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The Ford Thunderbird was introduced to the automotive market in 1955. It created the market niche that would be classified as the "personal luxury vehicle." Based on a mythological creature, the Thunderbird began as a sporty two-seat convertible. Twenty-two year-old Michael Valdez loved the history of the Ford Thunderbird, and immediately jumped at the chance to purchase his prized '71 Ford Thunderbird, which he appropriately nicknamed "Home Grown." Born and raised in Denver, Colorado, Michael got started building custom cars with his father, Jerry. Starting with Tuners and progressing to Hot Rods, Michael gained a love for classic cars at an early age.
As fate would have it, Michael found his Thunderbird in Denver sitting in a garage with 74,000 original miles on it. In fact, the vehicle was kept in such pristine shape, the paint looked like it had just come fresh off the production line. The motor was in such terrific condition that when Michael turned the key it started right up. Impressed with the care given to this classic ride, he decided not to alter the body or frame, in fact the only things on the Thunderbird that are different from the showroom floor are its custom suspension and wheels. To adjust the Ford to perfect cruising height, and back down to low show stance is a full CCE airbag setup, which Michael installed along with three friends, Buma Lopez, Julian Romero, and Phil Trujillo.
As an emissions manager at Air Care Colorado in Denver, Michael has spent the last four years working hard to support his wife, Amanda and his young son, Nol. After some of his customers saw his car, they asked Michael to join Just Casual C.C. As the youngest member in the club, he receives the ritual hazing; but after the attention he received at the Denver Lowrider show, he has more than earned his stripes among the club. "My son loves this culture," Michael tells us, "I take him to every show."
When all is said and done, Michael has a one-of-a-kind Thunderbird that he can proudly drive on a daily basis on the streets of Denver. "It gets a lot of attention," Michael says with a smile. Thanks to the help of his wife, son, friends, members of Just Casual C.C., Memories C.C., Norma from CCE, and mostly his father, Jerry? whom Michael credits for instilling in him a passion for classic cars that Michael will carry on to his own son, this Lowrider has secured his place within the culture. "Home Grown" is a true Colorado product that has spawned a league of its own.
Tech Specs
Home Grown
Owner: Michael M. Valdez
Vehicle: '71 Ford Thunderbird
Club: Just Casual C.C.
City/State: Denver, Colorado
Engine/Drivetrain: The V8 429-c.i.d. 7.9 liter Thunderjet was kept in pristine condition and kept stock.
Body/Paint: The original Light Green Ford paint was retained and cleaned for a full restored look. The green Caymen grain vinyl roof was restored to make the perfect color contrast.
Interior: Straight from the factory, the interior seats and woodgrain dashboard were kept immaculate and still remain in the vehicle.
Sound System: Original A.M. radio remains fully functional.
Setup: A full CCE airbag setup includes two 480 Viair compressors and two air tanks. The 10-switch box runs the entire standard moves through the 4 SMC valves and into the 1/2-inch airline throughout the body.
Tires: P155/80-R13 Firestone rubber
Wheels: 13×7 100-spoke all chrome LA Wire wheels.


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New Geocacher from Sulphur Rock, AR.
New Geocacher from Sulphur Rock, AR.
Glad you found your way over here! Sure glad we got to meet Saturday.
Welcome to ArkGeo! It was nice to meet you and your wife at the ArkGeo event Saturday.
I hope you go back and log your first cache find and tell your story.
Hope to see you all out on the caching trail.
Welcome to our community of cachers!! Glad you decided to join us!!
It was nice to meet you at the Batesville event Saturday. Welcome to the sport of geocaching. Hope to see you again at events and on the trails.
Cool logo. Go Navy!
Welcome to Arkgeo and to the wonderful addictive hobby of geocaching.
See you at an event coming up? There are so many! Yes geocaching fun and an adventure in one trip. Coon&Bud
Welcome aboard!

subset: commoncrawl


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On the wonder of taxidermy
Given our efforts in renovating the Ronald and Christina Gidwitz Hall of Hall of Birds and the great reception it has received upon reopening, I wanted to write something more about taxidermy. A new book recently appeared in print entitled The Breathless Zoo by Rachel Poliquin. It is a history of taxidermy and in that sense a lot of research went into the book. However, Poliquin and I do not share the same feelings about taxidermy, which I found disappointing. Included in the book is the following from a placard she found at the Natural History Museum in the United Kingdom.
"The [Natural History] Museum [United Kingdom] is concerned about the conservation of animals in the natural world and no longer collects skins for taxidermy displays. The specimens in these displays are from the museum's historical collections – consequently some are faded or show other signs of their age. We feel it is more important to rely on these collections for display, even though they may not fully reflect the natural appearance of the living animal."
The viewpoint expressed in the quote is something I completely disagree with. During our renovation we knew that we would be unable to do everything we wanted to do, but we looked through the mounts on display in our Bird Hall, and Bird Division staff made note of the mounts that were most faded. One was a Chestnut-backed Chickadee; another was a young European Starling. In the case of Chestnut-backed Chickadee, I queried colleagues at the Museum of Vertebrate Zoology at the University of California, Berkeley and the Burke Museum of the University of Washington if they had any Chestnut-backed Chickadees in their freezers. They did. Because through the years, Tom Gnoske, our assistant collection manager, has been allowed to develop his skills as a taxidermist, Tom was able to mount one of the these birds and it now replaces the faded mount in the new exhibit. In the Common Birds of the Chicago Area case, Tom and Ben Marks replaced the juvenile starling with an American Robin they mounted (see below). American Robin was not represented in the case previously. Another mount that I felt was exceedingly faded was a Nelson's Sparrow (Ammodramus nelsoni). Unfortunately, we didn't have one in the freezer to prepare, but I hope we get one in soon. It would come from the window killed migrants that the Division takes in and prepares as museum specimens.
But back to The Breathless Zoo, because if the Natural History Museum apparently sees taxidermy as something historical, Poliquin sees taxidermy through the eyes of an artist. While I can accept that as a viewpoint, for me, as a scientist and educator, I value taxidermy for a subset of the reasons she investigates, and although I can to some extent accept taxidermy done for other reasons, it is not something I advocate or take much pleasure in. As a result, her book comes up short.
Poliquin simply has too little appreciation of the scientific and educational value of specimens. Taxidermied mounts represent a subset of such specimens at an institution like The Field Museum, but mounts provide such a valuable real image of animal diversity that I continue to be disappointed that today few mounts are made by any natural history museums. When I saw the use of a model albatross in the American Museum of Natural History's traveling exhibit on Charles Darwin, I was saddened because even though it was a roughly accurate model, that is all it was. It was nothing compared to a well taxidermied specimen. To me, models like this are essentially blown-up mantelpiece tchotchkes.
In one section of her book, Poliquin discusses an exhibit of Polar Bear mounts assembled in England. She expresses various reactions to the exhibit through the information presented including who shot them or what zoo they came from (what corner of a museum they were housed in), but she (and the creator of the exhibit) loses sight of something I always point out in my tours through our exhibits and collections. That is what these specimens have communicated (and can continue to communicate) about the natural world. When presented with a taxidermied mount, Poliquin seems to only experience a melancholy sense of loss (unless it has been altered by an artist), which is not what I sense. I have a sense of wonder. She uses this word also, but I do not think her wonder is the same as mine. Her wonder is enveloped in her sense of melancholy. I think of how many millions of school kids have paused to look at the polar bears on display at my institution; my guess is that thousands and thousands of British kids have marveled at the polar bear mounts that were assembled as well. Where Poliquin presents a picture of a wide variety of mounted dog breeds of dogs on display at the Natural History Museum and considers it off-putting, I see a spectacular display of the outcomes created by artificial selection through thousands of years of domestication. This is an exposé about evolution in a way that is tangible and resonating. In our museum, we have a display not of dog breeds, but pigeons with the incredible variation that was been created by breeders of the domestic birds. The display is a little hidden in the hall behind What is an Animal.
What bothers me about the apparent attitude at the Natural History Museum is that they appear to have given up on how unique collections like theirs are and the wonder they have the potential to create. Of course, people also can see polar bears in a zoo (or on TV), but they will not see a sun bear, spectacled bear, and grizzly bear side by side with information about their natural history. Seeing the real thing even if it is an animal that was killed is not an "uneasy" thing for me (nor do I think it is for many visitors to our institution). It is an opportunity to appreciate biological diversity (real diversity, not something conjured up by a creative artist). Poliquin and the Natural History Museum are entitled to their view of taxidermy, but as someone who has spent a career of learning about the natural world by collecting and preparing specimens, I see continued value in maintaining beautiful mounted specimens at our institution. Thanks to our colleagues at other museums and our own salvage program, Tom's Chestnut-backed Chickadee and his American Robin now join a magnificent collection that I hope will be viewed by millions of people in the years to come.


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Online Ads: Where 1,240 Companies Fit In
Online advertising is a remarkably complex field. Terence Kawaja has a new way for potential investors to visualize it.
The market involves hundreds of small and large companies that help advertisers reach consumers and help website publishers, mobile-application developers, search engines and other digital destinations generate revenue through advertising.
Kawaja, who runs boutique investment firm LUMA Partners, spent months putting together six new graphics that show how 1,240 different companies fit into the following categories of online advertising: display, video, search engines, mobile, social, and commerce. (See slides below, or click here for the LUMA site.)


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Showing all 6 results
Canons and Hockets for Two Low Brass by Jerry Bowder$10.00 Add to cart
Fantasy for Tuba-Euphonium Quartet by Ralph Martino$12.00 Add to cart
Silent Streets for Trombone and Tuba by David Uber$8.00 Add to cart
Americana for Brass Trio by Henry Wolking$20.00 Add to cart
Suite #1 in Five Movements by John Stevens$7.00 Add to cart
Triumph of the Demon Gods – John Stevens$7.00 Add to cart
0 Responses to Contest Tuba
Liz on February 7, 2014 at 3:30 am
"A short spirited work which employs many standard modern harmonic techniques and current textural devices..quite effective"
The Horn Call Magazine
Liz on February 10, 2014 at 8:10 pm
A must for brass quintet, this piece is 2 minutes of pure fun! International Trumpet Journal
Liz on February 10, 2014 at 8:41 pm
"This material is set up in an easy to follow, logical progression that will reinforce and complement the classroom experience. It could also be reused in the high school years as source material for the student who's developing early transposition skills." (ITG JOURNAL)
Liz on February 11, 2014 at 9:01 pm
"…This arrangement is truly a trumpeter's showcase…The music is clear and easy to read…a fine and challenging arrangement." (ITG JOURNAL)
Liz on February 11, 2014 at 9:09 pm
"Stratton's 'August '70 Jan Trio' is a fine work which should find its way into every institution of higher learning…look for this piece to show up on many brass and modern music programs in the future." (ITG JOURNAL)
Liz on February 11, 2014 at 9:36 pm
"Picher's transcription…utilizes each instrument to the fullest…a solid composition and should be enjoyable to perform." (ITG JOURNAL)
Liz on February 13, 2014 at 8:55 pm
"Philip Neumann has artfully arranged the piece which features an introduction, several diverse selections and clever modulations to various keys." (ITG JOURNAL)
"Eden's transcription of these three madrigals…can serve as an excellent introduction to Renaissance music, specifically the English madrigal …overall quality of the individual parts is quite good." (International Trumpet Guild JOURNAL)
"This edition is extremely exciting and should be a part of everyone's library. It is a wonderful piece!" (International Trumpet Guild JOURNAL)
Liz on February 26, 2014 at 7:02 pm
"If you haven't taken the plunge to include composition in your studio, this volume is well worth investigating." (American Music Teacher) "These pieces are gems in the rough and demonstrate the importance of creativity in the lives of these youngsters." (Piano and Keyboard magazine)
Liz on March 19, 2014 at 12:52 am
"This work will punctuate any church service with its powerful themes and tasteful fanfares …should be in every church organist's collection." Pennsylvania Music Education Association News
Liz on March 19, 2014 at 1:42 am
"the very best music….great stuff for three exceptional players." Band Director's Guide
Liz on March 20, 2014 at 1:32 pm
A review of this edition in the International Trumpet Guild Journal reads "This reduction works superbly well for brass quintet, is recommended to anyone looking for early American repertoire."
Liz on March 21, 2014 at 1:36 am
"…In this writer's opinion, most any excuse would justify pulling Collins' arrangement off the shelf to be enjoyed by brass players and congregation alike. " International Trumpet Guild Journal
Liz on March 21, 2014 at 1:39 am
Queen City Brass Publications (Manduca Music) should be commended for publishing this elegantly engraved edition…" The Horn Call Magazine
Liz on March 30, 2014 at 11:06 pm
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The Newest Secret is all about achieving your true potential. We all dream of things we would like to do or be, and often life events get in the way of realizing longed for goals. Through fascinating stories, quotes from many famous people, and clearly defined exercises, Ms. Nelson provides you with a plan to achieve the success you seek. I gave a copy to a friend who used it to quit smoking. I gave it to a music professor who is helping her students with performance goals. My daughter has used it to create a citywide basketball program for children. The beauty of this treasure trove is that it can be used by anyone for any situation. I highly recommend it.
Elizabeth Manduca, Portland Maine


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О нас
We are a Native, Friendly & Hospitable couple from the historic & cultural city of Shkodër. We are retired teachers and would like to welcome you to Shkodër and be your hosts!
Local Experiences
Looking for more private tours in Shkoder or home dining experience with locals? Check out our Local Experiences page to see what we offer.
The Neighbourhood
Quite and safe residential neighborhood. Local shops, markets & cafes available downstairs in the apartment building and next to it. "Sheshi Demokracia" with public transport services, taxis, buses and furgons is just 200m away. Free Public Parking.


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William Shishko
"Oh come, let us sing to the Lord!" (Psalm 95:1 NKJV)
God has created us to sing. Music enables us to take our deepest thoughts and feelings and give expression to them in a way that mere words cannot do. The ability to sing is even an aspect of our being made in the image of God. God sings! "He will rejoice over you with singing" (Zeph. 3:17). What a magnificent thought: Our singing out of delight in God is a reflection of his singing out of delight in his redeemed people!
Some Presbyterian and Reformed churches use only the Psalms in their worship. They believe that those are the only songs that God has ordained for use in worship. We also sing psalms because the Bible tells us to (see Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16; Jas. 5:13). That is why some churches have a psalter in the pews along with their regular hymnal. There are songs other than the Psalms that are used in worship in the Bible (e.g., Ex. 15; Rev. 15:3-4), and the Orthodox Presbyterian Church teaches that it is appropriate to sing hymns that possess these three characteristics:
You will note that psalms (for singing) and hymns are used at various places in the worship service. The opening hymn is designed to be a suitable response to the call to worship. Its purpose is to focus your devotion on God. The hymn following the assurance of God's pardon and promises enables you to thank God for his mercies. The hymn before the sermon frequently asks for the Holy Spirit's aid as we hear the Word of God preached. The closing hymn is chosen to send us off with confidence in the Lord's grace, and to serve him in the world.
The author is pastor of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church, Franklin Square, New York. Reprinted from New Horizons, June 2006. First article in series. Next article. Index.


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Surgical Cap-Bones on Black
Approximate dimensions for Medical Scrub Caps (dimensions for your individual cap may vary):
- 4 inches high on the sides.
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We had a house full of Princesses: Princess Gracie, Princess Vivi and Princess Sylvia.
A feast fit for a Princess: Peanut Butter and Jelly triangle sandwiches, cucumber sandwiches,
deviled Princess eggs, fruit, tea sized tarts, cupcakes, of course, and two cakes:
This is the cake that Julie knew I was making, but when I saw the Cinderella coach cake idea I just HAD to make that one too. Just say it is good practice.
How sad when it gets all cut up.
Presents for the Princess.
Gracie and Gramma (who is just a grown up Princess)
Grandpa Great was the only Prince allowed at the tea party.
Glass slipper party favors for the three Princesses. Gracie thought she had to try hers on just like Cinderella in the movie.Pin It Now!


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It seems that while I have been blissfully posting about my son's wonderful classroom, much of the rest of the autism blogosphere has been on fire in response to a post written by a blogger called Smockity, who writes at Smockity Frocks.
First, let me offer this caveat: I know next to nothing about Smockity. I have read just one of her posts. My understanding is that she has no connection to autism and that, in fact, she had no idea that she was writing about an autistic child when she wrote a blog post called "In Which Smockity Considers Jabbing A Ball Point Pen Into Her Eye," which has since been removed from her blog, but is cached here.
In brief: Smockity's post was, I think, intended to be a humorous account of a visit to the library, during which she and her children encountered a grandmother with a child who bounced on her toes, flapped her hands, and used perseverative language. Most of us in the autism community recognized this child - and this grandmother - instantly. Smockity did not. Her post unfolded as a diatribe against the sort of parenting (or grandparenting) that yields rude, self-indulgent, ill-mannered children.
Much has been written about the post, the response, and Smockity's response to the response. Both Squidalicious and Liz Ditz have posted links to responses that reflect outrage, disbelief, and the feeling that I had when I read Smockity's post - a sinking recognition that perhaps all those times when Bud has struggled in public and I've left a place red-faced and anguished, afraid I'd been judged or mocked or disdained by the people around us, I'd been right. As I read, I remembered why I stay home so often, skipping the trips to the places I want or need to go, simply to avoid the potential of having to manage a difficult situation under public scrutiny.
But, again, I don't know Smockity. I don't know her motivation for writing the post and I don't know how she feels right now. She has replaced her original post with a new message, in which she says that she won't respond to attacks on Twitter, e-mail or blogs. Let me be clear - I don't intend to attack Smockity with this response. But I also try to put myself in her shoes.
I'm certain that there have been times in my life when I've said something that I thought was humorous, but which actually offended someone. There are times when someone has called me out for being thoughtless or insensitive and I have reacted defensively. There have been times when I should have said I was sorry, but - because of my defensiveness, or my pride, or my embarrassment - I didn't. But I would like to believe that, in each of those cases, though I was unable to step up and own my mistakes, I spent countless hours in private reviewing them, imagining do-overs, and preparing myself to act differently in the future.
I'd like to believe that Smockity is doing that now. If I were her, even if I said I wasn't going to read the blog posts that were written about me, I know that I wouldn't be able to stay away. I'd read them privately, and I'd seethe, or I'd cry, or I'd scream, or I'd feel really, really bad. So, I'm writing this post in the hope that Smockity, or others who saw themselves in her words, will read it and think.
My full-time job is in college student affairs, and there are two things we talk about a lot in my department: utilizing teachable moments and providing opportunities for student learning. We recognize that students may not take advantage of the opportunities we provide, but we provide them all the same. We look for a moment to present itself, then we try to shape the experience or the conversation in that moment to meet a student where she is and to help her to consider a picture that is just a bit bigger.
This feels like a teachable moment, and I'd like to provide an opportunity for some learning.
You see, I saw myself in the grandmother in Smockity's post, as she stood with her granddaughter, waiting for Smockity's children to finish on the computer. Smockity writes,
"The girl never left her position at the computers and continued bouncing,
flapping, and proclaiming, "I'm waiting patiently! It's almost my turn! I'm
being patient, Grandma!" to which Grandma would reply, "That's right,
Preciousdarling Angelface, You are being very patient. Just one more minute."
This was repeated… repeatedly.
Do you ever get the distinct feeling that, although a speaker is not addressing
you directly, the message that is being spoken is intended just for you?"
Of course, I can't know what the grandmother's intentions were, but had I been in her place, I would have done the same thing. Through my inflection, my repetition, and my use of language that seemed both intentional and unusual, I would have been trying to send a message to Smockity. My message would have been something like this:
I know that your children were at the computers first, and I know that I have no right to ask them to step aside and make room for my child, but here's the thing: you have NO IDEA how important this activity is to him, nor how hard he is working at holding it together right now. Your children look delightful and I'm sure they enjoy playing on the computer, but I have a hunch that this might be one of many things that they enjoy. I imagine that your children play with friends, that they enjoy board games, that they have a variety of interests, and that if this computer were not available to them, they would be able to think of ten other things they'd enjoy doing just as much. But, I'm telling you, that is not the case for my child. My child has been talking about THIS game on THIS computer at THIS library all week. And by that, I don't mean once a day all week. I mean from the moment he has woken up until the moment he has fallen asleep, he has talked about nothing but THIS game on THIS computer at THIS library. Our day, our week - it seems, even, our life - has been built around this moment, and I have to tell you: if this computer is not available to him, he will not be able to think of ANY other thing he would like to do, because right now, at this stage in his life, he does not play with friends, he does not enjoy board games, he does not have ANY other interest beyond THIS game on THIS computer at THIS library. And I know that's not your fault or your problem, and I know that your children have every right to keep on playing until they're finished, but I'm BEGGING you, PLEASE - can you help me out here? Can you intervene? Can you suggest that maybe they could finish up in five minutes, ten minutes, SOME predictable time frame so that I'll know how long I have to manage this situation and help this child hold himself together? Please?
That would have been my message. But my WORDS would have sounded something like this: "That's right, Preciousdarling Angelface, You are being very patient. Just one more minute." Repeatedly.
And the flapping. Let me tell you about the flapping. Bud's flapping provokes two simultaneous, equally strong reactions in me. The first is trepidation, because Bud's flapping in public instantly presents him as "other" to the strangers around us, as this child's did with Smockity. But the second is delight, because when Bud flaps, I know that he is experiencing genuine excitement and joy. Bud's flapping is a physiological response to emotion, and he flaps because his hair-dryer brain processes excitement and joy differently from our toaster brains. Bud flaps with excitement the same way that people laugh when something is funny - automatically, immediately, and reactively. Bud could no more keep from flapping when he's happy than I could stop my stomach from growling when I'm hungry.
That's what I'd say to Smockity, if I had an opportunity to say something to Smockity. But she may not come over here. She may let the opportunity pass.
So, here's another idea. This Friday, April 2, is World Autism Awareness Day. Autism mom and blogger Jean "Stimey" Winegardner has written a measured, thoughtful response for The Washington Times, which is directed to people who don't have direct experience with autism. Let's pass it on to the people we know, and ask them to pass it on to the people they know who don't know anyone with autism, but who may encounter them in the supermarket, on the playground, or in the library. Let's give people an opportunity to think about their reactions before they are forced to react.
World Autism Awareness Day. It's a teachable moment. Let's provide an opportunity for a little learning.


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Zurich and Paris: Nice Way To Spend A Week November 10, 2009Posted by Richard Foote in Richard's Musings, Travel.
I've just returned from a bit of whirlwind visit to Europe, teaching my Index Internals Seminar in two lovely cities, Zurich in Switzerland and Paris in France.
Coming from Australia, everything is relatively new with nearly anything over a 100 years old regarded as historically significant. I therefore love visiting European cities which are so rich in history and where you can walk past buildings regarded as "new" but actually built before Australia was even discovered by the Europeans.
I've been to Switzerland before but never to Zurich, so I was keen to spend my free day there doing what I enjoy doing best when visiting a city for the first time, just walking and exploring. I was really lucky in that the weather on my free day was next to perfect, clear and sunny, whereas it rained on all the other days I was in Switzerland.
I started my walk from the impressive "Zurich Hauptbahnhof" (Railway Station) which is actually a lovely old building in its own right. I then made my way down the picturesque Limmat, past wonderful buildings such as St. Peter's Church with what is considered the largest clock face in Europe, Fraumunster Church which has some of the most beautiful stained glass windows I've ever seen, the huge 700-800 year old Grossmunster Cathedral and the elegant Opera House.
After walking around the shores of Zurich Lake for a while, I decided to take a cruise where I just sat on the top of the ferry-boat, soaking up the sun and all the amazing views, including the massive Alps looming on the horizon. Zurich Lake certainly puts Canberra's own little Lake Burley Griffin to shame although I can cycle around Burley Griffin during my lunchtime, not sure I could do the same around Zurich Lake. I then just walked and walked throughout the "old town" district, exploring all the lovely old buildings with their bay windows and balconies and all the narrow alleyways, squares and little market places. I of course bought some Swiss chocolates for the folks back at home.
As it grew dark, Zurich lit up and all the lovely old buildings shone with a new brilliance. The only incident I had of note was on the train back to the hotel, when the train inspector upon checking my ticket gave me a shocked look, full of disdain as I was inadvertently sitting in the first class carriage !! I was led like a naughty boy to where I belonged with all the other second class citizens. The seminar on the following days went really well with an excellent class of folk (pun of course fully intended).
Later in the week, I went to Paris to present my second seminar. Paris is a city I had previously visited, many years ago as the first destination of my honeymoon. So I had to be careful not to have too good a time, else there might be a few problems awaiting me back at home 🙂 Again I was really fortunately, having a perfect sunny day on my free day while it rained on every other day of my visit. I decided to basically walk from the Eiffel Tower to Notre-Dame Cathedral while crossing every single bridge on the Seine in between. Paris is absolutely one of my favourite cities in the world, it's such a unique and special place. The walk was fantastic (I highly recommend it to anyone who hasn't done it), with just so much to see and enjoy along the way. And boy are there a lot of bridges (I think I counted 14 bridges along the way), but none as impressive as the grand Pont Alexandre III.
Apart from seeing the Eiffel Tower at the start, I spent time at the charming Place de la Concorde, spent a few hours at the incredible d'Orsay Museum (incredible if you're like me and love Impressionist Paintings by masters such as Van Gogh, Monet and Renoir), went past the one and only Louvre Museum and then onto Saint Louis Island and the stunning Notre Dame Cathedral where I spent some time just marvelling at the place.
I decided to walk all the way back, but this time exploring primarily the north bank with its shops, restaurants and sites such as Saint-Jacques Tower and Place Vendome. As it got dark, I finally made it up to the Avenue Des Champs Elysees and the famous Arc De Triomphe. To finish what was a fantastic day, I then walked all the way across back to where I had begun and the Eiffel Tower at night, so I could see it in all it's lit-up glory and ambience, with its search beams circling the clear evening skies.
The only problem I had was being continually hassled again and again by people who kept saying I had just dropped a "golden ring" (I guess in the hope I would buy it as some sort of bargain). There must obviously be a good market for shower curtain rings in Paris …
The seminar was again great with a good crowd asking some really good questions. Everyone was very patient as I tried to not talk too fast for those whom English was a little rusty. For those that know me, talking slowly is not a skill that comes easily to me 🙂
I had a great time but thankfully, that's all my travel over with for the forseeable future. Next year I will definitely reduce my travel commitments, spending much more time at home. Which of course also means perhaps spending more time on this blog as well 🙂
- 1. Francois - November 10, 2009
Just for the small information, there are 37 bridges in Paris 😉
- 2. Mohamed Houri - November 12, 2009
Hi Richard,
It was very sad for me to not have been to paris in order to attend your seminar. I missed you in Brussels and in Paris too.
Mohamed Houri
PS: ElySees
- 3. yves - November 13, 2009
Hello Richard,
i was at your seminar in paris and it was a real pleasure to participate at such a good training.


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I haven't been watching the Twins progress in spring training too closely, as it usually has no bearing on their regular season. However, it is fun to see that Aaron Hicks stepped up to take the center field position. He has more native talent than either Ben Revere or Denard Span, who were traded for pitching last winter. Hicks looks like a winner. He has power. You really need to have a center fielder with power these days. He also has an arm. And he gets on base.
In the end, it comes down to starting pitching, and there is no assurance that the Twins have improved in that department over last year. They stocked up on prospects, but those prospects are still a couple of years away. They must get through this season. The three three veterans they signed, Harden, Pelfrey and Corriea, haven't shown much hope. I think Terry Ryan's entire focus should be on building up the number of strong pitching arms in the organization. To that end, I would advocate trading Morneau and Willingham as soon as possible for pitching. Pitching, pitching, pitching. No such thing as too much.
I also think managers who stick around too long get stagnant. Baseball teams can benefit from new managers with a new approach. I think George Steinbrenner was correct: Fire managers early and often.
I would make an exception for Tom Kelly, Jim Leyland, Joe Torre, Sparky Anderson, Joe Maddon, Earl Weaver and maybe a few others.


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GREEN HOME- eBikes: Recent advances make 'em viable for Charlottesville
Concerned about slowing down automobile drivers on the Belmont Bridge, City zoning inspector Craig Fabio used to avoid making his rounds on his old Schwinn. Today, however, Fabio bicycles confidently over that same bridge on his way to inspections.
The difference? Fabio now gets a boost from the City newest green addition: a pair of bicycles whose pedals literally leap when he shifts on his onboard battery pack. Rather than fight the bridge uphill, he now cruises without strain.
Fabio and his department are pioneering a new concept in electric-assist bicycles, or eBikes, which until now have been marketed almost exclusively to commuters. Charlottesville's experience checking building codes and set-back requirements suggests that eBikes may be a helpful tool for cities determined to go green and back their pledges under the U.S. Conference of Mayors Climate Protection Agreement with genuine strides in sustainability.
Although Charlottesville has no plans to study the congestion, pollution, or global warming effects of two men performing their jobs from bicycle seats, the former Charlottesville mayor and current city councilor who signed the Agreement points to that message sent to citizens from seeing city officials traveling on two instead of four wheels.
"In the same way the City has tried to set an example for green buildings," says City Councilor David Brown, I would hope that we can set an example in all the areas we can, like transportation, and the use of eBikes. The nicest thing is that people will see the bikes and see how they're being used. Just that works for me."
Meanwhile, over in Ivy, a mid-January day blooms into a beautiful afternoon, prompting Lionel and Claire Metz to climb on their eBikes and pedal six miles to pet some llamas.
Passing other retired couples out walking in their Peacock Hill neighborhood, a place of three-acre lots and half-million-dollar homes, the Metzes zoom up hills and pass teenagers taking dogs for a run. There are real hills along the tiny back-country roadways of their America exurbia, yet the Metzes roll up each one with minimal exertion.
Like an ever-growing number of American retirees, the Metzes have discovered eBikes and the ease which keeps even 86-year-old Lionel outdoors getting moderate exercise– movement he desperately needs after two years of battling kidney and bladder infections and eventually prostate surgery.
"I'd always been fit," says Lionel, a former pilot, "but then all the infections took my muscles from me. Now, I think that with these bikes– and no other illnesses of course– I can go on cycling until I'm 90 or 100."
Claire, 24 years younger than her husband, is a young-looking 62, so it's easy to imagine her pedaling 25 miles on one of her favorite rides. First hearing about electric bikes from her family in the Netherlands, she originally balked over the $1700 price tag of the least expensive model available locally, but Lionel's need quickly overcame that hurdle.
Their Giant Twist Freedom bikes weigh 50 pounds– thanks to lithium-ion batteries which reportedly suffer no memory affects. Li-Ion batteries generally trickle-charge for three to five cents per charge, are recyclable, and have been labeled "non-hazardous" by the EPA.
If both Li-Ion batteries are charged and operating in "economy mode," the Twist Freedom has a range of 70 miles on flat ground and about 50 in the hills. With three adjustable settings, the batteries assist only while the rider is pedaling.
While U.S. sales lag far behind Western Europe, where 850,000 eBikes are expected to roll out of showrooms this year, the surprising market of the affluent elderly multi-tasking issues of health, global warming, foreign policy, and congestion with day-to-day fitness and physical recovery might lead to a surge in American eBike sales.
"Not unlike easy-fit jeans, these bikes are increasingly being adjusted to accommodate a willing and wealthier costumer seeking the aura of the outdoor mountain-biking experience without the arduous exertion and discomfort," marketing consultant Steven Greene reported last summer.
eBikes have been around commercially since 1994– I imported an early lead-acid battery model for my wife three years ago. Today, however, the better batteries and a return to multi-speed internal gear hubs (which all-but disappeared from bicycles four decades ago) have set the stage for a potential sales spike.
Italy, for example, recently announced a kind of "cash4clunkers" project in which the government will refund up to 30 percent of an eBike's price. Paris did much the same, except the city's subsidy tops out at 400 Euros. In the U.K., eBike sales jumped 45 percent last year, and in China (where over 90 percent of eBikes are purchased and produced), eBike sales are twice the number of automobile purchases which themselves literally doubled in 2009– 62 million eBikes sold since 2006.
On this continent, Wal-Mart and Best Buy have begun offering a model for under $600, a price point that enters the realm of reality for average citizens.
"It is not news that increasing urbanization, traffic congestion, parking congestion, and resource limitations mean that more humans will move on two wheels, worldwide, than on four," writes Ed Benjamin, chairman of the year-old Light Electric Vehicle Association in Maine, who calls himself "professionally optimistic."
But it wasn't optimism that brought the Metzes and a city official into the Berkmar Drive retailer Charlottesville Bike and Tri on the same day in November 2009. That coincidental meeting came from hard-headed realism.
The Metzes knew that after Lionel's health issues, he needed simple and easy movement; and the City's zoning department had originally wanted Segways (whose starting price tops $5,000), but in doing the homework concluded that eBikes provide more bang for the taxpayer buck.
The optimism centered in the person of store owner John Lawler III, who had carried eBikes for a year with only one sale. Though he's since sold another (to a man looking for a Christmas gift for a retired wife), the City's interest was a first noteworthy sign of what could be a bright future.
"People had been curious, but nobody had pulled the trigger," Lawler remembers. "It's still virgin territory, and right now we're still cautious. A lot of people don't want to be the first, but once they see people riding them, I hope eBikes will catch on."
It helps that Lawler is not the typical bike shop employee. With gray hair and a bit of a gut, plus a background in convenience store marketing, he is a bicyclist but not a devotee of Lance Armstrong and the Tour de France. Armstrong, beloved by almost every American bike enthusiast including the vast majority of bike shop employees, has literally said that he rides "not for the pleasure, but for the pain."
So typical bicycle shop employees, prone to hard workouts and weekend racing, may find themselves conflicted in promoting the ease of climbing hills and joys of not sweating– the two primary selling points of eBikes and the reason they are today the commute vehicle of choice in the Far East.
"Here, it saves time," says Charlottesville zoning administrator Read Brodhead, "especially when the inspection is six or seven blocks away. It saves four minutes just getting to the parking lot."
Whether responding to neighborhood complaints or needing to issue a Certificate of Occupancy, Brodhead's employee Fabio finds that he can quickly slip into busy commercial areas like The Corner where finding a parking space used to consume his time.
"An urban environment works quite well for these," says Fabio. "I can't pick up all the illegal signs like I used to, and people say, 'That's your city work vehicle?' But now all I need to do my job is this," he says, pointing to his Blackberry device, "and my bike. That's pretty convenient."
Fabio and Brodhead expected short range, as they figured Charlottesville's hills would decrease their 40-mile battery maximum, but they hadn't recognized an odd public relations problem which the eBikes solve. Unlike their colleagues in an electric truck, which tops out at 25 mph and backs up traffic, cars can slip by eBikes so harried drivers don't get upset.
Furthermore, if they do ever run out battery power, the eBikes are still bicycles; so, although heavy, they can be pedaled back home or to City Hall. And with City permission, both men periodically commute on the eBikes, Fabio only a couple miles but Brodhead over ten miles each way.
"The one downside is that the commute takes me 45 minutes, and if I drive it's 25 or 30 minutes," says Brodhead, "but at the same time, I'm getting my workout in, and I'm not itching to leave my family and go to the gym."
Brodhead says the zoning department has long been a complaint-driven office. "But now that we have the opportunity to get some fresh air," he says, "we might be a little more inclined to be proactive."
Though no benefit-cost analysis is in the works, Department head Jim Tolbert predicts at least $1,000 in annual gas savings and notes that the purchase price of both bikes was roughly what the city annually spent maintaining Brodhead and Fabio's old vehicle, a 1994 Ford Taurus. And he sees other unquantifiable benefits as well: decreasing the need for parking in the city garage and promoting employee health.
"You've got to get out of the mindset that your zoning inspector comes to work in a button-down shirt and tie every day," Tolbert laughs. "Next thing you know, we'll get them some of the sexy bike pants like the cops wear."
Read more GREEN HOME–Stop recycling! Local haulers want to do it for you
You've been doing it for years–-dutifully separating recyclables from your trash, rinsing jars and removing caps, tying your cardboard, and placing them in the assigned bin if you use the City's curbside service; the guidelines for which you have memorized. READ MORE
City zoning inspector Craig Fabio saves money by storing his vehicle right inside his City Hall office.
Claire Metz (shown here) and her husband Lionel zip through their Peacock Hill neighborhood on eBikes.
"People say, 'That's your city work vehicle?" says Fabio, shown here cruising through Court Square.


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This well-crafted novel with a curious structure drew me in immediately and kept me intrigued until the end. Narrated in the "matter of fact" voice of four six year olds, all from the same family, the novel starts in the present day and goes backwards through the generations. In this manner history is told in a remarkable way, taking the reader through four different countries and the experience of four different characters in the family.
The story begins with a strange little boy named Sol. He is an exceptionally gifted child but his behaviour is appalling. Watching his parents raise him, makes one wonder about their parenting skills and clues of a mysterious heritage begin to emerge. Sol bears a birthmark which his father, grandmother, and great grandmother also had, and thus the reader begins to think about the fact that more than just a birthmark may have been passed on through the generations. There are secrets, once buried, to be discovered and the novel builds suspense.
Nancy Huston was born Canadian, moved to France, wrote this novel in French, and then translated it back into English. Her novel has won awards in both countries. Though this style of literary novel is not easy to craft, Huston controls it well and gives us a number of unusual insights. This is a great choice for a book club with lots of food for thought and discussion.
Here the author briefly describes the structure of the novel:


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CHESTER, Pa. - In game-planning for the New York Red Bulls, perhaps the most daunting challenge week to week is figuring out just which team will show up.
Will it be the team that on back-to-back weeks beat the top team in the Western (Real Salt Lake) and Eastern Conferences (Sporting Kansas City)? Will it be the team that couldn't extract more than a point from a trip to Toronto four weeks ago? Or will it be the team, albeit injury-hampered, that sleepwalked through a waxing by Columbus last week?
The preparation by John Hackworth and his Philadelphia Union staff this week is for the worst-case scenario, meaning the Red Bulls at their best. But in the Jekyll-and-Hyde-themed roller coaster that their form seems to be on, it's an open question as to just what the Union will face Saturday at Red Bull Arena (8 p.m., NBCSP).
It appears as though the Red Bulls (11-8-5, 38 points) are getting healthy just in time for a meeting with their rivals to the south. Thierry Henry, who didn't travel to Columbus last week due to what the club termed 'Achilles inflammation,' and Tim Cahill, out the last three weeks with a tear to his right PCL, appear ready to go. Whether it's been officially recognized by the club, it seems that part of the thinking was to aim for this game between teams separated by a mere point in the crowded Eastern Conference standings.
Also healthy for the Red Bulls is Jamison Olave, who missed the last meeting between the teams, a 3-0 win for the Union at PPL Park where the 6-4 central defender's contributions were sorely missed by the visitors.
That has the Union (10-7-7, 37 points) feeling like they're the underdogs. It's a role that's nothing new.
'I think anytime you're playing the likes of Henry and Cahill, you know how important it is,' Hackworth said Wednesday at his weekly press conference. '…This is kind of going to be a marquee matchup. I would say, not knowing exactly what's being said out there, that New York's got to be the favorite. And that puts us in the position that we've been all year long. We like it. We'll take it. We'll try to use it to our advantage.'
The Union came close to opening their account at Red Bull Arena in their last trip up the turnpike, but a late defensive breakdown that led to an Henry goal in the 81st minute that denied them.
The game plan will be similar this time, Hackworth hoping that the progress they've made since late March providing the difference on the scoreboard.
'Our expectation is that we're going to get everything from them,' Hackworth said. 'We're going to have to do a good job managing the early part of that game emotionally to not let it get away from us, and then we hope we can put our game plan in effect and play with the rhythm and the tempo that we like to play. We kind of battled them in a similar way when we played up there in New York earlier this year, but at the end of the game, we let things slip away from us. I think we're a better team than we were then, and we just have to see if Saturday we can finish what we started at earlier in the year.'
Despite coming up empty in five previous trips to Red Bull Arena, the confidence remains high for the Union. Perhaps that is because the distance between them and first place seems so small.
In a crowded Eastern Conference, the Union are just two points behind Sporting KC and one behind New York. With Kansas City facing a daunting trip to Vancouver, in playoff position in an equally crowded West, a win and a little British Columbian help could see the Union ascend the league's summit. The Union's next win would also match the franchise record for wins in a season set in 2011.
For a team continually underestimated in MLS circles, the Union are feeling bullish about where they could stand at week's end.
'The thing we've said about this year is just steady progress, not to many highs, not to many lows,' forward Aaron Wheeler said. 'We've been riding that line pretty fairly all season. Knock on wood, but we haven't lost two games in a row. That's something we've really prided ourselves in. Things like that really put us in the position that we've been in. And we've always said that we want to finish the season where we started it, so if we do that these 10 games, hopefully we'll be in a pretty good spot.'


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Transcendental Meditation (TM) and the real purpose of education: the full development of the child
700 schools are already using TM, and more and more governments are supporting it. What about the our Government?
On this page you can discover :
– References regarding the success of TM in education
– An overview of the 32 scientific research studies about TM in education
– Why TM is the secret of the most successful school in the world
– Some videos of news reports
– A call to action for the Belgian schools
Some references regarding the success of TM in education
– The New York Times, which placed "TM in schools" at the top of their list of best ideas of 2005 (see NY times article Accredited Bliss). This is just one of dozens of very positive media reports on the effect of TM in schools.
– The Brazilian government, which decided to introduce TM in all 38.000 public schools in the country, for more than 30 million students.
– The responsible of 20,000 employees in the San Francisco education system, who makes a passionate plea to introduce TM in all schools in the USA, after a number of very successful TM experiments in his own town (for more info and the video of his speech, see TM in San Franscisco).
The real purpose of education
The purpose of education is the full development of the child
Transcending accomplishes the real goal of education, in a very simple way: to fully develop the child, in stead of just trying to fill them up with as much of information as possible, information that all too often becomes outdated quickly anyway.
In the section on brain development on this site, you can read how the experience of transcending creates full brain development, allowing IQ and creativity to grow much more quickly than for other children. ADHD symptoms disappear spontaneously, and even bullying and violence reduce spontaneously and disappear.
And the full development of the child even goes much further than just brain potential. There are other aspects, which are equally important and where the experience of transcending appears to have a equally significant effect: self-confidence, moral reasoning and the ability to develop harmonious relationships with others (see relationships); mental health and balance (see mind), and physical health (see body). All these aspects together create a successful life, and by diving within to the source of life (what transcending allows one to do), these aspects all get improved simultaneously.
Scientific research
All the effects of TM in education have been confirmed by dozens of scientific research studies.
Recently, the effect of the practice of Transcendental Meditation as part of the education system was researched by the San Francisco Unified School District. They looked at about twenty different factors. Results included amongst others a significant reduction of fear, depression and insomnia, but in students and teachers, a better ability to deal with problems, a reduction in absenteeism with teachers and a spectacular reduction in bullying and violence in schools where the TM technique was introduced. You can find more information about this on the CWAE website.
These are only a few of the dozens of studies researching the effect of Transcendental Meditation on students. For a full overview of all the research (32 studies) and the references, see TM research in education.
These studies confirm that all the effects of TM that research demonstrated for adults, are even more applicable to students. The research found:
– Improved intelligence and creativity
– Improved academic performance
– Less stress in school
– Less drowsiness
– Improved memory
– Faster learning of new concepts
– Better behavior amongst students
– More appreciation of others
– More self-confidence
– Higher self-actualization
– More energy
– Improved moral reasoning
– Improved physical health
The secret of the most successful school in the world
The secret of the most successful school in the world? Transcending.
The best example of exactly what Transcendental Meditation can do for education is probably a small school in Iowa, USA. The Maharishi School of the Age of Enlightenment (MSAE) is a primary and high-school that was created about 30 years ago as a project to demonstrate the effect of Transcendental Mediation on the full development of the child. The idea was that children could practice the technique as part of the school curriculum. In the mean time, this demonstration project has turned out to be a big success.
As compared to other top school that generally keep their reputation by only admitting the smartest students, MSAE admits everybody that wants to go to the school. Despite this, final year MSAE students rank on average in the top 1% of the USA on standardized academic tests and 95% of students continues to university. The school regularly participates in state competitions, together with over 500 other high-schools in Iowa. The state of Iowa has the highest level of education in the USA, so it's not so easy to win such competitions. Despite this, MSAE has already won over 100 state competitions. In various disciplines, including sports, theater, science and arts, they beat specialized schools time and again (see MSAE videoclip at the bottom of this page).
But the most impressive results so far have been achieved in competitions that measure creativity. At the international Destination Imagination competition for creative problem solving, every year MSAE students compete against the 100.000 most creative students in the world. They have already won 4 such world competitions and have ended in the top 10 many other times. There is not a single other school in the world that has ever reached these results.
Dr. Ashley Deans, the director of this school, was recently in Belgium to give seminars on TM in Education. More than 2500 school directors, teachers, parents and other interested people attended and several schools are in the process of taking the first steps to implement the program in their school. In October, Dr. Ashley Deans will probably return to Belgium.
More and more celebrities support TM in education
Hollywood movie director David Lynch, who has been practicing Transcendental Meditation for almost 40 years himself, was so impressed after a visit to Maharishi School, Fairfield, Iowa USA, that he created a foundation, the David Lynch Foundation, to help bring Transcendental Meditation to other schools. Recently this has been expanded to programs for prisoners and unemployed people. Other celebrities (that also practice TM themselves) that have been publicly supporting this foundation are amongst others Oprah Winfrey, Clint Eastwood, George Lucas, Martin Scorcese, Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Moby, Sheryl Crow, Eddie Vedder, Jerry Seinfeld, Russel Brand and Katy Perry.
Thanks to the David Lynch Foundation, students in more than 700 public and private schools around the world have been able to learn the Transcendental Meditation technique. And for the US alone, there are more than 1000 schools on the waiting list and they want to implement the program as soon as possible.
Nepal Maharishi Vedic Foundation, with the help of Foundations in the USA and Europe, has introduced the Transcendental meditation Program into more than seven schools with over 5000 students who are now practicing The Transcendental Meditation technique. We hope to expand this program to more and more schools through out Nepal as financial support becomes available.
Video clips: TM in schools
NBC News (USA national television): TM in education in Detroit
CBS Sunday Morning (USA national television): The most successful school in the world
How can a simple technique do so much?
600 studies confirm the effect of TM with:
- Less stress
- How TM works
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Emotional stability
- Insomnia
- Impulsivity
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
- Better Health
- General Health
- Atherosclerosis
- Hypertension
- Cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Fibromyalgia
- Becoming Younger
- Addictions
- Quitting Smoking
- Alcoholism
- Drug Addiction


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A collection of scholarly works about individual liberty and free markets. A project of Liberty Fund, Inc.
1460 - 1524
Historical Period:
The Renaissance and the Reformation
Hans Holbein was a German artist active during the Renaissance and early Reformation. One of his many areas of expertise was in woodcuts used to illustrate books like Erasmus's In Praise of Folly (1511).


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smartphone acc 1
CEO & Founder of Play and Talk
Electronic gadgets always attract me and this craze is visible from my childhood. My professional career has also got the same touch of electronic media. Now, I am employed to serve our clients regarding video game, iPhone, Smartphone and other repairing service on behalf of Play and talk.


text: Lismore Diamond Dinnerware is formal and elegant, with fine white bone china, rich color and gold details that speak to the contemporary sensibilities and personal entertaining styles of today's modern bride. Lismore Diamond Lapis features a gorgeous, deep blue theme reminiscent of precious lapis lazuli stones. The rich, red ochre color of Lismore Diamond Cinnabar recalls the fine lacquer ware of the Imperial dynasty. The signature upright and diamond cuts of Lismore Diamond crystal are echoed in the pattern's gold detailing, rim designs and the gold trimmed accessories common to both Lismore Diamond Dinnerware colorways.


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Being a self-taught illustrator, still green by my definition, I have much respect for those others who have taken the same approach to expressing themselves creatively with the use of technology.
Self-taught digital illustrator, George V. Antoniou has managed to take photographs from some of the greatest photographers of our times, Annie Leibovtiz, Richard Avedon, Mert Alas and Marcus Piggot, and created a series of illustrations which are reminiscent to oil paintings and worthy of hanging-status on the walls of some grandeur estates. Mansions need not apply.


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Consumer Reports: Poor performing portable air conditioners
Many are returned by unhappy customers
Consumer Reports tested 8 from Honeywell, Haier, Frigidaire and Sunpentown, ranging in price from $250 to more than $500.
Consumer Reports used a special chamber to test their cooling power. The temperature outside is kept at 90 degrees, the humidity at 70 percent. Inside, each air conditioner is set to 75 degrees. Strings of thermocouples record temperatures throughout the room.
The results were disappointing. None of the units, not even the biggest ones, could get the test chamber below 80 degrees even after an hour and forty minutes.
That was true even of the most expensive unit tested — the $550 Honeywell MM14CCS, which promises it "cools up to 550 square feet." It struggled to cool the test chamber, which is half that size.
Consumer Reports' tests show window air conditioners are much more effective and they tend to cost less. Consumer Reports found several to recommend.
• Top-rated for larger rooms (350 to 650 square feet), the $350 LG LW1214ER.
• For medium-sized rooms (250 to 400 square feet), the LG LW8014ER for $240.
• And for smaller rooms (about 100 to 300 square feet), the $210 GE AEM05LS is a Consumer Reports Best Buy.
Consumer Reports says be sure to pick the right size air conditioner for your space. If the unit is too small, your room won't get cool enough. But an air conditioner that's too big may make it feel cold and clammy.
Complete Ratings and recommendations on all kinds of products, including appliances, cars & trucks, and electronic gear, are available on Consumer Reports' website. Subscribe to ConsumerReports.org.


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Disney released a poster featuring Angelina Jolie as Maleficent yesterday. The movie will be released on May 30. And that's great timing, you know why?
The Cannes Film Festival runs from May 14 – May 25 and, well, Brange loves Cannes. And it's not like the Jolie is new to premiering a film out of competition there. She does it all the time. They love those red steps. They love reigning over their public at the entrance to the Palais. I love watching them reign over me at the entrance to the Palais. It's a f-cking spectacle. And I cannot imagine that this isn't an option right now. I can't imagine that they wouldn't be working to make this happen, only this time, maybe, to shake things up, with the children too. Remember, she is the master of the sell. And the best part of her sell game is that she understands the value of each drop. At that time of year, there's no better reason than Maleficent and no bigger stage than Cannes.
Now, just to make it extra, EXTRA, EXTRA amazing…
Imagine Brange at Cannes and exploding the universe with their Pitt Porn and all the babies and it totally cockblocks Kanye West's wedding?
Yes, Kanye West and Kanye West's fiancée are reportedly planning to marry at a chateau in France on May 24th, conveniently when the world entertainment media will be gathered there to cover the festival. Coincidence or conspiracy? Please.
God wouldn't you love it if fewer people paid attention because BRANGE IS EVERYTHING?


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This Election 2020 Santa Cruz County Voter Guide will help you cut through the rhetoric, election propaganda and biased media coverage of the campaigns. This guide ranks every aspect of a candidate's record according to experience, integrity and commitment to community.
Here you'll find recommendations for:
- President
- Statewide Offices
- Legislatures
- Judges
- Propositions and More!
Scroll down for our recommendations.
Don't forget to subscribe to the Huey Report for updates on critical issues, trends and policies affecting our freedoms and are impacting our economy, legislation, culture and election results.
Let's get started.
Every candidate is considered after thorough research; we also have a questionnaire for candidates to complete.
Here is our rating system:
- : The best candidate. Our strongest endorsement.
- : Very good.
- : Acceptable.
- : Vote only to prevent worse candidate(s) from winning.
- : Terrible. Do Not Vote. All your other votes will count.
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2020 Presidential Election Recommendations
(View official election schedule here)
Superior Court Judges
Office 1
- Annrae Angel
- Nancy de la Pena
- Jack Gordon
U.S. Representative
District 14
20th District
State Senate
17th District


text: I was just shooting the breeze with Hans about his "Baltimore Raven" and debating if I NEEDED a PRS with Floyd. I have been on the verge of doing it for a few years and never pulled the trigger… but it is now getting to the top of the list!! Anyway, we got talking about bridges and I thought I kept a pretty good balance of Trem Vs Hard Tail… but turns out I was wrong… I am over tremmed!! And my ratio of Floyds is higher than I thought. I had never really kept track of this till now..... So I thought it would be good for everyone to have a think about their ratio…. Acoustics don't count!!! Here is mine... What's yours??? All Electric Bridges: Hard tail/fixed bridge = 31% Standard Trem = 41% Floyd types = 25% Other = 3% Just PRS… last weeks order made me 50/50, I have never really tracked it before... Hard = 50% Trem = 50% P.S. I know that the %ages are not a ratio ;-)……. just easier that way


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Choose from volunteer opportunities, join CEPAC - the Community Education Program Advisory Council, become and instructor and more. To learn about options for all ages, contact us or simply continue clicking.
Community Education IS community. It is your opportunity to become engaged and involved in education on a personal level. The Principals of Community Education define this role well.
Principles of Community Education
• Self-determination: Local people are in the best position to identify community needs and wants. Parents, as children's first and most important teachers, have both a right and a responsibility to be involved in their children's education.
• Self-help: People are best served when their capacity to help themselves is encouraged and enhanced. When people assume ever-increasing responsibility for their own well being, they acquire independence rather than dependence.
• Leadership Development: The identification, development, and use of the leadership capacities of local citizens are prerequisites for ongoing self-help and community improvement efforts.
• Localization: Services, programs, events, and other community involvement opportunities that are brought closest to where people live have the greatest potential for a high level of public participation. Whenever possible, these activities should be decentralized to locations of easy public access.
• Integrated Delivery of Services: Organizations and agencies that operate for the public good can use their limited resources, meet their own goals, and better serve the public by establishing close working relationships with other organizations and agencies with related purposes.
• Maximum Use of Resources: The physical, financial, and human resources of every community should be interconnected and used to their fullest if the diverse needs and interests of the community are to be met.
• Inclusiveness: The segregation or isolation of people by age, income, sex, race, ethnicity, religion, or other factors inhibits the full development of the community. Community programs, activities, and services should involve the broadest possible cross section of community residents.
• Responsiveness: Public institutions have a responsibility to develop programs and services that respond to the continually changing needs and interests of their constituents.
• Lifelong Learning: Learning begins at birth and continues until death. Formal and informal learning opportunities should be available to residents of all ages in a wide variety of community settings.