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Mon refugee serves as leader, example for Navy JROTC cadets
By BILL HAND | Sun Journal, New Bern, N.C. | Published: June 11, 2013
NEW BERN, N.C. — When he was a small boy, Tala Done was stumbling determinedly about in an orange robe, his head shaved, undergoing a Buddhist monk ceremony.
He staggered under the weight and circumference of a black alms bowl in the village of Hangan, Burma, while an adult Buddhist monk followed after him, making sure he didn't fall over.
Today, Done is a rising New Bern High School senior who passed his junior year working as cadet corps commander of the Navy Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps — top officer of the student-led program.
One imagines the little boy in Burma never saw that coming.
Back then, Done and his family were part of the Mon ethnic group living as an oppressed minority in Burma, which is also known as Myanmar.
Done's grandparents raised him for the first five years of his life in the town of Chawing Chi while his parents sought higher-paying jobs in neighboring Thailand. It was during this time that he had his experience with the monastery.
"Life back then was very, very religious," he said. "I didn't know anyone that wasn't a Buddhist. … If you were to see a monk walking down the street, everyone would go down on their knees."
The nine-day ceremony was a rite of passage.
After the age of 6, Done began to spend more time with his parents in Thailand. The family eventually applied through that country for refugee status. After brief stops in Tokyo and Chicago, the family was sent for resettlement in New Bern in February 2005.
Ten years ago, the family was brought to New Bern through the Interfaith Refugee Ministry.
Just a month shy of 10 years old, Done found himself in a classroom of American children with whom he could not communicate. He and his brother, Sire Manuit Mon, received help in school through the English as a Second Language (ESL) program. They were pulled from class twice a week and tutored by Mary Barden and Betty Scott, both of Trent Woods.
Barden, who along with her husband, Graham, were at the airport to greet the family when they first arrived, remembers teaching Done and interacting with his family.
"They couldn't speak a word of it," she said of their English skills. "But they learned quick… we got to know them, took them crabbing. We took them to see Christmas lights, tried to make them feel a little more at home."
She also helped set up scholarships for Done and his brother and sisters to attend Camp Seagull — "and that was a very big deal," she said.
Done said he learned a lot of English outside of classroom situations. "I think most of the English that I picked up was from TV and from listening to interactions between people," he said.
For a short time, the family stayed with another New Bern family before moving into a rented mobile home in Fox Chase Village.
"There was a lot of work that the house needed," he said, but the family worked together to handle repairs. In 2007, they were able to move into their own home on Sparta Way.
His mother, Moen Jao, an expert seamstress, works at home or occasionally with Bo's Alteration and tends the children while his father, Lyi Krak Mon, works at BSH.
Done credits much of his success to his girlfriend, Kathryn Scott, whom he met through the district's Academically and Intellectually Gifted program.
"She's incredibly smart," he said of her. She has encouraged him in the long hours he puts into the JROTC program, "And she obviously helps me to not hang out with the wrong people."
Although Scott's family is of a Christian tradition, she says her parents have been "really supportive" of their relationship.
"They treat him as their own son," she said.
Done has been in JROTC since his freshman year when his older sister, Mi Shain Mon, a JROTC cadet, encouraged him to sign on. He was reluctant at first, in part because he didn't want to cut off his long hair — hair that his girlfriend suggested "made all the girls swoon."
His sister introduced him to one of the program's instructors, retired Marine Master Sgt. Sam Dotson, who has been teaching in New Bern's JROTC since 1996.
Dotson "pulled my hair back and said, 'If you join, you'll look like a steely-eyed killer!,'" Done recalled.
But beyond the frivolity of hair, Done said, "I joined because of the leadership exposures that you get, as well as the self-discipline."
It was a five-day leadership academy at The Citadel in Charleston, S.C., that really awoke Done's passion for JROTC and the Marines, which he intends to pursue as a career.
"That helped me break out of my shell a little bit," he remembered. "And that's where I came back with this drive because I had a basis of what leadership was. "
Dotson, whom Done looks upon as a mentor, believes that the top cadet has embraced the highest ideals of the JROTC.
"He came back (from the leadership academy) with a lot of good ideas and ready to work hard," he said.
It isn't easy to be cadet corps commander. As a student-led organization, you oversee 185 cadets with 24 officers, seeing to training, community activities and other events while maintaining excellent academics.
Done and Scott are also heavily involved in other community groups and clubs.
"I really enjoy helping people out," he said.
The fact that Done was chosen for cadet corps commander as a junior is almost unheard of, Dotson said. But he "outworked everyone else for the top position… He is exceptional, not only through us, but through the whole school."
Dotson believes Done is the best cadet corps commander the program has had.
"The key thing that distinguishes him from all the others," Dotson said, "is he is always teaching the cadets something. He wants to leave a legacy and he works hard to be an example."
Done, who has just recently been sworn in as an American citizen, looks forward to serving his new country through the Marine Corps, and both Dotson and Scott expect him to go far. He's got the drive and the dream, they say.
As Done said he learned at the academy: "It isn't just screaming and yelling. It's getting the job done. It's inspiring your people to do so."


text:
that is a good question.
honestly i had only followed olpc and had not donated before this.
my intention of participating in g1g1 was to start this donation process. not just money, donating money is easy, you send a check and go back to your life. i wanted to, as was the intention of the g1g1, help support the olpc program.
while getting ubuntu or whatever to work on it is interesting, i am more interested in helping those who have it. whether that be helping with wiki articles, forum posts, how-tos, etc.
i have supported other opensource programs this way.
so yes, maybe g1g1 was a bribe, but it was a bribe i was looking for. i plan to continue my support both in time and donations.
and again, i can understand the frustration, i am not berating those awaiting. perhaps i am simply asking for patience. a lot is going on with olpc. everything going smoothly? hardly. but making bad press or pulling your donation isn't going to fix the problem.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
you will get better matches
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text:
How cool is Johnny Depp? When he (or his publicist) got a letter from an adorable British third grader requesting pirate Captain Jack Sparrow's help in rising up in mutiny against teachers at Meridian Primary School in Greenwich, south-east London -- where J.D. just happens to be filming "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides" -- 'ol John boy knew just what to do: keep the Sparrow dreads on after work and swish on down to the school for some real-life pirating. After regaling the kids with some swashbuckling songs and dances, Depp wisely counseled the tot to hold off on the mutiny, since, you know, the authorities were keeping an eye on him.
That just got us thinking about how awesome it would be if Johnny dressed up as some of his other legendary characters and paid in-character visits to other totally inappropriate audiences.
Click here or on the image above for our gallery of Edward Scissorhands visiting a petting zoo (ouch), Willy Wonka shilling candy to the "Biggest Loser" cast and more fun stuff.
Don Juan DeMarco Visits the Carmelite Sisters
DJD heard there were a whole bunch of ladies hanging around with no other men in sight, so he figured that was just the place for him to show off some of his patented loverman charms… until he found out they were celibate nuns.
Edward Scissorhands at the Petting Zoo
Poor Eddie Sciss, he can't ride in hot air balloons, is banned from the jumpy at Chuck E. Cheese's and is absolutely never again allowed to go tubing on the river. Imagine his dismay, then, when he went down to the local petting zoo and, well, you can imagine.
Raoul Duke and the Driver's Ed Class
The one person you absolutely, positively don't want as your driver's ed teacher is that perpetually hallucinating, substance hoovering, cigarette chomping "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" lunatic Raoul Duke. Though he is apparently a hell of a parallel parker.
Willy Wonka and the 'Biggest Loser'
You thought Charlie Bucket was disappointed when Willy initially told him he had blown his chance at that lifetime supply of Wonka bars cuz of that stunt with the fizzy lifting drink? Imagine how the weight-obsessed contestants of "The Biggest Loser" would feel if the trippy candyman showed up to surprise them with a truckload of Wonka treats?


text: Wild Card: News News Posted 03-05-2014 100-Pound Kid, 114-Pound Catfish Louisiana 12-year-old sets state record with Mississippi River catch Lawson Boyte, 12, from Oak Grove, La., caught the Louisiana record 114-pound blue cat while fishing the Mississippi River with his uncle Jim Danley and cousin Bo. (Courtesy The Louisiana Fisherman Facebook) By: Mike Suchan, OutdoorChannel.com Anglers can be a superstitious lot, especially young ones who pull in something bigger than themselves. Lawson Boyte and uncle Jim Danley pose with the big cat. (KNOE-TV screenshot) Lawson Boyte, 12, of Oak Grove, La., knew he was fortunate to catch a state record blue catfish on the Mississippi River, but his shout out begs the question whether he has a contract with Armour meats. "It was more luck than it was skill to catch that big fish," he told KNOE-TV in Monroe. "I think the thing that done it was eating Vienna sausages." Well, maybe the 114-pounder smelled the mini-frankfurters' juice on the shad that the 100-pound sixth-grader had sunk. Or maybe Boyte, uncle Jim Danley and his cousin Bo Danley were just due. Danley has taken the boys fishing often and was just glad to be along for this ride. "It's cool to know that I was there to witness it," he said. "It's a once in a lifetime thing. It don't ever happen much." The record team were featured in a 2-minute TV segment on KNOE. The fish, which weighed 114.1 pounds on the scales at Randall's Fine Meats in Monroe, was so big it had to be stored in the Oak Grove high school freezer before taken to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries for study. The standing state record is a 110.19-pounder caught by Keith Day in the Mississippi in 2005. The world record blue cat is a 143-pounder caught from Virginia's Buggs Island Lake in 2011. Share This Story Next From News 'High Pressure' Bearing Down on Qualifying Round 3 Anglers Related Fishing : Posted 03-04-2014 America's Best Ice Fishing Lake View Wild Card : Posted 03-03-2014 Record Trout Hits Snag View Fishing : Posted 02-28-2014 IGFA February Hot Catches View Comments Categories News Stories Recipes Tips Gear Videos Photo Galleries Viewer Photo Galleries Features Deer Season Outdoors 365 with Lynn Burkhead Everything Deer with Jeremy Flinn Short Stories by Larry Potterfield Opening Days Live Hunts Hunting Check Out All The Photos Explore the United States. Find information about and activities within your state. Get Started


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Yes, but it'll take a week or so for your body to get the message.
As mammals, women are biologically programmed to make milk for their offspring. The process begins during pregnancy. You may have noticed your breasts beginning to secrete colostrum (early breast milk) from 16 weeks of pregnancy onward.
The delivery of your baby and the placenta sends a message to your body to begin producing lots of milk. Whether or not you plan to breastfeed, your breasts will be fuller and heavier once your baby arrives.
The hormone that makes breast milk is called prolactin. If you don't express milk by either nursing or pumping, your body begins to secrete prolactin inhibiting factor (PIF). PIF sends the signal to your brain that the milk isn't needed and gradually shuts down milk production.
If you're not breastfeeding or pumping, it typically takes seven to ten days after delivery to return to a non-pregnant/non-lactating hormonal level. During that time, you might feel some discomfort if your breasts become engorged with milk.
You'll probably find that wearing a supportive bra makes you more comfortable, but don't bind your breasts. Binding can lead to problems like mastitis and plugged ducts. At the very least, it will add to your discomfort.
You can also try applying cool compresses or ice packs (a bag of frozen vegetables works nicely) and taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen. These measures won't make you produce less milk, but they may help you be more comfortable.
If you're really uncomfortable, it's okay to express a small amount of milk to ease the engorgement. But keep in mind that expressing regularly tells your body to make more milk and delays how long it takes for milk production to stop. (Unless you're really uncomfortable and wanting to express some milk, you'll want to stand with your breasts away from the warm water in the shower, too, as this can stimulate milk production.)
Some clinicians believe that applying raw cabbage to the breasts helps ease discomfort and reduce milk production. (First get the cabbage leaves nice and cold in the refrigerator or freezer.) It's safe and worth a try.


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We lost Declan in May to MVD.
Cailean, his 6 year old son, has been coughing and is going for his x-ray tomorrow.
The vet says he has Grade 2-3 murmur and she can hear fluid
I am taking every day as it comes and making sure I enjoy every minute I have with Cailean. Declan lasted 8 months from his cough starting. I'm praying we may be lucky enough to have Cailean for much more time than this. We will see.


text:
Information Table - Michigan (2012)
Long-time Member Raises Awareness and Funds in Her Community
Member Nancy O. has been a long-time advocate for FIRST. She has held many awareness and fundraising activities over the years. This year, Nancy created an awareness poster and decorated canisters with FIRST information. Nancy displayed her information at the local Pamida's store in Imlay City, Michigan and spent the day encouraging people to donate and informing the public about ichthyosis and FIRST. Nancy's efforts paid off, raising more than $500!


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Lojo is Back
Charlie's Pub features live music every Friday & Saturday night from
7:30 to 11:30
Aug 1 & 2 Two Tap Trio
The Two Tap Trio had its genesis in the Fall of 2005 when Vancouver singer and flute player Norah Rendell and Twin Cities guitarist Brian Miller found themselves both on musical pilgrimages in Ireland. The addition of young fiddler Nathan Gourley makes for a live show that fans of Irish music with strong traditional roots and top notch musicality won't want to miss.
August 8 & 9 Lorraine & Paul
Paul and Lorraine have been playing Irish music together for a couple of years now, starting with the rouge folk band Folk UnderGround and then splitting off to form their own duo. Paul and Lorraine play Irish music. All sorts of Irish music and Scottish music, and English music, some original music and a whole lot of songs where people get sent to prison in Australia forever. Something for everyone lots of Drinking, lots of lots of losing your love forever, plenty of Death, Doom and Destruction and Happy little nights in the Pub. Not to mention some of the best Irish Fiddle Tunes going.
They like to have fun. They like to take requests and will play just about anything, if they know just about half of it. Someday they will learn all the words to Puff the Magic Dragon. (Why this song is so requested in Irish Bars they do not know, but their audiences seem to love it and are happy to sing it. At least the first verse, over and over.) They will play the Unicorn song for free. Once If Paul has too much whisky, he will play Freebird for you. (This is sometimes more fun than it sounds. Trust them) they will play the Irish Washerwomen (Re-titled simply The Irish Song) at least once a set. (Again, trust them)
August 15 & 16 Tom Dahill
Tom Dahill is one of the best entertainers playing Irish Music. He'll have you singing the party piece you practiced since you were a kid or dancing an Irish jig for the first time in your life. Tom is a well rounded performer and very easy to work with"
"His show is spontaneous and flows with the mood of the audience. From quite ballads to the rowdy and comical, and on the political, songs woven together with rich Irish stories that lead you through the culture and robust life of the Irish."
August 22 & 23 Lojo Russo
"Lojo performs with the energy and rocking empowerment of Ani Difranco and the graceful folksiness of the Indigo Girls."
Minneapolis World Beat
"Russo blends alternative, folk, jazz and Celtic styles into a lush pattern of sound."
St. Paul Pioneer Press
"One hell of a voice… a lot of lyrical power"
The Pulse of the Twin Cities
Voted "Best Female Performer" by
Minnesota Women's Press
August 29 & 30 Lorraine & Paul
Sunday Aug. 13 Lojo Russo will be playing outside on the North Deck at the Water Street Inn. Weather permitting.(if not in the Pub) She will be playing from 2 to 6pm. Come enjoy a beautiful day in the sun along the River.
Water Street Inn
101 South Water Street
Stillwater, MN 55082


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Correction to RFA-AG-13-002: Claude D. Pepper Older Americans Independence Centers (OAICs) and Coordinating Center (P30)
Release Date: March 19, 2011
National Institute on Aging (NIA)
The purpose of this Notice is to correct information regarding the number of applications an organization may submit in response to RFA-AG-13-002. The original FOA indicated in Section III. Eligibility Information, No. 3. Additional Information on Eligibility, Number of Applications, that an applicant organization may submit more than one application, provided that each application is scientifically distinct; however, the FOA should state that each applicant institution may submit only one application.
All other aspects of this FOA remain unchanged.
Please direct all inquiries to:
Basil Eldadah, MD, PhD
National Institute on Aging (NIA)
Telephone: 301-496-6761
Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
Weekly TOC for this Announcement
NIH Funding Opportunities and Notices
Office of Extramural
Research (OER)
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
9000 Rockville Pike
Bethesda, Maryland 20892
Department of Health
and Human Services (HHS)
NIH . . . Turning Discovery Into Health
Note: For help accessing PDF, RTF, MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Audio or Video files, see Help Downloading Files.


text:
Dominique "Domi" Helena Moceanu (born September 30, 1981 in Hollywood, California) is an American gymnast of Romanian descent who was a member of the Olympic Gold medal winning 1996 U.S. Women's Gymnastics team in Atlanta (the "Magnificent Seven").
The hallmarks of Moceanu's gymnastics, in the early stage of her elite career, were daring tricks on balance beam and spunky, inspired presentations on the floor exercise. In the latter part of her elite career, under the direction of new coaches, she developed a more elegant, mature style. Although she was never considered to be an overwhelmingly innovative gymnast, she did display a high level of difficulty in her gymnastics, particularly on beam and floor.
Moceanu trained under coaches Marta and Béla Károlyi, and later, Luminita Miscenco and Mary Lee Tracy. She earned her first National Team berth at the age of 10 and went on to represent the United States in various major international competitions at the junior level. She was the all-around silver medalist at the 1992 Junior Pan Am Games and the 1994 junior U.S. National Champion. In 1995, at the age of 13½, Moceanu became the youngest gymnast ever to win the senior all-around title at the U.S. National Championships. She was the youngest member of both the 1995 World Championships team and the gold medal-winning 1996 Olympic squad, the Magnificent 7, and was popular with both the public and with gymnastics fans.
Moceanu's last major success in gymnastics was the 1998 Goodwill Games, where she became the only American ever to win the all-around gold medal. Family issues, coaching changes and injuries derailed her efforts to participate in the Sydney Olympics, and she retired in 2000.
Since retirement, Moceanu has continued to participate in gymnastics exhibitions, work as a coach, and pursue her post-secondary studies. She is currently married and a mother of two.
Early career and the Magnificent SevenEdit
Moceanu was born on September 30, 1981 in Hollywood, Florida to parents Dumitru and Camelia. She has one sister, Christina.[1] Moceanu's parents, who had both been gymnasts in their native Romania, had early aspirations for her gymnastics career: while she was still a young toddler, they tested her strength by allowing her to hang from a clothesline.[2] Moceanu was raised Romanian Orthodox by her devout mother. Her faith figured prominently in her career as a gymnast. Whether it was psychological or not, Moceanu said, "...it defintely helped me as an athlete to have [rosaries and prayer booklets] in my bag and feel safe."[3]
Moceanu began gymnastics classes in Illinois at the age of 3½[1] and later trained at LaFleur's club in Florida. In 1991, at the age of 10, she moved to Houston, Texas, where she became one of the last gymnasts to be trained by the legendary Romanian coaches Marta and Béla Károlyi.[4] She began competing internationally at a young age, earning her first U.S. National Team berth in 1992.[2] At the age of 10½, in the spring of 1992, she earned five medals—gold in the team event, uneven bars, vault and floor exercise; silver in the all-around—at that year's Junior Pan Am Games.[1][5]
Under Károlyi's tutelage, Moceanu became the U.S. Junior National Champion in 1994. In 1995 she repeated her success as a senior, becoming the youngest gymnast ever to win the U.S. National Championships. She was also the youngest member of the American team at the 1995 World Championships in Sabae, Japan. Moceanu did not disappoint, earning the highest American placement in the all-around competition and becoming the only American gymnast to win an individual medal, a silver on the balance beam.[4]
Moceanu's national and international successes, combined with her plucky, bubbly attitude, earned her attention and a wide fan base both in and out of the gymnastics community.[2] In the months leading up to the Atlanta Olympics, she was one of the most recognizable faces of USA Gymnastics, eclipsing more decorated teammates such as Shannon Miller and Dominique Dawes. Before the Olympics, Moceanu was featured in Vanity Fair[6] and wrote an autobiography, Dominique Moceanu: An American Champion. The book was highly successful and ranked number seven on the New York Times' Best Sellers List.[7]
Moceanu was expected by many to be a major medal threat at the 1996 Olympics.[2][8] However, following the 1996 U.S. Nationals, where she placed third in the all-around, she was diagnosed with a four-centimeter stress fracture in her right tibia.[9] Her injury forced her to sit out the Olympic Trials, but she was petitioned onto the team on the strength of her Nationals scores.[8][10]
At the Olympics, still struggling with her injury and sporting a heavily bandaged leg, Moceanu contributed heavily to the team gold medal, turning in such strong performances that she qualified for the event finals on balance beam and floor exercise. However, she faltered in the last rotation of team finals, falling on both of her vaults.[11] She only advanced to the all-around finals as a replacement for injured teammate Kerri Strug. Small mistakes cost her a medal, but she still placed a respectable ninth. In the balance beam event final, Moceanu suffered a horrifying fall when she missed a foot on a layout and crashed into the balance beam on her head. She finished the exercise and went on to a strong performance in the floor finals later that day, finishing fourth and just missing a medal.[12]
Post-Atlanta careerEdit
Following the Atlanta Olympics, Moceanu participated in numerous events and professional gymnastics exhibitions, including a 100-city tour, before returning to competition. With the retirement of the Károlyis, she began training with other coaches at Moceanu Gymnastics, a gym constructed and run by her family.[4]
Out of peak form, Moceanu placed ninth at the 1997 US Nationals. She participated in the 1997 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Lausanne, Switzerland, leading a new and mostly inexperienced US team. She was elected team captain, and qualified for the all-around final, but the competition was not a positive experience for her.
By 1998 however, Moceanu returned to top form. Under the tutelage of her new coach, Lumereanita Miscenco, she adjusted to a significant growth spurt and developed a clean, elegant style. She was selected for the American team at the 1998 Goodwill Games, where she became the only American to ever win the all-around title. In doing so, she defeated reigning World all-around champion Svetlana Khorkina, as well as the World silver and bronze medalists, Simona Amânar and Elena Produnova. She not only won the competition, she dominated the rest of the field. Outscoring the second place finisher and future 1999 World All Around Champion Maria Olaru by .687 points. Many consider this competition to be the highlight of Moceanu's career.[4]
Training with Mary Lee Tracy at the Cincinnati Gymnastics Academy (CGA), Moceanu placed 8th at the 2000 U.S. Nationals. She qualified for the Olympic Trials, but was forced to withdraw with a knee injury.[13][14]
In the fall of 2000, Moceanu participated in a post-Olympics national exhibition tour.[15] She also participated in one of the post-Athens Olympics gymnastics tours in 2006, the "Rock N' Roll Gymnastics Championships".[16]
After a five-year hiatus from elite gymnastics, Moceanu announced a return to competition in 2005. However, injury kept her from competing in the 2005 Nationals. She remained committed to her comeback efforts, training on floor and vault.[4]
In the summer of 2006, Moceanu was invited to attend the USA Gymnastics national training camp. She also competed at the 2006 US Classic, where she performed decently on vault, successfully executing a full twisting Tsukahara vault. On floor, she went out of bounds on her tucked full-in pass and fell on her double pike, posting one of the lowest FX scores of the meet.
In a decision that proved to be somewhat controversial, Moceanu was not able to qualify to the 2006 U.S. National Championships. Moceanu stated that she had been informed that she would advance to Nationals by attending the National Training Camp and competing at least two events at the Classic. Despite meeting these requirements, she was not able to qualify to Nationals based on her Classic performances. Moceanu appealed this decision with USA Gymnastics, but the ruling was not overturned.[17]
Personal lifeEdit
In late 1998, Moceanu left home and sued for legal emancipation from her parents in order to regain control of the money she had earned as a gymnastics professional. In the resulting court case and television interviews, Moceanu stated that her father had squandered her sizable earnings and had an abusive, controlling nature. The court approved her petition for emancipation and control of her finances.[6][18] However, Moceanu did eventually reconcile with both of her parents.[4]
Moceanu graduated in May 2009 with a business management degree from John Carroll University in Cleveland, Ohio. She also coaches part-time at Gymnastics World in the Cleveland suburb of Broadview Heights and conducts clinics and private lessons around the country.[19]
On November 4, 2006 in Houston, Texas, Moceanu married long-time boyfriend, podiatrist Dr. Michael Canales, a former Ohio State gymnast. On December 25, 2007, Moceanu gave birth to a daughter, Carmen Noel Canales. The couple's second child, a son named Vincent Michael Canales, was born on March 13, 2009.
Major resultsEdit
|Balance Beam
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Moceanu's profile at USA Gymnastics
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 "Even at Age 13, a Storybook Career Is Emerging" New York Times, August 17, 1995
- ↑ "Magnificent" Faith, an interview with Dominique Moceanu on Patheos
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 "IG Online interview: Dominique Moceanu" International Gymnast, 2005
- ↑ "Chatting with Jennie and Dominique" Nancy Raymond, International Gymnast, March 1993
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 "Gymnast Mocenanu is down but ready to bounce back" Chicago Sun-Times, December 19, 1999
- ↑ Dominique Moceanu : An American Champion. Dominique Moceanu, as told to Steve Woodward. BT/Yearing, 1995, ISBN 0-613-07635-4
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 "The Next Nadia?" Jamie Aaron, Associated Press, 1996
- ↑ "Magnificent" Faith, an interview with Dominique Moceanu on Patheos
- ↑ "Star-studded Women's team heads for Atlanta" USA Gymnastics press release, June 30, 1996
- ↑ "Kerri Strug fights off pain, helps U.S. win gold" Rick Weinberg, ESPN
- ↑ Event finals notes USA Gymnastics, 1996
- ↑ Transcript of Moceanu press conference at USA Gymnastics August 17, 2000
- ↑ "Injured Moceanu forced out of competition" Selena Roberts, New York Times, August 18, 2000
- ↑ "After Success In 1996, Gymnastics Tour Looks For Even Bigger Results" Mary Wade Burnside, Amusement Business, September 25, 2000
- ↑ "After the Gold Rush" E.M. Swift, Sports Illustrated/CNN, October 4, 2004
- ↑ "Moceanu grievance denied" International Gymnast, August 10, 2006
- ↑ "Gymnast Moceanu Gets Order Of Protection Against Father" Jere Longman, New York Times, December 1, 1998
- ↑ CBB Exclusive: Going for (baby) gold with Olympic gold medalist Dominique Moceanu Jennifer Parris, Celebrity Baby Blog, 2007


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European austerity measures are punishing the most vulnerable members of society and threatening the entire social cohesion of Europe, according to a report from the charity Caritas.
According to Caritas, the tough economic measures being implemented in Ireland, Italy, Greece, Spain and Portugal are having a disproportionate impact on poorer, at risk households.
"The prospect of long term austerity measures, given high levels of child poverty, youth unemployment and long term unemployment, could be a recipe for not just one lost generation in Europe but several lost generations." Caritas Europa's study into 'The Impact of the European Crisis' said.
Caritas is a global charity with over one million volunteers, and it argues that the European response of widespread austerity to deal with the economic crisis since 2008 has not succeeded, shows no sign of succeeding and is in fact making things worse for those most at risk.
"Children are at greater risk of poverty than the rest of the population in 21 out of 25 EU member states."
Caritas suggests austerity measures will continue to drag a blanket of poverty over struggling households and families if economic policy carries on down that path. It says European policy must change if the situation is not to deteriorate further.
"A policy approach that prioritizes austerity above all else, particularly at the expense of the weakest members of society, cannot succeed."
"Leadership is called for in finding other, and more radical, ways to address what is a Europe-wide, and indeed a world-wide crisis rather than pursuing the current approach in which poor and vulnerable people across the Member States bear the burden of economic reforms."
According to the study almost a quarter of the European Union population is at risk of poverty or social exclusion, while the amount of people considered the very poorest in society has been steadily rising since 2008.
The charity highlights the increased price of food, fuel and value added tax as critical factors contributing to increased poverty, while saying that cuts to essential health and services have made children especially vulnerable. In Spain, one of the worst hit countries in Europe, the child poverty rate is well above the EU average at 27.2 percent, and has shown a 3.5 percent increase in two years.


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Have you ever picked up a cookbook and opened it right to the page with the perfect recipe, the one that exactly suited your mood and for which you had all the ingredients? No? Well, neither have I. Normally I pour over multiple cookbooks, imagining this recipe and that–or this recipe combined with elements of that–but I never just pick the first recipe I come to. Until yesterday.
I was all set for a long perusal of Neelam Batra's The Indian Vegetarian, a book which miraculously had no torn bits of paper or sticky notes marking its pages. I settled into my comfy chair, sipped my coffee, and allowed the book to fall open, to page 266 as it happened: Kidney Beans in a Curry Sauce on the left, Black-Eyed Peas with Garlic and Scallions on the right.
I was immediately drawn to the kidney bean dish because it sounded a lot like an Indian version of my home-state comfort food, Red Beans and Rice. I checked over the list of ingredients, and except for fresh ginger, I had all the ingredients. After a 15-minute trip to the nearby Indian grocery, where the ginger is the freshest in town, I had everything I needed for a complete Indian dinner, including a package of onion naan, brown basmati rice, and tender young okra to be roasted with curry powder.
I took several liberties with the recipe, including leaving out the 1/2 cup of cilantro which Ms. Batra adds to the beans along with the ginger. (I'm one of those people who doesn't like cilantro, though I have been training myself to tolerate it in small amounts as a garnish; feel free to use it if you like.) I also changed the cooking method of the beans, omitted the oil, and adjusted the seasonings a bit. My dish, while still mild, may be a little more highly spiced, but I think it's true to the flavor and style of the original–simple home-cooking, the kind that's universally comforting, nourishing, and delicious.
Rasedar Rajma (Kidney Beans in Curry Sauce)
Rasedar Rajma is a homestyle kidney bean curry, with fresh ginger and garam masala. This vegan version can be sped up by using the pressure cooker or Instant Pot.
- 2 cups dried kidney beans
- 6 cups water
- 1 tablespoon ginger root
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 onion ,minced
- 1 teaspoon garlic , minced
- 1/2 teaspoon ajwain seeds or dried thyme
- 2 cups tomatoes , finely diced
- 1/4 cup unsweetened non-dairy yogurt (or soymilk thickened with 1 tsp. lemon juice)
- 2 tablespoons ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground fenugreek
- 3/4 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1/8 teaspoon red chilli pepper or cayenne (more to taste)
- chopped cilantro (optional garnish)
- Rinse the kidney beans and put them in a large pot or pressure cooker along with 6 cups water, the ginger root, and the salt. Bring to a boil and boil for 1 minute. (In a pressure cooker, bring to high pressure and then remove from heat.)
- Remove from heat and allow the beans to rest, covered, for at least 1 hour. Drain the water, add another 6 cups of water, and bring to a boil. Simmer until beans are tender, about an hour. (Alternately, pressure cook the beans: bring to high pressure and cook for 8-10 minutes. Remove from heat and allow pressure to come down naturally.) When the beans are done, leave them in their cooking liquid while you make the sauce.
- Heat a non-stick saucepan over medium-high heat until hot. Add the minced onion, and cook until it's beginning to brown, stirring constantly. Add the garlic and ajwain and stir for 1 minute. Add the tomatoes and cook until their liquid has evaporated, about 5 minutes. Stir in the non-dairy yogurt and the coriander, fenugreek, turmeric, garam masala, and chilli pepper.
- Drain 2 cups of liquid from the beans and stir half of it into the sauce. Add the sauce to the beans and stir. If the sauce is too thick or dry, add some or all of the reserved bean cooking liquid. Simmer over low heat, stirring occasionally, for at least 20 minutes, until the sauce has thickened and flavors have blended. Check seasonings and add salt to taste. Transfer to a serving dish, garnish with cilantro if you like, and serve with basmati rice or chapatis, paranthas, or naan.
Recipe Notes
I'm sure you could use canned beans instead of cooking them from dry. I would probably start with step 3 and add the ginger with the garlic and put 2 cups of water into the sauce. Then I'd add 3 or 4 cans of kidney beans that had been rinsed and drained. Simmer for about an hour, adding water as needed. I don't think they'll break down or get as soft as dried, but if you want, you can mash some of the beans to thicken the gravy.
By the way, my husband insists that Black-Eyed Peas with Garlic and Scallions should be the next thing I cook from this book, and if I can get around the whole cup of cilantro it uses, I just might give it a try.


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STOCKTON - For the second time in less than 36 hours, detectives from the Stockton Police Department were called out to investigate a homicide early Sunday, authorities said.
STOCKTON - For the second time in less than 36 hours, detectives from the Stockton Police Department were called out to investigate a homicide early Sunday, authorities said.
Officers were dispatched about 2:50 a.m. to the area of West Park and North Commerce streets in downtown Stockton on a report of shots fired and a man down.
When they arrived, they found a 29-year-old man who was suffering from a gunshot wound to the head. Medical personnel responded and declared the victim dead at the scene.
"I just heard a loud bang," said neighborhood resident Shaun Alvarado, 22. "(The victim) was just lying on the ground. He appeared to be shot in the face."
The murder occurred outside the home of Paula Antonio. "Around 3 o'clock, the police showed up at my door," Antonio said. "Then I saw a body lying over there. I just saw the leg coming out of the sheet."
Antonio was shaken. "This is like 20 feet from my home."
The man's death was the second homicide of the weekend in Stockton and the city's 18th homicide of 2013, down from 46 at this time a year ago. A 16-year-old boy, identified by his parents as Kevric Beverly Jr., was fatally shot about 9:20 p.m. Friday night in the 600 block of Salem Way in north Stockton.
Residents of the Park and Commerce area said their neighborhood is unsafe. They report open drinking and drug use, daily fights, prostitution and frequent gunfire.
Heather Webster blamed slow police response times to anything but gunshots.
"If they could respond quick, or not take two to three hours, or not respond at all, this wouldn't be so bad," Webster said.
Contact columnist Michael Fitzgerald at (209) 546-8270 or email@example.com. Visit his blog at recordnet.com/fitzgeraldblog.
Contact reporter Jason Anderson at (209) 546-8279 or email@example.com. Visit his blog at recordnet.com/crimeblog.


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posted by Thom Holwerda on Fri 15th Jun 2007 12:08 UTC, submitted by cragnotil
Researchers at Intel are working on ways to mask the intricate functionality of massive multicore chips to make it easier for computer makers and software developers to adapt to them. These multicore chips will also likely contain both x86 processing cores, as well as other types of cores. A 64-core chip, for instance, might contain 42 x86 cores, 18 accelerators and four embedded graphics cores. In addition, Intel has updated its Itanium roadmap.


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G6223, Revised April 2015
Farmers markets are gaining popularity in Missouri and across the nation. In Missouri, 245 farmers markets were in operation in 2014, compared to 131 in 2007. In the United States, the total number of farmers markets increased by 76 percent between 2008 and 2014, with 8,268 being in operation in 2014.
Growers, consumers and communities are all recognizing the benefits of farmers markets.
For growers, farmers markets provide an opportunity to sell products at retail prices. They allow growers to gain greater control over production and marketing decisions and also provide growers with the opportunity to sell specialty or niche products, products that are limited in quantity, or products of varying quality, such as slightly blemished canning tomatoes. Because the vendor fees charged by markets are much lower than the cost of establishing an off-farm retail outlet, farmers markets enable growers to test new enterprises or give direct marketing a try without making a huge financial investment.
For consumers and communities, farmers markets offer a host of social, economic and health benefits. Farmers markets provide a great place to meet and socialize with neighbors, and offer an alternative shopping experience. They draw people out of their homes, help improve neighborhoods, and provide an economic stimulus to neighborhoods and downtown districts. Perhaps most important, farmers markets increase access to fresh food, give consumers the opportunity to develop relationships with local growers, raise awareness about the food system, and promote healthy eating habits.
This guide is a resource for people who are either starting a new farmers market or improving an existing market. Its question-and-answer format provides brief answers to common questions and directs readers to free online publications that answer the questions in more detail. (All the Web addresses are listed in the resources section.) In addition to addressing questions faced by market organizers across the country, this guide includes information about legal and regulatory issues for farmers markets in Missouri.
Based on research conducted by Project for Public Spaces , a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping people create and sustain public places and build community, successful public markets share the following 10 qualities:
These qualities are described in detail in Ten Qualities of Successful Public Markets ,by David O'Neil.
Most farmers markets start as an idea. A group of local growers, a neighborhood association, the local chamber of commerce or, in some cases, a single individual, realizes the benefits of starting a farmers market in their community. From this initial idea, connections are made, meetings are held, and the farmers market begins to materialize.
During the early stages of the market's creation, when initial conversations and meetings are taking place, try to answer the following questions to help the market get off to a good start. As you begin this process, remember that it does not have to be an intimidating endeavor. This guide answers many commonly asked questions to help alleviate the burden of searching for resources on your own.
Determining the feasibility of a new farmers market is crucial. Try to thoroughly evaluate the interest among local growers, consumers, businesses, government agencies and organizations before proceeding to the next step. Evaluate local retail competition and community demographics. To gain input from a wider audience and uncover unforeseen objections or support, place ads in local newspapers or hold public meetings. If time and funding permit, a formal feasibility study can be conducted. Starting a new market is generally justified if you have firm commitments from six growers and you expect to attract at least 100 customers on each market day.
In some cases, growers take a lead role in creating and running a market. In other cases, local governments, nonprofit organizations, chambers of commerce or a new entity formed just for this purpose organizes the new market. Regardless of who starts and operates the market, be sure to involve a wide range of individuals, organizations and businesses to make use of existing talents and resources in the community, resolve disputes, and share the workload.
Clearly defining the market's purpose or mission is perhaps the most important task for market organizers. Typically, farmers markets are created with the primary purpose of serving local growers and consumers, although it is widely recognized that farmers markets also help improve and revitalize downtowns and neighborhoods, provide a safe place for people to gather and socialize, and improve access to fresh food, among other things. However, a farmers market will not succeed unless growers are able to make a profit, despite the good intentions of market organizers to promote other goals.
There are several ways to proceed with organizing a new farmers market once you have determined initial interest and support among growers, consumers and the community. The steps to take will vary from market to market. First of all, if you haven't already done so, form a market organizing committee to provide some structure for your process. Also, consider developing business and marketing plans for your market. Other general considerations include developing the rules and regulations for the market, creating subcommittees within the market organizing committee to handle various tasks, selecting an appropriate location for the market, promoting the market, and helping vendors comply with local, state and federal regulations.
For a detailed description of these and other important considerations, including a sample letter that can be revised and sent to potential vendors, see Starting a Seasonal Open-Air Market in Kansas: A Market Organizer's Field Guide ,by Claire Homitzky and Jana Beckman.
The importance of good rules and regulations cannot be overstated. Typically, the rules and regulations of a farmers market outline how the market will operate on a daily basis, define the rights and obligations of both the market and the vendor, and provide answers to the following questions:
Good rules and regulations will be helpful for keeping vendors happy and minimizing conflicts. For a detailed explanation of farmers market rules and regulations — including a look at statements of market purpose and philosophy, provisions commonly found in farmers market rules, issues that may create challenges when managing a market, questions growers should consider when deciding whether to join a market, and many examples of market rules from around the country — see Farmers' Market Rules, Regulations and Opportunities , by Neil D. Hamilton.
For examples of rules and regulations from different farmers markets in Missouri, see the Farmers' Market Vendor Handbook for Kansas City's City Market and the Columbia Farmers Market rules and regulations .
One of the most fundamental issues addressed in any set of rules is whether to allow the sale of products that are produced by someone other than the vendor. Some market organizers elect to create a producer-only market and allow vendors to sell only products grown on their farms. Other organizers elect to allow for varying quantities of products to be resold at the market. Each option has advantages and disadvantages. For example, producer-only markets capitalize on the increasing interest in local food and are able to cater to customers who place a high value on supporting and getting to know the local growers in their community. Conversely, markets that allow growers and vendors to resell varying amounts of products grown by other growers will often have a wider variety of in-season and out-of-season products and may appeal to customers looking for convenience. In either case, enforcing the rules may require farm visits by the market manager or board of directors to ensure compliance.
Yet another issue addressed in the market's rules is whether to allow the sale of nonfood items, such as crafts. If your market intends to allow for the sale of crafts, the market's rules need to specify which items may be sold and what percentage of the total number of vendors may sell crafts. Farmers markets sometimes allow vendors to sell crafts to develop a more diverse vendor base and cater to certain customers. Some markets require that craft items be made from materials raised or collected on the vendor's own farm.
Regardless of which options you choose, it is important create a market that is not only consistent with the stated purpose of the market but also meets your customers' demands. It is also important to weigh your options carefully, survey potential customers about their preferences, and consult with market organizers, managers and growers who have experience with many types of markets.
Most farmers markets designate or employ a market manager to operate the market. The market manager's duties are typically described in the market's rules and regulations and include selecting vendors, allocating booth space, collecting fees, enforcing rules, resolving conflicts, and keeping records, among other things. For an extensive list of market manager duties, see pages 8–9 of Farmers' Market Rules, Regulations and Opportunities , by Neil D. Hamilton.
At first glance, the laws and legal considerations that growers and farmers markets are required to comply with may seem overwhelming. However, it is much wiser to educate yourself now and learn how to comply with these laws rather than turn ignore them and get in trouble at a later date. Make it your goal to learn as much as you can about these laws and get to know the public officials responsible for helping you comply with them.
For up-to-date information on Missouri law regarding business licensing, taxes and certain tax exemptions for some farmers selling at farmers markets, see the Missouri Department of Agriculture's Farmers' Market Handbook available from their Farmers' Market Resources page . Information on possible legal structures for farmers markets, weights and measures, food safety and insurance are included below.
Farmers markets will need to consider the pros and cons of either incorporating under different legal structures or operating under the umbrella of another organization.
The retail sale of fruits, vegetables and other items at farmers markets in Missouri is regulated by the Weights, Measures and Consumer Protection Division of the Missouri Department of Agriculture. This division is charged with protecting both buyers and sellers whenever goods and services are exchanged. As such, the division sets standards for acceptable units of sale, the use and certification of scales, and the sale of eggs, among other things.
In some cases, farmers markets may have to carry their own liability insurance to cover accidents that may occur at the market. In other cases, a property owner or sponsoring organization may carry the liability coverage. Farmers markets carrying their own insurance may obtain the insurance through the Missouri Farmers Market Association (MFMA). Check with MFMA for the current rates.
Growers also need to carry their own liability insurance. This can be obtained through one's insurance agent. A $1,000,000 policy is generally sufficient to cover product liability and accidents away from the farm.
We've all heard the reports. Unclean meat and produce have made it into the food system to cause illness and sometimes death. Foods of all types have been recalled and pulled from grocery store shelves as a result improper handling and processing. The last thing we want to hear about next is a foodborne illness or food recall associated with a farmers market. So, market organizers, growers and consumers need to take the issue of food safety seriously. Nobody wants to get sick from eating food that has been improperly handled, and nobody wants to make another person sick.
As noted by the National Good Agricultural Practices program (GAPs) at Cornell University, "food safety begins on the farm." Food can be contaminated at any stage of food production and distribution, by bacteria, viruses, parasites and other substances. However, there are ways to minimize food contamination on the farm. To start with, growers should use manure properly and exclude wild and domestic animals from their growing fields. Clean water should be used for irrigating, cooling and washing vegetables. Anyone who harvests, sorts or packs produce must have clean hands. And finally, work surfaces and storage containers should be sanitized after each use. For more detailed information about these recommendations and to see the full list of GAPs educational materials, go to the National GAPs Educational Materials Web page. Another useful source of information is a presentation developed by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services titled Produce Safety — Farm to Table.
Information from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services also notes that there are food contamination risks when handling and selling food at farmers markets. For example, when selling fruits, vegetables or nuts, care should be taken to protect food from not only environmental contaminants such as rain, dirt, and pests, but also from contaminants such as gasoline, pesticides and herbicides, whether during growing, harvesting, storage, transport or sale. Overhead canopies and tables are recommended to keep food protected from environmental contaminants. To protect food from chemicals and solvents, these should be stored in sealed, separate containers.
Selling potentially hazardous foods such as eggs, meat, poultry, fish and dairy products requires additional considerations and controls. Most important, controlling the temperature of these foods is the best way to ensure their quality and safety. Eggs should be held at a temperature no greater than 45 degrees F. Meat should be kept frozen. In addition, meat should be processed in a USDA- or state-inspected packing plant.
For foods prepared on-site at a farmers market, the general rule is that cold foods need to be kept cold and hot foods need to be kept hot. Most foods held at temperatures between 41 degrees and 135 degrees F foster the growth of harmful bacteria. Handwashing facilities must also be provided, and utensils and equipment must be cleaned and sanitized properly. Use a three-step process to clean utensils and equipment: wash utensils and equipment to remove debris, rinse to remove soap, and sanitize using a diluted chlorine rinse. In addition, serving prepared foods at a farmers market generally requires that the food come from a certified kitchen and that the person preparing the food be certified in some way. Check with your city and county health departments for details.
Processed and canned foods such as salsa, pickles, relish and sauces must come from an inspected, approved source. However, some exemptions apply for jams, jellies and honey. These products may be produced in one's home if they are made in sanitary conditions, they are properly labeled, and the maker of the product is also the retailer. A further restriction requires that the sale of these products does not exceed $30,000 per year. For more information, see Section 261.241 of the Missouri Revised Statutes.
In addition, Missouri county and municipal governments may enact health ordinances that are more restrictive than the state's ordinances. So, you should check with both your county and city public or environmental health agencies to determine which products are approved for sale at farmers markets in your community and how to handle sampling and food demonstrations. Furthermore, you should make every effort to develop a good, friendly working relationship with your local health officials. Taking an adversarial position against any particular department or official is counterproductive. Officials have the power to interpret the laws and work with growers and market organizers to find solutions to challenging situations.
Numerous other resources on food safety at farmers markets are available. The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services has a presentation titled Food Safety: Sanitation and the Value Added Farmers Market Venues from which the above information was adapted, and your local public health department may have helpful resources.
MU Extension has trained staff members who can assist market organizers and producers. To learn about resources available through MU Extension, contact your local extension center.
The Missouri Department of Agriculture also has the staff and resources to assist market organizers and producers. For assistance with developing and promoting your market, contact the Agriculture Business Development Division for more information. For online information, visit the divisions Farmers' Market Resources page.
The Missouri Department of Agriculture also sponsors the AgriMissouri program to promote farmers markets, agritourism and products grown, raised or processed in Missouri. For membership information, go to the website or call 866-466-8283.
The Missouri Farmers Market Association (MFMA) is an additional resource. MFMA helps promote Missouri's farmers markets, provides a forum for the exchange of ideas and resources, promotes economic and community development through local agriculture, and participates in educational programs, legislative advocacy and vendor recruitment. MFMA also provides a source of liability insurance for markets.
To find the most recent grant opportunities, use an Internet search engine to scan the Web, or check with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Understand, however, that farmers markets cannot be sustained by grants alone. Just like any other business, farmers markets have to generate sufficient revenues to stay in operation. During the initial stages of your market's development, the market organizing committee should develop business and marketing plans to clearly detail a strategy for sustaining the market without grants. Also, keep David O'Neil's Ten Qualities of Successful Public Markets in mind as you develop and grow your market.
Marketing and promoting a farmers market creates unique challenges for market organizers, in part because customers are looking for a variety of tangible items and intangible qualities at the market. For example, according to The New Farmers' Market, by Vance Corum, Marcie Rosenzwieg and Eric Gibson, farmers market customers are looking for fresh, high-quality, locally grown products; reasonable prices; an enjoyable and social shopping experience; and "vibrant farmer personalities."
As a market organizer, you are in a unique position because on the one hand, you have to rely on individual vendors to do a portion of the marketing. Marketing considerations such as product quality, variety and display; customer service and vendor personality; and pricing are generally left to vendors, although stipulations can be made in the market's rules and regulations to govern certain aspects of these considerations. On the other hand, you are responsible for promoting the market as a complete package and creating a positive, vibrant market atmosphere using special events, the media and community partnerships. Ultimately, balancing both the individual and collective marketing efforts requires flexibility, patience and creativity. It may also require working with individual vendors to help them improve their own marketing skills.
Marketing the Market, a Kansas Rural Center publication, shares several marketing and promotional tips for growers and market organizers. The guide includes information on basic marketing principles, building partnerships with local media and businesses, salesmanship, merchandising, creating a lively market atmosphere, promoting the market, and communicating with customers.
For additional help with marketing farmers markets, contact the Missouri Department of Agriculture's Agriculture Business Development Division for more information.
Finally, consider developing a marketing plan for your market. Even a basic plan can help you put your marketing ideas into action and keep your market on track.
Many growers are intimidated by the prospects of marketing and selling their products. However, despite these fears, growers should try to develop at least a general understanding of marketing and selling or be willing to recruit family members or employees who can market and sell with confidence. In addition, because farmers market customers expect growers to be a source of knowledge about products, production methods, and food storage and preparation, growers should be willing and able to talk with customers about these and other topics.
Numerous resources are available for growers who wish to develop their marketing, selling and personal communication skills. For information about direct marketing, enterprise evaluation and conducting market research, see Direct Marketing, by Katherine Adam, Radhika Balasubrahmanyam and Holly Born.
For information about selling and personal communication, see the MU Extension publication G6222, Selling Strategies for Local Food Producers. This guide offers practical advice on building relationships with customers, discovering customers' preferences, being an advocate for one's products, and providing great customer service.
A 2006 report published by Oregon State University Extension titled When Things Don't Work: Some Insights into Why Farmers Markets Close takes a close look at an often-overlooked fact — despite the recent growth and popularity of farmers markets, many new and small markets don't succeed. In the report, the authors identify five factors that are often associated with markets that fail:
In addition, the report identifies areas of risk and makes recommendations for farmers market organizers.
Associations of farmers markets and other direct marketing ventures exist at the state and international levels to assist growers and market organizers. At the state level, the Missouri Farmers Market Association is a valuable resource for market organizers and growers. At the international level, the North American Farmers' Direct Marketing Association (NAFDMA) works to improve farm income and promote farm direct marketing through education, networking, advocacy, research and innovation.
Collecting sound information, in a systematic way, can help you identify the strengths and weaknesses of your market. It can also help you make improvements in both the daily operations and long-term planning of the market.
Researchers at Oregon State University have developed a simple, inexpensive set of tools to help market managers and organizers assess a market's performance. The publication Tools for Rapid Market Assessment, by Larry Lev, Linda Brewer and Garry Stephenson, outlines the procedures for conducting attendance counts, facilitating customer surveys, and using a team of external market reviewers to make observations about some of the market's attributes.
In large part, the daily operations of your farmers market will be dictated by your rules and regulations. However, the market manager is usually given the authority to interpret and enforce the rules and regulations and handle the day-to-day concerns of the market. The New Farmers' Market, by Vance Corum, Marcie Rosenzwieg and Eric Gibson, discusses several managerial tasks that may need to be addressed. On the actual day of the market, these are some of those tasks:
In between market days, the market manager may also be involved in the following tasks:
Starting and operating a farmers market can be an exciting, satisfying and worthwhile endeavor. It does not have to be intimidating, especially if you remember to keep things simple, enlist the help of others, and practice good communication. This guide was developed to make the process easier and address some commonly asked questions posed by market organizers. By following this guide and using the resources provided throughout the text in your own community, you will have the tools needed to develop and grow a successful farmers market. Good luck.
The New Farmers' Market: Farm-Fresh Ideas for Producers, Managers, and Communities. 2001. Vance Corum, Marcie Rosenzweig and Eric Gibson. New World Publishing, Auburn, Calif.
Order publications online at http://extension.missouri.edu/explore/shop/ or call toll-free 800-292-0969.


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George Magovern, US heart surgery pioneer, dies
PITTSBURGH (AP) — Dr. George Magovern, a Pittsburgh cardiovascular surgeon who pioneered artificial heart valves, has died. He was 89.
Officials at Allegheny General Hospital, where Magovern introduced many of his cutting-edge techniques, say he died Monday.
The surgeon's son, Dr. George Magovern Jr., says his father is recognized for heart surgery techniques in the same way that Jonas Salk is recognized for his work with the polio vaccine and Thomas Starzl with organ transplants. George Magovern Jr. is chief of thoracic and cardiovascular surgery at Allegheny Health Network, which includes the hospital where his father did his work.
The elder Magovern is best known for co-inventing a sutureless heart valve, which was first used in 1962. The device reduced the time of such surgeries, increasing the odds that patients would survive.


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Here at the Aldec corporate office, we have a sign that reminds us all of our mission in the field of Technology. It reads, 'To deliver solutions that provide the highest productivity to value ratio; supporting our existing products while delivering innovation to current and new technologies'. We have similar statements to reaffirm our commitment in the areas of Research, Alliances, and Culture – we call it our "Aldec DNA".
Because we genuinely want to have a clear understanding of our user's requirements and methodology preferences, we continually engage in surveys and interviews. The knowledge we gain better positions us to support our existing products and to deliver that support where it matters the most to our users. If you've ever had that frustrating experience where your favorite tool no longer supports your methodology of choice – then you understand why this is so important.
Our Commitment to the VHDL Community
When it comes to VHDL-2008, we have learned from our customers that many are happy using the methodology – and continue to successfully deliver cutting-edge technology with it. So, while we remain committed to delivering innovation to new technologies, our R&D teams also invest a great deal of development time to ensure that Aldec solutions continue to offer a high level of support for popular languages like VHDL.
For the rest of this article, visit the Aldec Design and Verification Blog.


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A number of Spurs fans were targeted as they drank in a bar in Lyon's Old Town ahead of Thursday evening's Europa League last-32 meeting between the sides.
Local hooligans smashed windows in the Smoking Dog pub and threw bar stools at those trapped inside, incidents which resulted in several people requiring treatment.
|Tottenham are 9/1 with William Hill to beat Lyon 2-1
And the Ligue 1 outfit have now moved to apologise to travelling fans whilst distancing themselves from the perpetrators.
"Olympique Lyonnais regrets last night's incident in Saint-Jean between supporters of Tottenham and 'pseudo' Lyon fans who do not represent the Club," a statement on the club's official website read.
"Olympique Lyonnais apologises to Tottenham and its supporters for these unacceptable acts that degrade the image of the city of Lyon. Olympique Lyonnais calls for French justice to severely punish these wrongdoings.
"Olympique Lyonnais welcomes supporters of Tottenham tonight at the Stade Gerland and calls on all supporters, French or English, to support their team with respect and fairplay."


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Black Sabbath 2012 Tour Dates Begin with European Festivals
Black Sabbath 2012 tour dates that will find the recently reunited band touring the European festival circuit throughout May and June were released by the band today. This highly anticipated trek will kick off May 18 in Moscow, Russia, and wrap up June 24 in Milan, Italy.
All four original members of the influential, pioneering heavy metal band — Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Bill Ward — will be on hand for these dates, which will precede their first new album together since 1978′s 'Never Say Die.'
These shows, which better gosh-darn well be followed by the announcement of some Black Sabbath 2012 tour dates right here in America if they know what's good for them, will find the group taking part in events such as the famous UK Download Festival, Spain's Azkena Rock Festival, and most perhaps most appropriately titled, Italy's Gods of Metal.
It has been reported that the members of Black Sabbath will earn over $160 million for the band. If that money is somehow coming out of the pocket of Ozzy's former television commercial partner Justin Bieber, so much the better!
Black Sabbath 2012 Tour Dates:
5/ 18 — Moscow, Russia
5/ 20 — St. Petersburg, Russia
5/23 — Helsinki, Finland
5/ 25 — Stockholm, Sweden
5/29 — Bergen, Norway
5/31 — Oslo, Norway
6/2 — Malmo, Sweden
6/4 — Dortmund, Germany
6/10 — Donnington, UK
6/12 — Rotterdam, Holland
6/15 — Bilbao, Spain
6/17 — Nantes, France
6/19 — Paris, France
6/22 — Dessel, Belgium
6/24 — Milan, Italy


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I'm a researcher at University College London (UCL) and I'm currently running a study looking at work stress and how people recover from work, with the hope to find out what factors and activities (for example, social support) may help with this. I'm really keen to get respondents from a variety of professions (in particular those that work outside of the 9-5, and/or in creative jobs), so it'd be great if anyone form this forum would be interested in taking part.
It only takes 15 minutes and you'll receive instant feedback on things like whether you have high work strain, whether you're successfully recovering from work and whether you're work life is influencing your home life. Plus, you'll be entered into a prize draw for one of six £50 Amazon vouchers and you'll be doing your bit to help develop methods of improving post-work recovery!
The only requirement is that you work at least 3 days/shifts per week and are over 18. Please feel free to e-mail me if you have any questions or comments (my e-mail address is on the first page of the survey).
Here's the link:
Thanks in advance for your help!


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Art Spiegelman is in Los Angeles today and has three appearances at events with very different vibes. At 11 a.m., he'll be at Storyopolis (14945 Ventura Blvd. Sherman Oaks), with his new early-reader comic "Jack and the Box." Then, at 2 p.m., he'll be at the Silent Movie Theatre (611 N. Fairfax Ave.) to introduce a screening of Tod Browning's 1932 cult-classic "Freaks."
Finally, the Pulitzer Prize winner will be at Family Bookstore (436 N. Fairfax Ave) to sign "Breakdowns: Portrait of the Artist as a Young %@&*!," a newly reissued and expanded collection of his work in underground comix during the 1970s.
Spiegelman is a truly vital figure in illustrated storytelling in modern America, and like his appearance schedule in L.A. today, the career of the 60-year-old artist has been a restless odyssey in unexpected directions. To get some insight into his past, present and future, check out this marvelous piece on Spiegelman that ran on the front page of today's Calendar section in the Los Angeles Times. David Ulin, the book editor for The Times, wrote the article. Here's an excerpt:
NEW YORK — Art Spiegelman's SoHo studio sits across the street from one of the great hidden pieces of public art in this city: an oversized subway map, laid into the sidewalk, thin metal strips with small glass disks to mark stations on the various lines. On a weekday evening in early fall, shoppers and clubgoers pass along the pavement without ever seeing what they're stepping on.
After 30 years, this is what SoHo has come to, an open-air fashion mall, full of high-end boutiques and restaurants. "My neighborhood," Spiegelman sighs, looking out his fifth-floor window as if gazing back in time. "If I was moving back to New York right now, I'd probably end up somewhere else."For Spiegelman, this is more than an offhand comment; it's the essence of how he thinks. From the outset of his career, he has been an artist for whom, as William Faulkner once wrote, "The past is never dead. It's not even past." A decade and a half after "Maus," he remains best-known for that two-book memoir-in-comics, which recounts both his father's experience in the Holocaust and Spiegelman's interaction with the story, a heritage that is, by turns, a blessing and a curse.Perhaps the most vivid image in "Maus" comes early in the second volume, when an adult Spiegelman, wearing a mouse mask to preserve the central metaphor of the comic, buries his head in his hands while sitting at his drawing table; beneath his feet are hundreds of the Holocaust dead. "At least fifteen foreign editions are coming out," he laments. "I've gotten 4 serious offers to turn my book into a T.V. special or movie. (I don't wanna.)" From outside the frame, another speaker calls, "Alright Mr. Spiegelman. We're ready to shoot! . . ."Here, we have Spiegelman at his most complex, creating comics that, even as they tell a story, comment on the process, highlighting its contradictions, suggesting that we are complicit in the tales we tell. "When you say to give form, you're giving a shape to something that's much more nebulous," Spiegelman says. "As soon as you try to tell the truth, you're always lying."


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Everyone loves a bargain. But it may not make sense to scrimp on the pieces you need and love the most. In fact, sometimes the best way to be frugal over time is to invest a little more upfront in the right items. When you calculate the price per wear of quality, staple pieces, the perceived splurge factor goes way down. So what's worth that extra investment when it comes to your wardrobe? Here are our picks for nine core cold-weather categories.
Spend More on These Wardrobe Basics
Everyone loves a bargain. But it may not make sense to scrimp on the pieces you need and love the most. In fact, sometimes the best way to be frugal over time is to invest a little more upfront in the right items. When you calculate the price per wear of quality, staple pieces, the perceived splurge factor goes way down. So what's worth that extra investment when it comes to your wardrobe? Here are our picks for nine core cold-weather categories.
It may seem counterintuitive to invest in hosiery since they're so seemingly prone to runs. But when it comes to an opaque tight — something you can wear for half the year and remains a perennial, practical staple — it's worth paying a little more for hosiery that will last.
Our pick: Wolford Velvet Deluxe Tights, $45
Soft, durable (they can endure several years of wash and wear), and they don't bind at the waist. Be sure to wash them in a delicates bag so they don't snag in the wash, and hang them to air dry.
Boots are one of the most expensive items you'll buy — all the more reason to make that purchase less frequently. The two keys to maximizing your boot budget is to buy a high-quality shoe and commit to regular maintenance, both of which can allow you to keep your boots for over a decade. (Yes, we said decade.)
Our pick: J.Crew Field Boots, $328
Riding boots are a timeless classic, and this simple J.Crew version will retain its appeal long after you've forgotten about the price. Have your cobbler put rubber soles on them before you ever wear them (and replace the soles regularly). Keep them polished and wear them professionally and casually with both pants and dresses.
Layering Tanks
Tank tops are not just what you wear when it's hot. When purchased and used correctly, they become a staple piece you wear year-round, layering under T-shirts, sweaters, blouses and blazers. They're worn close to the body, so softness matters, as does fit — you don't want your base layer to bunch.
Our pick: Theory Tubular Tank Top, $105
The stretchy quality of these tanks is tight enough to work like a body shaper, without the uncomfortable fit often associated with those suffocating tops. And since you're wearing it almost every day, it's important that the stretchiness holds up. The Theory tanks will retain their shape and carry you through all four seasons for multiple years (just don't put them in the dryer).
A Coat
If you live in a climate where it gets cold, then you know that your coat and your shoes are what you're seen in a good portion of the time. Given the fact that it's your outdoor blanket and your aesthetic facade to the world for several months a year, the importance of owning a great coat cannot be overstated. Look for good tailoring (consider where it's made and inspect the seams), and be picky about only choosing high-quality fabric (opt for a high percentage of natural fibers like wool and cashmere over acrylic and nylon, which wear out more quickly and are not as warm).
Our pick: Club Monaco Double Face Wool Coat, $495
Wear it to work with a dress or slacks, pair with jeans on the weekend, wear it open when it's warmer or bundle up with a chunky scarf when temperatures drop. A classic Italian wool jacket with clean lines will weather time and trends.
Black Handbag
When it comes to handbags, "investment piece" need not equate with "designer." Always buy real leather, as fake leather looks cheap and will crack and break down quickly — you'll get what you pay for. Keep the hardware to a minimum, as it becomes dated more quickly and is one more thing that can break. Avoid visible labels whenever possible and instead opt for fine craftsmanship.
Our pick: Clare Vivier Messenger bag, $380
This bag is practical yet stylish, and the detachable crossbody strap offers multiple ways of wearing and carrying it. The solid brass hardware promises durability that will perform comparably to the soft, nubuck leather.
Classic Heel
A neutral pump moves seamlessly from office to casual, and with the right care, will keep your heels high and your price per wear low. Protect them with rubber soles and be mindful of the tips, which can wear down quickly. Choose a walkable height in black, camel or animal skins like python, which go with everything. As with the handbag, avoid too much hardware and instead stick with clean, simple styles.
Our pick: Ted Baker Pointy Toe Pump, $184
They're a height that looks and feels appropriate for both day and night, and the small gold details are subtle enough to keep it classic, yet pronounced enough to keep them from feeling boring or traditional.
Black Skinny Jeans
When you're not in your professional attire, chances are you're wearing jeans much of the time. Black denim is the best investment because it's dressier and more polished than blue or colored denim, plus it's more forgiving. Spend the time finding the brand that fits your body. Some stores, like Bloomingdales, have installed Me-Ality size matching stations, which give you a free printout of brands and styles that are the best match for your body.
Our pick: Rag & Bone Legging Jean, $187
The tummy-flattering mid-rise will also ensure you don't have to worry about anything creeping out the back. With just the right amount of stretch, these jeans will feel more like second-skin pants that form to your curves, while still being more substantial than a knit legging. Changing up your top alone will allow you to wear them more days than not each week.
Waist Belt
Belts are one of the more underrated fashion accessories. They can single handedly transform any outfit, reframing your silhouette and giving you shape. And since they are so low impact when it comes to wear (no washing, dragging on the ground or carrying in your hands), a good belt can actually last a lifetime.
Our pick: Nicholas Rose Gold Plate Belt in black or cream, $180
The leather/metal duo on this waist belt brightens and sharpens any outfit. Don't be afraid to pair the rose gold with other metals, like gold and silver, as well. The multiple size holes ensure that it fits right at the waist when you want it to, but allows for expanded layering in colder months.
Leather Jacket
Leather jackets are technically always in style, but small details can be a quick giveaway that it was fashionable five years prior to when you're wearing it. Think simple and elegant and opt for soft or washed leather pieces that aren't too "tricked out." The less it looks like a traditional leather jacket, the more wear you'll get out of it.
Our pick: LaMarque Lightweight Leather Jacket, $395
Think of this jacket as a three-season item that's equal parts outerwear, blazer and sweater. The suppleness of the leather will get better with age, and the taupe color is a softer alternative to black.
Anna Akbari, Ph.D. is the founder of Sociology of Style (formerly Closet Catharsis), her wardrobe and image consulting company, where she is the "thinking person's stylist." Find out more and follow her on Twitter.


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eCurrents | April 2013
Easter Eggs, Cool Videos, more!
Easter Eggs, Cool Videos, more!
Posted Wednesday, March 27th, 2013
3 Rivers employees produced and narrated a video celebrating our 60th Anniversary.
Posted Tuesday, March 26th, 2013
Replays of Fairfield Girls and Boys Divisional Basketball and other school programming will air on 3RTV local channel 10 Wednesday, March 27 through Friday, March 29.
Posted Thursday, March 14th, 2013
3 Rivers has reported previously about customers having difficulty receiving and completing long distance phone calls for some time. This is a national problem, not related specifically to 3 Rivers' network. The FCC concluded that certain long distance carriers are deliberately not completing calls in higher cost rural areas as a way to avoid paying terminating carriers (where you live, that's 3 Rivers). Recently one provider has reached a settlement with the FCC regarding such practices.
Tax Fraud Alert, 3 Rivers' 60th, more!
Posted Friday, March 8th, 2013
3 Rivers is celebrating the 60th Anniversary as your telecommunications cooperative at our annual meeting this year, to be held March 18 at the Community Hall in Fairfield (details are in the latest issue of Currents). As usual, there will be plenty of gifts and door prizes given out at the meeting, but if you can't make it, we will be drawing ten member's names at random who will receive a $60 gift certificate towards their 3 Rivers bill.
Posted Thursday, February 28th, 2013
Due to sun spot activity beginning February 28, TV viewers (3RTV customers and non-3RTV customers alike) will see degraded quality signals or brief outages on some channels each day through March 6. This disruption will last approximately 10 minutes. These outages will occur between 11:50 a.m. and 3:20 p.m., depending on the channel.
Ransomware, Supercookies and more!
Posted Wednesday, February 6th, 2013
3 Rivers has been informed of a telephone scam that may hit our customers. Calls are coming from area code 876 and tell the recipient that they are "a winner" but need to pay to collect their "winnings." Click on the link below for more details and general warnings about telephone scams.
Posted Thursday, January 17th, 2013
Foundation for Rural Service (FRS) and Discovery Education are bringing an exciting contest to rural schools in 3 Rivers' service area. Students produce a 1-2 minute video which compares and contrasts their community with others around the world using Discovery Education online programming to aid in their research. 1st prize--a $2,500 technology grant for the classroom, a Discovery Education prize package and more!


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Happy 48th Birthday, Benicio del Toro!
The celebrated Puerto Rican actor has appeared in countless amazing roles: from Che Guevara to Dr. Gonzo to Franky Four Fingers. His outstanding ability to inhabit different personas and bring difficult characters to life has earned him critical acclaim and an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.
In honor of the boricua's birthday, we're remembering his seven most incredible roles:
1. Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas
Dr. Gonzo in Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas:
Adapted from the Hunter S. Thompson novel of the same name, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas follows the insane adventures of Raoul Duke, played by Johnny Depp, and his trusty sidekick, Dr. Gonzo, played by del Toro. The two embark on a wacky search for "The American Dream" -- aided, of course, by massive amounts of drugs.
2. Traffic
Javier Rodriguez in Traffic
In the movie that earned him an Academy Award, del Toro plays Javier Rodriguez, a police officer in Mexico who attempts to cripple the efforts of the powerful Obregón drug cartel. His subtle performance, was lauded by Entertainment Weekly as "haunting in [its] undersatement, [it] becomes the film's quietly awakening moral center".
3. The Usual Suspects
Fred Fenster in The Usual Suspects
When five "Usual Suspects" are dragged into a New York police station lineup, they form an unlikely bond and agree to do a job together. The hilarious and thrilling movie boasts one of the best ensemble casts of all time, including Kevin Spacey (who won an Oscar for his performance), Stephen Baldwin, and of course, Benicio del Toro as Fred Fenster, a mobster with..um..English difficulties. The iconic "lineup" scene almost didn't make it into the final cut of the movie -- and the line "In English Please" was completely improvised! Watch for yourself, but fair warning, there is extremely graphic language.
4. Che
Che Guevara in Che: A Revolutionary Life
Benicio del Toro took on the challenging role of Ernesto "Che" Guevara in Steven Sodenbergh's biopic about the legendary Marxist revolutionary. Although reviews to the film were mixed, del Toro's performance was generally praised, even earning him the Best Actor Award at the Cannes Film Festival.
5. 21 Grams
Jack Jordan in 21 Grams
Mexican director Alejandro González Iñárritu's acclaimed film 21 Grams features del Toro as Jack Jordan, a former convict who has turned to religion to help recover from drug addiction and alcoholism. His story begins unexplicably intertwined with that of Sean Penn and Naomi Watts' characters in a dramatic, heartbreaking, and ultimately, tragic film. His outstanding performance earned him a nomination for an Academy Award, BAFTA Award, SAG Award, and more.
6. Snatch
Franky Four Fingers in Snatch
The cult-classic Snatch stars del Toro as Franky Four Fingers, a professional criminal and gambling addict with...you guesed it, four fingers on one hand. A diamond heist ignites a chain reaction of events that involves gypsies, thugs, boxing promoters, Russian arms dealers and a stray dog. It's a movie you have to see to understand.
7. Sin City
Jackie Boy in Sin City
Robert Rodriguez adapted four tales of crime from Frank Miller's popular comics, casting a range of talented and magnetic Latinos, like Benicio del Toro, Alexis Bledel, Jessica Alba, and Rosario Dawson. In the section of the film called "The Big Fat Kill", del Toro appears as Jackie Boy, a "hero cop" who gets more than he bargained for when he pulls over a young prostitute.