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Italy coach Cesare Prandelli has included 34-year-old striker Antonio Di Natale in his 32-man provisional squad for UEFA EURO 2012.

Di Natale fell short of topping the Serie a scoring charts for a third straight season but nevertheless found the net 23 times for Udinese Calcio this term. he now boasts 80 league goals in his last three campaigns, though he has not featured for the Azzurri since the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

There are other surprise inclusions in attack, with Fabio Borini confirmed in the list after making his debut in a friendly against United States in February. Mattia Destro, 21, earns his first call after scoring 12 goals for AC Siena this season.

In midfield, meanwhile, Bologna FC’s Alessandro Diamanti, capped only once in a friendly game against Romania in November 2010, has also been named by Prandelli. The former West Ham United FC player scored seven goals with the Rossoblù this season. also included are potential debutants like Emanuele Giaccherini, who won the Scudetto with Juventus this term, Atalanta BC pair Luca Cigarini and Ezequiel Schelotto, and 19-year-old Marco Verratti, who plays for Serie B high-fliers Pescara Calcio.

Italy open their Group C campaign against UEFA EURO 2008 champions Spain on 10 June before facing Croatia four days later and the Republic of Ireland on 18 June.

Provisional squadGoalkeepers: Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus), Morgan de Sanctis (SSC Napoli), Salvatore Sirigu (Paris Saint-Germain FC), Emiliano Viviano (US Città di Palermo).

Defenders: Ignazio Abate (AC Milan), Davide Astori (Cagliari Calcio) Federico Balzaretti (US Città di Palermo), Andrea Barzagli (Juventus), Salvatore Bocchetti (FC Rubin Kazan), Leonardo Bonucci (Juventus), Giorgio Chiellini (Juventus), Domenico Criscito (FC Zenit Saint Petersburg), Christian Maggio (SSC Napoli), Angelo Obinze Ogbonna (Torino FC), Andrea Ranocchia (FC Internazionale Milano).

Midfielders: Luca Cigarini (Atalanta BC), Daniele de Rossi (AS Roma), Alessandro Diamanti (Bologna FC), Emanuele Giaccherini (Juventus), Claudio Marchisio (Juventus), Riccardo Montolivo (ACF Fiorentina), Thiago Motta (Paris Saint-Germain FC), Antonio Nocerino (AC Milan), Andrea Pirlo (Juventus), Ezequiel Schelotto (Atalanta BC), Marco Verratti (Pescara Calcio).

Forwards: Mario Balotelli (Manchester City FC), Fabio Borini (AS Roma), Antonio Cassano (AC Milan), Mattia Destro (AC Siena), Antonio Di Natale (Udinese Calcio), Sebastian Giovinco (FC Parma).

Since then we have been not dating. I say “not dating” because she has set up some boundaries that she says have to do with a previous relationship, an on-and-off sort of deal with a guy who was emotionally abusive and an alcoholic.
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Attachment parenting (often known as AP) has received a lot of attention in the wake of May 2012 article in Time Magazine, which featured a controversial cover shot of a 4-year old breastfeeding. Lots of people have seen the cover, but many less have read the articles in the magazine related to attachment parenting, leaving the impression that AP is simply extended breastfeeding, which is untrue. so what exactly is attachment parenting?First of all, there

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Whatever differences groups and individuals might have, there is one subject on which they should agree: Children should not go hungry. But that's what's happening in the state and in northeast Indiana, according to a new study by Feeding America.
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A venerable name in freight delivery will soon be hauling more than just packages to the businesses in your neighborhood.

This week, UPS announced a new partnership with Bridgeline that will deliver an array of eCommerce expertise and service offerings to the company most recognizable for its fleet of drivers and delivery trucks adorned in brown.

Shares of Bridgeline exploded Tuesday on news that the company entered into a multi-year agreement to offer B2B and B2C eCommerce web stores with an end-to-end offering comprised of Bridgeline’s “Total eCommerce” solution and UPS logistics and fulfillment services.

“Fulfillment and delivery are critical to the customer experience in eCommerce,” says Alan Amling, Marketing Director for UPS Global Logistics and Distribution. “Through this alliance with Bridgeline and the iAPPS Product Suite, UPS is making it easier for more businesses to tap into a world class end-to-end platform engineered to support their business needs.“

Delivering More than Before

As Daily Deal Media reported last month, eCommerce, mobile technologies, and the cutting-edge demands of today’s equally cutting-edge consumers are changing the ways that companies like UPS do business.

In may, the United States Postal Service (USPS) began offering the 2012 Mobile Commerce and Personalization Promotion to encourage commercial mailers to use mobile marketing tools on their mail.

“Mobile technologies continue to be one of the fastest-growing marketing sectors,” says Gary Reblin, vice president of Domestic Products at the United States Postal Service. According to Reblin, during the 2011 holiday shopping season, mobile purchases were up from 5.5 percent of ecommerce sales in 2010 to 11 percent in 2011. “The integration of direct mail with mobile technologies will not only improve the long-term value of direct mail but also increase returns for merchants,” Reblin argues.

Above and Beyond the General Consumer

“eCommerce solutions are becoming exponentially most important to business customers,” independent business analyst Mike Randazzo tells Daily Deal Media. “the promise of world class logistics and fulfillment from UPS through the new Bridgeline partnership really underscores the pace of growth this industry is experiencing.“

According to Randazzo, the masses will be more inclined to use traditional mailing services as integration with mobile technologies increases. Enterprise users, on the other hand, want practical and affordable eCommerce solutions just the same. so while UPS and the USPS might be touting ostensibly different services and offerings, they are certainly more closely related than most observers would initially recognize.

“the world is becoming a more efficient place through technology,” Randazzo says. “the companies that will dominate logistics and freight services in the coming years will be those that most skillfully adapt to changing technologies today. And from the looks of it, the brands and organizations that we already know and trust the most are those taking the most aggressive steps to remain on the forefront of new technologies and the services born from them.“

 Bridgeline

The Los Angeles Kings will try to clinch the first Stanley Cup title in franchise history tonight, when they go for a sweep of the visiting new Jersey Devils in Game 4 at the Staples Center.

After taking the first two games of this best-of-seven series in overtime, the Kings carried a 2-0 lead back to Los Angeles and Darryl Sutter’s club pushed that advantage to three games after pounding the Devils, 4-0, in Monday’s Game 3 at the Staples Center.

The Kings, who began this amazing playoff run as the eighth seed in the West, have compiled a superb 15-2 record this postseason and will shoot for the second sweep of a seven-game series in franchise history tonight. Los Angeles’ first sweep came in the second round this spring, when it rolled past second- seeded St. Louis in four games.

The last sweep in the Stanley Cup Finals was the Detroit Red Wings over the Washington Capitals in 1998. the Red Wings also swept the Philadelphia Flyers a year earlier — part of a streak of four straight years of sweeps starting in 1995.

Los Angeles entered the league as an expansion club in 1967-68 and is in the Cup Finals for only the second time in franchise history after losing in five games to Montreal in 1993. the Devils, meanwhile, have won three Stanley Cups in their history, but they’ll have to pull off a highly improbable comeback to pick up a fourth title.

Only three teams in NHL history have rebounded from 3-0 deficits to win a series and the only club to do it in the Cup Finals was the 1942 Toronto Maple Leafs, who rallied to defeat Detroit.

“We haven’t talked about the statistics of the situation we’re in,” Devils head coach Peter DeBoer told the media on Tuesday. “We feel we don’t belong in the hole we’re in right now based on the way we’ve played, but we are. got to stick with it and win one game. That’s where it starts.”

The Kings, who are 10-0 as the road team in this postseason, improved to 5-2 on home ice after Monday’s lopsided victory. Jonathan quick made 22 saves for his third shutout of the playoffs and the Kings killed off all six new Jersey power plays in the 4-0 win.

Alec Martinez and Anze Kopitar scored in the second period and Jeff Carter and Justin Williams added power-play goals in the third for the Kings, who won their first-ever home game in the Stanley Cup Finals.

It was the fourth time this postseason the Western Conference’s No. 8 seed took a 3-0 series lead, making L.a. the first team to achieve that feat since the NHL adopted the best-of-seven format for all four rounds in the spring of 1987.

“We are just trying to win one game here, that’s all we are trying to do,” said quick. “We’re taking it one game at a time. we came in today looking to win one game and we were able to do that. we are just looking to win one game on Wednesday.”

Quick raised his playoff save percentage to .950 and lowered his goals-against average to 1.36, making his case to win the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoffs MVP if the Kings can pull it out. the numbers are even better than the sparkling stats that made him a Vezina Trophy finalist in the regular season.

“You need outstanding goaltending to win playoff games. He’s given us that,” said Kings coach Darryl Sutter.

Martin Brodeur gave up all four goals on 21 shots for the Devils, whose six failed power plays included a 5-on-3 opportunity in the first period.

The Devils only have two goals on 72 shots in this series and if quick can post another shutout to clinch the series in Game 4 then the Devils will tie the 1952 Montreal Canadiens for the fewest goals ever in a Cup Finals series.

Despite the struggles in this round, the Devils hope to play better tonight with their backs against the wall.

“We will be a desperate team,” said Devils forward Ilya Kovalchuk. “Our backs are against the wall. we can’t lose anymore. we are going to fight through the end, obviously. It’s never easy. We’re going to fight anyway [to the] last second.”

In Game 3, the Kings had Simon Gagne back for the first time since the veteran forward suffered a concussion Dec. 26, but the Devils will be the team making changes heading into tonight’s contest. Veteran forward Petr Sykora will take Jacob Josefson in the lineup in an effort to add offense and defenseman Henrik Tallinder will replace Peter Harrold on the back end.

Sykora has two goals and two assists in 15 playoff games this spring, but hasn’t played since Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals against the new York Rangers. Tallinder had six assists in just 39 games during the regular season, but the Swede has been out since Jan. 17 due to a blood clot in his left leg.

New Jersey has a 6-5 record on the road in this postseason and had claimed five of seven as the guest until losing Monday in L.a. If the Devils can stave off elimination tonight, then they’ll host Game 5 this Saturday at the Prudential Center.

This year’s Cup Finals marks the first-ever playoff battle between the Kings and Devils and the teams only met twice during the 2011-12 regular season. new Jersey and L.a. faced each other twice in October and the Devils won both contests.

THE MOTHER of a boy with special needs has pleaded with her local authority to help modify her home to prevent her son from injuring himself. Frances Healy (55), a single mother from Garryowen, Co Limerick, says she has been forced to cover many of the …
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Irish Times

By Kurt Schlosser

If you’re a big fan of Johnny Depp or Natalie Portman or Michael J. Fox, you might know that they all share a birthday today, June 9. I happen to know this because I share it with them. Yay, me!

Getty Images (2), EPA

Johnny Depp (49), Natalie Portman (31) and Michael J. Fox (51) were all born on June 9.

It’s not a big deal to share a birthday with a famous person. There are a lot of us and a few handfuls of them. Someone you know out there is always blowing out candles on the same day as someone you don’t know but wish you did.

I did some digging around on June 9 birthdays for selfish reasons and found out that beyond Depp, Portman and Fox, I’ve got a big list of invites to make for the greatest party ever.

Looking past dozens of composers and soccer players I’ve never heard of, the list includes some impressive dead and living souls.

The Russian ruler Peter the great was born on this date in 1672. He’ll probably want to be in charge of the party seating chart. And the menu. And the coat check. And valet.

The bandleader Fred Waring (b. 1900) provided financial backing for the first electric blendor which holds his name to this day. put that guy behind the bar.

Long before the transit of Venus this past week, German astronomer Johann Galle (b. 1812) was staring into space. He’s credited with knowing what Neptune was before anyone else. if he leaves the table, look for him outside.

Colin Archer / AP file

You like rock ‘n’ roll? You can thank Les Paul for inventing the solid body electric guitar.

The party will need a little music, of course. Let’s see what composer Cole Porter (b. 1891), electric guitar god Les Paul (b. 1915) and Muse frontman Matthew Bellamy (b. 1978) can come up with. And feel free to ask Bellamy about his kid with Kate Hudson.

Looking for a little deep conversation at the party table? Saddle up next to Robert McNamara (b. 1916) and discuss Vietnam War startegy with the former secretary of defense under Presidents Kennedy and Johnson. but go watch “Fog of War” first, a top-notch documentary for sure.

Comedian Jackie Mason (b. 1936) is probably good for a few jokes. but if you’d rather talk sports, particularly basketball, you’ll want to get some Q.T. with Dick Vitale (b. 1939), baby! You’ll be a P.T. player by June 10.

Step away from the party and head to the TV room for a break. You’ll find Donald Duck (b. 1934) cartoon reruns playing. June 9 is officially recognized as the character’s birthday by Disney.

Speaking of cartoons, maybe Abraham Groening (b. 1991) can handle the invites. He’s the son of “Simpsons” creator Matt Groening.

Depp (b. 1963), Portman (b. 1981) and Fox (b. 1961) will certainly command much of the attention at the party. but it’s my party too, so you can talk to Depp only about “Edward Scissorhands.” Ask Portman about “Hotel Chevalier.” And Michael J. Fox can say whatever he wants about “Back to the Future.” as long as he doesn’t hand out these.

What famous person or people do you share a birthday with? let us know over on Facebook.

Related content:

• Johnny Depp slideshow
• Natalie Portman slideshow
• 5 Kanye West scandals for his 35th birthday
• Happy 75th to the versatile Morgan Freeman

Kurt Schlosser is a senior entertainment editor for TODAY.com. He’s younger than Johnny Depp, but not Natalie Portman.

43 Comments

Yay! a few years ago, I had my first walnut pie at a friend’s house. I’ve been looking for a good recipe ever since. Can’t wait to see the look on Brendan’s face when I make this! Thanks!!

Posted by: Amber on November 17, 2011 5:38 PM

Posted by: lynn @ the actor’s diet on November 17, 2011 5:59 PM

Posted by: Christine on November 17, 2011 6:45 PM

Posted by: Raeann on November 17, 2011 7:38 PM

You have totally simplified my life! I have a recipe for pecan pie (I too substitute walnuts) but it calls for carmellized brown sugar and sweet cream, etc. and is so finicky.many thanks!

Posted by: Carol on November 18, 2011 5:03 AM

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Posted by: Sylvia on November 18, 2011 10:54 AM

Where I come from maple syrup is rare and outrageously expensive…what can I substitute maple syrup with? I would love to bake this recipe. Thanks…

Chit from the Philippines

Hi Chit, you could use a cup of light or dark corn syrup with a tablespoon of molasses. You need the molasses for the flavor. ~Elise

Posted by: Chit on November 18, 2011 4:00 PM

Posted by: jenny on November 18, 2011 5:29 PM

Posted by: Rosalee on November 18, 2011 6:26 PM

Posted by: Kurt on November 18, 2011 6:36 PM

Jenny – at least in the picture on the web, Kirkland Signature is Grade a (which is what I would expect) – it says on the label, right under the word Maple. Grade a is thinner, clearer, with a milder maple flavor – most of what’s offered as maple syrup is Grade a (there are sub-grades, Light Amber, Medium Amber, Dark Amber). Grade B is darker, less translucent, and has a stronger, broader flavor (sort of like molasses and ‘robust’ molasses – yellow label and green label). Personally I prefer Grade B for everything, including on pancakes – but then I cook with blackstrap molasses, too.

You can find Grade B maple syrup in places like Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods – I’m not aware that Costco has it. But even at TJs, there are 4-5 Grade As and maybe one or two Grade Bs – just read the label, it’s nearly always on there. If there’s nothing about a grade, I’d assume Grade a.

Posted by: jjmcgaffey on November 18, 2011 8:20 PM

Posted by: Tina on November 18, 2011 9:18 PM

Thanks for the recipe and to everyone that posted bits, I have made notes of them all especially the addition of chocolate chips and blanching of the walnuts first. I am putting it on my list of things to bake for my family.

Posted by: Sarah on November 19, 2011 4:50 AM

Posted by: Rachel Willen at FoodFix on November 19, 2011 8:51 AM

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Posted by: Alison@cookingwithfriends on November 20, 2011 6:41 PM

I remember when there were walnut groves in that area. my mother had relatives there and we visited when I was a kid. The walnuts were a novelty to us since we had a yard in what had once been a pecan orchard.

Posted by: Jackie on November 20, 2011 6:43 PM

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Posted by: Melissa on December 1, 2011 12:08 PM

Loved it! I used half grade B maple syrup and 1/2 dark corn starch bc I ran out of the former. Also added a dash of maple extract from whole foods which I love! Got loads of compliments!

Posted by: Kamala on December 1, 2011 4:51 PM

Posted by: Steve on December 24, 2011 9:01 AM

Elise: I come to your blog every holiday at the last minute when I decide that what I was making won’t be enough and I need one more thing! God bless you for always having that perfect recipe to add to my holiday meal! Merry Christmas to you and your family!

Posted by: Barbara on December 24, 2011 12:00 PM