text:
|editKabuto's Sensei
|Volume #8, Naruto Chapter #65
|Naruto Episode #37
|Naruto the Movie: Blood Prison
|Appears in
|Anime, Manga, Movie
|Ninja Rank
He is a Konohagakure jōnin and the leader of Team Kabuto.
Once a student of Orochimaru along with Anko Mitarashi and another unknown genin, his team entered Chūnin Exams together. During the second exam, they battled against Hayate Gekkō, Ibiki Morino and Tokara.[1] He also made a brief appearance in Naruto: Shippūden episode 193, as part of the tactical division of protecting Konoha alongside Sabiru and other ninja.
He has short, sandy-brown hair and dark eyes. He wore glasses along with the standard Konoha-nin inclusive of flak jacket, forehead protector and sandals. The shirt he wore underneath his flack jacket came all the way up to his chin. When he was a genin he wore a simple blue outfit with bandages around his ankles and arm-guards, along with a sash around his waist which was tied in the back.[1]
Part I
Chūnin Exams
He was first seen alongside the other jōnin commanders as the Third Hokage instructed them on the next phase of the examinations, after his Team had passed the second exams and awaited instructions for the third.
Konoha Crush
He also made another appearance during the Konoha Crush where he cheered on his comrades after the display of their legendary teamwork.[2] He was later seen attending the Third's funeral, mourning his loss with the rest of the villagers.
Part II
Akatsuki Suppression Mission
In the anime, he was drafted as part of the Nijū Shōtai and he, and his team-mates went in search of Akatsuki members that had infiltrated the Land of Fire, at one of their known bases. They were however, unsuccessful in finding anyone at that location.
Past Arc: The Locus of Konoha
In the anime, he was seen cheering on Yamato who was using the Wood Release: Serial Pillar Houses Technique to help rebuild Konohagakure after Pain's assault.[3]
In Other Media
Naruto the Movie: Blood Prison
He was also seen in amongst the villagers during Naruto Uzumaki's flashback to the members of the village when he was gathering natural energy to enter Sage Mode.
- From his debut in the Chūnin Exams in the manga, he was not seen again until chapter 599 in a flashback of when he himself participated during the exams.
- In addition to being a former student of Orochimaru, he would later have his own team who were actually Orochimaru's spies. It is unknown however if he was unaware of this or he was also a spy himself.


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BalticClimate videos and photos
Further Main Outputs
Further Main Outputs are supplementing the central output of the project, the BalticClimate Toolkit.
(explore the website in 12 languages: www.toolkit.balticclimate.org)
(explore the website in 12 languages: www.toolkit.balticclimate.org)
The content from the various sections and sites of the BalticClimate Toolkit has been compiled and complemented by additional material to provide in English language six thematic Main Output documents plus one additional output document:
- "BalticClimate final report: Questionnaire Results – Regional Conditions, Problems and Potentials due to Climate Change" focuses on climate change perceptions in the Baltic Sea Region.
- "Guideline and Report: Final Supporting Material for Climate Change Impacts and Vulnerability Assessment" supports especially planners, policy makers and business people on local and regional level in the Baltic Sea Region.
- "Report: Climate Change Impact and Vulnerability Assessment - Experiences from Target Areas" presents the experiences of a pilot assessment on climate change impacts and vulnerability.
- "Report: Experiences in Implementation Cases from the BalticClimate Target Areas" presents the conclusions, experiences and results on 22 implementation cases including specific sectors as well as alternatives for land use and spatial structures.
- "Guideline and Criteria: Sustainable Planning and Development - Key Focus on Climate Change" supports Baltic Sea Region municipalities and regions to integrate climate change information in their spatial planning processes and cross sectoral development.
- "Report: Climate SWOT for Decision-Making in the Business Sector" supports business people to increase the competitiveness of companies by dealing with climate change issues.
- "Report: Tools for Soil Movements (Landslides and Erosion)" is a thematic complement to the more general BalticClimate Toolkit.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Items 1-12 of 26
Items 1-12 of 26
Slip your feet into a pair of Lucchese cowboy or cowgirl boots and experience footwear comfort like you never thought possible. There's not many other boots that will slip-on and fit your feet like a Lucchese Bootmaker, since every pair of their superior made boots is constructed with an authentic footwear design that is carefully detailed from the bottom up with thoughtful construction. The Lucchese bookmaker's selection process is exact with quality precision from the cutting of the finest grade of leathers, to the patient hand-crafted finishing of each pair of boots.
Each pair of boots we sell in the Lucchese cowboy collection is truly a work of art with exceptional country fashion style. These boot designs may demand more costs, time and skills to create but with each step being a critical component to creating the finest Lucchese boots for Americans, this company does what it takes by inspecting each pair twice to ensure they deliver a high quality boot that fits great and looks amazing every time you pull-on a pair of them. If you're looking for comfort and quality, look no further than these Lucchese boots.


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Bucky Covington has been waiting not-so-patiently to release his second album for more than two years now. Asked what he'd like to say now that he's back with his just-released Good Guys, he didn't mince any words.
"Just a big thank you to the fans," he chuckles. "We been gone for two years handling a bunch of absolute nonsense and waiting on lawyers to — if I can say it — get the hell out of the way."
After his original record label, Disney's Lyric Street imprint, closed up shop in 2010, Covington was left with a contract that was still binding but no company to work for. He's now with a new team, taking a much more hands-on approach to his career and loving every minute of it.
With Good Guys, the former American Idol contestant shares production duties with Sawyer Brown singer Mark Miller, and longtime fans will be thrilled that the pair have stayed true to Covington's original sound.
CMT: It's been five years since your debut album. Being a guy who wants so badly to make music and get it out there, how hard is it to scrap a follow-up album that fans are expecting?
It is very frustrating. I didn't scrap the whole thing because there was a lot of it that was really good, but there was still too much of it that I didn't agree with. So you get caught. It's like, "Do I buck the system and get dropped, or do I just go along with it and not be me?" And, of course, the fans will see through that and will call you out on it. So I think we made the wise decision. I hate like hell it took two years to make it happen, but it turns out sometimes it does. So God bless the fans for remembering us.
I like the title Good Guys. What's the significance of that to you?
First of all, I feel like I am a good guy. Sometimes it might even get in the way of firing the right person. (laughs) But I've become the spokesperson for an organization called Help the Good Guys. In short, we raise awareness and immediate financial relief for firefighters and their families who have been injured on duty. We've been with this organization for about a year now.
Mainly what happened was, there's a firefighter down in Birmingham, Ala. He walks into a building to save someone, the building falls down on him and 50 percent of his body is now burned. So the six months that it takes him to get back in order, he can't make his mortgage. He's about to lose his house, his kids are going to have to change schools, his entire way life was getting stripped from him just for doing the right thing. And that ain't cool. So we got with these guys. The organization is great. You can go to helpthegoodguys.com and find out all the information and read all kinds of stories.
My album, Good Guys, [was released] on Sept. 11. And the reason we're doing that is because you can't say "Sept. 11" without thinking "firefighters." You just can't. It's their day. So what we're doing is a portion of the proceeds from that first week's sales will go to Help the Good Guys to help firefighters, and we're very happy about that. These are an amazing bunch of people. We're talking about guys that are running into buildings when everyone else is running out. So if you're gonna help somebody, why not help somebody that might help you one day?
You got together with Shooter Jennings for "Drinking Side of Country," but that doesn't seem like an obvious team. How did you guys become friends?
I really love collaborations when it's left and right field. I met Shooter six years ago. It was his birthday in Los Angeles out on Sunset Strip. He was doing a show, and I went up and met him, and we ended up getting hammered at somewhere like the Rainbow Room. I mean, 4 o'clock-in-the-morning kind of hammered. So we had a great time that night, and he's just as real as real can be. He's just a big-hearted guy, a wonderful person. What's right is right, and what's wrong is wrong, and if Shooter thinks it, he's gonna tell you. I thought that was the coolest thing in the world. So when I had this song, immediately I thought it would make a great duet and the first person I thought of was Shooter Jennings. I mean the song is very bluegrass/country/rockabilly with an Outlaw twist. And if you say "Outlaw," he's the first person I think of.
I thought your voices blended really well. Did you think so, too?
I really do, without a doubt. I'll be honest with you. I was producing the record, and I knew I wanted Shooter. But I sat back and I got to thinking about it, and by the time he hit about the fourth line, I was like, "Oh, yeah." 'Cause it needed some storytelling, and Shooter hit that part of it. Shooter can tell a story. He can almost talk a line, and that's what it needed.
The video is cool, too. Is it more fun with friends around like Shooter and Kellie Pickler?
It was. It turned into a very big project. As soon as we found out we were doing a Dukes of Hazzard-style video, immediately I thought, "You've gotta have a Daisy Duke. And that Daisy Duke has got to be Kellie Pickler. That's my only option." We've been friends for years now, so I wasn't worried about calling her to be in the video. I was worried about asking her to be Daisy Duke, though. You've got to show up in your skimpys, and not only do you gotta show up, but you gotta show up right. But when she showed up, she showed the hell up.


text: The Engineering Institute of Technology (EIT) is dedicated to ensuring our students receive a world-class education and gain skills they can immediately implement in the workplace upon graduation. Our staff members uphold our ethos of honesty and integrity, and we stand by our word because it is our bond. Our students are also expected to carry this attitude throughout their time at our institute, and into their careers.


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The Black Keys, Deadmau5 and Ghostland Observatory will close out Virgin Mobile FreeFest's three stages on Saturday, organizers announced today.
The festival will open at noon with Brits Eclectic Method on the dance forest; the New York rock band Alberta Cross at 12:15 p.m. on the festival stage; and at 1 p.m., indie band Bombay Bicycle Club will be the first act to go on the main stage. Merriweather's doors will open at 11 a.m.
Grace Potter, Patti Smith, andTV on the Radio will also be performing on the main stage, while Cut Copy, Cee Lo Green, Empire of the Sun and Deadmau5 will play the festival stage. James Murphy, who last year headlined the main stage with LCD Soundsystem, will be the second-to-last act on the dance forest stage.
The full schedule, announced today, is posted below. The line-up was announced in early July. Later today, we'll post a printable and downloadable schedule and map. A printable schedule is up here.
The majority of tickets this year were again given away to fans, who snatched them up in less than 60 seconds in July.
Like last year, Virgin will also be selling VIP tickets, which the company is calling a FreeFest Premium Ticket package this year.
The ticket includes "admission to the festival, a FreeFest t-shirt and poster, a souvenir cup that comes with discounts on drinks, and early admission to the grounds." Price? $49.50.
These tickets are on sale at ticketfly.com and at Merriweather Post Pavilion's website.
1:00-2:00 Bombay Bicycle Club
2:30-3:30 Okkervil Rilver
4:00-5:00 Grace Potter
5:30-6:30 Patti Smith
7:00-8:15TV on the Radio
8:45-10:00 Black Keys
12:15-1:15 Alberta Cross
1:45-2:45Two Door Cinema Club
3:15-4:15 Big Sean
4:45-5:45 Cut Copy
6:20-7:20 Cee Lo Green
8:00-8:55 Empire of the Sun
9:20-11:00 Deadmau5
12:00-1:30 Eclectic Method
1:45-3:15Porter Robinson
3:15-4:45Calvin Harris
5:00-6:00 !!!
6:15-7:45 James Murphy
8:15-9:15 Teddybears
9:45-10:45 Ghostland Observatory


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Sad news for race fans as the iconic Oak Tree at the Virginia International Raceway collapsed today after cracking at the base and falling on the on the track. It's the most recognizable landmark at the facility, marking the apex at the Oak Tree Turn.
Here's the statement from the VIR Facebook Page:
Alton, VA, July 2, 2113 – There is no easy way to say this – The Oak Tree is down. The iconic landmark that has come to symbolize VIRginia International Raceway has fallen, broken at the base.
"We are in shock and mourning," said track owner Connie Nyholm. "We're too busy right now trying to get the racetrack cleared of debris. We are grateful no one was at the corner station or on track when she fell and that there is no damage to the track surface. Tomorrow we'll begin to get our arms around what this really means, but I can tell you that it means more than any of us want to think about today."
The massive oak stood sentinel at the south end of the racetrack, looking out from the highest point on the property at the sprawling facility and its 3.27 miles of serpentine asphalt that has come to be regarded as the most challenging in North America, if not the world.
Its branches shaded the apex of the legendary Oak Tree Turn, looking down on the likes of Roger Penske, Walt Hansgen, Tom Kristensen and Richard Petty as well as a host of race drivers from the brilliant to the not so.
"I can tell you this," Nyholm said, "The Oak Tree will live on in our minds and hearts, and we will give it an appropriate send-off. Please email your thoughts and suggestions to firstname.lastname@example.com for proper ways to honor this old friend."
I've had the pleasure of both racing around the Oak Tree turn and watching other people do so. No word yet on a replacement or a cause, although we've had a lot of rain in Virginia the last week or so.
Photo: Getty Images


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Fury UK – Salvation (Release Year – 2008)
Manchester's Fury UK has a new CD single out, and it is a damn good one at that.
This disc had three songs filled with heavy metal fury, that has me wanting to hear more by this talented three piece band. The tunes on Salvation sound like long lost tracks from the NWOBHM era of rock.
What impresses me most on this disc is how tight the music is. Chris Appleton is a pretty good guitar player and vocally, he reminds me a lot of Armored Saint's John Bush.
The production on this disc is very good. I love how I can hear the cymbals crash as if drummer Martin McNee was bashing the skins in my living room.
My only complaint is that I need to hear more! Three songs by Fury UK is not enough! If the three songs on this disc are any indication to the future of this band, then Fury UK will be huge before long.
Check 'em out for yourself at the band's myspace page!
Track Listing:
1. Salvation
2. Manslaughter
3. Lost in Forever
Fury UK is:
Chris Appleton- Vocals, lead guitar
Adam Cropper-Bass, backing vocals
Martin McNee-drums
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text:
Check showtimes to see when Amanpour is on CNN where you are. Or watch online.
By Samuel Burke, CNN
The American East Coast has yet to fully asses Hurricane Sandy's destruction, but people are already asking how they can rebuild to be better prepared in the future.
"Certainly there are things we could do to avoid what we saw happening this week," says Kate Ascher, an urban planning expert who understands how all the pieces of this complicated jigsaw fit together.
Ascher says when the coastal areas begin to rebuild, they'll need to construct various types of sea walls to break the surf that have various parts of the East Coast surrounded by water in Sandy's aftermath.
In New York City, much of the infrastructure is located in the lower part of the city, Ascher says it's unlikely those will be moved, so the structures must be updated to protect against the tides and storm surges.
Ascher believes the lower parts of Manhattan need breakwaters, levees and barriers that actually would stop the sea coming in certain targeted places, like they do in England.
"London years ago built the Thames barrier, which is a huge structure that can be raised and lowered. So for navigation, it allows ships to pass except when it's raised. And it has been raised over 100 times since it's been constructed, when times seem like they're going to be dangerous to the city."
This type of major infrastructure investment has a big price tag Ascher says.
"But this is so serious and so acute that my guess is it will be a clarion call to action. In 1888, the great blizzard knocked down every cable that was in New York City as it was industrializing. And as a result, everything went underground. And ever since then, New York's infrastructure has been incredibly reliable because of that incident. And I think one can only hope that this does exactly the same thing and prompts some kind of radical action that'll set the stage for improvements in the future."
CNN's Juliet Fuisz produced this piece for television.
I would like to fully........"asses"...........this story................
How about this: Tear down the city and stop building next to a stinking ocean!!! people are so stupid, they build a house a half mile from a massive ocean and wonder why their house gets flooded. Stupid can't be fixed.
Our tax dollars better not go to helping the dumb people who build on an ocean shore. It's horrible enough that we are helping the brainless who built on that staton island. They are in the middle of the ocean only a few feet above sea level. They should pay us just for their stupidity. I have no sorrow for any of these people. They made their bed, now them must sleep in it. I moved far inland and will never be touched by a hurricaine. Same with the tards down in New Orleans living below sea level. PLEASE!
Well, why people of the so called first world start to build their houses out of bricks, concrete and iron as we do in the third world? Don't you read the story of the 3 pigs and the wolf? Duh!
The idea of a sea barrier to protect NY harbor is one of the most preposterous ideas yet. The Thames at the barrier is 500 meters wide and less than 8 meters deep. To protect New York harbor you would need a barrier 9 kilometers long in a passage 20 meters deep.
well chris in as much as i think there are elements of stupidity in the decision to in places very close to the ocean, i completely disagree with any comment that tends to be overcritical of the helplesness of those victims. this i think is time to allow the human in us to take control rather than playing the hero where there is no villain.
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text: n 1943, when Ike Sewell opened a restaurant at the corner of Ohio Street and Wabash Avenue in Chicago, Americans ate pizza primarily as a snack. Ike figured that if you combined some of Italy's old, authentic recipes with impressive quantities of the finest meats, fresh cheeses, ripe vegetables and flavorful spices, pizza would become a hearty meal. It was the start of an American tradition - the Chicago Deep Dish Pizza. Ike's Original Deep Dish Pizza has been imitated many times, but never quite duplicated.


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A surprising solution to faster Internet speed
Walking while working could be the way forward. But one Toronto-based software designer has upped the ante: he rigged a treadmill desk to throttle his internet connection, so the faster he walks, the faster web pages load.
For his walking workstation, software designer Brian Peiris went the DIY route by hooking up a manual treadmill to his desktop PC and used his programming know-how to rig the treadmill to control the speed of his internet connection, reports tech website
Digital Trends
"So now I have a great source of motivation to keep myself active," Peiris wrote on his
blog post
about the project. "Want to keep reading that engrossing article about how Obama hired radical techies to win the election or about how Google's autonomous car is worth trillions? Better keep walking then! I can also honestly say that I have never been so exhausted after only a few hours of testing and debugging code."
"Using your leg power to load images and text articles is one thing, but streaming YouTube videos (or worse, full-length TV shows)? That's like running a 10K," writes Digital Trends. "And with the number of Facebook friends you have to stalk and snoop on, you might as well be running in a marathon."
In response to the mounting scientific evidence that sitting all day is wrecking your health, more and more companies are embracing treadmill desks -- Google, Microsoft, and hotel chains Hyatt and Marriott are among them. For those in the market for a treadmill desk, a number of companies are manufacturing them, with the treadmill designed to run at low speeds, with most users opting for about 1-2 mph. The average person will burn about 100 calories for every mile/1.6 km that they walk, the BBC reported, which can really add up over time.


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We take it for granted that TV shows need to take some time to find their feet and get into a groove — especially genre shows, where the concepts have to "gel." But some shows manage to come out of the gate strong. What are your picks for the science fiction and fantasy shows that had (nearly) perfect first seasons?
Please include a picture or clip for your chosen show. And please mention the name, and why the first (or in some cases only) season was so perfect. Thanks!
Top image: Firefly, artwork by Tim Doyle. See below for my reasons why.


text:
4 & 2 Decks swap skin - Audio & Video Mode - Small & Large Browser Views.
Available on : PC Mac PC (32bit)
Stats Similar Skins Comments How to install
4 & 2 Decks swap skin - Audio & Video Mode - Small & Large Browser Views.
No full screen previews
A 4 Decks swap skin for Pioneer DDJ-SX. Offers a 4X2X2 Pads matrix with actions based on the default mapper ,Audio & Video Mode
A 4 Deck skin in a vertical layout
2 Decks skin based on the default mapper of Hercules RMX2
2 Deck Video Skin created with the help of Tayla
A Pioneer inspired skin which gives a familiar layout including both 'color' and 'beat' fx sections. Version 1.3 has ten panel options and a floating browser window. (1920x1080)
Default skin modified to provide some extra functions like automatic options on vdj logo,darker color,big video panels,quantize all decks, hide covers,invert decks and more
No full screen previews
This skin is design to have all handy, no need to distract on the panels... Easy and versatile.


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Actress Ellen Page is opening up about her decision to come out in a speech at the Human Rights Campaign's Time to Thrive conference, nearly three months ago.
The "Juno" star the cover subject of Flare magazine's June 2014 issue and in an interview, goes into detail about revealing to the world that she is gay.
"The more time went by, the more something just happened, and Oh my God -- I want to love someone freely and walk down the street and hold my girlfriend's hand," Page, 27, told the publication.
She went on to say:
I was very nervous. I was very nervous, yes. Yes. Very, very nervous. Yes. I was emotional, deeply, deeply emotional. You think you're in a place where you're all I'm thrilled to be gay, I have no issues about being gay anymore, I don't feel shame about being gay, but you actually do. You're just not fully aware of it. I think I still felt scared about people knowing. I felt awkward around gay people; I felt guilty for not being myself.
Page said she expected to be hit with "so much more hate" after the announcement but admitted the response has been "remarkably positive."
But there have been some haters.
Page took to Twitter last month to call out a pastor who apparently had a problem with her sexuality, and allegedly sent her a message on Twitter, telling her just that. The actress didn't post the message but tweeted a response to the pastor to her nearly 90,000 Twitter followers.
"2 da Pastor who wrote me-Being gay isn't a belief.My soul isnt struggling& I don't want arms of Heavenly Father around me.A girls arms? Yes," she wrote last month.
In the Flare interview, Page talks about the message, calling it "the worst kind of homophobia."
"It wasn't just 'You deserve to burn in hell.' It was 'While God thinks it's lovely that you stood up for your beliefs, perhaps you've never had the loving arms of a father,'" she said.
Watch Page's coming out speech below:
From our media partner EDGE


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This weekend at Citizens Bank Park, August 16-18
Phillies Take on the LA Dodgers; Plus Phans Feeding Families with Roy Halladay Event, Phanatic T-Shirt Giveaway, 50/50 Raffle & more!
FRIDAY: 7:05 p.m. … Ashburn Alley - 4:35 p.m.; Other gates - 5:35 p.m. … Broadcast: PHL 17, Talk Radio 1210 WPHT, SportsRadio 94WIP, SAP (Spanish), WOGL HD4 (Spanish) and WTTM 1680 AM (Spanish).
- ARAMARK STARR Night.
- Pregame Performance by: Middletown Area High School "Blue Wave" Band.
- National Anthem: The Chancel Choir of First Presbyterian Church (West Chester, Pa.)
- Honorary Ground Crew member: Emanuel Pirvulescu.
- Special Welcome: Celiac Awareness.
- State Farm Pitch In Award presentation to Marvin Axler, on behalf of Rotary Strike Out Hunger, will be recognized for serving, helping and assisting others in the community.
- Phillies Charities 50/50 Raffle takes place throughout the weekend! One lucky fan will take home a cash prize each night.
SATURDAY: 7:05 p.m. … Ashburn Alley - 4:35 p.m.; Other gates - 5:35 p.m. … Broadcast: CSN, Talk Radio 1210 WPHT, SportsRadio 94WIP, SAP (Spanish) and WOGL HD4 (Spanish).
- Phans Feeding Families Night: Hosted by Citizens Bank, The Phillies and The Halladay Family Foundation. It's a ballpark-wide effort to help feed hungry families in the Delaware Valley! Here's how to support the cause, benefitting Philabundance.
- Party with a Purpose! Fans can buy a ticket to an exclusive pregame event with Phillies pitcher Roy Halladay, broadcaster Tom McCarthy, Phillies alumni Greg Luzinski, the Phillie Phanatic, Phillies Ballgirls, and other special guests! Each ticket purchased feeds 50 families.
- Food Drive: Please bring a non-perishable food item to any entrance gate.
- Commemorative Pin: Purchase a limited edition pin, which provides seven meals for families in need, throughout the homestand as well as online. Buy yours today!
- Phillies Charities Inc. Silent Auction: 5:05 p.m. - 8:30 p.m., First Base Gate. Bid on exclusive merchandise and VIP experiences to support the cause!
- First Ball: Nine sponsors affiliated with the initiative to fight hunger will throw out a ceremonial first pitch.
- United Methodist Church Night.
- First Ball: Major Steve Blackwell, Pastor and US Army Chaplain.
- National Anthem: Camphor United Methodist Church. Signing the Anthem: Bishop Peggy Johnson.
- Coca-Cola Honorary Bat Boy: Victor Antonio Marchiano (10-years-old; Deptford, NJ)
- Player Ticket Program: JRoll's Aces (Free Library of Philadelphia).
SUNDAY: 1:35 p.m. … Ashburn Alley - 11:05 a.m.; Other gates - 11:35 a.m. … Broadcast: PHL 17/TBS, Talk Radio 1210 WPHT, SportsRadio 94WIP, SAP (Spanish) and WOGL HD4 (Spanish).
- Liberty Mutual Insurance Phanatic T-Shirt for fans 15 and over. Fans 14 and under will receive a Phanatic teammate Fathead.
- Home Run Derby Trophy Presentation presented by ShopRite and Unilever will take place on-field prior to the game. Catcher Erik Kratz, a former Home Run Derby competitor, will present the trophies to the top three finishers in each division.
- National Anthem: West Chester Community Chorus.
- God Bless America: Alison Wadsworth, WXPN performer.
- Book Signing: Len Epstein, Phanatic artist, will be signing copies of Phanatic books at NewsStand located behind section 111 from 12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
- MLBPAA Silent Auction: 11:35 a.m. - 5th Inning, Third Base Gate. Features autographed memorabilia and game-used items to benefit Phillies Charities, Inc.
Tickets: Fans can purchase tickets at phillies.com, by calling 215-463-1000 or in-person at the First and Third Base Gate Ticket Windows as well as the Ticket Kiosks (24/7).
Traffic: Motorists are reminded they can log on to www.511pa.com, www.511nj.org or call 511 from any phone before or after the game to check traffic conditions on major highways surrounding the Sports Complex. A vast option of transit services is also available; for a SEPTA schedule please visit www.septa.org.
Social Media: Fans can follow the action before and during the game on www.facebook.com/phillies and via Twitter: @phillies, also featuring in-game "tweet your ticket" and other special opportunities - just for phollowers!
Extra! Extra! The 2013 Phillies Yearbook and Issue 5 of the 2013 Phillies Magazine, featuring a celebration of the Phillies '83 and '93 NL Championship Teams, are available at the Majestic Clubhouse Store or ballpark NewsStands.


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Are you expecting a child, planning to have one, or have one in your arms already?
If so, on Tuesday, February 28th, "The Biggest Baby Shower Ever" opens in LA and you don´t want to miss it. Imagine seeing baby and mommy related products from more than 70 companies in one giant expo!
But that is not all, you can also participate in seminars with renowned personalities like Dr. Alan Greene, Jessica Alba, Christopher Gavigan, Ali Landry, and others. Special gifts and prizes will be given to all attendees of the seminars.
And… you can participate for the chance to win prizes including strollers, high chairs, diaper bags, car seats, bedding, bibs, clothing, decor and much more. Plus, everyone will go home with gift bags.
You'll want to be right in the middle of the action!
Here are just some of the brands showing their products: Britax (we love Britax!), The Honest Co, Bébé Au Lait, Boppy, Munchkin, The Happiest Baby, Fit Pregnancy, Baby Bullet and lots more!
Here are the Details:
The Biggest Baby Shower Ever Event
Tuesday, February 28th, 2012
From 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Skirball Center
2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd.
Los Angeles Ca 90049
For more information and registration please visit Big City Moms Biggest Baby Shower Ever website here.


text:
South of Lawton on I-44 then west on the two-lane to Faxon and Chattanooga the difference a few inches of rainfall make becomes apparent. North of Lawton and Fort Sill, the right-of-way along the four-lane is covered with lush, green grass where highway mowing crews are busy trimming a summer's worth of foliage to a manageable level.
Cattle graze on green pasture and a new wheat crop emerges after receiving badly-needed rains.
Traveling south and west toward the rural community of Faxon, fields marked by grain drill rolls where winter wheat has been planted are still dusty and bare. In other fields, fractured cotton bolls cover the ground where a shredder has destroyed a drought-stunted crop after a crop insurance adjustor paid the producers a few cents per pound to partly reimburse him the dollars the crop cost him to plant.
Rainfall, not enough by any means, but enough to make a difference, fell north and east of Lawton. South and west, like some mean spirit dictated it, the clouds blew over, dropping only a small amount of moisture.
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Pockets of green remain in isolated places such as west of the Red River cotton gin, south of Frederick. Owned by the producers who make up the Tillman County Producers Cooperative, the gin has undergone an equipment makeover to get ready for the upcoming cotton harvest. People seeking seasonal work with the gin during cotton harvest stand in the office filling out job application forms.
Asked when the ginning season will begin, Lynn Scalf, gin manager, frowns and thinks for a minute before replying: "Well, we could receive some irrigated cotton as soon as next week. Producers have been applying chemicals to their cotton to be able to get their harvesters going more quickly."
For the dryland crop, Scalf says it may be two or more weeks before that part of the harvest begins. A drop in the cotton market—caused by a glut of cotton around the world and extreme drought conditions—convinced farmers to plant fewer acres. USDA estimates Oklahoma cotton farmers planted only 185,000 acres this year and only 170,000 acres are expected for harvest.
Less cotton
That's way off from the 450,000 acres planted in 2010 and 300,000 acres a year later. And many acres of that will be destroyed for crop insurance.
Recently planted winter canola is beginning to show up in fields in Tillman County and across the wheat-belt of the state. Canola crop experts like Gene Neuens, who works for the Producers Cooperative Oil Mill in Oklahoma City, expects a record 400, 000 to 500,000 acres to be planted this fall.
Others, like Ron Sholar, executive director of the Oklahoma Oilseed Commission, are more conservative in their estimates.
"There may be more, but I expect around 300,000 acres to be planted this year," Sholar said. A final, accurate figure should be available before October ends, he said.
Most of Oklahoma benefited from a cool, fairly wet summer, the first in three years of severe drought, but September ended with an extended dry spell which lowered expectations for an early winter wheat crop to help farmers graze calves on wheat for an important extra source of income.
Oklahoma State University Extension wheat specialist Jeff Edwards estimates 50 percent of the winter wheat crop has been planted. A dry September prevented wheat farmers from planting more early, he said.
"'The lateness of the crop may affect the availability of wheat pasture this year," he said. "We really didn't have the moisture we needed in the top 4 to 6 inches to get that crop out of the ground. We didn't have all that much wheat to in the ground that month so I don't know how much wheat pasture we are going to have this year.
"It is looking like wheat pasture could be pretty tight if we have anything close to a normal fall or winter when it cools."
A few pockets of wheat country did receive ample rain and may have a good chance for wheat pasture, he said.
"One good area may be near Okarche," he said. "Jackson and Tillman counties, which normally have a lot of wheat pasture, are still dry and their prospects are minimal."
Wheat needs rain
Rains will be necessary throughout the winter to maintain subsoil moisture at optimum levels.
Due to the continuing warm, dry weather, Edwards encourages farmers to watch for grasshoppers and armyworms feeding on young wheat plants.
"As other foliage begins to die and turn brown with the approach of winter, pests are looking for green plants to eat.
"Weeds are the number one problem many farmers will have in their wheat crop," he said. Italian and feral rye are bad news for wheat farmers.
"It is important to control weeds when they are small and young," he said. "You are much better off to kill those weeds in the fall before they use up any of the nitrogen fertilizer. Water, sunlight and applied nutrients are there for your wheat crop, not for the weeds."
Edwards and other OSU Extension specialists also encourage wheat farmers to grow winter canola in rotation with wheat to reduce weed infestation.
Also of interest:
Oklahoma farmer deals with too much rain?
Winter canola demands proper preparation


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Some girls need to be treated nicely and with respect. But service whores don't feel fully alive unless they're being humiliated. These bitches with plenty of beauty but no self-esteem believe it is their mission in life to sexually serve their fellow man. So call them names, fish-hook them from behind, or slap them silly, just make sure they know you're the boss! Welcome to ServiceWhores.com!
Levi is about to get married, so this perverted friend hires him a hooker for a good sendoff. At first Levi tries to resist, but all young whore Raychel Steel has to do is pull her nubile little titties - complete with rock hard nipples - out of her singlet and Levi falls instantly for her charms! The dirty whore spreads her legs, showing off a completely bald pussy which the soon-to-be married stud starts to lick; then Raychel rolls over and gives up her tight ass hole for a good tonguing! Levi's fiancee would be furious if she knew that he was licking an anoymous street whore's ass hole mere days before their sacred day!
After catching Charley giving a blowjob to her boyfriend, her adoptive parents swiftly put Charley out on her ass! Enter Dirty Harry. He offers to take her back to his porn palace where he'll fuck her young wet pussy right - a perfect way to get back at her parents! Harry is all over her beautifully huge natural titties, but totally loses his breath when he inspects her round, perfect bootie. Seriously, that plump rumps belongs in a museum. Moments later, he's bouncing this brunette babe up and off his cock like a pogostick!
Commando just found himself the hottest piece of pussy on the strip! With her incredibly hot body, Renna Ryann has gotta be the cutest hooker in the whole goddamned world. After haggling the price, Commando gets busy, pulling Renna's top off and nibbling on her sweet little B-cups. Commando's gotta bring his A-game because if he makes Renna cum, this fuck is a free. Spinning her around, Commando pounds her wet cunt in doggy and you best believe our sweetheart cums! Like 5 times!
Knockout euro import, Eva Karera loves being used and exploited by as many cocks as possible. It's just that simple. She has zero inhibitions when showcasing her gigantic tits and juicy buns. Two minutes into it, and she's already in a full cock-sucking feeding frenzy. There ain't no wang this crazy, loose whore won't polish. Playing dueling dicks with Brad and Jack Vegas, Eva loves getting cock-spittle all over her melons. These studs even slap their bruisers on her face as she greedily jams balls, dicks and pricks in that lovely mouth of hers. What a sizzling hot cum-drinking bitch!
If you have fantasies about exploiting tender and nubile coeds, you'll love watching pretty and tiny babe Ashli Orion getting drilled by two hung studs! Bruce Venture and Nico really pound out this young slut, sticking her with a cock in her pussy and her mouth right from the opening frame of this raunchfest. They really get unhinged and wild with her, holding her by the wrists and choking her around the neck. Ashli is oddly aroused by getting porked by so many big cocks, she can't decide which one to suck off first! Watch Bruce Venture and his boy shower this delicious kitten with hot globs of dick spit!
Alexandra is a hot teen who loves nothing more than to get fucked. She's only happy when she has a cock thrust into one of the holes on her body. When she meets Alexander, she decides that she's going to fuck on camera for the first time. She wants to make sure she's wet enough for what's in store, so she strips down and starts to caress her tits while she makes her way down to her pussy. She fingers herself until she's about to explode, then she whips out her dildo and crams that plastic deep into her cunt. Alexander comes to join her and she crams as much of his cock into her mouth as she can, licking his asshole clean and he orgasms.
Ariel is a sweet, petite babe that loves the cock. She couldn't wait to get naked and let Alexander and Jimmy have their way with her. They licked her pussy and had her suck both of their cocks and lick their balls. She got them both hard then let them each fuck her in her super tight pussy. One of them put it in her ass while the other got on top and fucked her pussy. The double penetration made her cum almost instantly then they both pulled out. One of the shot a load all over her ass and they other unloaded his nuts all over her face. She got fucked hard and loved it.


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THE SQL Server Blog Spot on the Web
It is quite difficult recently for me to find some time to write a new post, so I don't seem to be leading the rankings of the most frequent bloggers. I rarely recently have opportunity to lay my hands on the code too, so natural sources of 'inspiration' are less often. Hopefully this will change in 2012 and I will have more opportunities to write something useful.
In a big enterprise the roles of server users are usually more distinguished than in smaller companies. You have DBAs, developers and business users. Each of these roles has generally different goals and different rights when it comes to connecting to the database servers. Large organizations tend to implement service oriented approach to processes, which means that various teams are responsible for executing various tasks ordered by other teams. In the case of developers and DBAs, the latter are responsible for all maintenance and management tasks on servers which are 'owned' by developers. Such organisation of work often results in sealing off developers from the maintenance related activities, such as creating databases or snapshots, running traces, viewing server state and troubleshooting blocks and deadlocks. This approach unfortunately, while imposes more order to the server utilization and prevents accidental failures, tends to slow down the development process, sometimes preventing any work from being done by significant number of developers for time anything from few minutes to few hours. This is a waste of time and money of course. In my case, development team wanted to have right to kill user sessions on development servers. You know, sometimes there is a process that takes a lot of time and locks, or there is an open transaction keeping schema locks all over the place and and the owner of it is gone for the day without committing it.
Problem is, that to be able to kill a session, you have to be a sysadmin, processadmin, or have ALTER ANY CONNECTION right granted to you at server level. Obviously, in certain environments these permissions are not the ones DBAs want to give to random people developers. If you GRANT ALTER ANY CONNECTION to a login, this login can kill some important sessions, not only the runaway ones. It may break audit, scheduled maintenance, backups, other teams ETL processes – just imagine your mailbox – it ain't gonna look pretty. It would be much better to be able to grant login right to kill only spids belonging to certain users or working on certain databases. How can you eat the cake and have the cake?
I remembered that I had read about this idea in one of the books, namely Expert SQL Server 2005 Development by Adam Machanic, Lara Rubbelke and Hugo Kornelis. This is an excellent book, you should really read it if you haven't yet done so. There is a chapter in the book, discussing the security features introduced in SQL Server 2005. These features allow architects to design more versatile and complex applications without jeopardizing security requirements. As you know, the security model in SQL Server 2005 has been completely revamped, for example the notion of the schema was separated from the ownership and database user. There are more features, one of most important probably is the ability to sign stored procedures with certificates and to create logins and users from the certificates. The discussion about security architecture and certificates is huge and going beyond scope of this post. One of the starting points you can check out is the MSDN article "Securing SQL Server".
In short, if you were to grant server wide elevated rights to certain groups of users, how would you do it? Here's a little shopping list:
Here are some highlights of the solution. I attach the testing code at the end of the post as usual.
Sample code for creating certificate and the login is as follows.
This is the stored procedure developers can call to kill sessions.
You can create the procedure in any database, but if you choose a database different than master you have to copy the certificate from master to the target database.
And here's code to sign the procedure:
Since you are executing the command wrapped into a stored procedure, you have potential to implement additional audit, like grab execution plan or some other performance indicators of the server at the moment when the command is issued. This can be extremely helpful for troubleshooting reasons. I think this is pretty cool.
Here's the testing script.
> natural sources of 'inspiration' are less often
DDDD, CQRS and ES has given me inspiration as of late.
I am looking for a way for the DBA to grant ALTER ANY CONNECTION to a developer (me)in only one database. All of our production databases are on one server instance. This process appears to be the ticket but I need clarification.
The certificate is copied to my database. Any user with rights to execute a stored procedure in this database can run this?
The proc contains kill commands specific to this database, I have rights to edit procedures in this database, is there anyway I can edit this procedure to do something in another database?
In effect, this process restricts me to a DATABASE permission even though I am executing a SERVER securable?
Sorry for ignorance. I will learn about certificates.


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ESA hands over a piece of space history
An historic Spacelab Pallet was handed over to the Swiss Museum of Transport today. The Pallet, nick-named 'Elvis', was a critical component of the ESA/NASA Spacelab programme and was used during a Space Shuttle mission in 1992 when Europe's Eureca and TSS-1 payloads were deployed.
The Pallet, once used to support experiments flown in the vacuum of space, was formally handed over by ESA's Bob Chesson, Head of the Human Spaceflight Operations Department, at a ceremony attended by retired ESA astronaut Claude Nicollier.
During the 8-day STS-46 mission, 31 July - 8 August 1992, Nicollier was on board Shuttle Atlantis to deploy ESA's European Retrievable Carrier (Eureca) scientific mission and the joint NASA/Italian Space Agency Tethered Satellite System (TSS-1). The Pallet carried TSS-1 in the Shuttle's cargo bay.
The museum, in Lucerne, Switzerland, also houses the Eureca platform, which was retrieved from orbit on 1 July 1993 by Shuttle Endeavour.
Pallet's new mission: education and outreach
"I am really delighted to find such a prestigious home for this great piece of Europe's human spaceflight history, and on behalf of the European Space Agency I would like to sincerely thank the Swiss Museum of Transport for taking over the pallet and making it available for education and public display," said Mr Chesson.
Europe's Spacelab was designed to fly in the Space Shuttle cargo bay and enabled scientists to perform a wide range of experiments in microgravity.
The Spacelab system comprised two laboratory modules in short and long versions with airlocks and optical windows, a tunnel and five separate pallets, which could be mounted separate from the Spacelab and exposed experiments to the space environment.
The Spacelab system was used on 25 Shuttle flights until 1998, when the laboratories were retired after in-orbit scientific work was transferred to the International Space Station.
Several pallets were recommissioned for use later in the 2000s, notably for deploying the 3485-kg Canadarm 'Dextre' on Shuttle mission STS-123 in March 2008.
Spacelab Pallet worked 'perfectly'
"On STS-46, the Eureca deployment and Tethered Satellite operations were challenging, but could be completed with total success for Eureca, and at least partial success for the satellite 'on a leash' thanks to excellent teamwork within the multinational team," said Dr Nicollier.
He added that, "The Spacelab Pallet worked perfectly and provided the expected services to the Tethered Satellite System. Adding this very well-used pallet to the museum's collection will help educate future generations on the benefits of space science and exploration."
With the winding up of the Shuttle programme, the pallets will no longer be used, and this particular model was transferred to ESA by NASA under a long-term loan agreement.
The Swiss Museum of Transport agreed to take over the terms and conditions of the loan, which stipulates that the Pallet must be used for education and public display purposes.
About the Spacelab Pallet
Europe's first journey into the world of human spaceflight started in August 1973 when ESA's predecessor organisation ESRO and NASA signed a Memorandum of Understanding committing Europe to build a science laboratory for use with the Space Shuttle. Construction of Spacelab started in 1974 with ERNO (now part of EADS Astrium) as prime contractor. Major subcontractors included Matra (France), Aeritalia (Italy) and Dornier Systems (Germany). The Spacelab system comprised laboratory modules in short and long versions with airlocks and optical windows, a tunnel, the pallets and an igloo, as well as ground support equipment.
Spacelab included five external pallets for experiments to be carried out in vacuum, built by Hawker Siddeley Dynamics (then British Aerospace, now BAE Systems). The first set of Spacelab equipment was given to NASA free of charge by ESA in exchange for flight opportunities for European astronauts. A second module was bought from ERNO by NASA for its own use. This is now on display in the Bremenhalle exhibition in Bremen Airport, Germany.
The Spacelab elements were used on 25 shuttle flights, but were decommissioned in 1998 due to the shift of microgravity research from the Shuttle to the International Space Station. A Spacelab Pallet was recommissioned in 2002 for flight on STS-99, the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (scientific instruments were mounted on the Pallet) and on later flights to transport equipment to and from the ISS. Canada's Dextre Special Purpose Dextrous Manipulator was launched on STS-123 in 2008.
The Pallet was a very versatile piece of equipment. It could carry 3 tonnes of payload, particularly large instruments, experiments requiring exposure to space, and instruments requiring a large field of view, such as telescopes and other optical devices.
The Pallet could be used in single configuration or stacked end-to-end in double or triple configurations, with up to five pallets configured in the Space Shuttle cargo bay.


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Our Favorite Films and Bites at the NYC Food Film Fest
The Food Film Festival, now in its sixth year, gives attendees the chance to taste what they see on screen, both by delivering in-theater tastings to viewers during screenings and by having food available, along with copious amounts of booze, before and after films are shown.
This year's NYC Film Fest included six events over five days, during which 39 films ranging from about an hour to exactly a minute were screened and 100 different foods and drinks were available. While everything was pretty great, there were some that stood out in a number of categories, even after watching all of the films and tasting just about every single item—any missed were simply oversight. Here are our highlights from the event.
Most Interesting Examination of Food Traditions
Winner: Meat Hooked!, in which NYC historican Susanne Wasserman looks at butchery in New York City from the early days when its practice was limited to men of a certain social standing to the increased demand for meat. It follows the path of immigration opening of hundreds of public butcher shops to the supermarket-driven decline of the neighborhood butcher, and the recent rise in sustainable butchery. The film includes interviews with butchers from Fleisher's, Dickson's Farmstand Meats, Albanese, and other establishments; there's also flim clips, footage from a pig slaughter Wasserman attended, and historical details like the "Judas goat"—an actual, literal goat with a bell around its neck—that led lambs to slaughter every day on the west side. Wasserman shared that the rights to the film have been sold to PBS, so it may get the wider distribution it deserves.
Runner-up: Sugar Shack, about a family-run maple syrup operation in Quebec that continues to make syrup the way the did in 1890, with the same spiles, pails, and wood-burning stove. During sugaring season, Sucrerie de la Montagne opens to the public for demonstrations, as well as traditional lumberjack-style meals and communal music nights.
Most Humorous
Winner: Vegetables: Friend or Foe? by Dirt Candy chef Amanda Cohen's husband, Grady Hendrix, which imagines a reality in which tomatoes ("hell's own apples") used to eat humans but have been hunted into submission, and portobellos, the "gentle giants of the funghi world," enjoy playing in the blender, that "merry-go-round of whirling blades."
Runners-up: By the Fireside With Larry: The Zimlet. Larry Cauldwell, who was omnipresent at the festival, discusses the eponymous cocktail by the hearth while wearing another of his inventions, the SnugWow, a Snuggie made of ShamWows. [Fun fact: the festival provided samples of the Zimlet to the audience, but because it calls for Zima, which hasn't been produced in the States for eight or so years, organizers made an arrangement with Keizo Shimamoto to bring three bottles from Japan.]
And Mickle's Pickle, the story of a Picayune, MS pickle company and what happened when someone stole the large plastic pickle hanging outside their building.
Most Tear-Jerking
Winner: New York Cooks for Tohoku. After the tsunami of 2011, chefs including Francois Payard, Daniel Boulud, and Bill Telepan traveled to Japan to cook for 2,500 evacuees. It's a cliche because it's true—not a dry eye in the house.
Runner-up: Mexican Cuisine, which shows immigrant Latino cooks in restaurant kitchens making a wide variety of dishes that all call back to their home cuisine. The voiceover describes patting tortillas into flat circles as a man onscreen works with pizza dough.
Best In-Theater Bite
Winner: Chicken wings from Kasadela Izakaya, which were served during the Friday night showing of Kasadela Izakaya: The House That Chicken Wings Built. Saturday night, more than one person I talked to owned up to having gone to the restaurant that day to have more.
Runner-up: Ice cream sandwiches from Pat and Stick's Great Big Ice Cream Sandwich Adventure. Transporting ice cream sandwiches from Sydney daunted even the intrepid food festival staff, so Pat and Stick arranged with local Melt Bakery to recreate their product stateside.
Best Out-of-Theater Bite
Winner: Pork sticky buns with parsnip buttercream from Northern Spy Food Co. Decadent, witty, surprising, and delicious.
Runner-up: Dirt Candy's portobello mousse, the recipe for which, I'm happy to say, appears in the Dirt Candy cookbook.
Best Overall Food Event
Winner: The Low Country Oyster Roast that went along with festival director George Motz's Mud and Blood. The festival brought 20,000 Bull's Bay oysters up from South Carolina and roasted them on a rooftop in Williamsburg, then armed festivalgoers with shucking knives and turned 'em loose. These oysters are much saltier than most other varieties and are generally not available outside the area where they grow. Roasting them makes easy to pop open and, since they don't need any accompaniment other than maybe a splash of tabasco, they go down mighty easy.
Runner-up: The whisky tasting at the opening night event, Single Malt Whisky: The Islay 8. Tasting eight whiskys while representatives of each distillery discuss their products onscreen allows for appreciation of the nuance of flavor and the wide differences between the whiskys. For the record, I came away with a new favorite, Bunnahadhain, which my (barely legible by then, yes) notes say "smells like caramel and tastes like fire."
Festival Winners
The festival did give out its own awards too, of course:
Best Feature: Meat Hooked!
Best Short: Ramen Dreams, the story of ramen fanatic Keizo Shimamoto, a second-generation Japanese American who moved to Tokyo to start his own ramen shop, Bossanova Ramen. He closed the shop to come to New York for the festival, two of his employees came on their own dime, and they did a fabulous ramen demonstration after the film.
Best Super Short: Mexican Cuisine.
Best Food Porn Film: Dog Eats Dream, in which a handsome Australian shepherd (just a guess!) dreams about the making of an exquisite sandwich, half of which falls on the ground for him. Jeannie, the dog, was at the festival to accept the award.
Made in New York Award: Brooklynography, a tour of Bay Ridge markets and bakeries from the extraordinarily charming Matt and Allison Robicelli.
Filmmaker of the Year: Liza de Guia, who had three films in the festival. She's made close to 150 films in the last two and a half years, all of which are available on her site, Food.Curated.
Look out for the Chicago Food Film Festival next month. At the oyster roast, festival director George Motz shared a bit of intel. They're adding another city to the festival: Charleston, SC.
All products linked here have been independently selected by our editors. We may earn a commission on purchases, as described in our affiliate policy.


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How we rate your MHAs
Premier Lara Giddings
Other responsibilities: Treasurer and Arts.
Grade: B- (up from C-)
SHE SAID: There's no denying this has been a challenging year. I'm determined to keep building jobs and opportunities, and helping Tasmanians most in need. We've seen 1500 jobs created since July. More will follow the construction of Musselroe Wind Farm, our $200 million irrigation rollout and strengthened relationship with Asia. We also delivered $37 million in power price relief, and $5 million for cost- of-living initiatives.
WE SAID: Always difficult to grade - a strong performer but is yet to cut through to voters who appear to have lost patience with this long-running government. Impresses with her virtually unflappable nature. Smartly shed the finance portfolio so can work on being a premier rather than a treasurer, and tried to end the year talking about jobs instead of the albatross that is forestry. However, she keeps copping serious flak thanks to diving economic fortunes, a hostile Legislative Council and angry unions. Has bedded down her leadership, and frankly no one else is capable of turning around Labor's tidings - assuming someone can.
Opposition Leader Will Hodgman
OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES: Opposition spokesman on economic development, tourism and arts.
Grade: B+ (up from B)
HE SAID: This year - with our alternative budget, the "Roadmap to Recovery and Growth", and five "Future Directions" statements - we have put on the table the most comprehensive agenda of any alternative government in living memory. We have demonstrated that the Liberal team is ready to provide the strong majority government, and the hope for the future that Tasmania needs.
WE SAID: Riding high on a huge personal popularity in the polls as well as a commanding lead for his party. His political strategy isn't complicated: drive a wedge between Labor and the Greens and capitalise on distrust of minority governments. But it does appear to be working. Does he command the troops or is he a figurehead? As the nation's longest serving opposition leader he has had chances, and this election should be his last. Will he have the mettle to slay his political opponents once and for all?
Greens leader Nick McKim
RESPONSIBILITIES: Minister for Education and Skills, Corrections, Consumer Protection and Sustainable Transport.
Grade: C (up from C-)
HE SAID: A year of co-operative government, and lots of outcomes for Greens voters. Tasmania's economic transition is well under way, a ban on battery hen farming, reform of the energy sector, improved education outcomes and important work shepherding the forests toward protection. And the stable government Tasmanians have been looking for from their power-sharing Parliament. Proud for Tasmania that marriage equality passed the lower house, very sad it fell just short upstairs.
WE SAID: Walks a fine line between acting as the leader of his party should and as a minister of the Crown should. Can't stop himself from ruffling conservative feathers, but his comments on starting a rival trade mission and linking anti-logging protests to famous human rights campaigners like Gandhi were silly. Done well with the messy corrections portfolio he inherited. Still repairing relations in education after school closure debacle. Next year's plan to improve high schools will make or break him. In the meantime, would it kill him to wear a tie?
Elise Archer
Responsibilities: Opposition spokeswoman on police and emergency services, planning, community development and Aboriginal affairs, and opposition Whip.
Grade: B- (down from B)
SHE SAID: The highlight of my year has been working with the community and working on a plan to restore frontline police services. I'm also committed to fixing Tasmania's broken planning system and I was pleased to detail the Liberal plan to create a single statewide planning scheme. A majority Hodgman Liberal government will make planning faster, simpler, fairer and cheaper.
WE SAID: A workhorse who harbours some serious ambition. With help from the police union has got excellent mileage out of cuts to the sacred "thin blue line". But how will she press home the law and order message to voters when crime in the state is so low? Yet again, missing an opportunity to butcher the government over the planning mess. Must be careful to tone down a tough exterior.
Scott Bacon
Responsibilities: Minister for Finance, Tourism, Veterans Affairs and Hospitality.
Grade: C+ (up from C)
HE SAID: Through the Tasmanian Access Strategy - to grow services in and out of Tasmania - the restructure of Tourism Tasmania and setting up four regional tourism organisations, I am supporting the tourism industry into the future. As Finance Minister, I am continuing to work with my cabinet colleagues to return the state's finances to a sustainable footing.
WE SAID: The least talkative minister who now and then resembles a frightened rabbit caught in the headlights. Some questioned his ability to take on the finance portfolio, but the topic suits his dry delivery. Slowly but surely gaining confidence since first being elected in 2010 but - just quietly - should hurry up. Come election time though, there's always the surname.
Brenton Best
Responsibilities: Parliamentary Secretary for the North Western Economy.
Grade: E- (down from E)
HE SAID: Well, as an old-school Labor man, it's a pleasure to have spent time listening and helping locals with their needs and challenges every day. Simple as it may sound, the people of the North-West and West coasts are what's important to me. I get the biggest kick when we get people new teeth and a roof over their heads.
WE SAID: Struggles to carry out the minimal tasks he is assigned as a backbencher. Often has to repeat the questions written for him as prone to mumbling. Lowlight was taking the shine off eloquent debate on proposed same- sex marriage laws in the House of Assembly when he dredged up claims about homophobia in the opposition's ranks for which he had already been forced to apologise for. Makes up the numbers, but not much else.
Kim Booth
Responsibilities: Greens spokesman on forests, energy, justice, primary industry, small business, industry, racing and gaming, and veterans' affairs.
Grade: B (down from B+)
HE SAID: A highlight was helping to drive a grassroots campaign against the super trawler, which united a broad cross-section of Tasmanians in defence of our oceans. The Greens have continued to shine a spotlight on the ongoing destruction of our forests, the wasting of public money on forestry, inaction on pokies and the corrupt approval of the pulp mill. The expert energy panel report, our initiative, has given Parliament a clear way forward on energy reform.
WE SAID: Continued his one- man environment crusade that seems increasingly out of step with his Greens Party colleagues. Must be sleeping like a baby now that the pulp mill project is as likely as snow at Christmas following Gunns' collapse, and Forestry Tasmania (aka the rogue agency) about to be restructured. That might help at election time, but what will he campaign about now?
Adam Brooks
Responsibilities: Opposition spokesman on small business, mining, hospitality and veterans' affairs.
Grade: C+ (up from C)
HE SAID: A highlight for me was the Liberals' no more lock-ups stance on mining, and the launch of our Local Benefits Test policy to support Tasmanian businesses and jobs. The lowlight has been the unrelenting decimation of the economy by the Labor-Green government, which has led to record low business confidence.
WE SAID: A jolly and down-to- earth nature can belie his business acumen. As opposition mining spokesman has been able to get some mileage out of the fight over the use of the Tarkine but that also led to questions being raised about his links to mining companies. Tries to take on Deputy Premier Bryan Green in debate but has so far failed to beat the veteran.
Michael Ferguson
Responsibilities: Opposition spokesman on education and skills, innovation, science and technology.
Grade: B- (down from A)
HE SAID: I would rate the positive support for the Liberals' year 7-12 high schools policy from parents, school communities and major stakeholders, like the university and TasCOSS, as the major highlight. The lowlight has been Nick McKim's ruthless budget cuts to schools and the Labor-Green government's decision to legislate for forced school closures.
WE SAID: When he pauses for a moment from being pleased with himself, he is one of the strongest performers on the opposition bench. But then he does have only two portfolios; the fewest of anyone in the Liberal Party. Surely he could relieve Mark Shelton of some? Took some heat early in the year over his 7-12 high schools policy and is yet to fully explain how the numbers add up. Can't afford to lose any momentum on his pro-education agenda.
Bryan Green
Responsibilities: Deputy Premier and Minister for Energy and Resources, Primary Industries and Water, Planning, Local Government and Racing.
Grade: C- (down from B-)
HE SAID: The government is securing jobs and creating new opportunities in the rollout of irrigation schemes, major energy reforms to limit power price increases, dairy and aquaculture expansion, growth in mining and the consolidation of Pacific Aluminium and Temco. Launceston's new planning scheme is already stimulating investment.
WE SAID: Carries the mother load of responsibilities within cabinet and this year it appears as though the seams are beginning to fray. Planning remains a debacle; specific legislation was required to get the Parliament Square project off the ground and little progress made on local government plans with Launceston the only one done. Despite clear pro-mining stance is copping flack in his electorate over Tarkine, including from union members. Doesn't appear to have got his way on forestry matters either.
Matthew Groom
Responsibilities: Opposition spokesman on energy, environment, parks and heritage, climate change and sustainable transport, and justice in the House of Assembly.
Grade: C+ (unchanged)
HE SAID: This government just doesn't understand the impact that charging carbon tax on carbon-free hydro power is having on Tasmanians. It's unfair and it's really hurting. I was really pleased to work with my colleagues this year to prepare a Liberal power policy that would introduce competition, hand back the unfair carbon tax and put genuine downward pressure on power prices.
WE SAID: Why go to listen to what he has to tell the media when you can just break a record and play it over and over and over again? Has been out constantly calling for the carbon tax to be handed back to Tasmanians when his federal colleagues are promising to scrap it all together. Hear little on his other responsibilities ... why even bother with the "sustainable" before transport? With his legal debating experience he is shaping as a formidable opponent on the floor of the house.
Peter Gutwein
Responsibilities: Opposition spokesman on finance, industry and forestry.
Grade: A (up from B+)
HE SAID: In our alternative budget, the "Roadmap to Recovery and Growth", I demonstrated how we would rein in government spending, while prioritising essential frontline services and investing in our economy. In forestry, I have continued to press the Premier to work with us to grow the vital forest industry, rather than working with the Greens to shut it down.
WE SAID: Not just a sharp dresser but a sharp performer in Parliament. Delivers blistering speeches. Has regularly exposed weaknesses of the government in spearheading the opposition's year-long attack centred on forestry and finance. His trademark word is "extraordinary", well so is the volume of his voice. Must ensure that in the lead-up to the election he becomes known as more than just a naysayer.
Rene Hidding
Responsibilities: Opposition spokesman on infrastructure, local government and road safety, and Leader of Opposition Business.
Grade: C- (unchanged)
HE SAID: I am pleased there is finally recognition of the major freight cost inequity Tasmanian exporters face. The Liberals will continue to focus on ways to address this inequity next year. What has disappointed me is the Green-Labor government's inability to manage major infrastructure - we have a white elephant transport hub at Brighton and their roads package is still in go slow mode.
WE SAID: Hard to imagine Parliament without this veteran there to huff and puff indignation on a point of order in the chamber. A reliable but uninventive performer who should be front and centre considering freight is the number one issue for Tasmanian businesses. Best contribution, however, was stinging attack on the so-far white elephant of a Brighton transport hub. Must be hanging out to usurp Michael Polley as speaker and ease his way into retirement.
Tim Morris
Responsibilities: Greens spokesman on water, treasury, economic development, tourism, infrastructure, local government, planning, industrial relations, hospitality and sport and recreation.
Grade: C- (up from D+)
HE SAID: The stalled tax reform process and the high cost of freight continue to be open sores on the economy, but on a positive note there are definite signs of employment growth. Progress on introduction of a waste levy and two-part pricing system for water, as well as moves for compulsory local council voting, all progressed Greens policies.
WE SAID: Yet to learn the difference between a question and a soliloquy. Also struggles to control the chamber when he is deputy speaker. Pursues some important issues but few that grab headlines. His work on the Greens' economic plan, to be released next year, will be critical. So he better get moving.
David O'Byrne
Responsibilities: Minister for Infrastructure, Economic Development, Innovation, Science and Technology, Police and Emergency Management, Workplace Relations.
Grade: D+ (down from A)
HE SAID: A member of the community recently said to me, ``politicians need to stand up for people, and build and strengthen their local communities''. Our biggest achievements this year have built on those values. Despite challenges, we're growing jobs and opportunities through new regional economic development plans, backed up by record infrastructure investment.
WE SAID: Left on the outer after creating unrest in the PLP ranks he has struggled on with little support. The federal government threw $20 million at freight but the dire situation is effectively the same for exporters. Released a bunch of regional economic development plans, but where is the money to make them work? Oh, that's right, the Premier needed $25 million for her jobs package. As a former unionist this year's no-confidence motion from police members must have stung.
Michelle O'Byrne
Responsibilities: Minister for Health, Children and Sport and Recreation, and Leader of Government Business.
Grade: C- (up from D+)
SHE SAID: Rising health costs and diminishing GST revenue has created very challenging times. Yet we are building world-class hospitals and laying the foundations of a strong and sustainable health system for the future. Children are central to decision-making across government, and the state has tough new laws to fight high smoking rates.
WE SAID: Horror time at health continued, with this damsel needing to be rescued by another from Canberra. Slipped into obscurity after that, as was already invisible as sports minister. Late in the piece, snagged an extra $35.9 million for child protection services, but only after it reached crisis point. Her condescending responses can grate, but only if you can keep up with her rapid-fire delivery.
Cassy O'Connor
Responsibilities: Minister for Climate Change, Aboriginal Affairs, Human Services and Community Development. Greens spokeswoman on environment, parks and heritage, animal welfare and arts.
Grade: B+ (up from B)
SHE SAID: The biggest portfolio win was working to deliver a National Disability Insurance Scheme launch. In housing, we reached the 1400 new homes target, and rolled out energy efficiency upgrades to some 2000 low-income households. We delivered the nation-leading Forest Carbon Study, and negotiated a power smart grid. Announced Aboriginal land to be returned, and plastic bag ban.
WE SAID: Rarely has cause to rise from her minister's chair, with Aboriginal Affairs, Climate Change and Community Development holding little interest for the opposition. From all reports has done well in Human Services hitting affordable housing targets and helping to get a trial in Tasmania of the National Disability Insurance Scheme. Sometimes, speaks before she thinks or when her temper gets the better of her. So her increasing use of Twitter must be keeping media minders up at night.
Paul O'Halloran
Responsibilities: Parliamentary Secretary for Education and Skills, also Greens spokesman on health, children, mining, police and emergency services and information, science and technology.
Grade: D (down from C+)
HE SAID: Fixing the state's crisis-driven health funding model has been a top priority. I campaigned to trial a single-funder health model in Tasmania, proposed rollout of physician assistants and more preventative health. Our push to end big tobacco donations will continue. The official apology for forced adoptions and the ban on solariums were both Greens-led initiatives.
WE SAID: Dogged in pursuing a handful of issues: protection of the Tarkine; preventative health; and saving the Tasmanian devil. But where is his influence as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Education and Skills and as a former teacher? A ``Mr Nice Guy'' who doesn't appear to be suited to the cut and thrust of Parliament.
Jacquie Petrusma
Responsibilities: Opposition spokeswoman for human services, children and cost of living.
Grade: D (down from C+)
SHE SAID: Child protection and disability services are issues close to my heart. It's disappointing that under this government both areas are in a sorry state. I look forward to the day when a majority Hodgman Liberal government can start to fix Labor's mess.
WE SAID: Her softly, softly approach is clearly a point of difference to her combative male colleagues. Still waiting for her to have an impact, though, in her portfolios of children, human services and cost of living. Considering the latter is on the mind of every Tasmanian who is watching the cost of power, rent and food all go up, how is that possible?
Michael Polley
Responsibilities: Speaker.
Grade: C (down from B-)
HE SAID: The year has provided highs and lows with one of the disappointments being Gunns entering receivership after 137 years of operating as a successful Tasmanian company. However, people in Lyons are equally encouraged by the many water and irrigation projects currently under way thanks to state government investment.
WE SAID: Yep, he's still there. In fact this year he managed to clock up a couple of milestones: 40 years in Parliament, and the longest-serving Tasmanian MP. Ever. His influence within the PLP has long waned as the Left grows from strength to strength. Used his conscience vote to say no to same-sex marriage. If any Labor MHA is sure of keeping their seat it's him, but won't know what to do with himself if he loses the role of Speaker.
Jeremy Rockliff
Responsibilities: Deputy Leader and opposition spokesman for health, primary industries and water and workplace relations.
Grade: B (up from C+)
HE SAID: As shadow health minister, I released a Future Directions paper titled Healthy Futures, which outlined our approach to health including a goal of having the healthiest population by 2025. As shadow agriculture minister, our Cultivating Prosperity document detailed our vision to grow agriculture ten-fold by 2050, and how we would do it.
WE SAID: An affable moderate, who is particularly popular with female voters - just like his leader. Has spent most of the year doing a solid job of tolling the bells on an impending health crisis. Even when straying into "negative" territory still projects a likeable personality. But always in danger of blending into the wall behind him.
Mark Shelton
Responsibilities: Opposition spokesman for regional development, racing, consumer protection, and sport and recreation.
Grade: E (down from D+)
HE SAID: My highlight is the support the Liberals have shown for regional timber communities. We will strengthen regional communities by growing our pillar industries like forestry, retaining frontline services and extending high schools to year 12. The lowlight is the Green- Labor destruction of regional communities with forestry shutdown and jobs drying up.
WE SAID: Could count his contributions in Parliament on one hand. It is actually possible that he asked more questions in the dying days of Parliament than he did for the entire rest of the year. Persists with his low- profile portfolios but has never looked comfortable since stepping up from local government.
Graeme Sturges
Grade: C+ (up from C)
HE SAID: Most important is the grassroots work that provides jobs and opportunities for Denison. The path is now cleared for redeveloping the Hobart railyards and 10 Murray Street. The forest agreement is crucial for protecting jobs, and our animal welfare improvements have meant a lot personally. I was bitterly disappointed to see same-sex marriage laws defeated in the upper house.
WE SAID: His booming voice commands attention and makes him an effective committee chairman or fill-in speaker. He makes a contribution to various committees and has had an issue-free year as a backbencher. His same-sex marriage speech was a cracker. Seems to be enjoying a low profile, but given his track record as a minister maybe that's for the best.
Rebecca White
Responsibilities: Parliamentary Secretary for Small Business and Cost of Living.
Grade: B+ (up from C+)
SHE SAID: Over 2012, I've helped businesses reduce their power costs, get online and improve their operations. In partnership with the community sector, the government is also trying to ease cost of living pressures. As part of our multimillion-dollar program, we are investing in food security, financial literacy and delivering emergency relief to Tasmanians.
WE SAID: Young and talented - the only one of her kind in Parliament. Handles her backbencher duties with aplomb and sits on a myriad of committees. Will get little public kudos for the work she does in the areas of cost of living and small business as that's reserved for ministers. That might be her lot in life for now, but no doubt a future leader in the making.
Brian Wightman
Responsibilities: Attorney- General, and Minister for Environment Parks and Heritage, and Justice.
Grade: B (up from C+)
HE SAID: I remain committed to social justice - providing fairness and equality through crucial reform. Landmark surrogacy legislation was a highlight, with electoral donation reform and support for dust-related disease sufferers on the way. We're making progress in the fight to save the Tasmanian devil, and recently unveiled stage one of the magnificent Three Capes Track.
WE SAID: One of only two Northern cabinet members with a lot to lose come election time. Yes, the Liberals are still accepting tobacco donations, but no that won't save your seat. Must be seen and heard loudly in Bass in the lead-up to the next state election. Thankfully, he has thrown caution to the wind and taken a bolder approach to his duties as Attorney-General with success on surrogacy reforms and a long-awaited announcement on age no defence for child-sex offences.
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Portrait: Maker's Row
A startup that uses technology to turn Made in America into reality for fashion manufacturers
Who (l. to r.) Co-founders Scott Weiner, Matthew Burnett and Tanya Menendez
What Business-to-business portal
Where Dumbo, Brooklyn, N.Y.
Like so many startups, Maker's Row resulted from a big pivot. Unable to get a consumer e-commerce venture called Brooklyn Bakery to take off, its principals launched a portal to digitally connect American manufacturers and material suppliers to designers and brands in the U.S. after realizing the headaches involved in sourcing from China. "We were working so hard to get Brooklyn Bakery off the ground," co-founder Matthew Burnett said. "Then we said, 'Hey, this is a huge problem with much more potential that we can tackle.' " And since it made its debut in October, more than 4,000 U.S. businesses are using the site.


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Victims of Auburn fan's alleged grand theft auto rampage speak out
The victims of an alleged Auburn fan's grand theft auto rampage in Baton Rouge are speaking about their ordeal for the first time.
Zachary Burgess is accused of stealing a truck, kidnapping a woman and hitting nine cars and at least one gate structure just after 2:30 a.m. Sunday outside the Tigerland bars.
"He wouldn't speak to me, he wouldn't look at me, and it was like he was just in the zone," Monique Giarrusso told NBC station WVLA, referring to the time she was in the truck with Burgess.
Giarrusso was able to jump out of the car and escape before Burgess left the parking lot, hitting cars and gates along the way. The truck crashed less than a mile from where he stole it.
The owner of the truck, Dalton McClain, couldn't believe his eyes.
"He said, 'Somebody's driving crazy in your truck.' I sprinted out here, just watched him get caught up on the brick wall here, spinning the tires. It was surreal. I had no idea what to think about it at that point. I was just freaking out. Words couldn't explain how I felt at that point. It was just insane," McClain said.
Burgess was arrested and charged with theft of a motor vehicle, nine counts of hit-and-run and simple kidnapping.
Previous story:
BR Police: Auburn fan steals truck, kidnaps woman, hits 9 parked cars outside Tigerland bars
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Winter spending has Twins feeling good about rotation
Minnesota adds Nolasco, Hughes, brings back healthy Pelfrey after tough 2013
FORT MYERS, Fla. -- Just looking at the numbers, it's easy to see how much the Twins' starting rotation faltered last season.
Twins starters combined to post the worst ERA in the Majors by nearly half a run -- their 5.26 ERA lagged far behind Toronto's 4.81 -- while also tallying the fewest innings in the Majors with just 871. They also struck out just 4.93 batters per nine innings, which was the lowest such figure since Kansas City's staff struck out 4.91 batters per nine in 2006.
So it's easy to see why upgrading the rotation was a major priority for Minnesota this offseason. The Twins were able to accomplish that by spending a combined $84 million on free-agent right-handers Ricky Nolasco, Phil Hughes and Mike Pelfrey.
It's led to optimism in the clubhouse for the Twins this spring, as they believe they can put the struggles of the past three years behind them. Nolasco, Hughes, Pelfrey and veteran Kevin Correia have the first four spots locked up, with a competition for the fifth spot between Samuel Deduno, Vance Worley, Scott Diamond and Kyle Gibson.
"It was obviously an area of need, and they recognized that and addressed it," Pelfrey said. "I look at it as a chance to win every night, and that's all you can ask for. Hopefully, it'll also put our offense in a better spot where we're not down four or five runs early."
Nolasco, 31, was Minnesota's major signing, as his four-year, $49 million deal with a one-year option was the largest ever handed out to a free agent by the organization. He's as durable as any pitcher in the game, as he hasn't been on the disabled list since 2010 and has made at least 31 starts in five of his last six seasons.
The right-hander also had a breakthrough last season, posting a 3.70 ERA with 165 strikeouts in 199 1/3 innings between the Marlins and Dodgers. It was a case of Nolasco's ERA finally catching up with his peripheral statistics, as advanced stats, such as Fielding Independent Pitching (FIP), always painted him in a better light than his ERA. He consistently had a higher ERA than FIP during his time with the Marlins, as his career ERA is 4.37, but his career FIP is 3.76. FIP measures what a player's ERA should look like based on strikeouts, walks and homers allowed.
So Nolasco is looking to build on his strong performance in 2013, and he thinks he'll be part of a much improved rotation this year.
"I think it should be better," Nolasco said. "It's going to be fun getting to know the guys and helping each other out, and helping to improve the part of the team that was lacking last year. We know what jobs we have to do, so we're focused and ready."
Hughes was the second big piece added to the rotation, signing a three-year, $24 million deal just a few days after Nolasco. The 27-year-old struggled in 2013 with the Yankees, posting a 5.19 ERA with 121 strikeouts in 145 2/3 innings, but the fly-ball pitcher will be moving from homer-friendly Yankee Stadium to the more spacious Target Field.
With the change of scenery, Hughes believes he's much closer to the pitcher who was an All-Star in 2010 than the one who struggled last season.
"I'm not trying to do too much or reinvent myself," Hughes said. "I'm just trying to get back to what I know what I can do best and go from there."
Pelfrey, 30, became the final piece when he was brought back on a two-year, $11 million deal in December. Like Hughes, he struggled in 2013 with a 5.19 ERA and 101 strikeouts in 152 2/3 innings, but he was coming off Tommy John surgery from the previous May.
The Twins are banking on Pelfrey's command to return in 2014 now that he's fully healthy and a year further removed from the surgery.
Pelfrey was also much better in the second half of the season, and like Nolasco, advanced statistics painted him in much more positive light than his ERA. He had a much more respectable 3.99 FIP compared to his ERA, and he believes he's primed for a bounce-back year, much like Hughes.
Pelfrey is also convinced the rotation will be a strong suit in 2014, and he thinks that if Minnesota is going to compete, it will be because the rotation will be much better than in recent years.
"I'm definitely looking forward to it," Pelfrey said. "I think the quickest way to turn things around is starting pitching, and I think we have that. Now it's just a matter of going out there and performing."


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UPDATED WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 29, 11:30 AM, after SFGN went to print on Tuesday, December 28.
The two men whose bodies were found inside their rented home at 2513 NE 8th Avenue in Wilton Manors were domestic partners Kevin Mark Powell, 47, and Steve Adams, 52, former residents of Hollywood, Florida.
Their bodies were discovered by the Wilton Manors police after Adams' sister called authorities because her brother had not arrived at her home for a planned holiday gathering.
As Kevin Powell had been very ill with Diabetes, Wilton Manors police responded to the residence for a "wellness check." Only months earlier, Powell had undergone organ transplant surgery to save his life. His partner, Adams, according to the sun-sentinel.com, had worked as a nurse at Jackson Memorial, most recently in clinical care.
Powell, whose hobby was arts and crafts, and interior decorating, had been featured on the Home and Garden channel five years ago, after creating a home for his dogs within his home, including miniature pet sized lighting and furniture. "The entire area was set under a stairwell in his Hollywood home," said one of his neighbors from Hollywood, where he lived at the time.
Investigators are looking for the victims' vehicle, a black 2003 Saturn Vue with Florida tag 989VRL. At this time, investigators do not have a motive and have not named any suspect(s).
Channel 4 responded to the Wilton Manors murder scene and interviewed neighbor Mitch Geasler, who told them "I was like, oh my God!" . Police had woken up Geasler early Sunday morning as they began their investigation.
Geasler said the block where they live is transient, filled with snowbirds, renters and vacationers at a nearby bed and breakfast.
Geasler also told a tv cameraman from channel 4 that "the two victims were passionate about small birds they kept in a large tented aviary in their backyard." The couple's Pomeranian, Petey, was apparently turned over to neighbors after the attack.
Another neighbor, Brentley Taylor, told Channel 7 that both men "were very nice gentlemen," and he, like the rest of his neighbors, were in a state of shock over the killings.
For investigative purposes, the Wilton Manors Police Dept. has not revealed the manner of death, other than to say it was a certain homicide.
The killings add to the number of gay men already murdered in South Florida this year, featured in a special report by SFGN on November 3, 2010. The stories are accessible online sfgn.com/issue41.
SFGN went to print on Tuesday as the story was still developing. A more comprehensive story about the slayings is now available on the website of www.sun-sentinel.com, a media partner of SFGN.
Anyone with information about this double homicide is urged to contact WMPD Detective Biagio Balistreri at 954-390-2150.
To provide anonymous information about this case, the public is asked to contact Broward Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS
UPDATE: Suspect Held in Manors Slaying a Petty Criminal with Long Record
UPDATE: http://www.southfloridagaynews.com/news/local-news/2817-suspect-held-in-slayings-of-two-wilton-manors-men.html