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Wednesday, October 8, 2008
A Presidential Debate on Domestic Policy That Does Not Mention Issues Related to Race Or Class.
I'll probably end up holding my nose and voting for the Obama-Biden ticket, but nothing the Senators from either Illinois or Arizona said last night made me feel confident that they really understand or care how race and class continue to shape life chances and opportunities in American society.
The lack of a substantive discussion of issues related to race or class was very unsettling and should disturb anyone seriously committed to racial and social justice in American society.
For example, consider that the subprime mortgage meltdown has a huge racial dimension. This fact has been ignored by both candidates.
As I've mentioned in this blog before, for the last 40 years, homeownership has been the ticket to middle-class stability for many black and Latino families. Studies show that the subprime meltdown is disproportionately affecting people of color: their total loss of wealth could reach $200 billion.
Moreover, because the wealth of people of color is so heavily dependent on homeownership, the fallout from the possible loss of a home could affect several generations (remember, homes are often passed on to the next generation, which becomes instant wealth for the new homeowner).
There was no real discussion of the devastating impact of the home mortgage meltdown on cities with large non-white populations, such as Detroit and Cleveland. Entire neighborhoods in these cities look like wastelands, as people unable to keep up with their mortgage payments are either being forced out of or simply abandoning their homes.
Also, noticeably absent from this debate was a real discussion about the needs, preferences, and concerns of working-and lower-class Americans. Everything is about the middle-class (codeword, the white middle-class). What about the black, Latino, Asian, Native American, and, even, white working classes?
"The middle class need a rescue package, and that means tax cuts for the middle class," declared Senator Obama.
Without a doubt, the centerpiece of Senator Obama's tax policy is what he describes as "a middle-class tax cut to 95 percent of working Americans." Given that 95 percent of Americans are not in the middle-class, this is a very bizarre statement. But it does explain where his priorities are, which is to appeal to the white middle-class, by placating to their sense of entitlement. Many middle-class whites subscribe to the view voiced by Senator Clinton: that they are "hard-working Americans" who deserve special treatment from their government.
Moreover, neither candidate truthfully addressed how the $700 billion dollar bailout of Wall Street, a projected $500 billion dollar federal budget deficit, a 10 trillion dollar debt, and costly wars in Iraq and Afghanistan will affect their domestic policy priorities as President. Without new revenues, painful cuts to government programs – more than just ending earmarks or freezing spending for entitlement programs – may be required.
What will happen to funding for programs that aid children and the elderly? What will happen to funding for job training programs for economically devastated urban communities? What about funding for elementary, secondary, and post-secondary education? What about Social Security? What about Universal Healthcare?
Rather than tell the American people what they need to hear, both candidates have selected to tell us what they think we want to hear. That sounds to me like the POLITICS OF OLD rather than the politics of change.
As the debate entered its second hour and shifted to the foreign policy arena with so many domestic policy questions unanswered, I thought to myself, why we shouldn't be switching topics: "Who is speaking for the urban poor? Who is speaking for the rural poor? Who is raising their issues?"
Not Senator Obama!
Not Senator McCain!
Senators' Obama and McCain, I thought to myself, "What about a rescue package for the poor and working-classes who are suffering in this economy?"
I finished this debate more depressed than ever about the major party candidates I have to choose between in November.
I thought to myself, "I'd rather vote for an Aunt Jemima-Uncle Ben ticket than either an Obama-Biden or McCain-Palin ticket."
3 comments:
The candidates have a major difference in their leadership styles: McCain tends to say, "Follow me because the other guy can't get it done" while Obama says, "Follow me because I can get it done." Ideally, the candidates should say, "Follow me because i will help you get it done" ... in any case, of the two of them Obama demonstrates a better leadership mentality
- October 10, 2008 at 11:59 AM
Once again I fail to see how either candidate is going to manifest the change they both claim to be representing. The middle class seem to dominate the discussion and even that discussion is shallow at best. If the U.S. is ready for change it has not been reflected in the debates or in any of the commercials shown in the media. I want to be optimistic but with so many pressing issues either not being discussed or discussed on a superficial level it is becoming difficult.
- October 16, 2008 at 2:29 PM
I'm reading your post - having come to your blog for the first time on 11/6, weeks after you wrote the post and days after the election - and hoping that you did not become SO depressed over the debates that you've given up. This was a great analysis of the questions that were neither asked nor answered in this election.
I voted for Obama not because he has the answers but because the energy that his campaign created opened the door for new discussions of racism and oppression in America. I worry that by electing him we may have closed some of those doors due to a false complacency by white America that the problem of race and racism has been "solved."
Moreover, the question of the bailout for the working class, including both the urban and the rural poor, is becoming more urgent by the day. Here in the Hartford area we are already feeling the first tremors of this global earthquake that the media euphemistically refers to as an "economic downturn" or even as a "recession." On the front page they talk about it like it's going to be a minor inconvenience . . . but on the business pages, where the capitalists tell each other the truth about what's going on, they admit that this is a major disaster.
I also worry that many of the good folks out there, the activists and campaigners and community organizers, are going to wait for Obama to come up with the answer or are not going to be willing to pressurize him, when the answer has to come from below. Working people know what we need: stop the foreclosures and evictions, no utility shut-offs, no cuts in human services, health care, schools and infra-structure even if we have to tax the s--t out of the rich to do it.
- November 6, 2008 at 3:12 PM


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WASHINGTON, March 25, 2015 – The signs are pointing to movement on Trade Promotion Authority next month. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said he wants the Senate Finance Committee to approve a TPA bill "very quickly after we come back" from the two-week-Easter recess.
"It's a top priority for me," McConnell said. "I've had a number of conversations with the president about it. It's a top priority for him."
Separately, Finance Chairman Orrin Hatch said he's considering "one more concession" to his committee's top Democrat on TPA with an eye toward having an agreement on a bill after the Easter recess. Hatch didn't identify the issue but he and Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., have apparently been at odds on the TPA process that would be used to get to a final up-or-down vote on a trade agreement.
Hatch said he expected to meet with Wyden after the recess and hoped to get a deal. "We're going to try and work one more concession to give him a reason to vote for it and to feel good about that vote. I'll try my best to come up with something between now and when we get back. "
Hatch appeared confident they were close to a deal. Wyden "has told me he's going to vote for it (TPA), but he's trying to work out as much as he can on that bill." Once Wyden signs off on the bill it could move through the Senate fairly quickly.
A post-recess deal would line up with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's planned visit to Washington in late April to meet with President Obama and to address a joint session of Congress. It would be somewhat awkward if TPA hasn't gotten out of the starting gate at that point.
Japan is believed to be waiting on TPA before making critical final concessions in the ongoing negotiations over a Trans-Pacific Partnership. Hatch said he talked about TPA last week with Obama and urged him to put more pressure on Democrats to support it. Canada, in turn, is believed to be waiting on Japan before agreeing to a deal. Both countries are under heavy pressure to lower their barriers to U.S. agricultural exports.
For more news, go to www.agri-pulse.com.

subset: commoncrawl


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This aquafaba ice cream is simply the best way to make ice cream without an ice cream maker. It comes out light, fluffy, creamy and delicious every time. Easily make your favorite ice cream flavors by adding fruit, chocolate, peanut butter or caramel. This no-churn ice cream is vegan, nut-free, and gluten-free too so everyone can enjoy it!
How can I make ice cream without an ice cream maker?
Make your ice cream from aquafaba for a light and fluffy ice cream that will stay soft enough to scoop when completely frozen.
What is aquafaba?
Aquafaba means bean water in Latin. It is the liquid that you drain off a can of beans. This cooking water contains enough protein from the beans that it acts like egg whites in many ways, therefore, you can whip it into a meringue or whipped cream like substance.
What you need to make Aquafaba ice cream...
- Aquafaba - the liquid from a can of garbanzo or white beans. You can use red or black beans, but that will be the color of your ice cream too.
- Cream of Tartar - or lemon juice as an acid to break down the protein and make it form a fluffier meringue.
- Sugar - to sweeten the ice cream. I like to use powdered sugar since it doesn't weigh the aquafaba down as much and give you a light and fluffy result. You can also use granulated sugar.
- Plant-Based Milk - like soy, almond, oat, or cashew milk. This gives the ice cream a creamy dairy flavor.
- Vanilla Extract - for flavor.
- Oil - for a richness of ice cream. Canola oil works best, but you can use any neutral flavored oil. You can omit the oil, but it just won't be as rich and creamy.
- Flavoring - you can add chocolate, pureed berries or fruit, caramel, or peanut butter for your flavor of choice.
- Mixer - a stand mixer is nice to have so your arm doesn't get tired, but you can use any type of electric mixer.
- Container - with a good seal to store the ice cream.
How do I make aquafaba ice cream?
- Simply whip the aquafaba from a can of chickpeas or white beans with a mixer.
- Then, add a little cream of tartar or lemon juice, this is an acid that helps break down the protein and fluff it up into a whipped cream texture.
- Mix the aquafaba for 6 minutes and then add vanilla and mix for another minute.
- Then slowly add powdered sugar while continuing to mix for 3 more minutes until it is all incorporated and it forms firm peaks.
- Make sure to beat the aquafaba for at least 9 minutes total.
Time to make the flavor ice cream of your choice….
- Combine your favorite plant milk, canola oil, and your ice cream flavor of choice in a blender.
Vanilla: An additional teaspoon vanilla
Strawberry: Add a ½ cup of fresh strawberries
Chocolate: Add 1/4 cup cocoa powder
Peanut Butter: 1/3 cup peanut butter
Coffee: Add 1 tbsp. instant coffee
- Blend your flavor mixture of choice with the vegan milk in a blender and then slowly add it to the Aquafaba. Turn the mixer to the lowest setting and beat for about 10 seconds, just long enough to incorporate the mixture. (You can also simply fold the milk in with a spatula. Just don't overbeat once the milk mixture has been added or it will collapse the aquafaba)!
- Then simply pour your ice cream mixture into a dish (large enough to hold 6 cups of ice cream) and immediately freeze for at least 4 hours.
Your ice cream will set perfectly and easily scoop out of the pan even days later.
Tip: I like to use these 6 cup sized Snapware containers because the batch fits perfectly and it has an airtight lid so your ice cream doesn't absorb the flavors of the freezer. If you don't have a container like this, cover your ice cream with plastic wrap to seal in freshness.
What if I want to add other flavors to the ice cream?
To add swirls of flavor, make the vanilla ice cream and then fold in chocolate syrup, vegan salted caramel sauce, peanut butter or chocolate chips just before freezing it. You may want to give it another stir about 1 hour after freezing if items look like they are sinking to the bottom.
Do you want to make a vegan ice cream Sunday?
Top your aquafaba ice-cream with vegan salted caramel sauce, berry compote, or vegan butterscotch sauce.
Don't forget to pin the aquafaba ice cream recipe for later!
Aquafaba Ice Cream - Vegan No Churn Ice Cream
For the Aquafaba Ice cream base:
- 3/4 cup aquafaba (the liquid from a can of chickpeas)
- 1/2 tsp cream of tartar or lemon juice
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Blended Milk Mixture:
- 3/4 cup plant-based milk of choice (like soy milk)
- 1/4 cup canola oil or any other neutral flavored oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (additional for vanilla ice cream)
Or Pick One of the Additional Flavor Options:
- 1/2 cup berries or fruit
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/3 cup peanut butter
- 1 tbsp instant coffee
- Drain a can of chickpeas into a medium sized mixing bowl and sprinkle with some cream of tartar. (This will be 3/4 cup of aquafaba liquid).
- Beat on high speed with a mixer for 6 minutes until very fluffy.
- Add a tbsp. of vanilla and beat again for about a minute.
- Continue to beat the aquafaba while slowly adding the powdered sugar a few tablespoons at a time until it is well blended and very fluffy. (This should take about 2 more minutes). Make sure to beat the aquafaba for a total of 9 minutes from start to finish.
Blend the Milk Mixture and Flavor of Choice:
- Put milk of choice, oil and any flavor of choice (Berries, chocolate, coffee, etc…) into a blender and mix for about 30 seconds.
- Pour the milk mixture into the fluffy aquafaba a little at a time, folding in. Don't over stir or your ice cream will lose its fluffiness.
- Pour into a freezer safe container and immediately freeze for at least 4 hours to set completely.
- Be sure not to overbeat once the milk mixture has been added.
- Omit the oil to make it fat-free. (It's just not a rich and creamy without oil).
- Use canned coconut milk instead of other plant-based milk. (If using coconut milk, there is no need to add additional oil).


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It's one of the most hated things about apartment-hunting in Boston: that extra month's rent you often have to fork over to a real estate broker just for the privilege of renting a beat-up two-bedroom in Allston or Somerville.
But New York, one of the few other places in the United States where such broker fees are common, just banned them. Regulators there said this week that a new state law strengthening rent control also prohibits tenants from — in most cases — being charged broker fees.
The news prompted cheers of joy from cash-strapped renters across New York. And it immediately raised a question here: Can Massachusetts do the same?
The answer: maybe.
Banning broker fees here would probably require state legislation, local officials and policy makers said Thursday. It's beyond what cities and towns are allowed under state law to do themselves. But bills to protect renters — and housing bills in general — have faced tough sledding on Beacon Hill in recent years.
Still, there's been a groundswell of support lately for pro-tenant legislation. Hundreds of renters and advocates packed a State House hearing last month to support bills that would allow municipalities to impose rent control. One of those bills, a lead cosponsor says, includes language that would also allow cities and towns to regulate brokers fees.
The New York rules, part of a broader measure lawmakers passed last year to beef up rent control in the state, were announced this week by regulators. They would still allow broker fees, but only if they're charged to landlords, or if a tenant specifically hires a broker for help finding an apartment. Real estate groups in New York say they plan to challenge the rules in court. But advocates for renters and their legislative allies here say the move could inspire a similar push in Massachusetts.
"It's a really welcome development," said Representative Mike Connolly, a Cambridge Democrat who cosponsored the rent control bill, which he said would also give municipalities the right to eliminate broker fees. "I'm really struck by how many people who've posted on social media or reached out to say, 'I can't believe how much money I forked over to a broker for an apartment I found myself.'"
And as the news from New York spread on Thursday, Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh said he'd form a "working group" to study the fees and how they affect renters here.
Broker fees compensate real estate agents who act as middlemen in the region's crowded, competitive housing market. They connect landlords with renters who are often racing to find a place to live. The fee, typically equivalent to a month's rent and paid upfront, is charged to the renter. Along with the first and last months' rent and a security deposit, that would mean shelling out $10,000 for the keys to a $2,500-a-month apartment.
That's a daunting barrier for tenants who already face some of the steepest rents in the country, Connolly said.
"Many of us don't have thousands of dollars in cash just laying around," he said. "This could really make it easier for people to move into that next apartment."
These fees have been customary in the Boston area for decades, especially in pricier neighborhoods and those where the market is dominated by students and more transient young renters. But they're not required. Indeed, larger buildings with their own leasing offices typically don't charge broker fees, and some landlord groups discourage the hiring of brokers, who bear no responsibility if a tenant they bring in doesn't work out.
"Brokers play a role, and I understand that," said Doug Quattrochi, executive director of MassLandlords. "But there are so many websites that list apartments now, it's not really necessary to hire one."
Real estate groups warn that, without brokers fees, the brokerage industry would fall apart, and while people wince at the prospect of paying so much just to get in the door, brokers do perform a valuable service — both for tenants who need to navigate the market and landlords who need easy access to renters.
"That's basically their income," said Greg Vasil, CEO of the Greater Boston Real Estate Board. "You'd have a whole lot of people who'd probably lose their jobs."
For that reason, Vasil said, his group is likely to oppose any move on Beacon Hill to end the fees. Connolly's bill is still before the Legislature's Joint Committee on Housing, which has until the end of March to vote on whether to move it forward this session.
Should that measure pass, the debate would probably then shift to city and town halls, with municipalities free to set their own regulations.
"There'd be a lot of support for this," said Ben Ewen-Campen a city councilor in Somerville. "In a housing crisis like this, we need to be doing everything we possibly can to make it easier for people to find affordable places to live."
In Boston, where a growing number of city councilors are calling for some form of rent control, discussion of banning broker fees is in the early stages. Walsh announced late Thursday that he'd name "a wide range of stakeholders" later this month to a panel to study the fees, with an eye to crafting state legislation to change how they're used in Boston.
"I am proud to pull together this working group to move us forward in determining how broker fees are impacting our renters and our housing market in Boston," Walsh said. "This is another tool we are putting forward to tackle the underlying challenges of housing affordability in Boston."
Still, some warn that ending broker fees could backfire. If landlords pay them instead, they might simply raise the rent, said Skip Schloming, executive director of the Small Property Owners Association. If they can't do that, they could cut spending on repairs, and apartments would deteriorate.
"Many landlord-tenant laws have this kind of deleterious effect," Schloming wrote in an e-mail.
Others are trying to lower prices all around.
John Puma is chief operating officer of Places for Less, a Boston startup that charges a flat fee, currently $990, to help renters find an apartment, using the same database of nonexclusive listings that most brokers use. The New York rules, which still allow renters to pay a broker they have specifically hired, should help open up a rental market that's too opaque, he said, and is stacked against renters.
"It's very specific to Boston and New York, and with these new rules, now just Boston," he said. "It's a tough market to crack, just because everything was always set up for the brokers."
Tim Logan can be reached at email@example.com. Follow him @bytimlogan.


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Kathleen and John Cronin welcome you to Atlantic House B&B, their comfortable bed and breakfast accommodation near the enchanting West Cork village of Castletownshend. Atlantic House is located 1 km (¾ mile) west of the village on the Coast Road as it wends its way between Castletownshend and Toe Head. The 'Wild Atlantic Way', Ireland's newly designated scenic touring route, runs right past the front gate!
#3 of 3 B&Bs in Castletownshen...
Atlantic House offers quality bed and breakfast accommodation in a beautiful and tranquil setting overlooking the mouth of Castletownshend harbour, known locally as Castlehaven, with the Atlantic Ocean beyond.
Our aim is for our guests at Atlantic House B&B to feel completely at home from the moment they arrive in Castletownshend, whether their stay is for one night or many. Comfortable bedrooms are at the heart of any accommodation and the rooms at Atlantic House are exceptionally well appointed and tastefully decorated in keeping with the surroundings. In the morning you can enjoy a traditional Irish breakfast, individually prepared while you admire the sea view from the dining room.
Castletownshend is one of the most unspoilt and picturesque villages in West Cork. Its streets are steeped in history and the surrounding countryside is dotted with interesting sites. There are pubs and a restaurant in Castletownshend and many more in the nearby market town of Skibbereen, sometimes called the 'capital' of West Cork. We are also close to Clonakilty & Kinsale. If you plan on touring THE WILD ATLANTIC WAY Car Hire is available at Cork City from City Car Rentals or at Cork Airport Car Hire.
Whale and dolphin watching, angling (in lakes, rivers and the sea), golf, sailing, kayaking are all available in the local West Cork area and we would be happy to arrange any of these activities for you during your stay at Atlantic House.
For visitors that would like to travel further a field Killarney and the beautiful ring of Kerry, Bantry or Cork city are all between 30 and 90 minutes drive away from our bed and breakfast.


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Bluegrass Corner
Summer Is Here!
Bluegrass Day at the Fair. June 8th brought the annual Bluegrass Day at the Fair, sponsored by the San Diego Bluegrass Society and the North San Diego County Bluegrass and Folk Club, to the beautiful Paddock Stage at the Del Mar Fair. It was a great day with a presentation by 60+ kids playing fiddle tunes under the direction of SDBS Board member Mark Pullin and violin teacher Jane Frey. The youth program was followed by the traditional band scramble where musicians of all ages and abilities were randomly assigned to bands, given 15 minutes to work up three tunes, which were then performed them on stage for prizes. Topping off the day's entertainment were 6 performing bands, including: Next Generation, Box Canyon, Rusty Gait, The Swept Wing Chicken Thieves, Old Town Road, and The Taildraggers.
Huck Finn Jubilee. Also in June, the 37th annual Huck Finn Jubilee was presented over the Father's Day weekend. The festival was moved from its traditional location at Mojave Narrows Regional Park in Victorville to the Cucamonga-Guasti Park in Cucamonga.
There was a stellar lineup, nice camping on a grassy area (with other camping in a more rugged dirt area), lots of vendors and food, Huck Finn activities for kids, jamming, workshops, the arm wrestling championships, a zip-line ride across the lake, and other events and activities.
The main stage was beautiful, the sound was great, and there was good shade for those enjoying the show. Excellent shows were put on by, among others, the Hillbenders, Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder, the Travelling Rooks, Della Mae, and Detour. All in all, a successful first event at this new location.
Summergrass. The 11th annual Summergrass Festival co-presented by the San Diego Bluegrass Society and the North San Diego County Bluegrass and Folk Club is coming up this August 16-18 at the Antique Gas and Steam Engine Museum in Vista. The lineup this year includes: Flatt Lonesome, Bluegrass Etc., Sierra Hull, New Found Road, Frank Solivan and Dirty Kitchen, and a host of local bands. There will also be a Kids Music Camp, vendors, camping, workshops, children's activities and lots of jamming. For info and tickets, visit: www.summergrass.net.
Learn Bluegrass at a Slow Jam. Are you a beginning to intermediate player? Ever thought about learning to play and sing traditional bluegrass but have felt intimidated because it goes so fast? The slow jams instructed by acclaimed teacher Janet Beazley and sponsored by the San Diego Bluegrass Society may be just the ticket for you! Held every third Tuesday at Buffalo Brothers Guitars South (formerly New Expression Music) in North Park from 7:30-9pm these slow jams are $5 to SDBS members and $10 to non-members. You can join SDBS on site for $20 for the whole family for one year and get the discount admission immediately. Once you sign up Janet will put you on her email list, send you materials in advance of each session, and walk you through classic bluegrass tunes in every session at a slow pace
to facilitate learning. Stop by and check it out!
July is Membership Month at SDBS. The San Diego Bluegrass Society is designating July 2013 as Membership Month. You can join SDBS, or renew, during the month of July for only $15 instead of the normal $20, and that covers you and the whole family for one year. You can join for yourself or give a gift membership to a friend. This special offer is good only during July and only for a one year membership. Visit www.sandiegobluegrass.org for details.


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Ford plans to reveal its next-generation F-150 pickup in 2020 as it plans to continue to dominate the U.S. pickup truck market, outgoing CFO Bob Shanks said at an investor event.
Q&A: Ford's New Fleet Director
Mark Buzzell is no stranger to fleet. As the prior president and CEO of Ford of Canada, one of his key responsibilities was managing its Canadian fleet business. Buzzell understands fleet and recognizes its importance to Ford.


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A Mid-Century Modern Makeover in Los Angeles
"When they found the home, I knew it was the right one," says architect Kevin Southerland. He's referring to his clients, Mark Cramer and Tracy Le, who he met through a mutual pal, photographer Benny Chan. The architect was initially introduced to help Mark renovate his condo in Santa Monica when, along the process, the couple decided to find a home together.
With an eye for good bones, Southerland consulted Tracy and Mark on different options as they toured properties along the Southern California coastline. They eventually landed in the Pacific Palisades, on a charming residential street named after the late film director, producer, and actor Jack Conway—where they chanced upon a one-story home that showed little evidence of any alterations from its original construction forty years ago.
The property had never been sold, and was held by the son of the original owner, Paul, "a longtime local surfer who had very deep emotional ties to the home," says Southerland. Having grown up and lived in it for years, "Paul wanted to make sure that he sold it to someone who would respect its history and not try to destroy its original character. In his mind, Mark and Tracy were clearly the right people to take stewardship of this home and with my help, to renovate and update it."
As lifelong surfer himself, Southerland found kinship and trust from Paul, and as one of the first 100 architects to receive LEED accreditation in California, "I am deeply committed to sustainable design strategies," he vows. While Tracy and Mark requested a new trellis for the courtyard, and felt the interior needed to be gently reconfigured, they all agreed: "The most sustainable strategy was to reuse as much of the structure as possible," says Southerland.
Below, a look at the revamped structure with notes from Southerland.
"The most sustainable strategy
was to reuse as much
of the structure as possible."
—Kevin Southerland, architect
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Reality Sports Online Writers' League Update:
November is almost over and it's time to provide an RSO update on the 14-team league I started with some of the best fantasy writers I know and enjoy competing against. With the playoffs three weeks away, all but one team is still technically alive. Here's a quick rundown of the state of the league:
Playoff Bound (For Now)
Jim Day is atop the Grinders Division with an 8-3 record and the third in total points scored. Peyton Manning and Jimmy Graham have carried his offense with workmanlike help from Frank Gore and a mid-season boost from Zac Stacy. With the likes of Darren Sproles, Joique Bell, and Mike James on his bench, Day has one of the deepest core of backs in the league. His wide receivers aren't bad – Eric Decker, Kendall Wright, and Marques Colston, but you'd have to think he'd be trying to deal one of his runners for a wideout – especially when Russell Wilson and E.J. Manuel comprise his QB depth chart. I guess if it ain't broke, he's not gonna fix it. Although he could miss the playoffs if he loses two in a row, it's far more likely he'll be one of the top three seeds.
Mike Clay and Sigmund Bloom are the Bangers Division co-leaders at 7-5 with Clay currently 12 points ahead of Bloom on the total points tiebreaker (4th and 5th in points scored overall). Clay has Drew Brees leading his starting lineup with Matt Forte, Danny Woodhead, and Andre Ellington (who he has been trying to sell for weeks) as the rotation of three prominent backs in a league that only starts 2 RBs. If Roddy White could return to form for Clay to pair with Victor Cruz, Clay could be even tougher to beat. Bloom's team has been hot in recent weeks thanks to the return of Rob Gronkowski, Shane Vereen, and Jonathan Stewart. Garrett Graham getting love from Case Keenum hasn't hurt, either. With LeSean McCoy, Jordy Nelson, and Alshon Jeffery as other strong core players, Bloom will be a difficult team to face in the playoffs as long as he wins out.
If Bob Harris was in the Bangers Division, he'd be tied for first, but he's a game back of Jim Day with a 7-4 record. The fact that he's doing it with Matt Ryan, Joe Flacco, and Ryan Fitzpatrick tells you that there's more ways to win then a stud quarterback. Jamaal Charles, Deangelo Williams, and Andre Brown are helping and Mark Ingram might provide him a boost next season. But I have to say that Harris' team is a lineup challenge every week with the likes of Steve Smith, Eddie Royal, Danny Amendola, Aaron Dobson, and Stevie Johnson as his top receivers. It goes to show that Harris, who is 8th in points scored, is doing a nice job getting the most of his start/sit decisions.
Jeff Tefertiller is 6-4-1 thanks to no decimal scoring in this league. Despite great overall experience with the site and league type, this is one thing I would recommend RSO to change (or to show me where I turned off this option) with its leagues. Tefertiller is seventh in points scored and doing it with good lineup decisions and strength at receiver (Brandon Marshall, Pierre Garcon, James Jones, DeAndre Hopkins, Terrance Williams, and Jarrett Boykin) while he's hoping Ray Rice can get on track down the stretch. Robert Griffin is still giving him quality points, but not like he's hoped. Jeff is one of several teams who could move further up the playoff seeding or be bounced out in just two weeks time.
Yours truly is 6-5, but because I'm the top point scorer overall I hold the tiebreaker over Bryan Fontaine for the final playoff spot heading into the weekend. Jay Cutler's injury hurt, so did Terrelle Pryor's. However, I still have Carson Palmer and picked up Josh McCown weeks ago as a hedge. Both quarterbacks have served me well, especially Palmer's 400-yard game last week with Indianpolis ahead. My true strength is wide receiver – Calvin Johnson, DeSean Jackson, Keenan Allen, and Cecil Shorts are usually my starting four. Vernon Davis has been holding it down at tight end and Seattle's defense has been providing me more points per game than my running backs combined. Speaking of RBs, Ben Tate and Steven Jackson are getting healthier at the right time. If my team continues to score at the same pace, I should be one of the more dangerous lower seed match-ups in the playoffs.
On the Bubble
Fontaine (5-6) is sixth in points scored and has one of the more solid lineups around with a lot of players capable of big weeks: Matt Stafford, DeMarco Murray, Larry Fitzgerald, Dez Bryant, Antonio Gates, and Jordan Cameron. The emergence of Chris Ivory hurt Fontaine mid-season (he has Bilal Powell), but Pierre Thomas is fine depth. Tied with me record-wise in the Grinders Division I wouldn't be surprised if Fontaine overtakes a couple of teams that are currently projected "in" – I hope mine isn't one of them.
Rivers McCown is 5-6 in the Bangers division and 13th in points scored. Cam Newton, Adnre Johnson, and Rueben Randle are the corps players on his squad and the rest is a start-sit challenged: Daniel Thomas, Willis McGahee, Lance Moore, Tyler Eifert, Sean McGrath, and Jarius Wright. Without a strong starter at RB and Jermichael Finley, McCown has had tough luck down the stretch.
Jason Wood (5-6) has a dangerous team. Despite his record, he's second overall in total points and has the likes of Philip Rivers, Adrian Peterson, Reggie Bush, Demaryius Thomas, Eddie Lacy, Riley Cooper, and the Chiefs defense earning big totals for him. The problem for Wood has been up and down weeks against some of the more consistent teams at the wrong times. With the likes of Aaron Rodgers and Rashad Jennings on his bench, Wood has the firepower and depth to be a playoff Cinderella, but getting there is the first priority.
Tim Stafford (4-6-1) has Marshawn Lynch, Wes Welker, and Tony Romo as his solid starters and the rest is a M*A*S*H unit: Randall Cobb, Santonio Holmes, C.J. Spiller, Mike Goodson, Owen Daniels, and Leonard Hankerson to name a few. He still has a shot, but he'll need huge weeks from his core trio and Spiller and Holmes to get healthy to make some true noise.
To learn more about the league and Reality Sports Online's excellent concept, check out this page. In case you haven't thought about it, I am getting paid to give them my endorsement. However, I don't do this often – and I am contacted monthly with some kind of offer. RSO is something I truly value and I agreed to start a league and keep a monthly diary because I would have paid to start a league with this format if I knew about it before they reached out to me.
I'll be keeping this monthly diary next year as well, because I still really believe in the concept – so stay tuned for opportunities to earn a discount for starting a league next year. In fact, to risk doing the wrong thing – Start your own league and get a discount when you use this coupon code: RSP20%OFF.


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There are many SSD makers out there but few people have heard of Fixstars – a company that makes advanced solid-state drives for content creation, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), HPC and datacenters. In case you haven't heard of Fixstars, then prepare to memorize this name as this company has announced and released the world's highest density SSD – the SSD-3000M.
The SSD-3000M offers the fantastic capacity of 3 TB in the common 2.5-inch form factor. In fact Fixstars says the new SSD has the world's highest capacity for 2.5-inch SATA SSDs. The tech specs include support for SATA 3.0, 19 nm MLC NAND flash memory, support for TRIM, S.M.A.R.T. and Garbage Collection technologies and two work modes – the so-called Standard mode offers 520 MB/sec of sequential read speed and 350 MB/sec of sequential write speed while the Boost mode takes these numbers to 520 MB/sec of read speed and 500 MB/sec of write speed. The SSD measures 100 x 70 x 9.5 mm and weighs "less than 115g".
Along with the 3 TB model Fixstars announced a 1 TB SSD – SSD-1000M – with exactly the same specs. The more interesting part comes here – it appears that the 3 TB record will soon be broken as the company claims it will release a 5 TB model in Q1 2015.
No word on pricing as of now but we strongly suspect that the drives are not cheap at all given their capacities.
Source: Fixstars


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They can add depth to your marine tank like no other saltwater fish. They are relatively low-maintenance and have an explosive temperament that could be their undoing if you're not vigilant!
They are relatively widespread among hobbyists due to their robust immune systems (they won't die easy) and hold their own against large species but will go after fish that encroach on their territory.
It is important to note that there are several Damselfish variants, and we will try to cover some species here, but the goal would be to cover the most popular variant – the Blue Damselfish. Blue Damselfish are among the most popular saltwater fish because of their durability and appearance.
|Level of Care
|Very Easy
|Various colors
|Life Expectancy
|6 years or more
|Reach a size of 3 inches up to a maximum of 12 inches for certain species
|Omnivorous with meat-eating tendencies
|Tank Size
|30 gallons
|Tank Environment
|Marine tank
|Tank Mates
|Must be careful choosing tank mates
Brief Overview: What is a Damselfish?
With a temper that runs boiling 99% of the time, the damselfish have earned a very apt nickname, "the Blue Devil." They're bright blue and always angry, ready to engage fish that are massive in size despite being just a few inches tall.
They originate in tropical coral reefs but can be found in temperate climates as well. One prominent hotspot for damselfish is near the Catalina Islands in California. A few damselfish variants have been found in freshwater lagoons, brackish waters, and even in mangroves. Some variants have been spotted in warm climates of the Pacific Mexican coast, like the Garibaldi fish.
The main draw of damselfish, apart from their striking appearance, is that they are incredibly hardy. Fish do not require a specialized diet and will do just fine with any food you feed them.
In the older days of fishkeeping, before fishless cycling became commonplace, damselfish would be used to cycle saltwater tanks because they could tolerate levels of nitrates, nitrites, and ammonia that could otherwise kill off any other saltwater fish.
Most Damselfish variants live within water columns, but some have been found to live at a depth of up to 100 meters.
Damselfish Appearance
Most Damsel fish variants have different appearances, but their primary structure and color are nearly the same. They feature a deep-coloured body, a forked-tail very similar to Cichlids, and feature two nostrils on either side of their head, along with two anal spines.
They can be found in vibrant shades, including blue, yellow, orange, and red.
Different Types of Damselfish
Blue Damselfish
They grow to over 3 inches in length and are bright blue in appearance. Males Damselfish have a yellow-coloured tail with a snout, but females and juveniles lack these yellow highlights. You'll notice that when Blue Damselfish feel threatened, they turn black in just a matter of seconds. It is a great way to tell if they're stressed out.
Bicolor Damselfish
These fish are native to the Caribbean oceans and carry the scientific name, Stegastes partitions. The front half of their body is dark black/grey, and the rear is pale. They are pretty big at about 4 inches and, therefore, a little more aggressive than the Blue Damselfish.
Yellowtail Damselfish
These popular damselfish have a blue body, like the Blue Damselfish, but they have a prominent yellow tail fin. They reach only 3 inches in size and are often regarded as among the best types of damselfish because they're not very aggressive.
Azure Damselfish
They are also known as the Half-Blue Damsel fish because their body is parts blue and parts yellow. They only grow to about 3 inches and are tough.
Domino Damselfish
Domino damselfish, also known as the Dascyllus trimaculatus, is named because of the three distinct white spots on their body. They can grow to a length of 5 inches in size, which is pretty big as far as damselfish go, and therefore, too aggressive to other species.
Temperament: Are Damselfish Aggressive?
Yes. Most damselfish are known for being violent towards other fish, especially species that don't know how to defend themselves.
Their temper has earned them a pretty bad rep in the fishkeeping hobby. They're so aggressive that they'll try to bite your hand if you put it in the tank.
Blue damselfish have been known to continually harass their less aggressive and docile tank mates, sometimes to the point of death. Even though most of them are small in size, they are very territorial and will try to claim the whole tank if it is small.
Anything they deem to be their spot, they will aggressively defend. They will chase and nip at other fish around that don't fight back. It requires keeping a very close eye on them to spot aggressive behaviour. Fish that are victims of such behaviour will become stressed and withdraw, causing them to become sick and stop eating.
When they aren't harassing other fish or defending their territory, the Blue Damselfish will spend much of its time feeding. Small variants of the damselfish will swim to the bottom of the water column, while large damselfish prefer to feed higher.
Feeding Damselfish
They are omnivorous and prefer to eat both live and frozen food, especially flake foods. Some Damselfish species are herbivorous and prefer a diet of vegetables, so do your research before selecting the right food for your fish. The Blue Damselfish is omnivorous but enjoys eating lots of protein-rich foods, including copepods, shrimp, squid, and small meat pieces.
What do Damselfish Eat in the Ocean?
In the wild, damselfish have a varied diet that comprises plankton, algae, small crustaceans, and small yolky eggs that belong to other fish.
Can Damselfish Live with Clownfish?
Clownfish and damselfish share nearly the same water requirements and will peacefully co-exist together. However, you will need to provide them with a large enough tank, at least 30 gallons; otherwise, there would be too much in-fighting.
Tank Mates for Damselfish
They are very aggressive towards other fish, including their kind. It is not recommended to keep different species of Damsels together in the same tank as a general rule. You should stick to just one species of damselfish per tank. If the tank is tiny, do not mix two or more different Damselfish species – this is a recipe for disaster.
You can introduce other fish only if you've got a relatively large tank. Ideal tank mates include similarly sized fish that are semi-aggressive and know how to fight back. Avoid timid species altogether. It is recommended to introduce damselfish into the Aquarium last. This way, every other species will have claimed their territory and prevent the damselfish from going on a quest to liberate different tank areas.
Oddly enough, damselfish get along fine with most invertebrates, but if they're too small, they may get mistaken for food from time to time. If you were to ask us, we'd avoid adding invertebrates altogether as well because they're just too vulnerable.
Below is our list of the best saltwater tank mates for damselfish:
Tank Requirements and Conditions
You need to check the type of water that you plan on introducing in your Damsel fish tank. Most Damselfish variants are saltwater species, which means you need to use marine water in the Aquarium. You can either buy marine water online or from a pet store. You could also prepare some saltwater at home by de-ionizing water with sea salt mix.
Do not mix table salt to the water instead of sea salt because that will jeopardize your damselfish's health. If your damselfish happens to live in brackish or fresh water, you can provide fish with tap water as well.
Most damselfish are small in size and only reach an average of 3 inches of length. The average tank size should be about 30 gallons, but if you're planning on keeping more than one, consider upgrading to about 50 gallons or more. If you want to keep a school of 4 Damselfish or more, you will need a 100-gallon tank.
If your Damsel fish grows a bit too long in size, for instance, 12 inches, you will need at least a 100-gallon tank. While it's true that damselfish are very hardy, they will die in smaller tanks.
Because they are so incredibly versatile, damselfish can adapt to a wide range of water conditions. However, it would help if you strived to mimic their natural habitat in your saltwater tank.
The water temperature should be kept at around 74 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, with pH values of between 8.1 to 8.4 and a specific gravity of 1.022 to 1.025. Should keep the water's carbonate hardness at around 9° to 12°.
It is recommended to install an aquarium heater to regulate the temperature at the desired amount. Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature to ensure your damselfish is enjoying its new home. Conduct a pH test every week with a litmus paper or some other pH testing kits.
Tank Setup
Damselfish need to have their cave, or they will not do well in your tank. These fish have been known to charge at drivers who swim too near to their rocky homes in the wild.
It would help if you chose soft sand, not hard gravel, for the substrate because it could harm their fragile bodies. Just make sure to include lots of rocks, caves, and plants to provide ample cover for your damselfish and places to explore. It also keeps their aggressive nature in check.
When choosing the plants for your damselfish, it is essential to choose a combination that will fit all the tank inhabitants. Will the plant be too aggressive toward them? Will the damselfish accept the plant? The most important thing is to ensure that all the plants you choose are healthy and adequately quarantined for a few weeks before introducing them into the tank.
Sick plants will have bacteria that will aggressively attack other plants and release chemicals into the water that could upset the tank's entire balance. So be careful! Below are a few saltwater plants that you may want to introduce in a tank full of damselfish:
- Turtle Grass Shoots
- Turtle Grass shoots are fun to watch and an excellent spot for small fish and invertebrates alike to hang around. Your damselfish may also swim to the broad leaves in search of some cover. It needs a sandy substrate that is about 6 inches deep enough to help it spread its roots.
- Mermaid's Fan
- This tropical plant originates in the Caribbean ocean. It can be planted in both substrates and live rock. Most damselfish do not feed on them, so they're an excellent fit for most aquariums. These plants need calcium to grow and don't tolerate high levels of nitrate and phosphates. If they're not doing too well in an aquarium, it's a sign that other fish aren't doing too well either.
- Tufted Joint Algae
- This small, segmented green plant has small tufts near the end of each branch that looks incredibly fun to watch. Tufted joint algae oxygenate the water and are known for controlling the nitrogen levels. They require some water flow to thrive and must be anchored to a reef for survival.
- Blue Hypnea Algae
- They're unique because of their unique iridescent blue colour that adds a lot of flair to any tank. This plant can absorb phosphates and nitrates in a tank, making it ideal for small marine inhabitants.
- Shaving Blue Plant
- Those long leaves bear an uncanny resemblance to pipe cleaners. The 'shaving' blue plant is pretty good at regulating nutrient levels in a tank, particularly phosphates and nitrates. It does need some light exposure or good results. These plants require iron supplementation to survive.
Breeding Guidelines for Damselfish
Unlike most saltwater species that lay their eggs on the water surface, damselfish lay their eggs on the substrate. Male damselfish will try to court females by various means.
He will change his body's colour, emit clicking sounds, and make random voracious movements in the tank. If the female accepts his little dance routine, the male will initiate the spawning session.
The female will lay her eggs on the male's preferred nesting site and aggressively defend it from other fish. Males may exhibit a violent behaviour known as filial cannibalism,
They eat some of their eggs to gain the necessary energy needed to care for well-developed eggs. Their parental nature is to eat dead eggs to prevent the spread of a fungus that could affect other eggs' health.
Eggs will take around four days to a week to hatch. Juvenile damselfish eat zooplankton and phytoplankton to sustain themselves. They take a long time to reach maturity, about 2 to 3 years, or even longer, depending on the variant in question.
It is worth noting that breeding Damselfish in captivity is easier said than done. Most aquarists don't have the patience to wait for a pair to mate and prefer to buy new damselfish. Nevertheless, you can still keep pairs together and wait for them to mate.
Damselfish Diseases and Dangers
The primary reason why most damselfish die early is due to prolonged exposure to unhealthy levels of ammonia. Due to this, their bodies turn a dark color and the spots, and they eventually die.
It is not a good idea to introduce damselfish as the first inhabitant of the Aquarium to create a nitrogen cycle. Not only is this strictly prohibited, but it is also unethical because creating a nitrogen cycle puts a tremendous strain on their body. Live rocks will do just the same for you.
Other than that, Blue Damselfish are vulnerable to specific parasitic diseases such as the following:
- Marine Ich
- Marine Velvet Disease
- Treponema Disease
If you suspect your damselfish is under the weather, consult your vet as soon as possible. Most hobbyists advise to keep the water's salinity at around 1.010 to ward off parasites, but this will also affect your damselfish's health.
What maximum damselfish growth?
The average Damselfish size is only about 3 inches in length, but some of the rarer variants have been known to reach 14" in size as well.
Where to Buy Damselfish
Because they are such a popular saltwater fish, Blue Damselfish – and indeed, most variants of damselfish – are easy to purchase from typical marine pet stores, online stores, and online forums. Rare species may be hard to come by and will cost a fortune.
Final Thoughts: Are Damselfish the Right Fish for Your Aquarium?
If you are looking to add a hat blue, bright splash os f color to your marine tank, then the damselfish is the perfect choice for you. It is small, challenging, and readily available.
Blue Damselfish are perfect for beginners because they are incredibly resilient to common beginner mistakes such as a low nitrogen cycle. Just make sure to do your research before buying a Damselfish because there are over 250 variants; some may have special requirements that we may not have covered in this guide.
Click here to know the 30 most popular Fish for your Aquarium.


text: Kings Park is a 4.06-square-kilometre parkland and garden located on the western edge of the central business district in Perth, Western Australia. It is located at Fraser Ave, Kings Park Western Australia 6005, it is very historical and a must see it was founded on August 10, 1895. This Botanical Garden is one of the city's most popular attractions for the Perth locals and visiting tourists. This beautiful parkland is set high on Mt Eliza with breathtaking views of Perth City and Swan River.


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Become a Beneficiary
The Fort Bend Junior Service League (FBJSL) supports the community in numerous ways, including donating monies raised from fundraisers to event beneficiaries, providing grants from our Community Assistance Fund, providing volunteers to agencies selected as core placements and through "Difference in a Day" projects. Interested agencies or organizations may apply to be considered for any of these types of support from FBJSL. Applications and required supporting documents must be sent via email. Additional details and applications are available below.
Each league year, the Fort Bend Junior Service League reviews event beneficiary applicants based on the needs of those agencies and the goals of our organization. The FBJSL selects beneficiaries that will thrive due to our support and match the League's vision for meeting the needs of the Fort Bend County area.
We are currently accepting Event Beneficiary applications for 2017-2018 FBJSL events. Each application must be in writing and submitted to firstname.lastname@example.com. It should be accompanied by the items set forth in the Event Beneficiary Application. The deadline for Event Beneficiary Applications for the 2017-2018 League Year is March 1, 2017. Email your application here.
Event Beneficiary Application
Event Beneficiary Instructions
Event Beneficiary Final FSR
(FSR should be submitted to email@example.com within 90 days of receipt of funds from FBJSL).
The FBJSL Community Assistance Fund (CAF), allows FBJSL to extend our financial support even further in the community by providing multiple smaller grants to a greater number of charitable causes in Fort Bend County. Community assistance funds allow the League to reach even more children, adults, and families in areas where we are not able to provide service with our volunteers or do not have regularly budgeted monies allocated.
Applications for CAF grants are accepted on an ongoing basis. If your agency or organization is interested in applying for a CAF grant, please download the following application and details regarding eligibility.
CAF grant requests are accepted throughout the year. Each grant application should be accompanied by the items set forth in the CAF Application and submitted to firstname.lastname@example.com.
Community Assistance Fund Application
Grant Instructions
CAF Grant FSR
(FSR should be submitted to firstname.lastname@example.com within 90 days of receipt of funds from FBJSL).
A core placement is a charitable organization that the FBJSL has chosen to support by providing volunteers (FBJSL members) to serve the agency on a monthly basis. A core placement must be located in Fort Bend County with services being provided to Fort Bend County residents. If your agency is interested in applying to become a FBJSL core placement, please contact us.
"Difference in a Day" projects are a way for FBJSL and its members to partner with organizations to help make a difference in the community in just a few short hours. While the projects may be short-term, the difference is long-term. These projects provide hands-on volunteer opportunities that result in an immediate impact in our community. The projects focus on short, intensive community projects that are completed in a single day or single weekend. The League is looking for several opportunities per year and is especially interested in family-friendly volunteering opportunities. A suitable project would allow volunteers to work together in groups of five or more to complete the specified project. If your agency is interested in applying for a "Difference in a Day" project, please complete the following application. Email your application here
"Difference in a Day" Project Application (PDF)


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|Thanks John
Growing up between Anfield and Goodison Park meant
you couldnt help having an interest in football. And I did, either playing or watching it on Saturday afternoons. Then something happened that completely changed that ; I heard John Peels Top Gear one Saturday. I dont remember how or why I happened to be listening but Im glad I did. Football didnt
stand a chance after that.
I mean nothing could compete with hearing Soft Machines specially recorded version of Moon In June. It seemed to go on forever and I was mesmerised by it. Id never heard any band play as long and as loud as the jazz groups and the orchestras on Radio 3. Robert Wyatt even recommended Top Gear despite its extraordinary name. Then the Keith Tippett Group performed Green And Orange Park Night and the effect was the same. Where was this beautiful music coming from? Why did no one else seem to be playing it ?
Peels Top Gear exposed me to the monstrous attack of King Crimsons Schizoid Man, threatening to blow apart my little transistor, while he also aired Fairport Conventions Unhalfbricking just as men were taking their first steps on the moon.
He also introduced the unwary, i.e. me, to Principal Edwards Magic Theatre, Forest, Sam Gopal, Ivor Cutler and the Edgar Broughton Band as well as stirring my nascent interests in improvisation via the drones and meanderings of Third Ear Band. He even had Pink Floyd on the programme when they couldnt even get arrested, Nick Mason grumbling about no one buying their single, no doubt seeing his dreams of owning classic cars receding.
Gradually Saturday afternoons moved to Sundays and elsewhere and he continued to play music that I couldnt hear anywhere else on the radio. He instilled a passion for music over almost everything else, then and now, and I can even forgive him for his part in foisting Tyrannosaurus Rex on the world, with their tedious bongos and those excruciating vocal whinnies from the bopping elf.
Without wishing to resort to cliché, he literally changed my life. Football never regained any hold on me, though ironically he remained a fervent supporter himself. While crowds chanted across the park I was immersed in Caravan, the old Fleetwood Mac, Wild Man Fischer and Zappa. A much better option, I think. Thanks John.
© 2004 Paul Donnelly


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Fall is a time to rejuvenate your garden! This is an ideal time to plant new trees, shrubs and perennials so they have several months of root growth before the winter dormancy. The days are becoming mild, nights are cooler, and the soil stays damp from the rains. Stress is reduced for the plants and they can establish roots, instead of growing leaves and flowers. When warmer temperatures arrive in the spring, these plants put their energy into growth instead of establishing a root system. The development of strong and healthy roots is the key to growing a strong and healthy plant. Also, spring weather isn't always ideal for planting. Late snow or excessive rainfall can make the soil too wet and unstable. If an extended rainy period is immediately followed by hot, dry summer weather, new trees and shrubs can suffer, manifesting scorched leaves and limited growth. Thus, fall planting becomes an attractive alternative with a reward of vigorous growth in the spring and a plant better equipped to handle the heat and drought of summer.
Fall is also ideal for selecting trees and shrubs for fall color and blooms. Deciduous plants are more suitable for fall planting than evergreens due to water stress. The evergreen leaves are exposed to dry winds all winter long and continue to lose water. Plants with shallow, fibrous roots recover faster than those with large, thick taproots.
Late summer and fall are also the prime planting times for spring flowering bulbs and rhizomes.
A few quick tips:
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Debi Edwards
Virginia Cooperative Extension is a partnership of Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments. Its programs and employment are open to all, regardless of age, color, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, military status, or any other basis protected by law.
Master Gardener Help Desk


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Lame: Generic can of popcorn with sender's logo on a sticker. No card. Clearly they just handed a mailing list to catalog and gave zero thought to their customers or relationships.
Awesome: Johnson Gray Advertising's bizarre and wonderful Olf the Troll. I can't explain it, but it did exactly what it was supposed to do: It got everyone in our office thinking about them, talking about them, and blogging about them.


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By Erin Grant
October is a busy month for awareness, it is simultaneously Mental Health Awareness Month, Breast Cancer Awareness month and Australian Music Month. When you think of Australian music, what comes to mind? I bet it is Men At Work's 'Down Under', isn't it? Or maybe Paul Kelly? The Whitlams? Jimmy Barnes?
These are all fine artists ( except Men at Work- 'Down Under' is the bane of every Australian, especially if they have to interact with anyone foreign). They are part of classic Australian rock and are close to many hearts. But there's one thing that these people have in common- they are all white Australians. We need to ask ourselves; when we think 'Aus Music' are we ignoring a huge section of Australian citizens. Perhaps the most important Australian citizens, as they have been here the longest- Indigenous Australians.
Black Australia has a unique musical voice. From the traditional music that they use to celebrate emotions and keep their spirit alive, to young contemporary artists keeping their people's experience in the public eye and fighting continuously for Aboriginal rights. Rights that the country still hasn't given to its first Australians.
So, to celebrate Australian Music Month and turn the conversation aways from white Australia; I'd like to share with you some Aboriginal artists who are making music today, important, Australian music.
Emily Wurramara
Emily Wurramurra is a Warnindhilyagwa woman originally from Groote Eylandt, NT who resides in Brisbane. Singing in both English and her traditional language, Anindilyakwa, Emily brings the soul of her island upbringing and her people into her music.
Emily Wurramura's music is a mix of soft folk style with jazz undertones. Her sultry voice and resonates deep within the soul. Also shows the absolute beauty of indigenous traditional languages.
A.B Original
A.B Original is a collaboration between rapper Briggs and producer Trials. The duo produces rap music with messages of current issues with lyrics that confront Australians- such as their outrage fueled single 'January 26.'
A.B Orginal are one of the biggest names in Australian contemporary Indigenous music and has resonated with fans of all genres, not just rap. Briggs founded Bad Apple Records which fucsisng on representing up and coming Aboriginal music artists.
Another collaborative effort, Yulugi is made up of musician, performer and cultural educator Gumaroy Newman and composer Keyna Wilkins. Yulugi- named for the word for 'play' in Gamilaroi- fuses together music from Didgeridoo, flute and piano. The group takes instrumental, vaguely classical music to a deeper, culturally significant level.
Their music transports us to an Australia of dreaming and spiritual awakening. This relatively new band (founded earlier this year), is one of the most interesting musical mixture to come out of 2019.
Thelma Plum
Thelma plum uses her mesmerising singing voice to sing about love, modern life and her identity as a black Aboriginal woman. Her songs are catchy and poignant, you can easily get lost in her music while soaking up her indigenous experience and powerful message.
Talented from a young age, Thelma won triple j's unearthed National Indigenous Music Award as a high schooler Originally from Delungra, NSW Thelma plum's Sydney residence is hardly occupied as she tours around the world.


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So something that you'd notice coming from Lubbock to Phoenix is the traffic. Not to say that Lubbock doesn't have any traffic, but rush hour is usually just the hour when you are trying to get home from work. Today, on a Saturday, while in Mesa, for whatever reason I couldn't say, US 60 West headed into Phoenix around 5PM was stacked. As I made the turn and saw the cars on the on-ramp standing still, I cringed.
It was stop and go, and 20 minutes later I made it to the first exit two miles down the road. I took the surface streets until I could make it to the 101 loop. It wasn't crowded for whatever reason. All in all a 30 minute trip took about a 1 hour.
It wasn't the first, and I'm sure it won't be the last. I've been in traffic jams in every other big city I've driven in as well, but I just figured I'd point it out to anyone moving from Lubbock.
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New Year and New Beginnings
Okay, so I realize we're almost two weeks into the new year, but starting a law firm from scratch takes more time that you might think and there are a lot of demands on my time. As you probably guessed from the title of the website, I am an attorney. But more importantly to me, […]Continue Reading


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Lexmark Printer Supplies, Laser Toner Cartridges for Lexmark T620
Our remanufactured laser toner cartridges are the perfect choice for your Lexmark T620 printer. Our laser cartridges are designed exclusively for your Lexmark T620. These high-quality cartridges, are guaranteed to deliver exceptional results, with performance comparable to Lexmark original laser cartridges. Our toner printer supplies are backed by a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) laser toner cartridges are also available for your Lexmark T620 printer.
Toner Cartridges for the Lexmark T620
Remanufactured Lexmark Black Toner 12A6765 (T620, T622, X620, Optra X622 Series) (30k Pages)BlackPage Yield: 30000* PagesReg. Price $94.99 Our Price $70.99Buy 3 or more: $70.00 each
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Genuine Lexmark High Yield Black Return Program Toner 12A6865 (T620, T622, X620, Optra X622 Series) (30k Pages)BlackPage Yield: 30000* PagesOur Price $494.99
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Genuine Lexmark Black Return Program Toner 12A6860 (T620, T622, X620, Optra X622 Series) (10k Pages)BlackPage Yield: 10000* PagesOur Price $238.58
OEM Lexmark Laser Maintenance, 99A2408 Maintenance KitPage Yield: 300000* PagesOur Price $414.80
Many consumers are worried if the use of compatible or aftermarket printing supplies will void their printer's warranty. The answer is no.
More simply put, this means that your printer warranty cannot be voided just because you choose to use compatible products unless the manufacturer can prove that the compatible product caused direct damage to your printer. In cases such as this, the manufacturer may choose not to repair your printer but your warranty would remain in effect for all other warranty issues.
For more information see:
United States Code Annotated
Chapter 50 Consumer Product Warranties 15 Section 2302 Section C


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Diatomic Spectra and Collisional-Radiative Models
The theme will extend ADAS-EU support into the observable diatomic part of fusion spectra and the associated diatomic population modelling. The work packages emphasis the consolidation and support of H2 vibronic population models and their links to H population models and emission. ADAS-EU will bring special expertise to bear on the underlying molecular databases for such systems. It will deliver analysis methodology and support spectral fitting /analysis at the highest precision levels.
Workpackage WP17: Create H2 database
Transcription of the hydrogen molecular collisional database, developed by Janev and others at FZ Juelich from a tabular fit parameters to ADAS formats for long term ADAS maintenance. Conversion will be managed for ADAS-EU by Prof. Janev.
Workpackage WP18: Embed H2/H c-r models
Deliver a composite model for the population structure and collisional-radiative coefficients within and between the hydrogen molecular and atomic species. The model will incorporate the H2 vibronic p/q space time constant separation model developed at FZ Juelich by Greenland and a generalised collisional-radiative model for H. The implementation will be overseen by Prof. Janev.
Workpackage WP19: Enable H2/H isotopomer spectral features
Enable generation/prediction of the H2 /H (and isotopomer) spectral emission on wavelength intervals, including LTE rotational band structure at precision wavelengths. Incorporate in the framework of ADAS special features and spectral fitting. This implementation will be overseen by Prof. Janev.


text: Sometimes the stones that remain unturned are the ones that are the least assuming. There is a kind of humour to the idea that music which sounds like rocks being thrown around in an oil drum being next to the name EXOTICA, but what else can we say for the gesture of learning how to turn real noise into real music? Its exotic, its outside the expectation of what things are supposed to do. Getting to bark out your problems could soon be not much more than the memory of a luxury, so swim in it. This music sounds live, like EXOTICA could have trickled off of the back half of an abandoned CÓLERA riff on a lost practice tape, or if your favourite ARROGANTA AGITATORER ep dub melted in the sun on the roof of your apartment and fused with whoever was practicing piano on the floor underneath you. Gone are the attempts to reclaim the clean lines and false distress of industry for domesticity. Here is a tiny pair of legs walking through a disgusting dirty world, gathering dust. The sun may set, but the moon also rises. -Jonah Falco Music Exotique Volume Two comes housed in a heavyweight sleeve designed by bass player Santiago Melchiorre and vocalist Lauren Gerig, recorded by the band themselves, and was skilfully mastered by Will Killingsworth at Dead Air Studios on a cold evening. Listen to the record https://lavidaesunmus.bandcamp.com/album/musique-exotique-02-mlp


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The very gracious Dennis Haritou from Three Guys One Book reviewed my Hint Fiction story on their site. (Hee hee, he said "voyeur"!) He invited me to contribute an essay to their wonderful When We Fell In Love series, and I have to tell you that I was deeply honored and also a little bit horrified. If you want luscious, thought-provoking reading, then you need to read the WWFIL series. Hearing authors describe when they fell in love with the craft is an absolutely exquisite experience, and I felt quite daunted. But I'm proud of the essay, and I'm delighted that they chose to run it. Won't you please stop by and read it when you have the time?
7 Comments on "When We Fell In Love"
This was stunning, Mercedes! Oh it pierced me. Beautiful and well done.
Simon L.
Lovely, m'dear. Stay starry-eyed. It suits you.
Lee Thompson
Wonderful, M! I'm glad you didn't conform!
I'm still starry-eyed too, in spite of a similarly crushing experience. I had no formal training to teach me the rules (so I could break them)–so it took agonizing years to learn them… and they're still not over. But it's definitely a different feeling than I had for it when I was a kid.
You brought it to life perfectly!


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MSED Professional Development REINVENTED
Featuring Paul Artale with
"The Two Year Old's Guide to Work-Life Balance"
23839 John R. Rd. #2
Hazel Park, MI.
Monday, October 1, 2018
8:00 am - 11:30 am
Oh, to be a kid again! How many times have you thought that to yourself? Now, think of it with purpose as you learn the key to work-life balance through a child's eyes!
Join MSED for an unexpected professional development workshop featuring Paul Artale and his new book "The Two Year Old's Guide to Work-Life Balance". We've reinvented professional development as you know it! Your morning begins with a light breakfast from Chef Rebecca LaMalfa's frame kitchen. Then dive into the meat of the event as Paul Artale coaches you through a workshop on work-life balance. Enjoy meeting Paul and getting a hot-off-the-presses copy of his new book! And, finally, enjoy a demonstration and some mouth-watering samples from Detroit's own Guilt Chocolates.
It's a morning you don't want to miss!
*Limited seating available.
Sponsor Opportunities:Promote your company and let it SHINE!
Guilt Chocolates Sponsor: $500 includes logo on website/social media plus 2 workshop participantsBreakfast Sponsor: $1500 includes logo on website/social media plus 4 workshop participants
Sponsors may also bring up to 1 pop-up banner and give-away promotional items/print outs to event.
8:00 am: Registration
8:30 am: Breakfast prepared by Chef Rebecca LaMalfa
9:00 am: Paul Artale Work-Life Balance Workshop
11:00 am: Guilt Chocolates Demo & Tasting, along with Paul Artale Book Signing
11:30 am: Wrap up
About the Speaker:
Paul Artale is a work-life and motivational speaker based out of Swartz Creek, Michigan.
As a keynote presenter, he speaks for organizations that want to light a fire in people on how to perform at their peak and create a healthy balance between work and home. As a career coach, Paul works one on one with people who want to discover what makes them tick and live a life worth living.
In fact, he wrote the book, The Two-Year Old's Guide to Work-Life Balance. Presentation attendees share that they are more focused on what matters, inspired to reach for more, and implement ideas that are practical and immediately accessible.
On a personal note, Paul played defensive end for the University of Toronto and off the platform coaches include his wife Sherri, son Alessio, and daughter Sofia.
For more information visit www.paulartale.com
Please join us for a light breakfast from Chef Rebecca LaMalfa's frame kitchen. www.framehazelpark.com
frame parking:23839 John R Rd, Hazel Park, MI, 48030 (directly behind joebar). Click HERE for google maps directions. We're on the west side of John R, between Hamata Ave & Chestnut St.
Note: Please enter via joebar's main entrance, and let the host know you've arrived for frame.
About Parking:You may legally park on Hamata Ave or Chestnut St. or behind joebar. We also have two cityparking lots: one just off of Chestnut St, west of the alley behind Gold Medal Sports/Mabel Gray and second a parking lot across John R, next to the dormant CVS building. The city of Hazel Park has kindly installed a crosswalk to get you to/from safely.
Alternatively, we have reserved spots for you at the lot attached at The Hopcroft Funeral Home. 23919 John R Rd.
MSED Event Cancellation Policy: Cancellations will be accepted until 5pm on Monday, September 24th. Cancellations received by this date will be refunded less a 10% administrative fee, with a minimum charge of $5. Refunds cannot be issued for cancellations received after this date; however, substitutions for another person to attend in your place are gladly accepted.
Contact Us(248) 643-6590
PO Box 99463Troy, MI 48099
Association Management provided by:Meeting Coordinators, Inc.