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By Nick Seddon
Profiling the five key contenders for this year's Melbourne Cup
Rekindling won the Melbourne Cup for Ireland and Joseph O'Brien in 2017.
Nick Seddon takes a look at the current picture for the Melbourne Cup, and profiles the five main protagonists for the race that stops a nation…
Tiger Moth, Aidan O'Brien - 5/1
Northern Hemisphere-bred three-year-olds (four-year-olds in Southern Hemisphere terms) have an excellent recent record in the Melbourne Cup, with Rekindling and Cross Counter obliging in back-to-back years in 2017 and 2018, and Aidan O'Brien will be hoping that trend continues as he bids to win the race for the first time with Tiger Moth. He boasts an unusual profile for such a red hot handicap, and the Australian handicappers have made no secret about the fact that they have found the task of assessing him to be a particularly difficult one - due to the fact that he's made just four starts to date. He has shown some smart form during that time, though, finishing a head behind Santiago in the Irish Derby at the Curragh in June, and picked up a sufficient penalty to earn him a spot in this when winning a Group 3 contest in really good style on his most recent start at Leopardstown in September.
He's technically untried over further than a mile and a half, but there's reasons to suspect that he'll get the Cup's two-mile trip judged on his pedigree, while he wasn't stopping at the line when storming home at Leopardstown last month. The booking of multiple Group 1-winning jockey Kerrin McEvoy is a shrewd one by the Coolmore operation, and Tiger Moth looks to have a nice racing weight of 52.5kg for the big race. That's about 08-03 in European terms, and 12 horses have carried that weight or more to victory this century. Indeed, the omens point to a big run from Tiger Moth, particularly when you note that the Irish raider Media Puzzle carried the exact same weight to victory back in 2002...
Latest Melbourne Cup Odds
Each Way Terms
Odds correct as of 2023-01-26 09:19 Odds subject to change.
Sir Dragonet, Ciaron Maher and David Eustace - 7/1
European racing fans will already know plenty about the 2019 Epsom Derby favourite Sir Dragonet, and while he never quite lived up to his abundant promise in the Northern Hemisphere while he was with Aidan O'Brien, he's made an excellent start to life in Australia, winning Saturday's Cox Plate at Moonee Valley. That success was Sir Dragonet's first since striking in the Chester Vase in May 2019, and he certainly became rather frustrating on this side of the world, suffering defeats at short prices on each of his first three outings in 2020. His second behind Magical in the Tattersalls Gold Cup at the Curragh in July was a firm step back in the right direction, however, and he showed plenty of class to surge through to win the Cox Plate at the weekend - a race which has produced seven winners of the Cup to date.
That performance left his frazzled co-trainer Ciaron Maher thanking his non-existent sisters in the aftermath, and you'd imagine that his connections will be quietly confident of a big run at Flemington next month. Sir Dragonet ought to stay the trip judged on his effort to finish fourth in the 2019 St Leger, and he escapes a penalty for his Cox Plate success by virtue of being a weight-for-age winner. That means he will take his chance off 55.5kg (about 08-07), one which isn't insurmountable considering that four winners this century have carried that weight or higher. He'll officially count as a 'home' winner due to now being Australian-trained, but a victory for Sir Dragonet will certainly add to the growing theory that Europe is slowly taking over Australia's most famous race.
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Racing.com @Racing
Unbelievable. Sir Dragonet has won the 100th edition of the #CoxPlate100 for Ciaron Maher and David Eustace. https://t.co/clwk9P2Eav
06:21 AM - 24th Oct 20
Surprise Baby, Paul Preusker - 9/1
Surprise Baby is one of the leading home challengers for the Melbourne Cup, and the six-year-old has previous in the race, having finished fifth in last year's renewal - three quarters of a length behind the winner Vow And Declare. Like Tiger Moth this year, he'd had just a handful of starts prior to lining up at Flemington, five to be precise, and he came from an awful long way back to snatch fifth in the closing stages, being nearest at the line. He took his chance off 53.5kg last year, and there's certainly a case to be made that he can put up a similar effort off just 1kg higher this time around, particularly if handed a slightly more attacking ride.
He's been rather lightly-raced once again this year, making just two outings, and having finished second on reappearance in a Group 2 contest at Moonee Valley in September, he could only finish ninth in the Group 1 Turnbull Stakes over a mile and a quarter here last time out. He was only beaten two and a half lengths that day, however, and will appreciate the return to two miles. Stamina looks to very much be his game, and although he'll need to raise his game off revised terms, a slight tweak in tactics could see him go very close indeed for his trainer Paul Preusker - who's yet to win a Group 1 contest.
Verry Elleegant, Chris Waller - 10/1
The bizarrely spelt Verry Elleegant represents Chris Waller, who is perhaps best known on these shores for training the wonder mare Winx. The five-year-old mare is well-travelled, winning nine times from 21 starts, and arrives here on the back of an excellent success in last week's Caulfield Cup. She's untried at anything further than a mile and a half, but has won three times in four starts at the trip, and certainly wasn't stopping when holding off the challenge of Anthony Van Dyck last time out. She's been raised half a kilo to a racing weight of 55.5kg, and while that's certainly within reach as far as the history books are concerned, mares don't have a brilliant record in the Cup.
Indeed, only 13 mares have ever won the race (plus an additional three fillies), but her form certainly does have a strong look to it - finishing second behind the subsequent Champion Stakes winner Addeybb at Rosehill in April. She certainly appeals as a likely type for the Cup, and the retention of jockey Mark Zahra is certainly a good move, considering that they've won back-to-back Group 1 contests together. Ten Caulfield Cup winners have gone on to follow up in the Melbourne Cup, but the feeling is that as likeable as the six-time Group 1 winner Verry Elleegant is, she would likely need a career best effort if she is to take this.
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Anthony Van Dyck, Aidan O'Brien - 10/1
The form of the 2019 Epsom Derby has long been panned as ordinary, and although Anthony Van Dyck largely struggled after his classic win last term, he's very much come into his own this season. Indeed, he began his campaign with an excellent effort to finish second behind Ghaiyyath (who broke the track record) in the Coronation Cup in June, and he built on that by picking up his first success since Epsom when taking the notable scalp of Stradivarius on his third start of the campaign in the Group 2 Prix Foy at Longchamp. Likely plenty in the Melbourne Cup line-up, he's strictly untried over further than a mile and a half, but there's always been a feeling that Anthony Van Dyck would get further if required, and he showed a good mix of speed and stamina when winning from the front in Paris in September.
He hasn't taken long to make an impact since landing in Australia, either, and finished a fine second behind Verry Eleegant in the Caulfield Cup earlier this month, having made his move from further back than the eventual winner. He ran all the way to the line that day, and bearing in mind that he won a key trial for the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe when defeating Stradivarius last month, it's almost a tip in itself that Aidan O'Brien opted to target this race instead of the Arc. If he is to win this, though, he will have to do so off a top weight of 58.5kg, and it's worth noting that no horse has defied that particular figure since Think Big all the way back in 1975 - though Makybe Diva did successfully carry 58kg to victory when completing a hat-trick of wins in 2005. The Melbourne Cup is one of the few big prizes that still eludes O'Brien (though his son won it three years ago with Rekindling), and it certainly feels like this year's squad is his best chance yet of scooping the prize.
She's a sensational mare. 👌
@cwallerracing gets his first Caulfield Cup as Verry Elleegant wins in stylish fashion from Anthony Van Dyck. 🙏 https://t.co/RZtnFy9vH0
2021 Cheltenham Festival
Horse Racing Tips: Bold and Baxter tipped for Hereford success on Monday


Thirty one years ago this week, my husband, baby and I moved into our home. My son Robert celebrated his first birthday in our first home and days later we moved into our current home. My son had not yet walked and I secretly suspect he was waiting to be here in our forever home to take those first precious steps. Thirty one years later our son is off in South Carolina enjoying his birthday weekend. It seems we blinked and time just passed us by so quickly.
Labor day weekend is the weekend I prepare to go back to working a regular schedule. I've read countless messages about how quickly the summer has flown by and how hard it will be to send our children back. I remember those days so well. Trying to carve out those last few precious moments of summer with my children. Swimming in our pool, dreading the return of strict schedules and routines that would cramp our memory making times. Unfortunately, time stops for nobody and here we are once again on the eve of another year upon us.
My son Robert is off enjoying his birthday with friends and we won't get to spend it with him. We had a quiet weekend at home and got to see our other son and daughter for a bit this weekend. I'm really longing today for those days gone by, but know that all is as it should be. Our children are happy and that is truly all that matters to us both. If you've spent the summer with your loved ones, you're lucky. Don't wish these days away, as hectic as they may be. Hold tight to your little ones for they will soon be grown and off on their own.
Today I decided to make a nice comfort meal for my husband and I. I got the slow cooker going this morning to make a nice hot pot of chili. I know that wasn't a great choice on a 100 degree Monday, but it sure hit the comfort spot. I made some grain free biscuits with it and they really hit the spot and won't upset my stomach tomorrow. My stomach has already got enough butterflies heading into the new school year ahead.
1. In a large skillet, sauté the onions and garlic over medium heat. Add in the ground beef and cook until browned. Drain the excess fat and then transfer the meat mixture to the crock pot.
2. Add in the bell peppers and celery. Top with remaining ingredients and spices and stir everything together. Cook on low for 6-7 hours. Serve warm.
1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. In a large bowl mix together the almond flour, coconut flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir in the coconut oil and almond milk.
2. In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until peaks form. Fold into the flour mixture until combined.
3. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop about 1/4 cup of dough onto the baking sheet to form approximately 9 biscuits. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden. Serve warm with a drizzle of honey or butter.
Somehow I blinked and the summer of 2018 has ended. What a great summer it has been with so many days of sun and fun. Now I need to prepare to return to a full work schedule and longer days. I work all summer, so there's no worries about coming back from an eight week break. That long break, though I loved it, used to make it so hard for me to get back into a routine. During the summer, the pace is definitely much easier and there is far less stress on me. Mainly, I am planning for the upcoming year, organizing, learning and working normal hours. What will be missed the most by me is having more time to workout in the morning without rushing to be at work super early and getting home before dark. I'm also worried about keeping my nutrition clean once stress comes barreling my way again.
I've been testing out some easy, quick, nutritious recipes these past few weeks of summer to prepare for the return of my full schedule. If I am to keep my nutrition in line, I need to have an arsenal of healthy and quick meals that I can get on my table in 30 minutes or less. There are so many websites offering healthier versions of recipes and its been fun searching out new ones to try. We've had some winners and some losers in the recipe category and I'm so thankful for my Plant Paradox community for their networking and sharing of recipe makeovers.
This week's winner was a quick, easy shrimp recipe. Shrimp is high in protein, about 20g for 3 ounces. It is also very low in fat and carbohydrates, making it a nice weekly choice for lean protein.
Add the olive oil, red pepper flakes, smoked paprika and garlic to a bowl.
Add shrimp to the bowl and toss to coat.
Turn shrimp over. Sauté another 1-2 minutes, until pink.
Squeeze juice from 1/2 lemon (1tbsp) into skillet and stir to evenly coat. Cook an additional 1-2 minutes.
Serve immediately over cauliflower rice.
I found a package of organic cauliflower rice that I steamed quickly and topped with a little garlic and oil. The meal was delicious and the paprika gave the shrimp a beautiful color and smoky flavor. If smoky is not your thing, just eliminate the paprika. It's just as good without it. This meal from start to plate took about 15 minutes.
Good luck to all school personnel returning to work this week. With a little planning, we can and will maintain our healthy eating habits this year. If you have a plan for the year ahead that you'd like to share, please leave me a message below and I'll contact you.
I've been running since I was a young girl, that's all I really did. I did track team for some time in junior high school, but didn't wish to continue in high school. I was never a fast runner, slow and steady was always more my speed. I liked the longer distances, where I could just settle in and enjoy the solitude out on the road. I was devastated and completely stressed, when I thought I'd never be able to run again. I definitely went through a very hard time emotionally and soothed myself with way too much food and wine.
Crawling out from the mess I made has been particularly hard this time. I'm not getting any younger and the older I get, the harder it is to rectify months of poor eating choices. Gone are the days where I could just burn it all off in a month. It seems these days, no matter how hard I work or clean I eat, the pounds stay put. But, if nothing else, I am a very determined woman. I will get myself back to a comfortable running weight no matter how long it takes.
Long time readers, know that I am not a huge fan of change when it comes to exercise and nutrition. I like things to stay the way they are and love to get into a routine. My military/police dad really did drill routine and structure into my brothers and I, especially around our meals. To change my workout routine and my nutrition at the same time is a huge undertaking for me, but at this point what have I got to lose – except a few inches and pounds.
Instead of running and risking yet another injury, I decided to give Crossfit a try. I started going at the end of June and have been going at least 4 times a week. This month, I've tried to up it to 5 times and if I can't make it to the gym, I do the WOD at home. Remember, we have a full gym set up in our basement, so with my husband spotting me I can do the work – no excuses. It's hard, but oh so motivating to do these workouts each day. They are always different and you never know what you will get, other than drenched in sweat and spent. They really break up the monotony of doing the same workout over and over again – think running. The most interesting thing that happened is the more I go, the less I miss those grueling long runs. I'm truly not at a long run weight right now anyway, so I've just been sticking to 3 and 4 mile runs when I can fit them in.
As for my nutrition, I just couldn't get that darn scale to move no matter what I did. I know from reading The Plant Paradox: The Hidden Dangers in "Healthy" Foods That Cause Disease and Weight Gain that there are many foods that are thought to be healthy, that may not be healthy for my body. These past two weeks, I've really dialed it in and cleaned up what I was eating and guess what that scale budged. More importantly, I feel better and actually stopped craving that glass of wine at night. Foods that I never really wanted to eat are becoming more appealing to me. Yes, I have been doing a lot of cooking, but I've kept the recipes simpler. Best of all, I think I will be able to maintain these types of meals when I return to my full work schedule.
Today, it is pouring rain outside. After I came home from the gym, I decided to make three meals to have some pickings for the week. I roasted some sweet potatoes with onions and garlic to be used as a nice base for poached eggs during the week. I also have the crock pot going (which I haven't used in forever) to cook some nice boneless chicken thighs with homemade BBQ sauce. Finally, I'm roasting a tray of vegetables. These vegetables include butternut squash, sweet potatoes and spinach with cauliflower cream sauce (dairy free). It smells incredible in my house right now and I'm looking forward to dinner later.
Sometimes, change is good for the soul. Instead of feeling sorry for myself, I feel rejuvenated and ready to keep pushing through this rough patch. Each day I feel that much stronger mentally and physically. If you are stuck in a rut, like I was, try something new. You don't have to try it all at once like I did, but believe me you will find that spark again. Here is the recipe for the roasted vegetables I made today in case you want to give them a try.
To make the cream sauce, place a couple inches of water in a large pot. Once the water is boiling, place steamer insert and then cauliflower florets into the pot and cover. Steam for 12-14 minutes, until completely tender.
Drain and return cauliflower to the pot. Add the almond milk, stock, nutmeg, salt, and pepper to the pot.
Use an immersion blender or food processor to combine the ingredients until smooth. Set aside.
Meanwhile, bring a separate pot of water to a boil. Add the butternut squash and cook for 4 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Heat the oil in a small pan over medium heat. Add the shallots and garlic and cook for 4-5 minutes until soft .
Stir in the spinach to wilt. Season with salt and pepper.
To assemble, grease a large baking dish with coconut oil spray.
Spoon a thin layer of the cream sauce over the bottom of the pan.
Arrange a layer of half of the butternut squash.
Top with half of the spinach mixture, and then all of the sliced sweet potato.
Drizzle with the cream sauce.
Add the remaining half of the spinach, followed by the rest of the butternut squash.
Drizzle the rest of the cream sauce over the top.
Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
Bake for 50-60 minutes until browned. Allow to cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Check out The Plant Paradox to rethink some of what you thought you knew about healthy eating. I find it very interesting and does make sense with the struggles I've gone through.
Change Your Eating, Change Your Life!
Last week, I talked about how I needed to reevaluate my current nutritional intake and begin to make further changes to improve my health. I am off for two weeks, so I have more time to read, learn and come up with a new plan of action. My current goals are to: 1) Improve my health; 2) Improve my sleep; 3) Feel stronger; 4) Lose weight. I have to accept that though I love to cook, my work schedule makes it hard to do much during the week. I also admitted to myself that I do not wish to spend my entire Sunday, especially in nicer weather, cooking for the week and/or meal prepping. I am looking to simplify my life, but make healthier choices by avoiding quick fixes.
I spent my first week off, reading and creating my plan of action for the remainder of the summer. I will try out this routine while my work schedule is not a full one and hope that I can create some solid habits for when the school-year begins. I mentioned last week, that I really liked a few of the recipes on the Paleogrub website. They seemed to meet my criteria of healthy, simple and delicious. Further, they do not require massive amounts of obscure ingredients. In fact, I had many of the staples already on hand. I decided to purchase the Paleogrub Cookbook and their ten week meal plan. The meal plan is simple to follow and tells you exactly what you need to prepare all meals. It gives you a specific plan for each day that includes recipes and directions for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The Paleogrub Cookbook is digital and once downloaded includes a search feature that is very helpful. You can follow it exactly as written, or as in my case select the meals that you like.
I know that it is not realistic for me to think I will cook every single meal included in the daily plan. Some days, I just want a smoothie for breakfast and that's fine. Also, what they say serves two people really serves my husband and I with enough leftover for lunch the next day, which is perfect for my work week. Depending on how much you actually eat, I think you may not need all the lunches listed. What I did this first week was preview the week and make a plan for what I wanted to cook. I selected three dinners and one breakfast. Knowing I will have leftover for lunch, I only selected one lunch this week simply because the photograph looked so appealing. The plan also conveniently creates a shopping list for you, but I found that it included items for the entire plan as written for the week. Since I am customizing, based on our personal likes and needs, I did have to modify the shopping list. This was easy enough to do though, I simply emailed the list to myself and did an edit.
I do not make any money recommending this plan to you, I merely wanted to share that I thought it was good. The meals are laid out separately by week and I downloaded them to my computer and now have them to return to. I have noticed the scale moving down this week, which makes me happy. I don't feel hungry, or deprived and I feel like I look forward to both cooking and eating my meals. Here are two recipes that I enjoyed eating this week.
I followed this lunch recipe pretty much as written, with only two changes. Instead of arugula, I used spinach and chopped romaine. Additionally, I only used one avocado as I felt that was enough for us. The salad had a bit of a kick as written, so either I added too much red pepper or it needs a bit less. My husband loved the kick, so it was fine, but next time I will use a bit less red pepper. I measured by eye, so it could be that I added too much. Always adjust to your personal taste preferences.
Peel the carrots and cut them into ½ inch pieces.
In a bowl mix the ground cumin, red pepper flakes, garlic, ½ teaspoon of salt and 1 ½ tablespoon of olive oil. Add the carrots and toss to combine.
Spread the carrots into a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and roast for 25 minutes or until fork tender. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
In a large bowl, place the avocado, arugula or salad greens and warm carrots.
Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and lime juice and toss to coat. Season to taste with salt and black pepper.
Divide the salad between serving plates and serve.
This recipe made enough for two to eat salad with ample leftover for next day's lunch.
I followed the recipe pretty much as written, with just one change. I was not able to find fish sauce and googled what a substitute could be. I used coconut aminos in place of the fish sauce, but you can use soy sauce as well if you don't have that on hand.
Heat the grill to medium heat.
Mix all of the ingredients together in a large bowl and stir well.
Using your hand, form 6-8 small patties.
Grill for 4-5 minutes on each side. Serve hot.
I got four nice size patties out of a one pound package or organic ground pork. This dinner recipe was enough for two with leftovers for lunch the next day. The patties had a very nice taste. We topped ours with a spoon of homemade paleo mayonnaise with a pinch of onion powder, garlic and cayenne pepper.
If you try either of these recipes, please let me know how you enjoyed them. If you have a recipe to share, please leave me a message below.
Author laurakumpPosted on August 12, 2018 Categories Healthy Lifestyle, Recipe Swaps, RunningTags Health, Healthy, healthy eating, nutrition, Paleo, Paleo Recipes, Paleogrub, sleep, Training, weight lossLeave a comment on Change Your Eating, Change Your Life!
I'm off the next two weeks and already realize on day two that if I had more time, I'd likely be in better health. This morning, I got up and went to my usual 5:00 AM class at the gym. I figured it would be better to do this run based workout session during vampire hours than in the hot sun. I was the last to finish the six rounds, which consisted of running, jumprope and hang power cleans, but I did them all. I've been working hard at the gym trying to get myself on track again, yet each morning when I step on the scale the numbers are within the same range. Thankfully, I use the scale daily to ensure I'm not creeping up; but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't disappointed I'm not trending down rapidly for all the work I'm doing.
My food choices really haven't been too bad, so it's not totally that, but it is summer and we have been on vacation so there definitely are extra calories being taken in through my beverage choices. Sorry, but who doesn't love a nice cold glass of sangria, beer or vodka on a nice hot day. I've also had a hard time maintaining a schedule since we got back from the beach and have hardly been cooking. I'm not saying we are eating out every day, I wish that were the case, but my intake hasn't been the most balanced and I've not said no to fresh ice cream when offered.
I know what to do and funny, now that I'm off already have the motivation to cook – maybe I need to retire to get healthy. I love to cook, I just lack motivation when I'm at work all day and I'm tired of spending my entire Sunday in the house meal prepping. There has to be a better way. I've been researching meal planning options for meals that take 30 minutes or less to cook. I found many on the Paleo Grubs site and planned my week with easy, healthy meals – Keep it simple silly is my new mantra.
Today after my workout, I knew I needed a nice healthy breakfast so I came home and cooked a recipe I love. It's super easy and super delicious and really hit the spot. Here's the link to this delicious breakfast, which I would never have time to make on a work day. It could be a wonderful weekend treat after a tough workout for you though, so I hope you give it a try.
I generally follow the recipe as written, but I used white, sweet potatoes just because if it's orange I think it tastes different. I know it doesn't, but since they were available I used the white ones. Carmelizing the onions is a MUST as it truly enhances the flavor so much and I added a bit of red pepper to the process. I used hot turkey sausage and boy did they add a nice kick to this mix. I definitely did not eat all that food, I shared with my husband, the recipe is for two (2).
I'd love to hear how it's going for you this summer. Drop me a line below and please, if you have any quick, easy meals, include a recipe.
Long term readers of my blog know that I've worked hard to have a positive mindset about myself and my abilities to reclaim my health. I've read and learned a lot and really strive to live mindfully, despite serious injuries and setbacks along the way. I've rebuilt my base more than I care to think about, yet here I am rebuilding it once again. It's just the cycle of my life, which flows in ebbs and tides and I've learned to ride the waves.
Along this journey, I've shared many of my mindset struggles – negative self talk, wallowing in pity following injury, why me mentality, and the list goes on and on. It's once again time to pull myself up by my bootstraps and get focused on what I am trying to accomplish. It has been a life goal to complete the NYC Marathon and I am once again working towards this goal. I am way behind where I was this time last year in my training, but my mindset is in a good space. I am most definitely NOT pushing myself to do more than my body is ready for and will NOT suffer another injury doing so. I will admit to thinking about how I should be running longer by now, but won't allow myself to go there. I know that my body is NOT ready for the work and if I push beyond my ability right now I will get injured again. I also know that my goal is to finish the marathon, no matter how long it takes!
I've dialed in my nutrition and really taken the time to learn about the role nutrition plays in reclaiming my health. I've taken an online course to learn about different types of eating (tracking macros, KETO, plant based) to see which best meets my body's current needs and my goals. I highly recommend going through this online course at least one time to experiment and track your body's responses. I learned a lot about myself in the process and not only related to diet. Here is the link to this community for anyone interested in learning more – One 3 One Now that I've cycled through this course twice, I am moving on to my next steps. I signed up for a cooking course to learn how to cook more plant based dishes. As you know, I love to cook but have been a self proclaimed vegetable hater for far too long. I hope to learn more about cooking plant based meals to expand my menu planning. Here is the link to this online platform – Rouxbe Online Platform You will find many options there for cooking courses that may appeal more to you. I signed up for the Rouxbe Membership which will allow me to work through these courses at my own pace.
Working at my own pace is where I'd like to end today. As an educator, I know that children come to us at all different stages of development. I know that there are modifications available to meet the needs of each of them. I also know that sometimes people have implicit bias that shape how they plan and react to certain individuals. Sometimes, as educators, we offer modifications before we allow students to try the unmodified task. Sometimes we predetermine and decide that the student needs the modification. What that does, in my humble opinion, is send the message that we don't believe in their ability to complete the task as is. What that does is take away the opportunity for the student to engage in the given task with feedback and modification AS NEEDED along the way. Truly, it's the same thing when we engage in exercise. As a middle aged woman, I know that I am not seen as someone who can do most athletic challenges and I likely can't at this point in time. But, there is nothing more disheartening than someone else predetermining that you can't, before you even try. I'd like to publicly thank my CrossFit Freshkills coaches, for believing in me and not making me ever feel like I can't. Today I'd like to thank Coach Libby Elias, a fellow educator, for her belief that I could indeed complete the four rounds required without a modification. Her belief was inspirational as I worked through the tough workout. So, in the spirit of mindset moves, I'd like to ask that we all adopt the mindset of "maybe they can" and not rush to provide a modification before allowing them to try. Perhaps our students, including middle aged women like me, might just surprise you. What we say and do matter so much and can have lasting implications on other people's mindsets, so let's try to be more mindful of that.
Always happy to connect with readers, so feel free to drop me a line in the comments below.
If you want a different result, try something new. What have you got to lose? These are the thoughts that were swimming around in my head as I began this marathon training cycle yet again. This is my third attempt at making it to the starting line of the NYC Marathon. Last year, I made it all the way up to two weeks before the race when I fell at work and broke 3 toes. It didn't really matter though, as I also was diagnosed with a second femoral stress fracture ending my hopes of running. The toes were literally the final straw that made me defer my race to November 2018.
As I begin training again, I am cautiously optimistic that this time will be the time I make it to the starting line. I have learned from my mistakes and am trying to get my training plan right. I'm working hard to improve my functional strength through more cross training. I've returned to yoga class and can already feel a difference in my legs when I run.
My first order of business must be to get this extra weight I'm carrying off. I have been taking nutritional courses and learning about how to best fuel my body for running. I learned so much about the foods that support and don't support my goals. As I experimented with different types of eating, I opened myself up to trying new foods that I usually avoid and have come to find I actually enjoy them. I decided to apply this open mindedness to my exercise selection as well. Rather than doing the same things over and over again, I decided to try different types of exercise and see what works best for my body and life. It's interesting to see how my tastes in exercise have started to shift as well. Running has always been my first choice of exercise since I was young. I've significantly modified my running this spring and have been using intervals to build my stamina back up slowly. I truly feel the time goes by faster when I run intervals and it is a great workout. When I finish a long interval run, I'm not totally exhausted and still have energy to go about my day. I'm super excited to feel like I WILL complete this marathon using this strategy.
Since I cut down on the amount of time I spend running, I knew I needed to cross train with intentionality. I began looking around for something that would both strengthen and build my stamina. I kept thinking about trying Crossfit but had some serious fear of walking in issues. Friends of mine go to a local Crossfit and kept encouraging me to try a class. They'd send me selfies in the morning from the class and finally I decided to take the plunge.
I'm not going to lie and say it's an easy workout, because it most definitely is not. But, I am going to say that I believe it may help me finish this marathon. The class is well organized and all moves can be done on some level. There are modifications available to make this practice available to all fitness levels. I feel these workouts could help me develop the strength, stamina and mental toughness I will need to run 26.2 miles. I leave this class dripping with sweat, yet invigorated and looking forward to the next. I'm going to continue to go to the classes three times a week and cut my running down to twice a week for now. Seriously, what have I got to lose except perhaps an injury and some pounds.
When you find yourself in a rut and can't seem to snap out of it, try something new. Step outside your comfort zone and you may be surprised by how it rekindles your workout motivation. I felt better this week than I have in a long while. I think it's the combination of trying new things and being around people. I am looking forward to this week's workouts and will continue my climb back from the long winter of broken bones.
What have you done this week to step outside your comfort zone? How has it helped rekindle your motivation? Be sure to leave your comments below. I look forward to reading them.
Reclaiming My Health Blog at WordPress.com.


With Windows 98, Microsoft says it did not set out to make significant improvements in general system performance. Our tests bear this out.
With Windows 98, Microsoft says it did not set out to make significant improvements in general system performance. Our tests bear this out. We saw no improvement in start-up speed, although shutdown often seemed faster with Windows 98. The most dramatic improvement we saw was in application loading. Applications frequently loaded twice as fast with Windows 98, which makes for a better user experience.


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MacKewen History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
Hundreds of years ago, the Gaelic name used by the MacKewen family in Ireland was Mac Eogain in Connacht, and Mac Eoin in east Ulster. Both of these names connote a "son of John," or "son of Owen." [1]
Early Origins of the MacKewen family
The surname MacKewen was first found in County Sligo (Irish: Sligeach), in the province of Connacht in Northwestern Ireland, where the first people to use this surname are thought to have originated. Soon thereafter, the name was also found in neighboring Leitrim.
Important Dates for the MacKewen family
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our MacKewen research. Another 84 words (6 lines of text) are included under the topic Early MacKewen History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
MacKewen Spelling Variations
Those scribes in Ireland during the Middle Ages recorded names as they sounded. Consequently, in this era many people were recorded under different spellings each time their name was written down. Research on the MacKewen family name revealed numerous spelling variations, including Keon, MacKeon, MacKeown, MacKewan, MacKoun, MacWing, Hone, MacOwen, Mageown and many more.
Early Notables of the MacKewen family (pre 1700)
More information is included under the topic Early MacKewen Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Migration of the MacKewen family
During the 19th century thousands of impoverished Irish families made the long journey to British North America and the United States. These people were leaving a land that had become beset with poverty, lack of opportunity, and hunger. In North America, they hoped to find land, work, and political and religious freedoms. Although the majority of the immigrants that survived the long sea passage did make these discoveries, it was not without much perseverance and hard work: by the mid-19th century land suitable for agriculture was short supply, especially in British North America, in the east; the work available was generally low paying and physically taxing construction or factory work; and the English stereotypes concerning the Irish, although less frequent and vehement, were, nevertheless, present in the land of freedom, liberty, and equality for all men. The largest influx of Irish settlers occurred with Great Potato Famine during the late 1840s. Research into passenger and immigration lists has brought forth evidence of the early members of the MacKewen family in North America: Samuel and William Keown, who arrived in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania between 1840 and 1855; James and Thomas Keon arrived in Philadelphia between 1860 and 1877..
^ Moore, A.W., Manx Names. London: Elliot Stock, 62 Paternoster Row, 1906. Print
MacKewen (Irish)

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


For small software enterprises with 50 or fewer employees, using international standards to manage their software development projects has been a major challenge as these standards are more suited to large organisations. This has presented a challenge to small software enterprises (SSEs) since they operate in highly challenging and constantly changing environments and tend to perform their productive, administrative and management processes in a chaotic manner. There is agreement in the literature that SSEs need superior internal systems and structures to help them achieve their project objectives. Despite this, there is limited research into developing a process model that incorporates best practice and is suitable for SSEs.
The purpose of this research study is to develop a capability model with a set of essential practices for SSEs. The analysis of the literature of Software Process Improvement (SPI) and Dynamic Capabilities (DC) suggested the need for a wide array of capabilities that account for different aspects of the organisation and the external environment.
This research, therefore, is based on the premise that organisations can take a holistic multifaceted approach to SPI programmes. Sound organisational processes based on best practice are needed to improve their internal structures. Embedding dynamic capabilities within these processes will additionally enable the enterprise to address the business challenges in competitive markets.
An initial version of the proposed model was developed. This provided the necessary practices to help SSEs meet their perceived project outcomes. The model builds upon multiple software engineering standards, informed by the Dynamic Capability approach, and designed to be feasible for application in SSEs.
Using the Delphi technique as the methodology, this study sought the help of a group of experts to assess and enhance the proposed model by removing or adding practices to make it feasible for SSEs. A panel of nine members experienced in software process improvement and software engineering from different geographic regions (South Asia, North America and Australasia) responded to two Delphi rounds; their views about the model were probed through qualitative analysis of members' feedback on the practices, supported by quantitative analysis using the interquartile range (IQR) and median measures.
The outcome of this research is a capability model that includes a set of basic and advanced practices, which represents the model that the participants have collectively approved. This model hopes to be an effective software development framework for SSEs. Further work is still required to verify the model using a case study research approach, in order to compare the Delphi findings against observed data.


Rustic Chicken Linguini By: Jessica J.
I love to cook. I always have. I was thinking of different ways to add more calories to my diet. That is when I came up with this creamy goodness.
Add salt and 1/2 lb of linguini, stirring occasionally and cook according to package.
Sauteé chicken pieces in butter and olive oil for about 7 minutes.
Salt and pepper chicken to taste.
Add milk, half and half, and cream cheese. Stir frequently to prevent burning.
Simmer for 5 minutes to thicken sauce.
Add sundried tomatoes and artichokes. Stir to blend.
Add cheese and simmer for about 3 minutes.
Drain and rinse linguini and put back in the pan.
Pour chicken mixture over the noodles and mix with tongs or a large spoon.
Serve immediately. Recommended with a variety of vegetables. You could try broccoli, squash medley, spring mix or with some red peppers. The possibilities are endless.


A Commercial Use Authorization (CUA) is a permit that authorizes appropriate commercial services to park area visitors in limited circumstances. The term of a CUA may not exceed two (2) years and no preferential right of renewal or similar provisions for renewal may be provided. The term of a CUA at Buffalo National River is for one year. Commercial Use Authorizations are NOT concessions contracts and are not transferrable. CUAs are intended to provide a simple means to authorize appropriate commercial services to visitors in Park areas. CUAs at Buffalo National River, as a general rule, (1) do not use fixed commercial facilities within a National Park unit, (2) the commercial activity originates and terminates outside the park area, (3) no money changes hands on park lands, and (4) no commercial solicitation occurs on park lands.
CUAs at Buffalo National River fall into one of two categories: Land Based Activities and Water Based Activities.
Land based activities are Guided Photography and Guided Walk-In Fishing (From Shore).
Water based activities are Guided Fishing and Guided Sightseeing via jon-boat or drift boat.
The National Park Service has terms and conditions on all commercial service agreements.The standard conditions found in all CUAs are located on pages 2 & 3 of the application instructions. Buffalo National River also has park specific operating conditions attached as an Appendix to the CUA. The Appendix is the park specific conditions for the specific activity ie: guided photography. For a copy of the park specific conditions for the activity you are interested in applying for a Commercial Use Authorization please contact the Commercial Services Office at 870-365-2702 or 870-365-2724.
As a condition of the CUA, the permittee is required to submit monthly activity reports and an annual gross receipt report. A copy of these reports can be requested from the Commercial Services Office.
For Land Based Services: CUAs issued for land based services are valid for one year. Applications are accepted at any time during the year. Please allow at least 30 days for processing.
For Water Based Services: Unlike CUAs for land based services, CUAs issued for water based services are valid for two years. However, applications are only accepted between October 1 and November 15 every other year. Please contact the Commercial Services office to inquire when applications will next be accepted.
Applications will be returned to the applicant if submitted incomplete.


You never forget that first walk through the doors of your future office. Come to us on an open day and you just might look back on it as the moment you first set your sights on a career with us. Our open days are for everyone – undergraduates, graduates and career changers, from any and all degree backgrounds.
All standard-class UK travel expenses are covered, so keep your receipts - and just get in touch if you need any special arrangements.
Our open days are your one-day pass into our firm, to find out just what goes on behind our doors. You'll see how we work, ask questions and get advice straight from our senior partners, meet the graduate recruitment team, take part in workshops, and take a guided tour of what just might be your future offices.
Our open days are a great way to get to know us – but it all has to start with you. If you're ready to take that first leap, it's time to apply.


The Denison University Faculty and Student Jazz groups present a concert featuring trumpeter Dwight Adams.
The Denison University Jazz Studies Area presents a Spring Jazz Weekend concert featuring Denison University Faculty and Student Jazz groups and guest trumpeter Dwight Adams. Adams is a Detroit native and a member of the Stevie Wonder Band.


Description: Ii is a beautiful golden-flowered cactus with bluish green, more or less purplish, stems. Old individuals attain a height of 30 cm rarely.
Flowers: Flowers pale yellow, delicately sweet-scented, 7 cm. Outer perianth segments streaked with red. Inner perianth segments lemon-yellow, oblanceolate, acute. Filaments light yellow, stigmas deep green.
Waterings: Water regularly from March to October. Rot prone in winter, it needs good drainage.
Hardiness: It cannot tolerate much frost.
Exposition: It does not like full harsh sun.
Blooming season: Spring and summer. The individual flowers will last up to six days. Blooming generally begins 4 to 5 years after sowing, as the plant matures.
Cultivation: This cactus is cultivated and highly priced for its flowers. It is among the easiest species to grow and propagate. Water regularly from March to October. It cannot tolerate much frost and does not like full harsh sun either.
Frost Tolerance: Hardy to -2°C.


The Christian year begins and ends with the same focus: The return of Christ. And that's where we are right now. One Christian year ended last Sunday with Christ the King Sunday, and the new one begins today with the first Sunday in Advent. So there's a reason pretty much all the lectionary texts in the last month or so have dealt, in some way, with the return of Christ.
And then of course, people start making predictions. I think it's important to point out that, so far, they've all been wrong.
In my clergy study group that I've been a part of since the beginning of the year, we got talking one time about the return of Christ. One of the pastors, who just retired, told the story that, many years ago, he was given a copy of a book about "88 Reasons Christ why will return in 1988." He never read it, but he kept it. And year after year, he pulled that book out when it came to this time of the year and the lectionary texts dealt with the return of Christ. It was his object lesson to make the point that no one knows, so stop trying to guess.
I think the guesses do more harm than good, especially since there have been so many wrong guesses. They've lost all their impact. They're just laughed off now. I don't think many people give them any credibility anymore. And I think they make us Christians look just a little bit like nutcases. I mean, I know the Bible says that the gospel is foolishness to those who are perishing, but I don't think that means we're supposed to help make that case!
I don't think many people are convinced by "end of the world" predictions. Over the years I've heard a few stories of people who give their lives to Christ out of fear over some prediction, but not many. And I wonder what happens to those who hear a prediction, believe it, and then go overboard with it. I've heard stories of people quitting their jobs, selling their houses, and so on. I'd have to think a lot of those folks get pretty jaded toward the Church.
And of course, some people right now are again predicting it's going to happen. So let's go to the authority: Jesus, what do you have to say? "No one knows the day or hour. Not the angels or the Son but only the Father." That should settle it.
Yes, these kind of events; wars, disasters, and so on; show that Christ's return is near. But these kind of events have always happened. And I think that reminds us that his return is always close at hand. It's been close at hand for almost 2000 years, and it will be close at hand until it happens.
The prophecy that sets the whole chapter in motion is the predicted destruction of the Jerusalem Temple. Some people think we'll know the end is near when the Temple is rebuilt, because then it can be destroyed again. I doubt it. That's our way of thinking. We think in terms of time. If two events are mentioned side-by-side, we think they're going to happen side-by-side. The Hebrew mind was more likely to associate events according to type than time. The destruction of the Temple was emblematic of the kinds of events that will happen in the last days.
The focus of this chapter is not on the when, it's on the what. What do we do while Jesus is away? It's like a man going on a long journey. He tells his servants what to do and he tells the gatekeeper to be watchful.
We know what to do. We make disciples of Jesus until he returns. We work to transform the world according to the goodness, the grace, and the justice of God.
And we are to be watchful. We are to keep our faith strong. We are to stay away from sin and grow in our relationship with God.
We know what to do, and we have the tools to do it. In 1 Corinthians, we read Paul's "eucharist," his thanksgiving for the Church in that city. These are the nice words Paul has for the Corinthian Christians so that he can gain their ears. He puts them first, because not all the words he has for them are quite so nice!
We don't know when. But we know what. We know what to do until Christ returns. And we know how. We will do it through the gifts of God.
Friends, we are not in Corinth, but every word of that message rings true for us. We have the gifts we need to do God's work. We have the knowledge of the truth and the skill to proclaim it. We have the help of God's Spirit to do his will. We have no excuses.


Tysons Corner, Virginia, December 12, 2014 -- /EPR NETWORK/ -- Executive Mosaic, Tysons Corner, VA December 12, 2014 – ExecutiveBiz reported Friday on a set of components and systems Karen Dahut of Booz Allen Hamilton has published that she said is designed to encourage innovation in the workplace.
The blueprint contained in Dahut's article entitled "Who Says Big Companies Can't Innovate?" highlights the importance of supplying an environment that is conducive to eliciting fresh ideas, original solutions and alternative ways to solve a problem, Booz Allen said Thursday.
"By taking the right steps and focusing their energies, any company can tap into the human desire to create something new," said Dahut, executive vice president of the strategic innovation group at Booz Allen Hamilton.
The executive presented the innovation blueprint to audiences at the Chief Innovation Officer Summit held in New York City last week.
This entry was posted in News and tagged Booz Allen Hamilton, Chief Innovation Officer Summit, Executive Mosaic, ExecutiveBiz, GovCon, innovation blueprint, Karen Dahut, SIG, Who Says Big Companies Can't Innovate?. Bookmark the permalink.


STEP-1 ENROLMENT FORM Please fill out this form to request Enrollment No. According to the previous qualification, the student can select the programme for which He / She want to enroll for. After submitting the Enrollment Form, an Enrollment No. will be issued to each candidate for further references.
STEP-2 ADMISSION FORM After getting the Enrollment No, the student can proceed further to fill the Admission Form. In Admission Form, the student is required to fill all the details of the previous qualification attained with their photograph and signatures uploaded in the digital form.
Note:- We have also provided the facility to the students to submit their fees on Installment basis who cannot afford to pay lump sum payment.
On submitting the fees, an Enrollment No. will be issued to the student.
STEP-4 EXAMINATION FORM by providing your transaction Id and Roll No., the student can fill the Examination Form.The student is required to provide the details of all the subjects which he/she has opted and can choose their Exam study centre according to their own choice.
Note:- The student can choose their Exam Centres from the list of centres listed on our website.


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Maple Leafs support Spezza's appeal, but must 'press on' after suspension – Sportsnet.ca
TORONTO — The way Jason Spezza practised Tuesday morning is the way he always practises.
Smiling and laughing with his Toronto Maple Leafs teammates, you'd have no idea the veteran was only hours away from a significant suspension.
Spezza was slapped with a six-game ban midway through the Leafs' win over the Columbus Blue Jackets for kneeing Winnipeg Jets defenceman Neal Pionk in the head Sunday.
Through his 19 years and 1,203 games in the league, this marks the first time the 38-year-old Spezza has faced supplemental discipline.
And he is appealing the Department of Player Safety's ruling.
"Look," coach Sheldon Keefe said Tuesday night. "I think everybody in this room, everybody in the game knows the character and integrity that Jason Spezza has through his entire career. We do and always will support him. He's going to weigh his options that he has in this process.
"But from our perspective, it's important that we just press on here. That's all we can do."
Spezza's initial appeal will arrive on the desk of commissioner Gary Bettman, who seldom overrules his own safety department. Next, Spezza and his camp could take their objection to an independent arbitrator.
These steps take time, and Spezza is available to return to action for the Leafs on Dec. 19 in Seattle.
During Spezza's in-person (Zoom) hearing, the Maple Leafs argued that (a) this was not kneeing, (b) Pionk was eligible to be checked on the play, and (c) Spezza could've delivered a legal check had Pionk not fallen further toward the ice before contact.
Player safety agreed only that Pionk was eligible to be hit. Even so, the department maintains that the onus is on Spezza to get lower to deliver a clean hit and avoid head contact.
Player safety described Spezza's actions as "reckless and retaliatory" for Pionk's knee-on-knee hit of Rasmus Sandin earlier in the game, describing the Spezza hit as a "forceful retribution on a player who is in a vulnerable position."
The department also weighed Pionk's injury; the Jets announced the defenceman is in concussion protocol.
Though they disagree with the ruling, the Maple Leafs wish to avoid excuses or finger-pointing while Spezza sits.
"We've got to have guys come in and play and accept more responsibility," Morgan Rielly said. "And I think we've got the depth to do that."
Nick Ritchie finally scores his first as the Leafs get the jump on the Blue Jackets – Toronto Star
Sheldon Keefe after a 5-4 win over Columbus: "It is not a good game for us, but it is a good result" – Maple Leafs Hot Stove
NHL announces massive update to 2021-22 season schedule with games moved due to COVID-19 – CBS Sports
IMAGN
The NHL has announced an update to the 2021-22 regular season schedule, which will allow all 32 teams to finish their 82-game seasons by the original closing date of April 29.
As a part of the update, there are new dates for all 98 games that had been previously postponed from Nov. 18, 2021 to Jan. 18, 2022 due to COVID-19. In addition, there are date changes regarding 23 other games in an effort to accommodate the new dates for games that were postponed.
The league will use the 16-day period from Feb. 7-22 that was previously slated for the NHL's participating in the 2022 Winter Olympics. There will be games scheduled on all 16 of those days.
"We are profoundly grateful to our fans for their support and understanding during a challenging time and to our Clubs, the NHL Players' Association and the Players for their cooperation in a rescheduling of unprecedented logistical complexity," NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly said in a press release.
In addition to these changes, the NHL also revealed that there will be start time changes for the following games:
The NHL had a short pause over the holiday break due to several teams dealing with COVID-19 outbreaks. The league returned to the ice on Dec. 28.
Stu Cowan: New Canadiens GM Kent Hughes a breath of fresh air – Montreal Gazette
Montreal native and former player agent calls new job job "the chance of a lifetime" on an emotional day filled with pride and excitement.
Stu Cowan • Montreal Gazette
"I would describe myself as a hockey junkie," New Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes said. "I always have been. Photo by John Mahoney /Montreal Gazette
Jeff Gorton wanted to make it clear that Kent Hughes is not his best friend.
"Nobody would want any of my best friends to be running the Montreal Canadiens, so I would never do that to you," Gorton, the Canadiens' executive vice-president of hockey operations, said during a news conference Wednesday afternoon at the Bell Centre to introduce Hughes as the team's new general manager.
"No offence, but Kent is not my best friend."
Gorton explained that his relationship with Hughes dates back to when he was an assistant GM with Boston and was negotiating an NHL entry-level deal for Patrice Bergeron after the Bruins selected their future captain in the second round of the 2003 draft. Hughes was Bergeron's agent and he impressed Gorton.
Over the years, Gorton and Hughes — both living in the Boston area — kept in regular contact, talking on the phone a couple of times a week because Gorton trusted the agent's opinion on hockey matters and respected him as a person. Gorton called it a professional relationship and added they never socialized together, although Gorton did meet Hughes's wife, Deena, a couple of times.
As GM of the New York Rangers, Gorton also selected Hughes's son Riley in the seventh round of the 2018 NHL Draft.
While they might not be best friends, there's no doubt Gorton wanted Hughes to join the Canadiens. During Wednesday's press conference, we learned why.
For someone not used to being in the public spotlight, Hughes shone on the stage set up on the ice at the Bell Centre for him, Gorton and team owner/president Geoff Molson. Hughes answered a variety of hockey-related questions thoughtfully and intelligently for 50 minutes and looked like the GM of a billion-dollar NHL franchise in a sharp blue business suit with a red tie. The 51-year-old was also very, very comfortable speaking French.
Hughes's life changed dramatically when he walked onto the stage just after 4 p.m. in front of the TV cameras, photographers and journalists. He will never walk the streets of Montreal unrecognized again.
Hughes said it was an emotional day for him, one filled with pride and excitement, adding he grew up dreaming of playing for the Canadiens but that this was the second-best option. He called this the "chance of a lifetime."
"Certainly, from an agent perspective I was more of a behind-the-scenes type of agent," Hughes said. "Having said that, I'm more excited about not who I am publicly, rather the challenges that lie ahead.
"I would describe myself as a hockey junkie," he added. "I always have been. I've worked in the sport, I've coached in the sport. I've coached without my own children as part of it and my wife will tell you that if I'm not coaching or working in hockey I'm talking about hockey. So for me the public part of it is what it is. The excitement is the hockey piece."
Eleven candidates were interviewed for the job, but Gorton was hoping Hughes would be willing to leave his lucrative player-agent business to become GM of the team he grew up cheering for. Gorton approached Hughes at the beginning of the search process and he needed time to think about it. Near the end of the process Gorton went back to Hughes and then it was a matter of "leaving him alone and letting him come back to me."
As GM of the Rangers, Gorton had tried to get Hughes to join him in New York, but the timing wasn't right for him from a business or a family standpoint. While pondering whether to take the Canadiens job, Hughes got a call from his friend Bill Guerin, who is GM of the Minnesota Wild.
"Kent, it's the New York Yankees, it's the Dallas Cowboys, it's the Montreal Canadiens," Hughes said Guerin told him. "Come on! You don't have a decision."
Now Gorton and Hughes can start the very difficult job together of rebuilding a franchise with a record 24 Stanley Cups that sits in last place in the overall NHL standings. Hughes is going to take some time getting to know the players both on and off the ice ahead of the March 21 trade deadline.
Hughes said the choice of words — rebuild, retool, reset — isn't important. He noted the team that wins the Stanley Cup every year isn't necessarily the one with the most talented players. He wants to create an environment people want to be a part of and build a team culture where everyone is pulling in the same direction. He's not looking to win for just one or two years, but to create an environment where the team can compete for many years to come.
"I think when we set out, ultimately I wanted somebody … our committee wanted somebody that was a really good hockey person that would complement my skills or my skill set as well as we could and I think that's what we've done," Gorton said. "I'm really confident in that."
I can see why — even if Hughes isn't his best friend.
scowan@postmedia.com
twitter.com/StuCowan1
What the Puck: Canadiens turn page with Kent Hughes
Bone chilling conditions are forecast for the next three U.S. men's national team World Cup qualifying matches and the players on Wednesday said they were excited to battle the elements and their opponents.
Snow, frigid wind and sub-zero temperatures will likely greet the USMNT when they host El Salvador in Columbus, Ohio on Jan. 27, take on Canada in Ontario three days later, and close out the window against Honduras in Saint Paul, Minnesota on Feb. 2.
Defender Walker Zimmerman said the prospect of cold weather brought back memories of the USMNT's 1-0 win over Costa Rica in March 2013's Snow Clasico in Colorado.
"I'm really excited," Zimmerman told reporters on a call.
"I was talking to my wife over the break and I was saying, I want it to be freezing, I want it to be cold, I want it to snow. I want to be part of something so iconic, something like that game that I really remember seeing when I was growing up.
"And I think the guys are ready to embrace it."
Forward Paul Arriola said he and his team mates have played in cold weather before and trust in their support staff to help them get ready.
"The staff on the national team do a tremendous job, and we have full confidence in them to prepare us," he said.
"And we have our own duties as professional players and players on the national team to be ready for every possible condition.
"We'll embrace the cold, and it will be a really good environment for the fans as well."
The U.S. are second in the standings for the CONCACAF World Cup qualifiers with 15 points, a point behind Canada and one ahead of rivals Mexico.
The top three in the eight-team group qualify automatically for Qatar 2022 with the fourth-placed finisher going into an intercontinental playoff for another spot.
The team are eager to put behind them the humiliating loss they suffered at the hands of Trinidad and Tobago in 2017, which prevented them reaching the World Cup in Russia and led to a complete rebuild.
(Reporting by Rory Carroll in Los Angeles; Editing by Toby Davis)


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Home Sea Standing NATO Maritime Group One change of command
FILE PHOTO: SNMG1
Standing NATO Maritime Group One change of command
George Allison
Standing NATO Maritime Group One (SNMG1) has changed its command from the United States to Norway.
According to NATO, Royal Norwegian Navy Commodore Yngve Skoglund took over the command of the NATO group from U.S. Navy Rear Admiral Edward Cashman at a ceremony in Bergen on Monday the 9th of December.
Rear Admiral Cashman assumed command in January 2019, with the U.S. destroyer USS Gravely serving as flagship for the first half of the year followed by the destroyer USS Gridley serving as flagship for the second half of the year.
"It's been an honor and a privilege to work together with the Allies over this past year to deter conflict, maintain the peace, and contribute to the security of all of the Alliance nations. We operated on both sides of the North Atlantic which gives the Alliance its name. NATO's founders recognized the North Atlantic is not a barrier, it is a strategic bridge that connects the Allies, as they are connected by shared history and common values", said the former Commander of SNMG1.
Commander Skoglund will command the group from the Royal Norwegian navy Fridtjof Nansen-class frigate Otto Sverdrup (F-312).
"It is with a deep respect of the splendid leadership and professionalism of the US Navy that the Norwegian Navy now takes over SNMG1," said the new Commander of SNMG1.
"NATO's maritime forces will remain available tools for our nations, and display the willingness and strength of the Alliance. I look forward to working together with the highly trained and skilled sailors of our navies and show the relevance and importance of NATO in 2020."
SNMG1 is one of four NATO's Standing Forces on active duty that contribute to the Alliance's collective defence on a permanent basis.
George has a degree in Cyber Security from Glasgow Caledonian University and has a keen interest in naval defence technology and cyber security matters.
New American supercarrier Christened
HMS Richmond emerges from refit as 'most advanced frigate'
F-35 jet to take off from aircraft carrier in Portsmouth Harbour
British Commandos train against US forces in California
Turkey to operate 'carrier without jets' in 2020
Standing NATO Maritime Group One met with HMS Queen Elizabeth
HMS Queen Elizabeth coming home to Portsmouth today
British Army airborne gunners demonstrate manoeuvre by air
CAMM-ER missile completes trials milestone
Lockheed Martin continues partnership with Spain for Future Frigates
Read the NATO 'London Declaration'


This entry was posted on October 30th, 2014 and is filed under Finance & Tax, Property Taxes.
Grade inflation may be rampant in higher education (everybody gets an A at Harvard?) but not at the Council on State Taxation. Known as "COST," this trade organization/lobbying group represents businesses concerned about state tax issues. It recently issued a report card on property tax systems across the US, and its grades are pretty harsh.
North Carolina's property tax system was awarded a C+, which sounds disappointing until you look at how the rest of the country fared in the eyes of COST. Our state tied for 10th best. No state earned better than a B+ (and only one of those was issued, to Oregon), while seven states earned a D or D+. Ouch.
We need to take the COST report card with more than a few grains of salt, of course. COST represents large businesses and vehemently opposes all property tax breaks that favor residential property over commercial property. But regardless of the ideology involved, the COST report card offers some interesting observations about North Carolina's property tax system and how it compares to those in other states.
COST evaluated property tax systems in three primary subject areas: transparency, simplicity and consistency, and procedural fairness. "Transparency" focused on whether the state provides a clear explanation of the property tax system on its website and whether taxpayers receive adequate notice of proposed valuations. "Simplicity and consistency" grades hinged on whether there is centralized oversight of local assessors and whether tax forms, filing dates, assessment rates and ratios and appraisal periods are consistent throughout the state. "Procedural fairness" was defined to include length of appeal periods, a "balanced and reasonable" burden of proof for taxpayer appeals, and a comparison of interest rates paid on refunds of overpayments and charged on delinquent underpayments.
North Carolina received a C for transparency, a B for simplicity and consistency, and a C for procedural fairness, which averaged to a C+ overall.
Within those primary subject areas, COST awarded grades for various subcategories. North Carolina's highest subcategory grades were A's for having standardized tax forms and making those forms available on a centralized website (way to go, Department of Revenue!) and for providing "de novo" appeals to the Property Tax Commission (meaning the PTC is not required to show deference to the decisions of county boards of equalization and review).
Our state earned B's for providing tax laws and regulations on a centralized website (although COST thought they were too difficult to find), for the equality of assessment ratios on business and non-business property (but COST took issue with the annual assessment of public service company property), and for the statewide exemption of intangible property (but COST doesn't like the fact leasehold interests in exempt property are taxable).
On the other side of the spectrum, COST gave our state an F for charging a higher interest rate on delinquent taxes (2% first month, .75% every month thereafter) than the interest rate paid to taxpayers for overpayments after successful appeals (set at the rate paid on late income tax refunds, currently 5%). We got slapped with D's for our allegedly defective valuation notices (COST concluded that written notice was not required for all valuation changes and that appeal information was not provided to all taxpayers), for our "at least every 8 years" appraisal cycle (COST thinks appraisals are best every 2 to 3 years), and for our failure to allow taxpayers who appeal their assessments to defer payment of the disputed amount.
Are COST's criticisms of North Carolina's property tax system legitimate? I think the answer depends on your perspective. Remember that COST downgrades any tax system that provides exemptions to individuals that are not available to businesses. North Carolina's elderly or disabled homestead exemption, which provides a 50% reduction to disabled taxpayers and low-income seniors, is viewed negatively by COST. If you share this pro–big-business bias, the COST grades likely seem reasonable. Other readers might view COST's analysis as overly critical.
Ideology aside, all parties can at least agree that we need to have our facts straight before reaching any conclusions. COST seems to have done a reasonably good job of learning the facts about North Carolina's tax system. I take issue with a few of COST's factual descriptions of the Machinery Act, but overall I don't see many glaring factual errors.
The most important misstatement in the report is COST's assertion that local governments are not required to give taxpayers written notice of changes in property values outside of discovery bills. That's not entirely accurate. While the Machinery Act could be more clear about this issue, multiple notice requirements are created by G.S. 105-296(i), G.S. 105-317(b)(7), and G.S. 105-317.1(c). Taxpayers can be held liable for taxes even if they never receive an actual bill (G.S. 105-348), but they would certainly retain their appeal rights if they never received notice of a change in their property's tax values.
A few other quibbles: the interest on refunds owed after county board of equalization and review decisions is now the same as that charged on delinquent taxes (G.S. 105-360(e)); real property owners normally have far more than 30 days to appeal their real property tax assessments (G.S. 105-322); and taxpayers may avoid interest charges on the undisputed portion of tax bill during an appeal simply by paying that amount prior to the delinquency date (G.S. 105-360(a)).
My primary criticism of the COST report is its subjectivity. Just because COST identifies a particular property tax practice as ideal does not make it so.
Prime example: North Carolina requires counties to reappraise their real property at least every eight years. G.S. 105-286. Roughly half of the state's counties currently reappraise on cycles of four, five, or six years. COST gives the state a D in this subcategory because it believes appraisal periods should be two or three years in length. While I agree that eight years is a long time to wait in between reappraisals, there is no magic time period that perfectly balances the costs of more frequent reappraisals with the accuracy of more frequent reappraisals.
Another example: North Carolina permits local governments to ignore de minimus tax bills of up to $5. G.S. 105-321(f). COST gives the state a C on this issue because it believes that the de minimus threshold should be set at the cost of collection. How do you calculate the cost of collection for a single tax bill? Is it the cost of printing and mailing a tax bill? That's certainly less than $5.
Enough of my complaints and criticisms. If you look beyond the grades, the COST report offers invaluable information about property tax practices in other states. Too often we get stuck in the Machinery Act weeds; this report helps us put the North Carolina system into national (and even international) context.
That's not the case nationwide. More than a dozen states enforce some type of property tax cap. Some of these states limit the increase in tax appraisals to a certain percentage (for example, annual assessment increases are capped at 5% or inflation until property is sold in Michigan), some apply different caps to different types of property, while others limit overall tax revenues (for example, 2% limit on tax levy increases in New York and 4% in Rhode Island).
Appraisal Periods: North Carolina's maximum appraisal period of 8 years is definitely among the longer periods permitted across the country. Granted, some states (Hawaii, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania) don't have any mandatory maximum appraisal period (one county in Pennsylvania has not reappraised its property in over 30 years!). But roughly half of the states require reappraisal at least every four years, and a dozen require annual reappraisal of all property.
Equal Assessments: With one exception, North Carolina does not discriminate between commercial and non-commercial property. All personal property is assessed annually, all real property is appraised in accordance with a county's reappraisal schedule. The only exception is public service company property, real and personal, which is assessed by the Department of Revenue annually.
Other states treat commercial and non-commercial property very differently. According to COST, in more than a dozen states the effective tax rate on commercial property was more than double that on residential/non-commercial property. In at least five big cities across the county, the effective tax rate on commercial property (as calculated by COST, mind you) was 3.5 times more than the effective rate applied to other property. New York City allegedly taxes commercial property nearly 5 times higher than it taxes residential property.
I can't say for certain which of these property tax systems are best. But I can say with certainty that it's important for North Carolina tax professionals and policy makers to educate themselves about what's happening in other states. The more we learn about other property tax systems, the better we can improve ours.


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