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Our 8×12 safe room is 8′ wide by 12′ long by 7′ high. Elephant Safe Room® Shelters a secure multi-use above ground steel residential tornado safe room.
Safe Room Specifications
Made of solid quarter inch steel plate, this storm shelter is designed to withstand massive abuses from mother nature and criminal activity alike. The fully welded safe rooms are able to withstand tornado force wind speeds when properly installed inside the home, garage, or even out in the open. You can install these units outside, when anchored to a properly reinforced concrete pad, for safety and security for your family. Each unit comes standard with a 36″ standard security door with a three-point security latch system, and a key-lockable deadbolt. Sheltered air vents allow air in and will keep debris out, and each units comes with an enamel coated interior and exterior to ensure a solid finish and corrosion protection for years to come. For maximum protection from tornadoes, be sure to view our underground storm shelters.
Elephant Safe Room® Shelters are designed and manufactured in the USA at our factory in North Carolina. We service the Southeast directly, and provide Nationwide coverage with Freight-on-Board (FOB) determined at the time of your order.


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This Adobe Illustrator tutorial will show you how to create an abstract art that can be used for wallpaper, website header or background images. It is fun and easy. You will learn how to use the Warp and Twirl tool to create abstract vector art in minutes. Users with basic skills should be able to handle this tutorial. To continue on this tutorial, you need Adobe Illustrator CS or above.
Understanding The Tools (Warp and Twirl)
Run Illustrator and create a new document, 8 x 10 inches, CMYK color mode. Double click on the Warp tool icon (on the toolbar) to activate the option panel. The setting I have is: width 1.4", height 1.4", and intensity 50%.
We will be using the Warp tool a lot, so tear off the tool set for quick access. Click and hold on the Warp tool icon until you see a dropdown panel, click on the Tearoff icon.
Warp Tool
Draw a box with the Rectangle tool. Select the Warp tool and the box. Drag your cursor above the object. Notice how the object warped based on your mouse movement.
Create another box. Now, go crazy and keep on spinning your mouse around the shape.
Remember: your result will look different than mine due to your settings and mouse movement.
Twirl Tool
Draw a rectangle box. Select the Twirl tool. With the box selected, press and hold your cursor above the box. It will twirl the object continously.
Create another box. This time, quickly drag the mouse in zig zag movement.
Let's Begin
Delete all the test objects. Create a big rectangle shape to cover the document canvas. Fill it with blue gradient. Lock this layer.
Create a new layer. Draw two long rectangle shapes. Fill one with black color and another with magenta gradient. With both rectangle objects selected, use the Twirl tool and quickly spin the mouse across.
Rotate the object in 45 degree and place it in the upper right corner.
Draw a red circle. Select the Twirl tool. Press and hold on the object until you get a sun-looking circle. Place the circle in the back.
Draw another circle and fill it with red-orange gradient. Select the Twirl tool and quickly drag on its edge and place it above the sun shape.
Glowing Effect
Create a circle and fill it with radial gradient. In the gradient slider, select yellow for one end and black for another end (make sure the black is C=100, Y=100, M=100, K=100). Set the blending mode to Screen.
Duplicate the glowing circle. Shrink it a bit and shift it up. Change the yellow color to white.
Smoke-Like Shape
Create a rectangle shape. With the Twirl tool, randomly drag and spin the mouse back and forth to create a smoke-like shape. Fill it with white color.
Fire-Ball-Like Shape
Randomly draw 4 circles in different sizes. With the Twirl tool, drag the mouse in spiral movement.
Create another set of twirling shapes with the Twirl tool. Then fill it with orange-red gradient.
Electric-Like Strokes
Create a thin long rectangle shape. Use the Twirl tool, quickly drag the mouse across the shape in zig zag movement.
Then fill them with various color.
Overlay Circles
Draw various size of circles and send them to the back. Fill them with gradient and set the blending mode to Multiply.
Dark Glowing Circles
Create two circles and fill them with blue-white radial gradient. Send them to the back. Set the blending mode to Multiply.
Look around the artwork, find the un-smooth shapes, smudge it with the Warp tool. Make them look rounded and liquified.
Final Remarks
I have only used the Warp and Twirl tool in this tutorial. Don't forget to try out the Scallop, Crystallize, and Wrinkle tool. Play around with the tool options and shapes. You don't have to start off with the rectangle shape, try the star or irregular shapes. They can also be used for creating texturized patterns.
142 Comments
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Im designing a portfolio website for myself at college at the moment and struggling to find something to make it look well amazing!

subset: commoncrawl


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HACC, Central Pennsylvania's Community College; the City of Harrisburg; and the Harrisburg Housing Authority have developed a partnership – the Harrisburg Promise.
The Harrisburg Promise will create a pathway to postsecondary education for youth in Harrisburg, specifically in these areas: Hall Manor, Hillside Village, Hoverter Homes, MW Smith Homes and William Howard Day Homes. The program will support students from seventh grade through graduation from HACC, with early intervention that will reduce barriers to postsecondary education and inspire college aspirations.
Please visit this website to learn more information.


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why are my pillows picnining in the backyard with new pillowcases on you ask?
because the lighting is better outside, of course :)
of all the silly things I've done to get decent lighting in photos, this feels like the silliest.
what about you? what odd or silly things have you done for blog photos?
these three pillowcases, plus one other I made awhile ago, make four {aren't I good at math?} to be donated to charity. Now I just need to find a place to donate them to :)
linking up to TGIFF, submarine sunday, Quilt Story, show and tell tuesday


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Geo was formed in 1989 as a brand imprint of General Motors. The Geo was created in response to the sweeping success that compact Japanese imports were enjoying on the U.S. market. As a division of Chevrolet, Geo was founded with an eye toward producing fuel-efficient imports and that would be available at entry-level prices.
Geo Through The Years
The Geo brand was initially very popular with American drivers when it was first launched. The company's "Get to Know Geo" slogan was seemingly embraced by drivers and models like the Prizm even garnered significant auto industry awards.
Despite basing its product line largely on rebranded Japanese models, Geo did produce cars in the U.S. through its joint venture with Toyota that involved the use of an assembly plant in California. Geos continued to sell reasonably well in the states throughout the late-1980s and mid-1990s. However, as the 1990 SUV craze swept in, American drivers began to turn away from economical compacts and the brand's fortunes began to wane.
While Geo managed to sell vehicles, by 1997, it failed to step out from under the shadow of some brands like Toyota and Suzuki. Additionally, GM and Chevrolet realized that in its efforts to take back market share. It also inadvertently directed drivers who'd been loyal to the GM brand to import models produced by foreign competitors. These circumstances led to Geo's demise in 1998. When the brand dissolved, the remaining Geo models were rebranded as Chevrolets.
Geo Models
Geo introduced a number of economical and affordable models that sold respectively well. Although in truth, all of the cars Geo produced were repackaged versions of existing vehicles.
One such model was the Geo Storm. The Storm was a sporty compact that was based on the Isuzu Impulse. It was unveiled in 1990 and made available as a two-door fastback or three-door hatchback. Designed to be the most performance-oriented vehicle produced by Geo, the Storm came to be powered by a 1.8-liter engine and came with a three-speed automatic or five-speed manual transmission. It was discontinued in 1993.
The compact Geo Tracker SUV was introduced in 1989 alongside the popular Suzuki Sidekick on which it was based. The Tracker was available as a two-door hardtop or convertible. Even after the demise of Geo, Chevrolet continued to produce various versions of the Tracker until it was replaced by the Equinox in 2005.
The Prizm was arguably the most popular car produced by Geo during its brief life span. As a compact four-door sedan, the Prizm was based on the Toyota Corolla. Early Prizms, which were produced at Geo's Fremont, California plant, were made available as four-door sedans and five-door hatchbacks. Both models offered versatility, fuel economy and were available at prices usually lower than their Toyota counterparts. The hatchback models were discontinued after 1993, but the four-door version of the Prizm sold well enough that even after Geo's demise, Chevrolet continued to produce versions of it until 2002.
The Geo Metro was the smallest and most economical vehicle produced by under the Geo brand. Based on the Suzuki Swift, the Metro was introduced in 1989 as a replacement for the Chevrolet Sprinter. Geo produced the car throughout its existence, making it available as a two-door convertible, a three-door hatchback, a four-door sedan, and a five-door hatchback. After Geo's demise, Chevrolet continued to produce the Metro until 2001 when it was phased out to make way for the Chevrolet Aveo.
The Spectrum, which was based on the Isuzu I-Mark, was actually first sold as a Chevrolet between 1985 and 1988. Under the Geo brand name, the Spectrum had a short lifespan, as it was produced for only one year in 1989 before the Geo Storm hatchback replaced it.
Geo Products and Technologies
While Geo ran from 1989 until 1998, it became one of the most successful attempts by a major American auto manufacturer to create an import-style brand—because its products were mostly licensed imports. The company's Geo Prizm and Metro was fairly popular with drivers. Even today, Geos remain a reasonably reliable used car option.
Geo Metro
1997-1995 | Compact, Hatchback, Sedan
From 1989 until 2001, a variation of the Suzuki Cultus was sold in North America with two different nameplates.
Geo Prizm
1997-1995 | Compact, Sedan
The Geo Prizm falls into the sub-compact sedan class and foundpopularity with consumers interested in affordability, reliability, and durability.
Geo Tracker
1997-1995 | SUV, Utility/Offroad
The Geo Tracker, later christened the Chevrolet Tracker, was a mini sport utility vehicle (SUV) that was produced by CAMI Automotive in its Ingersoll factory in Ontario, Canada.


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The population explosion
Simon & Schuster, 1991 - Science - 320 pages
The Population Explosion vividly describes how the Earth's population, growing by 95 million people a year, is rapidly depleting the planet's resources, resulting in famine, global warming, acid rain, and other major problems. Paul and Anne Ehrlich also clearly and concisely point to immediate action that will lessen the threat of ruin and begin to build a more peaceful, sane, and secure world.
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LibraryThing ReviewUser Review - pjsullivan - LibraryThing
The earth is in crisis from overpopulation but people don't seem to care. Too many deny it. This book debunks arguments and lays out the facts. It is not a pleasant read. Much of it is not new, or is ... Read full review
Why Isnt Everyone as Scared as We Are?
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abortion Africa agricultural American animals aquifers areas atmosphere average Bangladesh birth birthrates caused China cities climate change contraception countries course crops death rates decades decline demographic depletion desertification developing nations disease Earth ecological economic economists Ecoscience ecosystem services ecosystems Ehrlich energy environment environmental epidemic especially exponential growth factor family-planning farm fertility food production forests future genetic global warming Green Revolution greenhouse growing growth rate Holdren Homo sapiens human population human predicament immigration impact important increase India industrial irrigation issues L. R. Brown land less living major million natural numbers organisms overpopulation ozone P. R. Ehrlich per-capita percent photosynthesis plants policies pollution poor nations Population Bomb population connection population control population growth population problem programs reduced regions result rich nations rise scientists social society soil Soviet square miles tion tons tropical United virus Washington world population World Resources Worldwatch Institute York


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Click Here if you are having trouble in getting CHILLCAM to display on your system.
Basic Streaming Instructions & Templates
Click Here to see CHILLCAM in action!
With ChillCAM, you can:
- STREAM live video to a web page. NEW!*
- STREAM live audio to a web page. NEW!*
- STREAM any combination of video effects, logos and/or text messages with the camera's image. NEW!*
- VIDEOCONFERENCE directly with your friends using any combination of video effects, logos and/or text messages. NEW!*
- Capture images from ANY video source connected to your computer.
- Create multiple "events" which can capture different images and ftp them to different servers all at different time intervals.
- Add digital video effects to any captured image.
- Add multiple custom messages and/or timestamps to any captured image.
- Add multiple resizable custom logos to any captured image.
- Independently adjust the transparency of any logo.
- "Schedule" ChillCAM to activate between certain hours of the day.


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DesignEvo If you are a small business, a new start-up or looking to re-brand and need a new logo but you are on a small next-to-nothing budget DesignEvo is a great new free in-browser logo maker to try. It has a very large library of graphics with 5000+ templates that…
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Hey Everyone, We got a great response to our last poll and some very useful results. The overwhelming majority of our members come to view videos and pictures. A smaller percentage are interested in sharing videos (makes sense we can't all be just consumers). As well a small segment of users are mainly interested in dating and flirting. We definitely know you want a community focused on video sharing. Our second poll asks, "What other social networking features would you add?" UPDATE: There's some really good discussion going on in the comments section of this thread. Please let's keep it going. This is exactly what we're looking to find out...should PornHub Community be more like Facebook (full of features) OR more like Youtube (focused on video sharing with only a few other social features).
9 years ago
Hey Everyone, Thanks very much, we got a great response...more than 10,000 people responded in just a few days. Please stay tuned for future polls we'll be running to really define the vision of PH community. Here is a link to the results of the first poll http://www.micropoll.com/akira/mpresult/655218-199700 Jake
9 years ago
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text: EXPLORE NTS PICKS RECENTLY ADDED SCHEDULE RESIDENTS GUESTS SERIES INFINITE MIXTAPESEVENTS VIDEO EDITORIAL SHOP ABOUT Radio Schedule Explore Infinite Mixtapes Recently Added NTS Picks Residents Guests Series Events Video Editorial Shop About Newsletter Work In Progress Careers Chat Alien Jams w/ Chloe Frieda London, 28.07.13 Alien Jams is a monthly show focusing on electronic music throughout history. The program aims to provide background on early electronics as well as present day artists. Noise Electronica Techno Minimal Synth Post Punk Share Facebook Twitter Copy link Copied to clipboard More No tracklist provided Live nowLive on 11PlayLive on 22PlayLive on 1Next on 1 …Live on 2Next on 2 …Expand Expand PlayMORE MIXTAPESVIEW TRACKLIST


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USDA Officials to Visit Southern States Affected By Natural DisastersMay. 20, 2011
Source: USDAThe U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Development Under Secretary Dallas Tonsager and Acting Under Secretary for Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services Michael Scuse will begin today a two-day tour of Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Missouri, to meet with those affected by recent disasters."With assistance from USDA and other Federal agencies, the Obama Administration is working to help residents, farmers, ranchers and businesses that have been hard hit by recent floods and tornadoes," said Tonsager."Our hearts go out to all of those affected by the disasters," said Scuse. "Our first-hand assessments will allow us to identify the unique farm safety net and rural community development needs of the impacted region."USDA agencies have been working for weeks with state and local officials, as well as individuals, businesses, farmers and ranchers, as they begin the process of helping to get people back on their feet. USDA offers a variety of resources for states and individuals affected by the recent disasters. Individuals can also apply for other types of federal disaster assistance at www.disasterassistance.gov.In rural communities, USDA's Rural Development will continue to work with existing individual and community borrowers that have been affected by a natural disaster to help them with their loans. With respect to loans guaranteed by Rural Development, borrowers should initially contact their lender for assistance.Rural Development provides FEMA with regular information as to vacant units in multi-family housing complexes financed by the agency, and following a Presidential disaster declaration, FEMA can assist with placement and vouchers to cover short-term rental costs. Housing and business assistance programs are available over the longer term to help finance repair and replacement of homes and businesses.USDA's Farm Service Agency provides emergency loans through the Emergency Loan Program to help producers recover from production and physical losses due to natural disasters. Producers will be eligible for these loans as soon as their county is declared a Presidential or Secretarial disaster county. Emergency loan funds may be used to: restore or replace essential property; pay all or part of production costs associated with the disaster year; pay essential family living expenses; reorganize the farming operation; and refinance certain debts.The heavy rainfall and flood conditions across the Midwest and South have caused crop damage and slowed planting this spring. USDA's Risk Management Agency reminds producers faced with questions on prevented planting, replant, or crop losses this spring to contact their crop insurance agent for more information. USDA is working with the States affected to determine what damages qualify for crop insurance indemnities and/or the Supplemental Revenue Assistance Payments (SURE) Program. As announced by USDA earlier in May, producers who farm in the Morganza and Birds Point-New Madrid Floodways and purchased crop insurance will be eligible for crop insurance indemnities in accordance with the provisions of their crop insurance policies. Those producers who are unable to plant, but have purchased crop insurance, will be eligible for prevented planting payments in accordance with the provisions of their policies.USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) administers the Emergency Watershed Protection program, which provides assistance to areas that have been damaged by natural disasters, such as floods, windstorms, drought, and wildfires. In partnership and through local government sponsors, NRCS helps local communities recover from natural disasters.The USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) provides food assistance to those in need in areas affected by a disaster. This Federal assistance is in addition to that provided by State and local governments. USDA provides disaster food assistance in three ways: ;provides foods to State agencies for distribution to shelters and other mass feeding sites; provides food to State agencies for distribution directly to households in need in certain limited situations; and authorizes State agencies to issue Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP) benefits.USDA staff in the affected states can work with citizens and state and local and other federal officials to explain the type of aid that is available. For additional information and updates about USDA's relief efforts please visit www.usda.gov.


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McTaggart notes that Bud Norris' next start will not be for the Express, but for the Astros. When he'll start is still up in the air.
"We want to talk to some people who saw him pitch and talk to some of our starters first."
Since Norris started Tuesday night, that would put him in line for a Sunday start. Sunday is when Oswalt is scheduled to start against Texas, so that's out. And since Moehler is scheduled to pitch tomorrow (God help us all), Norris certainly won't be available. Ideally Norris would take Moehler's spot in the rotation, which means the earliest he's in line to start would be Wednesday at Milwaukee. Unless, of course, Wandy gets bumped from the rotation - and I look at tonight as a make-or-break start for him. Not that I think the Astros would get rid of him, but he's going to have to put together a strong second half in order to convince the Astros to offer him a contract in 2011. Since he's arbitration eligible, I would imagine he's in line for a $7-8 million deal next year, and there's no way he's pitching like that.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Norris will soon be back in Houston
Labels: Brad Mills, Brian Moehler, Bud Norris, Wandy Rodriguez
2 comments:
Could pop him in there Tuesday and move Wandy's next start back a day (assuming he's still in the rotation). I have a feeling that Wandy would benefit from the extra day of rest.
- June 24, 2010 at 7:49 AM
- John Royal said...
He's starting on Monday. That was just announced.
- June 24, 2010 at 11:35 AM
Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)


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Autumn is upon us! We didn't really have a summer here in the UK, it was the wettest one for 100 years and it was mostly cold too so I'm quite happy to move on and leave it behind.
Autumn is my favourite time of year, there is loads of seasonal produce, fires get lit, blankets come out and knitwear gets worn in abundance.
In my garden some of the apples are ready:
I'm lucky enough to have 5 apple trees, some are cooking apples and some are eaters. The fruit is a bit smaller than usual because of the aforementioned weather but unlike the pear and plum trees, which were a complete failure this year, there are more than enough apples to go around.
Autumn also means the release of the Twist Collective Fall 2012 collection and I'm honoured to have a pattern included - Banach
They have a hemmed cuff and colourwork section followed by a twisted stitch cable pattern on the back of the hand, the palm of the hand has seed stitch detail. They are just right for the impending cold weather - the only thing worse than cold hands are cold feet!
The photographs and styling are stunning, I've been on the look out for a yellow mac ever since I saw this one!
I used Dragonfly Fibers Djinni yarn and it was such lovely stuff to work with, the colours are beautiful and the yarn is bouncy and gave the mittens such crisp stitch definition. You can get a kit including the colours I used for the mittens shown here. I'll definitely use this yarn again, maybe for a pair of socks next time.
You can buy the pattern from the Twist Collective site or from Ravelry - it's great to be able to keep the pattern in your Rav library. I'd love to see any finished mittens or mittens in progress or even just theoretical colour choices in my Ravelry group.
All photos belong to the very talented Carrie Bostick Hoge - when I grow up I want to take pictures like her.


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4:30 pm
Cyberchase "A Tikiville Turkey Day" Hacker steals the legendary Egg of Benedicta - and the lush landscape of Tikiville wilts and turns brown. The spirit of the Tikians is crushed and Creech is in big trouble unless the CyberSquad can help! When their attempt recover the Egg from Hacker fails, they hatch a new plan to replace the Egg. By studying patterns in nature, can they recreate the nest and restore peace and harmony to Tikiville? EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVE: Find the rule for a pattern you observe in the natural world and you can use what you have learned to make similar patterns of your own. D
5:00 pm
Fetch! With Ruff Ruffman "Finding Eight-Legged Tights Isn't Easy" It turns out that Ruff has two phobias: spiders and.ballet! Ruff sends Sterling and Bethany (someone else who shares his fear of spiders) out to meet an arachnologist to work in a spider lab, and gives Brian another daunting assignment-to become a ballet dancer!. D
5:30 pm
5:56 pm
NewsHour Promo NULL
6:00 pm
PBS NewsHour NULL
7:00 pm
Best of Hymns of Thanksgiving Highlights from the annual shows filmed during the past five years include massed choir performances, solos by pianist Del Parkinson and inspirational narratives by Gov. Butch Otter and first lady Lori Otter.G
8:30 pm
Saving The Ocean "Swordfish!, Part 1" This episode tells the story of sustainable harpoon fishing of swordfish that focuses on a group of fishermen in Nova Scotia. Part 1 of 2G
9:00 pm
Midsomer Murders "Destroying Angel, Part 1" Gregory Chambers is shot with an arrow on the day of the funeral of hotelier Karl Wainright, who in his will left the hotel to Gregory as well as three other beneficiaries. Soon they too are being hunted down and dispatched in increasingly gruesome and imaginative ways. Part 1 of 2G
10:00 pm
Billy Connolly's Route 66 Billy travels from Flagstaff, Arizona to the end of Route 66 at Santa Monica Boulevard. Near Flagstaff, he visits Meteor Crater, and at the Grand Canyon Caverns, he finds the world's deepest, darkest and quietest motel room. He stops at Bottle Tree Ranch on the edge of Barstow, California, a place of scrap metal and glass bottle sculptures; and at Car Culture in Pomona, California. Part 4 of 4G
11:00 pm
Charlie Rose NULL


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STARmeterTop 5000
Up 281 this week
Edward Asner
Actor | Soundtrack | Producer
Ed Asner is a television legend, the winner of seven acting Emmy Awards (which puts him tied with Mary Tyler Moore, both of whom rank second to their "Mary Tyler Moore (1970) Show" co-star, Cloris Leachman who has nine). In all, he has been nominated 20 times for an Emmy Award, with 17 nods for a Primetime Emmy and three for a Daytime award. (All ... See full bio »
Born:in Kansas City, Missouri, USA
More at IMDbPro » Contact Info: View agent, publicist, legal on IMDbPro


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February 13, 2012
UCLA Anderson to Partner with TED
Content to be streamed live during the week of February 27
LOS ANGELES -- In its pursuit to cultivate thought leaders and advance ideas, UCLA Anderson School of Management today announced a multi-faceted partnership with globally-renowned nonprofit, TED. This represents TED's first partnership with a business school.
Watch the Press Conference Video
The unique association will feature a series of collaborative experiences that will enable the UCLA Anderson community to take an active role in the annual TED conference in Long Beach and the simultaneous TEDActive conference in Palm Springs. The partnership will continue post-conference, with students consulting in class on TED's brand management and ongoing mission.
"The UCLA Anderson community looks to engage in the big issues of the day as a forum for discussion, and as a source of solutions," says Judy Olian, Dean of UCLA Anderson School of Management. "TED does that, attracting the best minds and creative ideas as part of the dialogue. This partnership represents a tremendous opportunity to add our faculty and students to that discussion."
The partnership will begin February 27. Faculty and students will hear some of the world's most innovative thought leaders and will engage in dialogue, share and exchange ideas and develop connections that will help advance those efforts. To facilitate that process, monitors around the school will live-stream the exclusive content from the TED conference in its entirety, and an idea incubation lounge will be set up in the center of the UCLA Anderson complex, featuring signature TED décor and serving as the "thought hub" for the week. Here, students can watch an uninterrupted simulcast of the TED conference and contribute to the discussion in real time via social media and through other means.
Six panel discussions will occur at UCLA Anderson, along with the TED events, to stimulate dialogue among students, faculty, and alumni based on presentations by selected TED speakers, such as Chairman of BP Capital Management T. Boone Pickens, UCLA Anderson Adjunct Professor of Marketing and former Global Marketing Officer at Procter & Gamble Jim Stengel, Oscar-winning Director Andrew Stanton, and Greylock Partner and Linked In Co-Founder and Executive Chairman Reid Hoffman. Each panel at UCLA Anderson will view a TED speaker and afterwards discuss ways to advance the ideas that emerge. The discussions will be sponsored by one of six UCLA Anderson student clubs that include, High-Tech Business Association (HTBA), Entrepreneur Association (EA), Net Impact/Energy Management Group (NI/EMG), Marketing Association (MA), and Design for America (DFA).
UCLA Anderson students will also have a unique part to play in the concurrent Palm Springs TEDActive conference -- by providing consultation on the TEDActive 2012 "projects". These projects are based on questions posed by international corporations such as American Express, HP, TOMS shoes, Shell, in critical areas of social challenge, such as Urbanization, Health, Community and Commerce, and Giving. For more information on TEDActive go to http://conferences.ted.com/TEDActive2012/.
After the conference UCLA Anderson students will remain engaged with TED, giving input on how to go beyond sharing ideas, and into advancing them. The TED partnership will extend into the classroom, providing students an in-class opportunity to consult with TED on its larger brand management.
TED's connection with UCLA Anderson extends to the geographic locations that these entities share. Both TED and UCLA Anderson are committed to advancing thought leadership and sharing ideas in Southern California's vibrant economy, known for its technological innovation, entrepreneurship, venture capital availability and new product introduction.
"TED's core mission of Ideas Worth Spreading fits perfectly with UCLA Anderson's mission to develop the next generation of influential leaders who will create their own ideas worth spreading through a learning culture that values individual vision, intellectual discipline and teamwork ," said Jim Stengel, UCLA Anderson adjunct professor of marketing and former global marketing officer at Procter & Gamble. Stengel, who was selected to speak at this year's TED main stage conference, entitled TED2012: Full Spectrum, added, "We anticipate this to be a long-term relationship that prompts continuous discussion and explores collaborative initiatives with far-reaching impacts on both businesses and communities."
Schedule for TED2012 Full Spectrum (February 27 - March 2): http://conferences.ted.com/TED2012/program/guide.php
About UCLA Anderson School of Management
UCLA Anderson School of Management is among the leading business schools in the world. UCLA Anderson faculty members are globally renowned for their teaching excellence and research in advancing management thinking. Each year, UCLA Anderson provides a distinctive approach to management education to more than 1,800 students enrolled in its MBA, Fully-Employed MBA, Executive MBA, Global Executive MBA for Asia Pacific, Global Executive MBA for the Americas, Master of Financial Engineering, doctoral and executive education programs. Combining selective admissions, varied and innovative learning programs, and a world-wide network of 37,000 alumni, UCLA Anderson develops and prepares global leaders.
Follow UCLA Anderson on Twitter at http://twitter.com/UCLAAnderson , or on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/uclaanderson.
About TED
TED is a nonprofit organization devoted to Ideas Worth Spreading. Started as a four-day conference in California 25 years ago, TED has grown to support those world-changing ideas with multiple initiatives. The annual TED Conference invites the world's leading thinkers and doers to speak for 18 minutes. Their talks are then made available, free, at TED.com. TED speakers have included Bill Gates, Al Gore, Jane Goodall, Elizabeth Gilbert, Sir Richard Branson, Nandan Nilekani, Philippe Starck, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Isabel Allende and former UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown. The annual TED Conference takes place each spring in Long Beach, California, along with the TEDActive simulcast in Palm Springs; the annual TEDGlobal conference is held each summer in Edinburgh, Scotland.
TED's media initiatives include TED.com, where new TEDTalks are posted daily, the Open Translation Project, which provides subtitles and interactive transcripts as well as the ability for any TEDTalk to be translated by volunteers worldwide, and TEDBooks, short e-books by speakers that elaborate on a single idea originally presented on TED's stage. TED has established the annual TED Prize, where exceptional individuals with a wish to change the world are given the opportunity to put their wishes into action; TEDx, which offers individuals or groups a way to host local, self-organized events around the world, and the TED Fellows program, helping world-changing innovators from around the globe to become part of the TED community and, with its help, amplify the impact of their remarkable projects and activities.
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July 25, 1888
The total eclipse of the moon on Sunday night began at 10 o'clock, and when it was total the moon looked like a brass ball and shed a weird, faint yellow light that made a strange effect.
Young James Murry was at work in the pea field for the canning factory when the officers came to arrest him for stealing from railroad cars. When the officers appeared, he was on the run for the cornfield. Hiram Ostrander gave chase, his horse doing its prettiest, and the young fellow was bagged just at the edge of the field. Those who saw the race say the boy couldn't be seen for dust while Ostrander and his rig looked like one continuous dark streak.
The Masonic and Odd Fellows societies have appointed committees on the subject of the two orders uniting to erect a handsome brick block on their property opposite the court house. The brick block would have the first floor and basement for stores or offices to rent, the second floor for the Odd Fellows' hall and in the third story, the Masonic halls.
The Republican club were marching without a flag last Thursday, but when passing Mr. H.A. Ward's residence, Mrs. Ward sent out to them a handsome banner which floated the stars and stripes upon the breeze amidst cheers.
Somebody in Kingston is making a success in thinning out the dogs; there have been quite a number of burials of late. We would advise them, after they get through, to try their art upon the cats.
On Saturday an employee of the Ellwood barbed wire factory went on a drunken spree and was found the next morning near the fairgrounds, lying face down in a small ditch with a bullet hole back of his ear and his skull crushed. Foul play is suspected.
The county jail had been empty. It now has one inmate.
In Pierce Township, they have organized a large cavalry company.
July 23, 1913
Freeport is paving one block with concrete as an experiment. The cost is $1.10 per yard, 45 cents cheaper than brick and 50 cents more than macadam.
The drinking fountain that has been running on the courthouse corner the last few years has proven so popular, Sycamore will erect two more.
Judge Mazzini Slusser of the Kane County circuit court screamed like a youngster Saturday afternoon when a large crab pinched his big toe while he was swimming in the Fox River at the annual picnic of the Kane County bar. An Aurora attorney placed the crab on the judge's toe. He was about to order a large fine but was interrupted when water filled his wide open mouth.
Some excitement was occasioned Sunday when a horse attached to a buggy dashed through the courthouse yard, scraping bark off the trees and tearing through the shrubbery. The animal was scratched, but no one was injured.
Farmers badly in need of help this busy haying season have been appealing to the sheriff and offering to pay fines for prisoners held for minor offenses, providing the prisoners would consent to work on the farms.
Seven full-grown rattlesnakes have been killed this season on the Steinmetz farm near Charter Grove.
July 27, 1938
When plans of the Illinois highway department materialize, automobile and truck traffic through Genoa will be more than doubled. Now, Genoa is not particularly anxious that traffic pass through the city; we want traffic to stop here.
There are now 53,000 inmates at state institutions, including insane hospitals. The population increased by 3,000 – or the equivalent of a new institution – last year. There have been no provisions made for increased space.
The National Bank & Trust Co. was named receiver for both Waterman Hall and St. Alban's School for Boys. The two corporations owe approximately $50,000 between them.
DeKalb residents voted approval of issuing $33,000 in bonds to help finance the construction of a combined gymnasium and auditorium for the grade schools. The building will be erected on a lot adjacent to the Haish school.
Bert Wilder celebrated his 103rd birthday. Children in the neighborhood brought him cakes and gifts and remained to listen to his stories.
Possession of a Social Security number by a minor does not mean that such a minor is employable. Federal and state child labor laws still apply.
July 24, 1963
Lightning struck the Maple Park fire siren July 16, setting it wailing. Firemen determined the siren had been set off by short circuit, shut it off and went home. The siren sounded again shortly after that; some thought it was a short circuit but some were convinced there was a fire. They learned a barn had been struck by lightning and was even then a mass of flame. They did the best they could and fought a hard, but losing, battle.
Randy Anderson was ditch digging in Malta at a depth of eight feet Monday when the walls caved in on him, completely covering his body. Fellow workers and Malta firemen saved him.
A fish and bait dealer from Wauconda arrived in Sycamore Tuesday and stopped in front of the State Theater. He decided the truck he was driving was becoming a bit too odiferous, and calmly began tossing dead minnows out of the truck into the street. Patrolman Don Ehler directed him to pick up, deposit back in his truck and carry out of Sycamore every dead minnow he had thrown into the street or go to jail. Sycamore streets are sweeter for it.
– Sycamore True Republican
July 27, 1988
A small but dedicated band of Waterman citizens is preparing to mount a campaign on behalf of Kishwaukee College's severely overcrowded library.
On the heels of an arbitration award in favor of DeKalb firefighters, another contract dispute has erupted between the city and the union. The union filed two unfair labor practice complaints with the state labor relations board. The city also filed a complaint against the union with the board.
– The MidWeek


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CHICAGO (Reuters) - The U.S. Midwest endured another frigid morning on Friday and another spell of sub-zero (Fahrenheit) temperatures is forecast for early next week, but temperatures should moderate after that, an agricultural meteorologist said.
"Once we get past middle of next week, we do begin to see things moderate. By the middle of the month, it looks like it will be not nearly as cold," said Kyle Tapley, a meteorologist with MDA Weather Services.
A series of winter storms interspersed with bouts of arctic cold in recent weeks has slowed the movement of grains and livestock through the Farm Belt, crimped supplies of natural gas and propane and built up ice on parts of the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers, jamming barge movement.
The cold has also raised the risk of damage to soft red winter wheat in the Midwest and hard red winter wheat in the southern Plains, although widespread snowfall from a storm earlier this week likely protected most crops from the latest cold spell.
Winter wheat is dormant and mostly resistant to freeze injury at this time of year, but nonetheless, temperatures that dip below zero F (minus 18 degrees Celsius) for four hours or more can damage crops lacking snow cover.
Temperatures overnight fell to minus 5 to minus 10 degrees F across most of Illinois and Indiana.
"Most fields were protected by snow, but spotty winterkill is possible in far southeast Illinois/southwest Indiana," the Commodity Weather Group said in a daily note.
Temperatures on Saturday will not be quite as cold as a storm crosses the area, bringing light to moderate snow to Iowa, Wisconsin and northern Illinois.
More sub-zero readings are expected in the Midwest for the first half of next week. After that, temperatures should return to more normal levels, Tapley said.
In South America, rains are forecast to continue in corn and soy areas of Argentina for the next five days before shifting northward, but flooding risks are seen as isolated.
In Brazil, mostly dry conditions persist in central and northeastern corn and soy areas. But extended outlooks, for late next week and beyond, looked wetter.
Tapley said the forecast "has moved a bit in the wetter direction in Brazil, and it still looks fairly wet in Argentina."
(Reporting by Julie Ingwersen; Editing by Marguerita Choy)


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Some @##&% posted
rm based commands on UF yesterday. The intent was to deliberately nuke new users systems, as the posts were in the beginners section, in unanswered, or 1-2 replies threads.
In addition to be banning the accounts and IPs and removing all the posts, we turned back on a confirmation email registration process. Many thanks to all the regular members who have been helping, placing warning in their sigs, posting in threads and reporting the infamous posts.
It is so frustrating to see this happening. There must be at least 10 pages of reports and infractions sitting around the staff area for the two posting waves we had. Breaking someone else's system, I just do not see how funny it is. Is it for fame? Power? Out of boredom? See K.Mandla's blog article for some interesting insights.
In any case, educating the new users is one of the answers we can give. Here is a little tutorial, based on a forum's post where Aysiu has explained the rm command.
Excerpt from
man rm:
NAME rm - remove files or directories -f, --force ignore nonexistent files, never prompt -r, -R, --recursive remove directories and their contents recursively
So any command based on
rm -rf will recursively remove files without asking for a confirmation. As everything is a file on Linux (the concept of directories does not really apply, each "directory" is a file) you can wipe everything that is sitting in the "directory" you are running the command from. Guess what happens if you run it in your /home..
Examples – DO NOT RUN THEM
Now, a precise file to delete can be indicated:
rm -rf /home sudo rm -rf /
The first one will wipe /home, regardless from where the command is running. The second one will wipe the entire root file system (
/). Admin privilege is required to access /, gained with
sudo on Ubuntu.
Basic recommendations
- Do not run these commands, unless confirmed by long time members.
rmis useful and is sometimes the only solution.
- Backup, backup and backup again. On at least two separate removable devices for important stuff. The only user I am aware of being caught in the process had everything backed up.
- Be curious and search for commands you do not understand, either with
manor a search on Google or UF. You'll improve your knowledge and skills at the same time.
- Read the UF announcement
Oh well.. One of these days.
PS: thanks to Stefano Rivera, see the comments below :)


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What to do after Prostate Cancer Surgery
Hello, I have a couple of questions. My cousin recently had Robotic surgery to remove his prostate. His gleason score was 4+5 = 9 but the cancer had not spread to his lymph nodes or seminal vesicles. It was just outside the prostate gland on surrounding tissue. He is debating whether he should do radiation or not. The bowel, bladder and impotence effects of radiation are huge factors that he is trying to avoid, so he doesn`t want to do radiation if it`s not necessary. Do you think he should go through with the radiation? If so, what type? He is 59 years old and in good health. He had a very active sexual life prior to surgery so he would like to find what what his odds are of the radiation side effects.
Also, he had the surgery one month ago and recently had two PSA tests conducted: Regular PSA and Super PSA. The scores were as follows: Regular PSA: Less than 0.1 Super PSA: 0.016 Are those good scores?
Please advise. Thank you!
As per the information provided, your cousin seems to have a high grade cancer (Gleeson 9) which is locally advanced (outside the prostate gland). These factors do point to the possibility of higher risk of recurrence. There have been a few recent studies in medical literature demonstrating decreased rates of biochemical recurrence (detected by the PSA blood test) after radiation therapy after radical prostatectomy in men with locally advanced disease but sufficient data is not yet available to know whether this actually translated into longer overall survival of the patient. The fact that his PSA is less than 0.1 is a good finding. (I am not sure what you mean by super PSA).
As you are aware, the options in his situation would be either to monitor with regular PSa tests with further treatment /radiation if needed or proceed ahead with radiation therapy now itself. In a young healthy patient with higher risk disease as your cousin, it would not be unreasonable to proceed with adjuvant radiation therapy with the understanding that recent studies have shown some benefit of biochemical recurrence free survival without much available information about impact on the overall survival. (mentioned above).
Radiation therapy after radical prostatectomy seems to be reasonably well tolerated, though erectile dysfunction is a possibility (options available to manage this). He should discuss this in detail with a radiation therapist dealing with prostate cancer. It would be also useful to know whether there were any lymph nodes removed during the proistate surgery and whether these were involved /not involved by the cancer as involved lymph nodes would change the stage of the disease.
I have attempted to answer your questions based on the information in your mail and hope you find it useful. There are several options/opinions to treat prostate cancer, as I am sure you are aware, and I would suggest that your cousin have a detailed discussion/clinical assessment by his urologist, radiation therapist and even a medical oncologist before he makes his decision.
For more information:
Go to the Prostate Cancer health topic.


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49er's Kaepernick offers advice to St. Luke's football team
NEW CANAAN -- There are a few words of advice coaches often hammer on young football players. Some of those are trust, focus and hard work.
The St. Luke's high school football team is no different and it heard those words repeatedly this weekend as it trained on the school's field on a beautiful, warm afternoon. But those words did not come from coach Noel Thomas. They came from an NFL superstar.
"Stay focused. Learn everything week to week because it changes so drastically depending on who you're playing," San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick told the St. Luke's football team Saturday.
Personal distractions, Kaepernick said, have to stay off of the field. "Whether it's family, relationships, people asking you do different things -- those are the things that you need to block out so you can keep being successful."
Kaepernick volunteered his time Saturday after hearing about how the players helped organize a Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation fundraising event in Greenwich last fall. The organization sponsored the St. Luke's event as a way to thank the students.
Cynthia Kim, who founded and runs the organization along with her husband, David, have a mutual friend with Kaepernick. She said she hoped the team would see Kaepernick as "a mentor to look up to."
"He wants to be known as a man of character," she said. "I think that's good for these guys to see."
Kaepernick, who will be entering his second full year as the 49ers' starting quarterback, was born in Milwaukee, Wisc., before his adopted family moved just outside the Bay area to Turlock, Calif., for the majority of his childhood. He later attended the University of Nevada, the only school that offered him a scholarship, and was selected by San Francisco in the second round of the 2011 NFL Draft.
Last month, the 26-year-old signed a six-year contract extension with the 49ers worth $126 million, including $61 million guaranteed.
Since taking over the job halfway through the 2012 season, Kaepernick has led the 49ers to two consecutive NFC championship games and Super Bowl XLVII. Last season, he threw for 3,197 yards, 21 touchdowns and only eight interceptions while rushing for over 500 yards.
Kaepernick told the St. Luke's team that trust is what he likes the most about football.
"You can have 10 people do the right thing and one person do the wrong thing and you won't be successful," he said. "And to me, that's the most important thing. It's the trust, it's the camaraderie that you don't get in any other sport, and I think that's what drives me to play football and that's why I really love football."
Such words struck St. Luke's senior Alex Libman, a quarterback who wants to make it as far as Kaepernick one day.
"Trust is a big thing in football," Libman said. "You have to trust your receivers to be at the right spot at the right time. Trust your linemen to make the block. The whole thing revolves around trust. If you don't have trust, then the whole team sort of crumbles from the inside out."
Libman said his Kaepernick's words gave him hope as opportunities are not always the way to the top.
"He only got one scholarship to a school that's not really known for being a football school, and he's right now considered to be one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL," Libman said. "He showed that it doesn't matter if you only get one scholarship or you get 30, it doesn't define you as a person or as an athlete and he's a perfect example."
Hard work, Karpernick said, is the key to being a successful athlete. "If you want something, you have to work for it."
A 4.0 student in high school, Kaepernick told the St. Luke's team that it is possible to juggle school work with football.
"Your study throughout the week is what allows you to go out on a Sunday and play at a very fast pace," he said.
The Kims, who have four children at St. Luke's, two of whom are on the football team, were more than pleased with the NFL star's visit.
"He's got a great life story. He had a pretty hard upbringing. I think it's a great thing for kids to see," David Kim said.
Jake Dobbin, a sophomore who's just joined the team as a defensive tackle, said the quarterback's words were "pretty inspiring."
"He's faced his own adversities," Dobbin said. "It's interesting to hear from someone who's gone through things that a lot of people haven't."
Tia Gordon was one of many proud parents watching their kids play with Kaepernick.
"It's good for the boys to hear that from an NFL superstar," she said. "It gives them hope, it gives them the opportunity to know that hard work really does pay off. He's proof in the pudding."
When talking about his tattoos and "urban style," Kaepernick was asked to define "swag."
"Swag is your style, your personality though how you walk, how you carry yourself," he said. "You can be a doctor, a rapper and have your personal swag. You can look good in a lot of different ways."
Besides focusing on the field, Kaepernick said young players should set their own personal goals and focus on them as they move through high school and college.
"It's about `who do I want to be remembered as,' " he said. "'Oh, he was a good football player in high school and then nothing ever happened from there,' or `he played football in high school and went on to play in the NFL,' or `he played football in high school and went on and became a doctor or a lawyer.' It's really about how do you want to be remembered."
Kaepernick also told the team the high school age can be very challenging, but those challenges, he said, help define people's personalities.
"Keep fighting, keep going through those struggles, take advantage of them. Make it something positive in your life," he said. "Those challenges make you who you are."
firstname.lastname@example.com, 203-330-6582, @olivnelson


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It didn't take long for Wrestling Society X to disappear from television, even if it was only for one week. As many outlets have reported, MTV got nervous about showing a spot where Vampiro appeared to take a fireball to the face, and last week's episode got axed as a result.
MTV and fire have a history that spans more than a few years. Back in the day when Beavis and Butthead roamed the Earth, the cable channel decided to ban fire references after the cartoon was blamed for a five-year-old setting his two-year-old sister ablaze. It's doubtful WSX has made many inroads to the preschool demographic, but the standards and practices folks still felt compelled to take action.
The company line is that it wasn't fire per se that was the issue, but any act the channel felt was "repeatable." If the inherent hypocrisy isn't obvious, consider the following questions. Jumping off a balcony through a table isn't repeatable? An impressionable viewer couldn't dump a bunch of tacks on the ground?
Okay, the exploding electrical boxes from the debut show probably can't be easily duplicated at home. But WSX is what it is: an over-the-top version of pro wrestling with a lot of violent spots you wouldn't see on WWE or TNA. If MTV has a problem with that type of thing, it might not have been such a good idea to add the program to its lineup in the first place.
Even if the fireball did cross some kind of line set by the channel, the fact remains that the WSX episodes are filmed ahead of time. One would hope that next time an issue like this arises, someone at MTV will screen the show far enough in advance that they won't have to yank it for a week if they see something they don't like. (Apparently an edited version will air this week.)
In the meantime, I'm continuing to ban The Real World at my house, because there are a lot of repeatable behaviors on that show I don't want my daughter practicing when she grows up.
Main event mania
It's not a secret any more, but the identity of all of the participants in the Vince McMahon-Donald Trump proxy hair match may be officially announced on tonight's episode of Raw. I wouldn't be surprised if that bout moves up in the voting once the reality of the special enforcer sinks in.
As interesting as this speculation is, I'm even more curious about what match the fans think the main event should be. I tend to be a traditionalist, so I think a title match should be in the top spot. The problem is that there are two title matches, and they can't both be the main event, no matter how the
WWE tries to spin them.
On top of that, this predicament has taken some of the luster off of the Royal Rumble winner. Giving the man who emerges from the 30-man scrum a main event spot at WrestleMania was one of the best ideas the WWE ever came up with, elevating an already entertaining gimmick to a must-see event.
Under the current rules, the Rumble winner gets to pick which title he wants to chase. I'll admit that this does add an element of drama, as there's always a chance the challenger can switch shows. When it's done right -- like a couple years ago with Chris Benoit -- this can be very compelling. But does that extra dose of suspense even matter when the match isn't even guaranteed to close the show? It's certainly debatable.
In case you're wondering, I have a hard time even entertaining arguments that the McMahon-Trump match deserves to be the main event. Yes, the build-up has been better than expected, and it's the best chance the
WWE has of attracting some mainstream media attention for its biggest show if the year. It just sends the wrong message if the fate of Vince's hair (or the Donald's 'do, for that matter) is made to appear more important than the titles.
Instead of trying to turn it into something it's not, I'd much rather see the hair match left as a mid-card attraction with an actual storyline and some real intrigue. That's a niche that far too few pay-per-views neglect in favor of putting all their eggs in one basket.
A final thought
Like many fans, I was saddened to hear about the apparent suicide of Mike Awesome earlier this month. He was a talented in-ring performer who had the dual misfortunes of getting bashed for his messy departure from ECW and being saddled with some truly cringe-inducing gimmicks while he was in WCW.
As my own personal tribute, I'm going to rent or buy the first One Night Stand pay-per-view this week to see his match with Masato Tanaka. I've never seen it, and since everyone who has insists that it's awesome, I can't think of a more fitting way to remember the man.


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Honda Car Forum
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2007 Acura TSX - Powertrain
Torrance, Calif. - Sep 11
The TSX is a precisely engineered sports sedan that blends agility and handling with 5-passenger comfort. That delicate balance of attributes drove every aspect of development, including the selection of the powertrain. When it came to choosing a powertrain configuration for the TSX, the path soon became clear. A V-6 like that in the TL would deliver abundant power, but would increase the size and weight of the car, and move the TSX away from its sporting intentions. An in-line 4-cylinder, using the latest Acura technologies, would make for a lighter, well-balanced, more compact vehicle that puts the emphasis on overall sporting performance and handling responsiveness.
Power for the 2007 TSX comes from an advanced 2.4-liter DOHC i-VTEC™ in-line 4-cylinder that produces 205 hp SAE net (Rev 8/04). With an i-VTEC™ "intelligent" valve control system that features Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (VTEC) combined with Variable Timing Control (VTC), the TSX engine delivers formidable power, impressive fuel economy and very low exhaust emissions.
The all-aluminum powerplant has four-valves-per-cylinder and free-flowing intake and exhaust systems that combine to deliver 205 horsepower at 7000 rpm. The strong 164 pound-feet of torque at 4500 rpm and 22/30 City/Highway EPA mileage rating are also highly competitive-a remarkable achievement considering this engine's formidable horsepower output.
Despite its power output, the TSX engine is also very clean. With its rear-mounted exhaust layout, close-coupled catalyst and advanced Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI) the TSX meets strict Tier 2-Bin 5, and Low Emission Vehicle-2 (LEV-2) standards.
The TSX is offered with either a 6-speed close-ratio manual transmission or a 5-speed SportShift automatic. The manual gearbox features a lightweight magnesium alloy case and multi-cone synchronizers. This transmission has a light, quick action and very short shift throws.
The 5-speed SportShift automatic can function as a conventional automatic transmission or, at the driver's option, can be shifted manually for hands-on sporting fun. Working in combination with the drive-by-wire throttle system, the SportShift transmission's shift logic results in quick, smoothly controlled shifts.
The TSX also features the innovative Maintenance Minder System, which automatically monitors the vehicle's unique operation condition to indicate to the driver when maintenance is required. This system is designed to eliminate unnecessary maintenance procedures to help reduce environmental impact and operating expenses, while ensuring that important service issues are addressed in a timely manner.
Powertrain at A Glance
Emissions/Fuel Economy
6-Speed Manual Transmission
5-Speed Sequential SportShift Automatic Transmission
Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH)
i-VTEC™ VALVE-CONTROL SYSTEM
The TSX features the latest iteration of the Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (VTEC) system. By varying valve lift based on key engine parameters, VTEC lets the engine develop strong low-end torque and exceptional high rpm power. The TSX engine features the "intelligent" i-VTEC system. This "intelligent" system adds VTC (Variable Timing Control) to VTEC to provide continuously variable camshaft timing. By allowing the valve lift and valve timing to be adjusted to suit the engine's operating parameters from moment to moment, i-VTEC provides substantial performance, efficiency and emissions improvements.
VTEC (Variable Timing and Lift Electronic Control)
VTEC is an innovative system that adjusts the lift and opening duration of the valves to help the engine produce strong low-rpm torque and excellent high-rpm power. At low rpm, VTEC automatically adjusts valve timing and lift for optimum cylinder filling. In this low rpm mode, the timing of the intake valves is staggered and their lift is asymmetric, which creates a swirl effect within the combustion chambers. With better mixing in the cylinders, burn speed and combustion stability are improved. As engine rpm builds, VTEC transitions to a high-lift, long-duration cam profile for improved high-rpm engine output.
The TSX uses a variation of this technology with three rockers operating each pair of intake and exhaust valves in each cylinder; the TSX powerplant varies the opening lift and duration of the intake and exhaust valves. At low rpm, the valves follow low-lift, short duration camshaft profiles to help boost low-end torque. Above 6000 rpm, the intake and exhaust valves are operated by high-lift, long-duration cam profiles, for maximum high rpm horsepower.
VTC (Variable Timing Control)
The i-VTEC system incorporates VTC (Variable Timing Control), which continuously adjusts the intake cam timing to suit engine operating conditions. This precise control of cam timing benefits power output, fuel economy and emissions performance.
The powertrain control unit monitors cam position, intake manifold pressure and engine rpm, and then commands a VTC actuator to advance or retard the intake cam, optimizing engine output and reducing emissions. At idle, the intake cam is almost fully retarded to deliver a stable idle and reduce oxides of nitrogen (NOx) emissions. The intake cam is progressively advanced as rpm builds, so the intake valves open sooner and valve overlap increases. This reduces pumping losses, which increases fuel economy and further reduces exhaust emissions due to the creation of an internal exhaust-gas recirculation effect. By continuously optimizing the amount of intake cam advance or retard based on the operating conditions, the TSX engine is both powerful and exceptionally flexible.
The cylinder head is pressure-cast aluminum alloy and features four-valves-per-cylinder driven by dual overhead cams. An automatically adjusted silent-type chain drives the cams; it is maintenance free and runs in an oil bath for maximum durability. The combustion chambers have large "squish" areas to promote faster flame propagation and more complete burning-factors in reduced carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrocarbon (HC) exhaust emissions.
The TSX uses a forged-steel crankshaft with a relatively long 99mm throw. To reduce friction and improve long term durability, the crankshaft journals are micropolished. The die-cast lightweight aluminum block has cast-in iron cylinder liners with 87mm bores. The liners are made using a spin casting, centrifugal process. To maximize the rigidity and minimize noise and vibration, the block is a 2-piece design that fully supports the five main bearings with a single cast-alloy bed-plate assembly.
The i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine features Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI), which relies on an array of sensors to constantly monitor a number of critical operating variables. The system tracks throttle position, intake air temperature, water temperature, ambient air pressure (altitude), intake manifold pressure, exhaust/air/fuel ratios and the position of the crankshaft and camshaft. High-efficiency air-assisted fuel injectors deliver fuel to each cylinder. These multi-hole injectors direct fuel around the intake valve stem for improved atomization, better power output and reduced emissions.
The TSX uses a single-stage intake manifold that is specially tuned for the engine's power characteristics. Fixed-length intake runners are tuned in length, size and shape to provide an optimal blend of low-rpm torque and high-rpm response, while supporting the advanced i-VTEC valve control system.
Exhaust flow is critical to performance and figures heavily in the strong power characteristics of the TSX. The high-flow rear-mounted exhaust manifold is constructed of stainless steel. Downstream, large pipe sizes increase flow and the system splits to feed into free-flowing dual silencers and exhaust tips.
An electronic drive-by-wire system helps enhance the driving character of the TSX. With smart electronics connecting the throttle pedal to the throttle butterfly in the intake tract, the engine response can be optimized to suit the driving conditions and to better match the driver's expectations. By eliminating the direct throttle cable connection to the engine, the ratio between pedal movement and throttle butterfly movement can be continuously optimized. This adjustable "gain" between throttle and engine is a significant step forward in drivability.
To establish the current driving conditions, the system monitors pedal position, throttle position, vehicle speed, engine speed, calculated road slope and corner radius and engine vacuum. This information is then used to define the throttle control sensitivity.
From the driver's standpoint (because the drive-by-wire system is combined with other functions such as VSA and Traction Control) this means that the way the TSX responds to throttle pedal movements is tailored to the driving conditions. In stop-and-go driving, the pedal response has low gain and is smooth and progressive for easy driving. A similar low-gain response makes starting out on snowy or icy roads more predictable. In low- to medium-speed driving conditions, the gain increases to improve response and acceleration. In high speed driving, the gain increases further still, so that there's ample response for passing. The system also alters response based on the road slope, providing more throttle gain on uphills, and less on downhills, and also reduces changes in gain on curvy roads to make the car easy to control.
The throttle system works with the available SportShift 5-speed automatic transmission to make shifts faster and smoother than has been possible before. By coordinating the throttle opening with the transmission's shifting functions, engine power can be precisely tailored to the needs of the transmission at every point during the shifting process. That means less shift shock and delay, no matter the driving situation.
The TSX uses a DC motor to control the throttle butterfly position in the intake tract. Large bearings and superior internal components give the motor greater resistance to vibration.
As automotive emissions standards tighten, a trend toward decreased power output is the natural result. The challenge with the TSX was to advance power output while simultaneously reducing emissions. The payoff for these efforts was a strong 83 horsepower per-liter peak output, coupled with compliance with some of the toughest emissions regulations in America, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) LEV-2 standard. Compared to LEV-1-LEV, this stricter standard mandates a 75-percent reduction in NOx level and extends the emissions compliance/useful life by 20 percent, to 120,000 miles.
*NMOG = Non Methane Organic Gas
The foundation for exceptional emissions performance was laid by the basic architecture of the TSX. The exhaust port and exhaust system are positioned to the rear of the transversely mounted engine. This means the catalytic converter can be positioned closer to the engine than is possible with a conventional front-exhaust configuration that sweeps under the engine to reach the converter. With the under-floor catalyst, light-off of the multi-cell converter is quick after starting. A low heat-mass stainless steel exhaust manifold also speeds converter light-off.
The i-VTEC cylinder head plays a large role in emissions reduction as well, by fostering internal exhaust gas recirculation, which cuts NOx. Air-assisted fuel injectors reduce hydrocarbons after starting, while a Linear Air/Fuel sensor positioned in the exhaust system just upstream of the catalyst improves air/fuel mixture control.
The high output in-line 4-cylinder engine features comprehensive NVH reduction features. The pressure-cast block with its bed-plate type main bearing cap is a highly rigid assembly, helping to resist vibration. A pair of chain-driven balance shafts further smoothes the inherent vibration of a large displacement in-line 4-cylinder layout. A self-adjusting silent-type camshaft chain and a serpentine accessory drive belt also reduce NVH.
With a self-adjusting silent-type cam chain, long wearing platinum-tipped spark plugs and a precision-engineered valve train, the TSX is engineered for low maintenance. Other than routine fluid changes and inspections, the first scheduled engine tune-up is not required for 100,000 miles or more.
To eliminate unnecessary service stops while ensuring that the vehicle is properly maintained, the TSX now has a Maintenance Minder System that automatically monitors the vehicle's operating condition. When maintenance is required, the driver is alerted via a message on the Multi-info display.
The system monitors operating conditions such as oil and coolant temperature and engine speed to determine the proper service intervals. Depending on the operating conditions, oil change intervals can be extended to a maximum of 10,000 miles, potentially sparing the owner considerable money and inconvenience over the life of the car. The system, which can be reset manually by the owner, monitors all normal service parts and systems, including oil and filter, tire rotation, air-cleaner, automatic transmission fluid, spark plugs, timing belt, coolant, brake pads and more.To prevent driver distraction, maintenance alerts are presented when the ignition is first turned on, not while driving.
One of the standard transmissions in the TSX is a close-ratio 6-speed manual gearbox. With exceptionally short 45 mm shift throws (most European sedans have shift throws of about 60-65 mm) and a precise, light shifting action, this transmission perfectly complements the car's sporting character. With six gear ratios instead of the more common 5-ratio arrangement, the TSX has closely spaced gears for superior acceleration, yet still has a top gear that allows for a low and efficient cruising rpm.
To reduce weight, the compact transmission case and bell housing are cast of a special magnesium alloy-the first use of this lightweight material in the transmission of an Acura product. This complex casting is seven pounds lighter than the comparable aluminum version, and is highly rigid to damp out noise and vibration. Inside, the gearbox has multi-cone synchronizers on all gears (including reverse) to reduce shifting effort.
A lightweight clutch with low-inertial mass allows the engine to rev quickly, the clutch pedal stroke is short and the effort is comfortably low. A broad and progressive engagement band makes the TSX easy to launch smoothly from a stop. The clutch incorporates a wide-angle clutch-torsion mechanism that reduces the gear rattling sound that is common in many manual-transmission designs.
To deliver the smoothness and convenience of an automatic transmission, coupled with the performance and sporting feel of a manual gearbox, the TSX offers a 5-speed Sequential SportShift automatic. With five closely spaced ratios, the automatic transmission helps deliver impressive acceleration performance. An advanced Grade Logic Control System and intelligent shift programming combine with a drive-by-wire throttle control to deliver remarkably swift and smooth shifts and intuitively correct gear selection. To cope with the additional power output, capacity of the second gear clutch pack has been increased.
The TSX automatic transmission reduces shift shock and improves shift smoothness with the use of an industry-leading linear solenoid direct-acting control. The TSX also utilizes an intuitive 5-position shift gate design.
The SportShift transmission can be operated in two different modes: fully automatic or with driver-selected ratios. In automatic mode, its Grade Logic Control System provides smart ratio selection regardless road gradient. With sensors that monitor throttle position, vehicle speed and acceleration/deceleration, the system compares these parameters with a map stored in the transmission computer. Based on this information, the system can determine if the vehicle is on an incline and adjusts the shift schedule for improved climbing power or downhill engine braking.
To switch SportShift to the manual mode, the driver simply moves the selector lever to a special gate to the left of the "Drive" position. When in manual mode, a forward push of the lever selects a higher gear and a rearward pull selects a lower gear. An LED display between the tachometer and speedometer indicates which of the five available gears is in use.
Shift logic is unique in manual mode, with firmer, faster gear change programming that has a feel similar to that of a manual gearbox. Built-in safety override features make SportShift smarter than any conventional manual transmission, however. Under acceleration, the transmission will hold the selected ratio until commanded to upshift. If the driver doesn't make the upshift in time, the engine ECU will cut off the fuel flow to prevent the engine from over-revving. If the high-rpm condition continues for an extended period even after the fuel is cut (as might be possible on a steep downhill) the transmission will upshift automatically to preclude engine damage. Another important safety feature: The logic will not allow a downshift that would cause the engine to over-rev if the driver selects too low of a gear ratio. To preclude the vehicle starting from a stop in a high gear if the driver inadvertently forgets to downshift, the transmission automatically downshifts as the car decelerates to a complete stop.
To accommodate the high-revving engine's horsepower and torque output, a heavy-duty torque converter is used and the countershaft is constructed of high-strength material. To boost efficiency, the transmission has a low-friction clutch and a special super-thin torque converter. The thin torque converter results in a compact transmission unit. Other space saving measures includes a double-row idle gear and a tightly packaged second-gear clutch.
To improve fuel economy and while maintaining a high level of drivability, the 5-speed automatic transmission includes an active lockup torque converter. To handle the increased horsepower, Acura strengthened this torque converter by enlarging the diameter of the boss weld from 25mm to 35mm. With the precise control afforded by a linear solenoid, the system expands the speed and throttle setting range in which lockup can be engaged in the top four gears. The resulting reduction in transmission slippage results in a 2-percent improvement in fuel mileage in both city and highway driving. This transmission's efficiency and taller (higher numerically) final drive ratio helps the TSX deliver exceptional fuel economy as well as increased performance.
With the TSX drive-by-wire system, the operation of the automatic transmission and engine are fully integrated, resulting in remarkable shift smoothness, and a significant reduction in shifting time. With this cooperation between engine and transmission, shift time from second to first gear drops from 1.15 second to just 0.7 second-a 40-percent improvement.
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Monday, January 28, 2013
Eat with your Eyes: Chocolate Covered Ginger Fudge
I picked up this Darrell Lea Dark Chocolate Covered Ginger Fudge at Cost Plus World Market last year along with some other Darrell Lea items from Australia. The fudge is sweet, not terribly buttery but has numerous pieces of candied ginger in it. Overall, it was earthy and got a nice boost from the woodsy and smoky dark chocolate.
I don't have a full review for the item, but after I bought this one, I didn't see them in the store again until last week. I'm inclined to buy it again, partly because it's a unique combination. (Full wrapper photo, if you're on the prowl for it.)
POSTED BY Cybele AT 9:32 am Candy • Darrell Lea • Chocolate • Ginger • Australia • Highlight • Photography • Cost Plus •
Friday, October 12, 2012
Darrell Lea Dark Choc Liquorice Bullets
Darrell Lea is an Australian confectionery company founded in 1927. They were known in Australia for their quaint and classic chocolate and licorice products sold at the company's branded stores. (The company went into administration earlier this year and was bought out by the Quinn family, who also run VIP Petfoods. The shops are closed, but they're still making candy.)
Here in the United States were get few of their products on our shelves, with their signature item being the Australian style licorice. I've even tried another version of their chocolate covered licorice before.
Cost Plus World Market recently had a big display of Australian and specifically a large array of Darrell Lea confections. I picked up a chocolate covered fudge bar and this package of Darrell Lea Dark Choc Liquorice Bullets.
The package holds 7 ounces, but is jam packed with the candies. It's a heavy bag, like a bean bag filled with lead shot. The pieces are large. Think of a swollen Good & Plenty. Good & Plenty are about 2/3 of an inch long. These are over one inch. They're consistent, dark and glossy. They smell like sweet chocolate and nothing like licorice.
The chocolate coating is nicely done, shiny and thick. The flavor is, well, thin. It's like hot cocoa made with hot water instead of milk. The chocolate notes are like chocolate syrup. The licorice nib beneath is hefty and soft with a solid and satisfying chew. The earthy flavors of the licorice go pretty well with the chocolate. It's almost bitter with lots of notes of dirt and minerals but not a whole lot of anise, more on the green fennel flavors.
The chew leaves behind lots of sticky bits of the licorice in my teeth and has a sort of rib sticking density as well. The ingredients show that this is real chocolate, though it does contain PGPR (an extra emulsifier) and butter (so it's not vegan ... though it also lists shellac). The licorice base is wheat flour. It was made in a facility that also processes peanuts and tree nuts. There's no corn syrup though, which I know some people avoid in a licorice.
I found them satisfying as a candy, but not great as a chocolate product or as a licorice product. I ate the whole bag, but it took me well over a month, as I kept losing interest. They also make a Milk Choc variety, which might have a better balance with the added dairy flavors. I don't know what the financial restructuring will mean to availability of Darrell Lea products outside of Australia.
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POSTED BY Cybele AT 2:05 pm Candy • Review • Darrell Lea • Chocolate • Licorice Candy • 7-Worth It • Australia • Cost Plus •
Friday, July 6, 2012
Aldi Grandessa Australian Licorice
Like Trader Joe's, Aldi has been stocking more licorice in their American stores lately. I picked up this package of Grandessa Orginal Soft Licorice made in Australia.
I've tried a few items in the Grandessa line from Aldi over the years and found them to be passable, but not their highest quality brand.
It's a simple package, a matte plastic bag, rather small but dense. At only 7.5 inches by 4.5 inches it holds nearly a half a pound of soft licorice twists.
The licorice fingers are pretty big, they're about 1.5 to 1.75 inches long (just a little shy of the size of my pinky finger, but I have very small pinkies).
They're soft and a bit sticky on the outside. The chewy is doughy and soft and does get stuck on the teeth. The flavor profile is overwhelmingly earthy. There's a lot of molasses and dark sugars (treacle, brown sugar and molasses are all ingredients). The flavor notes are anise, a light tangy note as some molasses can have, sweet licorice, black pepper, beets, pipe tobacco and coriander. The thick chew is less appealing to me though, because it does have a note of raw wheat flour.
Compared to Panda, it's has more mineral and earthy flavors. It reminds me a lot of Kookabura Australian Liquorice, and may well be made under contract for Aldi's Grandessa house brand by Kookabura. The ingredients are similar, though not exactly the same.
They're made in Australia in a facility that processes peanuts and tree nuts. The ingredients list mono and diglycerides, so I can't say that these are vegan.
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POSTED BY Cybele AT 1:45 pm Candy • Designer Impostor • Review • Aldi • Chews • Licorice Candy • 7-Worth It • Australia •
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Jila Mints
I picked up this box of Jila Mints late last year. I was drawn to the box. It's a cute little flip top box, a little over three inches tall and one inch wide. The design made me think they were Finnish or Swedish for some reason, but it turns out they're made in Australia by a company called Ferndale Confectionery.
The Spearmint Jila Mints are themed in green. The back of the box has some charming copy: Jila round mints are made to last long, clearing the nose and freshening the breath. Refreshment from natural mint essence and energy from added glucose make them the ideal, modern personal accompaniment in work and social situations.
They're made from sugar and glucose. Glucose is a little less sweet than sucrose, so I was looking forward to a mintier mint with less of a sticky sweet finish.
They're a solid panned mint. A very small bead of mint is slowly coated in layers of sugar in a tumbling barrel over hours and days. This method has been used for hundreds of years (usually starting with a fennel seed as the center, like Anis de Flavigny).
They're beautiful little matte green spheres. They're about the size of large peas or dried garbanzo beans. They remind me of those small Atomic Fireballs and in a way they're just a spearmint version.
The spearmint flavor is soft and has a strong herbal flavor that kind of penetrates like menthol. It doesn't have that "green" or "grassy" flavor that spearmint candies or tea can sometimes get. The flavor goes through and though and is sometimes a little stronger in some layers. The mint lasts a long time and is practically un-crunchable for the first portion of the dissolve, when it gets much smaller, sometimes I can crush it.
They also come in Peppermint. I didn't buy a box of them, but I did find after taking this photo that I had a sample from some trade show in my archives. Jila Mints Peppermint comes in a similar box, the design is navy blue and the mints themselves have no coloring at all. They're just a soft white sphere. The flavor of the peppermint is quite woodsy at first but then mellowed out to a soft mint, like a Tic Tac.
I like this style of mint, even though I'm a hard candy cruncher. There was no distinction, really, between the layers as they dissolved, which gave me the sense that they were crafted with care and consistency. The price was pretty good for a box that contained about 1 ounce - the comparable Anis de Flavigny can cost several times this though they do come in a wider variety of flavors. The box is easy to carry and share and of course is easily recycled.
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Thursday, May 6, 2010
Cadbury Cherry Ripe
Back when I was putting together my list of of Essential Candies I realized that I've been remiss with many of the Aussie favorites as well as cherry-based candies. So when I saw a Cadbury Cherry Ripe at Mel and Rose on one of my big candy buying trips I picked it up.
All I know about the bar is that it's coconut and cherry. I'm not keen on cherry flavored things, but real cherries are delicious. The word ripe is pretty enticing and gave me hope that it was real cherries here.
Cherry Ripe is a classic bar, introduced over 85 years ago by MacRobertson's. It's the oldest candy bar in Australia. Other variations have come and gone, the Apricot Ripe sounds particularly good to me. (Can you imagine an apricot candy bar being popular?) MacRobertson's was, for decades, the largest confectioner in Australia. They made products like Freddo Frogs, Old Gold Chocolate and Snack. The company was sold by the founder, Sir Macpherson Robertson, heirs in 1967 to Cadbury. Up until 2002 the Cherry Ripe and many of the old favorites still sported the MacRobertson's logo but have now migrated over to the Cadbury brand.
It's an impressive looking bar. A huge plank at 7 inches long, an inch and a quarter wide and a third of an inch thick. The rippled chocolate enrobing is just gorgeous. I wanted to take a close up photo and make format it as my computer desktop.
I was expecting a lot of coconut or cherry scent, but really it smells like candy - a little like chocolate, a little like raspberries.
The center is soft and chewy, not quite as moist as a Mounds bar, but not dry and crumbly. The coconut is sweet and well textured, not too fibery. The cherries are sweet and with a light hint of maraschino but not much else. I was hoping for bits of sour dried cherries but never quite got that. The dark chocolate coating is the lightest sheath of chocolate possible, it merely holds it all together. It has only a whiff of cocoa and woodsy coffee to it. It's creamy and a little dry.
Overall I understand the appeal of this bar, it's like a Cherry Mounds (or Cherry Bounty) and that's a great notion. It's big, bigger than I think I needed in a bar (but I'm used to my coconut bars in smaller pieces), but since I paid $2.99 for this (really, what was I thinking?) at least it improves the value. Now if only they'd bring back the Apricot Ripe as a limited edition.
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Friday, July 31, 2009
Walgreen's Australian Licorice (Chocolate Covered)
Sometimes house brands can be a little mystifying, but this one really caught my eye. Walgreen's Candy Classics Australian Traditional Black Licorice Smothered in Real Milk Chocolate.
The matte beige & powder blue wrapper does give it that classic look, though the mylar/plastic packaging made it feel modern (as did the presence of a web address on the back of the package).
It also comes in a raspberry licorice version, which I also bought but was disappointed to find it crumbled to bits (so I'm not reviewing it now).
The bar is attractive and looks like it could easily be an unsalted pretzel rod covered in milk chocolate.
It smells nice, a bit like anise and chocolate cake.
The bite is soft, the chocolate barely flakes, which is a great relief after the red licorice catastrophe.
The licorice at the center is quite soft and has a strong molasses flavor - the chew is almost jelly like, but has the satisfying rib-sticking of a wheat-based confection. The anise and licorice notes are rather mild and more of a generic spice cookie feel. The chocolate is sweet, not terribly chocolatey but seems to seal in all the flavors well.
It's nice to see an Aussie licorice being sold at American candy prices. It was a nice change up from Twizzlers, Good & Plenty or Crows, which are really the only plain licorice products sold in single serve packages any longer.
My big hesitations are why they put artificial colors in a chocolate covered item. But my guess is that this licorice is available bald.
Aussie readers, do you recognize this bar? (I was thinking it was RJs but those aren't real chocolate.)
I'm eager to try the raspberry again and see what else Walgreen's is going to put in their Candy Classics brand.
Note: The calories made no sense on this package. 220 calories for 1.4 ounces is insane for a chocolate covered licorice. It says 2.5 grams of fat, 22 grams of carbs and 2 grams of protein (that makes 120 calories or so) ... I can't figure where the rest of the calories are coming from. The ingredients are Sugar, Treacle, Wheat Flour, Molasses, Chocolate, Hydrogenated Coconut Oil, Licorice Extract and then a bunch of less than 2% things.
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POSTED BY Cybele AT 1:28 pm
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Cadbury Dairy Milk Snack
Cadbury is a dominant chocolate brand around the world. (See this article from Business Week that shows it as the #2 chocolate on the planet.)
What's especially fun about Cadbury chocolate is the little variations depending on the country. One of those is the Australian set of candy bars. I picked up this single serve bar of Dairy Milk Snack after seeing it in Sera's photo stream last year (I didn't really want the big size bar).
It's a simple concept - a segmented bar with different flavored fillings in each piece. (Note that the large bar has only five segments.)
The first thing that sets this little bar apart is that each piece is coded with the contents. Though the package didn't say what the fillings are (and please, why?) I did figure out the pineapple one immediately and took a good guess at the strawberry and orange.
The flavors in all are: caramel, pineapple, coconut ice (I have no idea what that is), strawberry, Turkish delight and orange.
My bar was fresh, unmarred and in great condition.
Caramel - I thought it'd be like the Caramello, but it's a little firmer, a little thicker. The chocolate outside is rather strange - it has a good snap, but not a very good melt. It's a bit stiff, a little chalky. The flavor is recognizably Cadbury with a strong powdered milk flavor and a gentle malty cocoa taste.
Pineapple - has a light tangy pineapple scent. The fondant is thick, it has a good sheen to it, but it doesn't flow. The flavor is sweet and has a tangy pineapple bite. It's an odd combination with the musky chocolate, but I enjoyed the change of pace.
Coconut Ice - honestly I don't know what this is. It's pink and it's crumbly and has a slight sweet flavor that I can't quite place. If it's supposed to be coconut, it's missing that completely.
Strawberry - the fondant is smooth, but a little more crumbly than the pineapple. Fragrant and floral, there's not tart component. Rather authentic tasting and pleasant.
Turkish Delight - wow, they went all out for the rose here. The texture is quite soft, more like a jelly than a firm paste. The floral notes are pungent with a slight tangy middle note that dissipates quickly. I rather liked it, but I can tell that this would be quite off-putting for many Americans and other cultures not accustomed to floral flavors.
Orange - I had hoped this would be the winner piece, but I found it rather bland. The fondant was too firm and lacking a distinctive zest.
Just as a little touchstone, I picked up an American Cadbury Dairy Milk bar to compare the flavors, and I do find that I prefer the stickier, fudgier texture of the Hershey-made version, but that may just be what I'm accustomed to.
It's a fun bar and honestly I'd probably enjoy a whole bar of the pineapple or Turkish delight, the rest of the flavors just didn't feel like they were the best that Cadbury could muster. (I know they can do better with the caramel & chocolate combination.) For the money, especially since I'm paying import prices, if I felt like boxed chocolate candy, I'd be better off getting some Russell Stover or finding a See's or I'd probably even choose a Whitman's Sampler of this.
One of the best things I can say about Cadbury right now is that they're making a huge effort to go Fair Trade with their chocolate though it's going to be a long process.
Some other reviews: Jim's Chocolate Mission, Chocolate Reviews, Sera at The Candy Enthusiast.
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POSTED BY Cybele AT 12:29 pm
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Darrell Lea Dark Chocolate Covered Liquorice
A few months ago I reviewed Darrell Lea Soft Eating Liquorice from Australia. I enjoyed it quite a bit and now that the weather should be turning chillier (though we've had our ups and downs in Los Angeles lately), I was keen to try more chocolate covered licorice varieties.
The Kookaburra variety I tried used milk chocolate, the Darrell Lea Dark Chocolate Covered Liquorice is made with dark chocolate. (Well, it's not vegan, as it does have butterfat in it.)
Anise and chocolate are a natural pairing, quite common in Italian and Greek confections but pretty rare here in the United States.
There are not a chocolate covered version of the Soft Eating variety I reviewed before. Instead these have artificial colors in them, which makes even less sense since it's covered in chocolate. They're also a bit thicker and have a twisted band to the shape.
The scent is nice, a mix of the woodsy and coffee notes of the chocolate and the mellow molasses and anise of the licorice.
The bite is soft and the chocolate melts easily. The overwhelming flavors are of molasses with those hints of sweet licorice, fennel and some cedar and spice notes. It's not at all like the Indian curry and coriander I noticed with the Soft Eating variety.
Overall, even though these have the senseless addition of my nemesis Red 40 food coloring, it's satisfying stuff. The price difference for the addition of chocolate is substantial. The regular bags are $2.99, the chocolate variety at Cost Plus World Market are $4.99.
Rating: 7 out of 10
I haven't tried Darrell Lea's fruit flavored licorices yet, but decided to try the Dark Chocolate Coated Strawberry Liquorice. Mostly because I like chocolate covered strawberries.
I also like the packages. They're simple, but the striped color coding makes it pretty easy at a glance to tell which is which (and this is the fifth package of Darrell Lea I've had).
Like the Licorice, this strawberry variety is also not all-natural like the Soft Eating variety. But it's still a generous 7 ounce bag with a clear expiration date, which I always appreciate.
I found these much more attractive than the black licorice counterparts. The pieces are slightly smaller, just narrower, but still have the little twist in them. The chocolate was glossier, but that could simply be attributed to handling.
The bag smelled like bubble gum and chocolate. Sweet and summery. The strawberry flavor of the licorice is mild with a good combination of the floral notes and the light tangy berry flavor. The chew is a bit stickier than the black variety, leading to some glops stuck to the sides of my molars.
The chocolate sets off the sweet elements well and melts smoothly to a creamy syrup to go with the strawberry chew. I liked it a lot more than I thought I would.
Rating: 7 out of 10
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POSTED BY Cybele AT 11:45 am
Meticulously photographed and documented reviews of candy from around the world. And the occasional other sweet adventures. Open your mouth, expand your mind.