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Mustang ride down the Santa Fe Trail 2012
Leaving Bent's Fort, Colorado September 29th and arriving at the Santa Fe Plaza on October 12th 2012!
Since that time I have striven in vain to reconcile myself to the even tenor of civilized life in the United States; and have sought in its amusements and its society a substitute for those high excitements which have attached me so strongly to Prairie life. Yet I am almost ashamed to confess that scarcely a day passes without my experiencing a pang of regret that I am not now roving at large upon those western plains. Nor do I find my taste peculiar; for I have hardly known a man, who has ever become familiar with the kind of life which I have led for so many years, that has not relinquished it with regret...
...It will hardly be a matter or surprise then, when I add, that this passion for Prairie life, how paradoxical soever it may seem, will be very apt to lead me upon the plains again, to spread my bed with the mustang and the buffalo, under the broad canopy of heaven,-there to seek to maintain undisturbed my confidence in men, by fraternizing with the little prairie dogs and wild colts, and the still wilder Indians-the unconquered Sabaeans of the Great American Deserts.
...It will hardly be a matter or surprise then, when I add, that this passion for Prairie life, how paradoxical soever it may seem, will be very apt to lead me upon the plains again, to spread my bed with the mustang and the buffalo, under the broad canopy of heaven,-there to seek to maintain undisturbed my confidence in men, by fraternizing with the little prairie dogs and wild colts, and the still wilder Indians-the unconquered Sabaeans of the Great American Deserts.
-Josiah Gregg
"Commerce of the Prairies"
2012 marks New Mexico's Centennial. In celebration of that and to honor the contribution horses have made to settling the West I am planning a ride down the Santa Fe Trail in the fall of 2012 using mostly mustang horses. Mustangs are descendants of the first 'pioneer horses,' whether they were Conquistador horses, wagon horses, military horses or Indian ponies the mustangs of today are as much of a reminder of America's history as their human counterparts. 100 years ago over 2 million wild horses roamed the American West. That number is now down to less than 30,000. There are over 40,000 captured mustangs standing in BLM holding pens, waiting for adoption. It is doubtful that most of these will ever find a permanent home though and so their future is precarious. The future of the horses still left in the wild is also very precarious. Their numbers are reduced with every BLM round-up and some herds are now down to the bare minimum (or less) to sustain a genetically viable herd in some places. The competition for the Public Land they roam increases, especially with the boom in the extractive industries such as oil, gas and uranium. Along with the horses' historical competitor, the cattle industry, these adversaries are a formidable foe. There is a real and imminent risk that wild horses will vanish from the American West and become a figment of its history and its legend along with the roaming bands of Indians that once traveled the Plains and the massive herds of buffalo.
The Cimarron Sky-Dog Reserve tries to adopt as many mustangs as we can but we are limited by funds and the land at our disposal. Sincewe want our horses to roam free and New Mexico is a semi-arid climate, this dream requires that we have access to a lot of land. The sanctuary we have at Watrous sits astride the old route of the Santa Fe Trail and our horses are often seen grazing in the old, eroded ruts left behind by those long ago wagon trains! We love the history of the area and that Watrous was a major stopping point on the trail and we would dearly love to bring wild horses back to the Santa Fe Trail. Please see our short youtube about the wild horses of the Santa Fe Trail and the history of the trail and the area and our hopes for our sanctuary.
One of the most famous pioneers of the Santa Fe Trail was a trader called Josiah Gregg. In 1844 he wrote a book about his experiences as a Santa Fe Trail trader called 'Commerce of the Prairies,' He has a chapter dedicated to the animals of the Prairies and in it he gives top billing to the wild horses.
Our 2012 'Mustang Ride down the Santa Fe Trail' is as much a history ride as it is a celebration of New Mexico's Centennial and bringing attention to the plight of mustangs and the goals of our sanctuary. It is also a chance for me to dabble in one of my greatest passions, New Mexico's history and the Wild West! I will be doing the ride in costume and we hope that as our plans progress, there will be more folks involved and more horses and maybe even some wagons! We will be starting our ride at Old Bent's Fort in La Junta, Colorado and culminating it on the Santa Fe Plaza in October, stopping at various historical landmarks along the way as well as at our wild horse sanctuary at Watrous. We will be using at least 80% mustangs on this ride including 'Rebate', a Jicarilla mustang from New Mexico who was born at our sanctuary in April 2009, 'Rio', a Nevada mustang born in the wild, who spent 4 years in a BLM pen until we adopted him from a Correctional facility in Utah in January 2012. We will also have 'Rayado,' a Utah mustang, born in the wild and who was also adopted from the Utah prison in January. Rayado had been in the BLM pens for two and a half years. Sonny, my riding horse and best pal, although not a mustang, will also be along for the ride. Sonny participated in Cassie's (a mustang) ride along the Continental Divide in 2000 and you can follow that amazing story on the 'Cassie's Story' page on our website.
Due to the fact that this will be an ever changing story, with frequent updates, we are keeping a blog on all of our preparations. To follow the progress and the updates and eventually the ride itself, please go to our 'Mustang Ride down the Santa Fe Trail, 2012' blog site.
"The buffalo were still numerous. Sometimes we had to take pains to avoid them. The country here was so level that we could see for miles in all directions and the sun seemed to come up or go down like a great yellow disk right into or out of the earth. Sometimes we heard a noise like thunder and then a great herd of wild horses would swoop past us. Wild horses were becoming quite common. They were descendants of horses the Indians had stolen from wagon trains along the Santa Fe and Oregon trails. Each herd was led by a stallion."


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As the Roman conquests brought increasing number of slaves and captives into the city it stood to reason to use a number of these to celebrate what came to be known as the Gladiator shows or Gladiatorial offerings, the "munus gladiatorum". The shows were generally known as "ludi" meaning "games" or "munera" meaning "offerings". Julius Caesar, following religious tradition dedicated the games of his triumph against Pompey to persons such as his deceased father and sister. His sister had actually been married to the defeated Pompey.
As has already been mentioned the origin of Gladiatorial combat was religious and as such it embodied a number of notions which were dear to Roman culture. The Amphitheatre was the place where the leader-Emperor, who was also the head of religion as Pontifex Maximus, together with the Vestal Virgins and the people of Rome would come together as a united community and keep their minds off other problems. Eating and drinking was forbidden and everyone had to be properly dressed.
Beyond the bloody result which was certainly extremely well appreciated, the spectators were assisting or expecting to assist to those qualities which had made Rome great and that supposedly would allow them to achieve future greatness. The emperors used this as a political tool to keep people's minds occupied and to stem criticism. This was exemplified by Juvenal's famous phrase in his Satires: "Panem et Circenses" meaning "bread and circuses" - alluding to the basic needs required to keep the masses happy and quiet. It should be noted that Juvenal himself was quite a fan of the shows.
This attitude was interwoven with the general ceremonies of the shows. To commence the busts and statues of past emperors would be paraded around the arena in a religious display entering and exiting through specific gates. Following this there might be animal shows in honour of the goddess Diana. After lunch, the gladiators themselves would parade for all to see. Having paraded they would lay their weapons on display and saluting the Emperor with raised fists they would shout "Hail Caesar, the dying salute you!" Ave Caesar! Morituri te salutant! (Suetonius). The fighting would follow. The dead would be carried out and the victors exalted.
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Pairing cheese with brandy
I adore cheese, and I'm increasingly developing an appreciation for South Africa's very fine brandies, but I've never considered pairing the two.
When the award-winning outlet Cheese Gourmet, a specialist purveyor of artisanal South African-made cheeses, hosted a brandy and cheese tasting my culinary curiosity got the better of me.
KWV came to the party and sponsored the evening's libations: 10-, 15-, 20-year-old, and Imoya potstill brandies.
I knew we were assured of excellent ingredients, but what would these products complement each other, or send my taste buds home whimpering?
We began by tasting a 10-year-old brandy paired with a Fairview Blue Tower, a cow's milk, Gorgonzola-style blue cheese. Like a classic Stilton and Port pairing, the nutty, salty flavours in the Blue Tower worked well with the spicy, Port wine aromas in the brandy. Rating: 6/10.
Next, we tried KWV's gold medal winning 15-year-old with a Huguenot. Similar to a Gruyère de Comté, the Huguenot is a brushed rind, cow's milk cheese. Smooth and mellow, the complex dried fruit, floral, and vanilla aromas in the brandy perfectly rounded off the Huguenots' characteristic nutty sweetness. Rating: 8.5/10.
Oak-matured and amber coloured, KWV's 20-year-old (a world brandy champion) exhibits hazelnut, nutmeg flavours, and honey and tropical fruit aromas on the nose. Paired with a Dutch Maasdam (the only non-local cheese tasted), the combination was initially pleasing, but on follow- through, the buttery Maasdam masked the subtle oaky notes in the brandy. Rating: 5/10.
The final pairing was KWV's Imoya, a blend of potstilled brandies, matured in oak barrels for 20, 10, eight and 3 years, paired with a Fairview White Rock with cranberries.
Firstly, I despite cheese that's been 'fiddled' with, so the White Rock, a Roquefort style cheese studded with dried cranberries, started on a back foot with me.
Reminiscent of artificially sweetened cream cheese with an unfamiliar crumbly texture, the cheese overwhelmed the toasty, mellow earthiness of the brandy. Other tasters loved the combination, but for me this was a mismatch. Rating: 3/10 (and best forgotten).
Cheese with brandy is a pairing I'll willingly experiment with going forward. Have you successfully paired cheese and brandy? I'd love to hear what worked (or didn't work) for you.
Postscript: The Huguenot, produced by Dalewood Fromage, was named the best South African cheese, and the best semi-hard cheese in the world at the World Cheese Awards 2010.
Category: Arts & Entertainment, Food & Wine


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Epiphone Ltd Ed Les Paul Studio Deluxe Electric GuitarProduct #H71864 Epiphone H71864 AAG Solid Body Electric Guitars https://www.esnapw.com/rses/ESnapServlet?MerchantNumberSent=63655
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One of the world's favorite LPs enhanced with bold new finishes.
The Epiphone Limited Edition Les Paul Studio Deluxe Electric Guitar Is a dressed up studio edition that gives you all the great tone and sustain you expect from a meaty set-neck mahogany body with 12" radius for strings bends that won't fret out. The addition of Alnico Classic Plus humbuckers gives you even more low-end punch and midrange crunch. The LockTone Tune-O-Matic bridge and stopbar tailpiece add more sustain and make string changing easier. This instrument is a super value offering the great tone, looks, and playability you expect from a Les Paul at an affordable price.
Check the drop-down menu to the right to select colors and/or other options.
- Mahogany body
- Set mahogany neck
- Rosewood fretboard
- 22 frets
- D-shaped profile
- Epiphone Alnico Classic Plus"¢ bridge humbucker
- Epiphone Alnico Classic"¢ neck humbucker
- 2 volume, 2 volume controls
- 3-way pickup toggle switch
- Nickel hardware
- LockTone Tune-O-Matic bridge/stopbar tailpiece
- Vintage-style tuners with green keys
- Polyurethane finish
Now everyone can own a Les Paul!
Ltd Ed Les Paul Studio Deluxe Electric Guitar Specifications:
- 24-3/4" scale
1.68" nut width
12" fretboard radius


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Nothing says summer like DIY Fruit Balloon garland. Well maybe a turd in the kiddie pool, but after that — fruit garland.
Monday, May 7, 2012
DIYDS: Not Rotten
Friday, May 4, 2012
Hobby Lobbying
If you live in Dallas, you probably already know that Diorama-O-Rama is on like miniature Donkey Kong next Saturday, May 12th. Why am I telling you now? So you can preregister today (May 4th, LAST DAY) and make your diorama over the weekend. You're welcome for the generous notice. Less of a giver, more of a taker? No big, just show up. It's one of those everyone's invited events. You know, the kind pleat-front khaki wearers live for.
Thursday, May 3, 2012
DIYDS: Have A Ball
Look at this fun use of ping pong balls. And to think, all these years I've just used them for DIY ball gags. Huh.
DIYDS: Birds of a Feather
I don't usually head to Apartment Therapy for Badder Homes material. They traffic in class and style while we here at BHG traffic in farts and illicit drugs. But today I found this Bird Poop Chandelier by Wyatt Little. I guess someone over there fell off their high horse and couldn't get up. Even so, knowing it was posted by AT, it probably costs a million-billion dollars. But you can do it your damn self with these simple steps:
1) Get any chandelier
2) Smear it with peanut butter
3) Sprinkle liberally with bird seed
4) Wait
5) Probably contract bird flu
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Child's Play
While I love the idea of these piñata cookies, I still think there are way more fun things to break. Namely, your spirit.
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Music To My Ears
If you don't like a song that's playing in your office, all you have to do is throw something at this poster and it'll skip the track. Oddly, I've been employing this technique at concerts for years and the only thing that's it's gotten me is a handful of assault charges.
Thursday, April 5, 2012
DIYDS: Tap That Crap
This is called Crapestry. It's clearly amazing. This gentleman takes regular crap tapestry and makes it awesome by adding something offensive. Basically, he's making the world a better place. What the fuck are you doing?
Thursday, March 15, 2012
DIYDS: A Penny Saved, A Relationship Burned
I don't pick up pennies because they're dirty and not real money. My dad is always griping about that fact. He's like, "Sarah, it's free money. Why would you leave it here?" I respond with jokes about old people and while he's bending over to pick it up, I steal his wallet and run away into the night cackling like a harpy. But now that I see this horse bust from artist Rachel Denny I realize that with enough pennies I could do this my damn self. So, I guess I'm changing my mind. Not about picking up pennies, but about the relative value of stealing my dad's change jar.
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
DIYDS: Bubble Trouble
If you don't actually have shit for brains, you'll save yourself $598 and make this Bubble Wrap Vase your damn self. Just use real bubble wrap, you dummy, or if you want to take up glass blowing, go right ahead. I hear you're pretty good at blowing stuff…
Monday, March 12, 2012
Super Punch Out
I freaking love this card. It let's you punch out pieces and form your own message. You know because "Sorry God made your face look that way" hasn't really made it to Hallmark yet.


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Cody Johnson Talks New Single, New Album and Sings Live [AUDIO]
On the heels of their brand new album "A Different Day" being released on Tuesday 11/8, my pals Cody Johnson Band stopped by Radio Texas Live and hung out for a bit.
The first single is titled "Diamond in My Pocket" press play and give it a listen.
Next Cody sang live for us a new song titled "Guilty As Can Be" he tells us the story behind the song and has a little surprise for me at the end of his acoustic performance — listen to the end, he manages to embarrass me pretty good.
If your a country music purist, be sure to check out Cody Johnson Band's new album "A Different Day." For everything Cody Johnson Band go the the website and follow them on facebook and twitter.


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Selected Community Events
NaNoWriMo write-in
Nov 7, 2012 6 - 9 PM
Larry J. Ringer Library, 1818 Harvey Mitchell Pkwy. S., College Station, TX 77845
People who are participating in NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) will meet to work on their novels. Most write-ins will be on Wednesdays and Sundays, and there are also some on the A&M campus on Tuesdays. Free wi-fi is available at the library. Bring your laptop or bring pen and paper. More information about write-ins can be found at the Bryan+College Station NaNoWriMo regional forum. All ages are welcome to participate in NaNoWriMo. (See the NaNoWriMo Young Writer's Program if you are under 13 or if you are 13 to 17 and would prefer to set your own writing goal).
The regular write-ins are welcome to all participants, ages 13 and up. At least one of the two ML's (municipal liaisons) will be on hand for all events. Most of the regulars are adults (largely college-aged) and a few teens, and the group is good about policing themselves when younger people are around. If you have concerns, talk with Summer or Ted (the ML's) at the beginning of a write-in, or contact them at the NaNoWriMo regional forum or on the BCS WriMos Facebook page.
The write-in will be in the front meeting room unless voting booths are still here; if voting booths are in the front, the writing group will meet at the back of the library.
Information and links to pages mentioned can be found at http://www.bcslibrary.org/?page_id=4924 (the library's NaNoWriMo page)
Kendra, (979) 764-3416


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The Sulphur Springs High School UIL Academic Team returned from the District 14-4A Spring Meet with the second place sweepstakes award after earning 307 points; Hallsville High School was the overall sweepstakes winner.
Twenty-five SSHS students scored high enough individually or as part of a top or alternate team at the March 28-29 district competition to advance to the regional meet May 2-3 at the University of Texas at Arlington.
"Three of these students will be competing in two events and another is first alternate in a second contest," noted SSHS UIL Coordinator Gina Wilder in a press release Monday. "Both the students and their sponsors have worked very hard preparing not only for the district meet, but also for the regional and state meets. Therefore, these regional competitors are positioned to perform well at the regional meet. They are all awesome and I am so honored to be a part of it. Brag on them when you see them."
In accounting, Devin Mitchell placed fifth and Nima Sherpa placed sixth. The team, which also included Iris Gutierrez and Alyssa Gutierrez, won second place.
Ariel Gonzalez placed third in the current issues and events competition.
MiKayla Jones placed first in computer applications.
In computer science, M. Hunter Allen placed first, Ryan Moore second, Karl Sehnert third and Devin Mitchell fourth, earning the group first place team honors.
In the journalism events, Jenna Ash placed first in editorial writing, and Lacey Jackson placed fifth in editorial writing and second in feature writing.
In literary criticism, Jessica Boyd placed third and McKenzie Hohenberger fifth. The team, which also included Laura Graham and Sofia Guerrero, won second place team honors. The literary criticism team also won the wildcard spot for region, which advances them to the regional meet.
Reilly Hale placed fourth in persuasive speaking.
In poetry interpretation, Triston Pullen won first and Reilly Hale third.
In prose interpretation, Sadie Evans came in fifth.
In ready writing, McKenzie Hohenberger placed second and Lacey Jackson placed sixth.
In social studies, Mariela Bravo placed first, Ariel Gonzalez second and Alma Zapata third. They, along with Peyton Howard, won first place team honors.
In spelling and vocabulary, Jacqueline Tovar Yanez placed first, Jenna Ash second and Jessye Castro fifth. They, along with Jordan Eckerd, placed first as a team.
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French designer Christian Lacroix and Kenzo newcomer Antonio Marras keep the print trend going for next winter with ready-to-wear displays yesterday that were a festival of pattern and texture.
Marras, who takes over at Kenzo from Gilles Rosier, tapped into the label's tradition of ethnic fusion with patchwork coats and kimono-sleeved tops in vivid floral motifs.
The Italian designer grew up surrounded by rolls of fabric in his grandfather's shop, and his passion for textiles shows.
Models ambled down criss-crossing gangways in clashing tartan, gingham and pinstripe fabrics layered for a nomadic silhouette. Polka dots collided with Japanese prints, while a white velvet cape crawled with pink velvet roses.
"I've always been fascinated by populations that are always on the move, by streams of constantly migrating gypsies, armies of nomads on horseback from distant lands without borders who roamed free and unfettered," Marras said in a statement.
Though the inspiration was similar to John Galliano's collection of tattered gypsy outfits shown last week, the result was altogether more wearable. The key was to pick just a couple of elements from each outfit.
A black trench with a bold pink, white and green floral pattern would look great paired with a black poloneck and jeans.
A pistachio green Aran maxi-cardigan was a comfortable alternative to a mid-season coat.
The finale, in which a curtain parted to reveal 50 models draped on a huge set, signalled a confident renewal for the label, which has stumbled creatively since the retirement of founder Kenzo Takada five years ago.
Prints were also the focus at Lacroix, who returned to the Paris catwalk after a two-year absence, seemingly energised by his twin role as chief designer for Florentine label Pucci.
The influence of the house of psychedelic swirls could be felt in the 70s-style patterns plastered over tights, tops and skirts. Especially desirable was a knee-length jersey dress with a bold pink, orange and brown motif.
The show also espoused next autumn's trend for mixing masculine and feminine clothes.
Gabardine coats were slung over lingerie-style camisole tops, while male models displayed the new Lacroix menswear line, a carbon copy of the designer's own uniform of corduroy jackets, pinstripe trousers and high-tech running shoes.
Lacroix, who has struggled to overcome the budget cuts which had forced him off the runway, opted to present his ready-to-wear collection alongside his diffusion Bazaar and Christian Lacroix Jeans lines.
The result was a jaunty mix that ran the gamut from street to high fashion. It ranged from a fitted denim blazer to a stunning black chiffon sequin-embroidered jacket that looked like made-to-measure haute couture.
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Join and browse our exclusive open discussion forums and talk about whatever you like.
Write a Letter to this Company
On March 16, 2011, I was in your Panera Bread Cafe 3058 (Sugar Creek Township, Ohio 45459, Phone: 937-848-4900) for a meal. When I picked up my salad at the completed order counter station--I noticed my salad was skimpy. I mentioned to the young man covering this order completion area--that my salad bowl was not as full as it has been in the past. He responded in an unpleasant manner--"that's the way it is now because Panera Bread has cracked down on portion control. Now only 2 ounces of lettuce is allowed." My mother and I were shocked.
An apology would be nice. I hope that my customer service feedback to The Panera Bread Corporation will inspire a better focus on kinder and respectful customers in the future.
It's all about the bottom line. Shareholders want a profit. Honestly,We eat to much anyway and the majority of us can stand to reduce ourintake. Salad or not.
I don't understand your complaint. You asked a question and you gotan honest answer. What exactly is your problem with the response? And from whom do you want an apology? And for what?
I would suggest making a nice fresh homemade salad for yourself andyour mother. This way you can portion out exactly how much you want.
You will be shocked how quickly you can toss up a salad!
good day
What I do not understand is when the customer complainted why theemployee not pick up the phone and get the CEO on the phone. OR if itwas after hours call the CEO on his house phone or his personal cellphone. I am sure the CEO would have taken that call.
Now back to reality - many, many front line employees and managershave no say or even input into many decisions. At my job if I call theCEO to give input on say pricing not only would I not get through butmy boss could very well get a upset phone call. So why do people stillchoose to take it on frontline employees. My reading is that the OP ismore upset at the smaller size so do not take it out on the employee.Just plain rude. Write, email, call upper mgt. the ones who make thedecisions.
I know you're not going to like this, but everywhere is being hit bythe shrink ray. Just look at a jar of mayo. It's not 32 oz anymore.It's 30. Or a "gallon" of orange juice. Not quite a gallon.
Restaurants are being hit by the shrink ray too. Some used to give twosides, plus a salad. Now they only do one side. Sometimes we have tomake sacrifices in a crappy economy.
too used to huge portions in restaurants. It's part of the reason wehave such an obesity problem in this country. I mean, do we reallyneed 64 ounce Double Gulps or Triple Whopper burgers? I would ratherpay for food that I can eat at one sitting than pay extra and end uptrashing 1/3 of a meal.
I totally agree.
Curtis W.,
I am confident that Panera will get back with you. Please do the sameso we know what they say.
The gentleman working the line sounds like he shared what informationhe had as best he could probably knowing the message was not going tobe received well.
This is a question best responded to by a manager who might haveexplained it a little differently and maybe even made a one timeexception.
Thanks for sharing.
I suppose they could raise prices to keep portions larger, would yoube ok with that?
or that he answered your question honestly?


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Supreme Court Rules Enemy Combatants Can Challenge Detentions
Life After Death: U.S.-Appointed Iraqi Governing Council Granted Wide Powers in Interim Government
Iraqis On Handover of Sovereignty: "We Do Not Approve This Political Formula to Oppress Us"
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'Dancing With the Stars: All-Stars': Two Champions Say Goodbye in Shocking Double Elimination (VIDEO)
ABC's Dancing With the Stars results show brought double the trouble for the All-Star cast on Week 3 by eliminating two couples from the competition.
The results proved shocking, as we said goodbye to two former champions, neither of whom held the bottom score on the leaderboard.
Note: Spoilers ahead if you… More »


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Nashville Predators defenceman Hal Gill photographed during the final game of the Western Conference semifinal vs. the Phoenix Coyotes.
Christian Petersen, Getty Images
Nashville Predators defenceman Hal Gill is packing up his Montreal address with his wife, Anne, and their three children – daughters Isabelle and Sophie and son Talon – and preparing to move in mid-June back to their new offseason home in Boston.
The former Canadiens rearguard, traded to Nashville on Feb. 17 after having spent more than 2 1/2 seasons in Montreal, sat with me last Friday for a leisurely, wide-ranging talk over a Crescent St. lunch. We delved into the Habs, the team's management and coaching of this past season, a number of Gill's key teammates, Gill playing the five-game Western semifinal on a broken ankle, and a whole lot more.
Gill – aka @Skillsy75 on Twitter – arrived at lunch on crutches and his right foot in a protective boot; he'd had surgery two weeks earlier in Nashville for a fractured ankle suffered two games from the end of the regular season when he was struck by a Sheldon Souray slap shot. Gill played the five-game Western semifinal on the fractured tibia, the foot frozen before each game.
Between soup and the arrival of his salad and sandwich, he happily scrolled through the X-ray images in his iPhone of the ankle before and after the placement of a steel plate and three screws.
"I haven't set off any metal detectors yet," Gill joked.
What follows is an edited transcript of our talk. Look for more in a column written for Tuesday's Montreal Gazette, in print there and online Monday evening, to be linked when it's available.
Both Mike Cammalleri and Jaroslav Spacek, respectively traded to Calgary and Carolina, have been sent their Canadiens jerseys by Geoff Molson, the team's principal owner. How about you?
I received it from Geoff when I got back to Montreal a week ago. That's nice. Geoff is doing things the right way. He's working pretty hard.
The prevailing sentiment is that the Canadiens have turned an important corner in their rebuilding with the hiring of Marc Bergevin as general manager to replace Pierre Gauthier. The Gauthier era was confounding, to say the least. What was your take on it?
(Almost 15 minutes of Gill's reply was off the record. What follows was on the record.)
I think the way Pierre ran the team is what they'd teach you in business school about managing people. I think he went by the book, that that was kinda the funny thing (given the nature of a hockey team). … I'd ask Pierre every day why we had to do things a certain way, kinda have fun with it. But he didn't mix very well with the team so communication was different. He's a different person.
In Nashville, I'd go to (GM) David Poile, who's the nicest man, so up front, and he'd say, "We're all in this together, what should we do? Do you have any ideas? Do you think we handled this situation right?" It was a different world. I think Bergevin is going to be great. I don't know his track record after his playing days, but as a player he was a first-rate beauty, a clown. … I think it's going the right way in Montreal. I hope it is.
Jaro Spacek spoke to me at length recently about former coach Jacques Martin's system. Talk about that?
I read where Spatcho said we didn't have a system that fit us. I think Jacques put something out there then let us handle everything else. He let the older guys kinda take control – Gio, Cammy, Gomer, me, Moen… all these guys who'd come in (as UFAs or, in Gomez's case, by trade). I thought we didn't really know what to do, but it was our team. Then we had success because we worked as a team, that's how we got into the playoffs (going three rounds deep in 2009-10).
The message (from the coaching staff) was we need to play as a team with their system. I tried to preach it but the hard part was we didn't play to guys' strengths. With Gomez, you don't expect him to chip it up the boards, you want him to come back and pick it up. If he can't do that, he can't be effective. With me, I have to do what I do.
There wasn't a huge difference in the system of (Nashville coach) Barry (Trotz), but the D always stay together. You don't have a forward in the middle. (Laughing) Basically, I couldn't even tell you what we were running. But the D stayed together. If the puck goes this way, I go to the boards and my D stays with me. …
This was my first time playing in the Western (conference) or maybe it was the team, but I felt a lot of times I had more time with the puck. There were subtle differences.
Did Gauthier put Randy Cunneyworth in an impossible position, parachuting him in to replace Martin?
I guess so. It was completely unfair. I think that's the hardest thing about Montreal – you can't just go for the best guy for the (coaching) job. You're the GM and you have a guy who doesn't speak French and he's the clear best for the job, but you can't hire him. That's got to be the most frustrating thing. I don't care if the coach spoke only Russian. If he's the best coach?
Some (in the media) get fired up and talk about it. I think Cunney took the job as kind of a puppet. I don't think he had carte blanche to do whatever he wanted to do.
I think the hard part for us as players is that we had a coaching change, but nothing changed. Gomer was excited: "Now we're going to play!" That's what you need, you have a coaching change and you go from the doghouse to a new life. Guys who weren't in the doghouse say, "I have to prove myself." That's why you get a jump and everyone kind of picks up their game. But for whatever reason, Cunney said, "I believe in the system, let's go with the system." I like Cunney, I think he's great. I just don't know if he got to (call his own shots).
Cunney was very good about it and we joked around some. I guess I don't understand it because I'm not French. Maybe if I was I'd have more (stake) in it. But I just want to win. If we'd started winning, it wouldn't have been a big deal.
A lot of fans in Montreal would love to have you back…
(Laughs) But the sad part is, they're telling me, "Can you come back as a coach?" I'm thinking, "Can I play a few more years?" I think (about coaching), yeah, but not now. I'd like to give playing a few more cracks.
I had a good exit meeting in Nashville. We're going to try to work something out. It's hard to compare Nashville to anything I've been a part of: Toronto, Boston, Pittsburgh, Montreal. In Nashville, if you make a turnover and cost a goal, you're not afraid of the boos. You really have to be awful to be noticed. You can just go out there and play. It's great but I don't know how long you'd last before you'd get complacent.
The great part about playing in Montreal is you have a Tuesday night game against Columbus and in the streets you hear, "Do you think (Rick) Nash is going to be traded?" There's a story for everything. A Tuesday Predators game against Carolina in Nashville, no one's going to be talking about it.
But it was fun, different, to go from the pressure-cooker of Montreal to just going out there to play, and make plays.
Are you expecting to talk contract with the Predators before the July 1 UFA period kicks in?
I think we'll talk more coming up, I'd like to hear what (Poile) has to say. Right now they're thinking about (UFA defenceman Ryan) Suter. If they don't get Suter, it's going to be a different ball game. If they lock him up, I think everything falls into place. I think that's kinda what they're looking at.
You've adopted Montreal as much as Montreal adopted you. Will it be hard to pack up in mid-June and move, or have you been doing this often enough during your career to just get on with it, without emotion?
Anne and I and the kids love it here. I came up here saying, "I'll go play with the Habs, make some money, do my job, keep quiet and stay under the radar." That was my whole plan. My wife laughed at me. I could never do that.
The trade (to Nashville) was hard because (the Canadiens) weren't yet out of the playoffs and I wanted to make it. No one wants to leave. You make the best of it when it happens. You can't control it. Just before I was traded, I felt, "We can do this, we put a few wins together." That was tough.
I think my 7-year-old is eventually going to be crushed. Once we move, it's going to hit her. Right now she says, "My first choice is to stay in Montreal, my second and third are New York or L.A. – or anywhere with a beach." For me, just as long as we're together because it was hard being away from my family for that long.
Both kids are speaking French (Isabelle is 7, Sophie is 4). And Talon (the couple's 7-month-old son) is a monster. He's huge. He's a beast. And he's such a guy, too. At six months old, he was wearing clothes for a 12-month-old. (Mischievous expression) Gio sent me a picture of the two of them together and I thought it was funny they were the same size. (Laughs) I was going to tweet the picture that but I thought it was inappropriate. You've got to be careful on Twitter. It can come back and bite you.
Well, you do have fun on Twitter as @Skillsy75, having lurked for awhile under an alias…
I retweeted one that said, "Women say childbirth is the most painful thing… obviously they have never stepped on a Lego." I thought it was the funniest thing but I had a bunch of people telling me, 'How dare you say that…" I mean, it's a joke.
Carey Price finally joined Twitter this week and his first tweet was to the effect that you drink wine coolers. Not today, obviously, since we're drinking beer. But presumably, the wine-cooler crack was an insult. What's up with that?
(Laughs) I still don't know what that was all about. But did you like my #bartlesandjames hashtag? Do they even make wine coolers? … Carey gets kinda passionate about things, I can see him (as @CP0031) saying, "You guys should just (expletive)…"
Then you have people saying things back to you and you're thinking, "This is the worst thing ever." It stings. But then you look and the guy has two followers.
Twitter is how I get all my news. I don't think there's a faster news source: USA Today, Wall Street Journal, Rolling Stone magazine. You can read more if you want. I can follow (TSN's) Bob McKenzie and he'll probably know I've been traded before I do.
As not, well, the fastest skater in the NHL, what inspired the photo you took in mid-May and tweeted of yourself standing among traffic pylons on a Montreal street, with the caption, "I'm the highest paid one!"?
(Laughs again) Anne knew what I had in mind. She just said, "You're an idiot," and took the picture on my iPhone. I thought it was kinda fitting, me among the pylons.
Are you surprised the Canadiens went their entire centennial year, your first season here, without a captain?
No. The whole captain/alternate thing is just for the fans. (I suggest to Gill it's largely symbolic and he agrees.) We followed Gio because of his presence on the ice. He's not a guy who says much, but when you see him go to the net, take a crosscheck then get up and go at it again, that's why you follow him.
You're still nicely recognized on the streets of Montreal.
They're really good. If you stop and take a picture, you can be there forever. But if you just say hi, people have been great. My daughters don't like it too much. We go and get ice cream and I do 20 minutes of signing.
My 7-year-old's quote last year was, "I can't wait to go (home to) Boston where no one cares about you." Thanks, hon. But it's so true. Boston people ask me, "What are you doing nowadays? You played for the Bruins, right? What are you doing now?" Last summer I said, "I played for Montreal, remember we played seven games against the Bruins?" And they said, "Oh really, you were out there?" In Boston, if you don't play for the Bruins, you're dead.
Your pal Josh Gorges led the NHL in blocked shots this season. Did you coach him on that?
Georgie got really good at it. I tried to tell him earlier in the year, "Don't try to block a shot, be in a position so they don't shoot." That's ideally what you're supposed to be doing. But he got really good. What he's really good at and what we did on the penalty-kill is we'd have a guy pressuring so the opponent would have to shoot a wrister. We wouldn't give up a slapper, so as soon as the wrister goes through we'd block it. You can try to block slap shots but it's a lot harder. Georgie got really good at finding a way to get in front. Good for him because he's not a big guy, he can't take a guy and move him.
Did you see Carey Price mature during your time here?
Yes. Pricey is good. He's a different guy. It's hard in Montreal. You go out somewhere, and I've been out with him, and people are taking pictures and video, and you're thinking, "This is ridiculous." Everyone wants to buy him a shot. He'll accept one, be a nice guy and talk to them, then someone else wants to buy him a drink. He's out a little late, then (the media or others online) give him (crap) for being out late.
It's the same for P.K. Everyone loves him, everyone wants to party. Then they say, "P.K. was out late last night, he shouldn't have been." Every time you go out in Montreal, it's the best night out.
Carey was over that when I got here in 2009. But after everyone turned on him that season and when (goalie Jaroslav) Halak was the end all, be all, the best thing ever, I said to Carey, "You must be excited to get out of here," and he said, "No, I really want to make it work." He wanted to stay after all that? I don't know, he was stronger than I would have been. I'd have been, "I'm getting out of here, I can't wait to go somewhere else." He was awesome, I liked playing for him.
(In a text message to HIO, Price hailed Gill as "the favourite teammate" he's had in hockey.)
What about P.K.? You were a major influence on him on the ice and in the dressing room and are best placed to comment on his game.
The frustrating part is I wanted to play with P.K., that's why I signed (last summer) for another year. But Jacques wanted to switch it up.
Can a veteran, a Stanley Cup winner like yourself, not discuss this with his coach?
Communication wasn't Jacques's strength. He's a great guy but he's quiet. You could talk to him but he was rigid in his ways. It would be, "I'll listen to you but I'm the coach and this is what I'm going to do." Some guys now, newer coaches, want to hear what you're thinking. When I went to Nashville, the coaches were talking to me: "What are you thinking? What do you want to do? Do you like playing with this guy or that guy?" There was a lot more communication.
So back to P.K.?
I really wanted to play with P.K. The problem was with P.K. is that everyone wanted to fix him. P.K. is P.K. You don't fix him. You have to just keep him focused and on the ball. That's why I thought I had a good relationship with him – we're going up the ice and I'm yelling at him to go, yelling at him. And he's like, "Oh yeah, okay…"
We had Randy Ladouceur and Perry Pearn coaching him and I was his partner. I think it was a lot. I told P.K., "There's a lot of people all over you. If you want to talk, come and talk to me. If I see something on the ice, I'll tell you, but I'm not going to bother you."
I thought he was awesome, I'd talk to him a lot. In the Buffalo airport, as I was leaving for Detroit after the trade, he called me and talked to me for five minutes. He's a really good kid. He just needs to play the game. That's all it is.
He's got to learn to focus. He's so gifted, he just kinda goes and does his thing, that's what he's always done. He goes out there – "It's my turn? I'm going to jump on the ice and be awesome." Just focus. He's a young kid. When you first get to the NHL, you're thinking, "It's my first year, I'm going to be awesome." Your second year comes around and it's, "I'm awesome, I'm just going to do what I do." Well, it doesn't work that way.
Was the situation with Andrei Kostitsyn and Alexander Radulov in Nashville blown out of proportion – breaking curfew during the playoffs?
I think it was. They made a mistake, they paid a price. But the problem was it was a distraction. Those are the things you don't need.
Agree or disagree with the team's decision to suspend and sit them for a second game?
Agree. But luckily, I don't have to make decisions like that.
A lot is made of the media around the Canadiens, turning over every rock for the scoop. You've played in Toronto and Boston, Original Six hockey cities and hot hockey markets. Any way to compare?
There's so much media in Montreal that you kind of forget about it. Toronto was crazy but in Montreal, there's a feeling of celebrity more than just hockey. Carey Price is a celebrity. If Brad Pitt and Carey Price are standing there, I think people are going to Carey. Toronto is similar in some ways, but there's a lot more going on (in sports). Here, there's a lot of "what are players doing off the ice?"
I'm not pretty to watch, I get that. I understand when fans want to see someone make a saucer pass or score a goal. But I was really impressed in Montreal the way people said about me, "No, that's not what he does. Watch, he'll make a pokecheck."
In Toronto, I had the best year of my career, a bunch of points, but I was doing everything they really didn't care for. I'd do a full two minutes on the PK, doing everything, and they were just like, "He's not good."
I come to Montreal and I'm like, "I hope they don't boo me out of here, as they can." It was kinda nice that they got on my good side and saw what I could do well.
Is there an anxiety now, sitting and waiting for an offer from the Predators, or from someone else after July 1?
Let's talk about friendships. Players you get thrown into a bunch of friends and you slowly meet people away from the rink. My wife is part of so many moms' groups and we still have friends from Pittsburgh and Toronto. You meet new people wherever you go. We'll always have those friends in those cities, as we will in Montreal, and we'll look them up next time we're there.
We'll put our stuff in storage, move down to our new home in Boston and wait to see. I'm anxious. I'm used to it now, it's kinda like sit and wait, there's nothing you can do about it.
In the event of a lockout, or the phone not ringing come July 1, do you have a Plan B for the future?
The labour's the big thing. I don't know. It doesn't look… I don't really know what both side are going to go for. I can't imagine missing a year, that's a tough hit. Phoenix has just got on board, L.A.'s in the Cup final… to miss a year after all that buzz would be a shame.
Anne is going to eventually work. She wants to open a store, she's making a bag right now, just starting out. She's like to do something like that. That's the hard part for her. When I was in Boston she wanted to open a store but she couldn't do it, I was gone so much. That's the hardest thing for her – arranging our kids' lives, schools and so on. All I have to do is show up at the rink. I have a bunch of friends I play hockey with.
An enduring memory of Montreal, as you start packing up? And is there a lot of Habs memorabilia to pack?
No, I'm not a collectibles guy. I don't collect anything. I have my 1,000th game stick from the Canadiens. My wife wants that more than I do.
For my 1,000th game, Geoff Molson made labels for Molson Export bottles with my picture on them. I've got a case. I think there were two cases but we had a party after. I thought that was pretty cool.
There are a lot of memories. Making the (2010) playoff run. Some people said we played over our heads. That's what makes you laugh. In order to win, you have to play over your head. At some point you have to do something. New Jersey's Stephen Gionta – he's playing over his head. But that's how you win.
New Jersey is surprising me but that's why they're winning. They have depth. It's doing it when it matters. You expect Zach Parise to be there, but I won (the 2009 Stanley Cup) with the Penguins, and we had Malkin, Staal and Crosby. Then Max Talbot scores two goals in Game 7 and we win it.
You told me before the 2009-10 season began that you hadn't sat down to watch Game 7 and the Penguins' Stanley Cup victory. Have you done so yet?
No. I'll watch it when I'm done. I just don't care to now. Why should I?
Some guys are big on their own stats. They can catalogue their goals like they'd know a birthday. Can you?
(Laughs) No, but I should (with 36 goals in 1,070 career games). I'm not a stats guy. Someone told me that in (Nashville's) Game 5 against Phoenix, we outchanced them 24-10. I tweeted that stats are for losers. Go ask whoever wins the Cup this year – ask one of the players what their stats were and they'll have no idea. But ask the losers and they'll tell you all their stats. Here's the only stat that matters: 16 wins.
Well, you're going to keep playing until you score one in the postseason, right? You're 0-for-110 games…
(With a straight face) I shoot wide just so I can always have that. I want that record. "Damn, that almost went in…" Hey, it would be nice to score, but only if it helps us win.
Follow Stubbs on Twitter: @Dave_Stubbs
• Below, courtesy Anne Gill and @Skillsy75 on Twitter: Hal Gill's legendary tweet, photo taken in mid-May on Montreal's Laurier Ave.


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Microsoft patches five critical flaws
Page Tools
Microsoft Corporation has released five security bulletins to fix flaws that could allow an attacker to take complete control of someone else's computer system.
The security flaws rated "critical" - Microsoft's highest threat level - affect the company's Windows computer operating system, Internet Explorer browser, MSN Messenger, Microsoft Word software and Exchange server system.
The software maker also released three other patches today to fix Windows flaws that carry less of a security threat.
But the company said those "important" bulletins also could allow a malicious user to take control of another person's computer.
All the flaws affect computers with operating systems dating back to Windows 98. Users who have installed Microsoft's massive security update for Windows XP, Service Pack 2, also will need to install some patches.
Copyright © 2005 Associated Press. All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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Socialist studies: Left, left, left ...
A new shocking report on social studies "professionals" using classrooms as leftist indoctrination centers should prompt parents and taxpayers to reassert local control over public education.
Mary Grabar, writing for America's Survival Inc., recounts what she witnessed at the National Council for the Social Studies' 2009 annual meeting. Ms. Grabar -- whose parents escaped communist Yugoslavia when she was 2, holds a doctorate in English and teaches part-time -- found only negative views of the U.S. and the West.
Patriotism was absent from sessions and speeches urging that students:
• Become "global citizens" committed to "social justice"
• Sympathize with illegal aliens
• Do the bidding of such government agencies as the U.S. Census Bureau and such liberal outlets as National Public Radio
• Work in groups, play with puppets, sing songs and do multimedia projects instead of thinking and writing.
That's just the tip of this iceberg listing hard to the left. The public must scan schools' curricular horizons and demand course corrections for "education" that properly should be called socialist studies.
(The full report, "Indoctrination without Apology: Social Studies Teachers Share Strategies on How to Mold Students," is available at usasurvival.org.)


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Install Beats Audio On Your Any Android Device
HTC devices are equipped with Beats Audio to improve music experience. Now thanks to XDA Developer RockoDev, who has released a method to flash Beats Audio on some other Android device, developer said that it may work on all Android device that are running Android 2.3 Gingerbread or above, however it has been tested on Samsung Galaxy S2, Motorola Photon 4G, Motorola RAZR, Motorola Atrix, and Motorola XOOM.
If you're interested follow below guide to install it, but keep in mind that your device must be rooted with ClockworkMod recovery installed its battery should be charged. Please make a backup of your device data, you can use this app to backup and some user said that it doesn't work on all device and the below method is bit risky and we will not be held responsible if you lose data or your device gets damaged in the following of this guide so please proceed at your own risk.
Step #1: If you own Galaxy S2 or any other Samsung device download this package to PC and if you own any other Android device download this package to your device.
Step #2: Connect the device to PC via USB cable and copy the Beats Audio package to the phone's SD card, please don't place it in a folder.
Step #3: Disconnect the device from PC and turn it off.
Step #4: Reboot the device into recovery mode, in recovery mode make a nandroid backup of your ROM.
Step #5: Now go back to the main recovery menu and select "Install zip from sd card" after that choose "select zip from sd card" and select the Beats Audio package. Confirm the action to begin flashing the files on your phone.
That's it, once the installation done, just go back to the main menu and reboot your Android device. After that if you need help you can visit the official thread of XDA here for queries and don't forget to comment below.
via: androidauthority


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Morning Joe: In Off-Record Briefing, White House Was 'Extraordinarily Confident' About Obamacare Rollout
So, were they lying, or merely clueless?
On today's Morning Joe, Joe Scarborough disclosed that in off-the-record briefings prior to the rollout of the Obamacare website, Obama administration officials were "extraordinarily confident" of success. They displayed a site that Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski said looked "great," "very user friendly" and "very simple." View the video after the jump.
So which is it? Were the White House officials: a. lying, or b. did they not know what a disaster was brewing? I'd almost be tempted to go with 'b,' since it would have been colossally stupid and counterproductive to build expections for this wreck of a rollout. Then again, this is the same Obama administration that sent out Susan Rice to tell the world that an obscure, fourth-rate video was to blame for the murder of four Americans in Benghazi.
CHUCK TODD: A lot of us reporters were given various briefings. I guess some of these people were whistling past the graveyard that were doing these presentations to us in various ways. I think some of the folks around the table there got some of these presentations. It seemed that, they made it seem --
JOE SCARBOROUGH: They made it look real pretty, and user-friendly.
TODD: That's right. They made it seem that they knew all the potential problems that they were going face whether it was traffic or all this.
SCARBOROUGH: Chuck, and Mika will tell you, a lot of it was off the record, but Mika will tell you that I, for five minutes, very politely, said you do understand, you do understand that everybody is going to expect some glitches. But you all are ready? You have done everything you need to do to be ready because if you screw up this launch it's going to be a horrible, horrible story for you for a long time. Chuck, Mika, we were pretty blunt weren't we and they were 100% a-okay, right?
MIKA BRZEZINSKI: I thought it looked great.
SCARBOROUGH: Looked pretty. Very user friendly. Very simple.
BRZEZINSKI: I think if they can fix it it will be a great. [Ed.: limitless, free energy would be great, too!]
SCARBOROUGH: But it's not like there weren't other people like me telling them as they were talking and asked questions and they were saying, you know, you either get this thing up and running pretty quickly or it's going to be a political mess for you. They were extraordinarily confident that it would be working.


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Early in the cold weather we returned to Benares, and resumed our work there.
He was born in Benares in 1803, and educated at Norwich, England.
That 6th of July, 1857, at Benares can never be obliterated from the memory of any one who was there.
Benares is sacred because here Buddha first made his residence.
Mr. Hastings had a public spy, in the person of the Resident, at Benares, and he had a private spy there in another person.
Benares has been and still continues to be the centre of our Sanskrit culture.
Think you that they entertained the same consideration for the bulls and the monkeys at Benares as the British now entertain?
And Benares is so important that I must give more than a paragraph to my impressions of it.
And those two brothers went in a moment with that fair-eyed one to Benares, travelling through the air.
Most of the temples in Benares, too, are as far from cleanliness as they are from godliness.


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This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/).
We have previously shown that ribosomal protein L3 is required for pokeweed antiviral protein (PAP), a type I ribosome inactivating protein, to bind to ribosomes and depurinate the α-sarcin/ricin loop (SRL) in yeast. Co-expression of the
Pokeweed antiviral protein (PAP), isolated from the leaves of pokeweed plants (
PAP and the active site mutant PAPE167V expression plasmids were described previously [
Yeast cells were sampled at 0, 4, 6, and 10 h post induction with galactose. A 10-fold serial dilution of cells was plated onto selective medium containing 2% glucose using 15 μL of cells at 0.1
Total protein was extracted from yeast as described [
Ribosomal RNA depurination was assayed by a dual primer extension assay as previously described [
Total yeast RNA was isolated by the hot-phenol method as described [
PAP protein was isolated from yeast cells transformed with PAP and PAP/L3Δ99 as described [
A BIAcore 3000 SPR-based biosensor system (Biacore/GE Healthcare, Little Chalfont, Buckinghamshire, UK) was used to measure the kinetics of the interaction between PAP as the analyte and the yeast L3Δ21 peptide as the ligand. The yeast L3Δ21 peptide was synthesized by IDT Inc. (Coralville, IA, USA) with
The membrane and cytosolic fractions of yeast cells expressing PAP and PAP/L3Δ99V5 were used as substrates for co-immunoprecipitation with the polyclonal antibody against PAP based on protocols previously described [
PAP was placed under the regulation of the
We have previously shown that PAP mRNA levels decrease as PAP protein accumulates in yeast [
Immunoblot analysis of total yeast lysate using PAP-specific antibody showed that PAP protein level was elevated in yeast co-transformed with PAP/L3Δ99 (
Analysis of PAP expression and ribosome depurination in yeast cells co-transformed with PAP and L3Δ99. (
The reduction in PAP cytotoxicity in yeast co-transformed with PAP/L3Δ99 prompted us to investigate the interaction between PAP and L3Δ99. To examine the level of L3Δ99 expression, L3Δ99 was cloned into pYES3.1/V5/His vector (Life Technologies, Grand Island, NY, USA) which contains the V5 epitope (L3Δ99V5). L3Δ99V5 was co-transformed into yeast with PAP (PAP/L3Δ99V5). Since the
Alignment of the
Viability analysis of yeast cells expressing PAP, PAP/L3Δ99V5, PAP/L3Δ21V5 or harboring the empty vector. Cells were induced in liquid SD medium containing galactose for the hours indicated, and serial dilutions were plated on non-inducing SD plates containing glucose.
To determine if L3Δ reduces the cytotoxicity of PAP by affecting PAP expression, real-time PCR analysis was conducted using total RNA isolated from yeast cells singly or doubly transformed with PAP and L3Δ at 6 hpi. As shown in
Real-time PCR analysis showed that the steady-state level of L3Δ99 mRNA in yeast transformed with L3Δ99V5 alone was 3-fold higher than in yeast co-transformed with PAP/L3Δ99V5 (
Real-time PCR analysis of PAP mRNA (
We have shown that PAP protein expression was elevated in in yeast co-transformed with PAP/L3Δ99 (
The alteration in PAP and L3Δ mRNA and proteins levels in yeast co-transformed with PAP and L3Δ suggested that PAP may interact with L3Δ. To determine if PAP interacts with L3Δ21 peptide, we used surface plasmon resonance (SPR) with a Biacore 3000. Biotinylated yeast L3Δ21 peptide was immobilized on a Biacore SA sensor chip and PAP was passed over the chip as the analyte. PAP bound to L3Δ21 in a 1:1 interaction model with a
Immunoblot analysis of PAP and L3Δ protein in total extracts of yeast expressing PAP, PAP/L3Δ99V5, L3Δ99V5, PAP/L3Δ21V5 and L3Δ21V5. Total protein (15 μg) was separated on a 12% SDS-PAGE and transferred to nitrocellulose. The blot was initially probed with anti-V5 monoclonal antibody (1:5000) for the expression of L3Δ99V5 and L3Δ21V5 and then probed with PAP antibody (1:2000) after stripping. The membrane was then probed with G6PD monoclonal antibody (1:5000) for equal loading. Standard (sd.) denotes 100 ng of purified PAP from pokeweed plants (gift of Dr. Jim Irvin).
Biacore analysis of the interaction between PAP and biotinylated L3Δ21 peptide. Biotinylated L3Δ21peptide was immobilized onto the surface of a SA sensor chip. Recombinant PAP was passed over the flow cells at 103, 94, 75 and 45 pM using a Biacore 3000. The kinetic data was analyzed by the evaluation software (BIAevaluation version 4.0).
To determine if PAP interacted with L3Δ in yeast cells, we isolated the membrane and cytosolic fractions from yeast transformed with PAP or L3Δ99V5 alone, and from yeast co-transformed with PAP and L3Δ99V5 after induction for 4, 6, 10 and 24 h. Immunoblot analysis showed that both the precursor and the mature forms of PAP were present in the membrane fraction in yeast transformed with PAP at 4 h and 6 h post induction (
Immunoblot analysis of PAP and L3Δ99V5 protein in the membrane and cytosolic fractions of yeast cells expressing PAP, PAP/L3Δ99V5 and L3Δ99V5. Total protein (15 μg) was separated on a 12% SDS-PAGE and transferred to nitrocellulose. The blots were initially probed with PAP antibody (1:2000) or anti-V5 monoclonal antibody (1:5000). After stripping, the membranes were probed with anti-Dpm1 monoclonal antibody for membrane-specific protein expression, or with anti-Pgk1 monoclonal antibody for cytosolic-specific protein expression. Standard (sd.) denotes 100 ng of purified PAP from pokeweed plants (gift of Dr. Jim Irvin).
To determine if PAP interacts with L3Δ99V5, we used co-immunoprecipitation analysis with the ER membrane and cytosolic fractions of yeast cells co-transformed with PAP/L3Δ99V5. As shown in
Co-immunoprecipitation of PAP with L3Δ99V5. Membrane and cytosolic fractions from yeast cells transformed with PAP and PAP/L3Δ99V5 were immunoprecipitated with PAP antibody at 6 h post induction and separated on a 12% SDS-PAGE, transferred to nitrocellulose and probed with anti-V5 monoclonal antibody (1:5000) and then re-probed with PAP antibody (1:2000). Standard (sd.) denotes 50 ng of purified PAP from pokeweed plants (gift of Dr. Jim Irvin).
Although RIPs have the same specificity for the adenine in the SRL of the large rRNA subunit, they show different activity against ribosomes of different species. PAP is shown to be active equally on ribosomes from all five kingdoms, while ricin is much more active on rat liver ribosomes than on plant ribosomes [
In this study, we used the yeast model to further investigate the interaction between PAP and L3Δ99. We show that when PAP and L3Δ99 are co-expressed in yeast cells, the cytotoxicity of PAP is reduced (
Immunoblot analysis of the membrane and the cytosolic fractions of yeast cells transformed with PAP, L3Δ99V5 and PAP/L3Δ99V5 indicated that the subcellular distribution of PAP and L3Δ99V5 in the membrane and cytosol fractions was altered in co-transformed yeast cells (
We show here that co-expression of PAP with a 21 residue peptide corresponding to the first 21 amino acids of L3 inhibits depurination of the SRL and the cytotoxicity of PAP. Co-expression of PAP and L3Δ21 in yeast results in alteration of PAP and L3Δ21 mRNA and protein levels. PAP binds to L3Δ21 peptide, suggesting that the interaction between PAP and L3Δ21 prevents depurination of the SRL and reduces the cytotoxicity of PAP. In future studies mutagenesis can be carried out to identify the residues in L3Δ21 critical for its interaction with PAP.
This work was supported by National Science Foundation grants MCB-0348299 and MCB-0130531 to Nilgun E. Tumer.
Rong Di and Nilgun E. Tumer contributed to the ideas of the project. Rong Di carried out the research experiments. Rong Di wrote the paper and Nilgun E. Tumer revised the paper.
The authors declare no conflict of interest.


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The T-Mobile Prism is now on sale at Wirefly for an unbelievable price!
Powered by Android 2.3 Gingerbread and featuring a 3.5-inch touch screen with a virtual QWERTY keyboard and Swype, the T-Mobile Prism smartphone lets you easily surf the Web, access your favorite social networking sites, and choose from thousands of applications to download from Google Play. The T-Mobile Prism also makes it simple to capture and share photos and videos via the 3.2-megapixel camera with digital zoom and video recorder. With the T-Mobile Prism, you can sync multiple email accounts, including Microsoft Exchange, Google calendar and contacts, T-Mobile contacts, and more.
Available in charcoal grey and red, the T-Mobile Prism offers you all of the benefits of a smartphone at a very non-smartphone price!!


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October 8, 2012
WAUKESHA, WIS.— Milwaukee-area artists were encouraged to create works inspired by the Menomonee Valley for the third annual "Beyond the Canvas" event presented by Milwaukee Artist Resource Network (MARN). Philip Krejcarek, professor of art at Carroll University, is one of more than 60 artists participating in this nontraditional plein air event. He will show two photographs of the Zimmerman Architectural Studio from Oct. 19-26, 2012, at the Pedal Milwaukee Building, 3618 W. Pierce St.A closing celebration will be Friday, Oct. 26, from 5-9 p.m. This free event will feature an awards ceremony for the artists, a silent auction, local food and beverages, and live Jazz by Vivo. The artwork will be juried in five categories: Traditional (oils, acrylics, watercolors, pastels, charcoal, pencil), Time-Based Media, Photography/Digital, Printmaking and Sculpture/Assemblage. Prizes will be awarded at both the established and emerging levels.Additional events during the weeklong series will be a Gallery Night opening, "Lunch and Learn" instructional sessions, painting demonstrations and the closing reception. For more information, visit https://www.artsinmilwaukee.org/special_events/beyond_the_canvas.php
Contact: Jess Owens 262-951-3104
<< Return to view more news releases


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UV-Protecting Hair ProductsYou may be diligent about keeping your face protected with SPF 30 sunscreen each and every day, but what about your hair? Your locks might not burn the way your nose does, but they're just as prone to sun-induced burning, drying, and damage that can leave them looking wrecked and ravaged. To keep your strands silky and shining, make a product with UV protection part of your regular hair routine—no big, floppy hat required.
Fekkai Advanced Salon Technician Color Care Shampoo
1 / 9
Color-treated hair is at even greater risk of drying out in the sunshine. This shampoo contains avocado oil to keep tresses soft and hydrated, and an antifade color complex containing galanga root extract that protects against new UV damage. ($25, sleekhair.com)
Bumble and Bumble Color-Minded UV Protective Styling Balm
2 / 9
This balm contains a UV filter and a "proprietary two-polymer technology that covalently binds to and cross-links over color-treated hair" to keep color-treated hair in shape. Uh, OK. Basically, the stuff helps heal color-treated hair damaged during the dying process and provides extra protection when using heat styling tools or catching rays. Works for us.
MOP Modern Organic Products Defining Cream
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This everyday styling cream defines curls and prevents them from becoming frizzy or dry. ($14, sleekhair.com)
Nexxus Mousse Plus Volumizing Foam Styler
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This alcohol-free mouse is light and airy, disappearing quickly into the hair for light hold and lots of shine. Nexxus's time-release technology keeps hair soft, conditioned, and protected from the sun all day long.
Neutrogena Triple Moisture Silk Touch Leave-In Hair Cream
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This leave-in conditioner contains filters that protect against both UV damage and heat damage. It's perfect for those who need only light-hold styling, and it never gets sticky or flaky.
Warren-Tricomi Protect Finishing Cream
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This lightweight cream protects against UV rays, chlorine and other chemicals, salt, mineral deposits, and other environmental hair antagonizers, but won't leave your locks heavy or greasy.
Nioxin Bionutrient Actives Scalp Treatment System
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Fine or thinning hair can grow back thicker and stronger after treatment with this serum, which prevents the buildup of hair-inhibiting chemicals and residue while providing UV protection. ($8.95, Amazon.com)
Pureology Root Lift Spray Mousse
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The innovative spray formula delivers lightweight hold without weighing hair down with too much product, and it contains UV inhibitors and antioxidants to defend color.
Alterna Bamboo UV+ Color Protection Fade-Proof Fluide
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This serum's healing powers come from its combo of organic bamboo extract and color-locking Kalahari Melon extract, which will protect and extend the life of your color.


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Gothenburg, Sweden — Deliberations have begun in the trial of a Swedish woman who is accused of using human bones as sex toys.
The 37-year-old was released Friday as deliberations began in Gothenburg District Court. The woman was charged with violating the peace of the dead, and a verdict is expected December 17.
Prosecutor Kristina Ehrenborg-Staffas said, "It's in no way remarkable that she has been released."
Investigators said they found 13 teeth, 15 skulls, and 397 bones, all from humans, were found in the woman's home in September.
The woman's defense lawyers argued that the prosecutor's witness testimony was unreliable.
"Witness testimony about sexual activities with the skeleton parts is based on secondhand information which have been shown to be nothing more than drunken rants," defense attorney Annika Stanislaus said. "Our understanding is that the whole prosecution has tried to show my client as an immoral and horrible person."
In her closing arguments, Ehrenborg-Staffas said, "She has been a necrophile for many years and this is really about a sex crime." She has called for the woman to be jailed.
A preliminary psychiatric investigation found that the woman doesn't suffer from any mental illness.
If found guilty, she faces a maximum of two years in prison.
The prosecution was unable to explain how the woman was able to collect almost an entire human skeleton.
The woman, whose identity has not been revealed, said she hasn't done anything illegal. She admitted to having the bones, but said she collected them out of a "historical and archaeological interest."


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Once he met her full in the face, upon the perron of the Cathedral of St. Marie.
Peace was duly proclaimed at the perron in the market-place of Lige.
He sprinkled the perron from the golden basin which hung from the oak that shaded it, and beheld all the marvels.
Jeremiah, from the perron of the temple, summons Israel to set out.
The Duke of Mantua once observed to the celebrated perron, that the court-jester was a fellow without either wit or humour.
Far from being pressé, friend perron, I have an eternity at your service.
Presently I recollected the situation, and turned to leave the perron.
The garden was laid out elaborately with a perron and many raised seats.
perron, a stout, middle-aged figure, is seated in front of his watchmaker's establishment near the Place St. Sulpice.
He hastened down the steps of the perron, and calling to his chamberlain, came with what speed he might to the nave.


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hi daniel,
thanks for replaying but that is not what i was talking about. what you mean is volume and that is not the same RMS . it's more like the perceived loudness in a track.. (google for 'loudness war')i've asked about this because generally the rms levels in say pop music are very diff then in classical etc.. so i wondered if audiojungle could give any guidelines on that.. but the whole loudness war thingy is a bit tricky anyway..
Loudness is how much you compress your music and there is no other guideline then that it's related to the genre of sound you are making.
And BTW , why does the UK play without a keeper ?Trick question?: There is no UK team in the World Cup
UK = GB = Whatever
I think Australia was just playing in their noses
Oh man, i was praying for a miracle that the Aussies will beat the Krauts, but i dont know what they where doing out there …..
And BTW , why does the UK play without a keeper ?
Thanks guys … now its just gone … everything is back to normal – cloudy and light showers – lets get back to work
Keep in mind, the countries with rainy and snowy weather brings out the most creative work Or is it just a myth ?
hi there..
was wondering.. what do you all use as average rms levels? is there a guideline for it?
btw, in case you are interested, there is a nice free RMS meter for windows and osx here:
I think you're speaking about the level of your finished / mastered audiofile, right ? The peaks should never exceed 0db or it will result in a audible cliping. In modern music for airplays etc. the idea is to keep the levels at around 0db as long as possible without loosing the dynamic of the track completely. Therefore you should try to work with compressors and limiters, check the web ( audiotuts for example ) for some detailed infos about that.
Have fun Daniel
Hey guys! Found this vid today, which is really cool! But whats that for a style? Is something avaliable here? Sounds cool for video editing!
Hello Matthias
Maybe you remember me, we spoke the other day about creating a 3D modeling of my Cube logo in exchange for a soundtrack So, if you would be still up for it, im ready to do a track like the one in the video for you
Otherwise as Danielku allready said, check out the Ambient-Chill section on AJ and you will find some nice stuff there.
Have a good day
Yup, helpfull idea from a loyal buyer
Hello Scott
I uploaded a few tracks to be used as corporate intro or similar, where i included only the title / logo appearance sound fx as single files. This is something realy usefull if the customer is able to place the sounds fx where they are needed. Those where just single shots of aprox. 1 second length and maybe 3 or 4 of them.
Thanks, and have a good day Scott
"Construction Kits" consisting of extra audio elements to allow the customer to "build" their own track are now NOT allowed.
Hello Scott
I realy dont want to argue about Envato's guidelines, but i dont see the positive side of this restriction ( exept server space saving ). My best sold files are exactly the ones which gives the user as much flexibility as ever possible.
Maybe you could explain ( other reasons then the upcoming changes for the resource files section ) a bit more why this is no longer allowed.
Thanks and have a nice afternoon. Daniel
Well, i give it a try as well Check out my Portofilio if you like. Good Luck


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§13-2H-11. Exemption from taxation.
The lottery revenue bonds issued pursuant to this article and the income therefrom are exempt from all taxation by the State of West Virginia, or by any county, school district, municipality or political subdivision thereof, except inheritance, estate and transfer taxes; and the real and personal property which a county commission, a municipality or board of education may acquire pursuant to the provisions of this article shall be exempt from taxation by the state, or any county, municipality or other levying body, as public property, so long as the same is owned by such county, municipality or board of education.


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Rare birds are doing well in Britain, with most of them increasing in number over the past 10 years, according to a new report.
The skylark and kestrel are among the birds helped by conservation projects.
Five types including the osprey and white tailed eagle had become extinct in the UK. They have now been successfully reintroduced.
But most of Britain's common types of bird like the starling, nightingale and cuckoo are going down in number.
This is happening for a number of reasons including farming and changes to the land where the birds live.
Bird expert Dr David Noble says: "What we need to do now is to continue the good work and use some of the lessons we have learned to help our more common birds."
The research has been done by conservation groups.


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Stolen GlassesBy Lucy McKeon
Click to enlarge individual panels.
Click to enlarge individual panels.
In 2006, a leading Moscow publisher issued Texts Published Without the Permission of the Author, comprised of the works of a well-known Russian poet. Rather than a lawsuit, the book resulted in a literary symposium, accompanied by a debate about the nature of copyright and, finally, the first translation of Kirill Medvedev's works into English. In December 2012, It's No Good: poems/essays/actions—a compilation of the thirty-seven-year-old poet-activist's work—was published, indeed, technically without the permission of the author, by n+1 and Ugly Duckling Presse.
Medvedev, a controversial figure in the contemporary Russian poetry scene, stopped publishing in 2003. He would continue to release poetry, essays, and calls to political action on his Web site, LiveJournal, and Facebook page. But he renounced all rights to his own work. "I have no copyright to my texts," he wrote in Manifesto on Copyright, "and cannot have any such right." He became more deeply involved in leftist activism. Some thought him washed up, a has-been, even crazy. Others were angered by what they deemed a gimmick.
Critical of the post-Soviet liberal intelligentsia, makers of the culture who came to dominate an increasingly booming nineties Russia, Medvedev—who was born in Moscow in 1975—and his work issue directly from the tradition he critiques; his father was a well-known post-Soviet journalist. A decisive moment of separation might be found in his abdication of the most basic literary right. Read More
Each Sunday, we would walk down Lexington together, the conversation taking the tempo of our steps: slow, meditative, purposeful. She'd always be in immediate need of a coffee, so we would head for our café. The one on Seventy-something, a fifteen-minute walk from her place. We would never spend too much time in her apartment beforehand. I would go up to get her, maybe sit in her kitchen for five minutes while she got her things together, keys jangling, and we'd leave. I would try to take in the walls of books, visually inhaling the pillows collected over years and continents, and those curtains—thick buttery beige, like icing. Framed photographs from the seventies—the nuclear family—lining the bookcases, soaked in that sunny filter of the era, then sun-soaked again by the morning light.
At the café, we'd speak of her writing, about what she was working on, what movies we'd each recently seen and if they were any good. If we'd spotted any celebrities downtown, we would share what they'd been wearing and she would tell me her dreams. We would sometimes order two scoops of vanilla ice cream to share, and she'd urge me to finish the last bite. If conversation lagged, I might tell her I felt a West Coast phase coming on.
She would read my writing and tell me what was good and what wasn't (she'd never say anything like she "saw great potential" in me—nothing like that, nothing that might threaten eyes to roll). She'd advise me as a professional equal and as a child, which is exactly how I would feel sitting across from her, two times her size and one-third her age, her books overstuffing my backpack.
"You don't think in terms of suddenly making it," she would tell me, remembering when Play It as It Lays first came out. "You think you have some stable talent that will show no matter what you're writing, and if it doesn't seem to be getting across to the audience once, you can't imagine that moment when it suddenly will." I would nod. "Gradually," she'd add, "gradually you gain that confidence."
She wouldn't always be nice to me. She might be in a foul mood and take it out on me a bit, but then she would always be fair. That's how I'd know she was taking me seriously. I would be aware then, I wouldn't have to wait until I was older to recognize, that this acknowledgment, this leveling, was more valuable than anything else.
Her secrets would be my secrets, and mine hers—in so much as people share their secrets. Keepers of private notebooks are a different breed altogether, she'd say knowingly, eyeing the stacks of journals overflowing my lap, lonely and resistant rearrangers of things, anxious malcontents, children afflicted apparently at birth with some presentiment of loss. I would shrug and scribble a note or two.
I'd learn her way of being, how she took up space. How she liked her eggs, where she'd sniff after words and what that meant, which was her favorite linen dress. And I'd learn to sketch maps of her intellectual processes. I suppose she would learn mine as well. She had many friends, of course, so it wouldn't be like I was giving her something to do. She would meet with me for some other reason, one that would never be entirely clear to me. Years later, I would still wonder.
One day in late March, I took some pictures of the crowds of protesters in Union Square, newly arrived from Zuccotti Park. The week before, more than seventy protesters had been arrested, and the Union Square encampment evicted in a fashion many Occupiers described as gratuitously violent. Ramarley Graham had been killed about a month before, and the racially-charged practice of stop-and-frisk was asserting itself into mainstream consciousness. Trayvon Martin was now a household name. And since the previous August, one revelation after another had surfaced about the NYPD's secret Muslim surveillance program. So people gathered on March 24.
Tall, glittery women milled about with signs that proclaimed SOCIAL JUSTICE IS FABULOUS!, at one point posing for a picture with veteran progressives whose cardboard sign read PROTESTING IS NOT A CRIME IT IS A RIGHT!. One man held a white square above his head with red Chinese characters and their English translation in black: PROTECT HUMAN RIGHTS. PEACE FREEDOM DEMOCRACY. A LONG WAY TO GO. A young guy pontificated, a lit, dripping, handmade candle his microphone. A "naughty policewoman" balanced on the toes of her ice skates, legs angled and baton in hand, her sign saying something about police wiping their collective ass with the Constitution. Former Police Captain Ray Lewis promoted the documentary Inside Job, while the Hare Krishnas, gathered in the square as usual, sang and danced in full force.
These pictures, I didn't realize at the time, would be lost. Innocent of their fate, I took photographs that day as most people do, with the idea that this was not a test.
Thirty minutes after leaving Union Square, I arrived at the Jewish Museum, where "The Radical Camera: New York's Photo League, 1936–1951" was on view for its last day in New York City. (The exhibit is currently at the Columbus Museum of Art, Ohio, set to travel to San Francisco and West Palm Beach.) And while the sparse grandeur of Museum Mile was in contrast to the teeming crowd of Union Square, the trajectory felt logical. Read More


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Let Michael Vick go back to work
Let Michael Vick go back to work.
That does not mean I don't think what he did – bankrolling a dog-fighting operation – was reprehensible.
But he paid his debt. His livelihood, as a quarterback in the National Football League, was taken away from him. He spent time in prison.
Now he's out. Yesterday the NFL agreed to allow him to be reinstated, although he likely won't be available until several games into the regular season. But he could sign with a team, go to camp and get ready for the season.
The key question now is whether a team will roll the public relations dice and sign the poster boy for bad behavior by pro athletes.
Maybe not now, but I have no doubt Vick will be back in the league.
Club owners may speak harshly about Vick and how they want no part of him. For now.
Most of them are exactly one crumpled knee – that being attached to their starting quarterback – from singing a different tune.
Expect to see Vick back in the NFL this year.


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by Staff Writers
Edinburgh, UK (SPX) Jun 16, 2014
Reducing deforestation in the tropics would significantly cut the amount of carbon dioxide emitted into the atmosphere - by as much as one-fifth - research shows. In the first study of its kind, scientists have calculated the amount of carbon absorbed by the world's tropical forests and the amounts of greenhouse gas emissions created by loss of trees, as a result of human activity.
They found that tropical forests absorb almost two billion tonnes of carbon each year, equivalent to one-fifth of the world's carbon emissions, by storing it in their bark, leaves and soil.
However, an equivalent amount is lost through logging, clearing of land for grazing, and growing biofuel crops such as palm oil, soya bean and sugar. Peat fires in forests add significantly to the greenhouse gas emissions.
Researchers estimate that if all human-related deforestation of the tropics were to stop, the forests could absorb more carbon than at present, equivalent to one-fifth of global emissions.
Researchers say carbon emissions from tropical forests will increase as the climate warms, as rising temperatures accelerate the decay of dead plants and trees, giving off more CO2. Global temperatures are forecast to rise by two degrees by the year 2099, which is predicted to increase annual carbon emissions from the forest by three-quarters of a billion tonnes.
Scientists from the Universities of Edinburgh and Leeds analysed data from multiple previous studies, including satellite studies, to determine the amount of carbon absorbed and emitted by the world's tropical forests in South and Central America, equatorial Africa and Asia.
Their study, published in Global Change Biology, was supported by the Natural Environment Research Council.
Professor John Grace of the University of Edinburgh's School of GeoSciences, who led the study, said: "If we limit human activity in the tropical forests of the world, this could play a valuable role in helping to curb the rise in carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Preventing further losses of carbon from our tropical forests must remain a high priority."
Related Links
University of Edinburgh
Forestry News - Global and Local News, Science and Application
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Koinonia Christian Community Centre
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Court Report Prince George's Basketball Notebook
Bishop McNamara Comes Back Strong
Thursday, January 22, 2009
With a three-game losing streak and one of its top players sidelined by a sprained ankle, Bishop McNamara showed why it is still considered one of the region's best teams.
Center Talib Zanna continued his strong play with 17 points and 10 rebounds, and forward Lawrence Smith added a season-high 15 points to lead the Mustangs to a 57-40 victory over O'Connell on Sunday. The victory ended the losing streak -- McNamara had started the season with 11 victories in 12 games -- and put the Mustangs back in the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference race amid a brutal schedule.
"We've only played three home games, so I can't complain right now," McNamara Coach Marty Keithline said.
The Mustangs (12-4, 6-2 WCAC entering the week) played in a holiday tournament in Charlotte and will play in their third one-day event this season Sunday, against highly touted St. Benedict's of New Jersey in the Lehigh Valley Showcase in Allentown, Pa. St. Benedict's is led by 6-foot-8 junior Tristan Thompson, who has committed to play for Texas.
McNamara often has been led this season by Zanna, a 6-9 senior who has committed to play for Pittsburgh. And the Mustangs relied on Zanna even more heavily against O'Connell as senior forward Rashad Whack, a George Mason recruit, sat out with a sprained left ankle. Zanna, who had big games in losses last week to Gonzaga and DeMatha, responded with yet another double-double.
"He was just all over the place," Keithline said. "He's doing a lot of things for us. He hit a couple jumpers, a couple dunks, a couple big post moves. Friday [against DeMatha when Zanna had 21 points and 13 rebounds] we just didn't get him the ball enough. Our guards just got eaten up and they didn't go a good enough job getting him the ball." . . .
The hottest public school team in the county entering the week was Friendly, which takes a 10-1 record into tonight's key game at Gwynn Park; both teams are 8-0 in Prince George's 3A/2A/1A play. Senior guard A.J. Thomas averages 24.5 points per game for the Patriots, second-best among county players.
"I have the best guard in the area," Friendly Coach Rob Garner said. "That's what I believe. He does so much for our team. For him to have such a good year says a lot about him. He gets pounded every night, he gets boxed-and-one, and he keeps coming back."
Gwynn Park Coach Mike Glick said he anticipated that with an experienced backcourt and deep rotation, Friendly would be strong this season. Thomas, who averaged 16.3 points last season, has picked up his scoring, posting double figures in every game this season and hitting the 30-point mark twice.
"He scores in a variety of ways," Glick said. "He can shoot off the dribble, he can definitely shoot threes, he gets to the rim and he gets to the line a lot."
Gwynn Park (9-3) has excelled in close games this season. The Yellow Jackets have won six in a row, with only one of those victories coming by more than 10 points. Sophomore guard Brandon Ford drove the length of the court and made a game-winning jumper Friday as Gwynn Park edged Largo 59-58 for its 28th consecutive league victory.
Surrattsville Stays Solid
The Surrattsville girls have won the Maryland 1A South title the past two seasons. So, it's no surprise that the Hornets are once again having a solid season, with eight straight wins. Surrattsville is 9-2 overall, 7-1 in Prince George's 3A/2A/1A, leaving it a game behind league-leading Largo (10-2, 8-0) heading into today's matchup against Potomac (0-10, 0-7).