Lilac Care in New Jersey

Local.com
August 1, 2011

Lilacs are a gardener’s dream: low maintenance and reliable. These fragrant shrubs bloom like clockwork in the spring. When their blossoms drop, the lush greenery remains to round out a fall garden. New Jersey has the ideal climate for growing lilacs, making their care even easier. Lilacs are known to outlive their owners, even those without green thumbs. These perennials truly thrive in the Garden State.

Caring for Lilacs

Mature lilacs are relatively self-sufficient, but they may need watering during hot or dry spells. If the leaves wilt or fold, the lilac needs water, but be aware that lilacs can drown. They need just enough water to moisten the soil. Unattended, lilacs will overgrow a lawn, and they will rarely falter. Lilacs bloom in May, and the best time for pruning is when their blossoms fade in early fall. Pruning maintains the shrub’s shape and optimizes blooming for the following year. Remove dead and diseased branches and cut some of the largest and oldest branches back to ground level. Thin out the younger shoots so only 10 to 15 remain. Finally, fertilize the lilacs under the bark mulch each spring and again after blooming season ends to ensure a healthy blossom the following year.

Where Lilacs Thrive

The U.S. Department of Agriculture divides the United States into hardiness zones by climate. Various plant species thrive in different hardiness zones. Lilacs experience optimal growth in the Northeast and Midwest in hardiness zones four through seven. New Jersey encompasses zones six and seven, making it the perfect climate for growing lilacs. The best time for planting lilacs is spring or fall when the weather is mild. Lilacs are best grown in large, sprawling gardens in direct sun and well-drained soil. Mature lilacs can prove too challenging to maintain in small gardens and yards, but several varieties of dwarf cultivars are also available.

Selecting a Lilac Shrub

There are more than 20 species of lilac in the genus Syringa. The small, fragrant flowers grow purple, pink or white on lush, green shrubs. Consider your space when choosing a lilac. Common lilacs can grow to 12 feet tall and eight feet wide, and Japanese tree lilacs can reach 25 feet. Dwarf cultivars are typically half the size of common lilacs. Lilacs should be planted with plenty of room to sprawl. Crowded plantings can develop a powdery white mildew that stunts growth and blossoming capability.

Threats to Lilacs

Lilacs are moderately susceptible to deer damage. Chinese, Late and Persian varieties are occasionally severely damaged. Common and Japanese Tree lilacs are more resistant, and they are rarely severely damaged. Lilacs can suffer from bacterial and fungal blight, as well as root rot. Lilacs’ most common pest enemies are oystershell scale and lilac borer, but these tenacious plants are most threatened by wayward lawnmowers.

Resources and References

Garden Ideas: Lilac Time 

Fox Hill Lilac Nursery: Care 

National Gardening Association: USDA Hardiness Zone Finder 

Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station: Landscape Plants by Deer Resistance 

“Lilacs: A Gardener’s Encyclopedia”; John L. Fiala; 2008

How to Start a Texas State Political Action Committee

eHow
July 27, 2011

A political action committee (PAC) is a private group that raises money for electioneering activities. A PAC can be affiliated with an organization or special interest, or operate specifically to elect or defeat a particular candidate. Federal PACs are regulated by the Federal Election Committee while state PACs operate under the state’s own elections guidelines. A PAC for a Texas state election must file with the Texas Ethics Commission. Starting your own PAC gives you a stake in a campaign and a place at the political table while bringing attention to an issue or candidate you feel strongly about.

Texas Ethics Commission Requirements

Step 1

Define the type of PAC you are forming. Texas differentiates general-purpose and specific-purpose PACS. General-purpose PACS support or oppose two or more unidentified candidates or officeholders (members of a party or proponents of an issue, for example) or one or more unidentified measures. Specific-purpose PACS support or oppose identified candidates seeking known office, identified officeholders, identified measures or a single unidentified candidate. Texas also recognizes judicial-specific PACS.

Step 2

Appoint a campaign treasurer and file with the Texas Ethics Commission. A PAC must file a treasurer before accepting contributions or making expenditures exceeding $500. General-purpose PACs must file a Form GTA and specific-purpose PACs file Form STA.

Step 3

Begin raising money. The campaign treasurer must file contribution and expenditure reports with the Texas Ethics Commission according to the filing schedule.

Logistics of Starting a PAC

Step 1

Identify the need and support for a PAC. Organizations should consult the board of directors and association members. Nonaffiliated groups should confirm that general support exists for a fruitful PAC.

Step 2

Establish an implementation timeline. Ideally, a PAC is established well before the election year to raise funds and interest. Starting a PAC before a potential candidate announces his candidacy might encourage him to run. Starting a PAC in support or opposition of an issue will garner attention for that cause.

Step 3

Create bylaws and establish leadership in the PAC. A PAC runs like a business. Establish a system of oversight to protect the PAC’s interests and create clear guidelines for the PAC’s activities.

Step 4

Solicit money. The American College of Radiology Association PAC suggests using enrollment cards or dues, developing online payment options, creating incentives, having a recognition and reward system for contributors, and training peer solicitors for internal fundraising. A non-affiliated PAC will have to solicit outside funds through phone solicitations, events, and personal and professional networking.

Resources and References

Texas Ethics Commission: Campaign Finance Guide for Political Committees 

Texas Ethics Commission: Political Committee Forms & Instructions  

Texas Ethics Commission: Political Committee Filing Schedules 

American College of Radiology Association: State PAC Resource 

Local Victory: Political Fundraising Networks; Joe Garecht

Local Victory: Pros and Cons of Starting Your Own Political Action Committee; Joe Garecht 

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association PAC: Legislative Capital

How to Create a Bar Chart from Likert Scale Results

eHow.com
July 27, 2011

Presenting survey results accurately and clearly is just as important as how you conduct the survey. Presented well, the results of a survey are informative and enlightening. But poor presentation can confound the study and threaten your credibility as a researcher. Bar charts are easy-to-interpret representations of survey data. A bar chart can compare frequency of responses to Likert items, which measure respondents’ levels of agreement or disagreement with an issue. A typical Likert scale includes the responses, “strongly agree,” “agree,” “neither agree nor disagree,” “disagree” and “strongly disagree.”

Step 1

Gather your data. Bar charts represent discrete values, not percentages. Use the raw sums of responses to each item for your bar chart.

Step 2

Create a bar chart for each individual item. Each survey question should be represented in its own chart. One bar corresponds to each possible response: “strongly agree,” “agree,” “neither agree nor disagree,” “disagree” and “strongly disagree.

Step 3

Make a frequency scale on one axis. Always include zero and label periodic intervals.

Step 4

List the possible responses on the other axis. This is where the bars will begin. Bar charts can be situated horizontally or vertically, so the axes are interchangeable.

Step 5

Create a bar for each response that represents the frequency of that response.

Step 6

Label each bar chart with the substance of the Likert item measured. The exact wording of the question is preferable.

Step 7

Repeat this process for each Likert item. If possible, maintain the same frequency scale for each chart so that, when viewed side-by-side, the charts measure responses equally.

Resources and References

 Stat Trek: AP Statistics Tutorial: Bar Charts and Histograms

 University of Connecticut: Likert Scale

 Harvard University; “Do People Mean What They Say?...”; Marianne Bertrand, et al.

How to Fold and Wear a Scarf French-Style

eHow.com
July 27

Scarves make a statement in any season. Silky and gauzy in the summer, woolen and lush in winter, scarves aren’t just for warming your neck. There are endless ways to tie and wear a scarf for fashion, and anyone can pull off this jaunty look. Some looks are boho and haphazard, but the French style is more clean and elegant. A scarf in any color or pattern can be worn in the French style, though silk and other lightweight fabrics tend to work best.

Step 1
 Lay the scarf out on a flat surface with the pattern or side you want to show facing down.

Step 2
 Fold two opposite corners in so they form two triangles that meet at the center.

Step 3
 Fold each triangle in half toward the center, and then in half once more. At this point, the scarf should be about 1/8 of its original width. This is called a bias band fold.

Step 4
 Hold the folded scarf centered in front of your neck and wrap it around, crossing the ends in the back, then pulling them forward back to where you started.

Step 5
 Tie a knot loosely underneath your chin.

Step 6
 Turn the scarf so it is off center, and reinforce the knot by tying it once more -- the result being a big double knot. Let the ends hang loosely.

Tips
Try wearing a bias band fold as a head scarf or a belt as well to get more use out of the accessory.  There is no wrong way to wear a scarf. If the French style does not flatter you, try something else. Keep it simple and wear it with confidence.

Resources and References
  Texere Silk: Bias Band Fold
 “Pittsburgh Tribune-Review”; French-Style Scarf Folding 101; Associated Press; October 8, 2007
 Texere Silk: French Twist

How to Fight a Bill in the Legislature

eHow.com
July 26

The United States is a representative democracy, and citizens’ interests are represented by elected officials who create laws. Although citizens cannot vote directly on bills before the legislature, they do have influence over their representatives’ actions. The right to petition the government for redress of grievances is guaranteed by the First Amendment, and there are several ways to exercise that right. Whether you meet face-to-face or write a letter to legislators, there are several guidelines for making your message as effective as possible.

Step 1
Choose your method of protest. Private citizens are invited on occasion to testify before Congress and state legislatures during committee hearings. During these hearings, experts or citizens with some vested interest in the substance of a bill are asked to speak before committee members. These hearings are not accessible to the general public, however. A more pragmatic approach is to petition or write a letter to your representatives, or become a citizen lobbyist.

Step 2
Lobby members of Congress and state legislators as a private citizen. Lobbyists often represent corporations and special interest groups, but citizens can lobby for a cause as well. The greatest hurdle is gaining access. Letters, phone calls and emails are traditional methods of contact, but you may want a more direct approach. Staging a peaceful rally, holding a press conference or arranging a personal meeting garner attention and an audience.

Step 3
Write a petition. Most legislators are invested in their constituents’ interests. Demonstrate your position on a bill with a petition showing how many people feel the same way. With online petition sites, distribution has never been easier. Write a concise, factual, reasonable statement and obtain as much support as possible.

Step 4
Write a letter. A letter from a constituent can have real sway. It must be well-constructed and well-reasoned. Stick to the facts and avoid a partisan slant. Explain how the bill will affect the local constituency. Most importantly, know exactly whom you are addressing. Research the representative’s past voting record, and indicate that you are familiar with the substance of the bill and the legislator's position on similar measures. Once the letter has been sent, try to have it printed in a local newspaper so others can follow suit.

Step 5
Build a grassroots movement that supports your stance. The more pressure you can put on your representatives, the more likely they are to vote your way. Supporters can help stage a rally, participate in petition distribution, give validity to a lobbying cause and write their own letters.

Step 6
Use social networking to start building a movement. Explain clearly and convincingly why others should fight the bill and give explicit instructions to act. For example, write, “Email Senator Adams at adams@senate.gov, and tell him that passing bill XYZ will put too many of his voting constituents out of work.”

Resources and References
 The American Interest; Power Made Easy: How to Testify Before Congress; Patricia Murphy
 Wellstone Action!: Being a Successful Citizen Lobbyist
 Change.org: How to Write a Petition
 Project Vote Smart: Biographical Information

How to Elope and Still Have a Second Ceremony

eHow.com
July 22

Weddings have become such monstrous spectacles that many couples choose to bypass the whole affair and simply elope. Elopement is as valid as any wedding, but friends and family will want to revel with you in your new marriage to “make it official.” Moreover, many family members and friends will feel left out if they cannot participate in a ceremony. To avoid hurt feelings, eloping couples can hold a second, traditional ceremony followed by a reception.

Step 1
Plan the elopement. Part of what makes an elopement special is the spontaneity, but romance can turn into a headache if the legal details are left to chance. You must obtain a marriage license, and you may have to fulfill other legal obligations like blood tests. This process can take several days, so confirm the details with the proper office.

Step 2
Spread the news. Just before or immediately after the elopement, inform close friends and family members in person or over the phone. This is not an instance for mass emails or social networking updates. The sooner you tell your loved ones the happy news, the better you can mitigate hurt feelings.

Step 3
Arrange the ceremony. Try to plan this within weeks of the elopement. The sooner, the better to avoid the appearance of a gift-grab. This will technically be a vow renewal, not a marriage ceremony. Arrange with a clergy member or justice of the peace to have a ceremony that reflects your situation.

Step 4
Send the invitations. The wording should not deceive your guests, but the message that the marriage has already occurred can be subtle. Something along the lines of, “The honor of your presence is requested at a wedding celebration for James and Sarah Green,” followed by the date, time and location is appropriate.

Step 5
Register for gifts. Just because your road to marriage was not the most traditional doesn’t mean you won’t be showered with gifts. Remember, registry information should never be listed on an invitation, nor should any mention of gifts.

Step 6
Celebrate with a reception. Etiquette dictates that a traditional wedding reception following an elopement is appropriate.

References and Resources
Wedding Channel: The Eloping Trend
The Knot; Wedding Etiquette; Wedding After Eloping?

How to Describe the Methods of an Experiment

eHow.com
July 21

Writing an accurate and complete methods report is imperative to research. An experimenter’s study methods play a large part in establishing her credibility, and a study’s merit is often based on its replicability. A study cannot be deemed valid if it cannot be repeated by another researcher, so explicit methods are necessary to the peer review process and the expansion of scientific knowledge. To write a comprehensive methods report, take notes throughout the experiment. Detail procedures and measurements so you have a record to reference later.

Step 1
Describe the participants or subjects of the study. When working with human participants, list relevant demographics -- including age, race and sex. Any characteristic that has an impact on the study should be included, and selection criteria is a helpful addition as well. If the experiment studied nonhuman specimens, describe those thoroughly.

Step 2
List the instruments and materials used in the experiment. Any equipment or software used to conduct the experiment or surveys and tests conducted should be described in depth.

Step 3
Describe the procedure step-by-step and in chronological order so the experiment can be replicated precisely. This includes a description of the experimental design and assignment of participants to conditions. Also, identify the variables tested -- including independent, dependent and control variables.

Step 4
In a formal report, the methods section is followed by the results and an analysis of the data. In the analysis, list any problems that occurred in the experiment and how these can be handled by future researchers.

Resources and References
Purdue Online Writing Lab; Writing the Experimental Report: Methods, Results and Discussion; Dana Lynn Driscoll
Writing @ CSU: Methods -- Five Steps

How to Cook a Ribeye in Butter

eHow
July 19

The best way to cook a steak rouses debate among chefs and home cooks. A short blast of high heat or gently at a moderate temperature? Under the broiler, in a skillet or on the grill? Charcoal or gas? Certainly the most decadent method is cooking the steak in plenty of butter. Butter adds rich flavor and moist tenderness, and it imparts a delicious crust. This method also allows the cook to control the level of heat and internal temperature.

Things You'll Need
1 16-ounce ribeye
2 tbsp. butter
2 cloves garlic
Salt and pepper
Cast iron skillet

Step 1
Heat a cast iron skillet over medium heat. Set the ribeye upright with its fatty edge down on the skillet. Cook for five minutes until some of the fat has rendered.

Step 2
Turn the steak to one flat side and cook for five minutes. Flip the steak and cook for an additional three minutes.

Step 3
Remove the steak from the skillet. Add 2 tbsp. butter and two whole cloves of garlic. Return the steak to the pan on the side that cooked for three minutes and season with salt.

Step 4
Cook for six minutes. Flip the steak, season with salt and cook an additional three minutes. Baste the steak with the melted butter throughout the cooking.

Step 5
Remove the steak and allow it to rest for about 10 minutes. Season again with salt and pepper and serve.

Tips
The steak will be cooked to medium. Reduce the cooking time on each side for a rarer steak.

References
The Paupered Chef: The Butter Steak: What's the Best Way to Cook a Steak?; Nick Kindelsperger; April 9, 2009

How to Cook Beef Tenderloin on a Broiling Pan

eHow
July 19

Beef tenderloin is an expensive cut of meat, and for good reason. As its name suggests, it is the tenderest cut on the cow. The tenderloin filet is a cylindrical cut of tender muscle from the short loin and sirloin. It is often cut into steaks, also known as Chateaubriand, tournedos or filet mignon. Despite its buttery tenderness, tenderloin is not as flavorful as other cuts, so it should be well-seasoned prior to cooking. Broiling tenderloin steaks or roasting the whole cut are the preferred methods for cooking this succulent piece of beef.

Roasting a Whole Tenderloin Filet

Step 1
Trim the meat of excess fat, and cut it in half to make two equal portions. You will have one broad butt portion and one thinner piece with a tapered tip.

Step 2
Tuck the tapered tip under the filet and secure with kitchen twine. This gives you two equally thick roasts. Tie each half at 2-inch intervals with the twine.

Step 3
Heat the oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Heat the roasting pan or broiling pan on the stove over medium-high heat. Pour in enough vegetable oil to coat the bottom of the pan.

Step 4
Pat the filets dry, and season generously with salt. Place them in the hot pan and allow them to brown undisturbed. Turn the filets a quarter turn every four minutes or so to get an even sear. Use tongs, not a fork, to turn the filets to preserve the flavorful juices.

Step 5
Return the seared meat to a cutting board, and season generously with herbs or other seasonings. Place the rack in the roasting or broiling pan, and lay the filets on the rack. Roast to an internal temperature of 120 degrees Fahrenheit for medium-rare, about 15 to 20 minutes.

Broiling Tenderloin Steaks

Step 1
Preheat the broiler for 10 minutes. Season the 1-inch-thick steaks.

Step 2
Place the beef on the rack of a broiler pan. Position the pan 3 to 4 inches from the broiler.

Step 3
Broil for 13 to 16 minutes for medium-rare to medium, turning occasionally. Use tongs, not a fork, to turn the meat to avoid losing flavorful juices.

Tips
Control the cooking by adjusting the broiler pan's distance from the broiler rather than adjusting the heat. If the meat is browning too quickly, move the oven rack down.

References
Chef's Resources: Beef Tenderloin
“Fine Cooking”; Roasting a Beef Tenderloin; Katherine Alford
Texas Beef Council: Broiling

How to Replace Lard with Butter

eHow
July 19

Lard, or rendered pork fat, makes a wonderfully flaky pie crust, but is extremely high in saturated fat. Those who are health conscious may want a substitute that is more heart-healthy and figure-friendly. Most fats can be substituted for lard for baking, frying or sautéing. Because butter, like lard, is solid at room temperature, it is a good alternative. It is more flavorful than lard and somewhat lower in saturated fat.

Step 1
Substitute butter for lard in baking. Use 5 tbsp butter for every 4 tbsp lard the recipe calls for. In pie crusts and other pastry recipes, use very cold butter to achieve a similar flakiness.

Step 2
Substitute butter for lard when frying. Lard has a very high smoking temperature, so it can be heated to frying temperatures without burning. The solids in melted butter cause it to burn, but clarified butter can be heated much like lard.

Step 3
Make clarified butter. Melt butter over low heat until white deposits form on the bottom of the pan. Strain the butter and discard the white solids. Refrigerate the clarified butter and remove any solidified milk residue that remains.

References and Resources
The Cook’s Thesaurus: Fats
All Recipes: Common Ingredient Substitutions

How to Cut a Breast for Cutlets

eHow
July 18

Cutlets, also called paillards or scaloppini, are very thin cuts of chicken, veal, beef, turkey or pork. They cook quickly, making them perfect for grilling or sauteing because they won’t dry out before cooking through. Poultry cutlets are made from the breast, which can be sliced or pounded thinly. Cutlets can be purchased from the butcher, but slicing your own from a breast is simple and inexpensive.

Things You'll Need
Boneless chicken breasts
Cutting board
Chef’s knife
Plastic wrap, wax paper or parchment paper
Meat mallet or heavy instrument

Step 1
Refrigerate the chicken breasts for at least 30 minutes before making cutlets. This will make them firm and easier to slice safely.

Step 2
Lay the breasts on a sterile cutting board. Place your palm firmly on top of the breast to hold it in place.

Step 3
Use a large, sharp chef’s knife to slice the breast in half lengthwise, parallel to the board.

Step 4
Cut almost through the breast, stopping about a 1/4 inch from the opposite side. Open the breast like a book. This is a butterfly cut. To make smaller cutlets rather than a large butterflied cut, slice all the way through, dividing the breast into two halves.

Step 5
Pound the cutlets into even thinner paillards, if desired. Cover the cutlets with wax paper, parchment paper or plastic wrap. Use a meat mallet, heavy frying pan or rolling pin to pound them into desired, even thinness.

References
Recipe Tips: How to Make Cutlets/Paillards

Birds of Ice in Mythology

eHow
July 17

Mythology is an ancient method of describing the phenomena of the world through legend and lore. Animals are often the heroes of these stories, taking on human qualities. Each story and creature carries with it meaningful symbolism passed down through ancient channels to give meaning to ritual and history. The kingfisher is often described as the “ice bird,” which represents reincarnation and devotion in some cultures and farce in others.

Kingfisher in Mythology
The kingfisher is called “Eisvogel” in German and “ijsvogel” in Dutch: literally, “ice bird.” Kingfishers live where fish are plentiful, along lakes, streams and rivers, and they winter on the coasts. The pigeon-sized bird can be seen hovering above the surface of the water before plunging headfirst to capture its prey. Its loud cry sounds like high-pitched laughter, a trait that likely gave the kingfisher its place in Native American legend. The kingfisher was called “Halcyon” by the Greeks, who celebrated the Alcyo’nides (Halycon days), a period in the winter of calm seas when the kingfisher lays its eggs. The eggs are protected during this nesting period from wind and waves.

Alcyo'nides
In Greek mythology, the story of the ice birds represents love and commitment. The Alcyo’nides (or Alkyonides) were the seven nymph daughters of Alkyoneus, king of the giants. The daughters were named Phosthonia, Anthe, Methone, Alkippa, Pallene, Drimo and Asterie. When their father was slain by Heralces (or Hercules), the daughters flung themselves into the sea. Amphitrite, sea-goddess and wife of Poseidon, transformed them into ice birds, or kingfishers. The Alcyo’nides signifies prosperity, joy, liberation and tranquility.

Halcyon and Ceyx
There is another Greek myth of the Halcyon. The goddess Halcyon was married to the mortal king Ceyx. One day, Ceyx had to travel by sea to Delphi, despite the protests of his wife, who was afraid of the sea. A huge storm swept Ceyx’s ship into the sea, and he asked Poseidon to return his body to his wife’s arms. Meanwhile, not knowing her husband’s fate, Halcyon appealed to the goddess Hera to protect her husband. It was too late, and Hera sent Morpheus, god of dreams, to Halycon to inform her of the tragedy. Halcyon went to the coast where she found Ceyx’s body and cast herself into the sea. Moved by her devotion, the gods transformed her into a seabird and Ceyx into a kingfisher so they could be together.

Kingfisher's War Bonnet
The kingfisher symbol also occurs in Native American folklore. Old Man and Wolf were hunting in the winter. They had traveled a long way and had no meat to eat. They came upon a river covered with ice where four fat otters were playing. Old Man warned the Wolf not to chase the otters over the ice, because he could fall into the river and die. Old Man did not want to be left alone without a companion. The Wolf did not heed his warning and chased the otters until he fell into a hole in the ice and was swept under. Old Man cried and wailed at the loss of his companion when a nearby kingfisher began to laugh at him. Angered, Old Man swung his war club at the bird, grazing the feathers of its head and making them stand upright. As punishment for laughing at Old Man, the kingfisher’s feathers would always stand up like a war bonnet.

References
All About Birds: Belted Kingfisher
Theoi Greek Mythology: Alkyonides
Greek Myths & Greek Mythology: The Myth of Halcyon—The Halcyon Days
First People: Why Kingfisher Wears a War Bonnet

How to Pan-Fry Artichokes

eHow
July 15


Pan-fried artichokes are a hearty addition to a salad or a flavorful side dish to accompany any meal. Artichokes are edible thistles, commonly used in Mediterranean cooking. The tough outer leaves and inner choke are inedible in mature artichokes, but the tender inner leaves and fleshy “heart” are robust and pleasantly bitter. Pan-fried artichokes can be seasoned to taste with garlic and herbs, or enjoyed with a simple sprinkling of salt and freshly ground pepper.

Things You'll Need
Large bowl
1/2 lemon
3 globe artichokes
paring knife
paper towels
large non-stick skillet
1 ½ tbsp extra virgin olive oil
salt and pepper

Step 1

Fill a large bowl with cold water and add the juice of half a lemon.

Step 2

Cut the stem off each artichoke.

 

Step 3

Snap off the tough, outer leaves until you reach the yellow inner core. Cut the tough, pointed tips off each leaf.

Step 4
Use a paring knife to remove the dark green leaf bases surrounding the heart. Cut the heart in half. Remove the fuzzy choke and discard.

Step 5
Rinse the hearts with cold water and submerge in the lemon water.

Step 6
Slice the artichokes lengthwise into thin slices and return to the lemon water to prevent browning from oxidation. Drain well and pat dry with paper towels.

Step 7
Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat and add the oil.

Step 8
When the oil is hot, add the artichokes. Reduce heat to medium and cook for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are browned and crispy. Season with salt and pepper.

References
“The Seattle Times”; Recipe: Artichokes, 2 Ways; April 19, 2006

The History of Marxism and Feminism

eHow
July 15

Marxism and feminism complement one another in many ways, as both are centrally concerned with oppression and inequality. Marxist theory states that people are oppressed by the ruling class and that production, namely capitalism, is the ruling force of society. According to feminist theory, women are oppressed by a male-driven society. Marxist feminism, the intersection of the two philosophies, calls for the dismantling of capitalism to free the proletariat and promote gender equality.

History of Marxism
Karl Marx was a German political economist and philosopher in the late 19th century who addressed class struggle, a war between the “haves” and the “have-nots.” Class inequality, he believed, was a result of capitalism, through which the bourgeoisie exploited the working class. The owners of the means of production have control over the class responsible for production, and this power struggle, under capitalism, will always favor the owners. Marx was also an important figure in the development of the theory of political economy, whereby the people who have the means of producing media and disseminating information are, by default, the ruling intellectual class, and their audiences are subject to the ideas produced by the haves, often without realizing it.

History of Feminism
The beginning of Western feminism is usually associated with suffrage and women’s rights movements of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Feminist history is divided into three “waves.” First-wave feminism is characterized by suffrage and the fight for equal rights. Second-wave feminism began around the 1960s, and promoted equal rights beyond suffrage, like ending institutionalized discrimination and reforming traditional, oppressive power structures. Third-wave feminism, starting in the 1980s and continuing today, includes men of women of all ethnicities, religions, classes and cultural backgrounds for equality across all identities. The third wave marks the first time that feminist discourse was not limited to privileged whites.

Marxist-Feminism
During much of Marx’s time, women were not part of the sociopolitical equation, but Marxism’s ideological foundation — that self-reinforcing power structures oppress and exploit a lower class — fits well with feminist ideology. The struggle between the bourgeoisie and the working class is parallel in many ways to the struggle of white, male-dominated society with women and minorities. Both ideologies accept that property ownership and material wealth give a ruling class the power to oppress an underclass, be it women or working people. Marxist feminists focus on the dismantling of the capitalist structure as a way to liberate women.

Marxism and Feminism Today
While capitalism is still alive today, women have made significant inroads toward equality in a capitalist society. Women have gained more control over their reproductive rights through access to birth control and abortion. Marriage rates have decreased over the last several decades as women are able to live independently. Political representation has increased, but there remains a paucity of women in politics. Advancements have been made in laws to protect women from sexual violence. But capitalism remains an enigma to equality. Women are consistently paid less than their male counterparts and hold fewer leadership positions despite accounting for most college graduates. Working mothers in many Western countries do not receive adequate maternity leave. Women are also oppressed by the commoditization of their bodies through capitalist institutions like the pornography industry and prostitution.

References and Resources
Library of Economics and Liberty; Marxism; David L. Prychitko
International Viewpoint; Marxism and Feminism; Frederique Vinteuil
International Socialism; Marxism and Feminism Today; Judith Orr; June 2010
The Workers International League: Marxism and Feminism

Civic Journalism vs. Traditional Journalism

eHow
July 15, 2011

Civic journalism as a practice is based on the philosophy that journalism should work to affect change in public life. Citizens of democratic countries must have the tools to make sound decisions about public life, and journalism can be seen as the bearer of those tools. Traditional journalism is the reporting of events objectively and without value judgment. These two forms of journalism espouse contradictory philosophies, but they can work in tandem for a responsible press.

Traditional Journalism
The institution of journalism strives for the ideal of objectivity. While true objectivity can never be achieved—people inherently have a point of view and a way of presenting facts—it is the standard journalist's work to achieve fairness and balance. Reporters must take themselves out of the story, presenting the facts without judgment or analysis. From the reporting stage through final editing, news stories are put to rigorous tests of objectivity. Opinion and analysis are relegated to the op-ed page.

Civic Journalism
The Pew Center for Civic Journalism writes that journalism has an obligation to public life “that goes beyond just telling the news or unloading lots of facts.” Civic journalism requires interpretation of facts and making meaning of stories for audiences. This occurs most often on the op-ed pages, where journalists can have voice without coming under fire for subjective reporting. An editor or columnist might interpret last night’s city council meeting or upcoming ballot initiatives so citizens have points of view to take with them to the polls, for instance. Civic journalism also requires that the public have an outlet to participate in the discussion. This is achieved with the comments section online, letters to the editor and face-to-face meetings with journalists. Ultimately, civic journalism helps the public find solutions to problems of public concern by initiating and mediating fruitful discourse.

Ethics of Civic Journalism
Civic journalists are free to express opinions and different viewpoints. They have no obligation to objectivity, but they must act independently. Civic journalists cannot be the mouthpiece of a party, politician or special interest under the guise of responsible journalism; the journalist’s obligation is to the audience. Despite abandoning the notion of objectivity, civic journalists cannot disregard good journalistic practices. Good judgment, fairness, accuracy, balance and truth are vital to a successful civic press. The goal is not to dictate solutions, but create a discussion to facilitate sound public decision-making.

Problems with Civic Journalism
Not all journalists are on board with the civic journalism movement. One concern is that newspapers, most of which are for-profit business ventures, have their economic interests to grapple with first. The stories and opinions that will sell the most papers are what appear more often. Some traditionalists take issue with reporters shaping policy outcomes and “creating” news by intentionally driving citizens to action. Another problem is with public perceptions of news. The public tends to think that the press is arrogant and out of touch, and these feelings are exacerbated when newspapers start telling people what to think or, at the very least, what to think about.

References
Pew Center for Civic Journalism: Doing Civic Journalism
Poynter Institute: The Ethics of Civic Journalism: Independence as the Guide; Bob Steele; August 25, 2002
Poynter Institute: Civic Journalism Embraced, But Cautiously; Bill Mitchell; March 2, 2011

Resources
Kettering Foundation: Politics of Self-Rule: Six Public Practices

Foods to Eat Before an Eating Contest

eHow
July 14, 2011

Competitive eating is viewed as absurd entertainment, but it is truly an endurance sport in many ways. Competitive eaters spend months training for an activity that takes a real toll on the body. The nutritional aspect of training for eating contests resembles what a marathoner might do: carbohydrate-loading. Carb-loading gives the muscles stamina by storing readily-accessible energy that last throughout the competition.

Training for Competitive Eating
Competitive eaters have to stay fit to endure such a grueling competition. In addition to a regular fitness routine, competitive eaters have to stretch their stomachs to accommodate the volume of food consumed in a competition. They do this by downing progressively more food each day until they reach a volume comparable to what they’ll eat in competition. This year’s Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest champion, Joey Chestnut, downed 62 hot dogs in 10 minutes. Staying slim gives competitors an advantage -- their stomachs can expand more when they aren’t surrounded with excess fat.

Carbohydrate-Loading
Diet is paramount in the days leading up to competition. Carbohydrates are the best nutrients for storing energy for endurance competitions like eating contests because they are converted to sugar in the bloodstream and then stored in the liver and muscles as glycogen, a prime energy source. To properly carb-load, adjust your carbohydrate intake to account for 50 to 55 percent of your total calories one week before competition, a decrease in percentage for most people. Adjust your protein and fat to account for lost carbs. Keep training at normal levels to deplete glycogen stores, making room for the coming load. Three to four days before the event, increase your carbs to 70 percent of total caloric intake, and decrease fat intake. Scale back on training to save up glycogen, and rest the day before the event. Don’t enter the competition on an empty stomach. Eat a small breakfast high in carbs and low in fiber to stimulate digestion without filling you up.

Carb-Rich Foods
Carbohydrates are plant-based foods, like grains, fruits and vegetables. Dairy is also high in carbohydrates. During training, competitive eaters should try to consumer 15 servings of grains, six servings of fruit, six servings of vegetables and five servings of low-fat dairy. Good grains include bread, rice and pasta. Low fat yogurt, cheese and milk are carb-rich dairy products. Green vegetables, fruits and fruit juices are good, nutrient-dense vegetables, but starchy vegetables like corn, peas, potatoes and dried beans pack a greater carbohydrate punch per serving.

Foods to Avoid
High-fat foods should be avoided before competition. Fat supplies energy to the body, but it is much slower to break down and start fueling muscles than glycogen. It also takes longer to digest than carbohydrates, which can deplete your energy before restoring it. Fiber should also be avoided the day of a contest. Fiber is very filling, and, while it is necessary to eat something the day of a competition, it is not wise to fill up beforehand. Protein is a vital nutrient for most athletes because it builds and repairs muscle. Eating contests require endurance, but competitive eaters do not experience muscle break-down that other athletes do. While protein intake should be maintained during fitness training, it is an insufficient source of energy for the day of a competition.

References
Mayo Clinic: Carbohydrate-Loading Diet
Marathon Guide; Nutrition for the Endurance Athlete; Allegra Burton
Yahoo! Sports: Hot Dog Eating Contest Tips: Stretch Your Stomach; Derrick Williams; June 23, 2011
Original Nathan's Famous Frankfurters; Joey Chestnut Wins Fifth Nathan's Title; July 4, 2011

The Definition of Hawaiian Slack Roping

eHow
July 14, 2011

Hawaiian slacklining, sometimes called "slack roping," is a balance sport akin to tightrope walking, whereby thin nylon webbing is anchored by two points. Unlike a tightrope, which is suspended taut between its anchors, slack rope stretches and bounces, requiring the walker to constantly shift balance. Slacklining is popular in Hawaii, a haven for outdoor sports enthusiasts.

Slacklining
The slack rope or slack line is usually a 1-inch rope of nylon webbing. The elasticity of the material keeps it from tying tautly between two trees, rock walls or other anchor points. Slackliners walk the length of the rope, swaying and bouncing with each step. This constant movement forces a shift of balance on each step to maintain a center of gravity. Most slacklining is done inches or feet from the ground, but extreme slackliners take the sport hundreds, even thousands, of feet in the air.

Tricklining
Slacklining done low to the ground is called lowlining. Some slackliners take advantage of the safety of lowlining by performing tricks, a variation called tricklining. From walking backward to flipping on the line, trickliners work to come up with the most inventive moves while maintaining their balance. Another variation is waterlining, slacklining done above the water. This gives slackliners more freedom to do tricks without the risk of injury from a fall. Yoga slacklining is another form of tricklining. Practitioners take traditional yoga poses to the slackline to challenge their balance and core strength.

Highlining
The most extreme variation on slacklining is highlining, done high over the ground or water. The slack rope is anchored securely to two points and usually reinforced with backup webbing. Most slackliners wear a harness tethered to the line as a safety measure, but some risk serious injury or death by highlining unharnessed.

History of Slacklining
The first record of slacklining was in Yosemite Park in the 1970s. Rock climbers strung chains between two posts at the campgrounds during down time between climbs. Slacklining has really taken off in the last several years thanks to websites like YouTube and social networking sites that allow slackliners to share videos of the sport with large, international audiences. Slacklining is becoming more extreme, as people try to post the most outrageous stunts. The risk involved and the environmental impact the sport can have on the trees used as anchors has caused several college campuses to ban the activity.

References
"Honolulu Advertiser"; Walk This Way: Slacklining Growing in Popularity; Kristen Wyatt; November 2008
Slackline.com: Welcome
Mountain Shrew: What Is Tricklining?

What Is Semi-Skim Milk?

eHow
July 14, 2011

Milk in the United States in sold in four nutritional varieties: whole, reduced-fat, low-fat and skim, differentiated by percentage of milk fat. Whole milk is full-fat, just as it comes from the cow. Skim milk, low- and reduced-fat have had varying amounts of milk fat skimmed from the surface, reducing fat content. Milk in the United Kingdom follows a similar set of regulations, labeled whole, semi-skimmed and skimmed.

EU Milk Standards
Dairy is regulated by European Union standards in the United Kingdom. The EU sets the guidelines for labeling milk according to the percent of milk fat by volume. Whole milk has nothing added or removed when it comes from the cow. It is pasteurized and homogenized, but no fat is removed. Milk must contain a minimum of 3.5 percent milk fat to be labeled whole. Semi-skimmed milk in the United Kingdom has some of the fat removed, leaving 1.7 percent fat content. Skimmed milk has nearly all of the fat removed, leaving an average of 0.1 percent milk fat. The EU recently added a classification for milk that falls outside of the standard milk fat percentages. Milk with a fat content other than 3.5, 1.7 or 0.1 percent can be labeled with that percentage, but cannot be called skimmed, semi-skimmed or whole. Many manufacturers are producing 1 percent milk as a result.

United States Regulations
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration sets standards for milk labeling based on fat content as well. Whole milk contains 3.5 percent milk fat, reduced-fat milk contains 2 percent milk fat, low-fat milk contains 1 percent milk fat and skim milk, also called non-fat or fat-free, contains no more than 0.2 percent milk fat. Just as semi-skimmed milk in the U.K. is produced, reduced-fat and low-fat milk are semi-skimmed, but they are not labeled as such.

Choosing Semi-Skim
Semi-skimmed milk has about half the fat content of whole milk. It is lower in calories and slightly lower in Vitamin A, a result of removing milk fat. Unlike skimmed milk, which can be watery and flavorless, semi-skimmed milk retains much of the flavor and some of the creaminess of whole milk without the full fat and calories. In the United States, reduced-fat and low-fat milk also contain less fat and fewer calories. Reduced-fat is slightly creamier, resembling whole milk more closely than low-fat, but low-fat is a creamier alternative to skim milk.

Pasteurization and Homogenization
Most milk on the U.K. market and all milk sold in the U.S. is pasteurized. Pasteurization is a process of rapidly heating the milk to high temperatures, killing harmful microorganisms and prolonging shelf life. Most milk in the U.K. and all U.S. milk is also homogenized. This is a process of straining milk at high pressure through very fine holes to break up fat globules and distribute them uniformly through the liquid, producing a smooth product and preventing a cream layer from forming. Milk in the U.S. is also fortified to add and restore nutrients lost in processing, like Vitamins D and A.

References
UK Dairy Council: Varieties of Milk
Dairy Council of California: Types of Milk

How Has Jazz Ballet Developed?

eHow
July 14, 2011

Jazz is a style of dance born out of African and Caribbean traditions and fused with techniques of classical ballet. Jazz, as it is commonly called in America, was the catalyst for musical theatre and other forms of dance, including swing and hip hop. Sometimes called “jazz ballet” in Europe, this truly American style of dance has influenced dance performance the world over.

Origins of Jazz Dance
The roots of jazz in America can be traced back to the arrival of the first slaves in the 1600s. Slaves from various tribal cultures brought to America language, music and dance, all of which were brutally suppressed by the Slave Act of 1740, which prohibited the playing of African drums and dancing. Still, the rhythm and movements of African dance seeped into white American culture, evolving into what we now know as jazz dance.

Minstrelsy and Musical Comedy
In the 19th century, whites began to imitate slave dances in minstrel and vaudeville shows, donning blackface and parodying the slave experience. These performances influenced the beginning of musical comedy in the 20th century. In the 1920s, when the economy was booming and new forms of music like ragtime and Dixieland were emerging, throwbacks to slave dances became commonplace in everyday society, most notably, The Charleston. The Depression Era of the 1930s saw a change in jazz music and the introduction of black jazz musicians like Duke Ellington and Louis Armstrong. This new syncopated rhythm in the music gave rise to swing and Big Band. During this same time, Fred Astaire took musical theatre to the silver screen. His unique style seamlessly blended ballet and jazz into graceful and technical, yet rhythmic, movements.

Cole and Fosse
Jack Cole is known as “the father of American jazz dance.” His style influenced the musical theatre that exists today, first showcased in classics like “West Side Story.” Latin and rock-and-roll music also had enormous influence on jazz dance during this time in the 1950s. Cole’s works inspired the styles of his contemporaries, including Alvin Ailey, Jerome Robbins and Carol Haney. Twenty years later, in the 1970s, Bob Fosse became one of the world’s leading choreographers. His style modernized Broadway with sharp, erotic movements and the ever-famous “jazz hands.”

Modern Forms of Dance
Jazz dance has evolved to influence many modern forms of dance. It gave rise to breakdancing in 1970s New York City and hip hop in the 1990s. Broadway shows and movies that centered around jazz dance brought the modern form of dance to the forefront of American culture. “Flashdance,” “Footloose,” “Fame” and “Dirty Dancing” are cultural icons that gave jazz its biggest audience in history. Styles of dance continually meld and evolve. Modern jazz is a dynamic style, unique to each individual choreographer.

References
University of Houston: Jazz Dance History; Jacqueline Nalett
Bob Boross Freestyle Jazz Dance: Jazz Dance History in America
Vance’s Fantastic Classic Black Dance Theatre: African American Contributions to Theatrical Dance

Resources
PBS: Bob Fosse

What Is Endorsed Mail?

eHow
July 13, 2011

An endorsed mailing is a technique of sending a sales message under the name of an individual or organization familiar or credible to your target audience. Associating the message with someone or something that the prospective client trusts captures the recipient’s attention and gives the message credibility. Including endorsements on direct mail is a tried and true business strategy.

Benefits of Endorsed Mail
Sales letters often go straight from mailbox to trashcan. Endorsed mail catches the eye of the recipient or gatekeeper to the recipient, and gets the message put into the pile with magazines, bills and personal letters, rather than the garbage. With good design, the brand can be established with this first glance. Even without reading the entire letter, the catalyst for name recognition is secured.

Selecting an Endorser
An endorsement often comes in the form of a testimonial. An established client shares his positive experience with the company in a brief statement, and that experience is shared through direct mail. These are most effective when the endorser is relevant to the target market. He can be local, in the same age cohort or in the same profession as those on your mailing list, to name a few examples. Celebrity endorsements are also common. Using local celebrities like the city’s mayor, business celebrities like the company’s district manager or celebrities like a TV star are ways to capture attention and establish trust.

Procuring the Endorsement
If you are using a client’s statement as your endorsement, you must have her permission to print it. She may be very happy to share her positive experience, but she may be averse. Always have express permission to run the statement, name, photograph and other information before going to the presses. When using a celebrity endorser, confirm all parties are comfortable with the message, product or service. Also confirm that the celebrity’s reputation is one you want associated with your company. You may have to compensate big-name celebrities for their likeness, so be prepared. Industry professionals and local people may be willing to help because it is good for business, or they may offer an exchange of services.

Effective Endorsed Mailings
Business strategists have endless tips for getting consumers to open their mail and respond to their brands. One way is to place your message in an envelope that could be the endorser’s own stationery. Inside, the endorsement should be personal. A cover letter should address the reader: “My experience with XYZ, Inc. was unforgettable. Their services benefit people like you and me.” Another approach is an eye-catching note with a personal message: “Thought you might be interested!” Letters in 9-by-12-inch formats are recommended, and teasers like “Do Not Bend” on the outer envelope work well, but postal codes require that something of value be enclosed to use such messages.

References
Profit Advisors: How to Use Endorsed Mailings to Increase Response to Your Sales Letters; Michael C. Gray; 1998
Publishing Executive: Kiplinger’s VP Sales and Marketing Says Endorsed Mailings Effective…; Hallie Mummert; 2006