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38 Dolores a stylish but subdued addition to Upper Market
The new eight-story apartment building at the corner of Market and Dolores streets hints at what we'll see across San Francisco as construction cranes make way for finished structures: an abundance of careful planning and a shortage of architectural nerve.
On the ground there's a high-ceilinged Whole Foods Market and a wide sidewalk that doubles as an urbane mini-park. But the building above is a procession of compromises, an earnest collage of scales and skins rather than a distinctive work of architecture that stands on its own.
The result is a plus for a corner that's a gateway to the Castro to the west and the Mission to the south. What's missing is that hard-to-define extra spark - the comfortable confidence that once defined Bay Area urban neighborhoods and now is frowned on more often than not.
If nothing else, the finished product dubbed 38 Dolores emerged relatively coherent from a process that included meetings between the developer, Prado Group, and an array of neighborhood groups after a plan for the larger Upper Market area was approved in 2007. There now are a dozen mixed-use buildings along Market Street west of Van Ness Avenue that are recently finished, under construction or in the works.
This one commands notice because of the prominence of the block-long site, at the crest where Dolores Street's march of palm trees concludes and Market begins its long descent to the Ferry Building.
Varied character
With no shortage of design cues to choose from, Prado Group and BAR Architects chose a contemporary look and then adapted it to the existing contexts on each side.
The building is eight stories tall along Market, while on Dolores the top two stories are pulled back to reduce the building's heft. The south wing along 14th Street drops to four stories, an abrupt transition to the older residential buildings across the way.
At each turn, the architectural details of 38 Dolores are tweaked as well. The Market Street facade has glassy, right-angled bays that are detailed in crisp metal. The stretch along Dolores has thinner bays and a coat of medium-brown brick. The 14th Street wing wears bricks of a light brown hue and adds a skin of faux wooden slats.
"We really felt the character should be different on Market Street than it was on Dolores, and different again on 14th Street," said David Israel, a principal at BAR, the design architect. William McDonough + Partners was involved in earlier schematic designs for the project. "Each context is somewhat different."
The most memorable move, though, is the one that breaks free of context - a sharp prow that extends 25 feet above the Whole Foods entrance where Market and Dolores meet.
It's a fresh take on a hallowed Market Street tradition, the flatiron buildings that fill the triangular lots where the city's two main grid patterns collide. It's also deceptive, because the wedges filled by historic flatirons are on the north side of Market, not the south. But the engaging drama is ample compensation.
Enticing passersby
With more creative license of this sort, 38 Dolores might shine. Instead, we have an above-par example of standard product. A big building that wants to be three smaller ones, stylish yet subdued.
Where 38 Dolores leaves its most satisfying mark is on ground.
One lane of Dolores Street was removed and combined with the existing sidewalk to create a linear park outside Whole Foods. Ample planters and benches line both sides of the walkway.
Despite early resistance from neighbors worried about traffic, this is an ideal spot for a snug public space that entices passersby to linger. And that's what's delivered in the design by April Philips Landscape Architecture.
Attractive retail space
There are clever touches - plants are irrigated in part by storm water runoff from 38 Dolores, assuming we ever have another storm - but the important thing is that the changes help civilize a stretch of Market now known mainly for its recycling center.
This aspect of the project shows the benefits of proactive planning: By setting standards at the start, developers can do the rest. The improvements were paid for and will be maintained by Prado Group, and while the apartments inside reportedly have monthly rents as high as $8,000, all of us benefit from wide attractive sidewalks.
The tall ground floor is important as well, because it helps make the retail space inside an attraction rather than a squished afterthought.
In the long run, 38 Dolores is more satisfying than the infill housing that has sprung up in places like central Berkeley or along El Camino Real on the Peninsula.
But buildings of this sort should strive to do more than placate the neighbors and fill in the blanks. Some need to stir the imagination, raise the bar for what comes next. By those standards, this newcomer falls short.
JohnKing is The San Francisco Chronicle's urban design critic. E-mail: email@example.com Twitter: @johnkingsfchron


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The Basics of Public Activism
By Youth vs Modernity | In today's world where the internet is so accessible, many choose to hide behind their screens and do internet activism. While internet activism is effective and helps get to the youth who use it ever increasingly, it just fundamentally is not the same as actually getting out in the public, showing your face, and talking to the people one on one or with a group.
A really important aspect of public activism is that you actually see the person who is giving you the information you are hearing. Online people can pretend to be anything, anyone could be telling you the information you are receiving. You have probably heard this rhetoric a bunch, but it is very vital to understand, especially as an ethnic nationalist. People are more likely to try and deceive you when you are an ethnic nationalist because it is perceived as racist or bigoted and people want to mess with you and make you sound moronic by feeding you misinformation. For these reasons, public activism is vital to any movement. You as an activist can be seen and trusted by the people you are giving information to because they can see your face and they can see that you have confidence and true conviction for what you are talking about. When people see this kind of confidence and conviction, they will want to follow and you will gain members or at least allies.
When going out into the public, it is vital that you DO NOT look intimidating, like trash, or in any way unapproachable. You have to remember that you are representing your movement and how you look defines your movement and its community. Too often we see ethnic nationalist movements dressed up like militants or unprofessionally, showing off their Nazi, Ku Klux Klan, or skinhead tattoos. These are the types of people and organizations that give our community a bad name and a bad look. Though many of the people in these organizations would argue that they are "doing stuff right if they are hated," but this simply is not true. These people are hated because they look like trash, speak like trash, and throw up their Nazi salutes, yet expect to be respected by even their own community. This is not friendly or approachable and will definitely not attract new members. This is, simply put, degenerate and it has been proven ineffective. If you want to attract new members, you MUST LOOK APPROACHABLE. You should wear a dress shirt and some nice pants, this is an approachable and respectable look. If you have tattoos, cover them, people with tattoos are not widely seen as approachable. But no matter how approachable you look, you will not be effective if you cannot spread the message of your movement in an articulate and intelligent way. If you cannot do this, do not speak on behalf of your organization, you will only make things worse if you sound like a dunce.
Youth today are raised in a world where nearly every social institution has a negative influence on their being. Highschool is largely a liberal waste of time through useless mass teaching and multicultural hogwash. It's devoid of any spiritual character and everyday useful knowledge, you learn repetition and reiteration.
Now, just getting out and doing activism to spread your organization's message is not the only great part of activism. One of the best parts of doing activism is camaraderie . You are likely not going to go out alone and do activism all by yourself, which provides you a perfect chance to get to know the people within your organization better. This will allow for you to make new friends, learn more about your movement, teach about your movement, have a great time, and want to do activism more often. It is very important that you have a close bond with the members of your organization, you have to remember that these people are on your side and share your opinions. You cannot be productive as an organization if you cannot get along. You do not even necessarily have to do activism with your own organization, you can do it with any organization within your movement, but you should make sure to do it with a respectable one. This will allow for organizations to work together and be more effective in the end. The comradery is well worth the activism, but make sure that you do not make it a time to hang out with the buddies instead of actually spreading your message. Another thing I find that is a detriment is doing rallies when you only have about thirty or less members. These are ineffective and do not do much for our movement. It would be better to take these thirty people split them up into groups of a couple people and send them around a city putting up fliers and holding signs in a few places. This was you can cover more ground and are way more likely to attract members as more people are likely to have seen your message.
Back on March 21st of this year on international White Man Day, I was able to have my first experience with activism with the National Youth Front. The National Youth Front (NYF) is a "conservation organization dedicated to the preservation of all White people, including their nations and cultures across the globe." I was able to go to the Bay Area, meet a couple of members and do some basic activism.i was told that I needed to look professional, I had to wear a dress shirt and some new pants. When I met up with them I was greeted with kindness and professionalism, I was bought lunch by the person who organized it, and we were able to get a lot done in the time we had. First thing we did was go to an overpass above a freeway and we held up signs, one read "Defend Your People" and the other read "Anti-Racist is Codeword for Anti-White." Surprisingly, we received many honks of positivity, however, though there was oddly less of it than expected, we did receive many indecent gestures. After about an hour on the overpass we drove to San Francisco to see a fly-by paid for by the American Freedom Party that read "#WhiteGenocide." The drive there was one of the best parts of the day, I was able to be educated by the men I was with on our organization, the broader look of our movement, and just stories from their pasts in activism and their experiences as ethnic nationalists. Then we drove over to SJSU campus to hang up flyers that also read "Defend Your People" and put up NFY stickers. Because of how we were dressed, we were able to talk to students and they did not seem the least bit concerned. We were even able to talk to a black student and he was nothing but happy to help us find where we needed to go. After that we hit one more overpass which also got quite a few good honks and our day was over. The day was fun and I have been wanting to do more and more activism ever since
While the internet is great for helping get our message out to the youth, they are not the only people we should be getting at. While we are the future, we are nothing without our people behind us, young and old. Public activism is also a more traditional way of doing things and allows you to connect with people on a broader scale than any simple internet conversation could. If you are truly dedicated and have the ability, getting out in the public and doing activism is a must.
[Source: Youth vs Modernity]
Political Power for European Americans!
European people should organize and advance their own interests just like every other group. Join our fight for Heritage and Identity!
The American Freedom Party needs your help! Send $10, $20, $50, $100, or any contribution you can via PayPal "Send Money" to email@example.com or click here:
The American Freedom Party (AFP) supports the right to keep and bear arms. Emancipate yourself from the dinosaur Democrat and Republican parties. Join a National Party that puts America first, The American Freedom Party!
Support American Freedom Party growth and our heritage of Western civilization! The American Freedom Party is the only party that addresses issues concerning European-American communities and all Americans.
Nationalism! Not Globalism! — America First! Not America Last!
Freedom from Republicans. Freedom from Democrats. American Freedom Party! Political Power for European-Americans!
European-Americans should push back! European-Americans should abandon the Republicans and Democrats. Change your party allegiance to the American Freedom Party. A Nationalist party that shares the customs and heritage of the European American people. We need a Nationalist Party interested in defending our borders, preserving our language and promoting our culture. The American Freedom Party is not beholden to foreign governments, special interest groups, nor Wall Street. The American Freedom Party is for America First!
Category: American Voice, Establishment News

subset: commoncrawl


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text: We developed a logo which would be instantly recognisable, whether on a phone screen or printed on paper. It promotes the essence of teaching through the use of two simple bubbles. The big bubble, with a tick, representing the one who has more knowledge and experience (the teacher) and the smaller adjoining bubble representing the one who is learning (the student).


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NEPA Environmental Procedure Pam Truitt, Grants Management Consultant September 4, 2014
Why Environmental Review? Avoid or mitigate impacts that may harm residents Avoid litigation that could halt a project on environmental grounds Avoid monitoring findings and/or loss of CDBG financial assistance to your project REQUIRED – by Federal Law & Regulation under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) and NEPA related laws
Certifying Officer The Chief Elected Official (CEO) of the jurisdiction assumes responsibility for environmental review CEO must sign the Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) and the Request for Release of Funds/Certification CEO accepts the jurisdiction of the Federal Courts as the responsible entity in environmental matters for this certification
Steps in the Environmental Review Process Create the Environmental Review Record Must be Available to Public Determine the Level of Environmental Review Required Complete Environmental Assessment and Compliance with related Laws Publish Required Notices According to Level of Review
Steps in the Environmental Review Process (cont.) DCA issues Release of Funds Letter "Removing Environmental Conditions" Maintain Documentation of Compliance (Including Mitigation) in the Environmental Review Record (ERR)
Process for Environmental Notices Publish Concurrent Notice (FONSI-NOI/RROF FONSI: 15 day local comment period No Earlier then 16 th day, submit public notice (proof of publication) and Request for Release of Funds and Certification (RROF/C) to DCA/OCD. Notice allows for an additional 15 days for public objection of RROF to DCA. This begins when DCA receives the RROF.
Levels of Environmental Review Four levels of review: 24 CFR Part 58.34(a) Exempt 24 CFR Part 58.35 Categorically Excluded Categorical exclusions SUBJECT to laws and authorities at 24 CFR Part 58.5 Categorical exclusions NOT subject to laws and authorities at 24 CFR Part 58.5 24 CFR Part 58.36 Environmental Assessment 24 CFR Part 58.37 Environmental Impact Statement
Exempt Activities Activities which are deemed not to affect the human and/or physical environment (i.e. environmental studies, planning, or administrative activities) No publication requirements Document finding in the environmental review record and proceed with project
Categorically Excluded 2 Classes 58.35(a) – activities SUBJECT TO other federal laws or authorities 58.35(b) – activities NOT SUBJECT TO other federal laws or authorities May Convert to Exempt
Environmental Assessment Environmental Assessment is required if project activities are not determined to be Exempt or Categorically Excluded Most CDBG funded projects require an Environmental Assessment
Environmental Assessment Use current form on DCA Website Cite Authoritative Sources of Info See HUD tool Describe mitigation measure for any identified negative impacts Evaluate all alternatives Certifying Officer must sign FONSI
Floodplain and Wetland Regulatory Changes Prohibition on construction of new structures and facilities in Coastal High Hazard Areas (V Zones) Structure Examples Walled or roofed buildings, including mobile homes and gas or liquid storage tanks Infrastructure Examples Roads, bridges, and utility lines
Floodplain and Wetland Regulatory Changes (cont.) Use of Preliminary Flood Maps and Advisory Base Flood Elevations Provides greater consistency with floodplain management activities across HUD and FEMA programs Require the use of FEMA preliminary flood maps and advisory base flood elevations, where available Other Federal, state, or local data may be used as "best available information" IF FEMA information is unavailable or insufficiently detailed
Floodplain and Wetland Regulatory Changes (cont.) Broadened use of the 5 Step Process for selected actions Omits Steps 2, 3, and 7 of 8 Step Process Rehabilitations subject to 5 Step Process Improvement that is not a substantial improvement Footprint is not significantly increased in floodplain or wetland Does not result in 20 percent increase in number of dwellings units or in average peak number of customers and employees Does not convert a nonresidential to a residential land use
Floodplain and Wetland Regulatory Changes (cont.) Codification of Wetland Policy HUD adopts in regulation the procedures of E.O. 11990 Primary Source of Data Fish and Wildlife Service-National Wetlands Inventory map Secondary Source of Data National Resource Conservation Service's National Soil Surveys Any state and local information concerning wetlands
Floodplain and Wetland Regulatory Changes (cont.) Codification of Wetland Policy Cont. Wetlands subject to E.O. 11990 requires the 8 Step Process Adoption of executive order reviews performed by HUD or another responsible entity May adopt previous floodplain review process performed by another responsible entity or HUD
Floodplain and Wetland Regulatory Changes (cont.) Individual 404 Permits for Wetlands Can use individual Section 404 Permits in lieu of performing the first five steps of the 8 Step Process Only applies to wetlands subject to Section 404 of the Clean Water Act Must submit the USACE Section 404 permit Required to follow Steps 6,7, and 8 Does not apply to USACE process Must complete 8 Step Process if project is in a floodplain and a wetland
Statutory & Regulatory Structure National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and implementing regulations of the Council on Environmental Quality (40 CFR Parts 1500-1508). HUD Regulations (24 CFR Part 58). NEPA-Related Laws and Authorities (List at 24 CFR 58.5).
Environmental Review Regulations 24 CFR Part 58 HUD's regulation allows local units of government to perform NEPA responsibilities and assume the responsibilities of HUD. Regulation titled "Environmental Review Procedures for Entities Assuming HUD Environmental Responsibilities" Covered in Chapter 2 of the Recipients' Manual Compliance is a General condition of all CDBG Awards.
NEPA-Related Laws/Authorities (10) National Historic Preservation Act (1966) Floodplain Management & Wetlands Protection: Executive Orders (1977) Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 Safe Drinking Water Act (1974) Endangered Species Act (1973) Wild & Scenic Rivers Act (1968)
NEPA-Related Laws/Authorities Clean Air Act (1970) Farmland Protection Policy Act (1981) HUD Environmental Criteria & Standards Noise Abatement and Control Near Explosives or Flammable Sites Near Airport Runway Protection Zones Near Toxic Hazards Environmental Justice E.O. (1994) Noise Control Act (1972)
Importance of Early Start Begin environmental review process as soon as possible. Typical times required to complete review range from 1 to 120 days. Must be completed by someone competent to do review
Important Tips Change of scope in project might require additional review. DON'T SPEND A DIME – until your ER is complete and you have received Release of Funds from DCA Exception for Admin and Design Costs When in doubt – contact DCA/CDBG staff!
Do Not Make Choice Limiting Actions! Do not take ANY action until the environmental review compliance is achieved, including property acquisition
Contacts Michael Casper 404.679.0594 firstname.lastname@example.com Pam Truitt 404.679.5240 firstname.lastname@example.com
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Outreach & Missions
Each year, Real Life Christian Academy students participate in a variety of outreach projects, lending support to those in need and spreading the word of God as part of our Christian ministry. Our students and families participate in local outreach activities as well as domestic and international initiatives. Students in upper school can earn community service hours though the outreach activities that they participate in.
Outreach opportunities include:
Mid-India Church Partners!
In partnership with Real Life Church in an ongoing missions outreach through Mid-India Church Partners!, a missions ministry dedicated to spreading the Gospel in India through evangelism, church planting and caring for persecuted children and families.
Our students participate in Mid-India's Shining Light program, which helps support church families by providing for children's basic needs such as tuition, books, school materials, blankets, and jackets, and and Neelam's Kids, an orphanage in India. Each classroom has a jar in which students can donate change or items they would like to give (donations are collected once a month.) Giving is voluntary and not required.
HEART Institute
Each year, our upper school students and upper elementary students visit the HEART (Hunger Education and Resources Training) Institute for a 1-3 day off campus learning experience. HEART is an interdenominational training center designed to prepare people to serve effectively in the underdeveloped world. Located in subtropical Florida, HEART operates a village community that simulates many aspects of underdeveloped world living. Students reside in the village and are provided the opportunity for hands-on application of the many valuable skills integrated into HEART's curriculum. In addition to practical and technical skills, participants acquire problem solving and coping skills that will enable them to adapt more readily to the challenges they will face overseas. Our students benefit in several ways:
- They learn critical leadership and problem solving skills.
- They develop an appreciation for conditions in third world countries.
- They get exposure to what life is like in many mission fields.
- They receive an introduction to animal husbandry and sustainable agriculture
For more information on the HEART Institute visit their website.
Real Help Food Pantry
Students and their families partner each year with Real Help, a ministry of Real Life Christian Church, in ministering to the community's need for food. Students participate by helping to stock the Real Help Food Pantry.
Real Life is serious about attacking hunger in our community, and the generosity and partnership from our students and their families allows us to continue to meet those needs in a very practical way.
For more information on Real Help click here.


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AVAILABLE TO: Full-time UFV students completing their second or third year of a bachelor degree program. Student must have a GPA of 3.0 and be a Canadian citizen or landed immigrant. Student must be able to demonstrate leadership experience and volunteer commitments. Preference will be given for a student who is a resident of the Fraser Valley (Langley to Hope).
HOW TO APPLY: Leadership Award Application form is available on-line at MyUFV. Log into MyUFV, click on Student Information, click on Student Services, then the tab for Financial Aid.
DEADLINE: May 10.
Apply online for yourCanada-B.C. Student Loan6 to 8 weeks before startof term.
Apply for Interest-free status and continue your full-time studies without renewing your student loan.
Apply for UFV Bursariesonline through myUFV. Applications accepted every semester.
Find out about UFV Scholarships. Applications accepted fromMarch 15 to May 10.


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Directed by: Chelsey Burdon & Mark Vessey
Written by: Chelsey Burdon & Mark Vessey
Cast: Fiona Dourif, Phillip James
Stuck in a domineering and controlling relationship, She is backed into a corner and plans the ultimate revenge.
I had no idea what "She" was about, I managed to see this film up at Grimm up North back in October an while I was suitably impressed with the film it's only after today's re-watch that I realised just how good this short really is.
"She" is a powerful experience, it's hard to describe what emotions this short film takes you through. With its minimalistic concept, its one location, two cast members and one line of dialogue it manages to deliver so much tension and story it really is quite breath taking. Just from the look of the house, the body language and their expressions you understand the back story in an instant. You know where this relationship is at, the pain and suffering it is causing the woman, the hate and disgust he has for her, you really don't need words or flashbacks to paint this picture any clearer. As uncomfortable as it is to watch, I was still riveted to the screen, even knowing the films outcome, I was drawn into this painful world, even at the end I just couldn't take my eyes off it! God did I cringe!
Phillip James does a superb job with his role but it is Fiona Dourif who is simply sensational, her looks of disdain, the fear in her eyes and her tense body language just made me believe her character completely. The scene with her laughing is also rather unnerving as well. An incredible performance.
Written and Directed by Mark Vessey and Chelsea Burdon, they have created an intelligent and thought provoking film. They have used just enough visuals to accompany the already obvious scenario and to drive the story forward to its rather hard hitting 3rd act. The cinematography by David Meadows is rather good, the dinner table scene is brilliantly shot and the whole thing is nicely edited by Mitch Harrod.
The Gorilla Club in Manchester really didn't do this short justice, the sound wasn't great, the projection wasn't the best but I'm really pleased to have seen it again, and rather gutted I missed it at Frightfest, the audience reaction must have been priceless.
While I can see some saying it's just about that 3rd act, Vassey and Burdon are just out to shock you, for me what actually comes before that is just as shocking. This is a fabulous short film!
Something has been troubling me since I watched She. No, not the mutilation by pairing knife ( I have to admit I'm not sure it was a pairing knife, or even what a pairing knife inserted), but that is most certainly troubling for a good fifty per cent of the populace. No, the troubling thing was that I felt curiously detached from the film, something just didn't quite work for me.
The premise is simple enough, as many of the best shorts are) a married couple, with a distinction all relationship, he drinks and is abusive, she is withdrawn and seemingly accepting of her fate. Finally pushed too far the woman (Fiona Dourif) drugs her partner and performs a ( extremely well done) bit of DIY penis operating. Trust me, it's not a case of any cutaways, it's all there in graphic detail.
So, if the ending delivered a suitably impressive finale, why does the film not quite work? Well, certainly the foreshadowing of having the female character cutting up carrots at the beginning doesn't help. It's a little too literal, and signposted the likely outcome battle of vegetable knife vs penis far too obviously. Also the husband character, due in no doubt to the need to show him as a thoroughly despicable abuser, doesn't quite stand as a rounded character. Had there been something redeeming or at least some empathy shown for his character the penis abuse would have been far more powerful. As it is its a bit of a, 'well, he deserved it", "next!"
This isn't to take away from an ending that has understandably had some very positive responses on the festival circuit, it's a well made short, but does feel like there was an even better short that it could have been. Worth a watch though.
As a short for me, She didn't totally work.
The film opens on a couple waking and beginning their day, which quickly devolves into a horrible scene of sexual violence, highlighting the dominant relationship between them. The expansion of the characters in the relationship, while shown to be abusive and domineering, never really ramps up on camera enough to go where the film does in its 15 minute runtime. Watching She, It felt like watching a film where you've come in 20-30 minutes late. The background and character development has already happened, you're just not privy to it. As an audience all we are left with is the continuing relationship between the couple in the house. With the exception of the brutality of the opening scene everything else is done with a look and a glance, which makes the situation all the more uncomfortable. The lack of dialogue leaves the film almost playing like a silent movie which, for me worked well. 'She' (Fiona Dorff) is beaten down so much so, she seems to be an empty shell of a person and becomes driven to the coming events.
When the film reaches the third act, it becomes very violent and turns the dynamic of the relationship on it's head. The flip from the rough mental and physical dominance of the man to the extreme brutality of the woman is a big difference within the film. It just feels like such a gear change when it occurs that it is a little jarring, you expect SOMETHING to happen, just not THAT. (if you can't tell Im trying to not say what). She felt like the makers had the idea for the end scene and then wrote a script that would purposely lead up to that point. IT certainly has a lot of fans, Mike I know is one of them. I felt like I wanted more development to situation depicted in the film before the end scene.
Opening with humdrum scenes of everyday normality, on first appearances I was thinking where exactly is this going. As it progresses we learn it's a much more abusive relationship where fear dominates their lives and she is basically there to be used by him. However this switches massively midway through this short and whilst there are glimpses that something is about to happen it will not prepare you for what exactly does happen.
This is a very clever and creative piece of film making that made me laugh but also made me want to puke in equal measure. Truly horrifying and in no way at all will you expect the level of violence and gore that ensues in the last few minutes.
Brilliant piece of short film making, adored this and hated it in equal measure and that takes some doing.
She is currently on the festival circuit


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Can Sounds Measure Ecosystem Health?
March 27, 2011
…from npr.org…
Scientists Tune In To The 'Voices of the Landscape'
"There's nothing new about studying animal sounds; biologists have been doing that for centuries. After all, if you want to understand birds, you need to understand how they communicate.
"But Bryan Pijanowski is now asking his colleagues to take a huge step back and, metaphorically speaking, listen not just to the trees, but to the forest.
"'We're trying to understand how sounds can be used as measures of ecosystem health,' says Pijanowski, who teaches in the department of forestry and natural resources at Purdue University."
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text: SXSW Interactive is our annual pilgrimage to Austin, Texas for a brain re-boot of all things emerging tech. This is where we go to be part of a massively parallel process of learning, collaborating, observing, and ideating with digital people of all types during an intense 6 day period of collective consciousness. This year our list includes a healthy focus on the following: MedTech, Personal Health, Wearables, InsurTech, FinTech, IoT, IIoT, Smart Cities Technology and Projects. More to come!


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From our headquarters in Solihull, UKPR are able to control our own and our customers' assets 24/7. This virtual power station sets UKPR above its competitors by providing sector leading response services which deliver to the wholesale and ancillary services markets in real time. It is an innovative model which offers greater flexibility to National Grid.
This investment was designed and built by our in house team of experts and has allowed the business to thrive. It uses state of the art technology to reliably monitor and mange infrastructure spread across the UK.
Should you wish to discuss UK Power Reserve's Virtual Power Station further please contact: email@example.com


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Many School Computers Still Aren't Ready for Y2K
The dawn of the new year may catch many schools unprepared for the Y2K computer bug, a U.S. Department of Education survey suggests.
The government's Y2K logo.
"I'd be very surprised if we didn't see 1,000 to 1,500 schools shut down,'' Marshall S. Smith, the department's acting deputy secretary, said at a press conference held here last week to release the survey's results. The nation has about 91,000 schools.
Of the nearly 1,000 school districts that completed the survey in September, 36 percent said their districts had not yet prepared all their "mission critical" computer systems for problems they could encounter as the calendar rolls over to 2000. Individual respondents decided which systems were mission-critical, but they typically include business operations, fire protection, security, and transportation.
Four percent of districts said that at least some mission-critical systems would not be ready by Jan. 1.
The results show some improvement over last June, when, in a similar survey by the Education Department, 72 percent out of 3,500 districts said they had mission-critical systems that were not Y2K- compliant. At that time, however, only 2 percent said those systems would not be ready by Jan. 1. ("Survey: Districts Still Not Prepared for Year 2000 Glitch," Sept. 9, 1999.)
The latest survey also shows that many districts haven't debugged many other computer functions that, although not deemed mission-critical, are important to school operations.
For example, 14 percent of districts said they did not expect all their infrastructure componentswhich include heating and telecommunicationsto be ready by the first of the year.
Trust, But Verify
In addition, only 56 percent of survey respondents said they had completed contingency plans to cope with potential Y2K disruptions, and only 83 percent said they would have contingency plans in place by Jan. 1.
Mr. Smith recommended that districts spend the next 65 days completing such plans and checking key systems that affect student safety and essential business operations. He also encouraged parents and students to ask their districts to provide independent confirmation of the adequacy of their Y2K fixes.
The Y2K bug derives from the once-common programming practice of representing each year by just the final two digits. Errors could result when the year rolls over to "00."
Vol. 19, Issue 10, Page 3Published in Print: November 3, 1999, as Many School Computers Still Aren't Ready for Y2K
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Loddon Mallee Waste Info App
The Loddon Mallee Waste Info App has been developed to help residents make quick and simple waste and recycling decisions with the aim to reduce contamination and increase recycling levels.
Features of the Waste Info App include:
- Personalised bin collection calendar for residents, with optional reminders
- A-Z list of materials and images showing which bin to put materials in
- Further information, hints and tips to help with waste management
- Information about Council's waste and recycling services and facilities, including contact details, opening times and maps
- 'Report a problem' form allowing residents to send feedback direct to Council
- Push notifications letting residents know changes to collection dates, events and programs
Residents within the following local government areas will have access to the FREE Waste Info App:
- Buloke Shire
- City of Greater Bendigo
- Gannawarra Shire Council
- Loddon Shire Council
- Macedon Ranges Shire Council
- Mildura Rural City Council
- Mount Alexander Shire Council
- Swan Hill Rural City Council
Download the FREE Loddon Mallee Waste Info App through the App Store or Google Play with the search: Loddon Mallee.
Any issues please contact:
Sharna Ross
Projects Officer
Loddon Mallee Waste and Resource Recovery Group
E: email@example.com
Part Time: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday (9.00am – 3.00pm)


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Our Specialties:
California Olive Oil – We work only with small family owned Northern California olive oil mills. We purchase large quantities of bulk oil and bottle in our shop.
Balsamic Vinegars – Imported from Modena, Italy. This is the traditional thick and sweet condiment, none can resist for its smooth flavor and texture.
Charcuterie & Cheese – fine selected products, domestic and imported.
Local Honey – harvested in the Hood River Valley & Lost Lake area.
Wine & Hard Cider – In house micro production. All natural, wild fermentation process.
Gift Ideas – We stock our small store with unique gifts & presents for foodies during Holiday Season.


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Aquinas Academy Fundraisers
A variety of ways for parents, family, neighbors, and faculty to support the school, at no extra cost.
Giant Eagle Apples for the Students
Each time you shop at Giant Eagle using your Giant Eagle Advantage Card, you earn points for our school — points that the school can redeem for great educational tools such as computers, software, video equipment, gym and playground gear, and more. The points are automatically credited to Aquinas through the Giant Eagle Advantage Card.
Aquinas Academy's School Code is 3350
Participation is simple:
- Call 1-800-474-4777 or visit www.gianteagle.com/AFTS.
- Enter your Giant Eagle Advantage Card® number (which appears under the bar code).
- Enter the school code: 3350.
- Done! Please encourage your extended family and friends to register too.
Call 1-800-474-4777 or visit www.gianteagle.com/AFTS to check if your card is registered. When prompted, enter our school code 3350.
Box Tops
- Find Box Tops on hundreds of products.
- Clip Box Tops from each package.
- Send the Box Tops to school.
- Box Tops are each worth 10¢ for our school.
Link to the Box Tops web site for Participating Products and Bonus Offers, along with activities, coupons, and recipes.Remember:
- Clip as close to the coupon without cutting off the date or other information.
- The date on the coupon must not have expired.
Land's End Uniforms (preferred school #9000-9100-0)
With Lands' End School Rewards Program our school can receive up to a 3% cash-back reward from our school's total uniform purchases.
GoodSearch / GoodShop
Search the web with GoodSearch.com and each time you do a search, GoodSearch will donate a penny to our school!
Shop online at GoodShop.com and a percentage of each purchase will be donated to our school! More than 600 top stores are participating including Amazon, Target, Staples, Best Buy and more!
Just make sure to choose "Aquinas Academy – Pittsburgh" as your designated Charity.
Note: If you delete your cookies after each session, you will need to either re-select Aquinas Academy each time you search or set up your home page as directed below to automatically choose Aquinas Academy.
Here's the format for the link that you will type in order to have Aquinas Academy pre-selected on the GoodSearch or GoodShop home page:
- GoodSearch: http://www.goodsearch.com/?charityid=833687
- GoodShop: http://www.goodshop.com/?charityid=833687


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The title of this piece does not refer to a character from the movie "The Usual Suspects." No, it is a technique taught to us by the police to diffuse any confrontation we may find ourselves in. You see, they don't give us guns (and a good thing too). We do have pepper spray but my former boss told me that in her more than twenty five years on the job, no one ever used it. Sometimes just taking the canister out of it's holder and shaking it to mix the chemicals is enough to deter a person who is hot under the collar. They know they may be about to become hot around the face and that does the trick.
This then is about talking your way out of a bad situation which is a marvellous skill to have in daily life as well (especially when I have a fight with my wife).
Here's what generally happens:
I am writing a ticket and about to place it on the windshield when the person emerges from their house. You can tell by the redness of their face and the strain showing in their neck muscles that, yep, it's their car and they are already at level 100 on the anger meter. They'll usually ask something stupid like "Why am I getting a ticket?" Generally they already know why and I'm getting very developed eye-rolling muscles myself.
Then the fun begins as I try to calmly explain to them why they are getting fined. Now, here's a problem to watch out for: they are in a completely agitated state and we as humans (most of us), when confronted with this type of thing get an immediate shot of adrenaline, prompting what's called the "fight or flight" response. Since we can't flee (until we've hung the ticket) and we can't fight in the traditional sense, we must use verbal judo (or scalding hot coffee if you happen to be holding a cup but you try writing a ticket with a cup of coffee in your hand. Not easy). The thing to avoid though is, when you get that shot of adrenaline (you've already had enough caffeine, mister), it's hard not to rise to their level and start getting angry yourself. You have to swallow hard (sometimes the coffee is bad, I mean really bad) and set a better tone between you and the angry person. It can get extremely frustrating (hey, I paid four and a half bucks for this coffee [oh, will you stop with the coffee already and get on with it?]), as I was saying it can get frustrating hearing the stupid or clueless reasons or excuses or just plain wrong-headedness of the aggrieved party and sometimes you'd like to say something back to them like: "You're an ass." This won't do. When they train us they tell us: "If you want to say something you think will make you feel better, don't." It'll only make the situation worse. And, you may get a citizen complaint about you. And who wants those? Most people simply want to be listened to anyway, so I do a lot of that. If you listen, you don't have to do a lot of talking which is smart.
I'm very good at verbal judo. When I'm done with a person, they are usually shaking my hand and saying thank you to me. And I just gave them a ticket! I love it. I can usually stop any snarkiness from coming out of my mouth until I'm fully in my vehicle and driving away. You should hear what I say then! It feels sooooo goooood.
Saturday, August 21, 2010
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I'm posting for 60 days straight, leading up to my early December birthday, and I'm making the time to write on behalf of slain UCC Professor and aspiring novelist, Larry Levine.
Friends in their early 40s just had their second child. The obligatory Facebook newborn pic looks cute and all. But they've got 18 years til he's off to college ... or whatever we're calling that stage of education in 2033. TWENTY THIRTY THREE. They'll be in their early 60s, give or take. SIXTIES. Even at my years, 60 seems, well, old.
Friends in their mid 40s are getting a divorce. After 20 years of marriage. And they've got two girls, both with middle and high school years ahead. But I get it. Why live in a miserable, unhappy marriage? 9/11 and random shootings and accidents remind us daily: life's too short. Why attempt to raise kids in that kind of toxic environment? Several other friends in their 40s are living sexless, angry marriages. I know because they've come to me for advice. Or at least for a sympathetic ear.
A childhood friend I'd been in pretty frequent touch with over the years dropped off the radar last year, without explanation. It used to bother me when people slid out of my life. But I realized the reasons were rational enough - a relationship ended, a job changed, a project wrapped, or someone moved. But this one has defied all logic. At first the silence was insulting and disrespectful. Now it's a bit comical as over a year has past. Life moves on. He and I will not. So it goes.
Two teens left for college in late August and mid September. They left their divorced parents behind. Neither parent remarried, and the dad - that's me - is beyond thrilled at what this next chapter holds. Since he was the primary custodian following divorce in '02, he hasn't lived alone since ... well, ever. Married right out of school. Lived with roommates through four years of college and one year of graduate school; with mom throughout high school and with both parents in elementary.
The silence, so far, is quite golden. While the friends and former friend I've mentioned probably disagree, bring on the changin' times!


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This audition brought me to tears. Yup I know, what a big softy. The X Factor UK is still the best singing talent show in the world bar none. The UK press have been putting 2015 down as the worst year ever for the X Factor, and generally bad mouthing them (sometimes the British press can be complete bast**ds). But I am loving the show. I have always loved the show. But tonight through the magic of ITV Player, I have enjoyed the first two shows of this series in one go. And episode one blew my mind when these four Filipina sisters walked on #4thPower.
I get emotional with anything linked to the Philippines, but 4th Power really, really made me proud to be Pinoy tonight. You GO GIRLS!!!


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Caramel Apples
Kids can create their own polka-dot patterns on the apples by applying jumbo black and orange sprinkles before the caramel dries.
- 6 medium apples
- Sturdy sticks or popsicle sticks
- 14 oz. (1 bag) caramel chews, unwrapped
- 2-3 tablespoons water
- For decorating: Jumbo Black and Orange Sprinkles (available online or in baking or craft stores)
- Parchment paper
- Wash and dry the apples. Insert a stick into the top of each one.
- In a medium saucepan, place the caramels and 2 tablespoons water over low heat. Stir the caramels until melted, about 3-5 minutes. For thinner caramel, add one more tablespoons water.
- Remove the caramel from the heat, then dip the apples in the caramel (this should be under adult supervision). Allow any additional caramel to drip off back into the pan, then place the caramel-dipped apples on a silicone baking sheet or parchment paper. Before the caramel has set, apply the sprinkles so they stick in the caramel.
- Allow the apples to cool completely before serving.
- To make caramel apples easier to eat for small kids, it's a great idea to slice them into smaller, bite-sized pieces. Serves 6.


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Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
The Hazzards tonight: Live! and also. . . on your TV!!
Anne just had a birthday. Someone gave her a brand new Casio SK-1. It's bedazzled with real swarovski crystals, and all of its buttons work. Help celebrate Anne's birthday tonight at our Tuesday Night Makeout Party at Galapagos. We're going to play lots of casio songs! Tonight, we will be joined by The Carlough Brothers and Outre Island. Oooh!
Also, we're on Fuse June 5th
UPDATED: We're on Rad Girls next week. Not tonight. Oops! You could watch them tonight anyway, they're still pretty rad without us.
Sydney & Anne
The Hazzards
PS - Paul Thureen, our handsome harp player, is starring in The Debate Society's new play, The Eaten Heart. It's really, really good. You should see it. It's running in NYC through June 9th. Details here: www.thedebatesociety.org
Tuesday, May 29th, 2007
The Hazzards Tuesday Night Make Out Party
70 North 6th Street
between Kent and Wythe
Williamsburg, Brooklyn, NY 11211
718 782-518810:00pm
The Rad Girls on Fuse!
June 11th, 2007
The PIT
with DEEP
154 West 29th
Monday, May 14, 2007
Sweet Shows
Wow, let's catch up. We went to LA this weekend and did some rad stuff. We hung out in a porn attic, raced laundry carts, had a noodle spring break on the beach, and rocked as hard as we could in the middle of the street. Check out all the pictures!
We've got even bigger plans for the rest of the month. We're going to help send ukuleles to Africa, and have the sweetest Tuesday Night Make Out Party with some of our bestest friends.
What are you up to?
See you soon!
Sydney & Anne
The Hazzards
Wednesday, May 16th, 2007
The Glass Contraption presents... THE SHOW OF SHOWS!
158 Ludlow Street
$12 in advance via PayPal @ www.glasscontraption.org/about/calendar.html
$15 at the door
A Variety Night featuring some of their favorite comedians, clowns and musicians, all rallying to raise funds for their theater, music and clown residencies this summer at the Topsy Center for Children Living with HIV in South Africa. This year, the Ukulele Hall of Fame Museum has donated 48 ukuleles to help start a ukulele orchestra with the children! And of course, they will be unleashing the pandemonium and playful abandon of the clown all over town! With Ukulele Funny Ladies Katie Down of the Ukuladies, Kellie Rae Powell, Bliss Blood & Jamie Scandal; The Hazzards; The Two Man Gentleman Band; Corn Mo; Deenie Nast; Comedian, Dave Hill; and The Glass Contraption.
Tuesday, May 29th, 2007
The Hazzards Tuesday Night Make Out Party
70 North 6th Street
between Kent and Wythe
Williamsburg, Brooklyn, NY 11211
Free, free, free!
Sunday, May 13, 2007
Was my back dive good?
Labels: rad times LA
Saturday, May 12, 2007
Laundry cart racing!
Rad times in LA
Scoot, scoot, scoot, sweep
Labels: rad times LA
hazzards get your guns out
so tough!
really tough!
that girl ate 6 grapes today, what an effing mess
Will, do you know where the hole is?
Jaleel White AND a turkey vulture?
They were delicious!
Tacos El Texano
Labels: rad times LA
keepin' it real even when we get arrested
Is Will very tiny, or is he being electrocuted?
Friday, May 11, 2007
shiny, shiny sunglasses
You've fallen, you've fallen. . .
Remember what we taught you!
Noodle spring break!
having an AWESOME time!
spring break
So clean
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Yum, a southwest burger
Labels: rad times LA
Delicious, a southwest burger!
Wednesday, May 02, 2007
It's hockey season!
And you know what that means, folks - HOTT INJURIES!
Check out the mega bruise I got last Sunday:
That's my sexy inner thigh.
Needless to say, we won the game- largely due to the fact that I can take a laser shot to the thigh and keep playing without missing a step (or crying, eff that!) The rest of the team is pretty rad too, though. GO SKYFIGHTERS!


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Breathtaking 360-degree ocean, island, harbor, mountain views from ''Torre Linda'', a private hilltop estate with 7 bedrooms, 6 full baths, one half bath. Exquisitely updated 1930's Monterey Colonial on ~6.6 acres with gardens, orchard, vineyard, sea breezes. Bright interiors with views from every room, custom lighting, hardwood floors, stone tiles, fireplaces, wood beamed high ceilings. Guest house/office, pool, pool house with kitchen, entertainment patios, gourmet chef's kitchen, wine cellar, 2-car garage and spacious guest parking area make this retreat ideal for a family compound or hosting special events.
Listing courtesy of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage.


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Dynasty Authentic Jerseys
Looking for official team jerseys? We can help! Check out our Web Store!
Looking for official team jerseys? We can help! Check out our Web Store!
Looking for official team jackets? We can help! Check out our Web Store!
Dynasty Apparel was founded in Winnipeg, Manitoba, in 2015, and has become a leader within the curling apparel design industry. We are a team of curlers who are passionate about the game, and just as passionate about creating high-quality custom curling apparel! From the highest, elite-level curler to the league player, Dynasty Apparel has the perfect attire to help you excel at your game.
From ordering and customizing to creation and delivery, we work to deliver the best customer service and satisfaction. Designed for those who enjoy a passionate and enthusiastic love of life and the game, our apparel is both sophisticated and professionally designed for the best results and wear!
Feel free to browse our website to learn more about us! You can find out more about our #TeamDynasty members and be sure to check out our new inventory. You can also design your own jacket using our new Custom Design feature! As always, feel free to contact us with any questions you may have.


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Friday August 11th
5-8 pm
Samuel Owen Gallery
Opening Reception // Friday August 11th
5-8 pm @ the Samuel Owen Gallery
I am delighted to exhibit new work from my porthole series at my favorite gallery on island, the Samuel Owen Gallery. My new porthole series of dye-sublimation prints on metal are inspired by summers on Nantucket and the journey to and from the island that has become my second home. The 1947 International Dragon sailboat, ELSKA, featured in the print above won the Opera Cup in 2008. To preserve this beautiful place, I will donate a portion of my sales to the Nantucket Conservation Foundation.
For more information contact the gallery at 508.680.1445 or email email@example.com.
Samuel Owen Gallery
46 Centre Street
Nantucket, MA 02554


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Reuters World Cup Team of the Tournament
By Andrew Downie
July 14 (Reuters) - On the eve of Sunday's World Cup final between France and Croatia, Reuters Sports writers have chosen their team of the tournament:
Hugo Lloris (France)
* Understated and underrated for both club and country, goalkeeper Lloris's skills finally got the attention they deserved at this World Cup. Diving saves at key moments against Uruguay in the quarters and Belgium in the semi-final were crucial in France's march to the final. Sime Vrsaljko (Croatia)
* Vrsaljko is the epitome of a modern fullback in that he operates not just by defending the right flank but also as a proto-right winger as well as in midfield. With Luka Modric playing not far in front of his defence, Vrsaljko has pushed forward and filled in space in the middle of the pitch. Harry Maguire (England)
* Unknown outside England before this tournament, Maguire quickly had fans scrambling to find out more about the 25-year old Leicester defender. Solid in defence and always a threat at set pieces, Maguire was the epitome of the new England. Diego Godin (Uruguay)
* Godin's performances in this World Cup belied all the old chestnuts about violent Uruguayan defenders. Godin committed just five fouls in his five matches, as many as he received. He was outstanding in marshalling a defence that was one of the best in the entire tournament. Lucas Hernandez (France)
* Hernandez was another little-known French player who rose to prominence at the World Cup. The 22-year-old Atletico Madrid defender made his debut for France only in March but he fitted right in on the left flank. His positional play -- aided by frequent spells for his club in central defence -- has been excellent.
Paul Pogba (France)
* Pogba often flatters to deceive at club level but he has been superb at this World Cup, working off the tireless ball-winner N'Golo Kante. His rangy runs forward and vision in the middle of the pitch have been key for France, as has his presence at set pieces.
Luka Modric (Croatia)
* In a team packed with top talent, Modric is the one Croatian who has consistently lived up to his reputation. The Rolls Royce of footballers, he glided elegantly through every game, seemingly never tiring and rarely missing a pass. N'Golo Kante (France)
* The diminutive Frenchman is finally getting the plaudits he deserves. Paul Pogba has the haircuts and Kylian Mbappe the headlines but it is Kante, with his phenomenal work rate in midfield, who has been the key to France's success. Eden Hazard (Belgium)
* Like Modric, Hazard is a top candidate for player of the tournament. His drives from midfield and dribbles in and around the box were inspirational in taking Belgium to the semi-finals. Often fouled, he avoided histrionics and can consider himself unlucky not to be playing in Sunday's final. Edinson Cavani (Uruguay)
* Cavani is used to playing second fiddle to Luis Suarez at international level and Neymar at their club Paris St Germain but here in Russia he took centre stage for Uruguay, scoring three goals in four games, including two crackers in their last-16 win over Portugal. It is perhaps no coincidence that Uruguay's only defeat came when he was absent through injury. Kylian Mbappe (France)
* Mbappe showed in Russia that it is he and not his Paris St Germain team mate Neymar who is most likely to succeed thirty-somethings Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo as the best player in the world over the next decade. His backheeled pass to put Oliver Giroud through on goal against Belgium was one of the most sublime moments of the entire tournament. Substitutes Kasper Schmeichel (Denmark) Kieran Trippier (England) Yerry Mina (Colombia) Andreas Granqvist (Sweden) Kevin de Bruyne (Belgium) Denis Cheryshev (Russia) Hirving Lozano (Mexico) Philippe Coutinho (Brazil) Coach - Didier Deschamps (France) Deschamps was criticised for leaving out some big names but there was method in his madness. His side was balanced and played for each other and while France were not always attractive they were always in control. If the French beat Croatia in Moscow the former Olympique de Marseille and Juventus midfielder will join Mario Zagallo and Franz Beckenbauer as only the third man to both play for and coach a World Cup-winning side. (Reporting by Andrew Downie; Editing by Clare Fallon)
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DaraAV™ is a New York team of licensed, insured audiovisual specialists, providing sound and video system engineering, design consultations, design/build services, sales, rental, and audiovisual systems installation. We specialize in the New York & New Jersey restaurant, sports bar, hospitality, retail, corporate, education, and house of worship markets. We offer the best brands, practical solutions, and breathtaking designs in audio, video and control system solutions, after-the-sale training, service and support.
Founded more than 10 years ago by owner Jak Daragjati as JD Systems, Dara AV remains committed to delivering technology that's easy to use while delivering the results clients need.
Our personalized approach to audiovisual installation and systems integration, along with our top-notch customer service, has earned us acclaim and appreciation from our customers. Our client list includes high-profile nightclubs, sports bars, and restaurants in and around the New York Tri-state area, including New Jersey and Staten Island.
We work with an extensive list of audiovisual equipment vendors to provide you with the most choices and flexibility. We promise to supply the best audio video equipment for any job.
When a customer calls us at 2 AM because the sound system in his nightclub went down, we're right there with a solution. If a boutique hotel needs a projector fixed before a high-profile wedding in their main event room, the bride won't ever know there was a problem. You just don't see friendly, personalized service like that in many places anymore.
We promise a clean, professional audiovisual installation every time. Our design and installation technique is like no other. We operate with precision and efficiency to save clients time and money while providing a clean installation. We promise your venue will look better after we leave than when we started.
Every space has different audio visual needs, and great audio visual systems begin with the right, professional design. Our industry connections and distributor relationships allow us the flexibility to design systems down to equipment specifications and for the best price.
Even if you choose a "do-it-yourself" approach to audiovisual systems integration … we can help. Don't let a limited budget keep you from the AV systems of your dreams. If you have the man power or just prefer the do-it-yourself approach, we're willing to work with you to help you get it right.
Serving Staten Island, New York, New Jersey and Beyond
Dara AV is a team of licensed, insured audiovisual specialists providing expert sound and video system engineering, design consultations, design/build services, sales, and audiovisual and control system installation.
We serve the restaurant, hospitality, retail, education, house of worship, and corporate markets across Staten Island, the New York tri-state area, and beyond.
Set the Stage for Sales in Your Restaurant or Sports Bar
The right audiovisual systems keep restaurant and sports bar customers in their seats, watching the game, eating and drinking.
The ambiance in any restaurant, sports bar, or catering hall depends largely on the sound, video and lighting. Carefully designed LED lighting systems can dress up drab decor if your space needs a facelift.
State-of-the-art audio and video systems deliver the "wow" in a new restaurant or sports bar.
Of course, you want to work with a company you can rely on to provide service and support if something goes wrong or your systems need an upgrade. Dara AV is there, from lights on to last call – and beyond.
Audio Video Designs to Make Your Hospitality Customers Feel at Home
Today's hotel guests expect amenities and technologies that rival what they have at home. From a 65-inch 4K LED to smart lighting, big market and boutique hotels want to create a unique technology experience for their customers.
Dara AV takes our years of experience in audio video design and our relationships we've established in the industry to develop the systems you need at prices you can afford.
We Understand Church Sound
You don't have to be a Christian to understand what creates an awe-inspiring experience in a house of worship today, but it helps. Whether your house of worship requires crystal clear spoken word, or a speaker system that can accommodate musical performances as energetic as any nightclub, Dara AV knows what it takes to get you there.
Raised Catholic and attending mass on Staten Island, we understand the unique needs of the church market, budgetary constraints, and the importance of good financial stewardship. From modern megachurches to historic buildings, we will work with your church leaders, offering our advice and experts, to provide the best audio visual brands to meet your needs.
View our portfolio to see our latest House of Worship projects and to get an idea of what we can help you create in your sacred space.
Technology Education Experts to Guide You
Education is changing. From distance learning to digital whiteboards, students and teachers rely on technology more than ever before. Your K-12 or higher education institution needs partners in technology who can help you navigate the ever-changing landscape, specify the right systems, and offer the training you need to maximize the capabilities of your new systems.
Today's schools rely on technology not just to enhance the learning experience, but to keep students and staff safe. Dara AV also specializes in the security systems, including CCTV cameras and video monitoring systems, that are a necessity in today's world.
Started In The Heart Of Staten Island
Staten Island native Jak Daragjati, Dara AV CEO and President, launched the company with the goal of providing clients with cutting edge audiovisual and control systems, fair pricing, and unmatched training and service-after-the-sale.
While the Staten Island, NY-based company has grown to expand our reach and capabilities as AV technology has advanced, we remain committed to the same high standards for quality and customer service. Other companies may take on any job to pay the bills, but we only work with those organizations where we see technology needs that are a match for our product offerings and skillset.
A Business Based on Honesty and Relationships
Our clients benefit from our decades of experience in the pro audio industry and the relationships we've forged over the years. Each project gets our full attention. We spec the products we believe are best for the job, regardless of profit margins. Our success is based on honesty and relationships. Our mission is finding the best audiovisual solution for any budget while providing the same premium service for clients large or small. Our extensive list of vendors and solid AV industry relationships gives us the means to do exactly that.
Please view our portfolio to see how many top clients we've helped in the New York Tri-state area. Then contact us to see what Dara AV can do for you.
Commercial Audio/Visual Design
Tossing up a few screens and using that old PA system isn't going to cut it. You need professional audio video system design to truly set your venue apart and get people talking. Read More
Tailored Solutions
We know that every venue is unique. That's why every audiovisual design and installation package we create is completely customized. Save the cookie cutters for the bakers. Read More
Service and Training
When you work with JD Systems, you're never on your own. We provide training, support, and round-the-clock service-after-the-sale. Read More
Professional Audio and Video Installation
We install and manage the projects we design, so you know that every component is placed correctly, cable runs are neat and efficient, and your venue will look better than ever when we leave. Read More
Control Systems Integration
We've partnered with some of the best brands in audio, video, lighting and HVAC control systems, including Crestron, URC and AMX, to provide our customers with choices to find the control systems that will meet their needs. Read More
Authorized DirecTV Installation
Get the channels your customers want with DirecTV, installed by our licensed and insured team with more than 10 years of experience. Read More
Serving Staten Island, New York City, New Jersey and Beyond
JD Systems was founded 10 years ago by audiovisual professional Jak Daragjati, with the idea to provide clients with cutting edge audio video systems, fair pricing, and the best service around. While the Staten Island, NY-based company has grown to expand its reach, capabilities and services, we remain committed to the same high standards for quality and customer service.
Meet the JD Pro™ Family


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The most practical shooting mode for nature photography is one of the semi-automatic modes: Program, Aperture Priority or Shutter Priority.
Beginner tip
If you are only starting out, don't worry too much about the exposure settings on the camera: concentrate on taking beautifully composed images. However, stay away from the completely automatic settings. Aim at using Aperture Priority as soon as you can – it is the way to go.
Pro tip
We almost always have our cameras set on Aperture Priority. If we want to achieve a certain shutter speed, we change our aperture and ISO until we reach it. Under certain circumstances we would set the camera to Manual mode, especially when using flash.
How you can take a similar image
Lens: Super telephoto lens.
Settings: Medium aperture. Medium ISO.
How: If you are fortunate enough to get fairly close to a turaco to take a head shot, you have to keep your own head. Use the camera on Av and close down the aperture by a few stops to make sure that the whole head is in focus. But when you dial down, keep an eye on the shutter speed. You don't want camera shake. If the shutter speed becomes too low, increase your ISO.


text: This one is short and sweet! If you want to shoot images of the Milky Way, you need to go when the time is right. For the norther hemisphere this is between March and October. Additionally, you want the darkest sky you can and a big light source that can mess with that is a city or the moon. You want to be at least 100 miles from any major city, especially one that is south of you (in the northern hemisphere), and shoot on a new moon or within 5 days of a new moon. You can also see if the moon in the area you want to shoot is rising or setting during the time you are shooting but if you aim for a new moon, this will help the most. Shooting the Milky Way isn't hard if you do the work before and figure out the best times to shoot!


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Community Insurance
We are dedicated to providing you the coverage you need with the service you deserve.
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We'll thoroughly assess your business and situation to develop creative, comprehensive, cost-effective solutions that fit your needs.
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About Community Insurance
Community Insurance has been serving the residents and business owners of Central Pennsylvania since 1955. As a local independent insurance agency, with two convenient locations in Lancaster, PA and New Holland, PA, we provide the customer service and communication you won't find from larger agencies. Our team is made up of insurance professionals who are dedicated to serving you first and seeing that you get the appropriate assistance you need.
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Explore our interactive graphics and learn about your unique risks and the related insurance solutions.
Providing for Your Family
Risk Factor
Raising a child is a rewarding and important life experience. It is also very expensive. The average cost of raising a child, born in 2013, to age 18 is more than $300,000. If you were to die tomorrow, would your spouse be able to provide food, clothes, daycare, and eventually college tuition for your child? In 2013, the average cost of tuition, fees, room and board for a private college was $41,412 per year.
Having life insurance could secure the future for your children if you have an untimely death. With a life insurance policy, there would be enough income to help pay for everything your child could need while growing up.
Mortgage Payments
Risk Factor
After your death, any outstanding debt and financial obligations do not disappear. Your home is probably the costliest and most significant property you own. A mortgage payment is a large burden for a widow or widower to carry.
A life insurance policy would allow your spouse or children to pay off your outstanding debts and spare them the stress of making monthly payments on the home and car(s).
Auto Payments
Risk Factor
Many families lease or finance their automobiles these days. If the primary earner in the family were to die, the family could be left with outstanding car payments for years to come.
A life insurance policy would allow your spouse or children to pay off your outstanding debts and spare them the stress of making monthly payments on your car(s).
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Risk Factor
The average funeral costs about $10,000. That high price is for standard things, not unnecessary options or luxurious services. A death in the family is stressful enough; why add the hefty bill of a funeral to that stress?
A life insurance policy can easily cover the cost of a funeral. Your family will be able to think of you and have peace of mind without being burdened by funeral costs.
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Risk Factor
Once you retire, you will be living off social security, and if you are lucky to have them, a pension or retirement fund, too. But what if the surviving spouse has been relying on you to fund retirement for the couple? Premature death of an earner can affect sources of retirement benefits such as Social Security benefits.
Life insurance can help support a surviving spouse during his or her retirement.
Protecting Your Small Business
Risk Factor
If you passed away, would your business suffer? There are many complications and financial issues that can arise due to the death of a business owner. Many people overlook this predicament.
A life insurance policy can keep a business moving along even during tough times, such as the loss of the business owner/partner. Key person life insurance is payable to the company and provides money for training and hiring of a new employee. A buy-sell agreement, funded by life insurance, allows the other partners in the business to buy the deceased's share of the business, which will provide money for his or her family.
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Life insurance can replace the income you would usually bring in and help support your spouse or adult children. Keeping your loved ones living in the way they are accustomed to is an important thing to think about.
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The director of UH Center On Aging, (COA) Margaret Perkinson, PhD, and COA research gerontologist, Christy Nishita, PhD, collaborate with Scholar Athlete, Kendall Horan by creating a volunteer opportunity.
The volunteer project brings the University of Hawai'i Women's Track and Field team together to help out at Manoa Cottage Nursing home. Recently, the team helped Manoa Cottage with a crafts activity, a Halloween-themed photo-shoot, and talking story to the residents. The team will be back later this month to help out by baking pies with the residents.
" Not only as student athletes at UH but as human beings I think we have a responsibility to take care of the people that allowed us to be in the positions we are in today. Our Kupuna are the people who created our beautiful aina that we explore today. Your time and love is the best gift you could give someone. To give just a portion of our day to our Kupuna is something we all should do. The track team might be helping the residents at Manoa Cottage, but in grand scheme of things the residents are really teaching us. I am so thankful to be a student athlete at this University and to call Oahu my home."


text:
JOECategories - A collection of Foundation and UIKit categories.
JOECurrencyTextField - A subclass of UITextField that specifically deals with the entry and formatting of currency.
JOECurrencyUtil - A collection of utility methods for dealing with currency.
JOEMath - A growing collection of simple to complex mathematical operations.
JOEModelManager - Simple data storage manager using NSCoding for persistance to disk.
JOESlider - A collection of useful subclasses for UISlider.


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Category: Action
Developer: MasangSoft Inc.
Age Rating: + 12 years.
Climb aboard of incredible spaceships, fly trough the sky and explore different areas of the Phillon planet. Choose between 3 available types of space ...
Developer: MasangSoft Inc.
Category: Action
Tags: downloadable games, action, science fiction , AirRivals, h, 3, the, x
Climb aboard of incredible spaceships, fly trough the sky and explore different areas of the Phillon planet. Choose between 3 available types of spaceships and defend the honor of your nation in explosive dog-fights!
AirRivals is an online game that will take you to the planet Phillon. It's breathtaking 3D graphics will make you enjoy different landscapes of this world, from deep valleys to frozen dungeons. You'll also have the chance of exploring deep space, where dangers from other planets are waiting for you.
Take control of your own plane and race at the speed of sound around Phillon. There are several types of spaceships available, each one of them counting with different attributes; some will be quicker, others will have better protection shields or better attacking weapons that will make them stronger in battlefield.
After deciding the faction you want to belong to in this adventure, you'll join the endless battle between two nations, Bygeniou and Arlington, and their armies, where pilots from both nations fight in absorbing air-to-air combats for the honor of their nation.
Create your own squad, recruit up to 30 members, and battle in incredible wars against different AirRivals players from all over the world. Prove you are the best of all in the game rank; climb positions as you gain battles, and you'll become number one.
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your consent and acceptance of the above cookies and acceptance of our cookies policy. Find out more about our cookies policy here. Close.


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November 13th 2019
Two wheels and one bike ticket in tow, CLF President John Kassel explores the rules of the road and the rule of law.
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Council planners want to squeeze an extra 280,000 homes into Auckland in the next three decades. Developers say it can't be done - and if it does happen, Aucklanders aren't going to like it. Andrew Laxon reports
Lorraine Tai loves her new house. She and her partner Patrick Rankin, and their 11-month-old son Ollie, moved into their two-bedroom first home in west Auckland just over a month ago.
The semi-detached weatherboard building sits on a brand new street in the uncompleted Hobsonville Point subdivision on the old air base. At just 4.4m wide on a 209sqm section, it looks narrow from the street but manages to fit in a spacious kitchen and living area across most of the ground floor, opening on to a small back yard. Upstairs there are two bedrooms with double wardrobes, a bathroom with a separate shower and bath and a laundry tucked into a double cupboard.
Lorraine, who was brought up in nearby Kumeu, likes the easy access to the soon-to-be-redeveloped Westgate shopping centre and the fact that she can take Ollie to work with her mother, running a cafe and catering business at a Huapai cafe. Patrick takes the West Harbour ferry to work in town and a service direct from the subdivision is due to start at the end of the year.
On the face of it, the family is the ideal advertisement for Auckland Council's "compact city" vision of how we will live in 30 years time. Their house, which measures 98sqm across both storeys, is less than half the size of an average Auckland home. At just under $400,000, it flies in the face of recent trends towards four- or five-bedroom new homes which cost $600,000 or more. And the development gets top marks from the council as a model for its master plan to fight urban sprawl and the affordable housing crisis.
"Hobsonville Point shows that people are prepared to accept more affordable, attached intensified houses, as long as these houses are well-designed, and the area has high amenity, and a range of housing types and values," says the council's Auckland Plan, approvingly.
If the wording sounds a little defensive, it reflects a long, bitter struggle over the city's future, driven by predictions of huge changes.
Auckland planners warn that up to a million extra people will live in the city in the next three decades, requiring an extra 400,000 homes - close to double the current level of 507,000. They aim to put 120,000 of these houses on rural land on Auckland's outskirts and fit the other 280,000 inside the current city limit. That means about four out of 10 Aucklanders will live in smaller homes, generally joined up or much closer to their neighbours.
The region's first Auckland Plan admits this will be a huge shift away from the traditional Kiwi detached home with its own section. It sets out ambitious targets; more than 60 per cent of new homes will need to be attached by 2041 and attached houses overall will increase from about 25 per cent to an estimated 40 per cent of all the city's housing.
But though the planners believe Aucklanders are increasingly happy to live in terraced homes and apartments, Lorraine doesn't share that long term vision for her family.
"I see this as shorter-term for us because as soon as Ollie gets bigger, I don't think I'd like to live in such a high-density area."
She says Hobsonville Point was always more about location and its investment potential as a rental property for her and Patrick, a property manager. Within about five years, once she is back to her original job as a barrister, they want a bigger three- or four-bedroom house with more space outside for Ollie and possibly a brother or sister to play.
She agrees in theory with the council's efforts to stop the city sprawling further out and thinks high density living sounds appealing in the inner city - "you're willing to make more compromises in lifestyle to be in the midst of where it's all happening" - but she wonders about its attractions in the outer suburbs.
Others have been more forthright. Property Council member Brady Nixon last year described the council's draft plan as "somewhere between a lucid dream and a near-death hallucination". The public backlash started in January when the Herald published details of a confidential analysis, which showed computer-generated impressions of the amount of high-density development required to meet council targets.
An image of Northcote Point with four-storey apartment blocks stretching round to the Chelsea sugar refinery in Birkenhead - inspired by Cremorne on Sydney's North Shore - drew a stunned reaction from the local board and compact city critic councillor Dick Quax, who said he was "gobsmacked".
Board deputy chairman Nick Kearney said the result was partly predictable, given the compact city guidelines, but it would "go down like a bucket of cold sick in my area".
The analysis by property developer Patrick Fontein and architects Jasmax also made far-reaching predictions for other suburbs, such as Te Atatu ("the entire peninsula needs up-zoning... could be a great intensification hotspot for the next 20-40 years"), Mt Albert ("a litmus test for political resilience") and a medium and high-rise boom in Panmure and Glen Innes ("the entire Tamaki area is ripe for redevelopment and should be rezoned").
But despite its enthusiasm for some development opportunities, the report's wider conclusion - shared to varying degrees by the Property Council, the Productivity Commission and the Government - is that the council's plan is unworkable, even in its toned-down final version.
Critics predict the zoning changes and housing action plans on offer will come nowhere near close to providing the extra 280,000 homes required within city boundaries.
If the council goes for broke and allows waves of terraced housing and low- to medium-rise apartments to wash across whole suburbs (the only way to achieve its aims, according to the Jasmax report) there will be a huge community and political backlash.
More likely, say developers, the outcry will never happen because there is not enough buyer demand, building industry capacity or vacant land for this kind of housing and the planners will have to go back to the drawing board.
Nixon says community reaction to current high-density developments shows what a tough sell the compact city strategy will be.
For instance, he says, a plan to extend Milford's shopping mall and add three luxury apartment blocks up to 16 storeys high has attracted about 3800 submissions, mainly from bitterly opposed local residents.
"It'll be interesting to see how the politicians deal with it because they tend to say in one breath; 'We want intensification' but then in the next breath; 'As long as it happens somewhere else'."
Mayor Len Brown says he understands many Aucklanders have become wary of high-density housing after a rash of poor quality "shoebox" developments, especially in the inner city, but believes they will come round if they are shown well-designed projects where they can imagine themselves living.
"I know there's some poor examples. We want to use those as motivating factors to ensure that in the new united Auckland we put a high focus on quality. We will... celebrate where we've done well and really lean on those who are not building to the quality that we would expect."
AUCKLAND TAKES up a lot of room for a city of only 1.5 million people. It stretches 74km from Waiwera to Drury, covering 55,000ha but is relatively sparsely populated, with only 10 homes on every hectare.
At this rate of growth, it could gobble up another 32,000ha by 2041 and, as deputy mayor Penny Hulse put it last month, Aucklanders don't want to see their city "sprawling from Northland to Hamilton".
Local politicians and planners have been battling to stop this sprawl since 1999, when the compact city concept was born. The former Auckland Regional Council agreed with local councils that three-quarters of all new housing would be confined to city limits, with only a quarter outside them.
Crucially the new housing would be herded into "high-density centres", close to public transport. The plan partly worked - as apartments boomed in the next decade the proportion of multi-unit homes jumped to 25 per cent - but most developments were in coastal suburbs like Orewa and Takapuna, well away from the planners' favoured railway lines.
When the new Super City, headed by Brown, cemented the 75/25 split in its September draft plan, worried property developers launched a charm counter-offensive.
Property Council chief executive officer Connal Townsend headed a group which met senior planners, arguing the council had to base its intensification target on evidence but the land it required to build 300,000 extra houses within city limits did not exist.
The meetings led to the Jasmax-D4 analysis, which pointed out in deliberately provocative terms how many multi-storey buildings would be needed across the city skyline for the plan to succeed.
The council commissioned an independent review of the findings by property development consultant Martin Udale, which confirmed the problem and threw in some extra dire warnings for good measure.
Udale predicted the plan would require the building industry to quadruple the average supply of attached housing it had delivered in the past 20 years, which was not credible and could create further pressure to build on greenfields sites in the countryside.
Assuming four new houses could be developed for each existing house, 100,000 homes would have to be demolished and replaced with 400,000 new ones.
And if the council intensified to an optimistic 35 homes per hectare, it would need to find 8000 to 10,000 hectares - about half to two thirds the area of the Auckland isthmus - for the extra housing. "Put another way, a land area requiring more than 300 Wynyard Quarters or more than 30 Tamakis within the exisiting urban area."
The council responded with some concessions in March. The intensification target dropped to 70 per cent, with provision to fall to 60 per cent if necessary. More significantly from the developers' point of view, large chunks of most suburbs were made available for the first time and the timeframe also slipped back.
Under the revised plan, the council still aims to more than double the current house building rate to 10,000 homes a year in the next decade, then almost double it again to 18,000 homes a year from 2022 to 2031 - which the plan admits is "very challenging" - before levelling off slightly to 12,000 a year in the final decade.
In other words the target looks as far-fetched as ever, yet Townsend is full of praise for the council, describing the plan as pretty good with a reasonable chance of success.
"We don't know about the ratios - 75/25 or 60/40 - they're not important. The priority is to get denser housing off the ground and to do it in places where you're actually going to be able to sell it."
So are the developers happy because the delayed timeframe and five-yearly progress reviews means the targets could fall to more realistic numbers if intensification is slower than forecast?
Absolutely, says Townsend. The Property Council also agreed with council officials that intensification still has a bad image with many home buyers and it would be better to start with fewer well-designed projects in the first decade to work up demand slowly.
"Let's start off gently and get those good examples in place first, rather than try to do it all on day one, which we thought would be quite impractical and quite self-destructive because it would alienate people and destroy the market."
AUCKLAND COUNCIL chief planning officer Roger Blakeley acknowledges the plan requires "radical change" but says the council is already working hard with building companies to revive the industry and produce smaller, more affordable homes like those at Hobsonville Point.
He talks enthusiastically of smaller, mass-produced housing by large companies, which could knock $150,000 off house prices. The council is also working with developers to get the most out of its own property and is considering faster consent times, cheaper fees and more flexible zoning rules, which may allow developers to put more units on a site in exchange for more open space.
Nixon applauds the intention but believes it won't have much effect. He says most local builders are one-man operators, who won't touch apartments or most multi-unit housing because the building materials and add-ons (such as stairwells, lifts and carparks) made them too expensive.
"You can build an apartment building for around $3500 a metre in construction costs, you can build a really top-end signature home for $1500 a metre. It's just not rocket science that you're going to get more for your money from a house."
From the buyer's point of view, he says, a two-bedroom apartment costs as much as a three-bedroom house, yet banks demand a 30 per cent deposit for apartments or unit-title terrace housing because the land is not owned freehold. As a result, virtually all apartment buyers have been investors using their own homes as security and this market has dried up in the economic downturn.
He predicts a modest increase in high-density housing in the forseeable future, mainly through more subdivision of back sections and freehold terrace housing, and continuing pressure to free up land outside the urban limit.
Udale is slightly more optimistic. He says intensification in bigger Australian cities over the past 20 to 40 years suggests market forces will eventually achieve what Auckland planners and politicians cannot.
"As the city grows the trade-off between living on the periphery and closer to the middle will become more obvious in terms of the time it takes to get there, congestion and so on. At 1.5 million people we are just getting to the start point... Once we get to 2 million people, I think those choices will become that much more obvious again."