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Nuts are some of my favorite foods. I have to watch the salt content, though, I like them salty!
5 Reasons to Love Peanuts
By Sheryl Kraft
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Known to most as a nut, a peanut is really a legume—packed with lots of health benefits.
With all the ongoing debate about healthy school lunches, I can't help but think back to my childhood. My nose still stings when I remember that pungent aroma (awful to me, but perhaps inviting to others) and the heaps of steaming, mass-produced slop (unappealing to me, but perhaps scrumptious to others) that appeared daily in the cafeteria. "You're so picky," my friends chided me, as I bypassed the lines and made a beeline for our table, lunch box in tow. "You're so boring," my friends joked as they watched me unwrap yet another peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
Peanuts and I parted ways for a few years when I was in my 30s, struggling to lose the 40 pounds I put on with each pregnancy. Back then, I thought of anything that contained calories and fat as the enemy. But once I finally lost the weight and started feeding my two boys peanut butter, I couldn't resist the occasional finger-in-the-jar swipe. It brought me a certain comfort I hadn't had in years (and the weight didn't come back to haunt me).
Since then, we're friends again, the peanut and I. How did I tackle the high-fat content and calories? Moderation, of course. That's easy to do, since it doesn't take a lot to satisfy; peanuts' fat and fiber content makes them very filling. And their fat—mostly of the monosaturated kind—is heart-healthy fat (not a reason to eat a LOT of it; just a reason to feel OK about eating it at all).
I say it's a good thing peanuts are back in my life, because there are so many health benefits associated with eating them:
- Protein and fiber. Peanuts improve satiety and help maintain weight loss. Several studies have found that eating small amounts of nuts helps dieters lose weight; when nuts were allowed in their eating plans, they did not feel deprived.
- Nutrients. Peanuts are abundant in the vitamins niacin, folate, pantothenic acid, thiamin, riboflavin, choline, Vitamin B6 and Vitamin E and rich in minerals like magnesium, phosphorous, potassium, zinc, iron, copper, manganese and selenium.
- Disease control. Studies have found eating peanuts five times a week decreased heart disease and reduced the risk of diabetes, gallbladder disease and colorectal cancer. Peanuts and peanut butter are included on the DASH diet eating plan, which helps lower blood pressure.
- Antiaging. Peanuts have been found to contain the potent antiaging molecule resveratrol, the same phytochemical found in red wine and grapes. Studies have shown that resveratrol can fight the proliferation of fat cells and improve the uptake of sugar from the blood. The resveratrol in peanuts is found in the seed itself and the skin.
- Cholesterol. When postmenopausal women with high cholesterol were fed a low-fat diet that included healthy fats from peanuts, their cholesterol improved. The phytosterols that peanuts contain have been shown to reduce cholesterol.
Another interesting tidbit: The health benefits are not limited to just the peanut itself. Peanut oil and fat-free peanut flour have been shown, in hamster studies, to significantly lower cholesterol and have heart-protective effects.
This Matters: You don't need a lot to get these benefits. Just a daily handful or peanuts—or a tablespoon of peanut butter—will do it.
For more information on peanuts, click here.
For my most favorite recipe in the world that includes peanut butter, click here.
Living Large (not verified)
Thu, 2011-06-09 11:28
Sheryl (not verified)
Mon, 2011-06-13 15:46
Yes, the salt content can get
Yes, the salt content can get high. How about mixing unsalted w/salted; this way you can cut down on your salt consumption but still get part of that flavor?
Alexandra (not verified)
Thu, 2011-06-09 11:50
Wow! So much interesting
Wow! So much interesting info. I had no idea peanuts could offer so many health benefits.
Roxanne (not verified)
Thu, 2011-06-09 11:50
I love peanut butter. I ate
I love peanut butter. I ate it pretty much every day K-12 for lunch. Even now, I'll make a little PBJ ... just yesterday, in fact.
Thanks for making me feel better about it.
NoPotCooking (not verified)
Thu, 2011-06-09 11:58
I love peanuts in the shell,
I love peanuts in the shell, but hate the dust that gets on my hands! Good to know they have healthy benefits!
Sheryl (not verified)
Mon, 2011-06-13 15:43
I love peanuts in the shell,
I love peanuts in the shell, too. And even though you get that dust on your hands, it's good to know that the skins - often absent from the peanuts you get out of the shell - also contains valuable nutrients.
Jane Boursaw (not verified)
Thu, 2011-06-09 12:54
I love peanuts. Good to know
I love peanuts. Good to know about all the health benefits - including the fact that I don't have to avoid them to lose weight.
Sheryl (not verified)
Mon, 2011-06-13 15:41
It's amazing how many people
It's amazing how many people shun peanuts for this reason. But the important thing to remember is that they're not diet food, but can still be part of a healthy diet when eaten in moderation.
Kerry (not verified)
Thu, 2011-06-09 14:27
Sheryl (not verified)
Mon, 2011-06-13 15:42
Glad I could shed some light
Glad I could shed some light on it for you, Kerry.
nora Baskin (not verified)
Fri, 2011-06-10 06:11
...have always loved peanut
...have always loved peanut butter...and yes, in moderation. ON green apples! it is so filling on so delicious..
Sheryl (not verified)
Mon, 2011-06-13 15:37
On green apples, on red
On green apples, on red apples, on bananas...I could go on and on.
Nancy Monson (not verified)
Fri, 2011-06-10 09:07
Peanut butter is really
Peanut butter is really filling, so it's good when you're on a diet. You just have to be really careful about the portion size.
Sheryl (not verified)
Mon, 2011-06-13 15:36
Yes, I agree. You also have
Yes, I agree. You also have to watch the portion size - at least I do - because it's so good and can become quite addictive!
Merr (not verified)
Fri, 2011-06-10 12:16
One of my fave peanut
One of my fave peanut condiments is the peanut sauce for wraps and pasta. Yum!!!
Sheryl (not verified)
Mon, 2011-06-13 15:35
Now you've got me thinking
Now you've got me thinking about finding a recipe for peanut sauce...please feel free to share if you happen to have your own!
Kris @ Attainab... (not verified)
Fri, 2011-06-10 13:03
Phytic acid?
I like peanuts and peanut butter, but have been hearing about phytic acid in some nuts, including peanuts (even though they are a legume!) with a recommendation to SOAK nuts, just as you would beans. Do you know anything about this? Maybe another post?
Sheryl (not verified)
Mon, 2011-06-13 15:34
I never heard that, Kris. But
I never heard that, Kris. But of course, now I'm curious, so I will go check it out...
ruth pennebaker (not verified)
Fri, 2011-06-10 15:06
peanuts = healthy
I am so glad to hear this. It's always a miracle to me when something I like turns out to be healthy.
Yes, a miracle indeed - so,
Yes, a miracle indeed - so, go and enjoy your peanuts guilt-free!
Melanie (not verified)
Fri, 2011-06-10 16:46
I'm from the South where you
I'm from the South where you pour a handful of salted peanuts down the neck of your GLASS bottle of ice cold Coke. Oh YEAH!
Hmmm...never heard of this,
Hmmm...never heard of this, but I'd imagine it is a great taste sensation!
Marcia (not verified)
Mon, 2011-06-13 13:28
peanut butter addict
I, too, am a peanut addict and have loved peanuts and peanut butter since childhood. I often ate peanut butter and banana sandwiches, which were popular in the South (as was banana and mayo, but that's another subject). (Still often eat peanut butter on wheat toast or whole wheat muffin for breakfast and sometimes stir PB and banana into oatmeal.) I wasn't a fan of jelly because it made the bread to soggy, but I ate peanut butter on everything – crackers, bread, even ice cream! I learned from my dad – he'd stir spoonfuls of it into his vanilla or chocolate ice cream. Now companies manufacture various peanut butter ice cream flavors, but back then everyone thought it was strange. And, from my dad's dad, I learned a fabulous peanut butter spread that is similar to the spa one (but less healthy). It called for peanut butter, butter and honey – all blended together with a fork and then spread on hot toast (or biscuits, if we were lucky). My kids grew up on this and still love it. Do you think there's a Peanut Butter Addicts Anonymous for us?
Jennifer Margulis (not verified)
Mon, 2011-06-13 15:16
I was told NOT to eat peanuts
I was told NOT to eat peanuts because of having a bit of extra fungus in my system (somethign like that). I'm curious about your take on ALMOND BUTTER. that's been my peanut butter alternative. Maybe it could be the subject of another post?
Kristen (not verified)
Mon, 2011-06-13 20:54
Count me as a peanut fan too.
Count me as a peanut fan too. Really any nut. We use peanut butter as a thickener in all sorts of sauces. My hubby even uses it in chili (based on Mexican mole, which also has nuts in it).
sarah henry (not verified)
Tue, 2011-06-14 02:36
You've reminded my that it's
You've reminded my that it's time to make some satay sauce again. Great for dipping veggie rolls in or mixing with noodles.
jeanine barone (not verified)
Wed, 2011-06-15 00:19
Beth (not verified)
Fri, 2013-01-25 10:47
Peanut Butter
For those of you who think peanut butter would be bad for your diet, try the Skippy or other brands "Natural" peanut butter. Since I'm not a hop out of bed and eat person, I can have it at work on an early break. It carrys me through the morning so that I'm not straved at lunch.
Riya Sen (not verified)
Thu, 2018-12-27 14:33
Love Peanuts
Don't know about so much benefits of peanuts. Anyway thanks for information.


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Police: RecPlex camera suspects also had cameras at Uline
Pleasant Prairie police said two people charged with placing hidden locker room cameras at the RecPlex may have also done so at Uline.
Prosecutors said 36-year-old Karl Landt, of Waukegan, Ill., persuaded co-worker Melissa Wenckebach, 27, to install cameras in two lockers at the RecPlex facility.
A gym member found a camera and notifed RecPlex staff, who then called police. Landt and Wenckebach are each charged with 11 felony counts in the case.
"With a formal reading, we enter pleas of not guilty to all 11 counts there," said Jonathan Smith, Landt's attorney.
Pleasant Prairie Police Chief David Smetana said investigators now believe that hidden video cameras were also placed in a women's locker room at Uline.
Smetana asked any Uline employees who may have information regarding the investigation of Landt and Wenckebach to contact the Pleasant Prairie Police Department at 262-948-8910.
In a statement to WISN 12 News, Uline said "Upon learning of their alleged involvement with making illegal recordings at the LakeView RecPlex, Karl Landt and Melissa Wenckebach were immediately terminated from employment at Uline."
The criminal complaint regarding the RecPlex charges states Wenckebach became a gym member in January, and installed two small cameras inside various lockers and recorded people who were changing while she worked out.
She told police she did this at least 50 times since January.
Authorities said Landt ordered Wenckebach to install the cameras after she lost a bet at work.
Wenckebach told police, "The defendant became very upset with her when she did not provide him with video consistently."
Court documents say Landt "looked forward to watching the videos at home after work."
Landt pleaded not guilty Thursday in court and the judge increased Landt's bond to $50,000 cash. He will be back in court on May 27.
"He's facing 11 felony counts here in Kenosha at this time. Whether they'll issue additional counts, I don't know, and certainly, he has the recognition of the serious matters in Illinois," Smith said.

subset: commoncrawl


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CNY Traditional Kuih Kapit Krumkake Waffle Cookie Press
See bottom for a basic Krumkake recipe with step-by-step instructions.
You are buying a brand new Victorian style wafer iron made of aluminium, the ideal heat conductor. This wafer iron is designed for making flat wafers as well as yeast risen "Flemish wafer". Handle is made from non heat conducting material so it will stay cool whether used on coal fire or a stove.
Full length : 42 cm
Iron diameter : 11 cm
Krumkake or Krum kaka (i.e. bent or curved cake) is a Norwegian waffle cookie made of flour, butter, eggs, sugar and cream. Krumkaker are traditionally made in preparation for Christmas when they are eaten as a sweet dessert after the traditional Christmas Eve dinner, but can be enjoyed year long!
INGREDIENTS (makes 50 krumkaker)
+ 1/2 cup unsalted butter
+ 1 cup white sugar
+ 2 eggs
+ 1 cup milk
+ 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
+ 1 & 1/2 cup all purpose flour
1) Heat krumkake iron on stove at medium heat
2) Whip butter and sugar together in a bowl.
3) Add eggs one at a time while mixing well using a spoon
4) Then add milk, flour, vanilla and mix well.
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6) Cook until brown (approx. 30 sec each side)
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8) Allow cookie time to cool and harden.
Please place any 6 items from any catergory into your basket the cost of the cheapest will be deducted from your basket.Please note
if returning an item purchased as part of one of our multi-buy offers, the value of the original discount will be offset against this return.


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Head-Scratching Deals Highlight NBA Trade Deadline
February 24, 2011 17 Comments
Generally the trade deadline is a rather uneventful time of year in the NBA. I guess you can call this year an exception. In the last 72 hours, NBA GM's were more active than Charlie Sheen at a brothel. With a final flurry prior to the 3pm eastern deadline and team's desperately trying to piece together a winner, it was almost inevitable that we see some mind-boggling transactions.
In sifting through the plethora of deals here are my biggest head-scratchers from the NBA trade deadline.
Clipper Calamity. Okay, maybe it wasn't a calamity but it definitely should fall under the category of a head-scratcher. The Clippers traded Baron Davis and their 2011 first round pick to the Cavaliers for former all-star Mo Williams. I'm actually very surprised at the amount of people who felt this deal was a positive for the Clippers. Sports Illustrated writer Zach Lowe is one man who feels this was a success for the Clippers. Supposedly, it will also allow their young point guard Eric Bledsoe to take the reins of the team while allowing more cap flexibility for the Clippers.
The problem that I have with the trade is that the Clippers are likely giving up a top 10 pick. I don't care that this year is supposed to be a terrible draft class. Besides Blake Griffin, didn't they also say the same thing about the 2009 class that produced Tyreke Evans, Stephen Curry, Brandon Jennings, Ty Lawson, Demar Derozan, Jrue Holiday and Darren Collison. Maybe you won't find a franchise player but there is no reason that you shouldn't be able to find some quality, impact players with that high of a pick. They need to be surrounding Blake Griffin and Co. with solid role players, not trying to save money.
Moreover, despite the fact that Baron Davis has proven himself to be a fat, lazy slob, it is evident that he has been a steadying influence on the Clipper team this season. They don't need to win now, nor are they going to win with Baron Davis at the helm. However, a veteran guy like Davis is important on such a young team, and you can see it by how lost they are on the floor without him.
Sure, the Clippers gain flexibility to sign free agents in the off-season, especially if they are able to dump Mo Williams' contract on someone. That's not what they should be focused on though. Getting a quality player in the draft should be priority number one. The Clippers, in my opinion, have done it again. They had been in prime position to finally play the role of contender in 2-4 years, but yesterday they took a step backwards.
Boston Blow-Up. Kendrick Perkins is gone. Yeah, you're probably thinking what we're all thinking. Whaaa??? Perkins is well-known around NBA circles as an incredibly intricate cog to the Boston Celtics' well-oiled machine. He represented the hardnosed, defensive force that is the Celtics. Not anymore. Perkins was traded alongside Nate Robinson to Oklahoma City in exchange for Jeff Green and Nenad Kristic.
Obviously, there was an Orlando Magic-like need for a shakeup in Boston as they sit atop the Eastern Conference with a 41-14 record. Wait, I don't think something is quite right about the last sentence.
With a team as thin at the center spot like the Boston Celtics are, you have to wonder what they are thinking giving up Perkins. They also traded rookie center Semih Erden to the Cavs, which leaves them with two old farts in Shaquille and Jermaine O'Neal. Durability is such an issue surrounding those guys and even though Nenad Kristic will be added to the mix he doesn't fit the Celtics mould of rough and tough. Of note today, Glen Davis started at center for the Celtics. Yup, Big Baby.
They did acquire a great piece in Jeff Green but where does he fit in? Does he take over the Marquis Daniels role? Is that why they felt that Perkins was expendable? Who knows?
For a team that has reached 2 finals with Kendrick Perkins and currently sits first in the Eastern Conference this deal is more peculiar than a dog riding a scooter.
Sun Setting. Steve Nash protégé Goran Dragic and a lottery protected first round pick was traded to the Rockets for soon to be restricted free agent Aaron Brooks. After being injured, Brooks lost his job as starting point guard to Kyle Lowry and like Goran Dragic he has regressed in his play since coming back from injury. I don't see anywhere that Brooks fits into the short or long-term plans of the Suns. Nash is still under contract for 2 years and there is no way that Brooks and his undersized self can play alongside Nash at the 2 guard spot for the time being.
Obviously Goran Dragic is not the wave of the future but could someone please try and make some sense of this deal for me because I flat out don't get it. I don't see the Suns signing Brooks to be the long-term option, but hey, you never know.
Memphis Blues. A sad trade for the Grizzlies that can only benefit this team in the short run as they hope to reach the playoffs in the ever weakening Western Conference. The Grizz traded former #2 overall pick Hasheem Thabeet and a first round pick to the Houston Rockets for an expiring contract in Shane Battier and guard Ish Smith. This is a head-scratcher for me just because it seems odd that the Grizzlies felt that they had to give up a first round pick to unload Thabeet. Sure, this move might put them over the edge in their playoff run this year but giving up so early on such a high draft pick on top of sending away a likely mid-first round draft pick won't make things any easier as they try to build a contending team in the future.
Raptor Riddle. For my finale I have to vent about the Toronto Raptors acquisition of James Johnson. More specifically, I have to point out another blunder from the city of Toronto's equally confusing General Manger. Bryan Colangelo obtained James Johnson by giving up the first round pick Toronto acquired from Miami in the whole Bosh mess. Johnson was the 16th overall pick in the 2009 draft and apparently the Raptors would have drafted him had Demar Derozan not fallen to them, at least according to the Colangelo.
The Raptors, in desperate need of more wing players, got hold of the lengthy 6 foot 9 Johnson to play small forward. As much as they need more depth on the wings Johnson is not a guy that they should be looking for as he is yet another wing player for the Raps who is unable to shoot from beyond the arc.
I realize that I sound like a broken record, nevertheless I can't stress enough the importance that bottom teams should place on their draft picks. Colangelo has done a terrible job managing draft picks for the Raptors and the first time in a long time the team has multiple first rounders he decides it's a good idea to trade one of them away. Great. I'll just put it out there that I have zero faith in Colangelo's overrated self. He has done nothing for the Raptors organization and the only thing keeping him alive is the fact that he signed Steve Nash. Great.
Agree? Disagree? If you have any questions, comments, suggestions, please feel free to reply in the comments section below. Or you can e-mail me at email@example.com. You can also follow me on twitter @paintstheblack and I will gladly return the favor.
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The MEVA shoring tower Space is a safe working and formwork platform for high pours up to 35 m. It is safely assembled on the ground and height-extended as the building grows.
Square basic dimension of 480 cm
Height: Basic units of 300 cm and extension units of 50 cm and 100 cm
Alignment and bracing of the formwork against the shoring tower Space
Wind loads can be transferred into the shoring tower
Modular design for vertical buildings of virtually any required height – even far above 35 m
Assembly with commercially available planking with access hatches
New construction of the motorway A45 bridge Münchholzhausen using the shoring tower Space and MEVA wall formwork Mammut 350
The engineers consulted MEVA´s formwork expertise because the expectations on concrete finish are very high. MEVA suggested using the unique shoring tower SPACE.
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Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) means that the symptoms you have before your period starts—like breast tenderness or irritability—are so bad that they interfere with your life.
Last Revised:
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Medical Review:
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MoppyPuppy wrote:Ok I just gotta know, heres the situation.
My first look at Grayswandir, came from what I think was a thread where I was getting bombarded by somekind of mapping discussion that I made, that always seems to happen.
At that point a detected the air of an adult, or perhaps I'm just used to taking lectures from an adult, so unless I see that they are obviously not, I picture a person as an adult when recieveing a lecture from anybody.
Then all the SOS brigade stuff started and I'm starting to feel the air of a 13 year old.
MoppyPuppy wrote:But ADD isn't real.
Grayswandir wrote:If ADD/ADHD wasn't real...why the hell would they perscribe me with a drug?
RyokoTK wrote:"Being fat is a genetic disease, here's a pill that makes you skinny!"
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By Lee Romney
Eleven years ago, San Francisco set precedent with the first citywide minimum-wage boost, giving it the highest wage floor in the nation. Another first soon required all employers to provide paid sick days. Yet another mandated healthcare for all.
Now, the city that recently won dubious distinction for the fastest-growing wealth divide is leading again.
Mayor Ed Lee last week stood with the full Board of Supervisors, labor and community groups and even a representative of the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce to announce a "consensus measure" for the November ballot that would boost the city's minimum wage to $15. It would reach full implementation before Seattle's similar increase and contain fewer exemptions.
It comes as other citywide wage boosts are being crafted in Oakland, Berkeley and Richmond, which have shared some of the sting of San Francisco's soaring cost of living.
Unlike in Seattle, San Francisco employers would have to comply regardless of their companies' size and receive no credit for sick or healthcare pay they already provide. Workers who receive tips are included.
"This is one of those great issues we can all unite around ... the shared belief that someone who puts in a hard day's work deserves a respectable wage," Lee said in announcing the proposal, which would result in $15 an hour by July 2018.
The Golden Gate Restaurant Assn. decried it as a deal "between labor and the mayor." Executive Director Gwyneth Borden said her industry has already been criticized for high prices -- there was a recent dust-up over $4 toast -- and a victory, which polling deems likely, could force restaurants to further raise prices and lead to mandatory service charges in lieu of tips.
"The things that are happening in the economy don't happen in isolation," she said, noting that the drought is affecting restaurants dependent on locally sourced ingredients.
Backers, however, call the boost a matter of dignity for workers in a city where the unemployment rate has dipped to 4.4% -- among the lowest in the nation.
"When the average one-bedroom apartment rents for $2,775 in the city of San Francisco, working families cannot afford to survive here, let alone thrive," said Shaw San Liu of the Chinese Progressive Assn., which was part of the workers' rights coalition that reached agreement with the mayor.
"San Francisco should not be leading the country as the No. 1 fastest-growing wealth divide," she said. "That's not the legacy we want to leave."
Key to the coalition was the Service Employees International Union Local 1021, which drove business concessions in the newly announced measure -- and ensured a place at the table -- by moving forward in April with an even stricter one. (Voters will now see just one version on the ballot.)
Meanwhile, in Oakland, another SEIU-backed initiative expected to qualify for the November ballot would boost the minimum wage to $12.25 an hour by March and compel employers to pay for sick days. The Berkeley and Richmond city councils are crafting their own measures, with input from labor, which has pledged to move forward with stronger versions if not satisfied with the councils' efforts.
Ken Jacobs, chairman of UC Berkeley's Center for Labor Research and Education, said the campaigns have gained steam as talk of a new wage floor intensifies nationwide. San Francisco's 2003 living-wage measure was followed closely by Santa Fe, N.M. Now, 10 municipalities have moved ahead of state and federal minimum wages. Among them, Washington, D.C., and two Maryland counties affected by rising housing costs coordinated their increases in a regional effort that could prove a model for the Bay Area, Jacobs said. A move to boost wages of Los Angeles hotel workers to $15 an hour is moving ahead, leading to some "chatter" about an eventual citywide boost.
Jacobs is one of the authors of a study released Friday that analyzed Oakland's proposed hike and found that one-quarter of workers -- up to 48,000 people -- would directly or through a ripple effect receive a wage increase, and roughly 56,700 workers would receive paid sick days. Business operating costs would rise by an estimated 0.2% to 0.3% for retail and 2.7% to 2.9% for restaurants, it found.
Michael Tucker, president of Books Inc., a small bookseller with six stores in San Francisco, said he was relieved the initial labor-backed measure -- which would have reached $15 an hour by next year -- was altered. Still, he said, in an industry with thin margins that can't pass costs on to consumers, the increase would prove challenging.
"We're really in uncharted territory," he said. "There's a speculation that business will be booming. But will it really match the cost of labor?"
(c)2014 the Los Angeles Times


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Posts Tagged 'Alma Rattenbury'
The Hireling- Classic Serial, An Interior Life, A Living Death- File On Four, Cause Célèbre, Afternoon Plays- A Terrible Beauty, The People Next Door, and Crimes of Mancunia: Radio and Audio Review 27th June 2011
BBC Radio Four's Classic serial has been fizzing with a magnificent two part dramatisation of L.P.Hartley's The Hireling (Sunday 19th June, Saturday 25th June, Sunday 26th June and Saturday 4th July). Hartley seemed to specialise in catastrophic and intriguing class crossing relationships in the manner of D.H.Lawrence's "Lady Chatterley's Lover."
In "The Go-Between" passion vis-a-vis an already betrothed aristocrat's daughter and the gamekeeper leads to broken hearts and suicide as well as rights of passage intensity for a young teenage boy deployed to run between the Manor and Lodge as an unwitting cupid. Read the rest of this entry »


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We are extremely grateful to our current supporters for their invaluable contributions to date. However, in these challenging times of ever-decreasing statutory support, we are more reliant on the generosity of our audience members than ever before.
There are several ways in which you can support the Philharmonia. Whether you are making a small one-off donation, joining as a Friend, becoming a member of our Conductors' Circle, or International Patron, your contribution is immensely valuable.
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Alternatively, you can contact the Development Team directly by emailing firstname.lastname@example.com or by calling 020 7921 3903.


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Peace Corps Alternatives: Projects Abroad vs. Peace Corps
If you are looking for an alternative to the Peace Corps, which is only open to US citizens, Projects Abroad could be the perfect fit for you. There are some important similarities and differences between Projects Abroad and the Peace Corps including requirements, flexible durations, and support.
Differences between the Peace Corps and Projects Abroad
There are some important similarities and differences between Projects Abroad and the Peace Corps including requirements, flexible durations and support:
- Time Commitment – Projects Abroad has programs available from 1 week to 1 year.
- Variety – Projects Abroad offers hundreds of programs in over 25 destinations around the world.
- Choice – You get to choose exactly where you would like to go and what you would like to do.
- Requirements – Most Projects Abroad programs do not require any previous experience, degrees, or foreign language abilities. We accept about 95% of our applicants.
- Age – Our placements are open to volunteers and interns as young as 16. We even offer special High School programs.
- Volunteer Community – You can spend your time abroad within a community of like-minded volunteers from all over the world.
- Host Families – You can truly experience the country you are living and working in by staying with a local host family.
- Overseas Support – You'll have the 24 hour support of or trained in country staff.
An Alternative Option to the Peace Corps
Projects Abroad volunteers and Peace Corps volunteers take part in much of the same work including education, agriculture, international development, healthcare, and environmental conservation.
Unlike the Peace Corps though, Projects Abroad offers 24 hour staff support and short term opportunities. Our programs are also open to high schoolers through retirees and most placements do not require a degree in the field.
The Peace Corps or Projects Abroad?
Projects Abroad offers a complete cultural experience. In addition to working with locals at your placement, you will also have the opportunity to live with a host family. You will find them incredibly welcoming and they will doubtlessly be eager to find out all about you and your life back home. In addition to your host family, you'll also be surrounded by a vibrant volunteer community.
If you would like to live and volunteer in a foreign country with like-minded individuals where you can make a real difference no matter how old you are or how long you're staying, Projects Abroad is perfect for you!


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Milwaukee DPW changes place people must put garbage for pickup
Exactly where you place your garbage for pickup is changing in the city of Milwaukee.
Starting Monday residents will have to bring their garbage to the end of the driveway rather than keeping it near the house or garage.
The Department of Public Works estimated this move can save taxpayers up to $300,000 a year by increasing efficiency, reducing routes and lowering the number of workplace injuries from slips and falls on icy driveways.
The rule still applies if it snows the night before or the day of collection.
"Most snowfalls will not impact garbage collection. The small snowfalls, we're anticipating a little snow tonight and a bit tomorrow," Department of Public Works spokeswoman Wanda Booker said. "Only on the larger snowfalls, 4-, 5-, 6-inch snowfalls where we need to hook the blades up to our garbage and recycling packers, those are the day's they'll be impacted."
DPW has more information about this change on its website, http://city.milwaukee.gov/mpw#.UuMLHRDnaUl


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To Walk In Someone's Shoes
Last night I watched a program on the OWN channel that I had recorded from a few weeks ago. It was a "trading places" show – only with a very underweight young woman and a very overweight woman – forced together under a doctor's supervision to "exchange" eating plans for one week.
It was very interesting – and these two women learned much about each other during the process. The underweight woman consuming about 4 times her usual calorie intake for one day – and the underweight on a near starvation diet of toast, tea and soup.
When the program began – the doctor explained that putting these two ladies together was actually going to help them both clearly see how they both regarded food in much the same way and had things in common because of that. One avoided and denied – the other used food as a comfort and an "inside hug" – both clearly not healthy approaches to the "fuel" that the body needs to survive and function correctly.
I got to thinking about this as I was watching this program. We have more in common with people who are different from us – than we even realize. If we stop and walk around in their body for a while – it would amaze and even shock us!
What can I learn from you today? What can I teach you? Today I want to stop and consider before I think anything about you. I want to allow myself to climb inside of you and walk around a little bit – and then hopefully – I too – will understand.
When was the last time you walked around in someone else's shoes and really understood things from their point of view? Did your perception of them change? Were you amazed at the load they carried?
God Bless


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In an effort to keep the Graduate Student Teaching Association (GSTA) blog current, we regularly welcome submissions from graduate students as well as full-time faculty. Recently we have made the decision to expand and diversify the blog content to include submissions ranging from new research in the area of the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL), public interest topics related to teaching and psychology, occasional book reviews, as well as continuing our traditional aim by including posts about teaching tips. The blog posts are typically short, ranging from about 500-1000 words, not including references. As it is an online medium, in-text hyperlinks, graphics, and even links to videos are strongly encouraged!
If you are interested in submitting a post, please email us at firstname.lastname@example.com. We are especially seeking submissions in one of the five topic areas:
We would especially like activities that align
with APA 2.0 Guidelines!
This blog is intended to be a forum for graduate students and educators to share ideas and express their opinions about tried-and-true modern teaching practices and other currently relevant topics regarding graduate students' teaching.
Thanks for checking us out,
The GSTA Blog Editorial Team:
Hallie Jordan, Sarah Frantz, Maya Rose, Raoul Roberts, Tashiya Hunter, Laura Mason and Megan Nadzan
Follow us on twitter @gradsteachpsych or join our Facebook Group.


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Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) this afternoon tried to smooth over tensions with fellow Republican Sen. John McCain after she was quoted in Politico noting his absence at a Senate Homeland Security and Government and Affairs briefing on Benghazi yesterday.
McCain was holding a press conference in the Senate gallery at the time of the private briefing that included officials from the State Department and the Intelligence Committee.
McCain's office chalked it up to a "scheduling error" and aides say he made his displeasure to Collins known this morning.
She told NBC News that she believes McCain's call for a special Congressional committee to look into the Benghazi matter is not necessary, and he would be a valuable member of the Homeland Security Committee's own investigation. Collins is the top Republican on the committee.
"All I was trying to point out is that he's a very valuable member of our committee, so he would be involved in all the briefings, the hearings and investigation," she said. "And thus, I don't think that it's necessary to create a whole new separate committee. Our committee has a history of doing independent, bipartisan, comprehensive across-the-board investigations. We've done it on Fort Hood, on Hurricane Katrina, on a host of different issues. The only point I was trying to make -- apparently inartfully -- was that he and Lindsey Graham are members of the committee, so they will be fully involved, and I'm sure will play an important role."
McCain was joined by Sens. Graham and Kelly Ayotte (R-NH) at the Wednesday news conference announcing their resolution for a Select Committee during the time when the Benghazi briefing occurred.
Critics have chided McCain for demanding more answers on Benghazi while missing an opportunity to learn more from the intelligence community. McCain's office said today that he would have attended.
McCain will attend today's closed-door hearing with senior intelligence officials and tomorrow's with former CIA Director David Petraeus.


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News Release 11-051
Casey Dunn to Receive NSF Waterman Award
Brown University biologist uses sophisticated genomic and computational techniques in a study of deep-sea creatures to examine the origins of a diversity of life
March 14, 2011
This material is available primarily for archival purposes. Telephone numbers or other contact information may be out of date; please see current contact information at media contacts.
The National Science Foundation (NSF) has named its awardee for this year's Alan T. Waterman Award: Casey Dunn, a biologist at Brown University.
Dunn's work involves genome analyses to better understand relationships between groups of animals. He investigates the origins of biological complexity through work with deep-sea creatures called siphonophores. His research holds clues about how complex multicellular organisms, including humans, were formed.
Dunn will receive $500,000 over three years to continue his studies of animal evolution.
"The Waterman Award is designed to recognize outstanding young researchers like Casey Dunn," said NSF Director Subra Suresh. "His research has already made substantial contributions to our understanding of the origins of a diversity of life. His insights should further this important field of study in the years to come."
Dunn serves as assistant professor of biology in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at Brown University where he also runs the Dunn Lab, which investigates how evolution has produced a diversity of life.
The lab primarily studies morphology, a branch of biology that deals with the form and structure of animals. Research there also pursues learning about the actual history of life on Earth, as well as the general properties of evolution that have contributed to life's historical patterns. The type of questions the lab asks require marine, laboratory and computational work.
Central to Dunn's work is the development of phylogenetic tools--that is, tools that aid the study of how groups of organisms are evolutionarily related, which is discovered through molecular sequencing data, morphological data and the application of these tools to particular groups of organisms. The Dunn Lab also studies development from a descriptive and functional perspective because the diversity of form has been realized through the evolution of developmental mechanisms.
Dunn is the tenth scientist in the biological sciences category to be honored with the Waterman Award in its 36-year history. The annual Waterman award recognizes an outstanding young researcher in any field of science or engineering supported by NSF. Candidates may not be older than 35, or seven years beyond receiving a doctorate on the year of nomination and must stand out for their individual achievements. The selection committee is made up of 12 appointed members from academia and industry.
Dunn said the award was especially timely, as he has a "shovel-ready project" to collect siphonophores, marine organisms that live at great depths in the open oceans. Once he can collect specimens, Dunn wants to use new genomic tools to learn which genes are responsible for similarities and differences among these multi-celled organisms.
"I'm really excited because with this award I can go after some animals that I would not have been able to get otherwise," said Dunn, whose organism collection expeditions may include the waters off the coast of France and in the Pacific Ocean.
"We have already run the first analyses and were just starting to look for funding," Dunn continued. "The timing could not have been better. We're ready to start these projects."
This interdisciplinary research requires field work at remote locations to collect specimens, new laboratory-based tools for collecting genome data and large analyses that require a supercomputer. The work will be facilitated by recent investments made by Brown University to upgrade DNA sequencing tools and scientific computing infrastructure.
NSF funding in another area will enhance Dunn's research. This summer, Brown University received over $1 million through NSF's Research Infrastructure Improvement Inter-Campus and Intra-Campus Cyber Connectivity (RII C2) program. Part of the Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR), this program supports states that have less extensive scientific infrastructures and have historically received fewer federal research dollars, like Rhode Island
Brown University is using this RII C2 funding to enhance access to a high-performance computing and their bioinformatics facility that supports life science research. The award will also provide high-speed connections from Brown University campus sites to the University of Rhode Island and to collaborators at the state's nine primarily undergraduate institutions.
"The genome sequencers are down at Ship Street, and the supercomputer is here on [the Brown University] campus," said Dunn. "The enhanced connectivity supported by NSF's EPSCoR is critical for moving the data from acquisition to analysis."
In addition to conducting his research, Dunn has created a popular website that reveals the unexpected world of deep-sea animals through innovative animation, podcasts and text. The site has been featured by various media, including National Public Radio's Science Friday website. He also has just co-authored a book to teach scientists how to work with large datasets, entitled "Practical Computing for Biologists," published by Sinauer Associates, Inc.
The Waterman Award will be presented to Dunn at a dinner ceremony held in Washington, D.C., on May 10. He will also deliver a lecture at NSF on May 9.
Media Contacts
Lisa-Joy Zgorski, NSF, (703) 292-8311, email: email@example.com
Richard Lewis, Brown University, (401) 863-3766, email: firstname.lastname@example.com
Program Contacts
Mayra N. Montrose, NSF, (703) 292-4757, email: firstname.lastname@example.com
Related Websites
The Dunn Lab at Brown University: http://www.brown.edu/Faculty/Dunn_Lab/
About the Alan T. Waterman Award: http://www.nsf.gov/od/waterman/waterman.jsp
Waterman Award Recipients Since 1976: http://www.nsf.gov/od/waterman/waterman_recipients.jsp
Brown Biologist Wins Prestigious NSF Prize, includes video of Dunn describing his research: http://news.brown.edu/pressreleases/2011/03/waterman
ARRA Funds Bolster Broadband Access and Improve Connectivity among Institutions to Strengthen Scientific Collaborations: http://www.nsf.gov/news/news_summ.jsp?cntn_id=117391
Evolutionary history of the comb jelly reveals surprising clues about Earth's first animal, a release about a piece in Nature by Dunn: http://www.nsf.gov/news/news_summ.jsp?cntn_id=111408
The U.S. National Science Foundation propels the nation forward by advancing fundamental research in all fields of science and engineering. NSF supports research and people by providing facilities, instruments and funding to support their ingenuity and sustain the U.S. as a global leader in research and innovation. With a fiscal year 2020 budget of $8.3 billion, NSF funds reach all 50 states through grants to nearly 2,000 colleges, universities and institutions. Each year, NSF receives more than 40,000 competitive proposals and makes about 11,000 new awards. Those awards include support for cooperative research with industry, Arctic and Antarctic research and operations, and U.S. participation in international scientific efforts.
Connect with us online
NSF website: nsf.gov
NSF News: nsf.gov/news
For News Media: nsf.gov/news/newsroom
Statistics: nsf.gov/statistics/
Awards database: nsf.gov/awardsearch/
Follow us on social
Twitter: twitter.com/NSF and twitter.com/NSFspox
Facebook: facebook.com/US.NSF Instagram: instagram.com/nsfgov


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The Way We Were
An Ultra-Clean Expression of the GTO
We consider ourselves fortunate here at Popular Hot Rodding. Unlike most automotive magazines on the stand, we are not limited to any particular make, model, or style of car. We can run the latest g-Machines alongside street rods or customs on our pages, and we think it's all good. Sure, we don't run imports, but we don't want to either.
When we saw Vinnie Green's ultra-straight '65 GTO, the decision to put it on the pages was not a tough call. It's not a mainstream ride, and it's far from cutting edge, but we loved it. The slightly-high East Coast stance is teamed with early '70s period-style 14-inch Cragar SS wheels. Underhood lives a true Pontiac 455 with enough sauce to run 11.15-second elapsed times at 115 mph. It's a flashback to about thirty years ago, and would have stood as a great feature car in '73 as well as it does now in 2003.
This car began life with Vinnie by undergoing a complete frame-up restoration. It's a real GTO, and don't let the mods put you off. All of the original parts, including the tri-power 389 and factory four-gear trans, are safely in storage. Why did Vinnie choose to deviate from restoration on this particular ride?
"I own an auto business, and we do some high performance work but mostly we specialize in restorations," Vinnie explains. "This was never a customer car; it's mine. So, I started with the frame-up resto, but decided I wanted a few things my own way. It's the way I want it now, and people think it's a show car. Its not, really. I might take it to two shows a year, but I like taking it to cruise nights, and I like racing it. I race it like I stole it!"
The '75-vintage 455 block was overbored .060-inch before being reloaded with a stock crank and rods. Forged pistons now create 11:1 compression with Edelbrock aluminum heads, relying on a Lazer solid roller camshaft (duration is 249 at .050-inch, with 106-degreee lobe centers) to control valve motions. Vinnie also went with Lazer springs (480 lbs. of pressure open, 220 lbs. on the seat) to work with the cam. The motor came together at Vinnie's shop (Green's Auto Performance Center, Red Bank, NJ) along with the rest of the GTO. An Edelbrock Victor intake manifold and a Holley 900 cfm carb were chosen to top the big Poncho mill, MSD ignition lights it up, and a stout Turbo 400 trans backs it. The torque converter is a TCI 2,500 rpm stall unit, and of course the shifter is from Hurst.
In typical fashion, the rear axle is a GM 12-bolt loaded with 3.90 gears and Moser axles. The BFG 215/70-14s (front) and 235/60-14s (rear) are duly challenged to find grip. The anti-hop bars from Lakewood must really help! The stock drum brakes are still in place, and we're hoping another bolt-on upgrade will soon show up to help this tiger slow down. Both the interior and exterior of the GTO remain as Pontiac intended back in '65, and both are finished perfectly in black. The resulting effect is evil in appearance but flawless in craftsmanship, which is precisely what we look for in feature cars.
Vinnie has been enjoying the car in this style since '96, and there are plenty more years, many more miles, and countless smiles left in it. Green claims a total investment of six months in labor and 25 grand to get timeless style and respectable performance. Compared to the prices of new cars, or any restored muscle car, it's a good deal. For a car built to stir memories from three decades past, this GTO was done so right, it will still be generating strong emotions three decades from now. Should we plan to feature it again in 2033?


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Exploration Project
Department of
School of
Earth Sciences
| Stanford
Page Maintainer: email@example.com
Copyright © 2009 SEP.
xtpanel is a simple scripting language for creating shell like X-window applications.
xtpanel provides a quick and easy way of producing a panel containing interactive objects such as buttons, sliders, and text fields, either from an xtpanel script file or from the command line. When an object is modified by the user, it can perform actions, such as printing to the screen or calling a system command. Here is a one-line xtpanel script that builds the standard "Hello world" example:
button={ label="Hello world" action="PRINT $(val)\n" }
When this script is read by xtpanel, a panel is produced, containing a single object, a button with "Hello world" written on it. When the button is pressed, the button's value (which by default is the same as its label) is printed.
In addition to printing, objects can run system commands or modify other panel objects. Here is a simple digital clock, using a timer object that runs the UNIX "date" command once each second, then uses an ASSIGN action to display the result in a text field:
field={ name=disp background=black foreground=yellow } timer={ interval=1 action="ASSIGN disp `date`" }
Object attributes such as the foreground and background colors used in this example allow you to customize a panel's appearance.
xtpanel actions can perform a variety of tasks, in addition to the examples of printing to screen and changing an object's value shown above. Actions can modify the attributes of an object (such as color, size, visibility, or sensitivity), or dynamically create or destroy objects. Actions can also be performed only when a certain condition is true.
The result is an interactive X Window program, using a scripting language that we believe to be much easier to learn and use than conventional X programming. This program is not intended as a replacement for a full featured interface programming toolkit like Tcl/Tk or Dirt or as a replacement for a simple menu builder like xmenu, it falls somewhere in the gap between the two. It is intended as an easy to use tool that can be used to add an interactive wrapper to all those old programs and shells that you have lying around.
Four utilities are provided with xtpanel. All are written as xtpanel scripts.
The description below assumes that you have a working version of imake (the X11 make program). Should you not have imake, the INSTALL file describes an alternative installation.
Here is the official xtpanel copyright notice:
Copyright 1992, 1993, 1994 The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior University. Copyright 1994, 1995, 1996 Dave Nichols and Steve Cole. Permission is hereby given to use, copy, modify, and distribute this software, subject to the following conditions: The above copyright notice and this permission notice shall be included in all copies or substantial portions of the Software. STANFORD AND THE AUTHORS MAKE NO REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND CONCERNING THIS SOFTWARE.
Exploration Project
Department of
School of
Earth Sciences
| Stanford
Page Maintainer: email@example.com
Copyright © 2009 SEP.


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Sidnei da Silva (of Plone fame) has recently created a Launchpad project for an async StatsD implementation. He's got code in place for review by any Twisted kingpins who'd like to give it a glance.
statsD was originally created in 2008 as a Perl implementation at Flickr for their statistics counting, timing, and graphing needs. Engineers at Etsy ported this work to Node.js (which Sidnei based his version on). A few months ago a regular Python implementation was created (also based on Node.js).
More than another (excellent) addition to the tx family, txStatsD will provide folks with the luxury of collecting stats using a Python server without having to write any blocking code :-) Sidnei also implemented a graphite protocol and client factory for passing the messages along.
Enjoy, and let him know what you think!


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Our key publishers:
Comprehensive endpoint encryption solution.
Other product variants may be available, please contact us or
request a call back
if you cannot see what you are looking for.
The McAfee Complete Data Protection suite protects your data using a combination of powerful enterprise-grade endpoint encryption and access control. The suite helps you establish and enforce a data protection policy and centralizes data security management using the McAfee ePolicy Orchestrator (ePO) management console. This suite includes management of native encryption for Apple FileVault on Macs and Microsoft BitLocker management for Windows PCs. Additionally, McAfee ePO Deep Command provides remote security management to access Intel vPro-based PCs to implement patches, reset passwords, and remediate broken endpoints.


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Friday, September 30, 2011
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
The Morning After
Last night was the lone televised debate of the Ontario election campaign. With the vote too close to call, a lot was riding on it, and after last night...
...not a heck of a lot changed. I have a hard time seeing how anyone would actually change their mind as a result of last night's debate, and the Ipsos flash poll largely confirms that.
After all, if you're like me and you like Dalton McGuinty, you liked what you saw. While the opposition focused on buzzwords and empty anecdotes ("Gary the accountant tells me he lost his job because of the HST"), McGuinty made his case his facts and figures. He responded to attacks, defended his record, and talked about his plans. He looked and sounded like was a grown up - some might even say a Premier.
That's not to say it was a masterful performance we will all rave about years from now. He fought much of the debate on weaker ground - there was a lot more talk about taxes and energy prices than about Health Care and education. He took some hits. But that's the life of an incumbent - the important thing is, he held his ground.
Hudak was the leader who most exceeded my expectations, but that likely says more about my expectations than about his performance. I liked his "big screen TV" and "lemonade stand" metaphors, and he showed real emotion when talking about his daughter's experience in the Health Care system. If you were scoring the debate on points, Hudak landed the most blows. His "nobody believes you anymore" soundbite will probably lead off most clip packages.
However, the one knock on Hudak's performance is a biggie. Quite simply, he looked and sounded like an opposition leader, not a Premier. He mentioned "Changebook" and his "5 point jobs plan" a few times, but there were only scattered descriptions of specific platform promises. He went after McGuinty at every opportunity - even when asked directly about what bold ideas he had for Ontario. It was a good performance, but not one that screamed "Premier-in-waiting".
And then there's Andrea Horwath. Horwath had the most to gain from this debate, and she likely helped herself out a bit. She was likable, and played those tried and true NDP hits - "hike up corporate taxes", "results for people", "putting people first".
Personally, I wasn't moved. She talked about the difficulty of balancing a family budget as a mom...on her lowly six-figure MPP salary. She talked about the awful treatment her son received at a Hamilton hospital...and later admitted the story was more "illustration" than fact. She told a story about a woman who gave her a big hug because she loved the NDP platform so much.
Personally, I found it all manipulative and lacking substance. But it will play to Horwath's base, and may even rope in a few undecided votes.
Add it all up, and after 90 minutes of debating, we're no closer to figuring out who will win on October 6th.
Labels: 2011 Ontario Election, Andrea Horwath, Dalton McGuinty, Leaders Debate, Tim Hudak
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Debate Live Blog
6:46 pm: For those keeping track of mentions of random "hard working Ontarian" anecdotes, we've heard about the problems facing Ryan, Kevin (the Wallmart worker), and Katherine so far.
6:54 pm: Interesting set...is everyone up for a game of paintball afterwards?
6:56 pm: McGuinty has put on his glasses and is taking notes. Nothing says "don't harm our fragile economic recovery like wearing glasses."
7:20 pm: Anyone else wish Gilles Duceppe was up there, just for old time's sake?
7:23 pm: "Facts are always helpful" - that basically sums up McGuinty's debate so far.
7:29 pm: Andrea Horwath tells a touching story about a young girl who came up and hugged her because she thought Andrea's platform was so amazing.
7:45 pm: Horwath has now brought up her mother, her brother, and son during the debate. Still waiting to hear what Uncle Bud thinks of the HST.
Ontario Debates
So tonight's debate will be important.
I'll be live-blogging the festivities starting at 6:30, and will offer my thoughts on why Dalton McGuinty won afterwards.
For those just tuning in tonight, here's a look at the players:
Dalton McGuinty: McGuinty has taken his lumps over the past eight years, and was written off by most pundits just a few months ago. Voters wanted change, Ontario's economy was sputtering, and the HST was about to claim its second victim. Yet here we are, closing in on E-Day, and "The Taxman" is tied with Tim Hudak.
McGuinty has looked cool and been on message since day 1. He has played up his "experienced leadership" through tough economic times, and cautioned voters against risking Ontario's stable economic recovery on unproven leaders. The man is one blue sweater vest away from being mistaken for Stephen Harper. I know Liberals will squirm at those words, but I mean it in the nicest way possible.
Tim Hudak: The PC campaign has focused almost exclusively on two isses - taxes, and Hudak's BBQ skills. While most voters concerned about these two issues will no doubt vote PC on October 6th, Hudak's set list hasn't moved much beyond this (with the exception of his controversial "foreign workers" jab). Given McGuinty hasn't actually promised to raise taxes, and is likely a fine BBQer himself, Hudak will need to show he's more than a tax cut sound machine tonight, if he wants to win.
Hudak always struck me as a bit of a Stockwell Day type, so he's the odds-on favourite to use a prop during tonight's debate.
Andrea Horwath: Most Ontarians can't pronounce her name and wouldn't recognize her on the street, yet they'll still tell you they like Andrea Horwath.
Being liked and unknown means Horwath has the most riding on tonight. A strong performance, and it's not impossible for her to pull off an "accidental" win on election night à la Bob Rae. If she Iggies the debate, all the positive Jack Layton feelings in the world won't be enough to keep her in the mid-20s.
Horwath will be standing centre stage tonight, which is appropriate, since all eyes will be on her.
Labels: 2011 Ontario Election, Andrea Horwath, Dalton McGuinty, Leaders Debate, Tim Hudak
Dean Del Mastro: Champion of Democracy and Scientific Polling Methodologies
Prime Minister Stephen Harper's parliamentary secretary has stepped heavily into the Ontario election for the second time, this time commissioning a 1,000-person poll because he felt a local newspaper underplayed the popularity of the local Progressive Conservative candidate. [...]
The Peterborough This Week telephone poll suggested Liberal candidate Jeff Leal had a 45.5-per-cent share of the vote compared to 28 per cent for Progressive Conservative candidate Alan Wilson.
"I was deeply concerned that publishing numbers in the fashion as presented on the cover of a weekly large circulation paper could significantly suppress voter participation," he said. "The methodology was not released and the responses could have just as easily been provided by six-year-olds as registered voters." [...]
"I dispute that I'm heavily involved in the provincial election, I want people to vote in each and every election," he said. "When information is published that suggests the election is decided based on flawed methodology it runs contrary to one of my core democratic values which is that people need to exercise their right to vote."
Yes, whenever a poll that doesn't "feel" right is published, you can count on Dean Del Mastro to settle the issue. It's just one of the many things Dean does to help protect democracy in Canada.
So what cutting-edge methodology did Del Mastro use, to ensure that (natoriously pro-Liberal) six-year-olds were not skewing survey results?
Well, he surveyed 1,000 voters over the course of an hour Sunday night...presumably using the exact same push-button polling technology as the Peterborough This Week poll. But what sets Del Mastro's survey appart are the unbiased questions he posed before asking respondents which candidate they intended to vote for:
1. "Given that jurisdictions like the United States and Europe have invested billions of dollars trying to create green jobs with disappointing results, do you believe that the 7 billion dollar Samsung deal will create 16,000 jobs in Ontario?"
2. "Given that families and seniors are struggling today in Ontario, do you support eliminating HST from energy bills as well as income splitting for families to reduce their provincial tax burden?"
Sadly, Del Mastro did not ask the most important question on the minds of voters - "Given Dalton McGuinty is a poopy head, do you support his secret puppy genocide agenda?". Sadly, we may never know what the residents of Peterborough think on this burning issue.
So again, thanks to Dean Del Mastro for championing democracy, one demon dialled push poll at a time! I salute you sir.
Labels: Dean Del Mastro, Polls
Thursday, September 22, 2011
"On October 6th vote for proper scaling of the Y-axis. Vote Liberal."
For those worried the Ontario election lacked a meaty ballot questions, comes the most exciting statistical controversy since the scrapping of the mandatory long form Census:
There are 13 statistical graphs in the Changebook. Every single one reveals significant errors in labelling, citation, scaling, and proportion. In a few cases, the illustrated data is actually false. In almost all, axes and scaling have been skewed and manipulated, without proper labelling, to exaggerate political points. In some cases, it appears the graphs were simply hand-drawn.
Whatever one thinks of a political party's platform, voters have the right to expect honesty and transparency in its presentation. The consistent pattern of distortion in the Changebook's 13 graphs reveals a willingness to sacrifice integrity for political optics. And that approach is consistent with the other controversies that have dogged the Conservative campaign so far.
Yup. 0 for 13. That's 0%. Or, as the Changebook writers would express it:
Labels: Changebook, Statistics 101
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Gary Mar is the Man
After Saturday's first round of voting, it seems all but certain that Gary Mar will be the next Premier of Alberta:
Gary Mar: 24195 (41%)
Alison Redford: 11129 (19%)
Doug Horner: 8635 (15%)
Ted Morton: 6962 (12%)
Rick Orman: 6005 (10%)
Doug Griffiths: 2435 (4%)
Yes, Ed Stelmach turned 15% on the first ballot into a win in 2006, but those were very different times. The frontrunner had received just 30% after a lackluster campaign. Voters were looking for a third way in what had become a polarized Dinning-Morton feud. The 4th, 5th, and 6th place candidates all threw their support behind Stelmach.
Sure, Mar's supporters could become complacent. But the also-rans have all seen which way the wind is blowing, and Alison Redford would need to triple her vote to take it. Only something truly remarkable can prevent Mar from becoming the 5th Premier in Alberta's Tory dynasty.
So how did this come about?
The most surprising number in round one is not Mar's total, but Morton's. Morton received 26,000 votes in the first round in 2006 and 41,000 in the final. Since then, Morton beefed up his resume with a stint as Finance Minister. Yet there he was, unable to rally even a third of his former supporters.
Morton blamed the harvest, but the reality is most people who were supportin' Morton in 2006 have long since migrated to the Wildrose Alliance. I don't think Morton will follow them, but it wouldn't surprise me to see the 62 year old professor hang up his spurs before the next election. Maybe him and Tom Flanagan can do a weekly podcast together, or something.
For pretty maps, mosey over to labradore or Daveberta. It was interesting to see Mar sweep Edmonton, given he's a Calgary boy.
Some will no doubt chalk up Mar's win to his edge in establishment support - after all, he had endorsements from 26 MLAs and some guy named Ralph Klein. There's some indication this paid off - Mar received 54% of the vote in ridings where he was backed by the local MLA, compared to 35% elsewhere.
Which sounds impressive until you consider that Ted Morton's support was 14-points higher in ridings where he was endorsed (24% vs. 10%) and Doug Horner's was 38-points higher (46% vs. 8%)! Yes, in a lot of cases, MLAs endorsed candidates they knew were popular, but Mar's team still delivered in ridings where the local establishment was working against him.
For those curious, here are the MLAs who were most effective at boosting the support for their candidate of choice (based on how much the candidate exceeded their province-wide support in the riding):
1. Ray Danyluk (Horner) +67%
2. Frank Oberle (Horner) +54%
3. Ken Kowalski (Horner) + 50%
4. Hector Goudreau (Horner) + 48%
5. Doug Horner (duh) +48%
All are Horner backers, unsurprising given his concentrated support in the rural north. On the Mar campaign, Thomas Lukaszuk (+30), Dave Hancock (+26), and Naresh Bhardwaj (+24) delivered the most, while George Groeneveld (+27) and Evan Berger (+21) were both more effective at delivering for Ted Morton than Ted Morton was.
And for those curious, the "thanks, but no thanks" award for the least effective endorsements is shared by Lindsay Blackett, Yvonne Fritz, Len Mitzel, Barry McFarland, Richard Marz, and Ken Allred. For these 6 MLAs, their candidate of choice did worse in their home riding than elsewhere.
Hat Tip to Tim Duncan for the endorsement numbers.
Labels: Alberta PC leadership race, Gary Mar
Monday, September 19, 2011
It's bad enough the NDP are letting other candidates run
September 19th: [Muclair] told reporters on Monday that he has truly not decided if he will throw his hat into the ring because the numbers for a Quebec candidate do not add up well. Although the majority of New Democrat MPs are from Quebec, "Quebec is the only province that does not have a provincial wing of the NDP," said Mr. Mulcair.
I've spent the last hour wracking my brain to come up with a rationale for how Mulcair's musings might help him in this contest, but can't think of anything.
Labels: NDP leadership race, Thomas Mulcair
Friday, September 16, 2011
This Week in Alberta - the PCs pick a leader
Assuming no candidate nets 50% + 1 on the first ballot, the field would be narrowed to three for a showdown in two weeks time. The fun thing about this race is that you can keep selling memberships right up to the final vote, adding an element on unpredictability. That's how Ralph Klein beat establishment darling Nancy Betkowski in 1992 and how Ed Stelmach came from nowhere to win in 2006.
While it's difficult to know what to expect, we were treated to a poll of PC members this week. Unlike previous polls of the general public, this one is somewhat meaningful in that it was of card carrying conservatives. Of course, there's obviously the question of how Environics acquired a party member list, so the numbers should be interpreted with some caution:
Gary Mar: 31%
Alison Redford: 20%
Doug Horner: 12%
Ted Morton: 10%
Rick Orman: 5%
Doug Griffiths: 4%
Undecided/Won't vote: 17%
If these numbers are to be believed, we're looking at a final ballot of Mar, Redford, and either Horner or Morton.
With the undecideds factored out, Mar would be in a better position than Jim Dinning was in 2006 when Jim was held to 30% on the first ballot. But remember, Ed Stelmach came from 15% and third place to take it, so a Redford or Horton win isn't unfathomable, depending on what we see tomorrow.
The more polarizing Morton will have his work cut out of him - even if he comes in at 20% on the first ballot, I don't see him having the growth potential he'd need to pull it out. With many of his supporters having already jumped to the Wildrose Alliance, Ted Morton does not appear to be the man this time around.
Labels: Alberta PC leadership race
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
On Top
Nanos (Sep 10-11, n = 507 phone)
Lib 38%
Green 3%
Ipsos (Sep 7-11, n = 800 phone)
Lib 38%
Green 1%
Sure, we're only in the third inning, but this is encouraging for the Liberals for reasons beyond the obvious. It will energize the ground troops and, most importantly, will shift the media narrative in McGuinty's favour. No doubt, had the polls shown Liberals losing ground, we'd have seen stories about a Liberal campaign in turmoil over its controversial immigrant tax credit proposal. Instead, it's Hudak who will likely be on the hot seat.
We shouldn't let polls dictate the narrative, but it's foolish to think they don't. For a party down 10 points earlier this year, this buys McGuinty a few days of positive coverage.
Labels: 2011 Ontario Election, Polls
Monday, September 12, 2011
On Topp
But some endorsements do mater. And since Olivia Chow has said she will stay neutral in the race, this is as big as it gets:
Broadbent backs Brian Topp to replace Layton as NDP leader
OTTAWA Brian Topp burst out of the blocks in the NDP leadership race Monday, taking an early head start powered by some muscular endorsements.
The Montreal-born party president became the first official candidate in the race to succeed the late Jack Layton, who died of cancer last month.
He was accompanied by party icon Ed Broadbent, the most popular and successful federal NDP leader — until Layton.
Without fail, the quickest way to get intoxicated during a federal election is to play the "Ed Broadbent" drinking game at an NDP rally. Broadbent is adored within the NDP and his endorsement is widely considered to have been the tipping point that pushed Jack over the top in 1993.
So this was a big score for Topp who, despite never holding elected office, is now considered the frontrunner in the Race for Stornoway. That said...a little perspective people! From Stephen Maher:
With Broadbent behind him and deep roots in his party, Topp now looks to be in the same situation as Paul Martin in 2003.
Thomas Mulcair, the most likely effective challenger, must have been very disappointed to see Broadbent today. He may not want to play the role of Copps in this race.
There's a long list of frontrunners in leadership contests who found out 6 months is a long time the hard way. Topp will be building an organization from scratch. He lacks both experience and charisma. He's also spilled a lot of ink over the past decade as a pundit, so I imagine there are at least one or two controversial comments he'll need to climb down from.
Broadbent's endorsement makes him the frontrunner. But being the frontrunner doesn't mean much.
Labels: Brian Topp, NDP leadership race
Sunday, September 11, 2011
The Alberta Test Drive
Raj Sherman: 54% (4684 votes)
Hugh MacDonald: 26% (2239 votes)
Laurie Blakeman: 9% (854 votes)
Bill Harvey: 7% (626 votes)
Bruce Payne: 2% (197 votes)
As I wrote on Friday, this leadership race deserved watching, even outside Alberta, since it was the first in Canada to be run on a supporter system. The vote was open to all Liberal supporters, not just party members.
So how did the test drive go?
The number most will look at is 8,640 - the number of Albertans who voted, nearly double the total in the 2008 race. Of course, you take Sherman out of the equation and we're back to 2008 levels. I have anecdotal evidence to suggest some supporters wouldn't have taken out memberships, but if we're being honest about it, the new system clearly didn't lead to a stampede of interest in the Alberta grits.
What it did do was get the party contact information for 27,000 Albertans. Even if only a fraction take lawnsigns, volunteer, or donate money in the next election, that's a win.
But the most telling number in this little primary experiment is probably 626 - the number of votes Bill Harvey collected. Whenever I pitch the supporter system to Ontario Liberals, their biggest concern is that right-wing special interest groups will take over the party. I never really understood this, since there's nothing to stop them from paying $5 or $10 a head for memberships now. If anything, the primary system makes a takeover more difficult because it means more votes are needed to win. But the fear exists and, up until yesterday, there wasn't a good case study to dispute it.
Harvey was endorsed by Craig Chandler's PGIB group, yet he was a non-factor in this contest. If a sickly provincial Liberal Party had no problem fighting off a right-wing insurgency in Alberta, it seems clear the federal grits have little to fear from a supporter system.
No, this wouldn't solve all that plagues the LPC, because a lot of problems plague the LPC. But the Alberta test-drive shows it works, with little downside.
Labels: Alberta Liberal Party, ALP leadership race, Bill Harvey, primary system, Raj Sherman
Friday, September 09, 2011
The Race for Stornoway
Not that I would want the job, but were I in charge of the rules, I would have chosen Montreal as the location, to build on NDP momentum in Quebec. I also would have weighted votes by riding, to encourage candidates to sell memberships outside traditional NDP strongholds.
But on the whole, I think the executive did a fine job. The timeline strikes the right balance, and ending the special status for unions is a key step for the NDP as it tries to remake itself into a more mainstream party.
So who will win?
Well, the March vote means Thomas Mulcair will grace the NDP race with his presence. Mulcair is no doubt the favourite, but given the bleak NDP membership totals in Quebec, he has his work cut out for him. It likely doesn't help that no one inside or outside the party seems to like him personally, either.
Brian Topp has been named as a frontrunner since the day Layton died, so I'd expect him to run, and contend. Odds are Francoise Boivin, Anne McGrath or Megan Leslie will run to ensure a strong female candidate. Pat Martin has said he's in, to provide comic relief.
But if you put the Vegas odds in front of me, my money would be on Peter Julian or Paul Dewar right now. Lesser known MPs, but well-liked within the party and both possessing at least a pinch of experience and talent.
Labels: NDP leadership race
This Week in Alberta - The Liberals Pick a Leader
It will be a busy fall politically, with provincial elections in Ontario, Saskatchewan, PEI, Newfoundland, and Manitoba. Although we likely won't see an Alberta vote until 2012, the province will get a new Premier, thanks to Ed Stelmach's surprise resignation in January. The first round of voting takes place on September 17th, and assuming no one gets the coveted 50% + 1, the three finalists will square off in a steer wrassling contest on October 1st to determine the winner.
Alberta's official opposition also finds itself in a leadership contest, with the winner being crowned tomorrow from the following list of candidates:
Laurie Blakeman: website, profile
Bill Harvey: website, profile
Hugh MacDonald: website, profile
Bruce Payne: website, profile
Raj Sherman: website, profile
The announcement likely won't get a ton of media coverage - after all, if media reports are to be believed, former PC MLA Raj Sherman is heading for an easy first ballot victory. And let's be honest, Alberta Liberal leadership contests usually turn out to be about as important in the scheme of things as Bloc Quebecois nomination meetings in Mount Royal.
But I'll still be watching the results tomorrow with interest, for a few reasons:
1. Despite the high number of supporters Sherman signed up, it remains to be seen how many will actually vote and how many will actually vote for him. Wednesday's bizarre tweet from Sherman only confirms this:
2. This is the first trial run of a primary-style "supporter system" in Canada, so politicos will be watching to see how many supporters actually take the time to vote. The Alberta Grits drew 4,500 votes when they picked a leader in 2008 - if they can triple that number, support for the system could pick up outside Alberta.
3. With Craig Chandler's ultra-Conservative PGIB backing Bill Harvey, the supporter system is getting a real test on just how "takeover proof" it is. If Harvey wins or comes close to the top, federal grits wouldn't dream of touching the system for at least a decade.
4. The ALP caucus is notorious for internal feuds, so it will be interesting to see whether or not the defeated candidates take their loss in stride. Hugh MacDonald has already raised doubts about the supporter list (without offering any proof) - if the defeated can't rally behind the winner, they might all find themselves out of work a year from now.
5. Finally, although a Liberal victory in Alberta seems far fetched, fanciful, ridiculous, or any synonym of your choosing, with the divided right the Alberta Liberals will be relevant in the next election. Their level of relevancy remains to be seen, but in an unpredictable election that might very well result in a minority government, it would be foolish not to pay attention to a party almost certain to pick up 20% to 30% of the vote.
I can't say I have a horse in this race. All five candidates bring their own unique set of skills and liabilities to the table. But I'll certainly be watching the result with interest tomorrow.
Labels: ALP leadership race, Bill Harvey, Bruce Payne, Hugh MacDonald, Laurie Blakeman, primary system, Raj Sherman
Tuesday, September 06, 2011
Ontario Votes 2011
Gone for the PCs is the lovable loser John Tory, replaced with Tim Hudak, the man with the golden smirk. Hudak was first elected in 1995...wait, is that right? How old was he then - 13?
Despite his 16 years of elected experience, Hudak remains undefined for most and difficult to pin down. The best way to describe him would be to simply say he is the very image of a modern politician - he smiles a lot, can deliver a decent soundbyte, and promises lower taxes. He's not charismatic, but he's not uncharismatic either. If I were ever tasked with preparing a PowerPoint presentation on different human professions for visiting aliens, Hudak would likely be my case study of "politician".
Even less well known than Hudak is the NDP's Andrea Horwath. While she won't be mistaken for Jack Layton on the campaign trail, Horwath seems likable enough (unless you're an environmentalist that is).
Horwath fits into the NDP mould, talking about "positive campaigns" and "results for people"...all the while tossing out a few silly ideas like baning cars from moving within 1 metre of bikes on the roads. 2011 is a good time to look like you're cut from the NDP mould, so Horwath should do well, and could wind up a big player if Ontario wakes up with a minority government October 7th.
Then there's Dalton McGuinty who, for better or worse, everybody knows. After a fairly low-key first term, McGuinty has spent the last four years doing the things voters say they want - investments in renewable energy, creating efficiencies in the tax system, helping businesses compete internationally, modernizing the economy...you know, big picture stuff. Of course, while voters may think 900 new wind turbines sounds good, most would probably rather get a tax rebate on their subway pass when all is said and done.
So McGuinty enters the campaign a few points behind Tim Hudak. But either man could win. Or woman, for that matter.
Yesterday, the Liberals released their platform , following up summer announcements from the PCs and NDP. The Liberal platform focuses heavily on their record, and features a host of third party validators - everyone from Bill Davis, to David Suzuki, to the Toronto Sun.
As for new policies, the platform is rather modest - outside of some cash for education, there aren't a lot of big ticket items.
Which makes sense when you're being called "the tax man" by your opponent.
Above - Hudak on McGuinty's record, McGuinty on McGuinty's record, and Horwath talks about helping the little guy, while sitting in what appears to be a million-dollar house.
Nanos (Aug 25-28, n = 1002 online)
Lib 32%
Green 4%
Angus Reid (Aug 25-28, n = 1002 online)
Lib 31%
Green 6%
Ipsos Reid (July 29-Aug 4, n = 899 online)
Lib 36%
Green 3%
Labels: 2011 Ontario Election
Saturday, September 03, 2011
And on the 7th day, Mulcair gave media interviews
OTTAWA — Thomas Mulcair says he won't run for the leadership of the NDP unless the party agrees to hold its convention in late winter or early spring, because he wouldn't be able to compete in a short race.
"If what some people seemed to be angling for, which was January, if that ever came to pass, you know, I'd just continue working very hard to do the best we could, but I would never be part of something where there wouldn't be a level playing field," he said Friday.
This would be a huge blow to the NDP, given how popular Mulcair is in caucus. Why, just listen to some of the things NDP MPs have said about him:
"I've got great, great support among the Quebec caucus. I'm thankful for that, but not totally surprised because they know what role I played in helping them all get elected."
-Thomas Mulcair
"Jack named me parliamentary House Leader [last May], and it was quite a compliment for the work that we had done."
-Thomas Mulcair
"The fact of the matter is that if I hadn't pushed hard and gotten things changed, we would still have never elected anybody in a general election in Quebec."
-Thomas Mulcair
Labels: The amazing Thomas Mulcair
Fun with cluster analysis
For those who weren't forced to spend your early 20s labouring through fourth year statistics courses and cursing SPSS on a nightly basis, the closer two names are "linked" together, the more often they voted together. For example, the Ford brothers are linked directly to each other since they tend to vote together. Their next closest links are to Giorgio Mammoliti and Mike Del Grande.
If you keep moving down the line, council can be cleaved into two groups - the "green" and "red" lines above. Those familiar with municipal politics in Toronto will quickly recognize which side of the political spectrum each group falls.
To come up with a visual, the five largest clusters were coloured into the ward map - blue and green clusters represent councillors voting with the "lefties", with the yellow, red, and purple clusters representing those voting with the more conservative elements of council.
As you might expect, the blue in green clusters are concentrated downtown, with the red, yellow, and purple clusters generally further out in the suburbs.
There are, of course, exceptions. York councillors Anthony Perruzza and Maria Augimeri find themselves close to the Adam Vaughans and Paula Fletchers of City Council. Meanwhile, Davenport's Ana Bailao checks in with a more conservative voting record than you might expect given her riding went NDP this May.
Thursday, September 01, 2011
ALP Leadership Candidate Profiles: Everyone Take a Step to the Right
Today, the final part of a series profiling the candidates. (Previously: Bruce Payne, Raj Sherman, Hugh MacDonald, Laurie Blakeman)
Background: Harvey was a Campaign Coordinator for Laurence Decore's leadership bid in 1988, and dropped Decore's name nine times in the open letter declaring his candidacy. So for those of you trying to design an ALP leadership debate drinking game, you're welcome.
Harvey ran as a Liberal candidate in both the 2004 and 2008 elections, and made history the second time, becoming the first Liberal to be ever endorsed by Craig Chandler's ultra-conservative PGIB group (for those unfamiliar with Chandler, here's some delightful background about him).
In the real world, Harvey works in Calgary, in the Financial Services Industry.
Video: Harvey wasn't a declared candidate at this May's ALP convention, so I didn't get a chance to interview him. However, you can view a video of Bill on his website.
Online: Harvey has the basics and a functional website, but has a modest online presence. Follow the links to see his Facebook and Twitter accounts.
Can he win? Harvey is the biggest wild card in this contest - and that's saying a lot about a leadership race that includes Raj Sherman. While Harvey's PGIB connection may hurt him among some Liberals, it's impossible to deny Chandler's organization has the ability to sign up hundreds, if not thousands, of supporters in Calgary if they put their mind to it. I have no way of knowing if they're heeding Craig's call to support Harvey - after all, most PGIB members would sooner listen to "Friday" on repeat in the 5th corner of hell before being even remotely associated with the Liberal Party...but it would be presumptuous to rule out Harvey as an also-ran.
My Take: Harvey is the only candidate I haven't met, so there's only so much I can say about him. He does, however, appear to be a capable speaker from what I've seen online.
As you've no doubt figured out by now, Harvey has made no secret about his rightward leanings. Included in his policy platform is "creating a provincial police force, a freeze and review on bureaucracy spending, tossing corporate welfare programs, more charter schools, defending the oil and gas industry, and tough new child pornography laws". Some of these are certainly valid proposals, but they're not exactly the kinds of things you'll hear from Laurie Blakeman's platform.
So if you think the ALP needs to take a giant step to the right, Harvey is probably your man. Personally, I think the Alberta Liberals need to break the perception they're a tax and spend party (when they're clearly not), but Harvey's PGIB connection and rhetoric worries me. That's probably unfair to Bill - after all, he's been an active supporter of the ALP for over 20 years and has been approved as a candidate by the party establishment twice. And perhaps a rightward shift is the only way the Liberals will ever form government.
But without knowing more about him, he'd most likely rank 5th on my phantom ballot.
Labels: ALP leadership race, Bill Harvey


text:
The Nibelung Museum in the city wall of Worms opened in 2001. Inside, the Song of the Nibelungs is brought to life using the latest multimedia technology.
Audio guides available in German, English and French lead visitors of every age on an exciting journey of literary discovery through the museum. The Song of the Nibelungs is one of the most famous stories in world literature and was added to UNESCO's Memory of the World Register in 2009.
Opening times:
Tuesday-Friday 10am-5pm, Saturday, Sunday & public holidays 10am-6pm
두 가지 유용한 조합(브라우저 확대/축소):
확대: +
축소: +
다음 아이콘을 클릭하여 브라우저 공급자에서 기타 도움말을 받으십시오:


text:
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ReadWriteThink couldn't publish all of this great content without literacy experts to write and review for us. If you've got lessons plans, videos, activities, or other ideas you'd like to contribute, we'd love to hear from you.
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Lesson Plan
Discovering Memory: Li-Young Lee's Poem "Mnemonic" and the Brain
|6 – 8
|Lesson Plan Type
|Estimated Time
|Eight 50-minute sessions
|Lesson Author
Portland, Oregon
In this cross-curricular poetry and biology unit, Li-Young Lee's poem Mnemonic is used to explore how memory works. Students begin by brainstorming a list of their own memories and circling interesting words and phrases that they share with the class and then incorporating these words and phrases into a piece of writing. Students next discuss the brain and how memory is stored, leading students to dissect Li-Young Lee's poem Mnemonic. As they apply this scientific information to the poem, students better understand the kinds of memories the speaker has in the poem and where those memories might be located in the brain. Groups of students then plan and complete projects in which they create a product that relates to memory, in one of three categories: informational, creative, or personal.
Interactive Timeline: Students use this online tool to lay out their schedule for completing a group project.
In order for students to delve into their own memories, it may be necessary to take a multifaceted approach to teaching them about memory in the brain. This approach can include poetry, reflective writing, research, and art. As stated in Living Voices, "We live in an interdisciplinary world that is constantly pushing us to cross lines. The classroom should be no different" (Wood 68).
"A Guide Through the Labyrinth of Memory" from the Exploratorium Website reveals memory as a complex part of human experience, one that requires varied perspectives to attempt understanding it. The site, a companion to an Exploratorium museum exhibit, touches on all the aspects that comprise memory for humans: "Memory was a new kind of exhibition, an experiment that used science and art from a variety of social and cultural perspectives to help us understand ourselves."
As an attempt to help students comprehend the function of memory, this lesson works in similar ways, giving students various ways to learn more about memory and the brain and to show what they know through the creation of multigenre products.
Further Reading
The Exploratorium. January 18, 1999. "A Guide Through the Labyrinth of Memory." Web. October 2009. http://www.exploratorium.edu/memory/about.html
Wood, Jaime R. 2006. Living Voices: Multicultural Poetry in the Middle School Classroom. Urbana, IL: NCTE.


text:
Window Screens
Window Screens Beaverton Oregon – Service, Replacement & Installation
Kraft Screens services the Beaverton area with stylish and durable window screens, including replacement and repair. Our selection includes over 25 designer colors and a variety of mesh options. Our screens are made with the highest quality aluminum. Our installers are professionals who work on site and make customer satisfaction their number one priority. Kraft Screens has been servicing Residential and Commercial customers throughout the greater Portland, Vancouver, and Salem areas since 1995. Kraft Screens is the largest screening and shading company in the Portland Metro Area. We Here at Kraft Screens values every customer and strives to set industry standards for prompt, professional service with complete customer satisfaction.


text:
Watch Nas Perform "One Love" on The Tonight Show With Jimmy Fallon
Backed by The Roots and original producer from the Illmatic, Q-Tip, Nas took a trip down memory lane performing hits the classic and controversial track "One Love" 'last night on The Tonight Show With Jimmy Fallon. The two continued their visit to 1994 performing "The World Is Yours", another classic track from 1994's Illmatic. Nas will be releasing the Illmatic XX album on April 14th, just four days before Illmatic turns 20. The double-disc edition will include a remastered version of the original album, rare remixes, an unreleased song ("I'm a Villain"), and a never-before-heard freestyle on The Stretch Armstrong and Bobbito Show from 1993. The album is available for pre-order on iTunes. Watch both performances below.


text:
I've been meaning to play around with backbone.js for a while, trying to piece together what can make a sensible framework for frontend code. There seem to be a few out there, another I've wanted to try is sproutcore. The truth is, I'm a backend coder, a database guy, a systems engineer… but I love all aspects of coding, and although I'm quite terrible at design and CSS, I've been getting more into Javascript lately. Its quite a nice language for server side development with node – small, simple, server based apps that work well with websockets. I've written a little bit about that in the past. Everything is moving to the web, and its nice to have a modern and easy to use interface to place in front of your tools.
The app is a simple playlist. You can search for songs, get a list of potential matches, and add the song to your playlist. You can cycle back and forth through the songs, pause them, and delete them from the list. Thats about it!
If you want to cut to the code you can find it here on github.
Some Assumptions
Part of the goals for this project were to get out of my comfort zone and learn something new. So I decided to make it a frontend only app. All HTML/Javascript and no backend services. Well, none that I write, it does some interaction with other services or it would be pretty boring. If you end up checking the project out, you'll find the markup could use some help (patches welcome!). But the goal was just to get something functional. This isn't the way I'd go about things if I were building an app to start a company with, its just a fun hack.
I didn't know backbone at all, and it seems hard to find good examples that are more than "heres a text box on a page". One of the better ones out there that is well documented is the todo list app. It turns out this app fit rather nicely with my idea of a playlist, so I decided to start off with that codebase and modify it from there. It also uses the handy LocalStorage driver, which implements an HTML5 specification for storing structured data on the client side.
I also needed a simple way to query songs, and since the Rdio API is Oauth based, which can get complicated (and probably more so in javascript taking security into account) I found a nice API from echonest that turns out to have a lot of nice functionality thats easy to use. This is what I'm using to query for the songs.
I am using the Rdio playback API to actually play the songs from the Rdio service, and that part is based largely on their hello web playback example. Their API does allow you to build playlists in their service, which is probably the more correct way to do this since you'd be able to access them in their web UI, but since that adds complexity thats not used in this version.
The App
So check out playlister, let me know what you think. There's a lot of room for improvement, especially with the markup and how some of the pieces fit together. All of the backbone code is in one file and that should be remedied. It could also be made to sync to a backend instead of localstorage and save the playlist into Rdio, and things like that. When you download it, just plug in your API keys into the js/token.js and you're pretty much ready to go.