 3 sets of 20 in parallel for about 27.5 Vdc fully charged at 7.5 Amps. Here are couple of photos of the battery that I built. When soldering to the cells you want to use a large soldering gun with a lot of heat, pretin the cells and solder on your wires or braid connections quickly so that you do not damage the seals on the cells. I used the black tape for ease of assembly and repair / replacement of cells.
The radio will work with voltages as low as 22 Vdc, but at 20 Vdc will start sounding an alarm and flashing the red led meter to protect its self, as well as the battery. I bought 60 of the cells for $50.00 (2007 prices Christmas special) plus shipping and then 39.95 plus shipping for a charger to charge them properly. This will pretty much run the radio for the whole weekend.
Here are some web sites where I found good prices on batteries and chargers.
The radio works quite well on both SSB and listening to short wave stations on AM. The Internal antenna tuner does a good job with both whip antennas and dipole type antennas. I also have used it with the Collins NVIS type crossed dipoles very good results on a weekend campout. The tuner checks for a correct match every time that you transmit this makes it real easy to use an external RF keyed amp. It uses the standard PRC-25-77 audio acc's using the U-229 connectors and has enough audio to drive a LS-454 speaker. I found a backpack Harness for the radio. This one looks like the ST-138 pack frame for the PRC-25/77 radios. The built in metal shelve is mounted much lower on the harness and it is marked PRC-174.
The photos show my first PRC-174 with a large battery box and a home brew whip mount. This was a RT-936. I have since got a RT-936 with the normal sized battery box and different whip mount. I will be adding more photos of the new radio and the battery that I built up from AA cells.


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'Breaking Dawn' TV Spot Reflects on Bella and Edward's 'Twilight' Romance (EXCLUSIVE VIDEO)
But in a new TV spot exclusive to Celebuzz, Edward confesses that his impression of Bella has been repeatedly upended since the first time he met her.
"I've got a bad habit of underestimating you. Every obstacle I thought you would face, I thought you wouldn't overcome it. But you just did."
Edward says that he's grateful for the opportunity to feel alive again after literally centuries of being a member of the undead.
"I've never thanked you for this extraordinary life," Edward gushes.
Thankfully, Bella reciprocates his feelings, and then some.
"Nobody's ever loved anybody as much as I've loved you."
The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 2 opens in theaters nationwide November 16. Watch Celebuzz' exclusive clip above, and the theatrical trailer for the film below.
No changes are to be made to this player

subset: commoncrawl


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This book was written after the restoration but it is about Margaret Cavandish's husband during and after the English Civil War. It is a rich source of information about the events of the war, especially in Yorkshire. The text is copied from a book dated 1903 and, though it has no copyright, would be out of copyright now anyway. As far as I can tell, the book has never been republished, so I have not sought to gain copyright for it.
Margaret's principle aim is to convince the new King Charles of her husband's bold actions in support of his father (now murdered by the regicides). She also points out the hardships the Duke of Newcastle suffered when 'banished' by the commonwealth, and the cost of the war on her husband's estate. I have kept to the original page numbering and also, as near as possible to the original spelling, there will be no contents or index added however, so please search using CTRL 'F'. Please read on.


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Sampling Techniques for Forest Inventories
Applied Environmental Statistics
دانلود رایگان کتاب لاتین «شیوه های نمونه برداری برای آماربرداری در جنگل »
Published Titles
Timothy G. Gregoire and Harry T. Valentine, Sampling Strategies for Natural Resources and the Environment
Steven P. Millard and Nagaraj K. Neerchal, Environmental Statistics with S Plus
Michael E. Ginevan and Douglas E. Splitstone, Statistical Tools for Environmental Quality
Daniel Mandallaz, Sampling Techniques for Forest Inventory
The book was written as a textbook that clearly explains the sampling methods associated with forest inventory for the practitioner. Examples are used extensively throughout the book to illustrate various estimators and to demonstrate different uses for sampling methods. Problems (with answers) are also included at the end of each chapter. The 11 chapters are: Introduction; A review of necessary statistics and notation; Elementary sampling methods: selective, simple random and systematic sampling; Horizontal point sampling; Stratified random sampling; Ratio and regression estimators; Double sampling or two-phase sampling; Multistage sampling – inventorying large acreages; Inventory methods for estimating stand growth; 3P and line intersect sampling; and Estimating wildlife population sizes. There is a subject index.
Book Description
Sound forest management planning requires cost-efficient approaches to optimally utilize given resources. Emphasizing the mathematical and statistical features of forest sampling to assess classical dendrometrical quantities, Sampling Techniques for Forest Inventories presents the statistical concepts and tools needed to conduct a modern forest inventory.
برای دانلود این کتاب تخصصی اینجا را کلیک کنید


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Would you like to save as your currency permanently or for this visit only?
excellent hotel and very kind staff with, we had a wonderfull holiday.
The atmosphere is fantastic with horses walking freely in the garden. Recommend to come early and enjoy horse riding session It is very quiet and a little difficult to find
Beautiful place, really nice people, peaceful stay in the country
Enthusiastic staff, the estate is very nice, picturesque swimming pool
The suites were very pretty and spacious. Friendly staff and beautyfull horses. Breakfast very good. Dinner at the same time as other guest. The dinner in the hotel was a bit overpriced for the menu (four courses but a bit poor) Wine could only ordered in bottles (not by glass)
Very friendly staff. Wonderful home cooked 4 course dinner in the evening for 22 Euros per head, with wine and water. Rooms spotless and more than adequate. Relaxing, green gardens and picturesque pool. A great place to stay.
It's very relaxing, the staff is very nice and the horses walking around is very special.
enthusiastic and caring staff; prime location and setting; valuable cuisine
Lovely countryside location, but within 10 mins drive of Abbasanta. Peaceful environment enhanced by the presence of the horse stables and the facility to have riding lessons. Guest pool was relaxing. No pressure on guests. I felt that the evening meal was a little overpriced at 25 euros per head. Compared to food in other hotels on the island it was nothing out of the ordinary.
The breakfasts and dinners outside; the pool; the horse riding facilities; the cat and the dogs I minor disadvantage (but this is typical for Sardinia and not specially for the hotel) is that the dinner is only served starting from 20u which is quite late when you are a family with small children. For the latter a small play ground could further improve their joy ;-)
Beautiful buildings, secluded, friendly staff, lovely pool, quiet, great room and bathroom, nice breakfast. We had a fantastic three days. Food was only 'good' and not excellent - the dinner setting is lovely but the food doesn't quite live up to expectations.
New hotel located at a quit location.
The room was fantastic and the staff were extremely helpful and friendly. It is a really peaceful place.
We staid for two weeks with a 6 months old and had a great time lazing at the courtyard lawn and in the sun knowing that England had some rather cold temperatures. We felt very welcome and the very friendly staff supported us whenever we had a query. And we really had the kind of quiet country hotel that we had expected... Only downside to our otherwise perfect holiday was probably the restaurant: the baby phone didn't quite reach from an already nearby room and the menu was at best a bit unimaginative & repetitive. ....and come on guys: no fresh bread in Italy for breakfast?
Well appointed. Convenient location. Staff very friendly and helpful. Rooms and bathroom large and modern. Pleasant surroundings. Breakfasts not wonderful! Fairly expensive compared to UK hotels.
Great surrounding, service and friendly personnel. It's a real quiet and beautiful area, and that's exactly why we went there.
A delightful hotel
Excellent in all respects. We will definitely return to Su Baione, and would highly recommend this hotel. Sig. Ponterosso-Burns
all of it, friendly staff
Friendly staff, nice location, quiet at night and the food they serve is excellent
A very pleasant, sprawling hotel with some lovely details. I loved the rock walls, the flowers, the green space the rambling building passageways. The hotel had two restaurants - a fancier one, and a pizzeria. The fancy hotel had great service, great atmosphere and the food was good - but not as exotic tasting as the descriptions in the menu. It was good food but not out of the ordinary. One thing that surprised us (and this is more about the pizza than the actual hotel) was one of the pizzas. Mine was excellent but my 9 year old ordered a potato pizza, fully expecting thinly sliced potatoes and rosemary but she got french fries on her pizza (and the fries were undercooked and oily) yuk. So that was a real surprise and disappointment. Just outside the door they were growing wonderfully fragrant rosemary but it didn't make its way onto the pizza
Good location for touring and beach activities.
The staff was very helpful in solving all the small problems
The residence is set in lovely gardens with lots of parking space at the back. Lots of space for kids to run around. There's a great little pizzeria (the only place in town where we could find to eat) where you can sit outside. Very quiet. The accommodation is clean, adequate, although the decor looks a bit tired. The hotel is a bit difficult to find.


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Multiplication Games
Use your math skills to win totally awesome multiplication games! Each unique adventure will test your ability to multiply. Answer rapid-fire questions to explore dark caves, race Grand Prix vehicles, and sling boulders. You can even compete against other players in real time! The more questions you answer, the better you will become. Improve your math skills to earn better grades and win valuable trophies!
We have multiplication games in nearly every genre! You can race, fly airplanes, and solve bubble puzzles. For a traditional challenge, try to answer all of the flashcards as quickly as possible. Fans of the ocean will love going on beach adventures and sailing in pirate ships. You can even multiply numbers to celebrate different holidays, including Halloween and Christmas! Solve multiplication problems around the entire world!


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Two small planes collided midair north of Denver just before noon today, killing at least two people, authorities say. One pilot survived.
A witness told Longmont Times-Call that he believes the single-engine planes clipped each other about 11:45 a.m. MT (1:45 p.m. ET), causing a Cessna to lose a wing and spiral into the ground along a road near a Walmart. No one survived that crash (photo), which killed two people, the Weld County coroner tells the Associated Press.
About five minutes later, the second plane crashed near the City of Longmont Public Works Garage, not far from the entrance to the Vance Brand Mumicipal Airport. The unidentified woman piloting the plane was pulled from the wreckage (photo) by passers-by and is reported in stable condition at an area hospital.
Kim Johnson, a pilot who witnessed the crash while bicycling, said one plane had a high wing, the other low, which causes blind spots in each aircraft.
Doug is an unrepentant news junkie who loves breaking news and has been known to watch C-SPAN even on vacation. He has covered a wide range of domestic and international news stories, from prison riots in Oklahoma to the Moscow coup against Mikhail Gorbachev. Doug previously served as foreign editor at USA TODAY. More about Doug
Michael Winter has been a daily contributor to On Deadline since its debut in January 2006. His journalism career began in the prehistoric Ink Era, and he was an early adapter at the dawn of the Digital Age. His varied experience includes editing at the San Jose Mercury News and The Philadelphia Inquirer.
Also: Follow On Deadline on Twitter


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Information for the 2012 Town Vote is not yet available.
Should you have any questions please contact the Administration Office at
Available publications from 2011 linked below. Those not yet available will be
posted as soon as they become available. All documents are in acrobat format.
Margaret Langell
Town Clerk


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Distributed Programming Abstractions
From ESIWiki
Introduction: Distributed Programming Abstractions
The computing environment of tomorrow will not be anything like the stand-alone environment of yesterday. Computing infrastructure is changing drastically, presenting unique opportunities as well as challenges for applications and application scientists. Despite the rapid onset of distributed infrastructure, the majority of scientists still use the same programming methods that they are accustomed to using on isolated computers. On the other hand, the underlying infrastructure does not support seamless extensibility or scaling of applications from desktops to distributed heterogenous resources. An important feature of this theme will be its focus on applications, and thus a consequent "top-down" approach to distributed programming abstractions. In particular, this Theme will examine how scientific applications can be programmed such that they can easily utilise distributed infrastructure, and how computer scientists can help design and implement applications that are shielded from future trends and changes in computing environments. The Theme aims to address these issues by focusing, amongst many others, on the following questions: What are the main barriers to wide-spread distributed High Performance Computing applications? Is there a level at which simple yet powerful programming abstractions can be effective in distributed environments?
Over the course of this theme, there will be a series of correlated workshops and meetings to explore many of these issues. In addition to surveying the status of the field and addressing the high level questions, this theme aims to spawn focussed research groups that will examine in greater detail some of the specific ideas.
Please contact any of the core people (linked below), if you would like to participate and contribute.
News and Events
Workshop I
The first workshop in this series is set for 30th May - 01st June. Register here
This meeting aims to bring together the established major contributors from both Grid and HPC Applications domain as well the Computer Science domains (Parallel Computing, Grid Programming Model and Abstractions, Distributed Systems). The workshop will be a mix of invited talks and discussion sessions. Each session will be followed by a discussion session. Some specific discussion Topics for the first meeting are:
- What should this theme try to address? Must address? Must not address?
- Grid Programming Model versus Programming Abstraction: Whats what?
- What lessons can we learn from the history of Parallel Programming?
- What kind of applications should this theme focus on?
The talks will hopefully set the context for the discussion sessions. We hope the first workshop will provide sufficient material and ideas to generate an updated and combined version of "Classifying Grid Applications" and "Grid Programming Models" papers (see Papers), which will be completed at a follow-up meeting.
A summary of Workshop I can be found here. Also visit the schedule page for links to the slides.
Author's Meeting I
03 September to 07 September, 2007 Registration Details here
Some Notes from the meeting can be found here
Workshop II
Notes from the workshop can be found here
Workshop I lead to the creation of two documents -- a Survey document and a Patterns for Distributed Applications document. Workshop II will, amongst other things, attempt to progress these documents as well as having focussed application sessions. More details soon.
Mardi Gras Meeting
The DPA Theme will have a one-day meeting at the 15th Mardi Gras Conference on the 30 January, 2008 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. This Workshop will consists of a series of a broad range of invited talks and panel discussions. Somewhat different to earlier DPA workshops (and very different to the Authors' Meetings) this workshop will provide a broader sampling of "distributed applications" and support for programming; this is in keeping with the focus of the Mardi Gras conference 2008 -- Lightweight mash-ups to Lambda Grids: Understanding the spectrum of distributed computing requirements, applications, tools, infrastructures, interoperability, and the incremental adoption of key capabilities.In addition, given the anticipated large attendence at the Mardi Gras conference, this presents a good opportunity to solicit ideas and suggestions from a broader community.
Plenary Panel at CCGrid2008
The DPA theme hosted the plenary panel session on Distributed Programming Abstractions at CCGrid 2008. Panelists were Henri Bal, Franck Cappello and Satoshi Matsuoka.
DPA Session at CLADE/HPDC 2008
DPA Theme will be having a special session "Lessons and Visions" as part of the "Challenges of Large-Scale Application in Distributed Environment" Workshop to be held in conjunction with HPDC on 23 June, 2008. Invited speakers are: Jon Weissman, Nancy-Wilkins Diehr and Ian Foster.
DPA Core/Authors Group meeting 27-30 May, 2008 (Edinburgh)
Workshop at Europar2008
Proceedings of the DPA Workshop published as: Euro-Par 2008 Workshops
DPA Core/Authors Group meeting, 30-31st October and 01 November 2008 (Edinburgh)
DPA Workshop at IEEE eScience2008, Indianaoplis
Abstractions for Distributed Applications and Systems
DPA Core/Authors Group meeting, January 2009 (Edinburgh)
DPA Core/Authors Group meeting, March/April 2009 (Baton Rouge, US)
DPA Core/Authors Group meeting, May/June 2009 (Edinburgh)
Challenges of Large-Scale Applications in Distributed Environments (CLADE2009) Munich, 2009
DPA Core/Authors Group meeting, September 2009 (Edinburgh)
DPA Core/Authors Group meeting, November 2009 (Portland, USA)
DPA Core/Authors Group meeting, Jan 11-16 2010 (Edinburgh)
Challenges of Large-Scale Applications in Distributed Environments (CLADE) 2010 Chicago, In conjunction with HPDC 2010
Grids Meet Autonomic Computing (GMAC) Washington DC, In conjunction with International Conference on Autonomic Computing
Final DPA Core/Authors Group meeting, September 2010 (Edinburgh)
Workshop on Autonomic Computational Science, to be held in conjunction with IEEE/ACM Grid2010
DPA Closing Lecture
Publications, Documents and Related Links
- Abstractions for Large-Scale Distributed Applcations and Systems (PDF), submitted to ACM Computing Surveys (under review)
- Springer Book on Collected DPA Articles
- Abstractions for Large-Scale Distributed Applcations and Systems: A Computational Science Perspective, (PDF), Book to be published by Wiley (Summer 2010)
Related Links
- Discussion Board About the Paper(s)
- Survey of Programming Distributed Abstractions and Models
- Patterns for Distributed Applications
- Book on Abstractions for Distributed Systems
- White Paper
Autonomic Computational Science
Details about this aspect can be found here
Related Work
- ATLAS (Jack Dongarra): [1]
Automatically Tuned Linear Algebra Software (ATLAS): ATLAS is an approach for the automatic generation and optimization of numerical software for processors with deep memory hierarchies and pipelined functional units. The production of such software for machines ranging from desktop workstations to embedded processors can be a tedious and time consuming task. ATLAS has been designed to automate much of this process. We concentrate our efforts on the widely used linear algebra kernels called the Basic Linear Algebra Subroutines (BLAS).
- Gail Kaiser's work from Columbia:
"Retrofitting autonomic capabilities onto legacy systems" Janak Parekh · Gail Kaiser · Philip Gross · Giuseppe Valetto, Cluster Comput (2006) 9: 141–159
- Manish's work: [2]
- Manish's work: Multi-Physics: [3]
- Manish's work: Adaptive Mesh Refinement: [4]
- Manish's students: Maria, Sumir and Xiaolin: [5]
Core People
- Shantenu Jha (Theme Lead)
- Daniel Katz
- Jon Weissman
- Murray Cole
- Omer Rana
- Manish Parashar
Additional Investigators
- Peter Coveney
- Andre Merzky
- Craig Lee
We are actively seeking collaborators, contributors and conspirators for this theme. If you'd like to facilitate any of the above by being a short-term visitor, please contact Shantenu Jha.


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|Home > Opinion > Editorial > Article
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Reviews & Stories
Tummy Tuck and Breast Augmentation After Weight Loss of 125 Lbs
I finally did my tummy tuck and breast augmentation two days ago 12/28/09. I'm still in a lot of pain. I used to weigh 302 pounds but through diet, exercise and some help with appetite supressant, I went down as low as 150 lbs. I was very unhappy with the way I looked even after the weight loss due to all of the skin. This got me depre READ MORE
Recent comments from luvgem525
Thank you for the recommendation of bromelain. My PS did want me to be on Advil regimen for the next 2 weeks. Basically 2 advil with every meal (breakfast, lunch and dinner) to help with my recovery. I will be taking multivatimins as... READ COMMENT
Possibly. I am thinking of getting an arm lift within a year or 2 once I get down to my goal weight range of 145-150 lbs. Thanks for the advice :) READ COMMENT
Thank you for the much needed encouragement :) I am definitely taking Vitamin C. I'm also a non-smoker and always a designated driver of the group. I will work hard to stay away from the sugar which is my kryptonite unfortunately. I... READ COMMENT
Hello Dr. Connors. Your response to the question was very inspiring. My question is this, will the additional weightloss from going from size 16 to size 4-5 compromise the original result of the tummy tuck? I want to be able to do... READ COMMENT


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Browse By Person: Jaskolski, Ruth
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Journal Article
Chopin, Lisa, Duncan, Russell, Hammond, David, Herington, Adrian, Jaskolski, Ruth, Jeffery, Penelope, et al. (2005) Expression of the Ghrelin Axis in the Mouse: An Exon 4-Deleted Mouse Proghrelin Variant Encodes a Novel C Terminal Peptide. Endocrinology, 146(1), pp. 432-440.


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Mar 19, 2014 - By Katie Roenigk, Staff WriterTwo Lander girls have died in Salt Lake City after being involved in a two-vehicle traffic accident Tuesday morning on Wyoming Highway 789 near Lyons Valley Road.
Officials said Emma Lewis, 3, and Olivia Lewis, 6, died Tuesday afternoon as a result of injuries suffered in the crash, which took place at about 7:45 a.m. Tuesday about six-and-a-half miles north of Lander.
The children stopped breathing immediately after the incident but were resuscitated by ambulance crews and Lander Regional Hospital emergency room staff. They were flown to Primary Children's Hospital in Salt Lake City, where Emma died at about 2 p.m., followed by Olivia at about 3:20 p.m.
Collision with pickup
The girls' mother, Rebecca Lewis, 31, of Lander, was driving northbound with her daughters Tuesday morning on the icy, snowy highway when she lost control of her 2000 silver Chevrolet Suburban. Investigators said the vehicle rotated and crossed the center line, entering the opposite lane of travel.
The Suburban struck a southbound 2006 Dodge pickup truck driven by John Vaughn, 62, of Riverton.
"The Dodge collided with the Suburban on the passenger side," Wyoming Highway Patrol Lt. Tom Adams said Wednesday. "Both (vehicles) were in the barrow ditch."
The pickup is believed to have spun backward, coming to rest on the north side of the highway. Officials said the Suburban rotated 180 degrees and also ended up in the north-side ditch east of the pickup.
Seat belt use
Rebecca Lewis was wearing her seat belt, Adams said, and she was not injured in the crash. She later traveled to Salt Lake City with her 3-year-old daughter, according to reports, while her husband, Sean Lewis, arrived in Salt Lake City later with the older girl.
Vaughn also was wearing a seat belt, as was his front-seat passenger, William Osborne, 51, of Riverton, and Roberto Salazar, 19, of Riverton, who was in the right-side back seat of the pickup truck. All three were treated and released from Lander Regional Hospital. Officials said the truck they were occupying belongs to their construction company.
Adams wasn't sure about the speed of the involved vehicles at the time of the crash, but he said the Suburban was going too fast for the existing road conditions. Officials said streets at the time of the crash were icy and snow covered; the temperature was about 25 degrees, and visibility was bad due to snowfall.
The case will be sent to the Fremont County Attorney's Office for further consideration, "but I doubt that there are going to be any citations at this point," Adams said.
Fund established
Sean Lewis is an assistant professor at Wyoming Catholic College in Lander. The school issued a press release Tuesday afternoon expressing support for the family, including Olivia and Emma's sister, Vivian Lewis.
"We are deeply, deeply saddened by this tragedy," WCC president Kevin Roberts said. "Our hearts are breaking for (the Lewises) and for the many, many friends and family who have been touched by these young lives."
A fund has been set up to help the Lewis family pay for medical and transport costs as a result of the accident. As of 11 a.m. Wednesday, more than $60,000 had been raised.
For more information, visit tinyurl.com/mrh8ovr.
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Seeking a soft spot to land, the reeling Dodgers lost two of three games to the defending champion New York Yankees this past weekend, and two of three to the Angels.
In the series finale on Sunday, the host Dodgers were 8-6 losers as Robinson Cano cracked a two-run homer in the 10th inning, after New York scored four runs in the ninth.
On Saturday, James Loney helped the Dodgers (40-35) to a 9-4 win, driving in four runs, while on Friday, Alex Rodriguez smashed a solo homer in the sixth that pushed the Yanks to a 2-1 win.
The Dodgers led 1-0 in the first when Manny Ramirez drove in Rafael Furcal (walk) with a single to right, but New York tied it at 1-1 in the second after Jorge Posada singled, which plated Rodriguez, who doubled.
It was a pitchers' duel between C.C. Sabathia (9-3) and Vicente Padilla. Sabathia worked eight innings, striking out seven, walking three, and allowing four hits.
The Dodgers broke a six-game losing streak Thursday at Angel Stadium, downing the Angels 10-6, as super-sub Jamey Carroll collected three hits, drove in a run and scored a run.
Casey Blake added three hits with one run batted in, and Furcal drove in a pair, scored once, and slapped two hits for the Dodgers, who scored five runs in the fourth, and then added two runs in the seventh and eighth.
The Angels took a 1-0 lead, closed within 6-4 in the fifth, and tallied two runs in the ninth.
Jeff Weaver (4-1) won in relief after toiling an inning, surrendering one hit. Scott Kazmir (7-6) took the loss, and couldn't get out of the fourth inning.
The Angels registered a 2-1 victory Wednesday, as Joel Pineiro was masterful over seven and one-third innings. Pineiro (7-6) held the Dodgers to six hits, one run (earned), with five strikeouts and one walk.
Matt Kemp's two-base hit in the third brought in Andre Ethier (two hits). The Angels tied it in the fourth, and went ahead by a run in the fifth. Howie Kendrick had a run-scoring single and Torii Hunter contributed a run-scoring grounder.
The game concluded on a base-running blunder by Russell Martin. With one out, Carroll's hit to left sent pinch runner Reed Johnson, who was at second to third, and he tried to score the tying run. Martin, on first, raced to second on the hit, but slid past the bag, and when he did was tagged out by second baseman Kendrick.
Johnson thought he scored on the play, but didn't touch home plate before the tag was applied.
Kemp reached on an error, but was picked off by Brian Fuentes.
The Angels took the opener 6-3 on Tuesday, with Bobby Abreu drilling a tying three-run homer in the sixth, and the Angels adding three runs in the seventh on an RBI single by Kendrick (three hits), and a two-run double by Kevin Frandsen.


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Gemstones & Crystals
Gemstone Jewelry
Color Meaning
Tumbled Gemstones
Crystal Healing
Gemstone Balls
Gemstone Eggs
Crystal Points & Clusters
Crystal Wands
Edgar Cayce (March 18, 1877 - January 3, 1945) was a psychic and a prophet - one of the greatest clairvoyants the world has ever seen. He was one of the most prolific authors to delve into the history of Atlantis and to explore the contemporary resonance of the Atlantean past. As an occultist, or initiate of the secret teachings, Cayce used the existing scholarship on Atlantis for instance, Platos Tiamaeus, and Critias, as well as the works of several medieval scholars as a jumping off point for his own clairvoyant perceptions. His goal was to understand the way that humanity had descended into the material realm from its essentially spiritual origins. Archaeological and geological discoveries made decades after Cayce's death confirm the veracity of his teachings on Atlantis.
Cayce believed that the souls of Atlanteans were being reincarnated in modern men. Atlanteans were of two types - the pure souls and the "Sons of Belial" who had abused their creative powers and lost sight of their spiritual essence. These souls, who had separated themselves from their maker out of pure selfishness, were destined to be continually drawn back into the material realm and to never comprehend their true spiritual nature. The origin of man was in the spirit realm; yet the Sons of Belial violated the Law of One (or God, according to contemporary nomenclature) and projected their souls into physical matter for the purpose of self-aggrandizement. Since that time, man has become blinded by materiality to such an extent that he has forgotten his divine origins.
Cayce also wrote about the Atlanteans' use of crystals - "there was the creating of the high influence of radial activity from rays of the sun that were turned on crystals in the pits that made connections with internal influences of the earth."
The Atlanteans used crystals to obtain power and to amplify the natural energies of the earth and sun. Special magnetic properties allow crystals to radiate more energy than they receive. The Atlanteans used firestone to produce power and magnify energy. Firestone worked to magnify the force of vibrations that traveled through its prisms. Only initiates of the ancient wisdom were allowed to practice the preparation and use of firestone. Giant crystals often graced the lower levels of Atlantean temples. Atlantean priests were initiated in the production and use of firestone, and even traveled to Egypt, where as part of their mission to establish commercial, mental, and spiritual ties with other lands, they passed on much of their knowledge of precious metals and gemstones.
While Cayce was very much in tune with the Atlantean past, he also wrote extensively about karma, which he described as a universal law of cause and effect that offered humanity numerous opportunities for spiritual growth. While each individual has subconscious access to the memories and experiences of his or her past lives, he or she must also overcome negative emotions and energies that interfere with the ability to access those memories and experiences.
Cayce believed that we are associated with people we have known in past lives and many of our problems are the result of our actions in past lives. Thus, the manner in which we live and encounter our problems has a huge impact on our future selves.
Edgar Cayce was also a fervent believer in holistic healing, and understood that all healing - physical, mental, and spiritual - could be greatly enhanced by a positive awareness of the divine nature of each atom and every cell in the human body. Cayce's approach to health involved remedies and formulae based on natural herbs and foods, correct nutrition and exercise, massage therapy, hydrotherapy, electrotherapy, and of course, the proper use of gemstones to enhance certain positive emotions and to generate beneficial energy flows in the wearer.
Cayce wrote about the ways in which gemstones enhance the vibrational energies of their wearers by interacting with the vibrational patterns naturally found in the human body. The stones draw in and give off positive energy.
Here are some of the various gemstones and their properties, according to the teachings of Edgar Cayce:
Lapis Lazuli and azurite arouse great passions, and enhances the body's ability to allow emotional energy to flow through the body and activate the influences of the spiritual self. The green aspect of lapis lazuli also relates to creativity and healing.
Pearl can be used for protective purposes. Because it is the result of difficulties and irritations, it fosters the ability to build resistance to life's problems. The influence of water and the vibrations of the sea also lend the pearl a healing and creative aspect. It is often even more effective when combined with jade, especially in regard to the power to change the wearer's mood.
Jade and pearl combined can powerfully promote calmness and a sense of peace and tranquility.
Rose or pink coral has the ability to tranform disturbing thoughts or emotions and thus has a calming effect. The rose tint and water aspect combine to produce a sense of inner quiet and resistance to turmoil.
The Ruby and Bloodstone have powerful vibratory forces that can enhance constructive creativity in the wearer. Electrical forces emanate from the copper base and the purity of the higher vibration.
Bloodstone is particularly effective for quelling anger and bringing harmony to the wearer. Ruby and bloodstone can also impart strength and courage.
The Opal is known for its ability to foster intensity and passion.
The Fire Opal especially encourages understanding and purification, leading to the unity of the mental and spiritual selves. Opals, because of their fiery nature, should not be worn by those who have aura colors that correspond to fire signs.
The Amethyst can induce visions and channel healing power. Amethyst enhances meditation and helps to control a fiery temper.
The Moonstone imparts strength and also enables the wearer to keep what is important to them even closer, as part of his or her mental and spiritual consciousness. Moonstone helps the wearer to achieve peace and harmony and to enhance the wearer's spiritual tendencies.
Topaz is valued for its beauty, purity, and clarity, and serves to enhance the strength of the wearer.
Edgar Cayce predicted that a "blue stone" with extraordinary healing attributes would be found on "an island in the Caribbean" where he believed part of Atlantis could be found. In 1974 a volcanic blue pectolite named Larimar was discovered in the Dominican Republic.
Larimar is also called the Atlantis Stone. Many believe that the colors of Larimar also represent a connection to Atlantis, and use this stone as as an important tool in their healing work.
For best results, choose a stone that harmonizes well with your aural and astrological aspects and wear it next to the skin, either around the neck or around the wrist.
Natural Quartz Crystal - Gemstone Balls - Gemstone Eggs - Crystal
Points & ClustersCrystal Healing - Chakra Healing - Magic Wands - Feng Shui


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Whales surface as a new wave in decor
Published 5:16 pm, Thursday, December 20, 2012
Whale-watching season kicks into high gear this month, but we've been spotting some of these ocean titans on land for some time. Whale motifs are surfacing everywhere from baby clothing to women's apparel and even home accessories, including these whimsical pillows.
Thomaspaul Moby Pillow from 2modern.com
Presumably named for the infamous savage white whale Moby-Dick, Thomaspaul's Moby Pillow is a gentler, cushy take on the creature. The sizable pillow measuring 12 by 16 inches is befittingly constructed of natural jute. The whale is faintly printed, almost stamp-like, in deep blue with matching trim. All together, it's meant to hark back to New England's early whaling days. A feather-and-down-blend insert is included.
Rise and Fall Whale Pillow from Urban Outfitters (urbanoutfitters.com)
This quirky take on the whale gets straight to the point, letting the ocean dweller's silhouette shine through. The front of the pillow features a black-and-white illustration hand-applied by artists from the Rise and Fall Design Collective. The cover is cotton, and it comes stuffed with a poly fill. From head to tail it measures 14 inches long and 9 inches tall.
Chantal Lamers is a freelance writer in San Francisco. E-mail: email@example.com


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Star Trek: Enterprise - The Complete First Season
Release Date(s)2001-2002 (May 3, 2005)
Technical Specifications
1,143 mins (24 episodes at 44 mins each, plus 87-min pilot episode), NR, letterboxed widescreen (1.78:1), 16x9 enhanced, 7 single-sided, dual-layered discs (no layer switch), custom plastic shell packaging with inner disc holder, audio commentary by series creators Brannon Braga and Rick Berman (on Broken Bow), text commentary by Michael Okuda and Denise Okuda (on Broken Bow, The Andorian Incident and Vox Sola), 16 deleted scenes (from Broken Bow, Fight or Flight, Unexpected, Sleeping Dogs, Shuttlepod One, Oasis, Fallen Hero, Two Days and Two Nights and Shockwave, Part I - 16x9, DD 2.0), outtakes reel (9 mins - 4x3, DD 2.0), 7 behind-the-scenes featurettes (all 4x3, DD 2.0) including Creating Enterprise (12 mins), O Captain! My Captain! A Profile of Scott Bakula (10 mins), Cast Impressions: Season One (12 mins), Inside Shuttlepod One (8 mins), Star Trek Time Travel: Temporal Cold Wars and Beyond (8 mins), Enterprise Secrets (2 mins) and Admiral Forrest Takes Center Stage (5 mins), Borg Invasion promo trailer, 3 NX-01 File Easter egg featurettes, booklet insert, animated program-themed menu screens with sound effects and music, episode/scene access (8 chapters per episode - 16 for Broken Bow), languages: English (DD 5.1 & 2.0), subtitles: English, Close Captioned
Editor's Note: U.K. release (and U.S. Best Buy/Musicland Group-exclusive bonus disc) includes the Celebrating Star Trek: A Look at Star Trek Conventions and Fans featurette (12 mins.)
- Film/Program Grade: C+
- Video Grade: B+
- Audio Grade: B
- Extras Grade: A-
The year is 2151... nearly 100 years before the time of Kirk and Spock. The Federation has not yet come into existence. Starfleet is still a new organization. Humans have been travelling faster-than-light for decades since Zefram Cochrane's first warp flight, but they're now about to launch the Enterprise (NX-01)... the first starship powered by a Warp 5 engine, enabling Humans to reach much father into deep space than ever before. Although the Enterprise is designed for exploration, Earth's Vulcan "allies" are uneasy, believing Humanity to be too emotional and therefore not ready to join the interstellar community. On the other hand, Enterprise's newly-appointed captain, Jonathan Archer (Scott Bakula), believes the Vulcans have already held Humans back for too long. Archer resents the fact that his father, who designed the Warp 5 engine, died before he got to see it in operation – something he blames on Vulcan interference.
Archer and his crew, including his best friend and chief engineer, Trip Tucker (Connor Trinneer), are impatient to begin their mission. They finally get their chance when a Klingon courier accidently crashes in a cornfield in Broken Bow, Oklahoma. The Vulcans intend to return the critically injured Klingon to his people, but Archer suggests to Starfleet that he and his crew take the warrior home aboard the Enterprise instead. Against the Vulcans' judgment, Starfleet agrees and the Enterprise quickly gets under way. But the Vulcans use their influence to saddle Archer with an "observer" from the Vulcan High Command... a young woman of uncertain loyalties named T'Pol (Jolene Blalock). Making matters worse, there are other, more sinister forces at work – forces intent on ensuring the failure of Archer's mission at any cost.
In my opinion, Star Trek: Enterprise... or simply Enterprise as it was known during its first two seasons... is the best concept for a Star Trek series since The Next Generation. By setting a Trek show nearly a century before the time of The Original Series, we'd finally get the chance to see how the universe we've become so familiar with over the years first evolved. This is the "right stuff" era of Trek history. Humans haven't figured everything out yet, having only just recovered from a devastating world war. They're new to deep space exploration and the situations it presents. They're often overcome by their emotions. Their technology is still fairly primitive. They make mistakes, occasionally getting their noses bloodied as a result. In short, they're much more like Humans of today than the likes of Kirk, Picard or Janeway. As a result, these people are more interesting and accessible. You can relate to these characters, and the casting is perfect across the board. The potential of Enterprise was exciting indeed.
Unfortunately, while the series' concept was first rate, creators Rick Berman and Brannon Braga failed almost completely to fully embrace the idea of Enterprise as a prequel to The Original Series. Nothing we saw and few of the stories in the first season had any real connection to Kirk's time. When the Klingons appeared in the two-hour pilot, they were the bumpy-headed brutes of Picard's time... not the smarmy, goateed villains we knew from classic TOS episodes like Day of the Dove. The Andorians appeared twice during the first season, but where were the Tellerites, the Orion Slavers, the Tholians? Instead, we got an appearance by the Next Generation-era Ferengi, and were introduced to races like the Suliban that we'd never heard of in Trek lore before. Rather than delivering to fans the fresh and exciting adventure (that harkened back to The Original Series) they'd promised, Enterprise's creators instead fell back upon the same old funny-looking alien/spatial anomaly of the week formula we'd seen for years. At a time when tense, arc-driven shows like 24 and Alias were garnering the attention of massive TV audiences, Enterprise left many longtime Trek fans feeling let down and even mislead. As a result, while Enterprise started with an impressive 13 million viewers in its first season, by its third year it was lucky to draw 3 million each week.
Still, when Enterprise worked during its first season, it worked well indeed. While it rarely lived up to its promise, Season One did result in a number of stand-out episodes, including The Andorian Incident, Breaking the Ice, Dear Doctor, Shadows of P'Jem, Shuttlepod One and Fallen Hero. And to the delight of those hardy viewers who stuck with the series through its first two seasons, the series got much, much better in its third year... and truly great in its fourth and (sadly) last season. The "if onlys" abound.
One of the exciting things about Paramount's new DVD release of this series, is that Enterprise was the first Trek show to be filmed in a widescreen format in anticipation of eventual high-definition TV broadcasts. This means that all 26 episodes of the first season are presented on disc in fully-enhanced anamorphic widescreen video. This show looks fantastic in widescreen, let me tell you. The effects and visual design really benefit from viewing these episodes on a good anamorphic-capable display. There's a bit of a softness to the image and you'll notice light film grain occasionally, but these are the result of creative decisions rather than quality issues. Color is exceptional and contrast is generally solid as well. Really the only minor issue is a bit of digital compression artifacting (visible for example on the cornfield in the pilot episode), but it's something you're really only going to notice on a very large display. I'm viewing these episodes on a 100-inch projection screen, and the image holds up very well even at that size. I should also note here that the episodes are presented as originally broadcast with their sans-"Star Trek" opening title sequence and the original mix of the somewhat controversial theme song, both of which were changed for later seasons.
The series' audio is presented in Dolby Digital 5.1, but it's not quite as impressive as the 5.1 mixes on other Trek DVDs have been. Most of the action is very biased to the front half of the soundstage, with only subtle panning and light, atmospheric use of the surround channels. Still, the episodes sound very good, with clear dialogue and well mixed music and effects. If it isn't the most immersive audio presentation, it still serves the video well. Note that Dolby Digital 2.0 Surround audio is also included, as are English subtitles (and Closed Captioning).
I must say, it's the extras where these DVDs really impressed me. For years, I've been saying here at The Bits that Star Trek TV series on DVD ought to include deleted scenes, outtakes and audio commentaries – the kinds of extras that have become staples on other TV DVD presentations. Thankfully, Enterprise on DVD delivers all this and more.
Let's start with the episode discs. Disc One features the show's pilot episode with optional audio commentary by creators Berman and Braga. It's a very interesting track for a number of reasons. First, the pair gets to explain the origins and ideas behind the development of many different aspects of the show. They tell you what they'd hoped to accomplish, and how they feel about the way things turned out. You'll learn, for example, how the character of Archer was originally meant to be a sort of young Han Solo-type, and how pleased the producers were to get Scott Bakula to fill the role. You'll learn that Trip Tucker is Berman's all-time favorite Trek character, and that Berman and Braga had always meant for Enterprise to be a more character-driven series. Interestingly, the pair also talks about a number of things that many Trek fans didn't react well to – things that the producers are still "very proud of," but which ultimately "probably weren't everyone's cup of tea." And yes, they do talk about the infamous "decon" scene. All of this makes for a fascinating listen, particularly given the fact that Enterprise has just been cancelled after only four seasons (this commentary was recorded just a few months ago, prior to the axe falling but while the writing was clearly on the wall). Three of the season's episodes (Broken Bow, The Andorian Incident and Vox Sola) also feature text commentary by Michael and Denise Okuda, long time Trek staffers and co-authors of The Star Trek Encyclopedia. (MORE...)
Nine of the season's episodes also include scenes that were filmed but ultimately cut (mostly for time). There are 16 deleted scenes in all from Season One, scattered over the six episode discs. They're presented separately, accessible from each episode's menu page (they're not edited back into the shows themselves). Not only is it cool to have these scenes, but all of them are presented in anamorphic widescreen like the episodes (with Dolby Digital 2.0 audio) – a very nice and frankly unexpected touch. Some are fully finished, while some have no visual effects. All have at least roughly-mixed sound, so you can see (and hear) how the finished scene would have played out. A few of these are "extended" scenes (including a lengthy conversation between Trip and Malcolm from Shuttlepod One) presented in a combination of color and B&W footage – the B&W footage appeared in the final cut of the episode, while the color was trimmed out. There are some very cool character moments contained in these scenes, including a number of moments intended to show or refer to the long-time friendship between Archer and Tucker. You get to see a little more of Hoshi's unease about space travel from Broken Bow, you see T'Pol and Malcolm teasing Trip about his "condition" in Unexpected (the scene ends with him running out of the room to puke). It's fun stuff to see.
Disc Seven contains the all of the set's featurette and behind-the-scenes content (all of it presented in 4x3 video with 2.0 audio and optional English subtitles). By far the most entertaining of the extras on this disc is a 9-minute reel of outtakes. It contains some very funny stuff – Bakula showing up in T'Pol's quarters with martinis and a cigar, Trinneer trying to say "The Captain and T'Pol..." but blowing the line and then joking that he keeps wanting to say "The Captain & Tennille." Nearly all of the cast gets in on the fun. Particularly nice is that both Kellie Waymire and Jeffrey Combs appear in light-hearted moments here (Waymire sadly passed away recently and Combs' character Shran is a major fan favorite).
The featurettes are all generally very good and include interesting behind-the-scenes footage and both new and vintage interview clips with all of the major cast members (and some of the production crew as well). Creating Enterprise opens with an interesting bit of video in which Bakula introduces the crew members (and his fellow cast). It was produced to introduce the show to both fans (at conventions) and advertisers. The piece then features Berman and Braga talking about the origins of the show, the cast talking about who their characters are and what they like about them, and various crew members discussing the show's look and production design. As you might guess, O Captain! My Captain! A Profile of Scott Bakula focuses on the man in the center seat and the actor who plays him. Both cast and crew talk about how much they look up to Bakula and what classy professional (and apparent jokester) he is. In Cast Impressions: Season One, all of the actors talk about their favorite episodes from the first season. Inside Shuttlepod One is very similar, except that it features reminisces about this specific episode – one of Berman's all-time favorites. If there's a weak link on this set, it would have to be Star Trek Time Travel: Temporal Cold Wars and Beyond. It starts out interesting, featuring Berman and Braga talking about their Temporal Cold War concept, but it quickly turns into little more than a video timeline of all the "time travel" stories the Trek franchise has told over the years (too many, IMHO). Particularly interesting (but way too short) is Enterprise Secrets, in which one of the assistant directors shows you how some of the high-tech equipment on the Enterprise REALLY works (it's decidedly low-tech, as you might imagine). Thankfully, we're promised that more "secrets" will be revealed on the DVDs for future seasons. The most off-beat of the featurettes, Admiral Forrest Takes Center Stage, features the "iron man" of Trek guest stars, Vaughn Armstrong, talking about the unusual variety of roles he's played in the franchise over the years. And as there's always at least one bit of shameless promotion on every Star Trek DVD, here you get a promo trailer for Paramount's Borg Invasion experience at the Las Vegas Hilton. It's very quick, so I can forgive its inclusion here.
Just FYI, Disc Seven also features a trio of hidden Easter egg featurettes (called NX-01 Files). They're Very easy to find and are basically just additional clips of interviews with cast and crew members talking about the show.
All of the discs feature very nicely animated CG footage of the Enterprise launching from Spacedock, which then transitions to the ship's signature computer display interface, allowing you to select the various episodes and options available. The discs themselves are contained in a slim little sliver-gray outer box that's shaped like some kind of prop from the show (similar to the TOS DVD sets). This contains a plastic disc tray like the ones the DS9 and Voyager DVDs were released in. You get all this... and an insert booklet too. Nice.
If I had any nits to pick with the bonus material on the Season One DVDs, it's that I really want more audio commentaries. I'd particularly love to hear some of the cast members talking about episodes, and maybe a few of the show's other writers commenting on the various shows they've written. I know that producer Mike Sussman has recorded commentary for one of his Season Two episodes. Imagine how cool it would be to hear Dominic Keating (Malcolm) talking about Minefield or Anthony Montgomery (Travis) on Horizon (both second season eps). How about Manny Coto with Connor Trinneer and Jolene Blalock on Similitude, and Judith & Garfield Reeves-Stevens with Blalock and Bakula on The Forge? Bring groups of people in – get the whole cast involved! Hopefully, we'll get 3 or 4 commentary tracks per season on future sets. One per season just isn't nearly enough. I'd also love to see more behind-the-scenes footage in future sets – for example, a look at the making of a new episode each season, and the cast and writers talking about how the characters developed from year to year. And definitely more outtakes and deleted scenes. They're just too good not to continue with them.
One other note... as with previous Trek TV DVD sets, if you purchase The Complete First Season at Best Buy/Media Play/Musicland-affiliated stores, you'll get an exclusive bonus disc containing the featurette Celebrating Star Trek: A Look at Star Trek Conventions and Fans (if you're a lucky U.K. Trek fan, you'll get this in the set, but U.S. fans have to jump through the retail exclusive hoop once more). Just so you all know.
If it had blasted out of the starting gate with real storytelling direction and momentum (and with real connections to the show it was meant to be a prequel of), it's unlikely that this series would have struggled in the ratings as much as it has. Nevertheless, Star Trek: Enterprise is a much better show than a lot of people have given it credit for. Don't let my C+ grade for this season (above) mislead you. Yes, its first two seasons are uneven and a bit aimless, but trust me... this show picks up in a big way in seasons three and four, and it's worth hanging around for. If you're one of those fans who tuned out of Enterprise early in its run, or if you haven't seen it at all, I strongly encourage you to give it a fresh look now on DVD. I think you'll be glad you did. Its anamorphic widescreen video and 5.1 audio make it fun viewing for those who prefer to enjoy their TV science fiction cinema-style. And these are easily the best special features on any Trek series on DVD to date. As a major fan of this show, I'm really very happy with this set. My hats off to the folks at Toolbox Productions and Paramount who put it all together. Please keep the great extras coming!
Additional Notes


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Research Journals through Howard-Tilton: The Tulane library has a vast array of searchable research journals available online at http://library.tulane.edu/research/research_by_subject.php. You will be able to find discipline-specific journals and general journals.
Center for Public Service: The Center for Public Service is dedicated to supporting the university's diverse community-based research and service activities as well as serving as an intellectual and physical space for sustained university/community partnerships.
Center for Bioenvironmental Research: CBR has created a place where eminent scholars and teachers from varying backgrounds and disciplines gather to conduct research, debate vital issues, instruct the young, and connect with the community outside its walls.
Tulane Honors Program: The honors program targets academically talented students in Tulane University's Newcomb - Tulane College; students may be invited to participate in the Honors Program, or may become eligible at some point in his or her college career to join the Program.
Cowen Institue: The Cowen Institute, named after Tulane President Scott Cowen, is working to develop and improve the K-12 public education system. The institute addresses problems behind lack of student achievement with creative programs and policies, and is focused on four key areas: Applied Research, Public Policy, University-Based Initiatives, and College Readiness Programs.
Center for Engaged Learning and Teaching, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70118 504-314-7698 email@example.com


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The classic, cooperactive action title X-Men Arcade will debut on Xbox Live December 15, IGN reports.
The digital relaunch of the popular 1992 arcade beat-em-up features six members of the mutant superhero team -- Cyclops, Colossus, Dazzler, Nightcrawler, Storm and Wolverine -- as they battles countless foes including Magneto.
The download, which will also be available on PlayStation Network at an unknown date, will support 4-person offline play and online action with up with six players. X-Men Arcade will also feature online leaderboards.
Update at 11:53 a.m. ET: Citing Konami, Eurogamer reports the PlayStation Network version of the game won't arrive until February.
Readers, excited for X-Men Arcade? Who was your favorite character?
By Brett Molina
Mike Snider began covering the video game industry during the Super Nintendo-Sega Genesis clash in 1992. An original pinball wizard, he eventually was seduced by Robotron: 2084 and Tempest. These days he is a fan of action/shooters and lives out his Keith Moon fantasies playing a mean drum kit on music games. More about Mike.
Brett Molina has been writing about video games for USA TODAY since 2005. He is well-versed in Madden NFL, the fighting genre and first-person shooters. The first video game he played was Asteroids at a local arcade. He has been hooked ever since. More about Brett.


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CATE Blanchett and Matthew McConaughey are raging favourites in an Oscars field of quality films and actors. Leigh Paatsch picks the winners.
The 86th Academy Awards, presented by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, will be held on March 2 at the Dolby Theatre, Hollywood.
ULTIMATE CLASH: In the battle between good and evil, it's up to you
Christian Bale American Hustle
Bruce Dern Nebraska
Leonardo DiCaprio The Wolf Of Wall Street
Chiwetel Ejiofor 12 Years a Slave
Matthew McConaughey Dallas Buyers Club
Rehearse that fake smile: Hard to fault any aspect of Bale's work in American Hustle. However, equally strong work from entire ensemble cut down his individual 'wow' factor. One day a Best Actor Oscar will surely be his. A victory for seasoned old-timer Dern would cause the biggest upset in modern Oscars history, but would still be deserved. He owns every scene of Nebraska with deceptive authority.
Deserves to win, but won't: Ejiofor faced the most difficult acting assignment of all nominees, and completed it to perfection. Did not hit a single cliched note with a role where any missteps might have been excused. Most other years, he would be a red-hot favourite here. DiCaprio applied a deranged force to his performance that could not be ignored. Still evolving as a talent, and still the most underrated major star in the business.
And the winner is ... Matthew McConaughey. An expected victory here will undoubtedly be the story of the night. Let us never forget that just five short years ago, McConaughey looked set to serve a life sentence in the bowels of rom-com hell. Nothing short of hard work and refined technique has triggered the turnaround, and his method-driven performance in Dallas Buyers Club is uncompromising, yet totally accessible.
Barkhad Abdi Captain Phillips
Bradley Cooper American Hustle
Michael Fassbender 12 Years a Slave
Jonah Hill The Wolf Of Wall Street
Jared Leto Dallas Buyers Club
Hey, it's a night out, isn't it?: The nomination alone is a tremendous achievement for Somalian-born Abdi. Had never acted on film before Captain Phillips — he was working as a chauffeur when discovered by casting agents — and may never do so again. A previous nominee in this category for superior work in Moneyball, Hill is very lucky to have made the cut here.
Deserves to win, but won't: Those in the know rank Fassbender as the only realistic chance of knocking off Leto here. What holds him back from mounting a serious challenge is the polarising nature of his performance as a villainous slave-owner. Some pundits feel his work lacked its usual subtlety. Cooper's overwhelming popularity and proven consistency gives him a faint show of some podium action.
And the winner is ... Jared Leto. Anyone who could get themselves noticed alongside Matthew McConaughey's virtuoso display in Dallas Buyers Club must also be at the very top of their game. Such is the case with Leto, a gifted talent who has barely worked anywhere in the past decade. Like his co-star, disappeared completely inside his character, but did not forget to take us with him.
Amy Adams American Hustle
Cate Blanchett Blue Jasmine
Sandra Bullock Gravity
Judi Dench Philomena
Meryl Streep August: Osage County
Tell the seatwarmer to go home early: Not often the incomparable Streep is right out of contention on Oscars night, but even she would admit her scenery-munching display in August: Osage County was not one of her best. Dench never lets anyone down whatever the film, and it was very much business as usual for the British vet in Philomena. The film's limited box-office in US also counts against the beloved Dame.
Deserves to win, but won't: Adams is a seriously underrated talent, and she was the standout in a film overloaded with great performances in American Hustle. So versatile across all genres that a win in this category just has to happen one of these years. Bullock's sublimely soulful anchoring work in Gravity was a career best, and would have gone very close to winning if not for Blanchett hitting the ball right out of the park.
And the winner is ... Cate Blanchett. Australia's next Oscar winner is the hottest favourite of the ceremony. Inconceivable she could lose after dominating equivalent categories all awards season. Blue Jasmine saw Blanchett hit a new career peak, crafting a detailed portrait of a character that kept falling apart and throwing new shapes throughout. Acting at its most expressive and direct. The coming triumph is all hers.
Sally Hawkins Blue Jasmine
Jennifer Lawrence American Hustle
Lupita Nyong'o 12 Years a Slave
Julia Roberts August: Osage County
June Squibb Nebraska
Don't spend too much on that outfit: 84-year-old Squib was a marvel in Nebraska, delivering some drop-dead devastating lines with an earthy charisma that just won't quit. Incredible to think she never stepped before a camera until the age of 61. Great to see her here, even if no realistic chance of winning. Like the rest of the cast in August: Osage County, Roberts did well just to survive the tsunami of Meryl Streep's overacting.
Deserves to win, but won't: In what the Vegas bookies have marked as the closest contest of the night, the mega-popular Lawrence has a clear shot at victory here. Last year's Best Actress victory will not count against her. Hawkins was the secret weapon in Blue Jasmine's armoury, with her reactions to co-star Cate Blanchett's withering monologues often guiding the audience through some tough terrain.
And the winner is ... Lupita Nyong'o. The most impacting feature screen debut from a female since fellow nominee Jennifer Lawrence's Oscar-nominated turn in 2010s Winter's Bone. The inexperienced Nyong'o delivered an utterly heartbreaking portrayal of a woman living with the worst life could throw at her. Clearly the superior work in an otherwise even field.
David O. Russell American Hustle
Alfonso Cuaron Gravity
Alexander Payne Nebraska
Steve McQueen 12 Years a Slave
Martin Scorsese The Wolf Of Wall Street
Forget that speech you memorised: Russell's third nomination in four years suggests he is getting close, but the comparatively lightweight American Hustle won't trump this heavy field. Ditto Payne (third nom in ten years) for the wonderful Nebraska. The veteran Scorsese's electric handling of The Wolf Of Wall Street deserves some kind of special award: it sizzled with the try-anything energy of a filmmaker just starting out.
Deserves to win, but won't: The great Oscars paradox kicks in yet again. If 12 Years a Slave is going to be ranked Best Film by voters, surely it warrants the Best Director gong as well? No dice, this year. Therefore the brilliant British director Steve McQueen misses his chance to make history by becoming the first black filmmaker to win this category. Insiders believe he didn't "sell" himself on the awards circuit as effectively as his chief rival.
And the winner is ... Alfonso Cuaron. Gravity already has secured its reputation as a game-changer for modern cinema, and its spectacular success is all down to the singular creative vision of Cuaron. Though working with few actors and a lot of tricky technology, Cuaron conjured a movie miracle that lodged itself permanently in the memory of all who witnessed it.
American Hustle
Captain Phillips
Dallas Buyers Club
12 Years a Slave
The Wolf of Wall Street
The honour's all yours, the spoils are all theirs: Undoubtedly the strongest field since nominations were extended upwards of five a few years back. Neither Nebraska nor Philomena fit the profile of typical Best Picture winners, but they are hardly also-rans. Her is bound to wield a seminal influence on other movies in years to come. The likes of American Hustle, Wolf Of Wall Street and Captain Phillips would be clear winners in weaker years.
Deserves to win, but won't: While Gravity still has a chance of knocking
off 12 Years a Slave, it appears the US awards circuit has pegged it as more of a technical triumph than a 'complete' motion picture. Most regular film-goers would tend to disagree with that theory. If there is to be a boilover, only the brave and unconventional Dallas Buyers Club could capitalise on a voting split between the two faves.
And the winner is ... 12 Years a Slave. While statistics across the current awards season makes this the clear first pick, it is both the substance and seismic impact of this torrid factual drama that seals a deserved Oscars victory. Yes, the Academy does have a history of rewarding an "issues" film, but to fully address an issue as complex and challenging as America's history of slavery is an achievement that will stand the test of time.
Best Screenplay — Original
And the winner is ... Her. Spike Jonze's vision of a future where humans will fall in love with software flowed from page to screen with all ones and no zeros.
Best Screenplay — Adapted
And the winner is ... 12 Years a Slave. John Ridley worked wonders in getting the stodgy prose of an obscure 19th century book to speak to a modern audience.
Best Cinematography
And the winner is ... Gravity. One of the most attractively absorbing visual experiences in cinema history used 3D as a weapon and not a crutch.
Best Animated Feature
And the winner is ... Frozen. With Pixar having temporarily lost their mojo, it's great to see that Disney's animated division have reclaimed theirs.
Best Documentary Feature
And the winner is ... The Act Of Killing. An incredible slice of real life where Indonesian war criminals were persuaded to re-enact their terrible deeds. Out now on DVD in Australia.
Best Foreign Language Film: The Great Beauty (Italy)
Best Original Score: Steven Price Gravity
Best Original Song: Let It Go Frozen
Best Production Design: The Great Gatsby
Best Costume Design: The Great Gatsby
Best Makeup & Hairstyling: The Great Gatsby
Best Sound (Mixing & Editing): Gravity
Best Visual Effects: Gravity
Best Film Editing: Gravity
Originally published as Oscars 2014: And the winner is ...


text:
Austin, Texas • Matthew Tucker scored two touchdowns, Jaden Oberkrom kicked two field goals and TCU's defense forced four turnovers in dumping No. 18 Texas 20-13 on Thursday night to get the Horned Frogs their biggest win of their first season in the Big 12.
Tucker scored on runs of 1 and 2 yards and the Horned Frogs (7-4, 4-4) dominated the line of scrimmage, running the ball 48 times and passing just 10.
TCU had two interceptions inside their own 10-yard line to kill Texas drives and picked up a fumble by Longhorns quarterback David Ash to set up Tucker's second touchdown.
Ash was relieved by Case McCoy, who led a late touchdown drive before an interception by Sam Carter in the final two minutes sealed the win for the Horned Frogs.
Although Texas (8-3, 5-3) has been a Thanksgiving regular since playing its first game on the holiday in 1895, those contests were usually against Texas A&M.
But that rivalry broke apart when the Aggies left the Big 12 for the Southeastern Conference.
So the Big 12 sent TCU to Austin this year and the Horned Frogs pushed around the Longhorns at the line of scrimmage and harassed Ash into one of the worst games of his career.
Friday's TV schedule
• Syracuse at Temple,9 a.m., ESPN2
• Nebraska at Iowa,10 a.m., Ch. 4
• LSU at Arkansas, 12:30 p.m., Ch. 2
• Utah at Colo., 1 p.m., FX
• West Virginia at Iowa St., 1:30 p.m., Ch. 4
• Washington at Wash. St., 1:30 p.m., Ch. 13
• S. Florida at Cinc., 5 p.m., ESPN
• ASU at Arizona, 8 p.m., ESPN


text:
Sunday, 30 December 2012 19:16
Reflecting on some of the scare stories peddled by anti-independence politicians this year, the SNP has said Better Together's New Year's resolution should be to raise the tone of the referendum debate in 2013 – and assured them that Hogmanay would continue under independence.
Despite their promise to 'make the positive case for the Union', claims emanating from politicians from the so-called Better Together campaign include – that an independent Scotland would lose the pandas from Edinburgh zoo, that an independent Scotland would lose its NHS, and even that England would be forced to bomb the airports an independent Scotland.
SNP MSP Bruce Crawford - who convenes the Referendum (Scotland) Bill Committee - said:
"After this year of silly scaremongering, it's surprising the anti-independence campaign hasn't claimed Hogmanay would stop under independence.
"Just as our great traditional New Year celebrations would continue in an independent Scotland, the NHS would carry on, 'English' would still be taught on the school curriculum and there would be no custody battle over the pandas at Edinburgh Zoo.
"A Tory peer even suggested that England could be forced to bomb an independent Scotland's airports in the event of a terrorist attack.
"As they reflect on the campaign they have been running this year, anti-independence politicians should make it their New Year's resolution to raise the tone of the referendum debate in 2013. Some of the stuff that the people of Scotland have heard this year has frankly been an insult to their intelligence, and they deserve better.
"People have legitimate questions to ask, which is why we need an open platform – not one congested by the most bizarre claims, including saying our friends and family in the rest of the UK would become foreign.
"In contrast, the Yes campaign is rooted in a positive approach that represents all of Scotland's communities – young and old, job-creators, Labour movement figures, civic Scotland, the Arts and urban and rural Scotland.
"The SNP believes Scotland's people – and its future generations – should be in charge of their own fate and know that the alternative to a Yes vote in 2014 would be to see the achievements of devolution being rolled back.
"Being independent is the best option for Scotland, because the people best placed to take decisions on all issues that affect Scotland are the people who choose to live and work here. That is the fundamental truth which resonates so powerfully with people across this nation.
"A country that earns its wealth and shares it more fairly, where every child has the chance to grow up and fulfil their potential and that enjoys excellent relations with its friends across these islands."


text:
The University Record, April 26, 1999
|'What distinguishes the LS&A, faculty,' the report states, 'is its deep and abiding appreciation of the existing strengths of the University of Michigan; its strong commitment to the highest standards of research, teaching and service; and its desire to work to improve the quality of life for the College's academic community.' Photo by Bob Kalmbach
Over the course of fall term, more than 200 faculty, representing 30 departments and programs and ranging from lecturers to full professors, participated in 33 focus groups facilitated by their colleagues. With a few exceptions in which faculty formed their own groups, faculty were assigned randomly, resulting in a mix across rank and discipline in each group.
Gurin notes that the inclusion of lecturers in the process was important. "In general, they are superb teachers or they would not be here. But they don't always feel that their opinions are sought. Their involvement in the focus groups, coupled with overall faculty interest, paves the way for continuing discourse about the College's future."
"There are many LS&A faculty involved in governance activities, Gurin notes, "and the vast majority have responsibilities in their departments but not in the College at large. In my year of outreach, our challenge was to hear the voices of faculty who don't have responsibilities in the College."
Results of the discussions, which Gurin says the facilitators described as "lively and thoughtful," recently were shared with faculty in the report "Faculty Lives, Institutional Flexibility and the revitalization of Intellectual Community" and brought to light a number of issues, as well as suggestions for changes.
Gurin has met with the facilitators to identify ideas that can be implemented relatively quickly, as well as those the facilitators believe to be important and that require further discussion and study. These will be discussed at the LS&A Executive Committee's retreat in May, which incoming Dean Shirley Neuman will attend.
Gurin will ask department chairs to implement one of the suggestions this year--rewarding teaching in base salary merit adjustments. "We have exceptional teachers and their work should play an important role in merit increases. This is a significant commitment we can make during the interim."
In inviting faculty to participate in the focus groups last fall, Gurin asked them to identify issues facing the College in the framework of three topics:
"What emerged overall," Gurin wrote in "Notes from the Dean" in the Spring 1999 issue of LSA magazine, "was evidence of a profound commitment to the institution and the community, and a deep concern to improve undergraduate education."
Also clearly evident in the discussions "was a sense that the obligations placed on individual faculty members can be quite overwhelming. . . . Many faculty said that the assumption that every faculty member must be both a superior teacher and a superior scholar--and be active in administrative and outreach activities--is unrealistic," Gurin wrote.
Junior faculty feel particularly burdened, and asked for "more mentoring, greater support for their scholarship, and a clarification of tenure requirements," Gurin wrote.
Faculty at all levels expressed a desire for more time for teaching and more significant recognition of excellent teaching, suggesting, possibly, a more flexible approach to tenure and promotion decisions.
Excerpts of the findings
Quality of life
"'This is a conversation about our lives,' was the recurrent theme of the focus groups," the report notes. "Lack of time and a marked change in the quality of life of faculty" were a point of return for discussions regardless of the general topic.
Administrative demands facing department chairs take away their ability "to focus time on intellectual vision and leadership." Some faculty feel like "employees" rather than professionals and scholars. Members of dual career families face greater and more multiple burdens than in the past.
It is clear, the report notes, "that time is the most valuable resource for faculty and it is in short supply." Many faculty feel "they have lost autonomy and control over the time needed to be contemplative." Some feel alienated and resentful. Others said the loss of time for creative activity may be responsible for "the impatience with current salary levels."
Other faculty cited heavy time demands in recruiting faculty and graduate students and in reviewing tenure and promotion documents.
"At issue was not whether faculty want to work long hours or take on various tasks," the report states. "In fact, it is precisely because faculty today do seek to do everything and do it exceedingly well that they have encountered such problems.
"Faculty do not wish to do less, but they do seek to pursue excellence in all aspects of academia over the course of their career, not simultaneously. They would like the freedom to declare at different points in their career that they will focus their energies for the next five years on teaching or research or other scholarly activities."
Tenure and promotion
"Faculty expressed strong and impassioned views about the reward system with regard to tenure and promotion," the report states. A few supported the status quo, but "most others vigorously argued for change."
Faculty want to do outstanding research and outstanding teaching and feel the two are complementary. In real life, however, that equation doesn't work, "and the attempt to create the best research university and the best teaching university from the same set of faculty is impractical and professionally debilitating to individual faculty. The end result, because research is so clearly the priority over teaching in terms of the reward structure, is that genuine faculty interest in teaching is severely inhibited."
Some faculty said the research emphasis is appropriate for the U-M, citing the Thurnau awards and "the fact that deficient teachers could no longer achieve tenure" as evidence of changes in attitudes toward teaching.
Faculty suggested that their contributions be viewed "in terms of a career of scholarship, rather than on an annual basis"; holding departments accountable for teaching, research and service, letting faculty decide what will be emphasized in any given year; and rewarding good teaching in base salary adjustments.
Senior faculty spoke of not feeling valued and indicated that post-tenure attrition is a serious issue. They reported that "they don't feel valued post-tenure unless they seek and receive an outside offer." Others criticized the "star" system, saying it results in high salaries, reduced teaching and no service, leaving fewer dollars and heavier work loads for others.
Junior faculty indicate they come to the U-M "with a high level of interest in research and teaching but are told by their departmental colleagues to focus only on research during their pre-tenure years." However, with many senior faculty involved in research, teaching burdens fall on the newer faculty. "Junior faculty are beset by a lack of clarity regarding tenure and promotion expectations," the report states.
Concern also was expressed that "the tenure process has a preferential bias in terms of race and gender."
Lecturers describe themselves as being scholars, but alienated from their departments and the College, explaining their circumstance "as indicative of the low value placed on teaching within LS&A," the report states. They also "resent the fact" that reports about them are written by tenure-track faculty and "often carry a bitter and negative tone reflecting a sense that lecturers are of no value to the College."
Faculty also criticized current teaching evaluation methods and the ways in which good teaching evaluations are interpreted in departments.
Interdisciplinary research and teaching
"To many faculty at Michigan," the report states, "the opportunities here for interdisciplinary work are the University's best feature." There are problems, however.
Some expressed concern about the "strength and integrity of the disciplines," while others said "disciplinary rigidity and conservatism" prevent more intellectual diversity and experimentation. "They wonder whether problems that exist are not those of faculty not fitting in the disciplines but, rather, of disciplines no longer fitting the faculty," the report notes.
Obstacles to interdisciplinary work cited by the faculty include lack of fair evaluation of such work at the departmental level and on divisional committees, and the "difficult and often untenable position of faculty with joint appointments." It's also difficult to share grants across departments and colleges. The extra time required for collaboration is not recognized and team teaching is not well supported.
Units designed to foster collaborative work "report a dire lack of College resource support" compared with disciplinary units.
Faculty also wonder whether interdisciplinary work "should bubble up from the faculty" or whether there should be administrative support for such efforts.
Faculty with joint appointments say they are doing double duty and reported that "the structure of joint appointments is ad hoc, unwieldy, redundant and ultimately harmful to the individuals and their efforts to do interdisciplinary research and teaching."
Undergraduate education
Faculty repeatedly expressed a desire to be more involved in undergraduate education and teaching, offering many concrete suggestions for change. "Except for a few dissenters," the report states, "there was overwhelming sentiment expressed for having more recognized time and rewarded opportunities to devote to undergraduate education."
Faculty acknowledged the initiatives undertaken over the past decade, such as the first-year seminars, Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program and living/learning programs, but "made a distinction between discrete initiatives and institutional transformation," adding that the initiatives have had little impact on their departments or faculty rewards.
Faculty raised and debated the issue of "time and resources needed constantly to support the routine roll-out of initiatives as opposed to a comprehensive transformation of undergraduate education."
Ties to the College
"Few faculty expressed a sense of scholarly or community connection to LS&A at the college level," the report states.
They "seek a greater sense of community and connection with their colleagues, but aren't certain that a closer connection with the College per se is either necessary or desirable. Most important to faculty are issues of time, a rich intellectual environment and a collegial and scholarly community with their peers."
Faculty indicated that LS&A's "identity" problem might be due to its size, suggesting the creation of interdisciplinary units similar to the Residential College. The smaller units "would allow for an intellectual center, a responsive and friendlier administrative structure, and a much stronger sense of connection and allegiance."
Also suggested was the appointment of associate deans for each division, with some faculty indicating that this might lead to greater fragmentation. There also was "considerable disagreement on the role of the dean's office."
"Faculty perceive department chairs and College committees to be working on behalf of the dean and with allegiance to the dean," the report states. "They wonder aloud who is working for faculty and who places their allegiance with the faculty. . . . They would like to view the dean's office as a place for supportive problem-solving rather than policing."


text:
Macedonia represents one of the oldest and finest wine-making regions
in Greece. Wars, emigration and the catastrophic phylloxera attack
slowed down the development of Macedonian wine at the turn of the
last century, but after replanting the vineyards and investing heavily
in modern technology Macedonian wines have regained their glamour
and appreciation worldwide.
located on the slopes of Mount Vermion, was one of the first AOC
regions to be registered in Greece and produces delicious, full-bodied
red wines made from the native grape, Xinomavro.
This grape is also cultivated in the remote AOC region of Amynteon
where it produces light, fruity reds and pleasant sparkling and
still rosés.
Alpha Estate
In the heart of the remote AOC region of Amynteon, the Bordeaux trained winemaker, Angelos Iatridis, chose to plant his vineyards, combining classical tradition with modern innovation. The combination of vineyards with northern exposure, sandy clay soils, ideal climatic conditions and Iatridis' proven winemaking skills have given birth to cutting-edge wines produced from both indigenous and international grape varieties.
Château Nico Lazaridis
Domaine Gerovassiliou
In Epanomi, only a few miles southwest of the charming city of Thessaloniki,
the Bordeaux trained Evangelos Gerovassiliou built his state-of-the-art
winery. The mild local climate, close proximity to the sea and sandy
clay soils bring out the best qualities in the grapes grown here
which produce a range of world class wines.
Domaine Porto Carras
At the point where the lush slopes of Mount Meliton on the western coast of Halkidiki, flow gently into the clear waters of the Gulf of Torone, we find the 475 hectares of the spectacularly terraced Domaine Porto Carras vineyards which make up one of the largest and most picturesque vineyards in all of Europe. The first plantings began in 1967 with the assistance of the famous French Professor Emile Peynaud and in 1981 the area was granted the AOC designation, Côtes de Meliton, for the production of distinctive white and red wines.
Domaine Wine Art
Ktima Kir Yianni
Yiannis Boutaris created the first Estate vineyard in Yianakohori
in the late 1960's spearheading the revival of the Naoussa
Appellation. In 1996 he left the Boutari Company, retaining the
well tended vineyards of Yianakohori and Amyndaio, to establish
his new company, Ktima Kir Yianni. His two sons, Stelios and Michalis,
both US college graduates, are an integral part of the family business
in charge of the day-to-day operations.
Ktima Pavlidis
In the foothills of Mount Falakro near the city of Drama, the fast rising star,"Ktima Pavlidis" was established in 1998 by the dynamic, Cristophoros Pavlidis. The 30 hectare vineyards include a mixture of indigenous and international varieties planted in calcareous soils, which promotes the production of wines with a refined taste and unique identity.
The Metohi Chomitsa - Mount Athos Vineyards
The vineyards surrounding the Metohi of Chromitsa, property of the St. Panteleimon Monastery and under cultivation by Evangelos Tsantalis SA, extend across an area of 80 hectares along the terraced slopes of Mount Athos. These vineyards, isolated from other agricultural areas, provide ideal conditions for the practice of organic farming. In this unique ecosystem, world-class wines are produced from a careful selection of indigenous and international grapes.
Region Of Macedonia
Other Winemaking Regions
US Importers
Alpha Estate
Diamond Importers
528 Wrightwood Rd
Chicago IL 60614
Tel: 773 5496211
Domaine Gerovassiliou
Cava Spiliadis USA
20-29 38th Street
Astoria, NY, 11105
Tel: 718.728.0022
Fax: 718.728.0023
Ktima Kir YianniVOS Selections
555 Eighth Avenue Ste 1209
New York NY 10018
Tel: 212 9676948
Fax: 212 9676986
Domaine Porto Carras,
Ktima Pavlidi
Athenee Importers
P.O.Box 2039
Hempstead NY 11551
Tel: 516 5054800
Tsantali - Mount Athos Vineyards
Fantis Foods
60 Triangle Blvd
Tel: 201 9336200
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