text:
Dr Jessica Junker
Research focus
My research focuses on global, regional and site-specific population dynamics among great apes, and the factors influencing these. I am also interested in conservation planning and socio-economic correlates of biodiversity and wildlife abundance. With my work, I strive to bridge important disciplinary and implementation gaps, where my many collaborators include national government and policy makers, development firms, conservation NGOs, biodiversity consultants, as well as social anthropologists and scientists from the social and political sciences. I have already advised on numerous consultancy projects, including the World Bank Group (WBG), Golden Veroleum, Global Witness, the Wild Chimpanzee Foundation (WCF), the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF).
Current research
I am currently involved in conducting a follow-up of a nationwide interview survey. I completed the first interview survey while collecting nationwide data on chimpanzees and other large mammals in Liberia in 2012. The follow-up survey aims at gathering information on the effect of the recent Ebola crisis on natural resource consumption, hunting practice, law enforcement, income, food consumption, education, migration, security and social interactions. We also collect data on people's perceptions about knowledge production, conservation and development, Liberia's medical support system, and potential Ebola vectors. We intend to conduct a second follow-up survey in 2016 to investigate whether/how fast people's 'memory' about Ebola and associated behavior, change back to the behavioral patterns from before the Ebola outbreak. This project is in collaboration with the Max-Planck Institute for Social Anthropology.
At the same time, I am also involved in amalgamating all evidence from the scientific literature about the effects of primate conservation interventions to support future primate conservation decisions. In addition, this projects aims at identifying geographical and contextual primate conservation research gaps. Furthermore, I will use the information to test whether 1) conservation and research effort reflect conservation needs for primates, 2) science effectively informs primate conservation management, and 3) conservation 'pays-off' in terms of costs and effectiveness. This project is in collaboration with Cambridge University.
My PhD
Title: Great apes in a changing world: Addressing socio-economic needs and future conservation challenges.
My PhD-research focused on global, regional and site-specific great ape population dynamics and the factors influencing these.
I quantified range-wide African great ape population change over time and identified population hotspots and areas of exceptional conservation concern (Junker et al. 2012). Using more than 15,000 ape presence localities from 68 different sites and relating these to environmental and human impact variables, I mapped the distribution of suitable environmental conditions (SEC) for eight African great ape taxa from the 1990s to the 2000s. As landscapes increasingly became human-dominated, SEC significantly decreased over the past 20 years.
As part of my PhD field research, I coordinated a nationwide chimpanzee and mammal survey across Liberia from August 2010 to May 2012 (Tweh et al. 2014). The data I collected during the survey allowed for the accurate estimation of chimpanzee distribution and abundance, as well as spatial patterns of mammal species diversity and human threats. The data serve as a platform for conservation authorities to inform future management decisions.
In combination with socio-economic data available for Liberia, I also investigated, which socio-economic factors, such as education, access to protein, poverty and traditional beliefs, influenced species diversity and chimpanzee densities in Liberia (Junker et al. 2015). This work was important, because large amounts of money are being invested into promoting conservation through alleviating poverty. However, rigorous evaluations of the proposed connection between poverty reduction and improved environmental health remain rare. Contrary to the assumptions underlying 'Integrated Conservation and Development Projects', I was not able to show a link between development and improved wildlife and biodiversity conservation. In fact, areas with better economic and infrastructure development coincided with reduced large mammal species richness compared to less developed areas.
Future plans for the large-scale extraction of timber and mineral resources and current widespread and high hunting rates present major threats to Liberia's wildlife populations. Fortunately, however, Liberia's government signed an agreement in 2003 to establish a 'biologically representative protected area network' that will cover at least 30% of the country's forests (MFA 2003). Collaborating with the country's government agencies, international donors, conservation NGOs, and private development companies, I identified and evaluated priority areas for chimpanzees and biodiversity in Liberia under different land-use scenarios (Junker et al. in review). This work bridges an important implementation gap as it will result in a quantifiable in situ conservation management output that should benefit Liberia's people and wildlife.
My research is funded by:
My research is in collaboration with:
- Cambridge University,
- the Forestry Development Authority Liberia,
- and the Max Planck Institute for Social Anthropology.
iDiv publications
Heinicke, S., Mundry, R., Boesch, C., Amarasekaran, B., Barrie, A., Brncic, T., Brugiere, D., Campbell, G., Carvalho, J., Danquah, E., Dowd, D., Eshuis, H., Fleury-Brugiere, M. C., Gamys, J., Ganas, J., Gatti, S., Ginn, L., Goedmakers, A., Granier, N., Herbinger, I., Hillers, A., Jones, S., Junker, J., Kouakou, C. Y., Lapeyre, V., Leinert, V., Marrocoli, S., Molokwu-Odozi, M., N'Goran, P. K., Normand, E., Pacheco, L., Regnaut, S., Sop, T., Ton, E., van Schijndel, J., Vendras, E., Vergnes, V., Welsh, A., Wessling, E. G., Kühl, H. S.(2019): Characteristics of Positive Deviants in Western Chimpanzee Populations. Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution 7
Heinicke, S., Mundry, R., Boesch, C., Amarasekaran, B., Barrie, A., Brncic, T., Brugière, D., Campbell, G., Carvalho, J., Danquah, E., Dowd, D., Eshuis, H., Fleury-Brugière, M.-C., Gamys, J., Ganas, J., Gatti, S., Ginn, L., Goedmakers, A., Granier, N., Herbinger, I., Annika, H., Jones, S., Junker, J., Kouakou, C., Lapeyre, V., Leinert, V., Maisels, F., Marrocoli, S., Molokwu-Odozi, M., N'Goran, P. K., Pacheco, L., Regnaut, S., Sop, T., Ton, E., Schijndel, J. v., Vergnes, V., Voigt, M., Welsh, A., Wessling, E., Williamson, E. A., Kühl, H. S.(2019): Advancing conservation planning for western chimpanzees using IUCN SSC A.P.E.S. – the case of a taxon-specific database. Environmental Research Letters 14(6) *
Gatiso, T. T., Ordaz-Németh, I., Grimes, T., Lormie, M., Tweh, C., Kühl, H. S., Junker, J.(2018): The impact of the Ebola virus disease (EVD) epidemic on agricultural production and livelihoods in Liberia. PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases 12(8), e0006580
Puschstrasse 4
04103 Leipzig
Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg


text: The virtuosic Cuban pianist Gonzalo Rubalcaba's first recording to be issued in the U.S. is still one of his best. With strong accompaniment from bassist Charlie Haden (one of his early champions) and drummer Jack DeJohnette, Rubalcaba is in frequently exciting form throughout these performances. Highlights include an outstanding investigation of "Besame Mucho," "Giant Steps," Ornette Coleman's beautiful "The Blessing," and an unusual treatment given to Bill Evans' "Blue in Green." ~ Scott Yanow

subset: commoncrawl


text:
http://mmajunkie.com Six fighters who underwent testing for performance-enhancing drugs and drugs of abuse tested clean following UFC 127.
UFC Vice President of Regulatory Affairs Marc Ratner today e-mailed the drug-test results to MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com). The event was overseen by the Combat Sports Authority of New South Wales, though the UFC independently conducted the testing.
UFC 127 took place Feb. 27 at Acer Arena in Sydney, Australia, and aired live on pay-per-view. Headliners B.J. Penn and Jon Fitch fought to a majority draw in a welterweight bout.
The UFC tested both Penn and Fitch, as well as four others at random on the 12-fight card. The names of the fighters tested at random were not disclosed.
All tested negative for drugs of abuse (such as marijuana and cocaine), as well as anabolic steroids and other performance-enhancers.
The main event ended in disappointment after Penn took an early lead in the opening frame before Fitch charged back in the second. The two then fought a competitive fight, but it was Fitch who dominated the third round and earned a 10-8 score from two judges. Those scores resulted a majority draw.
Michael Bisping's TKO win over Jorge Rivera in the evening's co-main event was marred by an illegal – and some would say intentional – knee and a nasty post-fight scene in which he spit in the direction of Rivera's cornermen.
For complete coverage of UFC 127, check out the UFC Events section of MMAjunkie.com.
(Pictured: Jon Fitch)


text:
- 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
- 4 teaspoons Ras el Hanout (click for recipe)
- 5 ripe pears, peeled, cored, each cut into 6 wedges
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 9 ounces dried apricots, soaked in warm water 30 minutes, drained chopped (about 2 cups)
- 1 1/2 cups canned beef broth
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1
- 2 1-pound pork tenderloins
- 1
- 1/2 cup slivered almonds (about 4 ounces), toasted
Recipe Preparation
Preheat oven to 425°F. Melt butter in heavy large pot over medium-high heat. Add 2 teaspoons ras el hanout and stir 1 minute. Add pears and sauté until tender, stirring occasionally, about 4 minutes. Transfer pears to plate.
Heat 1 tablespoon oil in same pot over medium heat. Add onion and apricots. Sauté until onion begins to soften, about 3 minutes. Add broth and honey. Simmer until sauce thickens slightly, about 8 minutes. Return pears to pot. Remove from heat. DO AHEAD Sauce can be made 2 hours ahead. Let stand at room temperature.
Mix remaining 2 tablespoons oil and 2 teaspoons ras el hanout in small bowl to blend. Rub mixture all over pork tenderloins. Transfer pork to roasting pan. Roast until meat thermometer inserted into center of pork registers 155°F, about 30 minutes. Transfer pork to cutting board. Let stand 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, reheat sauce over medium heat, stirring constantly. Cut pork crosswise into 1/2-inch-thick slices. Divide pork among 6 plates. Spoon sauce and pears over pork. Sprinkle with almonds.


text:
Annie: "I called you earlier. Didn't you listen to my voicemail from this morning?"
Mrs. Seizure: "No. I don't have time for that. I've been too busy trying to call you."
Annie: "Instead of listening to my message about the issue, you just keep calling me?"
Mrs. Seizure: "Yes. What else was I supposed to be doing?"
Annie: "Your insurance is deciding. I didn't even know you got the generic until you called me this morning."
Mrs. Seizure: "Well I called you yesterday about it, but only got your voicemail, so I hung up."
Annie: "I can't help you if I don't know what you need."
Mrs. Seizure: "I refuse to leave messages."
Annie: "Apparently."


text:
A good pickle is all about texture. It should have a satisfying crunch as you bite into it. It should be firm and crisp. It should make your eyes light up with delight as you eat it.
Which brings me to okra, the poster child of vegetables with texture issues. "Eww, it's slimy!"
Yes. Yes, okra often suffers from slipperiness. But it all depends on how you prepare it.
Cooked fresh into a pickle, like this, it's not slimy. It's crunchy.
I am convinced that okra makes the best pickles ever. The inside of an okra pod is somewhat hollow, with tender seeds, but a lot of air.
These air pockets fill up with the pickling juice when you pickle the okra, and it's a texture wonderland when you bite into them. That and okra just tastes good.
I planted okra in the garden for the first time this year, so I now have my own steady supply. I have not found any decent looking okra at the stores, but the farmers market this time of year has plenty of beautiful fresh okra.
Look for unblemished pods, and if you are using pint sized jars, no more than 4 inches long.
As for making the pickles, it couldn't be easier. You actually pack the fresh okra into the jars with the pickling spices. Pour in pickling liquid, put lids on, and put the jars in a water bath for 15 minutes.
If you are canning for shelf storage you'll want to take the extra precautions of sterilizing the jars up front, and sterilizing the lids. But you can skip that if you just want to store them in the fridge and eat them up quickly.
Pickled Okra Recipe
You can either use the pickling spice combination recommended here, your own favorite pickling spice blend, or already packaged pickling spices. You'll need 4 tablespoons for 4 pint jars of pickles.
- 1 1/2 pounds of fresh okra (3 1/2 to 4 inches long)
- 4 large garlic cloves, peeled
- 4 1/4-inch thick slices of lemon
- 2 cups cider vinegar (5% acidity)
- 2 cups water
- 3 Tbsp kosher salt
- 1 Tbsp sugar
Pickling spices:
- 2 Tbsp mustard seeds
- 1 Tbsp coriander seeds
- 1 tablespoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon fennel seeds
- 1 teaspoon celery seeds
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
Special equipment:
- 4 pint canning jars, lids, and screw bands.
- A large (at least 16 qt) pot for canning
- A flat steamer rack
- A jar lifter (recommended)
1 Prepare for canning by sterilizing jars and lids: Put a steamer rack at the bottom of a large (16 quart) pot, and place the jars on the rack.
Fill the pot with water to the rim of the jars. (Note if you don't have a level steamer rack you can put a clean dish towel at the bottom of the pot, you just don't want the jars touching the bottom of the pot or they may break from the heat.) Bring to a rolling boil and boil for 10 minutes.
To sterilize the lids, place lids in a large bowl and pour boiling water over them.
2 Boil vinegar, water, salt, and sugar: Place vinegar, water, salt, and sugar in a medium saucepan, bring to a boil to dissolve the salt and sugar, reduce heat and keep warm.
3 Prep okra: While the water is heating in step one, prepare the okra and the spices. Rinse the okra and trim the stem ends to 1/4-inch.
4 Place all pickling spices in a small bowl and stir to combine.
5 Put lemon slices, spices, garlic in hot jars: Lay out a clean towel on your counter. Use canning tongs to remove the jars from the boiling water, emptying the water from the jars.
Place the hot, sterilized jars on the towel on your counter. Placing the hot jars on a towel will help prevent them from getting shocked by a cold counter surface and potentially cracking.
Place a lemon slice at the bottom of each jar. Add a tablespoon of the mixed pickling spices to each jar. Place a peeled garlic clove on top of the spices and lemon.
6 Pack okra in the jars: Pack the okra in the jars, alternating stem-side-up and stem-side-down to allow you to pack the okra well into the jars. The top of the okra should come between an inch to 1/2 an inch from the rim of the jar.
7 Pour vinegar mixture over the okra: Pour the hot vinegar mixture over the jars, up to 1/4-inch from the rim of the jars. Run a thin knife between the okra and the jars to dislodge any obvious air bubbles.
Okra is filled with air, so while you run the knife between the okra and the jars, air bubbles will be released from within the okra as well. If the top level of the pickling liquid lowers while you do this, just top off with more of the pickling liquid.
If for any reason you don't have enough pickling liquid for all the jars, just add equal amounts of cider vinegar and water. No need to heat first, the liquid will get boiled in the hot water bath.
8 Wipe rims, screw lids on jars: Wipe the rims with a clean damp towel. Place sterilized lids on jars. Screw on the the lids, firmly, but not too tight.
9 Boil the okra filled jars: Place packed jars back in the pot with water you used to sterilize the jars. The water should still be hot. Because you are putting back in full jars, rather than empty jars, some water will be displaced. Allow for 1 to 2 inches of water to cover the jars. Beyond that you may want to remove excess water.
Bring to a boil and process for 15 minutes. Remove to towel lined counter or to a rack (you want to avoid putting a hot jar on a cold surface, or else the jar might crack.)
10 Let jars cool: As the jars cool, you should hear a popping sound as the vacuum created by the cooling air in the jars pulls the lid down and seals the jars. A properly sealed jar can last in a cool closet out of direct sun for about a year.
If any jars do not seal, store them chilled in the refrigerator. Opened jars should last one to two months in the refrigerator.
Let sit 24 hours before eating.
Hello! All photos and content are copyright protected. Please do not use our photos without prior written permission. Thank you!
Products We Love
This post may contain links to Amazon or other partners; your purchases via these links can benefit Simply Recipes. Read more about our affiliate linking policy.


text:
Let's be frank, RC Cars and Trucks aren't just silly toys for kids anymore (although there are plenty of great kid RC vehicles). These can be seriously fun and some of the 4×4 offroad RC vehicles are a blast to race through muddy terrain!
Whether you are looking for something small to race around a homemade race course in the house or a couple hundred dollar hobbyist dream, it can be confusing to find the perfect RC. I've seen a lot of great RCs while working here at Hobbytron. The following list describes my personal Top 5 favorite RC Cars and Trucks on the market today:


text:
Monday Minute for the Week of February 6 -16
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
Name *
E-mail *
Notify me of follow-up comments by email.
Notify me of new posts by email.
Last Modified: 5/10/2018 Send comments and suggestions on this website to: email@example.com


text:
Jean-Claude Juncker, chairman of the group of euro-zone finance ministers, said that a selective default on Greek debt cannot be ruled out under a new bailout plan for the country, Dow Jones reported Thursday.
"One can never exclude such a possibility," Juncker was quoted as saying by Dow Jones.
Juncker said that the euro zone governments are trying to avoid such a default.
Euro zone leaders will meet later on Thursday to decide on the new package for Greece, which it is hoped will stop contagion from the troubled peripheral economy spreading to the rest of the euro zone.
French President Nicolas Sarkozy and German Chancellor Angela Merkel reached a common position on a second bailout of Greece Wednesday night after seven hours of talks.
Juncker also confirmed reports that a bank tax is unlikely to be part of the new aid package.
"I don't think that there will be an agreement on that," he said, according to Dow Jones.
He made the comments in Brussels, on his way to a meeting of senior euro-zone officialsaimed at narrow down options on a new Greek bailout.
The euro fell in the wake of Juncker's comments.
The agreement on the table could cut interest rates on borrowings from the euro zone's rescue fund to 3.5 percent from 5.5 percent and includes a range of options for private-sector creditors to help the debt-ridden country, Dow Jones reported, citing a person who has seen a draft statement prepared for European leaders to review.
The draft statement allows for an expanded role for the European Financial Stability Facility, the euro zone's rescue fund, according to the Dow Jones source. This would include offering more flexible lines of credit as well as possibly being involved in the recapitalization of banks.
The source quoted by Dow Jones said the talks in Brussels which Juncker attended were focused on getting private creditors to also lower their lending rates to Greece, and added that public support for Greece will continue for "at least" another 15 years.
Another person familiar with the talks told Dow Jones the details of the agreement were continuing to evolve.


text:
Men's Health is the UK's best-selling quality men's magazine packed with expert tips and advice on everything today's man needs to feel fitter, healthier, and happier.
From Instagram sensation to Sunday Times bestselling author, Clean Eating Alice is the authoritative voice in diet and fitness.
On her fitness journey, Alice discovered that exercise can be enjoyable and totally accessible. In Everyday Fitness, she shares her tips and expertise to get you moving and help you achieve amazing results.
Whatever's motivating you to seek change, you'll be feeling proud of how you look and feel in no time.
What's more, you'll soon realise that exercise can be so effortlessly included in your daily routine that it becomes second nature.


text:
The Imperial University brings together scholars to explore the policing of knowledge by explicitly linking the academy to the broader politics of militarism, racism, nationalism, and neoliberalism that define the contemporary imperial state. Steven Salaitia contributed to the writing of the book.
Steven Salaita, an Arab-American Professor of American Indian Studies, was recently fired from his position as associate professor in the American Indian Studies program at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC). Although the University asserts that his contract was merely "rescinded," many believe that Salaita was sacked for tweeting criticisms of Israel's latest large-scale military operation in the Gaza Strip.
Salaita has long been an outspoken critic of Israel and Zionism. He is the author of "Israel's Dead Soul" and "The Uncultured Wars, Arabs, Muslims and the Poverty of Liberal Thought," as well as a contributor to a number of publications including Salon and The Electronic Intifada.
He is also part Palestinian and was a prominent campaigner for the American Studies Association's decision to boycott Israeli academic institutions earlier this year. In an article published on Salon last December, Salatia defended the boycott campaign: "Academic boycott, quite simply, is a rejection of complicity in the Israeli government's brutalization of Palestinians, a form of nonviolent resistance at the nexus of the globe's greatest confluence of geopolitical power."
In the article he goes on to state, "Boycotts in themselves are not especially controversial among academic communities. In other words, BDS [Boycott, Divestments and Sanctions] isn't controversial. Criticism of Israel is controversial."
Controversial enough to lose one's job, it seems.
Academic freedom
According to Inside Higher Ed, sources familiar with the University's decision say that concern grew over the tone of Salaita's comments on Twitter about Israel's policies in Gaza.
For instance, there is this tweet: "Perhaps #Obama can melt down his Nobel Prize and recast it as body armor for the children of #Gaza."
Or this one: "Members of the Knesset routinely call for the elimination of Palestinians, so #Israel can spare us the bullshit about restraint in #Gaza."
There is also this one: "Too much of Israeli society is cheering the bloodletting in #Gaza for me to make a firm distinction between the government and the people."
At the center of this scandal is Cary Nelson, a self-proclaimed Zionist and past president of the American Association of University Professors. Nelson has made multiple public statements in defence of the university, condemning Salaita's anti-Zionist comments on social media as crossing the boundaries of "collegiality and civility," as well as crossing "the line into anti-Semitism."
In an interview with The Electronic Intifada, Nelson acknowledged that he has been closely monitoring Salaita's Twitter account for months. "There are scores of tweets. I have screen captures," he said. "The total effect seems to me to cross a line."
However, there has been a strong and unified response from prominent academics, as well as academic and civil rights organizations, condemning Nelson's remarks and the University's decision to revoke Salaita's tenure.
Michael Bérubé, director of the Institute for the Arts and Humanities at Pennsylvania State University, wrote in a letter to the University's Chancellor: "Nothing in Professor Salaita's Twitter feed suggests a violation of professional ethics or disciplinary incompetence. The University of Illinois is therefore clearly in violation of a fundamental principle of academic freedom with regard to extramural speech."
Twenty prominent professors also wrote to Chancellor Phyllis Wise urging Salaita be immediately reinstated. "The Israeli military's targeting of Palestinian civilians in Gaza has been condemned by major human rights organizations such as Human Rights Watch ... The content of Salaita's tweets were in fact consistent with the sentiments of leading experts on the Israel-Palestine conflict, including Jewish-Israeli scholars, to the degree that they expressed outrage and dismay at Israeli actions."
Supporters have also launched an online petition, which as of this writing, had already gathered more than 14,930 signatures.
Salaita has maintained a dignified silence throughout the whole affair. The only comment he has made was a message of gratitude published on Twitter: "Thank you, everybody, for your support. I have received your many messages and am deeply grateful."
Back to Top


text:
Intelligent services transform the supply chain
We help clients transform their supply chains into intelligent operations by combining top-flight talent with applied intelligence.
We help clients transform their supply chains into intelligent operations by combining top-flight talent with applied intelligence.
Our smart supply chain business process services cover four critical components, helping clients generate quantifiable benefits.
Gain greater capacity to manage the right inventory at the right time and improve forecast accuracy.
Reduce materials spending and procurement operations costs with direct sourcing.
Attain more cost-efficiency with transport management, XPL operations and logistics control tower services.
Keep customers satisfied through end-to-end service, including spare parts, returns and warranty management.
Imagine an agile, responsive and digitally-driven supply chain smart enough to predict or anticipate customer demands, sense changes in supply and demand and respond rapidly to unplanned events.
The smart supply chain of the future—asset-light, fully digital and offering highly-personalized services—is getting closer every day..
Reaching the destination requires organization leaders to embrace a new operational mindset we call XPL. By harnessing XPL, the enterprise unleashes new powers to create and orchestrate an end-to-end solution that intelligently brings together the right partners and the right capabilities.
Simply stated, XPL is the bridge to the new, and we already see companies applying this transformational combination of technology, processes and people to make the future a reality.READ MORE
The digital transformation of logistics networks
It's time for a new approach to logistics
Talent and technology are a potent combination. At Accenture we apply market leading analytics and platforms, powered with intelligent technologies, including AI, advanced analytics, and distributed ledger technology, to help clients optimize performance. Three elements form the foundation.
Our global network of highly-skilled specialists design creative solutions to optimize supply chains and deliver desired outcomes.
We combine data and analytics, artificial intelligence and automation to enhance decision making and deliver measurable outcomes.
Our analytics and platforms use the cloud to improve the integration of diverse data, generating more problem-solving powers.
Faster time to market
Reduction in logistics costs
Improved forecast accuracy
Reduced inventory
Warranty cost reduction
Repair and returns cost reduction
The transformation of ZBB into a force for growth, innovation and competitive advantage.
Market forces are creating new demands on supply chain management. Discover new intelligent supply chain solutions.
The supply chain of the future needs a digital backbone.
Helping a large North American retailer transform promotional campaigns with SynOps for Supply Chain.
Accenture's SynOps for Supply Chain helped a global healthcare technology company reimagine its supply chain
Supply Chain BPS is recognized as a leader amongst industry analysts.
We're looking for innovators to drive efficiency, transformation and effectiveness in our procurement solutions at Accenture Operations


text:
Classes begin quarterly
Submit your application today. All classes are being offered through our proven virtual classroom experience. Learn more.
Online Toronto Data Analytics Boot Camp
Learn Data Analytics in 24 Weeks
With the rise of data in today's economy, our UofT SCS Data Analytics Boot Camp program focuses on teaching participants the practical and technical skills needed to analyze and solve complex data analytics and visualization problems.
UofT SCS Data Analytics Boot Camp program is committed to preparing learners for success. This part-time program covers a broad array of technologies like Excel, Python, JavaScript, SQL Databases, Tableau, and more, over the course of 24 intensive weeks.
With convenient evening and weekend hours, you can advance your skillset even if you're currently employed or in college.
Is this program for you?
Do you want to be part of the data revolution? Are you creative, curious, ambitious—and most of all hard working? If yes, or if any of the following describe you, we think University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies Data Analytics Boot Camp might be just the opportunity you're looking for:
- You're a data professional and want to further your career by gaining a new set of technical skills.
- You're currently in a business where data is crucial to the bottom line and want to make a bigger impact.
- You want to learn more about visualizing social, consumer, or popular trends.
- You aspire to transition into the field of government, media, or healthcare—and are looking for a way to do it.
- You're a full-time student with the desire to maximize your skills and grow your knowledge.
In-demand skills you'll gain:
This fast-paced, dynamic program covers the specialized skills for the booming field of data, including: Intermediate Excel, Python, JavaScript, HTML/CSS, API Interactions, SQL, Tableau, Fundamental Statistics, Machine Learning, R, Git/GitHub, and more.
You'll learn from skilled instructors and gain real-world experience by collaborating with your peers on complex projects. Not only that, but you will also build a comprehensive portfolio along the way, giving you the confidence you need to tap into the industry. The data analytics curriculum will dive into the foundational skills for data analytics, including:
Intermediate Excel Functions
- Pivot Tables
- VBA Scripting
Fundamental Statistics
- Modelling
- Forecasting
Python Programming
- Python 3
- NumPy
- Pandas
- Matplotlib
- API Interactions
- PostgreSQL
- MongoDB
- Extract-Transform-Load (ETL)
Front End Web Visualization
- Bootstrap
- Dashboarding
- JavaScript Charting
- D3.js
- Geomapping with Leaflet.js
Business Intelligence Software
- Tableau
Advanced Topics
- Big Data Analytics with Hadoop
- Machine Learning
*The material covered is subject to change. Our academic team adjusts to the market demand.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our data analytics boot camps in Toronto and Mississauga are being held via our tried and tested virtual classroom experience. Call us at (647) 370-3837 for more information on how to apply, or visit our Online Experience page to learn more.
No, applicants to UofT SCS Data Analytics Boot Camp do not need to be University of Toronto students. This program is offered through the University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies.
No programming experience is required. It is recommended that applicants hold a Bachelor's Degree or have at least two years of experience in business, management, finance, statistics, or a related field.
Currently Enrolling
- Part-Time Soon
- Part-Time November 25, 2020
- Full-Time January 11, 2021
- Part-Time December 16, 2020
- Part-Time December 8, 2020
- Part-Time December 14, 2020
- Part-Time November 23, 2020
Digital Marketing:
- Part-Time February 18, 2021
Part-Time Data Schedule
- 24-week program
- Virtual classroom
- Classes held two weekdays from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Contact an admissions officer at (647) 370-3837 or fill out the form below if you're ready to learn more about UofT SCS Data Analytics Boot Camp.


text:
I was thinking it could replace forage when a mega stone is held, and when G is pressed, the Pokemon would go through the mega evolution animation and turn into it's mega form, this would last for 5 minutes and then require a 1 minute cooldown. Returning the mega to it's pokeball or initiating a battle would end the Mega-Evolution, setting it on it's timer regardless of how much time was left.
I was also thinking that this could give some buffs to the pokemon, too.
For example, the two Mega-Zards. This could buff their flying speed, by 1.5x or even 2x. For Venusaur, it could buff land speed and allow it to plow through grass.
For Blastoise, it could buff swim speed by 1.5/2x.
The other megas, as they're introduced, can be given other abilities. Mega Scizor could have a mega-powerful cut that can chop down jungle trees.
The speed multiplier for those that have one could be a configured value for server owners worried that they may cause lag from generating too many chunks at once.
This is just a dumb idea, but I figured it'd look and work pretty cool and would make some sense with the pokemon series (See: Mega Latios/Latias in ORAS.)
Thanks for reading.


text:
I missed the opening date (Film Radar is my one source for all things cinematic happening in and around LA). Oh well, the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival runs from April 28th till May 7th.
The festival began in 1983 as the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film & Video Festival back when Asian-American Cinema was first being revived after a long absence. Since then it has grown to include more films and the works of Asian Cinema and the global Asian diaspora.
Screening venues include West Hollywood's Directors Guild of America and the Laemmle's Sunset 5, and the CGV Cinemas in Wilshire Center.
To find out about film schedules and parties, click here. Have a great Asian Pacific American Heritage Month and...


text:
Seems there's more to that $100 million antenna testing lab than Steve Jobs let on the other day. Much more, and an ABC News crew was on hand to snap some candid shots during an exclusive tour. Also, dark blankets:
Seems that, for multi-million dollar security measure-needing firms like Apple, the most effective secret-keeper is often the simplest. When the film crew wasn't supposed to see something, it was covered with a black tarp or Security Snuggie (seen above).
Other pics include more shots of those anechoic chambers we saw the other day and a dummy testing head that is, presumably, holding the phone in the correct way. [ABC News via 9 to 5 Mac]
G/O Media may get a commission


text:
Berndt is not very happy with Ilona, one of his pupils. She skips lessons and her homework is a mess. So he offers the girl a chance to catch up with her study but alas: Ilona is easily distracted and Berndt catches her masturbating in his bathroom...
Watch the whole story!
Old farts luring teens into sex!
Horny old men on the hunt for some nasty teenage pussy!
Watch the full set!
Cute teen girls who're tricked into sex with horny old seniors!
18 U.S.C. Section 2257 Compliance Notice - http://www.imco.nl/2257/


text: Lets give this a try. No Digial need apply. Fire up that scanner and show some of your older bikes. I'll start off with a photo from April, 1976. Me sitting on my 1972 Suzuki GT-750cc, 2-cycle. What a great bike. Watercooled 3 years ahead of the first Goldwing. Wing-a-ding-ding. What was I thinking with that hair???


text:
New WordPress Zero Day Exploit [Link]
This is bad. Update your WordPress blogs. Maybe consider something more simple if you're not the size of TechCrunch.
"If triggered by a logged-in administrator, under default settings the attacker can leverage the vulnerability to execute arbitrary code on the server via the plugin and theme editors," Jouko Pynnönen, a researcher with Finland-based security firm Klikki Oy, wrote in a blog post published Sunday evening. "Alternatively the attacker could change the administrator's password, create new administrator accounts, or do whatever else the currently logged-in administrator can do on the target system."
Older articles
Synology DS Video for iOS
Continuing my celebration of a $1000 device that holds hard drives, here's a little something about the DS Video app for iOS.
I mostly use Plex for streaming video to things like my iPhone and Roku, but the DS Video app is an alternative that's actually a pretty ...
DEVONagent for Web Searching [Sponsor]
Thanks to DEVONtech for sponsoring Macdrifter this week. They make some of the most intelligent software around. For example DEVONagent Pro is the best tool for sifting through the web and find just the perfect results.
DEVONagent is a client-side search tool. If you've started to feel like Google ...
Chik-fil-a Sponsors Pride Parade in NH [Link]
Chick-fil-A at Pheasant Lane Mall has gay employees and serves gay customers with honor, dignity and respect
I think it's worth remembering that a franchise is different from the corporation. In this case the franchise is not run by a egomaniacal biggot.
Physics Awards
Yuri Milner made bucket loads of cash investing in tech start-ups so he decided to take a paultry $27M and give it to physicists that are doing interesting work. They each got about $3M (three times the Noble Prize), $100,000 of which they give to a junior researcher. What ...
OmniFocus for Academics [Link]
This has some nice insights for someone that is struggling with OmniFocus and complexity. These are many of the "tricks" I employ. They work for me.
Finding a Designer [Link]
Folyo.me looks good right about now. I'm pretty tired of looking at CSS and Acorn.
By way of Chris Armstrong
The Theme Foundry — Sponsor [Link]
I want to thank The Theme Foundry for sponsoring this weeks Macdrifter feed. They make beautiful WordPress themes that are worth checking out.
The Theme Foundry has been building handcrafted premium WordPress themes since 2008. Earlier this month they released Avid — a responsive, retina-optimized WordPress theme for photographers. Visit the ...
The New Day One and Creating Memories
It's the perfect convergence. There's a great new update to Day One and there's a memorable article by Dave Caolo.1
Check out Shawn Blanc's and the MacStories reviews of the new Day One.
My review of the new DayOne:
It's Facebook for people that ...
Public Danger in NH
Sometimes the state of New Hampshire baffles me. I live close enough that I find myself in the state at least once a week.1
I'll be more careful from now on because I have no idea how the New Hampshire legal system works.
Page 1 / 4


text:
David Eagleman is the author of 'Incognito: The Secret Lives of the Brain', published 2012 under ISBN 9780307389923 and ISBN 0307389928.[read more]
You can find lots of answers to common customer questions in our FAQs
View a detailed breakdown of our shipping prices
Learn about our return policy
Still need help? Feel free to contact us
View college textbooks by subject
and top textbooks for college
With our dedicated customer support team, you can rest easy knowing that we're doing everything we can to save you time, money, and stress.


text:
it can't be used with other coupons
- 5 Stars 100%
- 4 Stars 0%
- 3 Stars 0%
- 2 Stars 0%
- 1 Stars 0%
Very Cool ItemReviewed by Michele Choy Feb 21,2019I am very pleased with the quality of this light box. It seems durable and sturdy and should last a long time.
Rectangle Light Box
Are you looking for a special decoration?Speech bubble shaped light box of KUSDOM is what you need! KUSDOM provides different kinds of light box and customized service. You can create any picture, pattern, color or text you like on the gift to make your own personalized light box. It can decorate any spaces include brand publicity, exhibition or wedding. The main materials are PMMA, acrylic panel and LED light, which increase the durability of light box. You can adjust the light freely with tie-in USB line, show different atmosphere at different time.
・Dimensions : 30 cm x 15 cm x 3.5 cm
・Material: PMMA, Acrylic panel, LED light
・USB plug with adjustable lighting switch
・Small light box can be displayed or decorated in different fields (Brand Promotion, Exhibition booth,, wedding etc )
|Design Specs
|Printing size
|Please note that the above renderings, for reference only. Printing products authentic to the actual product. (The printing position may be a slight deviation.)
|Recommended Resolution
|150dpi or above
|Advice to customers
|Specification Request
|Please provide 150 DPI resolution picture or more and same as the size of the printed product design ( 1 : 1 )
|Printing position
|30.3 x 15.3 cm
|Color Differences
|Please note that the different colors of material printed pattern will be 5-10 % color effects.
|Advice to User
|File Request
|please provide 150 DPI or above resolution picture. We recommend that referring to the printing size of the product to adjust the image size and resolution; or same as the size of the printed product design (1: 1); or larger than the recommended size to ensure the best printing quality when the product is made.
|Design Tips
|Put all important image and text inside the solid orange line (the printing area). Also, keep a certain distance from the solid orange line to avoid cutting off during printing.
Product printing may be blurred if over-enlarge the picture.
|Important Notice
|Color Difference
|Product color on website will be affected by different shooting angles and monitors
|Position Deviation
|There is alignment and cut out process during production. Thus, there may be position deviation


text:
Bailey solid through six, but Crew tees off on Simon
Starter gives up three runs; reliever surrenders pair of homers in eighth
CINCINNATI -- For much of the year, and going forward the rest of the way, the Reds have been forced to get by in the late innings with relievers who have stepped up amid injuries to setup men Sean Marshall and Jonathan Broxton.
Whether it's been to protect a lead or hold a game close, Alfredo Simon has been one reliever who has successfully elevated his role this season. That wasn't the case on Friday night, however, as Simon was rocked for three runs on two home runs in the Reds' 6-4 loss to the Brewers.
Handed a 3-3 game in the eighth, Simon gave up the second of Khris Davis' two-run home runs and a solo shot to Scooter Gennett.
"It was uncharacteristic of Simon," Reds manager Dusty Baker said. "It may be a sign of fatigue, and also it's a sign that the guy over there, Davis, can hit. He has some pop. He's one of the best young players I've seen come into the league this year. They don't miss Ryan Braun much. I don't know if he could have done as much damage that he did today."
Simon has a 3.24 ERA, but came in with a 1.59 ERA over his previous nine appearances, allowing two runs over his last 11 2/3 innings. He last worked 2 1/3 scoreless innings in relief on Tuesday when Tony Cingrani's start was cut short by a back injury after 3 2/3 frames.
Baker's bullpen has been trying to catch up on rest ever since, as the Reds are in the backend of a streak of 20 games over 20 days.
"My bullpen is over-pitched," Baker said. "Some of the guys had a day off yesterday, but before that, they went 2 1/3 innings and three days in a row, like [J.J.] Hoover. We won the battle, but we might have lost the war against Arizona. [The Brewers] were off yesterday, and we have five more days in a row to go in this 20-days-in-a-row streak. Guys are busting it."
Reds starter Homer Bailey started the top of the sixth with Aramis Ramirez hitting a double to right-center field. Two batters later, with one out, Davis pushed a fastball that didn't go inside enough over the right-center field fence for a two-run homer that put Milwaukee up by one run.
"One of the mistakes I made ended up costing me," Bailey said. "It kind of happens in baseball. I probably should have done a better job of mixing my pitches in that at-bat. I'll know better next time.
"I was trying to go in. We went out on the pitch before. Everything else, we had gotten him out a couple of times going in on him. We figured we'd stay with the plan. We walked him [in the fourth] on a checked swing that was a very, very questionable call, to say the least."
In a no-decision, Bailey finished with three earned runs and six hits over six innings with two walks and five strikeouts.
Milwaukee's lead was short lived, as Brandon Phillips led off the Reds' sixth by hitting a 2-1 Yovani Gallardo pitch just out of Carlos Gomez's reach over the center-field fence for his 16th homer and 95th RBI of the season.
Following reliever Logan Ondrusek's scoreless seventh inning, Simon was pummeled by Milwaukee in the eighth. Aramis Ramirez led off with a walk and a pinch-runner was moved to second base on a sacrifice bunt. On the first pitch, Davis hit his second homer over the fence in center field.
For Davis, filling in for the suspended Braun, it was the first multi-homer game of his brief career. It was the first time Simon allowed multiple homers in a game since Sept. 18, 2011, while pitching for the Orioles.
"I was going up to the plate, thinking I was going to get a strike and just be aggressive with that runner in scoring position," Davis said of his at-bat vs. Simon.
Two batters later, with two outs, Gennett pulled a 1-0 pitch into the first row of right-field seats. The play was reviewed by umpires for nearly three minutes, but the homer was upheld. Simon was lifted when the next batter, Yuniesky Betancourt, hit a double to the wall in right-center field.
Rookie Nick Christiani took over for Simon, and after walking his first batter, Norichika Aoki, on four pitches, he retired the final four in a row.
On paper, this is a game the Reds are supposed to win. Cincinnati is 73-56, 17 games over .500, and 40-22 at Great American Ball Park. The Reds came in 5-1 vs. the Brewers at home. Fourth-place Milwaukee is 56-72 during a down season and has one of the worst road records in the National League at 26-37.
Bailey dismissed the fatigue factor as a reason for the loss.
"That's what we do, man. It's part of the game," he said. "We're not going to use that as an excuse. We're doing the same thing everybody else is. They have to do it, too. So do we. We lost this game. We'll come back tomorrow. It's not the end of the world."


text:
I'm sure you don't relate to any of this. Not a word. This totally isn't you. Or me. Now, let's all go check Facebook and call it a day. Well, call it a day after we check Tumblr again. And then Facebook. And maybe Twitter. Or maybe we should just have an Ambien and then read Judith Bulter until we fall asleep? And then wake up and blog about it. Great idea — see you on Tumblr.
CollegeHumor's Favorite Funny Videos


text:
The Department of Labor (DOL) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) took action recently on a number of cases that included embezzlement and breach of fiduciary duty, illegal tips on M&As, failure to protect confidential information and fraud.
Trustees of 401(k) Plan Sentenced for Embezzlement
The DOL announced that following a plea agreement entered in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky, William H. Kiser and Mary Sue Kiser, trustees of the Irotas Manufacturing Co. Inc. 401(k) Plan, have been sentenced to 15 months in prison and 3 years of supervised release for embezzling funds from the plan. The Kisers also have been ordered to pay restitution.
An investigation by the Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) Cincinnati regional office had shown that the Kisers, who owned Irotas Manufacturing Co. Inc. in Shelbyville, Ky.., embezzled a total of $487,138.08 from the now-defunct company's 401(k) plan for their own use between June 17 and Aug. 14, of 2008.
"This sentencing underscores the Department of Labor's resolve to aggressively pursue those who steal from employee benefit plans," said L. Joe Rivers, EBSA's regional director in Cincinnati. "We will continue our commitment to investigating thefts from employee benefit plans under our Contributory Plans Criminal Project, which targets those individuals who threaten the retirement and health benefits of American workers."
DOL Sues over ESOP Losses, Charges Overvaluation
The DOL has filed a lawsuit against GreatBanc Trust Co., based in Lisle, Ill., and Sierra Aluminum Co., of Riverside, Calif., in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, based on an investigation by EBSA.
In the suit, the DOL alleges that GreatBanc violated the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) by breaching its fiduciary duties to the Sierra Aluminum Employee Stock Ownership Plan when it allowed the plan to pay more than fair market value for employer stock in June 2006. The suit names Sierra Aluminum, the ESOP's sponsor, as a defendant for entering into an indemnification agreement with GreatBanc that violates ERISA.
According to the suit, GreatBanc failed to adequately inquire into an appraiser's report presenting unrealistic and aggressively optimistic projections of Sierra Aluminum's future earnings and profitability. It also allegedly failed to investigate the credibility of the assumptions, factual bases and adjustments to financial statements that the appraiser relied on in preparing its report.
The suit also alleges that GreatBanc asked the appraiser to revise its valuation opinion in order to reconcile the ESOP's higher purchase price with the lower fair market value of the company stock.
In addition, the suit alleges that Sierra Aluminum's indemnification agreement with GreatBanc violated ERISA to the extent that it would permit Sierra Aluminum to pay GreatBanc's losses, costs, expenses and damages unless and until a court enters an unappealable judgment that GreatBanc did not violate ERISA. The complaint seeks to restore losses plus interest to the plan and to enjoin Sierra Aluminum from indemnifying GreatBanc.
Investment Bank Analyst Charged by SEC with Illegal Tipping
The SEC announced that it has charged a former analyst, Jauyo "Jason" Lee, at a Boston-based investment bank with illegally tipping a close friend with confidential information about clients involved in impending mergers and acquisitions that brought in more than $600,000 in profits.
The complaint, filed in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, alleges that Lee, who worked in the San Francisco office of Leerink Swann LLC, was first privy to information about Leerink's client Syneron Medical, which was negotiating an acquisition of Candela Corp. in 2009. He later learned that Leerink's client Somanetics Corp. was in the process of being acquired by Covidien in 2010.
Lee collected nonpublic details about each of the deals from unsuspecting coworkers involved with those clients and by reviewing various internal documents about the transactions. He then communicated repeatedly with his longtime college friend, Victor Chen of Sunnyvale, Calif., via dozens of phone calls and text messages. Some of the calls took place from Lee's office telephone at Leerink.
Chen traded heavily on that information, making more than $600,000 in illicit profits—a 237% return on his initial investment. Bank records reveal a pattern of large cash withdrawals by Lee, followed by large cash deposits by Chen, who then used the money for the insider trading.
The SEC alleges that in the days prior to each deal's public announcement, Chen, who had never before bought securities in these companies, made sizeable purchases of stock and call options in Candela and these acquisition targets—suddenly spending a significant portion of his available cash to buy them.
Chen proceeded to sell most of his Candela and Somanetics holdings once public announcements were made about the transactions. Because Chen made some of his trades in his sister Jennifer Chen's account, the SEC's complaint also names her as a relief defendant for the purposes of recovering the illegal profits in her account. The SEC is seeking disgorgement of ill-gotten gains with prejudgment interest, financial penalties and permanent injunctions against Lee and Chen. Financial Executive Charged in Diverting Funds for Entertainment
Subramanian Krishnan, the former chief financial officer of a Minnetonka, Minn.-based manufacturer of computer networking devices, was charged by the SEC for secretly diverting company funds to cover unauthorized personal expenses and other employees' entertainment expenses that lacked any legitimate business purpose.
The SEC alleges that Krishnan, the former CFO of Digi International, evaded the company's internal controls that he created in order to approve employees' falsified travel and entertainment expense reports over a five-year period. He also manipulated internal controls to review and approve his own expense reports that included unauthorized hotel and entertainment expenses.
According to the SEC's complaint filed in U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota, Krishnan's scheme began as early as March 2005 and continued until May 2010, when he resigned.
Digi's internal controls required the CFO's expense reports to be approved by the CEO. In order to circumvent this internal control, Krishnan, who lives in Plymouth, Minn., arranged for the Hong Kong office to submit his expenses as belonging to other employees. This way, Krishnan had the final authorization to approve the expenses and reimburse the Hong Kong office directly, rather than needing CEO approval.
The SEC alleges that as the scheme went undetected, Krishnan submitted or approved large numbers of fraudulent expense reports for purported work and travel expenses. Krishnan knew the expenditures violated Digi's travel and entertainment policies because he personally drafted and approved these internal policies. Despite this, Krishnan signed each of Digi's annual and quarterly reports over a five-year period and, as part of those filings, certified that Digi's internal controls were effective. He also signed 20 management representation letters to auditors that falsely asserted he had no knowledge of fraud involving management having a significant role in internal controls over financial reporting.
The SEC's complaint alleges that Krishnan violated the antifraud, issuer reporting, internal controls, books and records, filing certification and lying to auditors provisions of the federal securities laws. Krishnan has consented to the entry of an injunction from future violations of those provisions, with disgorgement, prejudgment interest, financial penalties as well as the duration of the officer-and-director bar to be determined by stipulation of the parties or motion of the SEC at a later date.
Dark Pool Operator Charged on Failing to Protect Confidential Information
Boston-based dark pool operator eBX LLC has been charged by the SEC with failing to protect the confidential trading information of its subscribers and failing to disclose to all subscribers that it allowed an outside firm to use their confidential trading information.
According to the SEC's order instituting a settled administrative proceeding, eBX operates the alternative trading system LeveL ATS, which it calls a "dark pool" trading program. Dark pools do not display quotations to the public, meaning that investors who subscribe to a dark pool have access to potential trade opportunities that other investors using public markets do not.
eBX inaccurately informed its subscribers that their flow of orders to buy or sell securities would be kept confidential and not shared outside of LeveL, and instead allowed an outside technology firm to use information about LeveL subscribers' unexecuted orders for its own business purposes.
The outside firm's separate order routing business therefore received an information advantage over other LeveL subscribers, because it was able to use its knowledge of their orders to make routing decisions for its own customers' orders and increase its execution rate. eBX had insufficient safeguards and procedures to protect subscribers' confidential trading information.
According to the SEC's order, eBX and the outside firm it hired to run LeveL signed a subscription agreement in February of 2008, after which the outside firm's separate order routing business began to use certain LeveL subscribers' confidential trading data. In November 2008, eBX signed a new agreement with the outside firm that allowed its order routing business to remember and use all LeveL subscribers' unexecuted order information.
As a result of the agreements, the outside firm's order routing business began to fill far more of its orders than other LeveL users did. Its order router also knew how other eBX subscribers' orders in LeveL were priced and could use that information to determine whether to route orders to LeveL or another venue based on where it knew it might get a better price for its own customers' orders.
eBX agreed to pay an $800,000 penalty to settle the charges. In addition, eBX was censured and ordered to cease and desist from committing or causing further violations of certain provisions of the federal securities laws regulating alternative trading systems.
Repeat Offender Charged Over Fraudulent Investment Offers on Oil Drilling
The SEC said that it has obtained an emergency court order to freeze the assets of a South Florida man, Joseph Hilton, who has been charged with fraudulently offering investments in oil drilling projects.
It is not the first time Hilton has been the target of an SEC enforcement action, although at that time he was known as Joseph Yurkin. He changed his name after a final judgment for fraud in a previous SEC enforcement action against him for securities offerings he made through another company he worked for, Homeland Communications Corp.
The SEC's complaint, unsealed in federal court in West Palm Beach, Fla., alleges that Hilton made numerous misrepresentations to investors while selling limited partnership units in two oil drilling projects earlier this year through his firm, Pacific Northwestern Energy.
After falsely telling potential investors that Pacific acquired its wells from Exxon Mobil Corp., and overstating Pacific's experience in the oil and gas industry and the historical accomplishments of its drillers, Hilton raised approximately $789,000 from investors.
The SEC's action froze the assets of Hilton, Pacific, and the two limited partnerships: Rock Castle Drilling Fund and Rock Castle Drilling Fund II. Hilton's securities offerings were not registered with the SEC as required under the federal securities laws. The SEC is seeking disgorgement of ill-gotten gains plus prejudgment interest, financial penalties and permanent injunctions against Hilton and his entities. The court has appointed David Mandel, an attorney with the law firm Mandel & Mandel in Miami, as a receiver over Pacific, Rock Castle and Rock Castle II.
The SEC's complaint also includes allegations against Hilton, Pacific, and another company controlled by Hilton called New Horizon Publishing. Through Pacific and New Horizon, Hilton additionally sold $2.5 million worth of investments in oil drilling projects sponsored by United States Energy Corp. while deceiving investors about his identity, the anticipated returns on the investments, the amount of oil being produced by U.S. Energy's wells, and the existence of natural gas wells. Hilton also operated a boiler room of sales representatives paid on a commission basis.


text:
Editor's Note: Eric Deggans serves as TV/media critic for the Tampa Bay Times, and is the author of "Race-Baiter: How the Media Wields Dangerous Words to Divide a Nation," a look at how prejudice, racism and sexism fuels some elements of modern media.
By Eric Deggans, Special to CNN
(CNN) - One year after an explosion of press attention made it one of the most-covered news stories in the first half of 2012, the question seems obvious:
Has the news media learned anything about covering race issues in the wake of the Trayvon Martin shooting?
Considering how little attention the case garners today, it is tough to remember just 12 months ago how much journalists obsessed on this story, when unarmed, African-American teen Martin was shot and killed by neighborhood watch volunteer George Zimmerman in a Sanford, Florida, subdivision on Feb. 26, 2012.
For a time, it was second in coverage only to the presidential election, as Martin's family pressed a reluctant Sanford police department and Florida prosecutors to arrest Zimmerman for fatally shooting a teenager armed only with a bag of candy and a bottle of iced tea. As condemnation of Zimmerman grew, a cadre of supporters, often in conservative media outlets, arose to decry a rush to judgment while challenging the family's depiction of Martin as an innocent child.
Too often, news audiences seemed caught in the middle, ill-served by coverage which often seemed focused on serving the news outlet's own priorities as much as informing the public.
Twelve months later, it may seem as if little has changed. But there are subtle lessons to be learned about the shape of modern media from the impact of the Trayvon Martin case, some that are shared in "Race-Baiter: How the Media Wields Dangerous Words to Divide a Nation:"
We only talk about race issues in crisis.
One reason so much coverage of the Martin case spun off into issues such as racial profiling, fashion (Martin was wearing a hooded sweatshirt when killed), murder rates among African Americans and the power of racism allegations, is because mainstream media outlets spend so little time talking about race issues outside the pressing controversy of a major news story. When big news strikes centered on race, that's often the only time the world pays attention.
Unfortunately, that's when people are least likely to have an open-minded discussion about anything, as passions rise and positions harden. In an environment like that, quality journalism looking at the racial elements of "stand your ground" laws (allowing individuals to defend themselves with deadly force in public spaces if they feel their life is in danger) or racial profiling may get lots of attention, but their lessons can be lost as people search to find confirmation for their own convictions.
Subjects of big news stories will increasingly become media outlets themselves.
Once he agreed to serve as Zimmerman's attorney after his mid-April arrest, Orlando-area attorney Mark O'Mara set up websites, Twitter accounts and a Facebook page (now inactive) aimed at releasing their perspective on the case and channeling donations to Zimmerman's legal defense fund. On his sites, O'Mara provides information on legal filings, critiques press coverage and releases his own statements without relying on journalists' filter or interpretation.
His website, for instance, calls an April 22 hearing a "self-defense immunity hearing," avoiding use of the term "stand your ground," which has drawn so much negative attention as critics complain the law is flawed and unfairly applied across race lines.
Even the most basic notions of journalism fairness are challenged by the modern media environment.
Much as some critics may have complained about liberal activist Al Sharpton serving as both a spokesman for Martin's family and host of a 6 p.m. show on NBC-owned cable news channel MSNBC, allowing Sharpton to appear in MSNBC's coverage and also stand at the center of the story seemed to have paid off for the channel.
MSNBC president Phil Griffin told the website Mediaite that the channel's audience with black viewers rose 60 percent in 2012, in part because of their coverage on stories of concern to people of color, including the Martin case and voter ID laws seen as unfairly impacting racial minorities. That viewership has helped it move past CNN in prime time ratings, as consumers respond to an ever more ideologically split cable news environment.
It's no surprise Zimmerman eventually told his story to conservative Fox News anchor Sean Hannity, who had been asking about a rush to judgment against the shooter since the story's earliest days.
But what does it mean when some news channel hosts abandon the notion of being an honest broker in a controversial news story?
In the end, the frantic pressure forced news outlets to play to their strengths: print outlets tried to own the facts and details, TV (especially on the network morning shows and cable news channels) channeled emotion and reaction, while online platforms concentrated activism and those willing to obsessively focus on the case.
News outlets may not be much better at covering race now than one year ago, but we news consumers have received a crash course on how these incendiary issues play out in the super-fractured, 24/7 media world.
Now, another question arises: Can we put those lessons to work the next time a race-based controversy eats up the news cycle?
The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Eric Deegans.
Don't bring skittles to a gun fight...lol bazzzing haha
Now that the trial is almost over, looking at the comments below explains the problems with coverage of this type of incident. No one knows anything about the facts, and yet they all know who did what and why, HLN has stacked their panels aith members of Trayvon Martin's familys legal team and stacked their "jury" African-Americans. MSNBC has even been worse in their bias. To my great shock, FOX has been the most balanced in their coverage, and I never thought that Fox would be my example of balance.
Then we go to the posters of the various web sites. Here you find that there is almost complete agreement that George Zimmerman is guilty of being a racist and a murderer. No doubt in their minds. They are joined by the far left, bleeding heart liberrals who think that a firearm is a tool of the devil. Their are equally biased whites too. People who are judging Trayvon because he was "black".
We must stop the opinion coverage of these criminal trials The media, as you have stated are looking for ratings and people are looking for spots on tv.
My wish is that people let the system work and accept the decision of the jury. I know it's hard but that is the system.
With the number of burglary cases that are solved is only 23% , can the community continued to be victimized? I don't understand the racial baiting. If I am robbed or assaulted, I am a crime victims. Yet just because Martin was black automatically injects the charge of racially motivated crime. How can society care, when the wolf cries race too often.
It's a shame how respect has disappeared with the young and old.
Knock, Knock
– Who's There?
George Zimmerman
– George Zimmerman, who?
George Zimmerman is Guilty.
What would have happen if Trayvon Martin would have been shoot by another black youth? Do you think Reverends Jackson and Sharpton would have been interested in the case? I am appalled at the lack of leadership in the black community against extreme violence such as in this case and the black on black killings we see everyday in Chicago, DC and Miami to name a few. It seems that it is OK for a black to kill a black but not acceptable for someone else to do it. Racism is a two way street and for what I see, the black leadership is as racist as those they accuse of the same act.
Do your research. I'm not a Jackson or a Sharpton fan but they both have continuously marched against and crusaded against black on black crime-related issues. They should be given credit where credit is due.
44 year old military veteran, emergency room nurse, and prior police officer, martial arts instructor,
GZ needs to spend a substantial amount of time in jail. Vigilantes are not allowed! This message needs to be crystal clear! Even if TM was a young undisciplined man he did not deserve to die! Let the police do their job, and if you are thinking about being a vigilante do yourself a favor, pack your bags and your family and move to North Dakota where your nearest neighbor is 50 miles away! Have a nice day America I have your back! and your front!
I call BS on your statement. If you had all that experience you would know that there is a difference between a vigilante and someone defending them self. GZ has not been convicted yet and you are already calling him a vigilante. What if GZ was attacked by Martin? Does he not have the right to defend himself? Maybe an experience martial artist can control a situation like that, but the average person shouldn't be expected to. If your life is threatened by someone else, you have the right to defend yourself even with a gun if necessary. If GZ shot Martin for no reason I would agree that he should suffer the consequences. But from what evidence has come out, it looks to me that it may have been self defense. But that is up to the jury to decide.
I agree that none of this would have happened had GZ stayed in his van, but it did. I refuse to believe GZ stalked and shot TM because he was black and GZ had a gun. It sure seems like many that comment consider a person approaching you and asking you what you are doing as an assault that justifies beating the person asking. I bet, had TM simply answered politely, he would be alive today. Perhaps the lesson learned should be, be guarded, but do not assault simply because you don't like being questioned, especially from someone that does not match your skin colour.....
it's not that GZ set out to kill when he followed Trayvon with a gun (even tho' the 911 operator told him to stay in the car), just like it's not that teen-aged Jason set out to impregnate Emily when he went to the all-nighter at her house with several 6-packs (even though his mother told him to stay in the house). SECOND degree does not require a plan.
The sad truth of the tragic evening in Sanford, Florida, is not one of the learned posters has any firsthand knowledge of the events leading up to the unfortunate death of the young Mr. Martin. I would suggest the past character traits attributed either Mr. Martin or Mr. Zimmerman are irrelevant in the sense that one or both may have acted out-of-character during the faithful encounter.
The simple truth is the jury, after considering all the evident the court deems relevant, must determine 1) who was the aggressor, 2) was the response appropriate or excessive and 3) if excessive does it rise to criminality.
The issues of race, neighborhood watch, alleged unseemly behavior and/or out-of-place character are nonsense.
Glad I am not in the jury pool.
Within several weeks, the next legal circus from Florida will begin. I wasn't at the crime scene, I couldn't tell anyone with any degree of certainty what happened in Sanford that fateful night. The only thing I know for sure is the worst race-baiter, liar and extortionist Al Sharpton has his ilk convinced that has GZ convicted and sentenced before the jury has heard one shred of evidence. You can already hear the tired strain of "No Justice, No Peace" coming out of the mouths of blacks if GZ is acquitted. No way in hell will blacks accept such a verdict. How many whites burned buildings and rioted LA after OJ Simpson was acquitted in 1995? ZERO! How many MILLIONS
so far I see nothing to convict zimmerman on. Remember zimmerman has to proove nothing. The state must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that it was not self defence. The prosecution needs a Mark Furman some hard edience of premedition. Now that the defence has this edivence if the state has something that would show that zimmerman was a raceist then the defence will be able to Martin was a violent dope smokeing thief. This defence really has the state case in a tight spot.
Pleading self-defense is basically an admission that you committed the act, and the burden of proof now lies with you to prove you were defending yourself. They do try to make killing people a nontrivial matter.
Why is this a race issue? Zimmerman is half Hispanic (and looks it)
Because Martin is Black does not mean he can't be racist against Hispanics. Some Blacks hate Hispanics.
Hey...Fair's fair....right????
Apparently one of Zimmerman's parents is white and that is all it took in this case. You might want to ask race baiter Al Sharpton and the wonderful people in the media the same question.
How does anyone know why was said and done that night? Only God knows! If this man killed that child with intent to murder and than God will handle that and if there was a fight only God knows! Please people stop let God do his work; either one of these people that is at fault for this situation has to see God! Not one of you will gain anything by arguing on a message board.
Very well put, Lisa. I agree. My prayer when someone has hurt me is "May God bless them in the way they should be blessed according to His will." I also so call them, "that wonderful creation of God". I believe all of His creations are wonderful. I'm not pious in any way, but it takes a lot of sting out of the hurt when putting it in God's hands. Blessings for you and yours!
teaches us that every time you get in trouble with a black the other person is always a racist or a hate crime, stop putting race as a defense mechanism and let the justice if there is one take the case objectively and w/o any bias.
"Has the news media learned anything about covering race issues in the wake of the Trayvon Martin shooting?" That is NOT the question. The question is: "Has the media learned to present all the facts and not withhold information so it can inflame readers' emotions and potentially ruin the life of a potentially innocent man?" The answer is clearly: "No!"
The bottom line is that an armed adult shot an unarmed 17 year old. 17 is not considered an adult in my state. Trayvon went our for candy and tea. Sounds like a kid to me, ...he had every right to do so. He should not have been stalked or followed. He didn't have to die that day. And George will live with the outcome of his actions for the rest of his life. One way or another.
Martin already had a school disciplinary record for breaking and entering and possesing stolen jewelry. How do you know he wasn't casing the neighborhood for a burglery like Zimmerman said he was. Why did the 'kid' run when confronted by Zimmerman, the Neighborhood Watch volunteer who was patrolling the streets on behalf of his neighbors with their consent and support? Why did the Kid beat Zimmerman bloody once he was out of breath from chasing the Kid?
MUSE.......Here's the thing......Why did GZ EVER get his fat a** out of his car period!!!!
Doesn't matter if TM was casing granny's house to steal her benz, that is the law enforcement professional's job not GZ's! call 911 and go to bed!
Great!!! The next time a ripped almost-18 yr old tries to beat YOU to death - don't resist the 'child'.
There are thousands of 17 year old young men in prison for first degree murder. So the fact that he was 17 is not of itself a factor for TM to be incapable of doing some serious damage.
Look, Georgie made several bad decisions and now he's looking at a murder rap. But, look, he'll plead to manslaughter before the trial begins, get sentenced to a dime, then out in 5 to 7 on good behavior. And that'll be that. He's going to get off easy. Now can we please move past this?
Really, bad decisions? When is the last time you had your house robbed and trashed because nobody in your neighborhood cared. When is the last time you had someone in your family, or possibly yourself beaten without mercy and their life threatened because some thug felt he/she didn't like the way you were FOLLOWING them. Why don't you go down to central east side Chicago into the BAD neighborhoods and just pay attention to what is happening. Don't tell us that BAD decisions are PAYING attention to something that appears out of place and wrong for the neighborhood. And please keep your meaningless legal opinions where they belong. Zimmerman was AND IS within the scope of the law of Florida law at the time of this crime. BOTH crimes.
Trayvon had NO GZ DNA on him, no abrasions on his hands or knuckles. TM screamed for help. But as long as it's a Black person dead, racists will justify it. It's as American as apple pie.
Zimmerman had a right to defend himself, if in fact he was attacked. But he should NOT have confronted Martin, particularly after he was instructed by a 911 dispatcher to break off the "pursuit." Martin may have been exercising his own version of "stand your ground" when confronted by Zimmerman. What would you think if someone who's not in any type of uniform came up to you on a dark street?
Having said that I believe this tragedy is being used by the race hustlers
Obfuscation at its best. Given the information in the media so far, people seem to be having selective amnesia! GZ going around profiling and tailing TM is wrong - but the moment TM takes down GZ and reaches for his gun, the culpability jumps shoulders! Being profiled cannot justify attempted murder (assuming TM did reach for the gun and threaten to kill GZ while pummeling him, as it seems he did). TM was unarmed, yes, but only until the moment when he reached for the gun and tried to arm himself, whereupon the whole storyline changes. It maybe convenient to wish away this last bit, and if it weren't there, GZ would be guilty as sin. But in presence of that last critical plot twist that some people are ignoring, perhaps in the interest of the bigger 'optics' of racial prejudice, TM's innocence isn't that clear-cut.
GZ has the history of violence, not Trayvon, Gz has the police record, not trayvon, GZ has the history of domestic violence, not Trayvon, and who ends up dead, Trayvon. Even if it turned into a fist fight (again, no DNA evidence, or bruises on TM's hands) that does not justify the use of deadly force. GZ is a COWARD plain, and simple!
Real Lesson is how the PRESS is a mouthpiece for LIB Political witchhunt.
It's almost as if you actually believe what you wrote, LWJR.
What we can learn from the Martin shooting, is that the black leaders and media are complicit in ignoring the real ongoing epidemic of black deaths. The death rate among black young men is sending a generation to their grave early. Thousands of black on black homicides have occurred since the Martin shooting, but no leadership, no news, no concern.
GI Jon, you were there and you saw Trevon (this black kid) sucker punch Zimmerman. Trevon was walking to his dad's home not bothering anyone and GZ decided Trevon was up to no good so he followed him and killed him. GZ is not the law and had no right to follow Trevon. GZ will lie to save his butt.
Zimmerman had every right to walk down the same sidewalk as Trayvon. Trayvon decided to start beating Zimmerman to death, but Zimmerman had a gun to stop Trayvon. Legitimate self-defense for sure. Sharpton never misses a chance to start a riot.
It always amazes me how people twist the facts and the evidence in this case. No matter how you spin it, a witness saw Zimmerman on the ground with Trayvon on top and hitting him, the witness yelled at Trayon to get off of him, but Trayvon continued hitting Zimmerman. That is no longer a fight, but attempted murder, and all evidence points to that. This is open and shut case, Zimmerman had no choice but to defend his LIFE. This has always been about self defense from the very beginning.
NOTHING TM did showed he was scared. In fact if he was then a call would have been made to the police, he would have ran to the dads GF house and went in....did he do those things? NOPE he stayed on the phone with a girl and bypassed going to the house he had time to get to to confront GZ.
GZ had every right to follow him. It's not illegal to approach anyone and ask why are you here. TM didn't live there and neither did his dad.
You want to bring Zimmermans past up but neglect travons past like being suspended for having burglary tools at school and that is exactly what he was being followed for and not being black and according to zimmerman travon attacked him he was just defending himself
Why is it that no one understands that if Zimmerman had stayed in his vehicle as directed by the 911 operator TRAVON WOULD STILL BE ALIVE!! Even more importantly, Zimmerman followed Travon, SO....What about Travon's rRIGHT TO STAND HIS GROUND!!!!!!
Exactly, and that is much of the problem with "stand your ground" laws. Zimmerman's bad judgement in over-zealous community watch activity combined with Travon's adolescent issues & problems to create a physical confrontation. Mistakes (stupidity, folks with problems) are inevitable. Throw in the sanctioning of the use of lethal force whenever a person feels endangered and the recipe for senseless and unnecessary death is complete. Neither Zimmerman nor Travon strike me as being the "bad guy" here, but the flaws in both combined in a way that created a tragic altercation. Add a gun and the likelihood of that tragedy being a deadly one was increased.
Zimmerman was standing by his vehicle when Trayvon assaulted him. These Black Panthers never let facts and legal process get in the way of their race-baiting.
Get the facts straight, listen to the tape again. For one, the operator does not have the same authority as the police and for two, the operator suggested "you don't have to do that" to GZ. That statement is not an order to stop. TM's girlfried told him to run, he did not obey that order either.......
What you can learn from the Trayvon Martin case? Don't raise thugs and pretend your kids are holy little querubim before the rest of the world.
Jorge, what evidence do you have that Travon was a thug?... but let's say he was... Zimmerman started followed him, not the other way around. Thug or not...did he not have the right to defend himself? Perhaps if one of your children were killed defending themselves from a stranger following them though thier own neighborhood... you would think differently. I feel sorry for you.
one only has the right to defend if thy are being ATTACKED...TM was being FOLLOWED which is not illegal! I feel sorry for people like you who think that being questioned of why you are in an area you don"t live in gives you the right to get physical. Not your neighborhood, someone from there questions your reasons for being there ...YOU ANSWER THEM....PERIOD. You don't run, you don't circle their truck, you don't punch and you don't get to act like a jerk.
Thing to learn from the Zimmerman case: Don't raise your boys to be paranoid vigilantes.
don't raise lil thugs who don't know their place. Act like a thug, you get treated as such.
Sorry, but the "Trayvon Martin Case" is another example of media-created hysteria and race-baiting , just like the OJ Simpson trial fiasco.
and where is OJ?
No it's the case where a black kid sucker punches a white man and gets shot travon wasn't defending himself he was the agressor although it sucks he got shot
none of the evidence supports everything that you just said. that's all


text:
Winner's full circle: Do as I say, not as I did
Lauren Winner can make a splash. Girl Meets God documented her conversion from Orthodox Judaism to Christianity, and Mudhouse Sabbath (yes, that's a reference to her favorite Charlottesville caffeine dealership) explored the bonds between the two faiths. These days, though, her name is turning up in sex-themed Internet searches. And she couldn't be happier.
Real Sex: The Naked Truth About Chastity hasn't hit bookstores yet, but it has already started a buzz– including a major piece in the New York Times.
"Younger readers are hungry for books about this topic that are honest," says Winner, a lecturer at UVA while she's completing her Columbia Ph.D. "I don't think I've written the perfect book," she says, "but in some ways this was an effort to write the book that I wish I'd had to read."
To the relief of many of her readers, Winner, now 28 and married, is not really in a position to preach. After all, she lost her virginity at age 15 and continued to have premarital sex even after converting to Christianity.
"One of the reasons why the book took me so long to write was that finding an idiom to talk about something so personal that also has elements of shame was very difficult," she says.
"The core message of my book is quite traditional and Biblical, but the idiom or tone of the book is really much less euphemistic," she says. "On some level I'm sitting back and I'm just curious to see if the lack of euphemism scares off some readers," says Winner, obviously amused at the thought.
She'll be touring heavily to promote the book in the months to come, with a large percentage of the scheduled stops at colleges. "I don't think that this is a book only for college-age readers, but I do think that's one place where sex is very much a live issue," she says.
John Portmann, an assistant professor in the Religious Studies department at UVA, is pleased to see Winner step forward with a modern take on the topic, but isn't sure it will have any effect on campuses. "I don't expect many UVA students to be persuaded by the argument that chastity is a really good idea," he says. "I don't think that chastity is 'in' at UVA."
We'll find out soon enough. Winner will appear at the Center for Christian Studies, near the Corner and in the heart of Wahoo territory, on Thursday, April 21, to talk and sign copies for anybody who's interested– regardless of whether they're students, Christians, or virgins.
"This is probably not the book for everyone," Winner admits, "but I think it will find both a Christian and a non-Christian audience."
Lauren Winner


text:
Figs Wood Fired Bistro Pies in Sandy Hook, Connecticut
Figs Wood Fired Bistro
105 Church Hill Rd, Sandy Hook, CT (map); 203.426.5503; figswoodfiredbistro.com
Oven type: Custom wood-fired brick oven. The Skinny: Not your typical pies, Figs throws down compelling combinations that rival bistro fare.
Price: Eight options from $13 to $16 with additional toppings $2
Notes: Open for dinner only; Closed Sundays
The wood-fired brick oven pizzas at Figs are anything but pizza. These bistro pies are built with thin, crispy crusts that largely forgo the mozzarella and tomato duo in favor of piles of intricate toppings; components that echo the American bistro dishes that make up the rest of the menu at this popular Sandy Hook, CT restaurant. If it weren't for the prominent custom-made brick oven and a steady flow of take-out pizza boxes, you might otherwise skip the pizza menu altogether, which would be a travesty.
Beginning with organic white or whole stone ground wheat, a defiantly thin crust emerges from the Figs wood-burning stove, forming the basis for their eight signature pizzas. Minutes after biting into one of these pies, the salty, crispy crust (without much discernible chew) will already be a distant memory. It's more of a utensil at Figs, meant to wield the bold flavors and heavy pile of ingredients that make up their pizzas.
Their wood-fired pies come in one-size and range in scope from the popular Roasted Fig, to a heavily adorned Potato Pie. In addition to their list of nine pizzas, you can create your own pizza at Figs with a short list of ingredients to set you on your way.
The eponymous Roasted Fig is a joy ride. It features figs, gorgonzola, garlic, walnuts, and arugula. Beginning with a whole wheat crust, the pie is then smothered with a layer of garlicky roasted figs (seemingly puréed) creating a sticky and sweet base. Atop this fruity layer you'll find loads of pungent gorgonzola that would dominate the pie were it not for a final layer of sweetly dressed arugula and walnuts. The final layer of greens is tossed generously with a honey balsamic glaze. The dueling flavors of sweet and savory are woven together so evenly on this pizza you may have trouble deciding if this is dinner or dessert. The purist in you may cringe, but your inner child may revel in one thought: If this pizza were a sandwich, it would most certainly be peanut butter and jelly. And who doesn't love a PB&J?
A second pizza, the Potato Pie, was equally disarming. Paper-thin slices of new potatoes are topped with rosemary, bacon, Vermont cheddar, Pecorino Romano cheese, and finished with a drizzle of parsley-tinged olive oil, all on top one of their regular white flour crusts. This pie has a bit more chew at the base, but is constructed with an equally complex layer of flavors. Each bite had a nice ratio of oil-slicked, herb roasted potato that exceeded the thickness of the crust. If pizza could be transformed into a loaded baked potato, this would be it.
Located in the heart of Sandy Hook, CT, Figs opened about a year ago by chefs/owners Joe and Katherine Tartaglia who oversee these inventive pizzas, and a full list of entrees and salads. Most of the pizzas, which hover around $15, are available in either white or whole wheat.
Beyond their unforgettable pizzas, Figs' menu is comprised of classic bistro fare nominally inspired by its location (a "Newtownian" chicken sandwich, a "Route 6" burger, to name just a few). But it's clear that pies are at the core of their business, and their departure from the red sauce pies prevalent in this Connecticut neighborhood has helped to keep Figs a prominent restaurant destination in northern Fairfield County.
All products linked here have been independently selected by our editors. We may earn a commission on purchases, as described in our affiliate policy.


text:
With Cunning Needle: Four Centuries of Embroidery
September 3, 2011–January 8, 2012
In 2006 Plimoth Plantation in Massachusetts began an exciting and innovative project to accurately re-create a 17th-century embroidered woman's jacket. The process of designing and making what has become known as the Plimoth Jacket has shed new light on the tools and methods employed by the skilled embroiderers of the 1600s. Using the Plimoth Jacket as a touchstone, With Cunning Needle delved into the designs, materials, techniques, and makers of embroidery over four centuries and and explored the history of embroidery and invites visitors to take a closer look at the wide array of styles, technology, and people reflected by this art form.
Related Information
- Read the gallery guide.
- Learn more about the Plimoth Jacket.
- Read about Winterthur's textiles and needlework collection.
- Find out about Winterthur's previous needlework exhibition, Who's Your Daddy, on view from October 4, 2008 to August 17, 2009.
Major funding provided by Jeanne L. Asplundh; Asplundh Foundation; Deborah Autorino; Leslie B. Durst; M. Finkel & Daughter; Leslie and Hans Fleischner; Judy and John Herdeg; Thistle Threads, LLC; Coleman and Susan Townsend; Tru-Vue, Inc.; Darcy Walker; Jan Whitlock; and Dr. Patricia Wilson-Nguyen.