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I have an extra refrigerator in our garage...
Who else prepares school lunches ahead of time? Do you prep sandwiches for the week? Share your tips and tricks on organized lunches by commenting below. I would love to hear from you.
I've made sandwiches and frozen them. If you make PBJs put the PB on both slices of bread (one side lightly just to seal it from the jelly). If you do lunchmeat then put the condiment between the meat and cheese. It works! :) No mushy bread. :)ReplyDelete
That is a great idea! I love how organized it is.ReplyDelete
I don't have kids, but I do prepack my lunch Sunday night. I bring a sandwich, but I toast my bread, so I put the lunch meat and cheese in a bag together. I don't store mine in pretty trays like yours, they just dumped in one of the drawers in the fridge. Then the night before I can just put all the pre bagged items in my lunch box, it's so helpful!ReplyDelete
Great tips! I don't have kids yet, but I make lunch for my husband, so this will really help me! Thanks!ReplyDelete
Danita!! Thank you for this idea..love it & I am soo going to do this this year! Talon starts kindergarten tom & this will help keep me organized when it comes to time & lunches!ReplyDelete
I too make sandwiches ahead of time like Rachel said. I find it works really well for us, and makes morning times so much easier.ReplyDelete
Hi Da Nita,
This is a good topic to post about! I like your set up. It looks like a sensible system for a big family. Your trays help each kid know where his specific food is at.
I just have one child. I'm tying to teach him to be more independent. On really busy days I make both his and my own lunch. The rest of the time I have him make his own lunch. It takes a little longer, but he's learning how to take care of himself. To make things easier, I keep a box of pre-packaged items like granola bars in a bin in the pantry. That way my son can just grab what he'd like to add to his lunch, make his sandwich, and grab a box of juice. So far, this is working well.
Happy New School Year!
What a great idea. I'm going to pass this on to my son, who prepares lunches for his three munchkins on a regular basis. Thanks!ReplyDelete
Oh wow!! This is a great idea! =DReplyDelete
You all simply MUST try Rachel's advice (comment #1) on freezing sandwiches. Shortly after receiving the comment I made a bunch of sandwiches, put them in Ziploc Freezer Bags and placed them into the freezer & I will say making school lunches this morning was a BREEZE! Thanks Rachel for the great tip!
Awesome idea DaNita! I'll have to do that for my daughter. She's just starting kindergarten, so I'll do it for her snack. Thanks for sharing! My baby starts school tomorrow.
~ Catie
This is an awesome idea and I would love to have an extra fridge...lucky lucky you:)ReplyDelete
What a great idea! A good way to keep the kids from eating up all the lunch stuff too.ReplyDelete
That's a great idea! I usually just pack my first graders lunch the night before if I remember, usually the morning of. I will keep this idea in mind!ReplyDelete
I love your blog, you are always showing us a neat idea on organization. Specially us MOMS.ReplyDelete
My brother also does a week's worth of PBJ for his kids, and wraps each one in plastic wrap, then stacks them all back into the bread bag, then freezes it. Helps cut down on the cost of zip-locs! Just another helpful tip for ya!ReplyDelete
I just started wrapping some of them in Saran Wrap and it works great!
I too, have 4 boys, 3 in school. I just found your blog this morning before Church and I can't wait to start organizing. You are so inspiring, thanks! I know this "lunch packing" blog will save me some time.ReplyDelete
I simply love the healthy choices you're making for your boys as well as the organization.=)ReplyDelete
when you all freeze the sandwiches, do you just take them out the night before or the morning of?ReplyDelete
The morning of. That way they are thawed in the lunch box in time for lunch.ReplyDelete
This idea works great for my family. I make pepperoni pizza sandwiches once a month using my pizza dough recipe. It lasts almost all month. I make 4 braided bread with the pepperoni,cheese and pizza sauce inside. After they cool, I slice them and then bag them. I put them in the freezer and in the mornings the 5 kids can grab a frozen one to put in their lunches along with a frozen gogurt. By lunch time it is defrosted, cold, and ready to eat. I have also done ham and cheese braided bread sandwiches too. I also organize my kids' lunch items too. At the beginning of the month I buy the items and the kids sort them into their "bin." They know if they get in their bin at all for a snack and they run out they don't get anymore until next month.
I love those bins you use for the fridge.
I have to say, despite only having one child, and being a homeschool family. I LOVE this idea. It never seems to fail that I hit lunch mid stride in my day every day and it throws me for a total loop. My husband works from home and inevitably wants lunch at a different time than when our schedule for school would normally say lunch is. This is awesome because I can tell him to grab his section and make a sandwich and he can eat when he's ready and then I can do the same for my daughter and I when we are eating. I pinned this and will be on the lookout for those divided containers! Thanks so much for a WONDERFUL idea!!ReplyDelete
Love this idea! I have to leave really early in the morning for work so my husband gets the kids up and off to school. I usually make the lunches the night before but resent it because I want to be out of the kitchen and relaxing with the family! This idea will certainly get me out of the kitchen faster! Thanks so much for sharing!ReplyDelete
Can you share some of the options you have for healthy lunches for your kids? I don't know for sure what everything is. Thanks!ReplyDelete
Thank You......I have 3......, my youngest, having to need more "supervision", than the others due to behavior conditions. Plus right now, living with in-laws!!! I need more organizing, than ever before. ...HOW ABOUT: "How to organize one's life!?"ReplyDelete
OH My goodness!! I just tried this and it totally worked!! This is AWESOME!!
Have you ever tried it with tuna fish? maybe on thicker bread or croissant?
This is awesome!! Just tried it last night. Worked great.
Have you ever tried it using tuna fish? I wondered if you used a bagel or croissant? Something thicker to absorb the water/tuna juice?


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Front - Maxxis Bighorn 2.0† 27 x 9 x 12 in. (68.6 x 22.9 x 30.5 cm)
Rear - Maxxis Bighorn 2.0† 27 x 11 x 12 in. (68.6 x 27.9 x 30.5 cm)
Selectable 2WD / 4WD with Visco-Lok† QE auto-locking front differential
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BERKELEY — The tracks that carry Amtrak Capitol Corridor trains through about a dozen heavily populated East Bay and South Bay communities could become a rail superhighway for potentially explosive crude oil transports to Central California under a plan by the Phillips 66 oil company, Berkeley officials warn.
A project at Phillips 66's Santa Maria refinery would enable it to receive crude oil from North American sources that are served by rail, according to a draft environmental report under review by San Luis Obispo County.
The report identifies the most likely source of the crude as the Bakken oil field that covers parts of North Dakota and Canada. Last July, a train carrying Bakken crude exploded in Lac-Mégantic, Quebec, killing 47 people and nearly destroying the town.
This latest project would add to a growing trend in California to receive imported oil over land via rail rather than by sea. The train cars filled with oil would roll through Sacramento, the East Bay and South Bay on Union Pacific tracks, switching to the UP's Coast Line and on to Santa Maria, according to Berkeley officials who have analyzed the Santa Maria report.
At its peak, the Santa Maria refinery would receive five trains a week, each just under 4,800 feet long with 80 tank cars, two buffer cars and three locomotives, according to the document.
Bakken crude is light and less viscous than most other varieties of crude, including tar sands. Bakken crude has a lower flash point and is much more flammable.
Phillips 66 did not immediately respond to phone calls and emails Monday. But in a comment in the Santa Maria report, the company wrote that the Santa Maria refinery "is not equipped to process more than nominal volumes of light, sweet crude such as that from the Bakken oil field."
Ellen Carroll, San Luis Obispo County's planning manager and environmental coordinator, said in a phone call Monday that "Phillips 66 has indicated to us that they are looking in more detail into where they are actually going to be getting their crude from."
Carroll said her office is reviewing more than 800 comment letters and that no date has been set for the next hearing.
The prospect of increased shipments of crude has provoked concerns among some residents who live near petroleum refineries, including Chevron in Richmond, Phillips 66 in Rodeo, Shell and Tesoro Golden Eagle, both in the Martinez area, and Valero in Benicia.
But the concerns were based on the notion that refineries would eventually receive crude oil by rail for their own operations, something that is already happening to a limited degree at Tesoro, according to industry sources. Now, the idea the Bay Area could be a transit route for crude oil headed elsewhere in California has spurred elected officials to action.
On Tuesday, the Berkeley City Council will discuss a resolution opposing the transport of hazardous crude by rail along the Union Pacific railway through California and the East Bay.
Teagan Clive, a Rodeo environmental activist, praised Berkeley officials for not sitting idly by.
"(The resolution) lays the groundwork for communities to decide for themselves whether they want volatile crude coming through their towns," she said.
Also on Tuesday, the Richmond City Council will consider a resolution calling on the East Bay Congressional delegation to take steps to halt the movement of crude oil by rail in the nation until it is fully regulated.
"We want to avoid at all costs a tragedy in Richmond in the face of so many tragedies around the country and in Canada from this crude-by-rail type of transport," Mayor Gayle McLaughlin said in an email Monday.
South Bay officials reached Monday said they had not heard of the plans.
Union Pacific spokesman Aaron Hunt, in an email Monday, said only that "routing for potential crude oil customers will be determined at a future time" and that "currently, we do not move any crude oil through the Bay Area."
The Santa Maria draft report does not refer specifically to the Capitol Corridor as part of a future transit route for the crude. It refers, however, to the Coast Starlight, which runs between Seattle and Los Angeles and uses the same tracks as the Capitol Corridor trains between Sacramento and San Jose.
The report analyzes some of the possible impacts on Coast Starlight schedules, but only from San Jose south.
"Potential impacts to the Coast Starlight schedule could occur anywhere north of San Jose as well," the report reads. "However, north of San Jose, through the Bay Area, there are areas of multiple mainline tracks and a large number of commuter trains. Therefore, it is unclear how much the crude oil unit train would overlap with the Coast Starlight. Given this uncertainty, the (report) has limited the analysis to the Coast Line."
Berkeley Vice Mayor Linda Maio, who is co-sponsoring the draft resolution with Councilman Darryl Moore, characterized the lack of specific mention of the Capital Corridor in the Santa Maria report as "sleight of hand-like."
"If they want to rule it out, let's hear it," Maio said.
Staff writers Robert Rogers and Eric Kurhi contributed to this report. Contact Tom Lochner at 510-262-2760. Follow him at Twitter.com/tomlochner.
If you Go
What: Berkeley City Council
Where: City Council chamber, 2134 Martin Luther King Jr. Way
When: 7 p.m. Tuesday
What: Richmond City Council
Where: Community Services Building, 440 Civic Center Plaza
When: 6:30 p.m. Tuesday


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CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (AP) — Virginia guards De'Andre Hunter and Ty Jerome say they are forgoing their final year of eligibility to make themselves available for the NBA draft.
Both made the announcements Monday on Instagram, and their decisions were confirmed by Virginia.
Hunter, a 6-7 redshirt sophomore, was the national champions' second-leading scorer (15.2 points per game). He was an All-Atlantic Coast Conference first team selection and the league's defensive player of the year. He shot 52% from the field overall and 43.8% on 3-pointers and is listed in several prognostications as a likely lottery pick.
Jerome , a 6-foot-5 junior, was the starting point guard for Cavaliers, but also played some shooting guard. He led the Cavaliers with 202 assists and was second on the team with 79 3-pointers.
The two teamed up on one the most memorable plays in the national championship: Jerome penetrated the lane against Texas Tech and found Hunter for a 3-pointer that sent the game to overtime.
More AP college basketball: https://apnews.com/Collegebasketball and https://twitter.com/AP_Top25


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QUESTION: In 3 year old children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), how effective are parent based therapies?
Randomised {allocation concealed}*, blinded (outcome assessors), controlled trial with 23 weeks of follow up.
Community based study in the UK.
78 three year old children (62% boys) who met the validated cut off for ADHD on the Parental Account of Childhood Symptoms (PACS) ADHD/Hyperkinesis scale and whose parents reported that the child's condition warranted treatment. Exclusion criteria were serious mental illness or learning disability in a parent or a previous diagnosis of a mental health condition. 7 children withdrew but were included in the analysis.
30 children were assigned to parent training (PT), 28 to parent counselling and support (PCS), and 20 to a waiting list control group. The PT group received coaching in child management techniques. The PCS group received non-directive support and counselling. Both treatments consisted of a structured 8 week programme for mothers, involving 8 one hour weekly visits to the child's home by a specially trained therapist.
Main outcome measures
Child ADHD symptoms, mothers' wellbeing, and recovery defined as a PACS score <15.65.
Main results
Analysis was by intention to treat. ADHD symptoms were reduced (p<0.0001) and mothers' sense of wellbeing was increased (p<0.005) by PT relative to the PCS and control groups. More children in the PT group were considered recovered by the end of the trial than those in either the PCS or control groups (table⇓). The recovery rate for those in the PCS group did not differ from that of the control group (table⇓).
In 3 year old children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, parent training improved symptoms and improved maternal wellbeing.
This study by Sonuga-Barke et al is an important addition to the literature on the treatment of preschool age children with ADHD symptoms. Recent studies have emphasised the importance of medication in the treatment of ADHD,1,2 but the first line medication, methylphenidate, is not licensed for preschool age children. As a result, most psychiatrists in the UK will not diagnose the condition in children <5 years of age. The Multimodal Treatment Study of Children with ADHD reported that medication management alone or in combination with behavioural therapy was the most effective treatment for school age children, with no difference between medication management and combination therapy in direct comparison.1 In contrast, the study by Sonuga-Barke et al concentrated on children who were not medicated, and thus provides options for alternative treatment. Importantly, this study measured outcomes in both children and mothers, as parenting a child with these symptoms is an exhausting experience both physically and emotionally.
Strengths of the study include its randomised design and the masking to treatment allocation of the psychologist who assessed outcomes. The clinical importance of this research lies in the difference in effect between the PT programme approach, which is described in behavioural and educational terms, and a non-directive, supportive alternative. The results indicate a clear difference, favouring PT over PCS, and suggest that such methods of early intervention can be effective. It is not yet known whether these effects continue over the long term. The authors note that the effects of PT were maintained at 15 weeks follow up and it would be interesting to know if these effects endure beyond that point. Furthermore, this study did not seek to answer the question of whether PT reduces the need for long term medication. More research is needed to explore this exciting possibility.
↵* Information provided by author.
Source of funding: National Health Service Research and Development Committee.
For correspondence: Dr E J Sonuga-Barke, Department of Psychology, University of Southampton, Highfield, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK. Fax +44 (0)2380 594597.


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PHILADELPHIA, Dec. 19, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Half of US consumers (54 percent) worry about the risk of their details being compromised each time they input them into a business website, according to research released today by 1 &1 Internet, Inc., www.1and1.com">www.1and1.com, a global leader among Web hosts. From a study of more than 400 US adults, 29 percent have walked away from using or buying from a website due to fears of the level of security. The degree of consumer understanding of online dangers is high – 70 percent of Americans recognize that threats such as malware and viruses change by the hour. Smaller businesses with a website that uses hand-coding or open-source applications will benefit from being able to reassure online consumers that their website is well protected.
Today, more transactions than ever are being conducted over the Internet, requiring consumers to input sensitive information, such as credit card numbers and identifiable data. 1 &1's "Website Attitudes Study" of 403 US consumers finds that consumers' concern and expectations for website security are also increasing. In fact, 1 in 3 (33 percent) of those surveyed have either had their own, or know someone who has, had details lost or taken as a result of using a business website.
Thus, it is perhaps unsurprising that there is an impressive level of consumer awareness nowadays for protecting their data while online. Some 80 percent of Americans understand that many websites that capture data (such as contact details or billing data) can be a target for cyber criminals, and 70 percent recognize that threats can change by the hour.
Significantly, almost half of consumers (47 percent) believe small businesses are more of a target for malicious online activity when compared to larger stores. The concern, while perhaps off the radar of many small companies, is clearly inhibiting many consumers from fully supporting American small businesses. In fact, only 14 percent believe SMBs are fully protected online. Such an understanding clearly impacts consumer behaviour, with 29 percent having abandoned an online transaction or enquiry because they were worried about the security of their data. Additionally, 70 percent admit they are likely to spend more with a business that shows that it takes steps to enhance website security.
The study also took a measure on what actions consumers would take should their personal data ever be compromised from a business website. Unsurprisingly, most expect to feel distressed and highly negative about a company as a result. More than two thirds (76 percent) of consumers anticipate sharing their experience with others, with 39 percent foreseeing social media posts, 30 percent willing to report it to the press, and 31 percent being likely to explore legal action against the business involved. There is clearly much potential for costly and long lasting damage to a business's hard-earned revenue and brand reputation.
As the majority of business websites now capture users' data, every business on the Internet needs protection. The use of open-source applications and hand-coding can allow much customization for designs; however, security can be an issue. While websites built with vendor-managed templates, such as 1 &1 MyWebsite, involve very little risk of being compromised by malicious activity, as they leverage a professional system to create, update and protect the design, hand-coded websites carry more risk. Mistakes as simple as forgetting to close parentheses when entering code, or not applying updates to open-source applications can help facilitate malicious activity from hackers. Thanks to a new service provided by 1 &1 together with SiteLock, better protection is now easily available for such hand-coded websites.
With the new feature from SiteLock (www.sitelock.com">www.sitelock.com), 1 &1 customers can scan their website for design vulnerabilities and stay informed about their online security levels. Through the end of the 2012, 1 &1 will provide this security service free for one domain for the life of any new Web hosting or eShop contract. 1 &1 SiteLock also comes with a shield icon that is displayed on the business's website, showing hackers and customers alike that this site is protected.
As a global leader among Web hosts, 1 &1 is well placed to deliver a high quality service to its customers. The company currently holds over 11 million customer contracts worldwide and manages 11 million domain names. For more information about 1 &1 as well as the new Sitelock feature visit www.1and1.com">www.1and1.com.
About 1 &1 Internet Inc.:
1 &1 Internet Inc. is a subsidiary of United Internet, a profitable public company with a market cap of $3 billion. 1 &1 was founded in 1988 and hosts more than 11 million domain names, while more than 70,000 servers run in the company's five state-of-the-art, green data centers. 1 &1's global community is approximately 11 million customer contracts strong. The company's U.S. headquarters is located in Chesterbrook, Pa. For more information, visit www.1and1.com or success.1and1.com or contact the company at 1-877-GO-1AND1, on Facebook, or Twitter @1and1.
The 1 & 1 Internet logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=15176


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By adjusting performance dials that include speed, torque, pitch, aerodynamics and turbine controls, the PowerUp control system enhancer is intended to maximise the power output of a wind farm.
A GE-developed software program will also perform a before-and-after wind farm power performance analysis to assess whether the technology has aided performance improvement. The cost of the upgrade to the operator will be based on the increased level of output.
Previously, individual GE software and hardware upgrades were available to address niche issues, but PowerUp is different in that it is available for all of its installed models.
The product is part of GE's wind platform, which brings together analysis of data points on a wind farm with the intention of driving higher power output.


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Using the existing old Oak, Madrone and Redwood trees in the forests of the Santa Lucia mountains to determine the shape, positioning and layout of the house, the architects at FELDMAN ARCHITECTURE have created a totally unique, bespoke house that works in harmony with the surrounding landscape.
One tree in particular holds center court in this Californian ranch – it is a 100 year old Valley Oak that sits in the middle of the structure, roots spreading out underneath the foundations. So because the home is built in a horseshoe-shape around this tree, it receives both shadow from the overhanging oak canopy and the streams of sunlight that flows into the rear facades. It is a beautiful structure that instead of bulldozing a flat piece of land to build on, works with all the existing bumps, hills and flaws, making them an integral part of the overall design.
Let's take a look around this intelligently and sensitively designed property.
The 70 foot swimming pool at the rear of the house is a nice little surprise tucked away among the trees.
An outdoor grill and sits to the side of the pool, and with the patio's west-facing position, it's the perfect spot to spend those warm Californian summer afternoons and night times relaxing and entertaining.
The courtyard at night, see just how dramatic the lighting looks. Lowly positioned spotlights light up the rough, bark texture of the Oak tree and highlight the smoothly sanded wooden walkway next to the stone fence line.
A small seating area is created in the middle of the courtyard, made for enjoying the wild outdoors any time of day.
Looking in from the entrance of the property, across the courtyard to the front door, you immediately get a sense of just how expansive this home is. The sharp horizontal lines of the metal cladding and the terrace fence are a beautiful contrast to the wild, wiggly branches of the Oak tree and rugged grasses.
Looking in closer, you can even more contrasts of textures and surfaces sitting next to each other. First you have roughly cut stone walls next to large panes of polished glass, and then there's also the corrugated steel cladding on the exterior contrasted with the smooth aluminium apertures. And finally large concrete paving stones sit on fine gravel garden beds. This really is a house full of contradictions!
This multi-level corner of the house looks out over the pool and does it in style. An uncovered terrace with a glass barrier graces one side of the second floor, and with brightly colored lounge chairs it adds a bit of playfulness to the harsh lines of the exterior.
A part of one of the guest suites, this auxiliary wing features it's own private kitchen and living room, and is connected to the main house by covered walkways. So not only do the homeowners get peace and quiet to really enjoy the outdoors, but so do their guests!
Connected to the kitchen area, this outdoor pavilion is able to be opened up fully once the doors are slid back into the walls. Large sofas are positioned around an open fireplace, and look out over the pool and patio area, while still remaining sheltered by a large overhang.
Back indoors, the dining area is no less impressive. Again, once those glass doors are opened, all areas of the house are able to experience the beautiful sights and sounds of the wilderness outside.
The raw stone walls are softened with cedar-clad ceilings, oil-rubbed steel, lightweight curtains and exposed concrete floors. Elegant furnishings in rich browns and caramels also help bring a sense of warmth to the large room.
The same applies in the living room – large, soft leather chairs sit on a huge plush carpet to take the edge of the cold concrete floors. Long flowing curtains cover the hard glass windows, and an open fire place takes up most of one wall. This would be one cozy place on a cold night!
And finally, we take a look into the kitchen where the style is minimalistic with polished whites and matt neutrals. Huge cupboards cover the good part of a wall with an integrated oven. The kitchen bench stretches out around the corner and looks out onto the magnificent Oak tree in the courtyard.
In every corner of this house (and there are a lot), the architects get the right mix between rugged and refined, man made and natural, and modern and traditional.
For another stunning property that mixes and matches different styles, take a look around this Brownstone apartment in Park Slope.


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PALO ALTO — Declara, a personalized education software company, announced Wednesday it has raised $16 million from investors.
The financing round was led by GSV Capital, which was joined by Data Collective, Founders Fund and Catamount, and brings Declara's total funding to $25 million. The company will use the investment to expand its data analytics program and grow its sales and development teams, said chief executive officer and co-founder Ramona Pierson.
Declara builds a technology platform that uses search tools and analytics to predict what the most appropriate content would be for a student at a given time, and generates personalized learning programs. The tool provides educators with information and analysis about how people learn, and uses social networks to help connect them to a colleague, blog post, publication or subject expert. Declara is used by school systems and education institutions in the U.S., Mexico, Chile and Australia.
Pierson launched Declara in 2012, almost three decades after she was nearly killed by a drunk driver in a hit-and-run that left her blind and her body shattered. She spent three years relearning how to speak and walk, and eventually recovered partial sight.
Pierson's recovery inspires much of what Declara aims to do — personalize learning for any person at any stage of life. Pierson says learning happens long after students graduate and outside schools and universities. She taught herself most of the technical skills and computer programming skills she has today, and regained many of her cognitive abilities while recovering at a home for senior citizens.
"Declara is sort of this culmination of my life and it's sort of this carrying on from when I was at the senior citizens' center and really experienced personalized learning," Pierson said.
Declara hasn't gained much traction in the U.S. — it's been most popular in Latin America — but Pierson said more American universities are showing more interest in the software. Declara is on track to sign contracts with about a dozen U.S. universities.
"It is one foot in front of the other, not getting distracted by the successes we've had," Pierson said. "I'm thrilled; I'm humbled. I'm so exited for where we are today but also we need to keep our head down and put one foot in front of the other and continue this good path that we're on."
Declara has about 58 employees and is backed in part by Twitter co-founder Peter Thiel.
Contact Heather Somerville at 510-208-6413. Follow her at Twitter.com/heathersomervil.


text:
Golf: British bookies make Tiger favorite at Masters
LONDON -- Tiger Woods is back to winning, and he's back to being the British bookies' favorite to win the Masters.
Yesterday, the 14-time major champion won his first PGA Tour tournament since 2009, at the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill. It was his first chance to revel in a tour victory since his personal life went into turmoil following a sex scandal that ended his marriage and precipitated a steady decline in his game and his stature as the man to beat on the course.
But with his five-stroke victory yesterday and the Masters starting April 5, all that has changed.
"His whole game looks right now. He's putting well. He's chipping well. He's driving well," said Rupert Adams, a spokesman for British bookmaker William Hill. "The armor looks to be back in place again, and actually possibly the aura. Once again he's got the swagger back in his step."
William Hill has Woods listed as the 4-1 favorite to win his fifth Masters title, with Rory McIlroy close behind at 5-1. Other bookies have similar odds, with Ladbrokes quoting the same numbers as William Hill. Paddy Power and Coral both have Woods as the 7-2 favorite with McIlroy next at 9-2.
At 4-1 odds, a $1 bet returns $5. At 7-2, $1 returns $4.50.
"The four-time champion, fresh from his first PGA Tour win in 30-months at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, has every chance," Ladbrokes said on its website.
This year's Masters will be the first major in which Woods is listed as the favorite since the same tournament in 2010, shortly after his public downfall.
"We put him out at a top price at 5-2 then," Adams said. "We took 3,000 bets in the space of three hours. That was the last time he was favorite. Since then he's collapsed. They (bettors) started to back him to miss the cut after that."
But with Woods improving, the bookies are changing tactics, and another good showing at Augusta National could see Woods stay at the top of the betting lists for the foreseeable future.
"The Masters and Tiger are synonymous after that extraordinary (performance) when he destroyed the field (in 1997)," Adams said. "If he gives a good show, even a top-10 finish, I think you'll see once again Tiger is the first person on the betting sheet, without a doubt."


text:
In the bright sun, an old man reads the opening pages of the Brothers Karamazov, then splays the book on the table. He's got a cupcake the size of a softball in front of him. He slices off the bottom half with great care, breaks it up, and lobs the crumbs a few feet off to his side, as if to feed some invisible animals.
At the other end of the yard, an old woman in a grand sun hat and giant sunglasses whistles birdcalls into the bushes. After a while, she looks up and catches me watching. "Did you happen to find a cell phone?" I shake my head no. "That's too bad," she says. "I lost mine."


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Submit search
Alec Wilkinson began writing for The New Yorker in 1980. Before that he was a policeman in Wellfleet, Massachusetts, and before that he was a rock-and-roll musician. He has published nine other books—two memoirs, two collections of essays, three biographical portraits, and two pieces of reporting—most of which first appeared in The New Yorker. His honors include a Guggenheim Fellowship, a Lyndhurst Prize, and a Robert F. Kennedy Book Award. He lives with his wife and son in New York City.
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Prosecutor: All 15 crew that navigated ferry held
SEOUL, South Korea – All 15 people involved in navigating the South Korean ferry that sank and left more than 300 people dead or missing are now in custody after authorities on Saturday detained four more crew members, a prosecutor said.
Yang Jung-jin of the joint investigation team said two helmsmen and two members of the steering crew were taken in on preliminary arrest warrants issued late Friday. Eleven other crew members, including the captain, had been formally arrested earlier.
All are accused of negligence and of failing to help passengers in need as the ferry Sewol sank April 16. The captain initially told passengers to stay in their rooms and took half an hour to issue an evacuation order, by which time the ship was tilting too severely for many people to get out.
Ten days after the sinking, 187 bodies have been recovered and 115 people are believed to be missing, though the government-wide emergency task force has said the ship's passengers list could be inaccurate. Only 174 people survived, including 22 of the 29 crew members.
The seven surviving crew members who have not been arrested or detained held non-marine jobs such as chef or steward, Yang said in a telephone interview from Mokpo, the southern city near the wreck site where prosecutors are based. A court hearing was held Saturday to determine whether formal arrest warrants will be issued against the four newly detained crew members.
South Korean television aired video of the police escorting the four men to court. All four wore baseball caps that hid their faces, and at least one was limping.
Capt. Lee Joon-seok told reporters after his arrest that he withheld the evacuation order because rescuers had yet to arrive and he feared for passengers' safety in the cold water. Crew members have also defended their actions.
Helmsman Oh Yong-seok, one of those arrested Saturday, has said he and several crew members did their best to save people. He said that he and four crew members worked from nearby boats to smash windows on the sinking ferry, dragging six passengers stuck in cabins to safety.
Officials in charge of the search effort said Saturday that divers have reached two large rooms where many of the lost may lie dead, but the search had to be suspended because of bad weather. Currents were already strong Saturday morning, as they were in the first several days of the search, when divers struggled in vain even to get inside the submerged vessel.
"This morning (the divers) did a primary dive, but because of the strong current they were losing their masks, so we have stopped the dive for now," Kim Jin-hwang, a South Korean navy official in charge of commanding the dive search, said in a briefing at Jindo. He said the search would resume once conditions improve, but it was unclear when that would happen.
The two rooms where searchers hope to find more of the missing soon are sleeping units designed for many people — one in the stern and one in the bow. Fifty students from Danwon High School in Ansan were booked into one of them. Students from the city near Seoul make up more than 80 percent of the dead and missing; they had been on their way to the southern tourist island of Jeju.
Large objects that toppled when the ferry tipped over and sank are believed to be keeping divers from reaching bodies in at least one of the rooms.
"Many structures … all fell down as the ship listed, and now are all buried on the left side. Because of the weighty objects it was impossible to entirely search the room," Kim said.
Also Saturday, the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries said it would soon change ferry systems so that passenger, vehicle and cargo information is processed electronically. There is not only uncertainty about how many people were on the Sewol, but a huge discrepancy regarding the amount of cargo it was carrying when it sank.
The ministry said in an email that starting June 1, passengers' names, genders, birthdates and contact information will be electronically entered when they get their boarding passes. Vehicles and cargo will be electronically processed beginning July 1, the ministry said.
The Sewol was carrying an estimated 3,608 tons of cargo, according to an executive of the company that loaded it. That far exceeds what the captain claimed in paperwork — 150 cars and 657 tons of other cargo, according to the coast guard — and is more than three times what an inspector who examined the vessel during a redesign last year said it could safely carry.
Lee Kyu Yeul, professor emeritus in ship and offshore plant design at Seoul National University's Department of Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering, said the reported load could have set the ship tipping over with a significant turn. Tracking data show the ship turned 45 degrees before sinking, and crew members have reportedly said that they had tried to make a much less severe turn.
Yang, the prosecutor, said that the cause of the sinking could be due to excessive veering, improper stowage of cargo, modifications made to the ship and tidal influence. He said investigators would determine the cause by consulting with experts and using simulations.
Prosecutors have conducted several raids to seize documents and have ordered a few dozen people not to leave the country.
The Korean Register of Shipping and the Korea Shipping Association, which regulates and oversees departures and arrivals of domestic passenger ships, both were raided, according to officials at both organizations who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak about matters under investigation.
The shipping association issued a statement Friday saying that its chief director, Joo Sung-ho, intends to resign. Joo expressed his regrets over the accident and hoped that with lessons learned from the sinking, "our country will become a safe place without accidents," the statement said.
President Barack Obama arrived Friday at the Blue House, South Korea's presidential residence, and presented President Park Geun-hye with an American flag that flew over the White House the day the ship sank. Obama's first South Korean visit since Park took office last year was aimed at issues including North Korea, but he noted that his trip comes at a time of "great sorrow."
"So many were young students with their entire lives ahead of them," Obama said, invoking his two daughters, both close in age to many of the ferry victims. "I can only imagine what the parents are going through at this point, the incredible heartache."
Obama also said he was donating a magnolia tree from the White House lawn to Danwon High School in honor of the lives lost, and as a symbol of friendship between the U.S. and South Korea.


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Plain Text | 217 lines | 170 code | 47 blank | 0 comment | 0 complexity | 2d50cce5839190ed4c5174e392a4a7fb MD5 | raw file
Possible License(s): GPL-2.0, LGPL-2.0, AGPL-1.0
1 The PCI Express Port Bus Driver Guide HOWTO
2 Tom L Nguyen firstname.lastname@example.com
3 11/03/2004
51. About this guide
7This guide describes the basics of the PCI Express Port Bus driver
8and provides information on how to enable the service drivers to
9register/unregister with the PCI Express Port Bus Driver.
112. Copyright 2004 Intel Corporation
133. What is the PCI Express Port Bus Driver
15A PCI Express Port is a logical PCI-PCI Bridge structure. There
16are two types of PCI Express Port: the Root Port and the Switch
17Port. The Root Port originates a PCI Express link from a PCI Express
18Root Complex and the Switch Port connects PCI Express links to
19internal logical PCI buses. The Switch Port, which has its secondary
20bus representing the switch's internal routing logic, is called the
21switch's Upstream Port. The switch's Downstream Port is bridging from
22switch's internal routing bus to a bus representing the downstream
23PCI Express link from the PCI Express Switch.
25A PCI Express Port can provide up to four distinct functions,
26referred to in this document as services, depending on its port type.
27PCI Express Port's services include native hotplug support (HP),
28power management event support (PME), advanced error reporting
29support (AER), and virtual channel support (VC). These services may
30be handled by a single complex driver or be individually distributed
31and handled by corresponding service drivers.
334. Why use the PCI Express Port Bus Driver?
35In existing Linux kernels, the Linux Device Driver Model allows a
36physical device to be handled by only a single driver. The PCI
37Express Port is a PCI-PCI Bridge device with multiple distinct
38services. To maintain a clean and simple solution each service
39may have its own software service driver. In this case several
40service drivers will compete for a single PCI-PCI Bridge device.
41For example, if the PCI Express Root Port native hotplug service
42driver is loaded first, it claims a PCI-PCI Bridge Root Port. The
43kernel therefore does not load other service drivers for that Root
44Port. In other words, it is impossible to have multiple service
45drivers load and run on a PCI-PCI Bridge device simultaneously
46using the current driver model.
48To enable multiple service drivers running simultaneously requires
49having a PCI Express Port Bus driver, which manages all populated
50PCI Express Ports and distributes all provided service requests
51to the corresponding service drivers as required. Some key
52advantages of using the PCI Express Port Bus driver are listed below:
54 - Allow multiple service drivers to run simultaneously on
55 a PCI-PCI Bridge Port device.
57 - Allow service drivers implemented in an independent
58 staged approach.
60 - Allow one service driver to run on multiple PCI-PCI Bridge
61 Port devices.
63 - Manage and distribute resources of a PCI-PCI Bridge Port
64 device to requested service drivers.
665. Configuring the PCI Express Port Bus Driver vs. Service Drivers
685.1 Including the PCI Express Port Bus Driver Support into the Kernel
70Including the PCI Express Port Bus driver depends on whether the PCI
71Express support is included in the kernel config. The kernel will
72automatically include the PCI Express Port Bus driver as a kernel
73driver when the PCI Express support is enabled in the kernel.
755.2 Enabling Service Driver Support
77PCI device drivers are implemented based on Linux Device Driver Model.
78All service drivers are PCI device drivers. As discussed above, it is
79impossible to load any service driver once the kernel has loaded the
80PCI Express Port Bus Driver. To meet the PCI Express Port Bus Driver
81Model requires some minimal changes on existing service drivers that
82imposes no impact on the functionality of existing service drivers.
84A service driver is required to use the two APIs shown below to
85register its service with the PCI Express Port Bus driver (see
86section 5.2.1 & 5.2.2). It is important that a service driver
87initializes the pcie_port_service_driver data structure, included in
88header file /include/linux/pcieport_if.h, before calling these APIs.
89Failure to do so will result an identity mismatch, which prevents
90the PCI Express Port Bus driver from loading a service driver.
925.2.1 pcie_port_service_register
94int pcie_port_service_register(struct pcie_port_service_driver *new)
96This API replaces the Linux Driver Model's pci_register_driver API. A
97service driver should always calls pcie_port_service_register at
98module init. Note that after service driver being loaded, calls
99such as pci_enable_device(dev) and pci_set_master(dev) are no longer
100necessary since these calls are executed by the PCI Port Bus driver.
1025.2.2 pcie_port_service_unregister
104void pcie_port_service_unregister(struct pcie_port_service_driver *new)
106pcie_port_service_unregister replaces the Linux Driver Model's
107pci_unregister_driver. It's always called by service driver when a
108module exits.
1105.2.3 Sample Code
112Below is sample service driver code to initialize the port service
113driver data structure.
115static struct pcie_port_service_id service_id[] = { {
116 .vendor = PCI_ANY_ID,
117 .device = PCI_ANY_ID,
118 .port_type = PCIE_RC_PORT,
119 .service_type = PCIE_PORT_SERVICE_AER,
120 }, { /* end: all zeroes */ }
123static struct pcie_port_service_driver root_aerdrv = {
124 .name = (char *)device_name,
125 .id_table = &service_id[0],
127 .probe = aerdrv_load,
128 .remove = aerdrv_unload,
130 .suspend = aerdrv_suspend,
131 .resume = aerdrv_resume,
134Below is a sample code for registering/unregistering a service
137static int __init aerdrv_service_init(void)
139 int retval = 0;
141 retval = pcie_port_service_register(&root_aerdrv);
142 if (!retval) {
143 /*
145 */
146 }
147 return retval;
150static void __exit aerdrv_service_exit(void)
152 pcie_port_service_unregister(&root_aerdrv);
1586. Possible Resource Conflicts
160Since all service drivers of a PCI-PCI Bridge Port device are
161allowed to run simultaneously, below lists a few of possible resource
162conflicts with proposed solutions.
1646.1 MSI Vector Resource
166The MSI capability structure enables a device software driver to call
167pci_enable_msi to request MSI based interrupts. Once MSI interrupts
168are enabled on a device, it stays in this mode until a device driver
169calls pci_disable_msi to disable MSI interrupts and revert back to
170INTx emulation mode. Since service drivers of the same PCI-PCI Bridge
171port share the same physical device, if an individual service driver
172calls pci_enable_msi/pci_disable_msi it may result unpredictable
173behavior. For example, two service drivers run simultaneously on the
174same physical Root Port. Both service drivers call pci_enable_msi to
175request MSI based interrupts. A service driver may not know whether
176any other service drivers have run on this Root Port. If either one
177of them calls pci_disable_msi, it puts the other service driver
178in a wrong interrupt mode.
180To avoid this situation all service drivers are not permitted to
181switch interrupt mode on its device. The PCI Express Port Bus driver
182is responsible for determining the interrupt mode and this should be
183transparent to service drivers. Service drivers need to know only
184the vector IRQ assigned to the field irq of struct pcie_device, which
185is passed in when the PCI Express Port Bus driver probes each service
186driver. Service drivers should use (struct pcie_device*)dev->irq to
187call request_irq/free_irq. In addition, the interrupt mode is stored
188in the field interrupt_mode of struct pcie_device.
1906.2 MSI-X Vector Resources
192Similar to the MSI a device driver for an MSI-X capable device can
193call pci_enable_msix to request MSI-X interrupts. All service drivers
194are not permitted to switch interrupt mode on its device. The PCI
195Express Port Bus driver is responsible for determining the interrupt
196mode and this should be transparent to service drivers. Any attempt
197by service driver to call pci_enable_msix/pci_disable_msix may
198result unpredictable behavior. Service drivers should use
199(struct pcie_device*)dev->irq and call request_irq/free_irq.
2016.3 PCI Memory/IO Mapped Regions
203Service drivers for PCI Express Power Management (PME), Advanced
204Error Reporting (AER), Hot-Plug (HP) and Virtual Channel (VC) access
205PCI configuration space on the PCI Express port. In all cases the
206registers accessed are independent of each other. This patch assumes
207that all service drivers will be well behaved and not overwrite
208other service driver's configuration settings.
2106.4 PCI Config Registers
212Each service driver runs its PCI config operations on its own
213capability structure except the PCI Express capability structure, in
214which Root Control register and Device Control register are shared
215between PME and AER. This patch assumes that all service drivers
216will be well behaved and not overwrite other service driver's
217configuration settings.


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Striving for balance
To be honest, the knitting/crocheting/sewing suffered mightily during my four-day weekend. I'm quite pleased, though, with how all those days turned out and with what I accomplished -- even if some of it wasn't really on my radar. You know? It's all got to get done and it's best when I just go with the flow.
I'd fully intended to dig into that closet, for instance, but I didn't intend to empty it out completely -- and that's basically what happened! Just so you know, I am not the only packrat in the house. DH sorted through last night and in that particular box, he turned up papers dating as far back as 1974 -- his hippie days (no, not those kind of papers) -- and while he got rid of quite a bit, those will remain in the archives.
That particular closet, by the way, is of the long, narrow, shotgun variety so often found in older homes. We once had three, but have reconfigured the other two over the years so that they're more useful. There are shelves WAY back in that closet, one of them high and deep (requiring a stepstool, because the ceilings are taller than the average bear, too), and they've done quite a good job of holding things these past many years. Obviously.
Gardening was something I did plan on doing all along, especially around the pergola. We moved some asters, pinks and sedum to make room for stepping stones, which will aid the tending of the big planter box behind the bench, which I've planted full of beans. There are peas on either side of the bench and now beans behind. I planted a couple of clematis in the other small box, along with some bellflower, and a hollyhock jumped into the box with 'Vera' while I was at the nursery, too. And yes, I most certainly do think of Vera (and smile) every time I see it.
We enjoyed a cookout on Memorial Day -- and after enjoying a few meals now in the pergola, it's been determined that we definitely need more outside "table" space! I think this means that I've found my next, long-awaited mosaic project!


text:
Compatibility: Apple iOS and OS X, Google Android, Microsoft Windows
Cost: $6
Scientific American says: "A game that teaches the concepts behind algebra without being intimidating or 'mathy.'"
Description: Developed by WeWantToKnow, the goal of DragonBox is to create an app that's fun and at the same time teaches players to solve difficult mathematical equations.
Image courtesy of F-Sim
F-Sim Space Shuttle
Compatibility: Apple iOS, Google Android
Cost: $3.99
Scientific American says: "Challenging game with amazing graphics."
Description: With NASA's shuttle fleet now grounded for good, F-Sim may be as close as you'll ever come to flying a shuttle. This simulator puts you in the cockpit as the shuttle glides home for a landing at Kennedy Space Center or Edwards Air Force Base. Once you master the touchdown without blowing a tire, up the degree of difficulty by landing at night or increasing the wind speed
Compatibility: Apple iOS, Google Android, Microsoft Windows
Cost: versions range from free to $15
Scientific American says: "iBird is fantastic for birders, with a detailed database on each species. Spring for one of the more expensive versions."
Description: iBird, developed by the Mitch Waite Group, comes in a variety of versions on a number of different mobile platforms—all provide an interactive guide to bird species. The number of species available and the territory depend on whether you invest in the Lite or Pro versions.
Compatibility: Apple iOS, Google Android
Cost: Free
Scientific American says: "Find nearby locations to dispose of CFLs, rechargeable batteries and so on. Very simple and easy to use."
Description: This Earth911 app tells you how, where and when to recycle just about anything. Using your current location, ZIP code, address or city, get access to vital details for collection points, such as Web site, phone number, directions, hours of operation and other materials collected.
ISS Detector
Compatibility: Google Android
Cost: Free
Scientific American says: "It's great to be camping or at some outdoor event and to suddenly say, 'Hey, look! See that moving "star"? It's the space station.' Even better—and a little eerie—is to predict an Iridium flare about 45 seconds in advance."
Description: ISS Detector alerts you when the International Space Station will be visible in your skies, as sunlight is reflected off the station's expansive solar arrays. (A similar app called ISS Spotter is available for Apple iOS.) ISS Detector also predicts so-called Iridium flares, when Iridium communications satellites passing overhead glint in reflected sunlight for a few seconds, creating a bright flash that may even be visible during the day.
Compatibility: Apple iOS, with a Google Android version under development
Cost: Free
Scientific American says: "Great for people like me who love nature but feel bad because they don't know anything about it."
Description: Leafsnap is a free electronic field guide developed by researchers from Columbia University, the University of Marylandand the Smithsonian Institution. This mobile app uses visual-recognition software to help identify tree species from photographs of their leaves. Simply place a single leaf on a fully white background and press "Snap It!".
Image courtesy iCandi
The Night Sky
Compatibility: Apple iOS, Google Android, Windows 8
Cost: $0.99
Scientific American says: "There are lots of sky apps but this one is by far the best."
Description: What's that star? Or is it a planet? Point your smart phone or tablet at the sky to find out with the Night Sky app. An optional information pack add-on provides more details on visible celestial objects and artificial satellites. Also available in a free "lite" version for Android.
Image courtesy of Monterey Bay Aquarium
Seafood Watch
Compatibility: Apple iOS, Google Android
Cost: Free
Scientific American says: "Great for looking up if [a menu item] is a sustainable fish."
Description: This handy guide from California's Monterey Bay Aquarium tells you which seafood items are sustainably harvested, and which are best avoided, along with scientific rationales for each recommendation. Seafood Watch also includes a sushi guide with Japanese species names, so you can find more sustainable alternatives to satisfy your hamachi craving.
Shark Net
Compatibility: Apple iOS
Cost: Free
Scientific American says: "It's like Shark Week every week."
Description: EarthNC's Shark Net app lets you follow the movements of more than a dozen sharks being tracked by Stanford University and the Global Tagging of Pelagic Predators (GTOPP) project. In addition to providing a bio of each shark being tracked, the researchers have posted images and video of them in action.
Image courtesy of WolframAlpha
Compatibility: Apple iOS, Google Android
Cost: $3.99
Scientific American says: "A rich, searchable reference library that doubles as a scientific calculator."
Description: If you've ever wanted to know how much Jupiter weighs in relation to Shaquille O'Neal, WolframAlpha has the answer. (One Jupiter = 1.29 X 10^25 Shaqs.) The app, a mobile version of Wolfram Alpha's online "computational knowledge engine," can solve math problems or call up worldwide economic data, all from a single search field.


text:
Thin, crispy spiced cookies are sandwiched around gingery Biscoff cookie spread.
Note: I used a star cookie cutter for effect, but any 1 1/2-inch cookie cutter will work.
Recipe Facts
- 1 3/4 cup all purpose flour
- 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1 1/2 teaspoon cloves
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon grated nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1/3 cup dark brown sugar
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- Biscoff spread
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cloves, ginger, grated nutmeg, and salt.
In a large bowl, beat together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add molasses, orange juice, and zest and beat until combined. Add dry ingredients and beat until dough comes together. Divide dough in two, cover in plastic wrap, and chill for three hours in the refrigerator.
Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Take dough out of fridge and roll out on a lightly floured surface to 1/8 inch thick. (In order for cookies to be crispy, they must be as thin as possible). Cut out cookies (see note) and place on baking sheet. Bake until dry and darkened in color, about 7 minutes.
Let cookies cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes then transfer to a wire rack. Let cool completely. Top 1/2 of cookies with about 1/2 teaspoon Biscoff spread. Top with remaining cookies to form sandwiches.
Special equipment
Electric mixer, baking sheet, 1 1/2-inch cookie cutter


text:
Port of Barcelona Gin
Review: Port of Barcelona Gin 85/100
a Review by Chip Dykstra (Aka Arctic Wolf)
Posted on March 15, 2012
I was going to start this review by letting everyone know that the Port of Barcelona Gin is a Spanish gin distilled at the Esmeralda Distillery in the Catalan City of Lleida, Spain at the base of the Pyrenees Mountains (where in fact they are more well-known for their Obsello Absinthe Verte distillations than for their gin).
However, I have found out that changes are as they say, afoot, with respect to the Port Of Barcelona Gin. The producers have relocated from Spain to the US and are going to be producing their absinthe and gin in the USA rather than in Spain. The company is planning to begin production in the United States later this year. I do not know if the new gin will be called Port of Barcelona Gin anymore, or whether the new gin is even likely to be the similar. And, of course, means that whatever stocks of Port of Barcelona Gin which are in the retail stores now, are likely the last of the original Spanish Stocks.
What I can say is that the Spanish spirit which I am reviewing is three times distilled and made from 100 % malted barley. Ripened juniper, and 13 other botanicals are used to produce the gin flavour, and the final distillation is actually completed on a 'seasoned' copper absinthe still, which also imparts the flavor of the Obsello Absinthe Verte into the final distillate. The product is being brought into my home market of Alberta by local Importer PB Beverages who arranged for me to receive a sample bottle of this unique gin to review here on my website, and who assure me that stocks of the Original Port of Barcelona Gin will not run out in my locale any time soon.
In the Bottle 4.5/5
The spirit arrives in a small squat bottle (pictured to the left). It has a corked enclosure with a wide flattened mouth for easy pouring. The label on the bottle is clean and perhaps a little minimalistic; but there was a nice little pamphlet hanging on the neck of my bottle which provided more information about the gin and served to entice me into wanting to taste what a 100 % malted barley gin (which carries flavours of absinthe) has to offer.
In the Glass 8.5/10
The Port of Barcelona Gin is clear in the glass and expresses a fragrant nose. Initially, I smell a mild piny scent that has a different sort of flair than I am used to. I suspect I am sensing the anise-like imprint of absinthe upon the gin. I also notice a sort of penetrating sweetness which is rather firm and unrelenting, as well there is some mild citrus scents running through the breezes which remind me of an orange liqueur. The floral accents above the glass are reminiscent of fresh lilacs and there seems to be a little heather in the breeze as well.
In the Mouth 51/60
Sipping the Port of Barcelona Gin is a very different experience. There is a lot of different flavour sensations which come to the fore and seem to compete for my attention. That, (for lack of a better description), absinthe flair I noted on the nose seems to lead out even ahead of the piny juniper flavour. The gin is also full of floral characteristics remind me of heather, balsam, and a lightly sweet lemony citrus.
As I sit back and study the flavour, I begin to notice that it has an underlying quality that of reminds me of Genever. I suspect it is the malted barley I am tasting here, although with 13 botanicals in the mix I cannot be sure. I am enjoying sipping the gin neat, although I am somewhat concerned that these expressive flavours may be very difficult to reconcile in my favourite gin cocktails.
The only thing to do is to mix a few of these cocktails and see what happens.
The first cocktail I mixed was a Lime Gimlet. I decided to stick with tradition and made it with Roses Lime rather than fresh squeezed limes. The result was a different sort of cocktail which I quite enjoyed. All of those expressive floral flavours seemed to mix well with the lime cordial. Next, I made a Lime Fizz (this time with real lime juice) which again carried the unique floral character of the gin through the cocktail in a manner which was quite enjoyable. I tried a Gin Martini. This was less of a hit with me as it seemed that the Vermouth and the Gin were at odds with each other. Finally I made a Gin and Tonic which was I found kind of interesting, but with a flavour that seemed maybe too aggressive for my taste. It seems that when I stick with lime the gin is much more to my liking in the cocktail format.
In the Throat 12.5/15
Things are perhaps just a little too sweet in the exit as the gin begins to remind me just a bit of a liqueur rather than a gin. (I think perhaps this is the reason the Martini didn't work out so well.)
The Afterburn 8.5/10
The Port of Barcelona Gin is a product that is going to divide people into two camps. It carries a non-traditional flavour profile forward, and this will displease those who want their cocktails to taste a certain, I'll say, traditional way. However, for those who want to walk on the wilder side of the Gin Cocktail experience, the Port of Barcelona will be exactly the type of Gin they will want to explore.
For the first group of people my overall score will seem rather high, and they might be shaking their heads. For the second group of people my score will seem a maybe a little on the low side. But only a little low, as I am perhaps closer to the camp of exploring the wilder side of cocktails, than I am to the traditionalist camp.
You may read some of my other Gin Reviews (click the link) if you wish to have some comparative reviews
Suggested recipe:
Here is a classic cocktail that tastes great with the added funk of Port of Barcelona Gin.
Tom Collins
2 oz Port of Barcelona Gin
1 oz Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice
2/3 oz Sugar Syrup
Lemon slice for Garnish
Add the first three ingredients into a tall glass with ice
Top with soda
Garnish with a Lemon Slice (if desired)
Enjoy Responsibly
My Final Score is out of 100 and you may (loosely) interpret that score as follows:
0-25 A spirit with a rating this low would actually kill you.
26-49 Depending upon your fortitude you might actually survive this.
50 -59 You are safe to drink this…but you shouldn't.
60-69 Substandard swill which you may offer to people you do not want to see again.
70-74 Now we have a fair mixing spirit. Accept this but make sure it is mixed into a cocktail.
75-79 You may begin to serve this to friends, again probably still cocktail territory.
80-84 We begin to enjoy this spirit neat or on the rocks. (I will still primarily mix cocktails)
85-89 Excellent for sipping or for mixing!
90-94 Definitely a primary sipping spirit, in fact you may want to hoard this for yourself.
95-97.5 The Cream of the Crop
98+ I haven't met this bottle yet…but I want to.
Very loosely we may put my scores into terms that you may be familiar with on a Gold, Silver, and Bronze medal scale as follows:
70 – 79.5 Bronze Medal (Recommended only as a mixer)
80 – 89.5 Silver Medal (Recommended for sipping and or a high quality mixer)
90 – 95 Gold Medal (Highly recommended for sipping and for sublime cocktails.)
95.5+ Platinum Award (Highest Recommendation)


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Amanda Bynes appears in NYC court in suspected bong toss
Amanda Bynes wore a long aqua wig, false eyelashes and black sweatpants and a tank top for a brief court appearance Tuesday on allegations that she chucked a marijuana bong out the window of her 36th-floor Manhattan apartment.
The 27-year-old actress did not speak during the hearing that lasted mere minutes, but she drew a throng of photographers and television cameras as she entered and left the criminal court building in lower Manhattan. Neither she nor her attorney spoke to reporters outside court.
Bynes was arrested May 23 after building officials at her midtown apartment called police to complain that she was rolling a joint and smoking pot in the lobby. Officers went to her apartment, where they said they saw heavy smoke and a bong sitting on the kitchen counter. They said she tossed the bong out the window in front of them, according to prosecutors. A day later, in her first court appearance, she wore a disheveled blond wig.
Bynes rose to fame starring in Nickelodeon's "All That" and has also starred in several films, including 2010's "Easy A." But she has been in the news more recently because of several scrapes with the law and bizarre public behavior.
In a Twitter post after her first court appearance, she accused the officers who arrested her of sexual assault; police are looking into her claims. She also has taken to social media to criticize a host of celebrities recently.
Bynes had no previous arrests in New York, but she was involved in several California cases. In December, the "Hairspray" star resolved a misdemeanor hit-and-run case after entering into a civil settlement with other drivers. She was charged last fall with driving on a suspended license after it was temporarily taken away from her following two hit-and-run cases where she was accused of leaving the scene without providing proper information. She has also pleaded not guilty to drunken driving in a separate case.
It's not clear how the New York case will affect the California ones.
Manhattan prosecutors filed an affidavit from her building manager, Rudy Toro, corroborating police and prosecutors' account of the tale. Bynes' next court appearance was scheduled for Sept. 26.
She left court with her attorney, Gerald Shargel, wearing sunglasses into a waiting black Mercedes sedan.


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6 Servings
Step 1
Place beans in heavy medium saucepan and add enough cold water to cover by 3 inches. Soak overnight. Drain. Return beans to pan. Add 8 cups water and bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer gently until beans are tender, stirring occasionally, about 1 hour 15 minutes. Cool beans completely in liquid.
Step 2
Place remaining 4 cups water, prosciutto, 1/2 garlic head, and 1/4 teaspoon fennel seeds in heavy large saucepan. Bring to boil; reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes. Strain prosciutto broth into large measuring cup, reserving solids in strainer for soup. Add enough water to prosciutto broth to measure 4 cups. Return broth mixture to same saucepan. Add dried crushed red pepper, 2 tablespoons oil, and remaining 1/4 teaspoon fennel seeds. Gradually whisk in polenta. Bring to boil, whisking constantly. Remove from heat; cover and let stand 2 hours.
Step 3
Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease large baking sheet. Spread polenta on prepared baking sheet, pressing with wet hands into 1-inch-thick round. Make 2-inch hole in center to allow steam to escape during baking. Brush with 1 tablespoon oil. Bake until crisp at edges, about 35 minutes.
Step 4
Meanwhile, drain beans, reserving 3 cups cooking liquid. Heat remaining 1/2 cup oil in heavy large pot over medium heat. Add remaining 1/2 garlic head, cut side down, and sauté 2 minutes. Add escarole and sauté until wilted, about 2 minutes. Add beans with 3 cups cooking liquid. Remove skins from garlic in reserved solids from prosciutto broth; add solids to soup. Simmer soup 10 minutes to blend flavors. Season soup generously with salt and pepper. Discard remaining halved garlic from soup.
Step 5
Ladle soup into shallow soup bowls. Cut polenta into wedges. Serve alongside soup.
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text: The first classical organ method for children, the Suzuki Organ School is based on Dr. Shinichi Suzukiâs Mother Tongue Method. In order to develop pedal technique, pedal melodies are included between every manual piece. The CD contains model performances of the repertoire contained in Suzuki Organ School Volumes 3 and 4.


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Sorry, Code for Change program is now closed.
Thank you :)
(*Revised: February 2, 2022)
Code for Change is a unique in-kind donation program to support select charitable organizations. As part of this program, we will match your organization dollar-for-dollar, up to a maximum of $10,000 of in-kind support to help increase your reach through web, social and print media.
1.1 Role of Pixel Sweatshop
The program is administered by Pixel Sweatshop, which is a for-profit, web development company operating in Victoria, British Columbia. We administer the program and provide the web, print and logo design/development services through the Code for Change program.
1.2 Role of the program participant
Code for Change participants must meet specific criteria and be accountable to the program guidelines.
1.3 Purpose of the program
The goals of the program are to help charities:
- Increase accessibility to available services for marginalized individuals;
- Increase the capacity for organizations to operate effectively using online communication; and
- Lower organizational core operating costs
2.1 Who can apply for a the program?
Any Non-profit, charitable or community organization within Canada may be eligible for a the program. International organizations are also encouraged to apply. A program is defined as an ongoing service or activity designed to achieve one or more defined objectives.
2.2 What is the maximum amount of in-kind support available?
Pixel Sweatshop will match your organization dollar-for-dollar to a maximum of $10,000 of in-kind support annually for approved combination of online, social media and print development costs. Each application is assessed on its own merit, and within the context of available resources and community need. An application does not guarantee any level of support. The amount approved may vary from year to year. Organizations are eligible for any amount up to $10,000. For example, if your organization can only contribute $1000, we will augment that with another $1000.
2.3 How can organizations meet their portion of the program?
The remaining 50% may be satisfied in a variety of ways, such as fundraising, government contributions, private donations and/or federal/provincial government funding grants. (Please note: Your own organization's in-kind donations are not eligible.)
3.1 What types of organizations are eligible to apply?
An organization may be eligible if it:
- Is not-for-profit;
- Operates primarily for community benefit;
- Provides programs that benefit the community and not solely its members' interest;
- Has a voluntary and broadly based membership involved in the management and control of the organization and its programs;
- Has governing members that are democratically chosen by, and from within, its volunteer base;
- Has governing members that do not receive remuneration or other financial benefit for their services as an executive member; and
- Provide a direct service to the community and are responsive to that community's needs and issues.
Organizations must fall within one of four sectors:
Arts, Culture and Sport
Programs that enhance performing arts, media arts, or visual arts, literature, heritage or culture in the community, and sports.
Programs that enhance the environment or protect the welfare of animals and wildlife.
Human & Social Services
Programs that significantly contribute to the quality of life in a community, including assisting the disadvantaged or distressed, promoting health or enhancing opportunities for youth. Service organizations and service clubs are included in this sector.
Public Safety
Programs that enhance and support public safety initiatives, disaster relief and emergency preparedness.
3.2 Does an organization have to be federally or provincially incorporated?
No. However, an organization that is provincially incorporated or registered must be in good standing with its respective governing bodies.
3.3 What are some examples of other organizations that could be eligible for the program?
All organizations that meet the eligibility criteria in section 3.1.
Examples of other groups that may be eligible:
- Preschools;
- Daycares;
- Parent Advisory Committees/ District Parent Advisory Committees;
- Churches;
- Youth Groups; or
- Youth Sports Teams/Clubs/Organizations
3.4 What types of organizations are ineligible?
An organization is ineligible if it:
- Participated in the program in the past 12 months;
- Is for-profit;
- Is a political party, political action group or lobby group;
- Is a federal, provincial, regional, municipal, or other local government;
- Is a penal institution or correction centre;
- Has objectives, programs, or expenditures that do not conform with all laws, regulations and the general public policies of Canada; and
- Has programs that promote racial or ethnic superiority, religious intolerance, persecution or social change through unlawful action.
4.1 What criteria are used when assessing an organization?
Organizations should also have:
Clear community benefit:
- Measurable benefits from the organization; and
- Demonstrated response to strong community interest or proven community priority.
Accessibility and inclusiveness:
- Opportunity for others to participate in the program, regardless of age, ability, ethnicity, gender, religion, income or sexual orientation, wherever possible.
5.1 How can the combined funds be used?
Program funds must be used to cover costs related to the direct development of an approved project.
Projects must be developed with Pixel Sweatshop.
Eligible costs are limited to the design and/or development of:
- Website design and development
- Print design
- Client, donor and fundraising management applications
- Intranets
- eCommerce applications
- Branding and logo design
- eLearning platforms
Ineligible costs include, but not limited to:
- General operating costs
- In-house staff time of the applying organization to support project
- 3rd party services or consultants
- Past debt, loan or interest payments
- Professional development of staff
- Domain Name Registration
- Ad Space on third party sites and/or physical locations;
- Stock photography
- Printing Costs
- Postage
- Audio/Video Production
- Translation Services
- Flash Design
- Game Development
- IOS/Android App development
- Paper, Cardstock and Envelopes
- Hardware purchases (Including, but not limited to computers, servers, peripheral devices, monitors, cell phones, routers etc.)
- Software purchases
- Expenditure incurred prior to program approval
5.3 How soon must the approved organization start their project?
Your organization must start your project within 3 months of your application be approved. If your organization cannot start within the required timeline, it must request approval from Pixel Sweatshop, in writing, to delay development for a longer period.
5.4 What acknowledgement is required?
Pixel Sweatshop retains the right to reproduce, publish and display the projects in our portfolios and websites, galleries, design periodicals and other media or exhibits for the purposes of recognition of creative excellence or professional advancement, and to be credited with authorship of the projects in connection with such uses.
6.1 How does an organization apply for the program?
Application forms can be submitted online at www.pixelsweatshop.com/node/add/code-for-change
6.2 Can more than one application be submitted annually?
Only one application will be accepted per year.
6.3 What are the deadlines for applying?
The application deadline is December 31. The applications are reviewed and approved on a continuous basis throughout the year. This is to allow organizations with different fiscal periods an opportunity to apply when it best suits them. Please note, that even though the application window is year-long, the resources are allocated on a first-come-first-serve basis (provided they meet the criteria), until all funds are utilized. Applying late in the year may result in your application being dismissed due to all resources being committed to other projects.
Decisions regarding organizational eligibility, or the amount of support, are final. They are not eligible for reconsideration.
8. Suspension, Revocation and Repayment of Donated Funds
If, in the opinion of Pixel Sweatshop, any of these conditions are not satisfactorily met by the program participant, its agents or employees, Pixel Sweatshop may require the organization to repay all or a portion of the in-kind support Pixel Sweatshop provided, or suspend/revoke the Code for Change approval.
Contact Information
Mailing Address:
3583 Vitality Rd.
Victoria, BC V9C 0E9


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Explore awards
Use the filter menu and interactive map to explore the past competitions offered and grants awarded through the Environmental Literacy Program.
To learn more about project findings and outcomes, view the summaries of our grantees' summative evaluation reports.
- (-) North Carolina (2)
- Alabama (1)
- Alaska (3)
- Arizona (2)
- California (22)
- Colorado (10)
- Connecticut (2)
- District of Columbia (14)
- Florida (6)
- Hawaii (6)
- Illinois (3)
- Indiana (2)
- Iowa (1)
- Maine (3)
- Maryland (7)
- Massachusetts (11)
- Michigan (3)
- Minnesota (4)
- Mississippi (1)
- Montana (1)
- Nebraska (1)
- New Hampshire (1)
- New York (14)
- Ohio (1)
- Oregon (1)
- Pennsylvania (3)
- Tennessee (1)
- Texas (3)
- U.S. Virgin Islands (1)
- Virginia (12)
- Washington (6)
- Wisconsin (2)
Science on a Sphere: Bringing the Oceans to You
Through this award, the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island (NCARI) has installed NOAA's Science on a Sphere (SOS) to enhance and expand their existing Storms exhibit. NCARI's location on the Outer Banks makes understanding ocean systems critically important. Installing SOS increases environmental literacy by exposing NCARI's 300,000 annual visitors to NOAA datasets and information. Additionally, through educational programming students, teachers, and visitors obtain current and accurate information to help them make better-informed decisions. Workshops hosted at NCARI have provided valuable professional development opportunities for both informal educators and NOAA staff.
Using Marine Mammals to Communicate Solutions to Ocean Issues: Improving Climate and Ocean Literacy
The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher, along with the North Carolina State Museum of Natural Sciences, has created a comprehensive, innovative, and engaging approach to inspire ocean stewardship among young people. Through professional development, integration of advanced technology, and targeted presentations to underserved audiences, this project serves to build connections between marine mammals, ocean health, climate change, and people. The project offers an innovative and engaging professional development opportunity, the Marine Mammal Institute (MMI), for 32 grassroots educators in North Carolina, with priority given to representatives from economically depressed areas. Participating educators gather information and gain experience to develop interactive marine mammal activities related to climate and ocean literacy. Upon returning to their home institutions, participants engage teenagers in climate and ocean literacy programming using innovative technology to illustrate climate change impacts on marine mammals.


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"Gravity" had an interesting ad campaign leading to its release. The trailers and TV spots practically told us nothing about the story. Astronauts are in space. A terrible accident occurs. That's it. Yet there was something so attractive and intriguing about what we are shown. Throw in two top Hollywood A-listers (George Clooney and Sandra Bullock) and an intriguing director and "Gravity" quickly became one of my more anticipated films.
Mexican filmmaker Alfonso Cuaron co-wrote, co-produced, and directed this film which could best be described as a space drama/thriller/survival tale soaked in intensity and pure visual splendor. Cuaron has a solid track record and critics have already heaped a ton of praise on him for "Gravity". But in my experience enthusiasm from critics doesn't always point to a great film. So my one big concern remained as I walked in for my Rave Xtreme Screen viewing of "Gravity". Would it be a gorgeous spectacle filled with stunning eye candy but nothing else to really chew on?
First off there's definitely more to "Gravity" that snazzy visuals. In fact, one of the film's strengths is its ability to not only define its characters but to develop a strong and ultimately moving deeper meaning all within its limited space and with its limited dialogue. Much of this is a direct result of the ingenious writing from Cuaron and his son/co-writer Jonas. Their script is smart and strategic giving us morsels of information that over time paint a satisfying picture of who these characters are.
Even more compelling are the numerous themes which "Gravity" touches on. From being a testament to the resiliency of the human spirit to what I found to be a deeper and more personal spiritual meaning, "Gravity" is one of those rare gems that can touch people in a variety of different ways. The Cuarons clearly have this in mind but their execution of it all is nearly flawless. And while the visuals often take center stage, they are simply there to emphasize these greater points.
But perhaps the most affecting theme involves the clever imagery and references to infancy. The first I noticed involved a character floating in a zero gravity fetal position similar to a baby in a mother's womb. At first I thought it was a slick homage but then I noticed other things. There are several childlike reactions and one particular scene where the same character, in a state of despair, talks in very childlike terms about never being shown how to pray. The infancy metaphor is wrapped up in the film's fabulous final shot. The idea of starting over, being reborn, and standing up to embrace a new life is beautiful in both message and presentation. It's that final shot and its stirring message that solidified my love for this picture.
Oh, and did I mention this film takes place in space? While I may have been surprised that this movie had as much emotional pop as it did, I wasn't a bit surprised that it looked so good. Quite honestly this is one of the most visually stimulating experiences I've had at the theater in some time. With the exception of one brief scene, the entire film takes place in the Earth's orbit. In this setting Cuaron captures both the vastness of space and the claustrophobic confines of spacesuits, space stations, and space shuttles. I found it to be extremely effective. There were also moments where I was caught up in the sheer beauty of what I was seeing.
But the effects really reach a new level once a catastrophic accident occurs which propels the main story. The mind-blowing realism of these scenes are amazing. They ratchet up the intensity by drawing you in and I constantly found myself trying to dodge shrapnel or blinking for fear of being struck by debris. Those reactions are one reason this film should be seen on the biggest screen possible. It also features the rarity of some well implemented 3D. Now I don't think the 3D was utilized as well as it could have been, but it certainly had those moments that really stood out.
And I have to give props to the two wonderful performances from George Clooney and Sandra Bullock. Clooney is rock solid as always and some of the film's best lines belong to his character. But this is really Bullock's movie and she knocks it out of the park. She flawlessly handles all of the physical and emotional requirements of her character and she's a vital component to the film's success. It was also cool hearing Ed Harris' voice as Houston mission control ("Apollo 13" anyone). He's just one of several tips of the hat that "Gravity" throws out there.
I haven't said much about the story and that's intentional. The less you know going in the better. To be honest, there's not a lot of story there. Yet when mixed with the assortment of thought-provoking motifs and breathtaking atmosphere, it seems perfect for its 90 minute package. I'm really curious about how it views on a smaller screen and if people will think as highly of the film a few years down the road. But for me the initial experience was unforgettable. Completely original, strikingly bold, and brilliantly made. It's a movie that actually lives up to its hype and it should be a sure-fire contender come Oscar night.


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FedEx opens distribution center // PHOTO GALLERY
PANAMA CITY — Community leaders greeted a company being seen as a bellwether for growth in Panama City's future as a distribution hub Tuesday afternoon.
FedEx Ground, a leader in small-package ground delivery, opened a nearly 60,000-square-foot package distribution facility on the Port Panama City Intermodal Park with an audience of several prominent officials.
"Twenty years ago we didn't know what distribution meant in Panama City — we're at the end of U.S. 231," said Rep. Jimmy Patronis. "Now we have this incredible opportunity where products, goods and services are going to find their way here and then populate other people's houses and businesses."
The initial opening will bring about 30 direct employees of FedEx and move about 3,800 packages a day, ramping up to about 6,000 packages closer to the Christmas holidays. One "feed-line" of conveyors will not be in use initially, but FedEx expects about 11 percent growth each year, according to Ron Lewis, managing director.
"We have capacity for the next 10-plus years," Lewis said. "We're building to be a part of the future out here."
Lewis said besides the 30 employees who will work directly at the new facility, FedEx will be hiring about 40 additional workers at other locations to help service the distribution plant, including drivers and clerks. Those opportunities brings the job number closer to 70, and that number, too, is anticipated to increase.
"As we grow so does the pool of people needed," Lewis said. "We've got a great group of quality people from Panama City here, and we absolutely focus on retaining talent inside our company."
Meanwhile, a fleet of backhoes and dozers grazed in the distance, clearing and leveling plots of land adjacent to the FedEx facility on the Intermodal Park's grounds.
"Having the FedEx brand is like a huge stamp of approval for this development," said Wayne Stubbs, port director. "It's already bringing a lot of additional attention to our park and a lot of credibility to our plans to develop more distribution warehouses."
Stubbs said several well-known companies have expressed different levels of interest in the site, though he would not name names. Simply having the FedEx name to throw out during negotiations gives the park an edge over competing locations, he said.
"When you bring somebody up here to see a warehouse and they see FedEx Ground next to it, it makes a big statement," Stubbs said.
The Bay Line railroad being in the same neighborhood does not hurt either.
At capacity, the distribution facility will be able to process about 3,000 packages an hour with the two closest FedEx centers comparable in size and volume located in Atlanta and Jacksonville, according to FedEx representatives.
"It brings a different sense of credibility now that Panama City is going to have when it goes to negotiate other opportunities of folks who want to consider the area," Patronis said. "We're going drop the name of FedEx a lot when it comes to people considering Bay County as a place to live, work and do business."


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Current Shuttle Experiment Offers Insight into The Mechanics of Granular Materials - UPDATE
September 18 UPDATE: The first portion of the MGM experiment was performed from 1:00 a.m. Wednesday, September 18, to about 4:30 a.m. Dr. Nicholas Costes, the MGM Project Scientist at the Marshall Space Flight Center reports that this portion of the test went well. A second test will start at 11:30 p.m., Thursday, September 19, 1996 and will be concluded at 4:00 a.m. on Friday, September 20. The third and final portion of the experiment Test will start at 12:30 a.m. on Satuday, September 20, 1996 and will be concluded at about 4:30 a.m. of the same day.
After Atlantis arrives back on Earth, the experment's granular material specimens will be transported either from the orbiter's landing site to the Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama for laser measurements and the introduction of an epoxy filler so that thin sections can be obtained from the specimens to study their internal composition and structure.