When I watched today's deal at the club, South was a good player, and North was Grapefruit, one of those bad things that happen to good players: He owns and operates a sour disposition.
Against four hearts, West led the queen of spades and continued spades. South ruffed the third spade, drew trumps and tried a diamond finesse with his jack. West won and cashed the ace of clubs, and Grapefruit told South that he was several peas short of a casserole.
"The queen of diamonds was guarded," South protested. "I was helpless."
"If idiots could fly," Grapefruit muttered, "this place would be an airport."
Since East had passed West's opening bid but had shown the ace of spades, South's diamond finesse couldn't win. South has a chance if he runs all his trumps. If West's last four cards are the ace of clubs and the Q-10-7 of diamonds, South can lead a club to end-play him.
West's best chance is to throw two diamonds and the queen of clubs. Then South may go wrong.
Bridge by Frank Stewart
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Friday, March 28, 2008
The Bell Curve
"Opponents of Barnes Foundation ask judge to approve new hearings. You know what? Keep it. Keep all the artwork. You're boring us. This is boring. Stop being so boring."
Minus 10
City Paper - Philadelphia
March 27 - April 3, 2008
page 14
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Editorial: Iraq's Toll
More than FOUR THOUSAND U.S. military men and women dead. Why?
Casualties of War:
Learn about these individuals by clicking to see information... Faces of the Dead
Monday, March 24, 2008
Quote of the Day
"Failure can be enlightening."
RON MACQUARRIE, 62, once a mortgage banker, whose credit-card debt reached $35,000, on quitting his job to become a surfing instructor and part-time cashier
RON MACQUARRIE, 62, once a mortgage banker, whose credit-card debt reached $35,000, on quitting his job to become a surfing instructor and part-time cashier
Friday, March 21, 2008
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Today In History
On March 19, 1920, the United States Senate rejected for the second time the Treaty of Versailles by a vote of 49-35, falling short of the two-thirds majority needed for approval.
On March 19, 1891, Earl Warren, the chief justice of the U.S. Supreme Court from 1953 to 1969, was born. Following his death on July 9, 1974, his obituary appeared in The Times.
On this date in:
1859 The opera "Faust" by Charles Gounod premiered in Paris.
1917 The Supreme Court upheld the eight-hour work day for railroads.
1918 Congress approved daylight-saving time.
1920 The U.S. Senate rejected the Treaty of Versailles for a second time.
1931 Nevada legalized gambling.
1945 Kamikaze planes attacked the U.S. carrier Franklin off Japan, killing about 800 people.
1945 Adolf Hitler issued his so-called "Nero Decree" ordering the destruction of German facilities that could fall into Allied hands.
1953 The Academy Awards ceremony was televised for the first time, with comedian Bob Hope serving as host.
1962 Bob Dylan's self-titled debut album was released.
1976 Buckingham Palace announced the separation of Princess Margaret and her husband, the Earl of Snowdon, after 16 years of marriage.
1979 The U.S. House of Representatives began televising its day-to-day business.
1987 Televangelist Jim Bakker resigned as chairman of his PTL ministry organization amid a sex-and-money scandal involving a former church secretary, Jessica Hahn.
1988 Two British soldiers were shot to death after they were dragged from a car and beaten by mourners attending an Irish Republican Army funeral in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
1990 Latvia's political opposition claimed victory in the republic's first free elections in 50 years.
1993 Supreme Court Justice Byron R. White announced plans to retire.
1995 After giving up an attempt to become a major league baseball player, Michael Jodan returned to pro basketball with his former team, the Chicago Bulls.
1997 Artist Willem de Kooning died at age 92.
2001 California officials declared a power alert, ordering the first of two days of rolling blackouts.
2003 An American-led coalition launched a war against Iraq, beginning with the launch of U.S. cruise missiles and precision-guided bombs aimed at Saddam Hussein near Baghdad.
2003 Mahmoud Abbas accepted the new position of Palestinian prime minister.
Monday, March 17, 2008
Mass Transit Amusement
STEP DOWN MUTHAFUCKA
To the peeps who ride Septa trolleys - when you want to get off via the back door and have already pulled the "stop request" chord. Please, please..... just once in your life trust in the 30 people yelling at you to "step down!!". You will see, the door shall open like the gates of heaven and off you go to wherever it may be. I can assure you there is no trap door leading to the dark depths of hell. Why oh why do you make a b-line to the front when all you have to do is apply your humanly weight to the first step? You will see, I promise, the door does open.
via I Love You/I Hate You
mass transit continued:
Cargo by Redemption Shoes
To the peeps who ride Septa trolleys - when you want to get off via the back door and have already pulled the "stop request" chord. Please, please..... just once in your life trust in the 30 people yelling at you to "step down!!". You will see, the door shall open like the gates of heaven and off you go to wherever it may be. I can assure you there is no trap door leading to the dark depths of hell. Why oh why do you make a b-line to the front when all you have to do is apply your humanly weight to the first step? You will see, I promise, the door does open.
via I Love You/I Hate You
mass transit continued:
Cargo by Redemption Shoes
Friday, March 14, 2008
March Madness
ROBERT POLLARD'S MARCH MADNESS SALE
Benefiting The Miami Valley Housing Opportunities P.A.T.H. Program
Providing caring, compassionate services to those in homelessness in Montgomery County, Ohio
PATH (Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness) is an outreach program in Montgomery County, Ohio, in which staff members seek out persons with mental illnesses who are experiencing homelessness and help them take the steps to get off the streets and into permanent housing. PATH builds relationships with those in homelessness by supplying basic items such as food, clothing and other essential items. PATH encourages participants to seek services that will make positive impacts in their lives. PATH makes referrals to local health care agencies, human services, and other social service agencies. The ultimate goal is to guide PATH participants from homelessness to permanent housing.
For information, contact 937-263-4449 ext. 410.
links:
Pathprogram
MVHO
The sale will last through the end of March and ALL proceeds will go directly to the Miami Valley Housing Opportunities P.A.T.H. Program
All items are signed except for the collages which will come with a LETTER OF AUTHENTICITY signed by Bob stating their authenticity
ENTER THE MADNESS : 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
CLICK HERE FOR AUCTION ITEMS
STEEL (MAN OF) COLLAGE (WITH LETTER OF AUTHENTICITY SIGNED BY BOB)
MY KIND OF SOLDIER 7" TEST PRESSING WITH COVER COLLAGE SIGNED BY BOB
FOR ALL GOOD KIDS BOOTLEG WITH COLOR COVER SIGNED BY BOB
MOPING SWANS TEST PRESSING WITH COVER COLLAGE AND ALL ORIGINAL ARTWORK SIGNED BY BOB
EARTHQUAKE GLUE TEST PRESSING WITH 3 VARIATIONS OF COVER COLLAGES DONE BY BOB
Benefiting The Miami Valley Housing Opportunities P.A.T.H. Program
Providing caring, compassionate services to those in homelessness in Montgomery County, Ohio
PATH (Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness) is an outreach program in Montgomery County, Ohio, in which staff members seek out persons with mental illnesses who are experiencing homelessness and help them take the steps to get off the streets and into permanent housing. PATH builds relationships with those in homelessness by supplying basic items such as food, clothing and other essential items. PATH encourages participants to seek services that will make positive impacts in their lives. PATH makes referrals to local health care agencies, human services, and other social service agencies. The ultimate goal is to guide PATH participants from homelessness to permanent housing.
For information, contact 937-263-4449 ext. 410.
links:
Pathprogram
MVHO
The sale will last through the end of March and ALL proceeds will go directly to the Miami Valley Housing Opportunities P.A.T.H. Program
All items are signed except for the collages which will come with a LETTER OF AUTHENTICITY signed by Bob stating their authenticity
ENTER THE MADNESS : 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
CLICK HERE FOR AUCTION ITEMS
STEEL (MAN OF) COLLAGE (WITH LETTER OF AUTHENTICITY SIGNED BY BOB)
MY KIND OF SOLDIER 7" TEST PRESSING WITH COVER COLLAGE SIGNED BY BOB
FOR ALL GOOD KIDS BOOTLEG WITH COLOR COVER SIGNED BY BOB
MOPING SWANS TEST PRESSING WITH COVER COLLAGE AND ALL ORIGINAL ARTWORK SIGNED BY BOB
EARTHQUAKE GLUE TEST PRESSING WITH 3 VARIATIONS OF COVER COLLAGES DONE BY BOB
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Monday, March 10, 2008
Mondo for Monday - Recipes
Risotto With Smoked Trout
Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2/3 cup finely chopped onion
1/2 cup finely chopped fennel bulb
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup risotto rice, preferably Vialone Nano
1/2 cup dry white wine, preferably verdejo
About 4 cups warm chicken stock
Salt and freshly ground white pepper
1/2 pound boneless, skinless smoked trout, in small chunks
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
1 tablespoon minced chervil.
Directions:
1. Heat oil in a heavy 3-quart saucepan. Add onion, fennel and garlic and sauté over low heat until soft. Stir in rice. Cook a few minutes. Add wine. Cook over medium heat, stirring, until most of the wine has been absorbed.
2. Add stock, 1/2 cup at a time, stirring, adding more as each portion is absorbed. After adding 1 1/2 cups, season with salt and pepper and fold in trout. Keep adding stock until rice is al dente but mixture is still creamy, about 17 minutes total.
3. Fold in lemon zest and chervil. Check seasoning and serve.
Yield: 4 servings.
Published: March 5, 2008
The New York Times
Easy Tomato Garlic Pasta Recipe
Ingredients:
* 3 tablespoons Olive oil plus more for boiling pasta
* 6 cloves Garlic more or less to taste; minced or pressed
* 1 can (14.5 oz) Diced tomatoes with Italian seasoning
* 6 ounces Dry spaghetti
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Asiago cheese or Parmesan cheese (optional)
Directions:
1. Boil salted water for pasta (add a little oil to the water).
2. Heat 3 tbs olive oil over medium heat, and add the garlic. Heat for about 1 minute, and then add the tomatoes. Heat over medium-low heat while the pasta cooks.
3. Once the pasta is done, drain, and toss with tomato mixture.
4. Garnish with Asiago or Parmesan cheese, and serve with a crusty bread and a salad.
via Group Recipes
Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2/3 cup finely chopped onion
1/2 cup finely chopped fennel bulb
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup risotto rice, preferably Vialone Nano
1/2 cup dry white wine, preferably verdejo
About 4 cups warm chicken stock
Salt and freshly ground white pepper
1/2 pound boneless, skinless smoked trout, in small chunks
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
1 tablespoon minced chervil.
Directions:
1. Heat oil in a heavy 3-quart saucepan. Add onion, fennel and garlic and sauté over low heat until soft. Stir in rice. Cook a few minutes. Add wine. Cook over medium heat, stirring, until most of the wine has been absorbed.
2. Add stock, 1/2 cup at a time, stirring, adding more as each portion is absorbed. After adding 1 1/2 cups, season with salt and pepper and fold in trout. Keep adding stock until rice is al dente but mixture is still creamy, about 17 minutes total.
3. Fold in lemon zest and chervil. Check seasoning and serve.
Yield: 4 servings.
Published: March 5, 2008
The New York Times
Easy Tomato Garlic Pasta Recipe
Ingredients:
* 3 tablespoons Olive oil plus more for boiling pasta
* 6 cloves Garlic more or less to taste; minced or pressed
* 1 can (14.5 oz) Diced tomatoes with Italian seasoning
* 6 ounces Dry spaghetti
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Asiago cheese or Parmesan cheese (optional)
Directions:
1. Boil salted water for pasta (add a little oil to the water).
2. Heat 3 tbs olive oil over medium heat, and add the garlic. Heat for about 1 minute, and then add the tomatoes. Heat over medium-low heat while the pasta cooks.
3. Once the pasta is done, drain, and toss with tomato mixture.
4. Garnish with Asiago or Parmesan cheese, and serve with a crusty bread and a salad.
via Group Recipes
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Patron Account Information
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You currently have: 2 checkouts , ,
Name: (name withheld)
Address: (number withheld) RICHMOND ST
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Infinite jest : a novel
HARDBACK
FICTION
1
3/26/2008,23:59
What is the what : the autobiography of Valentino Achak Deng : a novel
PAPERBACK
FICTION
Holds
You have no holds.
Bills
You have no bills.
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Monday, March 3, 2008
Made by Mass MoCA (Training Ground for Confidentiality)
“This new series of works I have been doing is a kind of physical manifestation of the principle of freedom of speech and expression that the dispute is about,” Christoph Büchel (pronounced BOO-shel) said in an e-mail message to answer several questions about the work. “It says to the museum: You cannot shut me up. You tried, with your lawsuits and your fancy pro bono lawyers, but you cannot do it. You destroyed the installation ‘Training Ground for Democracy,’ but it mutated into an ongoing metaproject.”
excerpted from Accusations, Depositions: Just More Fodder for Art by Randy Kennedy
The New York Times
Published: March 2, 2008
Saturday, March 1, 2008
Sandwich of the Week
Sandwich of the Week
BY RACHEL WHARTON
Cuban Hamburger
The most beloved sandwich at Amor Cubano is the Cuban, not surprisingly. But there's another on the menu worth a sample, and that's the Cuban burger or frita Cubano. Cuban is a cuisine known for its ways with peppers, onions and pork, so, of course, those make their way into these extra flavorful patties. Plus, Latin-American countries like Cuba have a penchant for serving hot dogs and burgers topped with a mountain of extra-thin crispy potato sticks, and that's exactly how Amor delivers its sliders: A simple treat of spicy burger, bun, thick dill pickle and a mountain of toothpick fries. Better still, these tiny bites leave you room for roast pork, silky black beans, addictive empanadas and everything else at Amor Cubano. And should you eat too many, no worries, you can always work up an appetite between courses with the live Latin music. There are shows nearly every night, featuring performances by your servers.
Cuban Hamburger
Makes about 12 burgers
From Amor Cubano, 2018 Third Ave., at 111th St., (212) 996-1220
6 ounces ground pork, crumbled
6 ounces ground beef, crumbled
1 link Spanish chorizo, crumbled
1 red pepper, roughly chopped
1 green pepper, roughly chopped
1 Spanish onion, roughly chopped
Pinch paprika
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon salt
2 ounces breadcrumbs
1 package soft rolls or slider buns
Thick-cut dill pickles, for garnish
French fried potato sticks
Mince meats together with onion and peppers, then add spices. Form into small patties (about 2 ounces, or the size of a White Castle burger).
Grill over medium heat to taste and serve with pickles and potato sticks, or add your favorite toppings like cheese and onions.
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