New Year's Eve 2012: Playlists for Your Party

Posted by on January 29, 2012 No comments

1327848607 62 New Year's Eve 2012: Playlists for Your Party

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Party hosts, here are a few suggestions to spice up your New Year's Eve playlist. Happy 2012!

Pandora: Pandora has sorted the year's best music under several categories. At the bottom of your screen, click on “Genres” to find a slew of categories. The one you want is “End of Year,” which features “2011 Top Pop Hits,” “2011 Top Hip Hop and Pop Hits” and others.

From trial and error, playing Pandora off “Katy Perry” and “Rihanna” also works wonders.

Spotify: Spotify has made it easy to play pre-made lists, including one made by Maroon 5's Adam Levine. There's “Spotify Staff's best of 2011,” “Willow's 'End of Year' Playlist,” “Top 100 tracks of 2011 from Pitchfork” and a “Best of 2011″ list from Mike Shinoda of Linkin Park.

Last.fm: The “New Year” tag on Last.fm radio works half the time, mainly because the playlist relies on keywords. Still, Last.fm requires minimum supervision.

Turntable.fm: If you're looking for a more interactive experience, Turntable requires listeners to “DJ” a song in consecutive cycles, earning points as you go along (if people like your music). This could be a fun exercise before turning on the tube for Dick Clark and Ryan Seacrest's annual countdown.

Playlist.com: Whether you build your own playlist with the day's top searches or your favorite artists and/or genre, Playlist provides a good mix of songs that will accompany any house party. Or, if you're feeling lazy, try a few pre-made New Year's Eve party mixes from this user, or this one.

Z100: If you're feeling really lazy and just want to turn the radio on, local radio stations like Z100 New York will be playing the Top 100 songs of 2011 all weekend, both streaming on its Web site and on regular, good 'ol radio.

Wedding: Heather + Denny

Posted by on January 29, 2012 No comments

1327846212 54 Wedding: Heather + Denny

This post introduces a change for me, something that is not going to mean much to everyone else, but is a big deal to me. All of these photos have only seen Lightroom! Previously I used to edit all of my blog images in Ligthroom, then move it all over to Photoshop. This change means more time for other things (my baby!) and that I’m becoming more comfortable with my own images and the way they look straight-out-of-the-camera. I’m one step closer to my goal – to provide my wedding day clients with photos that really showcase how beautiful their wedding day was (no fancy editing necessary ).

In the hours before this wedding, the bride, Heather, and I were checking the weather obsessively. I know this because we were tweeting back and forth to each other with high hopes that things would turn out sunny int he end. And they did! The clouds were there giving the photos a lovely sense of dimension, but we weren’t plagued by the awful rain that had been predicted. As you’ll see below, the light during the ceremony was just exiqusite – the best I’ve ever had on a wedding day.

The bride got ready at her parent’s house, then we headed over to the golf course where the rest of the events would take place. The first look happened under a willow tree, the ceremony was right on the water, and the reception (as you can see from the photos) was a crazy good time.

The bride in front of wedding photos of the generations before her.

Denny was more than ready to get the show on the road when we got there, but I could tell he was a bit nervous about seeing Heather for the first time. It was so sweet.

We had a quick lipgloss break before moving on to the portraits. Maybe I should add “Willing to loan out my own personal lipgloss” as one of the selling points for those interested in hiring Jenna Cole? The bridesmaids and bride at this wedding loved my tube of pink gloss.

I need to ask Heather where the girls got these necklaces. I want to add them to my Pinterest wishlist.

While I worked with the girl, producing really sweet and soft images, my mom, Denise Andersen, worked with the guys. They got a little bit crazy.

As we were walking back from the hill I told them to run! and everyone took off, leaving poor Heather in her sexy dress to shuffle along behind.

The moments before the ceremony are full of nervous anticipation. Once the kinks were worked out and the music started to play, everyone was all smiles.

The officiant for this wedding really seemed to know the couple, and it made for a really interesting and touching ceremony. He talked about who they are individually, and how they work together as a pair. I learned a lot about them while he spoke, and we all shared some laughs as he touched on some of the funnier parts of their relationship.

Their ceremony ended at the perfect time, allowing us to do one more round of portraits in this dreamy light. I went right back to the willows by the water, I just couldn’t get enough of them.

I’ve been lucky to work with some really great second shooters around the country, and my mom was no exception. I loved how she brought a completely different perspective to the portraits. This uber-sexy pose was all her.

She also grabbed a shot of me with the happy couple, something I stopped doing and would like to start up again.

I swear this was not posed by me. I happened to walk by right in time for the gun show.

The dance floor opened up nice and slow, with an anniversary dance that highlighted the couples that had been together the longest.

And then, things got really awesome.

Another shot from my mom. Very cool!

Heather and Denny provided flip-flops for those who would like to avoid dancing in heels. Some guests apparently thought to use them as dancing props as well?

The best part of the night, by far, was when they brought out the mini-donuts. It’s not only that they were delicious (I think I ate like 30?) and  that they made for great ring-shot props…

Everyone brought them out on the dance floor to chow down while they got down.

We’ve only met in real life twice. Once for your consultation, and once for your wedding day. But it feels like so much more (in a good way!) Throughout your wedding day I felt like I you trusted me, and that means so much to me. I feel like the images reflect that. There are so many that I love, I couldn’t possibly choose a favorite. Thank you for being such a pleasure to work with, I enjoyed every second.

Venue/Catering: Kemper Lakes Golf ClubCake: Lovin Oven CakeryOfficiant: Father Jef JohnsonDJ: Kyle Mosher of Music By DesignHair/makeup: Maris (makeup) & Becky (hair) from Cynthia Sally Makeup and Hair ArtistryVideography: David Kasdan VideographyFlorist: LarkspurMini donuts: Jimmy’s Bag O’ DonutsWedding dress: La Sposa from Weddings 826

Heaven for big boys

Posted by on January 29, 2012 No comments

1327837814 99 Heaven for big boys

“There are 3500 golf balls down there,” said Lloyd Ferguson, pointing to where the Clutha River bent round a large oxbow down in the valley.

The challenge was to try to get the ball across the river. “It is 300m to the other side, but the drop helps.”

Ali Williams let fly with a massive drive and the little white ball disappeared into the haze. A distant splash marked his ball’s arrival – a metre short. The next shot made it.

Lloyd holds the record – 17 in a row to the other side of the river.

When it comes to having fun in the outdoors, it is pretty hard to find a better place for packing a raft of adventures into a morning. Lloyd’s home looks over the river and the choppers park on the front lawn. But the farm, a short distance from the airport at Wanaka, has been turned into one big playground.

So when Richie McCaw called and said, “Ali wants to take the groomsmen out for a morning of clay target shooting before the wedding”, the machinery clicked into gear.

The party of six was ferried by helicopter from Queenstown across the Cardrona Saddle to Lloyd’s place. Then it was straight down to the river where the jet boat was waiting.

Guests were given a souped-up whiz up and down the river, flicking past rocks and skirting overhanging willows before Lloyd handed over the controls. Of course, being super-competitive types, it became a challenge to try to blast off caps with stinging willow branches at high speed. Richie was looking forward to the delivery of his own new jet boat and was mapping out the route down the river from Wanaka to the adventure park.

“This is our local gun club,” said Lloyd as he pushed a button on a remote, causing a clay target to fly up from behind a ridge. A range of automated traps throw targets from every angle and there is even a flurry where clays come over a hill in waves. Not wanting to stoke the competitiveness too much on such an important day for Ali, a couple of targets heading straight to the guns were set up and they were blasted into dust.

A crosser from the side added spice and, when the scores were lined up, Ali was top gun. He had the same result a few days after the World Cup final when he was on a large boat against some strong opposition.

The mornings spent duck shooting while repairing broken jaws and feet were paying off.

“Never bring a knife to a gun fight,” was Sean Connery’s mantra in The Untouchables. Well, that wasn’t a problem at Lloyd’s place. A metre-wide cross-section of tree had a large bulls-eye pitted with thousands of holes. It looked as if it had been shot at close range with a giant shotgun. “It has only been there for three months,” said our host. “You have to get four of four in the target,” he added as he showed how to lob the heavy throwing knives so they spun in lazy loops before thudding into the wood.

The first two bounced off, so he moved the thrower forward a half-step. Thwack! The knife quivered in the target.

Ali and Richie were the champion knife-throwers.

“We had a throwing axe but somebody broke the handle,” said Lloyd. That was OK – the knives worked just fine.

Then he produced a wicked looking compound bow and said: “Draw it right back and look at the point of the arrow. Aim low.” He pointed to a hay bale sporting a large bulls-eye. “If you miss the target altogether, [the arrows] disappear over the hill.” The arrows flicked across the small valley and pinged into the hay. Nobody missed, although the bulls-eye was hard to crack.

“We are building a jet sprint circuit,” said Lloyd, pointing to a small pond as the ATVs roared back to the house. “We’ve got a 1200-horsepower sprint boat that can get to 180km/h in 2 seconds.”

As the boys prepared to be whisked back to dress for the wedding, Lloyd asked innocently: “What else would you like to do? Wake-boarding behind the jet ski or the helicopter? Pest control, shooting rabbits out of the helicopter? Cross-country quad biking?” When it comes to toys for boys, this is a little slice of heaven and plans fell into place for a rematch after the wedding – this time with TV cameras.

By Geoff Thomas

ComEd announced reliability enhancements in Northfield

Posted by on January 29, 2012 No comments

1327833009 73 ComEd announced reliability enhancements in Northfield

January 16, 2012 12:44PM

Updated: January 19, 2012 5:54AM

Northfield residents can expect to see increased tree trimming and other work over the next several months, as part of an ongoing effort to improve reliability of electricity, a release from the Village of Northfield stated Monday.

“As a part of ComEd’s ongoing investment in its electric system, and in partnership with the Village of Northfield, the company is completing work on a number of projects, including underground cable replacement, aimed at enhancing service reliability for Northfield customers by reducing the frequency and duration of outages,” the release stated.

“On the east side of town, ComEd will replace the underground cable behind Lagoon Lane near East Frontage Road to help improve system performance in the area. The first phase of this cable was completed in December of 2011 and the second phase is expected to be done by the end of May.

Throughout town, ComEd will be trimming trees near electric lines to reduce outages and enhance reliability. Com Ed will be trimming trees on several streets including: Wagner Road, Graemere Street, Dorina Drive, Happ Road, Latrobe Avenue, Lockwood Avenue, Martin Lane, Meadowbrook Drive, Mount Pleasant Street, Pine St. Southgate Avenue, Summerfield Road, Sunset Ridge, Willow Road, Woodland Lane, Linden, Becker, Huckleberry, Woodlawn, and Valleyview Road.

On the west side of town, ComEd will install overhead Hendrix spacer cable. This is a fairly new devise which helps protect lines from damage caused by falling limbs. In areas where it has been tested, the system has dramatically reduced the number of customer service interruptions by reinforcing overhead electrical wires. The Hendrix cable system will be installed in the north south utility easement between Wagner Road and Graemere Street running from Bosworth Lane to about 1,200 feet south. This project is expected to be complete by the end of March 2012.

Finally, ComEd will be installing a number of smart fuse devises throughout the system. This new technology allows the system to automatically reset, which improves performance and reduces the length and quantity of outages. This work is expected to be completed by the end of March 2012.”

“Residents and businesses will be notified via a letter or phone call prior to any ComEd work that requires a scheduled electric outage. Additionally, residents will receive a “door hanger” card that will notify them of enhanced tree trimming work in their area.

These planned investments should help ComEd significantly reduce outages and help save customers money. “

For more information, please visit ComEd.com.

Inspections conducted by the Peoria Health Department during December

Posted by on January 29, 2012 No comments

1327827014 74 Inspections conducted by the Peoria Health Department during December

Inspections conducted by the Peoria City/County Health Department during December have been released. Monthly results with a score of fewer than 80 out of 100 points and those scoring 100 points are published.

Those receiving perfect scores of 100 include:

# Bartonville Grade School, 6000 S. Adams St., Bartonville.

# Bradley University Hayden Clark Alumni Center, 830 N. Glenwood Ave., Peoria.

# Christian Buehler Memorial Home warming kitchen, 3415 N. Sheridan Road, Peoria.

# Gordon Food Service Market Place, 4608 N. University St., Peoria.

# Gemstone Confections, 8207 N. Hale Ave., Peoria.

# Goldie Ice Cream, 1602 W. Smith, Peoria.

# Hollis Park District, 9424 S. Mapleton Road, Mapleton.

# Holy Cross Lutheran Child Care Center, 618 S. Maxwell Road, Peoria.

# Iowa Steak mobiles, 3420 W. Rohmann, West Peoria.

# Iowa Steak commissary, 3420 W. Rohmann Ave., West Peoria.

# Lou's Drive In, 4229 N. Knoxville, Peoria.

# Mama G's Catering, 120 Roosevelt, Bartonville.

# Ms. Edie's Oasis, 5406 W. Farmington Road, Peoria.

# Norwood Primary School, 200 Main St., Peoria.

# OSF Saint Francis Medical Center north kitchen, 530 NE Glen Oak, Peoria.

# Ridgeview Elementary School, 3903 Ridgeview Drive, Peoria.

# Rogy's Gingerbread House, 1221 NE Glen Oak Ave., Peoria.

# Rolling Acres School, 5617 Merrimac St., Peoria.

# St. Sharbel's Community Center, 2914 W. Scenic Drive, Peoria.

# Sterling Middle School, 2315 N. Sterling Ave., Peoria.

# Schwan's Home Service mobiles, 901 Brenkman Drive, Pekin.

# Sweet Cece's, 5901 N. Prospect Road, Peoria.

# United Presbyterian Church, 2400 W. Northmoor Road, Peoria.

# Victory Vendor, 8323 W. Tuscarora Road, Mapleton.

Establishments with low scores and the reasons for the scores are:

# Wildlife Prairie State Park banquet halls, 3826 N. Taylor Road, Hanna City, scored a 76 on Dec. 7. Violations included: Moldy leeks, strawberries and tomatoes in walk-in cooler; wet wiping cloths stored outside of sanitizer bucket; food serving containers stored with food-contact surface exposed to possible contamination; hot water faucet at mop sink was leaking; restroom door had no self-closure device; a number of foods were held past their discard dates; fuel for chaffing pans was stored on food-contact surface above single-use items; raw chicken was stored above ready-to-eat foods.

# Fedora's Pizza Deli, 932 N. Second St., Chillicothe, scored a 77 on Dec. 22. Violations included: Rusted shelving in Pepsi cooler; a number of food-contact surfaces were heavily soiled; a number of nonfood contact surfaces were soiled; single-service spoon was being used to dispense cheese; back exit door was not self-closing; gyro meat was stored without time and date of preparation; raw meat was stored with direct contact to lettuce and other ready-to-eat foods; several food items were stored in cooler uncovered.

Inspections conducted by the Peoria City/County Health Department during December have been released. Monthly results with a score of fewer than 80 out of 100 points and those scoring 100 points are published.

Those receiving perfect scores of 100 include:

# Bartonville Grade School, 6000 S. Adams St., Bartonville.

# Bradley University Hayden Clark Alumni Center, 830 N. Glenwood Ave., Peoria.

# Christian Buehler Memorial Home warming kitchen, 3415 N. Sheridan Road, Peoria.

# Gordon Food Service Market Place, 4608 N. University St., Peoria.

# Gemstone Confections, 8207 N. Hale Ave., Peoria.

# Goldie Ice Cream, 1602 W. Smith, Peoria.

# Hollis Park District, 9424 S. Mapleton Road, Mapleton.

# Holy Cross Lutheran Child Care Center, 618 S. Maxwell Road, Peoria.

# Iowa Steak mobiles, 3420 W. Rohmann, West Peoria.

# Iowa Steak commissary, 3420 W. Rohmann Ave., West Peoria.

# Lou's Drive In, 4229 N. Knoxville, Peoria.

# Mama G's Catering, 120 Roosevelt, Bartonville.

# Ms. Edie's Oasis, 5406 W. Farmington Road, Peoria.

# Norwood Primary School, 200 Main St., Peoria.

# OSF Saint Francis Medical Center north kitchen, 530 NE Glen Oak, Peoria.

# Ridgeview Elementary School, 3903 Ridgeview Drive, Peoria.

# Rogy's Gingerbread House, 1221 NE Glen Oak Ave., Peoria.

# Rolling Acres School, 5617 Merrimac St., Peoria.

# St. Sharbel's Community Center, 2914 W. Scenic Drive, Peoria.

# Sterling Middle School, 2315 N. Sterling Ave., Peoria.

# Schwan's Home Service mobiles, 901 Brenkman Drive, Pekin.

# Sweet Cece's, 5901 N. Prospect Road, Peoria.

# United Presbyterian Church, 2400 W. Northmoor Road, Peoria.

# Victory Vendor, 8323 W. Tuscarora Road, Mapleton.

Establishments with low scores and the reasons for the scores are:

# Wildlife Prairie State Park banquet halls, 3826 N. Taylor Road, Hanna City, scored a 76 on Dec. 7. Violations included: Moldy leeks, strawberries and tomatoes in walk-in cooler; wet wiping cloths stored outside of sanitizer bucket; food serving containers stored with food-contact surface exposed to possible contamination; hot water faucet at mop sink was leaking; restroom door had no self-closure device; a number of foods were held past their discard dates; fuel for chaffing pans was stored on food-contact surface above single-use items; raw chicken was stored above ready-to-eat foods.

# Fedora's Pizza Deli, 932 N. Second St., Chillicothe, scored a 77 on Dec. 22. Violations included: Rusted shelving in Pepsi cooler; a number of food-contact surfaces were heavily soiled; a number of nonfood contact surfaces were soiled; single-service spoon was being used to dispense cheese; back exit door was not self-closing; gyro meat was stored without time and date of preparation; raw meat was stored with direct contact to lettuce and other ready-to-eat foods; several food items were stored in cooler uncovered.

# Flat Top Grill, 5201 W. War Memorial Drive, Peoria, scored a 74 on Dec. 19. Violations included: Scoop in dry rice was found with handle touching food product; employees moved from one task to another with gloves on; dish wash machine interior and exterior were heavily soiled; a number of food-contact surfaces were soiled; a number of nonfood contact surfaces were soiled; cups at bar and dishes in dish washing area were being stacked prior to allowing complete air drying; single-service to-go containers were found with food-contact surfaces exposed; hand washing sink in cooking area had food products in basin; hand washing sinks and soap dispensers were soiled; floors in facility were in disrepair and soiled, especially under equipment; walls in walk-in cooler were soiled; chicken was being improperly thawed; carrots were stored on floor.

# Jillian's, 5201 W. War Memorial Drive, Peoria, scored a 78 on Dec. 1. Violations included: Open drink in kitchen; hand sink at bar was used as dump sink; single-use cup was used as scoop in salt and pepper; scoops without handles stored in flour and sugar; clean plates were stored in a way that allows food debris to fall in them and contaminate food-contact surfaces; hand sink leaking from faucet; no garbage can located near hand sink; drain flies present in kitchen, bar area and janitor closet; brats on cookline prep table counter held at improper temperature; boxes of food were stored on floor in walk-in freezer.

# Khana Khazanah, 2118 N. Knoxville Ave., Peoria, scored a 76 on Dec. 22. Violations included: Soiled towel used to put bread flour into oven; disconnected hand washing sink on wall behind stoves; cooked food in walk-in cooler was unlabeled; several wiping cloths were stored on tables; a number of food-contact surfaces and nonfood contact surfaces were soiled; filled garbage in kitchen; floors were soiled in several areas; excessive water accumulation on floor of walk-in cooler; walls at back of stoves, hood vent were soiled; potentially hazardous foods held at improper temperatures; unnecessary articles stored in rooms and storage in facility; no certified food safety personnel; container of raw chicken stored on a shelf above ready-to-eat foods.

# Kobe Japanese Steakhouse, 4100 W. Willow Knolls Drive, Peoria, scored a 68 on Dec. 30. Violations included: Handles of spoon stored in spices; food dumped in waitress area hand sink; common towel used for sushi chef; bowls were used as scoops for spices; cloth towel was used to store shrimp in prep cooler; pH meter not working properly; sauces and containers of foods not labeled with common name; wet wiping clothes weren't stored in sanitizer bucket; soiled knives were stored with clean knives; no paper towels at back prep sink or hand sink; walls soiled behind equipment; potentially hazardous foods stored at improper temperatures; spray bottle of sanitizer not labeled with contents; sushi chef took knife from belt, cut raw chicken, and put knife back in belt; eggs, steak and raw shrimp stored above ready-to-eat foods; no lids or protection for containers of spices.

# Lucky T'z, 10307 State St., Mossville, scored a 78 on Dec. 1. Violations included: Ice scoop laying flat across ice in bin at bar; small plastic portion cup down inside bread crumbs; severely dented cans of food found; cooked and cooled beans not labeled with time of preparation; lower bottom interior of coolers in side room was soiled; several nonfood contact surfaces were soiled; wrapped plastic straws in box stored directly on floor; flooring in kitchen and behind bar was damaged; flooring behind equipment and along baseboards was soiled; spray bottle of window cleaner behind bar and bottle of degreaser in dishroom were unlabeled.

# Osaka Japanese Restaurant, 5201 W. War Memorial Drive, Peoria, scored a 69 on Dec. 12. Violations included: Ice scoop at bar area with handle stored touching ice; employee used hand sink to dump and rinse items and didn't wash hands before putting on new single-use gloves; bowls used for scoops for multiple items in kitchen; note on receipt indicated fish must be cooked because of possibility of having a parasite, and employee indicated fish in question was used for sushi and was served raw; no consumer advisory in view of public; small containers of foods were not labeled with contents; multiple wet wiping cloths were stored on countertops in kitchen area; hand sink in dish wash room not easily accessible; walls next to fryer and behind three-compartment sink were soiled; potentially hazardous foods held at improper temperatures; raw fish was stored above butter and sauces in hibachi kitchen cooler; food product stored on walk-in freezer floor; bowls stored next to kitchen upright cooler not protected from contamination.

# Pentecostal Church of Jesus Christ, 401 Elm St., Peoria, scored a 76 on Dec. 16. Violations included: Ice scoop stored with handle in ice; open employee drink stored in kitchen on prep counter; moldy food stored in true refrigerator; only hand sink in kitchen blocked with laundry; scented bleach used as sanitizer; eggs stored over ready-to-eat foods in true refrigerator.

# Sleep Inn & Suites, 4244 N. Brandywine Drive, Peoria, scored a 76 on Dec. 8. Violations included: Cloth towel was used to dry dishes; a number of food-contact surfaces were soiled; several nonfood contact surfaces were soiled; plastic containers were stored in cupboard still wet; boxes of insulated coffee cups and foam plates were stored on floor; no designated hand sink in kitchen; outdoor trash receptacle was left open; roaches were found underneath sink in kitchen; floor under sink in kitchen was in disrepair; no certified manager's certificate was posted; no thermometer was in juice dispenser; pancake and waffle batter was stored on floor.

# Salt, 4542 N. Prospect Road, Peoria Heights, scored a 76 on Dec. 22. Violations included: Open bottle and can of beverages on lower shelf of prep table; matting behind bar was soft and absorbent, allowing moisture and possibly bacteria to be transferred to rims of glassware; cooked and cooled foods had no times on labels; dish machine was not dispensing any detectable level of sanitizer; multiple wet or damp rags were laying throughout kitchen along with dry rags; no paper towels were available at bar hand sink; cheese, turkey packages and ham had no date markings on them; minestrone and white cheddar sauce held at improper temperatures; aerosol can of liquid butane fuel was stored on wire rack above foods, plates and utensils.

# The Mix, 2123 N. Knoxville Ave., Peoria, scored a 79 on Dec. 13. Violations included: Employee's drink in uncovered cup found in food prep area; cooked gyros in containers in walk-in cooler not labeled with date; wet and soiled wiping towels left on tables; interior of microwave at dry storage area was excessively soiled; industrial can opener area was soiled; carton of single-service cups stored on floor; floors under racks and tables in dry storage area and under racks in walk-in cooler were soiled; vent over prep area, hood vent and fan cover in walk-in cooler had dust accumulated; smoke was present in facility; cooked chili held at improper temperature; unnecessary items such as bicycles and construction materials stored in back of facility; no food safety personnel present; box of food stored on floor.

GI News

Posted by on January 29, 2012 No comments

1327824609 30 GI News

Sugar-sweetened drinks and diabetes risk Consuming soda and other sugar-sweetened beverages regularly is associated with a greater risk of metabolic syndrome and type-2 diabetes according to a meta-analysis of 11 published studies (300,000 participants) by Harvard School of Public Health researchers published in Diabetes Care. ‘Many previous studies have examined the relationship between sugar-sweetened beverages and risk of diabetes, and most have found positive associations but our study, which is a pooled analysis of the available studies, provides an overall picture of the magnitude of risk and the consistency of the evidence,’ said lead author Vasanti Malik. Sugar-sweetened beverages are made up of energy-containing sweeteners such as sucrose, high-fructose corn syrup, or fruit juice concentrates, all of which, the authors noted, have essentially similar metabolic effects. The consumption of such beverages, which include soft drinks, fruit drinks, iced tea, and energy and vitamin water drinks, has risen globally. The findings showed that drinking one to two sugary drinks per day increased the risk of type 2 diabetes by 26% and the risk of metabolic syndrome by 20% compared with those who consumed less than one sugary drink per month. While a number of factors are at work in the development of type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome, sugar-sweetened beverages represent one easily modifiable risk factor that if reduced will likely make an important impact, say the researchers. ‘People should limit how much sugar-sweetened beverages they drink and replace them with healthy alternatives, such as water, to reduce risk of diabetes as well as obesity, gout, tooth decay, and cardiovascular disease,’ said Malik. The researchers added that although sugar-sweetened beverages increase the risk of metabolic syndrome and type-2 diabetes, in part due to their contribution towards weight gain, there may be other mechanisms involved. Such mechanisms may include the high levels of easily absorbed added sugars in drinks contributing to a high dietary glycemic load, which is known to induce glucose intolerance and insulin resistance. It’s here. Finally. The low GI potato. Four years ago we started the hunt for a low GI potato. We sat down with chef and potato expert Graham Liney, owner of restaurant/guest house Willow Vale Mill, near Goulburn and we have been working closely with him ever since along with Australian potato growers and the Dutch potato breeding company Agrico, to bring Carisma, Australia’s first low GI potato to your table. It’s versatile and full of flavour with a creamy taste, and ‘melt in the mouth’ texture. And it has a GI of 55 cooked the way we describe below. Carisma is currently only grown in Australia (sorry rest of world) in the Riverland in South Australia, the Lockyer Valley in Queensland and in various regions in Western Australia. You can read all about it here. It’s exclusive to Coles supermarkets and is on sale throughout Australia, with the exception of Tasmania (for the moment). Cooking with Carisma Here’s our quick and easy ‘no-peel’ cooking method that will allow you to enjoy Carisma potatoes the low GI way. Wash the potatoes and cut into 1 cm thick slices or chop into 1cm dice leaving the skin on and cook them your preferred way until firm but cooked through (al dente). When we tested their GI, we boiled them, placing them into hot (not boiling) water, then bringing the water to the boil and cooking them for about 4 minutes until al dente. But it’s fine to steam or microwave them if you prefer. Because Carisma are a versatile, general purpose potato, you can use them to make potato bake, home-baked wedges, roast potatoes, jacket potatoes, mashed potatoes or in your favourite potato recipes. Just be aware that the GI value may not be quite as low. And of course keep an eye on portion size if you are watching your BGLs. As Alan Barclay said in GI News back in July, a serve providing 15g carbs is one medium potato (around 125g). Here are Nicole Senior’s tips for serving spuds: ‘One of the things I love about the potato, apart from the gorgeous taste and texture, is how simple they are to prepare. I simply wash, cut and microwave on high until tender, and lightly dress with some extra virgin olive oil, dried rosemary and black pepper. Use whatever healthy oils, herbs and spices you like for an instant accompaniment to lean meat, chicken or fish and steamed greens. And a good tip: always cook more than you need because cooled and reheated potato contains a beneficial kind of dietary fibre called resistant starch that keeps your bowel healthy. That’s what I call potato magic.’ Low GI Diet author wins Australian Food Media Award Dr Joanna McMillan Price Dr Joanna McMillan Price, one of the regular contributors to GI News over the years, has won the Australian Food Media Award ‘Best Health or Specific Diet Book’ for her recently published Inner Health Outer Beauty. The biennial awards held in October are a flagship event of the Australian Association of Food Professionals. ‘I wrote this book,’ said Joanna talking to GI News, ‘to try and inspire busy women to find ways that work for them to supercharge their health and look their glowing best. ’ ‘I really appreciate the importance and pleasure of good food in my life – a lesson I learned from my Mum. I want to share this message and encourage women to stop thinking about nutrition and to think about the food. We women are so controlled in so many areas of our lives (or at least we try to be) that we allow our obsession with nutrition and weight to skew our view of what a healthy meal is. To me, the lines between fat-rich, carb-rich and protein-rich are not immutable. I think that the most important factor on your plate is the middle line, ensuring you fill half your plate with veggies and/or fruit. The remaining half can be more flexible depending on what you are having, your likes and dislikes, where you are and what you’ll have (or have already eaten) for other meals during the day. For example, if you have just finished a pretty tough cardio workout, you’ll probably want a few extra carbs to restock your body’s stores. Or you may feel better on a higher protein diet with fewer grain foods. Or perhaps you had a largish steak when you were out for lunch and feel like a lighter vegetarian supper. All these options are fine.’ Inner Health Outer Beauty is available from leading bookstores in Australia or you can order a copy HERE.

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Jazz Police – Marian McPartland and Piano Jazz:

Posted by on January 29, 2012 No comments

1327818608 27 Jazz Police Marian McPartland and Piano Jazz:

For my 40th birthday, my parents treated me to a new home sound system—and my first CD player. My first purchase of this “new” media, recommended by my father, was Marian McPartland’s Willow Creek and Other Ballads, and it remains one of my favorites of a large collection of her music. My dad, primarily a classical music buff, became acquainted with Marian’s music at the Carlyle in New York, where he sought out some jazz on a business trip. He was pulled in by her swing, her lyricism. And who wouldn’t be? The native Brit who became the sweetheart of American piano jazz is the humble subject of a comprehensive documentary from Maine-based film-maker “Huey,” named recently by Downbeat as the “must-have jazz DVD of 2011.” Certainly, In Good Time is a “must-see, must hear” experience for any fan of jazz and, particularly, jazz piano. 

In Good Time was filmed over a four-year period, a clever amalgam of interviews, commentary, performance videos, still photos and, of course, excerpts (video as well as audio) from NPR’s Piano Jazz broadcasts. It’s all held together through the ongoing dialogue between Marian and Rene Rosness at the 90th birthday tribute to Marian at Tanglewood in 2008, serving as the starting and ending point as well as segues in-between, while clips from the presentation of the Order of the British Empire to Marian (IN) provide some of the introductory and concluding narrative. Along the way, through music and interviews, we learn about Marian’s (nee Margaret Turner) life from her first tinkerings on a piano at age 3 to her years with twice-husband Jimmy McPartland to the beginnings of Piano Jazz (prompted by Alec Wilder) to her most recent broadcasts as the show’s nonagenarian host, a role she turned over to recent guest host Jon Weber for the 2012 season. And we also learn about Marian’s views of her art, particularly her thoughts on the challenges of being a woman in a male-dominated music, her commitment to jazz education (“can jazz be taught?”), her concern for the environment (leading to her portrait of Rachel Carson), her approach to composition (“I hear a few notes in my head and write it down…. A tune just comes to me.”), her definition of a jazz musician (“swinging, improvising, a sense of humor, ability to play in any key”). 

Marian McPartland at Tanglewood, 2008There are many gems of musical moments throughout the film—Piano Jazz duets and conversations with Dr. Billy Taylor, Dave Brubeck, Bill Frisell, Nnenna Freelon, Dick Hyman, Mulgrew Miller, Rene Rosness and more; the episode in which Elvis Costello hosts Marian herself as guest; clips from her first, nervous Piano Jazz interview with idol Mary Lou Williams; a long segment of her rehearsal and performance of Portrait of Rachel Carson with the South Carolina Symphony; a duet with a student pianist as part of her Jazz Masters education project. There’s also footage of Marian playing with her trio at the famed Hickory House in New York, with Jimmy in Chicago as well as in tribute to him at the Jimmy McPartland Centennial Concert in 2006. And there’s plenty of commentary from colleagues and family. Diana Krall, a long-time fan of Marian, interjects her recollections and respect throughout the film, recalling leaving Marian a phone message as a bold 16-year-old, seeking advice from the only woman jazz pianist she was aware of, only to be surprised when Marian called back. 

There are many ways a good story can be told, and here Huey seems to have melded the historical narrative of good documentary with the art of jazz itself, each commentary and musical moment spinning into a new story, moving in a new direction, yet always coming back to the core message, picking up that solidifying thread so that we are never lost, and never bored. In the film, Elvis Costello refers to Marian’s interviews with her Piano Jazz guests and her talent “to communicate, investigate, interrogate… and get some revelations about their processes and love of music without a formal journalistic profile.” Much the same describes film-maker Huey regarding In Good Time.

More about the film and screening dates at filmsbyhuey.com/films/in-good-time/. Upcoming screenings of In Good Time:

Kallis savours ‘ big one’ at Newlands

Posted by on January 29, 2012 No comments

1327817416 65 Kallis savours ‘ big one’ at Newlands

Jacques Kallis says getting a double century at Newlands is very special, a ground thats been home to him for most of his career.

Dressed smartly in black trousers and black golf shirt, Jacques Kallis strode into the press conference looking more like Gary Player about to tee off than a batsman who had just scored his second Test double century.

The golf-persona may not have been intended, although he did say yesterday Newlands was to him “like a golfer feels about his favourite course”.

A year ago, Kallis celebrated his maiden double-ton with a mock golf drive. There were no putt or chip shot celebrations yesterday.

Instead there was a more animated swing of the willow in the direction of the dressing room and a little jump for good measure. Did this mean his new highest score, 224, had greater value than the maiden double?

“They are both special, but the special part was getting a big one at Newlands,” Kallis said after playing a leading role in South Africa posting 580/4 declared.

“The series is levelled at 1-1, and we needed big performances, and I am glad I could put in a big performance.”

Kallis further enthused about the emotion attached to delivering in front of his home crowd – a ground where he has now scored 2 098 Test runs.

“Growing up, I watched a lot of cricket here, and played here quite a bit early on in my career, and it feels like ‘home’. I am very comfortable in the surroundings, and it does tend to lift my game. The crowd has also been very good to me over the years,” the 36-year-old added.

After such a marvellous performance, it seems almost absurd that questions were floating around last month about whether Kallis’s eyes were deteriorating.

Questions were asked because Aussie teenage express Pat Cummins roughed up Kallis before Sri Lankan paceman Dilhara Fernando struck him on the side of the head in the first Test of this series. The theory gained momentum when Kallis suffered a first-ever pair of ducks in the previous Test at Kingsmead.

Kallis may have had implants to prevent his growing hair loss, but there is nothing wrong with his eyes or his ears, for that matter. He had heard whispers of what was being discussed.

“Luckily I don’t read newspapers, but a couple of people did tell me what was being written,” he shrugged. “Crazy … c’mon, seriously … suddenly you can’t do this, you can’t do that. You don’t become a bad player or team after just one game.”

In what was almost a mirror-image to the 288-run partnership between Ricky Ponting and Michael Clarke for Australia against India in Sydney yesterday, Kallis had the heir to his throne with him yesterday.

AB de Villiers, like Clarke for Australia, is the future of South Africa’s batting, and shared a 192-run partnership with Kallis for the fourth wicket – only five runs short of a record for this ground which has stood since the 1938-39 season, made by a pair of England legends in Wally Hammond and Les Ames.

De Villiers, though, flourished when Kallis departed, finishing unbeaten on 160 not out.

“AB is a special player, I am glad to have had the best seat in the house when he was batting. He will be one of the great players. He really flourishes when the pressure is off and he can express himself,” Kallis said.

In terms of the match situation, Kallis was not despondent about the state of the wicket, and believed “there will be turn and bounce” for leg-spinner Imran Tahir to exploit as the match progresses.

Sri Lanka coach Geoff Marsh said surviving the first session would be crucial, especially with their most senior batsmen Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jaywardene at the crease.

As for Kallis, Marsh came up with his own tribute.

“Absolutely fantastic,” he said. “One of the greats, people talk about Sachin Tendulkar, but Kallis’s record is unbelievable. He is one of the best. Right up there.”

Brave heart: SA captain Graeme Smith throws down the gauntlet by declaring well before tea on 580/4, when others might have carried on.

On bended knee: AB de Villiers, in marriage proposal mode, slams Tillakaratne Dilshan for successive sixes over midwicket and long-on in the 135th over.

Audacious AB: The Proteas vice-captain steps away to leg and smacks Rangana Herath over extra-cover for four shortly before the declaration.

And for some balance: Kumar Sangakkara’s sumptuous square drive for four off Morné Morkel to take him into the 30s.

Missing in action: The normally reliable Mahela Jayawardene misses two tough slip catches off Jacques Kallis (on 171 and 183)

Lunging leggie: Imran Tahir saves a single with a great TV dive at midwicket, early in Sri Lanka’s reply.

Super stat: 580/4 declared is the Proteas’ highest total against Sri Lanka (by 76 runs), while Jacques Kallis’s 224 beats current coach Gary Kirsten’s previous highest score of 180 against the tourists.

In overdrive: AB de Villiers, who raced from 100 to 160 off just 29 balls, hitting eight fours and two sixes in the period. – Cape Times

Gazette.Net: County police reports

Posted by on January 29, 2012 No comments

1327816209 45 Gazette.Net: County police reportsadvertisement

The following is a summary of incidents in Silver Spring/Wheaton to which Montgomery County police responded recently. The words “arrested” and “charged” do not imply guilt.

* On Jan. 7 at 8:51 p.m. in the 8500 block of Glenview Avenue in Silver Spring. The victim was threatened with a weapon by a Hispanic male, 25, 5 feet 5 inches to 5 feet 7 inches tall, 210-230 pounds, wearing a black mask, red shirt.

* On Jan. 9 at 7:35 a.m. in a locker room at Paint Branch High School, 14121 Old Columbia Pike in Burtonsville. The robbers forcefully removed property from the victim. Three 15- to 17-year old males from Burtonsville and Fairland were arrested.

* On Jan. 9 at 6:40 a.m. in the 11400 block of Stewart Lane in White Oak. The robber forcefully removed property from the victim. The robber was described as a black male, 17-22, 5 feet 7 inches to 5 feet 9 inches tall 160-170 pounds.

* Crown Wigs, 8233 Georgia Ave. in Silver Spring, between 7:30 p.m. Jan. 5 and 11 a.m. Jan. 6. Attempted forced entry, nothing taken.

* 9600 block of Sutherland Road in Silver Spring, between 7 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Jan. 10. Forced entry, nothing taken.

* 10100 block of Brunswick Avenue in Silver Spring, between 9:30 a.m. and 8 p.m. Jan. 4. Forced entry, property taken.

* 9300 block of Piney Branch Road in Silver Spring, between 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Jan. 9. Unknown entry, property taken.

* 10700 block of Venetia Mill Circle in White Oak, between 7:30 a.m. and 6:20 p.m. Jan. 3. Forced entry, property taken.

* 11600 block of Lockwood Drive in White Oak, at 8:10 p.m. Jan. 4. Two 25- to 28-year-old men from Silver Spring and a 33-year-old man from Germantown were arrested.

* 3400 block of Gateshead Manor Way in Fairland, at 2:12 p.m. Jan. 7. Unknown entry, nothing taken.

* On Jan. 7 at 7 p.m. in the 3200 block of Weeping Willow Court in Aspen Hill. A 15-year-old boy from Aspen Hill threatened the victim with a weapon and was arrested.

* On Jan. 9 at 1:15 a.m. in a county parking lot at 11230 Grandview Ave. Wheaton. A 22-year-old man from Gaithersburg assaulted the victim and was arrested.

* On Jan. 10 at 9:45 a.m. in the 3900 block of McMahon Road in Wheaton. The carjacker threatened the victim with a weapon and obtained a vehicle. The carjacker was described as a black male, 25-35, 5 feet 8 inches to 5 feet 10 inches tall, thin build, mustache, wearing a black puffy coat and a black ski mask.

* On Jan. 2 at 9 p.m. on Blueridge Avenue near Elkin Street in Wheaton. The snatcher ran up behind the victim, grabbed her purse and fled. He was described as a black man, 18-22, 6 feet to 6 feet 2 inches tall, 160-180 pounds, crew cut.

* On Jan. 5 at 1:15 p.m. at Reedie Drive at Ladd Street in Wheaton.

* On Jan. 7 at 8:45 p.m. at Wheaton BP, 2201 University Blvd. West in Wheaton. The robbers assaulted the victim and obtained property.

Strong-arm robbery/assault

* On Jan. 5 at 11 p.m. at Layhill Road and Briggs Road in Wheaton. Two men assaulted the victim and removed property.

* On Jan. 7 at 10:45 p.m. in the 2300 block of Glenallen Ave in Silver Spring. The victim was assaulted and had property removed by two black men, 6 feet tall, 160-170 pounds.

* On Jan. 7 at 12:33 a.m. in the 2300 block of Glenmont Circle in Wheaton. Two robbers assaulted the victim and obtained property.

* Olney Library, currently closed and under construction, at 3:30 p.m. Jan. 2. No forced entry, nothing taken. A 14-year-old female and a 15-year-old male, both from Olney, were arrested.

* 4000 block of Postgate Terrace in Aspen Hill, between 7:15 a.m. and 6:28 p.m. Jan. 6. Forced entry, property taken.

* 13200 block of Beaver Terrace in Aspen Hill, between midnight and 4 a.m. Jan. 7. Forced entry, nothing taken.

* 11700 block of Highview Avenue in Silver Spring, at 3:15 a.m. Jan. 7. A 24-year-old man from Rockville attempted to force entry and was arrested.

* 11100 block of Markwood Drive in Silver Spring, at 8 p.m. Jan. 6. No forced entry, property taken. A 21-year-old man from Takoma Park was arrested.

* 2100 block of Prichard Road in Silver Spring, between 1 p.m. and 9 p.m. Jan. 6. No forced entry, property taken. A 21-year-old man from Takoma Park was arrested.

* 11000 block of Bucknell Drive in Silver Spring, between 9 a.m. and 10 p.m. Jan. 6. No forced entry, property taken. A 21-year-old man from Takoma Park was arrested.

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Annapolis Antiques Show returns

Posted by on January 29, 2012 No comments

1327813812 93 Annapolis Antiques Show returns

The Annapolis Antiques Show, which was canceled last year after a 40-year run, is back.

A new company, Dordy Fontinel Show Management of Charlottesville, Va., has taken over the event and is bringing in a host of new dealers. Several longtime dealers are also returning. The event is set for the weekend of Jan. 14-15.

"It's great," said Todd Peenstra of Peenstra Antiques Appraisals of Annapolis, who is among those coming back. "It's another event for the city. There's not a lot of things during the winter."

The show had been run by Armacost Antiques Shows of Baltimore and was a major fundraiser for the Historic Annapolis Foundation.

Both are out of the picture for the "new" show.

Carrie Kiewitt, HAF's vice president of advancement, wished Fontinel well. "An antiques show is a fabulous thing for around here," she said. "We hated to give it up."

Fontinel, a former antiques dealer who has been running shows for 20 years, said she's reduced booth rent by 50 percent and is doing a lot of advertising to ensure the Annapolis event prospers. This is her first show in the city, though she has several others in the region, including one the week after Annapolis' event in Middleburg, Va.

"Anytime you try to sell anything to anyone… it's a gamble," she said. "I feel like the first year I want to make sure it's a success for the dealers."

The 33 dealers in the Annapolis show include Dawson Gallery of Stevensville and Merry Walk Antiques of Annapolis. They are returning to the event along with dealers including Drusilla's Books of Lutherville, Made in Russia, of West Palm Beach, Fla., and At the

Sign of the Sycamore of Sewickley, Pa.

Among the new dealers are: Blue Lion Antiques of Williamsburg, Va., Laurie's Glories of Washington, D.C., and C. Casper Antiques of Chapel Hill, N.C.

Items for sale will date from 1750 to 1950 and encompass everything from furniture and art to watches and corkscrews. They'll be at a variety of price points and Fontinel said plenty of things will be available both for the seasoned collector and someone just getting into the hobby.

"I think the dealers are ready to do business and the people who come will see that," she said.

The Annapolis Antiques Show is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Jan. 14 and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Jan. 15 at the Medford National Guard Armory, 18 Willow St., Annapolis. Admission is $10. For more information, go to dfshows.com.