Nathan Sterner talks with Mike Subelsky, entrepreneur and technologist about town, about technology entrepreneurship here in Maryland, what’s coming out of it and what we could put into it.
"Source : Google Reader
Wednesday, 10 August 2011
8-10-11: You Say Tomato…
8-10-11: You Say Tomato…: "
Sascha's tomato tart.
Audio for this segment will be available by the end of the day.
It’s August — time to put all those tomatoes to use. You can pop them straight in your mouth — or you can also learn how to sun dry them, or use them in a tarte tatin. Our resident foodie, Sascha Wolhandler, of Sascha’s 527, has some suggestions.
Tomato tart tartin
2 pints cherry tomatoes (a mix of yellow & red is nice)
1 yellow onion, chopped
2 tbsp butter
3/4 cup sugar
2 tbsp water
2 tbsp red wine
Sheet puff pastry
1/4 cup pitted black olives chopped
2 tbsp herbs de provence
Salt & pepper
Olive oil
9 inch skillet
Procedure
Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees. Melt butter and saute onions until caramelized. In another skillet, combine water and sugar. Cook until mix goes from bubbling white to amber–this is the caramel.
Remove from heat and add the red wine. Careful–it will sputter. Throw olives on top of caramel. Do not touch mixture–it is very hot. Throw the tomatoes on top of the olives. Place the onions on top of the tomatoes.
Cut round from the puff pastry that will cover the whole thing. Place puff pastry over the entire mixture, and carefully press around edges.
Bake for 40 minutes until crust is puffed and golden. Let rest in the skillet for five minutes.
Place large round plate over the skillet and carefully invert onto the plate.
Sprinkle with salt, pepper, onions, and tomatoes before putting on puff pastry. Decorate with fresh basil.
Individual tomato tarts
Note: you’ll need 6 individual tart pans with removable bottoms
Use your favorite pastry crust recipe, or storebought flat, rolled-out pastry crust
Non-stick coating spray
4 ripe, beautiful tomatoes, sliced
4 tbsp dijon mustard
1.5 cups shredded cheese — try cheddar, gruyere or crumbled goat cheese
Mixed dry herbs
1 tbsp each of garlic powder, oregano, basil, thyme, salt & pepper
Olive oil for drizzling
Fresh basil for decorating
Procedure
Spray tart pans with non-stick coating. Roll out dough, and cut rounds to fit tart pans. Paint bottom of dough with dijon mustard. Fill with shredded cheese — Place tomatoes decoratively on top. If you use goat cheese, sprinkle it on top of the tomatoes.
Sprinkle dry herbs over each tart and drizzle with olive oil. Bake in preheated 375 degree oven for 20 minutes. Decorate with fresh basil, and sprinkle salt and pepper on top.
Tomato Jam
1.5 lbs tomatoes, coarsely chopped
1 cup sugar
3 tbsp squeezed lime juice
2 tbsp minced ginger
1 tsp ground cumin
1/4 tsp cloves
1 tsp salt
Good pinch red pepper flakes
Procedure
Place all ingredients in a saucepan, and bring to a boil. Reduce and simmer for 45 min to 1 hour until jam-like.
Source : Google Reader
8-10-11: “Crooked Lines”
8-10-11: “Crooked Lines”: "
"
Ann Hall Marshall has had a busy life in Emmitsburg raising ten children and building a career as supervisor of Adult Education in Frederick County. Along the way she’s done quite a bit of writing–press releases, education manuals, and a newspaper column. For years, the idea of a novel was also simmering in the background.
She finally wrote that novel and published it last fall–a few months before her 90th birthday.
Today Sheilah talks to Ann Hall Marshall about the novel, Crooked Lines.
Hear Sheilah’s entire conversation with Ann Hall Marshall [23:41]:
"Source : Google Reader
8-10-11: Educational Reform in Baltimore
8-10-11: Educational Reform in Baltimore: "
Audio for this segment will be available by the end of the day.
School vouchers. Charter schools. Improved morale. There have been a number of solutions suggested by the candidates for mayor on ways to improve public schools (or on what’s wrong with the current system) — we talk with an education policy analyst and longtime school board member about what’s feasible.
Kalman “Buzzy” Hettleman is an education policy analyst who was on Baltimore’s school board first in the early 70s, and then again from 2005 to 2008. He’s also acted as an advisor to the school superintendent, and he’s written a book called “It’s the Classroom, Stupid: A Plan to Save America’s Schoolchildren.”
We also speak with Julie Scharper, City Hall Reporter for the Baltimore Sun,who co -wrote an article with Erica Green that appeared in this week’s Sun, focusing on mayoral candidates’ positions on school construction.
We asked each of the mayoral candidates, including the incumbent mayor, the following question: What major changes, if any, would you like to see implemented in Baltimore’s school system?
We received one response, from Jody Landers. You can listen here, and read it below:
In order to see continued progress in City schools, it is absolutely essential for the Mayor and School Superintendent to forge a strong partnership and close working relationship. Recent revelations about possible cheating on the Maryland School Achievement Tests and a drop in test scores have undermined confidence in the system. Restoring parental and public trust in the system has to be on one of our top priorities
In order for children to learn they need a safe environment and they have to be in school. I would work with the Superintendent to assure that schools are safe for both students and teachers, and to assure that conduct rules and suspension policies are being consistently and uniformly enforced throughout the system. The inconsistent application of the rules of conduct only tends to breed errant behaviors. We must do a better job of effectively dealing with chronic attendance problems.
In talking with teachers in the course of campaigning, it has become apparent that teacher morale is extremely low. Many teachers feel they are not being given a voice in the overall direction of the system and in determining the best way to address the needs of the children in their classrooms. I would work with the Superintendent to boost the morale of teachers and to assure that they have an avenue through which their concerns can be heard and addressed.
City Charter Schools offer parents a range of options and choices that did not exist several years ago. Charter schools have definitely had a favorable impact on attracting and keeping families with children in the City. Unfortunately limited enrollment capacities in the charter schools make it impossible to serve all of the children and families seeking admission. I would strongly support efforts to expand the number of charter schools, along with serious efforts to reduce class size and improve instructional outcomes in zoned schools.
"Source : Google Reader
08-10-11: Maryland Morning Culture Calendar
08-10-11: Maryland Morning Culture Calendar: "
Thursday, 8/11-Sunday, 8/14
Ten Minute Play Festival
The Bell Foundry
Baltimore, 8 pm
Improv Festival
Creative Alliance
Baltimore, 8 pm
Saturday, 8/13
“Fourth Sunday: The Journey of a Book Club” Book Signing and Discussion
Galerie Myrtis
Baltimore, 2 pm
Sunday, 8/14
Roots Café Singer-Songwriter Series
An Die Musik
Baltimore, 5 pm
Friday, 8/19
Muldoon
Mobtown Theater
Baltimore, 8 pm
BUMP: A Tabloid Story
Theater Project
Baltimore, 8 pm
Wednesday, 8/24
UkeFest
Strathmore Hall
Bethesda, 7 pm
Friday, 8/26
aLIVE! from the Collective Dance Company
Creative Alliance
Baltimore, 8 pm
Source : Google Reader
Annotated Call Log
Annotated Call Log: "
Summary: Annotated Call Log lets you associate and save important notes of the call.
After the call is ended (incoming/outgoing/missed), the application displays a dialog box, with phone number and contact name pre-filled, where you enter a text note or record a voice note or both
More details at: Annotated Call Log
"
- Submitted: 2011-07-05
- Price: 0.00 USD
Summary: Annotated Call Log lets you associate and save important notes of the call.
After the call is ended (incoming/outgoing/missed), the application displays a dialog box, with phone number and contact name pre-filled, where you enter a text note or record a voice note or both
More details at: Annotated Call Log
"
Source : Google Reader
TTXGP Added to Bike Fest Weekend
TTXGP Added to Bike Fest Weekend: "The premier electric motorcycle championship, TTXGP, has been added to the Miller Motorsports 2011 Bike Fest on September 3rd-4th."
Source : Google Reader
Michelin Power Pure Tire Review
Michelin Power Pure Tire Review: "We test Michelin’s new Power Pure street bike motorcycle rubber in this tire review."
Source : Google Reader
It takes real resolve to remove these tough stains
It takes real resolve to remove these tough stains: "
Only one of the pretreatment stain removers in Consumer Reports tests worked well on the six stains in our Ratings and no product was excellent at removing cocoa. Resolve Laundry ably attacked coffee, blood, wine, sebum, grass and motor oil but two varieties of Shout couldn’t get the wine stain out.
In our tests, we took swatches of stained polyester/cotton fabric, applied the same amount of each stain cleaner, let the swatches sit for 5 minutes, then washed them in a mediocre detergent. For comparison, we also washed them in a highly rated detergent (Tide 2X with Bleach Alternative), using no laundry pretreatment. Eleven of the 14 products worked better than Tide detergent alone. 1069339566001
Source : Google Reader
How to cut the lawn while keeping yourself intact
How to cut the lawn while keeping yourself intact: "
With blades that whir at more than 200 miles-per-hour, today’s lawn mowers can pose a real danger to the careless user. Add flip-flops, headphones and a can of beer and you’ve got an accident waiting to happen. Unfortunately, doctors see far too many mowing injuries each season—90,000 annually—and as one doctor said, "those are life-changing events.”
We’re not blaming the victim for all of these mishaps but as some homeowners fessed up in a recent Consumer Reports survey, many have bad mowing habits. Twenty-five percent listen to music through headphones, 14 percent mow in flip-flops or sandals, eight percent drink beer or other alcohol and four percent text or talk on the phone. Hello, have you gone mad? In this video, Peter Sawchuk, who conducts our mower tests, shows the safest way to mow.
Source : Google Reader
Pricing: 2012 Toyota Yaris
Pricing: 2012 Toyota Yaris: "
Toyota has announced pricing for the redesigned Yaris will start at $14,115 for the base three-door hatchback with five speed manual transmission. The five-door hatchback will start at $15,140 and the top of the line new SE five-door hatch with an automatic transmission starts at $17,200 and comes with sportier suspension setup. These prices reflect an increase of over $1,000 more than the previous generation.
Toyota notes that the price bump brings more than a $1,000 worth of new standard equipment on the new Yaris, much of which was part of the optional Convenience package in the outgoing model. The features included AM/FM/XM/CD stereo with MP3 compatibility and 60/40-split fold-down rear seat.
The new pricing places the Yaris above most of its competition. The Honda Fit starts at $15,100, the new Nissan Versa hatchback just hitting dealerships has a base MSRP of $14,380, and the Hyundai Accent begins at $14,595 for the base GS hatchback. In this class, the 2012 Ford Fiesta hatchback has the highest MSRP at $15,550.
The previous-generation Yaris scored too low in our testing to be recommended even with outstanding reliability. We’ll see if the new Yaris addresses the shortcomings such as noise, front seat comfort, and cheap fit and finish.
Further details on the new Yaris will be announced closer to production at the end of August with an on-sale date in the fall.
Toyota also announced pricing for the 2012 Sequoia, Sienna, and Tundra. Pricing on most Sequoia models will go relatively unchanged, the Sienna will increase $174 and the Tundra will increase by $348. All models will start production at the end of August to early September.
Source : Google Reader
Back-to-school shopping: Backpack guide for kids
Back-to-school shopping: Backpack guide for kids: "
Bring these tips to the store when looking for a back-to-school backpack for your child. (And see our backpack Ratings, available to subscribers, for models that fit your child.)
One size does not fit all. The bottom of the backpack should align with the curve of the lower back--and not more than four inches below the waistline. The shoulder-strap anchor points should also rest 1 to 2 inches below the top of the shoulders.
Inspect before you invest. Look for sloppy stitching or loose threads (which can indicate poor manufacturing); fabric edges that can fray and weaken the fabric, and possibly get stuck in the zipper; and zippers without fabric flaps covering them (which can allow water to seep in).
Comfort, convenience, and safety are important. Features to look for: wide, padded shoulder straps to distribute the weight over a large area of the shoulder; an abdominal strap to distribute the pack's weight evenly on the back, waist, and hips; and reflectors or reflective fabrics to add visibility at dusk or dawn.
Prevent injury with a lighter load. Load and wear it correctly--the American Occupational Therapy Association recommends carrying no more than 15 percent of your body weight in a backpack. The less your child carries, the better.
"Source : Google Reader
Introducing the New ImportGenius.com
Introducing the New ImportGenius.com: "We've just redone our public web site to provide more public access to our data. Check out the new 'Instant Search' tool above on the right."
Source : Google Reader
Daily electronics deals: Nextar X3 portable GPS navigation system
Daily electronics deals: Nextar X3 portable GPS navigation system: "
Today's electronics deals, courtesy of The Consumerist:
- Tanga.com: Nextar X3 3.5' Touchscreen Portable GPS Navigation System for $44.99
- Everydaysource: Extra 50% Off Sale Items [w/ Coupon MRHALFPRICE]
Entertainment
- Amazon: Party Down DVD Season 1 & 2 each $9
- NewEgg: Xbox 360 250GB Console + Kinect Bundle + $70 Gift Card $399.99, free shipping
Neither Consumer Reports nor The Consumerist receive anything in exchange for featuring these deals; the posts are intended to be purely informational. These deals are often fleeting, with prices changing or products becoming unavailable as the day progresses.
These posts are not an endorsement of the featured products or the Web sites that sell them—though some of the sites may be included, and recommended, in our Ratings of retailers for computers and other major electronics (both available to subscribers). Price shouldn't be your only criterion. Be wary of lower-priced deals that seem too good to be true, and check return policies for restocking fees and other gotchas.
For general buying advice for many of the products on sale above, check out our free Buying Guides.
Source : Google Reader
Meguiar's M4916 Heavy Duty Oxidation Remover - 16 oz.
Meguiar's M4916 Heavy Duty Oxidation Remover - 16 oz.: "
Meguiar's Heavy Duty Oxidation Remover is the fast and powerful answer for significant surface defects. It has the power to safely treat light to extreme scratches, as well as water spots, and can be applied by hand or with a machine. It's a gentle and highly effective wax and silicon-free alternative to rubbing compounds for use on all fiberglass, high-tech paint or gelcoat surfaces.
Aug 07, 2011 23:12:03
"
Meguiar's M4916 Heavy Duty Oxidation Remover - 16 oz. Reviews
Meguiar's M4916 Heavy Duty Oxidation Remover - 16 oz. Feature
- Fast and powerful solution to surface defects
- Safely treats light to extreme scratching
- Apply by hand or with machine
- Usable on all fiberglass, high-tech paint or gelcoat surfaces.
- Wax and silicon-free
Meguiar's Heavy Duty Oxidation Remover is the fast and powerful answer for significant surface defects. It has the power to safely treat light to extreme scratches, as well as water spots, and can be applied by hand or with a machine. It's a gentle and highly effective wax and silicon-free alternative to rubbing compounds for use on all fiberglass, high-tech paint or gelcoat surfaces.
Detail Products
- Meguiar's M6332 Flagship Premium Marine Wax - 32 oz.
- Meguiar's M4965 Marine/RV Fiberglass Restoration System
- Meguiar's M5716 Boat/RV Vinyl & Rubber Cleaner/Protectant - 16 oz.
- Meguiar's M6732 Marine One-Step Compound - 32 oz.
- Meguiar's M5032 Boat/RV Cleaner Wax - Liquid - 32 oz.
Detail Reviews
Aug 07, 2011 23:12:03
Source : Google Reader
Pinnacle Crystal Mist Detail Spray 64oz
Pinnacle Crystal Mist Detail Spray 64oz: "
Pinnacle Crystal Mist Carnauba Detail Spray is formulated with restructured gloss-enhancing crystalline polymers, nourishing oils, and real Brazilian carnauba wax to provide your vehicle with an instant burst of shine and slickness. Pinnacle Crystal Mist Carnauba Detail Spray is the next generation of quick detailers.
Aug 08, 2011 23:51:05
"
Pinnacle Crystal Mist Detail Spray 64oz Reviews
Pinnacle Crystal Mist Detail Spray 64oz Feature
- Paint will appear clean, vibrant and brilliantly glossy
- Can be layered over carnauba waxes & paint sealants
- Dries crystal clear with deep gloss
- Extends the shine of existing wax
Pinnacle Crystal Mist Carnauba Detail Spray is formulated with restructured gloss-enhancing crystalline polymers, nourishing oils, and real Brazilian carnauba wax to provide your vehicle with an instant burst of shine and slickness. Pinnacle Crystal Mist Carnauba Detail Spray is the next generation of quick detailers.
Detail Products
Detail Reviews
Aug 08, 2011 23:51:05
Source : Google Reader
Dodo Juice Soft Four Wax Kit
Dodo Juice Soft Four Wax Kit: "
The Dodo Juice Soft Four Kit has a little something for everyone! All four Dodo Juice soft carnauba waxes are found in this Soft Four Kit. Find out which wax suits your vehicle best and have a great time doing it! All Dodo Juice soft waxes have a signature scent and smooth texture, plus their own unique formulas. All Dodo Juice Soft Waxes offer great paint protection from UV rays, dirt, and rain. The main ingredient in all Dodo Juice waxes is No. 1 grade carnauba wax from Brazil, the best natural wax in the world. Dodos soft waxes are distinguished by their smooth texture and wonderful wet-look shine. Each wax has different ingredients added to the carnauba to achieve certain goals. Compare them all with the Dodo Juice Soft Four Kit.
Aug 10, 2011 02:36:07
"
Dodo Juice Soft Four Wax Kit Reviews
Dodo Juice Soft Four Wax Kit Feature
- Dodos soft wax sampler pack!
- 30 ml (1 oz.) Dodo Juice Rainforest Rub Soft Wax
- 30 ml (1 oz.) Dodo Juice Light Fantastic Soft Wax
- 30 ml (1 oz.) Dodo Juice Orange Crush Soft Wax
- 30 ml (1 oz.) Dodo Juice Purple Haze Soft Wax
The Dodo Juice Soft Four Kit has a little something for everyone! All four Dodo Juice soft carnauba waxes are found in this Soft Four Kit. Find out which wax suits your vehicle best and have a great time doing it! All Dodo Juice soft waxes have a signature scent and smooth texture, plus their own unique formulas. All Dodo Juice Soft Waxes offer great paint protection from UV rays, dirt, and rain. The main ingredient in all Dodo Juice waxes is No. 1 grade carnauba wax from Brazil, the best natural wax in the world. Dodos soft waxes are distinguished by their smooth texture and wonderful wet-look shine. Each wax has different ingredients added to the carnauba to achieve certain goals. Compare them all with the Dodo Juice Soft Four Kit.
Detail Products
Detail Reviews
Aug 10, 2011 02:36:07
Source : Google Reader
Curse Of The Blue Tattoo by L.A. Meyer
Curse Of The Blue Tattoo by L.A. Meyer: "
"
The sequel to Bloody Jack, Jacky Faber has now been removed from the Dolphin, her “ships boy” role stripped from her now that they know she is a girl…. and she has been placed instead into The Lawson Peabody School for Fine Young Girls.
Wha?
The Jacky Faber? Tom boy, loud, adventurous, pirate fighting, occasionally obnoxious, Jacky…. in a school for fine young ladies?
It is soon discovered that the high seas fighting for rations was a piece of cake compared to the stuffy girl for schools where you have to master “the look” ( sucked in cheek bones, lips slightly parted, and eyes lowered), and how to sew and…
well… as you can imagine… Jacky finds her way into mischief by sneaking out of the school playing her music in bars at night and scaring a preacher who does not deserve the title… she learns to ride a horse not only like a girl, but also like a guy with a leg on each side…. she struggles learning the ways of being a lady, but at the same time finds a way into some of the girls hearts and earns the name, “friend”.
Yet Jacky still missed her first love Jaimy, and feels the draw of the sea….
I think Jack will always be drawn to the sea...
I have made my way through this second audio. It didn’t take long that Jacky would have troubles in school with some of the snooty rich girls like Clarissa, and yet admired for her high spirit and dedication to anyone who is kind to her, like Amy.
This is the new cover for the book
I enjoyed the mystery around the reverend and wish that would have been a bit more in the book. There is a lot of action happening between Jacky’s trips to Amy’s home, and meeting her brother Randall, and making friends, and
dancing, and making money, and getting into trouble…
yeah about that…
by the end of this audio book I was a bit stretched on the amount of trouble that Jacky kept getting in to. It seemed like she keeps making major mistakes and causing her friendships to strain. I realize that is part of the thrill of Jacky Faber and the series but in the end… I am going to have to say it was all a bit too much.
Still a delightful listen, incredible narration by Katherine Kellgren who does a lovely job with the rough accent of Jacky, to the polite voices of the girls from school….
Yes I will move on to audio book three as I think Jacky is on her way back to the ship and maybe if I can get her back in the water, I will find what I loved about the first audio again.
Amazon Rating
Goodreads Review
The 2011 WHERE Are You Reading map has been updated to include Curse Of The Blue Tattoo
I borrowed this audio from our local library
"Source : Google Reader
Morning Meanderings… A BIG Bike Ride for a great cause
Morning Meanderings… A BIG Bike Ride for a great cause: "
"
Today I am starting a two day ride for Camp Benedict, the ride I participate in for families infected of affected by AIDS/HIV. We will start at 8 am this morning and bike 75 miles (with an option to do 100) to camp, then we get up Sunday morning and bike the 75 miles back to Brainerd.
It’s a great ride and a wonderful team.
For Saturday Snapshots (Check out Alyce’s blog, At Home With Books for more info) I thought I would post a few pics from last years ride…
Our team 2010
Friend and co-rider last year - Sheila W and Sheila D 
Where we stay overnight (I know... so spoiled!)
Final stop on the way back (day two) me and Connie in the front. Connie is the organizer of the ride and the camp.
See you all tomorrow afternoon 
"Source : Google Reader
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