text: Blog Doors and Windows That Set Trends February 26, 2018 From contractors and designers to builders and homeowners, Pella Windows and Doors has long been known for a tradition of quality products with style that makes headlines. Last year was no different, with Pella products catching the attention of newspapers, magazines and professional publications around the country. If you're looking to bring the latest trends to your Overland Park home when remodeling, check out how the experts placed Pella front and center in their designs. HGTV Magazine featured Pella Architect Series® doors twice in 2017. A July article covering repainting a doorway to add color used a Pella door as the canvas, while the Architect Series 5-panel smooth fiberglass door was recognized as December's "Front Door of the Month." Large, scenic glass windows were a major design trend in 2017. So when The Wall Street Journal discussed the trend, it was no surprise that Pella windows were highlighted as a popular choice for designers, architects and owners of some of the most unique ski homes in the country. When leading contemporary architecture and design magazine AZURE wanted to showcase new hardware for "sleek and seamless openings," they looked to the wide-ranging portfolio of contemporary hardware options on Pella's Architect Series doors. The November article touted Pella's style to the designers, architects and other high-end developers that make up their readership. House Beautiful, "the magazine of style to inspire your own," was itself inspired by a red craftsman Architect Series door. The editors featured it in their section, justifiably named "The Best," a November feature looking at exterior decorating products. When Period Homes magazine wanted to investigate the trend of wood doors for their "Making an Entrance" article in November, Pella's Architect Series found itself featured once more. Meanwhile, when Washington Post Resident Products Editor Nigel F. Manyard shared a firsthand account of his home remodeling experience, the substantial energy efficiency that Pella replacement windows offered his home was a highlight of his project. Pella even had a starring role on television, popping up in four different episodes of HGTV's "Property Brothers: Buying and Selling," where host Drew Scott lauded the value Pella's windows brought to the redesign of a home, while home owners found the windows "gorgeous." A strong history may be at the core of Pella products, but the future will continue to look bright as trendmakers look to Pella quality and style increasingly in 2018. Find out how Pella of Overland Park can help create a dynamic, headline-grabbing look of your own in your home. https://www.pellaofbeltsville.com/corporate/images/Pella-windows-and-doors-on-front-porch-header-1576.jpg Back to Blog


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I'd beg to sit on her counter while she bustled around her kitchen. She was always making something tasty & her home was filled with such enticing aromas that it would make your mouth water right as you walked through her front door! My stomach would growl as soon as I arrived on her front step even though I had just had lunch before coming over. It would make my Mother extremely irritated when we'd start begging for Grandma's food! You would have thought we were starving children! Everyone did it, young & old, when they stopped by my Grandma's house. You just couldn't help it! Here is a recipe straight from Grandma June's kitchen! It's sweet & sassy, just like the woman who created it;) Continue reading June Bug's Strawberry Jalapeño Jam
What to do with all that SQUASH!!
I anxiously await to see my tender little seedlings burst through the soil to face the sun each year in my garden. There is something so incredibly satisfying about enjoying a meal that you have so carefully tended from seed to harvest! One squash plant seems to produce enough for the neighborhood & usually leaves me flooding our meals with squash inspired dishes! I'm not complaining though because I have created some pretty awesome stuff! This simple sauté is ready in a snap & packs a savory bite!! Continue reading What to do with all that SQUASH!!
Savory Roasted Parmesan Red Potatoes
We LOVE red potatoes at our house! They are delicious & oh-so-healthy! Pay close attention to what you put on your potatoes though. It doesn't matter if they're practically fat-free and free of cholesterol if you slather them in sour cream, cheddar cheese or butter. Yes, they always taste better with those tasty additions, but next time try high-flavored, lower-fat cheeses like Parmesan or Romano, so you can get the taste without paying the price! My Savory Roasted Parmesan Red Potatoes will knock it out of the park at your next dinner!
-Did you know: A banana has 9% of your daily needs in terms of potassium. A red potato has almost 20%!!?
-Or that baked, mashed, or boiled, red potatoes actually provide more energy-delivering complex carbohydrates than a cup of pasta!!?
Much of the nutritional value of a potato is found in its skin & red potatoes are particularly healthy because of their thin, nutrient packed skins. They are loaded with fiber, B vitamins, iron and potassium! Half of the fiber of a potato comes from the skin & with red potatoes in particular, the skin is already super thin, so it doesn't detract from the taste or texture! I can't stress it enough, LEAVE THAT DANG SKIN ON!!
Have picky eaters in your home that won't eat their veggies?
Hint: Use red potatoes with the skins in mashed potatoes and add peas, beans, carrots and other veggies, and call it "Confetti Mashed Potatoes"!
You'd be amazed at what the difference the name of a food makes to kids lol! My mother used to put blue food coloring in milk & call it "Blue Moo Juice". I hated milk, but drank her concoction because….HELLO! Who doesn't like juice! 🙂
My Savory Roasted Parmesan Red Potatoes are easy to make & ready in no time for the dinner table. See the recipe below & make them tonight!
Savory Roasted Parmesan Red Potatoes
12 small red potatoes unpeeled and quartered
3 Tbsp olive oil
2 Tbsp dried italian herbs
1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp minced garlic
1/2 tsp paprika
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/2 cup grated parmesan
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
In a large bowl, mix together all ingredients & toss potatoes until evenly coated.
Spread potatoes in a single layer on a foil lined pan with the skins down.
Bake, uncovered, for 45 to 50 minutes or until sufficiently golden brown;)
I have used this recipe time & time again & it's a winner! Easy to prepare & once it's in the oven, there is no turning or stirring of the potatoes. Just let the oven do the work for you so you have time to do more important things, such as, drinking a glass of wine!! 😉
These potatoes are divine on their own, but for those who MUST have the sour cream adorning their taters, go ahead! I won't judge you;) DIG IN!!!
Want more recipes or tips? Check out my website: AdventuresofaDomesticGoddess.com
The BEST cornbread you'll ever make!
Who doesn't like cornbread? If you're one of those people then you obviously are needing this recipe. There is no way that you'll turn down a piece of this mouth watering yellow fluff! Just ask my husband…he ate a whole loaf before dinner;) Continue reading The BEST cornbread you'll ever make!

subset: commoncrawl


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How Innovative Businesses Serve the Community
By Nancy A. LeaMond , August 15, 2013 08:30 AM
What do Columbus, Ind., and Las Vegas have in common? On the surface - geography, size, weather - not much. But after visiting each of these cities this summer, I discovered a common thread: Both have benefited from corporate visionaries who employed innovation and philanthropy in their communities to attract a world-class workforce.
Columbus, Ind., population 45,000, has long been known as headquarters to manufacturing companies - most notably, Cummins Engine Co. But what may surprise you is that Columbus is also an architectural wonder and features public buildings designed by prominent architects of the 20th century. Which is why, a few weeks ago when I traveled to Indianapolis for a meeting, I took a half-day detour to see it for myself.
In the 1950s, Joseph Miller (then chairman of Cummins), knew that Columbus schools were inadequate to serve the influx of boomer kids and would preclude the company from attracting the best and brightest employees. So he hired renowned architect Harry Weese to design an elementary school. The project was so successful that Cummins launched the Architecture Program to cover design fees for all new schools, and it later expanded its portfolio to design fire stations, public housing and other community structures.
Since the program's founding in 1954, Cummins has been involved in more than 50 projects. As I drove through downtown, I was awed by the architectural wonders on nearly every corner - including works by Saarinen, I.M. Pei and Richard Meier. Columbus has very much earned its nickname, "Athens of the Prairie."
As Miller had a vision for Columbus, so too does Tony Hsieh for Las Vegas. Tony is CEO of Zappos, the online shoe and apparel company. He is relocating Zappos' headquarters from nearby Henderson to downtown Vegas - known as the Downtown Project. The goal is to make Las Vegas the most community-oriented large city in the world. And Tony's investing $350 million of HIS OWN money to do so.
Similar to Cummins' goal to attract top talent, Tony wants to draw 10,000 "upwardly mobile, innovative professionals" by creating a new community culture. He's focused on enhancing technology, urban development, entrepreneurship, education, music and the arts.
I had a chance to meet with some leaders of the Downtown Project when I was in Vegas for AARP's Life@50+ event. I was impressed with the way they're drawing on lessons from other livable communities by lessening car dependency and giving people access to critical services and supports (and even partnered with a health care provider to open a medical clinic by year's end).
While Columbus and Vegas are different in many ways, they both serve as wonderful examples of the intersection of commerce, capital and community. And while Miller and Hseih might have taken different approaches, they started from the same place - investing in community is good for community, and good for business.
Do you have stories of business leaders who are doing innovative things to strengthen their communities and make them more livable? We'd love for you to share your story at www.aarp.org/livable.
- Nancy LeaMond, executive vice president, AARP State and National Group
As executive vice president, AARP State and National Group, Nancy LeaMond leads government affairs and campaigns for AARP. Nancy also has responsibility for AARP's state and livable communities portfolio, which includes transportation and housing initiatives in states, cities and communities across the country.
Photos by Holly Higgins ( Bartholomew County Courthouse) and Joseph Hunkins ( Downtown Las Vegas) via CreativeCommons.org
Also of Interest
- Transportation for Older Adults Requires a Tapestry of Funding Sources
- Is Your Community Retirement Ready?
- Join AARP: Savings, resources and news for your well-being
See the AARP home page for deals, savings tips, trivia and more


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The Guatemalan-based tacqueria chain Tacontento had hoped to open on Friday, but alas, a new communal table placed in the dining room necessitated new seating plans (so while the unemployment crisis continues, some 40 workers are sitting around because of Miami Beach's picayune permitting demands). When they were given late word that they couldn't open, the owners invited the workers in to sample the food while the cooks practiced. That's when my wife and I stumbled in, and when I asked if I could shoot a photo of the food for Short Order, GM Jim Jordan and J. Rod Martin graciously gave us permission to do so -- and to eat as well.
We started with drinks -- a horchata, the refreshing Mexican rice beverage
spiked with cinnamon; and an almendra, which I requested because I'd
read it was a specialty of the house. I knew almendra is an almond, but didn't know the drink was a cocktail
made from three parts Amaretto to one part tequila. Not bad once you
have a few sips. The platter of taco meats
that was soon brought to the table (seen in first photo contained
beef, chicken, al pastor pork, roasted pork, chorizo, and sauteed peppers and onions, with melted
cheese in the center dish. Warm, homemade corn tortillas came in a
basket on the side, as did six fixins': pico de gallo; onions
and cilantro; lime wedges; tomatillo salsa; spicier red chile salsa; a
thin avocado-based dip. I didn't pay for any of this, and didn't see
a menu (I blame the almendra for my forgetting to ask to look at one),
so I can't talk value. I will say that the tortillas and fillers were
great -- very flavorful, and kept simple like in Mexico.
We were treated to a cheese-filled, strawberry glazed pair of crisply
fried sweet chimichangas for dessert. The crew -- from managers to bussers --
was very caring and genuine. The decor is bright, clean, and cool. The
cocktails looked bright, clean, and cool too. Judging from our little
illicit sampling, Tacontento is going to be enthusiastically welcomed
by the South Beach community. I know I'll be back.
Tacontento is located in a side street just off the intersection of
Lincoln Road and Meridian Avenue (near Macy's). Opening date is now
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hopefully set for today, but you know how these things work -- check
first by calling 305-673-1552.
715 N. Lincoln Lane, Miami Beach


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A Community Creating Lifelong Learners!
Ravenna is a progressive community that values young people. The entire community strives to meet the educational, social and emotional needs of its students. There are many examples of the community's dedication to this task. In 2008 the district passed a $14.8 million dollar bond initiative.
Facilities & Programs
The work included a new athletic complex, a new middle school and updated technology district wide.. The facility modification also made possible a grade re-configuration to K-4, 5-8 and 9-12 buildings. The entire core curriculum has been revised to mirror the requirements of state and federal mandates and guidelines. Pre-school and day care programs have been enhanced and expanded and Head Start is housed in the elementary building.
Student Outcomes
With facilities and accompanying programs securely in place, a greater focus has been placed on the continual improvement of student outcomes. All district schools met federal adequate yearly progress standards in 2008/2009. The trend for MEAP scores is up with scores in most categories exceeding state averages. Under the Education Yes! Michigan Accreditation system our elementary and middle schools received an "A" and the high school received a "B".
The school district has also created a partnership with community groups and units of government to provide social programs and safety-focused programs to better care for the changing needs of youngsters and their families.
The community is small in size, but the citizens, in concert with the schools, have made a commitment to meet the needs of all students. While much has been accomplished, successes continue to be "a work in progress."
Ravenna Public Schools Brochure
Ravenna Public Schools
12322 Stafford Street
Ravenna MI 49451
Phone: 231-853-2231
Fax: 231-853-2193


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Baby Boy has learnt that he can climb the stairs. There are times when I need to leave Baby Boy alone for a few moments and it is at these times that he decides to practise this new skill.
Coming out of the bathroom today I could hear Baby Boy crying. Looking towards the sound I saw that Baby Boy had climbed the stairs to half way and was now holding on to the Bannister for dear life.
"Mama, Bad Baba Mama!"
"No not bad Baby Boy, you are just curious!"
"No Mama!"
I sometimes forget that Baby Boy is only 11 months old!


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Dems scramble to replace Salazar
Barack Obama's decision to tap Ken Salazar as his interior secretary has set off a Democratic scramble to keep the Colorado senator's seat in the party's control.
Salazar, 53, informed his Senate colleagues last week that he was under consideration for the post. Democratic aides said that some senators pressed Salazar to say no – not wanting to lose a rising star and prominent Hispanic in a battleground Western state.
Story Continued Below
But Salazar said yes, and now Democrats are searching for a candidate with fundraising prowess and statewide appeal that matches Salazar's. Meanwhile, Republicans suddenly see a fresh opportunity to chip away at the strong majority Democrats will enjoy next Congress.
"The fact that there's not an incumbent running for election, and having an appointed incumbent instead, helps us a lot," Colorado Republican Party Chairman Dick Wadhams said. For those reasons, Wadhams said he was surprised that Salazar decided to accept Obama's offer.
Assuming that Salazar is confirmed, Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter (D) will appoint a replacement to join the newly elected Mark Udall. A flurry of Democratic names are being floated, including Reps. Diana DeGette and Ed Perlmutter, Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper and outgoing state House Speaker Andrew Romanoff.
See Also
The biggest name so far belongs to the senator's older brother, Rep. John T. Salazar (D-Colo.), but his choice would expose Democrats to charges of nepotism or at least dynasty-building – quickly becoming a running theme in the vacancies created by the Obama presidency.
While Senate Democrats say they are pleased to see their colleagues join the new administration, they are now left with what could be a more cautious governing majority because they face a potentially more difficult midterm election cycle than they had expected.
"This is one of the inconveniences of winning the White House —that some of your best talent on the Hill becomes a sought-after commodity to stock the president-elect's Cabinet," one Democratic aide said.
The departure of the popular incumbent from Colorado – along with Sen. Hillary Rodham's Clinton's move to secretary of state and Sen. Joe Biden's ascension to the vice presidency – has suddenly given the GOP hope of contesting three more Democratic seats in 2010. With two special elections in Delaware and New York, there are now 19 GOP seats and 17 Democratic seats in contention next cycle, including that of Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.), the biggest Republican target.
In New York, Rep. Peter King (R) is weighing a 2010 challenge against whoever is picked to replace Clinton, and Republican Rep. Mike Castle, who has served as Delaware's lone House member for eight terms, has not ruled out a run in 2010 against whoever emerges as the Democratic nominee – which could be Biden's son Beau, the state's attorney general.


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09 Jul It's Monarch Month!
Summertime is here in all its glory and education is something we are passionate about. At Natureworks, we have proclaimed July to beMonarch Month. Jillian Shea, our very creative Natureworker, came up with the fabulous Mildred the Monarch educational sign shown above to help all of us understand about the different types of Asclepias that monarch caterpillars can feed on.
There is a Grow Organic Kids event on Thursday called Monarch Fun with a couple of spots left. If you want your young ones to understand all about monarchs, sign them up.
With the 4th of July behind us, it's time to get into some serious summertime fun and some important summertime garden care. This Thursday night we will stay open a bit later so that I can offer a free garden walk to demonstrate how to deadhead, cut back, and feed your perennials and roses in July. This is SO important. With the onset of heat and humidity, some of your plants may be looking a little tired. We have a cure for that! I spent so much time over the long holiday weekend in my own gardens and they look SO much better- less crowded, more organized, and popping with lots of freshly planted color.
I cut down my old-fashioned bleeding heart and added some tall zinnias. I open pruned my roses and fed them. I "cut windows" for plants that were crowding each other out. My reward? Besides a sense of satisfaction that I am gaining a grip on my gardens at last, I was able to pick colanders filled with blueberries and raspberries. I ate my first early tomato, a couple of young zucchinis, tons of snap peas, and salad greens with fresh herbs. Then I simply sat back and watched with wonder as the birds, hummingbirds, and butterflies enjoyed my beautiful gardens and containers.
We have SO many really interesting plants on our benches right now. Daisies of all sorts are classic summer blossoms, beloved by bees and butterflies. Our summery, cool white Vitex plants are in full bloom after just barely missing being destroyed by the truck that landed on our front lawn last Thursday, knocking down the telephone pole and smashing many of our gardens. Never a dull moment at Natureworks! Heliopsis 'Asahi' is back in stock. This is one of the longest bloomingperennials I have ever met. It is one of the only tidy, compact Heliopsis varieties we offer, topping out at only 2′ tall with double gold flowers that look like marigolds.
Although my first attempt ever at blueberry pie was not the most successful, I am thrilled to be eating fresh fruit from my garden every day and even more thrilled that Diane decided to put all fruit plants on sale for the next two weeks.
The other plant going on sale is Phlox paniculata and we've got amazing colors to chose from this year! On the right is an absolute beauty, 'Peppermint Stick'. We also have some organic fertilizers and an organic fungus control spray on sale. Pottery is on sale too.
Next week I am super psyched to host my friend Dr. Kimberly Stoner, entomologist from the CT Agricultural Experiment Station (and long time N.O.F.A./CT board member) here at Natureworks for a very important discussion of the state of our bees and pollinators. Kim is a dedicated organic gardener and scientist and has been doing a lot of research about the crisis that we are facing with the decline in our pollinators. You have surely heard about the controversy concerning neonicotinoids in pesticides. Kim is working with nurseries and landcare professionals to do scientific studies on this subject. This summer Natureworks played host to a pod of bumblebees which were part of her work. Eat food? You need bees of all sorts. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from one of the most respected entomologists in our state. See the Calendar of Events below for all of the details about this and all of our events.
So that's what's going on here at Natureworks this week. It's a peak week for the gardens and we are thrilled to have so many wonderful events, great sales, and beautiful plants to make your garden an oasis of color and abuzz with life. Make some time to stop by…


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SK OptionTrader Portfolio Up Over 10% in a Day as Gold Collapses
Gold has taken its biggest 1 day fall in COMEX history, gold mining stocks are down even more, silver has lost nearly 18%, and junior miners have lost nearly 20%. Even the S&P 500 is also showing a loss. However, our subscribers are not down; in fact the SK OptionTrader portfolio is up a massive 10.03% in one day!
We believed that the bull market may well be over, and voiced our views in early February while opening several short positions. As gold prices declined it became clear that our views were correct and we continually added to our short positions. Even before the last events of the last few days we were able to bank profits of 212.50% as early as March 4th, more than a month before the market capitulated.
Many investors are currently scrambling to get out of their rapidly deteriorating gold and gold mining positions, having come to the realisation that the bull market for gold has done its run. Others are chasing prices down as they try to open short positions to try and bank end of the bull market profits after the fact. This is something that we welcome; having predicted the end of the bull market months ago we took short positions that provided our portfolio with a gain of over 10% today whilst others took a bloodbath.
When considering these movements, it is important to think about what those percentages mean. A gain of 10.03% on a small portfolio of just $5,000 would have paid for a 6 month subscription in a single trading day. Then consider that one who was simply invested in gold stocks with a $5,000 portfolio would have lost $755 today alone. Those losses would have more than paid for a subscription already; that's 6 months worth of information paid for in gains that could have been made in a just one day.
We are now sitting on returns of 35.87% since the beginning of the year; this translates into an annualised return of 190.20% for 2013. All 9 of our closed trades this year have been profitable, returning an average of 74.40% per trade.
These returns are not just a lucky few months, 86.89% of our 122 trades have been winners. Since the beginning of our service our model portfolio is up 598.45%. We still have trades open, all of which are showing profits, and we plan to add to them.
If you want to what it is that we are doing, what strategies we are using, and how we generated over 10% in a day, then all you have to do is subscribe via either of the buttons below.
Subscribe for 6 months- $499
Subscribe for 12 months- $799


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New in the David Hockney Gallery: My Parents (1977) by David Hockney
Tue 3 Jul 2018 - Mon 17 Dec 2018
My Parents (1977) by David Hockney
Voted the nation's favourite painting in 2014 and recently returned to the UK from exhibition in New York, David Hockney's picture My Parents (1977) is making a special trip from Tate Britain to Bradford. This is an opportunity to view the painting, for a limited time, alongside photos of Hockney's parents from his own personal albums.
Image credit: David Hockney, 'My Parents' 1977, Oil on canvas, 72x72", copyright David Hockney, Collection Tate, UK


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I WILL STAY silent no more. Where the hell is the Sweet Valley High movie I was promised?
Young(er) me almost lost her life when it was announced back in 2009 that Juno writer Diablo Cody had signed up to write an adaptation of the much-loved book and TV series.
I'll admit, I haven't read the books, but the television show was an integral part of the human being I am now.
Why? Well it all started one rainy Saturday morning in my childhood home. I was probably sick of Barbie's shit (I spoiled her, it's my own fault), so I turned on my bulbous portable TV to see what was on TCC.Source: NaVell Lee/YouTube
There it was, lighting up the screen.
Two fabulous blonde twins, living in the glamorous surrounds of what appeared to be Beverly Hills or another equally pink and yellow part of Los Angeles, cruising around their highschool with their impossibly cool friends.
What little Catholic primary school uniform-clad, mass-going, grey Dublin dwelling Nicola would do to climb in there and make herself at home.
Then there were the twins themselves, and their immediate 'which one are you' personalities.
Where you cool, rebellious, and as flirty as Jessica, or were you studious yet reliable like Elizabeth? I was a total Elizabeth, without the perfect boyfriend Todd. I also didn't have my own PC to write my tween musings on.
I watched the show without fail every Saturday, despite recent viewings confirming that it's absolutely rife with bland, preachy life lessons disguised as sexy plotlines. These are the type of things you'd read in Sunday Sport every week.
Some of the more batshit ones include:
- Jessica (who is a young teenager at the time), poses for a painting in a bikini and the painter paints her nude. When the painting is revealed she's immediately slutshamed for posing nude and is constantly wolf-whistled through the school. Bants!
- Elizabeth falls into a coma after an accident on her boyfriend Todd's motorbike, and when she wakes up she has a completely different personality.
- Elizabeth also gets literally kidnapped at one stage. Poor girl. The guy gets sent to jail, then when he's released he kidnaps Jessica. Get a GRIP.
- Todd gets addicted to hustling people at basketball and becomes addicted to it. He also joins a gang in the second season.
- Lila pretends to be working class to get a fella that's working class.
- Lila also gets kidnapped in the third series, and actually is so annoying that she puts them off.
It was just so OTT dramatic, and took itself so seriously. Pretty much like the tweens who were watching it.
However, it could be surprisingly ahead of itself at times. Remember Elizabeth wrote a spy novel and made all the lads secondary characters because she was sick of Hollywood's shit?
Don't even get me started on the acting.
But it was a world where the school paper actually made it out to the students daily, there were enough students to actually merit a school paper. How foreign is that, in a world where my whole class shared one PC with Windows 95 installed.
But there were important life lessons I needed to learn.
Don't take drugs, don't let boys do things you don't want them to do, be kind to the less cool kids, don't not be popular, blonde, and hot.
I didn't heed the last one (I'm a brunette) and I weep to think of how teens would receive the show now. If they can't deal with Friends, SVH hasn't a hope.
And yet, that opening theme song still gives me goosebumps. I'm off to the sunkissed surrounds of Sweet Valley for 20 minutes mam, don't let the hot milk for my Weetabix cool down. In her collection of essays, Bad Feminist, Roxanne Gay wrote of the books:
I am in my mid-thirties but my love of Sweet Valley remains strong and immediate.
When I read the books now, I know I'm reading garbage, but I remember what it was like to spend my afternoons in Sweet Valley, hanging out with the Wakefield twins and Enid Rollins and Lila Fowler and Bruce Patman and Todd Wilkins and Winston Egbert. The nostalgia I feel for these books and these people makes my chest ache.
She later goes on to express her joy when in 2011, an update, Sweet Valley Confidential, was released.
At 2.30 in the morning, on the day of its release, Sweet Valley Confidential downloaded to my Kindle. I spent the next three hours reading. Reading this book was a vocal and emotional experience.
She goes on to describe the book as 'terrible', an 'insult to the memory' of the original series, but she still read it again when she got home from work. The 'exquisite badness' was simply something that reminded her of her first time cracking open one of those books.
In Sweet Valley everything worked out. Everyone was happy, everyone was well looked after, everyone had wide smiles and bright white teeth. You'd didn't compare yourself because it was like comparing your gaff in rural Laois to an apartment in the Upper East Side of Manhattan. Worlds apart.
Now, the movie adaptation has gone through numerous iterations since that shining light in my life was first announced nine years ago. How long more do I have to wait?
According to Deadline, writers Kirsten Smith and Harper Dill have both been signed up by Paramount to head the new film. Promisingly, Kirsten Smith co-wrote Legally Blonde and 10 Things I hate About You.
However, there has been little to no updates since this announcement last year. Why are we sleeping on this? Why is no one demanding THE TRUTH?
It's the perfect time to revive it, on the back of these incessant Netflix reboots. How timely is the Unicorn Club, too? Everyone is obsessed with becoming a Unicorn, just visit your local Penneys.
Give us the movie we deserve, include the ludicrous plots of the books (evil third twin, anyone?) and the sunbleached idealism and airiness of the TV. Add a dash of dark humour and make it perfect.
I'll be waiting for the cinema to open on Saturday morning.
DailyEdge is on Instagram!


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Seemiller Table Tennis Camp
Below and attached is information regarding a table tennis camp later this month.
Dear Mr. Cowan,
Hi this is Ron Weber from the clubs in Va Beach and Newport News. We have arranged for Dan Seemiller, his brother Ricky and son Danny to come to Newport News, VA for a three day clinic March 21 – 23. It is free for spectators and $235 for the three days for participants. The limit is 16 – 20 for participants. Website for signups: www.danseemiller.com
I was hoping you could help spread the word in PA, we really want to make this a success and I know some in your area may benefit from going.
We currently have about 4 slots left for the camp.
Thanks in advance for your help.
Ron Weber


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Paris: President Emmanuel Macron upbraided a French teenager on Monday after the boy addressed the president informally as "Manu" and sang the socialist anthem in front of him.
Macron was attending a ceremony in northern France to commemorate General Charles De Gaulle`s call for popular resistance during World War Two.
The young man, who looked to be in his mid-teens, was standing behind a barrier as Macron passed along the crowd.
He was captured on LCI television singing the words of the international socialist anthem before asking the president, "Ca Va Manu?" (How`s it going, Manu?).
"No, no, you are here at an official ceremony," Macron, 40, told him sharply. "You can`t just behave like that.
"You can act like a clown, but it`s the `Marseillaise` and the `Partisans Song` we`re singing. You address me as Mr President of the Republic or plain mister."
The boy, shaggy hair falling in front of his eyes, apologized.
But Macron, who is known for his quick tongue and often mixes elevated language with street slang, went on:
"You need to do things the right way. Even if you want to lead a revolution one day, you`ve first got to earn a diploma and learn how to put food on the table."
It`s not the first time Macron has been captured on camera giving lessons to those who challenge or disrespect him.
During the presidential campaign last year, a striking worker accused him of being a man in a suit.
"The best way to pay for a suit is to get a job," snapped back Macron.


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8TH JULY 2017 ~ Someone who had not appeared for many years came visiting for Eid this year. Mr. Zabidi Mohamed was here accompanied by his wife and son. He is from SMKTUN's SPM batch 2004.
The next bigger group to arrive was Mr. Masrizal Sayute and his family. They have been visiting regularly and I have been observing the kids growing up, at least I could see the difference once a year.
The last group who finally made their way to my house this Eid was my friends from various schools whom I always meet for gossip sessions over coffee and other edible items. Puan Mazzelina Mahmood and the husband, Mr. Khir and Puan. Rumaiah Hasan, accompanied by her three niece and nephews were here for the very first time and hopefully will be visiting again for many more Eid to come.
I am expecting to welcome a much bigger group tomorrow morning.


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Our mission is "to provide a purposeful and caring learning environment, which can be accessed by the whole community".
There has been a playgroup or preschool in the Baptist Church on Moorland Road for over 35 years. Over this time, the nature of preschools and the regulations involved have changed, but the provision still remains.
Today, Oldfield Park Pre-School is a registered charity, which is run by a committee of volunteers. It is registered both with Ofsted and the local authority (BANES) who provide the majority of our funding via the 'Early Years Entitlement'. We have a wonderful staff team who plan and provide a huge range of activities for the children to enjoy. These typically include 'Outdoor Adventures' (our own forest school run on site), cooking, painting, play dough, singing and playing with our indoor and outdoor toys. In addition, they plan a variety of special events such as sports day, nativity, outings and workshops.
In our latest Ofsted Inspection (Sep 2018) our pre-school was judged to be 'good'.


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Monday, July 15, 2013
Disney's Lion King Musical Production Tops $1 Billion
Walt Disney Co.'s (NYSE:DIS) theatrical production of The Lion King has grossed over $1 billion from touring across North America, Disney Theatrical Productions announced on Wednesday.
Producers of the production have estimated that 15 million people across North America have seen the musical since 2002. "We remain overwhelmed by the enduring response to the show and are enormously thankful to our patrons – new and returning – for their continued enthusiasm and support," said Jack Eldon, a vice president at Disney Theatrical Productions.
The Lion King is based on the 1994 Disney animated film of the same title, with music by Elton John and lyrics by Tim Rice. The plot follows a young lion named Simba as he comes of age and has to take his dead father's place at the head of his pride, which is taken over by Simba's treacherous uncle Scar. The plot is loosely based on the Shakespeare play Hamlet. The musical production is known for its elaborate animal costumes and puppets.
The show's producer and president of Disney Theatrical Productions, Thomas Schumacher, points to the woman who adapted the film for the stage as being the source of the play's huge success. "We're humbled by this milestone, a feat that can be explained in two words: Julie Taymor. Her vision, continued commitment to the show and uncommon artistry account for this extraordinary success," Schumacher said last April when the show became the highest grossing show ever on Broadway.
The Lion King may soon surpass Andrew Lloyd Weber's The Phantom of the Opera as the top grossing musical production of all time. Phantom has grossed $1.5 billion in box office sales, but the production has been running since 1989. The Phantom of the Opera is based on a French novel by Gaston Leroux, and was adapted into a 2004 film by Time Warner Inc. (NYSE:TWX) subsidiary Warner Bros.
The Lion King's higher ticket prices have helped it catch up to Phantom, which is currently the longest-running theatrical production of all time.
Source.... http://wallstcheatsheet.com/stocks/disneys-lion-king-musical-production-tops-1-billion.html/?a=viewall
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Munhacke Cub Scout Resident Camp 2019 – Session #1
June 28 @ 1:00 pm - June 30 @ 2:00 pm
Camp Munhacke continues to be a premier summer camp destination for hundreds of Cubs Scouts every year. With a park-like atmosphere, spacious, private two person tents with cots, and all you care to eat dining; parents and cubs, dens, and packs enjoy their stay every year.
- A two-night camping experience
- New Cub Scout Program will be featured in program activities
- Evening programs like campfires, skits, and songs
- Exciting activities including Swimming, Boating, Shooting BB Guns and Archery, Fishing, Nature Hikes, Games, and Laughter.
- Adults participates alongside their Scout learning about camping and the outdoors, the Scouting way!!
This program is designed for Cub Scouts going into the 2nd or 3rd grades in the fall of 2019.
Cub Scout Resident Camp's program is designed to incorporate requirements that will help the Scout complete adventures for the Wolf and Bear ranks only. The age appropriate programming is designed for the Wolf and Bears to help them along their path to earn requirements that may not be easily achieved in the regular den/ pack meeting setting. We highly encourage only scouts working on their Wolf or Bear badges to come to camp. Lions are excluded from activities such as shooting sports, climbing, camping, aquatics and many other activities that are appropriate for Cub Scouts.
Register online for Cub Resident Camps in 2018, now or until all sessions reach capacity. You will be able to see the number of slots remaining per session. An early discounted fee of $120 per person is available if registered and paid in full by May 15, 2019.
- At the time of registration a $25.00 non-refundable deposit for each full-time camper is due. You will be expected to provide names and personal details during this online sign-up process.
- We encourage you to register by Pack rather than individually.
- These fees cover the cost of all patches, program supplies, participation awards, meals, lodging, insurance, staffing, and more. T-shirts for Scouts and adults can be ordered at the time of registration for an additional costs.
- Sessions have a limited capacity. These programs are conducted as a two night experience. It is designed especially for scouts going into 3rd grade.
Private accommodations: You're assigned a very large 2 person tent with a screen, floor and two cots. The tent is ready for you to move in. If you prefer to use your own personal tent, please contact the camp. Centrally located in camp is a 14 unisex stall private showers open 24 hours. There is also restroom facilities for men, women, and male youth under 18 years of age. Additional restrooms can be found at the dining hall. Each campsite has latrines with running potable water for your use; cleaning & drinking.
Annual Health Form
Central Registry Clearance Request
Munhacke Cub Leader Planning Guide 2019


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28-30 Cadogan Place
- Developer / Owner: Cadogan Estates
- Consultant: Cadogan Estate
- Consultant: PDP London
- Consultant: PDP London
28-30 Cadogan Place is located in the Hans Town Conservation Area and is Grade II listed. The building overlooks Cadogan Place gardens to the west, is bound by no. 31 Cadogan Place to the south, Pont Street to the north and various mews buildings on Cadogan Lane to the east. Planning and listed building consent has been granted in August 2014 to add one storey to the fourth floor level of no. 28 and a new rear extension at first, second and third floor levels of no. 29 Cadogan Place. Apart from retail usage at the basement and ground floor of no. 28, the entire building will occupy by residential usage.
Development Team:
Developer: Cadogan Estates
Architect: PDP London
Structural Engineer: Conisbee
Planning Consultant: Gerald Eve
Main Contractor: Gilbert Ash
M&E Engineers Hitech
- View on map
- Under Construction
- Borough: Kensington & Chelsea
- Size: 23,687 sq ft
- Type: Mixed-use


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Getting desperate for a Section 8 voucher? Don't get scammed
With so many people on Section 8 waiting lists around the country, and so many more who can't even get on the waiting lists, there has been a big increase in the amount of Section 8 scams being perpetrated.
In Glendale, for example, an Armenian woman was arrested last week for allegedly trying to scam elderly people out of their life savings. She claimed to be able to obtain vouchers for people (for a price of course) and even went so far as to complete fake inspections of their homes so they would "qualify." She faces four felony counts of grand larceny and could receive up to 15 years in jail.
This is just one example of the growing trend of scamming section 8 beneficiaries (or those wanting to become beneficiaries). Make sure you receive and verify any paperwork you receive prior to giving money to ANYONE. You can always call your local HA to verify before sending in any checks. And remember this is nobody who can speed up the process of you obtaining a voucher through the normal channels, not even the official section 8 employees.


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Dress Well: So Much Menswear
I've always heard that if you're going to wear a menswear-inspired item, you should temper it with a bunch of feminine items in order to not look like a man. This is me doing the exact opposite of that (and hopefully not looking like a man). Last weekend, I layered on my oversize watch, my Vince Camuto loafers, and one of my husband's old cashmere sweaters for an afternoon of errands (and ice cream). Funny story about this sweater - shortly after receiving it for Christmas, my husband accidentally washed and dried it, despite the fact that it's cashmere. As expected, it shrunk down so that it was just too small to be wearable (for him). However, I said it could live a happy life with me and it's been one of my softest and warmest clothing items ever since - a diamond in the rough, for sure!
So, remember last week when I said I would wear my cobalt J. Crew dress to a campaign event? Well, it appears that Malia Obama reads my blog (obviously) and agrees with me. Check out the dress she sported (and danced in!) at the inauguration:
Blogging has already paid off (and thanks for not letting me miss this, Mom!). Have a great Friday.


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Jazz Graphic Design College Project | Flickr - Photo Sharing!
Mar 20, 2008 . College Graphic Design & Print Projects it an old one from College Homework....
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It was originally a newsletter designed to update shoppers on the latest jazz . that incorporated exclusive cover photography and state of the art graphic design .
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2011 saw the 25th Anniversary of the Glasgow International Jazz Festival. They needed outdoor advertising to showcase the festival as well as publicise the .
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Creepiest Songs Playlist
My sister and I have been working on this for years, gradually adding songs to the list as we hear them. The general rule: they have to seem normal (even romantic) until you listen to the lyrics because it's always creepier when the creepiness sneaks up on you. Like deranged toddlers. It's delicious. And the work isn't done yet — like Pokémon fans, we want to catch 'em all. But since it's that special time of year where we celebrate all things creepy, and because I haven't posted anything in a while, I figured I'd share what we have so far. Enjoy! And if you can think of any additions, please list them below. (Also, these are in no particular order, and the links go to Youtube videos as official as achievable.)
1. "Private Eyes" by Hall & Oates
H&O are a guilty pleasure of mine, and this song seems really upbeat when you don't pay attention to the lyrics (which my mom, for one, never does). The first verse even seems pretty run-of-the-mill until you get to the last line before the chorus that says, "You can't escape my private eyes…" And suddenly it becomes a stalker theme song.
2. "Every Breath You Take" by The Police
This is probably the most famous stalker theme song, but it still counts because if you're not really paying attention to the lyrics, it sounds like a normal, you-broke-my-heart-but-I'm-still-in-love song. But it's really, really not.
3. "Teddy Bear's Picnic" by Henry Hall and the BBC Dance Orchestra, featuring vocalist Val Rosing
This is a little different from the others on the list because it sounds super-creepy but is actually — when considering the lyrics alone — just a sweet children's song from the '30s. Which makes the song as a whole even creepier.
4. "Sunglasses at Night" by Corey Hart
My sister and I used to laugh about this song — the bad synths, the cheesy, wailing guitar, the fact that Hart seems to think that wearing sunglasses at night makes him cool — until we heard it on the radio on the way to the airport one fateful day. And we realized two things: a) it's actually pretty awesome (in a cheesy, '80s pop music way), and b) it's a classic stalker song filled with veiled threats alluding to switchblades and at the same time trying to be reassuring by telling the beloved, "Don't be afraid." Which makes me afraid.
5. "Living Room" by Tegan and Sara
My sister gets the credit for this one. Another stalker song, this time with a banjo. But, admittedly, if Tegan Quin confessed to spending every morning obsessively watching me go about my daily business, I'd invite her in for a glass of wine instead of calling the cops.
6. "One Way or Another" by Blondie
If we were to compare songs to real stalkers, this one would be Stalker Sarah, a little bit older, in heels.
7. "Crash Into Me" by Dave Matthews Band
It really does sound like a regular love song throughout most of it, until you get to 3:17. I won't spoil the surprise in case you don't already know what I'm talking about.
8. "One of These Nights" by The Eagles
It took me forever to realize that this was actually a threat veiled in sweet nothings. Don Henley, a love song is no longer romantic if you threaten to come up behind and "get" me.
9. "Don't You Want Me" by The Human League
Like the Police song above, this one is pretty obviously stalker-creepy, but I didn't realize it until the Swiffer commercials. I'm going to assume that other people lived the majority of their lives thinking this was just a New Wave dance song, too, and I'm blowing your minds right now.
10. "Aqualung" by Jethro Tull
The line "Sitting on a park bench, eyeing little girls with bad intent" and the later, connected line, "Sitting in the cold sun, watching the frilly panties run" is really all that needs to be mentioned about this song. Also, ick.
11. "I Will Possess Your Heart" by Death Cab for Cutie
Another seemingly normal love song, assuming that the title isn't a literal vow. But the line at 5:38 changes everything. As casual as he tries to make it sound, it is not okay to look into someone's window as you "slowly pass." Maybe it's not at the stalker level, but it's still creepy.
12. "Ten Speed (Of God's Blood and Burial)" by Coheed and Cambria
While the parenthetical subtitle of the song is pretty metal, most of the lyrics are fairly tame on a surface level. It's just a guy debating with himself about leaving his girlfriend, right? Nope. In the spoken part in the middle of the song, it's revealed that the protagonist is having a conversation with his bicycle about killing her off. Which takes this song (and the rest of the album) to a Son of Sam level of creepiness.
13. "Come Sail Away" by Styx
No, it isn't a love song. It's about an alien abduction. That may not surprise you, but it took some people I know (see #1) around 20 years to realize it. Which makes it perfect for the list.
Happy Halloween!
Halloween: A Celebration of Death and Rebirth
Halloween, short for All Hallows Evening (–> Hallow-even'–> Hallowe'en) is best known as a festival for spirits, the night when the veil between the worlds of the living and dead are thinnest. Celtic pagans call it Samhain (pronounced 'sah-win, 'sow-in, or sown with the ow pronounced like the onomatopoeia), which means "summer's end" in Old Irish. It marks the beginning of the "dark half" of the year when the natural world dies and the days grow short. To keep at bay the spirits who would emerge as vegetation shriveled and animals were going to slaughter, people would leave offerings outside their doors, light bonfires, and disguise themselves in the costumes of ghosts and goblins. These are the origins of our Halloween traditions.
Interestingly, many scholars believe that the "dark half" of the year preceded the "light half" in the old Celtic calendar, making Samhain the Celtic pagan New Year. This juxtaposition of death and new beginnings is incredibly powerful, not only as a symbol of the unending cycle of life and death, but also as a metaphor for personal reinvention and rebirth. One doesn't need to be religious in order to appreciate the regenerative symbolism of traditional Samhain rites, such as walking between two bonfires — a ritual of purification — and throwing the bones of slaughtered livestock into a fire in an effort, I assume, to symbolically and literally cast away death. The latter reminds me, in a way, of the temple burning ritual held at burns across the world (Burning Man being the most famous). Throughout the festival, burners bring photos, letters, various objects reminding them of loved ones or precious or painful memories, and on the last night (or, at the Georgia burn Alchemy, the last sunrise), the temple goes up in flames. It's a time of both communion with the past and of rebirth — not by burying the past, but releasing it. Likewise, Samhain offers a night to both honor the dead (be it loved ones or old regrets) and celebrate the promise of new life come morning.


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Summary | Excerpt | Reviews | Beyond the Book | Readalikes | Genres & Themes | Author Bio
When her dad came back, they walked together to Valentino's. Everyone they saw along the way was about Cath's age. It was creepy.
"Why is everybody blond?" Cath asked. "And why are they all white?"
Her dad laughed. "You're just used to living in the least-white neighborhood in Nebraska."
Their house in South Omaha was in a Mexican neighborhood. Cath's was the only white family on the block.
"Oh, God," she said, "do you think this town has a taco truck?"
"I think I saw a Chipotle"
She groaned.
"Come on," he said, "you like Chipotle."
"Not the point."
When they got to Valentino's, it was packed with students. A few, like Cath, had come with their parents, but not many. "It's like a science fiction story," she said, "No little kids Nobody over thirty Where are all the old people?"
Her dad held up his slice of pizza. "Soylent Green."
Cath laughed.
"I'm not old, you know." He was tapping the table with the two middle fingers of his left hand. "Forty-one. The other guys my age at work are just starting to have kids."
"That was good thinking," Cath said, "getting us out of the way early. You can start bringing home chicks nowthe coast is clear."
"All my chicks ," he said, looking down at his plate. "You guys are the only chicks I'm worried about."
"Ugh. Dad. Weird."
"You know what I mean. What's up with you and your sister? You've never fought like this before. "
"We're not fighting now," Cath said, taking a bite of bacon-cheeseburger pizza. "Oh, geez." She spit it out.
"What's wrong, did you get an eyelid?"
"No. Pickle. It's okay. I just wasn't expecting it."
"You seem like you're fighting," he said.
Cath shrugged. She and Wren weren't even talking much, let alone fighting. "Wren just wants more independence."
"Sounds reasonable," he said.
Of course it does, Cath thought, that's Wren's specialty. But she let it drop. She didn't want her dad to worry about this right now. She could tell by the way he kept tapping the table that he was already wearing thin. Way too many normal-dad hours in a row.
"Tired?" she asked.
He smiled at her, apologetically, and put his hand in his lap. "Big day. Big, hard dayI mean, I knew it would be." He raised an eyebrow. "Both of you, same day. Whoosh. I still can't believe you're not coming home with me. "
"Don't get too comfortable. I'm not sure I can stick this out a whole semester." She was only slightly kidding, and he knew it.
"You'll be fine, Cath." He put his hand, his less twitchy hand, over hers and squeezed. "And so will I. You know?"
Cath let herself look in his eyes for a moment. He looked tiredand, yes, twitchybut he was holding it together.
"I still wish you'd get a dog," she said.
"I'd never remember to feed it."
"Maybe we could train it to feed you."
* * *
When Cath got back to her room, her roommateReaganwas still gone. Or maybe she was gone again; her boxes looked untouched. Cath finished putting her own clothes away, then opened the box of personal things she'd brought from home.
She took out a photo of herself and Wren, and pinned it to the corkboard behind her desk. It was from graduation. Both of them were wearing red robes and smiling. It was before Wren cut her hair.
Wren hadn't even told Cath she was going to do that. Just came home from work at the end of the summer with a pixie cut. It looked awesomewhich probably meant it would look awesome on Cath, too. But Cath could never get that haircut now, even if she could work up the courage to cut off fifteen inches. She couldn't single-white-female her own twin sister.
Copyright © 2013 by Rainbow Rowell
From the author of
Calling Me Home
An emotionally raw and resonant story of two young women connected by a home for "fallen girls," and inspired by historical events.
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Bargain Finds
Ritz Resale
Years ago I used to stop in and shop Ritz Resale in Pasadena. Then I thought they closed.
I'm excited to say, I was wrong. They are still open in a different location and still one of the best resale boutique shopping experiences you'll ever have.
As the usual, I didn't say anything when I walked in. Just started browsing the racks. You can't go unnoticed here. I was warmly greeted immediately by the owner and within 20 minutes I knew the names of the owners and the other 3 shoppers in the store.
Everyone who came in was greeted by their first name. Haven't seen that since I was a kid. The owners knew what they liked, what they had bought before and what they had in the store on consignment.
The boutique is light and bright, well curated with sought after designer apparel, shoes and handbags. This is seriously a happy and friendly boutique. No snobbery here. Just genuine people wanting you to have a great experience in their store whether you buy something or not.
How could you not find something here? The pricing is outstanding!
A Nanette Lepore knit coat was $19. A Literature Nior evening jacket was $19. A Faconnable Car coat was $24. A Johnny Was Tunic was $49 instead of $268. A Joie silk blouse was $19 instead of $240. A classic Missok zip up cardigan was $49 and an Escada Gold knit evening top was $149.
I loved an ABS fit & flare dress for just $19. And a Black Halo velvet dress was $129. A Citron pant ensemble was just $59 and an Emporio Armani pant suit was just $89. A NWT Ann Taylor dress was $29 instead of $149. A classic DVF wrap dress was only $24 and a vintage Catherine Malandrino maxi dress was $59.
Shoes were plentiful with some barely worn Dansko Pony hair clogs were $39 instead of $140. Older but still fabulous Manola Blahnik kitten heel shoes were just $29. Jimmy Choo platform pumps were $79 and some Tod's Red Patent loafers were $79.
Some great handbags here too. A Ferragamo satchel handbag was $189 instead of $700. A Michael Kors leather hobo was just $39 and a mint Botkier satchel was just $69.
The turnover was fast. I watched 10 pieces get sold and another 10-20 be brought out while I was there.
You can put items on lay away too, making it even more affordable to look great for less.
Ritz Resale is a standout gem and should be on everyone's "Must Hit" list.
Ritz Resale
900 Valley View Ave., #6
Pasadena, CA 91107
(626) 449-3528
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Brace yourselves for the inevitable slate of reviews criticizing mushy steering, an uninspired ride and myriad other complaints that most buyers won't give a lick about. Nissan's next C-segment hatch, the Pulsar, will apparently not be "sporty", and Nissan is just fine with that.
According to AutoExpress, Nissan's Andy Palmer said that
"I'm not looking for a car that is ultimately very very sporty…I'm looking for something that can transition a customer from a Qashqai to a hatchback. It needs the same DNA, but we want to keep ex-Qahsqai buyers in the Nissan family. It has to have a familiar design and handling."
Palmer noted that the new hatch "doesn't transmit impulses back into the car" and that "the steering is quite light". Sounds like a recipe for enthusiast disaster, right? Well, given the smashing success of the Qashqai (which basically invented the small CUV segment in Europe), it's easy to see why Nissan is going down this road.
Tagged as Europe, Nissan, Nissan Pulsar, nissan qashqai
18 Comments on "Next Nissan Pulsar Won't Be "Sporty"..."
J.EmersonJuly 3rd, 2014 at 12:27 pm
"I'm looking for something that can transition a customer from a Qashqai to a hatchback."
I don't really understand this line of reasoning at all. Is there some great torrent of people trading down from small CUV's to hatchbacks? How many of those buyers want a hatchback that feels like driving a CUV? This sounds more like apologia for platform sharing than any kind of coherent strategy.
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319583076July 3rd, 2014 at 12:32 pm
Coherence is over-rated. Humans are highly irrational and massively self-delusional in the sense that we tell ourselves lies about our actions and experiences to make sense of them after-the-fact.
The new Pulsar has some probability of success and some probability of failure and all of the words invested in creating either story are ultimately background noise, or incoherence.
To any reading this, heed these words: Embrace entropy.
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July 3rd, 2014 at 6:31 pm
Not really. Though there are those who are permanently converted to CUVs after the first, there are many that aren't. As CUVs are much more a fad in Europe than in other places such as Brazil or the US, there are those who will go back to their beloved hatches after the CUV-thing is out of their system. Having a comfortable hatchback and not a sporting one, might make the transition for that buyer easier.
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DemetriJuly 3rd, 2014 at 12:39 pm
So it's business as usual for Nissan.
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SuperdessuckeJuly 3rd, 2014 at 1:32 pm
Other than the Nismo version of the Puke, the 350Z and of course the unafforable GT-R yeah pretty much! They're joining Toyota and Honda so they can see who can make the most boring product line.
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EastonJuly 3rd, 2014 at 4:02 pm
Beat me to the punch. The biggest farce of them all is the Maxima. 4 door sports car? Not in this lifetime. Nothing says sporty like front wheel drive, a CVT, and mushy suspension. It's a modern day Buick Lesabre.
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krhodes1July 3rd, 2014 at 6:12 pm
Every current Buick is MUCH better to drive than the current Maxima. And simple no contest inside, the Maxima has a worse interior than the Altima, and that is QUITE an accomplishment!
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July 3rd, 2014 at 12:51 pm
Hmm, if VW took a shape like that, removed a couple doors, and put it on a GTI platform, that would be a swell car to make available in the USA. Perhaps give it a name like a swift, hot Saharan wind.
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CoreyDLJuly 3rd, 2014 at 12:54 pm
… the current Golf looks better than this.
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James2July 3rd, 2014 at 2:37 pm
Yeah, I see a Scirocco in there, too.
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CoreyDLJuly 3rd, 2014 at 12:53 pm
IF this guy were smarter, he would come up with something more fun/interesting to describe the reason this car exists.
Because saying, "We don't have something which costs $19k between the $17k and the $19.55k" isn't very good.
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SCE to AUXJuly 3rd, 2014 at 1:24 pm
Andy is obviously setting the bar low.
His words will be quoted in the first drive media reviews of the Pulsar, along the lines of: "Hey, Nissan said this car won't be sporty, but it really holds the road!".
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CoreyDLJuly 3rd, 2014 at 1:37 pm
It may not break lap records at Laguna Seca, but boy do the tires come standard!
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JohnnyFirebirdJuly 3rd, 2014 at 1:33 pm
I love TTAC's intense dedication reporting every Pulsar update. With the same picture. This isn't sarcasm. It's hilarious.
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davefromcalgaryJuly 3rd, 2014 at 1:48 pm
Great News! The Nissan Pulsar is in fact "an car"!
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28-Cars-LaterJuly 3rd, 2014 at 2:22 pm
"Next Nissan Pulsar Won't Be "Sporty""
Oh ok, so ugly then. Got it.
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Kyree S. WilliamsJuly 3rd, 2014 at 5:56 pm
Or as Xzibit, host of "Pimp My RIde" once said, "A pulsar is a crushed star, so Nissan was basically doomed from the start."
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July 3rd, 2014 at 6:38 pm
Have no idea why they are doing it. Euro hatches in this segment tend towards the sporty being the Golf the template. Maybe Nissan is reading something in trends in European tastes in cars and is trying to catch the next wave. Though it flies in the face of conventional wisdom, you have to respect the knowledge of a company able to release the Quas-something-or-other in ime to ride the wave, as well as the whole Dacia venture.
Don't know what they're doing, but won't discard the effort off the bat. That said, why is it so ugly?
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text: The History Of Acupuncture Acupuncture Recommended: Use a voucher code MAS5385 to save an extra 5% when shopping for supplements on iHerb. Although it isn't known exactly where acupuncture originated from, it is thought to have started in China thousands of years ago. With the history of acupuncture comes a legend about a Chinese soldier who was suffering the effects of what we call a frozen shoulder. His doctor, after many failed attempts, wasn't able to assist him. The soldier during battle was shot in the affected area with an arrow which made his pain disappear. The doctor, after hearing about this miracle, successfully treated other patients with the same symptoms by poking an arrow through the area. Over the years the use of arrows changed to needles as we now know it today. Is it Safe? Contrary to popular belief, the process of Acupuncture is surprisingly safe; it is rare for any patient to catch a disease from the process. Each and every needle is sterilized and even disposable. However, there is a possibility of having a bruise on the affected area for a couple of days. Also, after the treatment the infected part of your body can become aggravated, this is rare but if experienced it should only last for a day or two. Acupuncture in Action Just about everything inside your body is happening because neurons are sending signals throughout your body to each cell in your body. The Chinese have come across the fact that the energy in the body flows through what is known as 'meridians' or paths. When someone feels the effects of pain or diseases, it is most likely because these meridians are experiencing an unbalanced flow of energy, whether too much or not enough. Acupuncture releases endorphins into the body to relieve pain and assists in increasing the nervous system's functionality. Acupuncture's Effectiveness Acupuncture has many great effects on one's body. Placing needles in the correct places on the body can increase the body's blood circulation it can also relieve and even eliminate pain in the neck and headaches as well as migraines and many other symptoms. It can not only reduce pain in one's body but it can also stop toddlers from wetting the bed and preventing them from many types of illness including ear ache and arthritis. Treatment of Acupuncture Everyone's body is different so one person may see the results they are looking for immediately while another person might not see them for around a month. It is suggested to have acupuncture done at least twice per week for a couple of weeks and then cut back and allow the results to take full effect. After your first couple of visits, it is common for your level of pain to increase slightly but continuing the procedure will result in the suffering to eliminate itself. Conclusion With the many great effects of Acupuncture, there is no doubt that it is one of the safest and most effective methods to treat patients today with any kind of chronic pain or most diseases as well as depression, acne and many known skin disorders. About Author: This article was written by Alex L. from Lakewood Ranch Acupuncture & Wellness. Make Lakewood Ranch Acupuncture and Wellness your Sarasota Acupuncture headquarters. Leave a Reply Cancel Reply Your email address will not be published.CommentName* Email* Website Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.


text:
C4CP encourages residents to attend meetings Group forms to support regionalization of East Cocalico Township Police
By: LUCY RICCOMINI Review Correspondent , Staff Writer Citizens For Cocalico Police (C4CP) would like to remind residents to attend upcoming meetings and support regionalizing East Cocalico's Police Department. ...
- Posted September 25, 2013
Community Outgrown Exchange Sept. 28
The 53rd semi-annual Adamstown Community Outgrown Exchange will be held Sept. 28. For more than 25 years, St. Paul's has sponsored the semi-annual event,...
- Posted September 25, 2013
New developments in ongoing police coverage situation
ALICE HUMMER Review Correspondent, Staff Writer
East Cocalico Supervisors agreed to consider putting in writing several conditions desired by Dollar General, slated to be built to the east of...
- Posted September 25, 2013
CSD teacher contracts passed
LUCY RICCOMINI Review Staff, Staff Writer
During the Sept. 16 Cocalico School Board meeting, teacher contracts, which do not expire until June 30, were passed through the 2017 school...
- Posted September 25, 2013
Cedars win a wild one Mounts rally late but fall in seesaw affair
TODD RUTH Review Sports Editor firstname.lastname@example.com, Staff Writer
Ephrata was right where it wanted to be....
- Posted September 25, 2013
Overly hat trick paves way for Ephrata Lady Mounts knock off Cocalico to remain perfect
Two seasons ago, Brooke Overly took a ball off her forehead against Cocalico which required several stitches to close the wound....
- Posted September 25, 2013
Eagles' Strunk moves on L-L GOLF CHAMPIONSHIPS (at Overlook G.C.) Boys Girls
TODD RUTH Review Sports Editor email@example.com, Staff Writer
After spending his practice round in and out of the many trees that line...
- Posted September 25, 2013
Deaths of local interest
Elton Horning, 82, formerly of Morgantown, passed away Saturday, Sept. 21, 2013 in hospice care at Lancaster Regional Hospital with his family at his side. Local survivors include his children: Rodney Horning husband of Janie (Reiff), New...
- Posted September 25, 2013
Benjamin Unruh, 92, Bollman Hat Co. retiree
Benjamin Unruh, 92, of Ephrata, passed peacefully into the arms of the Lord Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2013, at Ephrata Manor.Born Sept. 17, 1921, in Yellow Pine, Ala., he was a son of the late Henry and Anna...
- Posted September 25, 2013
James Wolfe, active in church, PennDOT worker
James D. Wolfe, 71, of Denver, was stricken ill while on vacation in Wildwood Crest, N.J., and died unexpectedly Friday, Sept. 20, 2013 at the University of Pennsylvania Medical Center.
Harriet A. (Lowenthal), his wife of 31 years,...
- Posted September 25, 2013
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text:
Will Premier Dunderdale's hypocritical last minute conversion to fiscal conservatism mean tougher times for seniors in this province?
In the 2011 Provincial election, the Progressive Conservative Leader promised $100 million in new money for a seniors' strategy. The promise came with a caveat - proper fiscal management always must be kept in play.
Newfoundland and Labrador has the fastest aging population in Canada. The government has said it is committed to changing public policy to ensure that home care recipients receive the same amount of money whether they were being cared for by a family member or a home care agency.
Hospitals and long term care homes are considered to be more expensive options. The goal of government is to provide the financial supports to allow seniors to remain in a supportive family environment for as long as possible.
In June of this year, the government released a 10-year strategy for long-term care in the province.
NDP MHA, Gerry Rogers has been a vocal critic of the government's inaction on this particular promise. Rogers says a publicly-funded home care system is needed. A cap on subsidized home care hours is forcing seniors to leave their homes.
With restraint in the air, what will come of commitments to seniors in this province? Will austerity measures and rising care costs undermine standards of care?
Germany, home to Europe's strongest economy has been wrestling with the same issue. Germany has one of the fastest-aging populations in the world – a lack of workers and soaring costs has led to a chronic care crisis
The German answer may shock you. A growing number of Germans are saving money by shipping their elderly relatives to foreign homes where care costs as little as one-third what it does in Germany.
Thousands of retired Germans have been re-located to Eastern Europe and Asia.
Can we really separate efficiency and need?


text:
Wondering how to sell your car faster? Watch our video to see how we work, then enter your registration number on the left for a free valuation. And if you're happy with the offer, book it in at your nearest branch and find out exactly what you need to bring below.
So you want to sell your car for cash but don't know what you need to get the wheel turning? Not to worry. We've a handy little checklist so you can sell your your car fast and at a price you really want.
For us to buy your car for cash the very same day, we shall need some documentation from you to make sure the sale goes through as swimmingly as possible. Having the paperwork ready simply speeds up the process for you.
Before you turn up at one of our Trusted Car Buyers local branches to sell your car, we need to make sure you can proove who you say you are with some form of photo ID, proof of address and vehicle ownership. Use the checklist below to find out more of what you'll need.
Before we buy your car, we may need to you to bring:
If you need a gentle reminder or need to change anything with your appointment, you can easily retrieve your valuation and manage your appointment at any time.
If your offer has expired, enter your reg in at the top of the page and click the green button to get your new instant valuation.


text:
Little Women
Alina de Albergaria
It must have been exhilarating to have been in her presence. The graceful, kind, ambassador of goodwill, who also happened to be intoxicatingly beautiful, would have been eighty-six today.
My twelve-year-old daughter adores Audrey Hepburn, and can never get enough of "Breakfast at Tiffany's," which is on my happy-to-do list with her this weekend. Last night as I tied up loose ends before kissing my trio good night, I had that motherly feeling that something suspicious was in the works upstairs because it was eerily calm. Suddenly, like a train horn in the middle of the night, I was startled by some "heavy-heeling" which revealed this most enchanting scene:
This tribute to Ms. Hepburn on her would-be-eighty-sixth birthday, will be a constant reminder of how fleeting childhood is and how fortunate we are to witness a coming of age encapsulated in such a loverly manner.
Audrey, you are everywhere...still...
Photo of Audrey Hepburn courtesy of dvd.net.au


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"I'm not that 'Ghetto' person anymore," Ghetts proclaims about his name change from his previous street moniker. "I've grown out of it." At 24 years of age, Justin Clarke is finally maturing into the artist he has always strived to be; or 'Grime star' as he puts it. From Justin to Ghetto to Ghetts, the east London native has seen the lows of being behind bars to the highs of sell out concerts all in a short space of time; the sum Read more on Last.fm
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text:
Grower guide failed to disclose prohibited growing of biotech cotton seed
By MATEUSZ PERKOWSKI
Capital Press
The Monsanto Co. has agreed to pay the federal government a $2.5 million penalty for violating labeling regulations for genetically engineered cotton.
Two lines of cotton developed by the biotech company -- Bollgard and Bollgard II -- contain insect-repelling genetic material from a bacteria, Bacillus thuringiensis, or Bt.
Because the crops ward off pests, they're subject to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's pesticide labeling rules.
Monsanto had to disclose in a "grower guide" that farmers were prohibited from growing Bollgard and Bollgard II in 10 counties in the Texas Panhandle.
That information was omitted from labels between 2002 and 2006, resulting in mislabeled cotton varieties being sold on nearly 1,800 occasions, according to Monsanto's settlement agreement with EPA.
If a panel of administrative law judges approves the settlement, Monsanto must pay $2.5 million within 60 days or face further penalties of $5,000 per day, according to the agreement.
The EPA prohibited farmers from growing the transgenic varieties in the 10 counties due to concerns that a common pest -- Helicoverpa zea -- would develop resistance to the transgenic trait.
"This insect shuttles between corn and cotton during the growing season and can be exposed to Bt plant-incorporated protectants in both crops," said Dave Ryan, spokesman for EPA, in an e-mail.
The EPA agreed to loosen restrictions on transgenic corn in the Panhandle as long as the cotton varieties were no longer planted there, according to a statement from Monsanto.
"Due to an oversight, Monsanto's grower guide failed to include the required language," the statement said.
When Monsanto found out about the omission, the company reported the problem to EPA and "immediately implemented an extensive outreach program" to prevent farmers in the 10 counties from planting the two cotton lines, the statement said.
The ban on planting Bollguard II in the 10 counties was lifted by EPA in 2008 after studies indicated resistance to the Bt trait hadn't developed in the region, according to Monsanto.
In its 2009 fiscal year, Monsanto reported a profit of about $2 billion on total sales of more than $11 billion.


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We're living in a fast-paced world doing our best to juggle the demands of work and family. It's a struggle to get it all done. We often feel tired and depleted, but we push on.
Self-care is about choosing behaviors that balance the effects of emotional and physical stressors. It's not about pampering (although this certainly has its place) or self-indulgence. It means different things to different people because needs are unique. Self-care includes developing healthy habits, making healthy lifestyle choices and knowing when you should seek medical treatment.
The cornerstone of self-care is to make yourself a priority. You need to give yourself the gift of 'me time' and be uncompromising about it. Doing this will help you recharge physically and mentally, leaving you with more to give in other areas of your life. Self-care also provides other benefits such as preventing and managing disease, improving your quality of life and increasing your confidence.
Here are some ideas to get you started in developing your self-care plan. Don't try to do everything at once or it'll feel like another pressure. Incorporate a couple of ideas and build from there.
Sleep, Eat, Exercise
These are your self-care foundation blocks. It may be difficult to eat three square meals a day plus snacks but make sure you get adequate nutrition. Get to bed early enough so that you get your zzz's. Aim for 30 minutes of exercise five times a week. Go to the gym, play a sport or go for a walk. Just do it!
Schedule Personal Time
Schedule time for yourself. Don't ever double book. This time can be for whatever nurtures you. Play with your kids or grandkids, read, watch a movie, go fishing, sit in a garden, knit, meditate, walk, run….you get the idea. It's your time to relax. It's all about diverting your attention from the pressures and cares of the day.
Turn off your phone, computer and tablet. Allow yourself the freedom of disconnection. If you can't do it for a day, give yourself 8 hours. The world won't stop without you online.
Develop Daily Rituals
Simple practices can help you ease into and wind down from your day. Start your day with your favorite hot beverage, soft music and candlelight. Don't rush to check your phone or start answering messages. Give yourself time to reflect on the day ahead and breathe in that fresh morning air. Do the same in the evening.
Practice Acceptance
Accept your life on its terms. It's natural to vacillate between feelings of acceptance and resistance. Acceptance isn't a sign of apathy or giving up. It's a recognition of the reality of the present.


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My mom has been chairing the Pacific City Birding and Blues Festival for the last few years. I've been tempted to attend a number of times, but have never made the trip from San Francisco to her little town on the Oregon Coast for the weekend-long event. We convinced Mom to move this summer to Gig Harbor, Washington, where my brother and his family recently bought a house, so this will be her last year as chair of the festival, and there was a bit of pressure for me to finally attend.
So at Christmas time, knowing I had a casual interest in birdwatching (aka birding), mom gave me a book called Birding without Borders, by Noah Strycker, with a note inside announcing that Noah would be the keynote speaker at this year's festival, and that she hoped I would join them. Well, I read the book and loved it. Noah is a talented writer who managed to weave together a travelogue with an account of his quest – and achievement – of the biggest year on record.
A Big Year is when a birder tries to observe as many species as possible in one calendar year. Noah decided to do this on a global scale – a World Big Year – traveling to all seven continents with the goal of observing 5,000 birds in one year, which would be far and away the biggest year ever. Well, he succeeded, ultimately observing a grand total of 6,042 species, which amounts to over half of the bird species in the world.
Pretty much immediately upon finishing the book, I made arrangements to attend the festival. Noah didn't know it yet, but I intended to befriend him. His trip sounded amazing, and as a traveler and writer, I admired his year-long commitment to his project. But even more than that, I was impressed with his ability to actually complete his book upon his return, publish it, go on a book tour and gain such a following, all considering he wasn't even 30 years old.
I did my own big six month trip with the objective of writing a book when I was 23; that trip began 16 years ago this month. And I have still not written that book. I was certain with Noah's influence, I would be once again inspired to settle down and write my book.
Thanks to a flight delay, my trip to Pacific City took way longer than it should have, but I arrived Thursday night while Mom was at a meeting in Tillamook. Her dog Molly and I went for a long walk in the evening as dusk was falling. An owl and some song birds called from the trees near her house. Two deer froze as we passed them at the top of the hill, with the setting sun and Haystack Rock as a backdrop. A feral bunny munched on the grass across the street from her house, unfazed by the approaching human and dog. Pacific City Is an echanting little beach town.
The festival opened on Friday, and I joined a field trip along the Three Capes Scenic Route. This was a day of learning, and meeting lots of people who knew a whole lot more than me about birds. My freshly acquired binoculars came in handy, but I soon realized that the high-powered ~$4,000 Swarovski spotting scopes that my guides Ram Papish (wildlife biologist and artist) and John Rakestraw (writer and bird guide) had were by far the better instrument for observing sea birds at a distance. On day one of the festival I observed fifty-four species.
A wildlife rescue center called Badger Run brought some of their animal ambassadors to educate us about raptors. I LOVE raptors. We got to see a Red-Tailed Hawk, a Swainson's Hawk, a Rough-Legged Hawk, a Great Horned Owl, and a Turkey Vulture. I had no idea Turkey Vultures were so sweet and charming. And the owl was deilghtful; he had pair-bonded with his primary handler and was downright affectionate with her, nuzzling up and talking to her. But my favorite of the bunch was the very pretty little Swainson's Hawk, who looked lilac and peachy to me, and was just a doll. Meeting those birds (and even the lovely but invasive European Starling) was a highlight for sure.
That night there was a hilarious presentation/concert by a comedian/musician named Tony Starlight. Full of birding puns, beautiful photos of birds he had observed near his floating home in Scappoose, and even audience sing alongs with parody songs he and friends had composed, everyone agreed that he was a great change of pace from the typical blues performances that have been presented at Birding & Blues for the previous 13 years.
Saturday I went on two more field trips, revisiting one of the areas I'd gone to on Friday (again with Ram), and visiting a new area on the other end of town (with Mark Elliott and Lorelle Sherman). A highlight was stopping at an area with half a dozen or so nesting boxes with tree swallows busily preparing their nests. On Friday I'd had fun taking pictures with my woefully inadequate lenses, but here up close to the swallows, I finally had enough magnification to get some good pictures of these pretty, playful birds.
When we got back, it was time for Noah Strycker's keynote speech. There was a little time before his talk for me to get my copy of Birding Without Borders autographed, then buy a copy of his older book The Thing With Feathers and get that signed too. He presented a slide show about his big year, and it was fun to hear him retell some of the stories from the book, and to see more of his photos of birds and his misadventures. He seemed like a happy and generous guy, energetic, and smart. It's not surprising that he was able to get local birders from around the world to help him toward his goal. After the talk I remembered to get a selfie with him, and he asked if I'd be at the blues performance later. Even though I knew he'd be one of my field trip leaders on Sunday, I was excited by the idea of getting some one-on-one social time with him if the show might provide that opportunity.
Turns out it did. The performance by Karen Lovely and her band was way beyond what I expected – she has a killer voice, and I really dug her energy and the grooves of her songs. Plus she had an amazing guitarist, with some of the coolest looking guitars I've seen. One had laser-cut wood designs of gears and cogs on the front, and another was shiny metal with cool little cut-outs and pin-prick holes forming florets around the sound hole.
But sure enough, I spent a good deal of the evening hanging out with Noah. I think I played it pretty cool, not coming off as too much of a fangirl. I thought I'd be nervous trying to strike up a conversation with him, but it was really quite natural and comfortable. He was great to talk with – attentive and curious, asking questions about me, and just being present in the moment. It must be strange for him, going into social interactions with people who know so much about him already, when he knows nothing about them. He seems to have a handle on it though; it didn't seem to faze him a bit. I told him I'd be on his field trip tomorrow, and told him I needed him to find me a Tufted Puffin. Then I moaned about it starting at 7:30am. He said, "I know! It should be 6:30!" Ugh. Birders.
Sunday morning came a bit too soon for my liking, with my wine buzz fading into regret, given the early start. But I made it to Cape Kiwanda just in time, and there was Noah, alongside Russ Namitz (Oregon Big Year title holder), and Wayne Hoffman (a superb birder, and an unexpected bonus guide). Ram even stopped by after a bit. Here we got to take a bit more time watching the sea birds, and I even caught a glimpse of a Tufted Puffin through the scope. I had missed seeing Atlantic Puffins both times I went to Iceland (not that I tried), and I kinda have a thing for them, so this was pretty cool!
We walked to the top of the dune on Cape Kiwanda, and watched for more sea birds. From there we spotted a Peregrine Falcon sitting still as a statue on another rock to the north. It looked enormous through the binoculars – a strange and confusing optical illusion, considering they are not very large birds. We also saw Stellar Sea Lions lounging on a buoy, and even a Gray Whale passing very close to shore! More of the charming, red-footed Pigeon Guillemots, more of the Common Loons, more Double-Crested Cormorants, more, more, more.
It was time to descend the dune and head to our next field trips. I got chatting about Iceland with another woman who was preparing for a trip there, and when we were almost back to the parking lot, another participant pointed out that I no longer had my backpack. Oops. Back up the dune I went, and by the time I got back to my car, everyone was gone. I fueled up with coffee and a citrus & marionberry scone at Stimulus Coffee, then headed back to Sitka Sedge State Natural Area for my final field trip.
Sitka Sedge is so new they haven't even finished building the parking lot yet. After parking in a dirt area across the road, as I crossed I was nearly run over by Russ and Noah. (Guess I had it coming – I'd nearly run over Russ in the parking lot the day before.) They'd decided to come to Sitka Sedge too, in search of some bird or other for Noah's Tillamook County list. After catching up with my group, I realized I was craving actual movement and solitude; these groups move slowly, sharing sightings and scopes, learning how to identify birds, and learning about their behaviors and migration patterns. After three days of that, I just wanted to walk through the woods and listen. So off I went, wondering how far the trail went, and how long it would take me to get to the ocean.
Along the way I spotted a few birds I kinda sorta thought I could identify (Marsh Wren, I'm lookin' at you), and one bird sang tauntingly to me through the woods – a long and complicated song – but never revealed himself. Eventually I came upon Russ and Noah, who had stricken off ahead; they welcomed me to join them, and before long we heard the song again and they knew it by ear: the Pacific Wren. Then the bird flew into sight, easy as pie. Jerk.
Noah and Russ invited me to drive with them for a couple of hours to hit up some more hot spots in search of Noah's bird. Everywhere we stopped, we'd walk really fast along a trail while they'd name birds they heard singing and calling all around us. I barely saw any birds at all, but when we'd get back in the truck, Russ would hand Noah his phone and they'd start rattling off a list of species they had observed, checking them off in eBird (an app by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology used to report bird sightings). I had been using eBird all weekend for my own checklists, but never trusted my brain to complete the checklists after the fact. I logged everything in the moment. Mental note: get better at taking mental notes.
We went back to all of the places I'd gone on my Friday Three Capes field trip, but we never did find Noah's bird. Back to Pacific City we went, and it was time for beer. Russ had an appointment to keep, but Noah and I met at the Pelican Pub and had a beer and some food, and talked on and on for another two hours. So yeah, now we're basically best friends, just as I had predicted. 😉
Bird nerds are interesting people. They like optics: cameras, binoculars, spotting scopes. They like travel: racing around their city, county, state, country, continent, and planet to see more and more species of birds. They like lists, books, and records: gotta find those birds, know what you're looking at, and tell everyone else so they can find them too. They like to talk. Boy, do they like to talk. Guess who else likes to talk? This girl! I'm not sure I love the racing-around-just-to-check-a-box part of birding, but I definitely like the experience of being present while out in nature, listening, looking, and observing. And so, of course, I filled my garden with bird feeders the day I got home, and now I'm planting flowers to bring more birds and bugs around. I'm upgrading my binoculars, and taking pictures of birds from my desk. I'm…writing about birding. Thanks, Mom.