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See it again! Air Force, Military planes fly over Boston on Fourth of July
U.S. Air Force and U.S. Marine Corps flew over in five waves in what the defense department is calling a "Salute to great cities of the American Revolution."
U.S. Air Force and U.S. Marine Corps flew over in five waves in what the defense department is calling a "Salute to great cities of the American Revolution."
U.S. Rep. Denver Riggleman, R-Va., told the Yahoo News "Skullduggery" podcast that President Trump's supporters claiming voter fraud share a lot in common with the people searching for Bigfoot.
The leader of a pro-gun group that stages armed protests against police violence has been charged with pointing a rifle at federal officers while in Kentucky for a demonstration. John F. Johnson, who calls himself "Grandmaster Jay," is facing a federal charge of assaulting task force officers. A complaint filed in federal court in Louisville said Johnson pointed a rifle, which had a flashlight mounted to it, at officers who were on a roof in downtown Louisville on Sept. 4.
Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, has been a top official dealing with the pandemic.
Media reports suggest President Trump is eyeing another bid for the White House in four years. Will Trump 2024 become a reality?
Murderers and rapists to be prevented from claiming asylum, says Priti Patel, after the Jamaican deportation flight row. In an interview with The Telegraph, the Home Secretary said it was "completely wrong" that convicted killers and rapists released from jail should be able to exploit the asylum system to remain in the UK. She also indicated that asylum will be "streamlined" to prevent migrants making multiple claims that can be lodged and heard hours or even minutes before their removal. It will be part of a major reform of Britain's "completely broken" asylum system, which is due to be unveiled in the new year. Her comments came after a murderer, two rapists and two would-be killers were among 23 criminals who escaped deportation to Jamaica early on Wednesday morning after lodging 11th hour appeals including claims for asylum. One was removed from the flight just minutes before the flight after a judge granted a stay.
He is the first to be arrested under a controversial anti-conversion law passed last month.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Friday declined to comment on talks between the U.S. Justice Department and lawyers that could lead to the release of a senior Huawei executive who is under house arrest in Vancouver. Trudeau told reporters that his "top priority" was the return of two Canadian citizens being held in China. The two were picked up shortly after Canadian police detained Huawei Technologies Co Ltd's Chief Financial Officer Meng Wanzhou in December 2018 on a U.S. arrest warrant.
President-elect Joe Biden said when it comes to the Department of Justice, he is "not going to be telling them what they have to do and don't have to do."Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris were interviewed by CNN's Jake Tapper on Thursday, and the discussion turned to reports that President Trump is contemplating preemptively pardoning his adult children, son-in-law Jared Kushner, and personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani. Biden said this "concerns me in terms of what kind of precedent it sets and how the rest of the world looks [at] us as a nation of laws and justice."Biden promised that he is "not going to be saying, 'Go prosecute A, B, or C,' I'm not going to be telling them. That's not the role, it's not my Justice Department, it's the people's Justice Department. So the persons or person I pick to run that department are going to be people who are going to have the independent capacity to decide who gets prosecuted, who doesn't."Harris, who once served as California's attorney general, added that the administration will assume that "any decision coming out of the Justice Department ... should be based on the law, it should not be influence by politics, period."More stories from theweek.com What Trump is doing isn't politics. It's something much worse. The Donald goes down to Georgia Are Biden's 'first woman' picks more patronizing than progress?
The European Union's aviation safety agency has extended a ban imposed on Pakistan's state-run airline this year barring it from flying to Europe after a plane crash that killed 97 people in the port city of Karachi, a spokesman said Friday. At the time — and while the probe into the May 22 Airbus A320 crash was still underway — authorities acknowledged that nearly a third of Pakistani pilots, 260 out of 860, had cheated on their pilot's exams. Pakistan International Airlines subsequently grounded 150 of its pilots while a probe by the country's Civil Aviation Authority into the other pilots is still ongoing.
Russia protested on Friday after Latvia charged several journalists from the Rossiya Segodnya news agency with violating European Union sanctions. The journalists were charged because of their association with Dmitry Kiselyov, who heads Rossiya Segodnya, said Sputnik Latvia, a subsidiary of Rossiya Segodnya. The Kremlin media mogul was sanctioned by the EU for his role in Russia's seizure of the Crimea peninsula from Ukraine in 2014.
President Trump reportedly needs no encouragement to start praising the dangerous, baseless QAnon conspiracy theory.The most pressing matter for federal Republicans right now is the upcoming Senate runoffs in Georgia, which will determine control of the body. But in a meeting with advisers and top Senate Republicans about that matter, Trump totally derailed the conversation by bringing up QAnon, people familiar with the discussion tell The Washington Post.Trump is reportedly not thrilled with Georgia and that fact that it flipped for President-elect Joe Biden, and is publicly upset with Republican leaders in the state who haven't somehow overturned the election for him. So even though Republican advisers say Trump's help is "key to convincing his die-hard supporters to vote for Sens. Kelly Loeffler and David Perdue" in the January runoff election, the president isn't thrilled about doing so, the Post reports. "Advisers say he has been frustrated at how some GOP senators have criticized him," leading Trump to appear "disinterested" when discussing Senate campaign plans, the Post continues.That was clear in a recent meeting with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), Sen. Todd C. Young (R-Ind.), and other aides. As they discussed Georgia's Senate races, Trump brought up the QAnon-supporting soon-to-be congressmember Marjorie Taylor Greene. Trump mispronounced the name of the group as "Q-an-uhn," and then said supporters of the theory that purports Democrats are a cannibalistic, pedophilic cabal "basically believe in good government," people familiar tell the Post. Everyone reportedly went silent until White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows mentioned he had "never heard it described that way," the Post reports.Trump has been asked to denounce QAnon several times, but usually gives the theory his tacit approval instead.More stories from theweek.com What Trump is doing isn't politics. It's something much worse. The Donald goes down to Georgia Are Biden's 'first woman' picks more patronizing than progress?
A 13-year-old Palestinian died on Friday after being shot by Israeli troops during clashes with a stone-throwing crowd in the occupied West Bank, the official Palestinian news agency reported. The Palestinian Health Ministry said Ali Abu Alia was hit in the stomach and died later at a hospital. The Israeli military said "dozens of rioters" hurled rocks at Israeli soldiers and border police, who responded with "riot dispersal means."
In a lengthy video posted to his Facebook page, President Trump offered more baseless allegations of voter fraud. Trump said his remarks, which ran some 46 minutes, "may be the most important speech I've ever made."
Educator says she wants to keep on teaching when Joe Biden becomes president
A bilateral trade deal between Taiwan and the United States would reinforce U.S. support for the democratic island in the face of "unrelenting intimidation" from China, Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen said on Friday. Taiwan, claimed by China as its own territory, has long angled for a trade deal with its most important diplomatic and military backer, and in August Tsai announced a relaxation on imports of U.S. pork and beef, removing a stumbling block.
There appears to be growing support among Senate Republicans for a bipartisan coronavirus relief bill introduced earlier this week, reports The Washington Post.The $908 billion package — championed by moderate Sens. Mitt Romney (R-Utah), Susan Collins (D-Maine), and Joe Manchin (D-W.V.) — is in between what Democratic leadership is pushing for and what Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) has suggested. The moderates suggested an unemployment boost and money for state governments, but no stimulus checks.While McConnell on Thursday continued to resist the bipartisan bill, pushing instead for his version, which the White House has endorsed, other Republican senators got on board with the package. Sens. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Charles E. Grassley (R-Iowa), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), John Cornyn (R-Tex.), and Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) signaled they were open to the bipartisan bill.Democratic leaders said they believed the $908 billion package should be the basis for negotiations. Several Republicans echoed that, saying it wasn't exactly what they wanted but it made for a good starting point.McConnell didn't comment directly on the bipartisan proposal, but instead urged lawmakers to pull the trigger on his version, which he called "a serious and highly targeted relief proposal including elements which we know the president is ready and willing to sign into law."More stories from theweek.com What Trump is doing isn't politics. It's something much worse. The Donald goes down to Georgia Are Biden's 'first woman' picks more patronizing than progress?
Earlier this week, Project Veritas released the first of what it promised would be many shocking revelations from CNN's internal editorial meetings, which founder James O'Keefe appears to have infiltrated and recorded over the course of several weeks.First, the right-wing group tried to make hay out of the fact that one high-level CNN staffer considered Fox News host Tucker Carlson to be racist—while simultaneously misidentifying the staffer in question. Their latest bombshell? CNN President Jeff Zucker thinks Rudy Giuliani is "crazy."According to Project Veritas' website, O'Keefe believes it will be "virtually impossible for the American public to take CNN's reporting seriously after listening to these tapes." And yet, once again, nothing that Zucker has said should surprise anyone who has been paying attention to Giuliani, especially in the weeks since Trump lost the presidential election to Joe Biden."There is a term for what Rudy Giuliani is suspected of being, which is 'useful idiot,'" a voice identified as Zucker's can be heard saying in a tape made just a couple of days after the man formerly known as "America's mayor" started pushing material supposedly obtained from Hunter Biden's laptop.He goes on to call Giuliani's efforts to undermine the election a "really important story," adding, "It gets tied to the Hunter Biden email disinformation campaign. That's the way we do this, because it's all tied and part-and-parcel of one. I know Washington is working on putting that all together."In a more recent call, when another staff member suggests that the "real craziness is the client," referring to President Trump, "not the lawyers," the voice ID'd as Zucker agrees before saying, "I think you raise a good point about not just pawning it off on the crazy legal team, but the client is the one who is directing the crazy legal team."Other comments from Zucker that seem to have outraged Project Veritas concern the baseless allegations of pedophilia against Biden that circulated online, especially among QAnon Facebook groups, in the run-up to the election."The president of the United States has just retweeted a post accusing Joe Biden of being a pedophile to his 86 million followers which is just beyond," he says on another tape. "You know it also is just unacceptable that the president of the United States is trafficking in this and doing it."Once again, an exposé intended to make Zucker and CNN look bad has only revealed that they are simply adhering to reality.Project Veritas' CNN Sting Uncovers Explosive News That Tucker Carlson Is RacistRead more at The Daily Beast.Get our top stories in your inbox every day. Sign up now!Daily Beast Membership: Beast Inside goes deeper on the stories that matter to you. Learn more.
Israeli police said Friday they arrested a Jewish man after he poured out a "flammable liquid" inside a church near Jerusalem's Old City, in what they described as a "criminal" incident. The police did not provide further details about the motive, but past attacks on churches in the Holy Land have been blamed on Jewish extremists. Friday's incident took place at the Church of All Nations, a Catholic church built on the traditional site of the Garden of Gethsemane, where Christians believe Jesus was betrayed by Judas, one of his followers, and arrested by the Romans before being crucified.
Philippine police on Friday threatened to cane people who violate social distancing protocols as the Southeast Asian nation fights the spread of the coronavirus during the festive season. The Philippines celebrates one of the world's longest Christmas seasons, starting as early as September, and crowds have started to flock to sprawling malls and shopping centres despite the pandemic. Police general Cesar Binag, commander of the coronavirus task force, told a news conference that police and soldiers would patrol in public areas in the capital Manila, the hotspot of COVID-19 cases, carrying 1 meter rattan sticks to measure distancing.
The New York Times reported that a lawyer for President Trump's son-in-law was investigated by the Justice Department this summer.


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So, yeah, two white guys.
On paper, it's pretty depressing. In Boston, a majority-
minority city where race still matters, the first open mayoral contest in 20 years yields a runoff that looks like 1950. John Connolly or Marty Walsh. One Irish Catholic politico or the other.
I get the hand-wringing, especially among those of us who want the newest possible Boston to emerge after the departure of Mayor Tom Menino. But it's not as grim as it looks.
For starters, despite appearances, this is not 1950. Both Connolly and Walsh have range and depth that go way beyond the stereotypes. That will come out in the next six weeks, as they reveal more of themselves and begin to court in earnest the voters of color and newer arrivals they failed to scoop up this week. There is more to Connolly than education reform and more to Walsh than union support. Both have the potential to be great mayors for all the city's residents.
And it's not as if the city isn't ready for a black or Latino or woman leader. There is a huge hunger out there, as was demonstrated by Ayanna Pressley's first-place finish in the at-large council preliminary, and especially by Charlotte Golar Richie's third-place finish in the mayoral contest. Golar Richie was a way weaker candidate than her resume. In a campaign that turned almost solely on ideas, in which other candidates offered thoughtful plans for changing Boston, Golar Richie was comically careful, reluctant to answer questions directly or to offer specifics. She was the status quo candidate, tying herself more closely to Menino than anyone in the field save the delightful Rob Consalvo, his surrogate son. Yet voters vaulted Golar Richie to within a few thousand votes of the top two finishers. If she had offered half as much as some of the others did, she would be the most likely next mayor.
And if John Barros had had six more months, he might have had a serious shot, too. A star was born this year: The Dudley Street Neighborhood Initiative head and former School Committee member is an expert on education, community development, and the way they fit together. Young, Cape Verdean, and brilliant, he was a passionate, charismatic presence on the trail. Earlier this year, I worried that Menino had waited too long to announce his plans to give candidates without ready political machinery a realistic shot at his office. Sure enough, Barros, who raised little money but built an impressive and diverse operation from scratch, ran out of runway.
Barros was predictably upbeat Wednesday. He believes this mayoral race has started something. "I definitely saw new voices, new people, engaged in our process," he said. "There's this sense of ownership of the city's future. As the campaign went on, people's voices grew louder."
He is disappointed that more voters in communities of color didn't turn out. "We have a city that is demographically different, but our electoral participation is very much the same," he said.
But there is no mistaking the great churn Menino's departure has set in motion. We had multiple candidates of color, including the still very young Councilor at Large Felix Arroyo, who, like Barros, will probably be back. Some brought first-time workers and volunteers into the electoral process. We have new farm teams.
"There's no reason for [minority residents] to feel disempowered," said Malia Lazu, executive director of the Future Boston Alliance. "It's up to us to let the candidates know they will not get power if they do not include us."
Ideally, the next mayor of Boston would be the guy who so determinedly nurtures the best and brightest in all corners of town that he makes it possible for a black or hispanic candidate — or maybe even a woman! — to unseat him. His administration would be great, but not overlong.
Because another new Boston is coming, right after this one.
Yvonne Abraham is a Globe columnist. She can be reached at firstname.lastname@example.com.

subset: commoncrawl


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Terry Francona
As a peck of mainstream baseball guys report that Terry Francona will probably not return as manager of the Boston Red Sox – possibly by mutual consent – I can tell you that early in the week I was told by one source that it was a foregone conclusion. There was only the one indicator, so obviously I didn't say anything, but I will note that all of the murmurs about people not being on the same page, and the Sox thinking Francona's light touch with his players had somehow contributed to the September collapse, did not come out of thin air. I got to visit with my friend Tito over the weekend here in New York and while it was two friends talking and should remain that way, I have to say that all the stuff you've heard, he'd heard.
I think the Red Sox will regret the move. I'm wildly biased here – I think Francona's got one of the great hearts in the game and he has never been anything less than amazingly kind to me and my family (as outlined below) – but there is the small detail that he remains the only manager to guide the inevitably flawed Boston team through the inevitably land-mined world of Boston sports media to a World's Championship in the last 93 seasons (and twice). I don't think he put together that pitching staff, I don't think he made the fatal decision that Carl Crawford was a Pennant Race Pressure-ready player, and I don't think he did anything but become a victim of his own success.
I've quoted the line so often that I think I owe its originator at least a flower basket. My former colleague at WCVB-TV in Boston, Clark Booth, told me 25 years ago that to understand the mindset of the Red Sox fan you must be very Calvinist, very bleak, very hopeless. "If the Red Sox win today," Clark said, "it is only because losing tomorrow will hurt more." Thus you heard actual adults in New England say that this month's collapse was the worst thing they'd ever felt, which I guess is testament to the ability of Francona and his teams to wipe out the inherited memories of 1986 and 1978 and 1967 and 1946 and all the rest. In some respects, Tito's a victim of that. Before him there had been no success – now there is evidently not enough of it.
This is a good place to tell a story from the 2008 All-Star Game. Early in the season we were cracking wise on the bench at the old Yankee Stadium when Tito suddenly observed that he was going to get to manage a game there from the home dugout. In fact, he would be the first Red Sox skipper ever to do so. "Tell me you're going to come see me manage from the Yankee dugout!" I told him I would; that, in fact, I was going to bring my sister and my nephew down from upstate to see it. "How old is he?" I said he was going to be 10, and it would be his first major league game. "Remind me! I'll do something special for him. Throw him a ball. Somethin'."
Comes the day of the All-Star Game and the field is more packed with media than at any event I've ever attended. I couldn't have found Francona with a GPS. No chance to remind him. What's worse, my nephew has been told (not by me) that Uncle Keith had something special planned for him. Oops. The game, of course, dragged on into the 15th inning and until nearly 2:00 AM and my nephew and I were now in the front row behind Francona's dugout, and with the indefatigability only a 10-year old can muster, he was still asking about that 'something special.' Finally it all ends, Uncle Keith is about to drop off the kid's radar, and out of the dugout Francona bounds to do an interview, escorted by a friend of mine who was working for ESPN. I gesture to my pal to tell Tito just to wave or something.
Now, in the middle of the night, Terry Francona won me for life. As he starts to run back into the dugout my friend taps him on the shoulder, points to me, and makes the waving gesture. Instead of doing that, Tito runs over to us, doesn't even look at me, and says, "You're Keith's nephew? You came down from upstate just for the game? I'm Terry Francona, I'm the manager of the Red Sox. Good game, huh? I hope you don't mind, we heard you were coming so we did something special for you and played some extra innings. You ok with that?"
He managed that way, too. If he's going, I think they're going to miss him more than they know. I sure as hell will.
The last of three spring training games as Tito's poorly-dressed amateur bench coach, Fort Myers, Florida, March, 2011.
39 Comments
To the Cubs? Or to the Indians, where his father once played?
Mr. Olbermann, you're as much a class act as Mr Francona. Thank you from a life-long Red Sox fan in Idaho.
Thanks for this. Terry deserves nothing but respect, whether playing in Montreal or managing in Boston, he is 'classy'.
For his sake (I'm no Sox fan) I hope the rumours aren't accurate.
Tito is not the one who should be leaving! If anyone should be leaving, it should be Theo. It will be another very dark day for Boston fans if in fact Tito gets the boot; he has been nothing but a phenomenal manager; the best I have seen in my lifetime as a Bostonian, bar none. You said at the beginning of the season Boston was the team to beat, I sincerely hope you are wrong again in your prediction.
As usual, a great story Keith. Tito has always been great with kids and generous with his time for the Jimmy Fund which helps kids with cancer. The real story is that Terry Francona is and will always be remembered for bringing two WS Championships to long suffering New England/Boston Red Sox fans and not for managing this 2011 bunch of underachievers. Motormouth Curt (he's never met a microphone he didn't want to kiss) Schilling said on WEEI today that players love playing for Tito and will dive on the sword for him so maybe there were some player(s) in the clubhouse who caused problems for Tito this year (I'm guessing those Texas macho-men Lackey and/or Beckett) and he may have lost control of the team. It's too bad if they do let him go but he'll leave with a legacy of making Red Sox fans proud to wear the B again.
Long time admirer. Thrilled to have happened upon your blog. I don't have enough time only day to read all that I must, but now' it's even worse as your words go to the TOP om my list….thank you for being a BB nerd
Wonderful article.
Lifelong Yankee fan here. The Red Sox will never do better than Terry Francona. From a purely partisan perspective I hope they turn him loose. From a baseball fan perspective it will sadden me.
Hi Keith. I'm a big Sox fan. It really saddens me that he's most likely on the way out. This post was wonderful and I thank you for it.
I have always loved the enthusiasm you write about baseball with, even as my love of the sport has waned over the last decade. You write, as Annie Savoy would put it, "with joy and verve and poetry". As a former Yankee fan, I'd say Francona definitely deserves better.
I knew Terry Francona from his days as manager of the Birmingham Barons in the 90's. A total gentleman, as gracious in winning as he was in losing. It seems a shame that three bad weeks could cause such ill-will. He deserves better, two rings trumps three bad weeks any day in my book!
Lifelong Sox fan and big supporter of Tito through out the years. Many, many times I have had to debate with other Sox fans they would get on him or call him Francoma. But now, even I think time may be up for him and can't help but to blame him some.
Nobody said that he wasn't a nice (or even terrific) guy. The way he interacts with the media and protects his players every year shows that. But, when you have talented professionals missing cut-off men, base running errors, lack luster type of play, not hungry, who get the blame for this? Isn't it the managers job to try and keep this from happening and keeping his players "hungry" for a win?
I wouldn't say that he is alone though. Although he has only been with the Sox for 1 year, pitching coach Curt Young needs to be looked at as well. For their pitching was pretty bad most of the season despite the talent they had that made up their roster.
I do support Epstein though. Sure, he has had some bad signings, but doesn't all GM's? But, for most of them, he had no way of knowing. I can use Crawford as a perfect example here. there wasn't a person in the universe that felt Crawford would bomb out the way he has (so far). He had several straight years of great baseball (showing his consistency) and no decline in any aspect of his game. No one could have predicted he would suddenly fall off a cliff in is first year with the Sox. Sox fans were cheering Theo when the signing was made, and then booing/blaming him at the end of the season. Shows the mentality of some Sox fans.
But, Tito has to get some of the blame for the teams lack luster performance. Who knows, maybe God planned this for Tito (a very good man). His health has not been good, and managing the Sox, thid takes a toll on you. It isn't helping his physical condition. Maybe it is just as well for Tito's personal life and health to step down. But, with what ever aspect you want to look at it, I feel his time has come. For the good of both Sox, and himself.
The acute pain of the last few days will pass, and someday Boston will realize that he was among the best we've ever had. And someday, Terry Francona will assume his rightful place with Williams, Yastrzemski, Pesky, and the rest as one of the most beloved Red Sox in history, because he was at the helm of the team that broke the Curse, because he did again in 2007, and because he handled himself with dignity and class.
So yeah….Terry comes in 2004, post Aaron Boone, and actually wins 2 championships for that franchise. Of course those idiots in Boston will affixe blame on him!
Best of luck Terry- wherever you go next.
What a great post Keith.. I have to start following your blog now =)
As a Swedish Sox fan I've been to Fenway 12 times since Labor Day 2010 til labor Day 2011..
I think it's sad that Terry leaves but if he feels done maybe it's the best..
And if he gets a new place to work, maybe it'll be a boost for him too!
I will root for the Sox forever, but Terrys new team will be my second favourite!!!
THANK YOU TITO, I've only followed this team since ´08 but you've become a huge favourite for me.. Best wishes to you, wherever you'll end up!!!
As a Red Sox fan, I hope that Tito goes nowhere. It would simply be folly to suggest that he is not the best manager for the egos in the Boston media, amongst the players, and us Sox fans (we actually believe it when we are told that we are "the best fans in baseball"). That said, if Terry Francona does walk away (which is how the image conscious front office will play it), it will be perversely entertaining to see those people who called him "Francoma" (usually upper middle aged people who believe Dick Williams' cajoling led the team to the pennant in 1967 when in fact it was Yaz's Triple Crown, and think that the hit-and-run/Xs-and-Os stuff is still the most important things a manager does) realize that Francona is (hopefully not was) BY FAR the best manager in Red Sox history.
Managers are hired to be fired. But Boston will miss this one.
Way to go, "Red Sox Nation"! This gentleman manager has steered your gloomy souls to 2 Championships and people still want him to leave?
This makes me lean toward Yankee Stripes.
Isn't this the way of American organizational culture? Look for a scapegoat?
Whatever happened to loyalty? Hope the Sox enjoy their rebuilding years.
I hate the Red Sox but I've always admired Terry Francona– he's their equivalent of Joe Torre. He brings class, heart, authenticity, loyalty. The Red Sox should have done what the Yankees did after 2004– don't make a nightmare an even worse nightmare by firing a beloved manager. Though I'm not sure "Francoma" is loved by the extremely negative Boston fans. What happened to 2004 and 2007 in their memories? Idiots with a lower case "i."
Keith, despite your unabashed support of the pinstriped team, I've always enjoyed your commentary, political and sports. I think most Red Sox fans are saddened to see Tito take the hit for an organizational failure that starts with the GM's ego trip and chessboard mentality and ends with lousy trainer/conditioning, to say nothing of a couple of colossal egos in the clubhouse. Thank you for this article. My heart is breaking for the Sox, not because of the September plummet, but because of how the owners have made Tito the scapegoat for their failures.
Thanks, Keith! Now I can give you a permanent pass on being a Yankee fan.
Great Story! I think the wrong persons are leaving Boston if the rumors are true. Tito should not be the scapegoat. He has had to manage what was given him. Other heads should roll, including underperforming players who get paid for doing so.
Clearly he should stay, being the only manager that has won them a world series (let alone 2) in quite some time. Let's just hope he's not replaced with Bucky Dent!
you just confirmed what i'd always hoped: that Tito was a cool, classy guy. i hope he doesn't leave Red Sox Nation, and instead, the management (including Theo) listens to Tito and builds up a staff based on talent AND personality, not just talent. he's the key to our future success…not Lackey, Gonzalez or Crawford.
Wow, Keith! What a story! What a guy! I have a special place in my heart for kids, being a grandmother and teacher. That nephew of yours will never forget that kindness. And you are so gracious to share the moment with us here! I see how baseball is really as you said last night on Countdown, "the best sport"…because it is so like life itself. What happens on the field often pales when compared with what happens off the field. America's "favorite pasttime" seems to bind us all together. I recently saw Brad Pitt's co-star interviewed about MONEYBALL on Letterman. That actor was trying to explain how it is a baseball movie, but it is REALLY about life! I don't know Terry Francona from the man in the moon, but I do know this…his heart is in the right place and he appears to be an expert at making dreams come true! Your nephew's, yours, and even in loss, The Boston Red Sox. That old saying is coming out right now…it is not whether you win or lose…but how you play the game. Terry obviously is a winner! Lucky whoever…wherever he goes. Tears for this man I don't even know. Thanks.
Pingback: Tito Get's The Boot « Coffee With Caesar
as a giants fan, i will gladly offer a trade of bochy for francona
You said so many good things about Vogelsong I'm surprised you wouldn't stick up for your fine manager Bochy.
Even Curt Gowdy, who walked on the water as far as everybody in Boston was concerned, once said you can't win with the Boston sportswriters. He was referring to that overrated, hot-dogging, anti-team-oriented Ted Williams. Yeah, they hated him, too. Anyway, the Red Sox AND Francona may need a change. Managers can have a shelf life. I don't know that Francona achieved the end of his in Boston, but it may be good for him to go elsewhere, although I believe he is getting the bum rap. Epstein built this clunker, but I suspect he has become too big an egomaniac and the owners are too convinced of his genius to realize it.
Back to managers for a moment. It may be that the Red Sox need someone who holds the reins tight. Francona might be perfect for the White Sox, where his calm and easy-going nature would be a great counterpoint to Ozzie Guillen's egocentrism and eccentricities. My favorite example of how that can work is after Walt Alston retired in 1976–and the Dodgers pressured him, I do not doubt it–the team won the next two pennants with Tommy Lasorda without making any very significant changes in the lineup. Lasorda's approach was so different from Alston's that it was a good chance–just as some in Brooklyn loved or hated Alston because he was so different from Charlie Dressen. Who was the manager of Brooklyn's only World Series winner, in his second year as manager?
I just heard the rumor is official and I feel the same way I did Wednesday night leaving Oriole Park at Camden Yards. I am just sick about this news. The Red Sox have made a hugh mistake. Tito has always been a class act and he will land on his feet but right now I just feel sick.
This is a bad, bad move — Tito is the first manager in years who actually decided to LIVE in Boston, to become a member of the community. He may be relieved to leave this pressure cooker, and some other team will be damn lucky to have him.
Thank you Tito for your 8 yrs of being the best manager the red sox ever had and bringing a championship before my dad passed away I'm sure he appreciates it too. Best wishes for continued health and happieness to you and your family.
I've found that even if people hate Boston, hate the Red Sox, they have at least respect, if not admiration, for Francona. I will admit, I can't think of what Boston baseball will be like without him. Tito is and will continue to be a man of grace under pressure, a classy guy who never blames anyone else and this Arizona kid will miss his presence in the dugout.
Tito is a teacher and I think the measure of a teacher is what their students go on to do. I think his legacy will stick around longer than ownership allowed the man to do.
Great blog and lots of intelligent comments …… but I have 1 big question. In the most important game of the season, how does Francona bat a September call-up (Lavarnway) behind your top RBI man and MVP candidate. Based on one good game (the night before), Francona in effect took the bat out of Gonzalez's hands. 3 BB's for Gonzalez (at least 2 intentional) and Lavarnway strands 9 runners. If I were a Red Sox fan I would find that intolerable. Even as a Yankee fan it upsets me. Finally, as a baseball fan, it points to a desperation that indicates that something was very very wrong in the management of that game.
Thanks for sharing the story Keith. The only consolation in this whole episode is that Terry may have wanted to go at this point. He leaves a huge void as a manager, a figure in Red Sox history and most importantly as a person. I'll miss him in our dugout. I wish him all the luck in the world wherever he lands.
(I always thought the 'idiots' were supposed to be the 2004 club. Jokes on us I guess as the 2011 guys take the title and the darker meaning of it.)
Smooth sailing Terry. keep your powder dry!
Thanks for your reminiscences, Keith. As a Red Sox fan since 1956, I believe I have seen it all. And I am a long-time fan of yours (Curt Gowdy's and Clark Booth's, too–Curt Gowdy taught me how to keep score at a baseball game at Fenway Park in the early 1960s).
I knew something was up over the past two weeks, however, when Tito kept changing the line-ups (as Kim pointed out, above). The only consistency was Ellsbury hitting lead-off. One night, Crawford's batting second, Papi's batting fifth, Lowrie's batting eighth. The next night, Crawford's batting either, Papi's batting back-to-back with Gonzalez and rookie catcher Lavarnway (who admittedly had hit two home runs the night before) hits next. Papi gets on base twice, the O's intentionally walk Gonzo, twice, and Lavarnway makes the final outs.
If he had been a teenager making moves like that, we would have been saying that he was "crying out for help" or "subliminally screaming for attention." He was not receiving support from the Red Sox front office, who are too involved with their soccer team and other ancillary interests.
I am a baseball fan first and a Red Sox fan second. I will watch every game left until there is no more baseball left in the 2011 season. Terry Francona often stymied me while I watched him make decisions that still don't make sense to me. But I thank him for being thoughtful, for caring about the fans, the team, and for selflessly sacrificing himself at the altar of baseball for the past eight years. He must love this game, or he wouldn't have lasted this long. Thanks for the memories.
As a long time fan I am saddened by the news and I to will think we will be regretting it very soon. I think the blame goes all around on this one. Its time to stop the free agent shopping at go back to Pawtucket and Portland to feed the team.
Eight years is long enough to manage anywhere I don't care who you are. Francona is a great guy but he'd been running a country club since 2007 – he probably had every right too. If you say Francona didn't assemble the 2011 pitching staff – then it's fair to say he didn't establish the staff in '04 or '07 either.
Keith is giving his buddy credit for his successes but taking him off the hook for his failures – typical of a clipboard sniffer.
Also Francona's health stinks – he's had about 17 knee operations and has blood as thick as pine tar.
Dude needs a break.
Also only people in media talk about Boston's "land-minded" media environment.
Sox fans just want a winner. Sorry we're not Pittsburgh.


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BENGALURU, India — In the past few years, India experienced its biggest-ever startup boom, with entrepreneurs founding thousands of companies. Now the country is getting its own version of a dot-com bust.
In the latest sign of the downturn, a Bangalore-based firm has put together India's first Deadpool list, a catalog of dead or dying startups similar to the F**ked Company website created in the aftermath of the internet bubble. The US site, set up in 2000, was a parody of the magazine Fast Company and chronicled the dot-com collapse. Also known as the dot-com deadpool, it shut down in 2007.
The India list, compiled by Tracxn Technologies Pvt, identifies nearly 800 fading or dead startups in almost every segment of technology, including e-commerce, online education and mobile software. Investors, recruiters and larger companies looking to pick up talent or technology assets on the cheap pay a subscription fee to Tracxn for the list and other research. The site isn't available to the general public. "The Deadpool list is a sign of the times," said Neha Singh, co-founder of Tracxn.
F**ked Company gave people a public forum for discussion as venture money dried up and startups crashed. Laid-off employees shared internal memos and skewered their bosses for incompetence and selfishness. The site's founder, Philip 'Pud' Kaplan, fuelled the conversation with black humour and merciless corporate obituaries.
India is now seeing venture investments slide after surging to a record $8.9 billion in 2015, according to the research firm Preqin. The pace dropped to $2.7 billion in the first two quarters, the London firm said.
The boom pushed the number of technology-enabled startups in India to more than 19,000, according to the Ministry of Finance's Economic Survey published in February. The Deadpool list shows that, besides the innovative players, there are scores of copycat companies, especially in e-commerce and other categories favoured by venture capitalists. "You can't be the 50th online laundry operation and hope for success," said Ravi Gururaj, founder of QikPod, a Bangalore-based parcel locker startup backed by Accel Partners and Foxconn Technology Group.
Tracxn identifies candidates for the Deadpool by tracking multiple metrics including shrinking team size, suspended operations and declines in user traffic. The list was introduced a couple of months ago and is steadily growing longer. "There are the dead and then there are the walking dead," said Gururaj.
This month, the e-commerce portal AskMe said it would suspend operations, leaving 4,000 employees scrambling for jobs. The site's parent GETIT Infoservices Pvt had raised about $300 million from investors, including Malaysia's Astro Entertainment Networks Ltd., but it hit a cash crunch and has not been able to raise additional capital. Workers protested Monday in front of AskMe's offices in Gurgaon, calling for compensation. Chief Executive Officer Kiran Murthi didn't respond to requests for comment.
PepperTap, a hyper-local grocery started in Gurgaon, got more than $50 million in funding and expanded to nine Indian cities. But as funds began to dry up, it cut jobs and then shut down in May, less than two years after its launch. Its two co-founders did not respond to multiple requests for comment.
Sahil Baghla raised $1.1 million for his startup Bluegape from investors including Times Internet Ltd, the digital arm of India's largest media company, the Times of India Group. Last year, the startup unveiled a mobile content platform app called Murmur that quickly gained popularity. Revenue was a challenge however and it closed earlier this year.
Founders of a dozen other prominent Deadpool startups declined to comment for this story.
Even for those that have gained significant market share, success is not guaranteed. The India fashion site Jabong.com raised money from Rocket Internet SE and AB Kinnevik and gained enough traction for a valuation near $1 billion. But with the downturn, Jabong was squeezed and sold to the country's largest online retailer, Flipkart Online Services Pvt, for a mere $70 million. People in tech circles have begun to use the verb "jabonged," meaning to sell your startup far below its peak valuation.
Girish Mathrubootham, founder and chief executive officer of cloud-based customer service provider Freshdesk, said he sees the Deadpool list as an opportunity to acquire valuable startups and compatible technologies at reasonable prices. "We have made six acquisitions and are just initiating the process for our seventh," said Chennai-based Mathrubootham. "Dying and regenerating is healthy for any ecosystem."
The list is also fertile ground for hard-to-find talent. Kiran Karthikeyan, vice president at a Hyderabad-based startup called Xploree, said there are benefits to hiring from dying companies. "Those who've worked in failed startups are risk-takers," he said. "They are invaluable additions to a startup team."
It is a sign of changing attitudes in India. Job security has long been so coveted that entrepreneurs would get low priority in the traditional arranged marriages. But with the success of local players such as Flipkart and ANI Technologies Pvt's Ola, ambitious young people now have aspirational role models.
"In Silicon Valley, failure is a celebrated thing," said Singh, an alumnus of Stanford University who worked with Sequoia Capital before setting up Tracxn. "Risk-taking is newly becoming an acceptable choice in India."
By Saritha Rai; editors: Peter Elstrom and Edwin Chan.


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Celebrating Sixpoint's Fifth Anniversary
The beer flowed freely at the fifth anniversary celebration of Sixpoint Craft Ales, held last night at Roberta's in Bushwick. There's no question that locally brewed Sixpoint has a loyal following—reflected in the sold-out event's crammed communal tables and the lines at each beer depot around the restaurant. And the deal didn't hurt, either—$32 for an evening of unlimited Sixpoint beer and Roberta's pizza.
But to flock to this event like a frat boy to "dollar pitcher night" would have overlooked the purpose of the celebration: a real celebration of beer. The cozy backyard was open and the fire pit was up and running, though the communal tables were packed elbow-to-elbow. Yet the mood was cheerful, and complaints were few and far between—outstanding beer helps with that. Particularly the show-stoppers at the Experimental Beer Bar, some of them one-time-only brews: the Double Sweet Action, Irish Latte Stout, and the Progress Ale.
Sixpoint brewmaster Shane Welch attended; approachable and at ease, he was more than happy to talk with anyone about his brews and the evening's cause for festivities. Where at times New York can feel like a city where people live to work, this gathering reflected the community of New Yorkers who work to live—and who live to drink good beer.
All products linked here have been independently selected by our editors. We may earn a commission on purchases, as described in our affiliate policy.


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WASHINGTON, Dec. 30 (UPI) -- A bitter fight is heading for the U.S. Supreme Court, between employers who say their religious convictions make them abhor contraception -- especially the "morning after pill" seen by many as an abortion-inducing drug -- and the Obama administration, which says contraception is a healthcare right under the law.
Owners of for-profit companies say their religious convictions prohibit them from providing that type of contraceptive coverage for women employees and are in a race to beat back what they consider a violation of their religious freedom -- the Obamacare mandate that says employers must provide contraception insurance coverage for free in the new year or face enormous fines.
So-called morning after pills are actually taken immediately after intercourse to disrupt fertilization or ovulation.
"A new government healthcare mandate says that our family business must provide what I believe are abortion-causing drugs as part of our health insurance," Hobby Lobby founder David Green said in a September opinion piece in USA Today. "Being Christians, we don't pay for drugs that might cause abortions. Which means that we don't cover emergency contraception, the morning-after pill or the week-after pill. We believe doing so might end a life after the moment of conception, something that is contrary to our most important beliefs. It goes against the biblical principles on which we have run this company since Day 1. If we refuse to comply, we could face $1.3 million per day in government fines."
Stymied after a Supreme Court justice refused to issue a stay of the mandate, Hobby Lobby said it was carrying on the battle. The company announced through attorneys late last Thursday it would "continue to provide health insurance to all qualified employees. To remain true to their faith, it is not their intention, as a company, to pay for abortion-inducing drugs," CNN reported.
In another case, a federal appeals court has granted a stay of the contraception mandate for a Highland, Ill, for-profit company based on its owners' religious convictions.
"Cyril and Jane Korte own K & L Contractors, a construction firm with approximately 90-full]time employees," an appeals court panel said in a 2-1 opinion. "About 70 of their employees belong to a union, which sponsors their health]insurance plan; K & L Contractors provides a group health]insurance plan for the remaining 20 nonunion employees.
"The Kortes are Roman Catholic, and they seek to manage their company in a manner consistent with their Catholic faith, including its teachings regarding the sanctity of human life, abortion, contraception, and sterilization," the panel said. "In August 2012 they discovered that the company's current health insurance plan includes coverage for contraception. The plan renewal date is Jan. 1."
The panel said the Kortes "want to terminate this coverage and substitute a health plan (or a plan of self insurance) that conforms to the requirements of their faith. The ACA's preventive care provision and implementing regulations prohibit them from doing so."
The federal Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993 "prohibits the federal government from imposing a substantial burden [on] a person's exercise of religion," the appeals panel majority said, "even if the burden results from a rule of general applicability' unless the government demonstrates that the burden "(1) is in furtherance of a compelling governmental interest; and (2) is the least restrictive means of furthering that compelling governmental interest."
In contrast, the Obama administration says the contraceptive mandate is just basic preventive healthcare for millions of women.
At least 42 complaints have been filed against the contraception mandate -- mostly by hospitals and schools, but also 14 from for-profit companies -- The Becket Fund for Religious Liberty said in Washington. The fund is representing Hobby Lobby in a case that reached the Supreme Court and was rejected. But the case probably will come before the high court again once it goes through the normal appeals process.
Hobby Lobby, a self-insured arts and crafts giant, was started in a garage in Oklahoma City in 1972, and now has more than 500 stores in 41 states, with 15,000 full-time employees. It's owned by the Green family, who "have said that they seek to serve God through all of their endeavors, including their business decisions," the Catholic News Agency reports.
CNA said the company "donates considerable amounts to charity, maintains a minimum wage that is much higher than the federal requirement and closes all of its stores on Sundays, sacrificing profit to allow its employees to rest and worship with their families."
In a statement posted on its website Oct. 29, the Becket Fund tried to characterize what was at stake.
"Today, the Green family -- founders and owners of the arts and crafts chain Hobby Lobby Stores and Mardel, Christian and Education stores -- filed the final brief in support of their motion for preliminary injunctive relief against" the contraception mandate, "a federal regulation that will force them, in two months, either to violate their faith by covering abortion drugs or to pay fines up to $1.3 million per day," the statement said. "In response to the Green's original motion, the government denied that plaintiffs have any rights at all. Because plaintiffs engage in what the government states is 'secular' business, the government says they cannot exercise religion, by definition."
"When the government calls Hobby Lobby 'secular' and thus incapable of exercising religion, it is wrong on the facts. It is also wrong on the law," Kyle Duncan, general counsel for the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty, said in the statement. "The government cannot label people or organizations as 'secular' or 'religious,' and grant or withhold freedom accordingly. The law simply protects the exercise of religion -- whether the Greens practice it in their church, in their home, or in running their businesses."
But in a brief filed in response to the Hobby Lobby request for a preliminary injunction, the government said, "Plaintiffs' challenge rests largely on the theory that a for-profit, secular corporation established to sell art and craft supplies can claim to exercise religion and thereby avoid the reach of laws designed to regulate commercial activity. This cannot be."
The request for an injunction attacked "regulations that are intended to help ensure that women have access to health coverage, without cost-sharing, for certain preventive services that medical experts have deemed necessary for women's health and well-being. The preventive services coverage regulations that plaintiffs challenge require all group health plans and health insurance issuers that offer non-grandfathered group or individual health coverage to provide coverage for certain recommended preventive services without cost-sharing [such as a co-payment, coinsurance or a deductible]. ... [With the exception of] non-profit religious employers [and group health insurance coverage sold in connection with those plans], the preventive services that must be covered include all Food and Drug Administration ... approved contraceptive methods, sterilization procedures and patient education and counseling for women with reproductive capacity, as prescribed by a healthcare provider."
The government also said the companies' objections came rather late to the table.
The brief said Hobby Lobby's and Mardel's objections only came after they learned of the contraception mandate debate.
"'Recently, after learning about the nationally prominent [contraception] mandate controversy, Hobby Lobby re-examined its insurance policies,' discovered that its policies covered certain contraceptive services, and proceeded to exclude those services," the government said, quoting the companies' own filings. "Plaintiffs now assert that their religious beliefs prohibit them from providing coverage for certain contraceptive services."
The government argued the companies could not show "irreparable harm" if forced to obey the mandate, "because they waited more than a year after the challenged regulations were issued before filing suit and, until recently, provided the health coverage to which they object."
In Oklahoma City, U.S. District Judge Joe Heaton, a George W. Bush appointee, said religious organizations such as churches have constitutional protection from the contraception mandate but "Hobby Lobby and Mardel are not religious organizations," Insurance Journal reported.
"Plaintiffs have not cited, and the court has not found, any case concluding that secular, for-profit corporations such as Hobby Lobby and Mardel have a constitutional right to the free exercise of religion."
A federal appeals court refused to issue an injunction as well, but Hobby Lobby was not about to admit defeat.
"It is by God's grace and provision that Hobby Lobby has endured," CNA quoted David Green as saying. "Therefore we seek to honor God by operating the company in a manner consistent with biblical principles."
At this time of year there are few people in the marble halls of the Supreme Court, the Christmas tree and decorations are up and the press room is relatively empty. SCOTUSblog spotted the companies' application for an emergency stay Dec. 21.
The companies wanted the high court to block the implementation of the contraception mandate, at least for them, and to hear the case directly on appeal, without going through the appellate court.
The application went to Justice Sonia Sotomayor, who oversees the 10th U.S. Circuit, which includes Oklahoma. Sotomayor refused to refer the request to the full court for a quick vote.
The companies "do not satisfy the demanding standard for the extraordinary relief they seek. First, whatever the ultimate merits of the applicants' claims, their entitlement to relief is not 'indisputably clear,'" Sotomayor said in a four-page opinion.
The companies could have asked another justice to grant the stay, but apparently chose not to..
The case will have to go through the normal appeals process, as Sotomayor pointed out in her opinion: "Even without an injunction pending appeal, the applicants may continue their challenge to the regulations in the lower courts. Following a final judgment, they may, if necessary, file a petition for a writ of certiorari [review] in this [Supreme] Court.
In that case, either the Hobby Lobby dispute, the Kortes case or one of the more than 40 others being litigated is likely to end up on the Supreme Court's plate late this term or early in the next term.


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Welcome to Mancelona!
The Township of Mancelona was organized and approved by an Act of the Legislature on January 18, 1871. The first election was held in April, 1871 at the home of Mr. Perry Andress, one of Mancelona's first settlers. The Township was named after Mr. Perry's daughter, Mancelona Andress. It was in 1869, four years after the Civil War when Perry Andress homesteaded in Mancelona that was named after his young daughter. Read more about the history of Mancelona by clicking here.
NOTICE: 2020 Tax Collection Quick Links:
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Pay online - use dropdown option to enter your name, address or parcel number
Click here for important news and announcements.
Mancelona Township Board meets monthly at the Township Offices on Highway M-88 in Mancelona. Meet the Board here, and read the township minutes at this link.
There are many parks, rivers and natural beauty overlooks to visit while you are in the Mancelona area. Our Tourist and Visitor page has descriptions and driving directions.
Please contact us via the contact page if you have any questions or need additional information.


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This ad for Gunnar's Retweet to Win-This Giveaway has me wondering if Gunnar's gaming eyewear comes in an opaque variant. I'd rather not see anything anymore. That Sessler is a far braver man than I.
Gameface is a photographic celebration of the people who make, play and love video games.


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BeachyDay Club
We think of our guests as family. The more you stay, the more we can do for you. Every Guest is automatically enrolled in our VIP Club, for no additional cost. You are instantly a member. And membership gives you some special perks! Not all Units are available but many are!
- Early notice and availability reminders.
- First Chance to book future dates, especially high seasons.
- Early Booking discount if received at least one year in advance.
- Standby Discounts on reservations that are Preemptable.
- Last Minute discounts for reserving less than 24 hours in advance.
- Club Newsletter including discounts, promotions & other valuable stuff.
- Here is how it works
After you have booked and stayed in one of our wonderful vacation rentals, keep your confirmation as proof and you are automatically a member.
Club special deals, prices and promotions are listed on this website when available. Be sure to check it often. Plus we'll email or mail you regularly when there are new offerings.
Next time you book, let us know you're a Club member and we'll give you our usual great fast service and see if membership discounts apply. We hope these small incentives help you to enjoy staying with us more frequently.
Details: Club membership is automatically provided to every guest who has stayed in one of our vacation homes and sometimes to other business associates and friends. Membership is not transferable, has no cash value and can be canceled by the Club for any reason. Membership can be discontinued at any time. Discounts can not be combined.


text: What Options Do You Have for Solar Air Conditioning in Kingsville? Posted August 24, 2017 Summer in Kingsville tends to bring with it some really hot days and the chance for some unsettling cooling bills. What if we told you there's a way to prevent that costly energy spike in the summer? A solar air conditioner can keep you cool all summer without costing you a ton in utility expenses. In fact, it could save so much that it'll pay for itself in a short few years. After that, all that savings goes straight into your wallet. So, what is solar-ready air conditioning? A solar-ready air conditioner is essentially a traditional air conditioner that takes advantage of solar power. Solar panels, like those in the Lennox® SunSource® Home Energy System, captures the sun's radiant energy and sends it to the air conditioner after it's been converted to electrical current. The solar energy that's generated is first used to heat and cool your home. Energy that's captured but not needed by your air conditioner can be utilized to power electronics and small appliances, and if energy is remaining, it can potentially be sold back to your utility company. So, how can you know if solar-ready air conditioning is the right option for you? Think through these questions and, if your answers are mostly "yes," give Four Seasons Air Conditioning and Heating LLC a call and we'll help you get started with solar power: Do you have an area to put solar panels that has unobstructed sunlight? Is this area large enough to house solar panels? Are there any local laws that would keep you from benefitting from solar panels? If you're uncertain of your answer to any of these questions, Four Seasons Air Conditioning and Heating LLC can help. Many people are concerned with the monetary investment involved with solar-ready air conditioning. Over time, your lower utility expenses will pay you back, plus years of additional savings. Take a look at this solar calculator to get a good idea of the money you'll save plus how much more green you will be. What's even better is that you can receive federal rebates on your investment and you may even be eligible for state incentives. The U.S. government offers a Solar Tax Credit, 25D, for homeowners who purchase and install equipment that uses solar energy to create electricity. It covers: Up to 9% of the total retail cost* of the solar-ready air conditioner, when solar modules are applied. 30% of the cost with no upper limit on solar module installation.** Having a solar system could also increase the value of your home. Surveys conducted by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development have indicated that home values increase by an average of $20 for every $1 reduction in annual utility expenses. As you can see, there are a lot of reasons to love solar-ready air conditioning. Call Four Seasons Air Conditioning and Heating LLC today at 361-214-1203 to talk about your solar air conditioning options. Back To Blog


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Crosby, Stills and Nash
Crosby, Stills and Nash at Central Park SummerStage by M.P.
Location: Central Park, Manhattan
Date: July 29, 2008
Photographer: Malcolm Pinckney
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October is an exciting month for Temecula Valley Wine County and there are plenty of fun events for you to take part in! Whether it be a Grape Stomp, Oktoberfest celebration, or Halloween party, there is something for everyone to enjoy! Take a look below for some of the events that our member wineries have set for this month:
Lorimar Winery – Grape Stomp and Harvest Fest
Saturday, October 9th; 5pm – 9pm
$60 per person; $50 Wine Club and their guests
The FIRST annual "Grape Stomp & Harvest Fest" is soon to be a traditional favorite for Lorimar Winery, Wine Club Members and wine lovers alike! A fun-filled night of TASTING delicious Lorimar wines, FEASTING appetizers amongst the vines after an adventurous ride in a tractor-pulled hay ride, down-to-earth Wine Country buffet dinner back at the barn and then Grape STOMPING in your bare feet just like "I Love Lucy!" Live entertainment featuring the Bayou Brothers Band and of course lots of dancing. Call 951-240-5177 for tickets or check out the event webpage for more information.
Mount Palomar Winery- 4th Annual Oktoberfest
Saturday, October 9th & Sunday, October 10th; 11:00am-5:00pm
Location: 33820 Rancho California Road, Temecula, CA 92591
Join in a weekend of German music, food, beer and wine! Break out your lederhosen or dirndl, bring your German beer stein and join us for a festive weekend of food, fun and live Oom Pah Pah music on our patio. German entertainers Karl and Fritz (in their lederhosen) will provide the music and we'll provide the food and fun. We'll be serving homemade German bratwurst and potato salad, apple and cherry strudel, hot pretzels, Mount Palomar Riesling wine, and Beck's Oktoberfest beer on tap. Bring your German Stein and your first glass of beer is FREE! There will be dance contests, daily prizes for Mr. and Mrs. Oktoberfest, best beer stein, and more!
Oak Mountain Winery- Winemaker's Meal
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Experience a gourmet Winemaker's Meal like no other at Oak Mountain Winery. Join Steve and Val Andrews and Chef Michael Allan Cragg [Ritz-Carlton] as they present a meal that is sure to please. Chef Michael is pulling out all the stops for this gourmet fish meal that will be perfectly pair with Oak Mountain wines. Enjoy a trio of sashimi, Waguu Beef, Glazed Halibut and a Sake Sorbet. Seating is very limited. Call 951.699.9102 for reservations or click here for more information.
South Coast Winery Resort & Spa- Intimate Winemakers Dinner
October 23, 2010; 6pm-9pm
Enjoy an intimate Winemaker Dinner at South Coast Winery Resort & Spa and celebrate the fruits of their labors. Winemakers Jon McPherson and Javier Flores will share their passion for great wine and quality times as guests indulge in some spectacular new releases and familiar favorites. Together with their amazing chef, the team has put together a mouth-watering five course meal of unparalleled delight. Plus every couple leaves with an autographed bottle! For more information, click here or call 951.587.9493 x7210.
Stuart Cellars- 8th Annual Harvest Clam Bake
Saturday, October 23, 2010
The 8th Annual Harvest Clam Bake at Stuart Cellars is always a crowd pleaser. Enjoy an amazing dinner of grilled chicken, corn and vegetables, steamed littleneck clams and mussels and a yummy serving of clam chowder all while sipping on your favorite Stuart wine. Make your reservations soon by calling the winery at (951) 676-6414.
Longshadow Ranch Vineyard & Winery – Halloween Fest
Saturday, October 30, 2010; 7:00pm – 10:00pm
Trick or treat in the vineyards, wines and tastings, live music, dancing, costume contest, and free pumpkins for the kids to paint and carve! FREE admission.
Lorimar Winery- Halloween Party
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Join Lorimar Winery in their Old Town tasting room for a howling good time for their Halloween Party! Enjoy wine specials, live entertainment and enter to win their Costume Contest. Entertainment and specials begin at 6pm. No reservations needed.
Monte de Oro Winery- 1st Annual Halloween Bash
Saturday, October 30, 2010; 5:30pm – 10:00pm
Tickets: $40, Available online here!
Join us for a scary good time featuring the showing of The Rocky Horror Picture Show with live performances to celebrate the 35th anniversary of this cult classic. The evening will also include a costume contest and a "Time Warp" dance contest. Food, drinks and prizes round out this frighteningly fabulous good time. Don't miss it! 21 and over only.
Thornton Winery- Halloween Murder Mystery Dinner
October 30, 2010; 7pm-10pm
Join Thornton Winery for their Halloween Murder Mystery Dinner! Eat, drink and dance the night away while guessing 'who dunnit?" Dress to win prizes for Most Original, Best, Funniest and Scariest costumes! For additional information, click here or call 951.699.0099.
We look forward to seeing you at some or all of the events happening this month in Temecula Valley Wine Country!


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She did some great handstands but her teach wanted to make sure she made it all the way to the top so she spotted her on a few. After the exhibition was over M.C. asked me why her teacher helped her. She said....Mom doesn't she know I can do them;lol!
She did all her skills on the high beam all by herself this year!!!! I was one proud mommy!Kinley Bugs had a good time crawling everywhere and getting into everything!LOVE this pic!!! She was babbling a way as I was taking the pic! And of course she got lots of attention from Nana & Poppa!
M.C.'s sweet little friend Taylor came to watch and then go eat pizza with us! These girls are just tooo precious together!


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Holiday Inn Resort Phi Phi Island
Holiday Inn Resort Phi Phi Island
Welcome to tropical paradise Holiday Inn Resort Phi Phi Island, located on a heavenly beachfront of powdery soft white sand that gently merges with the Andaman Sea creating sublime hues of aqua-blue. The hideaway resort is surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty, a place where romantic couples and families can retreat to spend quality time together in a tranquil and serene environment.
The comfortable accommodation with various amenities is situated in two distinct wings with a choice of charming bungalows and contemporary style studios. Offering unrivalled facilities and services on the island, we cater to the most active guests with a Kid's Club, Kids Stay & Eat Free © program, free Wi-Fi Internet access throughout the resort, three outdoor swimming pools (family pool, relaxation pool and sunset infinity pool), a boutique shop, a spa, a mini-gym, a diving centre and non-motorised water sport activities. Some of the finest diving sites in Thailand are located on our doorstep.
Dining is a unique and pleasurable experience at each of our restaurants; the resort offers two bars and three restaurants serving delicious seafood, Thai and international cuisine. Enjoy awe-inspiring views from the hilltop Sunset Bar and impress your loved one with an intimate dinner for two on the beach or enjoy a cooking lesson with coaching provided by one of our expert Thai Chefs. Offering so much more the Holiday Inn Resort Phi Phi Island is at your service.
Holiday Inn Resort Phi Phi Island
Lam Tong Beach
Phi Phi Island
Check In: 3PM
Check Out: 11AM
Book With Us Advantage
- Best Price Guarantee
We promise you access to the guaranteed best available prices, or your first night is free.
- Online Reservation Guarantee
Your room is guaranteed.
- No Booking Fees!
We do not charge any booking fees for making reservations directly with us.
- Data Privacy and Site Security
IHG takes your privacy seriously and works to protect you. All personal information you provide is encrypted and secure.
Kids Stay Free
Kids ages 12 and under stay for free when sharing their parents' room.*
*View Term & Conditions for Details.
Babysitting Services Available. On-site Kids' Activities.
Kid's Club available on the island only at Holiday Inn Resort Phi Phi. Chid aged 5-12 are welcome to join.Child under the age of 5 are welcome to join if accommpanie by at least 1 parent, Children pool,Beach Activities, Painting.
|Kids Stay Free
|US, Canada, Mexico, Central America, Caribbean, South America
|19 and under
|Greater China
|Under the age of 18 years
|Under the age of 18 years
|Asia, Middle East, Africa and rest of the world
|Kids 12 and under stay for free when they share the guest room with an adult family member.
Internet Access
- Free High-Speed Internet in all Rooms
- Number of Floors: 1
- Total Number of Rooms: 169
- Number of Non-Smoking Rooms: 169
- Limited Connecting Rooms Available
We want to make sure that our hotels meet all of your needs. This page provides information about the accessibility of this hotel's common areas as well as other accessibility features at this hotel.
To find more details about the accessibility features of individual guest rooms, enter your travel dates into the Book this Hotel module and select "View Rates" to proceed to the Rooms and Rates page.
Pet Policy
- Pets Not Allowed
Credit Cards
- China Union Pay
- MasterCard
- American Express
- Visa
Make it a more enjoyable trip
Don't miss unlimited double points
Guests can work out at our air-conditioned gym with cardio machines, aerobics equipment and free-weights. We have a daily schedule of activities for children at the Kid's Club. Indoor sports activities and Thai cooking classes are also available.


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Today I walk through autumn leaves
Holding the five year girl child's hand
Who, without warning, stops and thrusts
Questions at me I once asked
Questions that were satisfied
By maiden aunts and Sunday saints
Whose answers that I soon forgot
They still believe and can recall.
Questions that were asked again
When thoughts ran like young stallions run
Over hurdles that can't be crossed
And spring back strong like new bent bows
Eager to feel the morning wind
Smooth and stroke their strong hot sides
As they rip holes with their hard hoofs
Into the soft turf of the mind.
But scholars pull the English grass
That plugs the cracks in Roman roads
Pompeii's relics are admired
By cuff linked men who softly ask
Why such a culture had to fall
Beaks and claws of mocking birds
Can pluck the eyes from a dead king
And so pubescent moderns scorn
Ancestral portraits in the hall
For what good can the dead past bring.
Questions that will still invade
Twilight thoughts before sleep draws
Unconscious mind to other things
Where logic seldom pushes hard
Whisper softer every year
And tinny answers echo down
The catacombs where childhood lies
So soft the sound had grown by now
It might have vanished in a while
But now it screams at me again
In the smiling questions of a child.
Whatever I might tell her now
Will never do when snow is cold
And summer seems too hot to run
When girl skin sags and breasts break down
As years forget the nipple's thrust
And flesh looks like a bombed out town.
Last winter's dead
And springtime myths can be retold
The tiny hand tugs at my sleeve
It's good to know there's nothing old.
Edwin Kagin (c) 2012


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Proven TURNAMIC® skate binding developed for World Cup athletes allows them to precisely position the binding, quickly and without tools. FLOWFLEX®technology allows binding to flex with the ski for optimal power transfer.
The ergonomic design of the lever with secure-grip soft components enables intuitive handling when stepping in and out of the binding. Haptic and acoustic response when opening and closing. Protected against unwanted opening.
The mounting and positioning works tool-free and is optimized for easy operation even in difficult conditions on the track. A clearly visible value display in the windows next to the adjustment and the sensible latching facilitates positioning.
Double locking clip for easy and safe fixation and adjustment of the binding on the IFP (Integrated Fixation Plate).
The two-part plate and the latching with two closely spaced pins not only guarantees double security but also the fixing of the binding at one point. The residual binding housing is floatingly supported over the entire length in the longitudinal direction, whereby the ski performance remains uneffected.
The well-thought-out (in all details) housing construction with broad contact surface and torsionally stiff geometry is the basis for direct power transfer. Previously unattained ski control and forward thrust go hand in hand with low weight.
The shape of the Race Pro Skate housing keeps the ski balanced horizontally after every kick. Perfect ski control – even when the ski is in the air.
The minimalistic design height ensures a low stand position and maximum stability as a result. This means a more stable gliding phase and a direct feel or the snow at the same time.
Adjustable heel section where the boot size is preselected using snap hooks on the heel rails. The heel is automatically positioned with it when the position is adjusted so no separate adjustments are necessary later.


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Roky Erickson Teams With Okkervil River For New Album
Legendary musician Roky Erickson triumphantly returns on April 20th with the Anti Record's release True Love Cast Out All Evil his first new album in fourteen years. Produced by Will Sheff and featuring his band Okkervil River backing Erickson, the record is comprised largely of unreleased songs that Austin, Texas native Erickson wrote throughout his decades-long career - detailing with heart-breaking candor a harrowing life that has included shock treatment, imprisonment, mental illness, and irreversible loss. With a wisdom that can only be marshaled by someone who has been through all of the this, Erickson also interjects the songs with love, hope, and spiritual grace.
Erickson's band The Thirteenth Floor Elevators burst on to the scene in 1966 with the hit "You're Gonna Miss Me," a snarling proto-punk song written by Erickson when he was just 15. The Elevators and the charismatic Erickson would be largely credited with igniting the garage rock movement and being one of the first psychedelic bands. The reverberations of the band's distinctive sound can still be heard today with Erickson's songs having been interpreted by the likes of R.E.M., ZZ Top, The Jesus and Mary Chain, Primal Scream, Spacemen 3, Julian Cope, Radio Birdman and others.
While True Love Cast Out All Evil echoes the many musical styles in which Erickson has been a participant or a pioneer - including garage-rock, lo-fi psych, heavy metal, and country-tinged Texas folk - it also moves Erickson into new territory, foregrounding his songwriting skill. In these songs, Erickson addresses his troubled history in his own words, eschewing the metaphors of earlier songs like "I Walked with a Zombie" to speak directly about hardship and the lessons learned from it. Will Sheff's production highlights the songs while interweaving them with found-sound and archival recordings culled from Erickson's home videos and recordings made in the Rusk State Hospital for the Criminally Insane.
"I feel truly lucky that I got to produce this record," Sheff says. "When we started out, I was given sixty unreleased songs to choose from. There were songs written during business setbacks including the Elevators' painful breakup, songs written by Roky while he was incarcerated at Rusk, and a great deal of songs that reminded me of the sense of optimism and romanticism that I think sustained Roky through his worst years and ultimately reunited him, a few years ago, with his son Jegar and his first wife Dana. Because we started with so many songs to choose from, the quality of the material we ended up with was exhilarating. This is not a cynical comeback record, a lukewarm update on an established legacy - these are the best songs Roky has ever written, unreleased due to decades plagued by the kind of personal tragedies that would destroy someone less resilient. This record has been the most challenging and rewarding, thing I've ever worked on, and we in Okkervil River were deeply honored to show up decades later and help Roky carry these wonderful songs over the finish line.'


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PLEASE NOTE: To protect your safety in response to the threats of COVID-19, we are offering our clients the ability to meet with us via telephone or through video conferencing. Please call our office to discuss your options. During the Covid-19 our office is opened to serve our clients and their families.
Personal Injury | Criminal Defense | Family Law | Business Law | Elder Law
For more than 40 years, the Lawrence personal injury lawyers at DiFruscia Law Offices have vigorously protected our clients' needs throughout Massachusetts and New Hampshire. We are a full-service law firm representing individuals and businesses at our office outside Boston located in historic downtown Methuen on the New Hampshire border.
Whether you have a personal injury claim, a business law matter or have been charged with a crime, we will fight for you. Our attorneys also offer contract drafting and legal services in business formation and estate planning. We believe the law is for everyone, and it shows in our work.
Contact us today to schedule a convenient consultation with one of our experienced lawyers.
Helping Personal Injury Clients In Massachusetts And New Hampshire
At DiFruscia Law Offices, we focus our efforts on providing aggressive litigation representation for clients involved in any personal injury matter, including:
- Car accidents
- Dog bites
- Construction accidents
- Slips-and-falls
- Workers' compensation and Social Security Disability
Not only do we provide thorough advice and counsel to our own clients, but we also make ourselves available to other attorneys in the area with questions about their complex personal injury matters. Our dedication to our clients and our community has earned us numerous referrals and many lifelong clients.
Providing Comprehensive Solutions For Other Legal Issues
Our attorneys also provide in-depth solutions to a wide range of other legal dilemmas, including:
- Family law: divorce, child custody, child support
- Criminal law
- Business law and real estate law
- Estate planning: including wills, trusts, and health care proxies
Contact An Experienced Attorney Ready To Fight For You
You have legal rights and interests. At DiFruscia Law Offices, we understand the importance of your legal matter and are available 24/7 for your convenience. Our regular office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. We are also open Monday and Wednesday nights until 7 p.m. by appointment only, and Saturday mornings from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., also by appointment only. We offer interpretive services for our Spanish- and Italian-speaking clients.
Contact us today by email at email@example.com or call 978-687-1777 to schedule a confidential appointment. You may also call us toll free at 866-403-1903.


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Interesting Numbers
Robin Roberts' career is filled with numbers, big ones. Inquirer published a bunch of them, one very interesting: He threw 305 complete games in his 19-year big league career. In the last 19 years, Phillies pitchers have thrown 198 GCs.
Thanks to the fans who have left flowers at his Citizens Bank Park statue. The potted flowers will be planted near his statue.
Quote of the Week
Pete Mackanin, subbing for Charlie on Saturday, explained why Chase was out of the lineup: "Chase isn't playing because I never liked him. He's over-rated." Got to love Pete's sense of humor.
It's Here
Phillies: An Extraordinary Tradition is a new 252-page, 400-plus photo coffee table book that covers the team's history since inception in 1883.
The book is now on sale in the Majestic Clubhouse Store and Newsstands. It can also be ordered on the phone: 1-877-GO-PHILS.
Hope you enjoy it as much as we did putting it together.
Back In Town
Darren Daulton's returning to Philly. On Monday, he'll begin his own radio show on ESPN 950/The Fanatic 97.5 from 6-7 every weeknight. "Talking Baseball With Dutch" is the name of his show.
He'll also be on Comcast SportsNet from time to time and making numerous appearances in the Delaware Valley.
Welcome home Dutch.
Next Post
Wednesday. Heading for Tampa for Robbie's funeral on Monday evening.


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Canada's mining industry broke records in 2011 for exploration spending, production and exports, according to a report released Monday by the Mining Association of Canada.
The report states Canada has emerged as the world's top destination for mineral exploration, attracting 18 per cent of global investment, well ahead of second-place Australia, which attracted 13 per cent.
Further, Canada has developed world-leading hubs at Vancouver and Toronto for exploration and investment, respectively, said Pierre Gratton, president of the Mining Association of Canada
Vancouver is the top destination for mining exploration, with the world's leading cluster of exploration companies, while Toronto is the global hub for mining financing, with the TSX and TSX Venture exchanges accounting for $12.5 billion, or 40 per cent of global mining equity capital, according to the report.
The report states there are 1,200 exploration companies in the Greater Vancouver area, while the Toronto Stock Exchange lists 58 per cent of the world's public mining companies.
London is still the global finance centre for mining in terms of large transactions, but Toronto leads in terms of total value, Gratton said.
"As the mining industry has become more global, the significance of these two cities has grown," he said. "It's more appreciated today than it was say a decade ago, when Vancouver and Toronto were still dominant, but the industry itself wasn't as much in the public eye.
"Today, we are one of the reasons Canada has out-performed a lot of the Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development countries, certainly the G8, because of our energy and mining prowess.
"And now people are taking a hard look at what is it about Canada and mining and they are going beyond the actual production numbers to see this whole other part of the mining eco-system that we have built in this country."
He said besides the growing global role of Toronto and Vancouver, Sudbury is attracting research investment, making it a global research and development centre.
The 2011 figures in the report, Facts and Figures 2012, show exploration spending in Canada at $3.9 billion, mineral production at $50.3 billion (with B.C. accounting for $8.6 billion of that) and exports at $101.9 billion. All three are record numbers, Gratton said.
In 2011, the industry employed 320,000 people in Canada, and paid $3.9 billion in royalties, $3.2 billion in corporate income tax, and $1.9 billion through employees' personal income taxes.
Although the mining sector's performance in 2012 is expected to be down, most analysts see it as a limited downturn, with 2013 showing recovery. Preliminary numbers in a publication prepared for the Association for Mineral Exploration in B.C.'s annual Roundup conference in Vancouver next week, show the economic value of mining at over $7 billion in 2012. Exploration expenditures for 2012 are expected to reflect a global downturn in exploration spending, as well.
"We are going through a few years of dealing with some uncertainty: growth, but not growth like we have seen over a few of the periods of the last decade. But come 2015, things should begin to spike up again," Gratton said.
With the emergence of Canadian mining as a global player has come greater scrutiny on Canadian corporations. Further, Canadian mining companies are increasingly operating in countries where there are security issues. Gratton noted, for example, that 11 Canadian companies are exploring or developing in Mali, where a civil war is escalating.
Gratton said the industry is changing in terms of how it interacts in countries where it is developing mines.
"There's a lot more that you need to know how to do, including developing good and trusting community relationships. In some countries, you need to have security forces and you need to make sure they are trained in human rights because you are operating in a zone where there are, perhaps, para-military groups or there are insurgents. They are not necessarily safe zones. It is a much more complex environment than they reckoned with when they first went there."
Gratton said there have been instances where Canadian companies have been involved in resource conflicts. However, those cases represent a shrinking percentage of Canada's growing mining presence.
"You have to have a certain degree of perspective, which is not to minimize or underrate the seriousness of those particular cases. But I think it is also unfair for critics to jump to quick conclusions that Canadians are somehow less responsible than others, when by and large, we are more responsible and do show leadership.
"But we can still get into trouble, and there are bad actors in every sector of the economy. It's not to say that those who run into trouble are bad actors; sometimes you just run into problems."


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ENDIVE and ARUGULA SALAD WITH SPICED MATZO CRISPS by Lisa Ades
This is a delicious Passover fatoush salad created by my co-producer of the Sephardic Heritage Museum films, Lisa Ades. Thanks Lisa, for working 24/7 to preserve our communities' legacy, while finding a couple of minutes to send me your gourmet recipes!
Spiced Matzah Crisps:
- 3 Matzos
- olive oil
- ground cumin
- garlic powder
- sea salt
- freshly ground black pepper (or Aleppo Pepper)
Fatoush Salad:
- 4 heads Belgium endive
- 1 cup arugula
- 1/8 cup fresh mint leaves, stems discarded
- 1 8-10 inch English cucumber, peeled and diced into 1 inch pieces, or salad cukes
- 1/4 cup flat leaf parsley
- 1 cup grape or cherry tomatoes, halved
- juice from ½- 1 lemon
- 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- kosher salt
- sumac (optional)
Directions for this Kosher for Passover Recipe:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Lay 3 Matzos on a parchment lined cookie sheet. Brush with olive oil. Sprinkle with cumin, garlic powder, sea salt and black pepper or Aleppo pepper. Place, uncovered, into the oven and bake for 8 minutes. Remove from oven and break into large shards of irregular size.
Meanwhile, prepare the salad. Thinly slice the endive and place in a large bowl. Lay the mint leaves in a pile and tear them (they will bruise of you cut them with a knife). Add to the bowl. Toss the cucumber, parsley, tomatoes, and arugula. Mix the lemon juice, olive oil, and garlic. Season with salt and pepper and optional sumac. Add to the salad, tossing to combine.
Arrange the salad in a mound on 6 plates. Stand 2-3 Matzo crisps in each salad. Serve.
p.s. You can replace the endive and arugula with chopped romaine hearts. The Spiced Matzo crisps are also good as a snack or to serve with twisted cheese:


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In a subscribers-only interview published Saturday in The Guardian, Google chairman Eric Schmidt called for increased regulation for non-military and non-law enforcement uses of drones.
"How would you feel if your neighbor went over and bought a commercial observation drone that they can launch from their backyard," he said. "It just flies over your house all day. How would you feel about it?"
According to the BBC, which summarized Schmidt's remarks, he also expressed concern about small drones' potential use as an inexpensive weapon by unsavory characters.
"I'm not going to pass judgment on whether armies should exist, but I would prefer to not spread and democratize the ability to fight war to every single human being," he said. "It's got to be regulated... It's one thing for governments, who have some legitimacy in what they're doing, but have other people doing it... it's not going to happen."
Schmidt has previously made similar remarks to the British newspaper in January 2013.
"Terrorists and criminals could use drones to carry IEDs [improvised explosive devices]—that could result in conflict between civil and military drones," he said. "Or it could happen over the US-Mexico border. Maybe we'll even see the world's first drone strike against cyber-terrorists. That's how seriously evil part of this [growth in technology] could be."
His remarks came just days after Idaho's governor signed a bill into law that now requires a warrant to collect evidence from drones. The bill goes on to impose other related restrictions on drone use by law enforcement.
Also this past week, India deployed drones in the northeastern part of the country as a way to combat rhinoceros poaching.


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The equivalence principle is one of the fundamental concepts behind gravitational theory and general relativity, and holds that gravity exerts the same force on objects of different mass.
Around the turn of the 16th Century, Galileo famously demonstrated this principle experimentally by noting that two heavy balls of different mass, when dropped at the same time from the same height, will reach the ground simultaneously.
Of course, if you try to reproduce Galileo's experiment using, say, a bowling ball and a leaf, you're liable to wind up with a different result. The reason for this, as we all know, is air resistance—but not many of us have actually had the opportunity to observe empirical evidence behind this explanation.
But as you might imagine, Earth's Moon is free of air resistance. So in 1971, Apollo 15 astronaut David Scott took advantage of the opportunity to drop a hammer and feather towards Moon's surface (our ability to put a man on the Moon must not have been enough proof that we understand how gravity works). So go ahead, see for yourself what happened.
[Spotted on NASA's APOD]


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Hawken looks good enough as it is. But the prospect of playing the game using a virtual reality headset seems too bananas to be true.
The Oculus Rift VR headset will be compatible with the upcoming multiplayer shooter, to the extent that not only will it work with the system, but Rift owners will get a feature where they can move their heads around inside the cockpit independent of the main mech viewpoint. So, yeah, just like you would in real life.