text: Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums :: View topic - Name of Dance around the world Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums"The Internet's Meeting Place for ESL/EFL Students and Teachers from Around the World!" FAQ Search Memberlist Usergroups Register Profile Log in to check your private messages Log in Name of Dance around the world Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums Forum Index -> Culture View previous topic :: View next topic Author Message black seaJoined: 20 Oct 2006Posts: 56Location: Dubai Posted: Fri Nov 23, 2007 11:27 pm Post subject: Name of Dance around the world Hi every body in this article I want to each person to write name of Dane from his/her country country and post some picture about Dane and if it possible put link of video I'm from Dubai which is in Middle East Yaweela Yaweela vidio http://www.ma7room.com/ywelah_vidio/rashd_alnqbe.htm Razfa If some one know about South Africa Dance please write Name for me I want to know about South Africa Hope you like my topic Back to top Bob S.Joined: 29 Apr 2004Posts: 1767Location: So. Cal Posted: Sat Nov 24, 2007 10:52 pm Post subject: One traditional form of dance in my country is the square dance. See it here. Not many younger people do it any more. Mostly it is for older people._________________"It is impossible to speak in such a way that you cannot be misunderstood." -- Karl Popper Back to top black seaJoined: 20 Oct 2006Posts: 56Location: Dubai Posted: Sun Nov 25, 2007 11:54 pm Post subject: Thanks a lot for reapplying (: I saw the video it looks nice Waiting for more replies (: Back to top asterixJoined: 26 Jan 2003Posts: 1654 Posted: Mon Nov 26, 2007 4:06 pm Post subject: How come it's only men dancing in Dubai? Do the women do any dancing? Back to top black seaJoined: 20 Oct 2006Posts: 56Location: Dubai Posted: Wed Nov 28, 2007 5:41 am Post subject: There is a dance for women, but its not popular in these days In past Emeriti women did dance and these days we bring ladies from different culture to dance for example morocco's women, by the way Emirates children still do this dance in Nationality day which is in 2\12 after 4 days and this the picture , dance name is Nash but you didn't told me about Name of Dance in your country Back to top Display posts from previous: All Posts1 Day7 Days2 Weeks1 Month3 Months6 Months1 Year Oldest FirstNewest First Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums Forum Index -> Culture All times are GMT - 8 Hours Page 1 of 1 Jump to: Select a forum Student Forums----------------ComputersCurrent NewsCultureEnglish SchoolsFamilyFilm and CinemaFoodHealth and FitnessHelp CenterHobbiesHolidaysLearning EnglishLiteratureMaking FriendsMusicOpinionsPetsScienceSportsThe Strange and MysteriousTOEFL and Other English ExamsTravel You cannot post new topics in this forumYou cannot reply to topics in this forumYou cannot edit your posts in this forumYou cannot delete your posts in this forumYou cannot vote in polls in this forum Dave's ESL Cafe is maintained by the one and only Dave Sperling. Banner Advertising | Bookstore / Alta Books | FAQs | Articles | Interview with Dave Copyright © 2018 Dave's ESL Cafe | All Rights Reserved | Contact Dave's ESL Cafe | Site Map Teachers College, Columbia University: Train to Teach English Here or Abroad Powered by phpBB © 2001, 2002 phpBB Group

subset: commoncrawl


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On February 17th (seems like ages ago doesn't it?) the 48 car entered in the Daytona 500 field failed it's initial race entry inspection because of illegal C-posts. The C-Posts were confiscated by NASCAR and the team was allowed to repair the 48 car and go back through inspection and then into practice. First thought is where the heck is the C-Post…well I found and stole this graphic from an old article on NASCAR.com:
Anyway- today NASCAR announced the "punishment" for the illegal parts. They were found to be in violation of three sections of the NASCAR rulebook*:
Sections 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing); 12-4J (any determination by NASCAR officials that race equipment used in the event does not conform to NASCAR rules detailed in Section 20 of the rule book or has not been approved by NASCAR prior to the event); and 20-2.1E (if in the judgment of NASCAR officials, any part or component of the car not previously approved by NASCAR that has been installed or modified to enhance aerodynamic performance will not be permitted – unapproved car body modifications)
Chad Knaus, crew chief of the 48, was fined $100,000 and suspended for 6 weeks. Car chief of the 48, Ron Malec, was also suspended for 6 weeks. Jimmie Johnson was fined 25 driver points. Jeff Gordon was fined 25 owner points.
Wow…is it me or is that a little heavy handed? I posted a sentiment like that on my facebook and I guess it might just be me. But never the less I stand by my initial reaction that it's a harsh penalty…too harsh. I have several reasons why I think the fines are a bit much:
- It's my understanding that this particular car had been used several times last season. If that is the case- why did it not fail any of those numerous inspections? (Initial inspection, post qualifying inspection, post race inspection). I mean sure I suppose the car could have been completely changed during the off season- but really?
- NASCAR needs to be more consistant with it's fines. What do I mean by this? Consider this- Clint Bowyer's car failed post-qualifying inspection. Yet NASCAR did not offer any fines whatsoever there- not even a mention of possible fines the whole week between qualifying and race day. Yet as soon as the 48 failed inspection on Friday- it was news and talk of heavy fines floated around the team ALL week long. While the parts that failed inspection are apples and oranges- the end result is this- the cars were both non-standard and thus failed inspection. Yet one team was heavily penalized and the other was let go without even a slap on the wrist. This is unfair and unequal treatment between teams. NASCAR needs to decide whether or not they are going to be heavy handed rulebook thumpers or the nice "give a team the benefit of the doubt" kind of sanctioning body. It can't be both.
- Since it was the initial inspection and the team never practiced or qualified with the offending parts on the car, I don't think it should be fined at all. Technically the team gained nothing from the offending parts because they did not USE said parts- the car never touched track. They removed them and I assume that the car that Jimmie raced in the 500 this past Monday had no technical issues (with the exception of the big technical issue of being crashed in lap two). This, going back to the Clint Bowyer senario mentioned in 2, is really unfair because if there was something unstandard on Bowyer's car he practiced and qualified the offending part- having gained some possible benefit from it.
Now I am sure some people will argue with "But Chad has done this before- remember when he was suspended and Darian Grubb took the helm as crew chief?" Yes, I have not forgotten this. My thought in this- Chad and the 48 team have already paid for those mistakes…Chad was removed and fined for those issues. That issue is closed. This is a separate issue. To that arguement doesn't make any sense. It's like a tardy student getting expelled instead of suspended this year because they had an unexcused absence and and an additional unexcused absence five years ago, that they already served a detention for five years ago.
So there you have my three reasons I think NASCAR was heavy handed with the fines. Misty, while agreeing with me in general that the NASCAR punishment is too harsh, also has some good albeit different points about the situation and I highly suggest that you read her post about it as well: The 48 Smackdown: Overkill.
* I want a rulebook. Just because.


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BELMONT, N.C. – The King University men's wrestling team continued their dual schedule on Thursday night at Belmont Abbey College. The Tornado fell behind early, but rolled off four straight wins to take control of the bout en route to the 28-12 victory.
After King fell behind 3-0, D'Marcus Spencer got the Tornado momentum rolling as he pinned Gabe Pastirik in 1:50 at 133 pounds. Bryce Killian followed with solid 12-5 decision over Clemente Narviaz at 141 to give King a 9-3 lead. Frank Yattoni IV then took a win by medical forfeit at 149 before JA Jones earned his 10th pin of the season, pinning John Glunt in 2:23.
However, Belmont Abbey took back-to-back wins at 165 and 174 to cut their deficit to 21-9 with three bouts left. Blaike Henry extended the Tornado lead when he defeated Kwame Seymour on a major decision, 17-5 at 184 pounds. Garrett Fosdyck capped the Tornado victory with an 8-2 win over Glenn Cothren at 285 pounds.
King will be in action again on Sunday when they host the King Duals in the Student Center Complex. The Tornado will face Ohio Valley University at 11:30 a.m., followed by a bout with Coker College at 1:00 p.m.


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Dave D'Onofrio's Patriots Notebook: Bills' Spiller must be stoppedDAVE D'ONOFRIO
September 07. 2013 6:57PM
As today's opener at Orchard Park has approached, the Patriots have watched from afar as the Bills have endeavored to answer a rather pertinent and pressing question: Who would play quarterback for Buffalo?
At various points in the preseason the possibilities included Kevin Kolb and Matt Leinart, and even undrafted rookie Kevin Tuel, before finally settling on 2013 first-round pick E.J. Manuel, who may have been the choice all along but was limited by an ailing knee midway through camp.
Either way, it was an uncertain mess full of injuries, inexperience and ineptitude - which is not a good way to begin the year at the game's most important position, and which has prompted many to believe the Patriots will start their season with an easy win.
And they will. As long as they can do one thing.
As long as they don't allow C.J. Spiller to dominate and dictate the game.
"They made it clear that's their guy," New England defensive lineman Vince Wilfork told reporters Friday, acknowledging that while most teams in today's NFL are built around their quarterback, the Bills at this point are centered on Spiller, the explosive back who ranked sixth league-wide in yards from scrimmage last season.
He can run, he can catch, and he can make big plays no matter how the ball gets in hands, which is why he should be such a focus for the Patriots today. If they allow him to hit for one or two of those game-changers, it'll make things all the easier for Manuel. It'll alleviate pressure, it'll prevent him from having to match an all-timer like Tom Brady, it'll create opportunities for the athletic quarterback to make plays with his own legs.
It'll make things suddenly difficult for New England if they let Spiller get loose. And it's already going to be difficult enough to contain him.
"They're going to try to get the ball to him in the run game, in the pass game, and why wouldn't you? He's an explosive guy," Wilfork said. "He can hurt you anywhere on the field. We have to do a really good job up front, just being responsible for our gaps, understand where he can hurt us - and that's everywhere."
Spiller touched the ball 250 times a year ago, snatching 43 passes in addition to ranking second in the league with an average gain of 6.0 yards per rush. He had 32 runs of at least 10 yards, and a dozen of those went for at least 20, which trailed only Adrian Peterson.
"He's one of the most explosive players in the league," said Pats Coach Bill Belichick. "He's a combination of a back and a receiver. He's a hard guy to tackle, a hard guy to cover; a versatile player who has a lot of skill. He's one of the toughest players in the league to match up against."
It'll make an interesting initial challenge, then, for a defensive line that has undergone an overhaul since last season, and that Belichick doesn't appear content with from a depth perspective. The four starters - Wilfork, Tommy Kelly, Chandler Jones and Rob Ninkovich - are solid, but the Patriots have made 25 transactions involving defensive linemen since the end of last season.
That suggests Belichick is still not satisfied. And if Spiller can exploit the backups for a couple bit plays today, it could be trouble for New England - though if he can't, of course, the Patriots shouldn't have much of a problem winning a game where the Bills count primarily on their quarterback. Then it should be an easy win.
As long as they can keep Spiller in check.
"Trust me, our hands are full," Wilfork said. "I'm pretty sure they're going to give us everything we can handle."
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UNDERRATED: The Bills recent history against the Patriots. It's an oft-cited fact that the Patriots have lost to the Bills just once since the 2003 season opener, though that record has no real impact on today's game - and it ignores just how tough Buffalo has been for New England the past couple years.
The Bills' lone win of the last decade came in September 2011, then later that season they had a 21-0 lead before the Pats ran off 49 straight points. Last season the first meeting was tied 21-21 in the fourth quarter, then New England needed a Devin McCourty interception in the end zone with 28 seconds left to pull out a 37-31 win.
- - - - - - - -
OVERRATED: Mario Williams. He finished the first year of his enormous free-agent contract with 10.5 sacks, which was the most he'd had since 2008, and which would suggest he had a pretty good season. However, he had only one sack in six division games, and five of his total was accumulated in two games against Arizona and Indianapolis - teams that ranked among the top 10 in most sacks allowed last season. He hasn't made the impact the Bills had hoped for.
- - - - - - - -
KEEP AN EYE ON: The New England receivers. That fresh-faced group would be a focal point anyway, as everybody - the Patriots included - looks to see how Danny Amendola and the rookies work with Brady when the games count for real, but it'll be even intriguing to watch today because with Buffalo's two best players in the secondary (cornerback Stephon Gilmore and safety Jairus Byrd) expected to sit with injuries, there are likely to be opportunities for the youngsters to make plays.
- - - - - - - - - -
KEY MATCHUP: Patriots running game vs. Bills defense. In Buffalo last year the Patriots had two backs surpass the 100-yard plateau, with Brandon Bolden (137) joining Stevan Ridley. Then, in the rematch, Ridley nearly hit the mark again (98). The Bills allowed the second-most rushing yards in football a year ago, surrendering 5.0 per carry, so expect New England to keep ramming it down their collective throat until they prove capable of stopping it.
- - - - - - - - -
STAT OF THE WEEK: Rob Gronkowski has scored in every game he's played against his hometown Bills, averaging six catches, 91 yards, and 1 1/2 touchdowns over the past two seasons. He's doubtful today, but look for Zach Sudfeld to fill his role at tight end - perhaps with similar production.
Dave D'Onofrio covers the Patriots for the New Hampshire Union Leader and Sunday News. His e-mail address is firstname.lastname@example.com.


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Another View -- Rob Kasper: GOP needs to listen to our young voters if it hopes to succeedROB KASPER
January 16. 2013 11:17PM
In this Republican's opinion, three things stood out in the last election:
1. We were demolished in the election day ground game.
2. The Democrats killed us on the question of "which party cares about me."
3. So many Republicans in leadership positions want to cry foul instead of fixing our problems.
I have found that young Republicans, such as my four daughters, are begging for a rebranding of our party's message. We have allowed the Democrats to define who we are, and the Democrats' definition of us as a political party is not pretty. We must not allow the disturbing college campus trend of a four-to-one allegiance with the Democrats to continue.
The rebranding of our party must begin by bringing younger Republicans into leadership positions in our state party. The leaders of the College Republicans and Young Republicans in New Hampshire need to be working members of our executive committee or at least enlisted as a focus group to help us rework our party message and our media delivery platforms.
Young people in the work force should be our natural constituency, but they will only identify with the Republican Party if our message of personal freedom, fiscal soundness and job creation reaches them over the Democrats' siren call of class warfare and sexual freedom. My own daughters have often commented to me on the tone-deafness of many Republican leaders when it comes to issues that matter to under-30 voters.
Our party was founded on the natural law premise that all men are created equal. For more than a century, through the civil rights struggles of the 1960s, our party held that banner. We are the party of Edward Brooke, whose election to the U.S. Senate in 1966 ended an 85-year absence of African-American senators. We are the party that pushed the Civil Rights Act of 1964 through Congress against the resistance of Southern Democrats such as Al Gore Sr. We are the party that has always championed personal freedom and responsibility, and we need to push back hard against the continuous Democrat rewriting of history.
Republicans were also at the forefront of women's suffrage. John Campbell, a Republican and the first governor of the Wyoming Territory, approved the first law in United States history explicitly granting women the right to vote. The law was approved on Dec. 10, 1869. The key vote on the 19th Amendment allowing women to vote came on June 4, 1919, when the Senate approved the amendment by 56 to 25 after four hours of debate, during which Democratic senators opposed to the amendment filibustered to prevent a roll call. Upon the final vote, the ayes included 36 Republicans and 20 Democrats. The nays comprised eight Republicans and 17 Democrats.
The Young Republicans and College Republicans are naturals to help us in this rebranding effort. They should be helping to lead our state committee not only in rebranding our message, but also in using technology to disseminate that message outside of the mainstream media.
We also desperately need to invest our limited fiscal resources in developing a locally based ground game that is capable of identifying new Republican voters and then getting them to the polls on Election Day. ORCA and similar top-down programs are extremely expensive and doomed to catastrophic failure.
I think the young people of this country need to be told that we want their input and, more importantly, we will take action on their ideas.
Rob Kasper of Walpole is the Area 4 vice chairman of the Republican State Committee.


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LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Mars rover Curiosity is humming again after being sidelined by back-to-back computer problems.
The six-wheel rover fired up its onboard laboratories and analyzed a pinch of rock dust over the weekend. It had been unable to perform science experiments since late last month after experiencing a computer memory problem.
Mission managers say Curiosity will work for a week before it takes another break. But this one is planned, because the sun will block communications between Earth and Mars.
Before the computer woes, Curiosity drilled into a rock, tested the powder and found it contained some of the chemical ingredients necessary for microbial life. There are plans to drill into another rock before setting off for a mountain later this year.


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Name: Pentax WG-III GPS camera
What it is: A rugged, waterproof 16-megapixel advanced point-and-shoot that fits almost every adventure, with GPS to note where photos were taken. It is shockproof from 6 1/2 feet, coldproof to 14 degrees, waterproof to 45 feet and crushproof to 220 pounds of force. It also can shoot high-definition video. Other features include shake-reduction technology, an optical 4X zoom lens, six LED macro lights around the lens and a high-resolution 3-inch color LCD monitor. The camera uses a rechargeable lithium ion battery and comes with a custom USB charging cable and power adapter, a stand, an ArcSoft photo software program for Mac or PC and a carabiner strap to attach the WG-III to a belt or backpack.
The good: This is the ideal camera for most adventurers. It has survived drops, dust, swims and most dives without a scratch from the Rhine River in Germany to the ocean at Koror, Palau. Automatic settings cover almost any situation: shooting at night or moving in close with food or far away with panoramas. It also works well with action photos and underwater video. In addition, there are settings for time-lapse images or even superclose shots as if from a digital microscope.
The bad: In some low-light situations, I longed for a manual setting. Also, do not dive below the 45-foot waterproof limit. When I accidentally descended to about 55 feet, the LCD monitor was damaged even though I didn't turn the camera on until I was at 40 feet. The camera still worked without the LCD display, but I couldn't see what I was shooting.
Cost: $349.95.
Available from: pentaxwebstore.com, bhphotovideo.com, amazon.com and bestbuy.com.


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Public lecture on women soldiers from Fiji to be held on November 8University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa
Outreach Director, Center for Pacific Islands
Dr. Teresia Teaiwa, Senior Lecturer and Program Director of Pacific Studies at Victoria University of Wellington will present a public lecture on Thursday, November 8, at 5:30 p.m. at UH Mānoa's Hālau o Haumea, Kamakakūokalani Center for Hawaiian Studies. The lecture is free and open to the public.
In 2008-2010, Teaiwa conducted research and collected oral histories of women from Fiji who had served in either the British Army (BA) or Fiji Military Forces (FMF). The research was funded with a Royal Society of New Zealand Marsden award and Victoria University of Wellington research and study leave grant. Teaiwa is currently completing her book manuscript on Fiji's three generations of women soldiers: a British Army cohort from 1961, an FMF cohort from 1988, and a post-1998 cohort comprised by both BA and FMF recruitments.
In the broader context of trying to understand the cultural, economic, and political challenges raised by the extensive militarization of Fiji society since the 1970's and the disturbing cycle of military coups the country has experienced over the last twenty-five years, Teaiwa will describe how she has approached writing her book and how she has tried to empathize with her research participants while maintaining a critical analytical position vis-à-vis the military and militarism.
In a separate project, Teaiwa has also been writing poetry inspired by her research with women soldiers. The session will close with a reading of some of these poems as well as a poem by Kathy Jetnil-Kijiner. Jetnil-Kijiner is from the Marshall Islands and graduated from Mills College with a BA in English. She is a poet, writer, performance artist, and journalist and has performed in the Marshall Islands, United States, and England.
Teaiwaʻs academic interests focus on nationalism and regionalism in the Pacific; articulations of culture and politics/indigenous rights and democracy/feminism in the Pacific; and Pacific Studies and pedagogy. Her current research is on the gendered dynamics of militarism in the Pacific.
The lecture is co-sponsored by the Center for Pacific Islands Studies, Kamakakūokalani Center for Hawaiian Studies, the Gladys Kamakakūokalani 'Ainoa Brandt Chair, and Department of Women's Studies. Dr. Teaiwa's visit is sponsored by the Church of the Crossroads as part of the 2012 Watada Lecture.
For additional information and disability access, please contact Katherine Higgins at (808) 956-2658.


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Colin AndersonFree Agent
Tight End
Ht: | Wt:
News | Stats | Stat vs. Team | Targets | Injury | Depth Chart | Roster
|Rec Yds
|Rec Avg
|Rec TD
|Rec 2pt
|Rush Yds
|Rush TD
|Fum Lost
|Jets | Reduce roster by six
Sun, 24 Aug 2014 09:06:24 -0700
The New York Jets released WR Jacoby Ford, WR Mike Campbell, TE Colin Anderson, FB Chad Young, DE Anthony Grady and CB Ras-I Dowling Sunday, Aug. 24.
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|| Source: New York Daily News - Seth Walder
|Jets | Colin Anderson exits
Tue, 29 Jul 2014 12:08:37 -0700
New York Jets TE Colin Anderson (thumb) left practice early Tuesday, July 29.
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|| Source: ESPNNewYork.com - Rich Cimini
|Jets | Three TEs to compete for one or two spots
Thu, 03 Jul 2014 14:44:41 -0700
New York Jets TEs Zach Sudfeld, Chris Pantale and Colin Anderson will compete for one or two roster spots during training camp. It is not known if the team will keep three or four tight ends on their final roster.
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|| Source: The Star-Ledger - Dom Cosentino
|Jets | Eight signed to futures contracts
Tue, 31 Dec 2013 17:24:17 -0800
The New York Jets signed TE Colin Anderson, DT T.J. Barnes, WR Mike Campbell, DT Tevita Finau, C Dalton Freeman, LB Tim Fugger, WR Dwight Jones and S Rontez Miles to futures contracts Tuesday, Dec. 31.
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|| Source: New York Daily News - Manish Mehta
|Giants | Work out 20 players
Wed, 30 Oct 2013 20:15:16 -0700
The New York Giants worked out 20 players Tuesday, Oct. 29. The list of attendees, confirmed by a league source with knowledge of the situation, includes DE Kendrick Adams (Bengals), TE Colin Anderson (Vikings), WR Danny Coale (Colts), QB B.J. Coleman (Packers), LS Bryce Davis (Bengals), WR Reggie Dunn (Packers), FB Kendall Gaskins (Titans), QB Jerrod Johnson (Steelers), C Kevin Kowalski (Cowboys), RB Miguel Maysonet (Chargers), PK Brandon McManus (Colts), PK Patrick Murray (Fordham), OG Eric Olsen (Broncos), WR Preston Parker (Saints), OT Willie Smith (Raiders), CB Trevin Wade (Browns), RB Cam White (Texas Christian), RB Keiland Williams (Redskins), LB Lawrence Wilson (Titans) and P Brad Wing (Eagles).
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|| Source: The Star-Ledger - Conor Orr
|Jets | Work out Colin Anderson
Tue, 01 Oct 2013 10:44:28 -0700
The New York Jets worked out free agent TE Colin Anderson (Vikings) Tuesday, Oct. 1.
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|Vikings | Four cut
Sat, 31 Aug 2013 12:21:34 -0700
The Minnesota Vikings waived TE Colin Anderson, TE Chase Ford, LB Tyrone McKenzie and RB Joe Banyard.
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|| Source: Minneapolis Star Tribune - Chip Scoggins


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The Placement and Counselling Centre publicizes information about employment opportunities and makes information available about higher education in India and other countries. Placement talks are arranged and facilities are provided for Campus interviews. A large number of students have been able to secure good jobs through the placement in some of the reputed multinational companies, Govt. agencies, etc.
Placement Details for 2014-2015
For More Information of our Schools / Departments and Courses: Please check Academics on main page
Placement Officer:
Shri Ashish Jacob Thomas
Telephone : (040) 23132110
Ms. Prerna
Telephone : (040) 23132140 /23011831
For a list of MoU's Signed click here


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Indiana Secretary of State Todd Rokita Continues Middle East Election Oversight Trip with Visit to Afghanistan
Contact: Jim Gavin
(Ali Al Saleem Air Force Base, Kuwait) – Indiana Secretary of State Todd Rokita returned today to Kuwait after visiting troops and military voting representatives at the Bagram Air Force base and Camp Eggers in Afghanistan – his second trip into a combat zone this week. He encouraged all Indiana residents to follow the lead of Hoosier soldiers by registering to vote by the October 6 deadline and going to the polls in November.
During the May 2008 primary in Indiana, voting among military personnel overseas was up more than 500 percent compared to the turnout in the 2006 primary, the last federal election cycle. To date, Hoosiers serving in the military stateside and abroad have requested more than 5,700 ballots for the November election.
"It is obvious that our men and women in uniform are enthusiastic about the upcoming elections and are very informed about the races on the ballot back home," said Secretary Rokita. "Their level of attention and rate of participation is impressive and inspirational, and I hope to see that same spirit and turnout across Indiana in towns large and small."
Secretary Rokita was among five secretaries of state invited by the Department of Defense to travel into Iraq and Afghanistan to inspect the absentee ballot process and meet with troops and military voting representatives. The delegation will also visit Landstuhl Air Force Base in Germany before returning home this weekend.
"This has been an encouraging trip for me as a chief election officer to see first-hand the amount of respect for and dedication to the voting process among our troops in the field," said Secretary Rokita. "In Indiana, we're doing everything we can to establish the best mechanisms possible to allow our troops to vote and making sure the process is available to every soldier who wants to use it. It is my hope every soldier does use it. From what I've observed, commanding officers, support personnel and voting assistance officers here are also very devoted to ensuring the integrity of the process."
Secretary Rokita is currently in Kuwait and will be available to speak with reporters about his trips to Iraq and Afghanistan via teleconference today at 10:15 a.m. EDT:
Teleconference Dial-in: 1-866-910-4857
Passcode: 844795
As Indiana's chief election officer and immediate past president of the National Association of Secretaries of State, Secretary Rokita has promoted policies and technological innovations necessary to ensure military personnel can vote from overseas. For more information on what his office makes available military and overseas voters, go to http://www.in.gov/sos/elections/pdfs/movg_08.pdf.
Indiana residents can register to vote by October 6 at the office of their county clerk or election board or can download the Voter Registration form at http://www.indianavoters.com/
Media Contact: Jim Gavin, 317.233.8655, email@example.com


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Justice Anthony Kennedy, often the decisive vote in close cases, joined the four more liberal justices Wednesday in raising questions about the provision of the federal Defense of Marriage Act that is being challenged at the Supreme Court.
Kennedy said the law appears to intrude on the power of states that have chosen to recognize same-sex marriages. Other justices said the law creates what Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg called two classes of marriage, full and "skim-milk marriage."
The federal law affects a range of benefits available to married couples, including tax breaks, survivor benefits and health insurance for spouses of federal employees.
It still is possible the court could dismiss the case for procedural reasons, though that prospect seemed less likely than it did in Tuesday's argument over gay marriage in California.
The motivation behind the 1996 federal law, passed by large majorities in Congress and signed by President Bill Clinton, was questioned repeatedly by Justice Elena Kagan.
She read from a House of Representatives report explaining that the reason for the law was "to express moral disapproval of homosexuality." The quote produced an audible reaction in the courtroom.
Paul Clement, representing the House Republican leadership in defending the law, said the more relevant question is whether Congress had "any rational basis for the statute." He supplied one, the federal government's interest in treating same-sex couples the same no matter where they live.
Clement said the government does not want military families "to resist transfer from West Point to Fort Sill because they're going to lose their benefits." The U.S. Military Academy at West Point is in New York, where same-sex marriage is legal, and Fort Sill is in Oklahoma, where gay marriages are not legal.
Earlier Wednesday
In the second of back-to-back gay marriage cases, the Supreme Court is turning to a constitutional challenge to the law that prevents legally married gay Americans from collecting federal benefits generally available to straight married couples.
A section of the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act says marriage may only be a relationship between a man and a woman for purposes of federal law, regardless of state laws that allow same-sex marriage.
Lower federal courts have struck down the measure, and now the justices, in nearly two hours of scheduled argument Wednesday, will consider whether to follow suit.
A somewhat smaller crowd gathered outside the court Wednesday, mainly gay marriage supporters who held American and rainbow flags. One man wore a rainbow flag as a cape. "Two, four, six, eight, we do not discriminate," a group chanted at one point.
The DOMA argument follows Tuesday's case over California's ban on same-sex marriage, a case in which the justices indicated they might avoid a major national ruling on whether America's gays and lesbians have a right to marry. Even without a significant ruling, the court appeared headed for a resolution that would mean the resumption of gay and lesbian weddings in California.
Marital status is relevant in more than 1,100 federal laws that include estate taxes, Social Security survivor benefits and health benefits for federal employees. Lawsuits around the country have led four federal district courts and two appeals courts to strike down the law's Section 3, which defines marriage. In 2011, the Obama administration abandoned its defense of the law but continues to enforce it. House Republicans are now defending DOMA in the courts.
Same-sex marriage is legal in nine states and the District of Columbia. The states are Connecticut, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Vermont and Washington. It also was legal in California for less than five months in 2008.
The justices chose for their review the case of Edith Windsor, 83, of New York, who sued to challenge a $363,000 federal estate tax bill after her partner of 44 years died in 2009.
Windsor, who goes by Edie, married Thea Spyer in 2007 in Canada after doctors told them that Spyer would not live much longer. She suffered from multiple sclerosis for many years. Spyer left everything she had to Windsor.
There is no dispute that if Windsor had been married to a man, her estate tax bill would have been zero.
The U.S. 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals in New York agreed with a district judge that the provision of DOMA deprived Windsor of the constitutional guarantee of equal protection of the law.
Like the Proposition 8 case from California, Windsor's lawsuit could falter on a legal technicality without a definitive ruling from the high court.
The House Republicans, the Obama administration and a lawyer appointed by the court especially to argue the issue were to spend the first 50 minutes Wednesday discussing whether the House Republican leadership can defend the law in court because the administration decided not to, and whether the administration forfeited its right to participate in the case because it changed its position and now argues that the provision is unconstitutional.
If the Supreme Court finds that it does not have the authority to hear the case, Windsor probably would still get her refund because she won in the lower courts. But there would be no definitive decision about the law from the nation's highest court, and it would remain on the books.
On Tuesday, the justices weighed a fundamental issue: Does the Constitution require that people be allowed to marry whom they choose, regardless of either partner's gender? The fact that the question was in front of the Supreme Court at all was startling, given that no state recognized same-sex unions before 2003 and 40 states still don't allow them.
But it was clear from the start of the 80-minute argument in a packed courtroom that the justices, including some liberals who seemed open to gay marriage, had doubts about whether they should even be hearing the challenge to California's Proposition 8, the state's voter-approved gay marriage ban.
Justice Anthony Kennedy, the potentially decisive vote on a closely divided court, suggested the justices could dismiss the case with no ruling at all.
Such an outcome would almost certainly allow gay marriages to resume in California but would have no impact elsewhere.
There was no majority apparent for any particular outcome, and many doubts were expressed by justices about the arguments advanced by lawyers for the opponents of gay marriage in California, by the supporters and by the Obama administration, which is in favor of same-sex marriage rights. The administration's entry into the case followed President Barack Obama's declaration of support for gay marriage.
On the one hand, Kennedy acknowledged that same-sex unions had only become legal recently in some states, a point stressed repeatedly by Charles Cooper, the lawyer for the defenders of Proposition 8. Cooper said the court should uphold the ban as a valid expression of the people's will and let the vigorous political debate over gay marriage continue.
But Kennedy pressed him also to address the interests of the estimated 40,000 children in California who have same-sex parents.
"They want their parents to have full recognition and full status," Kennedy said. "The voice of those children is important in this case, don't you think?"
Yet when Theodore Olson, the lawyer for two same-sex couples, urged the court to support such marriage rights everywhere, Kennedy feared such a ruling would push the court into "uncharted waters." Olson said the court similarly ventured into the unknown in 1967 when it struck down bans on interracial marriage in 16 states.
Kennedy challenged the accuracy of that comment: He noted that other countries had had interracial marriages for hundreds of years.
The justice also made clear he did not like the rationale of the federal appeals court that struck down Proposition 8, even though it cited earlier opinions in favor of gay rights that Kennedy had written.
That appeals court ruling applied only to California, where same-sex couples briefly had the right to marry before the state's voters in November 2008 adopted Proposition 8, a constitutional amendment that defined marriage as the union of a man and a woman.
Reflecting the high interest in the cases, the court planned to release an audio recording of Wednesday's argument shortly after it concludes, just as it did Tuesday.
The Tuesday audio can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/dxefy2a .
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Police are trying to track down two tourists who have not been seen since visiting the Giant's Causeway on Tuesday.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland said it is "becoming concerned for the welfare" of missing Ni Xiaofang, 30, and Ni Zhiling, 26.
They failed to return to their tour bus after seeing the world-famous basalt columns which are flanked by the North Atlantic Ocean and dramatic cliffs in Bushmills.
Police could not say if the women may have come to any harm.
Both women are approximately 5ft 2ins and slim. One has short dark hair and was wearing a yellow jumper, blue jeans and flip flops.
The other woman was wearing a pink jumper, blue jeans and flip flops.
Officers in Coleraine have urged them or anyone who knows of their whereabouts to get in touch.
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You are here: Root > People, Groups and Organizations > Persons
Personal web site/blog: http://lki-www.informatik.uni-hamburg.de/~kirschke/
PLOB! - Persistent Lisp Objects!
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Web site
The web site is obviously outdated. If you want to contact Heiko you should try it via the Plob! mailing list.
Submitted by Edi 11/01/2006 23:43:37
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This story appears in the April 2011 issue of National Geographic magazine.
Emerging from a partially frozen pond more than 6,000 feet high in the Alps, European common frogs (Rana temporaria) set out to find mates and begin breeding activities. These frogs have adapted to a wide variety of conditions, increasing their range over most of Europe. Here on the Massif de Beaufort in the French region of Savoy, ice may not thaw until June, leaving only a brief window of warm weather for females to lay eggs and tadpoles to metamorphose into juveniles, known as froglets. Cold-climate frogs grow more slowly than their relatives in temperate areas, but live longer (12 years, compared to 5 for lowland frogs) and so grow larger. They're also active during warmer, daylight hours, unlike their kin elsewhere.
Frogs mate in a position called amplexus, with the smaller male clasping the female from behind in a ride that can last two days or more. As she lays eggs, he expels sperm to fertilize them. Though egg laying takes place in spring, frog pairs in mountain ponds can begin hibernation in amplexus—a months-long embrace that may provide a breeding advantage by allowing mating as quickly as possible once warm weather arrives. Eggs of high-elevation frogs may be 30 percent larger than those of lowland females, giving tadpoles a head start. Eggs and tadpoles of mountain frogs have developed resistance to genetic damage from ultraviolet radiation, a component of sunlight that is more intense in the thinner air of high altitude.


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Value Line is regarded as the best independent research available. More than just recommendations, Value Line provides the rationale behind its picks for greater understanding.
There are a few sectors and industries that income investors can turn to, virtually without fail, to find above average dividend yields. Real estate investment trusts, commonly referred to as REITs, are one such industry (others include utilities and limited partnerships).
The high dividend payouts in the REIT sector relate to two aspects of these securities. First, REITs, as their name implies, own real estate or real-estate related securities (in the case of mortgage REITs). This asset type is known for its cash flow generation. Second, REITs are structured as pass through entities for tax purposes. This allows these companies to avoid corporate taxation, but requires that the vast majority of earnings be "passed" on to shareholders as dividends. Potential investors should note that dividends shareholders receive from a REIT are taxed as ordinary income.
Just because REITs, in general, have a tendency to pay material dividends, doesn't mean that all REITs do. Just as with other sectors, some REITs are geared toward growth and others toward income. To highlight those that fall into the latter category, we used the online screening tools of The Value Line Investment Survey to highlight those REITs with yields above the current median of 3.68% (see list below).
It is important to keep in mind that an above-average yield can be an indication that the market believes the dividend payment is at risk. That said, a high yield could also present a good buying opportunity if a company is merely misunderstood. The screen turned up several interesting REITs, including Realty Income Corp. (O) and Hospitality Properties Trust (HPT).
Realty Income Corp.
Realty Income is a real estate investment trust that owns commercial properties. Facilities are rented primarily under triple lease agreements. As of the end of 2012, the company owned 3,013 properties in 49 states, containing over 37.6 million leasable square feet, with a 97.2% occupancy rate. Retail is 87% of rental revenue; agriculture, 5%; other, 8%. Realty Income's wholly owned subsidiary, Crest Net Lease, Inc. owned 3 properties as of the end of 2012. Realty acquired American Realty Capital Trust (ARCT) in January of this year.
The company issued more than 45 million common shares for American Capital Realty Trust. The move boosted the real estate investment trust's top line by more than 40% and will likely result in a marked increase in funds from operations this year. We estimate a smaller, but still good, rise in FFO in 2014. The purchase also bolstered the credit quality of Realty Income's tenants and made its tenant base more diverse. More than a third of the company's revenues will likely come from investment-grade tenants this year, relative to 20% in the year prior. As of the end of 2012, retail represented 87% of the REIT's business; following the ARCT transaction, this tally dropped to approximately 78%.
Overall, acquisitions are an integral part of Realty Income's strategy. Last year, the company purchased 423 properties for $1.16 billion. This year, management estimates another $550 million of acquisitions, over and above the ARCT transaction. We feel this REIT has more than enough liquidity to achieve this objective.
After the ARCT acquisition, the board of directors increased the monthly dividend by 19.2%. Subsequently, as of April, the board lifted the monthly payout once again, although the increase was slight, at less than 1%. We look for further increases down the road, as quarterly dividend growth is the norm for this REIT. At the recent valuation, Realty Income is above the REIT pack for its dividend yield. At nearly 4.5%, it is about 50 basis points above the REIT median.
Hospitality Properties Trust
Hospitality Properties Trust is a real estate investment trust that presently owns 289 hotels and 185 travel centers in 44 states, Puerto Rico, and Ontario, Canada. Acquired and subsequently spun off TravelCenters of America (TA) to shareholders in January of 2007. Major hotel tenants and managers include TA, Marriott, InterContinental, Sonesta, Hyatt, Wyndham, Carlson, and Morgans.
Hospitality Properties' expansion plans are an ongoing initiative. Management will continue to invest in renovations in 2013, especially for the Wyndham and Sonesta brands, which were added to HPT's portfolio (along with the Morgans Hotel Group) last year. Indeed, more than 80 hotels are likely to be renovated during the first half of this year, which will moderate RevPAR (revenue per available room) growth, post renovations. Until that time, management doesn't look for operations to normalize until 2014. What's more, the company intends to augment its international footprint in Latin America and Europe. Management announced a letter of intent with NH Hoteles (Spain) to invest about $375 million in 10 hotels. This transaction is slated to close this summer. Furthermore, we look for additional complementary acquisitions in order to bolster its pipeline.
The REIT has taken initiatives to enhance its balance sheet and reduce debt. Hospitality recently initiated an initial public offering of 14 million units of common stock at $25.55 a share. Management might well use a portion of these proceeds to deleverage the balance sheet.
These shares are one of the highest-yielding REITS under our coverage, at more than 6.5%, based on recent market prices. Although we don't forecast a dividend hike over the next year or two, management indicated that an increase might well be in the cards thereafter, following the aforementioned renovations and rebrandings.
Dividend Yield
Annaly Capital Mgmt.
Hospitality Properties
Mack-Cali R'lty
Geo Group (The)
Corrections Corp. Amer.
W.P. Carey Inc.
Liberty Property
Health Care REIT
Healthcare R'lty Trust
HCP Inc.
Washington R.E.I.T.
Duke Realty Corp.
Weingarten Realty
UDR, Inc.
Penn. R.E.I.T.
Kimco Realty
At the time of this writing, the author did not have any positions in any of the companies mentioned


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Two seasons ago, the DeKalb softball team advanced to a Class 3A supersectional and thought they had a chance of getting to the state tournament in 2012.
However, star pitcher and 2011 All-State Third Team member Katie Kowalski missed half of her sophomore campaign with an injury and her absence led to what DeKalb coach Jeff Davis calls a less-than-spectacular 19-15 record and an early exit with a 19-18 loss in the regional title game.
"The first regional game was pretty awesome," senior center fielder Sabrina Killeen said. "Facing Burlington Central with such a high score we had, it really pushes you. Losing by one pushes you to really want to win that game next year."
Killeen and senior second baseman Hannah Walter want to reach the Barbs' prior success during their final high school season. One way DeKalb hopes to accomplish the team's goals of winning the Northern Illinois Big 12 championship and making it to at least a supersectional is by having fun.
"As coach Davis would say 'We have serious times and there are funny times' and I think we mix that well together in practices and in outside activities we do together," Killeen said. "Our team is very comical, and we have a lot of fun together.
Walter said the laughter the teammates share with one another is contributing to how the Barbs gel on the field in terms of communication and game-time production.
The seniors – who will be No. 1 and No. 2 in the Barbs' batting order – have taken team bonding exercises to the next level as they organized and scheduled for the entire team to serve soup to the needy at Feed'Em Soup.
Freshman left-handed pitcher Morgan Newport will step in to share the work load with Kowalski to keep the junior's innings as low as possible, and will be one of the team's two left-handed batters.
With a powerful batting lineup, an impressive one-two pitching punch of Kowalski and Newport, two dedicated senior leaders and postseason experience throughout the entire lineup, the Barbs hope their shared laughter intertwines individual talent into a team powerhouse.
"Last year we were 5-5 in the conference and finished third," Davis said. "This season, we're going to be pushing for the conference championship. As long as we can keep people healthy, we will be right at the top. Hopefully, we can get back to the Elite Eight – who knows, if you get lucky and win a game at the end of the season, you could be in the Final Four and holding a trophy.
"I hate to put a big target on the kids' back like that, but they have the talent, they have the experience and they've been there and done that. Now it's up to them and whether they want to keep working harder and getting better."


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Style # 212755
With sheer detailing, sexy heart-shaped neckline and figure-sculpting cut, this little black bebe dress is demure yet flirtatious. Layer yours with a leather jacket for an edgier look.
- 79% rayon, 15% nylon, 6% spandex
- Center back to hem: 30" (76 cm)
- Lined skirt
- Invisible zipper
- Dry clean
- Imported
- Model is 5'9" and is wearing a US size S
- As seen in the April 2013 mailer
Mesh Overlay Ponte Dress is rated out of 5 by 9.
Rated 5 out of 5 by JustSelena from Pretty in pink Beautiful dress, unique design (I love the mesh panel and the straps in the back), nice thick material. I am 5'1, 97 lbs, 34B and XS fits perfectly (the dress is on the shorter side even for my height, but it's great for going out).
Date published: 2013-07-24
Rated 5 out of 5 by Bucky101 from Perfect dress Ladies if you have nice legs and are in shape I would buy this dress. I loved it, but I could see if you are a bit on the heavy side and have big breasts this dress might look too short on you. The dress is very high quality and I didn't have any issues with it.
Date published: 2013-07-21
Rated 5 out of 5 by Chris27 from Love! Love! Love! I've worn this dress once and received so many compliments. It hugs my curves perfectly, its sexy and im loving the color! I cant wait to wear it again! I loved it so much that i had to get it in black also.
Date published: 2013-07-03
Rated 2 out of 5 by Lucky1 from Disappointed in dress The zipper gets jammed constantly because of the mesh overlay. I can't unzip it without it getting caught. The dress is extremely short, unlike any of my other dresses from bebe. I doubt I'll ever wear it so it was a waste for me.
Date published: 2013-07-01
Rated 4 out of 5 by bonn from The dress has the perfect color for summer I like the dress but I did not love it becuase i felt like it was a little big on the hips but other than that it was adoroble and the color was amazing.
Date published: 2013-05-22
Rated 5 out of 5 by NicoleJ3 from Lovely Dress I'm not a pink person but I absolutely love this color. The dress is very flattering on. I usually wear an XS in most bebe dresses so I bought an XS in this dress and it fit perfect. The dress fits true to size, nice length, and pretty color. Overall very happy I bought this dress!
Date published: 2013-05-18
Rated 5 out of 5 by anyanicole from Loved this dress! I absolutely loved this dress. It does fit a little snug, you may want to try on one size larger. Overall though, I love the thick material and the mesh on top!
Date published: 2013-05-08
Rated 1 out of 5 by Rerun4life from Defective! This is a gorgeous dress and is super flattering. The material is nice and thick. I ordered this online and when I tried it on it was full of thick black pen marks! I am beyond disappointed!
Date published: 2013-05-08


text: PhotosCheck out all the photos King Of Bucks Television Meet The Host(s) Jerry Martin Inducted into the Legends of the Outdoors Hall of Fame, Jerry Martin has had a long career as an all-around outdoorsman, pioneering accomplishments of ethical hunting, combining a lifetime of expertise that culminates as host of "Bass Pro Shops King Of Bucks." Read Full Bio Allen Treadwell Allen Treadwell is a decorated award-winning Sportsman who currently co-hosts a slew of shows on Outdoor Channel including, "Bass Pro Shops King Of Bucks", "Winchester Legends", "Bass Pro Shops 100% Real Hunting" and "Winchester Rack Masters". Read Full Bio Walter Parrott Walter Parrott is an all-around hunter with some big game trophies under his belt. But, Walter is considered one of the greatest turkey callers and the only person ever to win every major turkey calling championship in the United States. Read Full Bio Participating Sponsors


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The Tampa Bay food scene heated up in 2012, with lots of national trends finding purchase locally. But get this: None of it was fine dining. Newcomers showed innovation and dynamism, but the lion's share were wallet-friendly, everyday kinds of places. Here are our favorite 2012 debuts.
Bamboozle Tea Lounge
The condos in the Channel District filled up enough in 2012 to merit some infrastructure. It was the year cafes, restaurants and boutiques sprouted up outside the still-beleaguered Channelside Bay Plaza. Buoyed by the success of their downtown Bamboozle, Lynn Pham and partners branched out, bringing their Vietnamese quick-serve to the neighborhood in October. They just got a beer and wine license and Pham is still tinkering with a menu of Asian fusion juices, but the nuts and bolts are in place. Pho is the way to go at this breezy charmer, the cheap one-dish meal crowded with a tangle of soft, pale rice noodles immersed in a rich beef broth made from simmered shinbones. The most basic pho comes with eye-of-round steak, sliced super thin so it cooks in the broth, which you doctor with a plate of crunchy bean sprouts, wedges of lime and rounds of jalapeno along with a swirl of the ubiquitous Sriracha chili sauce or sweet hoisin. 109 N 12th St., Suite 1101, Tampa; (813) 228-7500.
Edison: Food + Drink Lab | $6–$16
Edison embodies what was most exciting and new in 2012. I've heard restaurant industry folks grousing: How does Jeannie Pierola keep the prices so reasonable at her inventive Kennedy Corridor newcomer, opened in August (foie gras dishes for $16?!)? To them she might quote Thomas A. Edison himself: "The value of an idea lies in the using of it." What has kept this place lively since the start is exacting execution of exciting ideas. That might be a recent bone marrow and grilled bread appetizer with wild mushroom marmalade and fines herbes salad, or liquid nitrogen milkshakes, or glazed baby root vegetables in cardamom "soil" (in hip New York restaurants, "soils" are the new "foams"). In December, they opened their private dining room, LAB916, with floor-to-ceiling chalkboards on two walls, which seems fitting. Pierola and her team seem to be perennially brainstorming, tinkering with faddish techniques and trendy ingredients in an ever-changing menu. But it's never precious: It's a rollicking, comfortable place at jeans-and-T-shirts prices. 912 W Kennedy Blvd., Tampa; (813) 254-7111.
First Flight | $7–$14
A national dining trend in 2012 played out in the country's airports. The idea: Start a visitor's experience right as they step off the plane by assembling shops and restaurants steeped in local flavor. Galvanized by the success of airports like San Francisco International (where 85 percent of the food-service offerings are local), Tampa International took the plunge, with 40 percent of the airport's concessions changing up this past year and more on the horizon. Mise en Place's First Flight has taken the marquee spot at the center of the before-security main terminal. A huge and glamorous bar provides a perfect perch for people-watching, with a list of more than 35 wines from the major wine-growing regions of the world and a nibbly menu of cheeses and charcuterie that is at once sophisticated and comforting. 4100 George J. Bean Parkway, Tampa; airport main number (813) 870-8700.
Grimaldi's Pizzeria | $9–$18
The name has always been associated with blood feuds and long-standing estrangements. Some New Yorkers insisted the best pie was from Lombardi's on Spring Street while others knew in their hearts it was Grimaldi's under the Brooklyn Bridge. Grimaldi's has branched out in recent years, with 27 locations around the country now, two opened in the Tampa Bay area in 2012. The Citrus Park location is lovely, with a gorgeous 4,000-square-foot dining room, familiar Frank Sinatra on the sound system and a big-league wine list. But the stars of the show are the pies, thin crust and pocked with dark bubbles from the 1,200-degree coal oven that whips through 100 pounds of coal a day. Pick your size, then white, pesto or a San Marzano tomato sauce, and then your toppings (oven-roasted sweet peppers, ricotta, all the traditional accoutrements) — a seriously good pizza pie. 7990 Citrus Park Town Center, Tampa; (813) 920-5858. (Also in Clearwater.)
Inside the Box Cafe
Just celebrating its first anniversary, this little spot with a big conscience has had a good run. The brainchild of Cliff Barsi, the concept is simple: Go to the attractive downtown cafe and order a box lunch, maybe a half sandwich or a salad with a couple of extras ($6.90). Half of that money goes to feed someone in need at Metropolitan Ministries. To date, the operation has funded 75,000 meals for hungry people in the Tampa area. That's some serious do-gooding. But there's more. Barsi's team recently received a grant from JP Morgan Chase to fund its culinary arts program. Culinary students are selected from Metropolitan Ministries' residential program, put through a rigorous cooking crash course (part of which is preparing food for the cafe) and then assisted in getting jobs in the industry. The kicker is that the cafe's food is excellent, with weekly specials (think tomato marmalade grilled cheese or grilled Brie and pear) and new additions like housemade chips in different flavors and recently rebranded fruit-flavored ices now called Hope's Frozen Treats. 505 N Tampa St., Tampa; (813) 227-9248.
It was a monster year for new Greek restaurants around Tampa Bay, but nearby Turkey got short shrift except for Istanblu. Opening late in the year in the space vacated by Sunday's Fine Dining, this attractive newcomer is owned by Levent Cilek, who also owns Shrimp & Co. down the block. Lamb takes center stage, offered in the doner kebab or ground-meat Adana kebab (served traditionally with rice and grilled tomatoes), best preceded by baba ghanoush or a clearly homemade hummus, and then followed by inky Turkish coffee and a gorgeous baklava. Still in its infancy, the restaurant hopes to add live music and belly dancers soon. 1919 E Seventh Ave., Ybor City; (813) 304-2348.
Le Mouton Noir
With its namesake black sheep sculpture standing sentinel in the sleek interior, this new Channel District artisanal bakery is a knockout. It's not an exhaustive array of pastries, but what they do, they do well. I defy you to find a better croissant in Tampa, and I double-dog dare you to locate a better alfajor. Alfa-wha? It's a soft, delicate sugar cookie from South America made with cornstarch (for tenderness), two of which are stacked with dulce de leche in the middle then dusted with powdered sugar. Who knows what Proust would have done with a cookie memory like that. Anyway, Francisco Arias' new bakery serves Buddy Brew coffee along with a short menu at breakfast and lunch (try the jambon beurre — baguette, butter, ham — three ingredients that need no embellishment). There's a communal table, Wi-Fi and a distinctly big-city feel to the place. 1112 Channelside Drive, Tampa; (813) 226-8833.
Mermaid Tavern
If there's one neighborhood in the Tampa Bay area that struck it rich last year, it's Seminole Heights. On the heels of cult faves like Ella's and the Refinery, Domani Bistro Lounge opened, the Capdevilla family (La Teresita) launched Sabroso and Mermaid Tavern became a go-to neighborhood watering hole. As with the Independent before it, the fly in the ointment was lack of grub. Yeah, there's a great outdoor patio, '60s and '70s films projected on a screen in the back, "bring your own vinyl" night and a world-class beer list, but a girl gets hon-gry. A few months ago they added food (just like the Independent before it), and it's a wonderful short list of sharable noshes, from hummus with warm pita triangles to truffle fries and a Middle Eastern kefta burger. 6719 N Nebraska Ave., Tampa; (813) 238-5618.
Noodle Bar at Jubao Palace
Midyear I visited the restaurants at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, flitting between Council Oak steak house and Rock 'N Raw sushi bar, noting along the way the number of Asian patrons. The casino has gone one better since then, announcing it would actively court Asian-Americans and Asian visitors in a number of ways. The casino added the Noodle Bar at Jubao Palace toward the end of the year. It's a lively 15-seat, quick-service noodle bar with a short menu that is ethnically indistinct, in a good way. A bowl of pho, some beef chow fun or roast duck, it's somewhere between Vietnamese and Chinese, all at prices most can swing even if they've taken a major dive at the Pai Gow poker table. 5223 N Orient Road, Tampa; (813) 621-1302.
Oxford Exchange
The biggest game-changer of the year, Oxford Exchange had a nearly hourlong wait virtually from Day 1 at the end of September. Visually stunning, it was about all anyone could talk about for a while: the urbane bookstore with its trenchant reads, the chic housewares and gift shop, the soaring ceilings and broad black and white marble checkerboard floors and, frankly, the fact that Tampa had a place with an hourlong wait at lunchtime. That says big leagues, right? Owner Blake Casper, who owns 52 area McDonald's, and his sister, Allison Adams, have put together something delectably hip, and chef Erin Guggino has built breakfast and lunch menus (no dinner) that are New American and complementary without breaking the bank (most dishes under $13 at lunch). Buddy Brew provides a tremendous coffee program while TeBella oversees the teas, each with its own beverage bar within the 24,000-square-foot space, like a shop within a shop. 420 W Kennedy Blvd., Tampa; (813) 253-0222.
Saté Southeast Asian Grill
It was a year when customization really took root. With concepts like Chipotle leading the way, newcomer Little Greek swiftly opened 11 locations around Tampa Bay and recent additions like Your Pie settled in with a simple vision: Pick your protein, pick your starch, pick your toppings and sauces. Mexican and Mediterranean cuisines seem to lend themselves to this follow-your-bliss bespoke cooking, but it wasn't until Saté Southeast Asian Grill opened mid December that anyone thought to take it in an Asian direction. Appealing to USF students and the nearby Army recruiting center, it's order-at-the-counter Vietnamese-Thai fusion. You point to a base (salad, vermicelli, jasmine rice, sandwich), then a meat or tofu, then accents like Vietnamese pickles or Thai cuke salad and finally a sauce (the curry is good, as is the peanut sauce). Total price tag is in the neighborhood of $6.15. 2716 E Fowler Ave., Tampa; (813) 977-8880.
Taco Bus | $2.99–$8.49
It's unclear whether Rene Valenzuela is a marketing genius or the ultimate surfer of the zeitgeist. His restaurants have been featured on Guy Fieri's Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives on Food Network and Adam Richman's Man v. Food on the Travel Channel. He has his original location in Seminole Heights as well as others in St. Petersburg, North Tampa, downtown Tampa, which opened in 2012, and, later in 2013, Brandon. It's gutsy, healthy, order-at-the-counter Mexican food with plenty for carnivores (lengua, barbacoa) and vegetarians (butternut squash taco) alike, with weekend late-night hours that have cemented it as the post-party place for affordable sustenance. Beyond this, what Valenzuela may be responsible for is jump-starting the food-truck trend in the Tampa Bay area — 2012 was the year of the area's first rallies, the year Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn's own Food Truck Fiesta got swinging, and food truck guru Todd Sturtz even started offering classes in how to start your own food-truck business. Taking his mobile cafe to major events like the Tennessee music festival Bonnaroo, Valenzuela's efforts are an extension of his street-corner taco stand as a kid in Mexico. But it has certainly caught on, with dozens of food trucks logging miles in our area. 505 N Franklin St., Tampa; (813) 397-2800 (with other locations).
Wimauma Restaurant
Opened at the beginning of 2012, Wimauma Restaurant hit another national trend square on the noggin: haute Southern. Around the country chefs have turned their attention to fried chicken, black-eyed peas and all things okra, taking down-home upscale. Chef Gary Moran and his wife, Amy, opened this little charmer after being part of the team at the super-short-lived Knife & Co., building a substantial fan base with social media savvy and Gary's gutsy, seasonally changing menu. It's not all strictly Southern. A case in point is salt and pepper fried okra, a recent brunch dish that is a hat-tip to Yummy House (another of my favorite and affordable Tampa spots). Chinese with a deep Southern drawl — an interesting accent indeed. 4205 S MacDill Ave., Tampa; (813) 498-0494.
Banyan Cafe & Catering | $6–$8.95
If you look at the acknowledgments of local author and writing coach Roy Peter Clark's latest book, there's a shout-out to Banyan. In fact, lots of local writers might credit Erica Allums' little coffee shop as muse. It opened in 2008, but closed after three years so Allums could spend more time with her daughters. She was shuttered 11 months before reopening in July. It's a cozy room, designed for outrageous lingering, with cheery Fiestaware crockery, great coffee, hearty daily soups and a short menu of homemade-tasting sandwiches (house-roasted pork loin tucked with white cheddar and caramelized onions into Cuban bread). At breakfast, scones battle with an egg sandwich on pressed Cuban bread for pre-eminence. In what once housed St. Pete's Finest, the charming Banyan may have nabbed just that title in town. 689 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. St. N, St. Petersburg; (727) 896-6100.
Beak's Old Florida | $5.95–$14.95
It's a rebirth that makes sense in a way. Jamie Farquharson was ready to be out from under his plastic pirates, birdcages imprisoning fake birds and mountains of kitschy Florida memorabilia. He was ready to sell Beak's, one of the stalwart Grand Central District good-time bar/restaurants that opened in 2007. And who bought it? Dan Soronen (Old Northeast Tavern, Shackleton's Folly, Brewburgers, all good-time bar/restaurants in St. Petersburg). And who did he hire in the kitchen? Domenica Macchia (a legendary itinerant chef who did stints at Redwoods, MJ's, Diner 437, Shackleton's Folly and, most recently, Three Birds). Two big personalities in a big-personality kind of place. Except at Shackleton's Macchia and Soronen's partnership erupted in the kind of ice storm Shackleton himself might have seen on an Antarctic adventure. Since reuniting, Macchia has slowly revamped the menu, adding fried artichokes and other fried nibbles along with booze-inspired cuisine (drunken shrimp, mojito hanger steak, lemon drop salmon). It's still a work in progress, but I have high hopes. 2451 Central Ave., St. Petersburg; (727) 321-9100.
Café at Art Pool Gallery
Central Avenue west of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Street had a big year, welcoming a generous handful of independent restaurants. One of the most charming opened near the end of 2012 as an annex to the Art Pool Gallery, housing spillover merchandise, a collection of vinyl records and the small cafe presided over by C.F. Hawkins. In what was once an automotive repair shop, wide roll-up doors and a jungle of flowering Florida plants lend quirky charm, the best seats, as we move into spring's sweet spot, on the broad patio. The menu is supremely affordable retro-styled sandwiches and vegan-friendly salads that feel more cutting-edge. The best offering, though, may be a cup of rich, espresso-bumped chocolate pudding with a rosette of whipped cream (beat that for $2). 2030 Central Ave., St. Petersburg; (727) 324-3878.
Casper's Express BBQ
Dan Cantara has been doing barbecue at a tiny counter attached to Graham's Market for the past three years. Barbecue itself was a huge trend in 2012 (in May I did a story about four barbecue places in just a 3-mile stretch of Fourth Street N), the economy having driven lots of people to Plan B. And a barbecue shack is a seriously affordable Plan B. What Cantara added last year, though, was beef jerky. Ridiculously good beef jerky that he slices, marinates and slow-cures h imself in the smoker that perfumes the air outside Graham's. Teriyaki, Thai chile — he offers a variety of flavors in no-fuss plastic bags for $7 for a quarter pound. 5701 54th Ave. N, Kenneth City; (727) 776-5596.
Engine No. 9 | $6.95–$14.95
In August, St. Petersburg's Grand Central District held a burger competition, which served to underscore just how many hamburgers are on offer in town. One of the best became available just after that heated battle. Tucked into the old Chatterbox space, Engine No. 9 opened in September, a long, narrow room done up in deep red with a black ceiling, a phalanx of big flat-screens above the bar (one day tuned to Gordon Ramsay's Ultimate Cookery Course, one of his British shows where he's not required to be a jerk). About 20 burgers and dogs dominate the menu, with sophisticated combinations like the Demi-God: Swiss, cheddar, sauteed mushrooms, caramelized onions and a swipe of horseradish mayo on a very tasty medium-rare patty, with a nice bun and a cup of crisp, greaseless skinny fries ($10.95). They also have a ghost chile burger (for which you have to sign a waiver — clearly another trend that took root in 2012). 56 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. St. N, St. Petersburg, (727) 623-0938.
Simply Delicious | $6.99–$11.99
It's a straight-up paean to New York City. The exterior is painted to look like a subway stop; inside it's all caricatures of NYC familiars, skyline photos and Big Apple-obilia. Opened in the spring, the place already has a devoted lunch following, folks who camp out in the red leatherette booths and listen to live pianist Gregory Allen in the corner while tucking into latkes, knishes, cabbage rolls and sturdy bowls of matzo ball soup crammed with shredded chicken. The classic New York deli fare is generously portioned (okay, huge), and a come-hither dessert case at the front is packed with New York cheesecakes and mile-high layer cakes. 4601 66th St. N, Kenneth City; toll-free 1-888-590-3656.
La V | $4.40–$9.40
With a nod to Sesame Street, 2012 was brought to you by the letter V. On Ulmerton Road, the Venue nightclub became the V (before going dark again), and on Central Avenue, the lovely Thuy Le opened La V in August. In this case, V is for Vietnamese, the stylish cafe proffering an expanded menu of the noodles, soups and banh mi sandwiches that made her 34th Street N spot a foodie destination. Le herself is a smiling presence in the dining room, where high ceilings and high spirits can make things noisy. With 60 varieties of smoothies and boba teas (those teas with the fat straws and balls of tapioca bobbing at the bottom) and fairly portable, herb-bright vermicelli bowls topped with lemongrass chicken, La V has had victory as a top takeout lunch spot for downtown workers. 441 Central Ave., St. Petersburg; (727) 820-3500.
Rollbotto Sushi | $6.50–$9.95
It was the year of the robot. Robot Restaurant opened in Shinjuku, Tokyo, with a robot cabaret of four giant fembots manned by scantily clad women staging mock battles, and this on the heels of Japanese ramen noodle houses staffed by robotic chefs and Chinese restaurants with robot servers. St. Petersburg didn't get giant fembots, but it did get the AUTEC Maki Master. Max Silavutiset, Hoa Ly and Crystal Nguyen started a little order-at-the-counter sushi bar aided and abetted by an automated sushi roller. With bins of sliced fish, smelt roe, texture bits like sesame seeds and tempura chips, and sauces, you conjure up your dream roll, the counter worker assembles it and the robot rolls and slices. Rollbotto has a casual industrial chic that makes it a gathering spot for young folks, with a price point that keeps even the more ambitious rolls, all generously portioned, easy on the wallet. 221 First St. NE, St. Petersburg; (727) 487-2681.
Tasty Thai Café | $5.99–$17.95
Opened midyear in an unfussy Publix shopping center, the tidy, narrow space features wood floors, clean booths, an open kitchen shielded somewhat by a bamboo half wall and a mechanical bird at the counter that tweets and sings charmingly (a little nearsighted, I was sure it was real). There are even tabletop fedora-wearing frogs that hold the salt and pepper. But all that is secondary because Tasty Thai is true to its name. In the $10 range, green, yellow, red massaman and panang curries can be concocted with your protein of choice at and your specified heat level, although the house basil crispy duck, which comes on a sizzling platter, is worth the splurge at $17.95. I'm also a big fan of the cold salads kicked up with lime and fish sauce, like the nam sod of ground pork with peanuts and ginger on a bed of crunchy cabbage, peppers and onions. It's what Thai embodies: light, vivacious and dynamic with different textures and colors. 1530 N McMullen-Booth Road, Suite D4, Clearwater; (727) 600-8037.
Parts of Paris Brunch $11–$12
Scandinavian cuisines were super trendy in 2012 (in S. Pellegrino's annual World's Top 50 Restaurants awards last year, 10 percent of them were Scandinavian, with Denmark's Noma at the top of the heap). Not much of that fervor made its way to our area, but one of the most exciting openings of the year was the work of a Swede. Chris Orrung opened a French bistro in a sweet 1930s Florida bungalow that used to be a yoga studio. He hired young chef Jeff Thornsberry and together they've built a following for their brasserie classics (plus a little Scandinavian gravlax for good measure). It may be the most expensive place on this list, with dinner entrees hovering in the mid $20s, but it still represents tremendous value. It's lovely and date-suitable, with a $21 roast chicken that will knock your socks off. A couple of months ago they expanded their Sunday hours, offering a brunch from noon to 8 p.m., its short menu showcasing quiche and crepes and croque monsieur all best eaten on the idyllic front patio. 146 Fourth Ave. N, Safety Harbor; (727) 797-7979.
Salt and Pepper Bistro | $10.95–$22.95
It was a year in which more crepes crept in. La Creperia Cafe opened in St. Petersburg's Grand Central District (with its own food truck, no less), a new creperie is said to be going into the Bin 27 Bistro spot in Tampa, and in September Jean Claude Lepretre opened Salt and Pepper. Crepes go sweet (heavy on the Nutella) or savory, largely under $13, with croissants, quiches, baguette sandwiches and salads rounding out the mostly French menu. It's a sweet little family-owned restaurant, its exterior lovingly stenciled with curlicued grape vines. 1757 Clearwater-Largo Road N, Largo; (727) 585-3500.
German Bistro 2 | $8.95–$17.95
Free beer. (That was the name of my band in college. Grabs people's attention.) Irena Seidl opened her second tiny German restaurant in the fall with no liquor license. So she gives you beer or wine on the house. And that's not all: A bowl of vinegary potato salad and sliced bread and butter get you started, after which come unlimited sides (stewed red cabbage, sauerkraut, spaetzle). Seidl will gladly give you a little German tutorial as you make your way through holsteinschnitzel and schweinebraten, and you won't have to worry about any pesky diphthongs when you get to the strudel (if you want the delicious schwarzwalderkirschtorte, just point). 1300 East Bay Drive, Largo; (727) 216-6519.
Laura Reiley can be reached at [email protected] or (727) 892-2293. Follow her on Twitter at @lreiley. She dines anonymously and unannounced; the Times pays all expenses.


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About Wabash The 16th President of Wabash College
Gregory D. Hess, the 16th president of Wabash College, is in his fifth year after his election on July 1, 2013.
Wabash is The Liberal Arts College for Men, and its mission is "to educate men to think critically, act responsibly, lead effectively, and live humanely."
Dr. Hess has thoughtfully articulated the value of a liberal arts education for men, while leading the College through strategic planning processes that will shape the course of the institution through its 200th anniversary in 2032.
He has launched four co-curricular "Liberal Arts Plus" initiatives in Democracy and Public Discourse, Digital Arts and Human Values, Global Health, and the Center for Innovation, Business, and Entrepreneurship.
He has led Wabash through extensive assessments of every administrative office on campus, and produced the College's first comprehensive Campus Master Plan. In August 2016, the College completed a $23 million investment in student housing, including 130 beds in six buildings in the Residential Life District and a massive renovation of the College's flagship residence hall, Martindale.
Under his leadership, the College has eclipsed $3 million for its Annual Fund in every year of his presidency, and more than 43% of alumni made a gift to the Annual Fund in fiscal 2018. He led an 18-month effort to plan the course of philanthropy for Wabash over the next 15 years. He also established ad hoc committees for Campus Life and Fraternity Housing, and ushered the College into a long-term Campus Master Planning process, which will examine all aspects of campus and academic life as well as infrastructure.
In 2014, President Hess hosted a national conference, Celebrating the Value of the Liberal Arts, which attracted scholars, presidents, foundation leaders, and experts from business, medicine, and law from across the country.
Dr. Hess serves on the board of directors of the Independent Colleges of Indiana, Great Lakes Colleges Association, Indiana Chamber of Commerce, the Economic Club of Indiana, and the NCAA Division III President's Advisory Group.
Prior to his tenure at Wabash, Dr. Hess was Dean of the Faculty and Vice President of Academic Affairs at Claremont McKenna College at Claremont, California.
In addition to his role as Dean of the Faculty at Claremont McKenna, Dr. Hess was the James G. Boswell Professor of Economics and a George R. Roberts Fellow. In that role, he oversaw all aspects pertaining to academic affairs, including the curriculum, the Center for Global Education, the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurism, athletics, institutional research, student learning outcome assessments, and information technology.
A native of San Francisco, he earned his bachelor's degree with high honors from the University of California-Davis, and his master's degree and Ph.D. in economics from The Johns Hopkins University.
Dr. Hess has also held teaching positions at Carnegie Mellon University, the University of Kansas, St. John's College (Cambridge), the University of Cambridge, London Business School, and Oberlin College.
Outside the academy, Dr. Hess has previously worked as an economist for the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve; as a consultant for Honda Motors of North America; and as a member of the Ohio Governor's Council of Economic Advisors. He has served as a Visiting Scholar at the Federal Reserve Banks of San Francisco, St. Louis, Cleveland, and Kansas City, the Bank of Japan, Korea University, the IMF Institute, and the Hoover Institution. He has been a member of the Shadow Open Market Committee since 2002.
Dr. Hess is a widely published author with more than 60 books and articles to his credit, and has served as an editor for Economics and Politics and Macroeconomic Dynamics. He has been invited to make more than 90 scholarly presentations and seminars around the world. His academic specialties include monetary policy, macroeconomics, and the economics of national security.
He and his wife, Lora, are the parents of two daughters, Abigail (a graduate of Wellesley) and Meredith (a graduate of Davidson).
President's Office
Center Hall 108
Curriculum Vitae
Follow President Hess on Twitter at: @PrezHess


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Men's Tennis Advances to Skyline Championship Match
#2 Farmingdale State - 5, #3 Bard College - 0 BOXSCORE
Farmingdale, N.Y. - In just their second season as a varsity program, the second-seeded Farmingdale State men's tennis team (9-2) has advanced to the Skyline Championship match, after defeating #3 seed Bard, 5-0, today in the Semifinals. The Rams swept the doubles matches to hold a 3-0 lead going into the singles section of the match.
With wins from senior Matt Kaczmarczyk (West Babylon, N.Y./West Babylon) and sophomore Chris Genzmann (Massapequa, N.Y./Farmingdale), the Rams went up 5-0 and the match was called as a victory, as the playoff format suggests a stoppage of the match after a team wins five-of-nine matches.
Doubles victories were recorded by sophomore Joe Passarella (Flushing, N.Y./Holy Cross) and freshman Tom Johnsen (Hauppauge, N.Y./Hauppauge)with an 8-1 win at #1 singles. Kaczmarczyk and Genzmann won at #2 doubles, 8-3. Freshman Corey Bentivegna (Deer Park, N.Y./Deer Park) and freshman Mike D'Agostaro (Deer Park, N.Y./Deer Park) also won 8-3 at third singles.
The Rams will now face the winner of #1 St. Joseph's / #4 Yeshiva in the Championship match on Saturday, May 2nd at St. Joe's (if St. Joe's wins), or on Sunday, May 3rd at Farmingdale (if Yeshiva wins).
The Skyline Champions will receive an automatic bid to the Division III NCAA Men's Tennis Tournament.


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1. "The Target" by David Baldacci (Grand Central Publishing)
2. "The Fault in Our Stars" by John Green (Dutton's Children)
3. "Heaven Is for Real" by Todd Burpo with Lynn Vincent (Thomas Nelson)
4. "Divergent" by Veronica Roth (Katherine Tegen Books)
5. "Insurgent" by Veronica Roth (Katherine Tegen Books)
6. "Allegiant" by Veronica Roth (Katherine Tegen Books)
7. "The Collector" by Nora Roberts (Putnam Adult)
8. "The Goldfinch" by Donna Tartt (Little, Brown)
9. "Smart Money Smart Kids" by Dave Ramsey and Rachel Cruz (Dave Ramsey)
10. "Gone Girl" by Gillian Flynn (Broadway Books)
11. "Chestnut Street" by Maeve Binchy (Knopf)
12. "Otherwise Engaged" by amanda Quick (G.P. Putnam's Sons)
13. "Everybody's Got Something" by Robin Roberts and Veronica Chambers (Grand Central Publishing)
14. "The Fixed Trilogy" by Laurelin Paige (Published via Kindle Direct Publishing)
15. "The Book Thief" by Markus Zusak (Knopf Books for Young Readers)
16. "Orphan Train" by Christina Baker Kline (William Morrow Paperbacks)
17. "Divergent Series Complete Box Set" by Veronica Roth (Katherine Tegen Books)
18. "I've Got You Under My Skin" by Mary Higgins Clark (Simon & Schuster)
19. "Shadow Spell" by Nora Roberts (Berkley)
20. "Never Go Back" by Lee Child (Dell)
21. "Flash Boys: A Wall Street Revolt" by Michael Lewis (W.W. Norton)
22. "SEALS of Summer" by Sharon Hamilton, Delilah Devlin, Zoe York and Cora Seton (Published via Kindle Direct Publishing)
23. "Capital in the Twenty-First Century" by Thomas Piketty (Harvard University Press)
24. "Reconstructing Amelia" by Kimberly McCreight (Harper Collins)
25. "A Fighting Chance" by Elizabeth Warren (Metropolitan Books)
Reporting stores include: Amazon.com, Amazon Kindle, Barnes & Noble.com, Barnes & Noble Inc., Barnes & Noble e-books, BooksAMillion.com, Books-A-Million, Bookland and Books & Co., Costco, Davis-Kidd Booksellers (Nashville, Memphis), Hudson Booksellers, Joseph-Beth Booksellers (Lexington, Ky.; Cincinnati, Charlotte, Cleveland, Pittsburgh), Kobo, Inc., Powell's Books (Portland, Ore.), Powells.com, R.J. Julia Booksellers (Madison, Conn.), Schuler Books & Music (Grand Rapids, Okemos, Eastwood, Alpine, Mich.), Sony Reader Store, Target, Tattered Cover Book Store (Denver).
For the extended, interactive and searchable version of this list, visit http://books.usatoday.com/list/index


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Nokia Mobile VPN-is an IPsec VPN client that helps to secure the connection to compatible intranet for access from mobile devices. It extends VPN use into compatible Nokia devices.
· Free of charge client enables you to integrate mobile devices to your existing compatible IT infrastructure
· Supports multiple authentication methods
· Supports VPN gateways from multiple vendors
· Client supports over-the-air provisioning of VPN configuration and updates, adding a layer of security to mobile devices via a compatible OMA device management solution


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Soundmodem is a software package for use with the open source Linux operating system. It allows use of the computer's sound card for AX.25 TNC functions.
An early version of Soundmodem required kernel-level software (like a device driver). More recently it has been rewritten to operate in user-space which makes it the same as other applications.
Soundmodem was written by Thomas Sailor and under Linux it requires the Linux ax.25 kernel support and the mkiss.o kernel module. See also http://www.baycom.org/~tom/ham/soundmodem/
Of course, using a soundcard gets us into all sorts of interesting territory. There are two "standard" audio systems on various Linux distributions: OSS and ALSA. I think most folks are trending away from OSS and toward ALSA. ALSA has support for most soundcards in the PC-compatible world. Check the ALSA soundcard compatibility matrix.
So your first task will be to get a working soundcard. You will also need some kind of a mixer with which to set your audio levels incoming and outbound. If you have ALSA, a handy command-line mode mixer comes with it: amixer.
(Just a note.. you may want to investigate getting a better soundcard. There is some reason to believe that higher quality hardware, something more than generic on-the-motherboard sound support, might do a better job decoding packets. FYI)
Soundmodem itself comes with another handy program: soundmodemconfig. Using soundmodemconfig you can set up one or more interfaces to your sound card. Each one will have an name of it's own and a related AX.25 name corresponding to an AX.25 name in your /etc/axports file. You also can set various encoding and decoding parameters (baud rate, fsk frequencies, etc.) for each port. Soundmodemconfig will let you view a couple types of realtime spectrum displays which will help a lot in setting your incoming audio level. Unfortunately it is not so helpful on the outbound level. You probably need to listen to your signal on another receiver, a scanner or something, to see how things sound.
Soundmodemconfig will help you select serial or parallel PTT keying. And you can test the PTT from the spectrum display screens. Soundmodemconfig builds a /etc/ax25/soundmodem.conf file which is used by the soundmodem software itself.
Once you get your audio levels working where you want them (probably using an interactive graphical type of mixer), you can use the amixer program to examine the settings and create a small script to reproduce them should your system be rebooted. Or you might want to try the command:
alsactl store
When the audio levels are right, and if you have successfully run soundmodemconfig and created a soundmodem.conf file, you are ready to run soundmodem itself. I do it with a command-line like:
/usr/local/sbin/soundmodem -v5 > /tmp/soundmodem.log &
This fires up soundmodem with a relatively verbose level of logging, sending the log information to the file /tmp/soundmodem.log. If you have a very active system you may want to not use that -v5 flag, or at least keep track of your disk space in /tmp to make sure you don't fill it up with a large log file.
Unfortunately, once you are running soundmodem you cannot run soundmodemconfig at the same time. So your your soundmodem verbosity level will help you see if you are actually decoding packets. If you've got packets, then you are in business. Now you can look at getting an APRS client program or digipeater program or Igate, or whatever else you want to use.
Bob N0QBJ has a web page that covers AX.25 linux.
The Xastir project has a Soundmodem Wiki Page.