Traditional wassails were—and still are, I suppose—seasonal hot drinks made with wine or beer, sugar, spices, eggs, and bits of toast floating on top. Today, we're far more likely to find toasty, bready flavors in a more fashionable (and still seasonally appropriate) beverage: methode champenoise sparkling wine. How those characteristic flavors get there has nothing to do with actual toast and everything to do with yeast. I'll talk more about the bubbles in sparkling wine next month; today, it's all about the yeast.
Sparkling wine made in the methode champenoise fashion is always, necessarily, aged sur lie (occasionally called "biological aging"), which means that the wine spends months or years in contact with its lees (Champagne, by law, sits on its lees for at least a year). Methode champenoise begins with a primary fermentation, after which the resulting "base wine" is bottled up with more yeast, extra sugar, and possibly some nutrients. The second fermentation that happens in the bottle generates bubbles (from the CO2 given off by the yeast during fermentation), more alcohol, and a fat cake of lees. Functionally, lees are the goopy junk found at the bottom of a tank, barrel, or bottle after—potentially quite a while after—fermentation finishes. The goopy junk is mostly dead yeast cells, along with some tartaric acid crystals and whatever fining agents (like bentonite) the winemaker may have added to help the dead yeast cells settle out. As icky and awful as that sounds, all of those little dead yeast bodies are much of what makes methode champenoise sparklers taste the way they do.
Yeast cells die toward the end of fermentation as alcohol levels rise and sugars run out. As they die, yeasts' enzymes cause them to split open, a process called autolysis ("auto"—self; "lysis"—splitting). Autolysis is a much more active process than the yeast cells just dying; yeast enzymes actually break open and destroy bits of the cell wall and cell membrane. We know that yeast cells undergo autolysis in sparkling wine bottles as the second fermentation ends, incidentally, because some really cool people have taken some very detailed microscopic pictures of yeast cells in their death throes. Yeast strains used for the second fermentation of sparkling wines are chosen, in part, for their ability to perform autolysis because the flavors and textures this process produces are so valued. Indeed, one of the pushes in yeast genetics is to develop sparkling wine-specific strains that will autolyse abnormally quickly so that wine can sit on its lees for less time, still pick up yeasty flavors, and save the producer time and money.
A whole slew of different compounds are released into the wine as autolysis occurs, but some are more important than others. Mannoproteins (a sugar called mannose attached to any one of several complex proteins), which come from yeast cell walls, are important in softening the astringency and bitterness of tannins and in making the body of the wine richer and smoother1. Mannoproteins also help keep a wine clear (reduce haze formation), though no one quite knows why2. Lipids (bitty fat molecules) from the cell wall and bits of DNA and RNA both add to wine flavor, though those flavors haven't been very well-defined yet3. Glucans (long strings of glucose bonded together) also from the yeast cell wall, help improve the stability of the foam (aka mousse) that collects at the top of the liquid in your glass. Assorted amino acids and proteins from the inside of the cell help foam stability, too, and contribute sweet and bitter flavors. Esters, characteristically fruity, can actually be absorbed into lees such that sur lie aging can subtract fresh fruitiness from a wine.
So, where does that lovely toasty, bready, yeasty sensation originate? Specific volatile molecules liberated (from yeast cells) by autolysis—esters, aldehydes, ketones, and the like—have been linked to specific components of what we perceive as "yeasty." Heptanal, an alkyl aldehyde, is associated with "biscuit" or cookie-ish aromas. Undecalactone, a cyclic ester, yields a vanilla or macadamia nut-like note. Diacetyl is buttery. Isoeugenol, sotolon, and guaiacol are variously toasty or herbal. And, delightfully, furfural (another aldehyde), smells like marzipan.
Not all sparklers are aged sur lie because not all sparklers are made methode champenoise. The Charmat process (also called the bulk or tank process) is the most oft-used alternative. Briefly, instead of performing the second fermentation—the one that provides the bubbles—in individual bottles which are then time-consumingly riddled and disgorged (to remove the lees), the second fermentation happens in a big pressurized tank. The carbonated wine is then filtered and bottled under pressure. Skipping that whole riddling and disgorging business means that the wine can be finished much, much more quickly—and more cheaply—because the wine can be filtered off its lees as soon as the second fermentation ends. Makers of Charmat process sparklers aren't subject to regulations dictating how long their wines must spend on their lees, either.
The Charmat process is customarily used because it's (much, much) cheaper, but it also produces different flavors. Less lees contact results in fresher, more fruit-driven wines lacking the toasty, bready, and yeasty notes for which traditional methode champenoise sparklers are noted. But, naturally, some makers of big-batch sparkling wine want their flavors to resemble those of the traditional producers. Enter thermal treatment. Heating the wine for a few days at temperatures between 35 and 70 degrees Celsius causes a rush of yeast autolysis and the corresponding release of yummy yeast cell wall components4.
Of course, that's not all heat does. Heating provides enough energy to break glycosidic bonds, that is, bonds between glucose and another molecule, which is often a terpene. Terpenes are a class of smelly creatures, as some of their names suggest: geraminol, nerol, and cirtronellol, for example. Glucose acts like an anchor that keeps the attached terpene bound in the wine, prevents it from volatilizing, and therefore prevents it from being smelled. But when the glycosidic bond holding it down is broken, those terpenes can now break free into the headspace above your wine where they can contribute floral, citrusy, or smoky aromas. In other words, Charmat process sparkling wine that undergoes thermal treatment is not going to smell like methode champenoise sparkling wine, even if more yeast autolysis does happen.
As this is a season for giving thanks as well as a season for popping bottles of bubbly, I'd like to raise a toast to all of the many, many yeast cells who so selflessly gave up their lives—and their mannoproteins, and lipids, and volatiles—to make my toast more toasty. To them, my thanks.
This was a great post. Thank you for helping me understand the sparkling varieties and the basis for that excellent toasty flavor.


Darrell Wallace Jr. won his first Nationwide Series pole today at Dover International Speedway. The 18-year-old NASCAR Drive for Diversity graduate edged out Justin Allgaier who starts second. Wallace's lap of 23.091 seconds earned him his first career Coors Light Pole, in what will be his fourth Nationwide start.
Wallace has finished in the top 10 for his three career Nationwide races, all in 2012, and started in the top 10 for two of those events. He led 36 laps in the U.S. Cellular 250 at Iowa in August where he finished seventh.
Wallace's teammate, Joey Logano, was faster in practice, but will roll off third for the race. After finishing second in the NASCAR K&N Pro East Series race at Dover last night, Wallace Jr. talked with Skirts and Scuffs about his Joe Gibbs Racing team.
Whatever tips Logano provided worked because his younger teammate starts his No. 20 Freightliner Toyota on the front row.


text:
Chat: Jeff Moore
Welcome to Baseball Prospectus' Monday April 21, 2014 1:00 PM ET chat session with Jeff Moore.
Talk prospects with Minor League Update man Jeff Moore.
Jeff Moore: Hey everyone. If you have a case of the Mondays, you're in the right place. It's a beautiful day here in south Florida to be sitting outside, looking at the ocean and answering some prospect questions. And there's baseball on TV already. Things are good. Let's make them better. Here we go!
Number27 (Milwaukee, WI): Jeff, Thanks for the chat. Two questions. First, who's getting called up next? Second, who are we not talking about that we should be?
Jeff Moore: I was as surprised as anybody that George Springer got called up when he did, though I'd guess it means that they're closer to a contract extension than either side is letting on. I just don't see the Astros giving up the service time like that for the sake of about one win between now and June in what will be another losing season. I'm thrilled he's up, but it doesn't make much sense.
Because of that, I have no idea who's next. Some of the most obvious candidates – Javy Baez, Byron Buxton, Taijuan Walker, and Addison Russell for example, have battled injuries. There are some more obvious candidates like Marcus Stroman, Andrew Heaney, Gregory Polanco and others, but I'll bet most teams wait until the super-two deadline has safely passed.
Then again, who saw a Luis Sardinas promotion happening over the weekend? So who knows.
dancini (Pgh): What's your prediction on a Andrew Heaney earlier than expected call up? Do you see anything fishy going on (see what I did there)?
Jeff Moore: Good transition into answer a Heaney question. You never know what the Marlins are going to do, but even with their aggressive promotions last year, they waited until after the super-two deadline (Jose Fernandez not included, but he's an exception to every rule). He's going to be in the majors this year, barring injury. I'll bet he's up before the all-star break. The way he's pitching in Double-A, I wouldn't be surprised to see him bumped to Triple-A within the month then make the jump, though the Marlins aren't afraid of skipping players right over Triple-A. With pitchers in the Pacific Coast League, that wouldn't be the worst idea either.
And for the record, terrible puns are a great way to get your question chosen.
Clarke H. (NY): Who would you rather have in a dynasty league, Hunter Harvey or Julio Urias? And why?
Jeff Moore: Hard to believe the answer is an 17-year-old when it comes to keepers in fantasy, but he's probably closer to the majors than is Harvey, and when it comes to keeper leagues, that's always a huge factor. That said, Harvey has the higher ceiling. It's important to remember with Urias that just because he's doing what he's doing at an incredibly young age, it doesn't raise his ceiling. Urias projects as a number two while Harvey could be an ace. The floor is higher on Urias because he's closer to the majors. It's your call on what you want.
Joe (St. Louis): We know about the on-field tools, but where does Byron Buxton rank on the alliteration scale? Is it an 80? Or is he behind a guy like Arismendy Alcantara or someone else?
Jeff Moore: Buxton is up there, but Alcantara sets the bar. That's some serious name flash right there.
bsballfoo87 (Los Angeles): More highly touted at the time: Gausman/Bundy/Harvey/Rodriguez in 2014, or Tillman/Matusz/Arrieta/Britton in 2010?
Jeff Moore: Ya know, I was living in Baltimore in 2010 and there was some serious hype surrounding that crew. I think the hype this time is slightly less at least partially because of the disappointment that came from the first go round. Orioles fans are certainly more cautious. That said, this crew is better. More high ceiling guys. Arrieta and Britton were both nice prospects but were mid rotation guys. Gausman/Bundy/Harvey is a chance (albeit an extremely unlikely one) of three top of the rotation guys.
Josh (Wrigleyville): In 2015/16, Javier Baez is playing [insert position here]?
Jeff Moore: Second, short and third. I know Cubs fans are super excited about the future, and I would be too. There's not much else to look forward to. But this need to pigeon hole Baez is completely unnecessary. The fact that he can play all three infield positions is awesome. The important part is that he'd going to play every day. His defensive flexibility gives the Cubs a chance to move the pieces around once more and more of them get to the majors. I hope he plays all three in the majors and I'll bet he sees time at all of them this year. Remember when we needed answers about where Xander Bogaerts was going to play when all of the factors were things that had nothing to do with him (resigning of Stephen Drew, Middlebrooks' development, etc.) Same thing with Baez. He can play all three. Which one he ends up at has nothing to do with him. It's about the other players around him.
AMetsGuy (NYC): Dilson Herrera. What's his approach like? He seems to have a bit of pop and decent contact skills. How much improvement must he show to be a 1st division regular?
Jeff Moore: I'll take a Mets question because I made fun of them on Twitter yesterday, something which I do a lot.
I like Herrera. I've seen him three times this year already. He's a plus athlete and well-built for a smaller guy. He does have some bat speed which, when put with his strength, does give him some pop for a short guy. He has the ability to be a good hitter, but he's inconsistent when it comes to barreling up the balls. I've seen him hit a number of balls hard in a row in games, and I've also seen him take a terrible round of BP and pop up way too much. It's a work in progress, but I like the player. He's more of a 2B than a shortstop and could easily play the outfield as well, and could probably handle center field adequately. Very interesting player. There's something there, but I'm not sure we know what yet.
If he was a high school football recruit, he'd be listed under "Athlete" for his position.
Al Harrington (Bucketsville): Despite being a small sample, has Brandon Nimmo significantly elevated his prospect status in the early season?
Jeff Moore: I've got a few questions here about players raising their prospect status so far this season. Let me put it this way, and this has nothing to do with Nimmo. If you've raised a prospect's status in your mind after 2 1/2 weeks of a minor league baseball season, you're probably evaluating prospect's wrong. I'm not saying it can't happen, but you have to see something that you hadn't seen before. Has one of his tools changed? Or velocity for a pitcher? Or a new pitch? All of those things can change his "status", but a few weeks of swinging a hot bat don't mean a thing.
It's good to see Nimmo playing and playing well. People just looking at numbers may have diminished his prospect status based on last season, but that was foolish. He's the same player this year he was last year. Good eye at the plate, plus bat-speed, above-average power, good speed. All of those things remain the same. He's a good player and I like him. That's the same too.
mat43287 (Oakland): Alex Bregman sounds a lot like Anthony Rendon 2.0...yay or nay?
Jeff Moore: As a polished college bat that could go early in the draft, yes, but Rendon was a 3B who is holding his own at 2B right now while Bregman is an up the middle player all the way who can handle SS. They're not close enough to give them an updated software tag.
Cal Guy (Cal): Hi Jeff, What would you rather have for an entire career, the higher upside of Giolito or the "safer" Harvey?
Jeff Moore: If we're talking two prospects, one of whom is in Low-A and one of whom is in Triple-A, then you'd have a discussion, but if we're talking fantasy teams and it's two players at similar levels, always take the guy with the higher upside.
Gav (UK): Where do you stand on Jon Singleton? Getting mixed reports - some say he's going to carry his hotness into the Majors very soon; others are saying his head is not right for the Majors.
Jeff Moore: I like Singleton and think he'll be an above-average first baseman. I don't know if he'll be the guy to carry the Astros lineup, but he could be. The talent is there if he has everything else under control. It has nothing to do with carrying hotness to the majors. Hot streaks come and go no matter where you play. But he's talented and is the best first base prospect in baseball (it is a weak crop, though). I don't know where his head is right now, but I'm sure the Astros do and I doubt they'd call him up if it wasn't in his or the team's best interest.
Rob (York, Pa): As of right now who in your opinion is the #1 pick in this summers draft?
Jeff Moore: York, PA! Go Spartans! York College grad here. Say hi to Murph's for me.
I don't know who the Astros are going to go with and I doubt they do either. I've said all along I think they'll take a college pitcher, especially since the top candidates seemed to be from that crop. It's been a slightly disappointing year for a number of them, but there's still plenty of time. As long as the stuff is still there in May and June for guys like Rodon or Hoffman, I'd guess it's one of those two.
Silverback38 (VA): With injuries to other Pirates pitching prospects, does Kingham get elevated any quicker?
Jeff Moore: The Pirates are notoriously conservative with their promotions and do not rush their prospects. The Pirates also have some pitching depth ahead of their top prospects, like Jeff Locke and Brandon Crumpton, so there's no need to rush anyone. If they dip into the prospect pool for starts, Kingham could nab a few of those that would have gone to Jameson Taillon, but i don't think we'll see Kingham this year unless things really get bad on the Burgh.
Drifter (Long Branch): Which team(s) has(ve) the best minor league affiliate system(s) - I'm thinking in terms of (a) proximity to Major League team - this would offer the big league team quick access to view prospects in action, and (b) league representation offering a quality range of experiences (e.g. are many of the home stadiums in the PCL good barometers / testing grounds for potential major leaguers if the extreme hitter park nature of the stadiums shatter a pitcher's confidence and/or reinforce poor minor league hitting habits that won't translate well at the major league level. Thanks, Jeff.
Jeff Moore: Love this question. The Orioles have one of the best setups with all of their affiliates within about 3-4 hours by car. This is one of those things that isn't essential by any means, but organizations have begun doing it over the past few years, attempting to move their affiliates closer to home. It comes into play every now and then and in general I think it's a good idea, but it's not necessary. Still, it makes things easy.
Oscar Taveras (Memphis, TN): I'm ready to take over the Show, right? I'm getting a little bored of minor league pitching.
Jeff Moore: Let's stay on the field for more than a month straight before we start complaining about being bored, shall we?
NatsGM (Bethesda MD): Thanks for the chat Jeff and the excellent work on MLU.. Bunch of questions for you - Addison Russell or Francisco Lindor? High Ceiling or High Floor? Eduardo Rodriguez or A.J. Cole? Favorite Sleeper prospect in the Nationals system? City Oyster or 32 East? Best Sports Bar in Delray?
Jeff Moore: We had this discussion as a staff the other day and included Baez and Correa in the mix. I went with Lindor. Here's the link:
http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=23246
There's no right or wrong, so much as just a preference. Same with Rodriguez vs. Cole. Do you like ceiling or floor? Cole could be the better pitcher, but he could also be a reliever still. Sometimes it's just a preference.
You want food in Delray? Go to Park Tavern. You simply can't beat it, and order an Old Fashioned. My favorite sports bar is a little dive called The Hurricane because it's an Eagles bar and they put the game on every Sunday and it's filled with other idiots in Randal Cunningham throwbacks to make me feel better about myself.
Rob (Parts Unknown): Rafael Montero plus X = Joc Peterson. What is X, and shouldn't the Mets and Dodgers try to make this happen?
Jeff Moore: Prospect for prospect trades don't happen because prospects are volatile commodities and neither side wants to be the side that trades away the star. When teams trade away a prospect for a veteran, they at least know what they're getting back. You an argue that they gave up too much, but rarely does the team getting the veteran end up with nothing. In a prospect for prospect trade, that's a possibility and no one wants to be that GM.
That said, Montero and Pederson are similar levels of prospects, so I'm not sure why you'd need another piece. The reason it won't happen is because trading away pitching depth is about the dumbest thing anyone could ever do. Matt Harvey is still injured right? You could give me the top 10 pitching prospects in baseball in my farm system and I wouldn't trade one of them away before they got to the majors.
Spirou (Montreal): Henry Owens just might be the most divisive prospect in the game.Do you lean towards the back-end of the roation guy or the potential # 2 starter ?
Jeff Moore: He's divisive because not because of what scouts are seeing but because of what he's giving them to see. He'll be lights out on one night and then a mess the next. It's his command and his ability to repeat his delivery. I think the scouting community pretty much agrees on that. It's Owens that's back and forth.
Because of that, I think he'll fall in as a mid-rotation guy who dominates one night and goes 3 1/3 the next and drives everyone nuts.
Or it could click...
Chief Wahoo (CLE): Is Bauer ready now? I know 3 starts is a sample but are the improvements he's made sustainable?
Jeff Moore: If it were just three starts from a random guy, I'd say we need to see more. But Bauer has a track record and a history of being talented. I'd like to see it some more, but there's no reason we can't see how real it is in major league games, especially after his one spot start in Cleveland. That was impressive.
Let's put it this way, the Indians are poised to take a step back this year if they don't do something. They probably aren't going to make the playoffs unless Bauer is for real now, so why not find out now?
Vijay (Chicago): Speaking of top picks in the draft, do you think MLB will ever be open to trading Rule 4 picks? If so, how big would the impact of this change really be?
Jeff Moore: Man, I hope so. It's going to be so much fun to watch all of the bad organizations trade away all of their picks for aging veterans while the Rays, A's, Cardinals, Pirates and Astros stockpile them and continually have deep farm systems.
On the other hand, I'm a Phillies fan so forget I said anything.
Shawnykid23 (CT): Does anyone have a chance to be this year's Wacha? A lesser known (not top) prospect who comes up mid-season and dazzles us?
Jeff Moore: Wacha didn't exactly come out of nowhere. He was a first round pick and would have been higher in this off-season's prospect rankings if he had spent the season in the minors. He wasn't off-the-radar by any means. Heck, he was ranked 56th in the BP 2013 Top-101.
That said, if you're looking for a similar assent this year, you may be waiting for a while. That was a unique case, one where there was a college prospect who was ready for the majors soon after being drafted, and had the perfect storm of playing for a World Series team. Prospects don't usually make that ind of assent and it probably won't happen this year.
natedogg34 (Fort Worth): Henry Ownens' volatility -- sounds a lot like Derek Holland.
Jeff Moore: For different reasons - Owens is tied to his height which makes it hard to repeat his delivery while Holland struggles because...actually I don't know why Holland struggles sometimes. He should be better than he is. Anyway, the frustration level among fans could be similar. I see where you're going with this NateDogg. Way to regulate.
Paul (Pittsburgh): Would you trade Oscar Taveras for Gerrit Cole ?
Jeff Moore: Ugh.
maxpowers (chicago): Any reports on how Kohl Stewart is developing?
Jeff Moore: No real news, which is good news. Stewart hasn't dominated in his first three starts, but he hasn't been a disaster either. Sounds pretty good for an 18-year-old jumping straight into full season ball. Everything I've heard makes it sounds like the stuff is as good as advertised. I'm no where near Cedar Rapids so I haven't seen him, but everything seems to fit the status quo thus far.
Monkeyepoxy (Amarillo): Obligatory Joey Gallo question: streaky player being hot as hell, or a good prospect making the adjustments he needed to make? Or shit, maybe both?
Jeff Moore: Good question and this is what I mean by changing a prospect's status after three weeks. Gallo could be making some adjustments, or he could just be red-hot. Hopefully it's both. When he's on, he can do ridiculous damage because of his power. He's always going to strike out, but he is doing it at a lesser rate than last year. He's also walking more. He also has a BABIP of .375 this year. Take it all with a grain of salt and tempered excitement. And more My Cousin Vinny jokes!
Mankind (The Boilerroom): Steven Matz has the talent to be a top ___ prospect at the end of the season, assuming no serious injuries. What's his ceiling?
Jeff Moore: You're looking to see if I'll say Top-101 here. I know you're little tricks. Yeah, if he's healthy he's got good stuff so maybe, but wee need to see more before I can say that with any confidence. I'm going to see St. Lucie twice this week so hopefully he'll throw and I'll have a better answer for you. I haven't seen the pitching match ups yet, but hopefully I'll draw him. Ask me again this weekend if I see him.
Don't worry everyone, I made a sandwich for hour two. Keep the questions coming!
Frank (Chicago): Thoughts on Matt Davidson being sent down, and now struggling in Triple A? Lot of people projected him to be starting 3B for the Sox this year.
Jeff Moore: I don't have many thoughts on it. His struggles in Triple-A don't mean much to me. He's still the same guy he was - a flawed hitter with some pop - hopefully enough pop to overcome his struggles. That hasn't changed in two weeks of Triple-A. Looks like the White Sox are holding him off for arbitration reasons, so I doubt they're putting too much stock in his struggles either.
Luis (Brooklyn): What are your thoughts on Nicolino? What do you see as his floor and ceiling? Thanks
Jeff Moore: He's a high-floor/low-ceiling guy. He'll settle in as a number 4-5 starter and could do some nice things in that big ballpark in Miami, but he needs to improve his command. Throws a ton of strikes, but not always good ones. Doesn't miss enough bats.
Josh (Wrigleyville): Just clarifying re: Baez, I am/was asking from a fantasy (dynasty) perspective, not from the real life standing.
Jeff Moore: Understandable. All the more reason to root for him to play multiple positions. A guy like that who can play three positions is awesome.
Pat (Chicago): Cubs question. Their minor league system seems pretty top-heavy at the moment. Do you see them going for one of the top college pitchers in June or just do what they did last year and draft the best guy on their board regardless of position?
Jeff Moore: In general, I always advocate taking the best player available. That said, their situation with their farm system weighing so heavily towards hitting prospects is at least enough to be a tie breaker if they're stuck between a hitter and a pitcher. I'd NEVER reach in an MLB draft for someone just because of positional need, but if it's close, their situation may be enough to lean towards the pitcher.
Daniel (Louisville): I'm a Reds fan who lives in Louisville. Who would you recommend I focus on when I go to Bats games? I know Stephenson is a big deal, but he isn't there yet. Who should I put on my radar in the Reds' system who will be in AAA at some point this summer? I can't just cheer for Corky Miller sightings forever!
Jeff Moore: I can't help you out much. The Louisville roster isn't great. Triple-A in general can be hard to watch, at least from a prospect standpoint. There's so much major league depth there among guys who either no longer qualify as prospects or where never good enough to qualify in the first place. Lots of Quad-A guys in Louisville. The good news is that Stephenson will be worth the wait.
Guys, you should see this sandwich.
Norwun (NYC): How come Archie Bradley is not on your list of who might be called up next?
Jeff Moore: I didn't think of him. He's certainly a candidate, although the D-Backs have said that he's not ready yet. Of course, that could be a ploy so it doesn't look like they're holding him off for financial reasons. He's not exactly dominating in Triple-A right now either, so he's not forcing the Diamondbacks hand, though injuries are. He still has command issues and gets away with his plus stuff too often. That's a nice problem to have sometimes, but one that he'll have to correct.
Frank (Frank's House): How do you rank the following OFers for ROS?: Leonys Martin, George Springer, Nori Aoki. Springer has the talent, Aoki has the experience, and Leonys might have a bit of both. Your thoughts?
Jeff Moore: Man, that's a random group of guys. Springer will put up the best fantasy numbers, if that's what you're asking. He's going to be a fantasy stud if you're in traditional leagues that don't care about strikeouts. He's going to hit home runs, steal bases, all the good stuff. Then Aoki then Martin.
The Dude (Office): What's on the sandwich?
Jeff Moore: Turkey, avacado, old bay, a little honey. High-floor, moderate-ceiling sandwich. For a homemade sandwich made between questions, it's good. 50 present, 60 future.
Dan (Toronto): What are your thoughts on Eddie Butler and do you think he reaches the majors before Gray?
Jeff Moore: I've never heard a player described so often with the same random noun. In Butler's case, it's "bowling ball" in reference to his sinking fastball and what it feels like to hit it. Theoretically, it would seem that groundballers have the best chance to succeed at Coors. It wouldn't shock me to see him in the majors before Gray just because this is Gray's first full season.
Al (MD): Went does Gausman come up? He's not mentioned in those with a chance to contribute anytime soon?
Jeff Moore: Yeah, he's another one. I wasn't really compiling an entire list. I was just tossing out some names. I'll bet he's up as soon as the Orioles need another starter. They know what he can do and if he's not ready then rushing him last year was an even worst idea than it already was. They've used the same five guys thus far, but if they have an injury or a double-header or something, he'll be up. I believe they are holding his innings limits back to keep him available for August and September (and in their minds, October) in the majors.
Heath (Chicago): What will the Cubs ultimately do with Arodys Vizcaino now that he is back pitching? Do you think he will ever become a starter again? Could he possibly be the next closer?
Jeff Moore: I think his starting days are over, partially due to the injuries but more so due to the developmental time lost during those recoveries. There's no way to project whether or not someone will be a closer. He once had the stuff to close games and still could, but being a closer is about opportunity. Impossible to predict. I can predict, however, that he could still be a late-inning option for the Cubs.
Alex (Anaheim): Will Gary Sanchez end up playing for the Yankees, or do you expect him to be traded?
Jeff Moore: The nice thing about the McCann signing was that it keeps the Yankees from having to rush Sanchez. He feels like he's been around forever but he's still only 21. He's had some struggles transitioning to new levels, so it's probably wise to let him go at his own pace. I eventually envision him joining McCann in a catcher/DH time share, maybe by next season, as McCann ages.
Of course, he's the Yankees best trade chip, so if they really need to make a move at the deadline, there's always that chance.
Scott (PA): Jesse Biddle has looked pretty good this year. I think the control issues have passed from last year. What are your thoughts on Biddle?
Jeff Moore: Yes, so far the control has been much better. It's way too early to say they're passed. Four starts in a row walking two batters or less is something he failed to do last year, so it's a good sign, but it's still just four starts.
Bill (Bozeman): Cheslor Cuthbert seems to struggle mightily after every promotion. 1) Is this common for players that are young for the level; and 2) Where do you see his overall prospect status as a 21-year old now holding his own in AA? Does he have projectible power?
Jeff Moore: Yes, it is something that happens more often with younger players for all the reasons you'd expect. You have to give him credit for going back and handling Wilmington, an extremely difficult place to hit, especially for power as a right-handed hitter and anyone not named Joey Gallo. Cuthbert has more power than he's shown in games thus far, but it's more doubles power than home run power. Credit the Royals for refusing to promote him until he has mastered a level. That's one of my biggest pet peeves.
Dave from Pittsburgh ( Boston): I know how stupid it is to suggest favoritism on this website, but I haven't seen a lot if any writeups on any Pirates prospects this season yet (Notes from the Field, minor league notes, etc). Are you going to be covering the FSL, Eastern League, or the International league?
Jeff Moore: That's a fair question, Dave, and I'll explain to you how it works here at BP. It's certainly not favoritism. You know what we all show favoritism towards around here? Talent. That makes the Pirates org a good place to look. Unfortunately, we need some proximity. We have scouts scattered all over the country and we're going to these games on our own dimes (at least when it comes to travel costs, etc. I'm in Florida so I have the FSL covered, as do a few other guys. We have a guy in Maryland, a guy in Jersey, two in New England, a few in California, etc. Speaking specifically for the Pirates org. I don't think we have anyone anywhere near Indy, Altoona or West Virginia, so we'll have to wait and hope that one of those teams goes and plays somewhere close to one of our guys.
Personally, I submitted a few reports on Bradenton players over the weekend so look for them at some point this week.
Wesley (Utah): When scouts describe sinkers as "bowling balls" or "heavy" how does the pitcher do it? Special grip? Arm action? Dark magic?
Jeff Moore: All of the above. In fact, I hear Professor Snape threw a nasty two-seamer.
There are a number of ways to do it. It's typically a two-seam fastball grip that causes that kind of arm-side run (a scouting term you hear when a FB runs into a right-handed batter from a right-handed pitcher or vice versa). By dropping down to a 3/4 arm angle, it can exaggerate the movement. Getting it to sink at the same time is different altogether. Some of it is just natural. There are ways to gee more movement - A.J Burnett is a great example, redefining himself in Pittsburgh as a groundballer by hammering the zone with 2-seamers - but not every pitcher can do it and some are significantly better set up for it than others based on the way they throw
Dave from Pittsburgh (Boston): Gregory Polanco is hitting .406/.449/.625 in AAA (64 AB's), is there any reason he wouldn't be an immediate upgrade in RF once the Super 2 date passes?
Jeff Moore: Yeah, Polanco is red hot. Theoretically he should be an immediate upgrade. It doesn't always work that way for prospects, but even if he doesn't hit right away, he should still be about as productive as the Travis Snider/Jose Tabata cluster the Pirates have going on right now, and he's a better defender.
Alex (Tampa): When thinking about and evaluating pitchers, do you think the most important things are (in order): Arm action, delivery, velocity, frame? What about with hitters?
Jeff Moore: For pitcher effectiveness, it's location, movement, velocity, in that order. Why then do we put so much importance on velocity? Because it's the hardest thing to teach and improve upon. It's much easier to take a guy that throws 95 and improve his command than take a guy with good command who throws 89 and get him to throw significantly harder. In fact, that's almost impossible. Veolcity makes up for weaknesses in the other areas, but the other two are more important in order to be effective.
Pete (Austin): When you did college recruiting what did you look for in players?
Jeff Moore: #rig
In all seriousness, I did like a little bit of that swagger of knowing you're the best, even if it's not true. I loved players with an edge. For hitters, I wanted bat speed and athleticism. I loved speed. At the very least, I could teach a fast guy how to bunt for a hit. That kind of stuff can work in college better than in the pros. For pitchers, I needed some velocity but what I really wanted to see was command and a secondary pitch for strikes. If you could throw a change-up for strikes, you were my guy. College hitters really struggle with a good change up because they don't see many of them.
Shawnykid23 (CT): In general, and just using the Biddle control question as an example, when are you comfortable saying a propect has "turned a corner" with something like control, or hitter with K rate, etc. I know it's different with everybody, but in your mind when does a small sample size become something more meaningful?
Jeff Moore: Yeah, it's definitely different for everybody, and it's different depending on what part of their game needs improvement. Biddle has control problems. Why? Is it because of difficulty repeating his delivery like Henry Owens has some times? Is it something with his arm-slot? Is it because his pitches move so much they're hard to control? Depending on the reason for the struggles, the answer can be different things. Ideally, I'd want to lay eyes on the guy and see if he has made adjustments to whatever the problem was in the first place. If I'm going totally off stats, I need a couple of months. You can hit for average for a few months and have it be a fluke, but throwing strikes for two months straight would be a good signal to me that he's made an adjustment without being able to see what it is in person.
Luc (Atlanta): Christian Yelich sure can hit, but where's the homerun power?
Jeff Moore: We're giving up on Yelich's power already? He's 22 and has 79 major league games to his credit. Please repeat after me: not every prospect is Bryce Harper.
Yes, Yelich's power hasn't kicked in yet. That also happens when your organization rushes you to the majors. He's doing a damn good job of holding his own despite getting just 49 games in the high minors. Power is usually the last tool to develop, especially on young guys who are still filling out their frame. Yelich is a bit of a string bean. He'll fill out. Plus that home park doesn't help. He won't be a big time power guy but he's got 15 a season in there somewhere.
Derek (Boston): Mookie Betts. No position in the majors at this time, although seeming to show that last year might not have been as big of a fluke as a lot of people thought. Your thoughts of Betts and what could possibly come of him in the majors (positional especially)?
Jeff Moore: Give me the dude who just flat hits everyday of the week. Remember when Xander Bogaerts didn't have a position either? These things have a way of working themselves out. We know he's not playing 2B in Boston unless Pedroia gets hurt, but guys who hit find a way into the lineup. Just let him keep hitting.
BL (Bozeman): Hi Jeff, do you believe Brett Eibner's hit tool so far is real improvement or a sample size mirage? Does he profile as a CF going forward?
Jeff Moore: Yeah, he's a center fielder, but he'll always have contact issues. They've gotten better thus far this year, but the small sample size helps. Hit tools don't really improve that much at age 25. It's rare.
Luis (Nowhere near Brooklyn): Could you give 3 prospects right now that you think will make it to top 100 prospects lists by this time next year? Players making big jumps?
Jeff Moore: Michael Feliz, J.P. Crawford, and Lewis Thorpe, to name a few. Just guessing.
Hustlin Pedroia (Burbs): For a pitcher like Chris Archer with two + pitches, is having a third average more important or is something like fastball command even important-er?
Jeff Moore: Nice use of important-er. Well played.
I'd always rather take quality over quantity, so I'd rather have my plus fastball play up to be even better by pairing it with plus command. Sometimes additional average pitches or below average pitches just get in the way. Why throw a crappy pitch when you can keep throwing your good ones? It's not always that simple, but if I have to break it down, I'd rather have two great pitches than a full average arsenal.
Jason (Baltimore): What on earth convinced you to willingly live in York, PA for four years?
Jeff Moore: Five, it was college.
Matt (TX): Do you agree with Theo Epstein's opinion that people are vastly underrating the Cubs pitching prospects? Is he just trying to talk up his guys or is the industry wrong about the Cubs minor league pitching?
Jeff Moore: Probably both. Their pitching prospects get overlooked because of how good their hitting prospects are, but it's not a barren cupboard by any stretch and it got better when they traded for C.J. Edwards. What they're lacking is a potential number one or two starter.
Never underestimate the ability of a GM to spin things the way he wants them, though. That's what makes them good at what they do. Well, some of them anyway.
Humpty Dumpty (The Wall): I see Kirby Yates among the IL strikeout leaders again. Is he a legit relief prospect?
Jeff Moore: There's no reason he can't tribute in the bullpen this year.
Ian (OK): Any word on Trevor May's improved control? He worked on something in the AFL and it seems to be carrying over into AAA.
Jeff Moore: Yeah, he's off to a great start, especially control-wise. It's important to point out, however, that guys rarely drop from four and a half walks per nine to less than two. They simply don't make those kinds of improvements, especially in one off-season. He can get into the threes (BB/9) and needs to be to be effective, but it would be remarkable if he continued to throw strikes at this rate. Impressive, but rare.
Ian (NYC): How did you teach command/control to young pitchers while in college?
Jeff Moore: It's extremely difficult, which is why you look for guys who already have it. I wasn't a pitching coach, so I'm not the best guy to ask, but it revolves around focusing in on certain parts of the strike zone sectioning off the plate. I could teach your mom how to bunt though.
Hank (STL): How would you define "edge"
Jeff Moore: You just have to see it. It's the confidence to know you're going to get a hit, or strike someone out, even if you have no business believing it. It's the ignorance to know when you're in over your head. It's knowing you're the best without having to tell everyone about it.
Bill (New Mexico): It begins to look conceivable -- not certain, but possible -- that Stephen Piscotty will be called up to St. Louis before Taveras. What's happened? Has Oscar's star dimmed, or is Piscotty another of those "where-did-that-come-from" stories that the Cardinals have had so many of recently?
Jeff Moore: Don't read too much into who gets called up first. Other than being sort-of injury prone, nothing has dimmed about Taveras. Piscotty has come on strong, but many times its about the other factors at work. Perhaps the Cardinals are more willing to call Piscotty up without consistent playing time than Taveras. Who knows? Taveras is still every bit the prospect he was a year ago today.
Jeff Moore: Ok guys, that's going to be it for today. Great questions as always. I enjoy it every time.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


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Q: SevenZipSharp fails to unpack certain tar archives I use SevenZipSharp for packing to 7z archives and unpacking from all kinds of archives. It has worked really well for years.
Today I had a .tgz archive that failed at unpacking in the 2nd stage:
Extracting .tar from .tgz worked, but unpacking .tar failed. It is just this single archive, which is affected. All other .tgz work well. The .tar itself is not faulty, because unpacking with 7-zip software works, too.

A: After a lot of tests me and a colleague found the reason:
We had to debug the SevenZipSharp DLL to find the failure in it. The DLL detects the type of the archive by reading the first 16 bytes and comparing it to a list of signatures. This is correct for most types of archives, but wrong for .tar archives, because the .tar file header starts with the archive's filename: TAR @ Wikipedia. The signature "ustar", if existing, is located at address 257 (0x0101).
SevenZipSharp knows that and checks for "ustar" at this address, but only if the previous detection has failed. Unfortunately, our TAR archive's name was "x42202.tar". And the header of .dmg files (Apple Disk Image) consists of a single "x" (how stupid is that, to use only one byte as a signature??). So there actually was a successful detection of the file type, just the detection result was wrong.
(I know, the linked Wikipedia says, the .dmg header signature was "koly", but I confirmed with a downloaded .dmg file that I found in the internet.)
EDIT 07.12.2021: The signature actually is "koly", but the so-called header is 512 bytes long and located at the END of the file. SevenZipSharp however checks for a signature at the beginning. Most files (but not all!) that I tested indeed have an "x" at the beginning, but I cannot tell why. Maybe it is an unofficial kind of header ("x" seems to come from the MIME type "x-apple-diskimage"). - End of EDIT.
Therefore we modified the code in FileSignatureChecker.cs to avoid false archive type detection of .tar archives.
Below you find the original and the modified code.
Code base is the latest SevenZipSharp version that can be found in the CodePlex archive. Obviously it's not under active development any more, because the version number hasn't changed in years, and if it was still active it would have moved after CodePlex has retired.
Update 2018-11-16
bugfix in modified code: enSpecialFormat was not returned if found.
Update 2021-12-16
The bug is still present in the github repository https://github.com/squid-box/SevenZipSharp, which is the current location of the SevenZipSharp project. A pull request with a major rework of the faulty code was uploaded and is waiting for merge.
original code
public static InArchiveFormat CheckSignature (Stream stream, out int offset, out bool isExecutable)
{
  offset = 0;
  if (!stream.CanRead)
  {
    throw new ArgumentException ("The stream must be readable.");
  }
  if (stream.Length < SIGNATURE_SIZE)
  {
    throw new ArgumentException ("The stream is invalid.");
  }

  #region Get file signature

  var signature = new byte[SIGNATURE_SIZE];
  int bytesRequired = SIGNATURE_SIZE;
  int index = 0;
  stream.Seek (0, SeekOrigin.Begin);
  while (bytesRequired > 0)
  {
    int bytesRead = stream.Read (signature, index, bytesRequired);
    bytesRequired -= bytesRead;
    index += bytesRead;
  }
  string actualSignature = BitConverter.ToString (signature);

  #endregion

  InArchiveFormat suspectedFormat = InArchiveFormat.XZ; // any except PE and Cab
  isExecutable = false;

  foreach (string expectedSignature in Formats.InSignatureFormats.Keys)
  {
    if (actualSignature.StartsWith (expectedSignature, StringComparison.OrdinalIgnoreCase) ||
        actualSignature.Substring (6).StartsWith (expectedSignature, StringComparison.OrdinalIgnoreCase) &&
        Formats.InSignatureFormats[expectedSignature] == InArchiveFormat.Lzh)
    {
      if (Formats.InSignatureFormats[expectedSignature] == InArchiveFormat.PE)
      {
        suspectedFormat = InArchiveFormat.PE;
        isExecutable = true;
      }
      else
      {
        return Formats.InSignatureFormats[expectedSignature];
      }
    }
  }

  // Many Microsoft formats
  if (actualSignature.StartsWith ("D0-CF-11-E0-A1-B1-1A-E1", StringComparison.OrdinalIgnoreCase))
  {
    suspectedFormat = InArchiveFormat.Cab; // != InArchiveFormat.XZ
  }

  #region SpecialDetect
  try
  {
    SpecialDetect (stream, 257, InArchiveFormat.Tar);
  }
  catch (ArgumentException) { }
  if (SpecialDetect (stream, 0x8001, InArchiveFormat.Iso))
  {
    return InArchiveFormat.Iso;
  }
  if (SpecialDetect (stream, 0x8801, InArchiveFormat.Iso))
  {
    return InArchiveFormat.Iso;
  }
  if (SpecialDetect (stream, 0x9001, InArchiveFormat.Iso))
  {
    return InArchiveFormat.Iso;
  }
  if (SpecialDetect (stream, 0x9001, InArchiveFormat.Iso))
  {
    return InArchiveFormat.Iso;
  }
  if (SpecialDetect (stream, 0x400, InArchiveFormat.Hfs))
  {
    return InArchiveFormat.Hfs;
  }
  #region Last resort for tar - can mistake
  if (stream.Length >= 1024)
  {
    stream.Seek (-1024, SeekOrigin.End);
    byte[] buf = new byte[1024];
    stream.Read (buf, 0, 1024);
    bool istar = true;
    for (int i = 0; i < 1024; i++)
    {
      istar = istar && buf[i] == 0;
    }
    if (istar)
    {
      return InArchiveFormat.Tar;
    }
  }
  #endregion
  #endregion

  #region Check if it is an SFX archive or a file with an embedded archive.
  if (suspectedFormat != InArchiveFormat.XZ)
  {
    #region Get first Min(stream.Length, SFX_SCAN_LENGTH) bytes
    var scanLength = Math.Min (stream.Length, SFX_SCAN_LENGTH);
    signature = new byte[scanLength];
    bytesRequired = (int)scanLength;
    index = 0;
    stream.Seek (0, SeekOrigin.Begin);
    while (bytesRequired > 0)
    {
      int bytesRead = stream.Read (signature, index, bytesRequired);
      bytesRequired -= bytesRead;
      index += bytesRead;
    }
    actualSignature = BitConverter.ToString (signature);
    #endregion

    foreach (var format in new InArchiveFormat[]
    {
                    InArchiveFormat.Zip,
                    InArchiveFormat.SevenZip,
                    InArchiveFormat.Rar,
                    InArchiveFormat.Cab,
                    InArchiveFormat.Arj
    })
    {
      int pos = actualSignature.IndexOf (Formats.InSignatureFormatsReversed[format]);
      if (pos > -1)
      {
        offset = pos / 3;
        return format;
      }
    }
    // Nothing
    if (suspectedFormat == InArchiveFormat.PE)
    {
      return InArchiveFormat.PE;
    }
  }
  #endregion

  throw new ArgumentException ("The stream is invalid or no corresponding signature was found.");
}

modified code
public static InArchiveFormat CheckSignature (Stream stream, out int offset, out bool isExecutable)
{
  offset = 0;
  if (!stream.CanRead)
  {
    throw new ArgumentException ("The stream must be readable.");
  }
  if (stream.Length < SIGNATURE_SIZE)
  {
    throw new ArgumentException ("The stream is invalid.");
  }

  #region Get file signature

  var signature = new byte[SIGNATURE_SIZE];
  int bytesRequired = SIGNATURE_SIZE;
  int index = 0;
  stream.Seek (0, SeekOrigin.Begin);
  while (bytesRequired > 0)
  {
    int bytesRead = stream.Read (signature, index, bytesRequired);
    bytesRequired -= bytesRead;
    index += bytesRead;
  }
  string actualSignature = BitConverter.ToString (signature);

  #endregion Get file signature

  InArchiveFormat suspectedFormat = InArchiveFormat.XZ; // any except PE and Cab
  isExecutable = false;

  InArchiveFormat enDetectedFormat = (InArchiveFormat)(-1);
  InArchiveFormat enSpecialFormat = (InArchiveFormat)(-1);

  foreach (string expectedSignature in Formats.InSignatureFormats.Keys)
  {
    if (actualSignature.StartsWith (expectedSignature, StringComparison.OrdinalIgnoreCase) ||
        actualSignature.Substring (6).StartsWith (expectedSignature, StringComparison.OrdinalIgnoreCase) &&
        Formats.InSignatureFormats[expectedSignature] == InArchiveFormat.Lzh)
    {
      if (Formats.InSignatureFormats[expectedSignature] == InArchiveFormat.PE)
      {
        suspectedFormat = InArchiveFormat.PE;
        isExecutable = true;
      }
      else
      {
        enDetectedFormat = Formats.InSignatureFormats[expectedSignature];
        break;
      }
    }
  }

  // Many Microsoft formats
  if (actualSignature.StartsWith ("D0-CF-11-E0-A1-B1-1A-E1", StringComparison.OrdinalIgnoreCase))
  {
    suspectedFormat = InArchiveFormat.Cab; // != InArchiveFormat.XZ
  }

  #region SpecialDetect

  if (SpecialDetect (stream, 257, InArchiveFormat.Tar))
  {
    enSpecialFormat = InArchiveFormat.Tar;
  }
  else if (SpecialDetect (stream, 0x8001, InArchiveFormat.Iso))
  {
    enSpecialFormat = InArchiveFormat.Iso;
  }
  else if (SpecialDetect (stream, 0x8801, InArchiveFormat.Iso))
  {
    enSpecialFormat = InArchiveFormat.Iso;
  }
  else if (SpecialDetect (stream, 0x9001, InArchiveFormat.Iso))
  {
    enSpecialFormat = InArchiveFormat.Iso;
  }
  else if (SpecialDetect (stream, 0x9001, InArchiveFormat.Iso))
  {
    enSpecialFormat = InArchiveFormat.Iso;
  }
  else if (SpecialDetect (stream, 0x400, InArchiveFormat.Hfs))
  {
    enSpecialFormat = InArchiveFormat.Hfs;
  }

  #region Last resort for tar - can mistake

  bool bPossiblyTAR = false;
  if (stream.Length >= 1024)
  {
    stream.Seek (-1024, SeekOrigin.End);
    byte[] buf = new byte[1024];
    stream.Read (buf, 0, 1024);
    bPossiblyTAR = true;
    for (int i = 0; i < 1024; i++)
    {
      bPossiblyTAR = bPossiblyTAR && buf[i] == 0;
    }
  }

  // TAR header starts with the filename of the archive.
  // The filename can be anything, including the Identifiers of the various archive formats.
  // This means that a TAR can be misinterpreted as any type of archive.
  if (enSpecialFormat == InArchiveFormat.Tar
  || bPossiblyTAR)
  {
    var fs = stream as FileStream;
    if (fs != null)
    {
      string sStreamFilename = fs.Name;
      if (sStreamFilename.EndsWith (".tar", StringComparison.InvariantCultureIgnoreCase))
        enDetectedFormat = InArchiveFormat.Tar;
    }
  }

  #endregion Last resort for tar - can mistake

  if (enDetectedFormat != (InArchiveFormat)(-1))
    return enDetectedFormat;
  if (enSpecialFormat != (InArchiveFormat)(-1))
    return enSpecialFormat;

  #endregion SpecialDetect

  #region Check if it is an SFX archive or a file with an embedded archive.

  if (suspectedFormat != InArchiveFormat.XZ)
  {
    #region Get first Min(stream.Length, SFX_SCAN_LENGTH) bytes

    var scanLength = Math.Min (stream.Length, SFX_SCAN_LENGTH);
    signature = new byte[scanLength];
    bytesRequired = (int)scanLength;
    index = 0;
    stream.Seek (0, SeekOrigin.Begin);
    while (bytesRequired > 0)
    {
      int bytesRead = stream.Read (signature, index, bytesRequired);
      bytesRequired -= bytesRead;
      index += bytesRead;
    }
    actualSignature = BitConverter.ToString (signature);

    #endregion Get first Min(stream.Length, SFX_SCAN_LENGTH) bytes

    foreach (var format in new InArchiveFormat[]
    {
                InArchiveFormat.Zip,
                InArchiveFormat.SevenZip,
                InArchiveFormat.Rar,
                InArchiveFormat.Cab,
                InArchiveFormat.Arj
    })
    {
      int pos = actualSignature.IndexOf (Formats.InSignatureFormatsReversed[format]);
      if (pos > -1)
      {
        offset = pos / 3;
        return format;
      }
    }
    // Nothing
    if (suspectedFormat == InArchiveFormat.PE)
    {
      return InArchiveFormat.PE;
    }
  }

  #endregion Check if it is an SFX archive or a file with an embedded archive.

  throw new ArgumentException ("The stream is invalid or no corresponding signature was found.");
}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


text:
Q: Jssor Slider labels in bullet navigator with vertical bullet navigator of Grid Slider I don't want to display numbers for horizontal images (1-4), but user defined text (labels) for every horizontal "album" (e.g. Athens, Beijing, Canada, etc...").
Any idea how to achieve it?
Thanks! :-)

A: Please use thumbnail navigator instead of bullet navigator.
Note that apart from image thumbnail, text thumbnail is also legal.
e.g.

Athens

Please let know if there is any problem.


Posted on 07-23-15, 07:10 pm in Can we say we(Ethiopians) have movie industry?
Posted on 07-24-15, 03:11 am in Can we say we(Ethiopians) have movie industry?
Posted on 07-24-15, 03:21 am in Al Amoudi and mahader asefa ?
Posted on 07-25-15, 02:29 am in Can we say we(Ethiopians) have movie industry?
Posted on 07-25-15, 03:46 am in Can we say we(Ethiopians) have movie industry?
OMG HABESHA QUEEN r u saying OROMO is not habesha?
what ever he wish that will never ever work in our country.
Posted on 07-28-15, 04:59 pm in Can I ask you a favor?
Posted on 07-28-15, 05:29 pm in Share us your favorite Amharic movie ?


text:
Mallory Park dispute rumbles on
TALKS were continuing yesterday between Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council and Mallory Park (Motorsport) Ltd (MPML) to try to resolve the row over operating controls at the race circuit.
Mitch Irving
The two sides have been in talks since the liaison committee, representing residents, cancelled a scheduled tripartite meeting last Wednesday, partly because of concerns over a large influx of people from outside the village gate-crashing to protest peacefully.
Jason McClean from MPML said: "Proposals are going through final negotiations and we hope to have something to put to the residents."
Borough council chief executive Steve Atkinson has said they had no option but to take enforcement action against MPML, issuing summonses for five samples of alleged breaches of noise limits after August last year, after the authority had received complaints on a number of issues for the past 18 months and had for over a year been unable to agree with MPML an operating plan the council could endorse to put to the liaison committee.
Mr Atkinson said: "A large number of residents who have raised concerns have lived in the village for many years. It is not a case of a small number of 'newbies' making a fuss. The complaints have been made legitimately in relation to an existing statutory notice.
"This is a more complex issue than many would have us believe. Those who live in the village are well aware of the difficult balance we are trying to strike – the need to control the level and frequency of noise and noisy events, which has increased in the last couple of years, without putting out of business a circuit which has operated for more than 50 years and has a high profile nationally and beyond. Many local businesses depend on its continuation."
Resident Vickie Broadbent said: "Sometimes the noise and pollution is just not acceptable and there are laws which prevent this from happening. I do not wish to see Mallory Park close nor do I want to pollute either by excessive noise, fumes or unsocial behaviour the environment I live in. I know what people will say, I chose to live here. I do expect a certain amount of noise and even pollution. However the track activity in recent years has gone beyond what the local expectations were, they have abused the planning concessions and have now reached the point where we had to have our say."
She adds that she loves the Loros bonfire night event, attended the Triumph Festival, enjoys the Rally of the Midlands, Plum Pudding meeting and has made a family booking for an event in May.
However, Dave Warren claims the complainants are trying to close the circuit. He said: "This makes my blood boil. I can hear Mallory and don't have a problem with it so why live next to a race track if you don't like it? Tell you what - sell or swap your house and go and upset somebody else.
"Maybe next you will want to close the Triumph factory or the farmers' cows all to be shot because they are mooing."


text:
Clean Vehicle Credit
Panels & Virtual Summits
National Impact
State Impact
Vehicles Made in America
Wage & Benefits
CEO Column
Blog | July 29, 2022
Jennifer Safavian | Autos Drive America's Annual Economic Impact Report Outlines Essential Contributions from International Automakers
Each year, Autos Drive America looks forward to releasing an economic impact report, highlighting the impact international manufacturers and dealers have on the American economy. Despite a year of unprecedented challenges for automakers, our economic impact report found that international automakers and nameplate dealers continued to drive the American auto industry forward, just like they have for the last 60 years.
This year's report confirms what we already knew—that international automakers make up the fabric of America. Our members and nameplate dealers increased their total investments in America to over $100 billion last year, and currently employ more than 140,000 direct U.S. employees. While other companies were reducing outputs and operations, international automakers were investing heavily in expanding exciting, high-tech career opportunities for new and existing workers. They opened state-of-the-art training facilities, announced new programs to train and upskill workers, and built new relationships with schools across the country to create a pathway for STEM students to drive their future in modern manufacturing.
Building, maintaining, and growing the American manufacturing workforce is essential to bolstering American communities and economies. A total of $162 billion in employee compensation helped workers grow their families, buy homes, send their children to college, and develop their communities. But these employees and workforce investments also helped the international auto industry continue to meet consumer demand. International automakers last year produced 4.2 million vehicles and made up 47% of all U.S. vehicle production, both increasing from 2020. In fact, international auto brands are the top-selling vehicles in 37 states. Autos Drive America member companies also increased the export of their American-made vehicles around the world, proving that international automakers' workers continue doing their part to bolster and grow the American economy.
Another area in which international automakers lead is driving a more sustainable future. As demand for electric vehicles grows, our members are working to create, manufacture, and sell the highest quality green vehicles. Seven U.S. states currently manufacture green vehicles or batteries, and over the next few years, three more facilities will begin production. Because of these investments, international automakers were able to get nearly 1.1 million new green vehicles into the garages of American consumers last year.
As the President and CEO of Autos Drive America, I get to see these essential contributions from international auto manufacturers in action in the U.S. every single day. But we compile this report so that the world can see what we see—that international automakers and dealers are deeply invested in the success of the U.S. auto industry and its workers. With announcements from our members on new assembly lines, research and development facilities, and innovative green vehicles and technology every week, I can't wait to see what the future holds for international automakers and dealers in the U.S.
Read the full Economic Impact Report and learn more about the impact of international automakers and dealers in your state: https://www.autosdriveamerica.org/economic-impact
© 2022 Autos Drive America
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text:
Home > Health >
Marijuana and millenials
By Sabrina Jonas
Weed. Pot. Ganja. Cannabis. The list of monikers for marijuana has been growing long before peace signs and flower power, and so has the list of its supporters.
Starting from the '60s to this current generation of experimenting teens, smoking marijuana has become almost normalized in our society. So much so that the fight to legalize the drug has been met with 63 per cent favourability by the Canadian population, according to a CBC poll this past April.
A mild marijuana user and fellow student at university enjoys the effects the drug has on his creativity. "It helps with brainstorming [and] if I want a deeper meaning out of a song or movie," says Benjamin. He cites the benefits marijuana has shown with regard to cancer and glaucoma.
Another user, and a more frequent one at that, is 19-year-old Jen. She supports the legalization of marijuana due to the mental illness marijuana helps her cope with. "I have really bad anxiety and I wake up with constant nausea. If it wasn't for marijuana, I honestly don't know how I would get through the day," says Jen.
Jen gets her supply from local dispensaries. These centres are a grey area in terms of legality and, while some are shut down, some thrive with business from over-age teens and young adults looking for a pure substance.
While there are numerous pros to the usage of marijuana, there are valid cons as well. Marijuana, like any other smoke, takes a toll on the lungs; although, unlike tobacco, there's no link between marijuana and lung cancer. The drug can also temporarily affect short-term memory and cause paranoia. The risks of the drug seem innocuous, even more so when told that marijuana is not physically addictive; however, it can be mentally addictive.
When talking about and debating the legality of this drug with friends and coworkers, one main point is brought up and agreed upon every time: Be smart and don't abuse it. Being smart with any substance that changes our mindset or bodily state, such as alcohol or caffeine, is the only way that this drug will be able to exist in harmony with our society.
The main arguments for legalizing marijuana are that it will make consumption safer, more controlled, and perhaps act as an incentive to discourage those simply trying to be rebellious. However, the cons stem from abuse and individuals reacting differently to its effects. Many teens and young adults believe an age limit should be put in place. They feel designated smoking areas would enable most to live in a world where marijuana is legal. Green peace has taken on a whole new meaning for these mellow millennials.
Montréal enSanté turns to a much maligned and often misunderstood demographic: youth. We thought we'd get our 20-year-old intern to tackle some tough topics.
Winter 2018, Vol 10 N°1


A Cruise is a great way to see multiple places on one trip. Every cruise usually has stopovers in at least one port, and longer cruises stop at more. At each one you'll have a list of available excursions that give you the chance to explore. "With a cruise you get to see several spots with only unpacking once," says Alison Fleming, Group Marketing Manager for Vanuatu Helicopters. Perfectly located around a beautiful harbour on the south-western coast of the island of Efate, Port Vila in Vanuatu is a popular port of call for many leading cruise lines such as the Pacific Dawn, Pacific Legend, Voyager of the Seas and the Pacific Jewel.
Cruises offer great value for your money as the costs include nearly everything you'll need on your trip. Food, accommodation, fitness facilities, lectures, children's clubs, multiple pools, film screenings and transportation between destinations are usually included in the fare.
Cruises are fun for all ages. Most cruise ships these days have wide-ranging kids' facilities, split by age. The youth programmes are great for looking after kids, so parents can enjoy a little down time by themselves without having to entertain their kids.


As part of the international project City, Identity and Sustainability, a study was done in two popular neighborghoods of Guadalajara (México). One of them traditional and well consolidated (Analco) and the other, a new one and in the process of consolidation (Los Colorines). An adapted survey was applied for evaluating identity, sustainability and demographic data. When compared, it was evident, that the relation between greater or lesser consolidation, and practices of sustainability, is mediated mainly by factors of identity and colective satisfaction with the place.
Jimenez, Bernardo, and Rosa López.. Identity and Sustainability in Two Popular Neighborhoods of Guadalajara (México) In Metropolis 2000 - Which Perspectives? Cities, Social Life and Sustainable Development: IAPS 16 Conference Proceedings on CD-Rom. IAPS. Paris, France, 2000.
Ambiental, Víctor Cerón. Ma. "Perspectivas Y Realidades De Los Grupos Ambientalistas En Elestado De México." In Culture, Quality of Life - Problems and Challenges for the New Millennium: IAPS 17 Conference Proceedings, 633-634. IAPS. A Coruña, Spain, 2002.


Born into privilege, born into poverty, born a certain colour, a certain gender, the beginning of life sets the scene and then we try to determine our fate, as those around us also try to determine theirs.
Why me? Why did I have the opportunity to grow up in a country where there is social welfare, relatively free education, safety nets, political and religious freedom.
Why did others grow up where there was none of these things?
As a child of the diaspora I find myself reflecting on this a lot lately, what can I do for those who are fated to be of my mother's beloved country, Papua New Guinea?
Can I just be satisfied bringing my family up to be peaceful as Mother Theresa is famously said to have said to those seeking world peace?
For the last few weeks I just get an awful feeling in my stomach when reading the news. I look for miracles for the blog, but it seems everywhere the world is in travail.
People cut off heads at football matches, world woman celebrity is possibly in a domestic violence situation despite her empowered status, and now she escapes but in silence, my mother's beloved country, Papua New Guinea, has escalating levels of violence and ill health. And on top of that people in privileged countries turn to 'legal' drugs they can order online to receive some sort of rush and youths commit suicide or can't find work.
Is there something I can do beyond remember and acknowledge these things happening and beyond just raising my own family, and taking care of people in my own town. I think of incredible women standing up for human rights, and being slaughtered and raped, and it is soul wrenching.
What if fate had put me in a different country, without this privilege I recognise fully that I have, what would I expect, accept, understand? What if? What has made me who I am?
I think of Buddha's journey beyond the confines of his upbringing, to gain spiritual insight, to understand suffering. I think of how so many of us need to go on that journey, but we can through both physical, spiritual and emotional travel. I think of Baha'u'llah's journey to the Prison City of Akka, and all those spiritual teachers, who suffered to promulgate the values of peace, compassion and love. Their actions, not just their writings, inspire. They are the real deal. Their lives are their proof.
The miracle of life is that those born with privilege are not all blind, uncaring, but want to reach out, to make a difference and address social injustice. They are not made uncaring by what they have.
I think of my mother sending to her home everything we have spare, raising money for hospital beds, always helping others. Yet, losing one of her sons and having the others go through very difficult times. Being born into opportunity is no guarantee. I think of people who have nothing, inspiring others to rise up to become the most incredible human beings, and who through their God given gifts, set out to change the world. Helen Keller! Amazing.
I think of the time in my life where we my family lost so much, and kindness was shown to us, from people we did and didn't know. It gave us courage, it gave us fortitude and it allowed us to bounce back.
May the miracle of understanding and motivation come to all of us privileged to have opportunity and freedom to make the most of that freedom not only for our own benefit for that of others. This week I'll be thinking about the role of the artist and beauty to play a role in the building of miracles and thinking about some organisations making a difference to many in need of a helping hand to find their opportunity and make the most of their gifts.
Have you been able to make the most of what you have for others as well as your own family, how has this made you feel?
Would love to hear from readers.


text:
A Girl Like Shirley
Photograph by Fleur Treurniet
Date: Jun 9, 2019Author: Fictive Dream
by Steven John
My head aches and my mouth tastes of sex. November wind and rain slamming the bedroom window like a carwash, sky like mushroom soup. Sodden leaves from the roadside lime trees floating like jellyfish, then beaching themselves on windows or cars in the residents' parking two floors below. I listen to the traffic. The dismal shush, shush of tyres through water. I hear morning television in the sitting room next to my bedroom. Bursts of pop music, the presenter's inane laughter, and commercials. My flatmate Rhys has surfaced. No alarm clocks on a Saturday.
Beside me in bed there's a naked girl, asleep. Her fleecy blond hair squashed flat between her cheek and the pillow. On the other side her hair is mussed up into the cold, damp air, soft as thistle down. I touch gently onto it like a child feeling his mother's ball of wool. Springy, bed-warm. Her sooty eye-shadow and plum lipstick smudged, last night's sweet breath gone sour. I look at the inverted nipple she's so sensitive about. It turns inwards like a small boy's. She won't let me try to suck it out. I don't know why she's so uptight about it, it's only a nipple. I think about trying to suck it out whilst she's sleeping but don't want to wake her.
I find my gown and open the bedroom door into the sitting room. Rhys has lit the mobile gas heater and moved it as close to his chair as possible without singeing the fabric. The condensation from the gas has soaked the inside of the thin sash-windows. Over the back of a dining chair Rhys has hung a pair of newly-washed jeans that steam from the heat. He's warming both hands around a mug of tea. Like me, he's in a gown with the addition of a pair of ski-socks. Rhys is in the process of moving out. He and his girlfriend Shirley have been shifting boxes and bits of furniture every weekend for the last three. They've bought a flat together, right across the road. I can see it from the window, over the lines of cars stopping and starting at the traffic lights.
'Final push today?' I ask.
'What the fuck happened?' he answers.
He jerks his thumb over his shoulder at the table pushed against the wall. There are dirty plates, burnt down candles on congealed wax plinths, broken wine glasses. All have been swept aside in a heap. On the floor – a smashed wooden chair, both its rear legs broken.
'Was someone taken hostage?' Rhys asks.
I don't recall how the chair was broken. A volume of drink had been taken, judging by the empty bottles on the carpet and the opened bottle of brandy. I guess I mounted the chair somehow, searching for purchase between Teresa's legs. She has a thing about tables. Earlier, she'd sashayed into the kitchen where I was preparing a Chinese. She wanted to show me her new mini skirt. We started kissing. My hands wandered up underneath – she has a habit of going without knickers around the flat. We did it on the kitchen table amongst the spring onions and chopped ginger.
'I should be gone by tonight,' Rhys says.
Down the hallway I can hear Shirley's hair-dryer. They both take a lot of time over hair. She'll come out of Rhys's bedroom looking like Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany's. That's why I don't want to wake Teresa till Shirley's gone. Teresa will look like she's been doing it on the tables.
I slouch into the kitchen and drop a teabag into a stained mug. There's a small window overlooking the shared patch of grass where residents take their dogs to shit. Over the high brick wall there's a row of horse chestnuts lining the side-road. Two boys are collecting conkers, oblivious to the rain, their bikes laid on the grass verge. Rhys and I did the same thing once. We lived close to each other on the same housing estate, have known each other since infant school. I went to college, he to university, but we're together again now, the odd couple, Jack Lemmon and Walter Mattheu. Rhys is the one with the brains and ironed shirts.
Teresa appears at the entrance to the kitchen. She leans her shoulder against the doorframe, crosses her bare legs at the knee. She's wearing one of my shirts and I see the outline of a bra. That nipple thing again. She's naked from the waist down. She wouldn't have cared about walking past Rhys. I consider asking her to go put on some knickers. Rhys has seen Teresa like this before but I don't know how Shirley will react. But then Shirley won't be here for much longer. Nor Rhys. After two years of sharing. No Rhys.
During the week when there's no Shirley or Teresa, Rhys and I go out on the town. Some weeks we go to a nightclub every night. We've brought girls back. Or rather Rhys has brought two girls back, one for each of us. He's good at making girls laugh. He says I need to lighten up. In the evening I get home before Rhys and cook us a meal even though Rhys says I can't cook. We tell each other the stories of the night before and swear we're going to have a night in playing backgammon, until it gets to around ten o clock and the pubs will soon be closing, and we say "fuck it," put on clean shirts and jump in the car.
When Rhys told me he was going, I said, 'So what are you going to do every night? Stay in and watch television like marrieds?'
'Fuck off. Nothing changes. Shirley comes out with us that's all,' he said.
I lead Teresa by the hand back to my bedroom. I didn't think I'd want more of her this morning. We step over the broken chair and bottles on the carpet.
'I'll let you keep the table and chairs,' Rhys says.
'Don't go without saying goodbye,' I say.
'I'm only over the road for fucks sake,' Rhys says. 'Wave at me from your bed.'
I wake to a soft knocking on my bedroom door. My watch says mid-afternoon and already the light outside is fading. The air is cold and animal; lizards in a tank.
'We're off, mate.' It's Rhys, trying to whisper.
I wrap on a gown, open the door. Rhys is there with his hand outstretched, Shirley behind him. Her face made up like a watercolour painting. Teresa daubs it on in oils. I shake Rhys's hand. Shirley pecks me on the cheek but I won't have a kiss mark. Shirley doesn't leave kiss marks.
'You're only going over the road,' I say.
'Come see us if ever you get out of bed,' he says.
I walk into Rhys's bedroom. Shirley has vacuumed and left a white plastic air-freshener in the corner. On the one remaining piece of furniture Rhys has left me his backgammon set with a note that that says "Enjoy." On the wall behind where Rhys's double bed was, there's a large damp patch in the wallpaper the shape of Africa. If l re-let his room, I'll need to re-decorate and have the roof repaired.
'We could move into this room. It's much larger than yours.' Teresa stands in the doorway, in one of my white work shirts and nothing else.
'I'm going to run you home,' I say. And there's no "we" I think.
In the car Teresa says, 'I'm glad Rhys has gone. We'll have the place to ourselves. And no Shirley with her airs.'
'And knickers,' I say.
I drop Teresa outside her house.
'Pick me up next Friday,' she says
'I don't know about next weekend,' I say. 'I may be stripping wallpaper.'
But I do know.
I drive straight back to Rhys's new place. Outside the front door there's one of those panels with names and buttons. Rhys has already put his and Shirley's surnames in the metal slot. I press the button and wait. I know he's in because his car is next to mine.
'It's me Rhys,' I say.
'Mate, Shirley's cooked dinner. Candles, the works. New place. Come back in an hour.'
I sleepwalk around my flat and draw curtains, light the gas fire, turn on the television. There are lights on in Rhys's block but I don't know which is his. None of them look candlelit. I collect up the chair bits and put them out for the rubbish. I pile dishes in the sink, sweep the broken glass into my hand and drop it into an unbroken one, pour a brandy, sit in Rhys's chair.
I think about placing an ad in "Room to Rent." Ask Rhys to sift the applicants for me. Choose the girl he would've gone for. Maybe a girl like Shirley.
Steven John's writing has appeared in Riggwelter, Spelk, Fictive Dream, Cabinet of Heed, EllipsisZine, Ghost Parachute and Best Microfiction 2019. He's won Bath Ad Hoc Fiction a record six times and has been nominated for BIFFY 2019. He lives in The Cotswolds, England.
Steven is Fiction & Special Features Editor at http://newflashfiction.com/
Twitter @StevenJohnWrite
www.stevenjohnwriter.com
ezinefriendshipgirlfriendLit Magliterary magazineonline lit magrelationshipssexsocial realism
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Awaiting your design ideas! This quiet, north facing suite at the WESTPORT features a spacious living room and enclosed balcony - perfect for your home office or reading room (not included in sqft). Recently painted, the suite has white tile floor tile in the entrance hallway, bathroom, kitchen and dining room. The kitchen is in clean, original condition with ample storage/counter space. The bedroom will easily accommodate a queen sized bed and furniture and the walk in closet is an added bonus. Amenities include shared laundry and sauna/fitness room. The suite comes with 1 parking and 1 locker. The strata is extremely pro-active and has a live in caretaker. Pets and rentals permitted.


Failure to properly conduct meetings | Brawer Hirsch & Associates P.A.
If you feel your condominium board has improperly conducted a meeting you have a right to pursue your rights through mediation or arbitration. David L. Hirsch is a circuit court arbitrator with mediation experience and litigation experience for the last forty years in three states and can help you navigate your way through the Florida Statutes applicable for addressing this wrong.


The currency used by the Macau is known as the MOP, which is also written out in full as the Macanese Pataca and popular exchange rate is MOP To usd or usd To MOP . The currency symbol for the Macanese Pataca is MOP$, while the currency code is MOP$ . You might see either of these listed in any exchange rate. You can find the most up-to-date Macanese Pataca rates as well as a convenient currency converter above.