text:
The U.S., more so than perhaps any other "Western" democracy, has a conflicted history with literary expression and moral values. In 1873, the anti-obscenity crusader Anthony Comstock managed to convince Congress to pass what became known as the Comstock Laws. Things that today a plurality of Americans take for granted and a significant minority still oppose, such as information on abortions, prophylactics, "earthy" exchanges, and the like, were banned for trade or sell. Even today, in a weakened form several of these regulations exist and debates still rage furiously in newspaper letters to the editor or on online forums regarding the enforcement and application of these laws. Mencken's piece, which was first collected in 1919, references this in his discussion of American literary criticism:
As practiced by all such learned and diligent but essentially ignorant and unimaginative men, criticism is little more than a branch of homiletics. They judge a work of art, not by its clarity and sincerity, not by the force and charm of its ideas, not by the technical virtuosity of the artist, not by his originality and artistic courage, but simply and solely by his orthodoxy. If he is what is called a ``right thinker,'' if he devotes himself to advocating the transient platitudes in a sonorous manner, then he is worthy of respect. But if he lets fall the slightest hint that he is in doubt about any of them, then he is a scoundrel, and hence, by their theory, a bad artist. Such pious piffle is horribly familiar among us. I do not exaggerate its terms. You will find it running through the critical writings of practically all the dull fellows who combine criticism with tutoring; in the words of many of them it is stated in the plainest way and defended with much heat, theological and pedagogical. In its baldest form it shows itself in the doctrine that it is scandalous for an artist --- say a dramatist or a novelist --- to depict vice as attractive. The fact that vice, more often than not, undoubtedly is attractive --- else, why should it ever gobble any of us? --- is disposed of with a lofty gesture. What of it? say these birchmen. The artist is not a reporter, but a Great Teacher. It is not his business to depict the world as it is, but as it ought to be.
Against this notion American criticism makes but feeble headway. We are, in fact, a nation of evangelists; every third American devotes himself to improving and lifting up his fellow citizens, usually by force; the messianic delusion is our national disease. Thus the moral Privatdozenten have the crowd on their side, and it is difficult to shake their authority; even the vicious are still in favor of crying vice down. ``Here is a novel,'' says the artist. ``Why didn't you write a tract?'' roars the professor --- and down the chute go novel and novelist. ``This girl is pretty,'' says the painter. ``But she has left off her undershirt,'' protests the head-master --- and off goes the poor dauber's head. At its mildest, this balderdash takes the form of the late Hamilton Wright Mabie's ``White List of Books''; at its worst, it is comstockery, an idiotic and abominable thing.
What is the "purpose" of literature? Is it, as Mencken derides brilliantly in his essay, to be a "Great Teacher," or are there other goals at play, many of which are also listed elsewhere in Mencken's essay? To me, literature is one of the most dangerous weapons a society can ever wield. A literate citizen can fell the mighty with well-timed, apt references to literary works that contain the essence of the whole spectrum of the human condition. Its truths are often discomfiting, and its lies can beguile and destroy civilizations. The wise fear the power in what they read; it is not readily controllable and its seductiveness alters its listeners irrevocably from the simple folks they may have once been.
The most impressionable humans are our young; the old are too rigid in their views to render themselves malleable enough to be influenced, or so certain received wisdom goes. The youth are to be protected from the lions, tigers, and bears (oh my!) of the outside world, that world of pederasts, pimps, drug dealers, gang members, and other assorted malicious elements waiting to corrupt the minds, bodies, and souls of our young. It is a quasi-rational fear; after all, we do see violence every day on the news or read it online or in print publications.
However, today's youth generation occupies a paradoxical position. It is strange for me, being at nearly 37 a member of the so-called "latchkey generation," to see youth so coddled and so protected by their parents. What used to be a broadly-defined "don't go up and talk to strangers in vans" became a whole host of things to watch for: bullies, drug dealers, gang members, etc. "Just say no" morphed into something else in the aftermath of the 9/11 bombings. The moral watchdogs, who seem to have been slumbering through most of my generation (although there were some rumblings about Judy Blume's excellent YA novels and whether or not "backward masking" of heavy metal records would lead to satanic conversions of susceptible teens), seem to be out in greater force these days, as witnessed by the WSJ article linked above.
Yet along with this comes a much greater explicitness. I can remember as a child the infamous "a special episode" of Diff'rent Strokes. It was an indelible moment in my childhood, as I never really knew of child molestation until then and it wasn't too graphic. Perhaps in someways, the "Great Teacher" element is well worth having. But things are different today than they were in the late 1970s and 1980s when I was growing up. Back then, I didn't know hardly a thing about homosexuality and bullying was combated by balling your fists and gettin' your licks in before being sent to the principal's office. But that was small town life in the last quarter of the 20th century; in the 21st century, the darker elements of adolescent suffering are surfacing in ways we managed to downplay or accept as "normal." Children now are more vocal about their hurts, whether it be at the hands of strangers, purported elders, or their peers. The "weird" kids of my youth are now often sent to rehab for suicidal ideation or attempts. Cutting is talked about more, and more adolescents attempt to put a voice to what troubles them.
The YA literature of these times reflects this. I have worked much of the past three years in treatment centers for emotionally troubled and/or drug-abusing teens. I have heard from them or read in their daily journals descriptions of pain and suffering that can break one's heart. When I was buying small gifts for two of the units (my own class of non-custody boys and a custody/non-custody girl's class), I had several girls request that I buy some of Ellen Hopkins' books for them to read. Although I have not sat down and read her books in whole, I did look at the synopses and read a few reviews before deciding that those books were precisely what those girls needed to read: stories of a drug-abusing teen girl going through emotional, physical, and spiritual hell and trying to claw her way out of it toward peace. From what I could tell from thumbing through a few pages, Hopkins was direct and rather blunt with the situation; some of it seems to be based on personal events. Six months later, those four books I bought are still being circulated as the girls come and go through rehab.
Perhaps critics like Meghan Cox Gurdon would approve of the tone; somehow, I doubt it, because it is direct, raw, visceral in nature. Works like Hopkins or the more fantastical Tender Morsels by Margo Lanagan are not going to win over critics who bemoan the loss of "innocence" (as if that existed for those who have experienced such hells as those mentioned above); the material is too "dark" and "violent" for them. This is not to say that parents should let their children read materials unsupervised. It might be best for there to be actual dialogue between parent and child over the material and a heart-to-heart discussion of these issues. To condemn whole-cloth these stories, however, would be more than a grave error. It would be a return to the worst excesses of the Comstock Laws and it would reinforce the Puritanism that Mencken and others railed against nearly a century ago. The truth stings and never is this more readily apparent in our reactions to literary writings.


text:
CrossRef and DOIs: New Developments
Ed Pentz
Profound changes to scholarly communications have been taking place since the advent of the World Wide Web and changes are continuing. Publishers and librarians are facing a new generation of students, researchers and scientists. The Pew Internet and American Life Project
The Internet goes to College
(Jones, 2002)
found that 73% of students use the Internet more than the library for information searching. The Survey also revealed a danger for publishers of scholarly journals - that of losing readers. To quote from the survey:
"Many students are likely to use information found on search engines and various Web sites as research material ... and faculty often report concerns about the number of URLs included in research paper bibliographies and the decrease in citations from traditional scholarly sources."
In order to counter these trends, publishers and librarians must work together to make it easy for users to access authoritative scholarly sources online. This can be difficult to do since users' expectations of online journals have increased dramatically over the last 8 years and continue to increase. For most users these days content must be online and it must be linked. If it's not linked, it doesn't exist. Linking on the web works very well in conjunction with traditional references in journals. The practice of citing other articles has been around since the first journals appeared in the 17th century and it's a crucial part of the scientific process. So naturally, with online journals there is immense value in users being able to go to a cited item with one or two clicks.
Another important trend is the development of the article economy - journal issues are becoming less important. Most publishers now post articles online, "ahead of print", without volume, issue and page number, and for many journals the e-article is the article "of record". Because of this trend and the need for reference links, uniquely identifying each article, creating standardized metadata and creating a system to link references are of critical importance for publishers.
The Digital Object Identifier (DOI) is the answer to uniquely identifying content online. The DOI has been called a bar code for digital objects. It's a string of letters and numbers that uniquely identifies a piece of content and provides a persistent link to the location of the content. Broken and outdated URLs are a real problem on the web and DOIs help to solve this problem. DOIs are flexible and can be assigned to any type of content at any level of granularity - for example a DOI can be assigned to an article and to a figure, image or table from an article. Or looking at larger groupings, a DOI can be assigned to a book or a journal at the title level. The basic rule is that you identify whatever you need to identify. A DOI number is registered, along with a URL, in the central
DOI system
. By sending a DOI to the
DOI Directory
the user is linked to the URL registered by the publisher. The DOI Directory comes into play when a user clicks on a DOI link - the DOI system automatically resolves the DOI to the URL deposited by the publishers. This happens as an automatic redirect in the user's browser . Adding this level of indirection through a central DOI Directory helps ensure that DOIs are persistent. While the location of content may change, or ownership of content might change, the DOI itself does not change. Of course, publishers have an obligation to keep the URL up-to-date. The DOI supplements the traditional bibliographic data, it doesn't replace it.
is a non-profit membership association of publishers. By creating a non-profit membership organization, with by-laws and rules of fair play, the publishers overcame most of their competitive fears by creating a level playing field. CrossRef provides both a technical and a business infrastructure to enable linking and also provides a structure for determining policies and resolving issues. And, importantly, CrossRef establishes a central source for linking without the need for publishers to negotiate bi-lateral agreements and processes with other publishers. The CrossRef mission statement is: "To provide services that bring the scholar to authoritative primary content, focusing on services that are best achieved through collective agreement by publishers".
CrossRef is also an official
(International DOI Foundation) Registration Agency (RA). This means that CrossRef is officially authorized to register DOIs for its members. The IDF runs the global DOI system and sets the basic standards for how DOIs work and what metadata is needed. As an RA, CrossRef uses the infrastructure provided by the IDF but also actively works with the IDF and other RAs on developing the DOI system. CrossRef sets the specific rules for DOIs and metadata for the scholarly community, collects the metadata and DOIs and represents its members on the IDF board, Technical Working Group and the Registration Agencies Working Group. CrossRef also works with, and establishes, guidelines and standards. For instance, CrossRef has many rules to insure that linking is reciprocal and fair across all its member publishers. Also, this year we published DOI Guidelines on the use of DOIs in journal articles and citations.
How Does CrossRef Work?
The first step is for publishers to deposit their article metadata, including a DOI and URL with CrossRef in a central metadata database. The publishers do not send abstracts and full text to CrossRef, just bibliographic data. Once all the article metadata is collected centrally, organizations (all types of publishers, vendors and libraries) can query the database using bibliographic metadata to find the DOI for an article that they want to link to. The metadata database acts like a telephone directory for journal articles. Once a DOI is retrieved from CrossRef, the publisher, database producer or library then adds a DOI link (it may say "CrossRef" or just "Full Text"). An end user then clicks on this link and the DOI resolves to the URL registered by the publisher. The user goes to the publisher's site and the terms of access to the full text are determined by the publisher - in most cases the users gets at least the abstract. CrossRef rules require that all users see at least a full bibliographic citation for an article. Subscribers to a journal will get the full text or the full text article can be offered at no charge. CrossRef is "business model neutral" and we are happy to have such publishers as
(Public Library of Science) and
BioMed Central
as members.
Is CrossRef Working?
The answer is a resounding yes. There are currently 252 member publishers and more than 8000 journals in the CrossRef system and nearly 10 million DOIs for articles, book chapters and conference proceedings registered. The DOI reference links are being heavily used - in October 2003 there were over 5 million DOI resolutions. A resolution of a DOI is an actual user clicking on a reference in an online journal - so CrossRef is having an impact. CrossRef is on target for adding over 3.2 million DOIs in 2003. One of the reasons this is so high is that publishers are digitizing their backfiles at a great rate and many publishers are going back to volume 1, issue 1 for their journals. In fact, the oldest article in the CrossRef system is from 1849 from the
Astronomical Journal
. The fact that such an old article can be cited in a reference and linked to and accessed electronically is fantastic. Journal ownership changes have been much smoother with DOIs. When a journal changes hands, ownership of the affected DOIs is transferred to the new publisher who updates the DOIs with new URLs in the central DOI system. Anyone using the DOI will seamlessly go to new journal site.
Libraries and DOIs
CrossRef and DOIs can help libraries in a number of ways. Libraries should find, and demand, DOIs in licensed content and databases since it will mean easy full text links. Libraries can also add DOIs to any article-level information they hold locally - libraries can retrieve DOIs from publishers or directly from CrossRef at no cost. Libraries can send bibliographic data to CrossRef and get a DOI, or they can send a DOI and get standardized metadata. This is important because CrossRef and DOIs integrate with OpenURL Local Link Servers provided by vendors like Ex Libris (
) and Endeavor (
Solving the appropriate Copy Problem/OpenURL
The appropriate copy problem refers to the fact that a user may have access to full text from different services or locally hosted content. Right now, the DOI resolves to one URL registered by the publisher. The problem is that a user may click a link and go to the publisher's site and be asked to pay access to the full text. For example, a user could click a link at ACM and go to Elsevier and be asked to pay for the article while the full text article is available locally. This is because the link is originating at ACM and ACM doesn't know what copies of an Elsevier article are available locally. So, in general terms the appropriate copy problem is: when more than 1 copy exists, users frequently have the rights to access different copies. The solution to this involves OpenURL. The OpenURL framework is a system for enabling context sensitive, or localized linking. The OpenURL itself is a protocol for transporting metadata and identifiers (including DOIs) in a URL.
(National Information Standards Organization) is just finishing up the OpenURL 1.0 standard. There is a common misperception that DOIs and OpenURL compete - this is not the case. OpenURL is not an identifier and it does not provide a resolution service (two things that DOIs do provide). DOIs don't provide localized links based on an institution's holdings. Combining DOIs and OpenURL achieves the best of both worlds - standardized metadata, unique identification of articles and localized links. An OpenURL with a DOI in it is more accurate than an OpenURL with just bibliographic metadata in it. This is why CrossRef and DOIs are OpenURL-aware. When a user with a local link server clicks a DOI, the DOI will be redirected to the local link server, not the publisher's site. The local link server sends the DOI to CrossRef and gets authoritative, clean metadata from CrossRef to construct appropriate links for users.
CrossRef started with journal articles and is adding conference proceedings and book content. In addition, while STM publishers started CrossRef, members now include large and small publishers from all areas of scholarly communications. Discussions have also started about adding theses and dissertations. In addition there is a whole area of gray literature to consider.
CrossRef is working on what is called "forward linking". Starting in 2004, when publishers register a DOI and the metadata for an article, they will also deposit the references for the article. This will enable CrossRef to connect an article to other articles that cite it and provide "cited by" links. It will be optional for publishers to provide their references for this service. The service will be used by publishers to add "cited by" links to their websites. Many publishers are already providing "cited by" links, but only within one system or platform (HighWire Press, IOP) - the CrossRef service will potentially extend this functionality across many journals.
In the online world collaboration and standards are necessary to meet end users' ever growing demands. CrossRef provides an organization for publishers to collaborate with one another on reference linking, but it also enables publishers to work with libraries. CrossRef worked closely with libraries and library vendors on the solution to the appropriate copy problem by integrating DOIs, CrossRef and OpenURL. We hope to continue this type of collaboration in the future.
Jones, Steve.
The Internet goes to College
. Pew Internet and American Life Project. September 15, 2002.
BioMed Central.
DOI - Digital Object Identifier system.
DOI Directory.
IDF - International DOI Foundation.
NISO - National Information Standards Organization.
PLoS - Public Library of Science.
LIBER Quarterly, Volume 14 (2004), No. 1

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy to Evaluate Tourette s Syndrome
|The safety and scientific validity of this study is the responsibility of the study sponsor and investigators. Listing a study does not mean it has been evaluated by the U.S. Federal Government. Read our disclaimer for details.
|ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00030953
Recruitment Status : Completed
First Posted : February 15, 2002
Last Update Posted : December 17, 2019
- Study Details
- Tabular View
- No Results Posted
- Disclaimer
- How to Read a Study Record
This study will use magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) of the brain to try to gain a better understanding of the disease process in Tourette s syndrome, a neuropsychiatric disorder characterized by motor and vocal tics. Tourette s syndrome is also associated with behavioral and emotional disturbances, including symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). MRI and MRS show chemical substances in the brain. Findings in normal volunteers will be compared with those of patients.
Healthy volunteers and patients with Tourette s syndrome 14 years of age and older may be eligible for this study. Volunteers will be screened with a medical history and physical and neurological examinations. Patients will be screened through NINDS protocol 93-N-0202.
Participants will undergo MRI and MRS. MRI uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves to visualize brain anatomy and chemistry. For this study, the subject lies on a stretcher, which is moved into a strong magnetic field (the MRI scanner). Earplugs are worn to muffle loud thumping noises caused by the electrical switching of the radio frequency circuits. During the study, the subject lies still during each scan, for 1 to 8 minutes at a time. Total scanning time varies from 20 minutes to 2 hours, with most examinations lasting between 45 and 90 minutes. The subject can speak through an intercom with the staff member performing the study at all times during the procedure. Up to 5 studies may be performed.
|Condition or disease
|Tourette Syndrome
The purpose of this study is to obtain a better understanding of the pathophysiology of Tourette's Syndrome (TS) with nuclear magnetic spectroscopic imaging. The basal ganglia have been implicated in the origin of tics, and we plan to use spectroscopy to determine whether there is any neuronal degeneration or a decrease in aminobutyric acid (GABA) within the basal ganglia, thalamus, or frontal cortex of patients with TS when compared to normal individuals.
This research will be conducted using patients with TS and normal volunteers.
Patients and normal volunteers will be scanned with 3 Tesla General Electric (GE) magnetic resonance imager using magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) to measure N-acetylaspartate, choline, creatine, lactate and GABA.
Concentrations of metabolites will be compared between two groups.
|Study Type :
|Actual Enrollment :
|100 participants
|Official Title:
|Evaluation of Tourette's Syndrome With Multimetabolite H-Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy at 3T
|Study Start Date :
|February 11, 2002
|Study Completion Date :
|February 3, 2015
Choosing to participate in a study is an important personal decision. Talk with your doctor and family members or friends about deciding to join a study. To learn more about this study, you or your doctor may contact the study research staff using the contacts provided below. For general information, Learn About Clinical Studies.
|Ages Eligible for Study:
|14 Years to 65 Years (Child, Adult, Older Adult)
|Sexes Eligible for Study:
|Accepts Healthy Volunteers:
Patients will have clinically documented TS as defined by Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)-IV and an evaluation of tics severity using the Yale Tic Scale.
Fourty-four patients, ranging from 14-65 in age, will be recruited. Patients and normal volunteers may be male or female; however, female subjects of child bearing potential will have a pregnancy test and an interview prior to the study to ensure that pregnant subjects will not participate in the study. Patients will be asked to stop any medication that can influence their central nervous system for one week prior to exam. They will be asked to abstain from alcohol for one week before the study.
Sixty-two normal controls will be included; controls will be screened in the NINDS Movement Disorders Outpatient Clinic. After screening and consenting, controls will have neurological and physical examinations. Controls with chronic illnesses, taking any medication that affects the CNS will be excluded. Female subjects of child bearing potential will have a pregnancy test and an interview prior to the study to ensure that pregnant subjects will not participate in the study. They will be asked to abstain from alcohol for one week before the study. More controls will be needed in order to ensure that the sequence is working prior to the acquisition of data, since the sequence has only been used in the 1.5T MRI scanner and we will be using the 3T.
Subjects younger than 14 years old.
Patients with MRI findings consistent with brain tumors, strokes, trauma or arteriovenous malformations (AVMs).
Patients with progressive neurological disorders other than Tourette's syndrome.
Patients with a history of significant medical disorders, or who require chronic treatment with other drugs which cannot be stopped.
Subjects with implanted devices such as pacemakers, medication pumps or defibrillators, metal in the cranium except mouth, intracardiac lines, history of shrapnel injury or any other condition/device that may be contraindicated or prevent the acquisition of the MRI.
Patients with cancer.
Patients not capable of giving an informed consent.
To learn more about this study, you or your doctor may contact the study research staff using the contact information provided by the sponsor.
Please refer to this study by its ClinicalTrials.gov identifier (NCT number): NCT00030953
|United States, Maryland
|National Institutes of Health Clinical Center, 9000 Rockville Pike
|Bethesda, Maryland, United States, 20892
|Principal Investigator:
|Mark Hallett, M.D.
|National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
|Responsible Party:
|National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
|ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier:
|Other Study ID Numbers:
|First Posted:
|February 15, 2002 Key Record Dates
|Last Update Posted:
|December 17, 2019
|Last Verified:
|February 3, 2015
Tourette's Syndrome
Tourette Syndrome
Healthy Volunteer
Normal Control
Tourette Syndrome
Pathologic Processes
Basal Ganglia Diseases
Brain Diseases
Central Nervous System Diseases
Nervous System Diseases
Tic Disorders
Movement Disorders
Heredodegenerative Disorders, Nervous System
Neurodegenerative Diseases
Genetic Diseases, Inborn
Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Mental Disorders


text:
So election season is upon us — no, not that one — elections for the W3C's Technical Architecture Group (TAG). You might be thinking to yourself "self, I didn't know the W3C had such a thing…how very strange…I wonder what it does." Also, you might be wondering why I'd bother to write about a perfunctory process related to a group whose deliverables you have probably never encountered in the wild and are fantastically unlikely to.
The answer is that I'm now in the running for one of the TAG's 4 open seats. At last week's TPAC I
was talked talked myself into running. Google has nominated me, so we're off to the proverbial races. Given the number of condolences I've received since deciding to run, you might wonder why I'd do such at thing at all; particularly since the general consensus is that the TAG's impact is somewhere between "mostly harmless" and "harmless". I've never heard it described as "valuable" or "productive" in its modern incarnation, so why run? Could it be for the warmth of human contact that a weekly conference call could provide? A deep-seated but as yet unfulfilled desire to weigh in on what really irks me about how people use HTTP? Indeed not.
I'm running to try to turn the TAG into an organization that has something to say about the important problems facing devs building apps today; particularly how new specs either address or exacerbate those challenges.
State management gets a lengthy exposition that doesn't do much to uncover the challenges in designing apps that need to keep and manage state, synchronize that state in local data models, and map state onto URLs. Its a hard problem that most JS-driven apps struggle with and the TAG has no view beyond motherhood, apple pie, and pushState(). It can do better.
For webdevs, the TAG is a natural ally — it carries the weight of the W3Cs reputation in ways that vendor-motivated WGs don't. It can be an advocate for building things well to reluctant managers and organizations, helping you make the "environmentalist" argument; "the web is for everyone, why are you making it bad?" It can also be a go-between for agitated webdevs and the WGs, a voice of reason and patient explanation.
As a talking shop, the TAG can never be expected to have power over implementations or webdevs, but it can be opinionated. It can take a stand on behalf of webdevs and call out huge problems in specs, missing work items for WGs, and build bridges to the framework authors that are doing the heavy lifting when the browsers don't. It can also build bridges to other standards bodies that specify hugely important parts of the web platform, bringing a webdev perspective to bear.
I have worked inside a browser, represented Google at TC39, and have built large apps and frameworks on the web stack. I have seen firsthand how the TAG isn't doing this important work of building bridges and jawboning on behalf of web developers. And I plan to fix it, if elected.
If you work at a company that is a member of the W3C, I hope to get your AC rep's vote. If not, I would still love your support in letting AC reps from the Member organizations know that you support the goal of turning the TAG into an advocacy organization for the interests of webdevs.
If you're particularly interested in this problem, I'd love your help — I'm looking for reformist-minded candidates to join me in running for the TAG. If you don't have a sponsoring or nominating organization, send me mail or a tweet.
Voting nitty-gritty, largely cribbed from Ian Jacob's mail to a Members-only W3C mailing list:
- Nominations: any Member organization may nominate one individual to serve on the TAG. That nominating organization is expected to cover their nominee's costs for the period of service, so don't nominate in haste. Nominations are currently open and close on Nov 30th.
- Voting: only Advisory Committee members from Member organizations can vote on the TAG elections. It's not clear when voting starts but it ends on January 31st, 2013. So if you have an opinion about this, find your AC rep (or one from a company you think should be voting here) and let them know how you feel.


text:
Most of my recent purchases have been from Banana Republic. Historically, BR hasnt really fit me all that well. But, they seem to really be working out for me in the past year or so. It also helps that my office building is near 2 BR stores. Ive also purchased enough from the J. Crew in the ground floor of my office building that the employees know me and wave to me when I walk by.
PUMA (mainly from the online PUMA store) for sneakers and exercise wear.
Nordstrom for chinos and casual shoes (1901).


text:
Scully, Koufax highlight Dodgers' home opener
LOS ANGELES -- The Dodgers rolled out some of the biggest, most popular names in the franchise's rich history for their home opener Friday afternoon against the Giants.
Vin Scully, the legendary voice of the Dodgers, drew a roaring response when he was chauffeured onto the Dodger Stadium warning track in a convertible to "So Happy Together," the Turtles classic.
Another roar greeted Magic Johnson, part of the Dodgers' ownership group, when he escorted Scully to the mound for the ceremonies. The former Fordham first baseman/outfielder next was joined by Dodgers greats Orel Hershiser, Fernando Valenzuela, Rick Monday, Ron Cey, Tommy Davis, Maury Wills, Don Newcombe, Tommy Lasorda and the incomparable Sandy Koufax.
Koufax and Scully shared a warm embrace at home plate after the great lefty accepted the ceremonial first-pitch game ball from the iconic announcer.
Vin to Sandy. Perfect. #ITFDB https://t.co/p6m7siY9hY- Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) April 4, 2014
Scully and Koufax were the only participants not wearing their home white jerseys.
"When I was at Fordham, way back when, I wore No. 17," Scully said.
Never shy about taking a microphone, Lasorda got the sellout crowd in the mood.
"To all you great Dodger fans, it's time for Dodger baseball!" Lasorda told the crowd, making the opening delivery.
It was a great day for the faithful -- and for lefties. Scully, Koufax and Lasorda are all southpaws.


text:
Liberty News
Facilities manager/music student remembered for his faithfulness
With its distinct Christian environment, Liberty University is known for surrounding its students with faculty and staff who are prime examples of Christ-like servanthood.
The Liberty family mourned the loss of one of those individuals last month when a facilities manager with Liberty University's Field Operations Division died a few days after being resuscitated in a drowning incident.
Richard K. Duffy, Jr., 39, died in the hospital June 1 after he had been resuscitated at the Jamerson Family YMCA pool on May 29. According to news reports, he was swimming laps around 7 p.m. when he lost consciousness. He had no pulse or heartbeat when he was pulled from the water, but because of rapid response by lifeguards and rescue workers, Duffy was brought back to life and sent to the hospital.
"Richard truly was a man of God. He had a positive impact on everyone he had contact with," said Scott Starnes, vice president for Field Operations. "Richard was a humble, hardworking employee with an amazing personality and will be deeply missed."
Starnes said co-workers described Duffy as "diligent," "a joy to be around," "wise," "genuine," "giving," and "godly."
Duffy was pursuing his M.A. in music while working for Liberty. He played keyboard and served in other roles at various churches in the community. He was well respected as a facilities manager and enjoyed a sense of community with the students he served.
"He was such a faithful worker, friend, and servant of the Lord," said Erick Hodge, a Spiritual Life Director for Dorm 7, which Duffy regularly cleaned. "As the semester went on I got to know Richard, his likes and dislikes, love for the Lord, people, and his family. He was always on time with a smile and a godly attitude as he served our hall. I never met anyone who cleaned the way he did. His life was an example of godliness that spoke louder than words ever could."
Hodge recalls how every morning Duffy would say "good morning" and ask how he was doing and "genuinely listen" as Hodge shared.
"Richard is a hero to me and to our hall," he said. "I have joy in knowing he is with our savior, Jesus Christ. Praise God for Richard and the life he faithfully lived for Jesus. He taught me many lessons — such as faithfulness to work, people, and Jesus — I will never forget through his tangible day-to-day example."
Hodge said the students living on his hall showed Duffy their appreciation in a tangible way at the end of the semester. Everyone pitched in to buy him Walmart and Chick-fil-A gift cards, a gesture that touched Duffy deeply.
A memorial service was held at Deep Creek Baptist Church in Chesapeake, Va., June 8.


text:
In the hallways of Geneva College′s Science & Engineering (S&E) building, college students are preparing for careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). But they aren′t the only ones. In the fall of 2009, a group of elementary- and middle-school students designed, built and programmed a robot to compete in FIRST LEGO League, a worldwide competition designed to build character and inspire kids to pursue the STEM fields.
The inspiration behind this team began with a discussion among a group of homeschooling moms in the Beaver Valley. Julia Chaney ′92, home educator, Geneva psychology grad and daughter of now-retired Spanish professor Dr. Richard Evans, thought the FIRST competition would be a great opportunity for the kids′ educational and personal growth.
"It′s not just about robots, but also about how children of all skills, levels and abilities work on a problem together," Chaney says. "I love that. FIRST Robotics helps kids believe they can go into the STEM careers."
The team (ages 9 – 13) called themselves the Golden Arrows and registered for Pittsburgh competition, which would be held at Carnegie Mellon University National Robotics Engineering Center in December. The topic for this year′s competition was "smart moves."
"The children were challenged to design a robot to accomplish various tasks on a large table-top game board/field set-up. The robots could be designed to complete any mission on this field set-up in order to accumulate points," Chaney says.
One of the team members was Isaac Che, the son of Geneva College engineering faculty David Che. As soon as Che heard about the project, he thought it would be great to get Geneva students involved as mentors.
Senior mechanical engineering major Joel Dille was the first to respond to Che′s request for a student mentor. With his love for kids and robotics work, the opportunity seemed like a perfect fit. However, Joel didn′t realize that the students would be so young. He was a little overwhelmed at first, but it didn′t take him long to settle in and enjoy the experience.
"Joel, together with my older son Benjamin, would come on Friday evenings after class to work with them on their robots′ programming," Che says.
The Golden Arrows′ research project topic was to transport mobile surgical units, especially to mountainous places where it′s difficult for planes to land. The mentors′ primary job was to help the kids with design and programming. There was a pretty steep learning curve in those areas, but the youngsters′ creativity made up for much of the knowledge they lacked.
"All of the kids had excellent design ideas. I love the imagination of children," Joel says.
Joel and Ben worked with the kids throughout the fall semester, and Julia′s brother Rich Evans ′90, a Geneva engineering graduate who now works for NASA, also came several times to volunteer and coach the team. All the long hours of hard work paid off, and by the time the December competition rolled around, the robot was ready to go.
There were 72 teams at the competition, and each had to compete on the same field set-up. The competition also included an oral presentation. The Golden Arrows came in 52nd out of 72 on the challenge course, but they placed 20th overall. That was a good result for a first-year team.
"This was not just a robotics competition—it was a combination of all the skills needed to go into these STEM fields," Chaney says. "Students are judged 25 percent on their robot′s performance, 25 percent on design, 25 percent on research and 25 percent on teamwork."
The FIRST LEGO League competition is held every fall, and by September 2010, the team plans to be back in the competition designing a new robot. And maybe—in a few more years—some of those kids might be students at Geneva College, getting ready to put research, teamwork, knowledge and imagination to the test in STEM careers.
© Geneva College | All rights reserved


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Modular Millwork...The Sustainable System:
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Modular Millwork's products exemplify our understanding in the importance of flexible systems for Labs, Exam Rooms, Nurses Stations, Medical Storage, Pharmacies, Laboratory Furniture, Schools, Universities, Hospitals and Healthcare facilities. Modular Millwork's expert design and layout assistance will help you achieve maximum productivity and efficiency of your available space without sacrificing utility.
Our durable "Green" Modular Millwork construction and wide selection of designer finishes and surface options not only provides an aesthetically pleasing lab, but also a safer workplace or learning environment for those within. Also, the innovative construction, unmatched cost efficiency and Lifetime warranty are just a few reasons why Modular Millwork is emerging as the preferred interior for active learning environments.
MultiSort® Mailroom Furniture, the world's first and only truly modular mail furniture system gives you unmatched ergonomics, flexibility, and productivity for your transaction-intensive mail and distribution centers. From a few sort towers to an entire mailcenter - our system is ideal for optimizing document management efficiency!
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Activist Dongying Wei and her husband Guantong Shao have been investigating environmental pollution for over a decade. They have reported their findings to the government officials and more than one thousand villagers have signed up to show their support. Despite their efforts, nothing has changed and wastewater discharges from various industries continue to pollute their land and rivers. Wuli Village, Nanyang Town, Xiaoshan District, Hangzhou City.
© Lu Guang / Greenpeace
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Equinox/p2/Director application
The director application is a headless way of performing some of the p2 operations such as installing or uninstalling installable units. Given the appropriate metadata, this application is capable on provisioning a complete installation from scratch or simply extending your application.
Depending on the needs, this application can be executed inside or outside of the application being provisioned
- Director application
- the application performing p2 operations such as install or uninstall. This application is provided by the org.eclipse.equinox.p2.director.app bundle.
- Provisioning operation
- an operation installing, uninstalling features.
- Target product
- the installation targeted by the provisioning operation.
Running inside the target application
In this mode, the provisioning operation happens from within the targeted product that you are provisioning. It is equivalent to starting up the targeted product and using the p2 UI to perform the equivalent operation.
This means that the target application has to be in a runnable state and that it has to contain the director application bundle. Also since the target product will have run, cache files will have been created in the configuration folder (e.g. configuration/org.eclipse.osgi).
The following example shows the command line used to install CDT into the SDK.
<targetProductFolder>/eclipse.exe -application org.eclipse.equinox.p2.director.app.application -metadataRepository file:d:/tmp/cdt/site.xml -artifactRepository file:d:/tmp/cdt/site.xml -installIU org.eclipse.cdt.feature.group
Note that this mode is equivalent to the former update manager command line application (http://help.eclipse.org/help33/index.jsp?topic=/org.eclipse.platform.doc.isv/reference/misc/update_standalone.html).
Provisioning without running the target application
In this case the provisioning operation is happening "outside" of the targeted product. The "targeted product" is *not* started. This allows to both modify an existing installation and create a complete installation from scratch given proper metadata.
It also has the advantage that since the targeted product does not need to be started, the provisioning operation can be performed on any platform for any other platform (e.g. on my windows machine, I can create add plug-ins to a linux-based target application).
Installing / uninstalling IUs into a target product
To install or uninstall something into an existing target product a few extra arguments than in the "inside" mode need to be set. It mostly consist in letting the provisioning operation the ID of the profile it needs to operate on, and where it is located on disk.
For example, if from a directory called "d:\builder", you want to install CDT into an existing SDK located into "d:\eclipse", you would use the following command line. It is important to note the presence of the VM args and set it properly.
d:\builder\eclipse.exe -application org.eclipse.equinox.p2.director.app.application -metadataRepository file:d:/tmp/cdt/site.xml -artifactRepository file:d:/tmp/cdt/site.xml -installIU org.eclipse.cdt.feature.group -destination d:/eclipse/ -profile SDKProfile -vmArgs -Declipse.p2.data.area=d:/eclipse/p2
Note that there is no need to describe the os/ws/arch of the platform being targeted because all this information is already being available in the profile.
Installing a complete product
The creation of a complete product using the director application only needs a few extra arguments to the previous example. Most of these consist in values used to initialize the profile in which the application will be provisioned.
The following example demonstrate how to create a linux/gtk installation of the Eclipse SDK into a folder called "d:\eclipse" using a director application located in "d:\builder".
d:\builder\eclipse.exe -application org.eclipse.equinox.p2.director.app.application -metadataRepository http://update.eclipse.org/testUpdates -artifactRepository http://update.eclipse.org/testUpdates -installIU org.eclipse.sdk.ide -destination d:/eclipse/ -profile SDKProfile -profileProperties org.eclipse.update.install.features=true -bundlepool d:/eclipse/ -p2.os linux -p2.ws gtk -p2.arch x86 -roaming -vmargs -Declipse.p2.data.area=d:/eclipse/p2
The -p2.* arguments describe the os/ws/arch that the provisioned product is targeting.
Here again notice the presence of the -vmargs pointing at the eclipse data area for the installation being created.
Arguments Description
- -application org.eclipse.equinox.p2.director.app.application
- the application ID.
- -metadataRepository
- a comma separated list of metadata repositories where the installable units to be installed can be found.
- -artifactRepository
- a comma separated list of artifact repositories where the artifacts can be found.
- -installIU
- the identifier of the installable unit to install. If you are looking to install a feature, the identifier of the feature has to be suffixed with ".feature.group".
- -version
- the version of the IU to be installed.
- -destination
- the folder in which the targeted product is located.
- -profile
- the profile id containing the description of the targeted product. This ID is usually found eclipse.p2.profile property contained in the config.ini of the targeted product. For the Eclipse SDK the ID is "SDKProfile"
- -profileProperties
- a comma separated list of <key>=<value> pair. The property org.eclipse.update.install.features=true will cause the update manager features to be installed.
- eclipse.p2.data.area
- this property points at location of the profile registry containing the description of the profile set in "-profile". It is recommended to set it to be <destination>/p2. This property *must* be set as a VM argument.
- -bundlepool
- the location of where the plug-ins and features will be stored. This value is only taken into account when a new profile is created. For an application where all the bundles are located into the plugins/ folder of the destination, set it to <destination>.
- -p2.os
- the OS to use when the profile is created. This will be used to filter which OS specific installable units need to be installed.
- -p2.ws
- the windowing system to use when the profile is created. This will be used to filter which WS specific installable units need to be installed.
- -p2.arch
- the architecture to use when the profile is created. This will be used to filter which architecture specific installable units need to be installed.
- -roaming
- indicates that the product resulting from the installation can be moved. This property only makes sense when the destination, bundle pool are in the same location and eclipse.p2.data.area is set to destination/p2. This value is only taken into account when the profile is created.


text:
Usually, when I'm out and about or shopping, I'll be friendly and say hello to people.
Sometimes, I'll even go as far as to ask them how their day is going. And people are typically normal with typical normal answers, so it's good. And when people ask me, I usually respond with a generic "I'm good, and glad the weather's nice!" or something and we go on with our lives and so forth.
But sometimes, when they ask more detailed questions, I'll give more detailed answers. Or sometimes, my simply "the weather's nice!" comment will send their brains the message to proceed in yapping my ear off about how their great-aunt lives in Kentucky and they're glad it isn't raining anymore because they HATE thunderstorms and they scare their little brother who "almost busted his ear drum" from the loud boom of a thunder clap while in Kentucky. AhemOldNavyemployee.
And I don't really know how to react because I just made a simple comment and really just want to check out the clearance flats but I suddenly have an intense urge to leave RIGHTTHISSECOND and can't very easily say "that's too bad; well, have a nice day!" because even that will provoke them to launch into some sob story about how his Uncle Charlie has nightmares because of nice days and blahblahblah.
So after (rudely, I know) walking away abruptly after this strange man told me his life story about his Kentuckian roots to feign sudden interest in workout clothes (and believe me, it was feigned interest since I have noo interest in working out and would rather write that strange man's autobiography than do jumping jacks), it suddenly dawned on me:
What if I am also the culprit of "cool story, bro"-isms with random strangers/employees/people?
What if, on those times where additional commentary is necessary, I am the only one who thinks so? And I am subjecting the cashier/person behind me in line/classmate to my stupid, unnecessary ramblings?! And what if they're thinking, gee, I wish I was in the middle of an unaesthetized root canal rather than listening to this freaky chick talk about the sunny weather and her stupid life.
I mean… not that I thought about the Old Navy guy or anything. Not long, anyway.
So I realized that, in that moment, I'd promise to keep things short and sweet with everyone until it's been A) made VERY clear they're interested; or B) they explicitly ask my life story before I launch into it mid-check-out and she's scanning eggs.
Makes life easier and less complicated, no?
Ironically, these Cake Batter Monkey Bread Muffins also make life easier and less complicated. Because have you made monkey bread from scratch? Yeast and rising and dough rolling and baking and blah blah… no thanks. Not my jam.
Wanna know what is my jam? Cake batter. It makes everything better. And canned biscuits. They're for the modern age.
So put two and two together and you have AHMAAZZZING. And when they're warm? Don't even get me started.
Cake Batter Monkey Bread Muffins *inspired by this recipe at Pillsbury
1 can jumbo refrigerated biscuits (not the flaky kind)
1 cup Funfetti cake mix (just the mix)
3 Tbsp brown sugar
1/2 stick butter, melted
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/3 cup vanilla icing
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Liberally grease 8 cavities in a muffin pan and set aside. Meanwhile, melt the butter in a small bowl and add the vanilla; mix well and set aside.
2. In another small bowl, combine the cake mix and brown sugar. On a cutting board, separate each biscuit and cut into four pieces.
3. Working four pieces at a time, dip four pieces in the butter/vanilla mixture, coating completely. Using a fork, remove from the butter mixture and coat thoroughly in the cake mix mixture. Place four coated pieces into each muffin tin. Repeat until all eight tins are full.
4. Bake for approx. 12-15 minutes or until lightly golden and centers appear set. Do not overbake. Allow to cool slightly in the pan, about five minutes, before gently removing them with a butter knife (just run the knife along the edge of the cavity to gently pop them out).
5. Place a dollop of frosting on the tops of the still-warm muffins and sprinkle with rainbow jimmies. Or, if you prefer, zap the frosting for about 10 seconds until softened, then drizzle it on. These are best served warm, but can be reheated in the microwave for about 10-20 seconds and served within one day.
These have a sweet, subtle cake batter flavor and a nice crunchy texture on the outside, but a soft, fluffy, donut-esque texture on the inside. And basically, they're my new BFF. You guys should introduce yourselves.
Have a wonderful Tuesday!
xo, Hayley
May be linked to: Trick or Treat Tuesdays, Crazy Sweet Tuesdays, Cast Party Wednesday,Dwell On Friday, Mrs. Fox's Sweet Party, Sweet Treats Thursdays, Tuesday Talent Show, Sweet Tooth Friday, Sweets for a Saturday, Strut Your Stuff Saturday


text:
Towering mountain ranges, lakes formed from giant craters and fertile hills and valleys – New Zealand's landscape offers a wealth of extremes, and for good reason – the country sits on an active fault line, resulting in a lot of volcanic activity. Wherever water is heated under the earth, it will find a way to escape, often with spectacular results!
The Taupo Volcanic Zone covers the area around Rotorua, lake Taupo and the Bay of Plenty and is a hotbed of geothermal activity. Only Yellowstone National Park in the United States is more active! There are many other places around New Zealand where you can experience volcanic or geothermal activity, but in Rotorua you will find the most concentrated area – one of many reasons why Rotorua is a top destination for visitors to New Zealand.
A visit to the Rotorua region allows you to see geothermal activity like geysers, boiling mud pools, mineral hot springs and other fascinating sights. Read on to find out more about New Zealand's geothermal wonders.
Geysers occur when hot water under the ground is forced through a narrow opening. Pressure builds up and the result is a series of eruptions of very hot water and steam. Many geysers in the Taupo Volcanic Field are known for erupting at regular intervals. The largest and most famous geyser in Rotorua is the Pohutu Geyser in Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley, which erupts up to 20 times a day and shoots steam as high as 30 metres into the air.
Mud pools form where steam and gas rise from underground into rainwater ponds. The acidic gas transforms rocks on the surface into a clay which mixes with the heated pond water into mud. The steam heats the mud and makes it bubble. Some mud pools can reach boiling temperatures, so take care when viewing them and take note of warning signs and fencing.
Fumaroles are steam vents through which steam and gases escape from deep under the earth.
Sinter terraces are created from the mineral deposits left by overflowing hot springs. Over time the minerals build up in layers in beautiful and fragile formations, often coloured by different micro-organisms.
Te Puia
As well as being home to the New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute, Te Puia is situated in the Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley, making it an ideal place to experience both Māori culture and Rotorua's geothermal attractions. Whakarewarewa boasts around 500 active geothermal features including alkaline chloride hot springs, playful mud pools and at least 65 geyser vents, each with their own name. Seven geysers are currently active, including the famous Pohutu Geyser. 'Pohutu means 'big splash or explosion' and it certainly lives up to its name!
Kuirau Park
Kuirau Park is a public park at the northern end of Rotorua and is free to enter. There are walking tracks throughout the park that take you past volcanic activity like steam vents, mud pools and hot springs. Make sure you stay outside the fences as some of these features can be dangerous due to high temperatures and unpredictable steam.
Tikitere (Hell's Gate)
Just outside of Rotorua lies Tikitere or Hell's Gate, as it was named by George Bernard Shaw when he visited in the early 1900s. Here, between lakes Rotorua and Rotoiti, you can see a mud volcano and the largest hot waterfall in the Southern Hemisphere.
Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland
Wai-O-Tapu (meaning 'sacred waters' in Māori) is a little south of Rotorua and offers perhaps one of the region's more colourful geothermal experiences. See the famous Champagne Pool with its vivid mineral hues, and the Lady Knox Geyser.
You can see boiling lakes, hot streams, steaming cliffs and other fascinating geothermal phenomena at Waimangu. Take a self-guided tour through native bush, or choose from a range of boat tour options.
You can also enjoy a soak in one of many mineral hot pools in Rotorua, with spa complexes including the Polynesian Spa and the Blue Baths. There are other geothermal areas around the country, including Ngawha near the Bay of Islands, Hanmer Springs in the South Island and Hot Water Beach, Coromandel, where you can dig your own hot pool right into the sand. Still more hot springs are hidden away, some in native bush and others on private land. If you're lucky, perhaps a local will let you in on their secret spot!
Local Māori discovered the practical and medicinal uses of hot springs and geothermal activity early on. Hot springs provided heating, a way to cook and preserve food as well as having therapeutic powers.
When European settlers arrived, they also realised the benefits of the springs and set about transforming Rotorua into a spa town along the lines of Bath in England. Geothermal activity has also been harnessed to provide an energy supply. As demand increased the geothermal activity was depleted. While there used to be five major geyser fields in the area, there is now only one (Whakarewarewa). Another was destroyed by the eruption of Mt Tarawera and the others have all dwindled over the years.
Browse geothermal tours or see all GreatSights Rotorua tours.


text:
Submit Public Water System Plans for Review
No person may begin construction of a public drinking water supply system until the TCEQ determines that the system is financially stable and technically sound, and can supply adequate quantities of safe drinking water. Public Water Systems must notify the TCEQ about any proposed new system or significant changes to existing systems.
TCEQ reviews are based on the requirements in the Rules and Regulations for Public Water Systems in the Texas Administrative Code, Title 30, Chapter 290, Subchapter D.
- Submit Your Plans and Specifications
- Radionuclide Testing Required for Well Completion
- Status of Reviews in Progress
Submit Your Plans and Specifications
Plans, specifications, and related documents must be prepared under the direction of a licensed professional engineer. All engineering documents must have engineering seals, signatures, and dates affixed in accordance with the rules of the Texas Board of Professional Engineers
Please submit ONE each of the following items on paper.
- Cover letter with engineering report
- Submittal form
- TCEQ Core Data Form (for new systems)
- Well completion data
- Sealed engineering plans and specifications
NOTE: You may submit sealed plans and specs on CD for waterlines, pumps and tanks.
- If submitting a CD, please provide these documents in Acrobat PDF, with one folder for plans and another folder for specifications.
- If submitting on paper, 11 x 17 is the smallest format that allows for sufficient detail.
Get the Forms and Checklists for Submitting Plans or Specifications for Public Water Systems that you need to prepare your submittal package.
Please mail your completed package to:
Plan and Technical Review Section
Water Supply Division MC -159
P.O. Box 13087
Austin, Texas 78711-3087
We cannot accept your plans by e-mail.
There are no fees associated with this review.
Radionuclide Testing Required for Well Completion
Several areas of Texas have groundwater with elevated radionuclide levels. Determine if your county is one where radionuclide testing is required in order to receive interim approval for drilling a well.
For guidance on conducting this testing properly, see Radionuclide Testing for Interim Approval of Well Completion.
Status of Reviews in Progress
To view the status of plan reviews, go to the Water Districts Database and select the "Reports" menu. Then select "PTR Plan Review Report" from the drop-down menu, then choose "Select Report."
When you see the question "Are you ready to process the report?" select "Yes." It may take several minutes for the report to download. Download illustrated instructions for accessing the report.
The report will show all plans that have been submitted and whether they (1) have not yet been assigned, or (2) are currently under review. The plans are listed alphabetically by the name of the water system.
If you have questions about the status, please e-mail us at email@example.com and refer to your project's log number.
Contact Us
For more information, e-mail us at firstname.lastname@example.com or call us at 512-239-4691.


text:
Suborder: Strepsirrhini
Infraorder: Lemuriformes
Superfamily: Lemuroidea
Family: Lemuridae
Genus: Hapalemur
Species: H. alaotrensis, H. aureus, H. griseus, H. meridionalis, H. occidentalis
Other names: H. alaotrensis: H. griseus
alaotrensis, Alaotra reed lemur, Alaotran bamboo lemur, Alaotran gentle lemur,
Lac Alaotra bamboo lemur, Lake Alaotra gentle lemur; hapalemur d'Alaotra
(French); Alaotra halbmaki (German); bandro (Malagasy); H. aureus: golden bamboo
lemur, golden lemur; gouden halfmaki (Dutch); hapalémur doré
(French); goldener bambuslemur (German); bokombolomena, varibolomena (Malagasy);
lemur cariancho (Spanish); gyllenbambulemur, gyllenhalvmaki (Swedish); H.
griseus: H. ranomafanensis, grey gentle lemur, eastern lesser bamboo lemur,
eastern gray bamboo lemur, bamboo lemur, lesser bamboo lemur; kleine halfmaki
(Dutch); hapalémur gris, petit hapalémur (French); ostlicher
grauer halbmaki (German); bokombolo, kotrika, kontè (Malagasy); lemur
cariancho (Spanish); grå bambulemur, grå halvmaki, grå
lemurträskhalvmaki, västlig halvmaki (Swedish); H. meridionalis:
rusty-gray lesser bamboo lemur, southern grey bamboo lemur, southern lesser
bamboo lemur, southern gentle lemur; petit hapalémur méridional
(French); halo (Malagasy); H. occidentalis: H. griseus occidentalis, Sambirano
bamboo lemur, Sambirano lesser bamboo lemur, western gentle lemur, western grey
bamboo lemur, western lesser bamboo lemur; hapalémur occidental (French);
westlicher grauer halbmaki (German); bokombolo, akomba-valiha, bekola, kofiy,
kitronytrony (Malagasy).
The taxonomy of the genus Hapalemur is debated. Groves (2005) recognizes
four full species of Hapalemur: H. alaotrensis, H. aureus,
H. griseus, and H. occidentalis. As with other animals, the
data used to differentiate species or elevate types to species are different
depending on the researcher. In the Hapalemur case, these lines of data are in
conflict with one another, and result in confusion. For example, H.
meridionalis is sometimes considered a full species based on cytogenetic
data and H. alaotrensis which is morphologically specifically distinct
but not so cytogenetically (Fausser et al. 2002; Rabarivola et al. 2007). To
avoid confusion, the approach taken by Mittermeier et al. (2006) will be
followed here in which five full species are recognized, but also a need for
further clarification of the relationships between the species is acknowledged.
Several subspecies of H. griseus have recently been described but are
not included here as such (Rabarivola et al. 2007). Finally, while recognizing
significant recent alterations in the distributions of H. griseus,
H. meridionalis, and H. occidentalis due to new cytogenetic
data (Rabarivola et al. 2007), information about these species is included under
the taxon given by the researcher, even though in light of new data this may not
be correct.
Bamboo lemurs are generally small to medium lemurs and are mostly gray
(Mittermeier et al. 2006; 2008). They are approximately the same size as
smallish housecats (Pollock 1986). The tail is usually longer than the body
(Warter et al. 1987). The head is lighter in color than the rest of the body
(Warter et al. 1987; Mittermeier et al. 2006). The ears of H. griseus,
H. meridionalis, and H. occidentalis are larger than those
possessed by H. alaotrensis and H. aureus, where they almost
cannot be seen in the fur of the head (Groves 2001). The noses and faces of
bamboo lemurs are shorter than in other types of lemur (Warter et al. 1987;
Mittermeier et al. 2006). Bamboo lemurs possess scent glands on their forearms
and on their underside near their armpits (Meier et al. 1987; Warter et al.
1987; Groves 2001).
H. aureus dorsal surfaces are grey-brown with underlying orange
pelage and their ventrum is yellow. Their face is black with a gold-yellow ring
around the face encompassing their cheeks, eyebrows and their throat (Meier et
al. 1987). The nose of H. aureus is pink (Mittermeier et al. 2006).
H. griseus are generally gray with some olive coloration (Groves 2001).
H. occidentalis are gray-brown overall with a pale face (Groves 2001).
H. meridionalis are generally gray as well but have some red
coloration, particularly on the head and body (Groves 2001). H.
alaotrensis have dense pelage which is gray-brown dorsally and lighter
ventrally. The head and neck are chestnut-brown (Mittermeier et al. 2006).
H. griseus females average 66.94 cm (26.4 in) in length while males
average 67.69 cm (26.7 in). H. meridionalis females average 66.78 cm
(26.3 in) in length and males average 67.80 cm (26.3 in). H.
occidentalis females average 66.5 cm (26.2 in) in length while males
average 67.5 cm (26.6 in). H. alaotrensis have been recorded between
77.0 and 81.0 cm (30.3 and 31.9 in) in length (Rabarivola et al. 2007).
H. alaotrensis and H. aureus are significantly larger than
the other species of bamboo lemur (Groves 2001; Rabarivola et al. 2007). H.
griseus weigh on average 0.935 kg (2.1 lb) and H. aureus weigh on
average 1.548 kg (3.4 lb) (Glander et al. 1992 compiled by Tan 1999; Tan 1999).
H. alaotrensis weigh on average 1.24 kg (2.7 lb) (Mutschler 1998;
2002). H. occidentalis is similar in size to H. griseus, with
females weighing on average 1.188 kg (2.6 lb) and males weighing 0.847 kg (1.9
lb) (Mittermeier et al. 2006; Rabarivola et al. 2007). H. meridionalis
females weigh on average 0.870 kg (1.9 lb) while males weigh 0.839 kg (1.9 in)
(Rabarivola et al. 2007). There is not significant body mass dimorphism between
male and female bamboo lemurs (Kappeler 1991; Mittermeier et al. 2006).
Bamboo lemurs leap from support to support in a vertical posture, landing
feet-first and are capable of running quickly on the ground (Petter &
Peyrieras 1975; Wright 1988). They will also run quadrupedally along supports
(Haring & Davis 1998). H. griseus are normally found around 5.9 m
(19.4 ft) above the ground and travel through leaping (48%) and quadrupedal
walking (38%) (Blanchard et al. 2007). Anecdotal evidence indicates that H.
alaotrensis can swim (Petter & Peyrieras 1975).
In captivity, H. griseus have lived over 23 years (Weigl 2005).
Like all lemurs, the genus Hapalemur only lives on Madagascar. Distribution
accounts of H. griseus, H. occidentalis, and H.
meridiontalis have been significantly and recently altered recently in
light of new cytogenetic data (http://www.redlist.org; Rabarivola et al. 2007).
Previously, the H. griseus distribution was considered to extend from
the Anjanaharibe-Sud Special Reserve and the Marojejy National Park in
northeastern Madagascar south to the region north of Andohahela, in the
southeastern parts of the island (Mittermeier et al. 2006). The distribution was
interrupted in the region around Lake Alaotra and met the distribution of H.
meridionalis in the southeastern parts of the island (Mittermeier et al.
2006). H. occidentalis was thought to live in western and northern
Madagascar. The species was known from the northern edges of the island, from
the Ankarana and Analamerana forests and the Sambirano region west and south to
a number of areas between the Mahavavy River and the Tsiribihina River in
west-central Madagascar (Mittermeier et al. 2006). Reflecting data obtained in
a recent study however (Rabarivola et al. 2007), the distribution of these three
species has changed considerably.
The distribution of H. griseus has been significantly altered, with
Hapalemur populations in western Madagascar between the Mahavavy and Tsiribihina
Rivers previously assigned to H. occidentalis now attributed to H.
griseus and with the southern extent of the H. griseus species now
reduced, only extending as far south as Ranamofana (http://www.redlist.org;
Rabarivola et al. 2007). Similarly, the H. occidentalis distribution
has changed, with the west-central populations of the species now attributed to
H. griseus. The distribution of H. occidentalis is now
recorded as encompassing the previously recognized northern populations but now
extending south in eastern Madagascar to Zahamena, east of Lake Alaotra
(http://www.redlist.org; Rabarivola et al. 2007).
The type locality of H. meridionalis is the Mandena forestry
station, approximately ten kilometers (6.2 miles) north of Tolagnaro (Ft.
Dauphin) and at a minimum, the species is found between the Mananara River in
the north and the Andohahela Nature Reserve although the distribution may reach
as far north as Atsimo due to a hybrid form recorded at that locality
(http://www.redlist.org; Warter & Tattersall 1994; Rabarivola et al.
The Alaotran bamboo lemur (H. alaotrensis) is found exclusively in
reed beds surrounding Lake Alaotra, the largest lake in Madagascar, which is
located on the eastern part of the island. The species distribution around the
lake is divided into two subpopulations (Mutschler & Feistner 1995).
H. aureus is found in eastern Madagascar, from Ranomafana National Park
in the north (and possibly further northeast) and south to the Andringitra
National Park, inhabiting a forest corridor between the two
(http://www.redlist.org; Mittermeier et al. 2006).
In general, H. griseus and H. aureus are found in humid
eastern lowland and montane forests (Mutschler & Tan 2003; Mittermeier et
al. 2006). H. griseus are found in an altitudinal range between
sea-level up to 2050 meters (6725.72 feet), while H. aureus range
between 625 and 1625 meters (2050.5 and 5331.4 feet) (reviewed in Goodman &
Ganzhorn 2004). H. meridionalis is known to reside in lowland and
montane subtropical rain forests and littoral forests with marshy areas
(Mutschler & Tan 2003; Mittermeier et al. 2006). This species exists at
altitudes of up to 1600 m (5249.3 ft) (Mittermeier et al. 2006). H.
occidentalis is found in dry to sub-humid primary and degraded deciduous
forests as well as bamboo scrub, also sometimes occurring in areas under a
degree of agricultural use and other degraded habitats (Hawkins et al. 1998;
Mutschler & Tan 2003; Mittermeier et al. 2006; Martinez 2008). While
characterized by their consumption of bamboo, bamboo lemurs are sometimes found
in forests without any bamboo, as is the case in the Malahelo Forest,
southeastern Madagascar, an intermediate forest type (Ramanamanjato et al.
2002). The same may be true of bamboo lemurs found in some bamboo-free areas
of northwestern Madagascar (Hawkins et al. 1998).
Among the bamboo lemurs, H. alaotrensis inhabit a habitat unlike the
other members of the genus. They are restricted to reed and papyrus marshland
vegetation surrounding Lake Alaotra in eastern Madagascar, a habitat in which
stands of reeds and papyrus are separated by water channels (Mutschler &
Feistner 1995; Nievergelt et al. 1998). H. alaotrensis is unique among
the primates in that it lives only in this marshy habitat (Nievergelt et al.
At one study site of H. griseus and H. aureus at Ranamafana
National Park in eastern Madagascar, the average temperature is 21°C
(69.8°F), but seasonally varies from 4-6° C (39.2-42.8°F) between
June-August and 28-30°C (82.4-86.0°F) between November-January (see
Tan 1999 and references therein). At this study site, a dry season occurs
between April-November and a wet season between December-March (Atsalis
The feeding ecology of bamboo lemurs is not completely known. As is implied
by their name however, most of the genus specializes in the consumption of
bamboo. Bamboo lemurs can consume far more bamboo than should be lethal to
animals of their size due to its cyanide content, although the way they manage
to avoid poisoning remains unclear (Glander et al. 1989; Yamashita et al. 2010).
At the Ranomafana National Park, H. griseus consumed over 40 species
of plant, but the diet consisted mostly of giant bamboo (Cathariostachys
madagascariensis) (72%) (Tan 1999; 2006). The rest of the foods were other
types of bamboo and grasses (16%), leaves from other plants (particularly
lianas) (4%), fruits (5%), and other foods (3%) (Tan 1999). Most of the bamboo
parts that are eaten are the young parts of the plants, and the lemurs avoid
mature leaves (Tan 1999). From month to month, the diversity of the H.
griseus diet remains relatively low, and they tend to rely on resources
that are not seasonal (Tan 1999). However, only during the wet season are other
foods such as fruit, fungus, mushrooms, leaf petioles, flowers and new leaves
included in the diet, and even then at low levels (Overdorff et al. 1997).
Geophagy in wild H. griseus is documented (Irwin et al. 2004).
Also at Ranomafana National Park, and similarly to H. griseus,
H. aureus eats mostly giant bamboo (78%), other types of bamboo and
grasses (10%), fruits (4%), and other foods (5%) (Tan 1999). H.
alaotrensis are entirely folivorous, eating the leaves and stems of only 11
plant species (Mutschler 1998; 2002). However, over 95% of the diet was
restricted to four species (Cyperus madagascariensis, Phragmites communis,
Leersia hexandra, and Echinochloa crusgalli) (Mutschler 1998). In addition,
only very specific parts of each species are eaten (Mutschler et al. 1998). In
captivity, this species has been seen eating soil (Beattie & Feistner 1998).
Little is known about the diet of H. occidentalis, but individuals
have been observed eating fruits, bamboo and liana flowers (Petter et al. 1977
cited in Tan 2006; Mutschler & Tan 2003). The diet of H.
meridionalis is completely unknown (Mutschler & Tan 2003; Tan
Activity patterns appear to vary by species among the bamboo lemurs. H.
aureus is diurnal, as is H. griseus and preliminary data indicates
that H. meridionalis is diurnal also (Mutschler & Tan 2003; Tan
2006; reviewed in Tan 2006). H. aureus spends its days resting (50%),
feeding (41%), and traveling (8%) and has a discrete rest period between
mid-morning and early afternoon (Tan 2000 cited in Tan 2006; Tan 2006).
Activities are similar in H. griseus, who spend their days resting
(41%), feeding (48%), and traveling (9%) (Tan 2000 cited in Tan 2006). Around
dusk, H. griseus move to sleeping sites (Overdorff et al. 1997).
H. alaotrensis on the other hand, is cathemeral in its activity and
exhibits substantial amounts of activity both during the day and during the
night (Mutschler et al. 1998; Mutschler 2002). However, the species spends
more time active during daylight hours than during the nighttime (Mutschler
& Tan 2003; Tan 2006). During daylight, the H. alaotrensis
activity is usually separated into an early morning activity period and a late
afternoon activity period, but the day-to-day reality of this pattern is highly
variable (Mutschler et al. 1998). However, nighttime activity is never less
than 30 minutes (Mutschler et al. 1998). H. occidentalis show some
evidence for substantial nighttime activity, with dry season (July-September)
activity predominantly occurring during hours of darkness (Mutschler 2000 cited
in Mutschler & Tan 2003). H. griseus activity changes seasonally
as well, with more resting and less traveling and feeding during the warm wet
season (Overdorff et al. 1997).
H. griseus home ranges average 0.15 km² (0.06 mi²) (although in a
different study ranged between 0.06-0.1 km²), while H. aureus home
ranges average 0.26 km² (0.1 mi²) (Wright 1986; Tan 1999). Recorded H.
occidentalis home ranges are around 0.26 km² (0.1 mi²) (Gould & Sauther
2007). In their unique habitat around Lake Aloatra, H. alaotrensis
home ranges average only 0.02 km² (0.008 mi²) (Mutschler et al. 1994 cited in
Mutschler & Feistner 1995). The daily path of H. aureus averages
365 m (1197.5 ft) while the daily path of one H. griesus group averaged
425 m (1394.4 ft) (Wright 1986; Wright et al. 1987).
H. griseus at Kalambatritra Special Reserve in south-central
Madagascar are known to exhibit latrine behavior (repeated group defecation at
specific sites), and groups defecate in turn, with adults going first followed
by juveniles (Irwin et al. 2004).
The Malagasy tree boa (Boa manditra) has been observed killing and consuming
adult H. griseus in the wild (Rakotondravony et al. 1998). Henst's
Goshawk (Accipiter henstii) and the Madagascar Harrier-hawk (Polyboroides
radiatus) are both predators of H. griseus (Karpanty 2006).
Bamboo lemurs are often found in sympatry with other species of primates.
For example, at Ranomafana National Park, H. griseus and H.
aureus are sympatric with brown mouse lemurs (Microcebus rufus), greater
dwarf lemurs (Cheirogaleus major), sportive lemurs (Lepilemur sp.), eastern
avahis (Avahi laniger), aye-ayes (Daubentonia madagascariensis), greater bamboo
lemurs (Prolemur simus), red-fronted lemurs (Eulemur rufus), red-bellied lemurs
(Eulemur rubriventer), and Milne-Edwards' sifakas (Propithecus edwardsi) (Tan
While both H. griseus and H. aureus can live together in
the same habitat and consume generally the same foods, they consume different
parts of the same foods, avoiding some competition by eating parts of the same
plants with different physical properties (Yamashita et al. 2009).
Content last modified: July 22, 2010
Written by Kurt Gron.
Cite this page as:Gron KJ. 2010 July 22. Primate Factsheets: Bamboo lemur (Hapalemur) Taxonomy, Morphology, & Ecology . <http://pin.primate.wisc.edu/factsheets/entry/bamboo_lemur/taxon>. Accessed 2020 April 4.
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text:
Story highlights
- Pain has stopped Fit Nation teammate Stacy Mantooth from running the past
- Mantooth developed asthma, shin splints, plantar fasciitis
- Excuses are no longer going to stop Mantooth from running, he says
Running has always been an enigma to me. It seems so simple: Lace up your sneakers, crank up the music and head out the door.
It comes so easy to some people, but it never has to me.
Growing up, I tried to be a runner. At an early age, I was diagnosed with exercise-induced asthma. This is an inflammation and constriction of the bronchi in the lungs that occurs after a few minutes of strenuous or aerobic activity. I was prescribed various inhalers to control the condition, and they seemed to decrease the asthma, but it never completely stopped.
It was annoying, it was embarrassing, and it caused me to avoid most exercises, especially running.
It was an excuse. I am not a runner ...
I decided to start playing tennis in middle school. While I always had great bursts of speed on the court, the off-season running workouts killed me. Still, I could control my asthma, and my tennis skills slowly improved.
Then my next nemesis arrived. I discovered a nasty pain called shin splints, from pounding those hard courts day after day. This condition is also called medial tibial stress syndrome and is caused by a combination of factors that put stress on the lower leg, causing some very uncomfortable pain in my shins and cramping in my calves when running.
The pain, or rather the threat of the pain, kept me from running long distances, so I stopped.
It was an excuse. I am not a runner ...
Fast-forward to later in life. I wanted to try to run again. After some research and a visit to my local running shop, I discovered a compression strap for my calf that could help my shin splints, and it worked!
So off to run I went. All was going great: I was gaining endurance while managing to control the asthma and the shin splints. Then I started to get a sharp pain just in front of my heel on the bottom of my foot.
This pain occurred right after my running workouts, and it was even worse the next morning. My doctor diagnosed me with plantar fasciitis in my left foot. This is an incredibly painful inflammation of the connective tissue (the plantar fascia) that stretches from your heel to your toes. With this pain, I had found my newest nemesis.
I tried to run through the pain, but even walking during the day became painful, so I stopped running altogether. There are many treatments for helping manage this pain, from special socks that stretch the tissue to cortisone injections that help the inflammation. I found an orthotic shoe insert that helped to stretch the plantar fascia, and slowly, the pain went away.
But once again, the threat of pain kept me from running.
It was an excuse. I am not a runner ...
Fast-forward to today. I've developed a love of endurance sports and an admiration for the amazing athletes who compete in them, from runners to cyclists to triathletes. I've always wanted to participate, but the fear of pain or asthma has always kept me on the sidelines.
I know that my pain is manageable and my fear is irrational. I want to run.
As I've started training for the Nautica Malibu Triathlon, I constantly think of my CNN Fit Nation teammates, many of whom have conquered their own obstacles, much more serious than the pain that has stopped me.
We all have hurdles in life, some great and some small, that try to prevent us from doing the things we want to do. My mantra had become "I am not a runner," but it was just an excuse. This excuse no longer stops me.
My minor injuries and pains are nothing compared with the hardships many people face every day. My pain and anxiety are manageable, and I am no longer afraid.
Perspective is a wonderful thing, and when I think of all of the amazing people in my life who have overcome much larger hurdles than those that have stopped me in the past, I am motivated. I keep moving, knowing that if they can overcome their obstacles, I can overcome mine.
My running workouts aren't breaking any endurance records, and I don't move that fast, but I keep moving. I lace up my sneakers and crank up my music, and I keep running because my pain is temporary.
I am not a runner ... YET!
Follow Stacy on Twitter @TriHardStacy


text:
/ Friday, January 7, 2011 / 22 Comments / Chicken , Chinese , Pasta and Noodles
Dan Dan Mien (Noodle)
This is my favorite version of the popular Dan Dan Mien. It's a classic Sichuan spicy noodle that makes a perfect winter time meal! This common street food is usually prepared with pork or beef; but, I decided to use chicken instead which tastes just as delicious. Just make sure you mix all the ingredients well to ensure the spicy, salty, sweet, and nutty flavors of the meat and sauce are meshed to the delicious noodles. Add some garnishing on top before serving and you have a hearty bowl of noodles. Enjoy! :)
UPDATED: December 28th 2013
This is an updated post with a new video cooking guide.
Dan Dan Mien( Noodle)
450 g Dried Wheat Noodles, cooked according to manufacturer instructions
Baby Bok Choy, blanched (optional)
Fresh Coriander Leaves, chopped (optional)
Chinese Celery, chopped (optional)
Meat Topping
380 to 400 g Ground Chicken Breast/Pork/Beef
3 to 4 Tbsp Peanut Oil
1 tsp Sichuan Peppercorn
100 g Preserved Vegetables (Sichuanese Ya Cai or Tianjin)(I used Tianjin preserved vegetables from Sumiyacai brand)
½ tsp Ground White Pepper
1 Tbsp Soy Sauce
1 Tbsp Dark Soy Sauce
1 Tbsp Peanut Oil
1 tsp Sichuan Peppercorn
3 Cloves Garlic, chopped (about 1 Tbsp)
½ inch Ginger, finely chopped (about 1 Tbsp)
4 Stalks Scallions (Green Onions/Spring Onions) white part only, chopped (reserved the green part for sprinkling)
2 ½ Tbsp Soy Sauce
1 Tbsp Dark Soy Sauce
5 Tbsp Chili Oil with sediment
2 ½ Tbsp Sesame Paste
Heat a wok or skillet over high heat and add the peanut oil. Add the peppercorns and stir-fry until fragrant and mix in the preserved vegetables. Stir-fry the mixture for about 15 seconds. Then add in the ground chicken and continue to fry until the chicken is cooked. Add the white pepper, soy sauce, and dark soy sauce. Stir-fry the meat mixture until browned and crisp. Remove from the heat and set aside.
In a wok or saucepan over high heat, add peanut oil and mix in the peppercorns. Stir-fry until fragrant and add garlic, ginger, and scallions and stir-fry for about 30 to 40 seconds. Reduce the heat to low, mix in the soy sauce, dark soy sauce, chili oil, and sesame paste and simmer for about 2 to 3 minutes.
To serve the noodle: Divide the noodles among 4 to 6 bowls, add the sauce, meat mixture and mix together. Top with vegetables, chopped scallions, or coriander, Chinese celery and serve immediately.
Serves 4 to 6
22 comments:
This looks so appetizing, especially the first photo!ReplyDelete
This look so good! The recipe seems a bit intimidating but when I look through the ingredient list I actually have almost everything at home already. I think I could do this :)ReplyDelete
this looks divine! noodles of all kind are my fav! thanks for sharing angie!ReplyDelete
This looks so delicious. your photo looks so appetizing.ReplyDelete
On my way to the kitchen now! We are having this for lunch. I have some ground turkey I need to cook and this will be perfect! ~LeslieReplyDelete
Yum yum yum! Wish I had all the ingredients to make that for dinner. Looks so amazingly good.ReplyDelete
@The Chef In My Head: Enjoy! Btw, nice avatar (logo).ReplyDelete
I am confused, for the ingredients for the sauce no peppercorns are mentioned, but your instructions require peppercorns to be added to the oil when you make the sauce, as well when you brown the vegetables and meat. Could you clarify please? The recipe sounds marvelous and I don't want to mess it up.ReplyDelete
@Marlis: Oops! I missed out the Sichuan peppercorn. Thanks.ReplyDelete
MMM...I'm in love with the dan-dan noodles at Myers and Chang and it sounds like this is pretty similar based on the ingredients. I'm going to file this recipe for the next time I'm craving some asian noodles!ReplyDelete
Looks delicious...hungry just gazing at it from the Window.. slurp slurp:)ReplyDelete
Love Dan Dan Noodles! Nothing like having spicy noodles on a cold day! Will be sharing this on my site!!ReplyDelete
I've never had this dish, but it sounds absolutely delicious!ReplyDelete
That dan dan mien looks really tasty!ReplyDelete
I am a writer for the German edition of "The Epoch Times" newspaper and would like to publish the picture of your delicious-looking Dan dan mian in my next article. Would you send me the high-res files of the first two photos on this page? Of course i would credit them accordingly. Thank you! MeilinReplyDelete
Hello Angie.ReplyDelete
I've been following your food blog for quite a while and tried some of your recipes. They taste good all thanks to simple and clear instructions. However, there are some ingredients that I'm not familiar. For example, sesame paste. Instead of getting a jar from Asian groceries store, is it possible for me to do it myself or substitute it with some other ingredient?
Thanks so much.
I think someone borrowed your dan dan noodle picture:ReplyDelete
Hi! I love you recipe and video! Could I ask what brand of wok/skillet you used in this video?ReplyDelete
Angie i bought dried lanzhou pulled noodles from the chinese grocery store.The package instructions said to boil them for 3 minutes.I did that but the noodles were gummy and starchy..is there any tips you can give to keep the noodles elastic?ReplyDelete


text:
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Great rooms. McMansions. Jumbo mortgages. The American home -- and everything associated with it -- got supersized during the housing boom. Big was good. Bigger was better. Biggest was best of all.
Not anymore. Now the B-word carries less cachet and more baggage. Home furnishings forecaster Michelle Lamb of the Trend Curve has noticed the change. "There's been a great and discernible shift away from words that describe scale and toward words that describe appointments and quality," she said.
A huge house, once a status symbol, now symbolizes risk and high overhead to many buyers. "There's so much more concern about very big homes," said Robert Lang, director of Brookings Mountain West, University of Nevada-Las Vegas. "People used to buy as much house as they could afford. Now they're saying, 'Even if I could buy that, do I really want to?'"
After decades of beefing up, the American home itself is going on a diet. The average size of new single-family homes completed in 2009 dropped to a nationwide average of 2,438, about 100 square feet smaller than 2007, according to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB).
Some say it's about time.
"We were bloated," said Tom Fisher, dean of the College of Design at the University of Minnesota. "It made architects cringe, there was so much wasted space. There's a shift back to 'What do I really need?' vs. 'What will impress my neighbors?'"
The recession is obviously a major factor, noted John Archer, chairman of the U's Cultural Studies Department and author of "Architecture and Suburbia." But two longer-term trends are likely to keep house size down even after the economy picks up, he said, citing the influence of architect Sarah Susanka's "Not So Big House" philosophy and the green movement.
Susanka's books "piggybacked on the distaste people developed for McMansions," Archer said. "People started to latch on to a different aesthetic, that bigger was not better, that quality of life does not mean large volumes of space."
Going green is partly an economic decision, Fisher noted. Smaller houses cost less to heat and cool, and that's reducing not just square footage but cubic footage as well. "We're moving away from 2 1/2-story great rooms -- they're so inefficient."
But Archer, for one, thinks home size will continue to moderate. "I don't doubt that once people get richer, they'll want bigger, but we'll see a broader spectrum, not a wholesale tilt back."
Fewer monster homes
Even those who can still afford supersized homes are scaling down, according to David Bieker, owner of Denali Custom Homes. "As recently as a couple years ago, we were getting a lot more requests for 7,000-square-foot homes," he said. "When the economy crunched, we started getting more [requests for] 4,000- to 6,000-square-foot homes."
Right now, tight lending standards are a contributor, he said. "The availability of money is dictating the size of homes. People who want to build $1.5 million homes are building $995,000 homes."
He thinks the shift will be permanent. "Selling in the past was done on square footage: If you had more square footage, it was worth more."
But the trend is toward valuing quality over volume. "There's new thinking with the new economy. People are being more realistic about what they need."
When Alchemy Architects debuted its weeHouse concept (small, prefabricated dwellings) in 2003, it was a novelty. But weeHouses now represent half of Alchemy's business, according to Geoffrey Warner, principal architect. "It's fueled our practice," he said. "A home may be one's castle, but is the goal really to have a castle? For most people, when they talk about their favorite rooms, it's generally smaller spaces."
And with multi-generational households on the rise, a trend documented in recent Census Bureau statistics, smaller spaces are likely to replace wide open ones, according to Lamb. "With more people living together, there's more need for privacy," she said. "It causes us to want more walls and doors."
Supersized furnishings
But when it comes to our stuff, we're still living large, for the most part. "When houses got bigger, everything had to be scaled up," Lamb said. Big, oversized and overstuffed furniture -- designed to fill our expanded spaces and fit our expanded physiques -- is now the norm.
"People are just bigger," Fisher said. "Americans are getting fatter as houses get smaller, and this is a problem. It makes a house seem smaller than it is. It's two trends going in opposite directions."
Plus-size furniture, offering extra-wide seats and support for extra poundage, is a growing market segment, with online retailers such as Oversize Furniture, Living XL and Brylane Home directly targeting large consumers. Many furnituremakers are taking a more subtle approach, according to Jerry Underwood, director of marketing for HOM Furniture. "Manufacturers are addressing that issue without calling it out. You see it more in motion furniture [recliners], with things a little wider than they used to be."
Consumers are now so accustomed to big pieces that they sometimes buy things that literally won't fit in their homes, said Caren Martin, associate professor at the U's College of Design. "Looking at this stuff in retail showrooms, it doesn't look too big, then you get it home. Sometimes you can't even get it into your home -- you need a 3-foot entry door -- and older houses don't have that."
Only a generation ago, a double bed was the standard size. "A queen was considered huge," Martin noted. That's no longer the case. "The majority of beds we sell now are queen," Underwood said. "We don't sell too many doubles anymore. And king-size is becoming more popular. As people age, a larger sleep surface is more important."
Even accessories, such as lamps, vases and dinnerware, are now supersized. "What might have been considered obnoxious before is now seen as artsy. There's been a shift from dainty to more obvious pieces," said Underwood.
The standard dinner plate, once 9 inches, is now 12 inches, which produces "portion distortion" and contributes to the obesity epidemic, according to diet experts. There's even a diet book, "The 9-inch Diet," based on losing weight by eating off smaller plates. (Author Alex Bogusky said he was inspired by buying a 1940s house and not being able to fit his new plates into his kitchen cabinets.)
Wine glasses and cups were Big Gulp size at the tabletop show Lamb recently attended. "We're still consuming food in size extra large," she said.
But some see a household-wide downsizing on the horizon. While baby boomers still gravitate to big traditional furniture, their children prefer cleaner lines and smaller scale, according to Underwood. "The big overstuffed [look] is going away rapidly."
Furniture by designers is getting smaller and lighter, using fewer materials, Fisher said. "Mass manufacturers will follow."
Younger designers, in particular, are already thinking small and designing for apartment dwellers, said St. Paul furniture designer Thomas Oliphant of Tomoco. "If the collapse of the housing market has scared off a generation, what they'll design and buy will be smaller."
Kim Palmer • 612-673-4784