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Mathematics is the unique language of all physical and social sciences. Students who pursue the study of mathematics are trained to solve problems and to communicate such solutions effectively. This gives the foundation for further professional study in many fields as well as for employment in business and industry.
(B.A. degree) A minimum of thirty hours in mathematics including MAT 121, 122, 221, 301, 310, 322, 415, and 431. The remaining six hours may be chosen from courses numbered above 221. Total hours required: 30. (Secondary education mathematics majors are required to include MAT 331 and 335 in the major course selections and to have taken one of: CSC 115 or 114. Total hours in mathematics and computer science required: 33.)
(B.S. degree) A minimum of thirty-three hours in mathematics including MAT 121, 122, 221, 301, 310, 322, 415, 431, and 432. The remaining six hours may be chosen from courses numbered above 221. Total hours required: 33. (Secondary education mathematics majors are required to include MAT 331 and 335 in the major course selections and to have taken one of: CSC 115 or 114. Total hours in mathematics and computer science: 36.)
A minimum of eighteen hours in mathematics including MAT 121, 122, and 221. The remaining hours may be chosen from courses numbered above 221. Total hours required: 18.
A middle grades mathematics major requires MAT 103, 104, 121, 122, 111, 221, 301, 335 and three additional hours above MAT 221. Total hours required: 27.
Students with strong backgrounds in mathematics will be placed at course levels commensurate with demonstrated ability.
A prerequisite must be taken before the course; a corequisite may be taken before or concurrently with a course.
Course Offerings
103. Mathematics for Elementary School Teachers I. (3 hours) A detailed development of the mathematics taught in elementary school using a problem-solving approach. Topics include sets, numeration, and the real numbering system. For elementary education majors and middle grades mathematics certification students only. Fall
104. Mathematics for Elementary School Teachers II. (3 hours) A continuation of MAT 103. Topics include further development of the real numbering system, informal geometry, probability and statistics. Elementary Education majors only. Prerequisite: MAT 103. Spring
107. College Algebra. (3 hours) A survey of algebraic techniques and of functions. Topics include theory of equations and inequalities, graphs, transformations of functions, inverse functions, and exponential and logarithmic functions. Can be used as preparation for calculus. Not applicable to a major or minor in mathematics. Fall and Spring
109. Calculus for Business and the Social Sciences. (3 hours) An introductory survey of calculus, less theoretical in nature than MAT 121. Topics include derivatives of algebraic, exponential, and logarithmic functions, the definite integral, and applications to business and the social sciences. Prerequisite: None, but MAT 107 is recommended for students with weak backgrounds. Not applicable to a major or minor in mathematics. Fall and Spring
111. Elementary Probability and Statistics. (3 hours) An introductory study of statistics and basic probability theory including such topics as frequency distributions, measures of central tendency, variation, normal distribution and tests of hypothesis. (Not applicable to a major or minor in mathematics.) Fall and Spring
121. Differential Calculus. (3 hours) An introductory study of the derivative and its applications. Topics include limits, continuity, techniques of differentiation, and optimization. Prerequisite: MAT 107 or high school precalculus and knowledge of trigonometric functions. Fall and Spring
122. Integral Calculus. (3 hours) An introductory study of the integral. Topics include the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus, techniques of integrations, and applications of the definite integral. Prerequisite: MAT 121 or high school calculus. Fall and Spring
170. Special Topics in Mathematics (.5-3 hours)
21. Multivariable Calculus I. (3 hours) A continuation of single-variable calculus and the differential calculus of multivariable functions. Topics include infinite series, parametric equations, vectors, alternate coordinate systems, and Lagrange multipliers. Prerequisite: MAT 122. Fall and Spring
301. Discrete Mathematics. (3 hours) An introduction to fundamental theoretical concepts of mathematics and of mathematics in computer science. Topics include logic, techniques of proof, elementary set theory, mathematical induction, numeration systems, relations and functions, counting techniques, and Boolean algebra. Prerequisite: MAT 107 or its equivalent. Fall and Spring
310. Linear Algebra. (3 hours) A theoretical study of systems of linear equations and vector spaces. Topics include matrix algebra, linear transformations, eigenvalues and eigenvectors, determinants, and linear programming. Corequisite: MAT 221. Prerequisite: MAT 301. Spring
322. Multivariable Calculus II. (3 hours) The integral calculus of multivariable functions and the vector calculus. Topics include vector-valued functions, multiple integration, and line and surface integrals. Prerequisite: MAT 221. Spring
331. Probability Theory. (3 hours) A study of chance phenomena and probability distribution. Topics include probability and elementary combinatorics, random variables, mean and variance, discrete and continuous probability distributions, the Central Limit Theorem, and laws of large numbers. Prerequisite: MAT 221. Even Falls
332. Mathematical Statistics. (3 hours) A study of statistical methods and test. Topics include estimation of parameters, test of hypotheses, linear regression, and analysis of variance. Prerequisite: MAT 331. Odd Springs
335. Advanced Geometry. (3 hours) Axiomatic development of elementary geometry, non-Euclidean geometry, impossible construction, projective geometry. Prerequisites: MAT 121 and 301. Odd Falls
345. Ordinary Differential Equations. (3 hours) A study of solution methods and applications of differential equations. Topics include first order equations, higher order linear equations, the Laplace transform, and power series techniques. Corequisite: MAT 322. Spring
405. Complex Analysis. (3 hours) An introduction to the study of functions of one complex variable. Topics include the algebra of complex numbers, analytic functions, contour integrals, power series, the Residue Theorem, and conformal mappings. Corequisite: MAT 322. Odd Springs
415. Abstract Algebra. (3 hours) A theoretical development of basic algebraic structures, with an emphasis on group theory. Topics include cyclic groups, Lagrange's Theorem, quotient groups, and homomorphisms. Rings, integral domains, and fields are introduced. Prerequisites: MAT 122 and 301. Even Falls
431. Real Analysis I. (3 hours) A theoretical development of the elements of calculus. Topics include sequences, continuity, derivatives and integrals of single-variable functions. Corequisite: MAT 221; Prerequisite: MAT 301. Odd Falls
432. Real Analysis II. (3 hours) A continuation of MAT 431. Topics include integration theory, infinite series, and series and sequences of functions. Prerequisite: MAT 431. Even Springs
440. Independent Study. (1 to 3 hours)
70. Advanced Topics. (.5 to 3 hours)


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WES Foderingham remembers the Johnstone's Paint Trophy heartbreak of 2012 all too well and the Swindon Town goalkeeper is desperate to make amends this time around.
Foderingham was part of the Town side which lost out 2-0 to Chesterfield at Wembley two years ago, as an own goal from Oliver Risser and Craig Westcarr's late strike sunk the Robins at Wembley.
The 23-year-old told the Advertiser he recalls that warm March afternoon "like it was yesterday" and now, with only Peterborough United standing between Swindon and another visit to English football's HQ, Foderingham is ready to make amends.
"Anyone who's played at Wembley knows it's a fantastic occasion - not just the game but the day itself.
"It's probably everybody's dream in England to play at Wembley," he told the Advertiser.
"The day itself against Chesterfield was a great day but the result wasn't too good. We've got the chance to go back there again and for me personally I'd love to get back there and actually win the final this time.
"I'm sure the boys who haven't been there will be playing tomorrow night to do their best to get to Wembley.
"I can remember it like it was yesterday - both of the goals as well. Big Oli Risser helped us out there.
"It was a day to remember and a day to forget.
"I enjoyed the day, it will stick with me forever, but obviously the loss will stick with me forever so I want to try to get back there and this time get a win."
Foderingham suggested that mention of Wembley in the Town dressing room during the days building up to tonight's area final first leg at London Road has been kept to a minimum, however.
"We've spoken about it, we don't keep speaking about it but we know it's there and we've got an opportunity," he said.
"We also know we've got to play two games first before we can get there.
"It gets mentioned. If a manager comes in and says 'boys you've got the chance to get to Wembley if you win this game' I'm sure everyone will be running around like a headless chicken trying to win that game, so it's definitely an incentive for us."

subset: commoncrawl


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Lp-PLA2 and Coronary Atherosclerosis in Humans (AIM 1 and II)
- Full Text View
- Tabular View
- No Study Results Posted
- Disclaimer
- How to Read a Study Record
|Coronary Atherosclerosis Endothelial Dysfunction
|Other: Blood sampling from the Coronary Sinus and Aorta Procedure: Intravascular Ultrasound of the coronary artery.
|Study Type:
|Study Design:
|Intervention Model: Single Group Assignment
Masking: None (Open Label)
Primary Purpose: Diagnostic
|Official Title:
|Lp-PLA2, Progenitor Cells and Coronary Atherosclerosis in Humans
- Lp-PLA2 Assessment [ Time Frame: baseline endothelial function assessment 6 months ]AIM 1: To assess the relationship between the 3 inflammatory measures of the Lp-PLA2 pathway (Lp-PLA2 mass, Lp-PLA2 activity and LysoPC) with endothelial function (as measured by the percent change in CAD (coronary artery disease) [Ach] and by the length of segments with endothelial dysfunction and plaque vulnerability (as measured by the necrotic core percent volume). AIM II: To assess the association between the percent of Lp-PLA2 residing on LDL and endothelial function (again measured by percent change in CAD [Ach], percent change in CBF (coronary blood flow)[Ach], and the length of endothelial dysfunction).
|Study Start Date:
|February 2009
|Study Completion Date:
|June 2015
|Primary Completion Date:
|June 2015 (Final data collection date for primary outcome measure)
Other: Blood sampling from the Coronary Sinus and Aorta
Aim I: Hypothesis: The extent of endothelial dysfunction will correlate with production of Lp-PLA2 and oxidative stress and correlates with the tissue characteristics of plaque vulnerability. The investigators will define the systemic and coronary gradient and production of markers of inflammation and oxidative stress and the presence of coronary endothelial dysfunction in patients with early coronary atherosclerosis.
Aim II: Hypothesis: The distribution of Lp-PLA2 on the LDL is associated with greater coronary endothelial dysfunction and correlates with the degree coronary atherosclerosis and plaque vulnerability. The investigators will define the distribution of Lp-PLA2 in patients with early coronary atherosclerosis and endothelial dysfunction.
|Ages Eligible for Study:
|18 Years to 85 Years (Adult, Senior)
|Sexes Eligible for Study:
|Accepts Healthy Volunteers:
Inclusion Criteria:
- Patients undergoing coronary angiography including endothelial function testing
- male and female
- age 18 up to age 85
Exclusion Criteria:
- Heart failure with ejection fraction less that 40%
- unstable angina
- myocardial infarction or angioplasty within 6 months prior to entry into the study
- use of investigational agents within 1 month of entry into the study
- patients who require treatment with positive inotropic agents other than digoxin during the study
- patients with cerebrovascular accident within 6 months prior to entry into the study
- significant endocrine, hepatic or renal disorders
- local or systemic infectious disease within 4 weeks prior to entry into study
- pregnancy or lactation (women of child-bearing age will have a pregnancy test prior to angiogram)
- mental instability
- federal medical center inmates
- hemoglobin less than 12 mg/dL
- severe asthma
Please refer to this study by its ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01557088
|United States, Minnesota
|Mayo Clinic
|Rochester, Minnesota, United States, 55905
|Principal Investigator:
|Amir Lerman, MD
|Mayo Clinic
|Responsible Party:
|Amir Lerman, Professor of Medicine, Mayo Clinic
|ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier:
|NCT01557088 History of Changes
|Other Study ID Numbers:
5R01HL92954-01A1-05 ( Other Grant/Funding Number: US NIH Grant )
1R01 AG31750-01A2-04 ( Other Grant/Funding Number: NIA )
|Study First Received:
|March 15, 2012
|Last Updated:
|September 22, 2015
Keywords provided by Amir Lerman, Mayo Clinic:
coronary artery disease
coronary artery spasm
small vessel coronary artery disease
Additional relevant MeSH terms:
Coronary Artery Disease
Myocardial Ischemia
Arterial Occlusive Diseases
Vascular Diseases
Cardiovascular Diseases
Coronary Disease
Heart Diseases
ClinicalTrials.gov processed this record on September 25, 2017


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Veterans Day Holiday Schedule for Fairfax County
Fairfax County Office of Public Affairs
12000 Government Center Parkway, Suite 551
Fairfax, VA 22035-0065
Contact: Merni Fitzgerald, Director of Public Affairs
703-324-3187, TTY 711, Fax 703-324-2010
Media Pager: 703-324-NEWS (6397)
Oct. 30, 2006
Veterans Day Holiday Schedule for Fairfax County
Listed below are schedules for Fairfax County government offices and services for the Veterans Day holiday on Friday, Nov. 10.
County Government – Closed
Courts – Closed
Public Schools and School Offices – Open
Libraries – Closed
Fairfax Connector – Regular weekday schedule, except no service on Routes 595 and 597* (www.fairfaxconnector.com)
FASTRAN – Not in Service
Park Authority RECenters – Open
Community, Teen and Senior Centers – Closed**
County Trash Collection – Regular Schedule***
Recycling and Disposal Facilities at I-66 and I-95 – Open
* Riders can take Fairfax Connector buses to West Falls Church Metro Station to continue by Metrorail.
** Reston Community Center's Hunters Woods facility will be open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; the swimming pool will be open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.; the Lake Anne facility will be closed.
*** Call private contractors about their schedules.
For more news and information, visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/news.


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The final 8' x 40' vertical shipping container was delivered, lifted, and placed on Morey's Adventure Pier, to complete Morey's Piers' new artistic venture, [artBOX], debuting this summer. A 10,000 sq. foot interactive artist village crafted from 11 re-purposed shipping containers, [artBOX] will feature handpicked local and regional artists showcasing paintings, handmade crafts, and live demonstrations that include surf art, glass blowing, artisanal jewelry and speed painting. Check out the video of the final delivery.
Morey's Adventure Pier [artBOX]
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Who hasn't gotten bored with her hair, taken the scissors and chopped away? For most of us, it's one of those regrettable beauty experiments like over-tweezing your eyebrows. But unlike the rest of us who end up awful version of a bob or crooked bangs, Rumer Willis actually looks great! "I kind of just wanted to chop it off and try something different," Willis told PEOPLE at last week's Diabless Boutique opening in Los Angeles. The daughter of Demi Moore and Bruce Willis cut the short, sassy 'do the week before and is looking forward to wearing it up in a mohawk, according to a pal. With her svelte new body and funky haircut, Rumer is definitely becoming as fashionable as her mom. What do you think of Rumer's new 'do? What was your worst haircut ever?
Photo: Marcos/BuzzFoto


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42 U.S. Code § 12808 - Second mortgage assistance for first-time homebuyers
The Secretary shall make available a model program under which units of general local government provide loans (secured by second mortgages) with deferred payment of interest and principal to first-time homebuyers.
The payment of any principal and interest on a loan under this section shall be deferred for not less than the 5-year period beginning on the date of the acquisition of the residence by the homebuyer.
The interest rate on the unpaid balance of a loan under this section shall be at least 4 percent.
A deferred payment loan assisted with amount [1] provided under a grant under this section shall be secured by a lien on the property involved, which lien shall be subordinate to the first mortgage on the property.
[1] So in original. Probably should be "amounts".
LII has no control over and does not endorse any external Internet site that contains links to or references LII.


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BUSINESS in Winchester appears to be on the up according to a local property specialist.
At a special conference, held at Winchester's Holiday Inn yesterday, businesses from across the county came together for the Business Outlook 2014, published by Christie + Co.
The report provides predictions for the forthcoming year and offer networking opportunities.
Ed Bellfield, regional director of Christie + Co, said: "Looking back on 2013, we predicted that we were at the bottom of the value trough, but that opportunities to acquire assets would still be present. Today, we can say that whilst there have been variations between sectors, on the whole our assertion was vindicated on both counts.
"Even the slight falls in average prices in care and retail fail to recognise a recovery in each of these sectors in the second half of the year.
"There has also been a resurgence in the demand for lifestyle businesses, typically in coastal and country areas. It is a sign of renewed confidence in the economy when individuals are prepared to relocate from their homeland origins in order to embark on a new business venture. The good news for these and other buyers is that finance continues to be available from an ever-widening range of sources albeit at prudent loan-to-value ratios.
"This is, perhaps, unsurprising given the government's incentives to stimulate the residential property market. The relevance of this market is, of course, that the first-time buyer will invariably sell a residential property in order to provide his or her seed-corn capital. The first-time buyer also has a considerable impact on the market mechanism and liquidity as a whole, as business owners trade up in the size of businesses they own and operate.
"Freehold sales of the Porthouse in Winchester, Tatchbury Manor Care Home near Southampton and the Anchor Inn at Ropley reflects the emerging confidence in the local economy.
"Our prediction is that, in future years, business owners and entrepreneurs will look back at this period as being a cyclically outstanding opportunity for acquiring well-priced assets."


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In the November issue of Dairy Herd Management, veterinarian Mel Wenger summarized three important monitors for maximizing return on investment from your heifer program.
The first area discussed was age at first calving (AFC).
Obviously, we want to get the replacement heifer into the milking herd as soon as possible so we can begin to reap the profits of milk production. However, it is important to keep this monitor in perspective and realize what areas of your operation impact the age when a heifer freshens. If we use this metric as a benchmark, we have already missed the boat, as it will take a long time to change this parameter given the lag (gestation length).
So where do we start?
First hours of life
Well, some may say it all starts with age at first breeding, but I'll suggest that we go back to the first few hours of life. We know that colostrum is important, but many people do not link it to their AFC. A number of peer-reviewed trials have demonstrated the benefits of passive transfer (the transfer of antibodies from colostrum to the calf) on improved growth rates, reduced treatment and mortality rates, decreased age at first calving and increased first- and second-lactation milk production. So, this is where it starts. What we do during the first hours of life can impact the AFC.
Are you routinely monitoring colostrum quality and serum total protein in calves?
Maximize growth potential
Secondly, we must maximize the growth potential of the milk-fed calf so that we can reach the desired height and weight at the optimal age.
Once a calf is weaned, we can't forget about her either. I see herds where growth during the milk feeding phase is excellent and then the program breaks down. We need to continue to balance and feed rations that are suitable for the specific weight of the heifer. Feeding one ration through the transition and growth phases will not provide for optimal growth potential. It is important to continue monitoring growth on a regular basis so that management and ration adjustments can be made.
Are you routinely monitoring heifer rations?
Get them pregnant
Once we have that heifer to the optimal height and weight for breeding, we now need to get her pregnant. It is common to find herds with excellent attention to the adult herd reproduction program, but for some reason it does not transfer over to the heifer program.
There are a number of synchronization programs for heifers that can yield excellent results with proper compliance. But starting with a routine program for heat detection should be a top priority. Then, work with your veterinarian to develop an overall program, just as in your cow herd, to get those heifers not seen in heat inseminated. Routine determination of open or pregnant status and re-insemination is obviously another critical step of the program. A wide breeding window will just yield a wide window for AFC.
Do you have a routine heifer reproduction/synchronization program?
Once you get these heifers pregnant, don't forget them again. Properly balanced rations, vaccination protocols and pre-fresh transition programs will all benefit the soon-to-be-fresh heifer that enters your milking herd.
Overall approach
In this health column last month, Mel Wenger provided an excellent review of heifer nutrition and transition pen management. Pick up that issue again.
In summary, don't forget that age at first calving is a number with a lot of lag time. We can start doing a great job growing and breeding heifers today, but our AFC won't change for a long time. Select monitors that are timely and relevant to access your program. It starts within the first hours of life and gets back to the basics. Excellent colostrum and health management, optimal milk-fed and transition/pre-breeding growth, attention to reproduction and pre-calving management are the key areas to develop protocols and monitors to get that heifer putting milk in the tank.
Mark J. Thomas is a veterinarian and partner in Countryside Veterinary Clinic, LLP and Dairy Health & Management Services, LLC in Lowville, N.Y.


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Prevent cat odors, contamination, and litter sticking to the sides of the litter pan. This odor-removing spray powder formula goes on in liquid form and fills in the microscopic pores in the plastic litter pan where odors hide and grow. It then flash dries to create a solid physical barrier that stops odor contamination. Also prevents scoopable litters from sticking to the box.
You can also spray it on top of dirty, stinky litter to stop invasive odors instantly. It forms a safe nontoxic blanket of deodorizing protection that attracts, encapsulates and destroys odor. No need to mix it into the litter, and no messy application.
Works with all litters and litter boxes. Available in Fresh Scent only.
Please click on "More Information" for directions.


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Great prom hair is just a braid away
Updated 8:56 am, Thursday, April 12, 2012
Prom dress? Check.
Cute shoes? Check, check.
Hair style? Ah … (deep sigh).
Don't fret yet. Hair and makeup are essential to completing your prom look, and Seventeen magazine beauty director Yesenia Almonte says braided styles are hugely popular this season.
"Braids have been going on for a few years, especially with halo braids and French braids," Almonte said. "You still see it constantly on the runway. It's very boho chic and girly. That's why teen girls like it. They can wear it to school or make it
A quick glance at Seventeen magazine and on social media outlets, such as Pinterest, and you'll see many intricate braided styles in messy and sleek finishes.
Lifestyle Channel
Though some styles look difficult, Almonte said, most are quite easy since they tend to look more natural and effortless when a bit messy.
"This is one hairstyle that you can really go with your natural texture and not worry about getting it perfectly smooth or shiny."
If braids aren't appealing, try twists along the hairline and pinned back with a sparkly hair accessory.
Almonte said headbands, jeweled hairpins and feather clips are ways to pump up the glamour for prom.
Super-high buns, or top knots, either messy or polished, are in season, as well as curls and waves.
Houston hairstylist Gayla Belay-Iyamu, who also works with a celebrity clientele in Los Angeles, said, "old-Hollywood hair" with big curls and waves has returned.
"We're going back to basics, with soft roller sets. It's a more glamorous look," she said.


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CHICAGO (MCT) - Downers Grove, Ill., retiree Robert Govenat was on the computer every day, watching prices of his stocks go down.
It was November 2007, and a bear market was threatening.
"He was about to have a nervous breakdown or a heart attack," recalls his wife, Jan, a retired third-grade schoolteacher.
Over lunch at a hot dog place in Darien, Ill., a longtime friend and financial planner Algird Norkus told Govenat that he had an alternative investment for select people: It would keep the couple's principal safe and pay 13.5 percent annual interest.
Govenat went along. Eventually, the couple would lose nearly all of their life savings - $225,000. Govenat also steered his mother into what ultimately turned out to be a Ponzi scheme, and she lost more than $200,000, most of her assets.
Norkus pleaded guilty to one count of mail fraud. In March, he began serving 63 months in prison. He also was ordered to pay $4.6 million in restitution to nearly 70 victims, many elderly, including Robert and Jan Govenat and Robert's mother. His plea agreement said he commingled investors' moneys, in part to make payments to other investors and in part to benefit himself.
"Don't trust anyone," Jan Govenat, 71, said recently when asked what she learned from the experience. "I can't tell you how many times I've said that to friends since this happened." She also regretted not sharing their change in investment strategy with their two adult children.
Robert Govenat, 72, gets choked up discussing what happened with the savings of his mother, now 99 and living in a retirement community. "I'm not proud of what I've done to my mom," he said earlier this month with a quivering voice.
"You were trying to help," his wife replied.
Govenat said he lets few people get close to him, but Norkus was one of them.
"I don't trust anyone now, except my wife," he said.
The couple's two children never bring up the ordeal.
"It's the silent death," Robert said.
The couple, who once felt secure about their retirement years, now worry constantly about finances.
"We don't sleep well," Jan said.
Robert and Jan Govenat are hardly the only seniors burned by financial exploitation.
"Aging baby boomers have accumulated substantial assets, either through inheritance, home equity or a lifetime of saving for retirement," Luis Aguilar, a commissioner of the Securities and Exchange Commission, said earlier this year. "The bad news is that this disparity between seniors and everyone else, including their own children, increases the vulnerability of seniors." The newly formed federal Consumer Financial Protection Bureau in June said it was starting public inquiry to learn more about the ways in which older Americans are financially exploited. The request for public comments, with a deadline of Aug. 13, came as part of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.
Adds Chicago investors' lawyer Andrew Stoltmann, who is representing the Govenat family: "Willie Sutton once said he robbed banks because that's where the money is, and that's why unscrupulous financial advisers are drawn to seniors like a moth to a flame." Of the 1,000 financial fraud cases that Stoltmann has filed in the past 12 years, half involve investors age 65 and older.
Take Marshall Davies, 93, who helped oversee the traffic light system for the city of Chicago before he retired. He was hospitalized in January 2008 because of hip pain that hindered his walking. Doctors said he would need in-home assistance upon discharge.
Carmelita Pasamba, a certified nursing assistant who cared for Davies while he was in the hospital, took the job.
Over the next 3 1/2 years, she and her family cared for Davies but also "stole" $536,682 from him, according to a recently filed lawsuit filed by Cook County (Ill.) Public Guardian Robert Harris.
The lawyer representing Pasamba in the case declined to comment.
The money saved by the never-married, "very frugal" Davies was used by his caregivers to buy a Mercedes, finance a son's dance studio and a daughter's nursing tuition, and make trips to retailers such as Best Buy, Harlem Furniture and Empire Carpet, said the suit, filed against six individuals and St. Joseph Hospital.
In 2008, Davies, an Illinois Institute of Technology graduate, was also diagnosed with dementia, but he still has lucid days. He's living in an assisted-living facility on Chicago's North Side.
Davies had lived close to St. Joseph Hospital, and would eat at its cafeteria because meals were inexpensive.
Today, he spends most of his time watching TV.
Davies said he didn't give Pasamba permission to use his money in that fashion. "I didn't know what was going on there," he told the Chicago Tribune this month. "I don't know how she got that money."


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A's Infielder Adam Rosales Claimed off Waivers by Texas Rangers
OAKLAND, Calif. - Oakland A's infielder Adam Rosales was claimed off waivers by the Texas Rangers, the team announced today.
Rosales was designated for assignment by the A's on Wednesday to clear a 25-man roster spot for infielder Alberto Callaspo, who was acquired in a trade from the Los Angeles Angels on Tuesday.
Rosales was selected from Sacramento July 24 for his second stint with the A's this year. He went 0 for 5 with two walks in two starts at shortstop and was hitting .193 with four home runs and eight RBI in 50 games overall with the A's. Rosales batted .211 in nine games with Triple-A Sacramento.


text: I've been using a Greek oil that I buy from a guy at a local farmer's market (Eliki is the brand). I get that one because I tasted it at the stand and I really liked it. I've had other very good oils from Italy, France and California - I don't think the country of origin means all that much. You really need to find a good gourmet food store or other vendor where you can taste a few of the oils get the one that you like the best. There is variety of flavor among good oils, so tasting is the best way to find what you like.


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About the Model 1151
Innovative addition to the King Marching line. The King Marching Tuba has patented features that include the ability to see left through the tuba while in playing position. In addition, the instrument is entirely ergonomically friendly to prevent long term injuries in the shoulder and arms. In addition, it has sound and projection unmatched by any other marching tuba. Heavy duty wheeled marching case.
Tech Specs
Brand History
Henderson White, founder of the HN White Company, started his business as a proprietor of a small repair shop in Cleveland, Ohio. With the help of Mr. Thomas King, a local trombone player, White developed his first trombone in 1894. This was viewed in the market as a "revelation" to the music world due to its radically different bell, bore, and mouthpipe designs. Players loved the "King" trombone because the slide was smoother and lighter than any other.
These instruments gained immediate success with professionals including Al Pinard, the trombone soloist with Arthur Pryor's Band. In 1909, the HN White Company developed a "Department of Acoustical Research" with the goal of developing higher quality instruments. As production grew, King became known for brass and woodwind instruments. From 1917-1918, the HN White Company was the sole provider of saxophones for the US military during World War I. In the 1920's, King would even become the first US manufacturer of French horns.
When Henderson died in 1940, control was taken over by Edna White, the first women executive officer in the male dominated music industry. Under her leadership the company flourished. As most company's production of brass products halted during World War II, Edna was able to secure two major government contracts making radar units and proximity fuses that kept the factories running.
Coming out of the war, King instruments saw great popularity in the 40's and 50's with names like Tommy Dorsey, Harry James, Ziggy Elman, Julian "Cannonball" Adderley, and Charlie "The Bird" Parker. In 1951, the King 3B trombone was introduced and today is still the world's top selling jazz trombone.
In 1964, production of King Instruments was moved to Eastlake, Ohio outside of Cleveland where they are still made to this day.


text:
One town, two major college football programs, two outspoken head coaches—and two decidedly different approaches to the game of the year in the Pac-12 South.
"It's the most important game we'll play this week," UCLA's Jim Mora deadpanned about Saturday's meeting with USC at the Rose Bowl.
Lane Kiffin, on the other hand, called it a "one-game playoff for the South."
Kiffin even put a life-or-death spin on the matchup that'll determine whether the Trojans (7-3, 5-3) or the Bruins (8-2, 5-2) rep the division in the Pac-12 championship game on Dec. 1.
"None of us wanted to be where our won-loss record is," said the coach of a three-loss team that was widely picked to win the national title, "but at the same time you want to be alive. A lot of people in the country are not playing for the ability to win (their) conference."
Mora, the Bruins' first-year coach, played it much closer to the vest during the weekly Pac-12 coaches teleconference with reporters. Did he play up Los Angeles' bragging-rights rivalry? Not in the slightest. Did he play up the revenge angle, after his players were beaten 50-0 by USC in 2011? Nope. If anything, he pretended that never happened.
"It's a completely different team from last year and a completely different coaching staff," Mora said.
"I think it would be naïve to say that some of the guys who played in that game don't remember it … (but) I don't think they're licking their wounds a year later. I don't think they dwell on it."
Did Mora at least acknowledge that Saturday's game is, you know, pretty darned big?
"Look, I want (the Bruins players) to be excited," he said. "But I want to make sure we do an excellent job of focusing on the process, on our routine that has helped us go 8-2."
Well, that sure isn't the kind of talk that's going to pump up the volume in L.A. for this game.


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The islands, estuaries, and wetlands of the Mississippi River Delta provide habitat to migratory birds, economically-important finfish and shellfish and endangered or threatened animals such as the Louisiana black bear. The coastal zone is also home to nearly 2 million people and critical industries that help feed and power the nation.
Unfortunately, the Mississippi River Delta is experiencing the highest rate of land loss in the United States.
Outlying communities are being submerged and wildlife habitat is shrinking. Stronger hurricanes and rising seas threaten family-supporting jobs and the integrity of coastal ecosystems.
The good news is that the river delta can be renewed and sustained if we restore the land-building power of the Mississippi River in a controlled way within the next 10 years.
National Wildlife Federation is partnering with Environmental Defense Fund and National Audubon Society for the Restore the Mississippi River Delta campaign to move projects in the Mississippi River Delta from plan to action.
Our overall objective is to ensure that river delta is safe and sustainable for people and wildlife. To do this, NWF and its partners are working to:
Expedite the design and implementation of large-scale initiatives that restore the Mississippi River's natural capacity to build land.
Ensure the safety of communities and businesses in the river delta by advocating for hurricane protection that includes coastal restoration and non-structural measures.
Create sustained national and state funding and political will to move restoration from plan to action.
Follow @restoredelta
RELATED: Follow our work on the 2010 Gulf Oil Spill Crisis
Making New Orleans a Sustainable Delta City for the Next Century
A new report from NWF and the MRGO Must Go Coalition examines the components of the Multiple Lines of Defense Strategy, evaluate their advancements, identify their short comings and offer recommendations for ensuring the full protection and long-term resiliency of the Greater New Orleans communities.
A Vision For Comprehensive Gulf Restoration
What would it take to truly restore the Gulf of Mexico in the wake of the oil spill? National Wildlife Federation released a report describing 47 projects that would improve the health of the Gulf of Mexico in the wake of the 2010 oil disaster.
Achieving Resilience in Coastal Communities
More widespread adoption of nonstructural risk reduction measures will become increasingly important to coastal Louisiana in the context of flood insurance, rising sea levels, stronger storms, and continuing land loss.
Answering 10 Fundamental Questions about the Mississippi River Delta


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Mail: Southern statutes symbolize suppession
Mail: Thanks for helping Aiden
More opinion
Fall: Good time to spray musk thistle in rosette stage
Robertson and Delsing re-elected chair, vice chair of NWB
More Ag News
Comments were pointed but the crowd was sparse Tuesday at a public forum about combining all public school sixth graders into Madison Middle School.
The majority of the speakers opposed the proposal outright or questioned it, but three speakers -- an elementary school principal, a middle school counselor, and a former teacher spoke in support.
Under a proposed reconfiguration, all seventh and eighth graders would attend Adams. Children would be bused across town to their respective schools.
Academic test scores are too low at Madison and the high school according to state standards. School officials think putting the sixth graders together will help.
About 50 people attended the forum. Nearly half were school employees or members of a citizens committee that favor the plan.
Critics said it would cost too much for transportation, require too much time on the bus for children, upset children who need to be in a familiar surrounding, and destroy successful special education programs, especially one at Madison.
They said it could also increase opportunities for bullying because students will spend more time on buses.
Jodi Ewing, who lives near Lake school and has a semi-autistic child also said research is lacking.
I dont know what is wrong (with the configuration) now, said If there are problems at Madison, those problems should be confronted. Some of this seems to be about equality and experimentation.
Change is not difficult for me, she said. Bring on change. But it is difficult for children, especially children with special needs. To them, it is a big deal.
Ewing said the change will be abrupt for her child, who will go from 19-20 classmates at the Lake to Madison with 300.
The needs of a few students shouldnt require everyone to make major changes, she said.
It seems like rolling the dice, she said. We shouldnt be rolling the dice with our childrens education.
Superintendent Marty Bassett said no other school districts in Nebraska have a school building dedicated just to sixth graders. There is a school in New Mexico and one outside of Kansas City, he said.
Bassett said if school systems could be totally rebuilt, there would be more sixth-grade-only schools, but existing buildings rarely lend themselves to the possibility. He said North Platte is fortunate to have the opportunity.
Go from start
From the start of the forum, a citizens committee named Shaping the Future made it clear that they want the reconfiguration, passing out pamphlets at the front door listing advantages.
Supporters say the advantages include: Equalizing curriculum and class sizes, allowing more collaboration between teachers and allowing students to get better acquainted with classmates.
Those changes could make the entire system better, supporters said.
Ultimately, this is about student learning. We feel strongly that we can improve learning, Madison principal Danny McMurtry said during the forum.
McMurtry and the other panelists said bringing 300 sixth graders together from 10 elementary schools will give them the opportunity to get acquainted, and the class will be together all the way through high school, so it will provide a common identity for the class. They attend Adams Middle School for 7th and 8th grades, then go to high school as a group.
With be no other students at Madison, teachers, counselors, administrators and students can focus on the situation.
Class sizes would also be equalized. Currently classrooms have 15-20 students at Madison and 25-30 at Adams. The change would put 20-25 students per class at each school.
That will allow teachers to collaborate to make instruction as effective as possible, move quick learners on to something more challenging, while teachers can give more attention to the students who are not learning as quickly.
It would allow counselors to focus on one grade level.
Adams guidance counselor Steve Speihs said counselors can get more in tune with the needs of each class, helping special education, autism and social and emotional issues they face.
And, students should remain comfortable with their peer group for the six years, once they get used to the larger class.
Committee member Judy Pederson, a former city councilwoman, said the reconfiguration would break down stereotypes of north and south side students, and equalize their opportunities.
Pederson said students from Madison and Adams middle school currently tend to remain separated through high school. She said they sit together and hang out together.
And, since more students are from Adams, Madison students tend to lose competitions for prime spots in academic and extra-curricular programs.
One parent, Lindsey Daniel, testified that she was against the reconfiguration at first, but changed her mind. She agreed with Pederson.
Daniel encouraged the school board to wait a year, until the 2015-16 school year, to make the change, so the details could be fine-tuned.
A second forum will be held at the same time, 6:30-8:30 p.m., on Monday, Nov. 4, also in the theater at the high school. More information is available in the Bulletin's Oct. 30 print edition and from the school district's website -- www.nppsd.org
Flatrock Publishing, Inc.
1300 E 4th St., Suite F
North Platte, NE 69101


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BP Comment Quick Links
|Strength of Schedule Report
January 28, 2011
Future Shock
Red Sox Top 11 Prospects
Previous Rankings: 2010 | 2009 | 2008
System in 20 Words or Less: The system was down a little, but the Adrian Gonzalez trade left it down a lot.
Four-Star Prospects
Nine More:
1. Jose Iglesias, SS
Year in Review: This Cuban shortstop was as good as expected defensively, but Iglesias surprised with the bat as a 20-year-old at Double-A.
2. Anthony Ranaudo, RHP
Year in Review: After entering the year as the best college pitcher in the country, Ranaudo struggled with elbow problems in the spring and fell out of the first round. A fantastic showing in the Cape Cod League after the selection convinced the Red Sox that he was back, and he signed for just over $2.5 million.
3. Josh Reddick, OF
Year in Review: Reddick began to press at Triple-A when Ryan Kalish passed him on the depth chart, but he rebounded with a strong second half.
4. Drake Britton, LHP
Year in Review: This 23rd-round pick who signed for $700,000 made an impressive return from Tommy John surgery.
5. Kolbrin Vitek, 3B
Year in Review: The Mid-American Conference Player of the Year earned widely varying scouting reports, but he still landed in the bottom of the first round.
6. Brandon Workman, RHP
Year in Review: One of the top college pitchers in the draft unexpectedly fell to the 57th overall pick, where Boston signed him at the deadline for $800,000.
7. Yamaico Navarro, INF
Year in Review: Navarro showed a much more mature game in 2010, and even earned a brief big-league call-up.
8. Felix Doubront, LHP
Year in Review: This Venezuelan lefty had solid showings at Double- and Triple-A and held his own in a brief big-league stint.
9. Oscar Tejeda, 2B
Year in Review: Tejeda was formerly a highly-regarded prospect, and almost fell off the radar after two nondescript years at Low-A, but he rebounded in the Carolina League with a position switch from shortstop to second base.
10. Stolmy Pimentel, RHP
Year in Review: This highly-regarded right-hander was awesome at times in High-A, but then again, he was pedestrian in others.
11. Will Middlebrooks, 3B
Year in Review: This big bonus baby from 2007 finally began to fill up the stat sheet at High-A.
The Sleeper: A big, athletic player from Aruba, Xander Bogaerts earned raves for his bat in the Dominican Summer League, but he will likely outgrow his current position of shortstop.
Top 10 Talents 25 And Under (born 4/1/85 or later)
1. Daniel Bard, RHP
On plenty of other teams, Bard would be a closer, and one could easily make the argument that he should be in Boston as well. Kalish is good, but he's a good fourth outfielder in Boston, especially after the Crawford signing. Saltalamacchia is a dart throw; the talent still seems to be there, but it hasn't been visible in the stat line for years. PECOTA thinks he can still be OK, projecting him for a low OBP but a slugging percentage near .400. In today's environment, that's enough for the position.
Summary: The Red Sox system is down significantly, but this is the same system that created enough talent to pry Adrian Gonzalez away from the Padres. With their willingness to spend heavily in the draft and in the international markets, a rebound is anticipated.
Kevin Goldstein is an author of Baseball Prospectus.
57 comments have been left for this article.
BP Comment Quick Links
A little disappointing that Younginer didn't crack the list, but unfortunately, it's not hard to see why. He's still interesting, though.
Jan 28, 2011 00:50 AM
I hear pedroia is actually a few inches shorter than his listed height. Is this the same with coyle too?
Jan 28, 2011 01:09 AM
Not even a mention for Westmoreland :(
Jan 28, 2011 02:55 AM
Obviously, that's about as difficult a one as I've had to figure out. I almost made him the sleeper, at least.
Jan 28, 2011 04:50 AM
Think we just have to be happy that Westmoreland is alive and seemingly has no long term complications (that I've heard of) from his condition and subsequent surgery.
Jan 28, 2011 10:26 AM
Any thoughts on Chris Balcom-Miller?
Jan 28, 2011 17:15 PM
I've seen most of these guys multiple times -- and I have to compliment you on a job excellently done, KG. I think you're a little bullish on Vitek and a tad bearish (though I see why) on Middlebrooks, which I mention because (for now) they occupy the same position a level apart.
Jan 28, 2011 05:18 AM
Marc Normandin
Of course Kendrick Perkins is far from being a baseball player, he's busy playing for the Celtics.
Jan 28, 2011 05:26 AM
.285/.315/.357 is "surprising" for Iglesias at AA? Under most conditions, one would think a .672 OPS would only constitute a "surprise" if the adjective "unpleasant" was stuck in front of it.
Jan 28, 2011 06:02 AM
But a 20 year old SS defensive whiz at Double A doesn't fit your "most conditions" stipulation.
Jan 28, 2011 07:20 AM
Agreed, and I don't think that line for a 20YO at AA constitutes failure, not by any means. It's still hard for me to consider it a positive surprise. It basically means that he got lots of singles and drew very few walks. A BABIP of close to .370 is required for such a line, and that is neither sustainable nor diagnostic of a potential major-league bat, IMO. Age is definitely on his side, as you point out. Regression to the mean as regards BABIP is not.
Jan 28, 2011 08:25 AM
Bill - two things
Jan 28, 2011 10:22 AM
I'm curious where you'd place Buchholz and Lowrie on the Top 10 Under 25 list if they qualified, as each are within a year of the age cut-off. I assume that Buchholz would be at the top, but would Lowrie make the list?
Jan 28, 2011 06:32 AM
KG, I'd be curious as to your take on Kalish were he on a team other than Boston and its deep major league outfield.
Jan 28, 2011 07:56 AM
I think he'd be ready for a shot at a full time job with an average or second-division team. He's one of those tough prospects where he's good, but just not good enough to start in Boston.
Jan 28, 2011 08:46 AM
I think he's their right fielder in 2012, don't you?
Jan 28, 2011 10:05 AM
I think that's the consensus, at least as far as I've heard and read. Kalish will likely take over in right next season. Of course, there's a whole year of baseball to be played between now and then, so that is always subject to change, but considering the paucity of free agent targets it makes sense.
Jan 28, 2011 10:24 AM
It seems like the Red Sox are rather lacking in top prospects (trading Kelly and Rizzo will do that) but still have a fair amount of depth in the system. How deep into the top 20 do the three-star prospects go?
Jan 28, 2011 08:01 AM
Really, only through 12 (Cecchini), I'd two-star Lars.
Jan 28, 2011 08:46 AM
So you're that pessimistic that Lavarnway can learn to catch? Or is his bat not special enough to care?
Jan 28, 2011 08:55 AM
Wondering about your rating of Anderson. I know you base these on discussions with talent evaluators, as do Callis and Law do as well, and that they are still seem high on him. I'm guessing you all talk to similar folks, and each other. All three judgments seem fair, but seem far apart. Where do you think the differences come from?
Jan 31, 2011 10:37 AM
Hi folks, keep the comments coming, but I can't respond to any until tonight, as I'm off for NYC for SABR day.
Jan 28, 2011 08:47 AM
What are your thoughts on Alex Wilson? It seems like he has a good chance to at least be an average reliever.
Jan 28, 2011 09:30 AM
Kevin, where do the 3 star prospects end and 2 star prospects start?
Jan 28, 2011 11:23 AM
Kevin Goldstein
Jan 28, 2011 11:41 AM
The system was bound to take a hit with the Gonzales trade, Kalish and Bowden losing eligibility and Westmoreland's unfortunate diagnosis (but fortunate recovery). They lost #'s 1,2,4,5,8 and 10 off last years list. System seems to lack sizzle at the moment, but a number of them seem capable of making leaps forward this year. Ranaudo, Vitek and Workman (and the other 2010 draftees listed in 12-17 range) as they get their first full year of pro ball. Britton with a full post TJ workload. Lavarnway if he shows addtional progress behind the dish (he is a havard grad after all, seems like he'd be the studious type). Even Jose could improve his stock if his bat shows some growth. Not to mention the wildcard (for lack of a better word) of Westmoreland regaining some of his former talent level. Sox system could look significantly better this time next year. With the draft bounty of all 2011 draft picks, they should at last be a little better off next year and could be a lot better.
Jan 28, 2011 11:54 AM
Drew Miller
I'm a little confused by some of the conclusions. For example, if Doubront has a low-90s fastball, four solid offerings total, and is a lefty, how does that translate to "back-end starter"?
Jan 28, 2011 11:56 AM
Correction Yale not Harvard for Lavarnway, the point of course remains the same, but I'm sure if I were a Yale grad I'd be pissed about being referred to as a Harvard-er.
Jan 28, 2011 11:56 AM
Most opinions about the Sox farm system are that while it's devoid of elite upper level prospects, there is a ton of depth in the lower minors and much of that depth is high ceiling players.
Jan 28, 2011 11:57 AM
Hard to argue with this list. My only question comes with Lavarnway. Is his catching really that bad? I saw many at bats last year and he was man-among-boys good at times. What was I missing when he was behind the plate?
Jan 28, 2011 12:02 PM
"The signing of Carl Crawford leaves Reddick blocked"
Jan 28, 2011 13:15 PM
Drew Miller
Jan 28, 2011 20:11 PM
I'm not sure what "Kalish" on its own means. If you mean Kalish will take the spot instead of Reddick, well, that's the way things are trending, and that's why I wrote "there would be a spot open for Reddick if he earns it".
Jan 29, 2011 16:40 PM
Ben Solow
"If he earns it" is kind of a catch-all cop out, isn't it? If Crawford tanks and Reddick hits .350/.450/.700 in AAA next year, he could also conceivably take over in left. The point is that he is almost certainly blocked because there will be 1 open spot in the outfield, and at this point, it's very likely that it's going to go to Kalish. There's always a spot open for any player "if he earns it."
Jan 30, 2011 08:27 AM
Nick Smith
Two years ago Bowden was a 5 star prospect, while Ranaudo today is 4 stars. Is that reflective of Ranaduo being behind where Bowden was then, or a change in the ranking system?
Jan 28, 2011 13:26 PM
On Westmoreland, while it makes sense not to rank him, not referencing him makes the article feel incomplete. While he may never go back to being a top flight prospect (or even play organized baseball), it is already an inspiring story that he is working out with the Sox in Fort Meyers. From a baseball perspective, while it might be a small chance, his "perfect world" projection may still be the highest in the system.
Jan 28, 2011 13:41 PM
Dubront beats out dice-k for a rotation spot by June. Garuanteed.
Jan 28, 2011 15:07 PM
Not a chance. Dice-K isn't the Ace he was billed as, but they don't need him to be. They need him to be a #5 and they really don't have any arms who'll do any better than him. Maybe Doubront (or somebody else), gives Dice-K competition at #5 next offseason and they make a move but I can't see it happening before next winter.
Jan 28, 2011 18:37 PM
John Carter
matty2000: because Kalish is ahead of Reddick.
Jan 28, 2011 18:43 PM
Kevin, great stuff as always. The biggest surprise for me is Doubront. If you would have had him 3rd I would have been less surprised. Can you offer any more color on your views? No question that Theo and company have over-hyped him a bit, but I thought the widely held view was that he was a middle of the rotation guy. Wishful thinking??
Jan 28, 2011 20:54 PM
One other question Kevin, how many minutes did you spend thinking about Andrew Miller for the 25 and under list? I'm putting the over/under at 2.
Jan 28, 2011 21:08 PM
If Iglesias is the best SS in the minors, why would team Cuba play Hechavarria at short and force Iglesias to 2B?? Well.. Aha! Aha!
Jan 29, 2011 06:34 AM
Impossible question: If Ranaudo could be top 101 material or disappear into the comparative wasteland of the Boston Red Sox low minor leagues .... which 'feels' more likely.
Jan 31, 2011 07:23 AM
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text:
Animated pages, carved covers, miniature sets that tell of planes to catch, piano lessons and camping weekends. A new video presents the coloured Diaries for 2013: orange yellow, oxide green, magenta and brilliant violet, joining the classic black and red.
The video is by Rogier Wieland, a Dutch artist and master of cut and paste and digital animation.
The new colours come in two layouts: daily or weekly horizontal. One size, large, with space for appointments and notes. In the same matching colours, the bookmark, the words "in case of loss", the expandable pocket and the address book, included in all Moleskine 12 month diaries.
The diaries are available at the Moleskine Store, Moleskine US and in select stores around the world.


text:
When using Net library, I noticed IPv4SocketAddressImpl::af() returning zero instead of 2(AF_INET). This is happening because the address location of _addr is changing. The value of the pointer for _addr in IPv4SocketAddressImpl::IPv4SocketAddressImpl(const void* addr, UInt16 port) is 0x7fbd4250002c. While in the method af(), the address is 0x7fbd42500028.
I tried moving the following inline methods "af, host, port, length" into the SocketAddressImpl.cpp and then compiled Net library. After this the problem went away. However, I think there might be a serious problem here. Can this please be looked into by Poco team.


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Roots Anna
We've added slices of rutabaga to pommes Anna, a French dish traditionally made with potatoes alone.
- Servings: 10
Source: Martha Stewart Living, November 1995
- 3 cloves garlic, unpeeled
- 1/4 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 1/2 pounds Yukon Gold, or Idaho potatoes
- 1 (about 2 pounds) rutabaga
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 1/2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
Heat oven to 450 degrees. Place garlic in an ovenproof ramekin; drizzle with olive oil. Roast until light brown and very soft, about 20 minutes. Remove garlic from oven, and let stand until cool enough to handle. Peel garlic, cut into slices, and set aside. Reduce heat to 425 degrees.
Meanwhile, peel potatoes, and slice them as thinly as possible; place them in a bowl, and put damp paper towel on top to keep them from turning brown. Peel rutabaga, and cut in half, slice as thinly as possible, and cover with a damp paper towel.
In a 10-inch nonstick ovenproof skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter, swirling pan to coat bottom and sides. Remove from heat. Starting at the sides of the pan, arrange about half of the rutabaga slices in overlapping concentric circles, covering bottom of pan; press to compress. Sprinkle rutabaga with 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/8 teaspoon pepper, 1/2 teaspoon thyme, and a third of the roasted garlic; dot with 1 tablespoon butter.
Arrange the potato slices in tight concentric circles over the rutabaga, and press down. Season with 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/8 teaspoon pepper, 1/2 teaspoon thyme, and another third of the garlic; dot with 1 tablespoon butter. Arrange remaining rutabaga on top, and season again with 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/8 teaspoon pepper, and remaining garlic; dot with 1 tablespoon butter.
Spread a large piece of aluminum foil with remaining tablespoon butter. Cover skillet tightly with the foil, buttered side down. Place a cast-iron skillet on the foil to weigh it down, and transfer to the oven. Bake until vegetables are tender when pierced with the tip of a knife, 50 to 60 minutes.
Remove pan from oven, and let stand on a wire rack for 15 minutes. Remove foil, and invert roots carefully onto a serving dish. Garnish with remaining 1/2 teaspoon thyme, and serve warm. This can be made ahead of time and reheated.
Cook's Notes
Reviews Add a comment
frannikenna27 NOV, 2007sounds like my grandmother's Swedish dish, only we mashed all ingredients togetherReply


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19 fun car road trip activities
Turn an ordinary drive into a world of fun adventures and possibilities. more
There's no nice way to say it - advertising influences children and advertisers spend big dollars buying your child's attention. They also understand that pester power will get many parents to buy things they have no desire to purchase. Children are particularly vulnerable to food advertising, which, more than toys and games, they view as something that you may be likely to buy them.
Depending on their age, sensitivities and level of exposure, violence on TV can affect children in different ways:
What you consider scary and what your child considers scary can be two very different things. While you may avoid letting him see the latest movie on TV for fear of nightmares later, he may find the informative nightly TV news more frightening than anything.
The effects of viewing frightening content on TV can be short term - extreme fear or crying - or it can have longer term effects such as nightmares, fear of being left alone, or anxiety about personal safety.
TV news reports the day's events, and this means an overview of the worst, entertaining or unusual moments of the day around the globe. And all of this is usually communicated through images that can seem very graphic to children.
When children watch the evening news, they can get a skewed image of the world and see it only as a place where war, famine, murder and mayhem take place. It can make them feel anxious about their own safety and fearful about the safety of those they love. However, it's important kids also learn about the world they live in, so watch the news together and answer any questions to help allay their fears.
This article was written by Ella Walsh for Kidspot. Sources include NSW Govt's Healthy Kids and SA Government's Parenting and Child Health
This article was created for Kidspot - Australia's parenting resource for school age.


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It was pretty big news when Domino's (re)entered pan pizza territory last year. But now, things are just plain crazy. In their latest commercial, Domino's publicly renounces the "30 minutes or less" slogan, the foundation—indeed the very building blocks of (pizza chain) life—on which their business has rested for decades. Mass chaos (in my head) has ensued. Now I know how Katy Perry feels.
Domino's Pan Pizza: Slowing Down
Wait...so will it be just an extra cheetah-mile-minute, or will the whole world pass me by at super-speed while I wait for my pizza to be constructed in normal time? HOW LONG DOES PAN PIZZA TAKE?!?
About the author: Niki Achitoff-Gray is the editor of Slice and a part-time student at the Institute of Culinary Education. She's pretty big into pizza. Also, she likes offal. A lot.


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Get the Recipe
Of all the desserts that I make, Chocolate 'Crack,' a chocolate covered cracker bark, is easily the most popular. And I can see why: It's sweet. It's salty. It's crunchy. It's chocolaty. But best of all, it's stupidly simple. I've heard from countless friends that they make the same dessert for Passover by subbing matzoh for saltines. But why stop at regular 'crack' when, with a few little tweaks, you can jazz it up for the holiday?
For each of these recipes, simply add approximately one to one and a half cups of the coarsely chopped topping of your choice to the basic Matzoh Crack recipe as soon as it comes out of the oven, then refrigerate as normal. Mix, match and have fun!
Note that while Matzoh Crack offers a great dessert base to get creative with flavors, during Passover, there may be additional restrictions on what is permissible among items that would normally be considered kosher, so be sure to check labels.
Get the Recipe
About the author: Alexandra Penfold is mild-mannered children's book editor by day, food ninja by night. Never one to skip dessert she's the Brownie half of Blondie & Brownie and a Midtown Lunch contributor. You can follow her on Twitter at @blondiebrownie.


text: The Information Technology Standards Committee (ITSC) was formed in 1990, under the purview of the Standards Council appointed by the SPRING Singapore. It is an industry-led effort made up of volunteer members from the industry, but supported by SPRING Singapore and IMDA Singapore. It is a neutral and open platform for interested industry and government parties to come together to agree on technical standards.


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Today marks the launch of a new program at Bob's Red Mill- Bob's Birthday Club. We've partnered with Autism Speaks, the world's leading autism science and advocacy organization, to bring birthday kits to children with autism. By making a minimum donation to Autism Speaks, adults can enlist an autistic child in the club, and in advance of that child's birthday, the child will receive a Bob's Birthday Club kit filled with gluten-free cake mix and other Bob's Red Mill treats.
Here's how Bob's Birthday Club works:
- Anyone interested in signing up a child for Bob's Birthday Club should visit www.autismspeaks.org/bobsbirthdayclub.
- With a donation of $30 or more made through the website, an adult can register an autistic child for the club.
- Then, as that child's birthday nears, he/she will receive a special Bob's Birthday Club kit, which includes:
- Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free Vanilla Cake Mix
- A recipe card puzzle
- A kid-size cooking apron
- A measuring cup
The kits are limited to the first 1,000 people who sign up.
We couldn't be more excited to support such an amazing organization and bring a little extra birthday joy to some deserving kids. We've partnered with Autism Speaks in the past and supported their "Light It Up Blue" campaign earlier this month by lighting up the Morrison Street Bridge in Portland, Oregon (see picture below).


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RECIPES: Recipe Details
Local Yolkal Buffalo Burger
Summers spent on my grandparents farm in New Jersey are the inspiration for my deliciously decadent local yolkal burger. I have fond memories of picking corn and tomatoes from our garden and getting fresh eggs from the farmer down the road. I also remember many nights my grandmother frying up eggs and bacon for dinner because she was too hot and tired to "cook". My love for farm life remains true. A few years back I traded in my 9-5 heels for muck boots. My husband and I grow many of the burger ingredients ourselves, the rest come from neighboring farms and markets. The secret to a better burger is quite simple...keep it local, make it yolkal!
2 ears summer sweet, sweet corn , husk left on
1/2 cup Hellman's mayonaise
1/4 cup Vidalia onion, chopped
1 teaspoon fresh garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon Asian chile garlic sauce*
1/8 teaspoon lemon zest
1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/8 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
6 slices Blooming Glen Farms thick sliced applewood smoked bacon, or any quality thick sliced applewood smoked bacon, cut in half
1 1/2 lbs. Hillside Farms ground buffalo, or any quality hormone free buffalo
1 teaspoon fresh garlic, minced
2 tablespoons chilled D'artagnan White Truffle Butter** , optional, corsley chopped
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
2 large Heirloom tomatoes, I grow Brandywine and Cherokee Purple
a pinch of kosher salt, for each tomato slice
6 Big Marty's*** hamburger buns, or other soft sesame seeded hamburger buns
2 tablespoons,plus extra for oiling the grill Colavita extra virgin olive oil
6 Happy Farm's Khaki Campbell duck eggs, or organic free-range chicken eggs
a pinch of kosher salt
a few twists of fresh ground black pepper
6 large leaves butter crunch lettuce, or Boston lettuce
For the Sweet Corn Mayo:
Preheat a gas grill to med-high.
Peel away the first few outer layers of husk from the corn. Be sure to leave a few layers on for protection and steaming. Grill the corn over direct heat, turning often, until the top layer of husk is completely charred. Depending on your grill, this could take from 7 to 12 minutes. Remove the corn from grill and let it rest/steam for 5 minutes.
Place a cast iron skillet on the grill over direct heat and close the lid.
To a food processor add the Hellman's mayonaise, Vidalia onion, garlic, asian chile garlic sauce, lemon zest, basil, kosher salt, and fresh ground black pepper.
Remove the husk from the corn. With a sharp knife remove the kernels. Add the kernels to the processor. Process until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Place the sweet corn mayo in a glass bowl, cover with plastic wrap, refrigerate or place in a cooler packed with ice until ready to use.
Add the bacon to the cast iron skillet that has been pre-heating on the grill.Cook the bacon until it is crisp and nicely browned on both sides. Transfer the cooked bacon to a paper towel lined plate. Loosely tent with aluminum foil, set aside.
Carefully remove the skillet from the grill. Strain the grease through a fine mesh strainer into a glass measuring cup. Measure out 2 tablesoons of the drippings into a small glass bowl and reserve for frying the duck or chicken eggs, discard the rest.
For the Burgers
The juiciest burgers are made with simple, quality ingredients and minimal handing. I like to take it a step further. I keep the meat exceptionally cold by mixing the meat in a stainless steel mixing bowl set over an ice bath. It may sound strange but, this keeps the flavorful fat in the meat and off of your hands. This step is completely optional, but I encourage you to try it out.
Prepare an ice bath if using. To a large stainless steel mixing bowl (set over an ice bath, if using) add ground buffalo, garlic, chopped white truffle butter (if using), kosher salt and black pepper. Gently fold the ingredients together just until they are evenly distributed though out the meat.
Line a cookie sheet tray with parchment paper or wax paper. Divide the meat into six equal portions. Handling the meat as little as possible, form into individual patties appropriately sized for your buns. Wrap tray with plastic wrap and refrigerate or place in a cooler packed with ice until moments before they hit the grill.
Slice tomatoes into thick juicy slices. Place only the choice three slices from each tomato on a plate. Sprinkle each slice with a pinch of kosher salt. Pop the remainder tomato "scraps" into your mouth and roll your eyes back in delight. Cover the tomatoes with plastic wrap, set aside. Please do not chill!
Put your Big Marty's or other soft sesame seeded bun on a cookie tray. Brush the insides generously with 2 tablespoons of Colavita extra-virgin olive oil. Set aside.
Check that the grill is still med-high. Saturate a paper towel with Colavita Olive Oil. Use a long set of tongs to rub the oil drenched paper towel over the grill. Remove burger patties from the refrigerator or cooler and immediately place on the hot oiled grill. Cook 5-7 minutes per side or until an internal temperature of 145 degrees for medium-rare. Transfer patties to a platter, loosely tent with foil and let them rest for 5 minutes.
While burgers are resting, line another cookie tray with parchment or wax paper. Place 2 tablespoons of the reserved bacon grease in a medium sized grill safe non-stick skillet. Put the skillet on the grill over direct heat. Once the grease is very hot crack three of the duck eggs into the skillet. Cook for 1-2 minutes sprinkle with kosher salt & black pepper, then flip eggs over and cook another 1-2 minutes (the yolks should still be runny). Slide eggs onto lined cookie tray, separate with spatula if necessary. Repeat with remaining three eggs. Loosely tent eggs with foil. Drop grill temperature to med -low.
Place Big Marty's oiled side down on the grill. Toast each bun until light and golden. Transfer buns to a large cutting board toasted side up.
Remove the sweet corn mayo from the refrigerator or cooler.
Build all 6 burgers assembly line style from the bottom up. First, generously spread sweet corn mayo inside the top and bottoms. Next place one leaf of lettuce on each bun bottom, followed by an heirloom tomato slice, next the burger patty, then two pieces of bacon per burger, top the bacon with one fried duck egg being very careful not to break the yolk, gently replace bun tops.
Whisk the finished burgers over to your friends and family (or the judges) and smile big, because you know they are about to eat the BEST local yolkal burger they've ever tasted!
* Asian chile garlic sauce or sambal is used as a condiment on just about everything in the far East. It is made from fresh ground chiles and garlic and it can be very hot. It is available at Asian food markets or in the international aisles of most supermarkets. I like the brand that has a bright green lid and a rooster on the label.
** D'artagnan's (a New Jersey based company ) white truffle butter is available from www.dartagnan.com, or at most gourmet supermarkets.
*** Big Marty's are oversized soft sesame seeded buns that are a staple at any local backyard cookout in our region.


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domromer wrote:I figure it would be cool to see what everyone says the best of would be. I'll add up all the entries next week and post the results.
Best Stable Driver: teebird dx
Best Overstable Driver: star max
Best Stable Midrange: ROC
Best Putt & Approach: Aviar PnA
Best First Disc: valkyrie
Best Beginner Driver: leopard
Best Plastic: dx
Best Long Distance driver star wraith


text:
Almost overnight, Jared Goff went from being big man on campus to just another face in the crowd.
Of course, Goff — the highly recruited spiral-throwing machine who led Marin Catholic High to the brink of a state football title in December — was not surprised at how far his stock has fallen.
The 6-foot-4 quarterback, who rewrote the passing records at Marin Catholic, knew what he was getting himself into when he accepted a football scholarship and entered Cal in January as, for all intents and purposes, a high school senior.
"The first week was definitely transitional — kind of surreal," Goff said in a phone interview from his dorm room on campus.
That first week, Goff was bombarded with an overload of new information — negotiating a huge campus, living on his own, learning the names of his football teammates, finding the best places to eat — a dizzying experience, to say the least.
"I wouldn't say it was exactly hard," he said. "I would say it was fast — everything was just happening so fast."
But, like reading a corner blitz in an audible at the line of scrimmage, Goff adjusted almost as quickly.
By the time Cal's spring football practice kicked into gear, it wasn't long before Goff was fighting for the starting job.
Cal's spanking new head coach Sonny Dykes was rather surprised to learn Goff had graduated early and was preparing for spring practice.
"Typically, we try to encourage players to stick around high school for their senior year," said Dykes, who came to Cal from Louisiana Tech where he spent three years as its coach. "We didn't have high expectations when we heard he was going to be here early."
However, after watching Goff at practice a few times Dykes' outlook changed in a heartbeat.
"He's good athlete and he throws the ball well," Dykes said. "He moves around the pocket well, and has that inane sense to avoid the rush and a calm presence under pressure. He was very well coached in high school. You can tell his high school coaches knew what they were doing. Jared picks things up pretty fast."
At this point, it appears Goff is in a three-way battle for Cal's starting quarterback job with Austin Hinder, a 6-4 junior from Colorado, and fellow freshman Zach Kline, a 6-2, 210-pounder, who was considered one of the top 50 recruits in the nation after a senior season at San Ramon Valley High in Danville where he threw 36 touchdown passes and only seven interceptions.
"A freshman starting quarterback is certainly not something that's the norm," said Dykes, who directed the nation's top-ranked scoring offense (51.5 points per game) at Louisiana Tech last season. "A true freshman starter is pretty unusual."
Interestingly, though, starting a true freshman at quarterback is not uncharted waters for Dykes. In his second season at Louisiana Tech, Dykes started true freshman Nick Isham from Westlake High in California.
"The good thing is we have three quarterbacks with different strengths and weaknesses," Dykes said about his quarterback crop at Cal. "They're all good workers, very dedicated and very competitive. It's going to be an interesting battle as we move into fall and get into two-a-days."
Even though Goff has impressed his coach with his skills and instincts, his upper classmen teammates are unfazed by his abilities and seldom pass up a chance to bust the freshman's chops.
"It was like, 'Who is this newbie blonde kid coming in and what's this kid doing here?'" Goff said about his first week in spring practice. "And then as soon as they started to get to know me, they started to call me nicknames. McLovin was one of the first ones. They say I say look like the guy in the movie. But they never call me Jared, just Goff or Jeff or Jack — whatever they want. They're just giving me names."
On the other side of the ball, they don't really care what his name is. To the Cal defense, Goff is a target, just like anybody who lines up behind center. Goff found that out the hard way at the annual Blue and Gold Spring Game on March 23.
On his first play from scrimmage in the exhibition game, Goff anticipated a linebacker blitz and deftly completed a short out-pass to his wide receiver. But he paid the price when Lucas King, a 6-3, 230-pounder outside linebacker, tattooed him just as he released the ball.
"The spring game was the first time quarterbacks could get hit," Goff said. "I got drilled on my first play. It was in the top five of the hardest hits I have ever taken. My chin strap unbuckled, my mouthpiece came flying out — but actually, it was kind of nice to get it over with. It was a big hit but nothing I couldn't recover from."
In fact, Goff recovered quite nicely, eventually throwing a 6-yard TD pass on the Cal offense's last series. Earlier in the game, Goff got quite a thrill when Seattle Seahawks' running back Marshawn Lynch, a Cal alum, entered the game for one play. Goff handed the ball off to Lynch, who bolted untouched for a 22-yard score.
"We knew (Lynch) was coming in for one play and us quarterbacks were wondering who was going to get to hand the ball to him," Goff said. "It was cool for me, being here just a month or so and getting to do that right off the bat."
With spring practice already in his rearview mirror, Goff has plenty of work to do before August.
"There are a million things I can work on, but mainly footwork and just getting consistent with the whole playbook," he said. "For the most part, all three of us quarterbacks are pretty even at this point. It's going to come down who has the best command of the offense. All I can do is work hard and do my best and keep getting better everyday. If I do that, I should be in a good place when August rolls around."
Dykes is completely noncommittal about his quarterback of choice at this point, but he is sure one of the trio of candidates will separate himself from the others.
"Somebody is going to make a move by outworking, by out-studying the others," Dykes said. "This is their time for working on their own and improving their skills. When we start back in August, I'm anxious to see how they utilize these next three months."
Both of Goff's parents attended Cal. He said he grew up at Memorial stadium rooting for the Bears.
"It's wild," Goff said. "People ask me what it's like to play in Memorial Stadium. I'll be doing running conditioning in the morning at 6 a.m., tired as a dog, and then I look around and it dawns on me I'm running in Memorial Stadium. This is where I grew up watching football. I don't know if it's quite hit me yet."
But Goff's not dreaming. He's living the dream. Come August, Goff's dream could turn into an epic one.
Around campus
Former Redwood High and College of Marin baseball standout Taber Watson, a junior at Division III Chapman University, has turned into the bullpen ace for the Cougars. Watson, a 5-10 right-handed relief pitcher, is 2-1 with six saves and a 0.38 ERA. In 24 innings, Watson who was better known for his bat in Marin County, has notched 35 strikeouts and walked only five.
Portland State women's tennis player Megan Govi, a sophomore from San Rafael and MC grad, broke a 15-year-old school record by winning 16 singles matches during the recently concluded D-I season. Govi, playing mostly in the No. 4 singles spot, finished with a 16-5 overall record. The former record at Portland State for wins in a season was 12.
Former Branson School baseball star Spencer Branigan, a 6-5 senior first baseman at Penn University, is second on the team in hitting with a .350 average. Branigan has 11 doubles and 17 RBIs for the Quakers (19-11).
Terra Linda grad Jason Mahood, a senior infielder for USF's baseball team, is hitting .243 with seven doubles, 13 RBIs and an on-base percentage of .338, fifth-best on the team.
Marin Academy grad Paige Whistler, a freshman at Colby College, was one of eight collegiate athletes out of 67 skiers selected from throughout the nation to compete at the recent U.S. Alpine Nationals at Squaw Valley. Whistler finished 11th in the slalom, 27th in the super G and 30th in the giant slalom.
In a recent UC Davis women's water polo three-game stretch, junior Erin Schlueter, a 2010 Tam grad, had five steals, eight drawn kick-outs, two field blocks and five assists for the 18th-ranked Aggies.
Staff writer Tim Menicutch covers college sports for the IJ. Call 382-7293 or email firstname.lastname@example.com
Cal schedule
Aug. 3: Football camp begins
Aug. 31: Season opener versus Northwestern, Memorial Stadium, UC Berkeley campus; Time TBA
Here are Jared Goff's prep career passing numbers:
Passes/ Attempts
185/ 299
235/ 368


text:
So it was a rarity on Monday to see Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) chatting it up with Jimmy Carter, the 39th president, who was sitting at his table; or Bill Clinton shaking the hand of Rep. Paul Ryan (R-Wis.), the vice presidential candidate whom he attacked repeatedly on the campaign trail; or House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-Va.) — the longtime nemesis of the president — presenting the Obamas with a crystal vase engraved with a hand-carved sketch of the White House.
During his previous Inauguration, the feeling was much different in the Capitol: Democrats dominated both chambers of Congress. This time, the House is controlled by Republicans, who view the president as having little regard for their concerns. But after the Monday lunch, Republicans were quick to praise the president, and Democrats saw a new man stepping into a second term.
Rep. Jeb Hensarling (R-Texas), chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, said it was the first such gathering he attended. "It was nice," Hensarling said. "You kind of wish sometimes the spirit of friendship and [bipartisanship] could last a little bit beyond the pomp and circumstance."…
"I enjoyed the lunch; it was great," Ryan said later. "I liked the bison."


text:
The majority of county residents had their power returned and all county roads closed for the storm were reopened Monday night after days of rain.
"Power's back on, the road's back opened," said Martha Karstens,Big Sur Volunteer Fire Brigade chief. "Other than some trees fallen here and there, we're doing pretty good."
Since the rain began Wednesday afternoon, 3.2 inches fell in Salinas, 4.72 inches in Carmel Valley and 10.52 inches in Big Sur, said Diana Henderson, National Weather Service meteorologist .
Amounts varied in Monterey with more than 7 inches falling at Andrew Molera State Park and just 3 inches at the Monterey Regional Airport, she said.
Henderson said the rainfall amounts were normal for this time of year.
More than 2,000 homes were without power Sunday but less than 50 were without by Monday night, said Pacific Gas & Electric Co.
There is a 10 to 30 percent chance of rain Tuesday and a 50 percent chance Wednesday, said the National Weather Service. Emergency workers said they were not concerned because only light rain is expected.
There were about 40 crashes on highways and unincorporated areas of the county in the five day stretch, said preliminary data from the California Highway Patrol.
CHP Officer Robert Lehman could not verify if the accidents were weather related but said "certainly there is a correlation. The wetter the roads, the more crashes we tend to see."
There were 14 crashes Friday, the day of heaviest rainfalls in some areas, Lehman said.
"The majority of crashes are caused by people failing to compensate for the weather," he said. "People not slowing down, giving themselves enough following distance, making sure their vehicles are in good enough shape."
Sherrie Collins, Monterey County emergency services manager, said the county could still be at risk for mudslides but that, for now it seems like the county is out of danger.
She said the county avoided potential hazards like a quickly rising Carmel Lagoon. Public Works employees did work on the sandbar to prevent flooding, she said.
Collins said she hoped the storm would help the county prepare for what is to come.
"For a number of folks, it was probably a good precursor to getting ready for the winter storm season," Collins said.
The CHP's Lehman was less optimistic. "We hope so," he said of preparedness. "We don't get continuous wet weather, we get a good chunk of storms and then it dries out. In that time, a lot of folks forget what they need to do to keep themselves safe on the road."
And that's basically: "Slow down."


text: New libraries are 'cultural hubs,' consultant says By Megan Workman January 28, 2013 Story Share CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- Already downsized in design plans once, a new public library building in Charleston might need to be even smaller than 120,000 square feet so it can fit 21st Century needs, a consultant said Monday night. Public libraries have gone through an evolution in the past 20 years, which officials want to see in the Kanawha County Public Library's proposed new main library.Laura Isenstein, president of Providence Associates, a library-consulting firm, said public libraries today "are the center for 21st century skills."The "cultural hubs," she said, give communities free access to technologies that may not be available in their own homes. Access to computers and software, the Internet -- which aids in workforce development -- and meeting spaces are all available to the public for free, Isenstein said.New features such as automated book returns and self-checkout stands are incorporated in many of today's newest libraries. E-book readers and makerspaces -- areas where library visitors can use multimedia content to compose music or write a book -- are some of the innovations that libraries have now, Isenstein said.Isenstein and other Providence Associates staff spoke to more than 50 people Monday during an informational meeting hosted at Laidley Tower in Charleston. The library-consulting firm provided guidance about the library's building plans.Plans for the new main library building were first drawn up in 2002. The building was scaled down once, from 140,000-square-feet to 120,000-square-feet, both to reduce cost and to make more efficient use of land as it became available near the Clay Center on Leon Sullivan Way.Isenstein said that because so much of the new main library is being digitized, it might need to be even smaller.The new main library would provide the tools and resources necessary to meet the technological needs of the Kanawha County community, Isenstein said."While books are the collaborative consumption of libraries, today it is technology. It's helping parents to work with children at an early age and teens and their world with social media to become content creators," Isenstein said. "Technology is so much a part of how our kids learn and libraries have a role in that." Libraries are places people want to be because they provide something for everyone, Isenstein said, adding that they serve as the heart of a community.She said providing digitally equipped conference rooms and spaces that are adaptable are key to meeting a community's needs."Great cities have great libraries," Isenstein said, "but the [existing main Kanawha County Public] library has served its purpose. The library here has some challenges in its space, let alone technology, to be a 21st century library."One limitation of the current library is how the layout is "chopped up," Isenstein said.The building -- which was finished in 1904 -- is extremely inefficient and costly to operate -- more than a brand new building would cost to operate, she said. "Do you know the technologies and improvements that have been made in lighting ... plumbing since then?" Isenstein asked the group. "It is not a building that can be changed to reflect what you need in the 21st century."Other factors prevent the Kanawha County Public Library from serving as the "community's living room," she said. For instance, there is no parking, the walls cannot be rearranged and, because of wiring issues, no more electrical outlets can be added.However, building limitations aren't the only reason construction on the main library still hasn't begun more than 10 years after the 2002 announcement.The library launched a campaign in 2006 to raise $37 million for a new main branch. It has raised more than $18.4 million since then, but most of the money has come from private donations.C. David Warren, associate principal consultant for Provide Associates, said he is impressed with how much money has been raised through private funds.But the community needs to "get over this hurdle." "I commend you on raising $18 million ... but can this be built on just private monies?" Warren asked. "This community has to identify where that money is."Providence Associates staff stressed the importance of raising public funds."I've heard there may be additional private dollars available, but only ... if public funds [become] available first," Isenstein said. "Where can you get those public dollars?"For every $1 of public money invested in the Kanawha County Public Library, there is a $2.24 return on investment, Isenstein said. That return is a conservative estimate, she said, considering the city of Pittsburgh gets back $6 for every $1 spent. Public libraries in South Carolina get a $4 return on investment for every $1 of public money invested, she said.Isenstein said the library consulting firm would come up with the top three projections to "make this project a reality."The next step is hearing from the community.To make the library a dynamic, interactive space that the community considers a destination place, officials have to know what the community wants in its library. Future informational meetings will be hosted, but Isenstein said she didn't have exact meeting dates yet.For more information about the new main library or to donate, call Patty Tompkins at 304-343-4646, ext. 251 or email her at email@example.com or visit http://kanawhalibrary.org/building/index.htmlReach Megan Workman at firstname.lastname@example.com or 304-348-5113. Story Share Story Share Trending Now 1 WVU pulls away from Kansas for 56-34 win 2 New company planning $73M synthetic fuel plant in Greenbrier County 3 'Heroin(e)' spotlights women helping combat Huntington's drug crisis 4 Philanthropist Betty Schoenbaum of Shoney's fortune turns 100 5 Getting deep on WVU's penchant for getting deep Greenbrier sauna business sells worldwide Previous Story Naming process for new West Side school underway Next Story


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Let's try blowing into a paper bag
DKW, June 11, 2012
I feel like I have the hiccups as I track the economy. You know the feeling. Everything seems just fine, then all of a sudden you convulse with a diaphragm spasm. Then you wait and wonder when the next one will erupt and when it will all end.
The economy was doing pretty well at the end of 2011. GDP was up 3.0% in the fourth quarter. Industry data was solid and improving. Holiday sales were less than disappointing. Even jobs numbers were showing solid improvement.
Into 2012, all seemed positive. Corporate profits set new records. The unemployment rate was moving steadily lower. The ISM manufacturing and non-manufacturing indices were moving towards the 55 level (above 50 designates expansion). Even job growth had broken out of its mopey state, with U.S. jobs data registering three robust monthly gains: December = 223,000; January = 275,000; and February = 259,000. Private sector job gains were even higher. (Monthly job gains in the 250,000 range are considered sufficient to propel the economy.) Forecasters were raising their rates of economic growth. The Fed had tabled any talk of further quantitative easing, i.e., pumping more money into the economy.
Then, hiccup, March job gains came in at 143,000. First quarter GDP was revised down to 1.9% (hic).
Quarterly profits went higher. Consumer spending went higher. Then April jobs numbers reportedly rose only 77,000 (hic).
Industrial output was rising steadily and was the primary sector driving the economy. Then productivity went negative in May and the manufacturing work week shortened (hic).
Auto sales continued to show healthy gains. Personal income and consumer spending showed real dollar gains in May. Even construction spending increased, including residential single-family investment. Then the May jobs numbers came in at 69,000 (hic). The unemployment rate increased to 8.2% (hic). Factory orders fell (hic). May auto sales dropped 600,000 units to 13.8 million seasonally adjusted annual rate (hic).
The stock market was rallying on the positive economic data. Then the economic numbers softened (hic), the European situation worsened (hic), and China's economy slowed (hic), pushing the stock market to 2012 lows and losses.
Holding our breath
So here we sit holding our breath waiting for the next data to give us another hiccup or allow us a reprieve to breathe more easily.
The current economic situation is one still wrought with uncertainty. The waves of positive then negative data are indicative of an economy not yet on sound footing. Forecasters are holding or dropping their outlook for economic growth rates. Some have even suggested negative growth for a quarter or two in 2012. Quantitative Easing III, or QE III for short, may be back on the Federal Reserve Bank Open Market Committee's agenda. The major players in Europe are working late into the night trying to swaddle Greece, put Italy down for a nap, and bottle feed Spain out of fiscal crises with the suggestive interference of the U.S. and the International Monetary Fund. Another jolting hiccup and the squawking begins again.
There are three major influences affecting the near-term economic outlook, in timeframe order of affects: 1) the ongoing European sovereign financial crises, 2) the presidential campaigns leading up to the November election, and 3) the federal budget "cliff" pending on January 1, 2013.
The Eurozone budget problems have travailed for quite some time. Numerous plans to alleviate the situation have not worked and the situation has now reached a crisis. Greece is now expected to leave the European Union. Italy is preparing for the inevitable. Spain is about to ask for money to bail out its banks. Hic. Whatever the outcome, a new fiscal governance regime will need to be developed for what remains of the zone. Fortunately, the U.S. financial system is pretty well sheltered from that mess. The slow economic growth in Europe, however, is affecting U.S. exports, and Chinese exports. Slower Chinese growth also means slower U.S. growth. Hic.
The rhetoric of the competing presidential campaigns will do little to calm the waters around the economic situation. Confusion and inaction is likely to stall or postpone decisive action to jumpstart economic growth. Hic.
The November election will be quickly followed by our own fiscal mess, the federal budget "cliff" that needs to be addressed in the few short weeks between the election and year end. Tax cut extensions, budget cuts, and the end of unemployment insurance extensions all come due in January 2013. Forecasters say that if no action is taken, the $600 billion increase in tax revenue coupled with $1.2 trillion in budget cuts will cut four percentage points off GDP growth and push the U.S. into a recession. Hic, hic, hic.
There are many purported cures for the economic hiccups. However, this time around low interest rates haven't helped. Fiscal stimulus hasn't helped. Twisting interest rates (selling short-term Treasury Bills and buying long-term Treasury Bonds) hasn't worked. Home mortgage bailouts didn't work. Throwing trillions of euros and dollars at continental banks hasn't worked. Austerity programs in Greece may have made it worse.
Maybe all this will become so frightening that it will scare the singultus right out of us.
The only cure that has worked for me was a shot of lemon juice suggested by a college friend. It was sour going down, but it did the trick.
Written by Dennis Winters, Chief Economist and OEA Administrator. June 11, 2012.


text:
Champion animal welfare in your community
Veterinarians save lives when they partner with shelters and other animal organizations.
Oct 01, 2007
"Society places a lot of trust in veterinarians," says Kate Hurley, DVM, MPVM, director of the Koret Shelter Medicine Program at the University of California, Davis. "They are highly trained, and the public regards them as animal professionals. When we join with shelters, it elevates the status of both the problem and the profession in the public eye."
Veterinarians do shoulder the burden for much of a New Hampshire spay and neuter program targeted at low-income pet owners. More than 70% of veterinary practices in New Hampshire participate by providing low-cost surgeries for pets whose owners qualify for the program, which began in 1994. To qualify, pet owners must be eligible for Medicaid or food stamps or one of five public-assistance programs. The veterinarians agree to lower their customary fees for neutering by 20%; the cost of the surgeries is subsidized through proceeds from a $2 surcharge on dog licenses and a $25 owner co-payment. More than 34,000 surgeries were performed in the first eight years of the program.2 Marsh reports that 80% of the decline in shelter euthanasia in New Hampshire is attributable to decreased shelter admissions subsequent to this program.