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Helena & Beyond
Helena, Montana's Premiere Catering Company
Complete Menus
Our Story of Success
Bob Goetz & Tim O'Brien
Bob Goetz and Tim O'Brien met in the mid-1990s and immediately hit it off. They became great friends over the years as they worked together running The Jailhouse Sandwich Shop and Patrick's Paddock. Since then, the duo has challenged each other to make the best catering experience available in Montana. With Tim's education in culinary arts and Bob's background in the social work field, this team has a unique skill set that puts them above the competition. Bob and Tim truly strive to create the best food for you.
Clients About Us
Thank you so much for providing the perfect meal for our gathering. Truly, Tim, I know who we are calling if we ever host another celebration in the future. You are THE BEST and you and Andi are such a pleasure to work with. Thank you!
…your catering is second to none.
Thank you so much for the wonderful prime rib you did for our rehearsal dinner. Your service and food were excellent and helped get our wedding off to a great start. You will be very highly recommended!


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If you are conducting some McEachen family history research then you can view the McEachen coat of arms and the name meaning and origin of the name as well as the meaning of symbols below. This is a great place to start when tracing your genealogy and McEachen surname history and will help you answer the question 'what is the meaning of my name?'
The name McEachen in Ireland is
derived from a number of native
Gaelic Septs. including the Mac
Mhiolchon Sept of County Down
and the Mac Eachrain Sept of
County Cavan. These names
were more usually anglicized as
MacConn and MacGahern.
It is in the Northern Counties that
the majority of descendants bearing
these names can today be found.
A Sept is an ancient form of a Clan and is a group of people whose ancestors all bore the same surname and inhabited the same locality.
|Argent/White or Silver
|Denotes Peace and Sincerity.
|'The Martyr's colour', signifies Military Fortitude and Magnanimity.
|Represents Generosity.
|Symbol of Christ
|The Lion
|Emblem of Deathless Courage
|Symbol of a notable Expedition by Sea
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subset: commoncrawl


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Social Behavioral Services
Behavioral Services are provided at CTC by licensed behavioral health therapists, including social workers and psychologists. An initial evaluation is completed for all children/families to determine the child's specific needs.
Types of therapy available includes:
- Individual therapy–a one-on-one interaction between the therapist and the child and/or the parent(s)/guardian(s) to enhance problem-solving and coping abilities. The therapist identifies the problems to be addressed and works on formulating goals. Sessions vary from 30 to 50 minutes.
- Family therapy, which closely involves the family unit. Together the therapist and the family decide how the sessions are structured. The issues are addressed by the family as a whole.
- Group and Play Therapy is done through art, play, and talking in groups or individually. As the child interacts with the therapist or with peers, the therapist redirects the play to more appropriate behavior.
- Children eligible for Medical Assistance with a documented need for Behavioral Health Services as prescribed by a licensed psychologist can be evaluated to determine eligibility for Wraparound Services in the home.
- Educational testing consists of a series of tests administered to determine the child's present level.


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Dallas Cowboys GFX: Class Of 2011
Here they are in all their glory. The next time we see these players they will all be donning their Silver and Blue uniforms.
Welcome to the Dallas Cowboys guys!
Live long and prosper!
Here they are in all their glory. The next time we see these players they will all be donning their Silver and Blue uniforms.
Welcome to the Dallas Cowboys guys!
Live long and prosper!
The 2011 NFL Draft is finally over and the Cowboys came away with some solid picks including their top selection, offensive tackle, Tyron Smith. Here is a quick rundown of each player, eight in all, including comments from ESPN or NFL.com.
With the ninth pick of the first round, the Cowboys selected Southern Cal's Tyron Smith on Thursday, putting the future of Marc Colombo, in question. Smith was a two-year starter at Southern Cal and is viewed as the best tackle in the draft with the highest ceiling because of his tremendous athletic ability. While some see him as a left tackle in the future, the Cowboys will likely plug him in at right tackle.
The Cowboys selected North Carolina linebacker Bruce Carter with the 40th overall pick in the second round of the NFL Draft on Friday. Carter, who is 6-2 and weighs 245 pounds, tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee last November in a game against North Carolina State and had surgery the following month. Carter said he is confident he will be fully recovered at some point during training camp and added he has already started "cutting." When Carter was on the field, he flashed athleticism. He started 44 games with the Tar Heels, recording 9.5 sacks and 215 tackles — 24 of which resulted in a loss. In 2010, he was a Butkus Award finalist.
With the 71st overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, the Dallas Cowboys selected Oklahoma RB DeMarco Murray. A physically talented skill player who has flashed dominance in the past, Murray runs with a smooth style, has good quickness, and displays the ability to bounce around piles and make defenders miss. He possesses the agility to turn the corner, finds cutback lanes, and quickly gets through them. He also keeps his feet moving on contact, runs with good lean, and shows a burst. Murray has displayed skill the past three seasons and at times makes scouts think he offers potential as a feature runner in the NFL. His penchant for injuries and occasional soft style will downgrade him, though Murray possesses all the skills necessary to produce at the next level if he plays up to his potential.
With their fourth-round pick on Saturday the Cowboys went back to the offensive line in selecting Missouri State guard David Arkin. Arkin, 6-5, 300 pounds, played tackle but will move to guard with the Cowboys. He started 31 games at guard. He will be making a jump from FCS level of play to the NFL but the Cowboys like his potential. They also have a need for some depth. There have been rumblings about the future of right guard Leonard Davis and left guard Kyle Kosier is a free agent. Backup Montrae Holland is in the final year of his contract and Phil Costa is more of a center who can play guard.
With the 143rd pick overall (12th in the 5th round), the Dallas Cowboys selected cornerback Josh Thomas from Buffalo. Thomas, who is 5-10 and weighs 196 pounds, started 24 games at Buffalo and completed the 40-yard dash in 4.46 seconds at the NFL Combine. In four years at Buffalo, Thomas contributed 29 pass breakups and as a senior he accumulated 58 tackles, two sacks and an interception — the second of his career. Before arriving at Buffalo, Thomas was a standout player at Cedar Hill, where he was a member of the team that won the Class 5A Division II state championship in 2006.
With the 176th pick overall (11th in the 6th round), the Dallas Cowboys selected wide receiver Dwayne Harris from East Carolina. Harris was productive and an All-Conference USA pick after catching 101 passes for 1,123 yards and 10 touchdowns. He was fourth in FBS in all-purpose yards per game. While he does not have top speed, Harris can return punts and kickoffs. Harris could come in as a slot receiver. In some ways he could be similar to Patrick Crayton.
With the first of two seventh-round picks, the Cowboys continued to address their backfield depth by drafting Georgia fullback Shaun Chapas No. 220 overall. Chapas was the second back taken by the Cowboys this weekend, following third-round pick DeMarco Murray. At 6-2 and 245 pounds, he has the size and strength to be a sturdy blocker out of the backfield. He started for the Bulldogs for most of his career and served as team captain. Chapas presumably will compete with Chris Gronkowski at fullback and try to earn a spot on special teams.
The Cowboys selected Wisconsin center Bill Nagy with the 252nd overall pick in the seventh round of the NFL Draft on Saturday. Nagy played guard and center for the Badgers and was named an honorable mention All-Big Ten pick by the coaches. He made two starts at center as a senior while spending the rest of his time at guard. He also lined up as a tight end in a jumbo package. He was the third offensive linemen selected by the Cowboys, joining tackle Tyron Smith and guard David Arkin. The Cowboys selected six offensive players and two defensive players.
One of my favorite all-time Cowboys, Jay Novacek first made a name for himself playing tight end for the University of Wyoming. He was selected to the All-American football team in 1984 after setting an NCAA record for receiving yards per receptions by a tight end. He had a team record 83 career receptions for 1,536 yards and 10 touchdowns during his college career. Novacek also competed in track and field and earned All-American in the decathlon and pole vault.
He was originally drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in 1985, but would later join the Dallas Cowboys in 1990. Some thought he was a hired gun and for a while the name stuck. He was known for his hard-nosed style of play and his athleticism. Novacek was a hard hitter and a tremendous blocker, but it was his pass catching ability that fans will remember the most.
He was one of the best tight ends ever to wear a Dallas Cowboys uniform, and was one of the key players on a Cowboys team that went on to win three Super Bowls in 1992, 1993 and 1995. In those three games alone, he posted a combined total of 17 catches for 148 yards and two touchdowns.
Jay Novacek's remarkable pass catching and route running abilities gave him a total of 422 receptions for 4,620 yards and 30 touchdowns during his NFL career.
He was selected to five pro bowls and while he may not have had a long career with the Cowboys, he made each of his six seasons count, and was one of the best tight ends in the league throughout his Cowboys career.
In 2008, Jay was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame for his achievements as a top collegiate player.
In February of 2010, he suffered a great tragedy when he came home to find his wife LeeAnne had taken her own life and committed suicide. He now spends his time working with children and running a youth football camp at the University of North Texas every summer.
To me, he will always be one of the all-time great Cowboys and a big reason for our glory years in the 1990s. One day I hope to see his name among the other greats in the Cowboys Ring of Honor.
Welcome to our exclusive NFL Draft Coverage Thread here at Lone Star Struck.
For complete coverage of all the big news, signings and trades, keep it right here as we will keep updating this thread with everything you need to know.
We also invite you to join us at our live Draft Chat where many members of our staff will be discussing the day's events and answering questions.
Join the conversation or just stop in and say "Go Cowboys!" Let us know who you think the Cowboys should draft with the first pick.
It's going to be a great weekend and I bet there will be a few surprises with Jerry Jones running the show.
Round 1, Pick 9 (9) – OT Tyron Smith, USC
Round 2, Pick 8 (40) – LB Bruce Carter, North Carolina
Round 3, Pick 7 (71) – RB DeMarco Murray, Oklahoma
Round 4, Pick 13 (110) – OL David Arkin, Missouri St
Round 5, Pick 12 (143) – DB Josh Thomas, Buffalo
Round 6, Pick 11 (176) – WR Dwayne Harris, E. Carolina
Round 7, Pick 17 (220) (From San Diego) – FB Shaun Chapas, Georgia
Round 7, Pick 49 (252) (Compensatory Selection) – OL Bill Nagy, Wisconsin
NFL Draft Order
1. Carolina Panthers
2. Denver Broncos
3. Buffalo Bills
4. Cincinnati Bengals
5. Arizona Cardinals
6. Cleveland Browns
7. San Francisco 49ers
8. Tennessee Titans
9. Dallas Cowboys
10. Washington Redskins
I didn't get to watch the draft last night, but the word around blogosphere is that this was the best part of the evening.
Football fans sacked Roger Goodell last night and really let him have it. The chants were so loud that they drowned out the sound system preventing Goodell to get things started.
Radio City Music Hall bellowed with loud shouts calling for the commissioner to step down, and when Goodell stepped to the podium to begin the draft he knew things were really getting ugly and that fans wanted an end to the lockout.
"We want football! We want football! We want football!"
There are now signs that Goodell has been forced into action. The NFL announced that team facilities and weight rooms are open for workouts again, and that coaches can hand out playbooks. Players can also receive treatment.
Let me start by saying I am glad I was right in my earlier post. Tyron Smith was the right pick to make. While it is not flashy or exciting and will not generate more interest or attention (like Dez Bryant did), it is what is right for a team trying to get back to the playoffs.
If you question taking an offensive linemen, take a look at which teams took OL in round 1. The Cowboys, of course, were the first team to strike at the position. Patriots, Colts, Eagles, Seahawks, Bears, Packers all drafted offensive linemen. Those teams all have in common that, minus the Packers, they all won their respective divisions, and then the Packers went on to win the whole thing. Maybe this is a sign that this is in fact how you build a franchise.
Who was on the board that really made sense to take? Reports this week were that the Cowboys did not like Nick Fairley and the belief was that even if he was there in round two, the team would pass on him. So he was likely never seriously considered. Cameron Jordan and JJ Watt both were considered here and I would believe Prince Amukamara. There are plenty of defensive ends to be had still and cornerback is not the teams' greatest need.
I believe Jerry Jones did the best thing he possibly could. When the league year starts, Marc Colombo will be released and Doug Free, according to Stephen Jones on Tuesday, will get a nice contract extension. The Cowboys have their two long-term tackles now. Tony Romo should be very happy as should Jason Garrett. As should the fans.
(This is my first of hopefully many contributions to this site and I hope you enjoy my posts. Thanks for reading! Go Cowboys!)
Is offensive line the right move to make? Jerry Jones has never selected an offensive linemen in the first round since he has been the Cowboys owner. Even though he played o-line at Arkansas. Seems a bit odd. But even he found offensive line boring and not flashy, I believe it might be the safe and correct pick in this case.
Tyron Smith out of USC is one rumored possibility for the Cowboys along with some other tackles and defensive ends Cameron Jordan and JJ Watt also rumored as options. The running game really struggled last season and Tony Romo (when he played) and then Jon Kitna did not have that long to throw. Certainly you only have so long to make something happen but they were not even given nearly enough time.
Smith would start right away at RT, opposite Doug Free. This selection would spell the end for Marc Colombo of course. Smith can help protect Romo and hopefully improve the running game, especially short yardage situations.
The Cowboys have plenty of needs but when I watched this team in 2010, the main problems that I saw were all in the defensive backfield more than anything. That is why I would consider taking Prince Amukamara with the ninth pick. Terrance Newman is getting up there in age and Michael Jenkins was bad at times last year. Neither Gerald Sensabaugh nor Alan Ball should be trusted to start at safety again and I think the Prince would be the right selection.
Then you can grab an offensive lineman in the second round and go with safety and defensive end/linebacker later. I do believe Dallas is in pretty good shape all around but just have a couple holes to fill, which they can accomplish by drafting well.
So while I would consider improving the secondary, I do believe that offensive tackle is the right, safe pick in this case for the Cowboys mainly because my hope is that an overhaul of the o-line can improve the running game, which can improve the passing game, which can give the Cowboys the lead and hopefully take some pressure off the defense, and the secondary. Everything has a cause and effect and you are supposed to build from the inside out. The Cowboys are a flashy team and Jerry likes to make splashy picks usually but in this particular case, let's just be safe.
With the 2011 NFL Draft now less than 30 hours away, it's not difficult to envision Jerry Jones, a proverbial riverboat gambler on draft day, posted up in the "War Room" putting the last minute touches on the team's big board. Jones has to be as excited as ever for this year's draft, with the abundance of studs available across the board at Dallas' three biggest position needs (defensive back, offensive line, defensive line). Couple that with the fact that the Cowboys are in prime position to move around and make some deals at the #9 draft slot, and countless scenarios immediately become plausible. So, with the impending madness right around the corner, here is a "mock draft" of sorts to get the pre-draft excitement flowing.
Round 1, Pick 9
To me, there are three different scenarios that could take place when the Cowboys go on the clock at #9, largely depending on what players are still left on the board at that point.
The first and most simple scenario is the Cowboys standing pat at #9 and taking the best player available. Two players that immediately come to mind for the Cowboys at #9 are tackle Tyron Smith and cornerback Prince Amukamara. Either player would immediately fill major needs for the Boys, and would be expected to contribute from day one. In an unexpected turn of events, defensive lineman Nick Fairley could fall to Dallas at #9, in which case they would have to seriously consider calling his name as well.
The second and least likely scenario is that the Cowboys move up several spots to take a player that has fallen farther than expected. The most likely situation in which this scenario would occur in my mind would be Patrick Peterson falling to the San Francisco 49ers' slot at #7. If Peterson drops that far, I think it would be impossible for Jerry to not envision trading up to nab another playmaker like he did for Dez Bryant last year.
The third, and in my opinion, most likely scenario, is the Cowboys finding a trade partner at #9 and moving down several spots into the teens. Jerry has made it no secret that he has been in touch with several teams about moving into Dallas' #9 slot. The most likely trade partner for the Cowboys is the St. Louis Rams. The Rams covet Julio Jones, and it is highly unlikely that he makes it past the Washington Redskins at #10. In this scenario, the Cowboys would acquire St. Louis's #15 pick, likely an additional 2nd, and a 4th or a 5th round pick. At #15, it is hard to envision the Cowboys not taking an offensive lineman. They could still get the tackle they covet in Tyron Smith at #15, and I also think that guard Mike Pouncey would garner serious consideration here as well. In the event that the Cowboys decide against taking an offensive linemen at #15, defensive ends J.J. Watt and Cameron Jordan would seem to be legitimate picks as well.
Summary of scenarios
Round 2, Pick 40
This selection for the Cowboys will probably be more simple and less complicated than round one. Depending on which of the three major needs (DB, OL, DL) they decide to address in the first round, Dallas will likely address one of the two remaining major needs in round two. This could also prove to be an exciting pick due to the fact that it is impossible to know which players with first round grades will slip into the second round. Two players that could fall out of the first round that would be absolute steals in the second round are cornerback Jimmy Smith and defensive lineman Cameron Heyward. Other players that will be targeted by the Cowboys in the second round are: Ras-I Dowling, Brandon Harris, Muhammad Wilkerson, Aaron Williams, Rahim Moore, and Martez Wilson.
Potential Picks
Round 3, Pick 71
Like round two, the Cowboys' selection in round three will likely be the last of their three major needs (DB, OL, DL). Other players and positions could come into player however, depending on which players have dropped farther than where they were originally projected to go. Because of the potential of higher rated players still being available in round three, the Cowboys could call the name of a player who previously may not have been on the radar. My favorite potential pick here is Penn State guard/center Stefen Wisniewski. With an NFL pedigree, Wisniewski would bring youth and versatility to an aging interior line who's skills are quickly diminishing.
Potential Picks
Round 4, Pick 110
With the top three picks hopefully addressing the top three needs of the Cowboys, value and potential starts to become the focus in round four. As we've seen in the past few years, the Cowboys have hit on several key players in round four (Bradie James, Marion Barber, Chris Canty, Doug Free, and Tashard Choice). This year should be no different, with the Cowboys attempting to draft a player with good value and skill with pick #110. One player that I like with this pick is Oklahoma State running back Kendall Hunter. While running back is not an immediate need, there is no telling what the future of Marion Barber is once player transactions resume. In the case that he is traded or released, running back depth becomes an immediate need. Hunter was highly productive in college and would provide fantastic value at pick #110.
Potential Picks
Round 5, Pick 143
Value and depth are the main focus in the later rounds, with every team looking to unearth gems and raw talent that could develop into potential starters. Small school prospects and special teams contributors tend to go in these rounds, as well as players who's stock has fallen significantly due to bad combine workouts, injury, or character. One name that I love here is Stanford fullback Owen Marecic. Marecic is just the kind of player Jason Garrett covets; a four year college player, high character, intelligent, versatile (played fullback and linebacker), and able to contribute immediately on special teams.
Potential Picks
Round 6, Pick 176
Round 7, Pick 220
Round 7, Pick 252
No telling what kind of strategy, if any, exists in the last two rounds. Dallas will likely be looking for players that will provide depth at positions like offensive line and raw talent that could develop into contributors several years down the road. These are also the rounds in which hometown prospects are drafted as well.
Potential Picks
To readers of Lone Star Struck: I'm sorry that I have not been here in a while. I've been swamped with school, and I knew that Kelly and the other writers have things covered mostly, so the breaking news pieces aren't needed from me.
However, I needed to give my thoughts about the draft that is just tomorrow. Here is what I would do.
Everyone has a opinion. Everyone has an idea of what they would do if they were in charge. Many may have similar notions as others, but each one is somehow unique when it comes to detail.
Well, lets assume that I'm in charge of the Cowboys draft for one day. Lets pause momentarily while I laugh maniacally for several seconds.
Okay, now for some serious business.
I've been talking to a buddy of mine named J.D. He's one of the most brilliant sports minds I've ever encountered, and we routinely text each other about sports, mainly our favorite football team, the Cowboys. But, we can talk about the draft or other players or even other teams.
So, today I was on the elliptical at the Fitness Zone when I get a text from good ole J.D. Well, I have ten minutes left to burn some calories on the machine, so I finished my workout, then walked over to the treadmill for a small walk and checked the message.
After the usual talking about Ryan Mallett, Blaine Gabbert and even a mention of previous drafts, the Cowboys pick came up, and J.D. and I both agreed that Dallas needs to trade the pick.
We also agreed on what players that he and I liked the most. We are both high on Louisiana State cornerback Patrick Peterson, Florida guard/center Mike Pouncey, and Boston College offensive tackle Anthony Castanzo. Despite rumors that Dallas wants University of Southern California offensive tackle, Tyron Smith, J.D. and I are not high on him.
So, as we are texting, and I'm on the treadmill, a lightbulb the size of the sun turns on over my head, and I relay my idea to J.D.
Since the Cowboys have the ninth overall pick, they are in a prime position to draft a quarterback in a quarterback rich draft. And not just quarterback, but also a position for Nebraska defensive back Prince Amakamura and Alabama wide receiver Julio Jones.
Teams with mid-first round draft choices would love to move up and draft a player they believe will not fall to them, so that makes Dallas a prime candidate for a big trade. Dallas does not have a giant need that can be addressed at just the ninth pick, so not only COULD they move back a few spots and get more draft picks in exchange for a trade, but they actually SHOULD do that.
Before I go further, let me give you a key part of the draft order real quick, so that you can follow along with my points.
9: Dallas Cowboys
10: Washington Redskins
11: Houston Texans
12: Minnesota Vikings
13: Detroit Lions
14: St. Louis Rams
15: Miami Dolphins
16: Jacksonville Jaguars
17: New England Patriots (Originally Oakland Raiders)
18: San Diego Chargers
19: New York Giants
I'm telling J.D. that a lot of quarterbacks like Jake Locker or Ryan Mallett or even Blaine Gabbert could/will be there at the ninth pick, and there is something that every football fan needs to know about the draft, so listen up.
Teams that need quarterbacks tend to reach for quarterbacks. By reach, I mean they either draft a quarterback with a too high draft selection or they trade up to grab a quarterback and pay a king's ransom for the rookie signal caller.
Dallas has one of the premier draft picks, and they also are ahead of the Redskins who have the 10th overall pick. The Redskins are likely to draft a quarterback, so a trade with a quarterback-needy team for the ninth overall pick and maybe some more picks, like a second round pick for 2011 or a first rounder from 2012 is very reasonable.
There are three teams that I would definitely consider trading with. The Minnesota Vikings at 12, the Miami Dolphins at 15, and the Jacksonville Jaguars at 16. Any other team past the Chargers pick at 18 is a no because as you can see the New York Giants possess the 19th pick.
The New York Giants most glaring needs are offensive tackle and offensive guard. The whole point of Dallas trading the ninth pick is to get some more picks while still getting the player they desire, which if I'm running the draft, is either Anthony Castanzo or Mike Pouncey. Those two guys will not last past the Giants at 19, so any team past the Giants is out.
J.D. and I both think the Cowboys should pick up the phones and call the Jaguars, Dolphins, and Vikings and let them know that if they want a guarantee that they'll get the quarterback they want, and not the guy that the Redskins passed up, they'll have to pay the right price. I'd definitely secure their 2011 first round pick, 2011 second round pick, and maybe even a 2012 first round pick.
The Minnesota Vikings have a talented team, but have made some bad decisions. They did not draft a quarterback to learn from Brett Favre, so they were expecting to be the champions and worry about the quarterback issue when Favre finally retired.
Well, their lotto scratch-off ticket did not earn them the top prize or any prize. The Vikings now have needs at an aging offensive line, a weak secondary, and a quarterback. They are not as high on Joe Webb as they'd like to be, so now there is a thought of them trading for Donovan McNabb from the Redskins.
However, since they don't know if they can get McNabb due to the lockout, the Vikings will probably reach for a quarterback, making them prime candidates to trade with Dallas.
I'd definitely squeeze the Vikings like I'd squeeze an orange for juice. They would be more than willing to pay a very high price to get a chance to draft a quarterback before the Redskins.
It'll be interesting to see how it plays out, that's for certain.
Next, the Miami Dolphins are being coy about wanting Ryan Mallett. Ryan Mallett has character issues building up, but the Dolphins took a chance on Dan Marino in 1983 when there was a huge rumor that he had tested positive for drugs. The test results had been kept hidden from the public, so Marino fell to the Dolphins 27th pick.
I think the Dolphins see themselves as being a legitimate quarterback away from being a real Super Bowl contender, and they are not wrong. The only needs they have are quarterback and running back. Mark Ingram is probably not worth the 15th overall pick, and they can attempt at free agency to secure Ricky Williams and Ronnie Brown or replace them.
Also, before any Dolphin faithful announce to the world that Chad Henne is "the guy", may I remind them that "the guy" is not doing his job right or else they wouldn't have been 7-9.
Ryan Mallett, however, may not slip past the Washington Redskins or the Minnesota Vikings. I've been torn on this kid myself, and I used to think he'd be a bad choice, but recently, I've found myself wondering if Dallas should take him. I like how he was honest about making mistakes in the past and is willing to change. That's a sign of maturity and change.
If he becomes even 1/4th of what Marino was, the Dolphins are in the playoffs.
Lastly, the Jaguars are a team that doesn't need a quarterback "immediately," but David Garrard is 34, and why not draft a good quarterback that can replace Garrard in a few years?
I think the Jaguars will be hesitant to make the deal because they'll probably want a guy that will fall to them, but if Jerry can use his Texas charm on them and make them see that Jake Locker or Ryan Mallett is an amazing prospect, then they may take the bait.
From there, the Cowboys simply just make the teams sweat a little bit and keep the auction going. Whoever gives up the most gets the ninth overall draft choice, and the quarterback they want.
As I was working that through my mind on the treadmill, another thought, well actually it was a text from J.D., hit me. Not only do teams want quarterbacks, but the ninth pick also could secure other skill players, namely Prince Amakamura and Julio Jones should they fall.
After discussing with J.D., we came to the conclusion that there are four other teams that might want to trade up for the ninth overall pick should either Julio Jones or Prince Amakamura fall. Beside Minnesota, the Detroit Lions also have a need for a cornerback like Amakamura, and there is no way that Amakamura falls past the Houston Texans at 12. The Texans had the worst pass defense to possibly ever grace a football field. You can guarantee that Amakamura is not dropping past them.
The Detroit Lions are definitely a team that is on the verge of actually contending, and Amakamura could definitely help out there. So, if Detroit is willing to fork over enough, they can get the ninth pick and a possible shutdown corner. They definitely need one after ranking 16th in passing yards allowed.
Now, the likelihood of that happening is small because teams don't generally reach for cornerbacks, but quarterbacks and wide receivers? Much more likely.
Which brings us to the idea that if Julio Jones falls to the Cowboys, the Redskins are also a prime target for him to go to with their best receiver, Santana Moss, hitting free agency whenever free agency occurs. Julio Jones is a very highly touted receiver, so teams that want that big wideout will definitely want to trade up to secure him.
The teams that need a receiver are: the St. Louis Rams at 14, the New England Patriots at 17, and the San Diego Chargers at 18.
The Rams have the biggest need for receiver out of them all. Their two top receivers had season-ending injuries last year, and Sam Bradford needs a real legitimate target to have besides Danny Amendola. The Rams may be willing to exchange a great deal for Julio Jones.
The Patriots are the ideal trading mate. They have so many draft picks that it is ridiculous. They have the 17th and 28th overall picks, and they have the 33rd overall pick, which is the top pick of the second round. If you want an ideal partner, it is them. I'd love to have those three picks. However, the Patriots have those picks because they are shrewd rather than stupid.
J.D. believes that Belichick would want a chance to draft a big play wideout in Julio Jones because they traded Randy Moss and nobody else stretches the field like him.
J.D., I have to disagree man. I just don't believe that Belichick will want to trade all that or even part of that for Julio Jones. I wish he would, but I doubt the Patriots trade up when they've tried to trade down.
However, I'd still give Belichick a call and see if I don't get a "No thank you" from him. Getting the 17th, 28th, and 33rd picks would be a huge acquisition. Heck, even getting the 17th and 33rd would be huge for Dallas.
Lastly, the San Diego Chargers are a team that had special teams mishaps cost them the playoffs. The 2010 Chargers are a perfect example forever of how special teams impacts the game. They were second in scoring offense and 10th in scoring defense. With numbers like that, they should've made the playoffs and maybe even the Super Bowl, but they lost at least three or four games due to horrible special teams.
Instead of being 12-4 or 13-3, they were a 9-7 failure.
Now, the Chargers do need a real receiver for Philip Rivers. Vincent Jackson is still franchised, but he may hold out again, and A.J. Smith is like a bulldog with a bone in his mouth. He is not going to sway from his stance. Jackson will either not play or he'll play on Smith's terms.
That's part of the reason why I highly doubt Dallas will squeeze the Chargers of anything. Not only are they already an elite team without a top wideout and since A.J. Smith is one of the most stubborn people you would meet in any walk of life, I have doubts as to the abilities of not just Jerry Jones, but anyone, to get that guy to budge.
He's the guy who drafted Eli Manning when Eli Manning did not want to play for San Diego, and he held Manning in his grasp until the New York Giants traded Philip Rivers, a 2005 first round pick that became Shawn Merriman, a 2004 third round pick that was used to get Pro Bowl kicker Nate Kaeding, and a 2004 fifth round pick that eventually was traded to Tampa Bay for Roman Oben who was a very good left tackle for the Chargers for about two years.
So, if Smith can gut the Giants when he was in a lose-type of a situation by drafting somebody who had publicly said that he did not want to play for the Chargers, then I don't think even Jerry Jones could get that guy in a bad deal.
That's what the Cowboys would do if I were in charge. Will they do it? It is possible, but is it probable? That remains to be seen.
Why should Dallas do this though? Can't they just draft whomever they want at the ninth overall spot and not worry themselves with trades?
They could do that, but it would not be prudent. They need more picks people. It is the sixth rounders at the end of the day who put you over the top. They could get a few more picks for more players and more talent and still come out with the player that they want in the end.
Also, there is one more side. Rookie players are paid on a ratio to where they are drafted. If Dallas drafts a top 10 player, he'll want top 10 player money, but if he's draft 15th or 16th overall, he can only ask for top 20 player money.
Not only can Dallas get more talent, but they can save themselves money by trading down.
I won't guarantee Dallas does trade, but I will say that I'll be surprised if the commissioner announces Dallas's pick at the number nine spot.
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This article was originally posted an NFLtouchdown.com here
I proudly present to you our first series of Cowboys 2011 Schedule graphics. You can see all 10 new graphics in our graphics gallery – click here.
Designs include:
Save them, collect them, print them. Use one on your website, put one on your fridge, tack one on your bulletin board, or keep one in your wallet.
Hope you enjoy, and there's more to come!
All times on graphics are Central Time and (like anything in the NFL) are subject to change.
Attention Cowboy Fans! There's still a chance to get your tickets to the biggest draft party in Southern California!
You are invited to attend the 2011 Draft Party in Southern California hosted by So.Cal Dallas Cowboys Fan Club along with Maximum Sports Connection. This is a rare opportunity to meet two Dallas Cowboy greats, Nate Newton and Larry Allen along with current players Tashard Choice and Victor Butler plus many others and special guests. In addition there will be tons of giveaways including Cowboys memorabilia and ticket packages for two games in 2011.
Saturday April 30th, 2011
Sky Fox Lounge
345 S. Garey Ave.
Pomona, CA 91768
– Party with over 1500 Cowboys fans
– 3 Levels of Fun
– 1st floor is Free and open to all the public (Free entrance)
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– 3rd floor VIP with Players and Meet and Greet (Ticket needed to enter)
– 3 Fully Stocked Bars
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According to a report from Associated Press a federal judge on Monday ordered an end to the NFL lockout, giving the players an early victory in their fight with the owners over how to divide the $9 billion business.U.S. District Judge Susan Richard Nelson said she was swayed by the players' argument that that the lockout, now in its second month, was causing irreparable harm to their careers.
The plaintiffs "have made a strong showing that allowing the League to continue their 'lockout' is presently inflicting, and will continue to inflict, irreparable harm upon them, particularly when weighed against the lack of any real injury that would be imposed on the NFL by issuing the preliminary injunction," Nelson wrote.
The NFL promised an immediate appeal.
"We will promptly seek a stay from Judge Nelson pending an expedited appeal to the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals," the league said. "We believe that federal law bars injunctions in labor disputes. We are confident that the Eighth Circuit will agree. But we also believe that this dispute will inevitably end with a collective bargaining agreement, which would be in the best interests of players, clubs and fans. We can reach a fair agreement only if we continue negotiations toward that goal."
Owners imposed the lockout after talks broke down March 11 and the players disbanded their union. A group of players filed the injunction request along with a class-action antitrust lawsuit against the league.
The owners argued it was their right to institute the lockout and suggested Nelson didn't have jurisdiction while the National Labor Relations Board considers an unfair labor charge filed by the league that players didn't negotiate in good faith.
Nelson disagreed, and said the NLRB proceeding shouldn't be used to affect the court case here.
Nelson heard arguments on the injunction at a hearing on April 6 and ordered the two sides to resume mediation while she was considering her decision. The owners and players, who failed to reach consensus after 16 days of mediated talks earlier this year, met over four days with a federal magistrate but did not announce any progress on solving the NFL's first work stoppage since 1987.
They are not scheduled to meet again until May 16, four days after another judge holds a hearing on whether players should get damages in their related fight with owners over some $4 billion in broadcast revenue.
I don't know if things just got better or worse… I guess we'll soon find out.


text:
Can't make it to Stockholm this year? Then why not spend a few noon hours at Fika, the casual, just-about-perfect-in-every-way cafe inside the equally remarkable Nelson Cultural Center at the American Swedish Institute. Along with Nordic basics such as expertly rendered meatballs, chef Michael Fitzgerald routinely wows his clientele with such nuanced stunners as a smoked sturgeon salad with tangy pickled beets and spicy watercress and an open-face sandwich of crisp-seared salmon drizzled in a sweet mustard sauce and presented on a sturdy house-baked rye-flax bread. The simple desserts are similarly impressive, prices rarely exceed $9, and the sunny, contemporary setting — its warm-weather patio is without peer for architectural swagger — is another major draw. 2600 Park Av. S., Mpls.; 612-871-4907, asimn.org
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text:
Arsip Blog
problem with visual servoing
So I met this girl, Mawadya. I hate facebook for showing me her account and offering me to add her as friend. I don't know how statistic works in real life. But at least I have some experiences relate to this case.
Ok let's forget this new student first. I have a more serious problem right here. I have signed to work on some kinda final project on Visual Servoing, for precise Image Based Visual servoing. A semester is left; it means I have at least six months to accomplish this final project. And what happen today is that I don't have any access to the lab yet. I can't completely touch the plant to start the research and neither my team mate.
This visual servoing is dealing with closed loop control system in which the feedback signal is represented by visual data, so we use a typical video camera as the measurement instrument. Perhaps you don't agree with my poor explanation, but it's ok; all I want is your help maybe you have alotta experiences in this field.
Image based visual servoing is related to the visual sevoing in 2D space. The other one is Position Based visual servoing which is related to 3D space working area.
Here is the common problem comes with this visual servoing. We are to design a control system of a planar robot with some degrees of freedom or maybe a typical Cartesian robot in order to pick and place an object in a bounded area or space. This is not the only problem of course. Generally visual servoing always relates its work with robotic closed loop control system.
My final project is dealing with a Mitsubishi PLC controlled Cartesian robot. I was aiming to mount a video camera on its hand and the mission of the robot is to track a certain object position. The object is of course captured first by the camera and then the camera will lead the robot hand to find that object.
This is actually just like how an eye robot works. A typical pan tilt camera that tracks a determined object movement. I found lots of videos on this project. They look really easy to realize, but in fact its not!! Well the problem arises when the plant you work with comes in different size and structure. I mean it may come up with the same name "cartesian robot" but a really different structure of components.
Well at least I haven't found any problem with the algorithm of image processing either the control system. It always easier to build a complete algorithm with any kinda programming language you love than accomplish the electronic devices.
In fact I need to make sure that I can communicate my PC as the image processor with the input of the PLC. I have really little experience work with PLC, or perhaps this is my first time. Here I used GX developer to upload ladder program to the PLC. But I don't know if I can realtime-communicate the PC with PLC.
One more thing; here I use DSpack of Borland Delphi 7 to process the image. I don't know yet how output the signal from PC and input it to PLC. Can I use that GXdeveloper to input the control signal to the PLC?


text:
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text:
Benerson Little
"The trident of Neptune is the scepter of the world."*
Author News & Events
Modern Piracy
Historical &c
Ship & Black Swan
With my wife Mary and an exhausted Aidan. (Photo by our friend Michael Howard.)
Email the Author
Penmore Press
Teaching a beginning class at the Huntsville Fencing Club.
Eyewitness Images of Buccaneers
Below are eyewitness images of French buccaneers (
) and, at the bottom,
, all dating to the 1680s. These, and a few others described in blogs at the Wordpress link above, are the only known eyewitness images of "Golden Age" buccaneers and pirates. Detailed discussion and citation are available at the link above.
* By Antoine Marin Lemierre, from his poem "Commerce." (Le trident de Neptune est le sceptre du monde.)
Book Links:
Descriptions & Reviews
Historical Fiction
The sequel to
Fortune's Whelp
: stay tuned!
Maritime adventure and historical intrigue set amidst the attempted assassination of King William III.
Narrative Maritime History
THE GOLDEN AGE OF PIRACY: The Truth Behind Pirate Myths
The truth behind the great pirate myths and legends. In print!
The Stories, Techniques, and Tactics of the Most Feared Sea Rovers from 1500-1800
Thirteen notorious pirates and how they got away with it.
Maritime History
Pirate Tactics and Techniques, 1630-1730
A colorful and detailed description of how pirates and privateers practiced their trade.
Pirate Life on the Spanish Main, 1674-1688
To really understand what the pirate's world was like: how buccaneers lived, fought, and died.
The Fight Against Pirates, Privateers, and Sea Raiders from Antiquity to the Present
The history of pirate hunting from antiquity to the present.
Penmore Press
Author's publisher.
Skyhorse Publishing
Author's publisher.
Fair Winds Press
Author's publisher.
Potomac Books
Author's publisher, now an imprint of the University of Nebraska Press.
Firelock Games
Makers of Blood & Plunder and Oak & Iron!
Better World Books
Helping fund world literacy.
Improbables Libraries, Improbables Bibliotheques
Fascinating libraries and bookstores.
Find and price books online.
American Library Association
Defending against book banning.
Authors Guild
Writers' advocacy.
Writer Beware
A service of the SFWA.
Alabama Writers' Forum
Promoting literary arts.
The Rafael Sabatini Society
About the author of
Captain Blood
and more.
Cs Vintage Co.
Eclectic E-Magazine.
Navy UDT-SEAL Museum
In Ft. Pierce, Florida.
UDT-SEAL Association
Team members and associates.
Naval Special Warfare Foundation
Helping NSW families.
Special Operations Warrior Foundation
Aiding families of killed & wounded warriors.
Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society
Supporting Navy and Marine families.
SEAL gear and more.
Naval Oceanography Portal
Several important links.
Census of the Sea
Surveying ocean life.
IUCN Marine Index
Nature conservation.
NOAA Ocean
Monitoring and exploration.
Greenpeace USA Oceans
Pro-ocean, anti-whaling.
MountainRunner Public Diplomacy
Strategic communication.
Global Guerrillas
21st century options.
NATO Shipping Centre
Mediterranean and Gulf of Aden.
EU NAVFOR Somalia
Somali piracy.
ReCAAP ISC Anti-Piracy
Piracy in Asia.
IMB Piracy Reporting Centre
International Maritime Bureau.
Piracy Law
Piracy law blog.
International Maritime Organization
Protecting shipping and seafarers.
Maritime Information Centre
Shipping news.
Shipping news.
National Hurricane Center
NOAA hurricane site.
Tropical Storm Risk
Tropical storm forecasting.
International Shark Attack File
Debunking shark attack myths.
Pirates and Privateers
Sea roving on the web.
Dread Pyrate Radio
Excellent piracy blog.
Les Archives de la Flibuste
Superb "Golden Age" archive.
Pauline's Pirates and Privateers
Great blog on pirates & privateers.
Operation Phips
Sunken English vessel 1691.
Queen Anne's Revenge Shipwreck
Believed to be Blackbeard's.
Fort Toulouse
French fort in Alabama.
Compagnie Franche
Fort Toulouse reenactors.
Pirates Ahoy
Pirate games and more.
Loyalist Arms
Reproduction historical arms.
Loyalist Arms Film Services
Film production props & services.
Old Sutler John
Pirate gear.
Gentlemen of Fortune
Research on pirate clothing & arms.
All things piratey.
Kult of Athena
Best prices for quality swords.
Benjamin Arms
Classical fencing weapons.
Huntsville Fencing Club
Huntsville, Alabama.
United States Fencing Association
The governing body.
Hagar the Horrible
By Chris Browne.
Non Sequitur
By Wiley Miller.
By Mike Peters.
By Chris Cassatt & Gary Brookins.
Popeye the Sailor
All things Popeye.
"There remained the sea, which is free to all, and particularly alluring to those who feel themselves at war with humanity." —Rafael Sabatini,
Captain Blood: His Odyssey
, 1922
Latest News:
The Golden Age of Piracy: The Truth Behind Pirate Myths
In Print!
Fortune's Whelp
, a Novel, is Also in Print!
"My hours of leisure I spent in reading the best authors, antient and modern, being always provided with a good number of books; and when I was ashore, in observing the manners and dispositions of the people, as well as learning their language, wherein I had a great facility by the strength of my memory."
—Jonathan Swift,
Gulliver's Travels
, 1726
"With his latest exploration of the phenomenon of piracy Benerson Little has established himself as perhaps the foremost authority and scholar in the field."
—Frank Sherry, author of
Raiders and Rebels: A History of the Golden Age of Piracy
"Little, a former Navy SEAL and maritime practitioner...has become a leading chronicler of the annals of piracy..."
—Nikolas K. Gvosdev in
History: Reviews of New Books
"Little (
Fortune's Whelp
), a former Navy SEAL, takes the wind out of many a pirate's sail in this charming examination of the many myths surrounding the seafaring rogues... Little has a deep affection for his subject that occasionally leads him to affectation, but his use of piratical jargon is more charming than jarring; clearly he's having a good time, and so will readers."
Publisher's Weekly
, September 11, 2017
And regarding fiction: "Edward MacNaughton deservedly joins the ranks of such swashbuckling legends as Rafael Sabatini's Captain Blood, Johnston McCulley's Zorro, and Alexander Dumas's Musketeers."
—Cindy Vallar at
Pirates and Privateers: The History of Maritime Piracy
Benerson Little is the author of five non-fiction books on piracy and sea roving, and of a novel as well, with sequels and other works of fiction to come. He is considered a leading expert on piracy past and present, and is the historical consultant for the STARZ television drama
Black Sails
, and also for
Firelock Games
, makers of
Blood & Plunder
, a "historical tabletop game of high stakes buccaneering on the Spanish Main."
Books, Articles, and Other Media
The sequel to
Fortune's Whelp
: stay tuned!
Fortune holding a sail, a common period motif.
Fortune's Whelp
has such an image carved on her stern, the ship carving being Fortune's whelp, so to speak.
Silver-hilted French colichemarde dating to the 1690s. The silver hilt has a 1688 charge mark, the year such were instituted, and may therefore be earlier. A sword like this--or even this one--will play a small but critical role in
Fortune's Favorite
THE GOLDEN AGE OF PIRACY: The Truth Behind Pirate Myths
The truth behind the great pirate myths and legends of the Golden Age from 1655-1725.
The history of pirate myth is rich in action, at sea and ashore. However, the truth is far more interesting. In
The Golden Age of Piracy
, expert pirate historian Benerson Little debunks more than a dozen pirate myths that derive from this era—from the flying of the Jolly Roger to the burying of treasure, from walking the plank to the staging of epic sea battles—and shows that the truth is far more fascinating and disturbing than the romanticized legends.
In print!
Recently ranked as high #21 on Kindle and #2 in Military History in iBooks!
In Print, available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble! Get it
From the publisher: Set in the 17th century during the heyday of privateering and the decline of buccaneering,
Fortune's Whelp
is a brash, swords-out sea-going adventure. Scotsman Edward MacNaughton, a former privateer captain, twice accused and acquitted of piracy and currently seeking a commission, is ensnared in the intrigue associated with the attempt to assassinate King William III in 1696. Who plots to kill the king, who will rise in rebellion—and which of three women in his life, the dangerous smuggler, the wealthy widow with a dark past, or the former lover seeking independence—might kill to further political ends? Variously wooing and defying Fortune, Captain MacNaughton approaches life in the same way he wields a sword or commands a fighting ship: with the heart of a lion and the craft of a fox.
28 July 2015: Benerson Little has turned in the final draft of "Fortune's Whelp" and the staff is damn excited. Michael James declared it "full of action, pirates, treason, wry humor, women, and gunpowder and swords." Watch for it soon!
Pirate Tactics and Techniques, 1630-1730
"As colorful as a Howard Pyle illustration and as compelling as an Errol Flynn film,
The Sea Rover's Practice
belongs on anyone's short list of useful scholarship on the great age of piracy. Based largely on first-person accounts, the book provides a trustworthy description of how pirates, filibusters, buccaneers, and privateers went about their business, from planning and recruiting, through chasing, engaging, and boarding, to dividing the spoils. The reader, entertained as well as informed, is likely to have nearly as much fun reading this book as the author appears to have had in writing it."
—Michael J. Crawford, naval historian and editor of
The Autobiography of a Yankee Mariner: Christopher Prince and the American Revolution
". . . .rich in colourful detail, and displays impressive knowledge of sailing and fighting skills."
The Naval Review
In print, trade paper and ebooks. Hardcover edition is out of print.
Pirate Life on the Spanish Main, 1674-1688
To really understand what the buccaneers' world was like—how they lived, fought, and died.
"A richly hued blend of compelling narrative and informed history,
The Buccaneer's Realm
captures the dramatic sunset of buccaneering on the Spanish Main. With meticulous documentation, wry humor, and keen attention to detail, Benerson Little accurately portrays the last hurrah of the Brethren of the Coast—a free-minded floating society of patriotic mercenaries and self-serving rogues, accomplished sailors, and intrepid adventurers—before their final eclipse into unmitigated piracy."
—Peter R. Galvin, associate professor of geography at Indiana University Southeast and author of
Patterns of Pillage: A Geography of Caribbean-based Piracy in Spanish America, 1536–1718
The Buccaneer's Realm
holds up well against Little's previous work, making two-for-two books that are truly must-haves for any true pirate scholar."
, July 2008
In print, ebooks. Hardcover edition is out of print.
The Fight Against Pirates, Privateers, and Sea Raiders from Antiquity to the Present
To catch a predator—on the high seas.
For thousands of years pirates, privateers, and sea raiding peoples have terrorized the ocean voyager and coastal inhabitant, plundering ship and shore with impunity. From the victim's point of view, these attackers were not the rebellious, romantic rulers of Neptune's Realm, but savage beasts to be excoriated, and those who went to sea to stop them were heroes.
More than just a vivid account of the war seafarers and pirates have waged,
Pirate Hunting
is invaluable reading in a world where acts of piracy are once more a significant threat to maritime commerce and voyagers. It will appeal to readers interested in the history of piracy, anti-piracy operations, and in maritime, naval, and military history worldwide.
In print, hardcover and ebooks.
The Stories, Techniques, and Tactics of the Most Feared Sea Rovers from 1500-1800
"The author's background as a former Navy SEAL, his study of black-powder weaponry, his experience as a fencing instructor, and his study of primary evidence make him eminently qualified to write this book."
—Cindy Vallar, of
Pirates and Privateers, The History of Maritime Piracy
Pirates occupy a prominent place in the popular imagination, yet seem to have sprouted from history already larger than life, their true personalities, origins, and objectives obscured by myth and fantasy. Moreover, their military acumen is seldom discussed in conventional histories, and the real reasons for their successes and failures are therefore poorly understood. In this fascinating survey of thirteen of the most famous buccaneers, author and former U.S. Navy SEAL Benerson Little employs his direct experience of seafaring and naval combat tactics to highlight the ingenuity of many of the pirates' campaigns—and those conducted against them.
In print, trade paper and ebooks.
Magazine & Journal Articles &c On the Subject of Piracy and Swordplay
Contributor to the hardcover, full length color book-length rule book supplement to
Blood & Plunder
, the critically acclaimed table top Caribbean piracy wargame by Firelock Games, 2018.
Forward to the new edition (ebook only, I believe, unfortunately, unlike the first edition) of
The Gigantic Book of Pirate Stories
compiled and edited by Steve Brennan (Skyhorse Publishing, 2017).
Contributor to the hardcover, full color book-length rule book to
Blood & Plunder
, the critically acclaimed table top Caribbean piracy wargame by Firelock Games, 2016.
"Las tácticas de los piratas del Caribe" in the Spanish print magazine
Desperta Ferro
, August 2015.
"El mito pirata" in the Spanish print magazine
Desperta Ferro
, August 2015.
"Did Pirates Wear Eye Patches?" on the
Under the Black Flag
website. A brief article debunking popular myths about pirates and eye patches.
"Eyewitness Images of Buccaneers and Their Vessels," in
The Mariner's Mirror
, August 2012. Overlooked eyewitness images of late 17th century buccaneers, perhaps the only eyewitness images in existence of Golden Age sea rovers.
Forthcoming, "Pirate Daughters: In Film and History," in
Pirates Magazine
, Issue 15, Summer 2011. Or maybe summer 2012? Or never? Time to submit elsewhere...
"In Defense of Alexandre Exquemelin: The Original and Eternal Buccaneer-Author," in
Pirates Magazine
, Issue 14, May 2011.
"The Black Fencer in Western Swordplay," in
American Fencing
magazine, vol. 61, no. 1, Spring 2011.
"How to Live Like a Pirate--Without the Murder and Mayhem," in
Interesting Times
#6, February 2011.
"The Language of Pirates, Real and Imagined," in
Pirates Magazine
, Issue 13, November 2010.
"Terrorists and Pirates Are Similar But Not the Same," in
Piracy on the High Seas
, Gale Cengage, 2010. Hardcover and paper editions available.
Table of contents link.
Originally published on http://mountainrunner.us/, a website covering public diplomacy.
"The Origin of the Dread Pirate Banner: the Jolly Roger," in
Pirates Magazine
," Issue 12, April 2010.
"Scimitars, Swivel Guns, & Firepots: Digging for Pirates in Denmark," part two,
No Quarter Given
, July/August 2008 (vol. 15, no. 4).
"Scimitars, Swivel Guns, & Firepots: Digging for Pirates in Denmark," part one,
No Quarter Given
, May/June 2008 (vol. 15, no. 3).
"Tidewater Places and Pirates: A Visit to Williamsburg, Jamestown, and Yorktown,"
No Quarter Given
, May/June 2006 (vol. 13, no. 3).
"A Brief Note on Powder Chests,"
No Quarter Given
, January 2006 (Vol. 12, no. 6).
"Close Fights at Sea: Boarding Ship-to-Ship 1630-1730,"
No Quarter Given
, September 2005 (vol. 12, no. 5).
Historical Consulting
for their critically-acclaimed "Blood & Plunder" miniature war game , 2015-present. Assist in developing correct period costumes, arms, and vessels, and advise on period tactics.
Advised on elements of history in support of the development of the "The Pirate Republic" board game by Green Feet Games, 2016-2017.
Assisted in historical research for a historical association on Harbour Island, Bahamas, 2016.
, 2012-2016 (seasons 1 through 4).
Provided technical assistance to the "Pirate versus Knight" episode of Spike TV's "Deadliest Warriors" series November-December 2008.
Worked with Denmark's Medieval Center on explosives and pyrotechnics used during the Age of Sail. (2007-2008)
Provided assistance and appeared in the "Terror in the Mediterranean" episode and DVD of the History Channel "Digging for the Truth" series, 2007.
Provided assistance and appeared as a piracy expert on "True Caribbean Pirates" television show and DVD, History Channel, 2006.
Provided expertise on sea survival during the Age of Sail for the book
The Worst-Case Scenario Almanac: History
by Joshua Piven et al. (San Francisco: Chronicle Books, 2006.)
Provided occasional technical assistance on various projects in the works, including television productions.
Various Lectures, Talks, Podcasts, &c
Guest on The NonSequitur Show podcast 19 September 2018, in honor of Talk Like a Pirate Day: "
The Pirate Life: Arrrrghhhn't Ye Glad We're Back?
Youtube interview by Milwaukee Atheists, on the subject of piracy: https://youtu.be/JPbsCIms4bs
Gave a two hour lecture on pirate and privateer tactics during the Golden Age of Piracy at Historicon 2017 at Fredericksburg, Virginia, on behalf of Firelock Games.
Provided on air historical context during the last quarter hour of NPR's
On Point
show on April 4, 2017, featuring Laura Sook Duncombe on the subject of her book on women pirates.
Interviewed live on the Buck Sexton Radio Show, January 20, 2017, on the subjects of
The Golden Age of Piracy
Black Sails.
Under the Crossbones Podcast Interview
first broadcast on April 12, 2016.
Spoke to and answered questions of James Clemens High School students in Mary Crouch's homeroom on April 7, 2016, on the various subjects of Navy SEALs, writing, and on not being afraid to try and fail--and of then getting up and trying again.
Lectured and answered questions at the Decatur Public Library, Decatur, Alabama, September 17, 2015. Wonderful staff and audience!
Answered questions for sixteen hours for a reddit "Ask Historians" AMA
on "
Piracy from Antiquity to the Present
," June 5, 2013. Excellent questions!
Lectured at the
Science Museum of Minnesota
in St. Paul on June 28, on the subject of "Hollywood and Pirates: Truth Versus Legend." The lecture was part of a series associated with the Whydah / National Geographic "Real Pirates: The Untold Story of the Whydah from Slave Ship to Pirate Ship." Wonderful staff and audience!
Lectured on "Pirate Boarding Tactics: Hollywood Versus Reality" on September 17, 2011 at the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park during Tiger Lee's "Hot Pirate Babes Calendar / Talk Like a Pirate Day" weekend in St. Augustine.
Appeared on three discussion panels during during CombatCon 2011 in Las Vegas, June 24-27: "Boarding Tactics and Techniques for the Golden Age of Sail," "Weapons and Wounds [in Western martial arts]," and "Deadliest Warrior: Behind the Scenes."
Spoke on the subject of piracy as a business model to the Rotary Club of Greater Huntsville on November 10, 2010.
Lectured on "Piracy as a Business Enterprise" (and for a few minutes on piracy in general) for the Huntsville Affiliate of the Institute of Supply Management (ISM) on February 11, 2010.
Lectured on "Piracy from Antiquity to the Present Day" on February 3, 2010, at the University of Alabama in Huntsville Osher Lifelong Learning Institute.
Spoke on the subject of piracy in general on November 19 in Huntsville, Alabama at J H Partners, an architecture firm with the excellent, even Renaissance, habit of inviting speakers not in any way associated with the firm's business or purpose.
Lectured on piracy past and present at the National Navy UDT-SEAL Museum, September 2009, the lecture was video-taped and is
via St. Lucie County Television (SLCTV), Florida.
Appeared on the "Murderous Queens, A Lost Continent, & Swashbuckling Pirates: Truth & Fiction in History" panel with authors David King, Robert A. Prather, and Robert McCammon at the Southern Kentucky Book Festival, April 19, 2008.
Television Appearances
Taped an
Alabama Detours
episode produced by WUVA of the University of Alabama and directed by Rhys Butler, to air 2014:
Benerson Little Pirate Historian
Appeared on several STARZ preview shows and videos in 2013 and 2014, including
The Take
, episodes 108 and 109, on the subject of piracy past and present, in regard to the film
Captain Phillips
and the forthcoming
Black Sails
series, as well as
Black Sails: An Inside Look
and a few trivia videos as well. Footage included on some of the DVD and Blu-ray extras.
Subject matter expert and commentator in the "Terror in the Mediterranean" episode and DVD of the History Channel "Digging for the Truth" series, 2007.
Commentator on "True Caribbean Pirates" television show and DVD, History Channel, 2006.
Interviews (other than noted above)
Interviewed for a German article on keelhauling by Sylvia Tyburski, June 2018.
Long interview on the subjects of pirate tactics and of the need for "hands on" experience in the study of history, on Mark Hatmaker's excellent "Indigenous Ability: Examining & Resurrecting Indigenous Skills and Frontier Rough & Tumble Combat" blog:
A Conversation With Pirate Historian Ben Little
Interviewed for and quoted in
How to Use a Baby Wrap the Best Way Possible by Matthew Utley
. That is, how a Navy SEAL might do it...
Interviewed for and quoted in articles on pirate myths in the German television and film magazines
, April 2017, for publication in the spring and fall 2017.
Interviewed for and quoted in "Pirates of the Gulf Coast" by D. Fran Morley, published in
Condo Owner
magazine, Winter 2017.
Written interview and quotes for a
Danish Broadcasting
radio and Internet piece on
Black Sails
, March 2016.
Interviewed for and quoted in
No'Ala Huntsville magazine Nov-Dec 2013
, as part of a feature on the Huntsville Fencing Club.
Interviewed for al.Com and
The Huntsville Times
in September 2013 as part of three short articles on the subject of piracy and treasure in Alabama, and on pirate language:
"Arrr there pirate tales from Alabama?"
"Aye! Alabama is booty-licious..."
, and
Avast, me hearties!
by Kelly Kazek.
Author interview, mostly fencing-related, on the
Cs Vintage Co
e-magazine website, 2013.
Author interview posted on the
Under the Black Flag
website, 2013.
Interviewed as part of an article on the Huntsville Fencing Club in
The Huntsville Times
, March 22, 2010 by Mary Anne Swanstrom.
Interviewed as part of an article on the Huntsville Fencing Club in
The Huntsville Times
, October 4, 2007 by Ann Marie Martin.
Author interview in a
The Huntsville Times
article, September 20, 2007, by Ann Marie Martin.
Blog Posts at
Wordpress: Swordplay & Swashbucklers
In order from most recent. Note that I occasionally update blogs as I discover new information.
and Fencing Commandments"
"Evoking Swashbuckling Romance: Hollywood Pirate Ships & Shores in Miniature, & More"
"In Honor of My Fencing Masters: Hussar Swordplay on Horseback!"
"Women Epeeists"
"Jack Sparrow, Perhaps? The Origin of an Early "Hollywood" Pirate, Plus the Authentic Image of a Real Buccaneer"
"Pirate Books & Patereros: the Pirate's Version of
Fahrenheit 451
" (Why might a pirate have used book pages to wad or tamp a swivel gun chamber, per recent reports?)
"For Fun: Underwater Samurai!" (A late 19th century illustration anticipating Steampunk)
"Pirate Versus Privateer" (With observations on the use of click-bait.)
"Happy Holidays!" (With notes on a few swashbuckling actors.)
"Novels with Swordplay: Some Suggestions"
"Of Pirates & Wooden Legs"
"Of Pirates & Parrots (& Monkeys Too)"
"Gunpowder Spots: Pirates & 'Tattoos'"
"The Night Thrust; or, More Politely, the Passata Soto"
"Did Pirates Wear Eye Patches?"
"Pirates & Earrings"
"Piracy Defined Through the Ages"
"Commands at Sea: The Boatswain's Call, Pipe, or Whistle, with a Note or Two on Boatswain Speech as Well"
"Fencing Books For Swordsmen & Swordswomen"
"Keelhauling, in Living Color"
"Of Buccaneer Christmas, Dog as Dinner, & Cigar Smoking Women"
"Buccaneer Cutlasses: What We Know"
"Walking the Plank: An Associated Image"
"An Early Skull & Crossbones at Sea"
"The Authentic Image of the
"The Authentic Image of the Real Buccaneers of
Captain Blood: His Odyssey
by Rafael Sabatini"


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With guidance from parents and other important adults, infants and toddlers can gain the skills they need to become successful braille readers later. The goal of this course is to provide the tools and information needed to prepare a child for reading braille. These include experiences and activities that promote the development of oral language, concepts, and motor skills. The course also introduces the braille alphabet and numbers for sighted readers, and discusses the creation of a braille-rich environment.
COURSE: BBT-201, MEDIA: EB, LP or OL, LESSONS: 4


text:
Advanced Scientific Computing Research (ASCR)
Four SciDAC Institutes have been funded under the Scientific Discovery through Advanced Computing (SciDAC) Activity for FY2012 – 2016. Learn more »
Three Exascale Co-Design Centers have been funded under the SciDAC Activity, starting in FY2011. Learn more »
The Scientific Discovery through Advanced Computing (SciDAC) program was initiated in 2001 as a partnership involving all of the Office of Science (SC) program offices to dramatically accelerate progress in scientific computing that delivers breakthrough scientific results through partnerships comprised of applied mathematicians, computer scientists, and scientists from other disciplines. The SciDAC program was re-competed in 2006 and recently in 2011, and the partnerships were extended to include the DOE National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA). Through partnerships with ASCR-funded mathematicians and computer scientists, SciDAC applications pursued computational solutions to challenging problems in climate science, fusion research, high energy physics, nuclear physics, astrophysics, material science, chemistry, particle accelerators, biology and the reactive subsurface flow of contaminants through groundwater. Today the SciDAC program is recognized as the leader in accelerating the use of high-performance computing to advance the state of knowledge in science applications. Historical information on the previous portfolios can be found on the SciDAC web site. (http://www.scidac.gov)
2013 report of HEP/ASCR Data Summit
Workshop report (103KB)
2012 Transforming Geant4 for the Future
Workshop report (1.6MB)
Data Workshop
Workshop report (1.0MB)
2013 SciDAC PI Meeting
July 24-26, 2013 , Rockville, MD
2012 SciDAC PI Meeting
September 10-12, 2012, Rockville, MD
ASCAC COV Report on the SciDAC Program (313KB)
ASCR Response to COV Report
The Office of Science (SC) is the single largest supporter of basic research in the physical sciences in the United States.


text:
European football's governing body said the decision to postpone until Dec 13 had been made by its disciplinary committee to allow for further investigations.
Both teams were charged with misconduct from their players and Serbia were also under investigation for the behaviour of their fans.
England fullback Danny Rose complained he was racially abused by Serbia fans before, during and after the game.
The Serbian federation (FSS) said after the game in the central Serbian city of Krusevac that Rose had provoked the home fans in an "inappropriate, unsportsmanlike and vulgar manner".
England won 1-0 with the last kick of the game and fighting broke out between players and officials immediately following the final whistle.
The FSS later suspended Ognjen Mudrinski and Nikola Ninkovic for a year for their involvement in the melee.
Staff members Srdjan Maksimovic and Andreja Milutinovic were also banned from their coaching duties at any level for Serbia for two years after being found guilty of violating the FSS ethics and fair-play code.
England's 2-0 aggregate win meant they qualified for next year's European Under-21 championship in Israel.


text:
8 Deathly Skeleton Handshake TattoosBy Robert Davies
A bold design or a symbol of deaths embrace? Either way these skeleton handshake tattoos look epic!
We've brought you the delights of handshake tattoos before and have even shown you the slightly creepy world of skeleton hand tattoos, but now we're bringing you them together in these deathly skeleton handshake tattoos! A classic design the shaking hands tattoo is usually seen as a symbol of brotherhood and friendship, however if you throw a skeletons hand into the mix you have a darker theme altogether. A healthy and living human hand shaking a skeletal hand is commonly interpreted as the meeting of life and death, or even a person taking the hand of the reaper!!
Skeleton handshake tattoos definitely look cool and are a great old school design, so if you're after a more macabre and striking shaking hands design then these skeleton handshake tattoos should offer some brilliant inspiration. Enjoy!


text:
Amber Heard at the "The Rum Diary" New York premiere and at the Hollywood Film Awards in Beverly Hills, California.
Photo: Getty Images
There's no refuting that Amber Heard is gorgeous in a classic, old Hollywood way. She's GORGE period. Her platinum blonde mane flows like a crystalline glacial waterfall down her back or in dancing rivulets over her shoulder. She appears to have been born with permanent smize eyes, and her red carpet smile can crush souls with or without bright pink lipstick. There's really nothing to critique...except for some recent dress choices that—while beautiful in their own right—seem almost too old Hollywood for this burgeoning 25-year-old ingenue. Don't get us wrong, we adore a good gown, one that makes us gasp at its audacity or a classic showstopper that's accessorized in an interesting way. But lately, Amber looks as if she's caught in a fashion purgatory somewhere between starlet and leading lady, and she's caught in this wailing banshee fash-cavern all covered up. We wonder if, perhaps (stay with us here), she should wear less clothes?
At the New York premiere of The Rum Diary, Amber wore a perfectly stunning black Jean Paul Gaultier dress that would be just as at home on Lauren Bacall (circa NOW). There's nothing wrong with this dress at all, it's just that it covers her from head to toe and is so opaque that it's a bit overwhelming and somehow not age-appropriate. It's not like we want her to saunter down the press line in a sparkly minidress and teetering heels, but you can't see her Jimmy Choos under this mega-long length, and it's a bit too somber for someone with such a sunny disposition. The same could be said for the two-tone teal green Roksanda Ilincic dress she wore to the Hollywood Film Awards. Again, nothing wrong with the dress per se, but it's way too long (so long that it has a mini train pooling around her feet), and the oversized sleeves and deep V are ill-fitting atop her bodice. We're big fans of young ladies who keep it classy, but there's a fine line between timeless elegance and septuagenarian chic. When you're this young and effortlessly refined, you can wear something that is more formfitting or that shows a bit of skin and still keep your dignity. Something more along the lines of this. Still, you're BEAUTIFUL, Amber. Please, don't change (any other) thing.
Like us on Facebook so we can be friends and follow us on Twitter @MTVstyle to talk.


text:
Alternative Titles
Japanese: 危険日狙って!? 孕ませ学園2
Type: Novel
Volumes: 1
Chapters: Unknown
Status: Finished
Published: Apr 20, 2012
Authors: p19 (Art), Fuse, Haruka (Story), Studio Momiji (Story)
Serialization: None
Score: 10.001 (scored by 1 users)
1 This score is not weighted. Please note that 'Not yet published' titles are excluded.
Ranked: N/A2
2 based on the top manga page. Please note that 'R18+' titles are excluded.
Popularity: #39088
Members: 28
Favorites: 0


text:
I have had the privilege of working with Don Schneider, a candidate for Charlevoix County Sheriff, for more than 20 years. Don Schneider has held the positions of Deputy, Undersheriff, and is currently the Liaison Officer for the Charlevoix County Sheriff's Office.
The experience Don Schneider has attained during his employment would make him the natural choice for Sheriff of Charlevoix County. As Undersheriff, Don was responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Sheriff's Office. His duties included preparing budgets, equipment purchasing, personnel issues, working with the county commissioners, being responsible for the road patrol, corrections, marine and snowmobile patrol. And it should be noted, that in the absence of Sheriff Lasater, Don Schneider was the acting Sheriff.
Don Schneider has experience, commitment, and integrity – all qualities that make him the best choice for Charlevoix County Sheriff. His years of commitment have already proven that he can to an outstanding job for the citizens of Charlevoix County.


text: Observing radio silence starting 9pm PDT, and continuing to 9pm tomorrow. Call your Senator. Tell him or her that CISPA must be stopped, and the Senate's the right place to do it. I don't care which party he or she belongs to. Unfortunately my Congresscritter voted yes. Hope that at least Senator Boxer has the spine to say no.


text:
You have an idea for a business we at E & F Industries, Inc can help, we are a business development and consulting firm that will assist you in obtaining a Corporation or LLC to start your entrepreneur endeavor. We don't stop there we are there to assist you in the development of your corporate infrastructure.
E & F Industries will assist you in obtaining your Employee Identification Number (EIN), guide you with opening your Business Bank Account and Merchant Services Account, create your Corporate Logo and Corporate Website, Web Hosting, Full Accounting Services and IT Sales and Support.


text:
LOS ANGELES � Ladies, ladies, please! We don't have to tear each other apart in the name of love or jealousy or territory or fame.
But when we do, people will watch - as they did this past weekend, when the thriller "Obsessed" scratched and clawed its way to the top of the box office.
Featuring Beyonce Knowles as a wife whose marriage is threatened by another woman (Ali Larter) and propelled by a furniture-smashing catfight between the two sexy stars, "Obsessed" made a surprising $28.5 million in its opening weekend.
So what is it about the catfight that's so irresistible? Maybe it's all that animalistic physical contact - the slapping and grappling, the hair-pulling and body-slamming - which is so passionate, it seems to hold the promise that the women involved just might end up kissing afterward.
It's a long and notso-proud pop culture tradition. Some choice examples:
Linda Evans vs. Joan Collins on "Dynasty":
Pretty much the gold standard for shlock - the defining guilty-pleasure moment in a series notorious for them. You know the back story: Krystle (Evans) is wealthy Blake Carrington's wife, Alexis (Collins) is his vicious ex. Lots of girly pushing and splashing in the lily pond until Krystle starts repeatedly punching Alexis in the face. Thankfully, the shoulder pads on their dresses can be used as flotation devices.
Denise Richards vs. Neve Campbell in "Wild Things": This is, like, the ultimate male fantasy because it truly is a hairyanking, swimming-pool catfight. The naughty rich girl (Richards) and the naughty poor girl (Campbell) smack each other - hard - but their sapphic tendencies, and their joint interest in framing Matt Dillon for rape, bring them together.
Sigourney Weaver vs. the Alien Queen in "Aliens": Such a famous movie moment, they even turned it into a DirecTV commercial. Weaver climbs inside a big, clunky, metal loader to take on the mama alien whose sweet little hatchlings have been causing so much carnage. The line she growls at the start - "Get away from her, you ... !" - is a classic.
Michelle Yeoh vs. Zhang Ziyi in "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon": OK, so maybe this doesn't qualify as a catfight in the traditional sense. As part of a film that won four Academy Awards, including the foreign-language award, it's too classy, too artsy, too elegant. But it does feature two gorgeous women trying to destroy each other, albeit with exquisite choreography.
Shirley MacLaine vs. Anne Bancroft in "The Turning Point": Two veteran actresses square off as former friends and ballerinas in this 1977 drama. MacLaine's Deedee, who gave up her career to have a family, is the mother of Emelia, a promising young dancer herself. Bancroft's Emma is a fading star who latches onto Emelia and lives vicariously through the girl's fresh success. Years of resentments explode when the two women go at it in front of the theater on Emelia's opening night.
Lois Griffin vs. Gloria Ironbox on "Family Guy": Lois feels threatened when ultra-PC sensitivity trainer Gloria (voiced by Candice Bergen) taps into Peter's previously undiscovered sensitive side. But she turns violent when Gloria condescendingly questions her choice to be a stay-athome mom. The ensuing fight is so hot, it snaps Peter back into his horny, doltish self.
Miley Cyrus vs. Tyra Banks in "Hannah Montana: The Movie": Not quite a classic, but curiously it does reflect the depths to which these multimedia multimillionaires will stoop to get a laugh. The cause of their catfight? Shoes, of course - a pair both women want, and there's only one left in the store in their size. Because shoes are the only thing in a woman's life worth fighting for.
Kate Hudson vs. Anne Hathaway in "Bride Wars": Not exactly a classic either, but blissfully it signals the climax of this shrill comedy about best friends who plan their dream weddings at the same place on the same day. A screechy frenzy of hair and veils and silk. But naturally, Hudson and Hathaway's characters find a way to hug and make up for a forced, feel-good ending.
Melissa Gilbert vs. Alison Arngrim on "Little House on the Prairie": This one had been percolating for a long time. Their hatred finally boils over when that mean old Nellie (Arngrim) misleads Laura (Gilbert) about the content of a history test. Half-Pint lets her have it, dragging her into the mud and smothering her prissy white bonnet in dirt. But hunky Almanzo rides up in his carriage just in time to pull the girls apart and restore peace in Walnut Grove.


text:
Quotes About Difficult
quotes about trusting god in difficult times Hard times, bad times ,
Unlike frogs, however, which seem to have lots of human friends and
Life and Love Story ♥: Just Be Grateful :)
difficult people on Pinterest | Difficult People, Toxic People and Ru
use long, difficult | A. A. Milne Picture Quotes | Quoteswave
Happiness. Anxiety. Delight. Frustration. Serenity. Impatience. In
, difficulty." ~Theodore Roosevelt | Quotes, thoughts and musings
Inspirational Quotes About Hard Work
Every morning starts a new page in your story.
funny sms web: English Funny Sms
motivational love life quotes sayings poems poetry pic picture photo
Difficult Situation Quotes a very difficult situation
Learning To Let Go - Picture Quotes
Difficult Love Quotes. QuotesGram
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Difficult Times Quotes You though difficult times
Quotes | Love Quotes | Motivational Quotes | Friendship Quotes
graphics, inspiration, quotes, typography, word art - image #455583 on
The life story!: Handling difficult customers and situations


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MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. (CBS.MW) -- Internet security infrastructure provider VeriSign Inc. posted a net loss for its second-quarter Thursday, but outpaced the consensus estimate by 11 cents a share on a pro forma basis.
After the market close, the Mountain View, Calif., firm reported second-quarter operating loss of $11.2 billion, which included a one-time, non-cash charge of $9.9 billion related to a portion of goodwill for acquisitions made with stock over the last two years.
Excluding the charge, VeriSign VRSN, -0.74% had earnings of $52.6 million, or 25 cents, compared with $10.3 million, or 7 cents a share in the same period a year ago.
Analysts polled by First Call/Thomson Financial were looking for the company to report earnings of 14 cents a share, on average.
Quarterly revenue came in at $231 million, up 229 percent compared with the $70.3 million recorded by the company in the year-ago quarter.
In regard to the $9.9 billion charge, VeriSign's Chief Financial Officer Dana Evan said that while the sour economy led to a reduction in market value for the company's acquisitions, they still have performed "at or above expectations." On an operating basis, the company continues to show increased operating income, positive cash flow and a debt-free balance sheet with $1.3 billion in cash and investments, Evan added.
Ahead of the earnings report, VeriSign shares closed down 7 cents at $47.17.


text: I LOVE mica pigments and powders. When I received my first Naked Cosmetics pigment in an Ipsy bag 6 months ago, I understood how amazing it was IMMEDIATELY. The versatility of pigments is mind blowing. I have realized however that not everyone feels comfortable using mica pigments; including established makeup artists and enthusiasts. If working … Continue reading Naked Cosmetics – A Crash Course In Working With Mica Pigments


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lemon poppyseed truffles.
A dear, darling friend of mine is expecting her first baby soon–exciting, right?
What if I told you that said dear, darling friend was also an immensely talented food blogger, whose blog you undoubtedly already know, love and read obsessively?
Yes friends, the wonderful Erin of Erin's Food Files is most definitely pregnant, most definitely about to have a baby soon, and a few fellow food bloggers are throwing her a virtual baby shower!
Hooray for babies! And friends! And food bloggers! And the internet!
I've been reading Erin's blog since before I actually started blogging myself. In fact, I was going through my horrifically uncatagorized, overwhelming bookmarks tab on my browser the other day and realized I had about four or five of her recipes I'd bookmarked ages ago to make, way before I ever thought of starting my own blog. She's basically kind of amazing.
I met Erin for the first time at BlogHer Food in Atlanta last year, and we hit it off immediately. We bonded at the bar of a chic little boutique hotel over fabulous cocktails and pretty much became friends right away. Everyone knows that alcohol is the foundation for any real, substantial lasting relationship, right?
But I digress. I was fortunate enough to see her again at Food Blog Forum Nashville, where I had the pleasure of meeting her lovely husband Nathan, and their way-too-cute pup, Jesse. Let me tell you, they literally have the most adorably adorable house I've ever seen in my whole life–so jelly! I was struck by their love, their sweetness toward one another, and the sense of family and unity between them. They're happily ever after, but in a super-cute, not at all annoyingly Disney way. I dig that.
When I found out they were expecting a teeny tiny baby, I was so excited and happy for them! There is no doubt in my mind that Erin and Nathan are going to be incredible parents, and that Jesse is going to be a great big brother to the newest addition to their family. It's always awesome when cool, terrific people procreate, and I have no doubt that Baby W will be the most rad baby ever, thanks to having bad-ass parents like Erin and Nathan!
So since I've kind of been out of the loop in terms of social networking, blogging and having an internet life lately, I wasn't quite sure if Erin had announced the gender of little Baby W yet. I didn't want to make something pink, or something blue, because quite frankly that ish is played out. Right? I mean, babies of any gender can totally appreciate other colors. Like chartreuse. Or vermillion. Or mustard yellow.
Side note: When I have a baby, I will require it to always wear awesome clothes. It's imperative. I vow to never, ever in a million years put my baby in a romper that declares "#1 pooper" or some other equally awful, TMI, cringe-inducing fashion statement. Nope. No way, no how.
SO. I happen to know that Erin, much like myself adores the color yellow–and looks damn good in it too, I might add! I decided to make some bright, sunny cheerful lemon poppyseed truffles in honor of Baby W's arrival. Gender neutral, fashion-forward and completely delicious!
The best part about these truffles is that they're SIMPLE. Truly, honestly, ridiculously easy to make. And the end result? Oh dear. If you're a fan of lemony flavors, get your life together and make these, my friend! They will make you a better person. Truth.
I was a bit skeptical about how these lemon poppyseed truffles might turn out, because I am not a huge fan of white chocolate. Actually, I detest the stuff. Loathe. Abhor. Insert other strong, hate-fueled adjective of your choice. But the tart astringency of lemon and the pleasant crunch of the poppyseed magically mask the flavor of white chocolate entirely. It's a Christmas miracle!
So whip up a batch of lemon poppyseed truffles in honor of Erin, Nathan and Baby W today! I am deliriously happy for the two of you (and Jesse!), and I wish you nothing but happiness, laughter and so, so much love and sweetness. Hooray for babies!
Lemon Poppyseed Truffles
Yield: 30-40 truffles
1/2 cup heavy cream
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
zest of two Meyer lemons
juice of 1 Meyer lemon (about 3 tablespoons)
1/4 teaspoon pure lemon extract
16 ounces white chocolate chips
2-3 teaspoons poppy seeds
powdered sugar, for dusting
Combine the heavy cream, butter, lemon zest and lemon juice in a saucepan and place over medium heat.
Place the chocolate chips in a glass or metal bowl and set aside.
Stirring occasionally, allow the cream and butter to heat and infuse with lemon flavor. When the mixture begins to steam and small bubbles form along the edges of the pan, remove from the heat.
Pour the hot cream mixture over the chocolate chips and allow to stand for 30 seconds.
Whisk the mixture until the chips are melted and the mixture is smooth and homogenous. Add the lemon extract and poppy seeds, and stir to combine.
You can either leave the truffle mixture in the bowl if you are going to scoop your truffles, or transfer to a plastic piping bag (without the tip snipped off!).
Transfer the truffles the fridge and allow to cool for about an hour, or until firm but not completely rock solid.
To form the truffles, you can either snip the tip of your plastic bag and pipe small dollops onto a parchment-lined sheet pan, about the size of a cherry. If scooping truffles from a bowl, you'll use either a small cookie scoop or just under a tablespoon per truffle.
Place the pan of truffles in the fridge for about 30 minutes to firm up again.
Sift about 2 cups of powdered sugar into a medium bowl and set aside.
When the truffles are firm but not too solid, roll them gently into round balls using your hands. You can use gloves if you'd like, and the balls don't have to be perfect!
Toss the rolled truffles into the powdered sugar and move them around until completely coated. I like to shake the excess powdered sugar off each truffle before transferring them to an airtight container. Repeat until all truffles are coated in powdered sugar.
Once the truffles are coated, transfer them to an airtight plastic container and store in the fridge until ready to serve.
The truffles will keep in the fridge for up to one week, or in the freezer for up to six months.
a food + words original
15 Responses to "lemon poppyseed truffles."
Whoa! These are so unique and are freaking calling my name! Love this idea!
Wow, these sound really unique and delicious! What a great contribution to the shower.
What a fun new truffle idea! Love that they are rolled in powdered sugar.
These sound fab & of course oh so sweet of you to shower Erin virtually with sweets!
Aw shucks girl!!! Thank you so much for this amazingly sweet post! I shall never forget our booze fueled night at the hotel in ATL! LOL (Though, I have forgotten how I made it up to my room that night…)
These sound amazingly refreshing, and delicious! Thank you SO much for participating!! :)
(PS. I am very picky with baby clothes, which is why it was AWESOME to not be finding out the gender. We didn't get nearly as much clothes as people normally do. I will say, I have one of those "slogan" onesies, and it is freaking awesome. I won't reveal what says, but it's sized 6 months, so it'll be a while before Baby W can wear it. It's totally perfect for my spawn. Oh, and I have another onesie I bought that looks like the tattoos. You would SO approve! ;)
What a fun recipe and a perfect addition to Erin's shower!
I've never heard of lemon truffles but I love lemon and I love poppy seeds so I HAVE to try these! Super cute.
This is a really great idea. I would have never thought to make this combination into a truffle, but they just sound awesome!
These look wonderful. I just LOVE lemon!!!
These are gorgeous, seriously. I also completely detest white chocolate, but it goes quite well with lemongrass, ginger, wasabi and all those other fun asian flavors and lemon!
I was looking at your pictures and wondering how you attained that brilliant grid structure inside the truffles, so completely amazed that your skills in chocolate were so advanced and then i realized those were very clean, obviously braces straightened teeth marks. I love that, absolutely love that you took a bite out of 'em.
Keep up the amazing recipes and have a wonderful time in Boston!
What a lovely website! I, too, love to cook and bake. Your pictures are so beautiful and inspiring. I found your lip gloss recipe on Pinterest and am pinning it to a post. Cannot wait to try it!
Truth be told, you are, no kidding, the only other person I have ever come across who loves Riesling. Honest!
All the best in the future. I envy you getting to cook all day.
May I just say that I am a new reader to your blog and so far I am a fan! Reading your posts have brightened my day, so thank you. =)
Also, I TOO DETEST THE IMPOSTOR THAT IS WHITE CHOCOLATE! Did you know that technically it is not even chocolate? But I feel like in the form of these truffles it could transform into something magical. Looks delish!
Keep up the awesome job! I look forward to reading more.
Just made these for Easter weekend as mini eggs – very well received by the whole family! Thanks for the lovely recipe. Angela, Chiltern Hills, UK
Awesome, i'll definitely try this. Thanks for sharing…(y)


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Mutant Impossible
Welcome to your new job!
Good day. You may refer to me as "M", and for the foreseeable future, you will be reporting to me. Any objections? Let's get them out of the way now. Well, seeing none that matter, let's move on.
Here is the link to our Roll20 campaign. You will use this every game session in order to see the "game table", and you have the option of using it to roll dice as well. We're all big boys and girls now with our own (fingers gesturing as air quotes) portable electronic computing devices, so I don't see that there will be any problem with this. Clear? Good.