Category: News

We are always on the lookout for good recipe cards, so when reader Elizabeth sent us these cards that she and her husband designed, we were excited. They are almost exactly what we are looking for in a recipe card!

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We’re totally loving this unusual Greek dessert, with a spiral of paper-thin phyllo dough, and a hot milk custard. This plus how to make your own Christmas ham in today’s Delicious Links.

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If you thought we’ve heard the last of Erik Estavillo a.k.a. the banned Resistance player and lawsuit spammer, then you thought wrong my friends. The…

Dean Bruce Bursten presents Randy Hopper with the Accomplished Alumni Award.

KNOXVILLE — Minneapolis-based attorney Randy Hopper has been recognized with the University of Tennessee, Knoxville’s, Accomplished Alumnus Award. The award is sponsored by the UT Knoxville Office of Alumni Affairs and recognizes graduates who have achieved great professional success.

Hopper graduated from UT in 1976 and began his career working on a White House-sponsored urban education program, “Communities in Schools,” in inner-city Atlanta and the Bronx and Harlem neighborhoods of New York.

He served as manager of public affairs for the Cummins Engine Co. and as a program officer in its corporate foundation; as director of state development planning for the state of Minnesota; and as an economic development adviser for the governor of Minnesota. He has served as finance director for two successful congressional campaigns and since 1982, he has been president of Robert R. Hopper & Associates, a private consulting firm.

Hopper graduated from law school in 1987 and upon his graduation received an Excellence in Trial Advocacy Award from the Association of Trial Lawyers designating him as one of the Top 10 student trial advocates in the country. He is now senior partner for Zimmerman Reed P.L.L.P. in Minneapolis and focuses on complex civil litigation and government relations.

As part of the Accomplished Alumni program, Hopper also spent time on campus and addressed a group of 30 students. He credited UT with contributing to his career and his professional success. He encouraged the students to take advantage of the opportunities UT provides them.

“Put your heart and soul into this experience and commit to making something out of your college years,” Hopper said. “Your classes, professors and the activities here on campus will give you the basis for great success later in your life.”

The Accomplished Alumni program is designed to attract alumni of note to campus to share their success stories with UT students, other alumni and the greater UT community. Through this program, alumni make an impact in the classroom and also are honored for their achievements.

For more information on the Accomplished Alumni program and to view other recipients, visit http://alumni.utk.edu/programs/accomplished.

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CUTLINE: College of Arts and Sciences Dean Bruce Bursten (left) presents attorney Randy Hopper (right) with the Accomplished Alumni Award.

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C O N T A C T:

Beth Gladden (865-974-9008, [email protected])

We were totally fascinated by an article in The New York Times last week, all about the new wave of locavorism spurring people towards hunting. And not mushroom hunting, or hunting for ramps — hunting for wild game. Have you ever hunted?

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Welcome to December’s open discussion thread at The Kitchn. This month is all about the holidays and winter nourishment. Weeknight meals, hot soups, holiday parties, and cookie baking — this is your spot to bring up any questions or good ideas you have this month. How can we help you?

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“Your console has been banned.” For many gaming enthusiasts, perhaps nothing is more unnerving than the prospect of losing the ability to duel with friends and strangers over the Internet for hours on end. Yet earlier this month, this fear became a reality for many Xbox owners when Microsoft banned a large number of consoles from its Xbox Live service. The move effectively prevents the machines from playing games online, and according to reports so far, the ban allegedly only affects consoles that have been modified by users in order to play pirated games. While Microsoft has not said how many machines were affected (other than shooting down the initially reported figure of 1 million), the sheer quantity of banned Xbox 360s that have shown up for resale on sites like eBay and craigslist suggests the number is still quite large. Corresponding with one of the most anticipated multiplayer title releases of the year, the ban sends a strong that Microsoft is not afraid to hit users where it hurts when it comes to their bottom line.

Yet, while the obvious lesson some may take away from this is, “Don’t steal games,” there is a much more subtle point to be made here about the power of online service providers wield over their users through their Terms of Service Agreements (or TOS).

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Filed under: Government/Legal, Saab

Don’t write off Saab just yet. While last week’s announcement that Koenigsegg Automotive AB had pulled its offer for the homeless brand was a painful kick to the gut, it seems there are still a few companies interested in taking the automaker under its wings. With that in mind, and interested in keeping the momentum, Saab CEO Jan Ake Jonsson and government officials from Sweden are meeting in Detroit today ahead of a Tuesday GM board meeting to determine Saab’s fate.

As we’ve reported, other bidders have expressed interest in Saab and the list appears to have grown. These companies include Beijing Automotive Industry Holding Corp., U.S. investment company Merbanco Inc., and the U.S. private equity firm Renco Group Inc. You may recall that it was Beijing Auto who had partnered with Koenigsegg in the latest deal that fell off the table. Said Beijing Auto’s general manager Wang Dazong, “stay tuned a little bit.” Yes, we all are. Patiently.

[Source: Automotive News, sub. req’d]

Saab, Swedish gov’t in Detroit to discuss brand’s future originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Nov 2009 15:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sorta ugly, but also really cool modification of some has-been tech into something you can use everyday for years to come: the VHS Toaster! The DIY project even results in some VHS branded toast, for that extra touch of 80’s magic. Slow motion action video and links to instructions below.

• Read the full post at Unplggd

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I spotted this kitchen the other day and just had to share — is it just me or does this kitchen inspire you to make little pretty French macarons?

• Read the full post at Apartment Therapy

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Earlier this year we told you about these naturally abrasive scrubber and pads made of recycled corn cobs, peach pits, and walnut shells. Now these cool scrubs are available at a number of retailers.

• Read the full post at Re-Nest

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The article reviewed here is ‘The Genetic Basis of Human Brain Evolution’ by Vallender and colleagues. This is the 150th Anniversary of Darwin’s ‘On the Origin of Species’ and I thought it would be interesting to have a look at this article on the brain from an evolutionary perspective. This is a review article in Trends in Neuroscience by two american researchers, one in neurochemistry and the other in genetics. In the abstract, the authors write

‘…it has become possible only very recently to examine the genetic basis of human brain evolution. Through comparative genomics, tantali(s)ing insights regarding human brain evolution have emerged‘

The selection criteria for inclusion of studies is not stated although this is usual in a number of the reviews that I have seen. Introducing the reader to the subject, the authors then move on to look at genes which have changed in moving along the primate lineage from new world monkeys to humans. These include genes implicated in microcephaly, the Sonic Hedgehog gene (yes really!), the popular FOXP2 gene and SRPX2. There are various suggestions for why changes in these genes may be important including the possibility that the microcephaly associated genes products are important in cell-cycle control which in turn may influence the number of neuroprogenitor cells produced and hence brain size.

The authors also discuss novel genes that have arisen in evolution including the mysterious Morpheus gene the function of which is as yet undetermined, the Opsin gene (thought to be directly related to the development of trichromatic vision in catarrhines) and GLUD2. They then go on to discuss the loss of genes including members of the olfactory gene family. They also look at the difficulties in understanding changes in gene expression in the human brain during evolution as well as some changes seen in non-coding regions. They also offer the following fascinating insight

‘..mammals in general and birds to some degree, exhibit a trend of brain expansion over evolutionary time that is absent in other vertebrates‘

The authors end by suggesting that future studies should focus on testing specific rather than general theories.

In conclusion, I found this to be a concise and accessible review of a fascinating subject. On the 150th Anniversay of the publication of ‘On the Origin of Species’ there has been much progress in evolutionary theory and subsequent reinterpretation of natural world phenomenon. In evolutionary psychiatry (see review here)  there has been an emphasis on laying the foundations with reference to common mental illnesses and how they might be shaped by the pressures of natural and sexual selection. The explanations have benefitted from insights gained from  the field of evolutionary psychology (see review of book on evolutionary psychology here). Adding a genetic strand to this understanding may give neuroanatomic insights into function and pathology which tie in with the understanding of neurodevelopment and neuropsychology. As the authors point out, this field is in its infancy and although it is too early to draw firm conclusions, I suspect these will quickly develop and form the foundations for this new discipline.

References

Vallender E J, Mekel-Bobrov N and Lahn B T. Genetic basis of human brain evolution. Trends in Neuroscience. Vol 31. No 12. pp636-644. 2008.

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Disclaimer

The comments made here represent the opinions of the author and do not represent the profession or any body/organisation. The comments made here are not meant as a source of medical advice and those seeking medical advice are advised to consult with their own doctor. The author is not responsible for the contents of any external sites that are linked to in this blog.

During an investor conference call this afternoon, Yves Guillemot confirmed that he and his crew are set on providing support for the new motion con…

AT&T and LG Electronics MobileComm U.S.A., Inc., today announced the LG eXpo will be available online beginning December 7. Featuring the first 1 GHz processor in the United States, the LG eXpo allows business professionals to meet their demanding data sharing needs while on the go. Available exclusively for AT&T customers, the handset will be compatible with AT&T’s High Speed Packet Access (HSPA) 7.2 Mbps technology, which provides a considerable speed boost to the nation’s fastest 3G network.

The LG eXpo is the first device in North America to support an optional integrated pico projector. The LG Mobile Projector snaps onto the back of the device and allows users to share presentations, slideshows and even online videos straight from their mobile phone. Weighing only 1.8 ounces and small enough to fit into the palm of your hand, the LG mobile projector provides users with powerful new technology in a compact design, featuring a projection distance as far as eight feet

"LG eXpo adds to our growing portfolio of smartphones that operate on the latest upgrade to our 3G network and offer customers a great choice," said Michael Woodward, vice president, Mobile Phone Portfolio, AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets. "As we move to HSPA 7.2 technology, it is crucial to provide our customers innovative and future-proof smartphones." With the upgrade to HSPA 7.2 technology, AT&T continues its investments to deliver the nation’s fastest 3G network.

AT&T plans to deploy HSPA 7.2 initially in Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles and Miami by the end of the year. The company plans to deploy HSPA 7.2 in 25 of the nation’s 30 largest markets by the end of 2010, and to reach about 90 percent of its existing 3G network footprint with HSPA 7.2 by the end of 2011. LG eXpo also eliminates the need for pin codes and passwords with the exclusive "Smart Sensor" fingerprint recognition from AuthenTec, which delivers a new level of added smart and personal security unlike any other mobile phone in the market. AT&T is the first to offer U.S. subscribers a smartphone that leverages the features and functions of a smart sensor. The Smart Sensor complements the touchscreen user interface of the eXpo by also providing precise cursor control for text editing, 4-way menu navigation, and AuthenTec’s unique turbo-scroll feature for rapid browsing of long emails, contact lists or websites.

The LG eXpo is loaded with Windows Mobile® 6.5 Professional to help power users stay more connected with email, calendar and Microsoft® Office Mobile. The phone’s projection feature allows users to display Web pages, documents, photos and videos on the go. "LG eXpo is the perfect balance of mobile innovation and design" said Ehtisham Rabbani, vice president of product strategy and marketing for LG Mobile Phones. "Enabling users to meet their professional and personal computing needs from the palm of their hands, LG eXpo makes on-the-go communication an effortless luxury."

Boasting a 3.2-inch external touchscreen with 16M color, LG eXpo features a sophisticated slider design with a full size QWERTY keypad. For the dynamic multi-tasker, LG eXpo provides users with powerful functionality that supports an RSS Viewer, Podcast and aGPS. In addition to a crystal clear 5.0 megapixel camera with built-in auto flash, LG eXpo can support up to a 16GB removable microSD memory card for premium music and photo storage.

Beginning December 7, LG eXpo will be available to enterprise customers and for purchase online at www.att.com/lgexpo for $199.99 after mail-in rebate. Pay $299.99 and after mail-in rebate receive a $100 AT&T Promotion Card. Two year agreement on a minimum $69.99 plan required. The LG Mobile Projector will be available in the coming weeks for $179.99.

Read more at LG here.

Craig Mast pays a visit to Camp Woodward where he got his start and ends the episode with a full-blown music video for a song he wrote about his Firsthand appearance.

Add this to your queue
Added: Mon Nov 30 20:03:05 UTC 2009
Air date: Sun Dec 06 00:00:00 UTC 2009
Duration: 22:09

Filed under: Aftermarket, Concept Cars, Coupe, Performance, Europe, Misc. Auto Shows, Ferrari

Sbarro Lista Office – Click above for high-res image gallery

If you thought that last remaining piece of lasagna at the food court looked iffy, remember that’s not even the most suspicious concoction to bear the Sbarro banner. Franco Sbarro rivals even his fellow Swiss coachbuilder Rinspeed for his, um… “originality.” Recent examples have included a six-wheeled Citroen crossover, a leaning quadricycle and a vintage Rolls-Royce equipped especially for bird-watching. But as bizarre and unusual as most of Franco Sbarro’s creations have been, the Swiss designer also has a long history in radically modifying Ferraris.

Based on the 308 GTB, the Super 8 made our Top 10 Mid-Engined Hatchbacks list, but that’s just the tip of the proverbial iceberg. Sbarro’s done everything from converting a 365 GT4 into a Mille Miglia spyder to giving the 550 Maranello the wide-body treatment. Among the most intriguing of his projects, though, has been the Alcador series. The first Alcador, based on the Testarossa, debuted at the 1995 Geneva salon. The second, called the Alcador GTB, came a baker’s-dozen years later at the 2008 Geneva show, borrowing its chassis and engine from the 348. Sbarro tweaked the design and came back to the Palexpo the following year with a new Alcador GTB based on the 360 Modena.

Now, a Swiss collector by the name of Lienhard has commissioned the coachbuilder to craft him another example, and the result was unveiled to the public this past weekend at the Essen tuner expo in Germany. Strangely called the Lista Office, Sbarro’s latest is underpinned once again by the 80s-era Testarossa, packing its 450hp 5-liter boxer 12. Say what you will about the styling, but one thing’s for sure: it doesn’t look anything like a 512TR. See for yourself in the image gallery below.

[Source: Sbarro and Autoblog.nl]

Flight of the Alcador: Franco Sbarro unveils Ferrari Testarossa-based Lista Office in Essen originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Nov 2009 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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An old, crusty, off-strip hotel with a rich poker past is shutting down.

LasVegasNow: A spokesperson with Binion’s Gambling Hall & Hotel has confirmed that the property’s hotel rooms, Original Coffeeshop and Keno will be closing on December 14th.

A memo to all employees obtained by 8 News Now blames the economy for the move. The casino portion of Binion’s and associated restaurants will remain open.

The closings will result in the layoff of around 100 people.

The news comes the same day as the Dubai-owned monstrosity City Center is oficially opening up.

Here’s the full memo to staff.

Binions Closing

(Picture via Flickr user Eric__I_E)

Join the conversation about this story »

See Also:

• Just In Time: Dubai Opens $8.5 Billion Casino In Vegas
• Carl Icahn Is Lead Bidder For Vegas Casino
• CHART OF THE DAY: The Las Vegas Strip Is Making A Huge Comeback

While I should probably be looking for some Cyber Monday deals (other than Amazon’s Lightning Deals), I’m pretty entrenched in tonight’s Patriots/Saints game. For the seventh time this season, the Patriots will face an undefeated team, and three of those have accounted for all the Patriots’ losses. They all came down to the last possession as well. I have one prediction for tonight’s game: “Pain!” (…in the immortal words of Clubber Lang.) I don’t know who will suffer more of it, but there’s not going to be a happy ending for everyone in this game.

How big is this game? New Orleans says it’s up there with the Super Bowls that the city had hosted. Average tickets are going for as much as $2000 to $2500. For a regular season game? Are you kidding me? Patriots fans like myself are spoiled… this game probably doesn’t rank in the top 15 of the decade. When your team has won two playoff games in 42 years like the Saints have, this game gets top story on the first page of the New Orleans Times.

I can’t seem to focus on much else, so here are this week’s links:

Money Writers:

• Brip Blap gives my up close look at health care.
• Digerati Life examines Blockbuster vs Netflix: online DVD rentals for less.
• Frugal Dad posts 5 four-letter words you should be using in personal finance.
• Generation X Finance asks are you a credit card junkie? Learn how to kick the habit.
• Million Dollar Journey shares 3 principles of successful investors.
• Money Smart Life posts cleaning out the garage.
• My Dollar Plan writes plan and budget for holiday spending.
• The Sun’s Financial Diary talks frugal holiday entertaining.

Top PF Posts:

• Free Money Finance says your money habits will influence your children’s money habits.
• Mighty Bargain Hunter asks what money smells do you need to work on?
• PT Money shares ten financial moves to consider before 2009 ends.
• Consumerism Commentary posts 6 items that exemplify conspicuous spending.
• Dough Roller says successful personal finance does not require perfection.
• Wisebread offers 5 easy ways to save some green this holiday season.
• Rich Credit Debt Loan asks is it safe to borrow from a 401(k)?
• Harvesting Dollars blogs about the top 4 things everyone should know about their finances.
• Saving Advice explains that American culture is why people don’t save money.
• The Smarter Wallet writes managing our family finances during a jobless recovery.

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