text:
Shall the proposition imposing a tax on cannabis related businesses operating within the City of Bellflower be adopted?
— Impose Tax on Cannabis Related Businesses —
City of BellflowerMeasure B - Majority Approval Required
Here is some helpful information about this ballot measure from trusted sources.
Measure B is a proposition placed on the ballot by the Bellflower City Council. If approved by voters, Measure B would impose a new general tax upon cannabis businesses operating within the City of Bellflower including commercial cultivation, distribution, manufacturing, and retail sales. All tax revenue derived from the tax would be deposited in the City's General Fund.
Measure B itself does not authorize or permit cannabis business activities. Rather, beginning July 1, 2017, it authorizes imposition of an annual tax upon all commercial cannabis activities authorized by separate City Council action and state law.
For commercial cannabis cultivation (except for nurseries) the tax would be $15.00 per fiscal year, per square foot of authorized space. Commencing July 1, 2020, this tax will increase each fiscal year by $2.50 per square foot until it reaches a maximum annual tax rate of $25.00 per square foot. For nurseries, the tax would be $2.00 per square foot of authorized space. Beginning July 1, 2020, this tax will increase each fiscal year by $1.50 per square foot until it reaches a maximum annual tax rate of $5.00 per square foot.
Every person transporting cannabis or cannabis products from one permitted business location of one permittee to another must pay an annual tax of $1,500.00 per year.
Every person who operates a dispensary, manufacturing facility, testing laboratory, or distribution facility, or engages in delivery of cannabis in the City must pay an initial annual tax of 5% of the gross receipts per fiscal year. That rate would increase on July 1, 2020 (and for each fiscal year thereafter) by 2.5% until it reaches an annual maximum tax rate of 10%.
Beginning July 1, 2024, and continuing each July 1st thereafter, non-gross receipt based cannabis taxes (cultivation, nurseries, and transportation) would increase based upon the consumer price index.
There is no sunset clause on the taxes. All the taxes implemented by Measure B may be suspended or reduced by City Council action. Any other increase of the tax would require voter approval.
Measure B would impose a "general tax." Therefore, all tax revenue would be available for use by the City to pay for general City operations and services. The City would not be legally bound in any way to use the tax monies for any special purpose or for any particular facilities or programs. Since this ballot measure proposes a "general tax" rather than a "special tax," it requires approval by a simple majority of the City's voters.
A "yes" vote on Measure B favors the Measure. A "no" vote on Measure B opposes the Measure.
Arguments FOR
A YES vote on Measure B will make Bellflower a fiscally sound City at no cost to the residents of Bellflower. The anticipated revenues from Measure B will provide funding for needed law enforcement, including additional neighborhood patrols, parks and recreation and after-school programs. The estimated new funds of up to $3 million annually would allow the City to continue providing the existing law enforcement and economic development services provided by the existing utility user tax fees that are set to expire in April 2018. All programs funded by Measure B will be subject to citizen oversight and review, and the funds will be fully audited every year.
Measure B will be implemented through a tightly regulated Conditional Use Permit (CUP) process and regulatory ordinance. It is the City's intent to allow only a very limited number of highly qualified operators to do business in the City. We recognize that cultivation and distribution of cannabis is not necessarily a preferred activity among all facets of the community. However, it is simply a matter of good government to regulate and tax a lucrative business that that has been overwhelmingly approved by voters throughout the State and in the City on November 8, 2016.
Vote YES on Measure B. It is a matter of good government and good business.
Mayor Pro Tem
City Councilmember
Arguments AGAINST
Argument Against 12 Pot Businesses in Bellflower & their taxation Please VOTE NO, against the sale of pot in our city!
This measure doesn't allow enough distance away from schools, safe passages to & from school, homes where children live, & churches from these 12 pot businesses that could harm the brain development of kids with an increased drug supply & drug culture.
Where is the urgency on the part of the city manager, Mayor, & City Council for more regular businesses among the vacant lots & buildings throughout Bellflower? The City will open its doors wide open for up to 12 pot businesses in your neighborhood? Why has the city given up on our family oriented community & our kids' brain development? (google the research)
Maybe a few pot businesses, but 12?
Is the city withholding accurate information about the true nature of the city's finances?
Why wasn't a community task force set up to research the best practices on such an important issue to develop our community standards on this issue with forums at local schools & parks?
Federal law is against this, plus a new President might enforce all drug laws. His proposed Attorney General is against Pot Businesses. Especially if Marijuana sold in Bellflower will be sold in another state, like what is happening in Colorado. We should take a wait & see approach to this, like surrounding bedroom communities. We do not have large industrial areas to hide pot businesses, like Long Beach.
With the city's new direction will our property values drop? What will be the total liability & cost to the city & its residents with higher emergency room visits with kids experimenting at a higher levels. VOTE NO, SAY NO TO POT & TAXES!
Bellflower Homeowner & Educator 562 331-5028
Replies to Arguments FOR
This is a question of zoning & changing the quality of life issues in our Family Friendly Hometown of Bellflower. How many new POT businesses will determine the change in the character, & direction of our city. Can we afford these extra police & city code enforcement costs?
The question of advertising to minors has not been fully answered by the city council in their mad rush to waste taxpayers money by prematurely placing this on the ballot without a complete community engagement or answering all our concerns to protect the brain development of our children.
Why didn't the city engage in community forums with parents & concerned citizens in the 12 proposed Pot Business locations throughout the city at the nearest Park or School to them, to seriously, truthfully, & honestly discuss the total impacts to these neighborhoods. Will their property values drop, will the Pot businesses try to recruit children, will the Pot Businesses have insurance if Pot is still against Federal Law, will insurance rates go up? What has happened in the other states & neighborhoods that have legalized Pot? We need to fully educate the public of all the risks. We are not prepared! The city has put the cart before the horse! This is bad public policy!
Bellflower Homeowner, Educator
562 331-5028
Replies to Arguments AGAINST
The argument against Measure B is a purposeful misrepresentation of the facts, and like a report from a poor student, it needs to be corrected.
Correction #1 – The effort to regulate cannabis in Bellflower is not being considered with a sense of "urgency." The City Council began researching "best practices" last April and is still engaging the community in finalizing its standards.
Correction #2 – The Conditional Use Process being considered for cannabis facilities is a tightly regulated process, which includes approvals by the City's Planning Commission, City Council and the State of California. It is not an "Open Arms" approach and a set number of approved facilities has not been decided.
Correction #3 – The City's efforts include every protection for our young people – starting with regulations that EXCEED the Proposition 64 standards approved by the voters. State law requires every commercially grown cannabis plant to be tagged and traceable. Anyone seeking to pass such cannabis to kids will be caught and arrested.
Correction #4 – Whether we like it or not, cannabis was approved by voters throughout the State, and in Bellflower, on November 8. Measure B is recognition by the current City Council that local regulation and taxation of cannabis presents an opportunity to make Bellflower fiscally sound. The "wait and see" approach stated within the argument against Measure B has failed Bellflower many times in the past.
It is not time to wait and see! VOTE YES ON MEASURE B.
Mayor Pro Tem
Proposed legislation
SECTION 1. Article II of Chapter 3.37 in Title 3 of the Bellflower Municipal Code ("BMC") , entitled "Cannabis tax," is approved to read as follows:
This Article II of Chapter 3.37 of the Bellflower Municipal Code must be approved by voters in accordance with applicable law.
There is established and imposed, beginning July 1, 2017, a cannabis tax in the manner and rates set forth in this chapter.
A. Tax on commercial cannabis cultivation except nurseries.
1. Every person who is engaged in commercial cannabis cultivation in the City must pay an annual Cannabis tax. The initial tax rate effective July 1, 2017 for commercial cannabis cultivation, excluding nurseries, is set at $15.00 per fiscal year, per square foot of canopy space authorized by each City permit, or by each state license in the absence of a City permit, not deducting for unutilized square footage. The square footage is the maximum square footage of canopy allowed by the City permit for commercial cannabis cultivation, or, in the absence of a City permit, the square footage is the maximum square footage of canopy for commercial cannabis cultivation allowed by the state license type. In no case can canopy square footage which is authorized by the permit or license, but not utilized for cultivation, be deducted for the purpose of determining the tax for cultivation unless duly authorized in writing by the administrator.
2. Beginning on July 1, 2020, the tax rate will automatically increase each fiscal year by $2.50 per square foot of authorized canopy. Except as otherwise provided, the maximum tax rate is $25.00 per square foot.
B. Tax on cultivation of cannabis as a nursery.
1. Every person who is engaged in cultivation of cannabis as a nursery as defined in this chapter in the City must pay an annual Cannabis tax. The initial tax rate effective July 1, 2017 is set at $2.00 per square foot of canopy authorized by each City permit, or by each state license in the absence of a City permit, not deducting for unutilized square footage. The square footage is the maximum square footage of canopy allowed by the City permit for cultivation of cannabis as a nursery, or, in the absence of a City permit, the square footage is the maximum square footage of canopy for cultivation of cannabis as a nursery allowed by the state license type. In no case must canopy square footage which is authorized by the permit or license but not utilized for cultivation as a nursery be deducted for the purpose of determining the tax for cultivation as a nursery unless duly authorized in writing by the administrator.
2. Beginning on July 1, 2020, such tax rate will automatically increase each fiscal year by $1.50 per square foot of canopy utilized for cannabis cultivation as a nursery. Except as otherwise provided, the maximum tax rate is $5.00 per square foot per annum.
C. Tax on transportation businesses.
Every person who is engaged in a cannabis transportation business must pay an annual Cannabis tax of $1,500.00 per year effective July 1, 2017.
D. Tax on all other commercial cannabis businesses.
1. Every person who is engaged in business as a dispensary, manufacturer, testing laboratory, or distribution facility, or engaging in delivery of cannabis in the City must pay an annual commercial Cannabis tax. The initial tax rate effective July 1, 2017 is set at 5% of the gross receipts per fiscal year.
2. Beginning on July 1, 2020, the tax rate will automatically increase each fiscal year by 2.5%. Except as otherwise provided, the maximum tax rate is 10% per fiscal year on gross receipts.
A. Beginning on July 1, 2024, non-gross receipts based taxes imposed by this chapter will be increased annually each July 1st on a percentage basis using the percentage increase in the consumer price index ("CPI") for all urban consumers as calculated by the United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, for the Los Angeles-Riverside-Orange County area, for the 12 months ending March 31st of each year.
B. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this code, the tax imposed in this chapter will be increased by a minimum of one cent ($0.01) every year for square footage-based or other non-gross receipts based taxes.
A. Each person required by this chapter to remit a tax must file a return to the administrator on forms approved by the administrator on or before the due date. The full amount of the tax owed must be included with the return and filed with the administrator. The administrator is authorized to require such additional information as deemed necessary to determine if the tax is being levied, collected, and remitted in accordance with this chapter. Pursuant to Revenue and Tax Code § 7284.6, the administrator, and its agents, must maintain such filing returns as confidential information, and not subject to the California Public Records Act.
B. The Cannabis tax imposed by this chapter is imposed on a fiscal year basis and is due and payable in quarterly installments as follows:
1. Each person or business owing a Cannabis tax must, on or before the last day of the month following the close of each fiscal year quarter remit to the administrator the tax due. The tax due is no less than the quarterly installment due, but the taxpayer may at any time pay the tax due for the entire fiscal year.
2. If the Cannabis tax is owed on commercial cannabis cultivation, the square footage tax due is paid based on the square footage of cultivation authorized by the City permit. The tax will not be prorated or adjusted for any reduction in the square footage authorized but not utilized for cultivation unless duly authorized in writing by the administrator. If the cultivation begins in the middle of a fiscal year, the administrator must prorate, in daily increments, the amount due for the fiscal year.
C. Tax statements and payments for all outstanding taxes owed the City are immediately due to the administrator upon cessation of business for any reason.
D. The administrator may establish shorter reporting and payment periods for any taxpayer as the administrator deems necessary to ensure collection of the tax.
E. The administrator may, as part of administering the tax, modify the form of payment and take such other administrative actions as needed to facilitate collection of the tax.
A. The tax imposed by this chapter does not apply to:
1. Any person or service when imposition of the tax upon that person or service would violate a federal or state statute, the Constitution of the United States, or the Constitution of the state of California;
2. The city.
B. Except as otherwise provided, any person that is exempt from the tax imposed by this chapter must file an application with the administrator for an exemption. The application for a Tax exemption must be made upon a form approved by the administrator and state those facts, declared under penalty of perjury, which qualify the applicant for an exemption, and include the names of all utility service providers serving that person. If deemed exempt by the administrator, such person must give the administrator timely written notice of any change in utility service providers so that the administrator can properly notify the new utility service provider of the person's Tax exempt status.
C. A person failing to comply with this section is not entitled to a refund of Tax remitted to the administrator from such person as a result of such non-compliance.
Nothing in this chapter requires the City Council to collect a tax; the city council may suspend or reduce tax rates imposed by this chapter by resolution after a public hearing.
Unless voter is approval is required by the California Constitution or applicable law, the City Council may exercise all applicable powers set forth in the Government Code including, without limitation, amending this chapter by ordinance upon three affirmative votes by its members. It may, in additional, adopt by ordinance or resolution such additional regulations that may be necessary to implement the purposes of this chapter."
SECTION 2. Environmental Analysis. This Resolution is exempt from review under the California Environmental Quality Act (California Public Resources Code §§ 2100, et seq., "CEQA") and CEQA regulations (14 California Code of Regulations §§ 15000, et seq.) because it establishes rules and procedures to implement government funding mechanisms; does not involve any commitment to a specific project which could result in a potentially significant physical impact on the environment; and constitutes an organizational or administrative activity that will not result in direct or indirect physical changes in the environment. Accordingly, this Resolution does not constitute a "project" that requires environmental review (see specifically 14 CCR § 15378(b)(4-5)).
SECTION 3. Interpretation. This Proposition must be interpreted so as to be consistent with all federal and state laws, rules, and regulations. If any section, sub-section, sentence, clause, phrase, part, or portion of this Proposition is held to be invalid or unconstitutional by a final judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction, such decision does not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this Proposition. The voters declare that this Proposition, and each section, sub-section, sentence, clause, phrase, part, or portion thereof, would have been adopted or passed irrespective of the fact that any one or more sections, sub-sections, sentences, clauses, phrases, part, or portion is found to be invalid. If any provision of this Proposition is held invalid as applied to any person or circumstance, such invalidity does not affect any application of this Proposition that can be given effect without the invalid application.
SECTION 4. Severability. If any portion of this Proposition is held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, the remainder of the Proposition and the application of such provision to other persons or circumstances will not be affected thereby. We the People indicate our strong desire that: (i) the City Council use its best efforts to sustain and reenact that portion, and (ii) the City Council implement this Proposition by taking all steps possible to cure any inadequacies or deficiencies identified by the court in a manner consistent with the express and implied intent of this Proposition, and then adopting or reenacting such portion as necessary or desirable to allow imposition of the tax.
SECTION 5. Construction. This Proposition must be broadly construed in order to achieve the purposes stated in this Proposition. It is the intent of the voters that the provisions of this Proposition be interpreted or implemented by the City and others in a manner that facilitates the purposes set forth in this Proposition.
SECTION 6. Effective Date. This Proposition will enact and impose a general tax. Accordingly, it will be submitted to a general election on March 7, 2017 for voter approval. If a majority of voters vote in favor of this Proposition, it will become valid and binding ten days after the date that the City Council certifies the election results in accordance with Elections Code § 9217.
SECTION 7. City Council Authority. BMC Chapter 3.37 may be repealed or amended by a majority of the City Council without voter approval. However, voter approval is required for any amendment that would increase the rate of any tax levied pursuant to this Proposition as required by California Constitution Article XIIIC. Should the provisions of Government Code § 53720, et seq. or California Constitution Article XIIIC be repealed or amended, or interpreted by the courts so that voter approval is not required for enacting this Proposition, then this Proposition will take effect as provided for all other City ordinances and may be amended in the same manner as all other City ordinances.
SECTION 8. Effective Date. The Mayor will sign this Proposition and the City Clerk will attest and certify to the passage and adoption of this Ordinance if a majority of the voters voting in the City's general election on March 7, 2017 approve the Proposition.
On your actual ballot, you can vote 'yes' or 'no' on this measure.


text:
Day 12: Modern Day Businesses/Technology like Netflix
Hope everyone had a great Veterans day yesterday! We took our little family to a nearby cemetery, searched for some veterans graves and got a chance to talk with our children about how awesome the people are who serve our country.
The rest of our weekend will include checking a few errands off the to-do list, a few friends over for dinner, church, and a couple of Netflix movies. We cancelled our cable connection over a year ago and have been doing the Netflix thing ever since. {By the way this isn't a plug for Netflix. We just really love using it.}
I'm grateful to pay a little every month to enjoy commercial free TV shows and movies any time we want. It makes for fun Friday movie nights at home with the family, and fun week night hang outs on the couch with the hubby. The kiddos also look forward to checking the mail when a new movie is due to arrive. Netflix is awesome and saves our family a bundle on entertainment!

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Sheikh Muhsin Gharavian was once granted audience in the presence of Ayatullah al-Udhma Shaikh Muhammad Taqi Behjat (may the Almighty prolong his blessed presence amongst us) and asked him: "O Scholar! Despite our advanced age we haven't have yet experienced the pleasure of worship especially the sweetness of communication with God in salaat. According to your opinion what should we do to experience even a little pleasure of what our Infallible Imams have promised us?"
His eminence nodded his head and said: (Dear son) "Actually this is a universal problem. All of us are plagued with this ailment."
The Sheikh was not satisfied with the answer and requested him for more
concrete advice: "Our status differs from that which you have achieved; you've attained the heights of spirituality while we are the beginners! what should we do?"
His Eminence said: "May be I also wish I could acquire your status!"
Not contented with the self-effacing answer, he requested for more clarification. His Eminence replied: "In order to acquire the necessary concentration in Salaah one should observe
a) certain pre-requisites before Salaah and
b) certain discipline during Salaah.
a) Before Salaah one should observe Taqwa (God consciousness) and one should abstain from all sins that lead to darkening of the God-given purity of heart. SINS POLLUTE THE PURITY OF THE HEART and therefore reduce the luminosity of the heart.
b) During Salaah one should erect a "high security wire" around one's heart such that no unwanted trespasser (distracting devilish thoughts) is allowed inside the holy sanctuary of the heart. One's thoughts should be intensely directed towards God and none other than Him should be allowed in. And if one's thoughts start straying, immediately the moment one comes to know, one should guide these towards the right direction.
Once His Eminence was asked as to how to increase concentration in one's daily prayers?
Initially His Eminence put his face down and then raised his head and responded: "The oil in the lamp seems to be low!"Meaning that the Ma'refat (awareness) of the All- Magnificent One is not enough (as to experience the sweetness of spiritual communication) and therefore needs to be enriched and one's Imaan (faith) is weak and hence needs to be strengthened.
Ustad Khusro Shaahi quotes: "Once His Eminence was asked how can we create in ourselves concentration during prayers?"
His Eminence replied: "One of the factors which help create concentration is by excercising control over our physical senses (i.e. EYES, EARS, TONGUE etc.) throughout the day since concentration can only be created through proper preliminary requirements which include the close monitoring of the physical senses."
On one occasion His Eminence Ayatullah al-Udhma Behjat was asked:
"What should we do in order to obtain the state of total obedience to God's commands especially His command that states in Sura Muminoon, Verses 1-2 - "Indeed successful are the Believers, those who humble themselves in their prayers" How can a believer acquire this lofty state of humility?"
His Eminence replied: "At the beginning of prayers one should sincerely seek intercession of the Awaited Imam of the time (May the Almighty hasten his re-appearance and include us from his helpers) and perform the prayers in its required manner."
And finally when His Eminence Ayatullah Al-Udhma Behjat was asked: "How does one achieve a presence of mind in Salaat and obtain control over one's thoughts and feelings?"
His Eminence wrote back in reply:
"In His Name, the Exalted the moment when you acquire attention (towards your Lord) do not allow it to disappear."


text:
Iraq: If U.S. Troops Left, Would Civil War, Sectarian Strife Follow?
By Valentinas Mite
Plans by U.S. and British officials in Iraq to declare an occupation authority in Iraq have made it clear that Western troops and administrators will not be leaving the country anytime soon. Some Iraqi political groups are growing increasingly frustrated with the entrenched Western presence and the continued delays in forming a sovereign Iraqi government. But would Iraq be better off on its own?
Baghdad, 21 May 2003 (RFE/RL) -- Earlier this week, Shi'a Muslims marched through the Iraqi capital, chanting support for Shi'a leader Ayatollah Kazim al-Ha'iri:
"Our Shi'a is al-Ha'iri! Our Shi'a is al-Ha'iri! Our Shi'a is al-Ha'iri!"
But the demonstrators had a second message as well: Americans, go home. The some 10,000 Shi'as who gathered for the peaceful protest demanded the withdrawal of U.S.-led forces and criticized U.S. plans to take the lead in installing a transitional authority.
The demonstration was organized by Al-Hawza Al-Ilmia, a powerful Shia movement based in the holy city of Al-Najaf and divided between followers of Grand Ayatollah Sayyed Ali al-Sistani and those of Imam Muhammad al-Sadr -- a revered cleric killed by the ruling regime in 1999.
In Baghdad, the sprawling Shi'a neighborhood formerly known as Saddam City has been renamed Sadr City. Al-Hawza, which prides itself on having established social order in many cities following the fall of Hussein, is believed to fully control Sadr City -- home to some 2 million Shi'as. And its influence in the capital city continues to grow.
Shaykh Abd al-Jabbar Menhal is Al-Hawza's representative in Baghdad. He says the group was invited by the U.S. civil administration to take part in the formation of a new Iraqi government, but did not accept because Al-Hawza is still in the process of restructuring itself as a political party.
Menhal did not rule out a future role for Al-Hawza in the government's creation. But he urged the U.S. administration to leave Iraq as soon as possible, and said Iraq would not collapse into chaos if the Americans departed. "We formed a [shadow] government. [Religious] scholars formed a [shadow] government. They organized the traffic, they maintained order, they helped the poor. We can say we are well-organized people. We don't need America to maintain order," he said.
Menhal said the U.S. gave up its right to participate in Iraqi nation-building when it failed to restore security and basic services in the days and weeks following the fall of Baghdad. The only thing the Americans are interested in, he said, is Iraqi oil. "[They are not providing a lot of help to the Iraqi people] in comparison to what they gain from the fortune of Iraq," Menhal said. "They repaired many oil wells and began to export it. But as we see there is no electricity, no traffic control, [no] medicine."
But not everyone has the same stance as Al-Hawza on the U.S. presence in Iraq. Adel Murad is the Baghdad head of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), one of the country's two largest Kurdish parties. He told RFE/RL the PUK sees the U.S.-led coalition as liberators, not occupiers, and wants them to stay to preserve stability until a democratic government can be formed. He warns that the consequences of a premature American withdrawal could be disastrous.
"I think the civil war [would] begin, definitely, between Saddam Hussein's supporters and the people. A war [among] parties [will start]. It will be a disaster; a big disaster in Iraq. The blood will [flow], the starvation will begin," Murad said.
Ali Abd al-Amir is a spokesman for the Iraqi National Accord, a group formed in exile in 1990 by Ayad Alawi. He agrees with Murad of PUK that it is important for Western authorities to remain in Iraq as long as the question of the country's political future is in flux -- and as long as "the main skeleton of the Saddam regime is still alive."
"We must first [establish] our national government, and [find the ways] for this government to control the country," he said.
He said Iraqi army, police, and financial institutions also need to be established, and added, "Only when these things are established and Iraq becomes a stable country, American troops may go."
Copyright (c) 2003. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. www.rferl.org
|Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list


text:
Coongulla Cottage, Coongulla
Coongulla Cottage is a fully self-contained, comfortable two bedroom cottage which sleeps four people. A well shaded outdoor area with table and seats invites you to relax.
Directions: From Melbourne, take the Princes Highway to Traralgon, turn left to Heyfield/Maffra. At Heyfield, turn into Weir Road which is a short distance along the Maffra Road in Heyfield. Weir Road continues to Ryans Road at Coongulla.
Arrival Time 14:00 Departure Time 10:00
- Street: 37 Ryans Road
- City: Coongulla. 3860
- State: Victoria
- Telephone: Office: 03 5148 0367 or Mob: 0429 401 349
- Fax: 03 5148 0367
- Website: http://www.tourismwellington.com.au/accommodation/central/maffra/item/coongulla-cottage?category_id=14
On the map
Fill in your address into the address field below the map and the shortest route will be calculated.


text:
They were very productive. Was it the perfect spring weather or just their easy going natures? I don't know but it was a stress-free memorable time spent together.
Thank you Jessica for bringing your friends, JM, Catherine, Susan and Carol by. And thank you Carol for bringing Opal as well. Here she is hanging out on the lighting upstairs. Diane from Quebec rounded the days off well. I see an indigo vat appearing in Montreal some time soon with Diane at the stir stick.


text:
Big Foundations Keep Making Strides for Open Access Research/
The debate over open access publication of research is one we've followed with quite a bit of interest, and not just because philanthropy has planted a few stakes in the issue. As in many fields in recent decades, technology has unlocked all kinds of new opportunities and tensions when it comes to the exchange of research findings.
In the case of the open science debate in particular, critics challenging traditional peer review and publication impacts the speed of progress, as well as research in developing countries and outside of established institutions.
The tension is between the traditional journal model, in which libraries and universities pay often very high fees for published research, and a more open model, in which anyone can read articles following peer review, and even before, in some cases.
- Take Down That Paywall: Foundations vs. Top Journals Over Open Access
- Hurry It Up: What Major Funders Are Doing to Speed Up Research Publishing
The number of open access journals has ballooned in recent years, with some philanthropic support in the form of both grants and pressure exerted by powerful private funders.
But some of the most prestigious journals out there still cling to the paywall model, even as those powerful funders have tested that grip.
The most direct confrontation lately involves the Gates Foundation. While other funders have required that research they pay for be open access, Gates released a particularly strict open access policy a few years ago, which went into effect in 2017. That pitted the foundation against journals like Nature, Science, New England Journal of Medicine and the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, as Gates grantees became unable to publish in such titles.
It seemed neither side would budge for a while, but in the case of one publisher, it didn't last long, as Gates and AAAS (publisher of Science and its sister journals) reached a trial agreement by which the foundation will pay $100,000 to cover immediate open access publication of its grantees' papers during 2017.
How big of a deal this agreement is depends on who you ask, but it is an aberration from one of the most revered journals in the land. It could simply represent a rare compromise to mend fences with the world's wealthiest foundation. Or it could be a path forward that shows paywalled publications can be moved in the direction of a different model.
The outcome depends on whether other journals join in (Gates says they're expecting more announcements soon) and whether other foundations take Gates' approach and say, "Hey, if they can do it, why can't we?" The massive, U.K.-based Wellcome Trust, for example, has been driving for open access and has its own requirements, but has stopped short of Gates' policy.
Open access also has a brand new player in its corner, and a potentially big one—the Chan Zuckerberg Biohub. As we recently wrote, this new entity, which is funded in large part by the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, is shaping up to be a major grantmaker in basic science funding. One key development is that Biohub grantees, the first round at least, are required to pre-print manuscripts of their findings online before peer review is even complete, another level of open access.
I'm not aware of another major science funder to do so, and to come out of the gate with such a policy signals that the Chan Zuckerberg Biohub could be an important player when it comes to pushing for openness.
Related: Opening the Spigot: A Look at How Chan Zuckerberg Science is Starting to Move Money


text:
Recently added item(s) ×
You have no items in your shopping cart.
But is always yum.
*All measurements are one side of the shirt only.
**Our regular shirts are 100% super soft pre-shrunk cotton (heather grey is 10% poly). Our Thursday limited edition tri blends are made of a crazy soft cotton / poly / rayon blend.
* Required Fields
Mordor Fun Run
I Do What I Want
Veloci Raptor
No Drama Llama
Never Trust An Atom, They Make Up Everything
I Lost An Electron. Are You Positive?
Send me email updates on new products, designs, recommendations and sales. (You can unsubscribe at any time)


text:
The Exotic Car Tour is the best way to experience six exotic and luxury cars over 120 miles of California's best back roads. With an average horsepower rating north of 400, each vehicle is capable of inducing bouts of adrenaline the moment you slip into the driver's seat and fire up the engine. The exotic vehicles on the tour represent the best the world has to offer. This diversity makes the Exotic Car Tour akin to your favorite restaurant's sampler menu, letting you enjoy different flavors in one digestible sitting. Some of the "flavors" that have been enjoyed in tours are the Ferrari 458, Audi R8 V10, Mercedes-Benz SLS, Nissan GTR, Lamborghini LP-560 Gallardo, as well as other vehicles from our collection.
The Northern California Exotic Car Tour goes through 7 towns, starting from our Silicon Valley Club House (San Jose) and driving north towards Half Moon Bay on the most pristine Bay Area back roads. Some of the roads include Skyline Blvd, Highway 1, Highway 84, and Highway 92. Our lunch break will be hosted at Alice's Restaurant, which is a famous destination known for their appetizing continental menu and automobile motif.
Since each vehicle has two seats, you can share your tour with your favorite passenger for an additional charge. They'll be sure to thank you for providing the most memorable shotgun ride short of a Blue Angel.
The Southern California Exotic Car Tour goes through 4 towns, with the Tour beginning at The Ritz-Carlton in Marina del Rey and driving east towards the canyons into Malibu. Lunch is served at The Sunset Restaurant, an American restaurant situated on the Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu. With views of the Pacific Ocean, the ambience is quintessentially Californian.
Enjoy either tour for only $999 to experience the best cars on the best roads. Notes: Some vehicles are only available with a manual transmission. A $5k pre-authorization hold on the participants credit card will be required.
© 2019 Club Sportiva. All rights reserved.


text:
Mog8 Black
Mog8 Black
They make it possible to wear this little bag in a variety of ways: from a short strap over the shoulder to a long strap with the bag worn diagonally or even as a hip bag. Interior is unlined. With enough space for money, keys and smartphone.
Aniline Leather is dyed without covering the surface. Semi-Aniline Leather is dyed with just a slight pigmentation that does not cover grain patterns. These are high-quality leathers that only can be produced with the best row material.
Before using your bag for the first time, we highly recommend to treat your bag with special leather care products. Please do not use any products containing fat. Those may block pores and lead to a darkening process of the leather.
Avoid excessive sun exposure, since it may cause color fading on the surface.
Please note that non-colorfast textiles, like denim, may rub off on the leather of your bag.
Please don't use any soaps or other chemical solvents to clean your bag.
- Tracked delivery to home or work, direct from the designer.
- Free returns within 14 days, collection arranged by us.
- Price match guarantee
- If you find an item cheaper elsewhere we will match the price*.
- See FAQs or Contact Us for full details.
Meet The Designer
Exploring the ambivalence between aesthetics and functionality Vienna based designer INA KENT founded the bag label that bears her name in 2007. Reduced forms and smart details build the base of INA KENT's bag and accessory design. Metallic shimmering and velvety-soft, supple companions with the ability to change, feminine and sophisticated, recognizable as INA KENT. Carefully crafted, heedlessly worn. Bags tell stories.


text:
Need a Institute/Coaching Class?
IT Courses / Govt Exam Preparation
Higher Studies / Studies Abroad
Roles & Responsibilities:
Job Summary
Xcellence-IT is a global IT solutions company providing innovative, best-in-class consulting, IT solutions and Outsourcing services.
Xcellence-IT is driven by values and is run by principled business practices.
We also offer number of performance optimization solution 'nopAccelerate' for nopCommerce. nopAccelerate is Solr lucene based Search & Performance optimization plugin.
Fully solved online mock placement papers with latest test pattern,count down timer,detail test analysis with answer and explanation is available at Power Placement Preparation:P3.
Start your preparation now with P3 and increase your success probabiltiy.


text:
On the back of the ball of yarn you find information such as needle size needed to achieve a certain tension :
This patterns in this book are designed for a thick mohair. I had to juggle needle size until I could approximate the tension that was outlined in the book. That took a few attempts :).
I loved the cowl version:
But thought this large collar would swamp me. Also I only had 11 balls of yarn, and had no idea how much the front, back and sleeves would take. A cowl like this takes lots of yarn. So I settled on the roll neck version:
Unfortunately, when I cast the roll neck off, it was too tight for me - I redid it and tried to cast off very loosely indeed, but it was still just a bit tight.
So I made a modified cowl - and only knitted until the length of the roll neck, plus about two more rows so that the collar sat over the pick up stitches lines:
I think that looks fantastic, if I do say so myself :)
So, now I have a nice, new, lovely, warm jumper for winter. I have washed it and it has passed the wash test - it remains in shape, does not stretch, and dries quickly.
And cost - $39.99 for the yarn plus $6.99 for the needles. The book I already had and have used before.
So that makes $46.98 for a handknit jumper. Warmer than you would find in shops. I think that is great value - mind you, time and effort also need to be factored in!
So, finally I have a knitting success after a year or so of not quite getting it right. I think this was because I chose a style and a yarn that I know works for me, instead of trying to stretch the boundaries and make something a little different.
I can't wait to wear this - I'll have to make some trousers to go with it nearer our winter.
Bye for now,
Sarah Liz


text:
WASHINGTON—Suicides among Army troops soared again last year and are at a nearly three-decade high, Defense Department officials announced Thursday.
At least 128 soldiers killed themselves in 2008. But the final count is likely to be considerably higher because 15 more suspicious deaths are still being investigated and could also turn out to be self-inflicted, the Army said.
The new figure of more than 128 compares to 115 in 2007 and 102 in 2006—and is the highest since record keeping began in 1980.
It also calculates roughly to a rate of 20.2 per 100,000 soldiers—which is higher than the adjusted civilian rate for the first time since the Vietnam War, officials told a Pentagon news conference.
A new training and prevention effort will be made starting next week.
"We need to move quickly to do everything we can to reverse this disturbing … number," Army Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Peter Chiarelli said.
Col. Elspeth Ritchie, a psychiatric consultant to the Army surgeon general, made an open plea for more U.S. mental health professionals to sign on to work for the military.
"We are hiring and we need your help," she said.
Officials have said repeatedly that troops are under tremendous and unprecedented stress because of repeated and long tours of duty due to the simultaneous wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The stress has placed further burdens on an overwhelmed military health care system also caring for huge numbers of troops suffering from post-traumatic stress, depression and other mental health problems as well as physical care for tens of thousands of wounded.
Yearly increases in suicides have been recorded since 2004, when there were 64—only about half the number now. And they've occurred despite increased training, prevention programs, increased psychiatric staff and other Army efforts to stem the rise.


text:
Tell us about "functional training", the latest buzz in fitness.
Rahul Dev: It's really simple. Think of all the movements of your day. Pulling and pushing doors, walking up the stairs, climbing into cars, cabs, trains and metros, sitting, picking up something that has been dropped. To perform these functions, our body needs energy. What we don't pay attention to is that the body can become stronger by performing these very functions, which we term as "functional training".
In a gym or for those working out at home, what exercises do you recommend?
Dev: When we talk of fitness, there are three basic aspects to it. These are cardiovascular exercises, strength training and flexibility building. Walking is a cardiovascular exercise that I highly recommend for those starting out. Once you start building stamina, which should take a week, strength training is necessary. You could use a swiss ball or a band- if you don't visit a gym or have access to weights-and work out your biceps, triceps, shoulders, back and most importantly, the calves. Working on flexibility is extremely important. It is what keeps injury at bay. I strongly recommend that warm-ups and cool-downs are paid attention to with this regard.
How else can a person become fitter?
Dev: It's important to understand that even breathing deeply and naturally can change not just your mental make-up but also help you manage stress better. That's the reason why it's said that when you're angry, breathe deeply and count to 10. It's not the counting that cools you down, but the breathing. This, too, is a functional exercise.
For those who are highly motivated and have time on their hands, a wholesome approach would be if they could incorporate yoga in the morning, follow it up with cardio and weights during the day and finally with a class of either pilates, spinning or martial arts. But remember, one's medical history should be considered before taking up any additional class or even joining a gymnasium.
What does it take to build a body like yours?
Dev: I have always been highly motivated about building a good body and keeping fit. Back in school, for a short while, I was 84 kg, but I was still fit as I used to be athletic and involved in sports. But for the last 21 years, I've hovered at 77-78 kg and never lost the cuts in my muscles. It did take a year of diligence and discipline initially for it to happen.
Any advice for those who're looking to lose weight?
Dev: Pay attention to your diet. Train well. But more important than these two things is to get a good eight-hour rest. Not just physically, but it's important for people to be at peace with themselves and with life to be able to rest well. For training, pick a good trainer or gym instructor who'll help you get fit. Food: It's important for every single person to have breakfast. Eat a heavy breakfast, you have all day to burn off the calories. But keep dinner light, or get an early dinner so that the body has enough time to break down the food and digest it before you hit the sack.
Any myths you'd like to dispel?
Dev: Drinking warm water is a good remedy to digest food and ensure that your body throws away all excess calories. I drink about 6-7 glasses of hot water (not counting the number of litres of water I drink to keep myself hydrated throughout the day).
If you've taken a long break from working out, just go out there and work out as much as you can. You body will tell you how much exercise it can handle, just listen to it.
Diligence and discipline can make you lose weight and you'll see major positive changes in 60 days. But it is important to understand what body type you have to have realistic expectations from it. So, don't push hard, you'll get to your ideal BMI on time, just work it out and then, adopt a workout to maintain it. Enjoy working out, it's bound to make you feel great once you achieve the look you so desire!


text: When EXIDs come in from the disk, the equivalent pairID is looked up in a GrandMap table to find if a corresponding EXID already exists. If it does, return it, otherwise create a new one. This behavior strikes me as necessary anytime we create an EXID. Therefore it should be moved into a pseudo constructor, and the pseudo constructor should be called by the ActualXIDRecipe. Then all the canonicalization is encapsulated nice and cleanly. It may even be that the canonicalization table can be per backend, and so in a static table in the module. Any takers? I'll do this as soon as I get teh intermediate image. dean


text:
Sometimes in the shuffle, home made isn't possible. I use a few pre-packaged products when we are on the go, and now Kashi Chocolate Soft- Baked Squares just made the list. At only 160 calories, these aren't your standard brownie! They use surprising ingredients like sweet potatoes and black beans, and they are packed with fiber and whole grains. They are minimally processed, don't use highly refined sugars, have no artificial preservatives or flavorings, but all this wouldn't matter at all if they didn't taste good. The truth is, my kids love them!
KIWI Magazine Moms Meet asked me to review this new product, I was thrilled. Kashi's cereal, crackers, granola bars, and cereal bars all have our stamp of approval, so now I can ad the Chocolate Soft-Baked Squares to the list. I recommend these for anyone who needs a quick on-the-go (but still healthy!) snack for their family. They don't taste like your average pre-packaged food. They actually have the taste and texture of a home-baked healthy brownie.
Have you tried any Kashi products yet? Check out their website or their Facebook Page for more details on their healthy products. In addition, they offer recipes and lifestyle tools if you are interested in making the switch to a healthier lifestyle.
Disclaimer: I received this product for free from the sponsor of the Moms Meet program, May Media Group LLC, who received it directly from the manufacturer. As a Moms Meet blogger, I agreed to use this product and post my opinion on my blog. My opinions do not necessarily reflect the opinions of May Media Group LLC or the manufacturer of this product.
Featured on Hip Homeschool Moms.
The winning comment is:
Update 10/24/14- I could not get in contact with the winner, so I had to choose a new winner.
Tags: Kashi, giveaway, healthy, snack, whole grain, fiber, chocolate, brownie


text:
Friday, January 29, 2010
Next Project....
So I thought this would be a good project to start out with. I still need a knitting teacher, or a really good book.
Anyone know of a good "Learn how to Knit" book?
Posted by Lisa at 2:04 PM 3 comments:
Thursday, January 28, 2010
I want to make this....
31 skeins of Vanna's choice yarn - 11 colors
Pom Pom Maker Extra Large
27 x 33 in. (68.5 x 84 cm) rug canvas
Pattern found here at lionbrand.com. You must register to view this pattern! It's free to sign up!
So tempting! I "should" finish other projects first...
Posted by Lisa at 12:34 PM 1 comment:
I love SuperNews!
Watch more shows here.
Posted by Lisa at 12:05 PM No comments:
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Etsy Pick
I don't have a mac. But if I did, I would get this in a heart beat.
found in thecrazyrabbit shop
Mac Evolution White - Vinyl sticker, Macbook laptop decal
found in thecrazyrabbit shop
Posted by Lisa at 2:07 PM 3 comments:
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Monday, January 25, 2010
Friday, January 22, 2010
Posted by Lisa at 4:07 PM 3 comments:
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Body Parts
Posted by Lisa at 2:04 PM 1 comment:
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Sneak Peek!
What I've been working on the past couple of days.....
Apple slice rattles!!!
They will be in the shop soon!!
Apple slice rattles!!!
They will be in the shop soon!!
Posted by Lisa at 2:01 PM 3 comments:
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
I need a knitting teacher....
I wish I could knit a little better. These are too cute.
Posted by Lisa at 4:31 PM 1 comment:
Thursday, January 14, 2010
I've been getting the itch to read again. I have two books on hold, and I'm anxiously waiting....
Here are a few book I want to read:
Under the Dome
Stephen King
Pride and Prejudice and Zombies
Jane Austen and Set Grahame-Smith
Food Rules
Michael Pollen
Juliet, Naked
Nick Hornby
Under the Dome
Stephen King
Pride and Prejudice and Zombies
Jane Austen and Set Grahame-Smith
Food Rules
Michael Pollen
Juliet, Naked
Nick Hornby
Posted by Lisa at 12:16 PM No comments:
Monday, January 11, 2010
Losing Hope...
I haven't sold anything in about 3 weeks. I'm getting a little worried. I know my stuff is awesome, but why isn't anyone buying it? I'm starting to think there is something wrong with my shop. Not enough items? Bad photos? Prices to high? I've been adding new items/renewing almost everyday. What's the deal? This is the longest dry spell I've ever had. I'm trying to stay positive and keep my head above water, but I'm sinking....
But I'm not giving up.
Posted by Lisa at 4:04 PM 8 comments:
Friday, January 8, 2010
Blanket Update
Posted by Lisa at 2:48 PM 2 comments:
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Self Employment
So it's been about a month since I quit my job at Jo-Ann Fabrics. After much thought, I believe I made the right decision. I feel better, happier, and more free than ever. I can do what I want, when I want. And I make my own rules. It's so nice to sleep at night again. I can officially say, I'm a normal person again. Goodbye Lisa the Zombie. We've had lots of fun, great memories, but it's time to put you to rest.
I first, have to thank my husband, Justin. He is working his butt off, so I can do something that I love and makes me happy. There are some days that I feel really guilty that he's off at work and I'm at home on the couch, crocheting. But I try not to think like that. I love crocheting. And Justin loves programming.
For the past couple of weeks, I've been losing my focus on my... Etsy shop. It's been way too long since I added new items. I'm feeling a little guilty, but last month was insane. Lots of stuff going on. So I'm trying to get back in the swing of things. I've made a list of items I want to make, hoping that this will get me motivated. Lately I've been spending way too much time on the computer. Facebook, Twitter, and Blogger have seem to taken over my life. I need to step away from the computer and get my butt crocheting.
I'm also proud to say that I've been working out everyday (Monday-Friday) for a least a hour, playing wii fit plus. Not sure if that counts as "actual" exercise. But I enjoy it. According to the game, I burned 385 calories today. It's better than nothing right?
Well with that said, I must get off the computer and get busy!
Posted by Lisa at 12:18 PM 1 comment:
Monday, January 4, 2010
New item in the shop!!
Let me know what you think!
I will be adding more to my shop this week!!
I will be adding more to my shop this week!!
Posted by Lisa at 3:40 PM 2 comments:
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)