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Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Goodbye Fargo, Hello Chico
I'm starting this post about changes with a final picture from my place in Fargo, North Dakota, which has been home for most of the past seven years. This is Maya, who I still call the puppy, though she turns three this summer. Time goes by a little faster every year. Maya's chair was one of the last things we moved out of the apartment, and I think that's when she sensed something funny was going on.
So what has been going on, and why did Maya lose her favorite nap spot? I have a new job, at Farm Sanctuary in California! This is something I've thought about for a long time, after interning at the California shelter two years ago, and visiting again for a couple weeks last spring. I was hired in March, but was grateful to have enough time to wrap things up in Fargo during April and spend time with family and friends before leaving in early May. I just finished my second week of work here - I'm a caregiver assistant - and I'm loving the job, which I expected.
I assume most of you are familiar with Farm Sanctuary, but if not check out their web site, which is linked here. The California shelter, with rolling hills and the Coast Range on the western horizon, is a beautiful place, and I feel pretty lucky every morning I go to work there.
Though it's nice to be in northern California, leaving North Dakota was hard. Fargo is a wonderful place, and if you don't believe me go visit sometime, though maybe not in January. The Fargo-Moorhead area has been showing up at or near the top of all kinds of livability and environmental reports in the past few years, and three major universities and significant communities of new Americans create a cultural atmosphere you might not associate with North Dakota. I don't mean to go all Chamber of Commerce on you here, but I won't leave Fargo without giving it a big hug. Fargo rocks.
Of course, I said my goodbyes to family and friends in person, so I won't elaborate here. If you're reading, thanks for everything, and I hope to see you out here sooner or later! I'm especially missing my 3-year old nephew Lucas, who has been my buddy in Fargo and an inspiration to all of his extended family. His attitude and energy light up wherever he is, and I hope to see him again soon.
I'm living in Chico, in an upstairs apartment in an older house. The neighborhood is full of huge shade trees, and I share a giant fenced backyard with my downstairs neighbors. There are dogs everywhere - woohoo! - so I couldn't have hoped to find a better place for Otter and Maya.
From all indications so far, Chico rocks too. On Thursday nights throughout the summer there is a street fair/produce market downtown, that attracts big crowds of happy looking people. The fruits and veggies are abundant, varied, and cheap, so I'm already a big fan of the Thursday market after two visits.
If you've made it this far, I'll remind you that this blog is usually only about food. So let's get on with it. My cooking has been pretty basic so far, since I'm rebuilding my kitchen and pantry. In honor of simplicity and the Thursday market, here's my Thursday Market Salad. Everything is fresh and local - avocadoes, phenomenal strawberries, walnuts, sweet peas, and spring greens including chard, spinach, and a few types of lettuce. The dressing is sherry vinegar, olive oil, black pepper, salt, and a little sugar.
Here's some nachos, with beans and guacamole. The chips are topped with Daiya cheese, which I'll have more good things to say about in my next post. Like I said, we're keeping it simple.
I can't break in the new west coast version of my site without a couple of pictures of Otter and Maya exploring their new environment. I think they'll enjoy the break from winter, but it's a little harder to find open spaces nearby to run around off the leash. I'm sure we'll figure that out soon enough. Here's Otter looking for fish, or maybe at her reflection, in a Chico creek.
One more of Otter and Maya for the road. I think they like it here.
Thanks for making it to the end of a longer than usual post, but we had some catching up to do. Speaking of, I'm looking forward to catching up with all of your amazing blogs that I've been following the last couple of years. Until next time, goodbye from rainy NorCal!
8 comments:
- Lisa (Show Me Vegan) said...
Mike, you made me smile when I read about your big move and awesome new job. That is so cool. And I agree, the dogs look like they're doing great. I know they'll make new friends soon!
- May 25, 2010 at 6:42 PM
- kmouse said...
Congrats! I always envy people who pick up and move to a place far from home. It must be a wonderful adventure! Looking forward to hearing more about your new life in Chico. BTW, the food looks amazing and your dogs are adorable!
- May 25, 2010 at 7:51 PM
- Tami (Vegan Appetite) said...
Congratulations, what an awesome change! I'll bet Chico will agree with all of you, and I can't wait to see what you find for produce.
All the best, Mike! And thanks for catching us up.
- May 26, 2010 at 6:33 AM
- Adrienne said...
From the Fargo Moorhead Chamber of Commerce, thanks for going all Chamber on your readers and sharing your enthusiasm for our great community! Best of luck in Cali!
- May 26, 2010 at 9:16 AM
- miss v said...
so awesome!!!! congrats on the new job and new location - that thursday market sounds perfect. love the doggie pics!
i've missed your posts!
- May 27, 2010 at 12:08 PM
Congrats!!! Lucky to be working at the sanctuary! :0) I totally miss the farm... and in Chico I miss Chico Natural Foods.. did you ever swim in the river/pool at the big park (forgot what it's called?) That's on my to-do list next time I go up there! :0)
- May 30, 2010 at 10:39 PM
- River - The Crafty Kook said...
Mike, that is beyond awesome!! I am so very happy for you! Wow, this is the best news ever, dude! I know how much you love the Farm Sanctuary (who doesn't?!) and I know you're going to have the time of your life there. I need to throw some confetti in the air or something!! Too bad I can't do cartwheels without breaking any bones... or lamps. Anyway, consider yourself confettied-up and pretend I'm doing some cartwheels for you, it's safer that way!
Chico sounds like such a fun place, for you AND the pups! Aww, both Maya and Otter look so happy exploring their new surroundings!
I can't wait to read more about your experiences at the Farm Sanctuary, and pictures of cute animals are always welcome! :D
Congratulations! You SO deserve this!
- June 6, 2010 at 4:37 PM
Gorgeous dogs!!! And the vegan nachos look quite good too :-)
- November 19, 2010 at 9:32 PM


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Are Dolce & Gabbana Closing Their Doors?
Are Dolce & Gabbana closing up shop? In the wake of the duo's tax evasion scandal the pair has taken quite the hit in their native Italy, and the duo is now saying that the financial impact may cause them to shut their doors.
Forbes notes that, "Despite support from fans, the pair has felt persecuted by Italian officials, lamenting that they are 'being crucified like thieves.' Their complaints followed on the heels of public statements made by Milan's councillor for commerce, Franco D'Alfonso."
D'Alfonso publicly stated, "Any time designers Dolce and Gabbana submit requests for public space, the council must keep the doors closed to them. Their fashion is seen as excellent the world over, but we do not need tax evaders to promote us."
Well that's quite the bitch slap.
For their part, Dolce & Gabbana aren't taking it lying down: "We are no longer willing to suffer undeservedly the accusations of the financial police and the income revenue authority, attacks from public ministers and the media pillory we have already been subjected to for years."
According to Forbes, D'Alfonso has since apologized and claimed his words were taken out of context and "certainly did not express the opinion of the administration."
Still, the duo has implied that the bad press and the financial hit that they've dealt with as a result of the charges may be insurmountable. And if it is??
Domenico Dolce says, "We will close. What do you want us to do? We will close. We will not be able to deal with it. (It's) Impossible."
What do you think, Instincters? Will the famed designers soon call it a day??


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You must take your students as they are.
In the past, it was common for Karate teachers to refuse students or to require them to wait weeks, months, or even years to begin training. When by friend and senior Sensei Pat Nakata sought to learn Karate in Okinawa, Chosin Chibana threw tea in his face to test his reaction! Such testing was common in the old days. Today, we generally must accept students who wish to train with us and we cannot test them in advance.
Please be careful here. I am not saying that we should physically test potential students. In today's world, this would result in legal liability. I test potential students verbally. Basically I just want to know if they are really serious about training and have the time to do so. I do not physically test them (throw things at them, hit them, etc.).
It would be very nice if we could require all our students to be Navy SEALs. That way, they would already be in tremendous shape, disciplined and highly motivated. All we would have to do is show them the techniques!
But normal students come to us with all sorts of problems and limitations. The real skill of a Karate teacher is in helping students to overcome their problems and limitations.
Many of the great Karate teachers were sickly children who initially learned Karate to improve their health. Gradually, they become physically strong and eventually highly skilled in self-defense.
What if their teachers had refused them because they were weak?
If a student is weak, you must work to make him strong. If a student is uncoordinated, you must work to make him coordinated. If a student is meak, you must work to make him confident. If a student has a bad temper, you must work to make him calm. If a student can't remember things, you have to figure out how he processes information and come up with a way to teach that works best for him.
The more problems and limitations the student has, the better a teacher you must be. Students are challenges. It is your job to rise to each challenge.
You have to work to make each student the very best that he or she can be. That might not be as good as you are. It might be far better than you are. It all depends. All students are different. The one thing that should be constant is your desire and willingness to teach the student to the very best of your ability.
You must take your students as they are -- and work to make them the very best that they can be.
So what happened to Nakata Sensei? He remained calm and collected when the tea was thrown in his face. He did not react with anger, aggression, or indignation. Chibana Sensei accepted him as a student... and the rest is history.
Charles C. Goodin
Teaching Karate 2 -- Accepting Students As They Are
You must take your students as they are.
Posted by Charles C. Goodin on Sunday, July 01, 2007


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- 2 Tblsp. olive oil
- 1 onion chopped
- 1 red pepper chopped
- 1-2 small zucchini sliced
- 3 new red potatoes cooked, sliced
- 8 black olives sliced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan Mozzarella or cheddar cheese
- salt and pepper seasonings-Italian mix, basil,
- 1/3 cup milk
- 8 eggs slightly beaten
- In a large skillet, heat oil and sauté onion for 5 minutes.
- Add red pepper and zucchini, stir and sauté for 5 more minutes or until veggies are soft.
- Butter an 8 X 11" baking dish or 9 inch deep dish pie plate.
- Arrange vegetable mix in the bottom of dish.
- Seasoning the layers as you go, arrange potatoes on the top of veggie mix.
- Sprinkle with cheese and olives.
- In a small bowl, beat eggs and milk. Slowly pour over vegetables and cheese.
- Bake at 350 degrees for 30-40 minutes, until eggs are set, puffed and golden.
- Careful not to over bake. Slice and serve.
Terri's Notes
~ Heartier than an omelet. Good hot or cold.
~ Great use of leftovers, anything goes-vegetables, cheese, seasonings and eggs. If the leftovers are seasoned, it's all good in the mix. I do like the potatoes in mine.
~ May add chopped ham or bits of cooked sausage or bacon.
~ Serve with fruit and muffins for a great fall breakfast or sliced tomatoes and beans for supper!
~ If you have an oven proof skillet, layer the potatoes and cheese over the warm veggies, pour on the eggs and slide it into the oven. Baking time will be shorter because you started it stove top.
Share this Recipe


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At INTERPOL, we promote concrete law enforcement actions in the field with the ultimate aim of protecting the public from sub-standard and dangerous goods. We offer an 'interventions package' to support all stages of an investigation from gathering intelligence, planning and implementing an operation, through to legal issues for cases that are brought to court.
On-the-ground operations are run on a national and regional level in order to disrupt transnational criminal networks involved in pharmaceutical crime. Directed at both physical outlets and Internet suppliers, these are multi-agency efforts supported by key scientific partners.
Our flagship operations – Storm (Southeast Asia), Mamba (Eastern Africa) and Pangea (targeting the Internet) – continue to go from strength to strength. Successive raids on licit and illicit markets have shown improved results in terms of seizures, arrests, convictions and the closure of illicit websites.
These operations both highlight the success of multidisciplinary enforcement action and confirm the crucial need for continued intervention in this area.
Operation Mamba
The goal of Operation Mamba is to disrupt the activities of transnational organized criminals involved in the trafficking of counterfeit medical products in Eastern Africa. It also aims to raise awareness, resources, educational efforts and capacity building on the issue.
Mamba III
Dates: July-August 2010
Participating countries: Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania (+ Zanzibar) and Uganda
- More than 375 premises targeted;
- Nearly 200,000 pills seized;
- At least 120 police cases opened;
- 78 cases were sent to court;
- At least 34 convictions pronounced.
The operation led to the adoption of the Declaration of Zanzibar by participating agencies and other organizations supporting the activities. This significant step will lead to enhanced partnerships, increased sharing of information, more intelligence-led operations, and greater public awareness on the dangers posed by counterfeit medical products.
Mamba II
Dates: August 2009
Participating countries: Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda
- More than 270 premises raided;
- 83 police cases opened;
- Prosecution of several individuals suspected of being involved in the illicit trafficking of medical products and at least 4 convictions;
- Thousands of tablets seized.
Mamba I
Dates: 29 September – 5 October 2008
Participating countries: Tanzania and Uganda
- 226 pharmacies, wholesalers, hospitals and market stalls inspected;
- 82 police cases opened;
- More than 100 different products seized.
Operation Pangea: Aline Plançon, INTERPOL Pharmaceutical Crime unit
Operation Pangea: Kerry Mannion, US Food and Drug Administration
Operation Pangea: Junko Yamamoto, World Customs Organization
Fact sheet


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Housing & Residence Life
|Have additional questions?
We want to hear from you!
Call us at 610.361.2222
Contact us on Twitter (@Reslife_Neumann)
Contact us on
Email your question directly to the
Residence Life Office
Amenities - what comes in the rooms/residence halls, what's available on campus, off campus, location
Technology - computer labs/services, television info, internet info
Rules - what they can and can't bring, lost items, smoking, drinking
Services - shuttles, student activities,
dining services
Troubleshooting - change of status, conflict, maintenance, cleaning, important dates
What will the University provide in the Living and Learning Center residence halls?
- Do I have to bring my own computer to get access to the University network?
- How do I get cable TV and long distance phone service?
- What is the University's policy about lost or stolen items?
- What am I allowed and not allowed to bring to campus?
If I live in the Living and Learning Center Annex and do not have a car, how do I get to main campus?
What will the University provide in the Living and Learning Center residence halls?
Residents have access to computer labs, a fitness center, laundry facilities, kitchenettes, vending services and space for quiet reflection and study groups. Neumann University student ID cards enable students to access the Living and Learning Centers. Students access their own rooms with individual keys.
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Do I have to bring my own computer to get access to the University network?
Neumann University strongly recommends, but does not require, that students bring their own computer and printer. If you bring your own computer, you will need your own network cable to connect to the University network. You will receive information about computing at Neumann during Orientation Weekend. Information is also available from Information Technology and Resources. If you do not own a computer, there are computer labs in LLC I, LLC III and the Annex.
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How do I get cable TV and long distance phone service?
Neumann University will provide basic cable TV. You must provide your own television and cable connection cords. Local telephone service is also provided. You must provide your own phone. Long distance phone cards are available in the Neumann University Store.
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What will I eat while living on campus?
Resident students are required to purchase a meal plan provided by the University. The plans provide residents with daily meals. Those students residing at the Annex have the option of flexible meal plans. See Sodexo Campus Dining for more information.
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Are new students allowed to have cars?
Yes! You are required to register your car with Campus Safety; there is no fee for registration. Your car must display a University parking decal. You are also required to park your car in designated areas.
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Do the residence halls ever close during the academic year?
Yes! The residence halls and food services both close for Thanksgiving, Easter, at the end of each semester and spring breaks. Dates and times of closings and re-openings will be posted in the buildings and on the University website. At the close of the Fall and Spring semesters, you will be expected to leave the buildings as soon as you complete your final exams.
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What happens to my housing deposit? Is there a damage deposit?
Your housing deposit is applied to your account and yes, there is a damage deposit of $150 which will be billed to you. The full deposit must be maintained as long as you are a resident. Should damages occur, you will be billed for them as repairs are made. Your damage deposit will be refunded (minus cost of damages) to you upon completion of your Change of Status form when you graduate or change your resident status.
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What will my mailing address be?
Your address will be: Neumann University, Box ___, One Neumann Drive, Aston, PA 19014-1298. You will receive your mailbox number and combination with your housing assignment.
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Does residence life staff reside on campus?
Yes! The residence halls are staffed with professional adult coordinators and student resident assistants who live in each House. They are available to refer students, help mediate roommate conflicts, provide programming for students, and assist in maintaining residence life standards and policies rooted in the mission of the University.
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What will the University provide in my room?
Each resident will be provided with a single, regular-length twin-size bed, a desk with a chair, a chest of drawers, a wardrobe, window blinds, shower curtain and towel racks. Access to local phone service and voice mail will also be provided. All rooms are wired for cable TV, campus network and internet access. Residents are to provide their own telephone, telephone cord, television, cable cord, and network cord.
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Can I decorate my room?
Students are welcome to create their own space within the bounds of good taste. Posters and other items may be hung on the walls only with material that will not damage the surface. White poster putty is recommended. Blocking of windows or hanging things out of windows is prohibited. Posters with drug, alcohol or sexually explicit themes are prohibited.
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May I smoke in my room?
No! All Neumann buildings are smoke-free.
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Who cleans my room?
You are responsible for cleaning your room/suite/apartment, shower and bathroom. You are responsible for removing all trash and for maintaining a reasonably clean environment. Rooms will be checked by your Residence Life Coordinator to ensure appropriate health and wellness standards. You are required to do a thorough cleaning at the end of the fall semester. At the conclusion of the spring semester, you are required to follow all check-out procedures and leave your room in the condition you found it upon move-in.
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What is the University's policy about lost or stolen items?
The University is not responsible for your possessions under any circumstances. Please see Campus Safety for more information.
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What am I allowed and not allowed to bring to campus?
What should I bring?
- towels
- blankets
- flat sheets (36" x 76" twin)
- pillows
- toiletries
- laundry basket
- study lamp
- alarm clock
- waste basket
- telephone
- computer
- television set
- cleaning and laundry supplies
- office supplies
- throw rug (5' x 7')
- snacks
- refrigerator (max. 4.0 cubic feet, UL approved)
- microwave (UL approved)
What should I NOT bring?
It is against University policy for residents to possess or use the following in their rooms:
- candles
- incense
- waterbeds
- electric plates
- hot plates
- toaster ovens
- space heaters
- water guns
- toasters
- coffee makers
- foreman grills
- any device with an open flame
Students are not permitted to have pets in the Living and Learning Center Complex.
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What is there to do at Neumann?
Lots! See Student Activities, Campus Ministry, and Athletics for a list of upcoming events. Also take a look at the online calendar and look for programming in your residence hall!
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If I live in the Living and Learning Center Annex and do not have a car, how do I get to main campus?
Campus Safety operates a shuttle between the LLC Annex, located in Media, and the Neumann University Main Campus. The Campus Safety website has a weekday and weekend schedule along with drop-off/pick-up locations.
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Does public transportation serve the Neumann campus?
Yes! SEPTA Bus Route 114 stops at Neumann University. There is also a Campus Safety Shuttle that takes you to SEPTA Regional Rail Elwyn; see their websitefor a schedule. There are also numerous bus connections available at Granite Run Mall (located across from the LLC Annex). See SEPTA for more information.
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What should I do if I am having problems with my roommate(s)?
If you and your roommate(s) are not getting along, please contact your resident assistant(s) (RA) as soon as possible. Your RA will set an appointment with your room to mediate the conflict. Part of the mediation will be to reexamine the Roommate Agreement that you and your roommates helped create and everyone signed earlier in the school year. If the issue is not resolved after several attempts by your RA, your residence life coordinator will intervene. It is very important that you make your RA aware of the problem before it gets out of control.
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Where can I replace my lost key and/or ID and is there a charge?
Student IDs and room keys are distributed by Campus Safety. If you lose either, please go to the Campus Safety office, located in 32 BMB, immediately so that you may obtain a new one. If you lose your ID it is also suggested that you notify the Business Office so the card may be cancelled and any money on the card cannot be used around campus. Key replacements are $75/key and ID replacements are $10. Fees are payable in the Business Office.
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I am moving off-campus. Are there any forms I need to fill out?
Yes! Please complete a Change of Status form. You may print it and return it to your coordinator, fax it to the Office of Residence Life at 610.358.4231, or mail it to:
Office of Residence Life
Neumann University
One Neumann Drive
Aston, PA 19014
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If you have a question not answered here, please call us at 610.361.2222.


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Polanco takes place in Bucs history in loss to Reds
PITTSBURGH -- Heartbreak defeats gave way to a hammering on Wednesday for the Pirates, who suffered a rare lopsided loss, 11-4, to the Reds at PNC Park.
As ugly games get, this one certainly qualified, complete with a rain delay in the bottom of the seventh inning -- at 9:55 p.m. ET -- that delayed the inevitable outcome for an hour and 15 minutes.View Full Game Coverage
PITTSBURGH -- Heartbreak defeats gave way to a hammering on Wednesday for the Pirates, who suffered a rare lopsided loss, 11-4, to the Reds at PNC Park.
As ugly games get, this one certainly qualified, complete with a rain delay in the bottom of the seventh inning -- at 9:55 p.m. ET -- that delayed the inevitable outcome for an hour and 15 minutes.View Full Game Coverage
Cincinnati made quick work of Edinson Volquez, poured across seven runs in a third inning prolonged by a curious call reversal at the plate, and coasted behind Alfredo Simon's five-hit pitching for 6 1/3 innings.
"Game got away from us early," manager Clint Hurdle said. "We weren't able to recover."
And, still, the game was not forgettable for the Pirates thanks to rookie sensation Gregory Polanco, who accomplished something no one previously had in the franchise's 128-year history.
With a fifth-inning single, Polanco stretched his career-long hitting streak to eight games, becoming the first Pittsburgh rookie to hit safely in each of his first eight games. He had been tied at seven with Roberto Clemente (1955) and Zip Collins (1914).
"I'm still not thinking about that," said Polanco, who wound up 2-for-4, for the fourth multihit effort of those eight games.
One other Pirates rookie began his career with an eight-game hitting streak, Spencer Adams in 1923. However, in the course of that streak Adams appeared in four other games without an at-bat, hence did not match Polanco's feat of hitting in his first eight games.
Starling Marte (nine games) also extended his hitting streak, but Andrew McCutchen's run ended at 12 games -- one shy of his career long, in 2009. McCutchen was removed from the one-sided game after he had gone 0-for-3 in six innings.
Even one of the few times the Pirates executed flawlessly on a play, the umpires -- at least, those in MLB's Replay Review Command Center -- intervened.
It was a 5-0 game when Simon, with the bases loaded and one out in the third, hit a dribbler fielded to the right of the mound by reliever Stolmy Pimentel, who threw home to force Devin Mesoraco. However, a crew-chief review requested by Cincinnati manager Bryan Price led to catcher Russell Martin being found in violation of the experimental Rule 7.13 -- which concerns illegal blocking of the plate.
So the Reds had a sixth run on the way to a seven-run frame.
And the Pirates had an undesirable gateway to another bright spot to accompany Polanco's accomplishment: Volquez being chased with one out in that third inning gave Pimentel a chance to shine.
And Pimentel did. In his second appearance since ending six weeks on the disabled list with shoulder inflammation, the right-hander held the Reds to one run for 4 1/3 innings while striking out five.
"Stolmy was able to come in and bring some sanity to the game by giving us some much-needed innings," Hurdle said.
Due to the combination of Volquez's early ouster and the late rain delay, outfielder Travis Snider came in to pitch the ninth inning for the Pirates, becoming their first position player to take the mound since Josh Harrison on Aug. 9 in Colorado. And it was the first time in Pittsburgh since Abraham Nunez on May 30, 2004, against the Cubs.
The mound appearance was the first for the 26-year-old Snider since he was a 15-year-old high school freshman.
"Then I had arm surgery, and stopped pitching after that," Snider said. "It was fun to go back out there and toe the slab."
Tom Singer is a reporter for MLB.com and writes an MLBlog Change for a Nickel. He can also be found on Twitter @Tom_Singer.


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Hello, and welcome to my 1st Gen Celica forum.
I've owned a few 1st gen Celicas in my lifetime. I started out with an 18RG powered 1971. The 18RG was purchased from Cary Miller at Cary's Automotive. It was an efi model with a set of Webber 45's, HKS 304, 288 cams, electronic ignition, shorten strut casings for Tokiko shocks, TRD springs, AE86 Zenki LSD w/4.3 gears. Like most, I sold it thinking, I will shake off the Celica bug.
A year went by, I found myself with another 1st gen Celica. This time it was an immaculate red 1972. It wasn't long before I swapped the 18RC out for a 3TGTE. I used two Mitsubishi Starion intercoolers welded together, ct26, 7mge injectors, and a 22re ecu. It wasn't long before I had to look for a cap and rotor and I knew I would be paying big money for it. Long story short, I started researching a 3SGTE swap and after doing the math I figure it would be cheaper to go with an SR20DET. The 3TGTE in my 1972 Celica was replaced with an SR20DET out of a JDM S14 Nissan Silvia. I needed bigger brakes so I decided to use 1985 Cressida struts shorten for Tokiko's, AE86 Zenki LSD w/4.3 gears, 91 MR2 seats. It was a fun, fast street car. Again, I sold it thinking I can shake it off.
Another year went by, I ended up with a clean 1973 Celica and my most current 1st gen Celica. The idea was to build my '72 again but this time do a total restoration on the body but different things came up and I decided to go with an F20C because I always found myself in the higher RPM's when driving my SR20 Celica. Plus, how can I go wrong with a much lighter engine, revs up to 9K, and has a six speed transmission? I've had this car running since May of 2005 and I can honestly say I'm still not tired of driving it. I don't think I'll be selling this 1st gen Celica anytime soon because the Celica bug is now in my blood!!!
Again, welcome to 1stGenCelica.com. We are still working on some of the bugs, if there is any questions or suggestions please feel free to PM the Moderators or myself.


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BASEL, Switzerland/LONDON (Reuters) - Global regulators gave banks four more years and greater flexibility on Sunday to build up cash buffers so they can use some of their reserves to help struggling economies grow.
The pull-back from a draconian earlier draft of new global bank liquidity rules, which aim to help prevent another financial crisis, went further than banks had expected by allowing them a broader range of eligible assets.
Banks had complained they could not meet the January 2015 deadline to comply with the new rule on minimum holdings of easily sellable assets, known as the liquidity coverage ratio and devised by the Basel Committee of banking supervisors, and at the same time supply credit to businesses and consumers.
The committee's oversight body agreed on Sunday to phase in the rule from 2015 over four years, as reported by Reuters on Thursday, and widen the range of assets banks can put in the buffer to include shares and retail mortgage-backed securities (RMBS), as well as lower rated company bonds.
The new, less liquid assets can only be included at a hefty discount to their value, but the changes are a significant move from the draft version of the rule unveiled two years ago.
Bank shares in Asia edged higher on Monday, with the MSCI financial subindex for Asia Pacific shares outside Japan up 0.3 percent, while Hong Kong-listed shares of HSBC Holdings Plc, which has high exposure to Europe where liquidity concerns are greater, rose 1.1 percent.
The Basel Committee, drawn from nearly 30 countries representing nearly all the world's markets, hopes the amendments will stop banks from shrinking loan books to comply with the rule.
"For the first time in regulatory history, we have a truly global minimum standard for bank liquidity," the oversight body's chairman Mervyn King told a news conference in Basel, Switzerland.
"Importantly, introducing a phased timetable for the introduction of the liquidity coverage ratio ... will ensure that the new liquidity standard will in no way hinder the ability of the global banking system to finance a recovery," said King, who is also Bank of England governor.
Sunday's amendments, endorsed unanimously, came after two years of haggling among Basel Committee members.
They surprised relieved bankers with their scope and will help kick-start the mortgage backed securities market, languishing after being tarnished by the U.S. subprime mortgage crisis which set off the 2007-09 financial crisis.
"The inclusion of good quality RMBS in the liquidity buffer is a very welcome twelfth night present," said Simon Hills, executive director of the British Bankers' Association.
"It will make a real difference to issuance volumes by improving their marketability so that banks are better able to manage their balance sheets and provide funding to the real economy," Hills said.
The wider pool of assets will also make it easier to implement the rules for banks in Asia, where illiquid government and corporate bond markets or low credit ratings for emerging market debt had complicated the outlook for compliance.
"Talking to the regulators around the region, I expect they will begin to implement these regulations for their large domestic banks more quickly now that they've got a bit of a victory on the run-off rate and a bit of a victory on the definition of liquid assets," said Simon Topping, a former Hong Kong bank regulator who is now Asia-Pacific head of KPMG's Financial Services Regulatory Centre of Excellence.
However, there will be some concerns that the easing of the rules will let banks off too easily.
"A lot of the banks in Asia really do need to improve their liquidity risk management and my fear is this will give them an excuse to delay doing anything," Topping said.
The rule requires banks to hold enough liquid assets such as government and corporate bonds to cover net outflows for up to a month, to avoid taxpayers having to bail them out.
Basel Committee Chairman Stefan Ingves, who also heads Sweden's central bank, said Sunday's changes mean that the average buffer at the world's top 200 banks rises from 105 percent to 125 percent, putting it well above full compliance.
But many other banks are well below full compliance, especially in some euro zone countries, and they will have to find an estimated 1 trillion euros ($1.3 trillion) of assets over coming years at a time when bank profitability is being hammered.
Furthermore, liquidity held by some banks is on loan from their central bank and will have to be returned at some point. A revived mortgage-backed securities market would help to wean lenders off central banks.
King said regulators want to be "crystal clear" that banks in areas undergoing stress such as the euro zone could draw down their buffers below minimum levels if the local supervisor agreed.
Jim Embersit, a former Federal Reserve official and Basel Committee member and now with Ernst & Young in Washington, said many banks would move to fully comply before 2019 given market pressures and the need to change business models.
"Firms will not be eager to jump to full 100 percent implementation quickly but would be expected to meet the required milestones on their own prior to the designated deadlines," Embersit said.
The Basel Committee also agreed to ease the "stress scenario" for calculating the amount of liquid assets banks must hold, meaning the buffer would be smaller.
Under the Basel regime, the rules would run alongside separate rules governing banks' capital, intended to ensure their longer-term stability.
Banks would start complying in 2015 when they are expected to hold at least 60 percent of the total buffer, building up to 100 percent by January 2019, when Basel's separate, tougher bank capital requirements also must be met in full.
The liquidity rule is meant to avoid a repeat of the scenario in which a short-term funding freeze brought down lenders like Britain's Northern Rock early on in the 2007-09 financial crisis.
It is part of the Basel III bank capital and liquidity accord agreed upon by world leaders in 2010 and being phased in over six years from this month, although there are delays in the United States and the European Union.
Ingves said the Basel Committee is still committed to enacting a third plank of Basel III, the net stable funding ratio to limit dependence on short-term funding, by the end of 2018.
The Basel Committee will study how the introduction of the liquidity rule affects the impact of central banks injecting liquidity into the economy in a bid to spur growth.
($1 = 0.7666 euros)
Additional reporting by Caroline Copley in Basel and Rachel Armstrong in Singapore; Editing by Philippa Fletcher and Edmund Klamann


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How to Enroll
All new students and returning students who have not attended Blinn College for one long (fall, spring) semester must apply to the College. Follow this link to apply.
Blinn College is an open-admissions college, however there are requirements that must be met depending on the student's background. Once these requirements are met, the student will be accepted into Blinn College. This page will give you information on what your admissions requirements are based on your incoming situation. With the passing of Senate Bill 1107, students are required to provide documentation regarding their bacterial meningitis vaccination. Please refer to the following page for detailed information regarding Bacterial Meningitis.
The Blinn College, Brenham campus, offers on-campus housing and dining. Go here for more information on housing and board.
The state of Texas requires all students entering a public college or university in Texas to either have taken or be exempt from taking one of the TSI tests. The American College Test (ACT) and the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) are not required for admission to Blinn College. Students intending to transfer to a senior college should take the specific test(s) recommended by the senior college. This page will give you information on taking the ACT/SAT and the TSI test or determining if you are exempt from taking a test.
Once a student has applied, turned in all of his/her admissions documents and either been tested or determined exempt from TSI testing, it is recommended the student attend a New Student Orientation (if being offered) and/or be advised. This link will lead you to information on who is required to be advised and how to meet with an advisor.
Now you are ready to register for classes. Click here for information regarding how to register for classes and how to determine what classes are open and available.
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Mayor's Office
The Lincoln Council for International Visitors (LCIV) and the Mayor's Committee for International Friendship (MCIF) welcomed visitors from six countries at their joint annual meeting and dinner October 26 at the Nebraska Club. The visitors, hosted by the MCIF, were in Lincoln to discuss foreign policy issues of concern to Europe and the U.S. Each international visitor spoke during the program. One of the visitors, Mikael Oscarsson from Stockholm, had been an exchange student at Lincoln's Pius High School in 1986 and is now a member of the Swedish Parliament.
The meeting included the election of the following officers for 2010: Robert Wagner, President; Dolores Mather, Vice-President; and Debbie Engstrom, Secretary. Ron Svoboda also was elected as Treasurer of the LCIV.
The MCIF is a volunteer organization which hosts visitors from around the world. The committee sets up visits with professional counterparts and plans cultural exchanges and learning experiences to promote international understanding among the visitors and citizens in the Lincoln area. Participants are established or potential foreign leaders in government, politics, media, education, science, labor relations and other key fields. They are selected by American Embassies overseas to visit the United States to experience this country firsthand.
Front row, left to right: Lonnie Hilliard, U.S. Department of State Escort Officer; Victoria Eastwood, News Broadcaster, Channel 4 News, London; Mikael Oscarsson, Member of Parliament - Stockholm, Sweden; Barbara Da Silva, International Affairs Journalist, Diario Economico Daily, Lisbon, Spain
Back row, left to right: Dr. Gellert Horvath, European Union Law, Foreign Affairs Cabinet, FODESZ Parliamentary Faction, Budapest, Hungary; Katarina Simurkova, Journalist/Editor, Foreigh Desk Officer, Hospodarske Noviny, Newspaper, Bratislava, Slovak Republic; Tarmo Maiberg, Foreign Policy News Editor, Estonian Broadcasting Company Television Program, Tallin Estonia; Dolores Mather, LCIV and MCIF.


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Our entertaining style has definitely evolved a little bit since we've had Emma. Before she was born we hosted our friends all of the time to long, lingering dinners around the table with multiple bottles of wine - it was our favorite way to spend the weekend.
From the time she was 6 months until she was about a year and a half, we would invite friends over at 7 for drinks, put Emma to bed at 8 and served dinner at 8:15. It worked perfectly when her bedtime routine was being rocked for 10 minutes and she fell asleep, done.
Nowadays, her bedtime routine looks more like : playing dress-up for 20 minutes, dancing for 20 minutes, running around for 20 minutes, then reading books for a half hour... it is drawn-out to say the least. We love the routine during the week, because it is a fun, no TV just fun and silly time for us to spend with her. However... it makes it hard to have a post-bedtime adult-only dinner while they're waiting on you to put her down.
So, entertaining at our house has become more family friendly - which we love, but sometimes I get the itch to have one of those lovely, long and lingering candlelight and multiple bottles of wine dinners like the old days.
I planned the weekend as a little treat for everyone, Emma got to stay the night at her Mimi & Papi's house, and I planned a fun progressive dinner party with some of our friends. We went to one of the neighbors for Cocktail Hour, here for dinner, then to the last couple's for dessert. It was such a great time and the food and drinks was fabulous at every house.
Earlier in the day I made out my to-do list and schedule for the party as I always do - an old habit from catering days. Getting a timeline down on paper really helps me be on autopilot, otherwise, I'll just keep thinking about what happens when and it will drive me crazy.
This was the simplest menu I think I've ever prepared. The prep work literally took me 30 minutes... which gave me a little more time to spend on the table.
Last week was a beautiful week with a tiny glimpse of spring for a couple of days... and now it is going to snow again this week. For the dinner party, I wanted it to feel like spring so used purple hyacinth and daffodils "arranged" in drinking glasses. I like to keep the flowers really simple and casual for friendly dinner parties, otherwise it can feel a little too fussy for my style. But, I do like the table to feel full and festive, so I always make sure I have plenty of candles and usually multiple small bunches of flowers. I like it to look fresh and pretty, but not too sparse - hosting friends should be about sharing bounty and abundance.
For the candles, I used my new favorite Thin Taper candles. This is a tip I "borrowed" from Eddie Ross a couple of years ago when he led me on a tour of the Creative Candle factory (the same candles I now carry in the store).
He said he often uses an array of glass containers down a table with candles set in sea salt. I love the idea and use it all of the time - especially in the summer with pillar candles.
We've really been into roasting these "colorful" carrots lately. Simple, fresh and beautiful to serve.
I cooked mushrooms all day in garlic, red wine and thyme... so, so good. I served them piled up next to the beef on the platter, and the sauce on the side. This was my first time slow cooking them - and I can't wait to make them again. Well, actually, I already did last night for dinner. So good.
As always, when I'm planning a dinner party I like to create a menu that can be made in advance. For this dinner, everything was made earlier in the day, then popped in the oven during cocktail hour. Simple.
Here is the table all set before we headed out for cocktail hour.
Dinner is served. I snapped this photo just before everyone sat down for dinner.
I love to put everything on one platter - beef down the middle, and mushrooms and carrots piled on the sides. You can see the truffle fries on the other corner of the table. I walked the large platter around and served everyone while they passed the fries and sauce - it makes a very friendly and casual serving style and gives me a chance to chat with everyone.
I'll be sharing the rest of the recipes this week and hope to get the recipes we enjoyed at the other houses, too - Amy's Goat Cheese & Peppadew Dip and Annie's Mocha Silk Pie were both amazing. Hope you are off to a great week.


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FORT MEADE, Md. — The U.S. Army private accused of providing diplomatic cables and other secret documents to the WikiLeaks website pleaded guilty on Thursday to misusing classified material, but denied the most serious charge in the case, aiding the enemy.
Private First Class Bradley Manning, 25, entered the pleas prior to his court martial, which is set to begin on June 3, in a case that centers on the biggest leak of government secrets in U.S. history.
"I believe that if the general public… had access to the information… this could spark a domestic debate as to the role of the military and foreign policy in general," Manning, dressed in full military uniform, testified calmly.
Manning pleaded not guilty to the most serious charge, aiding the enemy, through his attorney. Manning, who has been jailed at Quantico Marine Base in Virginia for more than 1,000 days, could face life imprisonment if convicted of that charge.
He pleaded guilty to a series of 10 lesser charges that he misused classified information at the hearing before military judge Colonel Denise Lind. He faces a maximum of 20 years in prison for those charges.
Manning admitted to unauthorized possession and willful communication of information from military databases, including the Combined Information Data Network Exchange Iraq and Combined Information Data Network Exchange Afghanistan.
He also admitted to misuse of documents from the U.S. Southern Command pertaining to Guantanamo Bay, a memo from an unnamed intelligence agency, and records from a military operation in Farah province in Afghanistan.
Manning, an Army intelligence officer, was arrested in May 2010 while serving in Iraq and charged with downloading thousands of intelligence documents, diplomatic cables and combat videos and forwarding them to WikiLeaks.
WikiLeaks began exposing the U.S. government secrets in the same year, stunning diplomats around the world and outraging U.S. officials who said damage to national security from the leaks endangered U.S. lives.
WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange has taken refuge in the Ecuadorean Embassy in London since June to avoid extradition to Sweden for alleged sex crimes.
Manning had offered to plead guilty to various lesser charges in violation of the Uniform Code of Military Justice, including the unauthorized possession and willful distribution of information accessed in the Combined Information Data Networks, a military database, for Iraq and Afghanistan.
He is prepared to take the witness stand to read aloud from a 35-page statement defending himself in the espionage case, but only after Lind rules on how much of it he will be allowed to read.
Under a ruling last month by Lind, Manning would have any sentence reduced by 112 days to compensate for the markedly harsh treatment he received during his confinement. While at Quantico, Manning was placed in solitary confinement for up to 23 hours a day with guards checking on him every few minutes.


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by cmaier | Jan 29, 2016 | results
by cmaier | Jan 19, 2016 | results
by cmaier | Jan 15, 2016 | results
by admin | Feb 27, 2014 | Archive, blog, news
by admin | Jan 31, 2014 | Archive, blog, news
Tyler grew up in Franconia, New Hampshire where he developed a great appreciation of the outdoors, especially the mountains. Born without functional use of his legs, he has spent a lifetime adapting to a world filled with obstacles. Finding a passion for ski racing, Tyler competed for the United States for 15 seasons as a member of the US Paralympic Alpine Ski Team. During that time he traveled around the world, pushing the boundaries of adaptive skiing and racing. Tyler competed in the 2006 Torino, 2010 Vancouver, 2014 Sochi and 2018 PyeongChang Paralympic Games. Achieving many World Cup podiums and titles along the way, including winning the overall World Cup title in 2014, it would take his 4th trip to the Paralympics to earn two silver medals in giant slalom and slalom. Tyler also competed in the Winter X-Games Monoskier-X event, winning gold three times. During his career he found time to attend the University of New Hampshire and earn a dual degree in Geography and International Affairs. At the end of the 2018 season he retired from competitive skiing in order to pursue other career opportunities. Tyler also speaks to corporate and school groups about his experiences in life and competition, passing on lessons learned over a long and often arduous career.


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Graco introduces the Husky 15120 & 2200
Polypropylene and Kynar
We are happy to introduce the new 1.5" and 2" Husky AODD pumps for the transfer of chemical & corrosive fluids.
These pumps are built to last, work efficiently and avoid leakage of dangerous fluids.
We reach these targets by following features:
One-piece center section avoids leakages
Polypropylene center section for chemical compatibility
Four bolt joint design creates better sealing
Reinforced frame makes it stronger and gives a smaller footprint
Overmoulded diaphragms are more resistant & last longer
Furthermore these pumps are:
Easy to maintain: external air valve and pilot valves
Equipped with a modular air valve with less parts to repair
Very efficient with a high flow rate
|Husky 15120
|Husky 2200
|Pump Size
|38.1 mm (1-1/2 in.)
|50.8 mm (2 in.)
|Flow Rate
These pumps are part of a wide product range of 1/4" until 3" PP and Kynar pumps.
Leaflet full range PP Pumps


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ORLANDO -- The roads are blocked, businesses are closed and people have hunkered down in their homes as the Northeast rides out the great blizzard of 2013.
But come Monday morning auto auctions located in the snow-covered Northeast will be ready for business, predicts Paul Lips, president of the National Auto Auction Association.
"The good thing is we had forewarning of the storm; kinda like with Sandy, so we were able to prepare ahead of time," says Lips of the NAAA member auctions located in the path of the storm. "If there was a need to move cars or have people on call for the weekend to move the snow, everyone was ready."
Lips, who is also executive vice president of operations and finance at ADESA, says ADESA has two auctions in the path of the super snow storm: ADESA Long Island in Yaphank, N.Y., and ADESA in Framingham, Mass. Both had successful sales on Friday and they are spending the weekend clearing and cleaning snow, he says.
Personnel at auctions in the Snow Belt, especially in areas such as Boston, are used to moving snow, Lips said.
"We've got all the equipment, the same with the independent auctions and Manheim auctions in the Northeast, he says. "It's a little bit of extra snow to move around this week-end, but I'm sure they're all getting through it and will be ready to roll next week."
And for dealers who don't want to brave the elements, Lips suggests that you buy your cars online.
He adds: "We can sell cars regardless of the weather conditions."


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Za Trip 2011 | Master's Worlds and an Assenende
Za Trip 2011– she is done.
It was very safe to say that the Boulder crew came to Belgium unknown…and they leave well known. Especially the boys in Orange and Black. Unbelievable efforts by the entire crew…and I truly think they left an impression on the racers that the US fields are deep…and strong and taking the Masters and Elite Worlds in '12/'13 Extremely seriously.
As for the Master's Worlds, our friends at CXMagazine published a brief report of the antics and re-casted the videos of Brother Webber seen below in earlier posts previewing the course. You can catch up on the videos to re-cap but the race was epic and the 'Za Trip' boys killed it in the Men 40-44. This was a first Master's World Championship for all of them…with the exception of Pete having done the Elite Worlds in Koksijde in 1994. Their results are fantastic and shows the class of our Master's riding in the US.
- Pete Webber 4th
- Brandon Dwight 6th
- Ward Baker 12th
- Kurt Perham 14th
- Brian Hludzinski 16th
- Michael Robson 18th
I'm extremely proud of them and truly looking forward to them coming home and hear the stories.
Seen above in the green DCM kit is Nico Berckmans…and to the left in the picture in the all white Stevens kit is Jens Schwedler. These guys (scoring 1 & 2) in the race put on a schooling as you'll see in this video. Note the time gaps…
With that epic day of racing in Mol in their legs, today, Sunday the 23'rd, the boys had one last race to do…and one BIG race to go and watch. The Boulder crew made their way to their FINAL race in Assende, Belgium…the last race of the Flemish Cup. It was a Boulder Cycle Sport affair with Brandon taking the flowers with Za Webber in 2nd.
All the boys crushed it today putting 5 into the top 7 amazingly. I remember the last race i did on "Za Trip 1' and how spent I was after Mol. And of course Fort 6 (the next day's race) was the hilliest and muddiest race I'd every experienced! OUCH! These boys leave knowing how the sport is raced and raced hard in 'the fields' and what great champions are like (like Mario below) and that we have a great admiration and passion for the sport.
Now, on to the late day fun! With their faces washed and bikes packed for the plane trip home tomorrow, the crew were able to go and spectate at the World Cup in Hoogerheide. Clearly the boys were celebrating given the beer and their new found VIP passes (don't ask…)
So with some fine Belgian Brown flowing through their blood streams and with backpacks full of high end HD recording devices…what's a bunch of cross nerds to do? Go explore…
First, Pete was able to catch up with the legend, Adri van der Poel at the Hoogerheide World Cup race today. Have a view.
They then cornered our good friends, like Johs, Jeremy and Timmy for some camera time. Just enough to stress 'em all out.
Pete then goes and tries to invade Niels' 'compound'…
After the race, you can clearly see the, um, "excitement" Webber has with his stalking of Styby. Or maybe it's the beer.
That's it folks, the trip, she is DONE! We're all proud of the crew here in the US….especially here in Boulder…and most especially the author. If I could not be there with my best friends, I wanted to help articulate the great and fun things these guys are doing for the sport.
Now get home boys. I'm tired of the awesomeness you just experienced.


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Contact Information
Academic Affairs Office: (818) 364-7635
Student Services Office: (818) 364-7766
Facility/Other Dept.: (818) 364-7820
President's Office: (818) 364-7795
Instructional Television:
(818) 833-3594 or (800) 917-9277
Student Complaint/Grievance Procedure
The Student Complaint/Grievance Procedure is to provide a prompt and equitable means for resolving student grievances. This procedure may be initiated by a student or group of students who reasonably believe that he/she/they have been subject to unjust action or denied rights that adversely affect his/her/their status, rights, or privileges as a student. It is the responsibility of the student (s) to submit proof for the allegation.
Step I - Informal Resolution
Students who reasonably believe they may have a complaint should be encouraged to seek an informal remedy, as described below. The student is expected to make a reasonable effort in resolving the matter on an informal basis before completing the Student Complaint/Grievance Form. Please choose one item from the list below:
- Meeting with the person with whom the student has a complaint
- Meeting with that person's immediate supervisor
- Meeting with the appropriate college administrator
- Meeting with the college ombudsperson for assistance. In this case the student shall provide a written Statement of Grievance and may provide any other information and documentation in support of the grievance. Upon review, the ombudsperson shall inform the student of the student's rights and responsibilities and assist in mediation.
|Student Complaint/Grievance Form
Step II - Formal Resolution
Students unable to resolve their complaint through the informal process outlined above, may file a "Grievance Hearing Request Form†with the college ombudsperson. The College ombudsperson will provide students with information about the formal grievance hearing process and their rights and responsibilities in this process. The student may also request, through the Ombudsperson, that any relevant information and documentation be made available at a hearing, as long as this information does not violate the privacy rights of others.
Students have the right to be represented by him/herself, a student advocate, or a person of his/her choice (the Grievant may NOT be represented by legal council).
This grievance procedure does not apply to the following:
- Challenge process for prerequisites, corequisites, advisories, and limitations on enrollment (Office of Academic Affairs);
- Alleged violations of sexual harassment or discrimination (Compliance Office);
- An appeal for residency decision (Admissions and Records Office);
- Eligibility, disqualification, or reinstatement of financial aid (Financial Aid Office), or
- Actions dealing with student discipline (Office of Student Services).
Grievances pertaining to grades are subject to the California Education Code Section 76224(a) which states:
"When grades are given for any course of instruction taught in a community college district, the grade given to each student shall be the grade determined by the instructor of the course and the determination of the student's grade by the instructor, in the absence of mistake, fraud, bad faith, or incompetency, shall be final.â€
Detailed information and/or assistance with the Student Grievance Procedure is available in the District Administrative Regulation, E-55, or may be obtained from the Office of Student Services or the LACC District Office.


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Events Calendar
Christian County Nonprofit Roundtable
Date: July 23, 2018 Time: 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Event Description This is a meeting for Christian County social service nonprofit executives. It is intended to provide an opportunity for organizations to share resources, information and referrals. Bring business cards, brochures, referral forms, etc to share. Bring your own lunch.


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Scuderia Ferrari Bermuda shorts with Icon Tape
Scuderia Ferrari Store Exclusive
The new Scuderia Ferrari cotton fleece Bermuda Shorts feature Icon Tape in jacquard on the external side seams.
Made of soft, light 100% cotton, these men's shorts stand out thanks to the innovative Icon Tape that runs along the external side seams, repeating the logo. Bold but comfortable, the men's Bermuda shorts are the must-have item for Scuderia Ferrari fans for Spring/Summer 2018. The contoured fabric on the front of the legs, the practical rear pocket with zip and the drawstrings on the front are this model's winning features. The signature Ferrari Shield appears on the front.
- Icon Tape
- Back zip pocket
- Yellow Shield on the front
- Composition: 100% Cotton
We offer both Standard and Express shipping: choose the service that best meets your needs at checkout.
We provide free pick up for your returns: you have 15 days from delivery to follow our quick and easy return procedure.


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Get the IR sensor board at http://arduinotronics.blogspot.com/2017/06/6-channel-infra-red-transceiver-sensor.html
The Circuit:
The detection circuit is the same as the scale speedometer. A TCRT5000 IR LED / Phototransistor pair, with two resistors, connected to an Arduino input (D8). You can lower the value of the Phototransistor pullup resistor to 10k-50k ohm (instead of 80k-100k ohm) to reduce it's sensitivity to ambient light. Increase the value of the IR LED resistor (68 Ohm) to reduce range. Never drop IR resistor below 68 Ohms.
The output is a off the shelf LED crossbuck with 2 red LED's and a common anode. I put a 300 ohm resistor on the common and connected to 5v, and connected the two cathodes directly to arduino outputs D11 and D12. Add a second LED Crossbuck (with resistor) to the same outputs for the other side of the crossing. See the video below the code.
//int sensor1 = 1;
void setup() {
pinMode(8, INPUT);
pinMode(12, OUTPUT);
pinMode(11, OUTPUT);
// the loop function runs over and over again forever
void loop() {
digitalWrite(11, HIGH);
digitalWrite(12, HIGH);
int sensor1 = digitalRead(8);
if (sensor1 == LOW){
digitalWrite(12, HIGH);
digitalWrite(11, LOW);
digitalWrite(12, LOW);
digitalWrite(11, HIGH);
Finished board for two track sensors and 2 crossing lights.


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Since Tenney was also the man at the helm for one of the Vicar's personal favorite entries in the mid-90s killer-doll boom--the relatively unknown and underrated 1996 effort Pinocchio's Revenge--I was intrigued to see what the director had been up to lately. And thanks to Breaking Glass Pictures' recent DVD release of Tenney's shot-on-video sci-fi/zombie comedy Brain Dead (2007), now I know.
The story here is nothing particularly new: while fishing with his drinking buddies in a remote cabin, an unlucky sportsman is nailed in the noggin with a falling asteroid. Unfortunately for the human race generally and this fisherman in particular, the space rock is carrying a worm-like, half-liquid parasite that quickly takes control of his gray matter and sends him on a murderous brain-eating rampage.
In a nearby rural town, vehicular scofflaw Clarence Singer (Joshua Benton) is chained Defiant Ones-style to captured murderer Bob Jules (David Crane), to be transported to the Big House in a bigger county. At the same time, standard-issue hypocritial minister Reverend Farnsworth (Parks and Recreations' Andy Forrest) is travelling through town with buxom secretary Amy Smoots (Cristina Tiberia), looking for a good spot to expiate his impure thoughts about the girl. Meanwhile, city girl Sherry Morgan (Sarah Grant Brendecke) and her closeted lesbian sorority sister Claudia Bush (Michelle Tomlinson) are hiking through the wilderness, lost thanks to Claudia's less-than-stellar map-reading skills. (Guess she earned her merit badges in other areas, IYKWIMAITYD.) Finally, Park Ranger Shelly (a very Darryl Hanna-esque Tess McVicker) answers a call from the fisherman's worried wife and heads out to the cabin to check on him for her.
Of course through a series of misadventures and coincidental cataclysms all of the above characters soon find themselves holed up in the fishing cabin where the monster has made its nest, forced to deal with both the extraterrestrial terror outside and the increasingly unhinged killer Bob. Friendships are forged, romances bloom, and comeuppances are received as the film rushes--or rather saunters--to its expectedly gory conclusion.
|"You know, this has got me thinkin'..."
But then there's the cheese--and for connoisseurs of the stuff, it's of a fairly high grade. While the meteor attack scenes boast some truly horrible CG that looks like it was done by a 12 year old on his MacBook, the makeup and gore effects are all practical, and pretty satisfying. The mutated zombie/parasite hosts are nicely done, each with his own particular look and personality. And when the space zombies attack, Tenney doesn't hold back: eyes are gouged out, holes are punched through faces, and craniums are split like walnut shells to get at the spongy pink brains within--which always come out in one piece, handy for snacking! The episodes of carnage are too few in my opinion--we could have lost several scenes of unfunny dialogue and replaced them with monster grue and everyone would have been a lot happier--but the ones we get have a gloriously gory 80s sensibility that many mad movie fans will be cheering.
|The 2010 "Three Stooges" Reboot
So you've got beasts and blood, but what about boobs? Tenney doesn't skimp on that staple either: the flesh on display is plentiful and varied, as none of the actresses are shy about shedding their summer dress in the name of Art. It's all modelling stuff with no sex scenes--sorry, pervs--but there is one startling effect wherein a bit of the alien goo finds a way into the cabin using the old Trojan Horse technique...though it ain't no horse, if you get my drift. (The graphic close-up here is prosthetic--I hope--but nonetheless effective for it.)
The acting is mostly bad, as I said: Sarah Grant-Brendecke has a certain charisma over and above her curvy pin-up gorgeousness, and comes off the best of the lot; no one else really distinguishes him or herself. Directorially Tenney lets the pacing drag quite a bit, but the monster and gore scenes have an undeniable energy, and die-hard 80s horror fiends should be able to spot a few homages to flicks of the era. (I counted at least three Evil Dead nods, for instance.) And I'd be remiss not to mention that legendary schlock director Jim Wynorski has a cameo as Sheriff Bodine, so watch for that.
DVD extras will include commentary by Tenney and the cast, a behind-the-scenes featurette, deleted scenes and bloopers, and trailers, but were not available on the review copy I received.
Brain Dead isn't going to change anyone's life, and probably won't better anyone's opinion of Tenney--but it shouldn't harm his reputation either. If you're looking for something to pass the time--something with lots of gore and nudity that doesn't ask too much of your higher thinking functions--then this one fits the bill. 2 thumbs.
|I can get behind it.
Breaking Glass Pictures provided a copy of this movie to MMMMMovies for review purposes.


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I'm have juste read a artcel aboute how big supermarkets in Germany have a major discount on very fine wines for an example from Bordeaux, like Chateaux Margaux. If they discounting expensive wine like this, how would the people learn that good quality cost more than other wine? And specally here in sweden when they hear something like that everyone is going to drive down tho germany and buy cheap wine. And then drink it like it would be juice. I not say that is everyone but many of them. That was not all they all so said that 2 of 3 bottle of wine in germany cost BELOW 2 euro..... I think it is time for the people in wine business to tell the normal people to drink a wine with respect.
(But don't evey underestimate a normale price wine )
Have a nice day/ Hans


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My declaration in my previous blog that activists who oppose the legalization initiative on the November ballot in Washington State are acting foolishly and counter to the interests of our movement provoked a reaction, not unexpectedly.
So I am writing about I-502 again.
In a perfect world, devoid of politics and where the rules of conduct in society are determined by principles of liberty and the full autonomy of the individual, the ideal circumstance for us would be where the governments of Mexico, the United States and Canada all strike marijuana and all controlled substances from the Controlled Drugs & Substances schedule.
In that ideal world, there would be, in fact, no regulatory regime of any kind governing what adults (adults being defined as independent, autonomous, self-sufficient entities making their own decisions – that is, not living at home under the largesse and responsibility of parents) can do with their bodies or their mind, limited only by the caveat that their actions be peaceful, honest and consenting.
That, to me, is the long-term goal that I have pursued politically as a libertarian for 33 years: to advocate whatever measures can lead us in the direction of greater liberty and individual autonomy. We live in a world where we have inherited a very imperfect and corrupted democracy, and where politics, not reason or principle, determine the landscape by which we are legally judged for our actions.
I have run for elected office 12 times from 1980 to 2009, not because I believe politics is legitimate (it isn't), but because as a practical matter of self-defense I have to articulate the vision of a proper social system that my fellow citizens can embrace, and, over time, advocate and agitate towards in whatever peaceful way possible that our times allow.
In truth, in my lifetime, politics has not liberated us nearly as much as technology and science. What defeated censorship was instantaneous electronic communication like the internet and smartphones. What defeated 'blue laws', restricting when stores can retail, was 24-hour online shopping. What defeated laws prohibiting explicit sex depictions was VCRs, then DVDs, then the internet. Gambling happens on the internet, largely neutering gambling restriction laws. RU-42 pills make an abortion available bypassing government control. Most government prohibition attempts have a technologically liberating response. That is how the seed revolution I started, to 'Overgrow the Government', succeeded. It made the mass dissemination of cannabis genetics possible using modern mail and the internet.
Politics, and the process of government control of the people, is a corrupt and discredited holdover of the past, and people are extremely cynical about it – young people especially. In Canada and the US we have dysfunctional democracies where a majority of citizens want marijuana legalized, but almost no representation in the Parliament or Congress or White House work to make that happen. The most suitable act to end the prohibitions in all three countries would be to end the scheduling of drugs and let individuals decide what to put in their bodies. This would draw to an immediate close the illegal drug markets, the cartels, gangs, SWAT teams, most police forces, most prisons, the narco-corruption of governments, the tens of thousands of killings, the lucrative profits, the tragic waste of our resources, the criminal records that over 25,000,000 living North Americans have for a drug conviction.
Prices for all these substances in a legalized world would no longer drain us of our personal finances nor our tax payments, and those who want marijuana or other drugs would no longer consort with, join, or subsidize organized gangs; the streets would be safer; there would be more money for medical care, hospitals, doctors, education, and much less taxes needed for prisons, police, militaries, border guards, Homeland Security, the surveillance apparatus, SWAT police, courts, sheriffs. Fewer people would be on welfare, vastly fewer people would have guns and criminal records.
In short, the lives of everyone on the planet would be perceptively improved immediately upon ending prohibition, and would continue to improve as the grim specter of prohibition receded. Once the cancer of prohibition, the greatest policy disaster in the history of humankind, ends, restoration of human dignity, choice, public safety, the credibility and effectiveness of our institutions would transpire. The effect would be revolutionary, making the world of the post-prohibition future unrecognizable to our sadly failed world today.
To repeat: It would be the greatest boon in the history of humankind, for every one of us on planet Earth, to end the prohibition and the pernicious drug war that flows from it.
But because of politics, it does not happen.
Instead, those who care, and are aware (and we are gaining in numbers and influence every day), must participate in this corrupt political arena and seek out directional improvements to the sordid status quo. The most we can accomplish in this system are tiny, incomplete, hardly-satisfying steps that take us only fractionally toward the ultimate ideal of a prohibition-free society. And even that is tough work, and very rarely does it happen.
So I rejoice when, for example, my friend and esteemed lawyer Kirk Tousaw spends months in a Canadian courtroom to have a judge, over a period of years in the making, declare that, "Yes, a Canadian with a medical marijuana exemption card can indeed possess cannabis infused cookies as well as dried marijuana legally." Tiny little victories, and but a tiny bit more freedom for just a few. Not even freedom for many, but a few. A lot of work to achieve, in the big picture, a little bit more liberty. But what other choice does Kirk have? Should we all sit around and wait for a perfect world to exist before we support small steps towards that perfection? Of course not.
We did try, indeed, to have the entire marijuana prohibition struck down in court in 2003. I was largely responsible for funding the 2003 David Malmo-Levine challenge in the Canadian Supreme Court, to strike down marijuana prohibition, but we lost, the Justices voting 6-3 against us. The three francophone (French) judges were with us, and said, clearly, marijuana prohibition is unconstitutional. The six Anglophone (English speaking judges), the bastards, all ruled against us, saying "marijuana consumers have no more a constitutional right to cannabis than cannibals have a constitutional right to practice cannibalism"! (I kid you not, they did indeed write that). We can't get a re-do in the Supreme Court. So we have to chip away at the edges of prohibition.
In British Columbia, 68% of citizens want legalized marijuana. Four former BC Attorneys-General have come out saying legalize marijuana. Eight current BC Mayors say legalize marijuana. Four former Mayors of Vancouver said we should legalize marijuana. The entire 10 members of Vancouver city council recently voted to endorse ending marijuana prohibition. "So what does it take to get 'er done?!" you ask? Secede from Canada and declare British Columbia sovereign? I mean, at what point do politicians, our political representatives, acknowledge this and act on it? And if they fail to act on it, why?
The scourges of prohibition – and there are dozens of toxic byproducts that emerge from drug wars and prohibition – are SO obvious, the only reason politicians, one would conclude, maintain the prohibition is because they are totally with the gangs, cartels, and the other violent, murderous prohibition profiteers. Those who support prohibition are fully aware of the tragic consequences of this insidious policy, and yet, they fully endorse it. They prop up the gangsters and the control/prison/punishment complex despite the brutal harm caused to billions of people on earth.
Is there any greater definition of evil?
The need for systemic revolution is great. And yet, all we can do is chip away at this grotesque injustice by tinkering at the local level, the state and provincial level, by writing our Congresspeople and Parliamentarians (admittedly in a largely futile expense of effort), by educating, by going to rallies, and, if motivated suitably, by voting. It's essential to participate in this horrible, inefficient, disappointing, corrupt, unsatisfying, frustrating democratic process. Simply because we must. To disengage from the political process is not an option, because it surrenders the system to the exploiters and demagogues who by and large have far too much influence now.
In British Columbia we have a 'Sensible BC' campaign coming up, where 350,000 signatures must be gathered in a period of 90 days to put on the September 2014 ballot, in a special referendum, an initiative stating no taxpayer money will be spent in BC on the arrest, jailing, prosecution, investigation of any person involving the possession of marijuana. (Currently 3,583 people in BC every year are charged with marijuana possession – that's ten every day in a province of 4.4 million people, the highest possession arrest rate in any province in Canada.)
It's an enormous, almost impossible threshold of signatures to gather in 90 days. A staggering amount of people will need to gather signatures in such a short time for what is surely a very modest proposal. Paid signature gathering is not permitted under the legislation governing referendums. There is no federal referendum process in Canada where we can challenge the federal law that perpetuates the nationwide prohibition; this is true also for the US federal government.
The wording of a state initiative is a very tricky thing. It must be worded so that the legislation sought is constitutional under state law. It must be politically weighted to attract at least 50% of the voters who vote on that day. It must appeal to a broad cross-section of voters, those directly affected, and those indirectly affected. It must have adequate safeguards to quell the vitriol of opponents who may be expected to oppose the initiative. For a principled person to support the initiative, it must extend liberty to the people in a greater degree than currently exists.
Washington State's legalization initiative I-502, by New Approach Washington, provides that hundreds of retail outlets currently selling alcohol in the state will be legally authorized to sell legal cannabis in quantities up to one ounce at a time per adult 21 years of age or over. Those adults, 21 to 100 years of age (and older), can possess and transport it. Producers of the cannabis provided to these hundreds of outlets will be from Washington State licensed growers. There will be taxes added on top of the retail price.
Most people in the cannabis community would find these provisions a positive step forward, and many in the non-toking community will too. Important questions do remain, such as, will the retail price be low enough to discourage people from growing and selling their own? Will the price be low enough to discourage black market dealing? How will producer licenses be issued?
The most controversial aspect of this proposed legalization legislation is the proposed statute that says driving a vehicle with over 5 nanograms of active THC in the system is a DUI offense. Police would require one of the three elements of probable cause to take a blood sample: 1) cannabis smoke, 2) impaired or dangerous driving, or 3) being involved in an auto accident. For an explanation of what the DUI provisions mean, see the I-502 DUI fact sheet here: http://www.newapproachwa.org/content/faq
In Michigan, the Court of Appeal there on April 17, 2012 ruled that the state had a 'zero tolerance' for any THC in the system of any driver called on to provide a blood sample, in the case of an accident investigation that prompted the appearance before the court. The defendant in the case had a Michigan medical marijuana card and the court ruled that nonetheless it was considered impairment to have any active THC in his system.
In British Columbia, police can take a blood sample at any time they consider a driver impaired; probable cause includes dangerous driving, being involved in a car accident, and the smell of burned marijuana in the vehicle. Now, despite the law permitting this, blood samples are rarely taken – and mostly at accident scenes, if ever. DUI punishments are severe in British Columbia for a first offense, resulting in loss of drivers license for three months, impounding of vehicle for one month, counseling for a year, and a breathalyzer-tester-for-ignition device installed at the expense of the driver once his vehicle is out of impound. The expenses involved in the first DUI add up to around $4,000!
So the 5 nanograms/per milliliter threshold in I-502 is broadminded by comparison, and provides a window of driving opportunity for anyone who hasn't smoked in six hours. Bear in mind that the law, right now, does not allow anyone to drive while smoking cannabis. So this DUI provision is no worse than what already exists, and in fact, the rest of I-502 is tremendously better than what already exists in law.
It's possible or likely any legalization initiative that passes would be subject to being pre-empted by the Washington DC federal government. But that does not mean we should refuse to support an imperfect law. Opponents of I-502 say the federal government won't allow I-502 to happen and that's reason to not support it, but that is no different than saying that any legalization initiative is not worth supporting because the federal government won't allow it to happen. Do they think that a 'better', less restrictive initiative wouldn't be pre-empted by the federal government? Of course not. That pre-emption argument is a very poor reason to oppose I-502.
In November, the only initiatives that provide this huge leap forward are Washington state and Colorado, with Oregon very close to also getting a legalization initiative on the ballot. These initiatives, if passed, put huge pressure on the federal government – and there is, ultimately, no other alternative. These initiatives force a confrontation between the lawful process of the state initiatives and the intransigence of the federal government.
I-502 provides for a retail infrastructure that would be more accessible that any other system in the world. Even in Amsterdam, you can legally buy no more than 5 grams of cannabis at a time; I-502 would allow an ounce at a time to be purchased. (And beginning next year, Netherlands law forbids the sale to foreigners, though this is expected to be flouted. But in law, foreigners will have no legal protection. In fact, it still isn't legal in the Netherlands to possess marijuana; it's merely tolerated.)
Under I-502, it's not considered a violation of state or local law to possess up to one ounce of marijuana, and the state will be the agency of distribution in hundreds of outlets throughout the state. You'll be able to legally buy marijuana, legally transport the weed home, and legally possess and consume it. That is incredible, and there is no other place on earth that has legislation like that in place.
Because it will be a legal substance, it can be smoked without stigma, and the threat of dismissal from work if you are known to have smoked marijuana (Facebook photos, staff parties, etc.) evaporates. Because it would be legal, state prisoners would no longer be considered to be violating their parole, probation or bail conditions if in possession or testing positive for THC (for federal prisoners, it may still be a violation). Because it would be legal under state law, cannabis use couldn't be used against a mother or father in a custody dispute.
All production to service the hundreds of I-502 legal outlets would be legalized and licensed, the price over a short time would drop, and the varieties over time would be widened and varied. Newspapers would be reviewing all the different legal strains of cannabis on sale, just as wines or beers are reviewed.
Because legalization at the state level will remove the stigma, we can foresee that university students, who tend to dangerously binge on alcohol, will use more cannabis, since whenever they buy alcohol, the cannabis will be available at that location too. No more loss of student financial aid because of a cannabis conviction.
There are about 10,000 arrests in Washington State annually for possession; this will end. For minorities, mothers, college and university students, those who use public transit, those who don't own a car, the benefits are huge. Even though the law provides legality to those age 21 and up, those 16 to 20 years of age will know that within a very short time, they too will be afforded legal protection for the rest of their life.
I've heard it said that I-502 does not deserve support because no protection is offered to those 16 to 20, but as we all know, this is the same as the law is now; if I-502 passes, it doesn't get worse for those under 21, and because marijuana will be so much wider in its distribution, the reality is that it will be far more accessible for those 18-20 of age after I-502 is in effect. Is it right to allow adults and seniors to continue facing arrest and persecution for possession, just because kids and teens up to 21 years of age won't be able to legally buy marijuana? Of course not.
I-502 would normalize the use, consumption, production and possession of marijuana, and this effect would be contagious to voters and legislators in other states. It would also provide a huge tax revenue bounty for the Washington State and Colorado governments, and this will attract the attention of other state jurisdictions, and ultimately, lawmakers in Washington, DC.
Most of our people in the cannabis culture who smoke, grow, or sell the herb don't vote. The vast majority will never give money to political reform of any kind, most won't gather signatures (unless they are paid) and will never write their congressperson or even a letter to the newspaper to condemn prohibition.
Despite Presidential candidate Ron Paul wanting to end the entire federal drug war (and having advocating this for 30+ years) and having been passionate about complete legalization even on his speaking trips to Washington State, saying in Seattle, "Why can't we put into our bodies whatever we want?", almost every Washington state legalization activist refused to vote for Ron Paul in the Washington primaries, with many preferring to support the arch-enemy of the pot people, Barack Obama, who has continued and increased the drug war and other unjust and worrisome laws and policies such as spying, torture, war, and more.
For the most part, our people are politically useless, unwilling and unable to organize, distracted by petty acrimony, and won't actively support candidates or initiatives that will further the legalization of cannabis. For all the 250,000 stoners/pot people who come to Seattle Hempfest each August, the organizers can't even get this mass to contribute pennies per person in donations, so pathetic is the sense of political responsibility among our people. Even a tremendous event like Hempfest suffers deficits because our people can't collectively volunteer to give even ten cents per attendee to pay for its costs. Sad, sad, sad.
So we are left depending on straight people, who have a very casual affiliation at best with our culture – they might know someone who is a medical user, or smokes pot, or they smoked themselves in college – but who believe certain aspects of the drug war are wrong and counter-productive. (Still, we have many to convince; women with children and people over 65 are the toughest demographic to win over to the legalization argument, although the over-65 crowd is getting more on board gradually.)
It is not always obvious who is supporting prohibition and who is opposing it. California's Proposition 19 campaign in 2010 to pass the greatest legalization initiative ever offered to voters in history failed because the prohibition profiteers, including those allegedly in our own culture, worked so hard to defeat it. They feared losing their control and profits in the industry, and decided to maintain prohibition instead of supporting legalization.
Sadly, enough California prohibition profiteers and betrayers undermined the greatest opportunity in a generation to legalize production, possession and use of marijuana for all citizens in 2010 with Proposition 19. There will not be another Richard Lee, and there isn't another Richard Lee – the DEA and Obama have taken care of that, shutting him down, stopping him from ever financing another legalization proposition in that state. And that's a tragedy that every day Californians ought to regret. I never heard then, and I have never heard since, any rational argument offered to oppose Proposition 19. It was greed, self-interest, and paranoia offered as so-called explanations for opposing it.
When Steve Kubby put forward the 'Regulate Marijuana Like Wine' proposed initiative this year, I knew it would fail because, despite the California marijuana industry going through several billions of dollars each year, 99.9% of those earning that money don't give a damn about legalization, and never have. Proposition 215 has created a prohibition-profiteering monster than now feeds on its own success, the legal right to produce cannabis without fear of arrest while selling the product at hugely inflated prohibition profits, well beyond what a legal market could justify. Richard Lee was a saint for all of California, and he is forcibly retired now. Shame on you, Californians, for your dereliction of justice and duty to the movement!
The California situation was right out of the classic British Ealing Studios class-war film with its eponymous title and climactic greatest scene, where the one sane person in the film castigates everyone from unions to capital to government over the 'British disease', calling them out for saying "I've got mine, and screw you, mate, I'm All Right, Jack!"
Sensible Washington, the tenuous coalition of activists who made a decent effort to get a 'grass-roots' initiative on the ballot in 2010, suffered because, like California, our people won't cough up any money. Seems activists are broke and have no connections to cash. From that 'nice try' in 2010 where signature gathering fell 100,000 signatures short, it was a very depressing bad try in 2011, to a 'no try' for 2012. But most disappointingly, their response is to work hard to defeat the perhaps-not-perfect-but-still-better-than-even-Amsterdam legalization initiative I-502!
I-502 is outstanding legislation at this particular point in the cannabis liberation movement's political history. The nay-sayers may fume and deride it, but it is much sound and fury signifying nothing. I-502 is supported by many politicians and officials – the very same people we've all been working for so many years to bring on board to legalize cannabis. Suddenly, after they join our cause and put a legalization initiative on the ballot to allow adults to legally buy and use marijuana, they are viewed with suspicion, and even protested against!
Should I-502 fail to pass in November, we'll know who to blame, and who can be held responsible. The so-called grassroots could not manage to get their own initiative on the ballot, and in their frustration, they may choose to sabotage the best opportunity Washington State has had in the long history of prohibition to do what is possible – under the political reality of the day – to legalize marijuana.
You, my friend, should do what you can to make history, and have Washington State be the first (or amongst the first) state to legalize marijuana in the United States. So get out and vote YES on I-502 on the first Tuesday this November!