Something cooking in the classroom (Toronto Star)

Tyler Blancher, 6-foot-2, sporting a bandana, sunglasses and a leather vest, doesn't look like the kind of boy who would get a thrill out of making chocolate truffles.

Something cooking in the classroom (Toronto Star)

Britain will make food preparation a compulsory course this fall, but Ontario unlikely to follow suit.

Police and local briefs (Fort Wayne News-Sentinel)

A man was in serious condition after being shot Sunday night during an attempted robbery on South Clinton Street.

Dine Time: Eating out in 2007 (The Pantagraph)

Over the years, new restaurants came to 305 N. Veterans Parkway with some regularity - because other restaurants kept dying there.

Police investigate armed robbery of West Asheville store (Asheville Citizen-Times)

WEST ASHEVILLE - Police are investigating the armed robbery of the Shell Food Mart at 495 Haywood Road Wednesday night.

Hiking equipment is gear or equipment that one takes along on an outdoors hiking trip. While hiking is considered different than backpacking (overnight camping), the equipment is of necessity of a shorter term more practical nature for such a walk. However even for a day trip it is prudent to pack at least rudimentary solutions for eventualities that may arise including being forced to stay the night, getting lost, or accidents.Hiking equipment may be considered in several categoriesItems Worn - Things that a hiker wears on the hiking trip. This may include footwear, clothing, head gear, etc.Carrying Items - Backpacks, waist packs, walking sticks or staffs, etc.Essential gear - Items that are essential for the hike safety or necessary in potential emergency situations.Food and drink - Food items to consume as snacks, lunch, or in emergencies.Optional Items - Any other items that the hiker desires to bring along including seating pads, chairs, notebooks, hammocks, and yes even computers.Weight and bulk limit the amount of equipment that can one can carry (particularly if one follows the principle of Leave No Trace and does not discard items on the trail). Criteria for packing an item include weight, bulk (size), number of alternative uses and the chances of each of those uses becoming apparent, weighed against the importance. For example, a whistle may seem unlikely to become necessary, but can be real life saver when it does and weighs next to nothing. Other items, like a sleeping bag, can also be important but can also be very restricting, so a simpler alternative like an extra layer of clothing might be a better idea.First of all, of course, one needs something to carry the equipment in. This can be simple fisherman's jacket or a daypack for short hikes, or a full backpack.