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A running discussion on the Cincinnati Reds and everything else in the baseball universe.
Monday, March 15, 2010
2010 Top Prospect List: #9 Neftali Soto, inf/c
Height 6-2, Weight 180, B/T: R/R, DOB: 02/28/1989
2009 Redlegs Baseball Prospect Ranking:#2
After hitting over .300 with good power at three different minor league stops over his first two professional seasons, Neftali Soto experienced his first struggles as as professional in 2009. His struggles were not inconsiderable.
The Reds drafted Neftali Soto with the 109th overall pick in the 3rd round of the 2007 draft. Soto was selected out of Colegio Marista in Puerto Rico where he is the all-time youth homerun champ in Puerto Rico, earning the distinction by breaking former MLB slugger Juan Gonzalez's all-time homerun mark.
After impressive early professional performance, Soto took a step backwards in 2009. The Reds sent him to high-A Sarasota of the Florida State League, which is a notoriously tough ballpark for hitters. On the season, Soto posted a slash line of .248/.282/.362/.645 in 505 ABs with 11 homers and a 95/23 K/BB ratio. That level of production was a sharp decline from 2008, in which he posted a .324/.342/.500/.842 in 216 ABs for low-A Dayton.
In 2009, his walk rate actually improved (3.0% to 4.3%), while his strikeout rate worsened (15.6% to 17.7%). Given that both outcomes (walk and strikeouts) are "late count" outcomes, it's easy to draw the infererence that Soto saw more pitches in his plate appearances than in 2008. In addition, his line drive actually improved substantially (15% to 23%) , but his BABIP tumbled from .364 in 2008 to .286 in 2009. So, despite an increase of 8% in line drive rate, his BABIP declined 78 points. Obviously, he was a bit lucky in 2008 and rather unlucky in 2009, which should lead to some normalization in 2010, as the true Soto likely lies somewhere in between.
So, despite the decline in production, there is still a potential positive or two to be drawn from his performance. While the heightened strikeout rate isn't ideal, it is encouraging to see Soto work his way into more late counts. If in fact it's intentional. To a certain extent, both walks and strikeouts are a necessary byproduct of hitting late in the count. After all, you can't strikeout without seeing at least 3 pitches and can't draw a walk without seeing at least 4 pitches.
Statistical analysis long ago revealed the importance of drawing walks and getting on base, but an increased walk rate is not the sole benefit to be derived from hitting in late count situations. As a general rule, both hitters and pitchers perform substantial better when they are ahead in the count. The pitcher v. hitter confrontation is the defining aspect of the sport. That confrontation is, in essence, a battle between the pitcher and hitter to tilt the probability of success in their direction. If the hitter can work the count to 2-0 or 3-1, then his chances of a earning a positive outcome to the At Bat increase substantially. On the flip side, if a pitcher can work the count to 0-2 or 1-2, then his chances of achieving a positive outcome increase substantially.
A hitter utilizing a disciplined, selective approach at the plate will not only draw more walks, but also generally improve the odds that he will get a hit. Ted Williams once said that getting a good pitch to hit is the most important part of hitting. By seeing more pitches, grinding away At Bats, and tilting the count in your favor the hitter improves his chances for success. Of course, the reason more hitters don't use a disciplined approach is that it isn't easy. Constantly being selective, making the "go" or "no go" decision on pitch after pitch after pitch can lead to mental fatigue. Still, the benefits of the disciplined approach are undeniable, so hopefully Soto is learning how to be a bit more disciplined and selective at the plate.
After his lackluster 2009 season, Soto opted to head to the Puerto Rican Winter League for what turned out to be a very brief stint. He played in a single game going 2-for-3 and scoring a run. Unfortunately, that was the extent of his playing time, which wasn't enough to offset a disappointing performance in Sarasota.
Overall, 2009 was a definite disappointment. Part of the reason for his struggles was the more advanced level of competition, but he was also dropped into a very difficult park for hitters. His isolated power dropped from .176 all the way down to .114, but his struggles weren't all park based. His home slash line was .227/.266/.332/.598, while his road line was .264/.296/.388/.684.
Soto is also one of those rare players that can actually make a right-handed swing look good. He maintains good balance and tempo throughout his swing. He generates easy power and gets good extension out through the ball.
Soto's pre-pitch setup involves a slightly wider than shoulder width stance and a high back elbow. When the pitch is delivered, Soto takes a very small stride towards the pitcher to transfer his weight. After he strides, he fires his hips, which creates substantial rotational energy. That strong hip action drives the swing and creates good bat speed. As he clears his hips out of the way, he brings his long, fluid swing to bear on the ball. His swing has a slight uppercut to it, which imparts good backspin on the ball and helps increase the carry on balls in the air. When a swing generates substantial power, the rotational energy frequently pulls a hitter off-balance, but Soto maintains his balance effectively throughout the swing.
Despite the aggressive and somewhat longer swing, Soto's plus hand-eye coordination allows him to make consistent, hard contact. He seems to maintain good control of the barrel of the bat throughout the hitting zone. He simply doesn't have the same type of problem making contact that typically plagues power hitters, which makes him a more complete hitter and a more compelling prospect. Soto reminds me a bit of Dustin Pedroia in that respect, as he takes a massive hack at the pitch, but consistently gets the barrel of the bat on the ball. Such a long, aggressive swing isn't supposed to produce such consistent contact, but plus hand-eye coordination makes it possible.
Unfortunately, even if Soto is working to become more disciplined, he still battles selectivity problems, as he remains prone to chasing pitches outside the zone. More advanced pitchers took advantage of Soto's free swinging ways by repeatedly enticing him to chase pitches out of the zone, most notably those breaking down and away. In 2009, his struggles were driven more by his flawed plate approach than his swing mechanics. You simply can't make effective use of your swing when you are using it on poor pitches. He needs to continue to work on pitch recognition and then only offer at those pitches he can actually handle. Until he learns to effectively recognize good breaking balls and refine his approach to focus on hitting those pitches in his hot zones, he will continue to struggle.
Below you can see a few photos of Soto at the plate.
In the photo on the left, you can see Soto's strong set-up, which gives him a solid foundation for his swing. In the middle photo, you can see Soto's head staying down on the ball and the good extension, as he gets out-and-through the ball. Also, you can see that the rotational energy created by his swing and the impressive bat speed at times cause him to spin out or roll over on his front foot just a bit. In the photo on the right, Soto maintains good balance throughout his swing and he keeps both hands on the bat in his follow through. Again, it's more personal preference than anything, but I've always favored hitters who keep both hands on the bat in the follow through. Keeping both hands on the bat ensures stability throughout the swing and prevents power from bleeding from the swing. Of course, some argue that by taking the top hand off the bat you improve power by increasing extension, but if the top hand comes off too early in the swing, then you risk losing power.
Below, you can see a video clip of Soto in action. Here, he hits a bomb in impressive style for the Dayton Dragons.
And, here is a clip of Soto as an amateur in a homerun contest. You can see his impressive swing and raw power. In addition, there are some very interesting slow motion shots of his swing from different angles at the tail end of the clip, so it's definitely worth your time.
Soto has very impressive swing for a prospect his age and he will go as far as it takes him. Hopefully, he can demonstrate a bit more patience and an improved ability to control the strike zone, as more advanced competition may be able to take advantage of his aggressive approach. While his hitting skills are both advanced and polished, his defensive skills are not.
His substandard performance in 2009 has opened the door to talk of him switching behind the plate. I remain confident in his bat and dubious about an attempt to move him behind the plate. Soto's career was always going to be determined by his bat. His defensive skills and positional value were always going to relegate him to being an offense-first type prospect, so attempting to shift him to the most challenging defensive position on the field seems somewhat dubious. If it works, then his value obviously gets a boost, but there is a significant risk of completely stalling his offensive development. Even so, when I think of prospects who have successfully made the transition to catcher, I think of very good athletes who have strong footwork. Examples that leap to mind are Buster Posey, Brandon Inge, and Russell Martin. I'm just not sure Soto fits that particular profile.
When I first saw Soto on defense, what jumped out at me was his clear lack of quickness, as he was rather plodding. His overall foot speed and agility simply weren't impressive. It was clear that he wouldn't be able to stick at shortstop, but now it seems questionable whether he can even stick at third base. If he can't, then he'll be relegated to leftfield or first base, where he'll have substantial competition within the organization. Outside of that, he'll be left to strap on the "tools of ignorance." The early reports about his catching are positive, but it's a very difficult position to master. I'm just not sure Soto has the agility and quick lateral movement necessary to be an effective catcher. Catching requires strong footwork and I'm just not sure Soto has the footwork to make the transition.
Soto is at a crossroads in his career in more ways than one. He had his first brush with adversity, which could help his development or derail it entirely. He is also facing a potential position switch, which would completely redefine his prospect profile. At this point, it's difficult to know exactly what to make of Soto, but he still has the swing mechanics and power potential that made him one of the more intriguing prospects in the system.
In 2010, the Reds will no longer play in Sarasota, so regardless of where Soto starts he'll be in a better park for hitters. Additionally, he'll have an offseason to contemplate his struggles and learn from his mistakes. The 2010 season will be a big one for Soto, as he could emerge stronger as a result of the adversity or his prospect status could be derailed entirely. For now, his hitting skills are enough to land him at #9 on the list, but he has enough upside to climb back up the list with a strong showing.
4 comments:
I really hope he can stick at catcher, I think he is plenty athletic for it and as you said the reports so far have been positive.ReplyDelete
I dont really agree with the theory that changing a position affects your offense, Lark I would love if you wrote an article on that with some proof, all im going off of is my own experience. I played 2B/SS/CF through high school and it never played a factor whatsoever in my offense. Great post as always
Yeah, if he can stick at catcher, he'd get a definite boost. I really have no idea whether that's a realistic possibility. Obviously, catchers don't have to be fast, but I do think the required level of athleticism is underrated. And, I'm really not sure if Soto has it. When I first saw Soto, the thing that jumped out at me was his slow feet. Maybe that impression is wrong, but that's still where I stand on him.
As for changing defensive positions affecting offense, I probably wasn't specific enough. By and large, I was thinking of transitioning to catcher, but if I stopped to think about it I might suggest that it happens anytime you move to a more challenging defensive position. If you move to an up-the-middle position, then it may take a toll on your offense. If you move to an easier position, then it may not.
At the very least, I do think the effect exists for those transitioning to catcher. I haven't done any extensive study, but Brandon Inge is an example that leaps to mind. He has tremendous athleticism, but when he was trying to stick at catcher he really couldn't hit. When he was switched to third, his bat came alive and became playable.
Obviously, that's just a solitary example, but there is a tendency among catching prospects to stagnate in their offensive development. I think it's due in part to the challenges of learning the position and in part to the physical demands of the position.
Catching is so drastically different than any other position on the field that it takes time to adjust. You are directly involved in every pitch on defense. You have control over the game. You have to learn not only how to catch the pitch, block balls in the dirt, to use the proper footwork, but also how to call a game.
Additionally, the physical demands are well documented. The reason you don't see many offensive catchers is because of all the nicks, bumps, and bruises. Catchers don't typically win batting titles because they are incredibly rundown physically by the end of the season. And, I think it applies down on the farm. Catchers get nicked up and probably change their swing mechanics to compensate.
At some point, I may try to take a deeper look at how switching to catcher impacts offense, but I do think the effect exists. In fact, I'd be more than a little surprised if it DIDN'T affect Soto's offense.
Anyway, thanks for the comment, Smitty!!
Got some news today from my friend who is currently in arizona, He watched soto catch for thompson and said he looked good there( said thompson looked healthy).ReplyDelete
My friend isn't a scout but he has seen/played a lot of baseball, He says he looked as if he has been catching for a while. Didn't appear to him that it was something new, He said his arm looked pretty strong also.
Thanks for relaying the info from your buddy. Always nice to get a first hand report. Soto has always had a strong arm, so that doesn't surprise me. I wonder if Soto's comfort level behind the plate is the result of fast learning or prior experience. Either way, nice to hear he's getting comfortable and also sounds like the Reds are giving the conversion some heavy consideration.
As for Thompson, it's too bad that he has had such massive injury problems, but probably not too surprising given his poor mechanics and max effort arm action.
Anyway, thanks for the info on Soto!


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Larry Macon laughs at the notion that he's a serious runner.
Sure, he plans to run his 105th marathon this year in Dallas on Sunday. But he's not exactly running competitively or getting overly focused on each race, having once held an hourlong conference call while running the Boston Marathon.
"I didn't tell the clients about it until afterward," the 63-year-old San Antonio attorney said. "I was afraid they'd want a discount on the bill."
Sports news
Somebody had to pay for him to get from Peachtree City, Ga., to Burlington, Vt., that day because he was running another marathon — that day. The doubleheader this year was the third of his career and prompts a simple question: Is he crazy?
Of course, he says with a hearty laugh.
"My mother got me all this education, and then last year I was named the marathon maniac of the year," Macon said. "I thought, 'My mother would be so proud.'"
Macon's story started as a typical one, with a mid-life crisis that got him to take up running at age 49.
"One day some idiot challenged me to run a marathon," he said. "After I did, I thought, 'Well, that wasn't that bad.'"
The site of his debut was routine enough — San Antonio. So was his regimen for several years after he started running marathons. He'd do two a year "because that's what the books say."
But he said he had "places I wanted to go and people I wanted to see," so somehow two became 58, which became 79 (twice), which became 93 last year. When he was around 50 races this year, he found out Guinness World Records recognized 99 as the most marathons in a year. At that point, it became a matter of "Why not?"
"Like most other things in life, it's just a matter of showing up and doing it," Macon said.
On this kind of schedule, showing up isn't always easy, though. Sometimes he drives between races. Sometimes he flies. Sometimes he does whatever he has to. When he was going from Fort Worth to New Orleans one year, severe weather shut down the airport and forced him to hop in a car. Heavy rain slowed the trip, so he parked the car and started running.
"Let me say, I wasn't a pretty sight," he said. "I hadn't showered. I hadn't shaved. I was ugly."
Yes, Macon has run all the biggies. He loves New York and Boston. He loves to know that thousands are running and sometimes millions watching.
But he's no marathon snob, also taking part in lesser-known races.
Macon said the Extraterrestrial Full Moon Midnight Marathon runs on a stretch of Nevada highway known for its history of reported UFO sightings.
"Everybody dresses up in these weird heads," he said. "You run for 26 miles to a town called Rachel, and there's not a car on the highway, there's not a light, there's not a house that you pass. It was eerie."
It couldn't have been any more strange than the way his body reacts to all this.
Aside from normal bouts with soreness — particularly on back-to-back days — Macon hasn't had any physical problems. His knees are holding up just fine, to the surprise of a personal physician who Macon said told him he "shouldn't be doing this."
"He just says that I'm very lucky," Macon said. "He says something bad's going to happen. I say, 'Yeah. OK.' It hadn't yet."
Dr. Ben Levine, an exercise specialist in Dallas, said a body's ability to handle high-mileage running depends largely on the structure of muscles, bones and joints and the runner's gait, or style. Since Macon limits his training to roughly 16 miles a week, his typical two-marathon week amounts to about 70 miles.
Levine said there are plenty of runners going that far in a week.
"He must be recovering well ... or else he wouldn't be able to run his next marathon," said Levine, a professor at University of Texas Southwestern Medical School and a staff member at Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas.
It probably helps that Macon's not too worried about his time. He sometimes finishes in the four-hour range but thinks of himself mostly as a five-hour guy. The world record is 2 hours, 3 minutes and 59 seconds, and Macon gets a simple thrill from knowing he sometimes runs the same course with those world-class athletes.
"It's like some golfer being able to go out and play with Tiger Woods," Macon said. "As slow as I run, you can talk to people. You meet hundreds of people. It's just a great thing."
If the record is 99 (a Guinness representative didn't return phone calls seeking comment), Macon broke it with his 100th race in Seattle on Nov. 29. He's scheduled for No. 104 Saturday in Huntsville, Ala., before calling it a year at the White Rock Marathon a day later.
He might never have contemplated the record if he'd been caught up on his marathon reading. Besides those books that say stop at two a year, there's another that says the maximum a body can handle is 100 — in a lifetime.
After 100, "your body will crumble and fall apart. Your knees will go out," Macon said of the book's basis. "The bad news is, I didn't read the book until after I had already done over 100."

subset: commoncrawl


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The coroner's report on Cory Monteith's death has confirmed that he died of an accidental and lethal dose of "intravenous heroin use combined with the ingestion of alcohol."
The Glee star was found dead on July 13 in a hotel in downtown Vancouver, Canada at the age of 31. The report details that when Monteith missed his checkout, hotel staff checked his room and discovered him on the floor.
Glee First Look: See the poster for the Cory Monteith tribute episode
Found along with Monteith's body in the hotel room were drug paraphernalia, including "a spoon with drug residue and a user hypodermic needle, along with two empty champagne bottles and glasses."
A toxicology report revealed that Monteith had a blood alcohol level of 0.13 percent, and also detected the presence of morphine, codeine and 6-monoacetyl morphine (an unambiguous metabolite of heroin.) The report notes that heroin users typically build up a tolerance for opioid drug usage, but if they abstain for longer periods of time, then their tolerance for the drug decreases with fatal consequences.
Monteith, who previously entered rehab for drug abuse when he was 19, was best known for playing Finn Hudson on the Fox musical dramedy.


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A Profitable Investment
A teenage girl's great desire to spend her summer vacation in a sleep-away camp ran into difficulty because of the financial situation of her family. Determined to pay her own way she began taking on babysitting jobs and developed a fine reputation for reliability, which landed her enough offers for her services to earn the money she needed.
On the way to one particular job, her father who was driving her there mentioned that the family she was about to serve was having a very hard time and it would be nice if she gave them a break in regard to payment. He quoted a passage about "casting your bread upon the waters" and the returns which can come from a generous act of kindness.
At the end of that babysitting job she adamantly refused to accept any payment. The extremely surprised lady of the house never forgot this gesture and when her brother began searching for a soul-mate she immediately arranged a match with her ex-babysitter which resulted in a very happy marriage.


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Full-size SUV with big towing capacity.
Sport Utility Vehicles
Editor: New Car Test Drive
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$51,610 As Tested MSRP
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Engine Options: 5.4-liter SOHC 24-valve V8
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Assembled In: Wayne, Michigan
Model Tested MSRP: Ford Expedition Limited 2WD ($44,870)
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Standard Safety Equipment: front airbags, torso-protecting front side airbags, three-row head-protecting side-curtain airbags with rollover deployment, tire-pressure monitor, anti-lock brakes (ABS) with brake assist, AdvanceTrac electronic stability control with Roll Stability Control, Trailer Sway Control
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There are few changes for 2011 Expedition models. Expedition was last redesigned for the 2007 model year.
The Ford Expedition comes in two lengths, the standard model with a 119-inch wheelbase, and the Expedition EL with its 131-inch wheelbase. Every Expedition is powered by a single-overhead-cam 5.4-liter V8 rated at 310 horsepower and 365 pound-feet of torque. A 6-speed automatic transmission is standard equipment.
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The 2011 Ford Expedition XL ($35,590) and 4WD XL ($38,490) come with cloth upholstery with front captain's chairs, second-row 40/20/40 split bench reclining fold-flat seat with CenterSlide, third-row 60/40 split bench fold flat-to-the-floor seat, full-length overhead console, large center console, power door locks, power windows, heated power mirrors, carpeting, auto-dimming mirror, three power points, leather-wrapped steering wheel, cruise control, keyless entry, AM/FM/CD/MP3 with audio input jack, fog lamps, luggage rack, and 17-inch aluminum wheels.
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Walk Around
The Ford Expedition is a truck and it doesn't pretend to be anything else. This is a good identity to have, because Ford trucks continue to have an outstanding reputation for utility, reliability and durability.
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The Expedition comes with running boards as standard equipment. Power retractable running boards that deploy when the doors are opened are optional. Some owners prefer no running boards, but that doesn't appear to be an option.
The Ford Expedition features a rich blend of finishes, textures and color. Wood, chrome and leather make the Expedition an inviting place to spend a day on the road. The layout of the gauges and controls is easy to understand and no controls are too far out of easy reach. The King Ranch is a great representation of modern American-style luxury.
Captain's chairs with movable armrests are standard across the four model lines. Leather-upholstered examples are available with a heating/cooling feature that makes them a more comfortable companion in winter and summer. Generous driver's-seat travel helps accommodate taller drivers, and it's a perfect match for the Expedition's movable pedals, so a wide range of sizes of drivers can sit comfortably.
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Packaging advantages afforded by the Expedition's independent rear suspension enable the third-row seat to deliver more comfort for adults compared to the accommodations provided by the Chevy Tahoe. In fact, third-row room is among the best of any SUV, though three adults won't want to sit in the back for long. The high ride height also makes getting in and out a task for children.
The Expedition's liftgate with its flip-up glass hatch makes access to the cargo area very easy. The Expedition's second- and third-row bench-type seats fold flat into the cargo floor, affording a long cargo area that can be easily loaded. This means you don't have to unbolt the passenger seats and leave them on the floor of your garage every time you're making a serious run to the home improvement store. In this regard, the Expedition is much better designed than GM's large SUVs. The Expedition is also available with an optional power-folding third-row seat and electronically powered liftgate to make it even easier to load cargo. However, the seat cushions of the second- and third-row seats are a little slim in order to allow the seats to fold properly.
The Expedition is about more than convenience. A DVD-based navigation system with sizable 6.5-inch screen is available as an option. The rear-seat DVD entertainment system has an eight-inch screen that flips down from the headliner and also includes two sets of wireless headphones. A plug-in jack for an MP3 player is standard across the line. The Expedition is even a nice place to be when all the entertainment is switched off, as the combination of thick glass and a generous amount of acoustic insulation behind the dash and on the floor makes this a remarkably quiet interior; it's actually possible to have a conversation with the people in the third-row seat while you're at the wheel.
Ford's rear backup camera is less impressive than many others. The image is shown in the rear-view mirror, and is quite small. While the image is useful, obstacles are not as easy to spot as they are in systems that show their images on six- or seven-inch dash-mounted screens.
Driving Impressions
Full-size sport-utilities aren't known for their driving manners, but the latest-generation of vehicles from both Ford and General Motors offer real progress in delivering a more car-like impression.
In this regard, the Ford Expedition tracks down the highway with excellent straight-line stability, negotiates forest roads with surprising agility, and absorbs impacts from bumps or broken pavement without straying from its path. It maintains a surprisingly calm ride considering its truck heritage. Most of the advantage comes from the synergy between a rigid frame, high-pressure gas shocks that afford excellent wheel control, and a second-generation, link-type independent rear suspension.
Steering effort is light and easy. The two-speed 4WD system is engaged with a simple rotary knob mounted on the dashboard, and it automatically reduces throttle sensitivity in low range for better traction in slippery circumstances.
The overhead-cam 5.4-liter V8 delivers 310 hp, but it's really tuned to deliver torque, 365 pound-feet of it, for towing. The 6-speed automatic transmission runs seamlessly through the gears, keeping the engine from laboring through its rpm range. The result is a lot of reliable power.
We did notice some hesitation at initial throttle opening in some situations. It we came to a stop sign at the top of a hill, stopped, then accelerated, there was sometimes a pause while the transmission engaged and forward momentum began.
The Expedition makes an excellent tow vehicle. With the optional towing package, the standard 4WD Expedition is rated at 8,900 pounds, the 2WD at 9,200 pounds, the 2WD EL at 8,900 pounds, and the 4WD EL at 8,700 pounds. We've found the load-leveling air suspension works very well. Using a weight-distribution hitch, we found the Expedition relatively smooth and reasonably stable while pulling a 24-foot trailer with two race cars stacked inside along with tools and spares, and three adults riding in the cabin.
For all its comfort and stability, the Expedition is still about utility rather than sport. When it comes to driving, the Expedition feels big and heavy, which it is. As good as it is, the Expedition certainly isn't sporty and no one should expect it to be. Still, the Expedition's overall driving performance is quite refined for its class.
Among full-size sport-utilities, the Ford Expedition stands apart with its superior driving comfort and utility package. Ford is right on target with its family adventure concept, and the Ford Expedition is one of the best vehicles for family vacation travel on the American road. It makes an excellent tow vehicle, smooth and stable, with tow capacities in the 9,000-pound range.
Kirk Bell contributed to this report from Chicago, with staff reports from NewCarTestDrive.com.
Top Cars


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It's the 47th Super Bowl party. Get your snacks and fan gear ready because CFCA is giving you four ways to remember your sponsored friend at this year's Super Bowl!
1. Super Bowl parties are full of great snacks.†
Super Bowl Sunday is a day filled with food, and a great way to remember your friend is to research a recipe from your sponsored friend's country and serve it with all your other favorites.
Got a friend in Colombia? Try Celina's homemade empanadas, or if you have a friend from Honduras, check out an amazing hamburger and sauce recipe from the Faith and Hope mothers group in Honduras!
Family and friends will have many questions, and you can share with them about CFCA. (Check out our recipes page on the blog!)
2. Compare the best commercials and how you would "advertise" CFCA.†
This year a 30-second Super Bowl commercial costs an average of $3.5 million. That's more than 9,722 years of sponsorship!
Consider having a competition between family and friends to see who can come up with the best CFCA sponsorship Super Bowl ad. Let us know what you would say in a 30-second commercial about CFCA.
The best part is your commercial won't cost $3.5 million!
3. Consider cultural party decorations.†
Are you decorating with colors from your favorite team? Whether it's face paint, streamers or table crafts, kids will love to help you use colors in preparation for Super Bowl Sunday.
See whether your sponsored friend's country flag has any of the same colors, and if so, remember to explain the "other" meaning behind the color you're using to decorate.
San Francisco 49ers team colors: 49ers red and 49ers gold
Country flags with corresponding colors: Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Kenya, Philippines, Venezuela, Bolivia, Chile, Mexico, Tanzania, Colombia and Uganda.
Baltimore Ravens team colors: Purple, black, metallic gold and white
Country flags with corresponding colors: Costa Rica, Guatemala, Kenya, Philippines, Chile, Dominican Republic, Honduras, Mexico, Tanzania, Colombia, Uganda, Nicaragua, El Salvador, India.
4. Your team just won the Super Bowl! Now what are you going to do?†
On Jan. 25, 1987, the New York Giants won the Super Bowl. A commercial aired later with New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms, who was asked what he was going to do next.
"I'm going to Disney World!" he said.
So, if your team wins the Super Bowl, what are you going to do?
"I'm going on a CFCA awareness trip to meet my sponsored friend!"
Well, that could be your answer, but if you can't make a trip halfway around the world, then just try paying it forward!
Try sending your friend a nice letter ó share your love of sports with your friend and ask about his or her favorite sport.
If you have other ideas of how you and your family can incorporate CFCA into your Super Bowl party, we'd love to hear them.
Let us know in the comments below!


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Professional Edition
Recognize, playback and manage complete band arrangements, operas, instrumental parts; even conductors' scores! Includes a rich selection of Garritan® sounds free. More »
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Turn your scanner into a player piano! Listen to and practice along to piano scores and solo parts at different tempos. Transpose by key or by clef and print out in minutes. More »
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text:
Previous Lecture
Complete and continue
The Food Entrepreneur Summit 2016
Module 1: Finding Your Path
Welcome to the course! (7:04)
How To Avoid the Comparison Trap and Create Consistent Content (66:04)
Finding Your Person in the Blogging Community (22:10)
When's the Right Time to Quit Your Job + How to Be Your Own PR Force (27:36)
How to Stand Out and Grow Your Audience by Being You! (56:10)
Blogging Roadblocks and How To Overcome Disappointment (31:27)
Module 2: Work Smarter, Not Harder
How to do less and get more traffic and sales using your existing posts (66:52)
The 5 Times to Ask Why To Change Your Business and Your Life (25:59)
Using Your Passion and Knowledge to Come Up With Great Content Your Audience Wants (38:29)
How to Grow Your Instagram Account (29:12)
How to Create a Content Calendar and Get Organized (31:31)
Module 3: How to Test A New Product Idea
How to Pioneer a New Product in the Food Industry (44:41)
Building a Lifestyle and food brand online: How to Test, Scale and Distribute (30:57)
Making A Product that is True to You, While Listening to Your Customer/Audience (40:18)
Module 4: Making Money Online
How to leverage your local community to build your online business (26:44)
Figuring Out Your Ideal Audience Avatar. (32:25)
Making a Significant Income Online with a Small Audience (26:04)
Privacy, Contracts and Everything In Between (38:41)
How to Work With Influencers to Help Grow Your Brand (38:11)
How to Run Two Business and Stay Sane While Doing It (33:14)
All About Affiliate Marketing (35:52)
Wrapping Up and BONUSES!
Wrap Up! (8:45)
How to Create a Content Calendar and Get Organized
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text:
A viral load test measures how much
human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is in the blood.
Viral load is first measured when you are diagnosed with HIV infection. This
initial measurement serves as the baseline, and future viral load measurements
will be compared with the baseline. Since viral load can vary from day to day,
the trend over time is used to determine if the infection is getting worse. If
your viral load shows a steady increase over several measurements, it means the
infection is getting worse. If the trend in viral load decreases over several
measurements, it means that the infection is being suppressed.
viral load is measured using one of three different types of tests:
These tests measure the amount of the genetic material
(RNA) of HIV in the blood. But each test reports the
results differently, so it is important to use the same test over time.
A viral load measurement test is done
You and your doctor may set up a different schedule
for the test, but the most common schedule is the following:
Your doctor may consider your viral load measurement along
with your CD4+ count to decide when to start antiretroviral therapy.
You do not need to do anything before
you have this test.
The health professional drawing blood
You may feel nothing at all from the
needle puncture, or you may feel a brief sting or pinch as the needle goes
through the skin. Some people feel a stinging pain while the needle is in the
vein. But many people do not feel any pain (or have only minor discomfort)
after the needle is positioned in the vein. The amount of pain you feel depends
on the skill of the health professional drawing the blood, the condition of
your veins, and your sensitivity to pain.
There is very little risk of complications from
having blood drawn from a vein.
A viral load test measures how much
human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is in the blood.
The results can take up to 2 weeks.
The normal values listed here—called a reference range—are just a guide. These ranges vary from lab to lab and depend upon which testing method is used (RT-PCR, bDNA, NASBA). Your lab may have a different range for what's normal. Your lab report should contain the range your lab uses. Also, your doctor will evaluate your results based on your health and other factors. This means that a value that falls outside the normal values listed here may still be normal for you or your lab.
load results are reported as the number of HIV copies in a
milliliter (copies/mL) of blood. Each virus is called
a "copy," because HIV reproduces by making copies of itself
HIV is not detected in the
HIV is detected in the blood.
Your doctor will compare your current measurement with previous
If your viral load increases, it means the infection is
getting worse. If the viral load drops, it means that the infection is being
Reasons you may not be able to
have the test or why the results may not be helpful include:
Other Works ConsultedFischbach FT, Dunning MB III, eds. (2009).
Manual of Laboratory and Diagnostic Tests, 8th ed.
Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins.Pagana KD, Pagana TJ (2010). Mosby's Manual of Diagnostic and Laboratory Tests, 4th ed. St. Louis: Mosby Elsevier.
Next Section:
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Last Revised:
October 22, 2012
Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine & Peter Shalit, MD, PhD - Internal Medicine
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
To learn more visit Healthwise.org
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Our friends, Katie and Dave, had a baby girl last year, just after Thanksgiving. She's grown so much in her first year and is now busy crawling after the cats in their new house and trying to figure out how to take her first steps. Macy just celebrated her first Thanksgiving, watching the Macy's parade for the first time. I wonder if she's going to think that the parade was named in honor of her birthday?
For her first birthday last weekend, Katie planned a "Winter One-derland" party for Macy and asked me to bake a few treats for the party. First there was the birthday cake, a strawberry and vanilla, pink and white ombre cake, with a smaller cake on top that Katie could photograph Macy with later for the official "cake smash". A chocolate snowflake graced the top of the cake. I can't wait to see Katie's photos of the party since she's a professional photographer.
Then I made snowman cupcakes, complete with ruffly striped scarves and candy hats. I decorated a special cupcake just for Macy, which she was a little shy about tasting at first, but after a few bites, she just stuffed the whole thing in her face! I think she even had frosting inside her nose after she was finished.
There was barbecue and lemonade (labeled as "Melted Snowman") for everyone, gingerbread peeps and other candy and treats, and lots of adorable presents to open. Macy loved pulling everything out of their boxes and gift bags.
Happy First Birthday, Macy!
Pink and White Two-Tiered Ombre Cake
printable recipe
- Two 8-inch layers of cake
- Two 6-inch layers of cake
- White buttercream, vanilla or flavored (this technique uses a LOT of buttercream, in addition to this being a big cake - to use my recipe, multiply it by 9 or 10x)
- pink food coloring (or other color) - I used Americolor "Soft Pink"
- piping bags
- open star tip (Wilton # 22)
- Cool the cakes completely, and level the tops, if needed.
- (If keeping the cake tiers separated, as in the picture, you'll need to frost each separately, on their own cake boards, and then support the smaller cake on wooden skewers or cake separators. If you have no need of keeping the top tier separate, simply stack all the cakes and frost on one cake board.)
- Place one 8-inch cake on a 10-inch cake board. Frost the top of the cake with a 1/4 inch layer of buttercream. Repeat with the 2nd 8-inch cake. Repeat with the 6-inch cake layers.
- Frost the cake all over with a very crumb coat layer of buttercream; refrigerate for 15 minutes.
- Fill a piping bag fitted with the star tip with buttercream (at this point, you have not added any food coloring yet). Starting at the top, pipe a swirl of frosting in the center of the cake. Pipe swirls all over the top of the cake, then pipe one row of swirls around the top edge of the cake. Fill in any gaps with smaller swirls or stars. Squeeze out any remaining buttercream back into the bowl.
- Add a drop of food coloring to the bowl and mix it in; the frosting should be tinted a very pale shade. Fill the piping bag again, and pipe another row of swirls under the first row. Squeeze out any remaining buttercream back into the bowl.
- Add another drop of food coloring to the bowl and fix it in; the frosting should be every so slightly darker than before. Repeat this process, piping a row and then tinting the frosting gradually darker until you've reached the bottom of the cake. There should be a graduation of color from the top to the bottom.
- Refrigerate for 30 minutes, then cover and store at room temperature until ready to serve.
Design by Curly Girl Kitchen
Snowman Cupcakes
printable recipe
- 12 cupcakes, any flavor
- 2 cups white buttercream, flavored vanilla or coconut
- 24 marshmallows
- 12 toothpicks
- 12 peppermint striped Hershey's kisses, chocolate peppermint bells, M&Ms, or other candy, to make the hats
- white sparkling decorative sugar
- piping bags, piping tips and food coloring (I used the following tips: Wilton round tips #1, 3, 4, star tip # 18, and rose tip # 101)
- Frost each of the cupcakes with a thin layer of buttercream. Place one of the marshmallows in the center of each cupcake. Top the marshmallow with a dot of buttercream, insert the toothpick in the middle and place the other marshmallow on top. (If you use a stiffer frosting, such as royal buttercream, the toothpick probably isn't necessary, but since I used a soft buttercream, I wanted to make sure the marshmallows didn't topple over so I used toothpicks.)
- Using the star tip, pipe stars around the edge of each cupcake. Sprinkle with the sparkling sugar.
- Tint very small amounts of the buttercream orange, blue and pink (or other colors of your choice). Using the round tips, pipe the eyes (#3) , buttons (#4), nose (#3) and mouth (#1). To make the carrot nose, squeeze the frosting with the tip against the marshmallow, then slowly pull away, while continuing to squeeze; push back a little, then pull further away, pushing and pulling to create the ridges, until the carrot gets smaller at the tip and then pull the tip off.
- To make the ruffled scarf, fit a piping bag with the rose tip. Dip a small paint brush in food color of your choice, and paint a thin stripe of color along the inside of the bag. Make sure the narrow side of the rose tip is lined up with the stripe. Scoop the buttercream, either colored or white, into the piping bag and squeeze until you start to see the stripe of color. Pipe the scarf by placing the wide side of the tip against the "seam" (where the two marshmallows meet) and the narrow side facing out, so that the stripe shows. Pipe a ruffle around the neck of the snowman, then pipe two ruffles down the side of his chest, to create the tails of the scarf.
- Using the round tips again, pipe the ear muffs. Lastly, squeeze a dot of frosting on top of the snowman's head and finish with a candy hat.
- Refrigerate for an hour to firm up the frosting, then cover and keep at room temperature until ready to serve.
Yields 12 cupcakes
Design by Curly Girl Kitchen


text:
Tiziano Crudeli is a cult figure for his demonstrative commentary, and he's also a huge AC Milan fan. So naturally, an Italian TV station had a camera on him as he watched Milan squander a two-goal aggregate lead, falling to Barcelona in the second leg of their Champions League tie yesterday.
The real fun starts at the 40-second mark, with Milan already down 1-0. An equalizer would be worth more than its weight in gold—an away goal would give Milan the tiebreaker. M'Baye Niang, all alone, hits the post. Crudeli flies into a paroxysm. Moments later, Lionel Messi scores for Barca. Crudeli no longer wants to live. The Italian press is fun.
H/t Adolfo


text:
J.C. Penney on Tuesday posted a wider-than-expected quarterly loss of $1.17 a share on $2.66 billion in revenues, but its store sales improved from the previous quarter and its stock price jumped.
Analysts had expected Penny to report a second quarter loss of $1.06 a share on $2.76 billion in revenue, according to a consensus estimate from Thomson Reuters.
Penney's stock soared Tuesday, getting an additional boost by reports that Kyle Bass's Hayman Capital had taken a large equity position. (Click here to get the latest quote.)
(Read more: Kyle Bass goes long JC Penney: Source)
Penney also reported sales at stores open at least a year had fallen 11.9 percent in the second quarter, during which it reverted to a promotions-heavy strategy to try to halt a sharp sales decline.
"That's a sequential improvement from the down 16.6 percent in the first quarter. So I would say the numbers are closely in line," Mary Ross Gilbert, managing director at Imperial Capital, told CNBC shortly after Penney released its results. "We were [also] seeing a sequential improvement throughout the quarter. Comp sales were improving throughout the quarter."
Penney CEO Mike Ullman described the back-to-school season as "encouraging" so far.
But he added: "We're facing headwinds of declining mall traffic. We know where the problems are, how to address them, and have the plans in place."


text:
"With 70-million Irish diaspora around the world, and up to one-fifth of Canadians claiming Irish heritage, this project will connect even more people to their historical," stated Ian E. Wilson, Librarian and Archivist of Canada.
The LAC and the NAI collaborated on other projects including two Irish studies held in 2006 and 2008 (I attended this one*); the Irish-Canadian Documentary Heritage at the LAC, and the popular website, The Shamrock and the Maple Leaf at www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/ireland.
Making these records accessible online will give genealogists and historians around the world the chance to explore the age, occupation, religion, and marital status of individuals. It will also allow research on Irish on Irish society of the early 20th century. The National Archives of Ireland have provided vibrant historical essays on topics such as social life, government, sport, and religion, and the photographs depicting life in Ireland in 1911.
The census records can search free of charge, and it is searchable by name.
* (For more on the 2008 Irish Studies I attended, please visit these four pages):
- http://genealogycanada.blogspot.com/2008/09/irish-studies-symposium.html
- http://genealogycanada.blogspot.com/2008/10/irish-symposium-2008-at-library-and.html
- http://genealogycanada.blogspot.com/2008/11/library-and-archives-canada-launches.html
- http://genealogycanada.blogspot.com/2008/12/450-years-of-fishing.html


text:
Elbert Han-Quantum Watch
At Design Interviews
Interview with Elbert Han : Frank Scott: What is the main principle, idea and inspiration behind your design?. Elbert Han : The main inspiration behind my design were concept sports cars that featured angular designs. .Frank Scott: What has been your main focus in designing this work? Especially what did you want to achieve?. Elbert Han : The main focus was to incorporate sharp lines and angles to evoke a sense of power and sportiness, while staying classic enough to be worn at formal occasions. .Frank Scott: What are your future plans for this award winning design?. Elbert Han : I am currently putting this watch into production and hope to finish it within a month from now. I also plan on marketing my watch on the business support platform Kickstarter. .Frank Scott: How long did it take you to design this particular concept?. Elbert Han : From start to finish, it took me about 2 months to design this concept. .Frank Scott: Why did you design this particular concept? Was this design commissioned or did you decide to pursuit an inspiration?. Elbert Han : I pursued this concept out of a desire to create a watch that would be uniquely mine and that I could wear. .Frank Scott: Is your design being produced or used by another company, or do you plan to sell or lease the production rights or do you intent to produce your work yourself?. Elbert Han : I intend on initial production on my own, and then perhaps leasing the production rights. .Frank Scott: What made you design this particular type of work?. Elbert Han : I've gained a new-found appreciation for fine watchmaking and that inspired me to design one for myself. .Frank Scott: Where there any other designs and/or designers that helped the influence the design of your work?. Elbert Han : Some of the designs of fine watchmakers Girard Perregaux and Vacheron Constantin influenced my design. .Frank Scott: Who is the target customer for his design?. Elbert Han : The target customer for this design is mainly aspiring businessmen and businesswomen who want a unique watch that exudes an air of confidence and classiness. .Frank Scott: What sets this design apart from other similar or resembling concepts?. Elbert Han : This design features a multi-part case construction that's rarely seen in other watches which allows me to use contrasting finishes (brushed, polished, matte) side by side to create a visually interesting and contrasting experience for the wearer and other viewers. .Frank Scott: How did you come up with the name for this design? What does it mean?. Elbert Han : I came up with the name for this design because "quantum" means a specified amount, and a watch perfectly encompasses that ideal. One always has a certain "quantized" amount of time to go about their tasks, and indeed, only has a certain amount of time on Earth. A watch divides that time into visible parts and defines them, quantizing them. .Frank Scott: Which design tools did you use when you were working on this project?. Elbert Han : I used Google Sketchup, SolidWorks, and Keyshot Renderer. .Frank Scott: What is the most unique aspect of your design?. Elbert Han : The most unique aspect of my design would either be the multi-part case construction or the direct strap attachment that gives the wearer an integrated experience - they do not see the strap attach to the watch from the front, and it seems to disappear right into the watch. .Frank Scott: Who did you collaborate with for this design? Did you work with people with technical / specialized skills?. Elbert Han : No. .Frank Scott: What is the role of technology in this particular design?. Elbert Han : Technology allowed me to model and design the concept on a computer, and will allow me to machine the components through CNC technology to achieve superior precision that would not be possible by hand. .Frank Scott: Is your design influenced by data or analytical research in any way? What kind of research did you conduct for making this design?. Elbert Han : No. I researched the waterproofing of watches to determine how to waterproof my design and protect it from outside forces. .Frank Scott: What are some of the challenges you faced during the design/realization of your concept?. Elbert Han : One of the major challenges was (and is) finding a machine shop that will handle production of my watch at low prices. Because this is not a high-volume production run, the prototype costs an exorbitant amount of money, and has forced me to optimize my design to lower the cost of machining. .Frank Scott: How did you decide to submit your design to an international design competition?. Elbert Han : I decided to submit my design because I wanted to see how my design stacked up against other design studios and professionals around the world. .Frank Scott: What did you learn or how did you improve yourself during the designing of this work?. Elbert Han : I learned that often times, when one runs into problems, there are always other people who are willing and desire to help. They can offer so much in terms of knowledge and experience, some of the most important factors in designing. .Frank Scott: Any other things you would like to cover that have not been covered in these questions?. Elbert Han : No. .
Elbert Han-Quantum Watch Images:
End of the article, click here to go back to previous page, or alternatively go back to Design Honor Magazine homepage.


text:
As a tricky toolbar virus, it will glue its component with your browser (like Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox or Google Chrome) stubbornly. Actually Mixi.DJ Toolbar is not hazardous, but it will drop and install additional threats which may contain: redirect virus, Trojan or keyloggers so that to make further damage in affected PC. Thus, your confidential data would be attacked by cyber criminals. To prevent worse results, we should clean up Mixi.DJ Toolbar from PC timely and completely.
Possible threats Mixi.DJ Toolbar may bring* Slow PC performance and speed
* Spontaneous system reboots
* Annoying popups and alerts during Internet access
* Blue Screen of Death error
* Redirecting web browser to malicious websites
* Recording user's Internet surfing and keystrokes
* Changes system settings and desktop background
How to remove Mixi.DJ Toolbar effectively?The Mixi.DJ Toolbar virus, as many other viruses, is created with malicious code and is changed daily or more often. That's why any of the antivirus programs can't keep up to remove the virus. When victim users tried with various security tools, they did not get rid of the virus, but messed up the computer more. Any unsure method is not recommended to remove the virus, but manual removal has always been the most effective way to get rid of it.
Here is the manual removal guide:
Method one: Add / Remove Program
1) Find the "start" button on the lower left corner of your monitor, and then click it.
2) Find and double click the button "Control Panel".
3) Find "Add / Remove Program" icon in the control panel, and then double click it.
4) Find the Mixi.DJ Toolbar icon in the list, and then select it to start uninstalling it from your computer.
5) When it is done, press OK. Then you can reboot your computer to take effect.
Method two: remove Mixi.DJ Toolbar completely
Mixi.DJ Toolbar manual removal is your best choice to make your computer safe. Before performing its manual approach, we suggest you back up Windows registry at first for accidental damages or further usage.
Step one: Launch the Task Manager by pressing keys "CTRL + Shift + ESC", search for Mixi.DJ Toolbar processes and right-click to end them.
Step two: Click on the "Start" menu and then click on the "Search programs and files" box, Search for and delete these files created by Mixi.DJ Toolbar:
Step three: Open Registry Editor by navigating to "Start" Menu, type "Regedit" into the box and click "OK" to proceed. When Registry Editor is open, search and get rid of the following registry entries:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Active Setup\Installed Components\random
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Installer\Products\786OSH093N512 "(Default)"="1?
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\"UninstallString" = "'%AppData%\[RANDOM]\[RANDOM].exe" -u
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\"ShortcutPath" = "'C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\786OSH093N512.exe" -u'"
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce "5ATIUYW62OUOMNBX256" = "'C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\786OSH093N512.exe'
Automatic Removal Tool (Recommended)
SpyHunter is a powerful, real-time anti-spyware application that designed to assist the average computer user in protecting their PC from malicious threats like worms, Trojans, rootkits, rogues, dialers, spyware, etc. It is important to notice that SpyHunter removal tool works well and should run alongside existing security programs without any conflicts.
Step 1. Click the Download icon below to install SpyHunter on your PC.
Step 2. After the installation, run SpyHunter and click "Malware Scan" button to have a full or quick scan on your computer.
Step 3. Choose Select all>Remove to get rid of all the detected threats on your PC.
Step 1. Click the Download icon below to install SpyHunter on your PC.
Step 2. After the installation, run SpyHunter and click "Malware Scan" button to have a full or quick scan on your computer.
Step 3. Choose Select all>Remove to get rid of all the detected threats on your PC.
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ReBoot, the animated series about anthropomorphic programs within computer systems, is coming back... albeit not as a TV show. Instead, it's going to be in the form of a webcomic, which will pick up where the series left off, and a trilogy of films by series creators Rainmaker Animation.
The unique factor for this revival is that the webcomic is actually a fan-inspired project. Teaming up with Zeros 2 Heroes, Rainmaker launched a contest in which a series of fan-created story pitches were voted on by other fans, the winning entry being turned into the comic. Meanwhile, the movie trilogy will feature a different plot line than the comic, but exactly what their stories will entail has yet to be revealed.
Originally, ReBoot played off the idea of computer systems as cities that battled against godlike Users through computer games; if a system lost, it was devastated when the User departed. The first few seasons played on this theme and featured a number of fun video game spoofs before the show's tone eventually shifted toward a kind of cyber-opera. Personally, I always hoped that someone would publish a ReBoot game for current systems (as I loved the PS1 game by EA)... maybe one will come about with this revival.


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The Central Eastside Industrial Council and other interested businesses sought LUBA review of the City of Portland's decision that a houseless rest area and tent camp for houseless persons was a Community Service Use allowed in the General Industrial Zone (IG1 Zone). The city's decision would have allowed the Right 2 Dream Too ("R2DToo") Camp to relocate from downtown Portland to land near Oregon's Museum of Science and Industry. The subject property is designated as an industrial sanctuary in the city's Comprehensive Plan.
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...isn't just for presenters. Instead, it is the perfect preparation for nearly every client meeting, negotiation and court appearance. Before your next high-stakes meeting, answer each question, first replacing 'Audience' with Client, Judge or even Opposing Counsel. I suspect you'll gain answers that make asking the questions worthwhile.I've subsequently annotated the checklist at the request of readers to add items for introverts, who might want to make different preparations in addition to the list. Now, the good news: I've revised and updated this useful checklist as a handout that you can use, with appropriate credit to the source. Get your free copy of the Checklist for the whole speaker -- a two-page review sheet that will make sure you're not missing anything before your next speech, face-to-face meeting, conference call, webinar or presentation. Please do share this resource with your colleagues! I welcome your feedback and would love to hear how you're putting this popular checklist to use in your own speaking.
Use the Evernote clip button, above, to save this post in an Evernote notebook or start an Evernote account. Go here to subscribe to Step Up Your Speaking, my free email newsletter that looks at a different speaking topic in depth each month...then become a fan of The Eloquent Woman on Facebook and join the conversation with thousands of other women (and men) about public speaking skills and confidence.


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Woman charged with stealing Mount Airy police car
An apparent joyride in a city police car has landed a Mount Airy woman in the Surry County Jail under a $50,000 secured bond.
Charges against Christy Lynn Sawyers, 31, of 410 Broad St., were announced this week by the Mount Airy Police Department, stemming from an incident last Thursday at Granite Town Centre on South Andy Griffith Parkway.
Sawyers allegedly drove off in the 2012 Dodge Charger, which was found about 30 minutes later on the other side of town. She was arrested on North Main Street a short distance away and remained jailed Wednesday afternoon on two felony charges, larceny of a motor vehicle and possession of stolen property.
The case originated from an earlier crime reported at a business in Granite Town Centre, which includes the Lowe's hardware store, Food Lion and several other commercial operations.
"What happened was an officer was doing a follow-up investigation of a larceny," Police Chief Dale Watson explained Wednesday.
Officer Todd Bledsoe had located property believed to have been stolen in the earlier incident and returned to the shopping center to verify that, the chief continued. When he arrived, the parking area was full, so Bledsoe stopped near the front of the unnamed business.
"He just went in momentarily," Watson said. "He left the vehicle running and thought he had left the vehicle locked."
Sawyers allegedly drove off in the Dodge Charger about a minute after it was parked by Bledsoe, police records show. "This individual found it unsecured and got in it," Watson said.
Fortunately, he added, some onlookers saw what happened, realized it was suspicious and were able to maintain visual contact of the police car after it left the scene. "I think we had a total of three citizens," Watson said, praising their "quick actions" for a positive outcome.
Sawyers allegedly left the vehicle in the parking lot of Ollie's Bargain Outlet on North Renfro Street.
"We were able to locate the vehicle undamaged," Watson said of the $40,000 Dodge Charger.
Sawyers, who began walking north from Ollie's after allegedly leaving the car there, was located in the parking area of Spencer Funeral Home on North Main Street and arrested by Sgt. B.L. Quensinberry after a brief investigation.
Police believe Sawyers likely realized the gravity of the situation in deciding to abandon the vehicle at Ollie's — but that is only speculation at this point.
"She denied any involvement," Watson said of the car theft.
Sawyers is scheduled to appear in Surry District Court on June 12.


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text: Job Discussion Forums :: View topic - How does one pay c.card bills/bills when overseas? Get TEFL Certified & Start Your Adventure Today! Job Discussion Forums"The Internet's Meeting Place for ESL/EFL Students and Teachers from Around the World!" FAQ Search Memberlist Usergroups Register Profile Log in to check your private messages Log in How does one pay c.card bills/bills when overseas? Job Discussion Forums Forum Index -> General Discussion View previous topic :: View next topic Author Message InterestedJoined: 28 Apr 2003Posts: 2 Posted: Wed Apr 30, 2003 7:09 pm Post subject: How does one pay c.card bills/bills when overseas? - Credit cards bills: Most US card companies state that they will "send only one statement to one address." How does one pay when travelling overseas? If travelling to several cities in one month, the statement may not catch up with one in time. What about other bills & statements? Thank you Back to top earth_dogJoined: 04 Apr 2003Posts: 13Location: Canada/China Posted: Wed Apr 30, 2003 9:14 pm Post subject: If you have access to a computer, you can bank on line. I've been overseas for over a year and have done all my banking by computer without any problems. This includes credit cards, loan payments and deposits to retirement savings funds. Back to top elainenatalJoined: 29 Mar 2003Posts: 34Location: South Africa Posted: Wed Apr 30, 2003 10:06 pm Post subject: Do you have a cheque book on your bank accounts? You can give a forwarding address and have your bills sent to you and then pay by cheque. Also, when I've been overseas, I've always left some money with my sister or a close relative and they have paid any outstanding bills that came in after I left - or I've asked my sister to pay and I've reimbursed her. Some banks allow direct deductions from your bank account from some companies such as utility providers, does this happen in your country? If so, you could make all arrangements with your bank before you leave.Last edited by elainenatal on Thu May 01, 2003 4:36 am; edited 1 time in total Back to top BrooksJoined: 16 Jan 2003Posts: 1369Location: Sagamihara Posted: Wed Apr 30, 2003 11:38 pm Post subject: my father is nice enough to do it for me. I have an account with a credit union in the US, and we have a joint checking account. I send him money, which he deposits. Brooks Back to top usfemmeJoined: 04 Apr 2003Posts: 11 Posted: Thu May 01, 2003 1:22 am Post subject: I'm a strong supporter of paying online. You can receive statements via e-mail (your account number is not enclosed for security reasons). I access my checking account and pay bills online. Also, my bank has a fantastic system that they will write checks to anyone and send them free-of-charge ( in the US only)! So, if I have a one-time charge or a company cannot accept online payments, I access my checking account online and tell them where to send the check. Very neat and convenient. Back to top CelesteJoined: 17 Jan 2003Posts: 814Location: Fukuoka City, Japan Posted: Thu May 01, 2003 1:58 am Post subject: I have always been able to get my account balance by phone (there is a number for general inquiries on the back of the card) and then I just send a cheque from wherever I happen to be. Back to top chuckieJoined: 31 Jan 2003Posts: 17 Posted: Thu May 01, 2003 6:53 am Post subject: on-line I've not touched a check or a statement in years. Usually your balance and due date is online. Also, sign up with a great bank like First Internet Bank of Indiana (firstib.com) - they have a free billpay set up. So you just go online, get your balance and due date and set up paymment with firstib. You can even set up an ongoing payment if you are too busy or remote for a few months. You can even open your account there with your CREDIT CARD! wow! You do need a permanent usa address though - but no problem as you can just get statements online - you don't have to have them mailed to you. yeeee hawww! Back to top CelesteJoined: 17 Jan 2003Posts: 814Location: Fukuoka City, Japan Posted: Thu May 01, 2003 7:36 am Post subject: Actually, I usually do all of my banking online, but if I am on vacation and away from computers with 128bit encryption, then I use the phone and cheque method. Back to top chuckieJoined: 31 Jan 2003Posts: 17 Posted: Thu May 01, 2003 11:15 pm Post subject: the point being Well, the real point is that it is unwieldy to have to do telephone and check stuff. Getting set up online is easy - it is already there waitng for you to take advantage for it. Any bank with an online bill pay will allow you to set it up and make certain minimum payments regularly - without any additional input. You could literally disappear for two years and still have your billpay make regular monthly payments for you. Mine sends my mom a check every month - and has been doing so for years with no additional input from me. Most good online banks like Firstib.com also will give you an international ATM card that works everywhere - just an additional benefit. On some of the other comments: My experience, after almost 15 years overseas, is that you can't really trust your family or friends to take care of your finances for you - and it only ends up straining your relationships. Back to top johnslatJoined: 21 Jan 2003Posts: 13859Location: Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA Posted: Fri May 02, 2003 3:55 am Post subject: Depends The Net probably is the best way to go, but while I generally agree with chuckie's comment: " you can't really trust your family or friends to take care of your finances for you - and it only ends up straining your relationships. " the fact is I've been having all my financial stuff done for me for the past ten years by a friend, and it's been entirely trouble-free ( for me ) and has put no strain whatsoever upon our relationship. So, I guess it does depend some on you, your friend/relative and just how much trust you have in the integrity and dependability of the designated party. Regards, John Back to top Mike_2003Joined: 27 Mar 2003Posts: 344Location: Bucharest, Romania Posted: Fri May 02, 2003 4:44 am Post subject: Cash is King! I rarely make enough to make it worth saving much but I just convert it into something more reliable and stuff it under the bed (or somewhere 'er indoors won't find it). I know it's not the best idea in the world but I've got nothing to pay off "back home" and I detest credit cards and cheque books. I have enough free time to go into town and pay the local bills in person. I've always been a bit of a money-worrier and hate having any outstanding debts so I've found, for me personally, that the "if you don't have the cash in your pocket then you can't afford it - get saving or go without" attitude works. Back to top johnslatJoined: 21 Jan 2003Posts: 13859Location: Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA Posted: Fri May 02, 2003 5:06 am Post subject: Give me some credit Dear Mike_2003, " . . ."if you don't have the cash in your pocket then you can't afford it - get saving or go without" . A very good attitude, I'd say - one that I share. But in today's world that way of living isn't always possible for everyone. If you're single, it's easier. But, if you're not, or if you're into investing - in stocks, land, houses, etc., then you've got to have dealings with financial institutions and you have to have credit. Heck, if you want to rent a car, at least in the States, you'd better have a credit card. I hate using them, too - but, after being a long-time hold-out, I now have a couple, which I employ only when necessary and pay off right away. There are, I'd say, few who can live as you've suggested nowadays - but you're fortunate. Keep it up as long as you can. Regards, John Back to top Mike_2003Joined: 27 Mar 2003Posts: 344Location: Bucharest, Romania Posted: Fri May 02, 2003 5:18 am Post subject: Hi John, You are right, it's not suitable for everyone nor indeed possible. I guess it helps that I've never had a credit card in my life. It's probably (as far as I would know...) one of those things that once you get used to having one, it would be hard to go back to not having one. Cars are similar. Before I passed my driving test I used to walk everywhere or take public transport. After I passed I bought a car and used that all the time. In fact it was ridiculuously expensive - petrol, insurance, services etc, but it becomes a habit. After a year of driving I found I had much less disposable income and had gained about 5kg! Still, if you work far from your home it's a evil that must be tolerated. Luckily I don't need a car any more. I've found that keeping life as simple as possible keeps me pretty happy most of the time. If I see something I like, I'll put by a little by each month as and when I can afford to until such time as I can buy it. Stops me from buying junk on impulse and then agonizing about it later when the bills roll in. Still, it's horses for courses... Back to top CelesteJoined: 17 Jan 2003Posts: 814Location: Fukuoka City, Japan Posted: Fri May 02, 2003 6:10 am Post subject: Chuckie- I'm not sure what country you are in, but never have I encountered a bank card that works "everywhere". As well, computer banking does require a computer with 128bit encryption. Not available everywhere. I suppose it all depends on where one is going to travel. If "Interested" is going to be near the necessary technology then he/she should take advantage of it. Another question to those out there who also use internet banking. I always do my internet banking from my home computer. Are any of you brave enough to use internet cafes or school computers to do your banking? Are there any special safety precautions that you take if using a public computer? Back to top Display posts from previous: All Posts1 Day7 Days2 Weeks1 Month3 Months6 Months1 Year Oldest FirstNewest First Job Discussion Forums Forum Index -> General Discussion All times are GMT Page 1 of 1 Jump to: Select a forum Where to Begin----------------General DiscussionNewbie ForumCurrent Events ForumTechnology ForumOnline Teaching Forum Africa Forums----------------General Africa Forum Asia Forums----------------CambodiaChina (Job-related Posts Only)China (Off-Topic)Hong KongIndiaIndonesiaJapanMalaysiaPhilippinesSingaporeTaiwanThailandGeneral Asia ForumVietnam Caribbean Forums----------------General Caribbean Forum Europe Forums----------------Czech RepublicFranceGermanyGreeceItalyMacedonia and the BalkansPolandRomaniaRussia & C.I.S.SpainTurkeyUkraineUnited KingdomGeneral Europe Forum Latin America Forums----------------ArgentinaBrazilChileColombiaCosta RicaMexicoMexico (off-topic)PeruGeneral Latin America Forum The Middle East Forums----------------BahrainEgyptIsraelKuwaitOmanQatarSaudi ArabiaUnited Arab EmiratesGeneral Middle East Forum North America Forums----------------General North America Forum Oceania----------------Australia/New Zealand You cannot post new topics in this forumYou cannot reply to topics in this forumYou cannot edit your posts in this forumYou cannot delete your posts in this forumYou cannot vote in polls in this forum This page is maintained by the one and only Dave Sperling. 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Sometimes heroes need to do something more profound than punching out the Joker. And sometimes there's an art to it.
That's why the men and women of DC Entertainment – the legendary comic book publisher of such superhero mainstays of film and television as Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman and Green Lantern, among others – lent its Justice Leaguers to the We Can Be Heroes campaign to raise awareness and aid to help combat a very real world menace: the deadly famine crisis in the Horn of Africa.
And in the spirit of the DC characters' ever-evolving graphic depictions, DC tapped a international pool of contemporary artists – plus a few skilled in-house colleagues – to create a collection of more than 100 stunning art pieces featuring classic, humorous and avant-garde interpretations of the iconic heroes for an exhibit dubbed "Darkness and Light: Art Inspired by Heroes & Villains, Hope & Heroism."
DC kicked off a traveling series of awareness- and fund-raising exhibitions last month with a debut showcase in the company's brand new offices in Burbank's sleek The Pointe, where DC co-publisher and renowned comic book artist Jim Lee told PopcornBiz about their effort to save lives and inspire compassion.
"There's been the worst drought in about 60 years in that region and the UN had declared a famine there," Lee said of the dire conditions in the Africa's eastern horn region, which include Ethiopia, Somalia, Eritrea and Djibouti. "It's the first time in 21 years that that had happened, and so obviously there was a lot of displacement, starvation and famine. I think as part of the company's corporate philanthropy initiatives we just decided to support this."
"It's actually something that we've done before, 20 or 25 years ago, when there was famine in Ethiopia and DC had done 'Heroes for Hunger,'" said Lee, recalling a 1986 one-shot comic book that featured the superheroes battling famine in pages written and illustrated by an all-star roster of comic book superstars of its day. "That was the spark of the initial discussion at a very high level within the company to do something that tied in with DC because of the history that we'd had with that. So that was kind of the impetus."
Lee is himself a comic book icon who broke out in the early '90s as the artist and later writer of Marvel's "X-Men" before co-founding Image Comics and his own Wildstorm imprint – with his signature creation W.I.L.D.Cats before merging his interests with DC and illustrating wildly popular runs on Superman, Batman and, currently, the monthly Justice League book that served as the flagship for "The New 52," DC's line-wide re-launch – complete with revamped continuity and many freshened-up looks for the classic heroes, which Lee had a hand in designing.
For "Darkness and Light," Lee provided a specially crafted piece of art featuring a longtime favorite, Batman, highlighting a large profile close-up of the cowled Dark Knight with a spray-painted African-inspired color scheme. "I wanted to do something fairly somber that tied in thematically with Africa, so I chose the colors of Africa: the black, red, green and yellow," he said. "I kind of toyed around with doing something more expressly connected to the crisis in the Horn of Africa, but I decided to do something on a more subtle level. As you can tell from this whole exhibit, it's a wide range of art and types of pieces.
"I just had fun with it," Lee said of the Batman piece. "It's very different from what I do in the comic books, which is more traditional black-and-white pen and ink. It's much more expressive. I think it's much more modern with the spray paint and everything, and ultimately it's just me having fun with the process of creating and it's a great way to spend time and it's a great cause. So I had a great time doing it."
Other artwork in the diverse exhibit was crafted by well-known artists including Kiyoshi Nakazawa, Martin Ontiveros, Mike Palermo, Nathan Sawaya, Bwana Spoons and Amanda Visell, and features a roster of DC heroes and villains both traditional and eclectic – everyone from the marquee names of the Justice League and baddies like the Joker, to second-stringers like Batgirl and more obscure characters like Plastic Man. Several of the pieces pay direct and indirect homage to famous pop cultural tie-ins, like the "Super Friends" cartoons, the Lynda Carter "Wonder Woman" TV series and director Christopher Nolan's Batman films.
The exhibit will hit what will likely be its highest profile location July 13-15, when it will be on display at the Michael J. Wolf Gallery in San Diego, during the heavily attended Comic-Con International, followed a multi-city tour in as-yet-to-be-announced cities. Meanwhile, singer and longtime comic book fan Daughtry will be promoting the We Can Be Heroes campaign with an acoustic version of his song "Rescue Me" available on iTunes with all profits going toward hunger relief efforts via Save the Children, International Rescue Committee and Mercy Corps, and he'll be singing the song in concert appearances with a video backdrop of the art images.
For more information about the We Can Be Heroes campaign and how to contribute, visit www.WeCanBeHeroes.org.


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A lesser-known nuclear fuel may be more reactive than researchers thought, according to a study that breaks the fuel's molecule open using only light. The fuel, uranium nitride, has properties that make it ideal for use in a nuclear reactor, but so far its behavior hasn't been well characterized. Researchers have found a way to open up a complicated uranium nitride derivative with UV light and expose a core part that could be easy to generate and reprocess fuel.
Uranium nitride, formed via a triple-bond between one atom of each constituent, is a ceramic compound that has a very high melting point and thermal conductivity. Its resilience is appealing to nuclear scientists, especially because it could allow reactors to run at cooler temperatures. But many of its specific properties, including how reactive it is, are unknown, because the molecule is hard to purify and work with.
Current methods of making uranium nitride place uranium and nitrogen at the center of a complicated molecule containing carbon, hydrogen, and other metals. A group of researchers realized that they could chop a branch of this molecule off and liberate a nitrogen atom adjacent to a uranium core, enabling the formation of a uranium-nitrogen triple bond. The uranium nitride would then be exposed, and researchers could experiment with it to figure out whether it might be a good reactor material.
To break off the necessary atoms, researchers found they only needed to stimulate the right part of the molecule with a certain frequency of light. Once the scientists were able to get the right bond, they found that the uranium nitride was surprisingly reactive. The compound was easily able to break carbon-hydrogen bonds present in the rest of the cage molecule, and appropriate the atoms for itself.
The authors note that the ability to form the uranium nitride using only light may ease the process of creating and reprocessing nuclear fuel. They hope to get more specifics of the uranium nitride's abilities in future studies.
Nature Chemistry, 2010. DOI: 10.1038/nchem.705 (About DOIs).