text:
CICJ Mission Statement
The Columbus Institute for Contemporary Journalism provides progressive activist news, political analysis, and social issue commentary through freepress.org, CICJ Books, alternative media projects and sponsorship of community events promoting journalism and social justice.
CICJ Program Services
The Columbus Institute for Contemporary Journalism (CICJ) currently publishes the Free Press newspaper, Free Press Express broadsheet, the website freepress.org, books, and other educational materials. The CICJ sponsors journalistic activities such as community radio, video production, the local film festival, film screenings, speakers, conferences, educational workshops, election protection, and other special events. The CICJ partners with local activist organizations, holds monthly community salons, and an annual awards dinner to honor community activists. The CICJ also acts as a fiscal agent for other nonprofit organizations and individuals.
The original Columbus Free Press grew out of the anti-war movement on the campus of Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio in October 1970. Inspired by the activism against the Vietnam War and the senseless killings at Kent State, the underground paper was published for a 25-year tumultuous history (1970-1995). Like other underground alternative publications around the country, the Free Press went through many changes through the years. It served as the voice of the students in the early 70's, reporting on social justice issues such as sexism, racism, peace activism, corporate misdeeds, politics and the counterculture. Constantly struggling to survive on a shoestring budget, it encountered opposition from without and within. Internal ideological struggles were compounded, for example, when police arrested four of the editors in 1971 for "inciting riot."
The Free Press founders grew older, less militant, got jobs but the paper survived. Changing faces on the editorial staff show different politics and policies through the years. The Columbus Institute for Contemporary Journalism 501(c)3 nonprofit organization was founded in 1986 as the sponsor of the Free Press newspaper.
Finally, after floundering through the Reagan-Bush '80's and hampered by a lack of an activist movement in the city, the Free Press faced so much competition in the "alternative" newspaper marketplace in Columbus that revenues dried up. It published its 25th Anniversary issue in October 1995, only with dollars donated from then-Columbus Guardian publisher Ron Williams; and ceased publication temporarily. The Free Press was resurrected as a website in early 1996 courtesy of longtime volunteer and activist Tim Wagner. The website developed during the next two years and the printed publication emerged as a quarterly journal in the Winter of 1998. A new Board of Directors formed and gradually the Free Press is back up and running in Central Ohio.
The Free Press now honors community activists annually with a "Libby" Award for Community Activism, named for a former Free Press editor, Libby Gregory, who lost her life in 1991 in an airplane accident. In 1998, a Selma Walker Award for lifetime achievement in Human Rights activism was added in honor of Selma Walker, the founder of the local Native American Indian Center.
The CICJ is a member of Community Shares of Mid Ohio, earning a small amount of funds through workplace campaigns. Look for the Free Press/Democratic Socialists of Central Ohio wine booth at the Community Festival each year during the last weekend in June. The Free Press is dependent on subscriptions, donations and fund-raising events to stay alive.
Believing that there's still a place for community-based journalism, the struggle moves forward, awaiting the rise of the next left mass movement that's willing to speak truth to power.
Editor & Publisher | Bob Fitrakis
Managing Editor | Suzanne Patzer
Senior Editor | Harvey Wasserman
Free Press/freepress.org
1021 E. Broad St.
Columbus Ohio 43205
Free Press' sister website with local Central Ohio news: columbusfreepress.com


text:
District Attorney Sam Sutter today announced the conclusion of the investigation into the October 2012 police involved shooting of David Arraiol in the City of Taunton.
The fatal shooting of a 34-year-old city man by a Taunton police officer last year was justified, according to a report on the incident released Thursday by Bristol County District Attorney Sam Sutter's office.
The 13-page report states that the unidentified police officer was justified in shooting David Arraiol on Oct. 4, 2012, because Arraiol was armed with a loaded handgun that he pointed at the officer from 10 to 15 feet away, and because he refused to obey police orders to drop the weapon. Sutter's incident review concluded that while the officer could not have known what Arraiol was capable of doing with the gun, results from further investigation "leave little doubt" that Arraiol was intent on escalating the conflict, because of his refusal to go back to jail — a warrant was out for his arrest — and because he had suicidal thoughts.
The confrontation reportedly took place when Arraiol was walking down the railroad tracks and was spotted by an officer who knew of his outstanding arrest warrant for violating terms of probation set in 2011. Arraiol was previously found guilty of resisting arrest, as a result of a domestic dispute that led to his being pepper-sprayed by police.
Arraiol ran but police caught up with him behind a 30 Wales St. home, where Arraiol allegedly took out a handgun, refused to drop it upon police commands, and then pointed it at the officer, before being shot twice in the chest.
"All of the attendant circumstances ... created a situation in which the officer reasonably concluded that Arraiol presented a clear, present and imminent danger of death or serious bodily injury," Sutter's report says. "The officer reasonably concluded that if he did not take immediate action he would be killed or seriously injured. Thus, based upon the quickly unfolding situation that presented itself, the officer was justified in using deadly force."
The report said that the "Perimeter Officer" (who killed Arraiol) told Arraiol to drop the weapon and to surrender. When Arraiol refused, the report said, the officer unleashed a police dog to attack him. When the dog bit Arraiol on the leg, he raised the gun and pointed it at the officer, from about 10 to 15 feet away, the report said. That's when the officer fired two shots into Arraiol's chest, causing him to die about a half hour later at Morton Hospital.
"Despite additional commands to give up, Arraiol did not, and the officer re-engaged Arraiol with a second shot," the report said. "Only after being shot twice did Arraiol finally end his assault."
The name of the officer who shot Arraiol is not being released by authorities, according to the District Attorney's Office. A statement from the District Attorney's Office said it's not releasing the name because of death threats from Arraiol's family.
"The Taunton Police have received a threat by a member of the decedent's family threatening to kill any police officer involved the fatal shooting of Davíd Arraiol," the DA statement said. "To protect the safety of all Taunton Police Officers and citizens who provided information, no one will be identified by name; rather, the witness will be identified by their role."
Attempts to receive comment on the report from Arraiol's family were unsuccessful. Arraiol's uncle, who was reached mid-afternoon on Thursday, said he needed to fully read the 13-page report before he considers commenting about it publically.
Previously, however, members of Arraiol's family have come to his defense.
"I am confused and I am suspicious," said Paul Arraiol, one of David Arraiol's two older brothers, just days after the shooting incident. "It's just a crazy situation. I don't believe he would seriously try to hurt anybody."
The District Attorney's report includes witness information from six police officers, including the shooter, other officers helping to assist with Arraiol's arrest, a police supervisor and others assisting with the scene.
As part of the review, the DA's office interviewed one civilian witness who "observed most of the incident," five witnesses who were with Arraiol prior to his interaction with police, nine who saw or heard part of the incident, a brother of Arraiol, and three others who weren't able to provide information.
The civilian who observed most of the incident, according to the report, lived at the Wales Street home. This witness corroborated the police account of the shooting, according to the DA's report.
"Instead of dropping the gun, the witness saw Arraiol point the gun at the officer, holding it firm, leading the witness to believe Arraiol was going to shoot the officer," the report says.
The report also cites individuals with Arraiol prior to the incident who said Arraiol was "on the run" and was determined not to return to jail. Another witness who was reportedly with Arraiol walking on railroad tracks when the police pursuit began said that Arraiol would never go outside without a gun.
The report said Arraiol had a Raven Arms M&P-25, .25-caliber handgun.
Contact Marc Larocque at email@example.com.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
$WORK at the moment. The bulk of the work involves modeling a large corpus of XML documents, extracting metadata, and providing a browse-and-edit interface for that metadata. Standard webapp. Nothing special.
Except that the work I'm focused on is on the workflow system, the part that actually reads documents, parses the metadata, and shoves it into the database.
For the front end, it makes sense that the application uses the full Rails stack: ActiveRecord, ActiveController and the like. It's just a webapp, and the CPU overhead of running the application code in Ruby doesn't matter when compared to the overhead of talking to the database and the client. The advantages of using Ruby on Rails far outweigh the meager amount of hardware it requires.
However, the backend is all about throughput, and the added overhead of running Ruby is quite noticeable. Doubly so because it uses Rails' ActiveRecord models, which spend a lot of time doing reflection on the fly. Yet none of that is really necessary; all the backend is doing is reading the filesystem, parsing XML, and stuffing it into a database. The logic for all three parts is pretty static, and there's no real benefit to using a highly dynamic runtime, especially when the cost in CPU overhead is quite noticable.
In the bad old days, problems like this had one solution: rewrite the code in C.
Today, there's an alternative: rewrite the code in Haskell.
The goal then, as now, is to remove the interpreter overhead from a long running, high throughput process. In the bad old days, that meant leaving features like polymorphism and garbage collection behind, and dealing with segfaults and memory leaks just to get something close to acceptable performance.
Today, none of those tradeoffs are necessary. Haskell can compile down to machine code, and eliminates the interpreter overhead (Thank You, Thank You, Thank You, Simon Peyton Jones!) . But it also provides garbage collection, and polymorphism. It's the best of both worlds: a high level language that compiles down to a native executable. Additionally, once a program gets past the type checker, the compiler pretty much guarantees that segfaults go away. Time and space leaks can still occur, but the profiler can help isolate the misbehaving code with a little effort.
The last time I came across a problem like this, nearly a decade ago, there really was no way out. Rewriting a slow Perl program in C was generally seen as distasteful, tedious, error-prone, but necessary. Today, rewriting a slow Ruby program in Haskell is one of many options available, and certainly isn't that distasteful or tedious anymore. Perhaps in another decade, there will be more alternatives. Perhaps this kind of problem will just go away. Who knows.
While at Rails Edge, I mentioned this strategy to a few people, all of whom were working on Rails apps. No one disagreed that Rails can be a poor choice for backend processing, because of the high CPU overhead and low throughput. Rewriting a Ruby app in Haskell certainly seemed to make sense to everyone I talked to, at least in this one particular scenario.


text:
Flash card Robin
Written by Jacek
Sometimes the day is filled with gems! And here's a large and shiny one.
Robin Thicke stopped by a radio station in Miami today to promote his upcoming album. I almost lost it when I saw the pictures and then read the caption.
It's called Sex Therapy.
Sex Therapy? Really? Look at these photos. Anything sexy there? I suppose if he means that we'll all never want to have sex again after we see these photos, it works. In fact, I think they should use these as flash cards at sex therapy sessions to help patients overcome withdrawal urges. Insert your own easy joke here.
Funny story about Robin Thicke. He is Canadian, the son of Alan Thicke and what I'll call an "aspiring" musician. Beyonce's tour stopped in Vancouver a couple of years ago and I took my nephew Oliver to the show. It was his first concert and he REALLY wanted to see Beyonce. He also insisted that we show up right at the posted time and catch the entire opening act. That opening act was Robin Thicke.
So picture this wide-eyed 9 year old (at the time). Sits down in the dimly lit arena. First concert. Eyes lit up. Edge of his seat so he can see past the balcony. Looks around and takes in the seats, stage, lights, everything. Quite big. And exciting.
Then a dude appears on stage and the music starts. The guy starts singing and jumping around (awkwardly, I might add). Oliver's head starts bobbing. First song ends and Oliver is no longer on the edge of his seat. No more bob either. Second song ends and I see him looking around, distracted by everything but show. Third song starts and he turns to me with this look on his face like he just opened a sh-tty Christmas present and says "This dude sucks." I laughed so hard.
Thankfully Beyonce came on not too long after that and rescued Oliver's first concert experience. She was great.
Written by Jacek
Photos by Johnny Louis/WENN.com


text:
Bulldogs surge past Wapakoneta in 3rd period
Sports Editor
The Defiance Bulldogs showed why they were the 10th-ranked team in the state earlier this week.
In the third period Friday, the Bulldogs pounded the Wapakoneta Redskins 23-3, while senior Trey Guilliam scored 12 straight points after the Bulldogs led by just two, 24-22, at halftime.
Defiance's huge surge after halftime was more than enough to secure a 58-42 victory Friday in a Western Buckeye League varsity boys basketball game at Wapakoneta High School.
Wapak did not score in the second half until 1:43 left in the third period. By then, Defiance had opened the half with 14 straight points to take a 38-22 lead.
After the midway point in the period, Guilliam hit three straight 3-pointers and then converted an and-one at 1:01 left in the period, at which point Defiance turned its two-point halftime advantage into a comfortable 44-23 lead.
The Bulldogs eventually outscored Wapak by 20 points in the third.
"Trey did most of the talking at halftime," Defiance varsity coach Kirk Lehman said. "That was great to see, for him to lead the way he did. That speaks volumes. That's really important for our basketball team.
"He was adamant about coming out and setting the tone. Along with his teammates, he did a great job of that."
Defiance was 8 of 11 with just one turnover in the third period Friday.
Wapak, meanwhile, shot just 1 of 8 with six turnovers in the third.
"I felt like Defiance went into halftime saying 'we're the 10th-ranked team in the state' and buckled down," Redskins varsity coach Doug Selvey said. "That's what I want my team to be in the next couple years. That toughness. That grit."
The Redskins did manage to outrebound Defiance 30-17 on Friday.
"Give our kids credit on that," Selvey said. "We really keyed on that."
Wapak had to do some damage control midway through the second period in order to keep the game close at halftime.
Defiance led 22-11 midway through the second period on an and-one by Guilliam.
The Redskins responded with an 8-0 run which included one 3-pointer each by Jarrett Koch and Kodi Morgan.
As the first-half buzzer sounded, Morgan sank another 3 to pull Wapak with two, 24-22.
"We got ourselves in tough positions and hit shots," Selvey said. "That's a good job by our kids to be able to make shots. Our shooting is coming."
Lehman praised Wapak for its resiliency in the first half.
"Give those guys credit, for a 1-11 team," he said. "I tried to convince our guys after watching the Celina game that's not a team that thinks they're 1-11.
"They do a lot of the right things. They get after you defensively. They're going to be a team to be reckoned with before long. It may take them a year but they'll be alright. They play extremely hard."
Lehman felt his team was too interested in 3-pointers during Friday's first half, as Defiance shot 14 of them.
"We got perimeter-oriented and weren't as aggressive as we were in the beginning of the second half," the coach said.
The Bulldogs established a post presence to start the third period, which freed up Guiilliam for his scoring barrage later in the stanza.
"All week we worked on hands up on shooters," Selvey said. "We didn't get as many hands up as we could have. Guilliam comes off screens well. They set good screens."
Selvey commended Adam Henderson for his performance Friday.
The junior finished with 14 points and nine rebounds, four of which were offensive.
"Talk about toughness with Guilliam, we've got it in Adam Henderson," Selvey said. "What a consistency he brings. As of late he's been pretty consistent. As the season goes on, I'm sure that's someone teams will key on."
Morgan was Wapak's leading scorer with 15 points, all of them coming on 3-pointers. Morgan hit a 3 on three straight possessions late in the fourth quarter.
"Kodi definitely hit some big 3s," Selvey said about his two first-half triples. "That's what Kodi Morgan can do. I know he can do that. It may surprise other people but not me. Kodi has the confidence to do that, and we all do, too."
The Redskins' loss Friday was their ninth in a row, dropping them to 1-12 overall and to 0-4 in the WBL.
Wapak will continue its season tonight in a non-league game on the road against the St. Henry Redskins.
The Bulldogs kept their share of the lead atop the WBL standings with Friday's win.
Defiance moved to 12-2 overall and to 4-1 in the WBL with Friday's win.
The Bulldogs will resume their schedule next Friday in a WBL contest at home against the St. Marys Roughriders.
The junior varsity game went into overtime and saw the visiting Bulldogs emerge victorious Friday.
Defiance led by four before Wapak's Aaron Huffman notched two straight buckets, including a putback as regulation time expired, tying the game at 26-26.
The Redskins twice by one point in the overtime period but committed a foul with 0.6 seconds remaining, while Defiance's Jordan Scott sank both free throws to give the Bulldogs a 31-30 win.
Huffman paced Wapak with 10 points.


text: Full Broadcast – May 8, 2015 By Columbia Radio News Staff | May 8, 2015 noThis week on Uptown Radio, the results are in for the British general election and New Yorkers from Britain are reacting. Trees are being planted in New York City and trash is being collected by private waste management companies. This episode is dedicated to our professor John Dinges, who is retiring after 19 years of teaching at Columbia. Read More No Comments | Likes 0 | Tags final broadcast, john dinges, uptown radio


text:
Miley Cyrus Engagement Ring Details
News of Miley Cyrus' getting engaged to hunky actor Liam Hemsworth broke this morning (June 6) and now, images of the ring are spouting up online. That piece of jewelry? It's quite the looker.
According to Hollywood Life, the 3.5-carat Neil Lane diamond set the actor back about $100,000, courtesy of an opinion provided by a diamond expert. It's reportedly a cushion-cut stone, set in an "Art-Nouveau" gold band. What that means in layman's terms is that Liam, who stars in the 'Hunger Game' franchise, has great taste and Miss Miley is sporting quite a gorgeous rock. You can see an image of the ring in the pic to the left.
Miley also tweeted about her engagement, saying she was happy to share her good news with her fans and that her dreams are coming true. Aw!
Now that we're getting some info and looks at the ring, the next order of business? Imagine the dress. While they've not shared a wedding date, and likely have not even chosen one, we're already thinking about who will design the dress for Miley on her big day!
thank you for all the love today I'm happy to share this news with you all. I feel like all my dreams are coming true. ❤ have a great day
— Miley Ray Cyrus (@MileyCyrus) June 6, 2012


text:
Our 19 entries raided the drinks' cupboard tantalising our taste buds with beverages ranging from Guinness to Southern Comfort stopping off at Malibu, Baileys and Cider on the way! Rum was the most used spirit but each time it was used in such a different way that it didn't feel samey. Here are just some of the entries snaking around the bar:
We tweaked the voting a little this time (we aim to make continuous improvements to the competition to ensure that the outcome is fair) so that baker's votes carried more weight – each baker's vote counted for 3 to ensure that the winner was the best cupcake on the night. Tough decisions had to be made:
Here's the light snack that I tucked into along with two accomplices...it's a tough life:
Without further ado here are our podium finishers:
Winner – Melissa's Grown up Jaffa cakes with triple sec
Melissa – a debutant to ICL - won on the night. What we didn't tell anyone until the result was announced was that her entry was vegan-friendly. Melissa isn't a vegan herself but her friend is and she missed not being able to go for coffee and cakes with her…so went about creating vegan-friendly cupcakes!
This cupcake was light and moist and had little chunks of chocolate (possibly orange too) in the sponge. Unless I imagined it, the frosting sat upon a thin layer of marmalade which added a squidginess to the buttercream (I'm calling it that although obviously it didn't have butter in it). Special thanks to Melissa for coming along seeing as the event coincided with her 7th wedding anniversary…I guess I should thank her husband too for appreciating just how important cupcakes are!
Well done Melissa and good luck at defending the title next month.
Runner up – Fiona's Mojito cupcakes
Fiona's cupcake replicated the delicious mojito cocktail in sponge form. Mojitos are a lovely mix of rum and lime with a dash of fresh mint; they cleanse and refresh the palate whilst giving a good kick from the rum. What impressed me most about these was the mint flavour – because it was so obviously fresh mint but I couldn't see where it was! Normally mint in baking is a little synthetic but the freshness here really made a difference. Fiona has just started a college course in cake decoration but, as you can see from the photo, she's already pretty darned good!
Joint third place – Amanda's Brandy brulee cupcakes
Amanda is our most decorated Iron Cupcaker with a first place and two third places to her credit. This alcoholic version of a crème brulee was delicious – the sponge was so moist (thanks to the brandy syrup brushed over it) that some people questioned whether it was indeed sponge! The creamy custard topping was indulgent and worked beautifully with the little curly brandy snap on top.
Joint third place – Natalie's Malibu and coconut cupcakes
Natalie's debut entry at ICL scored highly with everyone – for me, it was the lovely texture of the coconut packed sponge that was the treat! The smooth creamy frosting was indulgent and topped with glitter that made it feel like you were eating something precious. The Malibu was nicely judged and came through subtly.
So, those were the cupcakes that scored highest on the night but which would you pick? To help you decide here are all the other entries:
Robyn's Dark and Stormy cupcakes
Another debutant, Robyn recreated the rum and ginger cocktail and stayed true to her Bermudian roots by using Black Seal rum. The cupcake was flecked with little chunks of ginger and the heat of the rum came through gradually. A beautiful balance of two of my favourite flavours.
Robyn's Apple cider cupcakes
These cupcakes were packed with flavour and juiciness from the cider – divine! Dave (the man you can thank for taking the wonderful photos of your creations!) described them as having a lovely "apple finish". Once we'd finished mocking him for coming over all Jilly Goolden we had to agree that he was right. I think the frosting contained sour cream as it had an acidic sharpness that worked so well with the cider.
Amanda's Rum and raisin cupcakes
Amanda found a new fan in one of The Cuban barmen – when we left he came running after us asking where he could buy these! So, Amanda, if you get someone contacting you asking for a vast quantity of these it could well be him! I felt slightly intoxicated merely sniffing these for they were extremely boozy. No wonder, as Amanda soaked the raisins for FOUR DAYS! The raisins were not only in the sponge but also the frosting and I loved the texture it added to the creamy frosting – it was a very nice idea.
Katy's Mint Bailey's chocolate chip cupcakes
The mint flavour came through first and then was replaced by the warming Bailey's. Bailey's is a strange drink to me as I would never drink it but love it in baked items. The crisp chocolate drizzled on top of the cake added an extra hit of chocolate and texture.
Mitsu's Drunken Bakewell cupcake with amaretto
Mitsu's baking is vegan-friendly without compromising on flavour. Amaretto was the perfect flavour to add to the almond packed Bakewell and it worked so well as you got the hit of almond but then it built in flavour as the amaretto kicked in. A lovely combination of juicy flavours and juicy texture.
Mitsu's Comfy plum with Southern Comfort cupcake
I have never come across Southern Comfort used in baked goods before so thanks for educating me Mitsu! The frosting was whipped and smooth and heavenly to eat and the combination of plum and Southern Comfort was inspired. In truth, I'm not sure I'd know this contained booze…until I fell off my seat intoxicated! If there's a cuter name for a cupcake than "Comfy Plum" then I haven't heard it – I have visions of a plum propped up on cushions on a chaise longue!
Nikki's Chocolate and Bailey's cupcake
The intense chocolate flavour came through first – all the eaters around me loved the way Nikki had kept the chocolate dark and semi bitter. The Bailey's came through the cocoa and provided a background warmth. This was a grown up cupcake with rich and intense flavours.
Rebecca's Caipirinha cupcake
As someone who has enjoyed a refreshing Caipirinha on more than one occasion, I can vouch that these were spot on! Caipirinha is the national cocktail of Brazil and contains cachacha (a rum type spirit), lime and sugar. Rebecca's cupcakes were vibrant and refreshing which is a credit to them as they'd apparently had to attend a meeting on their way to the contest. I'm assuming that it was Rebecca who added the input to the meeting and they were just sitting around but I'm willing to be corrected…..
Kat's Absinthe cupcakes aka Van Gogh's Last Cupcake
Now when I see 12 cupcakes each claiming to be topped with Van Gogh's ear I automatically assume that 11 are fakes. But maybe he was like sharks with their teeth and kept re-growing it? I think I'm digressing…..it was impossible to get near these cupcakes without being able to guess their flavour – they screamed absinthe! The flavour was intense and the alcohol made the sponge mega-moist. Full marks for the decoration too Kat; you're the first person to put an ear on a cupcake for ICL!
Mara's Chocolate and rum cupcakes
These were as rich and deep as the glossy chocolate topping suggests. My fellow-taster Jasmin described these perfectly as tasting like chocolate truffles but in cupcake form. The little pecan decoration was not only pretty but also added an extra texture…not that I got it as Dave leaped in and nabbed it happy with his good fortune!
Lynda's Guinness and chocolate cupcakes
This cupcake is a great example of why I love ICL so much. I would never drink Guinness and would never select a cake containing Guinness…and more fool me because this was up there as one of my favourites of the night. I love having my preconceptions turned upside down. This cupcake was rich and smooth and the Guinness wasn't pronounced but added incredible depth to the chocolate – it's just one of those combinations that works!
Kelly's Orange Creamsicle cupcake
I consider myself a cocktail aficionado but have never had a Creamsicle. A quick glance at google told me that it contains vodka, cointreau/triple sec, orange juice and cream…what's not to love? The enticing orange glow of the frosting was matched by the aroma – gosh, I wish you could smell it! The initial taste was all orange but then the cointreau came through and provided some lovely warmth in the back of your throat.
Kayla's Limoncello cupcake
This struck me as the companion cupcake to Kelly's orange cupcake shown above…well, Kelly and Kayla are sisters so it makes sense! Kayla balanced this very well as the lemon was sweet enough to appease me (I don't like tart lemon) yet tart enough to please the lemon lovers. The sponge and frosting were both tangy and citrus-y and most refreshing.
Melissa's Black forest gateau cupcake with kirsch
Melissa, our winning baker on the night, spoiled us with a further two entries! Anyone who tasted this cupcake would not need to be told that it contained kirsch – you couldn't really miss it! Wow did it have a kick! The sour cherry added juiciness to the sponge and the cupcake was as rich as you'd want a good gateau to be…and, like her winning entry it was vegan-friendly.
Melissa's Pina colada cupcake with dark rum
Melissa put some jam between the frosting and the cake which adds a lovely extra texture to each bite. There were also little chunks of pineapple and flakes of coconut which created the lovely tropical flavour sensation of a good pina colada. Again, just for the doubters, it was 100% vegan-friendly!
Now you've seen all the entries you'll understand what a tough job it was picking out only three to vote for.
The voting slips on the night come to me and I tally them up to find the winner. Some people write little notes on their voting slips and I feel it only right to pass on two observations that were made:
- "Every entry was absolutely nice and great". I love that – they weren't just nice, they were absolutely nice. Couldn't have put it better myself!
- "More vegan-friendly entries please." Over to you, lovely bakers.
Special thanks to Paul (who greets you all and 'stickers you up'), Jasmin (who plated up the cupcakes with such aplomb) and Dave (who takes all the lovely photos you see in this post) – I am merely Dogtanian to your three Muskehounds!
Boring copyright bit: all photos are the property of Dave Shipman and are reproduced with his kind permission. If you wish to use one of his photos please contact us first and then ensure that you credit the photo to him.
Thanks to everyone who came along and helped us settle into our new venue – The Cuban at Citypoint. Hope to see you all again on 2nd November for our SPICE night!


text: Friday, September 02, 2011 2011 House Actions Posted Online The adopted and amended House of Delegates Positions, Standards, Guidelines, Policies, and Procedures, as well as the amended Bylaws and Standing Rules, from the 2011 House have been posted to the APTA Policies and Bylaws Web page. The 2011 House Actions: Summary of Revisions provides a simple overview of the updates. Comments The APTA is not representing PTA's with their new position on use of support personnel. Where is the APTA when insurance companies in Kansas stated that they were only going to pay 50% of allowable charge for services given by a PTA. PTA programs need to progress to a BS level or the APTA is going to let some other provider take our place. Posted by Greg Crawford on 9/2/2011 11:42 PM


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Domainut needed a new logo design and created a contest on 99designs.
A winner was selected from 66 designs submitted by 15 freelance designers.
Nawlins SnoBalls
Nawlins SnoBalls is slang for New Orleans Snow Balls.
We are a new start up business coming this summer. We will be located in a mall parking lot selling around 50 different flavors and varieties of snow cones. We are a small, four person strong, company.
The business is child friendly and the logo should reflect that our main customers are younger children. Because we are located across from a playground, the graphic should be bold and eye catching to children.
Our building incorporates bright Yellow color with Purple trim. These colors are a must in the logo. In addition, a cartoon character is encouraged, but not required, in the design. Feel free to be creative! I will be checking in at least once per day to answer questions, and make sure that designs are headed in the right direction.
Find out how a design contest works or learn more about our logo design services.


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Daniel Craig Unveils the Range Rover Sport | Photos
Daniel Craig Puts His Driving Skills to the Test
Daniel Craig Puts His Driving Skills to the Test
Daniel Craig was on hand to help unveil the new Range Rover Sport ahead of the New York Auto Show in NYC yesterday. Earlier in the day he walked around NYC with a group of friends while carrying a garment bag. At the event, Daniel Craig drove the SUV into the event hall and parked it in front of a group of photographers. Daniel admitted that maneuvering the car in front of everyone was harder than it looked. He said, "I've done plenty of driving in movies, but a live event, you think do I know how to drive?"
Daniel may have second-guessed his driving skills, but one thing we will never doubt is his ability to seduce the ladies — check out James Bond's best pickup lines, including a few from Daniel's Bond, who will return to the big screen in a new installment of 007 within three years.


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Sol 181 Update on Curiosity from USGS Scientist Ken Herkenhoff: Waiting for Confirmation6 February 2013
Planning is still "restricted," so we had an opportunity to acquire more ChemCam and imaging data on Sol 181 while waiting for confirmation that the Sol 180 "mini-drill" test completed successfully. As MAHLI/MARDI uplink lead, I focused on planning MAHLI images of 3 targets in front of the rover. We had to avoid the area of the drill testing, to avoid disturbing it, but there are plenty of other areas of interest. Again, the planning assumes that the Sol 181 activities went well, because we won't receive the Sol 181 data until early tomorrow morning.


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Lance Tamyo needed a new logo design and created a contest on 99designs.
A winner was selected from 75 designs submitted by 19 freelance designers.
Design me an eye catching rock solid logo, business card and letterhead template!
I recently branched out from my previous employer to become a partner and need to brand myself, please see my website: lmtfcc.com and my previous employer but now partner's website: promarkfinancial.com to get an idea of what we do.
Originally I envisioned the "LMT" part to be the logo with some sort of a rock solid foundation look to it and then the Financial Counsulting Concepts to follow the Logo. However i am open to any ideas.
- Item 1... I would like to stay withing the colors of my website but I am open to all ideas. The logo will go on my home page of the website and all printed material.
- Item 1...I don't want to look to flashy (some flash ok) but not to conservative. I want to be branded as a rock solid company that is current but not "fly by night".
Find out how a design contest works or learn more about our logo design services.


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Big Spender: The $1.6 Million Halloween Costume
So what's really scary this Halloween? Not zombies. Try Morphsuit's diamond-covered $1.6 million dollar suit. Charles Passy reports on Lunch Break. Photo: Morphsuits.
This transcript has been automatically generated and may not be 100% accurate.
... I ... the scary one point six million dollars the price of this Halloween costume ... should be winging our I think just for shock value MarketWatch's Charles Passy joins us right now ... with a preview night ... I it's twenty mean this doesn't foods those tools have to be was kicking this Wednesday yes I mean you know I think the actual piece of the costume is only about fifty sixty dollars put the bling factor is what puts it over the top ... so what makes this and what I what I what what is the twenties was to be the ... you're supposed to be the walking glitter ball a lot of the shul right seems to ... know is how the water ... out there you go ... on it's from a company called more seats out of Scotland ... aam this is this full body suit kind of costume you can you ... use Ornstein didn't pop culture three big in Japan on cent audience is the style they call ... it covers your entire body ... aam you can read through the fabric though so and and they just decided ... to take it to another level ... with on with their diamonds the cost of ignoring them doing costumes that were being printed without different design seem to have a ... tuxedo version you can have a power Ranger Virgin ... and and and they said that they don't want to stick it to the next level ... had they sold one car on the sideline know I know I know so so the question is what is it a publicity stunt aam ... they claim it's not they say that they had put this to their fans ... and pass the dream to come up with my different costume they had done yet ... and this is what the fans came up with so they say they are just responding ... to what their their fans want aam but I think obviously ... they're getting a little attention the enjoyed yet right yet our hard and trying to mine ... but the stock if it's working and living abroad was a ... curious in general like keep shopping for costumes of custom cars and going ... up and not in the one point six million dollar range but in general counsel who I would say that the going up the woods whats interesting is when we researched this release for contrast the very expensive item to get real price ... on the costumes of really segmented themselves into three categories I would say ... there's your basic in the back costume on cheap fabric polyester goes over your clothes that's about twenty one hundred dollar range it's still a strong sell what seems to be interesting is now there is this the locks level where people are actually paying for real fabrics and costumes they might win more than one year ... and that is in a hundred to three hundred all range he does see a lot of costume shops or costumes the purveyors ... offering these ... the next level up after that ... would be something custom a time you go to it really the optical specialist to do ... but people are doing this because always so huge ... and that is really a level of about five hundred to two thousand ALM so not one point six million dollars yet but not very cheap there's a gap of two at one point six nine Dyson and put your ... item insight into old song I dunno what to write that is still out there it's available right to buy anything from things that your path ...


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Our Righeous Mother Blessed Empress Theophania
December 16
Saint Theophania, who was born in Constantinople, was of royal lineage. Instructed in letters, and adorned with many virtues, she was united in marriage to Emperor Leo the Wise (reigned 886-912). But counting the glory of the earthly kingdom as nought, she spent her nights and days in serving God with psalms and hymns and prayers, working various good deeds until she surrendered her spirit to God in peace, while still in her youth, being, according to some, about twenty years of age, according to others, twenty-seven. Her holy relics are still preserved in the patriarchal church in Constantinople as a source of healing for those that draw nigh with faith and longing. She was also the builder of the Holy Patriarchal and Stavropigeal Monastery of St. Anastasia the Protector from Potions in Chalke (883).
Kontakion of Empress Theophania
Fourth Tone
As we celebrate today thy radiant feast-day, O divine Theophania, we cry with rev'rence unto thee: Preserve thy servants, who sing thy praise, from every manner of peril and suffering.


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Electroretinography is a test to measure the electrical response of the eye's light-sensitive cells, called rods and cones. These cells are part of the retina (the back part of the eye).
Alternative Names
ERG; Electrophysiologic testing
How the test is performed
While you are in a sitting position, the health care provider places numbing drops into your eyes, so you will not have any discomfort during the test. Your eyes are held open with a small device called a retractor. An electrical sensor (electrode) is placed on each eye.
The electrode measures the electrical activity of the
The doctor will take the readings in normal room light and then again in the dark, after allowing 20 minutes for your eyes to adjust.
How to prepare for the test
No special preparation is necessary for this test.
How the test will feel
The probes that rest on your eye may feel a little scratchy. The test takes about 1 hour to perform.
Why the test is performed
This test is done to detect disorders of the retina. It is also useful in determining if retinal surgery is recommended.
Normal Values
Normal test results will show a normal A and B pattern in response to each flash.
What abnormal results mean
The following conditions may cause abnormal results:
Arteriosclerosiswith damage to the retina
- Congenital night blindness
- Congenital retinoschisis (splitting of the retinal layers)
Giant cell arteritis
- Medications (chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine)
Mucopolysaccharidosis Retinal detachment
- Rod-cone dystrophy
(retinitis pigmentosa)
- Trauma
Vitamin A deficiency
What the risks are
The cornea may get a temporary scratch on the surface from the electrode. Otherwise, there are no risks with this procedure.
Special considerations
You should not rub your eyes for an hour after the test, as this could injure the cornea. Your doctor will discuss with you the results of the test and what it means for you.


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North Carolina landscape and nature photographer.
Hello there! Welcome to Kathleen Roberts Photography!
I'm Kathleen, or Kathy for short. Except I'm tall. Which makes it really easy to reach the top shelf in the grocery store, but that's about it.
I love coffee - with cream and no sugar, please.
I love mini tootsie rolls and stash them around the house just for me.
I love the smell of the earth after a good rain.
I love Laura Ingalls and always wanted to be a prairie girl.
I love being a G.R.I.T.S. (Girl Raised in the South)
But mostly … I love photography.
Landscapes are my photographic passion. I love to experience the Earth's beauty. There is no better way for me to start the day than to wake up before the sun and drive to a little spot that allows me to watch the day wake up. Sometimes it's best just to watch, but often I'm grateful to have my camera in hand to capture that awesome awakening.
As much as I love landscapes though, I can get equally excited about a variety of genre's including street photography and macro. The city of Asheville and its people are prime inspirations for my street work. Macro photography is my therapy. Getting up close and seeing the intricate details of an object is quite exciting!
I have lived in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains just outside of Asheville all my life. I currently live 10 miles north of Asheville in Weaverville, NC with my husband of 30 years, Gary, and my daughter Jenny. My son Kevin lives nearby. Our nearly 15-year-old beagle, Daisy is my primary companion during the day and serves as my subject when I need photographic practice ~ as long as there is a treat involved.
My work was exhibited at the Phil Mechanic Studio in the River Arts District of Asheville for the month of March in 2014. In June of that same year, my image titled "Seat's Taken" was chosen from over 8,000 entries as a finalist in the Clickin Moms 2014 VOICE competition in the Street Photography category.
© 2015 Kathleen Roberts Photography | Landscape Photographer in the North Carolina Blue Ridge Mountains and Surrounding Areas | Asheville, NC | firstname.lastname@example.com|ProPhoto Website


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Dwayne Litteer's Photography
Bosque del Apache NWR - New Mexico - Nov. 2007
Bosque del Apache NWR - New Mexico - Nov. 2007
These photos were taken at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge during 2+ days in late November 2007. There were some 8,000 Sandhill Cranes, 35,000 Snow Geese and 45,000 ducks on the refuge at this time. The New Mexico scenery is excellent in late November and the sunrise and sunsets can be overwhelmingly beautiful. The experience of watching the abundant wildlife was a real thrill and it is a nature photographers dream location. I hope you enjoy my photographs.Read More


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2008-04-23 / Columnists
Pets, Pets, Pets . . .
Search for Sensation: The Westminster Shooting House, Up Close and Personal
Members of the Westminster Kennel Club spent 24 years in Babylon. They didn't hold their famous dog shows here. Instead, these moneyed men bred and ran their prized pups, and also hosted pigeon shoots for members, guests and other gun clubs at their elaborate clubhouse. Sensation, the Pointer immortalized in the Westminster logo, and his kennel mates played no part in the bloody festivities.
I must say the legacy of cruelty upsets me. Live bird shoots remain the least pleasant pieces of the jumbo jigsaw puzzle trying to locate the Westminster Kennel Club (WKC) and possibly Sensation's grave. From 1880 to 1904 on numerous occasions the NY Times, Brooklyn Eagle, and local papers reported the exact number of pigeons blown to smithereens but never once pinpointed the shooting spot near Southards Pond.
Because of a revival of interest at the turn of the 20th century, pigeon shooting was added (and contested) as an event for one time only during the 1900 Olympics in Paris. Babylon Westminster's bird matches were so popular with wealthy sportsmen that the LIRR had a special train that would assure participants a 10 am departure and a 5:30 pm return to the city.
The sport, essentially a canned hunt, was as controversial then as it is now. Critics debated whether this practice where live birds were released from underground traps about 20-30 yards away from the shooter was blatantly inhumane or essential to hone marksmen's skills for national security. (Nowadays the infamous, annual Hegins, PA pigeon shoot inspired the children's Newbery Honor Book Wringer by Jerry Spinelli an excellent lesson in coming of age compassion.)
Newspaper microfilm has turned up peripheral human causalities: South Side Signal 2/15/1881, a young man living near the WKC grounds was trying to bring down some of the stray birds died when he stepped in his shed and accidentally triggered his gun; Brooklyn Eagle 4/15/1900 a Lindenhurst woman was struck and killed, her 6 yr.-oldson badly injured by the west bound train returning WKC members to the city.
The SPCA kept trying in Albany. By 1904 pigeon shoots became illegal in NYS. Soon after Westminster sold the clubhouse to James L. Ewell and moved to Tenafly, NJ. Several months later NJ followed NY's lead, also outlawing pigeon shooting.
So what was the shooting house? Spectators viewed the Babylon shoots from the clubhouse veranda and the shooting house which stored equipment. "A neat building, long but low, is at the rear of the contestants for their convenience and that of on-looking friends in cold and stormy weather" said Pentz in American Field 3/13/1886." Westminster owns just a few old pictures with a glimpse of the shooting house. Recently I've been fortunate to come across 3 additional images.
Top photo: Last week Bill Frohlich former Babylon Town historian sent this amazing, panorama photo of the WKC grounds found in a LIRR guide book circa 1895. It shows the clubhouse from a new angle. The lower building to the left is the shooting house. The flagpole, Sensation's gravesite is between the 2 buildings. A small pulling-box and scoring booth stand side by side blocking the bottom of the flagpole. However, flat, expansive topography in the photo casts more doubts on the sandpit mound that Dr. Davis is examining with ground penetrating radar (see "Pets" online 4/10/08). Middle photo: EBay is a great historical source. I
bought the elusive Frank Leslie Weekly 2/20/1892 containing newly discovered drawings from a California collector selling other antique Westminster ephemera. Besides the sketch shown here, the article mentions "the shooting house is a spacious building…it has a large number of pictures on the walls and is cool and airy."
Bottom photo: Finally we zoom in. One of the photos borrowed from the Ewell family bothered Westminster historian Mr. Stifel because the architecture did not match the clubhouse completely. My trusty magnifying glass revealed the same "Christmas tree" design on the shooting house peak. Hence it seems Cousin Birchard dressed as an Indian brave sometime around 1910 when the term "Indian" was still PC is standing in front of the shooting house, not the clubhouse. He's aiming his bow at my target-the flagpole, Sensation's grave marker. Great news, but am I allowed to scream "GERONIMO" as his arrow hits the ground?
Correction from last week's column: A word was missing. Maddie's Fund estimates there are 30-60 million feral cats in the US.
Back at Babylon Town Shelter
(643-9270) Lamar St. W. Babylon a sweet
Shepherd/Doxie pup about 10 months old waits for someone nice to take her home. "Pixie" in Cage 31 who should stay Beagle size was found in the industrial area nearby. Pixie is content to sit on your lap and plant kisses. Cats: "Mousy" the cat who comes with his own condo moved to the shelter lobby; "Scout" in C-4 is a neut 6 mon. longhaired tuxedo. Female Dogs: gray Shih-tzu & "Coco"- Jack Russellboth in the Puppy Room; "Darla"- tan Shepherd Cage 38; "Mama"- Hound/Pit who raised 9 pups at the shelter. Male Dogs: "Tank"- young Pit Cage 20; Newfie mix puppy Cage 7.
•Reminder: The LI Pit Bull Predicament Conference Sat. May 3 hosted by Last Hope will be held at Suffolk Community Brentwood. More Info at www.lasthopeanimalrescue. org or "Pets" online 4/3. All are welcome.


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Well, when I was so excited counting down something happened yesterday and it ruined my coming weekend plans! (Don't ask me why....hopefully everything will be over since then) No mood for anything since yesterday but luckily my dear daughter cheers me up! She did some good improvement for her exams, and I'm glad that she did!
She has been asking for some fondant play and we had this plan since before her school exams start. So, with the promise, we did it this morning!
I've baked this muffins for her last night for her and her friend for the "fondant play" this morning. Scroll down then you'll see what they did.....not a pretty one but glad they enjoy it so much!!...^^
A double chocolate muffin adapted from the book "100 Desserts" (西式甜品) by Winnie 姐. Haven't try eating it yet but it smells good and when I cut it for my photo taking, the texture was soft and moist...:) It'll be my tea break later!!
Recipe with alittle changes:
120g dark chocolate
225g self raising flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
120g brown sugar
75g butter (melted)
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla essence
1/2 cup thick cream
1/2 cup chocolate chips
** Prepare alittle chocolate ganache if desire to serve with the muffins.
~ Finely chop the dark chocolate. Melt it over a pot of simmering water.
~ Sift flour with baking powder together and set aside.
~ In a mixing bowl, beat well brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, vanilla essence, cream and melted chocolate together.
~ Add in flour mixture and fold well.
~ Add in chocolate chips and mix well.
~ Spoon into 4oz paper cupcake moulds to 3/4 full and bake at 180'C preheated oven for 25 minutes.
Then.....here comes the girl's work!!
First they cream a thin layer of the chocolate ganache to the sides of the muffins. Then covered with orange fondant to form a flower pot, then follow by some flowers and butterflies to stick on the lollipop stick for decorations.
Top with their favourited "Kit Kat" chocolate balls.......
....and pooked the prepared flowers and butterflies on to the pots!!
These are really untidy and ugly...haha! But they enjoy the whole process of it.....^^ and even asked to do it again tomorrow....haha!
Well, we'll do something else I promised...hehe!
This idea was actually inspired my daughter's favourite TV Programm..."Finger tips"!!


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After 22 months of civil war, in which an estimated 60,000 people have died, Syrian President Bashar Assad gave a defiant speech Sunday that ruled out negotiations with rebel fighters and made clear that he intends to remain in power as long as possible. Assad's words came as no great surprise. Seasoned diplomats, including former United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan, have tried and failed to broker a peace.
So why does the war drag on? One key reason is that neither side believes it is losing.
The opposition controls a significant amount of territory and has established a presence in large parts of Syria, especially the north and east. It has recently formed a unified political and military structure, winning the recognition of numerous countries. But Assad's government can take comfort in the rebels' failure so far to take any major cities, including the two most important ones, the business center, Aleppo, and the capital, Damascus. The insurgents have received arms and other support from Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkey, which has further emboldened them, yet the regime retains an overwhelming advantage in firepower. With neither side convinced it will lose, neither is ready to stop fighting.
Another reason for the war's continuance has to do with the ambivalence of various Syrian minorities about a future government dominated by a Sunni Arab majority. The Kurds in the northeast, for example, have largely stayed out of the fight, focusing instead on carving out what they hope will be, at minimum, the sort of autonomous region their Iraqi brethren have acquired in the wake of Saddam's Hussein's ouster. It's not that the Kurds like Assad; it's that they assume that the opposition's victory will mean that minorities in the country will be further oppressed. Assad, a member of the Alawite minority — which makes up just 12% of the population — needs support from other groups among Syria's dozen or so minorities, who together constitute about a third of the country's population, to retain power, and so has treated them with some deference, something they fear a Sunni Arab-dominated government would not do.


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nice guy needed a new logo design and created a contest on 99designs.
A winner was selected from 241 designs submitted by 53 freelance designers.
Innovation Endeavors
we support the world's finest entrepreneurs in making the world a better place; we proud ourselves on taking a different, out-of-the box approach to innovation, and the design should reflect that as much as possible.
this will be the first of many projects to come
we work with savvy, high impact entrepreneurs as well as with some of the most respected angel investors and venture capital firms
+ must be innovative and out of the box!
+ We will be giving ample feedback to any logo which gets ranked with 3 or more stars, please do submit multiple designs
the design should work:
- In large and small scale (from signage to business card)
- Across media (from print to web to signage)
- In black/white and color
- In positive and reverse
- In horizontal and vertical formats
- Text should be easily legible
+ need layered PSD as output
Find out how a design contest works or learn more about our logo design services.


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Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Chicken Sauté with Thyme, Lemon, and Chile
8 comments :
- That Girl said...
I'm more jealous you can keep your herbs alive than I am about the weather!
- February 22, 2012 at 4:51 AM
- Confections from the Cody Kitchen said...
I'm so jealous that you have fresh thyme! I love using fresh herbs, but hate having to make a trip to the grocery store every time. It's cold here in Ga, but I think I might plant some herbs in a mason jar and set them in my window :)
- February 22, 2012 at 8:09 AM
- All Things Yummy said...
Love that you grow your own thyme. I've killed many a potted herb. I have the best of intentions but I'm a black thumb.
- February 22, 2012 at 10:41 AM
- Gourmetdaytoday.com said...
This looks so simple and refreshing! I can't wait to make it. I'm making your no butter chicken tonight! :)
- February 22, 2012 at 11:41 AM
- Brianna said...
This looks delicious. I have a little pot of thyme, oregano and mint sitting on the table right now, so no hating from me :)
- February 22, 2012 at 3:36 PM
- Bridget said...
Typo alert: I actually do like living in the desert, but I think I'd like living in a dessert a lot more. Especially if it was cheesecake. ;)
- February 23, 2012 at 3:56 PM
- Kelsey said...
Oh heck. Thanks, Bridget! I'll make that correction shortly. I do wish I lived in the dessert, though.
- February 23, 2012 at 6:08 PM
- Natalie said...
ahh i can't wait to have fresh herbs again! count your blessings :) this sounds wonderful!
- February 23, 2012 at 6:32 PM


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A series of upcoming public workshops beginning Oct. 25 are set to allow concerned residents and the public to weigh in on the management of access routes to the public land surrounding Ridgecrest and the El Paso Mountains.
A series of upcoming public workshops beginning Oct. 25 are set to allow concerned residents and the public to weigh in on the management of access routes to the public land surrounding Ridgecrest and the El Paso Mountains.
The Bureau of Land Management is hosting meetings to determine how to proceed with a possible amendment of the Collaborative Access Planning Area (CAPA), which may impact how people access routes in the region of recreational purposes.
CAPA was established by West Mojave (WEMO) Management Program as a process to streamline the development process for off highway vehicle activities networks throughout the region.
The WEMO program itself was the result of a series of lawsuits meant to conserve endangered species like the desert tortoise and Mohave squirrel. It was supposed to streamline mitigation and permit procedures required by various federal and state agencies for anyone who wanted to develop property on public land.
"Unfortunately it grew and evolved and got bigger," said Ron Schiller, chairman of the High Desert Multiple-Use Coalition.
It affects a massive 9.3 million acres of the West Mojave desert with 3.7 million acres of that public land area.
Schiller is one many residents advocating for increased public weigh-in on any plan that amended open access to California's public land.
Schiller described past situations where the WEMO process had been low key to the point where the public could not weigh in.
"A number of emails were sent out to the local officials talking about this meeting," Schiller said.
This sparked a gathering at the BLM office with the public demanding to be part of the process, resulting in a public meeting held in Ridgecrest.
"At that time over 300 people showed up at the Kerr McGee Center," he said. "It was completely packed, standing room only and out the door."
The BLM public workshops are part of the result to allow public input to discuss any input.
"Because the El Paso Mountains and the Ridgecrest area is very important to local recreation, our economy and our local custom and culture, we want to ensure that we have adequate access to allow us to continue to participate like we have in the past," Schiller said.
Schiller said some groups wanting to shut down access to such paths cited the matter as an OHV issue.
He argued that it wasn't just an OVH issue, as other groups used the trails and public land for activities like hiking, astronomy and horse riding.
"It is access to public land for public activities," he said.
He said that with the backing of the county and city, there was a fair chance the community could have greater access to the public lands and the El Paso Mountains.
Local representatives, including Mayor Pro Tem Chip Holloway, Councilman Steve Morgan and First District Supervisor Jon McQuiston, have been behind the push for more public involvement.
The Ridgecrest workshops will be held at the Carriage Inn on North China Lake Boulevard on Thursday, Oct. 25 from 6 - 9 p.m and Saturday, Nov. 17 from 9 a.m. to noon.


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Israel News - Stay Informed, Pray Informed
Israel's Foreign Ministry on Wednesday lashed out at European powers for their harsh criticism of the Jewish state at the UN Security Council a day earlier. Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman stated that the European Union was in danger of making itself irrelevant as far as the peace process is concerned.
If European powers continue to focus exaggerated attention on Israel, a law-abiding and democratic nation, instead of real flash points like Syria and Egypt, "they are bound to lose their credibility and make themselves irrelevant," read the Foreign Ministry statement.
Israel's anger was sparked by a statement released by the four European members of the Security Council - France, Britain, Germany and Portugal - that condemned Jewish building in Judea, Samaria and Jerusalem and took a very unbalanced view of what is needed to get the peace process back on track.
The Europeans said that recent Israeli plans to build additional apartments in existing Jewish "settlements" on in Jewish neighborhoods on the eastern side of Jerusalem "send a devastating message" and must be reversed.
"All settlement activity, including in east Jerusalem, must cease immediately," insisted France, Britain, Germany and Portugal.
Contradicting the traditional position that all peace negotiations should take place between Israel and the Palestinians, the Europeans demanded that both sides instead present proposals to the Middle East Quartet comprised of the European Union, United States, UN and Russia. The Quartet would then mediate those proposals and provide a plan for peace.
Knowing that the international powers have generally sided with Arab demands and adopted the Arab narrative, the Palestinians are pleased with the new direction taken by the Europeans, and have already submitted a "peace" proposal to the Quartet. Israel refuses to do so since the peace process has always been based on the idea of direct bilateral negotiations, and so is being made out as the primary obstacle to peace.
Israel's Foreign Ministry noted that instead of advancing the cause of peace, the Europeans were only "adding obstacles on the path toward renewed negotiations."
The Americans took Israel's side in that debate.
Israel and the Palestinians must "get back to the table and settle these issues together, and that's the way we are going to have a lasting, stable peace," said US State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland. "Shouting from the rooftops of the Security Council is not going to change the situation on the ground."
The European statement issued from the Security Council also took Israel to task for recent acts of vandalism against Arabs and Muslims by a small group of right-wing religious youth. The so-called "price tag" attacks are meant to demonstrate to the Israeli government that it cannot surrender to international demands without creating a problem with its own people.
The Europeans appeared to place a lot of importance on those attacks, despite the fact they have resulted in no casualties. They demanded that Israel "bring the perpetrators to justice and put an end to impunity," calling the attacks "deliberately provocative actions."
The statement was enormously hypocritical.
For decades Palestinians groups, many of them actually associated with and backed by the Palestinian leadership, have attacked and killed Israeli Jews. Very rarely, if ever, has the UN Security Council or the European Union issued such a strong and direct condemnation of such attacks. Instead, the international community usually responds to Palestinian terror attacks by condemning violence in general, and calling on both sides to "show restraint."
The Europeans generally give the Palestinian Authority itself a pass when it comes to Palestinian violence, accepting the official Palestinian position that it cannot stop all acts of aggression, which at any rate are legitimate responses to ongoing "Israeli occupation."
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Our favorite app for keeping tabs on our UPS, FedEx and USPS deliveries has received a much wanted feature in its latest update: lockscreen notifications.
That's right, Package Tracker is up to version 5.1, which we previewed a few weeks ago and it now has the ability to show you when new update notifications are present including detailed information right on your Windows Phone 8 lockscreen. Likewise, you can view the information on the doublewide Tile, should you opt for a more indirect approach.
Package Tracker for Windows Phone has the unique ability to "sync to the cloud" whereby you can also take advantage of the similar Windows 8 RT app. That means you can enter data on your PC and have it auto-sync to your phone, keeping you up to date on where your multiple packages are at the moment. For that, we're big fans of both apps as they're clever, simple and well done.
Another advantage of Package Tracker is the sheer number of delivery services it supports worldwide—sure FedEx and UPS are popular but what if you're in Spain? This app should have those international users covered.
If you've already bought Package Tracker, just head here to the Store and get the version 5.1 update. Otherwise, you can trial out the app and if you like it, buy it for $2.49. Our opinion? If you shop a lot online and like to have pushed tracking info to your phone, including delivery notifications, Package Tracker is your best bet. (And if you're on Windows 8, try out their RT version).
This post may contain affiliate links. See our disclosure policy for more details.


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today the little birdies woke me up, chirping, singing pickpickpick, pickpickpick…
Ms. Donna, from Knit One, Purl Too
CONGRATULATIONS! You are the new owner of some pretty pretty yarn and a hard copy Ariann Pattern!
THANK YOU! to all who participated and because there seem to be a lot of you with Spring Fever, I picked 3 more people to get a hard copy of Ariann –
Lynda from Knit Together
Gail R
Cheryl C
Thanks again to everyone who dropped by :)
This, but of course, has NOT cured my Spring Fever but made it Bigger than ever! Over the weekend I had to pick up the needles to get started with some Magnificent COLOR! I've had this yarn it seems forever. It was from One Fine Yarn – 3 cones of Crystal Palace "Georgia".
What's incredible about this is that the saturation level of the color just is indescribable! This is becoming a lacy little number called L-O-L-A Lola…


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Reversible London Leather Belt
€370.00 €370.00
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- An Italian-made belt in textured London leather in a contrasting tone on the reverse, with a reversible pin buckle. Finished with hand-painted edges and a polished silver-tone brass buckle.
- 3.5cm/1.4in wide
- 100% calf leather
- Buckle: 100% brass
- Engraved Burberry lettering at buckle
- Made in Italy
Item 40002341
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Firetruck41 wrote:I mostly agree with the previous post, except I don't know anyone who has ever rented a car for a "driving" getaway. 60kwh should have a large portion of urban/suburban America covered.
You need to visit your local Enterprise Rent a Car on a weekend and chat up the other renters (as I have). Weekend rates are so low for unlimited miles (both via Enterprise and whomever Priceline.com finds), it is often hard to justify putting "that many miles" on the car you own, particularly if you own one that isuncomfortable and a gas hog, If you can get "the car" for 90 bucks and drive it 360 miles, you've paid just 25c/mi for "the car" cost of the trip and gets you a far nicer/newer car than most people own, and often more fuel efficient. So it is "a thing".
And back to the point, 60kWh is what doubles, triples, or quadruples the number of EVs on the road, and creates the patronage/demand for more charging stations "organically". So I agree with Nissan that their role in this should be (1) a 60kWh battery (and anything else to increase practicality/value-proposition which radically increase sales to "home charging" households) and (2) no charge to charge (patronage for charging stations)


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In broad strokes, the role of a sexton is to take charge of, care for, and supervise the cemetery, under the direction of the Cemetery Board or other governing party. What does that really mean?
Opening and Closing Graves
One of the main functions of a sexton is to open and close graves for interments. In order to do that, the sexton must know where the plots are physically located in the cemetery, the dimensions of the plots, and which graves are filled, and it is the sexton's responsibility not to disturb prior interments when opening graves. It would not be a good thing for the backhoe to hit another casket. In some cases this means that the sexton must use a Sexton's Key to probe the ground and make certain the neighboring graves will not be disturbed.
Selling Plots
Another major function of a cemetery sexton is to be able to show prospective buyers available lots. That means that the sexton must not only keep up with what plots are filled, but also what lots are sold. The sale of a cemetery plot is pretty much like the sale of any real estate.
Placing Headstones
Similarly, once a headstone is shipped to the cemetery, it is the sexton's responsibility to know where the monument is to be installed and direct the installation. In many cemeteries, it is also the sexton's responsibility to notify the installers when the stone arrives.
Grounds Maintenance
The cemetery sexton is also responsible for the grounds, turf, and landscaping maintenance. This not only includes mowing, but also the upkeep of trees and plantings, the cemetery fence (if there is one), signage, and any memorial areas in the cemetery.
Rules and Regs
One of the least favorite jobs of a sexton is enforcing the cemetery rules and regulations. This includes when people can visit, conduct in the cemetery, and litter. Similarly most modern cemeteries have rules about what can be installed at a grave, and what can be placed at a grave. Some cemeteries do not allow planting at graves, holiday decorations, lighting, or other memorabilia, while other will allow some or all of these things. Many cemeteries have rules about live and even artificial flowers and post signage stating flowers will be removed on a certain date. This helps to keep the cemetery clean and fresh of pots of death flowers throughout the harsh winter.
It's all about the Map
Modern cemeteries are typically platted out and every square inch is accounted for. The cemetery may be comprised of different lot layouts in different sections of the cemetery. There may be differing sizes of graves and usually some smaller crematory plots. A map is created and each grave is identified by some naming or numbering scheme, usually identifying sections, blocks, lots, and plots, and it is the job of the sexton to maintain this map. This map is essential in the ability to do their job.
Not a Mason
It may seem that the sexton has an obligation with regard to the maintenance of markers and monuments; however this is not the case. The monuments are owned by the purchaser and installed on private property (the purchased lot) and it is really the responsibility of the family to perform any cleaning or repair. However, some cemeteries do step up and try to repair and curate old broken stones which have long been forgotten. This is purely a voluntary action on their part, and if they do it, it's because they love their cemetery.
Not a Genealogist
While many people contact cemetery sextons to find out genealogical information on past interments, answering these types of questions, and doing genealogy is NOT their responsibility, and if they choose to provide this information, it is purely of their own free will.
Your Faithful Caretaker
Always remember – it is not the job of a sexton to know what is inscribed on the stone, or the relationship of any individual to any other individual, or to fix a broken stone – but rather it is their job to keep up the cemetery and to know who is buried where, what lots are sold, and what lots are available. They have to deal with the finality of death, eternal resting places of loved ones of the living, and be sensitive to the emotional state of the public, sometimes during their time of great loss.
It's not just a job.
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
The World of the Cemetery Sexton
Posted by Linda K. Lewis, Cemeterian at 11:06 AM
2 comments:
- tbirdy said...
Your post is very interesting. My grandfather was a cemetery sexton, as was his father-in-law (my great grandfather) and HIS father-in-law (my great great grandfather). When my great great grandfather applied for the job, he almost didn't get it because the board felt he was too old. He outlived all the board members.
- Kim said...
Tbirdy- I'm writing a story about a cemetery sexton. I'd love to hear any interesting stories you may have heard from your family sextons.
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Low-Life Son Serves Eviction Papers To His 98-Year-Old Mother!
A family feud in Connecticut has two brothers tussling over their 98-year-old mom, Mary Kantorowski of Fairfield. One son sent an eviction notice to mom on her birthday
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