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Book Clubs & Writers' Groups
Afternoon Book Club
Tue Oct 15, 2019 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Location: Bendale
Meet fellow book lovers and join the conversation at the monthly evening book club. Books are free to borrow. Register in person at the circulation desk.
Book Club
Tue Oct 15, 2019 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Location: Barbara Frum
Join us for stimulating conversation. At every meeting, you and your club members discuss interesting fiction and non fiction titles. New members are always welcome. Call 416-395-5441 for more information. Room C....
St. Lawrence Book Club
Tue Oct 15, 2019 7:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Location: St. Lawrence
New members welcome. Copies of the book for discussion are available in the branch. 2019 Book List is available at the branch.
Poetry Saved Our Lives
Wed Oct 16, 2019 4:30 pm - 6:30 pm
Location: Albion
Spoken word artist Nasim Asgari leads the Poetry Saved Our Lives workshops at Albion Branch. The workshops will provide youth with mentorship and artistic development opportunities, while providing a platform to showcase thei...
Adult Book Club
Wed Oct 16, 2019 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Location: Black Creek
If you love reading, come join the Black Creek Library and participate in lively discussions o the fiction and non-fiction works! All readers are welcome. Wednesday mornings!
Brown Bag Book Club
Thu Oct 17, 2019 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Location: City Hall
Join us once every month for a lively group discussion of a specific book. A copy of the book can be picked up at the branch prior to the meeting. Call 416-393-7650 to see if a copy is available. New members welcome....
Write On! With the Toronto Writers Collective
Fri Oct 18, 2019 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Location: Parliament Street
Are you working on a memoir, poem, or short story and looking to develop your craft? Join Write On! A free writing workshop, open to all writers. You will have the opportunity to hone your writing skills in a suppo...
High Park Writing Group
Sat Oct 19, 2019 9:30 am - 11:00 am
Location: High Park
Find inspiration and share your work in an informal, supportive environment. Writer's of all genres, published or unpublished are welcome! Bring a piece of writing to share. Drop in. No registration required.
Tea and Books
Fri Oct 25, 2019 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Location: Agincourt
Join us for an entertaining and relaxing afternoon, with tea, snacks, and a librarian who will introduce you to compelling and exciting library materials! Drop in. No registration required.
Leaside Writers Group
Sat Oct 26, 2019 10:00 am - 11:45 am
Location: Leaside
Find inspiration and share your work in an informal, supportive environment. Writers of all genres, published or unpublished are welcome. This group is currently full. Please contact staff at the branch...


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Hello!! My name is Shannon Weed. I am the creator and dog walker extraordinaire of Poop In A Group LLC and this is my story!.........if you care.......
I became an official Colorado resident on January 13th, 2015. I had had enough of the subzero temperatures of Minneapolis, Minnesota, and dreamed of new adventure in the wild west! (Oh yeah, and, my husband was moving here; so I figured I should probably pack my bags and come too !) Before moving, I worked 6+ years as the Vice President of Operations for multiple high volume, high grossing, and highly creative restaurant concepts. I may not have liked the long and unpredictable hours, but I loved the work I did. I knew, however, that moving meant the opportunity to pave a new path, and to do something different with my future. I decided to take that chance. I decided to build a career doing something that I just can't seem to get enough of.........PLAYING WITH PUPPIES!
Pooches are my passion. I adopted two pound puppies of my own, Ozzie and Steve (pictured above) 8 and 7 years ago, and was a puppy foster parent for many months. In addition to a house filled with pups, I developed, curated, and managed several dog friendly and dog focused events during my VP years. Currently, I volunteer my time assisting with canine rescue programs. I continue to further my education on canine behavior and training techniques by attending dog training programs around the Denver metro.
Poop In A Group LLC came into existence because of what I saw and experienced firsthand. Work days get longer and longer, and lives just get busier and busier, and sometimes you just need a little help. AHHHHH! That's where I come in! YAY!! Your pup shouldn't be a chore, they're your best friend! But when work and life get out of balance that is exactly what they become. My goal is to help busy professionals have peace of mind knowing, even though they may be stuck at work all day, their pup is getting some fresh air, affection, and bladder relief.
So What's Next... .....THE FUTURE!
In the near future Poop In A Group LLC will begin hosting events for its fellow Poop Groupers and their parents. Don't get stuck talking to the creeper at the dog park anymore! Poop In A Group will offer a place where fellow poop grouping professionals can unwind, have a cocktail and meet other "Poop In A Groupers" in their neighborhood. Keep an eye on the events page for the date and location of the next event! Poop In A Group LLC........The social network with paws.

subset: commoncrawl


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– Best Low-Cost Website to Play Online Poker in Indonesia. As gambling is illegal in Indonesia, many people are playing poker online and it has gained popularity among the citizens. Online gambling is less risky and a safe way of placing bets and winning huge profits. There are many online websites that offer safe poker for players in Indonesia. Score88poker is one of the largest poker rooms in the world with millions of players visiting it every day. There are a wide variety of games and it can be downloaded on the laptops, desktops, mobile or use browsers to play poker online. It has a strong influx of international players from various countries as it is a popular platform for bandar poker. They are a reliable platform for placing bets and getting the best returns. The website allows you to download mobile poker app for people not comfortable using the desktop. Mobile casinos are easy to use and have an added safety bonus of avoiding illegal gambling threats. This is one of the best platforms for making money consistently as they are a reliable online poker platform.
Features of Score88Poker
- Score88poker is a platform for people trying the poker for the first time or for beginners.
- It requires a minimum deposit of only RP 10000.
- You can register as a member by filling an online form with a brief info about yourself and bank details.
- Depositing and withdrawal of money can be made through safe transaction portals and they keep your information secured.
- 24/7 customer service allows you to deposit and withdraw money at any time.
- Allows players to change to qualify for the most prestigious live tournaments in the world.
- Encourages customers to play poker with their friends on the site by recommending them as new members.
- They give a 10% bonus for registering new members and 15% for referrals.
- The graphics on the web interface looks very appealing and has rich search functions, multi-table options, customization and restoration facilities
- It has no limit cash games for beginners to practice themselves before entering challenging tournaments.
- Good range middle-stake games help you gain profit easily.
- There are options to create, save and update game profiles based on the playing experience
- The website has a solid reputation and goes to great lengths to keep its players happy and the features are upgraded to meet their expectations.
- Level of Competition on the website is pretty standard which makes it easy and safe for placing bets.
- Steady influx of new players to the website keeps the competition healthy.
- Contact them on various social media platforms like Twitter Facebook and WhatsApp


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When you watch how eagerly the Saint Sebastian Players rehearse
''Godspell,'' it`s hard to believe their 19th show is also their last in Saint Sebastian Hall, the home they`ve played in for the last eight years.
The church burned down last July; on June 30 the Catholic Archdiocese of Chicago will close the school and the Players will be stageless.
But this show will go on, even if the troupe may not. Directors David Andrasko and Jonathan Hagloch put their cast of 11 through aerobic warmups and breakneck scene-building-and the popular Stephen Schwartz musical takes on an air of happy urgency.
For the Players, ''Godspell'' is a special labor of love. It was a warmly received 1981 production that encouraged co-founder Jim Masini and his fellow actors to launch the Players the next year.
''The show holds special meaning for the parish and those of us who have been SSP members for many years,'' Masini says.
Masini and his troupe have many memories-drinking after a good or bad show at Kiku`s bar across the street, raising funds through car washes and pumpkin sales, the gripe sessions that smoothed out the grievances that build before an opening night.
Whether rehearsing in the gym (where mass is now held) or the cafeteria beneath (which thunders with echoes from the basketball games above) or in each other`s homes or, as at present, in the chapel that doubles as a classroom, the Players have turned a theater group into a family-people you don`t just chat with in a dressing room but invite to your wedding, as did Hagloch.
Two Players married soon after they met. Masini`s teenage daughter Melissa and son Matthew have joined him on stage. Over the years a lot more than the show went on.
Arriving at all ages and from disparate backgrounds, would-be thespians joined the Players for equally diverse reasons. For Andrasko it`s a chance to get acting experience to prepare him for professional theater.
For musical director Paul Widdicombe it`s the fact that ''the people here don`t sacrifice who they are in order to further their careers.'' No grandstanding is allowed; everyone works five hours on sets, props, costumes or publicity.
Sometimes the lure is the proverbial thrill of the greasepaint. During the day Jill Chukerman helps to manage the League of Chicago Theaters, the administrative side of theater-but when Chukerman joined the Players in their 1984 production of ''The Fantasticks'' she found a calling.
''I was willing to wash cars, scrub windows, whatever to be a part of this group, to live out my fantasy of being in a play.''
It`s a fantasy that can turn silly or real at the drop of a cue. In ''She Loves Me'' several male actors lurking in the wings would nightly try to crack up an offstage actress by suddenly appearing in lingerie, nuns` habits or jock straps.
One night an understudy in ''Room Service'' got so mixed up he walked off the stage at the wrong cue and had to be coaxed back on. Two actors in
''Arsenic and Old Lace'' used to ad lib so recklessly that the other actors couldn`t recognize their cues; that production finally degenerated into a pie- throwing contest during the curtain call.
Then there was the sold-out performance that never happened, the night that Dignity, the gay Catholic group whom the archdiocese eventually expelled from the building, bought out the house to hold an emergency meeting.
The most traumatic night for the Players happened last July 21 when one 26-year-old Player, Robert McKersie, became an instant hero. The Players were presenting ''The Night of January 16th'' in the school basement when fire broke out in the 102-year-old adjoining church.
Early in the second act the performance was interrupted by shouting from upstairs. McKersie, was waiting to go onstage, ran outside to see the church engulfed in acrid smoke.
After several attempts to enter, McKersie found a key to a back door, covered his mouth with his shirt, entered the burning sanctuary and found James Beck unconscious on the floor. McKersie dragged him out, told a policeman that he needed first aid, then realized he had only two minutes before he was due back on stage.
Shirtless and smoke covered, he entered and delivered his line right on cue, giving what seemed to the others like a particularly ferocious performance as a gangster.
Eventually, late in the third act, the show had to be canceled so the school could be evacuated.
The Players hope nothing that exciting will happen to ''Godspell'' when it opens Friday. It will be enough to look back over eight seasons and be glad that a busy stage brought them all so close together.
What: ''Godspell''
Where: Saint Sebastian Hall, 810 W. Wellington Ave.; 477-4685
When: April 20 through May 4
How much: $6 for adults, $2 for seniors, groups and children under 12


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Upcountry Maui real estate videos, Makawao and Pukalani
I've posted about these on my MauiHunter blog, but want to share them here for more exposure. Just some short videos showing some of the Upcountry Maui real estate for sale.
I like to keep them short so I'm not wasting anyone's time! It will take less than a minute!
The Cottages at Kulamalu is a nice little condo townhouse development in a newer part of Pukalani - Kulamalu Town Center - which is still developing with more shops and housing being built.
Makawao Uplands. 72 Kapuahi St... A nice water feature in the yard of a Makawao house for sale. Loved the location which was very private and backs up to a gulch making it even more private. The 1/2 acre lot really offers a lot in the way of development potential, as now you can build 2 more homes on this property. This was such a super deal for $699,000 that it's under contract with a happy buyer.
Search the Maui MLS Makawao ~ Search the Maui MLS Pukalani
Thanks for reading my Maui blog...
Buying or selling real estate on Maui? That's what I do. Let me help YOU.
Georgie Hunter R(S) e-Pro, Hawai'i Life Real Estate Brokers
26 Baldwin Ave, Paia HI 96779
E-mail or call/text: 808 283-0635


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Electroimpact's Zieve says he's victim of state's probe
March 29, 2017
Ask Electroimpact President Peter Zieve about allegations that his company has harassed, discriminated and retaliated against employees, and he'll tell you he's the victim.
"I built a company from dirt and water and planted the seeds in this state and they are persecuting me," Zieve told the Beacon on Monday, March 27.
"And we're paying their salaries to do this. I can't believe that's what we pay public employees to do: read through my emails to find things to embarrass me."
Zieve not only maintains he did nothing wrong, he says he's not embarrassed by allegations the state Attorney General's office has made in a lawsuit filed in Snohomish County Superior Court on Thursday, March 23.
That suit won't go forward under the terms of a consent decree filed the same day. The decree requires the Mukilteo-based aerospace company to pay $485,000 and remove Zieve from its hiring efforts.
The court-monitored decree, in effect for 42 months, comes after a nearly yearlong investigation by the Attorney General's Wing Luke Civil Rights Unit, which found evidence that the company violated state law by discriminating against employees and applicants on the basis of religion and marital status.
Attorney General Bob Ferguson described the alleged conduct as "outrageous" and "shocking."
The investigation began after Zieve was tied to anonymous postcards mailed to Mukilteo residents notifying them of an Islamic group's plan to build a mosque in the city. He later told the Beacon that the mosque is potentially "dangerous," as it could become a "breeding place for terrorists."
The investigation also came after an April 2016 Seattle Times story based on internal emails and employee allegations that Zieve had created a hostile workplace culture through harassment, retaliation and discrimination.
Zieve, who directly handled hiring for the company he started in 1984, allegedly refused to hire Muslims, screening applicants by requesting photos and conducting interviews. The state also claims the company deceived job applicants by representing itself as an equal opportunity employer.
As of June 30, 2016, some 95 percent of the company's U.S. engineers were white, according to a U.S. Department of Labor report.
The state claims Zieve used company resources to organize a "Mosque Watch" group to prevent construction of the proposed mosque. In an April 18, 2015, email to an employee on the subject, Zieve wrote, "I can tell you that most Chinese hate moslems. Not as much as me, but an adequate amount of hate."
The state claims Zieve created a hostile work environment by maintaining a "Jokes" email listserv and encouraging employees to engage in conduct that demeans Muslims.
When an employee requested three more engineers on Jan. 21, 2016, Zieve allegedly replied, "I can send you two Iraq refugees immediately. They will be a bit sleepy since they are up all night making bombs. They are hard workers."
Zieve told the Beacon he misses the listserv.
"I miss the jokes list," he said. "It was such a fun thing to have. But, now we understand the attorney general owns Electroimpact, not me. They think they know better how to run it than I do."
Ben Hempstead, the company's chief of staff, said the company pulled the listserv down and pulled Zieve out of hiring efforts immediately after the April 2016 Seattle Times article came out.
"In three days we had shut off the listserv, and within a week we had stopped our hiring practices," he said, noting that the company has since hired about a dozen new engineers.
"We don't agree that these things are unlawful, but we have changed our practices so there is no longer an opportunity for discrimination. We know we could do things better."
The state also claims Zieve encouraged his employees to get married and have children by offering bonuses.
On Feb. 6, 2015, Zieve allegedly sent an email to employees stating, "When [our sons and daughters] choose to not repopulate and allow our wonderful country to be backfilled with rubbish from the desperate and criminal populations of the third world[,] I find that to be disgusting and I find those persons to make these decisions to be repulsive and I don't like them around me."
Zieve said he believes the state is fining him over his policy of giving out marriage bonuses.
"I'd been doing it for 30 years," he said. "When I didn't have two nickels to rub together, I was giving $1,000 bonuses. This company was $50 in my back left pocket once upon a time. I've given away almost every dollar I've ever made, back to my employees. It is that giving back that they are fining me for."
The state claims Zieve retaliated against employees who expressed opposition to his ideas by threatening to fire them or publicly reprimanding them. When an employee complained about receiving offensive emails through the listserv in May 2015, Zieve told her it was time for her to leave the company, the state claims. Zieve said that was all a big misunderstanding.
"This person didn't know they were on the list; they thought they had been removed," he said. "I thought this person was trying to tell me what I could put on the jokes list. That offended me. I mean, it was a jokes list."
The decree requires the company to update its employee handbook, provide annual training sessions, reach out to minority student and trade associations when recruiting new employees and file written reports of its activities with the Attorney General's office. It also states that the money collected from Electroimpact will, in part, be placed into a settlement fund.
In a March 23 memo to employees, Hempstead states that the company has already updated procedures for handling complaints and will soon provide additional training "to ensure that EI continues to be a welcoming and inclusive place for all."
Khan and Zieve
Mohammed Riaz Khan, who has led the effort to build a mosque in Mukilteo, said he was saddened and disappointed upon reading the state's allegations against Zieve. For his part, Zieve said he was confused by most of the allegations.
Khan said Zieve must do more than fix the way his company operates internally. He said Zieve must show the community, especially the Muslim community, that he has changed.
"If I were in his place, I would take responsibility and I would build the mosque come out and say your vision is my vision," he said. "The gifts he was giving to his employees should go to the community now. He should exchange his discrimination and retaliation for a mosque, and it should come from his heart."
In the last month, the two men have twice gotten together over coffee to talk, most recently on Friday, March 24, after the news of the state's investigation became public. Zieve has told Khan he won't stand in the way of the mosque project, but he said he's still not convinced a mosque is needed.
"I'm trying to understand why this is so important for him," he said.
Khan said he asked Zieve to come to his rally for peace April 8 in Mukilteo. Zieve said he would be out of town.
"Khan wants me to join in with him in community meetings, and I'm considering it," he said. "I'm still trying to understand what the guy's all about. He's a nice guy. He's not going to go shooting anybody. But you don't know who the next guy is that's going to come along."
Zieve said he still wonders if the Muslim community truly opposes terrorism and would work to keep Mukilteo safe from such an attack. He also said Khan and other Muslims could easily attend the mosque in Mountlake Terrace rather than build one here.
"I have to drive 10 miles to the local synagogue in Everett," he said. "If I can go 10 miles, why can't he?"
Khan said Zieve's rhetoric has created an unwelcoming atmosphere that is making local Muslims afraid and causing them to leave.
"The people have so much fear, and they wonder why they stay here," Khan said. "Some people I know are moving to Mill Creek because they don't want to go through all this anymore.
"Why is it taking so long [to build the mosque]? Because of him and the fear he has created. These people left their homes years ago and came to America wanting a happy life, and this is what they find."
Both say they are open to getting together and talking more. Khan said he hopes to help Zieve redeem his reputation in the community, and he wants him to know that all Muslims in Mukilteo want peace, safety and acceptance.
"Religious people are not extremists," he said. "The radicals are extremists, and Muslims are not radicals. Christians and Jewish people are not radicals. Muslims are not who people think they are. We are against terrorism, because they are going against the will of God."


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Sneak It
Sneak It is a first person stealth type game in which the player tries to steal a certain number of relics without getting caught by the guards.
Role: Self designed and developed
Game Engine: Unreal Engine 4
Sneak It was developed in April 2018 within a month and was built with the main goal of becoming familiar with the UDK environment by creating a playable game. I wanted to create a game which could make players feel a "rush" but also be a bit more accessible in terms of gameplay than most of the other games i've made. This was my first time developing a 3D game and it was definitely intriguing and informative. 3D models used in the game are a part of Unreal Infinity Blade assets which as stated by Epic can be freely used.
One of the challenges with designing this game was the level. It had to be created in a way where the player couldn't just easily run through the level, but also not so overbearing that the player feels frustrated and that it's impossible to get past the guards. There are a couple bugs and I definitely do believe that adding more visual or audio feedback for when the player is spotted would be helpful.
For anyone who is interested, you can download the game at the link below. Included in the zip file is a readme document which explains the controls and goals of the game.


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Pyro Suite
Fire performance is fundamental in all environments which is why in our Pyro Suite, we have fully certified DorSuites to comply with building regulations.
Within our Pyro Suite, we have a vast array of specialist door constructions for extreme applications. DorSuite own literally hundreds of fire tests, which enables us to fire certificate products that, for a variety of reasons are beyond the norm. Our experienced fire door engineers are available to assist architects and designers realise their visions whilst complying with fire certification requirements.
Where can Pyro Suite be specified?
In addition to being used in high risk environments such as distilleries, chemical plants and server rooms, Pyro Suite products are often used by designers to help them open up spaces through the use of very large fire doors or extend distances between fire breaks through the use of long duration fire doors.
Pyro Suite Performance Attributes


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If someone you know has died, we can reduce the amount of unwanted marketing post being sent to them, stopping painful daily reminders.
By registering with our free service, the names and addresses of the deceased are removed from mailing lists, stopping most advertising mail within as little as six weeks.
Is our information incorrect? Please provide the following details so that we can make the correction.
This organisation has no reviews; be the first to add one by clicking the New Review button below.


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Nothing To Hide
Geffen Playhouse
Directed by Neil Patrick Harris
"With the reinforcement of Adam Blumenthal's resonant lighting, this departure from the traditional theatrical productions that usually inhabit the Geffen's second space is pleasantly head shaking and highly refreshing."
Tea with Music
East West Players
Directed by Jon Lawrence Rivera
"Adam Blumenthal's hazy lighting is emotive."
LA Weekly
Lighting designer Adam Blumenthal bathes Binkley's set and costume designer Mylette Nara's excellent, mostly mid-20th-Century western outfits in a nostalgic, golden glow, with the exception of the stark white light which illuminates the women's ghostly visitor.
-Stage Scene LA
"Adam Blumenthal's lights serve the piece well."
-Stage and Cinema
Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris
Colony Theatre
"The design standout of the evening is Adam Blumenthal's lighting, which is perfectly calibrated to the shifting moods of this brightly burnished production." -L.A. Times
"The show is plotless, but a unifying element in this version is an outdoor funeral setting, eloquently conveyed by Adam Blumenthal's breathtaking lighting effects." -Backstage
"John H. Binkley's uncomplicated but provocative set design is an asset complimented by Adam Blumenthal's creamy lighting." -Entertainment Today
A Mother
Scene Dock Theatre
Directed by Mary Joan Negro
The Girl Most Likely To
"Adam Blumenthal's resourceful lighting is an evocative asset."
-L.A. Times
"Adam Blumenthal's Lighting serves the story well."
-LA Weekly
"Adam Blumenthal's ingenious lighting design fills the space from all angles."
Matrix Theatre
"Adam Blumenthal's lighting conjures the foreboding mood of the dingy prison."
"Finally, lighting design by Adam Blumenthal is excellent, wonderfully atmospheric, and honors the stage as a lucid palate."
Granada Theatre
Directed by Greg Hinrichsen
It's Magic
Kodak Theatre
The Brig
The Odyssey Theatre
Directed by Tom Lillard
Directed By Elina de Santos
"Adam Blumenthal's poignantly dilapidated set bespeaks the mental turmoil of its inhabitants." -LA Times
"This monumental effort is -- what else? -- Dickensian in scope, with so many exceptional elements that it's difficult to single out just a few. Set and lighting designer Adam Blumenthal gets high marks for his evocatively bleak set." -LA Times
"Adam Blumenthal's skillful lighting intuitively highlights the characters and project the flames that consume Miss Haversham and visually interprets the shadows of Dickens' world." -Curtain Up Los Angeles
"Adam Blumenthal's set makes good use of the Hudson Backstage's wide but not deep stage, and his lighting is equally effective." -Stage Scene LA
The Chicago Conspiracy Trial
Directed by Ron Sossi


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"Tasty Hemp Seeds" "Hemp Music" Celebrating Many uses of Hemp "Hemp Seeds"
"Hemp The Environmentally Sustainable Alternative"
Music from the song "Day-O"
Words and Music by Irving Burgie and William Attaway*
Copyright © 2002 Lord Burgess Music Publ. (ASCAP), Inc. All Rights Reserved
Used By Permission
new words by Robbie Anderman, Gabriella Mihalik and Sherri Povey
In the Key of "G"
Hemp, Me Say Hemp Seeds
Tasty Hemp Seeds, is what we all need
Hemp, Me Say Hemp Seeds
Tasty Hemp Seeds, is what we all need
1. We want to eat 'em to keep us all healthy
Tasty Hemp Seeds, is what we all need
Put 'em in our recipes, put 'em in our oatmeal,
Tasty Hemp Seeds, is what we all need
2. Essential Fatty Acids 'n' lots o' protein
Tasty Hemp Seeds, ........
Toasted, Roasted, Salted, or Dehulled
Tasty .....
3. Omega 3, Omega 6, GLA
Make 'em into smoothies, make 'em into ice cream
4. Grind 'em into flour to mix into some pancakes
Bake 'em into cookies, bake 'em into pretzels
5. Spread hemp butter on our daily hemp bread
Put 'em into corn chips, add 'em to granola
6. Blend 'em into pesto to put on our pasta
Don't forget to refrigerate the oil
7. 3 foot, 4 foot, 8 foot, 9
Hemp seed stalks come in all sizes


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Answers On Business Issues From The 3rd District Candidates
What are your thoughts on the infrastructure needs of the City of Santa Barbara? How would you ensure the appropriate use of the funds raised in 2017's Measure C?
Ken Rivas: There are street repairs needed in the city, as well as continued programs for youth and our seniors, housing needs and efforts in which to support business to help the flourish and sustain a successful business, even in times of a declining economy. All that I mention, in which I understand Measure C funds can be used.
Michael Vidal: The city of Santa Barbara has hundreds of millions of dollars in unfunded infrastructure. The Police Department building requires reconstruction to meet earthquake standards, neighborhood fire stations needs modernization and the State Street corridor necessitates ongoing repair and maintenance. I will work with both community members and leaders to address each priority accordingly.
Oscar Gutierrez: The City has many aging buildings, most of them under the Parksand Recreation Department, and we need a new police station as well as better maintenance of our streets. As promised by the City Council last year, I am committed to directing Measure C funds to infrastructure, in particular road maintenance as residents indicated that was a priority when the City conducted a survey. The Council will appoint a new oversight committee to ensure the new sales tax revenues are spent on critical infrastructure, as well as conduct an annual audit of expenditures. I am committed to keeping the City's promise to the public.
Elizabeth Hunter: Ms. Hunter, after repeated attempts to contact her, failed to respond to the genuine interest of the business community in Santa Barbara
State Street
What are your thoughts on the status of Downtown
Santa Barbara and State Street? What factors, if any, are affecting
business success in the downtown area? What would you do to
address these issues? What is your position on incentivizing more
housing downtown?
Ken Rivas: In the daytime the State Street area doesn't seem to have as many panhandlers as in the past, however, it does increase in the evening and wit people camping out or sleeping on the property of businesses and the sidewalks. Also in certain areas of State Street you can smell urine, and very unappealing, it makes the consumer not want to go in certain parts of State Street where it is prevalent.
I would like to understand why many businesses have the left the downtown / State Street area, and perhaps the Chamber of Commerce could give me any information on why some businesses are failing and packing up. I would look into any efforts that are currently being made to incentivizing housing downtown and/or in a partnership between the city and businesses. And if it includes helping the overall housing need, or planning of a build timeshares and luxury apartments.
Michael Vidal: E-commerce has and will continue to affect the regional retail landscape. The rental prices for the majority of State Street and downtown Santa Barbara are substantially high, creating a significant financial hurdle for new business development.
The Restorative Policing Program is making great progress in addressing State Street's needs, while eliminating the necessity for additional police reinforcement in the downtown corridor and connecting the homeless population with proper resources and support.
I believe in thoughtfully increasing the housing supply in the downtown corridor and La Cumbre Plaza area without adding to our city's parking issues.
Oscar Gutierrez: Retail is changing and we must adjust to those changes. I grew up
here and have spent time downtown, shopping and enjoying State Street with my friends. When I was growing up, there were more mom and pop shops on State Street and there were more artisans and unique shops with unique goods. Many European cities have market places where locals sell their goods and attract both locals and tourists to their Cities. I'd like to see if we can be more creative with our open spaces on State Street, possibly encouraging a "farmer's market" type space for locally produced
goods, or seeing if we can ease permitting to allow property owners to divide some of the larger empty retail spaces into more unique spaces.
I believe most City residents value their downtown and want to make it better. I think many people would like to live downtown. State Street and the downtown area is also a destination for tourists, so we must continue to make the area clean and welcoming, and at the same time, encourage shops and activities that bring locals to State Street. The City must continue its policing and other programs that control negative behavior from the homeless, as that is a factor that turns people off from coming downtown. Finally, I support more housing downtown. This will bring a new vitality to the city center. The City has to create a way for housing projects to move quickly through the permitting process, and I am open to creative ideas to incentivize housing development downtown. This is a goal of the Chamber and I look forward to working with your organization. We need the housing,and some of our buildings need a different purpose as retail use is not in as high a demand as it once was.
Elizabeth Hunter:
Affordable Housing
Are you supportive of the current Average Unit-size Density (AUD) ordinance in the City of Santa Barbara? If so, explain your reasons. If not, what changes would you make to improve it?
Ken Rivas: I am supportive of the AUD plan, however I have heard from many residents of their concern, which feel in its current state, it is producing units for high moderate-income earners, and little for the middle or lower middle-income earners.
Michael Vidal: I support the idea of average unit-size density (AUD), however, I believe that the city must dedicate 10-20% of development to affordable housing and also must increase parking requirements from one parking spot to two parking spots per unit accordingly. Impact fees must also be considered to provide public services in regards to new development.
Oscar Gutierrez: I support the AUD program. I'm glad the City Council and the Planning Commission are working on ways to improve the AUD program, such as adding parking requirements for larger units, and adding inclusionary units, so that some affordable units are included in a project. Also, putting higher-density housing downtown and on transit corridors makes sense. And, mixed use development gives us everything we need: commercial activity at the street level and apartments on the second floor, possibly third floor in some locations.
Elizabeth Hunter:
What is your position on the state's new mandates regarding Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), also known as granny flats?
Ken Rivas: I support the change to ADU'S, as in its purpose while help create more living units, that can be available for renters. I am concerned if it creates more parking issue.
Michael Vidal: The city of Santa Barbara must comply with State law. ADU serves as a reminder to address our housing shortage before the state mandates it.
Oscar Gutierrez: On the Westside, many properties already have smaller units in the back or above the garage. It works well. I understand some
people are concerned too much density will change the character of a neighborhood with single family homes. The City Council is likely to make decisions about the ADU program before I am elected, and I encourage them to work within the structure of the state mandates but be careful about new units in the extreme high fire zones and to include an owner-occupancy requirement possibly one that sunsets after a period of time. Second units will go a long way to helping us address our housing shortage.
Elizabeth Hunter:
Increased Housing Stock
Short Term Rentals
Two years ago, the City Council unanimously voted to uphold existing zoning rules which severely limit short term or vacation rentals in the City? What is your opinion of that decision, and what steps would you take to change it, if any?
Ken Rivas: I don't completely oppose short term rentals, although it does nothing to help the current housing issues we face, so in that regard I don't think we should have them. However, if it is allowed, then there should be a very limited amount of them. Therefore, a limit on short term rentals.
Michael Vidal: Short term rentals must be regulated to ensure we are not taking away from our affordable housing stock. We should revisit this issue and have sensible regulation to protect our community's valuable stock of housing for our workforce. Whatever we decide as a community we need to enforce the law and make sure whatever we decide that it can be enforced.
Oscar Gutierrez: With our housing shortage, we need every unit for local people and our workforce. About 60 percent of our residents rent their
homes, so we need as many long-term rentals as we can get. I've also heard from city residents that they are concerned about vacation rentals being like hotel rooms, with people coming and going, and that prevents a family from living there and becoming part of the neighborhood. I appreciate that opinion. Vacation rentals are allowed in some areas of the City, but I hear it's
difficult to get a permit. I will review this process and endeavor to make it fair to property owners and to visitors who prefer renting a house rather than a hotel room. I do support home-stays.
Elizabeth Hunter:
How would you describe the fiscal status of the City of Santa Barbara? What proposals will you bring in the next budget cycle to improve the City's financial position?
Ken Rivas: We need to look over the budget, follow the money trail, and find where there may be unnecessary are over expenditures, that can be scaled back.
Michael Vidal: The City required several balancing measures to address a projected gap in our general fund. In addition, we have hundreds of millions of dollars in unfunded infrastructure. With our retail landscape changing and less sales tax revenue being collected we need to ensure that we are fiscally prudent. Extensions of our police force, with examples of the Restorative Policing Program and SNAP, are remarkable programs that help take care of our city's needs, while reducing costs. I feel strongly that we should explore expanding programs like these.
Oscar Gutierrez: Our revenues are basically stable, except for sales tax revenues softening in the last few years. The City is balancing its budget by
keeping some positions unfilled, which is not a good long-term solution. As a councilmember, I will work to see where we can save funds, without harming services our residents and visitors need. I will also be careful in salary negotiations and expenditures in general. My goals are to make sure that our enterprise departments (waterfront, airport, for example) remain fiscally
strong, and that our General Fund departments (library, public safety) are fully supported. I believe that departments like community development should be covered by fees. The passage of Measure C will ensure we have a solid revenue stream for road and sidewalk maintenance, and to address critical infrastructure needs. I would also like to explore additional revenue generation from promoting the City, and particularly our parks, to the film
industry as a location. This generates income to the city parks departments and local businesses can benefit.
Elizabeth Hunter:
City Finances
Pension Liability
One of the biggest financial issues facing the City is the pension liability for past and current employees. How would you propose addressing this problem in a way that meets the City's obligation while not straining the provision of City services?
Ken Rivas: I am unfamiliar with the current pension plan, however can be brought up to speed. The way some employers have dealt with the pensions is the amount of contributions made by the employer and employee. It is something to look at.
Michael Vidal: As a financial planner that helps families prepare for their retirement, I understand how crucial retirement saving is for the wellbeing of families in our community.
The good news is CalPERS has made some very difficult, but positive changes that will help with the solvency of the plan. First, in January of 2013, PEPRA was passed and PEPRA changes the way CalPERS retirement and health benefits are applied, and places compensation limits on members. Second, at the end of 2016, CalPERS lowered their discount rate or expected return, which will help increase the accuracy of performance, which will help with the health of the plan.
Oscar Gutierrez: Governor Brown's pension reform measures created a two-tier system, with employees hired after 2013 having less generous retirement benefits. However, there are immediate pension liability concerns. The City must address mounting costs to pay for pensions as CalPERS continues to require the City and its employees to pay more into the system. Our public employee unions have always paid into their retirement, and they know they will be asked to pay even more. The City will have to as well. As stated above, City operations will have to run more efficiently without adding new positions, and that means our workers will have to take on more responsibilities to continue providing City services that our residents deserve. We must all plan for this reality.
Elizabeth Hunter:
Highway 101
It appears that the statewide gas tax increase will provide much of the remaining money needed to complete the widening of Highway 101 from Carpinteria to Santa Barbara. What is your position on this project? Are there additional mitigation steps that need to be taken for the project?
Ken Rivas: The widening should have come a lot sooner, however if funding has reached a level where it can now be completed, we need to move forward and get it completed. We are far behind and once the Highway is completed, it will end the much of the congestions. The Highway once complete is going to need to be maintained and I am interested if the gas tax will help maintain future repairs.
Michael Vidal: Highway 101 is the lifeline of the central coast and it was felt during the closure due to the devastating mudslides. I support the Cabrillo Bridge widening and the investment into the Olive Mill roundabout.
Oscar Gutierrez: I fully support the widening of Highway 101, and most of the people I talk to want the third lane. The City is currently waiting for a court ruling as to the environmental impact report of the widening project, and my hope is that the various phases of the project will continue forward as quickly as possible. Highway 101 is a regional and even statewide resource for transportation, commerce, and commuting. Our economic vitality depends on the ability to move people and goods along this stretch of the California coast. I support the gas tax revenue paying for Highway 101 improvements, and I support the two projects that will help our area with traffic congestion related to the highway onramps and offramps: a new roundabout at the Olive Mill Road intersection and the widening of the Union Pacific bridge on
Cabrillo Blvd. near the bird refuge.
Elizabeth Hunter:
Recent rains have pushed back immediate concerns about the City's water supply, but the City remains in a drought. What are your thoughts on how the City should proceed in addressing our ongoing water concerns?
Ken Rivas: I have not heard enough about the use of our desalination plant, therefore not sure why it hasn't been effective in helping in a time of drought. I also will look at the usage and any areas where it we can look at ways to eliminate over use or any neglect of not managing its use.
Michael Vidal: As our population has grown, the City of Santa Barbara has led state-efforts in conserving our precious water supplies and getting the entire City to buy in. We need to continue those conservation efforts and continue to provide incentives to residents to install low-water use landscape and to retrofit old appliances. In addition, we must be fiscally conservative in order to properly budget for current and future needs. The Charles E. Meyer Desalination Plant is a crucial part of the City's water supply portfolio, producing approximately 30% of the City's demand. This is a drought-proof local supply. While the Desalination Plant uses 40% less energy than its predecessor plant, we need to continue to look for innovative ways to make the Desalination Plan more environmentally friendly (determining whether the Desalination Plant can be powered by solar). Next we need to set up partnerships with local municipalities (like Goleta and Montecito) to invest in regional water supply projects, such as increased groundwater storage opportunities to help us endure drought periods. We should also determine whether potable re-use is an option for this community in the future, which would allow us to treat our wastewater to potable standards. Due to climate change, the Central Coast can expect continued periods of drought, with rain falling over even shorter periods of time. Accordingly, we must focus on conservation, regional coordination and increased storage.
Oscar Gutierrez: Our residents should remain concerned about our severe drought status, and the City needs to constantly re-inforce that fact. Cachuma reservoir is only 40 percent full, buying water from other parts of the state is costly, and we must give the groundwater supplies a rest and not over-pump the aquifer. I support continued focus on conservation, especially targeted reduction of residential use for outdoor watering. The desalination plant is up and working and has more capacity if needed, but this is expensive water, so conservation is the best way to go.
Elizabeth Hunter:
Relations between the City of Goleta and the City of Santa Barbara have recently become strained over the impacts of several development projects at the Santa Barbara Airport. How would you propose addressing these issues?
Ken Rivas: I would like to understand the differences the city of Goleta and Santa Barbara are having in regards to the development projects and find a solution that would be amenable to both cities.
Michael Vidal: Relations between the City of Goleta and the City of Santa Barbara have recently become strained over impacts of several development projects at the Santa Barbara Airport. I would propose sitting down with government leaders in Goleta to find common ground and look for win/win situations.
Oscar Gutierrez: We need to discuss things openly and honestly. Our planning departments should work closer together in reviewing projects.
Personally, I would like to work with members of the Goleta City Council to open discussion and establish mutual goals on this subject and others of regional concern, such as housing and transportation. Litigation should be the last form of resolution. The airport is in the middle of their City so I understand their frustration. The Goleta City Council has expressed interest in having representation on our Airport Commission; I would be willing to explore that option.
Elizabeth Hunter:
Economic Development
The City of Santa Barbara does not have an active economic development program. Do you believe one is necessary? If so, how would you create it? If not, why not?
Ken Rivas: Yes, I would like to take part in a meeting of the Economic Vitality Team of Santa Barbara, as well as visit cities which have an Economic Development Committee in moving forward to establish one, and why one does not exist in our city.
Michael Vidal: The City of Santa Barbara has a number of economic development strategies, but they are not centralized under one department, which creates inconsistencies and lack of traction. Our economy needs to shift its focus and promote innovative industries that will bring higher wage jobs to Santa Barbara, while it maintains its base in tourism. We need a long term economic plan and that requires an independent 3rd party to analyze our city, its resources and our city policies. Next, we need to hire an experienced Economic Development Specialist to help us implement that plan. The City Council and Planning Commission do not have the experience necessary to re-develop/re-envision Santa Barbara's economy.
Oscar Gutierrez: Yes, the City of Santa Barbara should have more of an active economic development focus. We need to diversify our economy,
and I would work with the Chamber of Commerce and others in the business community to accomplish this goal. With the Thomas Fire and the January debris flows, our City saw a drop in sales tax and tourism revenues. Our beautiful City and its beaches will always be a tourist destination and we must support that; however, having other healthy forms of commerce would
promote financial stability. Another factor is the changing nature of retail and consumer spending. Business incubators, media and technology companies, would love to have space in our downtown, but they require reliable energy. Hopefully the upgrades being performed by Edison, will help. The City must be actively helping to find solutions to empty retail spaces.
Continuing to fast track permitting, and possibly staffing an ombudsman position to assist with permitting should be a priority.
Elizabeth Hunter:
Funk Zone
One of the fastest growing areas of Santa Barbara is the Funk Zone. What are your thoughts on this area, and how would you respond to some in the community that feel the area is getting more attention and benefits than other more established business zones?
Michael Vidal: Two lessons can be applied when seeing the development of the Funk Zone. The first is how local entrepreneurs had a vision for an underdeveloped area and how they worked with the community to create one of the most popular areas in Santa Barbara. The second is a community district can become very successful by having coordinated efforts to attract businesses and having that district be walkable makes it even more attractive. For Santa Barbara to flourish we need businesses to flourish.
Oscar Gutierrez: The Funk Zone is appealing to people who like the mix of wineries, restaurants, and art galleries, and the general ambience there. I
am glad for those businesses and will make a point to determine if
that area is being treated differently from other commercial areas
of the City. All businesses should be supported, and the City
should be accommodating as to supplying parking and police
It is obvious that State Street needs attention because of the
empty storefronts and challenges from panhandlers and other
negative street behavior. I am also concerned about Coast Village
Road businesses as they have had to evacuate and be closed
because of the Thomas Fire and the Montecito Debris Flow. My
district has a reinvigorated business section along San Andres and
Micheltorna streets, as well as portions of State, Gutierrez West
Montecito and Chapala Streets. There are other business areas
around the city – Mesa, Milpas, and upper State that must also
receive adequate services. As I said, all of our businesses need
Elizabeth Hunter:
Parking for Restaurants
As part of the New Zoning Ordinance (NZO), the Planning Commission has agreed to change parking requirements on restaurants to 1 space per 250 square feet of space in the restaurant. Do you support this decision? Why or why not?
Ken Rivas: If public parking/ parking structures are sufficient, I support this decision, although if the zone is in an area where it may negatively affect the business and consumer, then we should determine where this ordinance might be more applicable.
Michael Vidal: I strongly support flexible considerate planning. We need to ensure there is enough parking for employees and customers, but not create a burden on business owners as they are the engine of our local economy. In general, I am supportive of better coordination between public, private, and transportation to help attract and retain businesses.
Oscar Gutierrez: Yes, I support this decision. It will give more flexibility for
commercial spaces turning into restaurants. It also streamlines the permitting process. And could encourage people to use transportation alternatives, including taxis, Uber, Lyft, carpooling etc. which can also reduce drunk driving.
Elizabeth Hunter:
What do you see as the city's role in helping residents and businesses access renewable energy, either on the grid, or installed directly on homes and commercial or industrial buildings? What is your position on the City's Community Choice Energy effort?
Ken Rivas: I support CCE in that it would be more affordable to have a choice in energy providers, and in moving toward cleaner energy at competitive rates.
Michael Vidal: I strongly support the City's Community Choice Energy efforts as it gives customers a choice in energy providers and a choice in how their energy is produced. The City Council committed to a 100% renewable energy goal by 2030, which is a necessary goal, which will require partnership between the public and private sector. The City of Santa Barbara has led the way in environmental issues and our conversion to renewable energy will be another example.
Oscar Gutierrez: The City should help homeowners and commercial/industrial property owners put solar panels on buildings and increase access to renewable energy sources. The City Council has recently
approved the PACE program, which allows a homeowner to borrow money to install solar and pay off the loan through property tax collection. I support the Community Choice Energy proposal and hope our collaboration with the County and other CCE partners is successful in finding a way for us to have a program locally. Additionally, the City itself should use every means possible to get to the 2030 goal of 100 percent renewable energy in City operations and community-wide. It will be challenging, but it's important to use as much green energy as possible.
Elizabeth Hunter:
City Development
What are your thoughts on the level of City regulations affecting individuals attempting to develop property in our community? Are there steps you would take to limit the regulatory burden faced by those who wish to invest here?
Ken Rivas: I feel that home owners who live here, and want to develop or make modifications or additions to their property, should not be burned with regulations that can be lifted, so in their effort to provide an opportunity to invest in their home.
Michael Vidal: We need to have thoughtful and effective City regulations to attract developers, but we need to ensure that the needs of our low to moderate income workforce are being met (which they are not).
Oscar Gutierrez: Development regulations are meant to preserve the character of the City and many people value the "small town" feeling of Santa Barbara. I understand that and support a planning process where
projects fit into our community character. However, the process must be fair and there must be a sufficient number of employees in the community development department to process applications fairly and in a reasonable amount of time. We have a housing shortage and have to find locations that are close to transportation corridors and commercial areas, where the jobs
are. I will work with our city administrators and the planning director to streamline the system as much as possible and limit regulatory burden and be welcoming to people and entities that want to invest here.
Elizabeth Hunter:
Public Transportation
The City of Santa Barbara is served by MTD buses, but as with many smaller, suburban communities, the service does not meet all of the need. What proposals would you have, if any, to increase public transportation options? Would your options include other forms of mass transportation?
Ken Rivas: I am for more access to public transportation. An assessment should be made regularly to see if the current services are meeting the need, and if not we need to find a solution. At this time I have not reviewed or study the current or optional transportation methods used. However would bring any and all ideas that I learn work and can be applied to Santa Barbara. I am interested to see if the new route time Amtrak is including in their service from L.A. to Santa Barbara will be effective.
Michael Vidal: I am glad to see the long awaited commuter service that Amtrak will be providing in April to help connect Ventura County residents to Santa Barbara. In addition, a shared bicycles system would be successful and would promote alternate transportation. We also need to promote our zip car system so we can help encourage other forms of transportation with the shared economy.
Oscar Gutierrez: I am in full support of the new commuter rail system, and the creative ways that MTD and employers are addressing the "last mile." I would like to see an enhanced use of "zip cars" or other car sharing options – I would like to see this be included as part of a menu of options that may allow for reduced parking requirements on new commercial development.
Public bus service is very important to my Westside neighbors and to the City and region as a whole, I will meet with MTD officials to learn more about their operations and how the City can support their mission. I will encourage MTD to review its services, routes, and ridership statistics to determine if changes need to be made to meet unmet demand. I would ask the MTD board of directors to have meetings with business leaders to find out how bus
service can better serve the community, and I fully support the continuation of the downtown and waterfront shuttles as they serve our business and tourism needs.
Elizabeth Hunter:
District Priorities
How would you approach issues where the interests of your district conflict with the needs of the City of Santa Barbara as a whole?
Ken Rivas: I realize there may be a time where a concession will have to be made, However, I will address whatever conflict there may be in a way a comprise has the least impact on City and District. For example a community project may need to be temporarily delayed in order to handle an immediate need of the cities. Although, unlike the more than 8 years it has taken to see the Cabrillo Park renovated into multi use Park.
Michael Vidal: There is overlap between the needs of my District and the needs of the City. Improvements to the Third District is beneficial to downtown and the City as a whole. My priorities for the Third District are (1) Housing, (2) Parking, (3) Infrastructure, and (4) Livability.
Oscar Gutierrez: I will work to represent the interests of the entire community, but I will take into consideration the specific needs of my district, and make sure they received a fair share of the resources available, and that it is safe and that property values are maintained. But the new district system also means city council members must have integrity and look out for the best interests of the entire City. I am responsible for the well-being of everyone who lives, works or visits our City, and I will take into consideration the needs of schools, churches, and businesses citywide. I bring strong communication and people skills to this job and I will work with my colleagues on the City Council and all stakeholders if there is a contentious issue. It would be an honor to serve on the Santa Barbara City Council, and I'm ready for all the challenges the job presents.
Elizabeth Hunter:


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We were homebased workers but got together and formed a company. We started with creating an online job portal for the city of Iligan, IliganJobs.com. After several years, we created job portals for other cities in Mindanao as well.
After the success of the job portals, we are now offering web design and online marketing services to businesses anywhere around the world.
MalachiSoft is headed by Leandro Padilla. Connect with him here.


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Today is the first day that the Wild Thing hasn't asked for TV. He misses it, and he doesn't understand why he can't watch it but I'm happy that he's finally getting used to the idea. I'm loving the new and improved Wild Thing! He's a completely different kid. He plays quietly by himself, he'll sit down and talk to you or play a game, he follows the rules, he cleans up after himself, and the melt downs have dramatically decreased. It's not just effected his energy level but his emotional level too. Another surprise... no potty accidents. He hasn't had a single accident since the shut off. I'd tried to do some research on it, a quick google search on "how TV effects a child's brain", and the information that I found was mostly about ADD and the same information that I previously provided in Day 0 about the neurological effect that they are now calling "the flicker effect". The change has been so dramatic that I believe the experiment is concluded. I'm totally convinced at this point that the TV needs to be shut off permanently. Wonderful and I have talked about maybe doing a movie night once a week, but we still need to do the 30 days and break the habit completely first. I will admit that the TV or PBS for that matter, does have one benefit that I miss, and that's the information that they provide. He learned so much about reading from Super Why and so much about Dinosaurs from Dinosaur Train. I took him to the Natural History Museum yesterday to learn about Dinosaurs because I didn't want his education to stop just because I turned off the TV. I need to step up my game in the education department and learn how to teach my kids. Darn it to hell for kids not coming with a manual!! Hopefully we can find some help in this department at our local library. Just to add... he's now 60% calmer. I might have to rename the kiddos now. Twinkle Toes has become the wild one. She's into everything!!!
I'm not going to continue to do a daily update on the shut off, but I will post one more time about it on Day 30 and reflect back on the changes.


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I have always enjoyed fruit smoothie mixes, but never taken into consideration adding environment-friendlies and other veggies to up the ante. I have to admit that at first, it really didn't sound too enticing. From the very first day that I added some fresh baby spinach to my banana, soy milk, and icy strawberries, I was absolutely connected! It tasted fantastic and I discovered the positive side impacts instantly. They helped to decrease food cravings for sugary foods and helped in my food digestion and removal. Prior to I proceed, I would such as to keep in mind that I used to make most of my healthy smoothies with soy milk. Because soy can interfere with the natural manufacturing of hormones, I discovered that too much soy reduced my libido. I do love my soy milk, but I love my libido also extra!
Below are the advantages of drinking eco-friendly shakes
– Green healthy smoothie motivates healthy digestion and elimination.
– Cells in the fruits and vegetables are damaged down by the act of liquefying; as a result your body absorbs the nutrients promptly.
– Eco-friendly smoothie mixes regulate food cravings for sugar because the natural sugars found in veggies and fruits please our need for sweet food. Also, our food cravings for sugary foods are usually a signal from our bodies that something is missing. Green shakes load that space.
– Environment-friendly smoothie mixes are a simple and satisfying method to include leafy environment-friendlies right into our diet plans.
– Eco-friendly healthy smoothies hydrate our bodies, making it less complicated to get the liquids that we need daily.
– Eco-friendly healthy smoothies provide much required fiber.
– Green shakes help us to eat a selection of fruits and vegetables.
– Eco-friendly smoothie mixes provide enzymes from the raw fruits and vegetables. (These enzymes help us to absorb our food).
– Green smoothie mixes aid to alkalize our blood pH. A high acidic pH brings about ailment and condition, and drinking eco-friendly smoothies counteracts this acidic setting.
– Green smoothie mixes give chlorophyll, which cleanses and develops blood, among other points.


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Ken Mehlman/
NET WORTH: Unknown
SOURCE OF WEALTH: KKR & Co.
FUNDING AREAS: Leadership Development & Education, Policy, LGBT Causes
OVERVIEW: Ken Mehlman launched Slingshot Project in 2017, in order to "empower, mobilize, and learn from people who have overcome the most difficult of circumstances." Mehlman's board memberships include Mt. Sinai Hospital of New York, Franklin & Marshall College, and American Enterprise Institute's National Council.
BACKGROUND: Ken B. Mehlman graduated with a B.A. from Franklin & Marshall College and holds a J.D. from Harvard Law School. He was a partner at global law firm Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld. Mehlman spent a dozen years in national politics and government service, including as 62nd Chairman of the RNC and campaign manager of President Bush's 2004 re-election campaign. Mehlman joined KKR in 2008 and is KKR's global head of public affairs.
SLINGSHOT PROJECT: Mehlman launched Slingshot Project in 2017 to "develop partnerships with organizations focused on teaching those who have overcome poverty, disease, disability, or other adversity how to address the challenges and also identify, utilize, and potentially leverage coping and adapting mechanisms they developed in facing these obstacles to academic, professional and other endeavors."
The Project's first initiative is at Mehlman's alma mater Franklin & Marshall. The Mehlman Talent Initiative at Franklin & Marshall College, "identifies teaching and mentoring techniques that help students who prevailed over challenging life circumstances to thrive beyond college." Mehlman Scholar Jim Shelton is president of education at Chan Zuckerberg Initiative and also worked at Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and in the Obama Administration.
The Slingshot Project will support first-generation students at F&M in the form of financial aid, supplemental teaching, mentorship, and a summer job/internship.
OTHER: Mehlman is chairman of Chan Zuckerberg Initiative policy advisory board. He is a trustee of Mt. Sinai Hospital of New York, Franklin & Marshall College, Teach for America, and Sponsors of Educational Opportunity (SEO). He is co-chairman of the American Enterprise Institute's National Council and a member of the Council on Foreign Relations. Mehlman has also donated to LGBT advocacy groups such as Freedom to Marry and the Point Foundation.
LOOKING FORWARD: Only in his early 50s, Mehlman has an interesting background and his new Slingshot Project should be watched carefully. Given Mehlman's strong policy background, some robust giving in this area could emerge. Mehlman is gay and has said that he wants to advocate for gay marriage rights.


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Yesterday, there was a "soft closure" of many PPSLA Verizon accounts and there will be more to come. This is in lieu of simply turning off all devices last month – something that we should have done under this type of account or risk a huge expense to the lodge. As we stated before, to avoid any interruption in service, simply let us know what you want to do:
1. Keep your benefit as is. For $35/month continue to be an FOP member by filling out an automatic check withdrawal form that we can email you.
2. Transition your benefit to AZCOPS. We will release your line and someone within AZCOPS will need to assume your line's liability. If AZCOPS does not facilitate on their end, you WILL see a spike in your bill. Regardless, you may see a temporary increase during the transition. This is normal, and it depends upon what time in the billing cycle you make the switch.
FOP office staff has been instructed to release any member who has paid their bill in full and wants to leave.
We are trying to help you do whatever it is YOU want to do… transition your Verizon benefit to AZCOPS, or stay with the lodge. We are also not going to compromise our integrity in order to sway your decision. Cops should not lie – especially to each other.
The phone plan is exactly the same although some have been lead to believe that there are differences.
When PPSLA left FOP immediately after promising a 30 day heads up, we should have stopped all lines of service for liability reasons. But we were not going to make the individual member pay for the actions of their new leadership, and we wanted to offer a choice. The other option would be to release all lines of service, but there would have been an immediate negative impact on your bill. Also, the ability to upgrade would be diminished, again harming you for the way your leadership went about the changes. So, we tried to reach out to everyone to ask what they wanted to do. We are willing to release your lines, but unless AZCOPS picks them up immediately, your bill will spike. It goes without saying that after we release your lines, we have no control or ability to add you to the AZCOPS account.
We, here at the FOP, wish it was not this difficult. It didn't have to be. We are working hard on our end to ensure the smoothest transition possible, but when members are lied to about what is going on, it is hard to manage the great deal of work that PPSLA created for everyone. When we try to work hard to get you what you want and hear that PPSLA told their members that they don't have to do anything, our work becomes more frustrating. When PPSLAs strategy is to besmirch FOP office staff by name and providing untruthful accounts about the same people who seem to be the only ones working to fix things, it is demotivating. As things continue to break they will not be the result of anything that the FOP did. But past actions indicate that we will be to blame, nevertheless. We focus on solutions while others (who created the crisis) focus on the blame.


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From the Rubber Boom to Ayawaskha Tourism: Shamanic Initiation Narratives and the Commodification of Amazonia
In this article, I examine shamanic initiation narratives, the stories told by urban mestizo shamans in northwest Amazonia to explain their knowledge of Amerindian plant medicine, to illuminate the sociohistorical context in which they emerge. Using a geocritical approach to literary analysis, I interrogate the initiation narrative of renowed Iquitos shaman, Manuel Córdova Ríos, using the work of Peruvian poet César Calvo, the American forester Frank Bruce Lamb, and two local Iquitos publications. I argue that Córdova's narrative served to erase the urban shaman's involvement in the exploitative practices of rubber extraction. In so doing, he reinvented Iquitos and its surroundings as a place of purification, setting the scene for the commodification of shamanic healing in a new extractive cycle of magical plant experiences. The analysis offers a surprising example of the way that narrative shapes the way places are perceived, conceived, and lived.
1. Author hereby grants, transfers, and assigns to A Contracorriente:
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Not mine, but shows how nice these cars are with subtle mods
Shame the rims have been painted. The factory finish on those ATS Cups is awesome. Nicest looking wheels I've ever seen.
I can't decide if they suit the Corrado, but put them on a MK1 GTi and they look super sweet.
The price has jumped up quite a bit
I think the 16V need to be safe guarded because they are most lighly the ones to be stripped, I bet they are all ready the rarest model in the Corrado line up to date ?
Not as rare as the 2.0 8 valve, if you exclude special editions.
93 Corrado VR6
Members Gallery
I was reading up on the 2.0 8V and I believe they uprated the engine because they had to fit a Cat to apply to new emission laws and the variation lost a lot power therefore introduced the 2.0 8V.
I believe the 8v was only sold in the UK.
1996 Corrado VR6 Midnight Blue
2007 Lotus Elise 111r Super Touring
1996 Land Rover Defender County
2016 Range Rover Sport


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Candidate have must pass 10th standard with at least 35% marks from a recognized Board/ University.
|Sr. No.
|Percentage of Seats
|General Seats
|85% of Total Seats
|Management Seats
|15% of Total Seats
Admissions to 85% General Seats will be made by Himachal Pradesh Technical University. 15% Seats will be filled by the Management. Seats left vacant after completion of counseling by HP Takniki Shiksha Board will be filled by the College Management. Candidates who have passed 10+2 or equivalent examination with PCM and minimum 45% marks in aggregate (40% in case of SC/ST) from the State Education Board of Himachal Pradesh or any other State.
After last counselling if seats vacant then its for general category.


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contrasts and transitions
A certain young lady transitioned in January from age ten to eleven. She was celebrated with ice cream cake, carnations, her favorite pizza and books, books, books. Having her in our lives has changed us. It's really too emotional to write about the specifics on this blog, but I hope to honor all that she means to me by living each day fully, diligently as her mother.
We were provided amazing weather, so many moments were spent breathing fresh air, roaming the yard, jumping on the trampoline, playing in the sand pile. What gifts for the month of January! A day in the 70's allowed my son and I to meet friends at our favorite nature park to hike for three hours. A special day for this homemaking, homeschooling mom!
The last day of January we finally began receiving snow. My children have been seriously unhappy about their lack of play in the snow. So as it still accumulates today they have hope to enjoy it tomorrow.


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Erick Sosa is a tacos al pastor-making, Chilangolandia crime-fighting master. Oh, and did we also mention, he's a top-class sculptor to boot? His infectious enthusiasm, sculpting skill, and love of Dragon Ball Z are all reasons this 20 plus year sculpting veteran is one to watch in this year's BWFC.
I can't believe I was called again. It is like a dream all over again.
Because sculpting is tangible, it lets me see my creations from every angle, and I can feel my art, and hold it in my hands.
Dragon Ball touched my heart as a young man, and being able to reproduce the art of Akira Toriyama is one of the greatest honors and achievements of my career.
I chose Trunks sitting at Kami's Lookout, because it is based on the artwork by Mr. Toriyama, an extremely iconic representation of Trunks. It has never been done before I believe, and I wanted to be the one to bring it to life.
My style is a combination of many different styles, specifically manga/anime, and with a very strong touch of American comic book style.
I would be Goku…. always learning, always trying to improve, and always making new friends.
I feel they are some of the most amazing human beings I have ever met. They are very kind, and are all extremely talented artists. It is quite an honor for me to just be able to meet them, and be able to learn form their work.
Well, I don't see them as fans, I see them as friends that support my art. I am very thankful to you all for supporting my career throughout 24 years.


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MANHATTAN, Kan (KSNT) – The city of Manhattan has transferred a shelter dog to a rescue in New Jersey on the condition that he's not brought back to Kansas. The city released "Buck the Dog" to the German Shorthair Pointer Rescue of New Jersey in Oak Ridge, New Jersey on June 6.
The Manhattan City Manager's Office initially told KSNT News that the shelter wanted to remain anonymous. KSNT News submitted an open records request for Buck's transfer documents on June 14. While the city spared Buck's life, they made sure that he would not be coming back to Kansas.
The agreement reads that the rescue "shall have sole discretion to determine to disposition of Buck; provided that, the Rescue agrees not to release or adopt Buck to an entity or an individual located in the State of Kansas."
Buck came to the T. Russell Reitz Animal Shelter in Manhattan in April after biting a 2-year-old girl. The dog's supporters believe he is not an aggressive animal and shouldn't have been adopted so soon after being neutered.
The shelter had initially planned to euthanize Buck because they do not adopt out dogs that show aggressive behavior, However, public pressure caused the city to reconsider.
Chris Soupene, a Manhattan man, showed interest in adopting Buck and went to social media after the shelter wouldn't let him. This rallied protests on the streets of Manhattan and during a Manhattan City Commission meeting. Supporters had hoped that Soupene would be allowed to adopt Buck, but this transfer agreement makes that impossible.


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Spray booth installed for Jaguar at Castle Bromwich
PSJ Fabrications has recently manufactured and installed a paint booth at Jaguar Land Rover's Castle Bromwich site.
Working in close partnership with the project integrator, Dürr, the PSJ team was able to produce all the unit's elements cost-effectively and, more importantly, to the tight time schedules required.
Says Gareth Bull, Technical Sales Director, "This is the second booth we have installed for JLR within the last 12 months and again it has been a highly successful project which has cemented an already excellent working relationship with the team at Dürr. We are excited about new projects and opportunities on the horizon for us at the moment."


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I help individuals, teams, and organizations make better decisions, achieve deeper understanding, and design better futures.
I energize groups by creating events where everyone's voice is heard.
I create intelligent, safe, intentional space for teams to work together.
I draw while you talk to enable discussion and create a compelling visual record.
"Jack is masterful at bringing a fresh perspective to solving long-standing, persistent problems. With the soul of an artist, the intellect of a philosopher and an intuitive understanding of how people can work together more effectively, he supports groups in gaining clarity, designing innovative (and useful!) concepts and strategies and detailing the plans to launch and them."
–Elise Hufano
Executive Director The Difference
"Jack is the whole package; he's smart and can very quickly understand new organizations and their challenges. His thinking is at once original and dependable. Most importantly, he's great to be around."
–David Roberts
Co-Founder The Difference
"I know two things to be true about Jack Burgess. He has a wonderfully creative mind and he is highly thoughtful."
– Matt Saiia
Founder and CEO Collective Next
"Jack brings a unique combination of the savvy and empathetic intellect of a business professional with the creativity and imagination of a world class artist. This dynamic mix is complemented by a huge experience base derived from helping 1000's of clients discover a better path forward. Anyone who has the good fortune to work with Jack is demonstrably better for doing so."


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Share Half for May 2018 is split and goes to Community Housing Solutions and Reading Connections.
Community Housing Solutions, (CHS) provides home repairs to qualifying families who are owner-occupants of Guilford County homes and are below specific income levels.
Reading Connections is a nonprofit adult literacy agency that provides free and confidential services that help to improve basic literacy skills, self-esteem, community service and leadership skills among adult readers who live or work in Guilford County.
Share Half donations are one-half of all the undesignated (non-pledge payments) cash or checks placed in the Sunday offering.


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Wolseley raises cash for local charities
Published: 26 January, 2010
NORTH YORKSHIRE: The League of Friends of Ripon Hospitals and Ripon Age Concern received cheques for £2500 each following a series of fundraising events held by staff at Wolseley's Ripon offices.
Julie Cotton, Wolseley UK services director said: "It was wonderful to be able to hand over so much to each of the charities and to know that this money will directly benefit people in Ripon.
"The money given to Age Concern is earmarked for the development of Daybreak activities and befriending services to help reduce loneliness and social isolation among older people in the Ripon area."
Wolseley's office staff pledged to continue fundraising for the local community during 2010.


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Billboards Hearts and Memories is the Foolish Couple's 2018 New Year's Resolution. A wisdom, a learning, and a memory each week.
Welcome to the Foolish Couple's Foolish Review 2018.
Our resolution this year is to do a constant, weekly review of ourselves, and to share 3 main things with you every week.
1. ...
Foolish Insight, 2018-01-07
We are the Foolish Couple. As Relationship success coaches and mentors, we give you all the information you need on building your meaningful, fulfilling, happy and joyful life.
If you have been with us for a while you would know that we set a couple's new year's resolution every year....
Living a GOOD life is not about how long you live. It is about how WELL you lived your life and having WONDERFUL experiences with your loved one.
Access this FREE Video training to learn five simple strategies to take back control of your health and live life on your terms.


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Your Custom Text Here
Kitchen well furnished and equipped.
kitchen from overall perspective.
2 persons comfortable bedroom.
Bathroom which includes a toilet, shower and wash table.
The well-equipped wash table with its storage-compartments.
The shower with a boiler providing comfortable chilled water.
Select one of our available apartments, and enjoy your stay in our little paradise called Aruba


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I'm really happy you signed up. The vault of speaker mindset resources are below. I'll also send you you my super helpful for-speakers-only newsletter from time to time as a bonus! If you decide it's not for you, no worries. Just unsubscribe. Easy peasy.
Speaking is a mind game.
I've been coaching speakers for over 20 years. All kinds: teenagers, youth speakers, pastors, CEO's, TEDx speakers, entrepreneurs, coaches, and authors.
And here's what I can tell you with absolute certainty:
80% of the success of their talk is dependent on what was going through their head before they went out on stage. I used to think it was 50% - but then I'd see these skilled speakers fall flat because they couldn't get out of their heads.
And I'd see these mediocre speakers ROCK IT because they believed in themselves in a powerful way, and really sought to connect with their audience.
If you aren't in an audience-focused, confident, clear, service-minded, humble AND bold mindset then your talk simply won't have the impact you want it to.
Most of us have the wrong idea about speaking. And that wrong idea is keeping too many of us from standing up and really owning the moment as it comes before us… even when we WANT it!
Speakers who aim for perfection, overly polished and memorized, scanning their content in their head, planning their every move, choreographed to the nth degree, to have this exact affect, manipulated, and full of cliches, never digging deep enough to do something REAL…
We've all seen those talks. They are a dime a dozen and a helluva lot easier to pull off than being a MOVING speaker. They ask little of the speaker, and even less of the audience. They are technically fine (sadly, people don't expect much from speakers) - but they don't DO much for us, either. And they certainly don't do anything TO us, in us, for us.
I want more for you, as a speaker - changemaker - influencer - leader.
And I definitely want more for our audiences!
Seven mindset shifts to transform yourself into a moving speaker:
When we stand up in front of people and "share our story" in any form, we seek to connect. If we can do that with authenticity, the connection opens up - and it takes hold of us! We are more likely to remember it, and let it impact us - as the speaker and the audience.
It is not the way of the weak. It takes courage to strive to be more than just 'good enough' - but to really seek a connection, and share who we are?! That is our calling as humans, creatives, speakers and leaders. And yet...how?
How can we create that incredibly precious and magical connection that ONLY happens in this live format? That you can FEEL? That we create, together, in showing up to the same place and collectively thinking and processing and sharing and experiencing?
The answer is authenticity.
We ask ourselves, over and over again, is this me?
As we develop your talk, we focus on the gut-feeling that tells us YES, this feels like me. And we reject the things that don't feel that way.
It's the process of peeling away instead of putting on. Sinking into ourselves.
We put ON a mask; we put ON a costume; we put ON layers that cover up our fears and insecurities and doubts. Authenticity is about digging beneath all of that, and revealing the truth about ourselves in a way that serves our audience.
What is authentic is what connects.
It runs against our fears and most basic of instincts; but it's true: what is YOU is what connects!
If connection is the point of speaking, then you must know this: perfection kills connection.
Audiences want to know who we are, and RELATE to us.
If we just share all the wisdom we have, instead of the rough road we took to earn that wisdom - well, my response as an audience member is GO AWAY, YOU! Yay for you and your perfect life! Meanwhile, I'm over here sucking it up, big time! Clearly, our lives are way too different for you to have anything to offer me!"
The foibles and follies of our lives that we've been pretending didn't happen are exactly the moments to mine for wisdom to share. Our humanness is what connects!
So when you bumble - errrrr, ummmm, trip, forget, etc. - it's a time to be a human up there. Your audience will feel MORE connected to you, not less.
I have no interest in helping "motivational speakers" become more motivational. In fact, I tend to draw away from the 'professionals' who just want to speak because they like to speak - and not because their message and mission pulled them out on stage.
Don't get me wrong - I like to speak! And I LOVE being on stage! And I want to motivate people. But we don't HAVE to love the stage or love speaking to be a speaker… We don't have to be a professional, or to have written a book or to have gone through some big life turmoil. We don't have to be confident or beautiful or smart. We don't have to be eloquent or polished or wearing just the right thing.
There is no formula for being a speaker. You just speak.
The ideas of what a speaker is—it's MESSING US UP and keeping us from bringing our particular voice out into the world! And the world needs our voices!
When we share a story (and we share it well), our audience begins to imagine that story in their own brain. They begin to SEE the story happening in front of them, and - sometimes, they begin to FEEL it too.
There's some really cool brain science that shows how that works, and what areas of the brain light up - but bottom line is this: stories are the pathway to empathy.
It's a crazy kind of connection that happens, neuron to neuron.
Before our thinking brains kick in and start defining things - categorizing things - and deciding what they think… STORIES move BEYOND category and definition. So they allow the audience to step into another person's experiences without first deciding if they AGREE with them or not.
If you want to persuade, start with story.
Speaking requires of us to act with courage, live with integrity, share our authentic selves. These are not just speaking goals - they are LIFE goals. And it's no mistake that they are the same, because a good speaker is a good person - and an audience can SEE that. Or not. So, the process brings it alllll out.
Conversations with my speakers don't sound like conversations about speaking. They are about who we are and what we struggle with:
"I don't feel like I have the authority to speak."
"I don't want to waste their time."
"Who am I to be up here?"
"What will they think of me?"
When we step out on "stage" - we step out vulnerable. And so, it brings us to the truth of ourselves, and makes us face the waves of self-doubt that we as adults mostly silence… but that we as speakers must battle again and again.
I've had speakers say to me,
"I've never been as vulnerable with anyone as have been with you."
"I've never felt so comfortable failing with anyone."
"I hate this, and I hate you!" :)
I took that as a huge compliment… because I knew she didn't really hate me… but she did indeed hate the process, and hated how it was making her feel, and that I totally respect and understand. And it meant that she was digging in. She didn't enjoy it, but she did it anyway. She has my love and respect forever because of it.
And the results were transformative - for her and her audience.
Let's be real: Anybody can do this - but it's not easy.
I had a conversation with a woman I was coaching the other day who was struggling to be loud enough. I said to her - you need to speak from HERE (and I pointed to her belly) - not HERE (pointing to her neck). Speaking from up here is not strong - you need to own your voice!
"What's going on here at work, I asked? What are you afraid of, I asked?"
And she said, I don't feel like I have the authority to speak. And I looked at her, pointed to her belly and said, SPEAK FROM HERE. OWN YOUR VOICE. YOUR VOICE MATTERS. And she started to cry, because we had voiced something that she had been struggling with. And who knew that her speaking coach would bring her to the moment of admitting it. But speaking brings us to the truth of ourselves.
The audience wants to love you. They don't come into it determined to fold their arms and sink into their phones. I think most of the time audiences are in awe of the craft and courage of speaking, and are hoping that this thing that's going to happen won't bore them to death. But if you show a moment of disregard for them? If you smell remotely 'fake'; if you carelessly ignore what's happening in the room; if you don't take the time to connect and show interest in who these people are?… well, their generosity will wane.
It's up to US to move towards them; then, and only then, can we ask them to move towards us.
One of the most frustrating aspects speaking is that it's a PROCESS, and it's never done. Wow, that's frustrating to hear, isn't it? Speaking is a reflection of who we are as humans, and so it's never done. It's iterative, meaning we go back again and again and adjust.
The process of creating and delivering a moving talk isn't easy. It's just not.
You can go ahead and skip the process, I suppose - and give a crappy talk! That happens ALL. THE. TIME.
But if you want to give a moving talk? Well, you better get ready to dig in. Challenge yourself. Go INTO the fears instead of away from them. Risk. Stand up there and feel vulnerable. And then - THEN you are doing the big work of moving this world. There are no shortcuts in this work.
"It's an audience of one."
I've heard Josh Shipp—speaker and client of mine—talk about shifting our thinking from speaking to the audience as a whole to speaking to an audience of ONE. Not that you literally only talk to one person of course, but to remember that each audience is filled with individual people who walk in the room with their own stories, their own ideas, their own fears, their own connections to the topic, their own anxieties and lived a morning that you know nothing about. If we can key into the individuals sitting in front of us, it can a powerful mindset shift towards connection and impact - rather than wanting to impress. (There's nothing wrong with impressing people; but when that's the goal… it often takes us off course.)