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On the 'game atmosphere' theme Bellisimo brings up: Did anybody else notice the many, many empty seats for the England vs. France game? I thought the whole competition was sold out?
Also, I may be crazy but I think there's a chance Ukraine and Sweden could be the two teams coming out of group D. They both showed a lot more than England and France did, and I don't see England beating Sweden or France beating Ukraine (in Donetsk) if they both play the way they did today.


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Alumna Awarded Bosch Fellowship
When Laura Hagood, MA arts management and art history '04, decided to apply to the prestigious Bosch Fellowship program, she knew the competition would be fierce. "They receive between 200 and 300 applications, and they only accept 15 people. I knew the odds were against me," Hagood says. "All along, I thought, 'This isn't going to happen.'"
A cross-cultural professional development program, the Robert Bosch Foundation Fellowship offers U.S. professionals the opportunity to work as consultants at leading institutions in Germany. The program includes intensive German language training, customized work placements, and professional seminars, with the goal of creating a network of American leaders with firsthand experience with Germany's cultural environment.
In past years, the Bosch Foundation has awarded fellowships to individuals working in business administration, journalism, law, public policy, and urban planning. This year, the foundation added a new field to the mix—cultural management. "When I got the acceptance e-mail, I was in shock for a full two weeks," says Hagood. "As one of their first cultural management fellows, this is a major professional development opportunity for me. I'm hoping this will distinguish me from my peers and allow me to take a bold step forward."
Though the program offers many benefits, Hagood is most excited about gaining a different perspective on her field. A fundraising professional, she hopes that working in a German cultural institution will deepen and broaden her practice. "When you're doing your job, it can be hard to step back and really analyze what you're doing," she says. "Working in Germany will give me the opportunity to see what development and philanthropy look like there, and will give me a unique vantage point that I can bring back to the States."
Every Bosch Fellow is asked to select a topic to research and write about while working abroad. Hagood chose museum revenue diversification strategies as her focus, with hopes of expanding her knowledge and helping German institutions to better understand effective fundraising. "In the United States, the role of private fundraising is key for almost any nonprofit, but in Germany and most of Europe, it's different because governments have traditionally funded cultural organizations almost completely," Hagood says.
Recently, however, German and European government funding has been trimmed, forcing some organizations to merge with others, or even close their doors. Now that their primary source of support is becoming less secure, German cultural institutions are looking at U.S. philanthropy as a possible model. Because cultural managers in Europe have never needed to fundraise before, many organizations are unsure of how to tackle this new challenge. "The biggest obstacle to the development of fundraising is the fact that there are few trained European fundraisers," Hagood says.
Hagood feels that her years of experience will help inform her research and work, and hopefully contribute to the professionalization of fundraising in Germany. "There is a real societal benefit to philanthropy, and I feel like I've been in my profession long enough that I can be useful in another cultural setting," Hagood says. "I also think I know what questions to ask. If I had done this program ten years ago, I'm not sure I would have known what to do with it."
Though she worked hard to win the fellowship, Hagood also believes that without the support she received from American University, she would not have been successful. A key individual she credits is Sherburne Laughlin, an AU arts management professor and former director of the program. Not only did Laughlin send her the initial opportunity, but she connected Hagood with her husband, a former Bosch fellow, and spoke with the Foundation to find out if it was worthwhile for Hagood to apply. "She was incredibly encouraging and helpful," says Hagood. "If it hadn't been for her, I don't think I would have applied."
Hagood also received an incredible amount of support from the AU Office of Merit Awards. The office connected Hagood with a School of International Service professor, Aaron Bosenecker, who helped with the application; it also set up a mock interview to help her prepare for the final phase of the application process. "It was like having a cheering squad or coaching team helping me every step of the way. It's amazing that after you graduate, there's this whole network of support for you, just by virtue of having a degree from AU," Hagood says. "The level of resources that were devoted to helping me get this fellowship was really exceptional."
Currently, Hagood is completing four hours of weekly German language training here in Washington, DC. In early August, she will travel to Berlin to continue one month of full-time language study, during which she will determine where she will be placed for her six-month work assignment. Though she is uncertain of what lies ahead, Hagood is thrilled to embark on a journey of personal, cultural, and professional growth.
"When you have an experience with something very different, you never look at where you came from quite the same way," she says. "This experience will prompt me to ask questions I never would have thought to ask before. Having the opportunity to develop that outside perspective—that's worth its weight in gold."

subset: commoncrawl


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Got an e-mail from Brian G. from heartland of America (Des Moines, where I lived until I was 10) about how he regularly posted updates regarding his experiences playing Oblivion. I'm sure others have done this, but they Brian e-mailed me first!. I like the fact while it's a pretty long thread, his exploits in Oblivion are all right there on one page. His updates started when he got the game on March, 22 2006 through April 18, 2007 when he wrapped up the main quest.
He didn't post everyday, because like other fans, things always come up, such as when he posted:
"There will be no Oblivion update for tonight…or tomorrow night. the wife took the game with her to her parents' place for the next two days so i would do homework and laundry."
Stinky clothes and bad grades can be bad news, but you should have known to have a second copy of the game. Anyhow, thanks for sharing, Brian. Now that you've had an extended break from the game, you should give The Shivering Isles a chance.
Check out his chronicles here…


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AJ Richardson is living the good life. He has a gorgeous town house in always-flavorful New Orleans, plenty of frequent-flier miles from jet-setting around the country on a whim, and an MBA...but he's never had to work a regular job. He owes it all to his longtime lover, Dray Jones. Dray Jones, the rich and famous NBA star.
They fell in love in college when AJ was hired to tutor Dray, a freshman on the basketball team. But Dray knew if he wanted to make it to the big time, he must juggle his public image and his private desires. Built on a deep, abiding love, their hidden relationship sustains them both, but when Dray's teammates begin to ask insinuating questions about AJ, Dray puts their doubts to rest by marrying Judi, a beautiful and ambitious woman. Judi knows nothing about Dray's other life. Or does she?
In Basketball Jones, E. Lynn Harris explores the consequences of loving someone who is forced to conform to the rules society demands its public heroes follow. Filled with nonstop twists and turns, it will keep listeners riveted from the first word to the last.
©2009 E. Lynn Harris; (P)2009 Random House Audio
"Addicting Sexy Hot"
I started listening to this book with out any expectations. I was hooked! As a gay man I could relate to the story in more ways than one. It quickly became my favorite. The narrator does such a good job. His voice is so SEXY! :-) I recommend it. Listen to if for your self...
"Another Masterpiece"
I bought this book when it was first released and actually got to meet Mr. Harris at a book signing event. The characters in Basketball Jones come alive through E Lynn's brilliant writing abilities. Mirron Willis also does an admirable job of giving the characters, actions and scenes in the book life. A definite must read for all.
E Lynn Harris you will be forever missed.
Say something about yourself!
"Not a Basketball Story"
Apparently I was not paying any attention when I got this audiobook. I thought it would be about professional athletes. No. It is about being gay in professional athletics. The main character was not even the pro basketball player. Basically it was sad book in that folks still cannot live as they are in our society. That is, in most all of pro leagues, you still cannot be openly gay. So, in that way, it was sad. However, the main character came to grips with his situation but everyone did not live happily ever after. I learned how it might be to be is such a situation in which you are an outcast and must live a secret life. So, it was interesting. Also interesting was the betrayal. I do not want to give too much away but if you can handle some gay sexual encounters, I recommend the book. I never lost interest and was pretty entertained wondering who was behind the blackmail.
"Great Read!"
This is a wonderful and enlightening read! Could seem to put it down!
"Great Story, Brilliant Narration."
Great Love Story. and tale of Betrayal. The ending left much to be desired though.
"I didn't want it to end..!"
I thoroughly enjoyed BasketBall Jones. Interesting storyline and characters. Enough twists and turns to keep you guessing and surprised. Sadness when it ended but I smiled at the late reintroduction of an #ELynnHarris major character. Loved the inclusion of a popular sport and exciting cities - ATL and New Orleans. True to form ELH writing and reading. He never disappointed. RIP
I love it
All of cast
Yes. but cant compare, this was good
Toward the final
"Sensual story about black gay love to its core"
I'm new to the work of E. Lynn Harris and I have to say that this story was sexually erotic in which I thoroughly enjoyed it. I loved the plot and ending to this novel. However, I wish that there could have been a sequel to this story.
"Incredibly, stunningly, insultingly bad"
Got this audio "book" from my sister. I am gay and I do enjoy my share of "guilty reading pleasures" and harmless fun-fiction. But this "novel" is not breezy, nor funny, nor light, nor entertaining nor anything positive. It makes the worst soap opera episode you have ever seen seem like a Shakespeare play. The story would have not been enough even for a short story, the characters and dialogue and development border on the retarded - and all is made even worse by the pompous narrator who gives the characters painfully-clicheed "voice attempts" and obviously tries to breathe some involuntarily hilarious depth into this shallow, dumb, annoying and boring caricature of a "novel".
Wow, I am 44 years old and I read a lot - this ranks as one of the worst "books" (I refuse to even call it a real book) I have ever read/heard. Beware.
Report Inappropriate Content
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Mass Effect 3 - Xbox 360
About this itemESRB Rating: M for Mature
Mass Effect 3 is a Role-playing Game (RPG) / Third-Person Shooter hybrid set in a Science Fiction universe. Mass Effect 3 is the third game in the popular Mass Effect series, and is rumored to be the final installment. In it players continue the adventures of Commander Shepard utilizing extreme character customization which is the hallmark feature of the series.
Additional features include: the ability to import decisions from both of the previous games into the new game, ownership/play of previous games not required, customizable weapons, improved mobility and melee combat, many returning characters (if they were not killed off in previous imported games), an improved cover system that allows for more action, compatibility with the Kinect Sensor for Xbox 360 and more.
- A Rich, Branching Storyline - Experience a sci-fi epic with multiple endings determined by your choices and actions throughout the game
- Massive in Scope - Battle on many worlds across the galaxy as you unite the ultimate force to take back the Earth before it's too late
- Large-scale and Intelligent Enemies - Battle enormous enemies and take on a smarter type of foe that will consistently challenge your best combat tactics and put you on the edge of your seat
- Unlock a Customizable Arsenal - Tailor each weapon with devastating upgrades including scopes, grips, barrels and dozens of other unique attachments. Each weapon boasts its own powerful impact and visual flair
- Unleash Death from Afar or Go Toe-to-Toe - Customize your soldier and squad to engage the enemy on your terms. A huge variety of weapons, abilities and equipment allow you to combat the enemy in your preferred style of play
- Play with Kinect - Mass Effect 3 features compatibility with the Kinect Sensor for Xbox 360
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Standard - 2 to 6 business days
Warranty Information
Computer/video game software must be returned in the original and unopened packaging with a receipt to receive a refund. Defective software must be returned within 90 days of the original purchase with a receipt to receive an exchange of merchandise.


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The two coaches who will lead their teams against each other on Sunday in East Rutherford, N.J., are about as polar opposite in their public persona as could possibly be.
So it was somewhat surprising Wednesday when an arguably unintentional verbal blast from the gregariously brash Rex Ryan, head coach of the New York Jets, prompted a response from Chargers head coach Norv Turner, who is always careful with his quotes. Even more surprising, it was Turner whose shot was more pointed, even if it was in reaction to another in a series of brazen statements by Ryan.
Ryan, who has taken the New York Jets to the AFC Championship game in both of his seasons as their head coach, was asked early Wednesday afternoon on a conference call with San Diego reporters if he thinks about what might have been had he gotten the head coaching job for which he interviewed in 2007.
"Well, I think I would have had a couple rings," Ryan said. "I'm telling you, those teams were loaded."
Ryan called Turner a short while later to clarify his comments and say he meant them as a compliment. Asked after the Chargers practice about that conversation, Turner at first refused to be dragged into any morass.
"It really was between he and I," Turner said. "… I think we've had enough coaching drama in the league the last few days. We don't need anymore."
Turner has said before he doesn't relate to the theatrics by many of the league's younger head coaches.
But asked whether he appreciated the call but perhaps took offense to what Ryan had originally said, Turner hesitated before dryly firing back.
"I hadn't seen the quote," Turner said. "I was a little bit surprised by the call. And then after I saw the quote, I just, I didn't have a chance to ask him this, but I was wondering if he had those rings with the ones he guaranteed the last couple years."
Ryan has become a popular figure in the nation's largest media market, in part due to the Jets winning and in part to moments such as when he has predicted his team would win the Super Bowl.
Ryan was one of five men to interview for the Chargers vacancy in February of 2007. Turner was always general manager A.J. Smith's favorite, and Turner was hired six days after Marty Schottenheimer was fired. Turner is now the winningest head coach in team history, but after the Chargers went to the AFC title game in his first season they have not been back and missed the playoffs in 2010.
Many San Diego fans have often lamented the passing over of the fiery and entertaining Ryan, who was the Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator at the time.
"Things happen for a reason," said Ryan, whose team beat the Chargers in the divisional round of the 2009 playoffs. "Obviously, Norv Turner has done a great job there and A.J. and everybody. That's a great franchise. He was probably the best guy for the job at that time."
Smith has often expressed his admiration for Ryan, and Ryan has reciprocated.
"I was so happy A.J. gave me the opportunity to interview in San Diego," Ryan said Wednesday. "Quite honestly, I wasn't on anybody's radar ... I thought that opened some doors for me."
Ryan, who has never been shy about making predictions, did say he thinks he should have won some Super Bowls with the Jets as well.
"There is no question I do," he said.
While it's unclear how Jets players felt about their coach evidently believing the Chargers had superior talent, Turner's public response played well in his locker room.
"Ooh, good one Norv," safety Eric Weddle said. "I love that. He needs to step up for himself."


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Every team in the NFL attempts to woo the top players to either remain on their roster or sign them away from another team. Inevitably, some teams are willing to pay more for a player and this, coupled with raising the salary cap, is what raises the average NFL salary. Per the New York Times, in 1982, the average NFL salary was $90,102; per Business Insider, in 2013, the average NFL salary was $1.9 million. However, it is the top end of the NFL salary structure that inflates this number and the NFL's top ten paid players make a good bit of money. Here's a look at how much each player is getting paid and relevant career statistics as well as where he ranked on Pro Football Focus in 2013 and the average salary of the next five highest paid players at his position. Also examined are how the contracts are structured; a player who on the surface appears to be grossly overpaid may not be when looking at the way the money is paid out.
(AUTHOR'S NOTE: This is not an attack on the player and how much he is getting paid; if the player does not get the money, the owner does not return to fans or automatically invest it in another player. This is an opinion of how much the player is getting paid as it relates to other players in his position group, how the contract is structured, and if his performance is commensurate with the contract.).
Contract information provided by spotrac.
Click here for the NFL's Top Paid Players at Every Position.
Turn the page for #10.


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TITUSVILLE, N.J., Dec. 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Janssen Therapeutics, Division of Janssen Products, LP, announced today that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a prescribing information update for EDURANT® (rilpivirine) tablets to include 96-week pooled data from the Phase 3 ECHO and THRIVE studies, which evaluated the efficacy and safety of EDURANT® for the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) in antiretroviral treatment-naive adults.
In addition to the inclusion of the 96-week data in the prescribing information, the Indications and Usage section was revised to read: EDURANT®, in combination with other antiretroviral agents, is indicated for the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection in antiretroviral treatment-naive adult patients with HIV-1 RNA less than or equal to 100,000 copies/mL at the start of therapy.
This indication is based on safety and efficacy analyses through 96 weeks from two randomized, double-blind, active-controlled Phase 3 trials in treatment-naive subjects.
The following points should be considered when initiating therapy with EDURANT®:
EDURANT® is not recommended for patients less than 18 years of age.
The Warnings and Precautions section was updated with information on hepatotoxicity (liver damage). This section now states that patients with underlying hepatic (liver) disease, including hepatitis B or C, or marked elevations in transaminases (liver enzymes) before treatment may be at increased risk for worsening or development of liver enzyme elevations. Monitor liver function tests (LFTs) before and during treatment. A few liver damage cases occurred in patients with no pre-existing hepatic disease or other identifiable risk factors, therefore, monitoring of LFTs should be considered in all patients.
The full revised EDURANT® label is available at: http://www.edurant.com/sites/default/files/EDURANT-PI.pdf
"EDURANT® is an important option for adult patients who are starting HIV therapy for the first time," said David Anderson, MD, Senior Medical Director, Janssen Therapeutics. "We are committed to continuing to provide information to help physicians and people living with HIV make the most appropriate treatment decisions."
The updated 96-week data in the prescribing information is based on results from pooled analyses of data from the Phase 3 trials ECHO and THRIVE, which were randomized, double-blind, and active-controlled studies in treatment-naive adult patients with HIV-1.
ECHO and THRIVE 96-Week Study Results The ECHO (Efficacy Comparison in treatment-naive HIV-infected subjects Of TMC278 and efavirenz, or TMC278-C209) and THRIVE (TMC278 against HIV, in a once-daily RegImen Versus Efavirenz, or TMC278-C215) studies evaluated EDURANT® (25 mg once daily) in antiretroviral treatment-naive adults. A pooled analysis showed that at 96 weeks:
Additional Information About the ECHO and THRIVE Studies
ECHO and THRIVE evaluated the efficacy and safety of EDURANT® in 1,368 antiretroviral treatment-naive HIV-1-infected adults with plasma HIV-1 RNA greater than or equal to 5000 copies/mL. The studies were identical in design, with the exception of the background regimen (BR). Patients were randomized to receive either EDURANT® (25 mg once daily) plus BR (n=686), or efavirenz (600 mg once daily) plus BR (n=682).
In the pooled analysis, demographics and baseline characteristics were balanced between both arms and randomization was stratified by screening viral load in both trials, and by nucleos(t)ide backbone in THRIVE.
Important Safety Information
Warnings and Precautions
Drug Interactions
This is not a complete list of potential drug interactions.
Please see full Prescribing Information for more details.
Use in Specific Populations
Adverse Reactions
About Janssen Therapeutics At Janssen, we are dedicated to addressing and solving some of the most important unmet medical needs of our time in HIV and other infectious diseases. Driven by our commitment to patients, we develop innovative products, services and healthcare solutions to help people throughout the world. Headquartered in Titusville, New Jersey, Janssen Therapeutics, Division of Janssen Products, LP, is one of the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson. Visit www.JanssenTherapeutics.com for more information and follow us on Twitter at @JanssenUS.
Media Contacts: Tricia GeogheganPhone: (609) 730-3746 Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
Pam Van HoutenPhone: (609) 730-7902 Email: email@example.com
Investor Contacts: Louise MehrotraPhone: (732) 524-6491 Stan PanasewiczPhone: (732) 524-2524
SOURCE Janssen Therapeutics


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Activities and Web Page Focus on Environmental Stewardship
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)
April 18, 2008
Activities and Web Page Focus on Environmental Stewardship
A new Fairfax County Web page and other activities focus on ways residents can help the environment. The Cool Neighborhoods Web page offers practical tips and resources for helping residents to be environmentally conscious in "My Household" and "My Neighborhood."
The Bright Futures Project will launch a two-week,
student-led drive on April 22 to replace one incandescent bulb with one
compact fluorescent light bulb for each child enrolled in the Fairfax
and Arlington county schools systems. Further information is
available at www.brightfuturesproject.org.
- The Recycling Roadshow, held at a variety of locations in the county, offers the public an opportunity to recycle computers and electronics, in addition to shredding documents. A calendar of Fairfax County Solid Waste Management Program events, including community clean-ups and hazardous waste collections, is available at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dpwes/recycling/announce.htm.
Fairfax County is one of the founding members of the national Cool Counties initiative, which was launched in July 2007 in partnership with the Sierra Club, to reduce local governments' greenhouse gas emissions by 80 percent by 2050. Since 2003, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors has implemented close to $7 million worth of projects and programs to address air quality and global climate change.
For more news and information, visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/news.


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MOUNT WASHINGTON - A Bullitt East High School teacher was killed in a car crash early Monday morning.
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Not so long ago, a man on a plane was served a sandwich he didn't like. He used Twitter - the real-time personal news feed, if you didn't know - to alert the world to his displeasure. An airline employee on the ground saw the tweet, relayed the message to a flight attendant who minutes later asked the man what could be done to assuage his disappointment.
Welcome to travel 2012 style, if you're doing it right.
Once seemingly impenetrable behemoths, airlines have become remarkably accessible thanks to social media, especially in the real-time world of Twitter. Most, if not all, airlines have Twitter feeds that allow customers to converse and, more important, solve problems in real time, whether for a large issue (stranded in an airport) or small (a lousy sandwich).
Stuart Greif, vice president of global travel for J.D. Power and Associates, said the sandwich story, which he said he discussed with an executive of the airline involved, shows social media's benefits for the travelers who are savvy enough to use them.
"If a customer has a problem, the fastest way to address it has become social media," Greif said. "Younger generations might never call into a call center. They might always go online and address these things in real time."
Another platform could one day overtake Twitter, but for now it is the primary tool for real-time reaction from an industry that triggers anxiety and frustration like few others. Go to any of the major airlines' Twitter feeds, and you will see (often entertaining) exchanges with frustrated passengers.
"We consider Twitter the canary in the coal mine," said Morgan Johnston, JetBlue's social media strategist. "It's not always fun to be called out publicly, but if there's something really wrong with our operation, it shows up a lot faster, and we're able to fix it."
Among the most aggressive Twitter users has been American Airlines, which has sent more messages than any of its competitors and which recently expanded its Twitter coverage from 6am to midnight, up from 7 am to 8pm. The ultimate goal is staffing 24 hours a day, as several other airlines already do.
(In our region, Qantas leads the way with 17,000 tweets published, though its social media strategy has occasionally backfired.)
When launching in 2009, American's Twitter feed was "communications people trying to perform customer service," said Brian Conway, one of the airline's two original tweeters on behalf of the public relations firm Weber Shandwick. He quickly realized the team would need workers trained in reservations and customer relations. They also junked a template of responses they had devised for answering tweets.
"We realized if an individual is coming to American with a specific issue, that issue requires a specific response," Conway said.
Why does Twitter mandate such attention from the airlines? Its public nature, of course.
"It is public - very public - especially those who tweet us who have large followings and a big sphere of influence," said Annette Hernandez, who manages American's social media customer service. "We want to be right on target when we respond. Who knows who will see it?"
Conway called tweeting on behalf of an airline "an incredible and very heavy responsibility."
"You have to double- and triple-check everything you write and think, 'How do I want the customer to feel when I post this?'" he said.
Advantage, airline customer. At last.
Have you had an airline respond to something you posted on Twitter? Post a comment below.
@QantasAirways 17,000 tweets; 82,000 followers
@JetstarAirways 10,000 tweets; 33,000 followers
@VirginAustralia 9000 tweets; 63,000 followers
@TigerAirwaysAus 842 tweets; 5500 followers
@FlyAirNZ 14,000 tweets; 68,000 followers
@AirAsia 11,000 tweets; 406,000 followers
@SingaporeAir 697 tweets; 13,000 followers
@CathayPacific 3300 tweets; 27,000 followers
@Flying_Emirates 337 tweets; 23,000 followers
@delta 4600 tweets; 323,000 followers
@united 3300 tweets; 113,000 followers
@EtihadAirways 620 tweets, 6000 followers
@MAS (Malaysia Airlines) 5000 tweets, 133,000 followers
@IndonesiaGaruda 2700 tweets, 61,000 followers
Follow the Traveller section on Twitter @FairfaxTravel


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Nationals ink reliever Ohman to Minors deal
VIERA, Fla. -- The Nationals signed 35-year-old left-hander Will Ohman to a Minor League contract with an invitation to Major League Spring Training on Monday.
Ohman pitched for the White Sox the last two seasons, going 0-2 with a 6.41 ERA in 32 big league games in 2012. Overall, he's 12-16 with a career 4.28 ERA in 483 appearances spanning 10 seasons.
Ohman has also pitched for the Cubs, Braves, Dodgers, Orioles and Marlins.
The well-traveled veteran gives the Nats, who do not have a wealth of left-handed relievers, depth in the bullpen in addition to lefties Zach Duke and Bill Bray.


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"The singing of VOCES8 is impeccable in its quality of tone and balance. They bring a new dimension to the word'ensemble' with meticulous timing and tuning." (Gramophone)
VOCES8 is one of the most exciting and versatile vocal groups currently performing. Founded in 2005, the multi award-winning ensemble now tours extensively across Europe, North America and Asia.
In January 2014 the group released Eventide, its debut recording for Decca, a series of seductive arrangements for eight voices given a contemporary edge with the addition of solo cello, harp and saxophone. The album went straight to the top of the classical charts, and won enthusiastic reviews for the group's intimate, perfectly blended sound, with BBC Music Magazine praising "pitch-perfect harmonies, in dreamily sumptuous sonics," and Australia's Limelight Magazine saying: "Thankfully, Eventide not only features some of the finest choral singing you'll hear anywhere; as far as chill albums go, it's one of the best I've heard . . . [all the performances] are without exception impeccable."
As part of the group's tenth anniversary celebrations, VOCES8 follows up the success of Eventide with the February 2015 release of Lux, spreading light through a radiant selection of music spanning 400 years: from Thomas Tallis to Massive Attack and Ben Folds Five, as well as popular classics such as Allegri's Miserere and Elgar's Nimrod. The album also features Paul Mealor's Ubi Caritas, commissioned for the wedding of Prince William to Catherine Middleton in 2011, and works by two of today's most exciting young composers: the US/Norwegian Ola Gjeilo and the UK's Will Todd.
The programmes on these Decca releases reflect the versatility of a group which, while specialising in classical choral music, has made its mark in the widest possible repertoire, ranging from Renaissance polyphony through to jazz and pop arrangements. The ensemble also regularly commissions and collaborates with world-renowned contemporary composers including Ola Gjeilo, Roxanna Panufnik, Jim Clements, Alexander Levine and Ben Parry. The ensemble's next commission, from Alec Roth, will be premiered at the 2015 Three Choirs Festival.
Highlights of the 2014/2015 season include tours of the USA and Japan plus an extensive run of concerts in the UK and Germany. The season also sees VOCES8 perform at Bozar in Brussels, Berliner Dom, Hamburg's Laeiszhalle, Canterbury Cathedral, Three Choirs Festival and Lund Festival, give its debut tour of Canada, and return to Tokyo Opera City, Wigmore Hall, Mariinsky Theatre Concert Hall, La Folle Journée in France.
The group's many broadcasts include appearances on MPR (Minnesota Public Radio) Deutschlandradio Kultur, ARTE TV, Radio France Musique, BBC Radio 3 and Classic FM (which named Eventide disc of the week on its release), and it has enjoyed artistic collaborations with the Philharmonia Orchestra, the London Philharmonic Orchestra and period ensemble Les Inventions. In 2005, the group launched its career by taking first prize and the audience vote for best performance at the International Choral Competition in Gorizia, Italy, and the following year it won two first prizes at the international choral competition in Tolosa, Spain. In 2013, it was nominated for seven CARA awards, winning in the categories for Best Classical Album and Best Classical Song.
Wherever the eight singers travel, they win glowing reviews. According to London's Evening Standard, "the searing chromatic harmonies of Lotti's glorious Crucifixus stunned everybody into appreciative silence", while International Record Review praised their "exhilarating freshness of sound, unanimity of ensemble and superb diction."
Outreach and education are central to the work of VOCES8. The group leads an innovative series of music education workshops reaching some 20,000 people across the world each year. Much of this work takes place at the group's home, the Gresham Centre, a newly opened centre for vocal excellence in the heart of the City of London. This education work has received praise from UNESCO and since 2005 the group has raised Ł1 million towards music education in the UK. This season VOCES8 continues as resident ensemble at Bedford School, Ardingly College, Bradfield College and The Grey Coat Hospital, and begins a new relationship with Birmingham University. It also leads the Milton Abbey Summer School.
VOCES8 publishes both its own arrangements and education materials with Edition Peters. This includes the VOCES8 Songbook and the VOCES8 Method, which is translated into French and German, and will be released in Japanese and Chinese this season.
With a growing reputation for stunning concerts and innovative education work, VOCES8's charismatic music-making is winning plaudits wherever it is heard. "Radiant and luminous are adjectives that are perhaps overused in describing choral sound, but in this case they are fully deserved." (Stephen Eddins, AllMusic).


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How to Fabricate a Toy Model from Scratch
Floating reed islands bear homes, schools and even a radio station on Lake Titicaca, which rides the border between Bolivia and Peru. Their inhabitants, the Uros, preserve an old-school artificial island-making technique that their predecessors employed for centuries. They bundle totora reeds—the stalks of the giant bulrush—into floating, shape-shifting masses that change as reeds rot and new ones are lashed on.
Reeds are the backbone of Uros construction. They bundle them to make their islands, homes, their cartoonishly curved boats and even their sails. Walking on the islands is like walking on a giant gummy bear, and if it's not patched well, a foot can go all the way through. Reportedly, the islands are the relics of a prehistoric military strategy: when invaders came, the Uros could slowly drift away.
Hundreds of bushy lumps pock the surface of lochs in Ireland and Scotland. Some are restored, and many more have sunken in the centuries since their construction. They're the remains of crannógs, small (usually 200 ft. in diameter) artificial islands that wealthy families built. Why they're there isn't clear, but a good guess is that they were status symbols – the lakeside estates of the prehistoric elite. Also, they were probably easy to defend against attacks.
Some of the crannógs have natural islands or shoals at their core; others are built entirely in open water. To make them, their builders sank a circle of axe-sharpened posts into the lakebed around the island or in open, shallow water. They wove branches and wattle—wooden lattice—between the posts and filled the enclosure with logs, branches, soil and clay. At the center of the new island, they raised a circular, wooden building. The islanders commuted to shore in canoes, or they built causeways just beneath the surface to conceal them from the crannog-looting scoundrels that roamed the countryside.
Pictures Taken from the Sprint EVO 4G by HTC Cellphone


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Note: This item is more than four years old. Please take the publication date into consideration for any date references.
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Media Contact: TPWD News, firstname.lastname@example.com, 512-389-8030
Sept. 3, 2013
Game Wardens Grade Dove Opener A-minus, but a Few Hunters Flunked Compliance
AUSTIN – Judging by tweets from across the state received during the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Law Enforcement Division's first virtual "ride-along" with a game warden, hunters enjoyed an A-minus mourning dove season opener.
"A lot of hunters were limiting out in the morning, and anyone who really wanted to got their limit Sunday if they hunted morning and evening," reported Lt. Mike Mitchell, the division's technology and special projects officer.
Mitchell spent Sunday riding with a game warden and reported their law enforcement activities real-time via Twitter. The wardens contacted scores of hunters, and Mitchell used a department smart phone to send 36 tweets, many accompanied by photographs and links to further information.
To join the ongoing conversation on Texas game and fish law enforcement, become a follower of the Law Enforcement Division's twitter account at Twitter.com/TexasGameWarden
While most of the bird hunters the wardens contacted Sunday were abiding by all applicable laws, Mitchell said he and his partner primarily saw three main violations.
Most prevalent was finding that a hunter had not taken a hunters education course, which is mandatory for anyone born after 1971.
The second most common offense was not having a hunting license, followed by having more than the legal limit of 15 birds. (The possession limit was increased to 45 birds this year, but that only works on the third day of the season or later.)
Each of these violations is a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of from $25 to $500 plus court costs. Also, when resources are seized, the department can seek civil restitution for the value of any game confiscated.
"By far most of the hunters we contacted were in compliance and enjoying a great outdoor experience," Mitchell said.
Texas had an estimated 393,975 dove hunters contributing $177,467,664 to retail sales, according to a 2006 Economic Benefits study by Southwick Associates.
The average dove hunter is 43.7 years old, and only 6.8 percent of the hunters are female, but Mitchell said he and the other warden were heartened to see several father-son and father-daughter hunters, and some shotgun-toting moms as well.
During the middle of the day, when most dove are keeping cool in trees or on electrical and telephone lines, the wardens spent some time on the water doing boater safety and fishing checks.
Not long after resuming patrol of dove hunting areas, Mitchell got a tweet from a hunter wanting to know when the evening flight began.
The tweet came in at 3:14 p.m. so with tongue in cheek, Mitchell declared that the birds would begin flying at 3:15 p.m.
"No one knows when dove are going to fly," he said, "but I did remind the hunter that legal shooting ended at sundown, and how to locate that official time."
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MOUNT WASHINGTON – Over the years, there are many things that teachers would like to have for their classrooms or field trips they would like to take with their students.
But the money is just not there in the school budget.
Many times, teachers have been known to take money out of their own pockets to pay for supplies in the classroom.
For the past three years, the Bullitt County Foundation for Excellence in Public Education has tried to provide some of those needed funds.
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Infielder C. Johnson sizzling at the plate
TORONTO -- After a little lull to begin the month of May, Chris Johnson has really found his stroke of late.
Entering Tuesday, Johnson had four multihit games in the last nine contests, and he went 14-for-28 (.500) over that stretch, including a home run, five RBIs and three runs scored.
"I feel good. I feel calm," Johnson said. "Just trying to get a good pitch and not do too much with it, and it seems to be working.
"The first step is making sure you're comfortable when you step up to the plate. I've been able to stay there for a little while right now, and things are going well."
Johnson split duties between the Astros and Diamondbacks in 2012, so part of that comfort comes from spending the whole season, including Spring Training, with one team. But more of it has to do with understanding who he is as a hitter and becoming familiar with the pitchers he's facing.
"I've been in the league a little while now, and I'm starting to figure myself out," said Johnson, who's in his fourth season in the Majors. "[I'm starting to] figure some pitchers out."
For the 28-year-old, it's not something that just clicked one day, but more of a gradual process of adapting to the highest level.
Johnson is in a soft-platoon situation at third base with Juan Francisco, according to manager Fredi Gonzalez, which means that when the skipper chooses to play each is based on his discretion, as opposed to a concrete rule such as whether the opposing pitcher is a righty or a lefty.
"He's a good player," Gonzalez said of Johnson. "He's able to come off the bench at times and platoon. …You feel comfortable running him in there against right-handed pitchers, and he'll do fine."
Despite the platoon, Johnson is hitting more than 100 points higher than Francisco (.245) entering Tuesday's game, and he has seen his fair share of playing time at the hot corner.
"I think that'll take care of itself, I really do," Gonzalez said of Johnson's playing time. "The guys that are hitting usually find themselves in the lineup more often."
Evan Peaslee is an associate reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.


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Two Ways to Donate:
2) By Check
Checks should be made payable to 4others and mailed to the address below:
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All donations to 4others are tax-deductible under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. 100 percent of donations received benefit our projects.
Please specify "SOH" (Spring of Hope), "AWP" (African Water Project), "Food 4others", or "30 Hearts" in the memo line of your check if you wish to designate your donation to one of these projects.
For other ways to Get Involved, click on the links at the bottom of this page.
4others is an initiative of Church of God of San Jose, a non-profit corporation with tax exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Donations are tax deductible to the extent permitted by law. Contact information for 4others, including name, address, and phone number can be located by clicking on the "About" section of this website, and then clicking on "Contact Us". 4others uses all funds received from donations for program activities.
If you have any concerns or questions about making an online donation, please feel free to contact us via email at firstname.lastname@example.com or call 1-408-295-3605.


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Fred Armisen's 'SNL' Farewell Features Carrie Brownstein, J. Mascis, Kim Gordon + More
Last night's season finale of 'SNL' marked Fred Armisen's last episode as a cast member, our sister site ScreenCrush reports, and to mark the occasion, he performed a goodbye song as Ian Rubbish, the Margaret Thatcher-loving British punk character he debuted earlier this season. But that's not all: Midway through the tune — a jaunty number called 'It's Gonna Be a Lovely Day' — Armisen was joined onstage by his 'Portlandia' costar, former Sleater-Kinney singer Carrie Brownstein, the first in a string of guest rockers that included Dinosaur Jr.'s J. Mascis, Kim Gordon of Sonic Youth, Steve Jones of the Sex Pistols, Aimee Mann and Michael Penn. Watch it above.
Armisen, of course, is no stranger to punk rock, and before coming to 'SNL,' he played drums in the band Trenchmouth. "It's been all right / I've had a lovely night with you," Armisen sang during the star-studded performance, successfully copping a Cockney accent and saying farewell in a way that was smart, funny, heartfelt and in no way sappy. Cheers, mate!


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June 28, 2010
Butler radio broadcasts moving to 1070 AM
By Jeff Rabjohns
Capitalizing on its Final Four run, Butler is moving to Indianapolis' largest all-sports radio station.
Butler men's basketball games will be heard on WFNI, 1070-AM, beginning this coming season, according to people with knowledge of the situation.
An announcement is planned for Tuesday afternoon at Butler's Hinkle Fieldhouse. Terms of the agreement were not available Monday.
Known as '1070 The Fan,' WFNI is a 50,000-watt station during the day, 10,000-watt at night, with six night-time towers.
Butler broadcasts had been on WXNT, 1430-AM. WXNT is a 5,000-watt station with two night-time towers.
The Bulldogs were the 2010 national runner-up, falling to Duke in the title game, and saw sophomore forward Gordon Hayward, a Brownsburg native, picked ninth in Thursday's NBA draft.
Butler likely will not face any broadcasts conflicts.
The Indiana Pacers are on WIBC 93.1 FM, 1070's sister station, a move announced this past week by Emmis Communications, which owns the two stations. The Colts are on 93.1 FM and 1070 AM, but Butler rarely, if ever, goes head-to-head with the Colts.
WFNI also is the flagship station of the IndyCar Series and the Indianapolis 500.


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For over forty years, the Clean Air Act has been one of our nation's most effective and beneficial public health and environmental laws. Passed in Congress with overwhelming bipartisan support more than 3 decades ago, the law has allowed us to hold polluters accountable and successfully protect the health of millions of Americans—including our children, our seniors, and the most vulnerable among us—from dozens of air pollutants.
Cleaning up air pollution has also protected wildlife, habitats and our lakes and streams. But there is still much to do. Uncontrolled carbon pollution that causes climate change, toxic mercury emissions, and numerous other air toxins still pose a serious threat to people and wildlife—including many icons of America's hunting and fishing heritage.
The climate crisis is already changing the playing field for wildlife and urgent action is needed to preserve America's conservation legacy. Wildlife in a Warming World: Confronting the Climate Crisis examines case studies from across the country illustrating how global warming is altering wildlife habitats.
The National Wildlife Federation is pushing hard for EPA to take action to limit emissions from the biggest polluters, such as coal-fired power plants, and to create strong standards for new cars and trucks that will save drivers billions at the gas pump.
In conjunction with President Obama's climate plan, the EPA has began the process of issuing carbon pollution limits on existing and new power plants. Under the Clean Air Act, the EPA has the authority to set limits on how much carbon a power plant can emit.
In September 2013, after hearing 2.5 million public comments, the EPA released it's standards for carbon emissions from new power plants, limiting new plants to between 1,000 and 1,100 lbs of carbon dioxide emission per megawatt-hour. The EPA is currently in the process of hearing public opinion and establishing limitations for existing power plants.
But powerful members of Congress, under the influence of polluters, are seeking to prevent EPA from addressing the public health and environmental impacts of carbon dioxide and other air pollutants. These Congressional proposals would let polluters off the hook, obstruct the EPA from saving lives, and further delay action to move the U.S. towards a cleaner energy future.
The National Wildlife Federation is fighting back against efforts to weaken the Clean Air Act, but we need your support to protect communities and wildlife.
For more information on NWF's Campaign to Stop Carbon Pollution with the Clean Air Act, contact Felice Stadler at firstname.lastname@example.com


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Jennifer Lopez is having a major metallic moment — first she wore silver bell-bottoms, and now she's got on super-sparkly silver eyeshadow! At an event last night in Los Angeles, the white pantsuit-clad star showed off her twist on smoky eyes and pale lips. We always think J. Lo looks great with dramatic eyes and nude gloss, but we're still contemplating how we feel about the glitter effect. Tell us what you think: Would you wear J. Lo's makeup? Do you like the sparkling silver shadow?
Click here for our Ultimate Guide to Summer Beauty. See how to look great all summer long – from quick hair tricks to must-have makeup to the newest trends!
Click here to see more photos, news and a full bio of Jennifer Lopez, and click here to discuss her style in Off the Rack.
Photo: Steve Granitz/WireImage; Starbux/WENN


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Topic: All is clear after 13 months
Blood work and CT scan all clear and normal. CA19-9 is a 7. Best of all, I feel great and very healthy these days.
I had surgery 13 months ago, chemo for 12 weeks (Xeloda & Gemzar) and radiation, with Xeloda, for 6 weeks. Side effects, mostly acid reflux from the radiation, were gone a couple weeks after treatments ended.
I can't say enough about the great surgery/surgeon at Johns Hopkins and my local oncologists who did the follow up treatments. I was blessed by two really great teams of providers.
There is hope with this cancer. It is so wonderful to read everyone else's stories. Very encouraging! Blessings and good health to all!


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Angels alone in first place after topping Red Sox
Bullpen comes up big as Halos win with help from Boston errors
BOSTON -- C.J. Wilson battled some control issues, the offense struggled to get much going and the bullpen was shorthanded -- and yet the Angels still found a way to win at Fenway Park on Monday night.
They've been pretty good at this persevering stuff lately.
The offensive production has slowed since the All-Star break, with Josh Hamilton in a downward spiral and Mike Trout recently riding a rare rut, and Wilson is still trying to get back on track after a nightmarish stretch. And yet the Angels have found a way to win 16 of 29 games in the second half -- 13 of them by two runs or fewer -- to put them a half-game up on the idle A's for the best record in the Majors.
"The tighter the team is knit, the more often they're going to come back and win from behind and the more often they're going to hold tight when it's close," Wilson said after his Angels held off the Red Sox in a 4-2 win. "That's why Oakland's been so good the last few years. That's a difference-maker."
So is a very deep bullpen.
Setup man Joe Smith and closer Huston Street weren't available after appearing in each of the last three games, and Wilson lasted only 5 1/3 innings in a start that saw him throw 62 pitches in the first three frames and walk a season-high-tying five batters. But Mike Morin, Fernando Salas, Jason Grilli and Kevin Jepsen stepped up, locking down the game's final 11 outs to give the Angels five wins in their last six games.
They're 23 games above .500 again and in sole possession of first place for the first time since May 15, 2011.
Their bullpen depth is a big reason why.
"We're much better at holding leads right now with our bullpen than we have in a long time," Angels manager Mike Scioscia said. "I'm going back three, four years. We've got an offense that right now is obviously not firing on all cylinders, but when we are getting leads, we're holding a lion's share of them. That's going to be very important going down the stretch, and I think that's a very good sign."
Mike Trout put his team on the board with an RBI double off the center-field wall in the third, then scored on Albert Pujols' single down the third-base line to give the Angels a 2-0 lead.
Their lead was cut in half by the sixth, and Morin loaded the bases with one out for Dustin Pedroia. After throwing three straight fastballs, Morin came back with a fastball on 1-2 -- a count where he typically throws his trademark changeup -- and Pedroia grounded into an inning-ending, 6-4-3 double play, prompting a boisterous fist pump from the rookie right-hander.
"I wasn't any more pumped up on the mound than I normally am," Morin alleged. "I told myself that I need to calm down and just get people out."
The Angels (73-50) got some much-needed insurance runs in the eighth, when Red Sox reliever Junichi Tazawa booted a potential inning-ending double-play ball by Howie Kendrick and then threw wide of home, allowing two runs to score.
Jepsen gave up back-to-back singles to start the ninth, but struck out David Ortiz, induced a run-scoring groundout to Yoenis Cespedes and retired Mike Napoli on a lineout to record his first save since Sept. 16, 2012.
"I'm glad Sosh let those two guys have a day, because it allowed me to steal a save away from Huston," Jepsen said, within earshot of Street, who responded by yelling, "Do it!"
Wilson admitted he needs to get deeper into games, consistently pitching into the eighth inning "like I feel I'm capable of."
"But," he said, "I feel like I'm really close to doing that."
Wilson gave up only one run and got his second straight win. He hasn't been dominant for a while, but the last couple of starts have been dramatic improvements for someone who was riding an 11.03 ERA over a six-start stretch.
He feels he has another gear, and maybe the Angels have one, too.
"We're in every game," Wilson said. "We had a streak where we got really hot and won 15 in a row at home or something like that. We can do that again. We still have [39 games] left, and we have to learn how to fire on all cylinders again. I think the All-Star break kind of got us out of a groove, for whatever reason."
Alden Gonzalez is a reporter for MLB.com. Read his blog, Gonzo and "The Show", and follow him on Twitter @Alden_Gonzalez. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.


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MODIS/Aqua Sea Ice Extent Daily L3 Global 1km EASE-Grid Night (MYD29P1N) data set, new for Version 5 (V005), contains fields for Ice Surface Temperature (IST) and IST Spatial Quality Assessment (QA) in Hierarchical Data Format-Earth Observing System (HDF-EOS) format along with corresponding metadata. MYD29P1N V005, the latest version of the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) data, consists of 951 x 951 km files of 1 km resolution data gridded in the Lambert Azimuth Equal Area map projection.
As a condition of using these data, you must cite the use of this data set using the following citation. For more information, see our Use and Copyright Web page.
The following example shows how to cite the use of this data set in a publication. List the principal investigators, year of data set release, data set title and version number, dates of the data you used (for example, December 2003 to March 2004), publisher: NSIDC, and digital media.
Hall, Dorothy K., George A. Riggs, and Vincent V. Salomonson. 2007, updated daily. MODIS/Aqua Sea Ice Extent Daily L3 Global 1km EASE-Grid Night V005, [list the dates of the data used]. Boulder, Colorado USA: National Snow and Ice Data Center. Digital media.
|Data format
|HDF-EOS version 2.9. GeoTIFF available through Reverb | ECHO, NASA's Next Generation Earth Science Discovery tool.
|Spatial coverage and resolution
|Coverage is global, but the sea ice algorithm is applied only to ocean pixels. Gridded resolution is 1 km.
|Temporal coverage and resolution
|MODIS data extends from 04 July 2002 to present.
Temporal resolution is daily.
|Tools for accessing and analyzing data
|MODIS: MODLAND Tile Calculator
HEG HDF-EOS to GeoTIFF Conversion Tool
NSIDC's Hierarchical Data Format - Earth Observing System (HDF-EOS) site
HDF Java Products: NCSA HDFView
NASA Goddard Space Flight Center: MODIS Land Global Browse Images
Space Science and Engineering Center (SSEC): Aqua orbital tracks GLOBAL
The MODIS Conversion Toolkit (MCTK)
|Data range
For more information regarding the scaled value descriptions, please see the MOD29P1N and MYD29P1N Local Sea Ice Attributes, Version 5 document.
|Grid type and size
|MYD29P1N data are gridded to EASE-Grid tiles, 951 x 951 pixels in size.
|File naming convention
|Example: MYD29P1N.A2000057.h12v07.005.2006252061042.hdf
|File size
|0.05 - 1.5 MB using HDF compression
|Ice Surface Temperature (IST)
|Procedures for obtaining data
1. Contacts and Acknowledgments
2. Data Access and Tools
3. Detailed Data Description
4. Data Processing
5. Data Acquisition
6. References and Related Publications
7. Document Information
Dorothy K. Hall
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC)
Mail stop 614.1
Greenbelt, MD 20771
Vincent V. Salomonson
Room 809 WBB
Department of Meteorology
University of Utah
Salt Lake City, UT 84112
George A. Riggs
Science Systems and Applications, Inc.
Mail stop 614.1
Greenbelt, MD 20771
NSIDC User Services
National Snow and Ice Data Center
University of Colorado
Boulder, CO 80309-0449 USA
phone: +1 303.492.6199
fax: +1 303.492.2468
form: Contact NSIDC User Services
e-mail: email@example.com
The following site can help you select appropriate MODIS data for your study:
Data are available via the following methods:
Reverb: NASA search and order tool for subsetting, reprojecting, and reformatting data.
Subscription Service: Subscribe to have new data automatically sent when the data become available.
The following software tools can help you analyze the data:
Algorithms that generate sea ice products are continually being improved, as limitations become apparent in early versions of data. As a new algorithm becomes available, a new version of data is released. Users are encouraged to work with the latest version available, which is the highest version number. Version 5 (V005) is the most current version of MODIS data available from NSIDC. For V005, the Science Data Sets (SDS) Sea Ice by Ice Surface Temperature and Combined Sea Ice present in Version 4 (V004) were deleted from the product.
Please visit the following sites for more information about the V005 data, known data problems, the production schedule, and future plans:
MODIS sea ice products are archived in compressed HDF-EOS format, which employs point, swath, and grid structures to geolocate the data fields to geographic coordinates. This data compression should be transparent to most users since HDF capable software tools automatically uncompress the data. Various software packages, including several in the public domain, support the HDF-EOS data format. See the Software section for details. Also, see the Hierarchical Data Format - Earth Observing System (HDF-EOS) Web site for more information about the HDF-EOS data format, as well as tutorials in uncompressing the data and converting data to binary format.
Data can also be obtained in GeoTIFF format from Reverb | ECHO, NASA's Next Generation Earth Science Discovery Tool.
Visible data are not acquired when the sensor is observing the surface in darkness; therefore, this night product only contains IST data fields, which are based on thermal data. MYD29P1D consists of 951 x 951 cells of tiled data in the Lambert Azimuth Equal Area Projection.Each data granule contains the following HDF-EOS local attribute fields, which are stored with each SDS:
Each data granule also contains global attributes and HDF-predefined fields, which are stored with their associated SDS.
A separate ASCII text file containing metadata with a .xml file extension accompanies the HDF-EOS file. This ASCII text file contains some of the same metadata as in the HDF-EOS file, but also includes other information regarding archiving, user support, and post production QA relative to the granule ordered. The post-production QA metadata may or may not be present in the .xml file depending on whether or not the data granule was investigated for Quality Assessment. The ASCII text file should be examined to determine if post-production QA was applied to the granule (Riggs, Hall, and Salomonson 2006).
The file naming convention used for the MYD29P1N product is MYD29P1N.A2000057.h12v07.005.2006252061042.hdf. Refer to Table 1 for an explanation of the variables used in the MODIS file naming convention.
|Type of product
|Acquisition date
|Year of data acquisition
|Day of year of data acquisition (day 57)
|Horizontal tile number and vertical tile number. For further information, see the Grid Description section in this document.
|Version number
|Year of production (2006)
|Day of year of production (day 252)
|Hour/minute/second of production in GMT (06:10:42)
|HDF-EOS data format
Data files are typically between 0.05 -1.5 MB using HDF compression.
Note: New in V005, MYD29P1N data files now use HDF data compression. The extent to which compression reduces the file size varies from image to image, but generally it is a factor of 5 or more.
Coverage is global; however, only ocean granules are produced. A �55 degree scanning pattern at 705 km altitude achieves a 2330 km swath with global coverage every one to two days. The following resources can help you select and work with MYD29P1N tiles:
The local equatorial crossing time of the Aqua satellite is approximately 1:30 p.m. in an ascending node with a sun-synchronous, near-polar, circular orbit.
Gridded resolution is 1 km.
MYD29P1N data are gridded to the NSIDC EASE-Grid in a Lambert Azimuthal Equal Area projection. Please review the All About EASE-Grid document for general information on the EASE-Grid.
The following Web sites provide links to the software tools that reformat, re-project, and perform stitching/mosaicing, and subsetting operations on HDF-EOS objects:
In the polar aspect of the Lambert Azimuthal Equal Area Projection, all meridians are straight lines and all parallels are circles with either the north or south pole as the center of the projection (Snyder 1987). Areas on the map are shown in true proportion to the same areas on the Earth. Directions are true only from the pole. Scale decreases gradually away from the pole. Distortion of shapes increases away from the pole. Any straight line drawn through the pole is on a great circle. Finally, the map is equal area but neither conformal, perspective, nor equidistant (USGS 2003). Specific parameters are listed in Table 2.
Earth radius
|6371228.0 meters
Projection origin
|North (90° latitude, 0° longitude)
South (-90° latitude, 0° longitude)
|North (0° longitude, oriented vertically at bottom)
South (0° longitude, oriented vertically at top)
Upper left corner point (m)
|-9058902.1845(x), 9058902.1845(y)
Lower right corner point (m)
|9058902.1845(x), -9058902.1845(y)
True scale (m)
|1002.7010(x), 1002.7010(y)
MYD29P1N data are gridded to Polar EASE-Grid tiles, each 951 x 951 pixels in size, which corresponds to approximately 954 km by 954 km at a resolution of 1002.7010 m per pixel.
The following maps show tile locations for MYD29P1N. Click on the thumbnail images to see the full-resolution images.
See the following documents for bounding coordinate information for each tile:
MODIS data extends from 04 July 2002 to present.
Over the course of the Aqua mission, there have been a number of anomalies that have resulted in dropouts in the data. If you are looking for data for a particular date or time and can not find it, please visit the MODIS/Aqua Data Outages Web page.
Temporal resolution is daily. The time between repeat coverage of a given point on the earth depends on latitude with the most frequent coverage occurring near the poles. Areas pole ward of ±30 degrees latitude are observed at least daily.
In the IST field, pixels classified as cloud free ocean contain an IST value in kelvins, and pixel values are scaled by 100 for all classes. The IST algorithm was designed for sea ice; however, IST values are provided for all ocean areas that are not classified as cloud.
Refer to the MOD29P1N and MYD29P1N Local Sea Ice Attributes, Version 5 document for a key to the meaning of the scaled values in the Ice Surface Temperature Field, and the Ice Surface Temperature Pixel QA Field.
For information regarding the theory for sea ice mapping and ice suface temperature retrieval, please see the Theory of Measurements section in the MODIS/Terra Sea Ice Extent 5-Min L2 Swath 1km, Version 5 guide document (MOD29).
For more information regarding the processing steps used as the input to this data set, please see the Processing Steps section in the MODIS/Terra Sea Ice Extent 5-Min L2 Swath 1km, Version 5 guide document (MOD29).
MYD29P1N is generated from a temporary product (MYD29PGN) which was created by mapping each night pixel in each of the MYD29 products acquired over a 24 hour period to their earth locations on the Lambert Azimuthal Equal Area projection. As a result, multiple observations are associated with each cell in the grid. For each grid cell, the algorithm that creates the MYD29P1N product, then selects the observation that is nearest nadir and has the greatest coverage of the grid cell using a weighted scoring function. The observation with the highest score is selected as the observation for that grid cell (Riggs, Hall, and Salomonson, 2006).
IST is the primary variable of interest in this data set.
As with any upper level product, the characteristics of or anomalies in input data may carry through to the output data product. The following products are input to MYD29P1N:
Because sea ice varies in concentration from near zero to 100 percent, it can show temperatures within a pixel due to sub-pixel effects. Melt ponds and leads in the summer months affect the emissivity of the ice surface; therefore, affecting the calculation of ice surface temperature (Hall et al. 1998). The presence of even very thin clouds or fog within the field of view prevent obtaining an accurate IST (Hall et al. 2004). Recent studies in the arctic and antarctic have shown that under clear sky conditions the IST are accurate to better than � 1.5 over the 245-270 K range for all ice types (Hall et al. 2004) (Scambos, Haran, and Massom).
All MODIS/Aqua sea ice products are considered validated or at stage 2 meaning that accuracy has been assessed over a widely distributed set of locations and time periods using several ground-truth and validation campaigns.
Quality indicators for MODIS sea ice data can be found in the following three places:
These quality indicators are generated during production or in post-production scientific and quality checks of the data product. For more information on local and global attributes, go to one of the following links:
The AutomaticQualityFlag is automatically set according to conditions for meeting data criteria in the sea ice algorithm. In most cases, the flag is set to either Passed or Suspect, and in rare instances, it may be set to Failed. Suspect means that a significant percentage of the data were anomalous and that further analysis should be done to determine the source of anomalies. The AutomaticQualityFlagExplanation contains a brief message explaining the reason for the setting of the AutomaticQualityFlag. The ScienceQualityFlag and the ScienceQualityFlagExplanation maybe updated after production, either after an automated QA program is run or after the data product is inspected by a qualified scientist. Content and explanation of this flag are dynamic so it should always be examined if present in the external metadata file. A sampling of products will be inspected. Random sampling or support of specific events, such as field campaigns, may also be conducted.
The IST Spatial QA data field provides additional information on algorithm results for each pixel within a spatial context, and is used as a measure of usefulness for sea ice data. QA data are stored as coded integer values and tells if algorithm results were good or not, or if other defined conditions were encountered (Riggs, Hall, and Salomonson 2003).
See the MODIS Land Quality Assessment Web page for further details.
The MODIS instrument provides 12-bit radiometric sensitivity in 36 spectral bands ranging in wavelength from 0.4 µm to 14.4 µm. Two bands are imaged at a nominal resolution of 250 m at nadir, five bands at 500 m, and the remaining bands at 1000 m. A ±55 degree scanning pattern at a 705 km altitude achieves a 2330 km swath with global coverage every one to two days.
The scan mirror assembly uses a continuously rotating double-sided scan mirror to scan ±55 degrees, driven by a motor encoder built to operate 100 percent of the time throughout the six year instrument design life. The optical system consists of a two-mirror off-axis afocal telescope which directs energy to four refractive objective assemblies: one each for the visible, near-infrared, shortwave-infrared, and longwave-infrared spectral regions (MODIS Web 2003).
|705 km, 1:30 p.m. ascending node (Aqua), sun-synchronous, near-polar, circular
|Scan Rate
|20.3 rpm, cross track
|Swath Dimensions
|2330 km (cross track) by 10 km (along track at nadir)
|17.78 cm diameter off-axis, afocal (collimated) with intermediate field stop
|1.0 x 1.6 x 1.0 m
|228.7 kg
|162.5 W (single orbit average)
|Data Rate
|10.6 Mbps (peak daytime); 6.1 Mbps (orbital average)
|12 bits
|Spatial Resolution
|250 m (bands 1-2)
500 m (bands 3-7)
1000 m (bands 8-36)
|Design Life
|Six years
For information on the 36 spectral bands provided by the MODIS instrument, see the Spectral Bands Table.
The MODIS scan mirror assembly uses a continuously rotating double-sided scan mirror to scan ±55 degrees with a 20.3 rpm cross track. The viewing swath is 10 km along track at nadir, and 2330 km cross track at ±55 degrees.
MODIS instruments were built to NASA specifications by Santa Barbara Remote Sensing, a division of Raytheon Electronics Systems.
MODIS has a series of on-board calibrators that provide radiometric, spectral, and spatial calibration of the MODIS instrument. The blackbody calibrator is the primary calibration source for thermal bands between 3.5 µm and 14.4 µm, while the Solar Diffuser (SD) provides a diffuse, solar-illuminated calibration source for visible, near-infrared, and shortwave-infrared bands. The Solar Diffuser Stability Monitor (SDSM) tracks changes in the reflectance of the SD with reference to the sun so that potential instrument changes are not incorrectly attributed to changes in this calibration source. The Spectroradiometric Calibration Assembly (SRCA) provides additional spectral, radiometric, and spatial calibration.
MODIS uses the moon as an additional calibration technique and for tracking degradation of the SD, by referencing the illumination of the moon since the moon's brightness is approximately the same as that of the Earth. Finally, MODIS deep space views provide a photon input signal of zero, which is used as a point of reference for calibration (MODIS Web 2003).
MODIS is a key instrument aboard the Aqua satellite, one component of NASA's Earth Observing System (EOS). The EOS includes a series of satellites, a data system, and the world-wide community of scientists supporting a coordinated series of polar-orbiting and low inclination satellites for long-term global observations of the land surface, biosphere, solid Earth, atmosphere, and oceans that together enable an improved understanding of the Earth as an integrated system. MODIS is playing a vital role in the development of validated, global, and interactive Earth system models able to predict global change accurately enough to assist policy makers in making sound decisions concerning the protection of our environment. (NASA's MODIS Web Site 2006), (NASA's Aqua Web Site 2006), and (NASA's EOS Web Site 2006)
Within this overall context, the objectives of the MODIS snow and ice team are to develop and implement algorithms that map snow and ice on a daily basis, and provide statistics of the extent and persistence of snow and ice over eight-day periods. Data at 500 m resolution enables sub-pixel snow mapping for use in regional and global climate models. A study of sub grid-scale snow-cover variability is expected to improve features of a model that simulates Earth radiation balance and land-surface hydrology (Hall et al. 1998).
The MODIS sensor contains a system whereby visible light from the earth passes through a scan aperture and into a scan cavity to a scan mirror. The double-sided scan mirror reflects incoming light onto an internal telescope, which in turn focuses the light onto four different detector assemblies. Before the light reaches the detector assemblies, it passes through beam splitters and spectral filters that divide the light into four broad wavelength ranges. Each time a photon strikes a detector assembly, an electron is created. Electrons are collected in a capacitor where they are eventually transferred into the preamplifier. Electrons are converted from an analog signal to digital data, and down linked to ground receiving stations (MODIS Web 2003).
The EOS Ground System (EGS) consists of facilities, networks, and systems that archive, process, and distribute EOS and other NASA earth science data to the science and user community. For example, ground stations provide space to ground communication. The EOS Data and Operations System (EDOS) processes telemetry from EOS spacecraft and instruments to generate Level-0 products, and maintains a backup archive of Level-0 products (ESDIS 1996). The NASA Goddard Space Flight Center: MODIS Adaptive Processing System (MODAPS) Services is currently responsible for generation of Level-1A data from Level-0 instrument packet data. These data are then used to generate higher level MODIS data products, including MYD29. MODIS snow and ice products are archived at the NSIDC Distributed Active Archive Center (DAAC) and distributed to EOS investigators and other users via external networks and interfaces (MODIS Web 2003). Data are available to the public through a variety of interfaces.
Earth Science Data and Information System (ESDIS). 1996. EOS Ground System (EGS) Systems and Operations Concept. Greenbelt, MD: Goddard Space Flight Center.
Hall, Dorothy K., J. L. Foster, D. L. Verbyla, A. G. Klein, and C. S. Benson. 1998. Assessment of Snow Cover Mapping Accuracy in a Variety of Vegetation Cover Densities in Central Alaska. Remote Sensing of the Environment 66:129-137.
Hall, Dorothy K., Jeffrey R. Key, Kimberly A. Casey, George A. Riggs, and Donald Cavalieri. May 2004. Sea Ice Surface Temperature Product From MODIS. IEEE Transactions on Geoscience and Remote Sensing 42:5.
Hall, Dorothy K. and J. Martinec. 1985. Remote Sensing of Ice and Snow. London: Chapman and Hall.
Hall, Dorothy K., George A. Riggs, and Vincent V. Salomonson. 1995. Development of Methods for Mapping Global Snow Cover Using Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS). Remote Sensing of the Environment 54(2):127-140.
Hall, Dorothy K., George A. Riggs, and Vincent V. Salomonson. September 2001. Algorithm Theoretical Basis Document (ATBD) for the MODIS Snow-, Lake Ice- and Sea Ice-Mapping Algorithms. Greenbelt, MD: Goddard Space Flight Center. <http://modis-snow-ice.gsfc.nasa.gov/?c=atbd&t=atbd> .
Hapke, B. 1993. Theory of Reflectance and Emittance Spectroscopy. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Key, Jeffrey R., J. B. Collins, C. Fowler, and R. S. Stone. 1997. High Latitude Surface Temperature Estimates From Thermal Satellite Data. Remote Sensing of the Environment 61:302-309.
Key, Jeffrey R., J. A. Maslanik, T. Papakyriakou, Mark C. Serreze, and A. J. Schweiger. 1994. On the validation of satellite-derived sea ice surface temperature. Arctic 47:280-287.
Markham, B. L. and J. L. Barker. 1986. Landsat MSS and TM Post-Calibration Dynamic Ranges, Exoatmospheric Reflectances and At-Satellite Temperatures. EOSAT Technical Notes 1:3-8.
MODIS Characterization and Support Team (MCST). 2000. MODIS Level-1B Product User's Guide for Level-1B Version 2.3.x Release 2. MCST Document #MCM-PUG-01-U-DNCN.
MODIS Science and Instrument Team. MODIS Web. July 2003. <http://modis.gsfc.nasa.gov/> Accessed October 2000.
Pearson II, F. 1990. Map Projections: Theory and Applications. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, Inc.
Riggs, George A., Dorothy K. Hall, and Vincent V. Salomonson. December 2006. MODIS Sea Ice Products User Guide to Collection 5. http://nsidc.org/data/docs/daac/modis_v5/dorothy_ice_doc.pdf
Riggs, George A., Dorothy K. Hall, and S. A. Ackerman. 1999. Sea Ice Extent and Classification Mapping With the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer Airborne Simulator. Remote Sensing of the Environment 68:152-163.
Scambos, Ted A., Terry M. Haran, and Robert Massom. In press. Validation of AVHRR and MODIS Ice Surface Temperature Products Using In Situ Radiometers. Annals of Glaciology 44.
Snyder, John P. 1987. Map Projections: a Working Manual. U. S. Geological Survey Professional Paper 1395. Department of the Interior. Washington, D. C.
United States Geological Survey. 2003. Lambert Azimuthal Equal Area Map Projections. http://erg.usgs.gov/isb/pubs/MapProjections/projections.html#lambert. Accessed April 2007.
Wiscombe, W. J. and S. G. Warren. 1980. A Model for the Spectral Albedo of Snow I: Pure Snow. Journal of the Atmospheric Sciences 37:2712-2733.
The following acronyms and abbreviations are used in this document:
|Algorithm Theoretical Basis Document
|Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer
|Distributed Active Archive Center
|Equal Area Scalable Earth Grid
|EOS Data and Operations System
|EOS Ground System
|Earth Observing System
|Earth Observing System Data and Information System
|Earth Science Data and Information System
|File Transfer Protocol
|Greenwich Mean Time
|Goddard Space Flight Center
|Hierarchical Data Format - Earth Observing System
|Ice Surface Temperature
|Land Processes Distributive Active Archive Center
|MODIS Characterization Support Team
|Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer
|MODIS Land Discipline Group
|Multispectral Scanner
|National Aeronautics and Space Administration
|National Center for Supercomputing Applications
|National Snow and Ice Data Center
|Quality Assessment
|Solar Diffuser
|Science Data Processing
|Science Data Set
|Solar Diffuser Stability Monitor
|Spectroradiometric Calibration Assembly
|Thematic Mapper
December 2006
August 2007


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DUBLIN — A retail store and restaurant on Dublin Boulevard were evacuated for a short time Monday morning after a construction crew tore through a gas line, an Alameda County Fire spokeswoman said.
The breach happened at 10:44 a.m. when a backhoe hit the pipe and opened a hole between 1 1/2 and 2 inches wide at a construction site between Grafton and Brannigan streets, spokeswoman Aisha Knowles said.
The site was located behind a Target building in the 2800 block of Dublin Boulevard, and crews evacuated the store as a precaution, Knowles said. A BJ's Restaurant and Brewhouse located near the Target also was evacuated, she said.
Nobody was injured and no sicknesses were reported as a result of the leak, Knowles said. PG&E crews secured the gas line at about 11 a.m. and shoppers were expected to be let back into Target shortly thereafter, she said.
Rick Hurd covers breaking news. Contact him at 925-945-4780 and follow him at Twitter.com/3rdERH.


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In a high-scoring second half, the host Falcons (4-2, 1-0 Bay Valley Athletic League) scored 28 points, including the eventual game-winner on a 53-yard run by Joe Mixon.
That touchdown gave Freedom a 31-17 lead, but Heritage (0-6, 0-1) wasn't finished. Patriots quarterback Anthony Carter connected with receiver Johnny Briseno for a 22-yard touchdown with 5 minutes, 12 seconds remaining. The Patriots went to the air on their last possession with 58 seconds remanding in the game, but Carter threw a interception to Mixon.
Freedom and Heritage showed stout defense in the first half, resulting in a 3-3 tie going into halftime. Falcons wide receiver Darrell Daniels helped ignite the Freedom offense on its first possession of the second half when Daniels caught a 46 yard touchdown catch from quarterback Dante Mayes with Freedom taking the lead 10-3.
Heritage wasted no time responding on its ensuing possession when running back Nick Zalec plunged in the end zone for a four-yard touchdown run with the Patriots tieing the game up at 10-10.
Freedom responded three plays later again when Mayes flew down the right sideline on a quarterback keeper for a 65-yard touchdown run. Heritage responded six plays later when running back Julian Johnson found the end zone for a one-yard touchdown run with the Patriots re-tieing the game again at 17.
The Falcons broke the deadlock when Daniels took the ball on a half-back dive for a 1-yard touchdown run.


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THE head of marketing at Basingstoke-based relocation specialists HCR is the new chairman of the Hampshire Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM).
Simon Hood, who last November was named Young Business Person of the Year at the INSPIRE13 Business Awards, is leading the charge to take the professional body into a new era.
Simon, who is based at HCR's head office at Belvedere, on Basing View, said: "It is wonderful to have the support of my peers in Hampshire.
"Being elected chairman provides me with a platform to help the institute re-engage with marketeers across the county, whilst helping to educate and protect consumers."
With a combination of creative flair and a perceptiveness of market trends, Simon has achieved individual business success whilst also helping to propel his current employer to the forefront of the marketplace.
Simon started his career with HCR as a marketing executive, handling the company's PR, events, e-marketing and advertising.
With a number of successes under his belt, including introducing the company to the digital world through e-marketing, webinars and SEO, he was quickly promoted to his current role, heading up marketing for the entire group.
"I'm not one to relax when I go home at night," said Simon. "I always have a number of projects on the go."
His achievements include developing and selling top apps, writing a Hampshire cookbook, and organising awards and events.
The cookbook, a project in support of The Prince's Trust, has so far raised £15,000.
"I'm lucky enough to have a career that brings me a tremendous amount of satisfaction," said Simon.
"I hope to encourage the next generation of marketeers coming through to work hard, get creative and – most importantly – enjoy getting results from their efforts."
Simon is already organising events, including a networking session at The Hampshire Court Hotel, in Chineham, on Thursday, February 27.
l For more information about the CIM and its events, visit cim.co.uk /events.


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Los Angeles A man died after falling several stories in a Hollywood, Calif., shopping mall while apparently attempting to slide down the banister of an escalator, authorities said, according to a report by the Associated Press.
The victim's friends told officials investigating the Saturday night incident at the Hollywood & Highland Center that the man "had been drinking quite a bit," said Los Angeles police Officer J. Boyer.
Boyer said the man lost his balance and plunged several stories onto the steps of a moving lower-level escalator.
The man was not identified. He was taken to a hospital where he was declared dead from a head injury.


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Having the time to dream was a luxury for 8-year-old Joe Procacci.
Between school and selling produce from pushcarts on the streets of Camden, N.J., the son of Italian immigrants had little time for anything else. Selling fruits and vegetables was not then a professional goal, however.
The word "career" may not paint a true picture of Joseph Procacci's achievements in the more than six decades since he and his brother, Michael, set up a tomato repacking business in the cellar of their parents' home. What became Procacci Bros. Sales Corp., Philadelphia, is a tribute to Procacci's work ethic and integrity.
"We saw an opportunity to meet the demand for repacked tomatoes, and we took advantage of it," he said of the basement operation.
The business soon moved to the old Dock Street Market and also served retailers on a direct delivery basis, he said.
"That's how we founded our wholesale business," Procacci said.
In those days, the tomatoes marketed by the Procacci brothers came by train from Florida, Mexico and Cuba.
"We didn't buy train loads," Procacci said. "When we first started, we bought a minimum amount in the auction in New York or in the Philadelphia Terminal Market."
The company's role as a wholesaler would change dramatically in the early 1960s when Fidel Castro came to power in Cuba, an event that would forever change Procacci Bros. and a wide swath of the East's fresh produce industry.
A Cuban grower who had supplied Procacci Bros. before Castro made his way to Florida, but lacked the funds to resume growing tomatoes.
"He needed backing, and that's when my brother and I became growers, too," Procacci said. "I think my greatest achievement is growing tomatoes."
His son, chief operating officer J.M. Procacci, tends to disagree.
Joe Procacci is responsible for so many achievements that it is difficult to choose just one, J.M. Procacci said.
For instance, it was Joe Procacci who in 1995 went before a Senate subcommittee and single-handedly prevented the demise of the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act, said J.M. Procacci.
"I think the greatest accomplishment, though, was making the grape tomato popular," J.M. Procacci said. "It was probably the biggest shake-up of any category in the produce department."
Joe Procacci did more than popularize the grape tomato, but it wasn't easy.
After finding the variety, the company discovered supplies of seed were limited.
"I went direct to Taiwan and secured an exclusive on all of the Santa Sweet seed in the world," Joe Procacci said. Today, in addition to marketing "everything from apples to zucchini," as Joe Procacci puts it, the company also sells its santa F1 grape tomato seed to customers in Europe, South America, Australia and New Zealand, he said.
Another Procacci Sales heirloom tomato variety is marketed as UglyRipe.
A little recognized Procacci Bros. fact is that the company is the nation's largest importer of chestnuts, J.M. Procacci said.
"We source only from Italy, where they grow the very best chestnuts, and my father negotiates all of those contracts directly with the Italian growers," he said.
From that cramped Camden basement to the sprawling seven warehouses of today's Procacci Sales — and its other divisions — Joe Procacci's approach has not changed.
"You have to be honest with your customers, and it pays off in the confidence the customers put in you," he said. "We just kept our nose to the grindstone and kept doing what was honest and fair, and it has paid off."
Yet another constant is Procacci himself.
"I still come in here anywhere from five to seven days a week," he said. "If I'm not here I'm doing business outside the office."
Joe Procacci admits to a diversion, however. He will on occasion play hooky to get in a round of golf, he said.
A temporary diversion is the upcoming opening of the new Philadelphia Produce Market.
"We have a wonderful association here, and most of that is because of my father," J.M. Procacci said.Now in his 80s, backing away from the stress of the business he built is not in Joe Procacci's plans.
A recent restructuring of company management found the title of chief marketing officer added to Joe Procacci's duties as chief executive officer.
In the face of business pressures, Joe Procacci still finds time for numerous civic affairs and causes.
"It's an important part of being a good citizen," he said. "I'm very grateful for the position I am in in life, and I'm glad to participate in charity work."
For J.M. Procacci, there's a sliver of selfishness to keeping dad — the man he said he loved working alongside as a kid — on board. After all, there is only one Joe Procacci.
The admiration J.M. Procacci has for his father is obvious as evidenced by his reaction when The Packer honored Joe Procacci with its 1995 Produce Man of the Year award:
"If there's a hall of fame in produce, my father would be Babe Ruth," J.M Procacci said at the time.
It still holds true today, he said.
J.M. Procacci is not the only Procacci offspring to play a role in the family business. His sister, Rita Neczypor, is a key member of the marketing staff.No longer just a repacker, the volume of fresh produce and flowers marketed by Procacci Bros. annually is approaching 300,000 tons, and the company has more than 12,500 employees.


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Comics Alliance Reviews SyFy's 'Heroes of Cosplay' [Video]
Heroes of Cosplay is a docu-series that follows nine cosplayers (Yaya Han, Riki LeCotey, Monika Lee, Victoria Schmidt, Chloe Dykstra, Jessica Merizan, Holly Conrad, Becky Young, and Jesse Lagers) as they work on intricate, ambitious costumes and travel to compete in costume contests at conventions all around the United States. The show is the cosplay community's most visible representation in the national media so far. Unfortunately, Heroes of Cosplay has garnered a fair amount of criticism from within and outside the fandom, from speculations of "fixed" costume contests to possible copyright infringement of cosplay photography.
As the curator of ComicsAlliance's weekly Best Cosplay Ever feature and a cosplayer myself, I've been approached for my thoughts on the show and its depiction of my community. With three of Heroes of Cosplay's six-episode run now out there for all to see (you can watch them on SyFy's YouTube channel if you missed them), CA Editor and reality TV obsessive Andy Khouri joined me for a discussion about the controversial show, the current state of cosplay fandom, and the nature of geek-centric reality television.


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A contractor died Tuesday while on the job at the Perry Nuclear Power Plant in North Perry Village.
The man, whose name was not released, died from some type of medical incident inside the plant early Tuesday afternoon, said FirstEnergy Corp. spokeswoman Jennifer Young. The incident is still under investigation and no further information was being released Tuesday night, Young said.
The man was transported by ambulance to TriPoint Medical Center in Concord Township, where he was pronounced dead.
Tests performed on the deceased man at TriPoint showed he was not contaminated by radiation, Young said. In addition, rescue workers who transported the man to the hospital also did not receive any radiological contamination, she said.
The contractor who died was inside the plant helping to prepare for an upcoming refueling outage, Young said.