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>> Crossposted on '30HomeGames' blog
I've met many incredible people in Lithuania, fellow travelers and hoops heads. I've always been interested in hearing and sharing stories. I believe that a man's journey can be measured by who they've met and spent time with.
Below are a collection of "storytellers" I've encountered:
I've met many incredible people in Lithuania, fellow travelers and hoops heads. I've always been interested in hearing and sharing stories. I believe that a man's journey can be measured by who they've met and spent time with.
Below are a collection of "storytellers" I've encountered:
John of England
links: @johnswisshobbs,
UK Freelance journalist. I met him at the Fans Campsite in Panevezys, during my time there the many British Fans were valiantly supporting a hapless team. Upon leaving Great Britain defeated Portugal and stung Poland to salvage some pride and shake up Group A.
We bumped into each other in Vilnius and Kaunas. It was a treat picking his brain and watching him sniff out stories, busting out his trusty recorder when moments called for it.
Syra of France
links: @ladyhoop, ladyhoop.com, Syra4 - YouTube Channel
French journalist I met in my hostel in Vilnius. She is an inspiration, starting out as an independent blogger she now works for French Basketball Mag 'Reverse'. We shot hoops and talked about the reality of "living the dream". We coincidentally found ourselves in the same hostel in Kaunas. Apart from her passion for the game, what I'll take from her is the discipline and professionalism one needs to maintain a lifestyle of Basketball and Travel, negotiating the perils of converting a hobby into a job.
Tim of Holland
links: TimToTango
We started chatting on the busride from Klaipeda to coastal Nida. A charming and thoughtful guy in the opening leg of his 1 year of travel. Departing from his home in the Netherlands, he had been traveling through the Baltic States via CouchSurfing and Hitchhiking, it was his inspiration that made me try the latter for the first time.
We shared a lot of overlapping thoughts and it was pleasure to reunite with him in Vilnius and meet his ragtag crew of friends and new associates. I will be sure to follow his many coming adventures on his blog.
Ramon of Spain
links: Atlas of Wonders
Ramon was one of the many Couchsurfers I met through Tim on a memorable night in Vilnius. We reunited a few days later as he was typically snapping the sights, he joined our assortment of newly-made friends for a coffee.
Ramon is my kind of photographer, shameless and prolific. Shooting first, asking for permission later. When I first met him, he fearlessly took a bucketload of photos of every social interaction in sight. Inexplicably his passion project is documenting the gorgeous but overlooked locations of the world.
Ieva and Dominkya of Lithuania
links: Kombajns' - YouTube Channel
Quirky, fun-loving, social and creative. These gals had just returned from a month hitchhiking, CouchSurfing and camping around Europe. They have an amazing spirit and thankfully because they document their travels by Video you can live vicariously through their many adventures.
We met after dancing Dubstep with them in Kankles bar in Kaunas. A few days later we hung out together with a Spaniard and Frenchman driving to the city's local gems, picking mushrooms for that evening's Dinner and movie.
VIDEO: Challenge accepted ;) Eurotrip, done.
Romain of France
links: Romain-Experiment.blogspot (French)
He was a French superfan Couchsurfing with the girls, my preferred supporter having backed them from the start. We actually had a brief encounter the night previous in a nightclub as he was with the Les Bleus fans celebrating with the French stars. In the name of social etiquette, I'd promised an embargo after 3 weeks of non-stop basketball talk, I couldn't resist as he was so knowledgable of the game and had a few French connections that gave him access to the team and even tickets to Game 5 of the NBA Finals.
Nil of Spain
links: CargoLTreuManya.blogspot (Catalan)
Though his nation was victorious, Nil wasn't in Lithuania for the Baloncesto. Just a stop as he did a short jaunt around Europe on his motorcycle. He was being hosted by the girls after he was poached from another Lithuanian person he was CouchSurfing with, they met on the street a night after I had met them.
Nil was my partner in the mushroom picking challenge. He was the MVP as we bested the girls in Mushroom presentation as voted by our French critic.
- Read Balancing Basketball and Travel in Lithuania - Part I


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Follow the Vikings is a 4 year programme that celebrates Viking heritage throughout Europe with particular emphasis on creativity and culture, including the creation of an international touring event. The project aims to raise the visibility of the Council of Europe's Viking Cultural Route, managed by the Destination Viking Association and is being funded through a €1.96 million grant from the EU Creative Europe Culture sub-programme. The project has 14 full partners and 11 associate partners over 13 countries.
We are seeking an Artistic Director to develop, coordinate and successfully deliver the four year programme of International Touring Artistic Events which forms part of this project. The successful applicant will have extensive experience of managing projects that involve more than one organisation in collaboration as well as a broad understanding of devising and delivering a historical, arts or artistic events programme involving a range of art-forms and presentations. Strong financial management, organisational and communication skills are essential, in addition to knowledge of current European issues in developing new audiences and the European market in the arts, heritage and tourism sectors.
The position will commence in November 2015 and end June 2019. The Project fee is €200,000 for a 44 month project (inclusive of all expenses, travel and accommodation). Reporting to the Work Package Coordinator (York Archaeological Trust), The Project Manager and Steering Group, the successful candidate will work mainly from home, whilst meetings with Partners will be held at their own venues.
The full person specification is available in the attached document.
Destination Viking is a new travel experience concept. Partners from a number of countries have come together to develop a borderless tourism destination focusing on the Viking world.
Quality is a key word for Destination Viking - as a visitor you expect quality at every level, and we will deliver it. Quality means quality of activities, quality of presentations, quality of workmanship, quality of sites, quality of food, quality of souvenirs. In short: quality experience!

subset: commoncrawl


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Full Length, Unique Leader Records
April 24th, 2007
Genre: Technical Death Metal/Brutal Death Metal
Region: Greece
Extermination of Millions — what a vicious and dense record of brutal and technical death metal. It has a shit ton of replay value. Inveracity obviously take a lot of influence from Suffocation but what brutal or tech death band doesn't to some degree?
The songs on this album are impressive, a testament to tight skills and excellent writing ability. They clearly know how to play the shit out of their instruments but resist the all too common temptation to let that slide into soulless wank territory. Always at a breakneck pace with only two or three slow sections, everything here is geared towards focused and precise sonic dismemberment.
Eleven tracks that rarely hit the 3 minute mark but are packed so full of sharp and face shredding riffs that it will surely knock you on your ass within the first three. I've had this in my library for a while and always come back to it due to the perfect mix of technical alternate picked riffs, deeply satisfying powerchords alongside well placed pinched harmonics and a vocalist with an unholy growl. The bass gets lost in the mix but the double kicks will blast you into the ground, and when there is a slam it's absolutely killer and will kick your balls up into your throat.
I really recommend this shit. I have a hard time picking a favorite track as they all are equally devastating and jaw dropping. Extermination of Millions is a perfect balance between blistering technicality and ugly slamming brutality, quite a sick and memorable chunk of death metal well worth your support so pick it up over at the Unique Leader store.
DOWNLOAD (Mediafire)


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Lawyers resume push for High Court trial over 157 Tamil asylum seekers
Lawyers for 157 Sri Lankan asylum seekers have resumed their push for a High Court trial against the Federal Government and Immigration Minister Scott Morrison.
The asylum seekers were intercepted by an Australian Customs ship after leaving Pondicherry in India in June.
They were separated and kept in windowless rooms on the ship, and were let out for three hours to exercise and eat, while their case was heard in the Australian High Court.
It had been due to proceed as a trial before the full bench of the court in Canberra in early August, but the Government moved the asylum seekers to the Curtin Detention Centre in Western Australia, before moving them again to Nauru.
At the time, a delegation of lawyers had been due to travel to the detention centre to speak with their clients.
They say they were not notified of the removal to Nauru.
Mr Morrison said they were moved offshore because they had refused to speak with Indian government representatives.
The Australian Government wants the asylum seekers returned to India.
Today, the parties were back in the High Court in Melbourne to discuss a re-framing of the case, in light of the change in circumstances.
I observe the act is a federal act, seeking to apply beyond Australian territorial waters. It raises issues of a kind I believe have not been a matter for determination in this country, or elsewhere.Justice Kenneth Hayne
Ron Merkel QC, acting on behalf of the asylum seekers, told the court the same principles and questions of law still applied to the case.
He said cabinet's decision-making process and the lawfulness of the Federal Government's plan to send the group to India still needs to be tested by the court.
The key to the case remains whether or not the asylum seekers were unlawfully detained by the Government, in so far as the purpose of their detainment.
That includes whether the Government had the power to take the asylum seekers to a place outside Australia and if the discharging of them from Australian custody would be unlawful.
Mr Merkel referred to the 'operational secrecy' of the Government's approach and said the issue of whether or not asylum seekers were told to paddle back to India in life boats in treacherous conditions would also come into play.
"The underlying issues have not changed," Mr Merkel said.
"The principles remain the critical issue."
Case may raise untested legal issues
Justice Kenneth Hayne said he needed to deal with the question of disputed power.
"There's an open inference from the pleading that they could not lawfully be discharged from custody in the republic of India," he said.
Lawyers for the Government asked for "a little more time" to outline their revised case.
Justice Hayne said he was anxious for the parties to bring their revised cases back to the court next week.
"I observe the act is a federal act, seeking to apply beyond Australian territorial waters," he said.
"It raises issues of a kind I believe have not been a matter for determination in this country, or elsewhere."
Justice Hayne said if the matter was referred on for trial, it would likely happen in October.
The parties will return to court next week.
Group enduring harrowing treatment on Nauru: refugee advocates
The Human Rights Law Centre's director of legal advocacy, Daniel Webb, said the asylum seekers had "endured a horrific few months".
"They spent a month locked in a boat in the middle of the ocean and we really welcome the court's recognition that there are important untested questions about whether their treatment was legal," he said.
Mr Webb said the centre had "serious concerns" about the health of its clients, including an estimated 50 children who were on board the Customs vessel.
"Now they find themselves languishing in detention on a remote Pacific Island," he said.
"Our clients are ... very uncertain about what their future holds and they've been very uncertain throughout this whole ordeal.
"The way that our clients have been treated would be harrowing for anyone. I think it's particularly harrowing for children."
Topics: refugees, immigration, community-and-society, law-crime-and-justice, courts-and-trials, nauru, wa, australia, asia
First posted


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School Park Garden 2019
Garden Box Lease Renewal
Returning Members Only
Complete the following fields to renew your garden box lease through 2019.
All fields must be filled in.
Lease fee through the end of 2019 is $75.00, plus a $2.50 transaction fee for online payments.
First Name
Last Name
Phone Number
Alternate Phone
Mailing Address
Zip Code
Garden Bed #
- if you had multiple, enter the one you most wish to keep
Please check the boxes below to indicate that you have read and agree to the statements.
I have read and I agree to the Garden Rules and Regulations (
available here
I have read and agree to the Placer Land Trust Release from Liability form (
available here
I agree to meet my required 8 hours of volunteer time in support of the overall School Park Garden.
By typing your name and the current date below, you are electronically signing the documents referenced above.
Click below to save your application information and proceed to the payment page.
A payment of $75.00 plus $2.50 online payment fee is required to submit your application.
To accept payment, you will be redirected to the site "squareup.com" where all major credit cards are accepted.
On your bank or credit card statement, you will see a transaction labeled "SQ *SCHOOL PARK COMMUNITY GARDEN gosq.com" or an abbreviation of that.
After you complete the checkout process, you will be returned to "auburnartscommission.com" where you will see a "Thank You" page with a summary of your application.
Your application is not complete until payment is submitted and you see our "Thank You" page acknowledging completion of your application.
Please only click the button once.
It may take a few seconds for the Payment page to load.


text: Activists of Swadeshi Jagaran Manch, a Hindu right-wing organization, shout slogans against China during a protest in New Delhi on July 4. They were protesting China's decision to suspend a Hindu pilgrimage to a site in Tibet following tensions between Indian and Chinese troops along the India-China border. Tsering Topgyal/AP hide caption toggle caption Tsering Topgyal/AP Parallels In A Remote Himalayan Corner, Tensions Rise Between India And China July 10, 2017 The area in dispute is a plateau where three countries — Bhutan, India, and China — converge. India and China have a complicated history of boundary disputes and fought a 1962 war near this stretch.


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Introducing Joanie Clothing; a relatively new brand on the UK vintage-inspired fashion scene. Stemming from a simple idea back in December 2015, they are now creating quite the buzz online.
Being a big fan of vintage repro – a style that makes up around 85% of my entire wardrobe – I often feel there aren't too many places that cater for this, so the appearance of Joanie Clothing made me pay attention from the start. Move over Lindy, there's a new kid in town!
On Monday night, I headed into Manchester after work to attend a wonderfully festive event hosted by Joanie Clothing. Based in the Norther Quarter, Sugar Junction is somewhere that the kids and I visit fairly regularly – I personally recommend the afternoon tea!
The vintage style tearoom was decorated beautifully, with trees, balloons and festive songs ringing through the air. I resisted the mulled wine and opted for an indulgent hot chocolate, presented in an adorable bone china cup and saucer.
Atsynibs were on hand to teach us all how to become masters of calligraphy. I've had a love affair with all things stationery-related since I can remember and envy those lucky people who've been gifted with elegant handwriting. Joyce taught me how to hold the pen correctly, how much ink to use, what techniques would produce the best outcome and so on.
I had a little practice and found myself concentrating intently. Once I was confident, I managed to make my very own gift tag. Small steps and all that jazz! Calligraphy is something that I've always admired yet never tried before and I found it surprisingly therapeutic. I did, however, manage to get ink all over myself, resembling a toddler. Classy, huh?
Browsing through the rails of clothing with my fellow bloggers, I found myself cooing over the stunning dresses, knitwear and accessories on offer. I've since made myself a
little long Joanie 'Wish List'; are you listening Santa?
(Click on the headings to see each item)
Uma Rose Gold Sequin Dress
I wish I'd have been a little bit braver, gone against the cliche white dress and worn something like this sequined beauty for our NYC wedding a couple of months ago.
Zooey Floral Collar Dress
This dress is perfect for day or night wear and I adore the slightly folky feel. (Plus it's my favourite colour!)
Carolina High Waist Skirt
Every girl needs at least one staple black circle skirt in her wardrobe, right?
I managed to grab myself a turkey and stuffing sandwich and a mince pie before reluctantly heading home – I may have whispered a secret goodbye to the dresses on my way out.
Lucie snaffled the glittery socks from my awesome Joanie goodie bag about five minutes after I opened it so I may have to replace those soon (AKA an excuse to indulge in more shopping).
I was also lucky enough to get a sneak preview of the new collection that will be arriving at Joanie Clothing HQ soon and oh my! You guys are in for a treat. I now have my eye on a beautiful black jacquard dress with a pearl collar, a beret, a striped circle skirt and some cat print goodies! (As a self-proclaimed cat lady, this particular range got me more excited than it probably should have)
Are you a #joaniegal yet?
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One of the reasons Marnie and I sent out Save the Dates for our wedding was to allow our guests to sort out accommodation, flights, and everything else between in time for the trip. Now sure, you'd think a year is a lot of time but as our wedding is happening during Spring Break AND happens to be at a popular destination, time is of the essence.
How to Get to Maui
You've got two choices – boat or plane. Making that assumption that most of you will be flying in to Maui, there are a couple of things to consider.
First of all – Maui doesn't have a US Customs facility to process inbound international passengers. What this means is you either need to come direct from a US port of call or through Vancouver (YVR), Calgary (YYC) or Edmonton (YEG) airports as they have US pre-clearance available.
Secondly, as most of our guests will be coming from Canada, Marnie and I will be securing a 10% discount code through WestJet shortly for our wedding guests. Having checked out the options through Air Canada, as well as Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines, we think WestJet provides us the best means to get to where we want to go for good value. So wherever you may be joining us from, we recommend checking out the different fare options available to you as nearly every major airport on the along the west coast can get you to Maui direct or through Honolulu.
Where to Stay
For each of our trips, Marnie and I have booked a condo at the Kamaole Sands Condominium Resort (as seen below) in Kihei – and a location close to our wedding venue – through Vacation Rentals By Owner (VRBO). This particular resort has beautiful lawns and gardens, a great pool and hot tub area, tennis courts and several BBQ areas, so for someone thinking of making it a vacation you'd probably find this place perfect.
Regardless of your choice for location, we do encourage you to use VRBO to search for a place to stay. While the island has many great hotels, our wedding is during the high season and the best rate we could get at a reasonable location was $266/night – and that was the wedding rate!
How to Get Around
Rental cars shouldn't be an issue for most, though we do recommend looking into booking yours sooner rather than later.
We've gone with a mainstream company in the past, this time around we've decided to go with Kihei Rent A Car. While their cars are not the latest and greatest, the company is a local, family run business that has excellent reviews – they also provide free airport transfers as well. Making the choice even easier is that we all get a 10% discount off their regular prices (which are already significantly lower than the mainstream companies) should 5 or more of us commit. To get yourself included with that discount, you just have to mention that you are with Marnie Greenfield and they will do the rest once we get enough bookings.
The other option for you is to rely on taxi and/or transit. While Maui Bus is affordable and will get you between most destinations you'll need to visit, you're obviously tied to set schedules. And sure taxi can get you wherever you want to go (for the most part), the island of Maui is not the tiniest of places so you'll find that taxi fares will add up over time – and probably be more expensive than the same cost to rent a car.
So there you have it. The nitty gritty on what you need to start thinking about if you're looking to join us. If you still need any help, please reach out to us via the normal channels or the "Contact Us" page above.


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By Tom Brennan
The battle of contradictions, threats and propaganda in issues from the Temple Mount to building in Jerusalem is under way.Reading between the lines is essential to countering the propaganda from the Palestinian Authority and Christians can guide others through the claims against Israel to learning the truth.
Winston Churchill is reputed to have said "it is better to jaw-jaw than to war-war". Prior to the First World War it was a practice of kings and emperors to declare war on other nations to gain territory, to add the other kingdom to their realm or to force it to become a tribute nation. The enormous scale and death toll of the 1914-18 conflagration took everyone by surprise at the devastation the collision of old line alliances and secret treaties had caused. The League of Nations was put forth as a preventative measure and failed. But the move to talk out and reach peaceable resolutions to hostile moves took hold gradually. The Second World War was based on a mixture of aggressive dictators and megalomaniacs and economics. The current United Nations is the result from that conflict.
Israel has been under attack from the day of its birth. The Muslim nations on its borders have repeatedly attacked and been defeated until the governments of Egypt and Jordan signed treaties that have proved beneficial to all the signatories. Today Israel's closest enemies are within its own landscape or under it. Hezbollah and Hamas use the Palestinian Authority to constantly attack and murder innocent citizens. A slanted and perverted media casts the murderers as victims. Despite repeated ceasefires in Gaza, the Palestinian Authority continues to promote terrorist acts of mindless violence, mob riots and disturbances in Jerusalem and its neighborhoods.
On one hand Hamas prepares for the next attacks, on the other Mr. Abbas pleads for the world to rebuild the Gaza infrastructure that will once again become the battleground when the rockets are launched and the tunnels spew their murderers. Egypt has begun to clear a corridor along the Gaza frontier to better defend its Sinai area from the same attacks that Hamas has launched against Israel. Homes and other structures have been leveled by Egypt with little or no notice from a media that declares Israel an aggressor on a regular basis.
King Abdullah has stated publicly that Jordan cannot abide by the closing of the Temple Mount or any new building in East Jerusalem. A celebration of the 20th anniversary of the treaty between the two former enemies has been cancelled. However it is important to note that the King has also talked privately with PM Netanyahu and the two sides have agreed on most issues so far. Jordan and Egypt stand apart as Muslim nation which openly trade and work with Israel. They both have internal groups which have allegiance to Muslim extremist factions. A degree of Muslim solidarity must be maintained in public to deter any large scale action as The Caliphate continues to advance and attract adherents and recruits. In short the double-talk in this case "keeps the lid on" in Cairo and Amman.
The Temple Mount continues to be a focal point of violence and internal strife. Historically Muslims have denied any Jewish connection with this universal holy place. It is considered a place of Muslim worship second only to Mecca and no Jew can set foot on it or pray there. Unfortunately archaeological evidence overwhelms this approach and even the illegal excavations by the Waqf have uncovered artifacts from even Solomon's time. Violence, mobs and defacing of the site have moved the Israeli police to close access to the shrine several times and further arouse the tempers of Muslims. Internal protests from Jews who want full access to the site does not help a great deal. PM Netanyahu deals with Abbas and inflammatory statements from Muslim factions and Jewish Temple activists on a daily basis.
Perhaps the constant contradictory behavior of the Palestinian Authority is intentional. Confusion is an effective weapon in a world where the media is quick to latch on to any story, video or statement from an official in the Authority that puts Israel in a poor view. A constant stream of words is a good weapon while Hamas rebuilds its tunnels and reloads its rocket launchers.
Christian supporters of Israel must be ready to respond when the media, national or local, publishes stories that take any declarations by Mr. Abbas or Hamas at face value. Rarely does the media allow Israel to state its position. Hamas uses sensationalism, outright lies and staged demonstrations where police or security officers are compelled to take action to provoke scenes that are manipulated into sympathy for the perpetrators.
Calling, writing or social media venues are effective in prodding media and public officials into giving a voice to Israel as she defends herself and her citizens. As a war of words is under way, countering words with truth about Israel can sway opinions and change hearts and minds.Share this page with your friends
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The Empty TombQUESTION: The empty tomb - Was it really empty?
The empty tomb was a subject especially noted by the Apostle John. In the 20th chapter of his account, John describes himself as the "other disciple" who ran ahead of Peter and reached the tomb first. Looking in, John saw "the strips of linen lying there" which had been the wrappings of Jesus' dead body (John 20:6). He describes, also, that the burial cloth which had been around Jesus' head was "folded up by itself, separate from the linen" (John 20:7).
John's description of the empty tomb gives details that are evidence of an eyewitness account. These were details that convinced John, himself, because he explains that "He saw and believed" (John 20:8). The small detail of the face cloth lying separate and folded implies the recognition of a deliberate, careful action. Inasmuch as Christ's body received life, He awoke and deliberately removed the cloth, folded it, and set it aside. John, the beloved disciple, recognized the simple details and thought them worthy of specific report.
Was the tomb entirely empty? No! Evidence remained of a living Christ, a risen Lord. The significance extends further, yet. Because the tomb was empty and Christ was raised to life in the body, believers count on the promise of a like glorious body. "Who by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body" (Philippians 3:21).
A body that defeats death and the curse of death is the inheritance of every believer. "And if the Spirit of him who raised Christ from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who lives in you" (Romans 8:11). The completion of salvation through Jesus Christ is to be saved entirely, so that even the body is immortal through "the power of an indestructible life" (Hebrews 7:16, 25). Even now, "we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies" (Romans 8:23).
Was the tomb really empty? No! It held the evidence of life from the dead - the hope of every believer. In that hope the Christian lives each day, though he may experience trials and hardship. Paul said, "We always carry about in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may be revealed in our body" (2 Corinthians 4:10). Even now the believer is being prepared for heaven in the hope of eternal life.
WHAT DO YOU THINK? - We have all sinned and deserve God's judgment. God, the Father, sent His only Son to satisfy that judgment for those who believe in Him. Jesus, the creator and eternal Son of God, who lived a sinless life, loves us so much that He died for our sins, taking the punishment that we deserve, was buried, and rose from the dead according to the Bible. If you truly believe and trust this in your heart, receiving Jesus alone as your Savior, declaring, "Jesus is Lord," you will be saved from judgment and spend eternity with God in heaven.
What is your response?
Yes, today I am deciding to follow Jesus
Yes, I am already a follower of Jesus
I still have questions
What is your response?
Yes, today I am deciding to follow Jesus
Yes, I am already a follower of Jesus
I still have questions


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Parent Post
The other tendency this season are the opposite design methods – using high-tech innovations of materials and surfaces the designers create large and massive volumes with shining surfaces and simple shapes. Here we can also observe the presence of wooden elements, but in those cases, they are used more as additions and artistic details not as a leading material selection. Dark colors and contrast are also eminent. The kitchen designs by Mina and bulthaup are a wonderful representation of this trend.
Two-toned kitchens and warm natural selections – like clay, copper, gold, henna, and ginger are becoming a hot choice selection for next season. Nature influence and reflections in coloring may be expected to have a strong stand next season – from the terracotta colored soil up to the green hues of the wilderness. There are signs that for the third year in a row the dark hues and tonalities will have a significant presence in the modern kicked color palette.
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Objective of this activity
To create a blog with at least 2 posts, each with text and image(s)
Creating a Blog: For beginners, watch the following videoclip before getting started
Source: Blogger Help. (2009, December 06). How to create a blog with Blogger [video file]. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BnploFsS_tY
Useful resources
- Find out what is a "blog" from wikipedia: Blog
- Blog in Plain English
- Blogger: http://www.blogger.com/
- Click HERE to access Blogger's Help Page
Your Task 1
1. Create a blog, name it "My Journey begins... @ SST"
2. There should be two posts to this blog:
(a) In one of the post, insert an image that is representative of your feelings and reactions when you received the letter that confirms your posting to SST. Share why you choose this picture to represent your feelings and reactions.
- Cite your image if you are not the owner of the photograph/image.
- Do not post your photograph in the blog.
(b) In another post, describe your experience in creatng this blog. Also, suggest how blogging can be part of your learning experience in SST.
3. Email your blog address to email@example.com . Sign off the email with your full name.
Something to ponder...
- How to change the order of the posts? (e.g. to move the latest post to the bottom of the page)
- How to allow visitors to comment on one post but not the other?
- How do we decide to let visitors to comment or not to comment at a particular post?
- How many account(s) is/are required if a blog is required for each subject?
If you need to clarify anything about this task, or need help to complete the above, enter the questions under "COMMENTS". Remember to sign off with your name so that we can respond accordingly. Anonymous questions will not be entertained.


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|HOME | McCaw Hall | Timelines | Events
Behind the scenes with interior designer Deborah Sussman
Sunday, June 22, 2003
By Melinda Bargreen
Who she is: It's Deborah Sussman, a principal of Sussman/Prejza and Co. of Culver City, Calif., a well-established designer and a pioneer of "environmental graphic design." She took up the challenge of creating McCaw Hall interiors at the request of LMN, the architectural firm designing the hall.
"They wanted an interior that was dramatic. They were interested in color," Sussman says.
How she did it: "I responded to the quality of light in Seattle. The lobby faces sunset. I thought about those colors, and also about the time when I flew through the aurora borealis. Northern colors aren't all gray and brown."
The vertical walls of the lobbies have "striations or bands of colors you get in the sunset," Sussman says, "and the shimmer of rain and wet surfaces is reflected in the design of the carpet and the terrazzo tile. The carpet, which is dark wine, carries out in its design the idea of water droplets and rivulets after the rain. The upper lobby walls are also reflective; they change color as you walk by."
Sussman sees the whole building as one space, which gradates in color from bottom (reddish tones) to top (purple).
Inside the auditorium, warmer tones in the back of the house change to cooler shades toward the stage, outlined in obsidian (near-black). Emerald tones are reflected in the seat coverings. And on the ceiling, lights will be projected in a further "northern lights" metaphor, with reds, greens, blues and purple.
Sussman selected 116 wall finishes: 99 colors of paint and 17 others (fabrics, plaster, metal leaf). The number of paint colors was ultimately reduced to 75, to save costs.
When Sussman presented her color palettes to the architects, the artistic directors (of Seattle Opera and Pacific Northwest Ballet) and the Seattle Center administrators, there was not instant jubilation.
"Yes, there were some things they didn't like," she says. "It happens! But the client and we were pretty much on the same pages. There were many, many people deciding, including board members, and (donor) Susan Brotman, whose name is on the auditorium. Everyone was in on the process, which brought in a certain level of intensity. These colors are definitely a stretch, in that environment. But everyone was very open."
Her background: How do you get to be the person who "finds the DNA of a project that leads to a color concept"?
In Sussman's case, you major in painting and acting at Bard College and go on to the Design Institute of Chicago. You study art and performance with Merce Cunningham and John Cage. You join the office of design legends Charles and Ray Eames, and win a Fulbright grant. Your project for the Los Angeles County Museum of Art brings you to the notice of architects. The firm Sussman started in 1972 with her husband, Paul Prejza, now employs 30.
Does she think the McCaw Hall colors will be controversial?
"I hope they create a sense of excitement," says Sussman, who will be here for the opening. "There's nothing wrong with taupe and beige. But in an opera house, there is so much more you can do.
"There are millions of colors. Picking the right ones is a challenge I just love."
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Jen Musatto
Plush Art DoLLz with a Heart
Jen Musatto
Saturday, July 17, 2010
custom couple- made to order
My friend asked me to make a set of dollz for her brother and sister inlaw. I think they turned out pretty good. I had a thought....these sets would make great wedding gifts. So, if you know anyone getting married or a couple who's planning on getting married, or just a couple let them know about these sets. Pass it on!
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Thank you for visiting! Please consider filling out our questionnaire. This will help us improve our service providing free educational media recorded from the University of Oxford. Many thanks!
Click here to access the survey (3 minutes to complete).
The fat(tened) American: Between consumption, disgust, and animality
Chris Forth gives a talk for the UBVO Seminar series on 26th October 2015.
Oxford Unit:


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Title : 7th Saga
Publisher : Enix
Genre : RPG
Players : 1 / 2 Player
Release Date : 1993
Estimated Value (as of today's date) : $15-$20
Ah, 16-bit RPG's. I don't think there was ever anything better to indulge myself with as a 10 year old kid. In case you didn't realize, or you don't remember from my earlier posts, RPG's were my thing growing up. I craved them. Thirsted for them. Desired them. NEEDED THEM. Aghhh!!! Even now, RPG's are my obsession. I'm currently breezing my way through BRAVELY DEFAULT for the DS, and boy does it bring back some awesome memories of a company that I loved, then hated, and now am beginning to love again.
When you think RPG's during the 16-bit era, and hell, even know, two publishers come to mind. Squaresoft, and Enix. And as you very well know, these companies merged to form one EPIC RPG making machine now called SquareEnix. These were the RPG kings of their time, and it's seemingly impossible to dethrone them. You could say that their success rate with RPG's is two good, for every one bad.
In the 16-bit era, we had our fair share of "odd' RPG's, and 7th Saga is considered to be one of them. It wasn't a hit. But it wasn't a monstrosity either. In fact, this is sort of one of those cult classic RPG games that you either loved or hated.
For me, it was that very love-hate relationship that makes me remember playing this game as if it were yesterday. The first time I played 7th Saga, one of my very good friends (who I am still friends with today!) let me borrow it. I played it for at least a week before I was able to beat it. One thing that I remember looking back at this game, was that it was probably one of the most difficult RPG's I had ever played. Everything seemed to be capable of kicking your arse, no matter how many levels you forced yourself to grind.
To kick things off, 7th Saga has a pretty unique story line. The thing is, each character is looking for seven runes, which you can find by using a crystal ball that has been given to you by King Lemele. Now King Lemele needs to ensure that these runes are safe in fear of resurrecting an evil being known as Gorsia, who was once defeated by someone named Saro. Okay, okay. The story is complex, and there are a lot of twists by the time you get to the end, so I'll just leave it at that.
The RPG mechanic is a little different than a traditional RPG. You don't have yourself a full party like most RPG's. Instead you choose one character at the start of the game, and you are given the opportunity to join up with those same characters when you encounter them. Either that, or you can battle them.
Typically, I chose the Human Warrior (because he was the most well rounded), and paired him with the robot guy. That robot guy was insanely strong, and was typically the only reason I survived any battles hahaha. All the rest, I just kicked their arses.
As any good RPG would have, there's a few different game segments. You've got your "towns" where you buy equipment, talk to NPC's to gather information, and basically take a breather to learn more about the story or where you need to go next. Towns are never huge in this game, unlike some other RPG's and they aren't as extensive in terms of who you can talk to.
Last, but not least, is your battle screen. You'll be seeing a lot of this screen throughout your travels and it will be destroying you. Now this was something you didn't see every day though. The battle-screen shifts from the overworld view to a MODE 7 view (more about MODE 7 to come in a later blog entry I'm writing).
The thing about battles....well, how do I explain. THEY ARE HARD. And I'm talking INSANELY hard. As in I didn't even survive my first battle hard. This game is all about grinding, and you are going to have to do a lot of it. One of the most annoying things is when you encounter one of the other characters in the game, they are always the same level as you no matter what. But that's not the only thing. Their stats are a LOT higher than yours, so they are ALWAYS better than you no matter what. Good luck beating em, you're going to need it.
Visually, the game is alright. It's a little "boxy" for my taste, and everything seems stiff in the overworld and towns. Battle sequences are a lot of fun though, as hard as they may be. To make up for the shoddy graphics, you've got a killer sound track in this game. But it's hard not to expect anything less as ENIX was known for their amazing RPG music, just like Squaresoft. Another reason why SquareEnix is Epic.
The game wasn't a hit in the US, but it wasn't a complete disaster. A lot of people were frustrated by the difficulty of the game, and I really don't blame them. But if you have the patience for all night grind sessions for leveling, and are intrigued by the story, you won't be disappointed. The game becomes a bit addictive as you just need to beat those other characters to those runes.
Especially that demon. He's just a big jerk. Meanie......
Until next time. Keep on gaming!


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Techland in collaboration with Shortbreak Studios announced an upcoming mobile game - Hellraid: The Escape, for iPhone and iPad.
Hellraid: The Escape Trailer
The action of the mobile version will unfold in the universe of Hellraid. You'll have to escape from prison by solving puzzles and outwit the demons. The game will be released in the App Store on May 15, 2014.
What do you think about Hellraid: The Escape? Please, leave your comments in the section below.
Share this article with your friends:


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Skatingpen wrote:Take it for what it is worth, Madden said the way the pens are treating Sprong is personal, it is more than just his play on the ice
Madden has mentioned this before- That Sprong is a weird kid who marches to the beat of his own drum and doesn't really embrace the team ethic.
Maybe when the Pens constantly say that he needs to work on his "all-around" game, it's code for "we think he's a bit of an immature brat and we don't want that element in the room."
But then that seems hypocritical, considering that the team has clearly indulged (and rightly so) a talented player with a similar "character" knock against him- Phil Kessel.


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The UNM Global Education Office and the Study Abroad Health & Safety Committee present a program for faculty interested in leading programs abroad on Wednesday, Sept. 19, from 3-4:30 p.m. in Mitchell Hall room 104.
Each year about 30 UNM instructors take students abroad for international study programs to many countries and in many fields of study. They are sometimes the first experience our students have outside the United States and often lead to other international experiences and future careers. Many students consider them life-changing events. UNM has committed to expanding the number of international opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students, and is seeking faculty to be program leaders.
This workshop is open to all UNM faculty, especially those interested in developing and leading new international programs for students. Presenters are staff of the Global Education Office and a panel of experienced UNM faculty-led program leaders.
Topics include:
• Creating program themes and curriculum
• Preparing a budget
• Developing academic standards
• Building-in cultural immersion
• Applying for UNM program support funding
• Recruiting and selecting students
• UNM faculty-led trip policies
• Developing pre-departure orientation
• Maintaining best practices in health and safety
• Program evaluation
For more information, contact Ken Carpenter, Global Education Office, or call 505-277-4032.
Media contact: Carolyn Gonzales (505) 277-5920; email: firstname.lastname@example.com


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I am a researcher in the Systems and Networking
Group of the Microsoft Research
Lab in Cambridge. I also hold a position as senior research investigator with the Department of Computing of
Imperial College London.
In the past, I had been a research faculty at Imperial College London and I had been a Postdoctoral Researcher in the Computer Systems group at Vrije
Universiteit Amsterdam. I hold a M. Sc. and Ph.D. degree in Computer Engineering from the Politecnico di
I am an experimental computer scientist. I validated my ideas through
prototypes to understand, model, and verify observations. My research
interests lie at the intersection of distributed systems and
networking with particular emphasis on large-scale networked
systems, ranging from sensor and mobile networks to overlay
networks and data centers.
In the past, among other things, I have been working on the CamCube and Predictable Datacenters projects, aiming to providing a better integration and synergy between applications and networks in data centers to improve performance and reduce complexity. More details can be found here.
My current research investigates how to improve data center networks through a deep rethinking of the way these networks are built and operated, leveraging the availability of new hardware technologies such as systems-on-chip (SoCs), distributed switching fabrics, and optical networks. More information can be found on the website of the Rack-scale Computing project.
I'm supervising the following student (started in October 2012):
I am co-chairing or I have co-chaired the following events:
I am or have been on the Program Committee of the following events:
I have been a reviewer for the following scientific journals:
Currently, I am mostly working on the following projects:


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Episode 183 – Is Microsoft Trying to Ruin PC Gaming?
This week, Jordan, Rob, and Dylan are joined by Our Alex to talk about Microsoft's controversial Universal Windows Platform
This week, Jordan, Rob, and Dylan are joined by Our Alex to talk about Microsoft's controversial Universal Windows Platform
This week Rob and Jordan are joined by Kevin to talk roleplaying games!
Betas: are they still useful? Are they even really Betas anymore?
We are at it again and Mark Is becoming much less irregular!
Lets throw verbal tomatoes at existing video game movies and hope for something better with Michael Fassbender's Assassin's Creed flick.
This week, Jordan dives into Rogue Legacy, Rob takes a stab at World Axis VR on the Oculus, and Dylan gives his impression of Tom Clancy's The Division Beta! After that, we talk indie games
It's time for the Game Out Loud Podcast! This week the gents decide to take a trip down memory lane and talk about past delights that you don't see anymore
Due to technical issues the guys had to record twice this week! Needless to say, this one is a bit weird.
Home VR is on the way to our homes as we speak! Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, Playstation VR are all setting up to release this year and the Game Out Loud crew have opinions on this!
It's time to have a conversation about Dialogue!
This week is all about Star Wars The Force Awakens!
This is Game of The Year 2015!
This week Dylan is living it up in the STL so it's up to Rob and Jordan to keep the 2015 Year in Review on track!
Colin Cooper is out of the hospital after his accident and he is here to talk about The Video Game Awards, PlayStation Experience, Just Cause 3 and Rainbow Six Siege!
This week we talk about the rise, the fall, and the revitalization of the FPS genre.
Getting more of your favorite games because they come out more often. Sounds like a dream right?
This week is Fallout 4 Week 1.
After 7 long years it has finally happened. Fallout 4 has arrived!
Its Halloween 2015 and instead of going out to get candy, we are here recording a podcast!
Remember, It's Game Time 2015
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Bringing farmers' options to farmers' fields in the East Africa Highlands
AccessibilityOpen Access
MetadataShow full item record
Amede, T. 2012. Bringing farmers' options to farmers' fields in the East Africa Highlands. Video. Nairobi, Kenya: ILRI.
Permanent link to cite or share this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10568/16918
External link to download this item: http://youtu.be/7bOrMgFZ8-s
In this video interview, Tilahun Amede of ILRI and IWMI introduces a new book 'Integrated natural resource management in the highlands of East Africa.' The book captures learning by farmers and researchers on NRM research - how to do it; what institutional mechanisms and arrangements are needed for NRM to work for farmers. He emphasizes that NRM, including watershed management goes beyond hydrological boundaries - the social boundaries and networks around specific landscapes are the important ones. Further, farmers need to be brought into planning and decisions by researchers and policy makers. The evidence the book reports on was 'generated with farmers' ... so the researchers were actually bringing farmers' options to farmers' fields. More information on the book is at http://nilebdc.org/2012/01/04/integrated-natural-resource-management-in-the-highlands-of-eastern-africa


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Ang Lee ("Brokeback Mountain," "The Ice Storm") is in talks to direct the film version of Yann Martel's Booker Prize-winning novel "Life of Pi" for Fox 2000 reports Variety.
The coming-of-age story revolves around a youth who is the lone survivor of a sunken freighter and winds up sharing a lifeboat with a hyena, an injured zebra, an orangutan and a hungry Bengal tiger.
Dean Georgaris, M. Night Shyamalan and Jean-Pierre Jeunet have previously been attached to the project during its development stage.
Lee will supervise a new script and the studio will hire a writer shortly. Gil Netter is producing.


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Sometimes I kind of forget that people read this blog other than people who know me in real life. Every now and then the reality of the Interwebs kicks in and I am reminded that indeed all the dumb things I write are available to people all over the world. I try not to think about it too much though, wouldn't want to self-censure.
Once a woman in Australia wanted to buy the vintage Rainbow Bright sheets I use as curtains in Vivian's room. I politely declined.
Another time, a woman in Australia wanted some of the Sarah Richardson paint chips, which I happily mailed to her. (Apparently I'm big in Australia.)
Someone in England bought one of my old purses.
Someone else has tried to purchase a pair of my shoes. (This was possibly a creep.)
Someone in Toronto wanted to buy my vintage Air Canada bag. Again I had to politely decline, but I keep my eye out for one for her.
The most recent instance of the Interwebs reaching out to me came just yesterday, when a lovely woman commented on my blog post about the CFPL Radio Print series, which I have begun collecting. Her mother has passed away, and she's trying to clear out some of the smaller items. She Googled the prints to see if they had any value, and came across my blog about them. She was kind enough to comment asking if I would be interested in any of them, and of course I was happy to accept! She had prints of the Country Courthouse, Middlsex College, Eldon House, and St. Peter's Basilica. The Basilica was the only one I hadn't yet found, so I stopped by her place today after work to retrieve it. I was thrilled to add it to my collection, and she was pleased it was going to a happy home. Hooray for nice things on the Internet!
Tuesday, 12 January 2016
Nice Things on the Internet
Posted by Ashlie Hawkins at 19:31
2 comments:
- Jenn said...
Hey, me again! I just got a booth at Memory Lane today and I'm trying to do some networking before I unveil it. I started a blog, feel free to check it out if you're inclined. Also wanted to drop some more internet camaraderie from a stranger. I enjoy reading your posts on antiquing. It's nice to know that other people have weird little obsessions too.
- 28 March 2016 at 05:20
- Ashlie Hawkins said...
Aww, it's so nice to "meet" you, Jenn! I'll have to check out your blog and booth at Memory Lane the next time I'm there!
- 18 April 2016 at 20:38
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I've had maybe 5 out of my 1,500+ sales use the coupon that I include with every order. Right now I offer 20% an order of $15 or more, and in the past I've also offered $5 off $15 and 10% off your entire order. None of these have worked. What kind of coupon would you want in your order, what coupon would entice you to actually return to the shop and use it?
Posted by kate gabrielle at 2:20 PM


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Peak ca 5,900m. Goetz Wiegland led a six-member German team to attempt Norbu Kang (6,005m), a peak added to the permitted list in 2002 and first climbed a year later by Tamotsu Ohnishi's Japanese expedition, by the north face from a col west of the summit. The Germans approached from the Juphal airport, via the Tarap Khola Valley to Dho, northeast of the mountain. They tried to approach Norbu Kang from a valley to its east but were told by local people that passage was blocked by landslides. They retreated to Dho, trekked northwest to Tokyu, and moved south up a valley to camp at 5,200m. Next day, July 6, Sabine Langer, Bernd Voigtlaen- der, and Wiegland walked a short distance to what they believed to be Norbu Kang and climbed the northeast face to 5,600m, where they moved left to gain the east ridge, following the crest to the summit. However, from the summit they saw, 4-5km to the south, a mountain that was 100-150m higher. They believe that this was Norbu Kang and that their summit was ca 5,900m in height. They descended the east ridge to their camp but had no time to attempt the other mountain.
Lindsay Griffin, Mountain INFO, Elizabeth Hawley, AAC Honorary Member, Nepal, and
Richard Salisbury, The Himalayan Database


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Peer-Reviewed Publications
Found 2 resultsTitle
Filters: First Letter Of Title is A and Author is Jacobsohn, Lela [Clear All Filters]
Adult-supervised practice driving for adolescent learners: The current state and directions for interventions." J Safety Res. 2012;43(1):21-8."
Adolescent Drivers' Perceptions of the Advantages and Disadvantages of Abstention from In-vehicle Cell Phone Use." Accident Analysis & Prevention. 2010;42(6):1570-76."


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Forged from Fire
Forged from Fire tells the story of how an Australian and international community of blacksmiths, welders, artists and volunteers responded to the devastating Black Saturday bush-fires by creating perhaps the most ambitious public artwork and memorial in Australia – a three tonne, 9.8 meter tall stainless steel and copper gum tree – The Blacksmiths' Tree.
On Black Saturday, 7 February 2009, townships north-east of Melbourne were threatened by firestorms. Considered Australia's worst ever natural disaster it resulted in the highest loss of life and injuries from a bushfire in Australia. The conditions in which the fires were ignited and burnt were extreme. After the horror of immediate losses, people had naturally embarked on various journeys of repair and recovery. The Blacksmiths' Tree was one of them.
Production status
It's taken over five years to shoot this film. Now we need to complete it. Join our efforts to complete Forged from Fire by making a tax-deductible donation. We need some follow-up interviews and the time to edit our story into a feature length film, around 75 minutes all up.
- Writer / Director – Andrew Garton
- Director of Photography – Mike Wilkin
- Music – Invention in Time, Charles Brown, Neatly Folded Goat
- Aerial footage courtesy of I-Drone, Brett Chilton and Michael Prinzi
- Archival footage courtesy of Warwick Page, Quentin Fogarty and Quotable Productions
- Time-lapse footage courtesy of Barry Thomas


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Yoga therefore is considered therapeutic. It helps you become more aware of your body's posture, alignment and patterns of movement. It makes the body more flexible and helps you relax even in the midst of a stress stricken environment.
This is one of the foremost reasons why people want to start practicing Yoga – to feel fitter, be more energetic, be happier and peaceful.
Yoga has been practiced for thousands of years. It consists of ancient theories, observations and principles about the mind and body connection which is now being recognised by modern medicine. Substantial research has been conducted to look at the health benefits of Yoga – from the Yoga Postures (Asanas), Yoga Breathing (Pranayama), and Meditation.
The information on Yoga Poses & Benefits are grouped into three categories – physiological, psychological and biochemical effects.
Beginner through to Advanced classes are available at Your Health Hub.
Individual Yoga Therapy is also available upon booking.


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TNL Interviews Dena Garson
Why Did You Choose to Selfpublish Instead of Taking The Traditional Route?
Actually, I've experienced publishing with a medium press and enjoyed it, but wanted to give self-publishing a try. I think it gives you an insider view of what goes on behind the scenes.
Did You Set Out To Become an Author as Your Main Profession?
No, I didn't. And actually I still have a day-job as a Process Improvement Consultant. I think my writing and my other creative outlets help keep me sane.
Which Authors Have Inspired You The Most?
Obviously all of the female writers who came before us laid the foundations - Jane Austin and the Bronte sisters, to name a few. But more recently, I love what Karen Marie Moning brings in life in her characters and I love the humor that Julia Quinn adds to her stories.
Tell Us About Something You've Written.
Risky Business was originally a short story. An editor I had at Ellora's Cave encouraged me to expand it into a novella so I did. It's a workplace romance where two people, who avoided their attraction to each other for far too long, end up pulled together over a stupid bet.
What Is Your Favorite Part of This Book, and Why Do You Think Readers Will Enjoy It?
I love where Mia's friends rally around her when they learn of the bet about her and back her up when she goes to resolve the problem.
Where Do You See Self-Publishing Going In The Future?
I think self-publishing is only going to get bigger. Now that the genie I out of the bottle (so to speak) and it's becoming more acceptable I think we'll see more and more of the traditional pub authors making the leap.
Who Designed Your Cover Art?
Fiona Jayde - she's AWESOME! You can find her at http://fionajaydemedia.com/
-- Readers, you can find Risky Business and all of Dena's work and more at her website: http://www.denagarson.com/risky-business.html
5/26/2015 05:47:42 am
Thanks for the interview!
5/26/2015 11:35:16 pm
Leave a Reply.
March 2017


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ColorBox Creative Cards are easy and fun foundations to create paper crafts. You can simply spray, distress or stamping on the preprinted cards, then decorate with embellishments. Izink is acrylic based pigment ink and acid free.
To create the first card, use ColorBox® Art Daubers and ColorBox Archival Dye Ink to distress the Creative Card as the card base. Create watercolor effect on a piece of watercolor paper as the center panel with Izink inks and water mixture. Stencil the patterns using ColorBox Art Screens and Art Dauber over the watercolored paper. Stamp the sentiment using Mix'd Media Inx™ Inkpad, and distress the die cut hearts with ColorBox Archival Dye Ink. Assemble the layers with glue, and attach the embellishments with Foam Square.
Use the same method to create the background, layers and sentiment on the second card. Stamp the bike image with Mix'd Media Inx and emboss it with Mix'd Media Inx™ Embossing Powder and a heat tool.
I hope you like my cards, and use these fun ColorBox® Creative Cards and Izink - Distributed by Clearsnap® on your next project.
The next project is a handmade cuff featuring ColorBox Crafter's® by Ann Butler and ColorBox® Background Basics by Ann Butler.
The ColorBox Crafter's® inks are great for fabric, wood and more surfaces. For this project, I used the inks on the canvas fabric and leather cuff. To start this project, stamp the ColorBox® Background Basics Picnic pattern on the canvas fabric with ColorBox Crafter's® ink Aquamarine.
Heat set the pattern and apply the glaze paint to protect the pattern. Dry the glaze covered canvas fabric with a heat tool, and die cut the flower with Sizzix flower die on the fabric.
Stamp the cuff base with ColorBox Crafter's® ink Aquamarine and Rollagraph. Distress the edges of the cuff using the same ink.
Make a paper rose and cover it with embossing enamel. Layer and adhesive all the embellishments with the waterproof craft adhesive.
For more information about the Clearsnap products I used on these projects, check here.
I really appreciate that you stop by my blog. Hope you all have a great day and happy crafting!
Meihsia ^_^


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MADRID (Reuters) - Catalonia's former leader Carles Puigdemont will not become the Spanish region's chief again, government spokesman Inigo Mendez de Vigo said in an interview, adding that the government would continue to directly rule Catalonia as long as necessary.
"He won't be president," Mendez de Vigo, who is also minister of education, culture and sport, told Reuters in an interview.
Asked if Puigdemont could carry out with his plans to be elected Catalonia president remotely from Brussels and rule from there while the government continued to officially rule the country's wealthiest region, based on the article 155 of the constitution, he said:
"It won't happen. The only legitimacy is that of article 155.
Mendez de Vigo said that if the situation remained stuck as it is, there would be fresh regional elections in Catalonia. "This is not what we want but that's what will happen if they (nationalists) act outside the law."
Reporting by Ingrid Melander; Editing by Julien Toyer


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Oh Boy, it has been a while since I have blogged. This outfit was from a week ago and I just realized that I did not make a blog post for it. So here I am now.
I love the look of these pants specially for fall and winter. To my luck I found it at TJ Maxx and at a great price. This must be a staple in your closet specially during this time. There is so many ways of styling it that it makes it worth it. I just simply paired it with a lime green blouse that I had in my closet and some strap heels which are so in right now. Hope to bring you more post featuring these pants soon. Xo, Cari
Pants: TJ Maxx
Bag: JustFab
Blouse: romwe.com
heels: Fashion Q


text: I thought I was reaching saturation point on the silhouette trend, until I came across these supremely cool DIY wedding invitations made by one of my favorite bloggers, Tracie Egan, for her upcoming wedding in New York City. I love the hip sunglasses-wearing silhouette illustration paired with the ornate border design. Check out Tracie's blog for step-by-step instructions on making the entire invitation suite. —Lauren Matthews, editor, Brides New York


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Extract from the Domesday Book in relation to 'Bristelmestune' Click the image for full size version
Crown Copyright: Licensed image - The National Archives
Please note that this text is an extract from a reference work written in 1990. As a result, some of the content may not reflect recent research, changes and events.
f) HUNDREDS: Another important division of the county, from Saxon times until the nineteenth century, was the 'hundred', said to be based originally upon areas containing one hundred families. Hundred courts were held at regular intervals to dispense justice and to raise taxes, and all inhabitants were required annually on Easter Tuesday to attend a 'court-leet' where certain appointments and bye-laws were made.
In most instances the hundreds were composed of two or more parishes. In 1086 Brighton was recorded as being in Welesmere Hundred with Ovingdean and Rottingdean ; Falmer and Stanmer were in Falmer Hundred, and Patcham and Preston were included in Preston Hundred. Under Edward I, the Hundred of 'Whalesbone', probably a corruption of the 'Wellesbourne' stream, was created including Brighton, Hove , Patcham and West Blatchington ; Falmer , Ovingdean and Rottingdean were united into Younsmere Hundred, while Preston remained a hundred in itself. Several changes occurred throughout the following centuries; Preston and Hove were united into a single hundred in the mid sixteenth century, and Patcham parish alone became the Hundred of Dean in 1724. This left Whalesbone Hundred with the parishes of Brighton and West Blatchington only. Stanmer was an 'ecclesiastical peculiar', and was usually counted in the Hundred of Ringmer. Any remaining functions of the hundreds largely died out upon the incorporation of Brighton in 1854.
The most important hundred official was the high constable, who from 1285 was appointed exclusively for the town of Brighton. He was generally chosen by the 'Society of the Twelve' in the seventeenth century, but was later appointed by the justices upon the vestry's recommendation. His duties were numerous, concerned with maintaining law and order and managing parochial affairs with the church-wardens, and for many years the appointment was considered to be an onerous burden; after incorporation in 1854 the duties consisted simply of compiling a jury list, however. The last high constable was James Martin, who was appointed on 10 April 1855 and remained in office for nearly twenty years. The constable's staff of 1828 may be seen in Brighton Museum , and a list of incumbents exists back to 1589 {6}.
Assistants to the constable known as 'headboroughs' were also appointed at the court-leet. From the earliest times Brighton had two headboroughs, a sign that it was always a place of some importance.
Any numerical cross-references in the text above refer to resources in the Sources and Bibliography section of the Encyclopaedia of Brighton by Tim Carder.
My Brighton and Hove > http://www.mybrightonandhove.org.uk/
Designed and built by Community Sites


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Social, Non-Profit, Corporate and more...
I can't write anything that will do this couple justice. Just take a minute and watch, https://vimeo.com/185904716
customer retention and aquisition
Malibu Lumber Yard is a stunning retail and dining destination that reflects Malibu's effortless and unique lifestyle. Featuring warm, contemporary designs and a relaxed environment, Malibu Lumber Yard boasts highly sought and unique retailers James Perse, Intermix and Alice & Olivia.
festivals and celebrations
The Malibu Arts Festival promises to offer something for everyone. 45 years of incredible high-end art, 45 years of beauty, 45 years of a wonderful event - known world wide! Considered "one of the most beautiful outdoor art festivals in the nation," the Malibu Arts Festival features over 200 award-winning painters, sculptors, photographers, jewelers, and other unique artisans.
community relations
The City of Thousand Oaks hosted it's first ever open streets festival modeling the event around the Ciclovia's that are featured around the world. For one day only, 2 miles of the city was shut down for only bikes, scooters, strollers, any non-motorized transportation. Over 3,000 locals joined in, un-plugged and got back to basics, just being outside, riding their bikes and and creating new memories.


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Aston University History
Aston University is a public research university situated at Gosta Green, in the city centre of Birmingham, England. Aston began as the Birmingham Municipal Technical School in 1895, evolving into the UK's first College of Advanced Technology in 1956. Aston University received its royal charter from Queen Elizabeth II on 22 April 1966.
In 2016, Aston was ranked in the top 33 universities in the UK by all three major league tables, and also received recognition Times Higher Education for the second best teaching quality in the UK.Aston was ranked by QS as the 42nd best university in the world under 50 years old in 2015.
Aston pioneered the integrated placement year concept over 50 years ago,with more than 70% of Aston students taking a placement year, the highest percentage in the UK.
The origins of Aston University are a School of Metallurgy formed in the Birmingham and Midland Institute in 1875. The Birmingham Municipal Technical School separated from the Institute in 1895, teaching chemistry, physics, metallurgy and electrical engineering. In 1911, commercial classes were introduced and grew into an independent School of Commerce by 1916. The school changed its name in 1927 to the Birmingham Central Technical College, to reflect its changing approach to teaching technology.
In 1951, the Technical College was renamed the College of Technology, Birmingham and work began on the Main Building at Gosta Green. In 1956, it became the first elite designated College of Advanced Technology and underwent a major expansion.It moved into buildings that were constructed between 1949 and 1955 to a design by Ashley & Newman. Princess Margaret laid one of the first foundation stones at the base of the new building in 1951. The building is one of Europe's largest, freestanding brick buildings.In 1955, the College of Advanced Technology was opened by Her Majesty The Queen.The college expanded again to a design by the City Architect of Birmingham Alwyn Sheppard Fidler between 1957 and 1965.
It officially became the University of Aston in Birmingham on receipt of its Royal Charter on 22 April 1966 and the first Chancellor of the University, Lord Nelson of Stafford, was installed on 10 May. The Charter of the University outlines objectives appropriate to a technological university: "to advance, disseminate and apply learning and knowledge by teaching and research, for the benefit of industry and commerce and of the community generally: and to enable students to obtain the advantage of a university education, and such teaching and research may include periods outside the University in industry or commerce or wherever the University considers proper for the best advancement of its objects." The emphasis given to the sandwich course system, and the maintenance of strong links with industry, arises naturally from the institution's history. The motto of the University is the same as that of the City of Birmingham – Forward.
Establishment of the Aston Science Park and Aston University's contribution to the city of Birmingham was fully recognised when the area was granted its own postal address "The Aston Triangle" in 1984, emphasising the campus as an official district of Birmingham. The logo of the establishment takes from the shape of the area.
Since May 2011 Sir John Sunderland has been the current Chancellor of Aston University.
Aston University hosted the British Science Festival in September 2010, said to be Europe's largest public science event.
Aston University Engineering Academy
The university is a lead sponsor of Aston University Engineering Academy, a new university technical college (UTC) which opened in September 2012. The UTC is for students aged 14 to 19 wishing to pursue further study and careers in engineering, and is located at the edge of the Aston University campus.
Aston Science Park
In 1983, Aston University, in partnership with Birmingham City Council and Lloyds Bank, established Birmingham Technology Ltd., which manages the Aston Science Park adjacent to the university site.
Aston Medical School
In October 2014, Aston announced plans to launch a new £60 million Aston Medical School in October 2015.The University also announced a £35 million cash injection for a major upgrade of the campus, including a new £19 million revamp of Aston Business School and improvement work to the Aston Institute of Photonic Technologies and the School of Languages and Social Sciences.
Aston University Online
In February 2017, Aston University launched its online programme website. 4 of their MSc programmes are offered 100% online to students in the UK and worldwide, including the Aston Business School's MBA.


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Crowley, King In Bipartisan Move For Homeland Security $
Congressmembers Joseph Crowley and Peter King, backed up by Mayor Bill de Blasio, announced they have launched a bipartisan effort to fully fund New York's homeland security needs.
"There is no doubt that making investments in homeland security preparedness is crucial for the safety and security of New York residents," they told Homeland Security committee officials.
"Funding cuts to HSGP's (Homeland Security Grants Programs) would undermine the New York City's continued security and intelligence gathering efforts that protect its citizens, commuters, business locations and networks… as well as iconic national landmarks that attract millions of tourists every year from nuclear, biological, and cyber-attacks," the lawmaker wrote.
Crowley (D-Queens) and King (R-LI) added: "We firmly believe it is in the interest not just of New York, but of our entire country to do everything possible to prevent a potential attack."
Crowley and King's letter to the Homeland Security Committee and the Sub-Committee on Counter-terrorism and Intelligence, was signed by 15 bipartisan members of New York's congressional delegation.
The letter called on the subcommittee to fully fund existing security grant programs and extend the performance period of the grants to give officials the flexibility to implement complex and innovative programs, as well as procure technology.
Adding his voice to the lawmaker's plea, de Blasio wrote: "Protecting our cities and our nation from terrorism, and keeping our citizens safe is something that everyone in Congress should get behind. I applaud Rep. Crowley, Rep. King and other members of New York's congressional delegation for coming together in a bipartisan way and urging the Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security to stand with New York by fully funding our homeland security needs – because as the number one terror target, we are fighting this battle every single day."
Crowley, Vice Chair of the Democratic Caucus; King, an outspoken member of the Homeland Security Committee, and the other members of Congress, called on the subcommittee to support full funding through various state and local grants programs, including restoring national programs like the Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI), State Homeland Security Grant Program, Port Security Grant Program and Transit Security Grant Program to their FY 2011 funding levels, as well as level funding for Securing the Cities.
These programs, they explained, are important pieces of the national effort to strengthen homeland security preparedness, including the security of critical transportation and port infrastructure, and are an essential investment in New York's ongoing counterterrorism operations and preparedness efforts.
The members also urged the committee to extend the performance period of these grant programs from its current length of two years to a period of three years. This move would give state and city officials the flexibility to implement complex, innovative programs and oversee the pronouncement of customized equipment.
Among those also signing the letter were Congressmembers Carolyn Maloney (D–Queens/Manhattan), Gregory Meeks (D–Southeast Queens), Grace Meng (D–Flushing), Nydia M. Velazquez (D–Queens/Brooklyn) and Hakeem Jeffries (D–Howard Beach/Brooklyn).
CROWLEY, MENG REPORT FLUSHING BAY DREDGING: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is set to perform maintenance dredging of critical sandbanks in the Flushing Bay Federal Channel beginning this Fall, Congressmembers Joseph Crowley and Grace Meng announced.
Crowley (D-Queens/Bronx) stated, "Flushing Bay continues to be an important waterway for New York and I'm pleased the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will be undertak- ing much-needed dredging of the channel to improve maneuverability for ships.
"In addition to seeing a significant amount of cargo pass through each year, the bay is issued by the New York Police Department Harbor Patrol Unit, and this critical work ensures proper navigation of these waters for the future."
Meng (D-Flushing) said, "Flushing Bay is an important local channel for ships and boats. Ensuring that these vessels are able to freely navigate through this body of water helps promote and improve everything from trade and commerce to recreation and public safety. I thank the Army Corps of Engineers for launching this important dredging project, and I look forward to working with the Corps on additional initiatives to improve and safeguard this important resource."
The lawmakers said the dredging of the navigational channel, which is 15 feet deep and extends the length of the bay, will start in October and be completed in January 2016. By then, they said, approximately 125,000 cubic yards of material will have been removed. The material will be processed and disposed of in an upland location.
The project is funded as part of the Army Corps of Engineers' $12.1 million work plan included in the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act of 2015 (H.R. 83), the legislation that set the funding levels for all federal agencies for fiscal year 2015.
PERALTA: 'N.Y. STATE, DREAMERS LOST OUT': State Senator Jose Peralta, the lead sponsor of the DREAM Act, admitted he was "extremely disappointed" when budget makers wouldn't go out of their way and agree to pass the DREAM act. But the East Elmhurst Democrat was equally as bitter because, he felt, "Who really lost today, with this unfair and unjust action were New York State and the DREAMers…because we had an opportunity to really live up to our distinction of being a state of innovators and progressive thinkers, and the DREAMers, because they had hoped to attend and graduate college and pave the way for the next generation."
Bottom line, though, he said he "blamed the Republicans" singled out their Majority Leader, Senator Dean Skelos (R–L.I.) Instead, Skelos and his members pursued "Another year of false fear mongering propaganda… perpetuating an intolerant and xenophobic ideology that the sky will fall if we allow these undocumented kids to receive money from the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP). Republicans are just promoting lies" he concluded disgustedly.
Uttering a final hope, Peralta called on Gov. Andrew Cuomo "to use his political clout, just like he did with Marriage Equality, the Safe Act and even ethics reform. I call upon the Governor to keep his promise and use his political capital to ensure the DREAM Act is passed before the end of this session."
As for himself, Peralta vowed, "I will do anything in my power to help Governor Cuomo make the DREAM Act a reality and right a wrong for our Dreamers."
MENG RESPONDS TO COUNCILMEMBER CUMBO: Responding to comments made by Councilwoman Laurie Cumbo (D–Brooklyn) about Asians moving into public housing units and housing people by culture," Congresswoman Grace Meng (D–Flushing) stated:
"I am deeply troubled by the Councilwoman's statement at the NYCHA hearing yesterday. As public servants, there are more effective and respectful ways to address the shortage of affordable housing units and provide assistance to those in need.
"Access to affordable housing is a crisis that spans all cultures and ethnic communities. Despite popular stereotypes, there are Asian Americans living in poverty with a great need for affordable healthcare, fair-paying jobs and a good education for their children."
Meng continued, "The suggestion that NYCHA begin to block housing based on 'culture' amounts to a thinly disguised segregation based on race, color, creed or national origin. Fortunately, we live in the State of New York, that has strong human rights laws that protect against exactly this type of discrimination.
"The diverse mosaic of our city – and all the different cultures living together – is what makes it so great and gives it its strength. That should never be tampered with, and segregating Asian Americans or any other ethnicity must never ever occur."
CROWLEY: NEED BIRD STRIKE PREVENTION AT AIRPORTS: The lingering bird issue at airports, a serious danger and nuisance, calls for strong action by the federal government to solve the problem, such as "avian radar technology," Congressman Joseph Crowley told the Department of Transportation last week.
Crowley's call for action follows a recent bird strike at JFK Airport which forced a pilot to make an emergency landing after a flock of geese attacked a plane and forced it to make an emergency landing.
Crowley told DOT Secretary, Anthony Foxx, "Since 1988, bird strike-related collisions have resulted in 24 deaths and 235 injuries across the country.
Crowley (D–Queens/Bronx) and Congressman Donald Beyer (D–VA), joined by other lawmakers, told Foxx, "Too often, we are reminded of the threat bird strikes continue to pose on the safety of the American flying public as well as the neighborhoods that surround our airports.
"If the technology exists to help avert disaster, implementing it needs to be a top priority. Avian radar is a valuable tool that has the potential to save lives, and every day that goes by without taking advantage of it is a day we are risking tragedy."
Beyer stated: "National Airport generates billions of dollars in revenue for Northern Virginia and services more than 20 million travelers each year. We have a responsibility to these travelers and our community to ensure their safety. Avian radar provides us the best, most humane tool to avoid life-threatening bird strikes without harming our migratory bird populations. Keeping Americans safe and protecting our wildlife is an easy win-win for our district and the country."
In the letter, the lawmakers expressed concern that the use of advanced bird-detection radar technology is still virtually non-existent at civilian airports despite the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) publishing an Advisory Circular on the use of avian radar systems to supplement airports' Wildlife Hazard Mitigation Plans.
For years, Crowley has pressed the FAA to incorporate mitigation practices to reduce the occurrence of bird strikes and ensure the safety of Queens residents and millions of air travelers alike. In 2010, along with former Congressman Gary Ackerman, Crowley was successful in securing a bird strike prevention plan from the FAA for a waste transfer station in College Point. In September, after multiple planes were struck by birds at LaGuardia Airport, Crowley called on the FAA to implement the use of avian radar as a more effective means of reducing bird strikes.
CUOMO LIFTS INDIANA BAN: After meeting with LGBT groups and activists on Saturday to discuss the latest changes in Indiana laws that are aimed at discouraging discriminatory behavior, Gov. Andrew Cuomo revoked the ban he had announced four days earlier to prevent New York state officials from interacting with those in Indiana.
In revoking the ban, Cuomo declared he would always be ready to "stand up for equality until it is a reality for all Americans." The governor's change of mind was influenced by Indiana's passage of a law that would negate any discriminatory behavior directed at gays, lesbians and LGBT groups.
GIANARIS BILL CODIFIES CUOMO'S INDIANA TRAVEL BAN: State Senator Michael Gianaris has introduced legislation embodying Gov. Andrew Cuomo's original ban on state-sponsored travel to Indiana (see below), while urging the Governor and New York lawmakers to continue their opposition to discriminatory "religious freedom" laws.
However, the Governor lifted the ban last Saturday after Indiana, in effect, abandoned its previous "religious freedom" law and enacted in its place legislation that would not spark discriminatory activity against gays, lesbians and LGBT groups. As of this writing, no reaction from Gianaris about Cuomo lifting the ban on Indiana.
Gianaris (D–Western Queens) had applauded the Governor's original executive action against Indiana. However, he noted that the Arkansas state legislature had subsequently passed a bill "mimicking" Indiana's original legislation, but Gianaris noted his proposed law "would ensure New York would always stand opposed to similar laws in any other state."
Gianaris, who was joined by Assemblyman Daniel O'Donnell in sponsoring their anti-discrimination bill the previous day, stated: "Yesterday we took swift action and made a strong stand against discrimination, but we can and must do more. My proposal would ensure restrictions on state-funded travel would apply to any state following Indiana down a path of discrimination, which we saw in Arkansas [last Tuesday]."
He added that if the Gianaris-O'Donnell bill becomes law, "New York will live up to its role as a national leader in the fight for LGBT rights."
Gianaris said that while other states also have religious freedom laws, none contain the specific provisions in Indiana's original law that facilitates anti-LGBT discrimination. The Gianaris proposal would extend the proposed travel ban to any state.
He stated, "I am pleased Governor Cuomo took a strong stand against discrimination and sent a message to the nation that offensive policies will meet with swift action and not be tolerated. I am hopeful that we will also address this legislatively so that this restriction will apply in the future to any other states that would allow discrimination as Indiana did."
The legislation filed by Gianaris (D–Western Queens) "would ban state-funded or state-sponsored travel to Indiana or other states that may emulate Indiana's new discriminatory religious freedom law."
GIANARIS BACKS CUOMO BAN ON INDIANA TRAVEL, 'PLUS': Governor Andrew Cuomo and Mayor Bill de Blasio had announced last week that they were banning state and city government employees from traveling to Indiana, citing the controversial law in that state that allowed discrimination against gays and lesbians. Bowing to pressure from the public, businesses, and travel bans, Indiana Governer Pence has since signed a newly revised law.
The governor had said the ban would only be relaxed for cases deemed "essential to the enforcement of state law or public health and safety."
State Senator Michael Gianaris, after introducing a bill to "ban state-funded or state-sponsored travel to Indiana or other states that may emulate Indiana's new discriminatory religious freedom law," had commented on the governor's action:
"I am pleased Governor Cuomo took a strong stand against discrimination and sent a message to the nation that offensive policies will meet with swift action and not be tolerated. I am hopeful that we will also address this legislatively so that this restriction will apply in the future to all states that follow Indiana down a path of discrimination."
Gianaris explained: "In recent years our nation has finally moved forward on LGBT rights and it is important that we as New Yorkers take a stand to keep us from moving backwards. In order for our state to play our rightful role as a national leader on this issue, we need to send a loud and clear message all the way to Indiana that this discriminatory law must be opposed. I urge my colleagues to support this proposal, and I encourage states that have not already done so to follow our example.
Gianaris said that "Indiana's new law prohibits state laws that impose on the ability of a person, religious institution, business or association to follow its religious beliefs. However, the law has been met with widespread concerns across the nation as it most certainly will allow for rampant discrimination against the LGBT community."
Gianaris pointed out that while other states also have religious freedom laws, none contain the specific provisions in Indiana's original law that facilitates anti-LGBT discrimination. The Gianaris proposal would extend the proposed travel ban to any state that follows Indiana's example in the future.
OPPOSITION MOUNTING AGAINST SCHUMER?: When the story broke two weeks ago that United States Senator Charles Schumer would be succeeding Democratic Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid, the part that followed, estimating it wouldn't happen "until after the 2016 elections, or about 120 days," made us feel uneasy.
For one thing, politics is so unpredictable, so much can happen just because of a cross look or the least misunderstanding, and then it can take forever to get things back to the way they were, or nothing can square things.
There was another thing about that 120-day wait to place the crown on Schumer's head – there was another Senator – Richard Durbin, from Chicago, who was second in line behind Reid, whereas Schumer was third. And the only reason Schumer was picked as Reid's successor was because Reid wanted it that way. Otherwise, if Reid didn't hand-pick Schumer and the Democrats had to pick Reid's successor immediately, it's almost a certainty that Schumer and Durbin would be squaring off against each other, ready to do battle over the prize, and forget about what good friends Schumer and Durbin once were.
In fact, we're virtually at that impasse already, judging by most of the headlines that materialized over what appeared to be a misunderstanding between the former roommates. One said, "SCHUMER-DURBIN FEUD OVER ROLES EMERGES," while another said, "CHUCK SCRAP: PAL DURBIN IS SEEN AS RIVAL FOR DEM BOSS".
And what brought about these headlines? It seems when Reid crowned Schumer as his successor, the first time the two old friends met, Durbin pledged to support Schumer and not challenge him, and Schumer pledged to retain Durbin as No. 2 in line behind Schumer. But, as one story put it, "According to Schumer, that never happened"
Basically, that's what the impasse is all about. But there may not be a simple way to settle it. If Schumer didn't promise Durbin the No. 2 spot, then there could be a brawl over that because Senator Patty Murray, from Washington has got her eye on that job, which is the "Minority Whip."
So if Durbin and Murray do battle over it, Schumer may be forced to choose one or the other, in which case the "other" would be mad at Schumer, and she would oppose Schumer for the top job and either challenge him or support whomever might challenge Schumer. Or if Durbin is challenged for the No. 2 spot, Durbin might challenge Schumer for the No. 1 spot.
This could go on forever. If Schumer agrees to give Durbin No. 2, then he could expect a battle when the voting is held 120 days from now. So we'll just have to wait and see what develops in the next day or two.
Personally, we still like Schumer for the No. 1 spot, he's tailor-made for it – brains, personality – you name it.
NOLAN OPPOSES 70-STORY TOWER IN LIC: Assemblywoman Catherine Nolan (DRidgewood) issued the following statement last week regarding the anticipated construction of a 70-story residential building in Long Island City.
Nolan stated: "I am strongly opposed to the MTA's (Metropolitan Transportation Authority) recent sale of its rights to Queens Plaza Park development which would pave the way for the construction of a 70-story building near Queens Plaza. The extreme height of this building would be out of character with the neighborhood and not supported by the present infrastructure.
"I am concerned that as the Long Island City community continues to grow, the demand for basic transportation needs, health facilities and classroom seats are not keeping up with demand. This proposed development will add another 925 units and possibly, by conservative estimates, another 1,500-2,000 people.
"Our community cannot take another big development without dramatic improvements to the current infrastructure in transportation, health facilities and schools. I am calling on the MTA to rethink this deal because the quality of life for our community and Queens transit riders will be seriously diminished."
ADDABBO - HEALTH CARE, VETS' TAX BREAKS OFFERED: Legislation to improve health care and to lower property taxes for veterans of all ages, co-sponsored by State Senator Joseph Addabbo Jr., were recently approved by the Senate committee on Veterans, Homeland Security and Military Affairs.
The small package of bills would:
Establish a veteran's gerontological advisory committee within the New York State Office for the Aging to help ensure the state plans appropriately for the needs of a growing older veteran population, including programming for long-term and continuing care; health promotion and rehabilitation; and other issues of concern to aging former servicemen and women.
Allow municipalities to offer real property tax exemptions for reservist veterans who served under the Federal Reserve Forces Act of 1955 and provide them with tax savings similar to those already available to other Cold War-era service members.
Authorize local governments to adopt laws that would prohibit increases in real property tax liability for veterans who are receiving tax exemptions related to their service, even if their overall taxes would otherwise go up as a result of a property re-evaluation, assessment or other update.
Addabbo (D-Howard Beach) stated that full approval of these pieces of legislation would help to advance important goals that I think we all hold for our veterans: the ability to access appropriate and effective health care services and the ability to keep roofs over their heads when other basic living expenses seem to be rising all the time.
"We will never be able to adequately thank those who risked everything for all of us in service to our country, but working to ensure our veterans are able to enjoy a decent quality of life when they return to us is a step in the right direction," Addabbo said.
EX-QUEENS CONGRESSMEMBER TURNER TO ADDRESS GOP CLUB: Former Congressman Bob Turner, chair of the Queens Republican Party, will be the featured speaker at the April 15 meeting of the Northeast Queens Republican Club. Its president, Kevin Ryan, who says the club founded in 1894 (which would make it about 121 years old) "continues to be the largest, most active Republican club in Queens."
The club recently partnered with UNO Chicago Grill in Bayside for a successful Bunny Pizza Party, Wounded Warrior Project Fundraiser, and Easter Egg Hunt in Bowne Park, despite the snow and mid-30s temperature on Saturday, March 28.
Ryan noted, "If anyone knows how to persevere in adverse conditions it's Queens Republicans! This is literally the coolest egg hunt I've ever been to. Many thanks to the club members who helped, all the local parents who brought their adorable children, our good friends at UNO Bayside, and all the educators, small business owners and Parks Department employees who made today happen for our local kids."
Ryan said "more than 75 children and their families came out for these events with the Easter Bunny. At the park, children gathered over 1,300 eggs stuffed with prizes, after making their own pizzas and dancing and posing for photos with the Easter Bunny at Bayside Uno. Best of all," much-needed money was raised to help our veterans.
Blue ribbons were also included in the free Easter baskets given to each family, allowing local parents to hang their ribbon on their door or tree to show their support for the NYPD, Ryan said. "We do this because we care about our community," he added. "We want our children to be happy and safe, so we support our cops. We know how difficult and dangerous their jobs can be. We show our gratitude by offering these ribbons, so the silent majority here in Northeast Queens can have a voice."
Ryan noted, "Just as the spring will renew the beauty of Bowne Park, our Queens GOP will finally blossom this year with our new Chairman Bob Turner. This is truly a time of rebirth here in Queens."
DENDEKKER ANNOUNCES COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS: The New York Conference of Italian-American State Legislators is now accepting applications for $10,000 in scholarships to be awarded in June, Assemblyman Michael DenDekker announced.
DenDekker (D-Jackson Heights) said two students will be selected to receive academic scholarships and two will be selected to receive athletic scholarships worth $2,500 each.
"Last year, I was honored to present an academic scholarship from the New York Conference of Italian-American State Legislators to a student from Monsignor McClancy High School at our annual conference in June," DenDekker said, adding, "Our conference is proud of our role in promoting higher education and assisting students in reaching their academic goals, and I know that students in Queens have the smarts and the drive to take advantage of these opportunities."
The scholarships are available to current or future college students from New York State. Eligibility will be based upon the student's grade point average, interest in pursuing a higher education, investment in the local community, as well as individual financial need.
Interested students may request an application contracting Assemblyman DenDekker's office by calling 718-457 - 0384, e-mailing firstname.lastname@example.com, or stopping by in person at 75-35 31st Ave., Suite 206B, East Elmhurst.
ADDABBO COMMENT ON FINAL BUDGET: Following passage of the $150 billion 2015-16 state budget early last Wednesday morning, state Senator Joseph Addabbo Jr. (D–Howard Beach) commented:
"While there are many positive items in our state budget, it can also be spoken of in terms of lost opportunities. Additional funding for our schools, veterans, libraries and seniors are in a state budget that also falls short of real ethics reform, less reliance on state tests, and shortchanges individuals with disabilities. I am hopeful that items that were intentionally omitted from the budget, such as paid family leave and campaign reform, will be addressed during the remainder of the legislative session."