text:
[Previous Story]
Regulatory Issues Heat Up For Blowing Agents
New EPA proposals may make life harder for the foam
blowing industry
Michael McCoy
The complex process of phasing out ozone-depleting foam
blowing agents could get even more difficult if a proposed change to government rules
goes through.
In an unexpected response to a petition filed by fluorocarbon producer Atofina last
year, the Environmental Protection Agency
has proposed accelerating the phaseout of three commonly used fluorocarbons used to blow
polyurethane and other foams. Atofina
and other companies are now protesting the proposal, calling it fundamentally flawed.
The chain of events leading up to the proposal started in 1995, when the longtime
polyurethane foam blowing agent chlorofluorocarbon (CFC)-11 (CFCl3) was banned.
However, waiting in the wings as a replacement was hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC)-141b (CH3CFCl2),a
product with similar performance and handling attributes.
Making the transition even easier, existing CFC-11 producers such as Atofina (then Elf
Atochem), Honeywell (then
AlliedSignal), and LaRoche Industries were able to adapt their existing plants to produce
the new product. They continued supplying the foam market with relatively few problems.
Although HCFC-141b has much less ozone depletion potential than CFC-11, it and other
HCFCs were still seen as only stopgap measures until nondepleters such as
hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) could be developed. Moreover, of the common HCFCs, 141b has the
highest depletion potential; as a result, it was targeted for phaseout on Dec. 31, 2002,
while other products had until 2010.
Last year, with the 141b phaseout date looming, the three U.S. manufacturers embarked
on three very different courses of action. LaRoche, suffering from low prices in its main
commodity chemical markets, halted a 141b alternative development program. The company
eventually filed for bankruptcy and later shut down its fluorocarbon plant.
Honeywell had a license from polyurethanes producer Bayer allowing it to market an entirely new blowing agent, HFC-245fa (CF3CH2CHF2),
to the foam industry. However, in order to justify building a plant, the company needed
commitments from customers, and these were slow in coming. A planned 1999 start-up date
came and went as customer negotiations dragged on.
Sensing Honeywell's troubles and lacking the necessary license to make 245fa on its
own, Atofina took another tack: It submitted a petition to EPA seeking approval of three
HCFCs--124 (CHClFCF3), 142b (CH3CClF2), and 22 (CHClF2)--as
substitutes for 141b in foam blowing applications.
Appliance manufacturers, meanwhile, were starting to get nervous. They began to
evaluate the three HCFCs on their own, preparing for the possibility that 245fa would not
be available in time to meet the phaseout deadline. General Electric struck out on its own
and adopted HFC-134a (CH2FCF3), known mostly as an automobile air
conditioner, in a refrigerator plant in Alabama.
However, by October of last year, Honeywell was able to strike a deal with Maytag under
which the appliance maker agreed to exclusively use 245fa in its refrigerator and freezer
products. Honeywell subsequently signed a similar pact with Whirlpool and, in March, won
board approval to build a 245fa plant in Geismar, La. The plant is slated to start up by
July 1, 2002, in time--although barely--for customers to switch to the new product by the
end of that year.
Following these developments, it came as no surprise in July of this year when EPA
responded to Atofina's petition by rejecting the use of the three HCFCs in foam blowing.
However, in a surprise move, the agency went a step further and proposed significant new
reductions in the use of these HCFCs in foam blowing.
Specifically, EPA proposed moving the phaseout dates for HCFCs 142b and 22 from 2010 to
January 2005. Further, these products and their blends--such as the 142b/22 mixture
Atofina championed--wouldn't be allowed at all unless they were in place in customer foam
operations by the time the rule is finalized.
Atofina is now up in arms about the entire proposal, while others involved in foam
blowing are registering their concern about the new HCFC reductions.
Anhar Karimjee, an official with EPA's Stratospheric Protection Division, told
attendees at the recent Polyurethanes Conference 2000 in Boston that the agency rejected
Atofina's petition--and proposed the accelerated HCFC phaseout--because
non-ozone-depleting blowing agents such as 245fa, 134a, and hydrocarbons are or will be
available to replace the HCFCs.
However, Thomas Werkema, director of regulatory affairs for Atofina's intermediate
chemicals group, maintains that existing non-ozone-depleting options aren't adequate to
replace 141b in all applications.
He concedes that the appliance industry--which accounts for about a quarter of the 141b
market today--is for the most part going to 245fa. Nevertheless, he maintains that this is
risky because 245fa will be made by only one company--Honeywell. HFC-365mfc (CF3CH2CF2CH3),
a promising blowing agent being developed by Solvay in Europe, is blocked from sale in the
U.S. under the same Bayer patent. "EPA is creating a legal monopoly," Werkema
Likewise, Atofina acknowledges that the rigid insulation board sector, roughly 40% of
the 141b market, seems to be moving away from fluorocarbons altogether. Atlanta-based
Atlas Roofing Corp. is converting its six U.S. board facilities to hydrocarbon blowing
agents, and its competitors are starting to follow. "They are dealing with the
flammability issue in their plants," says Steven Galaton, business manager for foams
and specialties in Atofina's intermediate chemicals group.
However, Galaton and Werkema claim that EPA isn't looking out for the third main
segment of 141b users: companies that mix and apply spray polyurethane foam for roofing
and other insulation applications. According to Galaton, most companies in this area are
mom-and-pop operations that own a few trucks with equipment for mixing and applying the
isocyanate and polyol halves of the polyurethane equation.
Because spray foam is applied outdoors under a variety of conditions, hydrocarbons
aren't an option, he says, because of the fire potential. HFC-245fa is expensive--it's
expected to sell for $2.50 to $4.00 per lb, versus about $1.00 per lb for 141b--and is
largely unproven in the spray foam field.
"We have looked at every two-, three-, and four-carbon molecule with chlorine and
fluorine trying to find a 141b replacement, and failed," Galaton says. "The
bottom line is that there's no good answer for spray foam."
Honeywell, not surprisingly, disagrees. At the polyurethanes conference, Mary Bodgan, a
chemist based at Honeywell's R&D center in Buffalo, reported that a blowing agent
system containing 245fa and water--which, upon reaction with isocyanate, generates carbon
dioxide--produced good roofing foams under a variety of application conditions.
Foam blown with water/carbon dioxide alone is a poor insulator, but Bodgan said that
replacing some 245fa with water resulted in an economical blowing agent with only slightly
compromised properties compared with 245fa alone. Moreover, because the 245fa/water
combination offers a modest foam yield improvement over 141b, she claimed it actually
comes out costing less than 141b.
David Williams, Honeywell's manager of blowing agent technical service and development,
says construction of the new 245fa plant is on target to meet the market's needs in time
for the 141b phaseout. He acknowledges that Honeywell went ahead with the plant on the
strength of commitments in the appliance field, but says the company is increasingly
confident that 245fa will have applications in a range of foam blowing applications.
"Once we got comfortable in the appliance sector, we started to branch out," he
Although Atofina executives are objecting to the entire EPA proposal, at this point
they would probably be happy if the regulations just remained as they were before Atofina
filed the petition; indeed, at one point the company tried to withdraw the petition, but
by then the regulatory ball was set in motion.
Now Atofina's efforts are focused on getting the agency to back off from its new
restrictions on HCFCs, and in this sentiment the company is not alone. Companies and
associations as varied as Dow Chemical, DuPont
, General Electric , the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers
, and even Honeywell have filed comments with EPA objecting to the proposed HCFC
DuPont, for example, objects that EPA is proposing changes that have nothing to do with
the original petition by Atofina. DuPont calls the HCFC reduction move "an
opportunistic step" by the agency that goes beyond the authority it is granted under
the Clean Air Act.
Dow Chemical says EPA's change is
"an abrupt and unnecessary departure from its previous course." Stephen Knis, an
air technical specialist with the company, wrote the agency that adequate substitutes are
not yet available to replace HCFC-142b in blowing Dow's Styrofoam brand insulation or to
replace HCFC-22 in certain polyurethane systems. Knis concludes that EPA's decisions are
largely based on a misreading of a United Nations report.
A comment period on the rule ended Sept. 11, and the ball is now in EPA's court. EPA's
Karimjee told meeting attendees in Boston that the agency is now undertaking a 90-day
review of the comments.
After that, the proposal goes to the federal Office of Management & Budget for a
required 90-day review of its economic impact, then back to EPA for a final decision.
Although Karimjee didn't signal how the agency would react to the industry comments, she
did acknowledge that, almost without exception, those comments were against the newly
proposed HCFC reductions.
Chemical & Engineering News
Copyright © 2000 American Chemical Society


text:
When I first designed the Oops-a-Daisy Christmas Tree Ornament elves for the soon to be released Festive 2012 issue of A Needle Pulling Thread Magazine I had no idea how much fun they would unleash.
And I have to say, I had fun over 4 days teaching with 2 lots of fabulous doll makers at Blue Haze Arts & Crafts in Chesham, Bucks, UK.
These ladies filled the room with laughter, learning and of course, elves.
From very experienced doll makers like June and Doris (above).
And Liz.
To Kim, who calls herself my very own "stalker" - Kim has recently done my Mystery Pattern, online and in-person classes. I must be doing something right when they keep coming back!
And even relative newbies joined in the fun, like Sue
And Simona, who I have privately dubbed "Defender of All Things Frivolous". Simona says she only makes "frivolous" things because why spend your precious free time making something just because it is practical.? Here, here.
Julia managed to fit in crafting an elf between her grand-daughter's 2nd birthday and choir practice.
While Jane and Linda got busy making faces (for their dolls, not for the camera!).
Although Doris DID strike a pose in her Crafter's Apron made from my free crafter's apron pattern. Want to make one yourself? Click the link to get the pattern and get ready to make like a supermodel.
If you are near Ontario, Canada, remember that I am teaching this class in Ingersoll in Southwestern Ontario (near London, Ontario, not to be confused with London, England, where I live) on November 17th-18th, 2012. Click here to find out more about this cloth doll making class in Ontario. There is still room in that class, so e-mail me if you'd like to run riot with some elves yourself.
I can't promise that you won't get attached to your elves though. They're kind of addictive!

subset: commoncrawl


text: The 2012 NHL All-Star Fantasy Draft was a lot of fun for all the players involved. As the assistant captain of Team Alfredsson, Rangers goaltender Henrik Lundqvist was able to draft teammate Dan Girardi and add rookie Carl Hagelin, but Marian Gaborik was picked by Team Chara. View photos from Thursday night.


text:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) - April 2013
What is Coastal Resilience?
Coastal Resilience is an approach which includes planning frameworks and tools that support decisions to reduce the ecological and socio-economic risks of coastal hazards. The approach includes 4 critical elements:
Assess Risk and Vulnerability to coastal hazards including alternative scenarios for current and future storms and sea level rise with community input
Identify Solutions for reducing vulnerability focusing on joint solutions across social, economic and ecological systems
Take Action to help communities develop and implement solutions
Measure Effectiveness to ensure that our efforts to reduce disaster risk and apply ecosystem-based adaptation are successful
Is Coastal Resilience just about climate change and sea level rise?
No. Coastal Resilience is fundamentally about mitigating vulnerability for human communities and natural resources simultaneously. Local vulnerability can come from many sources, including flooding from storms, king tides, oil spills and other coastal hazards. Climate change and sea level rise are important, because they will change the landscape impacted by these sources of vulnerability and exacerbate future risk.
Is Coastal Resilience just the web-based mapping application?
No. the mapping application is one useful tool in service of the Coastal Resilience framework. The development of decision support is iterative and adaptive and to be focused on the engagement of communities and decision-makers. The web mapping application has been exceedingly valuable for community engagement including the examination of (a) socio-economic and ecological vulnerability, (b) the science and policy of coastal hazards; and (c) the role of ecosystems in protecting natural and human coastal communities.
Is community engagement an essential component of Coastal Resilience?
Yes - it is a core principle of Coastal Resilience to engage communities on the risks of coastal hazards and discuss options for adaptation. Moreover, the resources developed for communities including the reports, papers, data, website, and mapping application have helped us to effectively engage regional, national and international leaders. This engagement has established TNC and partners as leaders in the integration of socio-economic and ecological data to reduce vulnerability to coastal hazards.
Where is Coastal Resilience being used and developed currently?
Coastal Resilience supports a community of practitioners around the world who are applying this approach to coastal hazard and adaptation issues in a growing number of geographies including New York and Connecticut, the Gulf of Mexico, St. Vincent and the Grenadines/ Grenada, the Florida Keys, Southern California, U.S. Virgin Islands, Papua New Guinea/the Solomon Islands, the Mesoamerican Reef in Central America, Marismas Nacionales in the Gulf of California, and in Puget Sound. Coastal Resilience is a global network that touches down in specific places to engage communities through the use of spatially-explicit information, decision support tools and training focused on disaster risk reduction and nature-based solutions.
Can Coastal Resilience be used in data poor areas?
Yes. It can be used wherever any spatial data are being used or developed to assess and reduce risks from coastal hazards and climate change.
Does Coastal Resilience only address coastal hazards and coastal protection services?
Currently Coastal Resilience focuses on (a) the resources at risk from coastal hazards including flooding and inundation and (b) the options for protecting coastlines and people from these hazards, focusing particularly on natural solutions. Coastal Resilience identifies that these natural solutions may offer additional co-benefits.
Can Coastal Resilience really reduce the risks of disaster?
Coastal Resilience promotes advance planning to mitigate disaster vulnerability, and encourages the use of nature-based approaches where appropriate. While no amount of either natural or built infrastructure will provide protection from the biggest coastal hazards there is substantial evidence that coastal natural habitats can effectively protect coastlines and reduce human vulnerability to more typical annual and decadal coastal hazard events. Moreover, forward-thinking development plans that seek to reduce the number of people and structures (or at least do not continue to increase that risk) have huge social, economic and ecological benefits.
Is Coastal Resilience only site-based?
The focus of Coastal Resilience is on sites because the range of vulnerabilities, values and potential responses varies significantly from place to place. However, to assist practitioners in accessing critical data and visualization tools, we are building a global Coastal Resilience database and mapping application. This effort brings together global databases on coastal habitats and coastal hazards and creates a mapping site where individual programs can upload information for visualization. This effort leverages our resources and removes many technological hurdles that individual site-based projects have faced in accessing data and developing a mapping application.
Is there a Coastal Resilience "community of practice" and how can that help with starting a project?
There is a growing community of practice around the family of Coastal Resilience project sites. Relying on this community of practice, new geographies can learn from past efforts and initiate new projects. We offer this website and a Coastal Resilience Network web application as resources to help projects get started. Our team is working to formalize this community of practice so that it is clearer where projects are developing and who is involved.
Where can I get more information?
The Global Marine Initiative of TNC is the primary source of information regarding the coordination and production of the Coastal Resilience resources. Individual Coastal Resilience projects are all led or co-led by site-based leaders who focus on all elements of the project including science, policy, and community engagement. Together this group of practitioners across The Conservancy represents the Coastal Resilience team.
For more information contact:


text:
Kezar Lake Pet Friendly Cottage Rentals(6)
6 Results
Didn't find what you're looking for?
View all 26 Kezar Lake Vacation Rentals or all 1278 Western Maine Vacation Rentals
Recent Kezar Lake Reviews
Absolutely wonderful and relaxing place!
We have stayed in many vacation cottages over the years, and this one was one of the nicest yet. It was cleaner than any place we've ever rented, and it was so cozy, relaxing, and charming. It had absolutely everything we needed. Their spot on the lake is just beautiful. Hearing the loons at night and swimming twice a day was heavenly. We also spent a lot of time in the beach chairs just looking out at the water watching the boats go by. It was a perfect vacation.
Fantastic Family Vacation
The description says it all "Fabulous Kezar Lake retreat". This is the perfect place if you're traveling with your family. We had 6 adults and 4 children aged 3 to 6 and there was more than enough room. The house was very clean and the yard was great. The bunkhouse had a great screened porch off the back which was perfect for kids. There was also a nice screened room off the living room and master bedroom which is a great place to relax. The kids loved the yard and the adults loved the nice patio and large outdoor dining table where we ate dinner. We drove down to the lake to drop off our stuff and to bring our stuff back to the house. It takes 2 minutes to drive down to the lake, you don't even have to buckle up. The walk to the lake is really nice and my 4 year old was able to do it with no problem. Another great feature of the property is the rec room with the 2 lane bowling alley, ping pong table and pool table. There is a really nice path along the water that goes from the rec room to the lake. The lake is beautiful and perfect for small children. There is a really large grass field with a swing set and a gradual slope into the water. There isn't a big sand area but the kids didn't mind...they still managed to build their sand castles. We took the kids to Story Land which was about 45 minutes away. I would definitely recommend this home to anyone who is looking to get away and spend quality time their family. Beth was very nice and made sure to call on the day we arrived. She was a pleasure to deal with and we look forward to coming back again.
Guestbook Comment
We had a great time, loved fishing in the lake and the beach and lots of fun on the water in the rowboat and canoe. We like taking a walk up to the store in the morning for the paper and coffee and some good exercise. We enjoyed hiking and shopping in North Conway and Golf right here in Center Lovell. The cottage was a great set up for our extended family and everything was very comfortable. I can't wait to go back.


text:
In this edition of White House White Board, Austan Goolsbee, Chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers, discusses the President's compromise framework on tax cuts, unemployment insurance & jobs.
Goolsbee contrasts Republican priorities with Obama's which includes unemployment insurance, earned income tax credit, American opportunity tax credit for students, child tax credit, cut in payroll tax, and
investment incentives to companies to build factories and invest here at home. These things, he argues, are key to the short run recovery of the economy and getting the growth rate up.
Obama Magazine - Politics, News, Art, Culture, Barack Obama, Life...
Archive for the 'Economy' Category
Tax Cuts, Unemployment Insurance & Jobs -White House White Board
In this edition of White House White Board, Austan Goolsbee, Chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers, discusses the President's compromise framework on tax cuts, unemployment insurance & jobs.
Obama -Middle Class Tax Cuts and Unemployment Insurance Agreement
President Obama's press conference regarding Middle Class Tax Cuts and Unemployment Insurance Agreement.
Press Conference by the President in the James S. Brady Press Briefing Room
THE PRESIDENT: Good afternoon, everybody. Before I answer a few questions, I just wanted to say a few words about the agreement we've reached on tax cuts.
My number one priority is to do what's right for the American people, for jobs, and for economic growth. I'm focused on making sure that tens of millions of hardworking Americans are not seeing their paychecks shrink on January 1st just because the folks here in Washington are busy trying to score political points.
And because of this agreement, middle-class Americans won't see their taxes go up on January 1st, which is what I promised — a promise I made during the campaign, a promise I made as President.
Because of this agreement, 2 million Americans who lost their jobs and are looking for work will be able to pay their rent and put food on their table. And in exchange for a temporary extension of the high-income tax breaks — not a permanent but a temporary extension — a policy that I opposed but that Republicans are unwilling to budge on, this agreement preserves additional tax cuts for the middle class that I fought for and that Republicans opposed two years ago.
I'll cite three of them. Number one, if you are a parent trying to raise your child or pay college tuition, you will continue to see tax breaks next year. Second, if you're a small business looking to invest and grow, you'll have a tax cut next year. Third, as a result of this agreement, we will cut payroll taxes in 2011, which will add about $1,000 to the take-home pay of a typical family.
So this isn't an abstract debate. This is real money for real people that will make a real difference in the lives of the folks who sent us here. It will make a real difference in the pace of job creation and economic growth. In other words, it's a good deal for the American people.
Now, I know there are some who would have preferred a protracted political fight, even if it had meant higher taxes for all Americans, even if it had meant an end to unemployment insurance for those who are desperately looking for work.
And I understand the desire for a fight. I'm sympathetic to that. I'm as opposed to the high-end tax cuts today as I've been for years. In the long run, we simply can't afford them. And when they expire in two years, I will fight to end them, just as I suspect the Republican Party may fight to end the middle-class tax cuts that I've championed and that they've opposed.
So we're going to keep on having this debate. We're going to keep on having this battle. But in the meantime I'm not here to play games with the American people or the health of our economy. My job is to do whatever I can to get this economy moving. My job is to do whatever I can to spur job creation. My job is to look out for middle-class families who are struggling right now to get by and Americans who are out of work through no fault of their own.
A long political fight that carried over into next year might have been good politics, but it would be a bad deal for the economy and it would be a bad deal for the American people. And my responsibility as President is to do what's right for the American people. That's a responsibility I intend to uphold as long as I am in this office.
So with that, let me take a couple of questions.
Ben Feller.
Q Thank you, Mr. President. You've been telling the American people all along that you oppose extending the tax cuts for the wealthier Americans. You said that again today. But what you never said was that you oppose the tax cuts, but you'd be willing to go ahead and extend them for a couple years if the politics of the moment demand it.
So what I'm wondering is when you take a stand like you had, why should the American people believe that you're going to stick with it? Why should the American people believe that you're not going to flip flop?
THE PRESIDENT: Hold on a second, Ben. This isn't the politics of the moment. This has to do with what can we get done right now. So the issue — here's the choice. It's very stark. We can't get my preferred option through the Senate right now. As a consequence, if we don't get my option through the Senate right now, and we do nothing, then on January 1st of this — of 2011, the average family is going to see their taxes go up about $3,000. Number two: At the end of this month, 2 million people will lose their unemployment insurance.
Now, I have an option, which is to say, you know what, I'm going to keep fighting a political fight, which I can't win in the Senate — and by the way, there are going to be more Republican senators in the Senate next year sworn in than there are currently. So the likelihood that the dynamic is going to improve for us getting my preferred option through the Senate will be diminished. I've got an option of just holding fast to my position and, as a consequence, 2 million people may not be able to pay their bills and tens of millions of people who are struggling right now are suddenly going to see their paychecks smaller. Or alternatively, what I can do is I can say that I am going to stick to my position that those folks get relief, that people get help for unemployment insurance. And I will continue to fight before the American people to make the point that the Republican position is wrong.
Now, if there was not collateral damage, if this was just a matter of my politics or being able to persuade the American people to my side, then I would just stick to my guns, because the fact of the matter is the American people already agree with me. There are polls showing right now that the American people, for the most part, think it's a bad idea to provide tax cuts to the wealthy.
But the issue is not me persuading the American people; they're already there. The issue is, how do I persuade the Republicans in the Senate who are currently blocking that position. I have not been able to budge them. And I don't think there's any suggestion anybody in this room thinks realistically that we can budge them right now.
And in the meantime, there are a whole bunch of people being hurt and the economy would be damaged. And my first job is to make sure that the economy is growing, that we're creating jobs out there, and that people who are struggling are getting some relief. And if I have to choose between having a protracted political battle on the one hand, but those folks being hurt or helping those folks and continuing to fight this political battle over the next two years, I will choose the latter. Continue reading this entry »
Continue reading this entry »
Pres. Barack Obama proposes federal pay freeze, sacrifice.
President Obama on the Federal Pay Freeze: "Getting This Deficit Under Control is Going to Require Broad Sacrifice"
Remarks by the President on the Federal Employee Pay Freeze
Eisenhower Executive Office Building
THE PRESIDENT: Hello, everybody. Good morning, everybody.
Let me begin by pointing out that although Washington is supposed to be a town of sharp elbows, it's getting a little carried away. For those of you who are worried about my lip, I should be okay. The doctor has given me a clean bill of health, and I will continue to be playing basketball whenever I get a chance. In fact, I played yesterday with Sasha and Malia and they took it easy on me because they were feeling pity.
I hope everybody had a great Thanksgiving, but now it's time to get back to work. Congress is back in town this week. And I'm looking forward to sitting down with Republican leaders tomorrow to discuss many issues — foremost among them the American people's business that remains to be done this year. My hope is that tomorrow's meeting will mark a first step towards a new and productive working relationship. Because we now have a shared responsibility to deliver for the American people on the issues that define not only these times but our future — and I hope we can do that in a cooperative and serious way.
Continue reading this entry »
Obama and Biden Standing Behind American Auto Industry
President Obama and Vice President point to the resurgence of the American auto industry as an example of leading the country into economic recovery as they visit the Chrysler Indiana Transmission Plant in Kokomo, IN. November 23, 2010.
A different, Kokomo, I know, but couldn't resist.
THE VICE PRESIDENT: Hello, folks, how are you? (Applause.) Good to see you all. Good to be back in an automobile plant, making things. (Applause.) Hey, thank you all very much. We're delighted to be here and I expect as delighted as you are to be able to be here. (Laughter.)
Look, when the President and I got elected we knew we had a heavy load to carry. The country was in some real tough shape. And we stepped up, and with the help of some of — all the congressmen, the senators here, we passed the Recovery Act just after taking office, in the midst of the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression.
And we had three clear goals, led by the President. One is help communities and people who were hit the hardest, hit the hardest by this awful recession. Save and create jobs today, but also lay a foundation for long-term prosperity in the future. Because more than — a year after implementing this act, I can say proudly that not only have we helped millions of people, but — not only have we created millions of jobs, not only have we spurred growth in new industries, but we have completely transformed, with the great leadership of the local and state leadership here, communities like this one here in Kokomo. (Applause.)
Continue reading this entry »
President Obama on American Auto Industry Rebirth
Good for the auto industry, President Obama, and Detroit!
Comeback | President Obama on American Auto Industry Rebirth.
President Obama Addresses CEO Business Summit in Japan
President Obama speaks of the importance of the economic relationships between the U.S. and Asia in remarks to the APEC CEO Business Summit in Yokohama, Japan.
Obama Weekly Address: Exports & Earmarks
President Obama's address for week 11/13 focuses on earmark reform, deficit reduction and opening new markets for American businesses. Continue reading this entry »
Continue reading this entry »
Pres. Obama proposes steps to strengthen U.S.-India Business
At the U.S.-India Business Council Summit, President Obama proposed steps to grow trade and business relationships between India and the United States. He described India as a market of the future and welcomed a mutually beneficial increase in commerce between the world's two largest democracies.
The White House
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release
November 08, 2010
Remarks by the President to U.S.-India Business Council and Entrepreneurship Summit
THE PRESIDENT: Thank you very much. (Applause.) Please, everyone be seated. Good afternoon, everyone. Namaste. Thank you all for an extraordinarily warm welcome. And before I get started, I just want to acknowledge some outstanding public servants, some wonderful dignitaries who are in the room. Anand Sharma, our Commerce and Industry Minister here in India. (Applause.) Khurshid Salman, the Minister of Corporate Affairs and Minority Affairs, who's here. (Applause.) Dr. Montek Singh Ahluwalia, State Planning Commission Deputy Chairman. (Applause.) Gary Locke, who is the Secretary of Commerce for the United States. (Applause.) Terry McGraw, the chairman of the U.S.-India Business Council. (Applause.) Hari Bhartia, the president of the Confederation of Indian Industries. (Applause.) And Rajan Bharti Mittal, president of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry. (Applause.)
Continue reading this entry »
Obama Weekly Address – Middle Class Tax Cuts
Continuing his call for compromise, President Obama outlines his vision for moving the country forward. Voicing his frustrations with partisan politics, the president called on congress to prioritize the permanent extension of tax cuts for all families making less than $250,000 a year which makes up 98 percent of Americans.
He also questioned the rationale of borrowing $700 billion from other countries to extend Bush tax cuts for two percent of Americans – millionaires and billionaires – and called for sacrifices across the board to make sure that huge fiscal burdens are not placed on future generations.
The White House
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release
November 06, 2010
Weekly Address: President Obama Calls for Compromise and Explains his Priorities on Taxes
WASHINGTON – As Congress prepares to focus on taxes when it returns to work later this month, President Obama called on both parties to work together and focus on the areas where all sides agree. First, the President underscored that middle-class families need permanent tax relief, so Congress should permanently extend tax cuts for all families making less than $250,000 a year – 98 percent of the American people. And second, he noted that, with the nation's challenging fiscal situation, the country simply cannot afford to borrow another $700 billion on permanent tax cuts for millionaires and billionaires.
Continue reading this entry »
Continue reading this entry »
POTUS – Four months of private sector job growth
Ahead of his trip to Asia, President Obama remarked on the latest jobs report which shows employment growth in the private sector with over a million jobs added to the economy, and four months of private sector job growth above 100,000. He cautioned, however, that there are still jobs and opportunities to be added so that more people can get back to work. Research and innovation, tax breaks for new businesses, lower tax rates for entrepreneurs and middle income families, extending employment benefits, opening markets for American goods, building new infrastructure are various proposals he put forward. Continue reading this entry »
Continue reading this entry »


text:
Mythbusters bobbleheads are zany collectibles inspired by an equally zany TV show. You can find bobbleheads of the five hosts of the funny science series, and if that's not enough, you can also collect things like 6-ft-tall stand-ups of Jamie and Adam. Mythbusters bobblehead dolls come in two formats quiet and talking so you can take your choice.
- Exclusive
- MythBusters Chance of Science Journal
- 0.0(No reviews)
- Exclusive
- MythBusters Outcomes Necklace
- 3.0(2 reviews)
- Exclusive
- MythBusters Kari Talking Bobblehead
- 3.7(16 reviews)


text:
Deep Like The Shining Stanley Kubrick's original ending for "The Shining" and the theories on why he changed it.
In High School You was "The Man" Homie Why growing up doesn't mean we all still don't live like high school kids.
It Was A Very Good Year Richard Press talks about his brief bro-mance with Frank Sinatra.
Race and Rertort Salon asks the question: How would the media react to "Django Unchained" if Quentin Tarantino was white?


text:
Prayers for Pap
As you all know I take care of an 84 year old man. I had to take him to the hospital. Right now things are not good. He has received two units of blood and working on more. I ask that you please pray and send healing energy this way for pap. His body has been through so much and tomorrow he has two procedures at 7:30 in the morning. I hope it's not cancer.
Thank you all
Asking for healing energies to surround Pap to provide
for his highest good...
Thank you Peg!
He's been given 6 pints of blood and now talking about doing another surgery which he is too weak for. Such a long process for him and I'm lost on what to do for him. At times I feel so sure of what to do to help him, right now I am lost on what to do. After being at the hospital from 6:30 this morning till 5 I got home and got called back to hospital. Went to bed last night at 3am and then back up. He's a little stinker, but I love him. Thank u again❤❤❤
Keeping you both in my prayers and energy work.
Oh Robin, I know what you are going through. Several years ago when my mom fell and broke her hip, seems like I lived at the hospital. Like you, after being there from early morning until well past evening visiting hours, I no sooner got home and was called back. She was so agitated and the night nurse had to see to her other patients on the floor. All I could do was hold her hand and speak softly to her. She finally calmed down was able to rest and eventually fall asleep.
Although that doesn't seem like much, your mere presence and loving energy is benefiting Pap more than you will ever know, both physically and spiritually. Be at peace in that thought, Robin. And if you can't physically wrap your arms around him in a hug, do so mentally. His spirit will feel your love.
Love n Hugs to you, dear one
Thank you Brit and Peg
He is slowly improving but his blood is still low. He has had 7 pints of blood now and finally out of ICU. The scans and biopsies are benign. Which is a blessing, there giving him food now so I know that has made him happy. He keeps asking for donuts. After everything he has been through all he is worried about is donuts to eat and our guinea pig max. Thank you all for the prayers and energy. They are helping.
Big hugs to all of you
Hang in there :)
I am praying for Pap, sending you both warm, loving energy. Love, C.
Sending you both in loving healing energies and intending for his highest good!
Thank you all. Pap's improving some and then yesterday he got down again. Two more pints of blood. Between two hospital stays he has received 16 units of blood now. The past two nights I've stayed in the room with him. He said he wants to go home. If he starts bleeding again he has stated he wants to be home if it becomes his time to transition. Hopefully he will recover I remain hopeful. It's as if he takes two steps forward and three steps back.
Thanks for the update, Robin.
Continuing to keep Pap in my thoughts and energy work.
For Robin
Sending prayers and healing energy for Pap.
Sending love and best wishes for his and everyone's highest good.
Love Is All, All Are One!
Hello Robin,
Healing energy wishes and hugs for you and Paps, how are you doing?
Update on Pap
He is in the hospital still. He won't eat much and is very weak. It's been over a month. I continue staying at the hospital with him till last week. I had a spinal tap to rule out MS and a scan to rule out Brain Tumor. So I missed a week being with him. Pap has lost at least 15 pounds and he is very frail looking. But he is a fighter. Thank you all for the prayers, hugs and healing energy. Hopefully this weekend he will get to go to rehab for 10 days then home.
Adding my prayers to the group for Pap. Hope he is home soon. Love and hugs to you and Pap, Robin. Love, C.
Thank you so much Cher. Pap's eating on his own now and in rehab to help rebuild his strength. He lost 24 pounds so I am trying to fatten him up some. Thank you everyone again for the prayers. My love to all of you❤❤❤
Robin, you and your Paps are always in my heart as I send loving healing energies and intend for the highest good of all.
|All times are GMT -7. The time now is 06:20 PM.
Powered by: vBulletin Version 3.0.6
Copyright ©2000 - 2014, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.


text:
World Export Development Forum: Africa is open for business
(Kigali, Rwanda) – Africa is open for business. This was the unanimous message from business and government leaders attending the World Export Development Forum (WEDF), in Kigali, Rwanda. The flagship event of the International...[more]
SMEs have to embrace branding to break into international markets successfully
Session Recap: Building a brand: export marketing for developing countriesFor many entrepreneurs, branding is not an initial priority when establishing their business. But participants at the World Export Development Forum (WEDF)...[more]
African tourism sector offers SMEs extensive business opportunities
Session Recap: Tourism for development: opportunities for SME trade The tourism sector in Africa has for a long time depended largely on tourists from Europe and the Americas. This dependency has highlighted the industry's...[more]
South to South cooperation offers SMEs great trade potential
17 September 2014: The ongoing World Export Development Forum (WEDF) in Rwanda's capital Kigali, has shown that there is immense business potential for small and micro enterprises to thrive through South to South Cooperation....[more]


text:
|Designed by:
|SigmaUser Review - 15-30mm EX DG f3.5-4.5
|Written by Julian Ashbourn
|Friday, 30 January 2009 22:55
SigmaUsers are welcome to submit reviews of the lenses as articles; these represent the opinions and verdicts of photographers from all backgrounds. Julian Ashbourn has provided this one for the established Sigma 15-30 EX DG.
The Sigma 15-30mm f3.5-4.5 EX DG has been around for a while now and some might think of it as an 'old' lens. Furthermore, its physical design may be perceived by some as a little ungainly, although others might welcome the sheer physical presence of this relatively large lens. However, this is a lens which has some special qualities of its own, as we shall discover.
The lens has a fixed petal type lens hood which, in addition to performing its primary function, helps to protect the rather bulbous front element. A supplementary sleeve may be fitted over the hood in order to provide an attachment for the supplied lens cap. It is also capable of accepting an 82mm filter. The sleeve may be left in place when fitted to an SD14 with its 1.7 times crop factor as there is no discernable vignetting when used in this manner. This may sound like a rather complicated arrangement but, in practice, it works very well. Being around 132 mm in length and weighing in at 620 grams, the lens balances quite nicely on an SD14 body, making for a comfortable hand held assemblage. The large focus ring mat be slid forwards or backwards upon the lens barrel in order to engage or disengage manual focus. When disengaged, one may support the lens comfortably via the focus ring without danger of stressing the auto-focus mechanism. Some find this idea a little messy, but it works well in practice and it is surely nice to have the option.
The auto-focus mechanism on the 15-30mm cannot really be described as quiet, but it is not unduly intrusive either, with a pleasant enough sound. More importantly for some, the focus is relatively fast and decisive, locking on to a given scene, even in less than ideal lighting conditions. If one prefers to use manual focus, the mechanism is smooth and precise via the large focus ring. Interestingly, with the zoom set to 30mm, it is possible to undertake some quite close focus work with this lens should the need arise. This factor could prove invaluable to landscape photographers who may capture both large scale vistas and relatively close detail without changing lens.
In the context of image quality, this lens really shines and, in certain areas, excels. Geometric distortion is very well controlled for all practical purposes. Landscape photographers, with the camera properly aligned with the horizon, will be able to produce some beautiful results with little or no discernable distortion. Those who wish to deliberately introduce distortion for dramatic purposes, may of course experiment with various camera angles in order to achieve such an end, but the Sigma 15-30mm does not impose such a situation upon the photographer.
Used with a little care, some beautiful wide panoramas may be produced in which it is not at all obvious that a wide angle lens has been used. That is a remarkable attribute for a lens in this class. In terms of resolution, the lens is sharp and clear without producing the rather artificial sort of enhanced sharpness that some lenses are guilty of. From around f5.6 onwards, it will produce images as sharp as you could wish for. It is also perfectly usable at the largest aperture of f3.5, providing a certain amount of versatility for the creative photographer.
In addition, and quite apart from, its specific resolution, this lens produces what I can best describe as an uncommon clarity of image. At any aperture, images have a smooth and unforced character to them which is most attractive. This will be of particular advantage to landscape and nature photographers who may capture all the detail they need without images becoming stark or too punchy. The other quite outstanding attribute of this lens is its colour neutrality which is quite excellent. Delicate tonal transitions and fundamental hues are reproduced faithfully. No more, no less. Furthermore, this seems to be the case under a variety of lighting conditions. In my experience, there are relatively few lenses, especially zoom lenses, which achieve this. But the Sigma 15-30mm does so. Assuming my example is typical, this quality alone places this lens in a somewhat elevated position, especially for natural world photographers, although portrait photographers may also appreciate this factor.
The subject of lens flare is invariably discussed in relation to wide-angle lenses, especially super wide angles such as this one. Remember, the 15-30mm is a full-frame lens, delivering a true 15mm on such a camera (around 25mm equivalent on an SD14). Under evaluation, admittedly on a mildly overcast day, the lens showed no tendency to flare. Of course, you can induce flare in almost any lens if you are either determined or careless enough to do so, but with the usual care and attention to detail, I would not expect this lens to be particularly troublesome in this area.
The Sigma 15-30mm EX DG lens may be regarded by some as an ugly duckling compared to some of the more recent designs. But those with such an opinion might usefully take another look. It is, in fact, a superbly comfortable lens to use, especially for those with larger hands and balances nicely on a Sigma SD14 body, as it would no doubt on various Nikon and Canon bodies. It is intuitive in use and capable of producing some truly excellent imagery, in some aspects, better than one might expect anywhere near this price point. It is compatible with both full frame and cropped sensors and is built to the usual robust Sigma EX standards. It may not be a new design, but it is currently still available and at a price well below its original level. More importantly, it is a lens of very distinct qualities, some of them elusive at any price. In conclusion, the 15-30mm EX DG is a classic lens, which you may still acquire new and at reasonable cost. Now there's a novelty.


text:
I have been thinking about what I need to do next, because I got to thinking about the fact that I am not really happy renting. However it is harder to know what you need to do to get past just planning on buying a house. My suspicion is that the first thing I need to do is get some sort of debt reduction and debt consolidation plan together. Before you can save up the money that you need for a down payment, the thing to do is to stop the money from going out. I have a car that I bought used about three or so years ago. I paid off the loan on it and that gives me some money I can use for the plan. It is not a bad car under the circumstances, it was literally owned by a little old lady. Read the rest of this entry »
I spent the day getting ready for the interview. I swung by the hair salon and got my stylist to give me a trim. It was pretty shaggy and I had a hair style that was designed to impress this girl who I was pursuing while I was in grad school. She was sort of off beat and I thought I would try to be a bit different. It was not as though it mattered so much as my current boss barely knows what I look like in all honesty. It is clear enough in fact that he is not really in command of things at the office and it is pretty clear that I need to be working on a new plan, which I have been from the start. Read the rest of this entry »
My wife came home from work and remarked how hot it was in the house. I told her that the AC was broke, and that I called a place that does ac repair in hudson county nj to come over. They would be there in a couple of hours. Then the kids got home from school. It took them a couple of minutes before they remarked that it was hot inside. I told them the same thing I told my wife. I had been there all day in the heat. It was getting warm. The dog decided it was more comfortable on the back porch, so I followed him outside too.
We all ended up sitting on the back porch that afternoon. It was quite hot. Read the rest of this entry »
I would like to learn to dance, because it could really help me out at this point in my life. I am a senior in high school right now, and in a couple months, I am going to be taking my dream girl, to the prom dance. I really have a hard time believing that I was able to get her to say yes to my invitation. I would have figured she would have had guys lining up months in advance to ask her. But anyway, I am going to find dance classes in monterey, as I do not want to embarrass myself at the dance.
I am really, really bad at dancing. I do not know if it is my genes, or what, but I just have no rhythm, and I have terrible footwork as well. I would say that my rhythm might be a bit worse than my footwork, but it is really hard to tell, because both aspects of my dancing ability are just horrendous. Read the rest of this entry »
I am going to need to get my affairs in better order if I want to be in good stead in a few years. I need to keep my affairs in better order if I am going to be able to attain my goals. I am thinking about a lot of things, like life insurance rates and trying to figure out exactly what I need and what I can afford. Meg and I are in our mid twenties. I am 27 years old, so perhaps it is more like the late twenties for me and she is three years younger than I am. We have a baby who is a year and three months old and we have bought a house that is pretty nice for our current needs.
It is a little two bedroom place on around three quarters of an acre in an old neighborhood with a lot of good quantities. Read the rest of this entry »
The Creators of Innovative and Spirited Mobile App Game Poise Pleased to Announce Its Launch
Russian-based mobile app development innovators, Aurora Polaris, are pleased to announce the launch of their Android mobile app game, Poise. With Poise, fans of the mobile app will have the opportunity to enjoy the classic features of an arcade-style game, along with components of dodge and runner.
Russia (PRWEB) December 30, 2013
Russian-based mobile app development innovators, Aurora Polaris, are pleased to announce the launch of their Android mobile app game, Poise. With Poise, fans of the mobile app will have the opportunity to enjoy the classic features of an arcade-style game, along with components of dodge and runner.
Players follow the adventures of a humorous alien named Spike, as he attempts to escape from the asteroid-bound wreckage of a spaceship crash. The intergalactic adventure is highlighted by vibrant colors and graphics, along with upbeat music. The elements of this game combine traditional gaming with modernism for a unique gameplay experience.
"We're extremely excited for the launch of Poise, because we feel it's something that's really going to speak not only to true mobile gamers, but even to the novice gamer looking for something that will hold their attention," said Ivan Korobko, the independent developer heading up Aurora Polaris. "There's so much of that classic arcade feeling to this game that's timeless, but we also utilize everything that's unique and specific to today's mobile devices, so the player is really getting a completely unique experience, unlike what they have with any other game. With the combination of multi-level challenges, spectacular graphics and enhancements, this game is going to captivate players."
Players are challenged by thirty unique levels, and are offered the opportunity to earn upgrades and various achievements throughout the game. Each level is represented as an asteroid, from which the player must escape. Players are further challenged by time limitations, as they work to advance to the next level, or "asteroid."
Throughout gameplay, aside from time limitations, it's also necessary to maintain balance on rotating asteroids, while occasionally being obstructed by falling meteorites. There are three types of meteorites in the game, including rocky meteorites, icy meteorites and flaming meteorites. They each present different and unique trials to the player through the progression of the game. The ultimate goal of the game is to reach an emergency rescue ship, which will transport Spike from the wreckage.
In addition to achievements, players have the opportunity to take advantage of an in-game store, to purchase various elements for protection against meteorites, as well as statistical enhancements.
Despite its enormous offerings, Poise maintains user-friendly controls and operations.
For more information about Poise, or to download, visit https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mk.poise.
For the free "Light" version of the game https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mk.poiselite.
The Poise demo video is also available by visiting https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wPq5Ojk2dtE.


text:
In football, the Duke Blue Devils have been irrelevant for so long that you almost forget they play football. They're almost never mentioned, but this year that has changed. Just how long has it been since the Blue Devils have been in the AP top 25?
No. 25 Duke ranked for the first time since Dec. 6, 1994. Everything with Duke goes back to 1994.
— Ralph D. Russo (@ralphDrussoAP) November 17, 2013
Duke has won six straight games, including beating Virginia Tech and then No. 23 Miami (FL) yesterday 48-30 to give them the opportunity to control their own destiny in the ACC Championship race.
Meanwhile the USC Trojans are back in the top 25 at No. 23 in the AP poll. Ed Orgeron's Trojans haven't been ranked since a week two loss to Washington State, when Orgeron was still an assistant.
Of course USC had a huge win at home last night against the 4th ranked Stanford Cardinal to put Oregon back in the driver's seat in the Pac-12 North. Perhaps more importantly the Trojans kept themselves in a position to win the South, for at least one more week. The ASU Sun Devils could wrap up the South with a win next week at UCLA.
The AP poll does not have bearing on the BCS race, only the coach's poll does.


text:
Greg Laurie Daily Devotion - Aug. 1, 2007
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
Tapping into God's Power
And He said to her, "Daughter, be of good cheer; your faith has made you well. Go in peace."
As Jesus made His way to the home of Jairus, a ruler of the synagogue whose daughter was ill, there was a woman in the crowd who had been sick for 12 years. It almost appears that Jesus was unaware of her in the crowd. But in reality, He had been waiting for her.
This woman had spent all her money trying to find a cure for her disease. She thought, If I could just touch Him when He passes by, I know I will be healed (see Luke 8:43–48). So as Jesus passed by, she reached out and touched the hem of His garment. And suddenly, instantaneously, right there on the spot, she was healed.
When she touched Him, Jesus stopped and said, "Somebody touched Me, for I perceived power going out from Me" (Luke 8:46). The word "power" that Jesus used speaks of the dynamite power of God. It is the Greek word from which we get the word "dynamite." So Jesus was essentially saying, "Someone just tapped into my dynamic, explosive power."
As the crowd parted, the woman fell down before Jesus. He assured her, "Daughter, be of good cheer; your faith has made you well. Go in peace" (Luke 8:48). In this woman's moment of need, His power healed her and gave her courage.
The same power that impacted this woman can impact you today. The same power came from the Holy Spirit to the disciples on the Day of Pentecost, and they went out to turn their world upside down. And the same power is available to every Christian, to give us courage to live the Christian life and to share our faith. So let's reach out for it.
Greg Laurie :: Harvest 07
Free music featuring P.O.D., David Crowder Band, TobyMac
August 3-5; Angel Stadium; webcast
Copyright © 2007 by Harvest Ministries. All rights reserved.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Bible text from the New King James Version is not to be reproduced in copies or otherwise by any means except as permitted in writing by Thomas Nelson, Inc., Attn: Bible Rights and Permissions,
Recently on Today's Devotionals
Follow us on Facebook
Get Today's Devotionals devotionals directly to your News Feed.
Get Today's Devotionals devotionals directly to your News Feed.
Editors' Picks
Have something to say about this article? Leave your comment via Facebook below!
Listen to Your Favorite Pastors
Add Crosswalk.com content to your siteBrowse available content


text:
No rating
GreatSchools Rating
Teacher quality
Principal leadership
Parent involvement
Both my children love this school. It provides a safe intimate learning environment for all students and the teachers are top notch, caring and communicative. Both of my children have been encouraged to accieve beyond the normal grade level requirements. Unfortuneately Hawthorne is due to close next year due to a dropping number of students in this school system. It has offered a unique and proven method of learning; small classes with lots of individual focus. It will be missed.
My child has received an outstanding education at Hawthorne school and continues to excel and exceed expectations on all state and federal testing. Numerous individuals working within the Maine educational system have commented on what an amazing school Hawthorne is. It is small, however, and because it is an older building (although meticulously maintained) lacks some of the amenities some parents feel necessary. What it does have is a core group of caring, competent teachers. I was a bit stunned by the negative slant of a previous review. Unfortunately, one of the current fifth grade classes is loaded with students who have major disciplinary problems. Every teacher who has had this class says it s the worst they've ever taught. I do think this is an anomalous situation, and that the entire school should not be dismissed because of it. Hawthorne is a great school.
Our child attended Hawthorne for 2 years. What a NEGATIVE learning experience! Disciplinary problems abounded in the school and we faced a lack of willingness and dedication on the part of the administration and a number of teachers to help children in academic need. The principal also served as the fifth grade teacher of the school.The school building is so old the bells did not work and the children needed to be bussed to a different school for gym since there is no area inside or outside of the school to use for PE. Academically this school seemed to be way below standard and left a great deal to be desired. The only positive thing I can say is that we learned a great deal as parents through this experience and now expect and demand a quality education and dedicated, caring teachers for our children!
Community ratings and reviews do not represent the views of GreatSchools nor does GreatSchools check their accuracy or verify the reviewers' identities. Use your discretion when evaluating these reviews.
The Community Rating is the school's average rating from its community members (e.g., parents, students, and school staff). The highest possible rating is five stars; the lowest is one star.
46 Federal St
Brunswick, ME 04011
Phone: (207) 319-1960
To start a new list, click OK. Otherwise click Cancel.
Thank you! You will begin to receive newsletters from us shortly.
Great work! Only one more step. Now we just need you to verify your email address. Please click on the link in the email we just sent you to complete your registration.
Great work! Only one more step. Now we just need you to verify your email address. Please click on the link in the email we just sent you to submit your review.
Please click on the link in the verification email we just sent you to complete your change of email address.
Whoops! It looks like we still need to verify your email. To do so, please click on the link in the email we sent you. Can't find the e-mail? Click the button below and we'll send you a new one.
Thanks for registering. Welcome to GreatSchools, the largest online community committed to improving educational outcomes through parental involvement.
Thanks for verifying your updated email address.
Oops! You haven't verified your email address yet. To do so, please click on the link in the email we sent you. Can't find the email? Click the button below to receive a new one.
Oops! That email verification link has expired. Please click the button below to receive a new one.
Create an account to submit your answers.
Sign in with an existing GreatSchools account or using Facebook:
Your review has been posted to GreatSchools.
Share with friends! Post your opinion of Hawthorne School on Facebook.
Welcome to GreatSchools!
For principals and school officials, we offer a special Enhanced School Profile (ESP) which allows you to update and add information about your school, as well as respond to reviews. If you are a school official, click Continue to start.
Please note that it can take up to 48 hours for your comment to be posted to our site. While you're here, we'd like to invite you to fill out a survey on your school's programs, activities, and extracurriculars. It only takes a few minutes and will help parents get a full picture of your school.
Continue to compare the schools you have already selected or Edit schools to change your selection.
Get started now! You have successfully registered and can now start updating your Official School Profile. The information you provide is extremely valuable in helping parents and students learn more about your school, so thanks for taking the time!
Thank you for registering as a school leader. We just need to verify your email address. We've sent you an email - please click on the link in that message to get started editing your school's information!
Thanks! We just sent you an email – please click on the link in the email to post your answers.
Get timely updates for Hawthorne School, including performance data and recently posted user reviews.


text:
Volunteers needed on National Public Lands Day, Saturday September 27th
Volunteers are needed to start work on the northern Ridgefield section of the Norwalk River Valley Trail! The section will run from Laurel Lane (off Route 7, south of the Ridgefield Ice Cream Shop) to the Martin Park parking lot, utilizing town open space and connecting to an existing trail from the Regency to the parking lot. The trail will eventually join planned NRVT sections in Redding to the east and Danbury to the north.
Volunteers will work under the supervision of Greg Waters, a member of the NRVT Steering Committee. The project is a cooperative effort with the Ridgefield Conservation Commission. Come and join us!
Date and Time: Saturday, September 27, 2014 - 9:00am - 11:00am
Contact Information: Greg Waters, email@example.com, (203) 648-2800
PHOTO - Trail-clearing in Wilton this spring.


text:
Kiki Strike: Inside the Shadow City (eBook)
Kiki Strike: Inside the Shadow City (eBook)
"If Harry Potter lived in New York City, he'd have a mad crush on fourteen-year-old Kiki Strike." -Vanity Fair
There's a secret part of New York City that no one knows about. It's protected by a mysterious group of girls known as the Irregulars, led by the alluring Kiki Strike.
Inside the Shadow City introduces us to Ananka Fishbein, a regular girl whose life becomes anything but after venturing underground to join Kiki Strike and her friends, the Irregulars.
About the Author
KIRSTEN MILLER divides her time between New York City and Paris, drinking coffee and writing the next Kiki Strike novel.
Praise for Kiki Strike: Inside the Shadow City…
"If Harry Potter lived in New York City, he'd have a mad crush on 14-year-old Kiki Strike, the heroine of Kiki Strike: Inside the Shadow City and the next literary idol of the tween-to-infinity set. Kiki's creator, Kirsten Miller, is destined to become the object of millions of readers' adoration." --Vanity Fair "Perfect for bright middle-schoolers hooked on history and mystery and bored witless with pre-teen chick lit." --Washington Post Book World
"In between the 100 MPH excitement and the fascinating and intensely diverse characters, Miller has expertly woven a vital message into her story: the importance of a young woman having strength and belief in herself." --teenreads.com
"A fascinating, convoluted mystery/adventure. ...All readers will welcome the hints of sequels." --Booklist, starred review
"[A] deliciously entertaining debut novel." --Publishers Weekly
"This is a rallying cry for the 'curious' and an effective anthem of geek-girl power . . . All in all, an absurdly satisfying romp for disaffected smart girls." --Kirkus Reviews
"Kiki Strike celebrates the courage and daring of seemingly ordinary girls, and it will thrill those who long for adventure and excitement." --School Library Journal


text:
- Ayesha Sayed
- Dubai
- United Arab Emirates
Student, UAEU
This conversation is closed.
What is the hardest lesson you've learnt in life?
Our parents and elders are forever trying to stop us from making mistakes by telling us what is right for us and what they have learnt in life! What has been the hardest lesson to learn through trial and error? What is the one mistake that changed who you are?
Topics: advice positive lessons
Showing single comment thread. View the full conversation.
Showing single comment thread. View the full conversation.


text:
Everybody loves free. What's better than free? Free that saves you money.
Right now at your local Target store, thanks to a couple of printable coupons you can stack, you can get free a 13-watt (60-watt incandescent equivalent) GE Energy Smart CFL light bulb.
You'll need to install some provided coupon printing software, but it all passes virus and adware scans without issue. Fine print states one coupon per transaction, so your mileage may vary on walking out with a couple of dozen bulbs in one trip.
Coupon 1—http://bricks.coupons.com/Start.asp?bt=vg&tqnm=qaltfxb60506319&o=54159&c=GE&p=azZD12iY
Coupon 2—http://coupons.target.com/mcp/pd.cfm?encp=bw3Edh8NsU3vzmfu%2BCqxk1gE5kAdfbx6dC45DH8m6FuvNQDwYVl3xOH31DkRj79yzb%2BSNmiA403U%0D%0Ak0Vud5AkAA%3D%3D#


text:
It turns out that Noel "Bob" Robbins, Tesco's UK chief operating officer, sold 50,000 shares at 404.5p on 4 January, just days before stock dropped 16%.
The Guardian reports that selling the shares at that point pocketed him £47,450 ($75,522) more than if he'd waited a week.
Tesco says that Robbins did not have knowledge of any price-sensitive information at the time of the sale, but it certainly doesn't look great, does it?


text:
La Petite Academy of San Diego, CA
10050 Carmel Mountain Rd, San Diego, CA 92129
Hours: 06:00 AM - 06:30 PM
Call: 888.258.9051
Tour Our School
See what La Petite Academy has to offer your child. Explore facility & classrooms, meet your child's teacher and review safety & security.Schedule a Tour
or call 888.258.9051
Pay Online
Pay your child's tuition through our online payment system.Pay Now
Welcome to La Petite Academy in San Diego, CA!
Our team of dedicated teachers provide safe, nurturing, and loving care while keeping each child engaged in fun and exciting learning opportunities. With experience ranging from one to 24 years, every teacher is well-educated, first aid/CPR certified, and receives ongoing training. As a team, our staff at La Petite in San Diego is committed to treating all families as an extension of our own.
The environment we provide our children is our top priority. We have a passion for excellence and a love of learning and innovation. We believe children are active learners with unique talents who learn best through guided exploration that focuses on language, cognitive, social-emotional, and physical development, as well as creativity with arts. It is truly amazing to see children reach their potential, and helping them achieve each milestone is a joy.
I am confident that a visit to our La Petite Academy educational child care in San Diego, CA will show you why we are the right place for your child. Call us to schedule your tour today!
Programs we offer:
License # 376600891


text:
Thursday, December 31, 2009
December Schnibbles
I turned my December Schnibbles pattern, Tuffets, into Coasters and made a small bag for them. I took a couple photos of "work in progress". After putting the little tops together using muslin as a foundation, I then put a piece of batting with it when I put it on my stabilized hoop to embroider. The designs are ones that were preprogramed in my Bernina 830. (Since having to get my new computer, I haven't downloaded my DP V6 software yet ...need to download drivers) To put them together, I added another piece of batting with the backing, sewed and turned. Each Tuffet (coaster) has a different design, simple quilting designs.
Are they perfect? No. But, as Carrie said in her directions, you get better as you make more. And so, I made more..and more..and more. The fabric I used was Benartex Fossil Ferns Sampler Pack which are 5" pre-cuts. There are so many in a sampler pack, that I'm well on my way to finishing up a second set of Tuffets (coasters) with another little bag to match for another gift.
And, yes, those little blocks are now straight. Hey - doesn't practice make better? ( not necessarily "perfect" LOL)
The little bag was made by Sherri that gave me the idea. She got the free tutorial from P.S. I Quilt's, Rachel.
10 comments:
- call me crazy said...
Very cute Cindy! I love the batiks and the neat quilting!
Happy New Year!
- December 31, 2009 at 9:36 AM
- Stephanie said...
Cute! I'd need a degree in computer technology to work that machine. Looks like you're having lots of fun with it.
- December 31, 2009 at 10:51 AM
- Fiesta said...
Cindy the tuffett pattern is too cute.
I will have to search for that one
- December 31, 2009 at 11:16 AM
- Karen said...
I have been wanting to make some of the Tuffetts. Your idea to make coasters is a good one.
- December 31, 2009 at 11:52 AM
- Happy Cottage Quilter said...
Cindy what a brilliant creative idea! Love the coasters. And the little bag is perfect to hold them. Great job :-)
- December 31, 2009 at 1:16 PM
- Yvette said...
You have been very busy!!
They are just too adorable.
- December 31, 2009 at 1:50 PM
- Crispy said...
I love the coasters and the little bag to hold them is a wonderful idea.
- December 31, 2009 at 3:14 PM
- Polly said...
OMG!!!!!!! They are absolutely adorable! What a good idea to turn them into coasters! What a terrific gift idea! I love the quilting on them as much as the fabrics! I have a 640E and have never used any of the quilting motifs...think I'll have to try this out! Happy New Year! I'm soooo glad I've met you and love reading your inspirational blog! Polly :-)
- January 1, 2010 at 9:20 AM
- Kelly@ Charming Chatter said...
Your Tuffets are SO CUTE, Cindy! I love that you made them into coasters. What a great idea -- and the little bad is cute, too!
- January 1, 2010 at 7:12 PM
- CJ said...
Too cute Cindy! I might have to try those since I need some new coasters downstairs, in browns. Love the quilting!
- January 3, 2010 at 8:43 AM


text:
Spencer Pratt Kalls Out Kim Kardashianby Free Britney at . Comments
The shark fin is in the water ... the Great White is hungry for celeb MEAT.
So Spencer Pratt proclaimed this morning. We'd say the guy needs to get a hobby instead of talking smack on Twitter all day, but who are we kidding.
He makes life more entertaining, and calls it like it is. Two weeks ago, we saw Kim Kardashian nude in Harper's Bazaar, embracing her "all natural" body.
BS, says Spencer. He Tweets:
"Kim K how am I supposed to believe that about you be all natural ... when I know who your doctor is? On your tv show u said u were ... HUGE LIAR!"
"Kim K - difference between posing and being a poser! Maybe Reggie found out you were both? Ouch ! How was euro hoe u flew to bang?"
USELESS vs. USELESS: Spencer seeks to knock Kim down a peg.
Cheap Cristiano Ronaldo shot aside, we see where The Hills star comes from. If nothing else, Heidi Montag is unabashedly who she is ... unlike hypokrite Kim.
Naturally, this being Spencer Pratt. He did not single out Kim alone today. The man is an equal opportunity trash-talker. Other Tweets from the man today:
- On Hayden Panettiere's new haircut: New home tree barber cut her hair.
- On Lindsay Lohan: Lindsay don't tweet sh!t and snort sh!t @ same time
- On Lindsay again: Fired from her upcoming role ... a role on Jerry Springer?
- On Samantha Ronson: Sam Ronman the conman... You used Lindsay LOANED like cheap toilet paper. YES DUH Lindsay LOANED is an angry human. Lindsay does not eat pu$$y for nothing!
There you have it, ladies and gentlemen.
spencer..... U A MUTHAF****** MONSTER...lmao
I also hope people stop watching kim and family, other celebs call her out so they go away soon. Find her wimpy,whinney, prissy, voice annoying.
I agree with you Darren and 'chele; she and family are fake cheep sleezy talentless users who got fame off of others and a sex tape. To keep it they continue w surgery and attention seeking stunts, so immature narcisistic prima donnas. Never did see their family show. I feel sorry for kim.
Honestly. I respect Spencer Pratt, and his ability to expose Holly-Whore-Wood for the 'Californication' that takes place with cosmetic surgery, release of sex tapes, and the fraudulent PR-orchestrated comments that follow. He OWNS up to who he is. Does anyone else in Hollywood? NO! Heidi had tons of plastic surgeries. She admitted it. Kim, also had work done. But the media leaves her alone because she's laughing all the way to the bank after her sex tape exposure! Spencer has defended Heidi every single time! Which is what any husband will do for his wife. Spencer is NO PUNK! I can tell you that much. He's a stand-up dude. Kim K is just a piece of @ss to Reggie Bush. He will NEVER marry her. Come on now, Ray J's sloppy seconds. Spencer puts his wedding ring where he lays his p@nis. Not Reggie! Do I care for Heidi? NO! But I have a tremendous amount of respect for Spencer....
MN what value does Kim have to offer the celeb world really apart from her dirty porn tape? You cant seriously condone they way she became famous smdh. Kim & Spencer are on the same level both in S*** reality tv shows the only difference being Spencer did not have to leak a sex tape to get onto his show! I can't stand they guy either but there is no denying he is completely true in what he says about Kim I only wish more celebs would call her out so her & that desperate family of hers would disappear.
I agree with Spencer, he knows where he is placed in soicety and is fine with it. He is accepting of Heidi doing things to enhance her appearance. He couldve left her but he didn't, so that tells you what kind of person he is, stay together thru thick and thin.
On Kim K, is not natural. of course she has to protray the curvy body b/c thats her bread maker. Not her talent. Duh, she is good with business b/c fame and money helped her hire a crew to manage that. Kim always so quick to flash a young pic of her boobs, but not her butt. She said she hated her breast getting bigger but not her butt. Even on an old episode, everyone asked how did her butt get so big. even Kourtney has gotten implants, kris gets face lifts, and bruce had 2 facelifts. they are friends with a plastic surgeon. HELLO. beautiful, natural, MY ASS.
It's a big pile of plastic. No thank you to that.
I don't care much about him and his suppose dolled wife - but I don't care about Kim in a good way either. But this Kim is not all natural. You can see it in this picture of her. Yes, he is in no position to say things about her in this way. But..Kim is all fake. The way she got to be famous - it's fake, yes she is gorgeous but there is thousands of good looking woman out there but they didn't release a sex tape to get fame, or be in some pathetic show where their families act silly. No talent - but then again that makes people have a low opinion of Kim. I feel sorry for her. Cheap, tasteless, easy way to get fame. And she still won't go away. Was with Cristiano Ronaldo? Yer right - pictures please?
Melissa, Melissa, wake up sweetie, you're dreaming. Give us your last name so we can look you up on Facebook & see how hot you really are.
Hey Spencer, and you are wasting air because...........why. You don't seem too intelligent to say the least, you are married to a walking, talking Barbie, can't get much better than that huh Bud? You are a joke little man, but you really need to go away, far far away and really soon. Lack of intelligence is so disgusting, which makes you..........really disgusting. hahahahahaha


text:
Stuck to my frontal lobe…
Amelia Curran - The Mistress - Live (by jonesandcompany)
Stuck to my frontal lobe…
Amelia Curran - The Mistress - Live (by jonesandcompany)
Marian Anderson - My Lord, What A Morning (Spiritual) (by Sergio I)
I haven't been using it as I should until recently. Blah
Pupil contrast.
I thought I'd show the Tumblr world that I am alive and well. And I look sort of like I do in these. I'm not sure I ever look proper in a photo.
This has been playing in my head all day, seemingly incessantly. It's not even nearly my favourite by Jolie Holland. She's lovely though.
There's this old couple in my home town that have these two ornamental geese on their lawn. That they dress in different costumes. Everyday. Sometimes they just dress up in Halloween costumes for the hell of it. The other day they were dressed up in ponchos and sombreros, and one of them had maracas. It was great.
So I've decided I'm going to take pictures of them and post them here. I hope you all will enjoy when the time comes.
"Once a little boy sent me a charming card with a little drawing on it. I loved it. I answer all my children's letters — sometimes very hastily — but this one I lingered over. I sent him a card and I drew a picture of a Wild Thing on it. I wrote, "Dear Jim: I loved your card." Then I got a letter back from his mother and she said, "Jim loved your card so much he ate it." That to me was one of the highest compliments I've ever received. He didn't care that it was an original Maurice Sendak drawing or anything. He saw it, he loved it, he ate it."
Maurice Sendak, rest in peace.
My utopia


text:
Lightwells and a Library in a Chicago Family Home
Shown above, left to right:
1. Two story bookshelves, lightwell
2. Glass wall separating living room and garden
3. Lightwell with suspended sculpture
4. The view from the garden
5. Garden sculptures
Check out the full post on Orchard East at Arch Daily.
Images: by Heidrich Blessing (Steve Hall, Jon Miller Craig Dugan) via Arch Daily
15 Comments
Beautiful. But I can't help to think what a waste of perfectly good floor space.
to comicgeek
I don't think this family of 4 has to worry about whether there is adequate floorspace in that house!! haha.
and stunning house it is.
The 2nd picture looks nice, like mid-century modern, but the other ones just remind me of a shopping mall, or big corporate building. I wouldn't feel comfortable there.
it reminds me of the Jetson's elevator in a rectangular sort of way, I love the space indoors and out.
Nice details but this place is ridiculously huge for 4 people. See http://archives.chicagotribune.com/2006/oct/08/magazine/chi-0610080449oct08.
1.25 city lots per person.
The interiors of those 'light wells' are open to the elements and there is a pool underneath.
This means you'll have to suspend OCD helper monkeys from the top floor and hope they enjoy playing with windex and squeegees.
Beautiful and flawless,....but feels more like a fancy hotel lobby or other public facility rather than a private home.
Yes, JoeyBrill, I also thought about the burden of cleaning all those floor-to-ceiling windows.
Then again, I suppose anyone who can afford a high-end place like this can afford the staff to regularly clean it.
If I had the money, I'd live in an enormous compound on hundreds of private acres surrounded by giant stone walls so I see nothing wrong with this place.
although i appreciate the lovely design, i have to agree with other posters about the waste this house must have. all of those windows would be nice in a warm climate, but chicago? in winter? obviously they aren't worrying about the heating bill. houses like this are lovely to look at in pictures...but in a fantasy world kind of way. like clopes said "if i had the money...", although i'd be in a yurt on hundreds of acres with tall brick walls.
I could definitely imagine being a child and growing up in that house--I loved libraries as a kid (because I loved reading and books and I never had the opportunity to spend as much time in one as I liked) and one of my first memories are of waking before anyone in the house and watching the beautiful sunlight cascade into a normally dark living room. Sure, growing up there would be different, but kids adapt and as long as they have loving parents, I don't see what the problem is.
The irony is that the owner, Penny Pritzker, is likely to be living in France as the U.S. Ambassador for the next few years...
I don't think this is too much house for a [wealthy] family of four; much of the lot is taken up by outdoor space, a true luxury and one that most of us wish we could pay extra for!
I love any attempt to make Chicago houses brighter and more open to the outdoors.
An old brick house on my street has a little glass cupola right in the middle of its roof. I would love to do the same on our house. It would bring light to our stairwell and give a little glimpse of sky.
I saw this on Arch Daily and thought it was a nice law office...


text:
What Lincoln Foresaw: Corporations Being "Enthroned" After the Civil War and Re-Writing the Laws Defining Their Existence
"I see in the near future a crisis approaching that unnerves me and causes me to tremble for the safety of my country… . corporations have been enthroned and an era of corruption in high places will follow, and the money power of the country will endeavor to prolong its reign by working upon the prejudices of the people until all wealth is aggregated in a few hands and the Republic is destroyed."—U.S. President Abraham Lincoln, Nov. 21, 1864 (letter to Col. William F. Elkins) Ref: The Lincoln Encyclopedia: The Spoken and Written Words of A. Lincoln Arranged for Ready Reference, Archer H. Shaw (NY, NY: Macmillan, 1950)
Emanual Herz's Abraham Lincoln: A New Portrait Vol. 2 (1931). The Quote is indeed found in this book but it has no source listed.


text:
I trudged into church that Sunday morning, late, not really wanting to be there. When I got there, the worship team was singing away and the heaviness and resistance I came in just melted away. The congregation was bigger than usual that Sunday and I could not help notice the old, bald man sitting at the front row, playing a harmonica. I smiled to myself, thinking it had been ages since I'd seen one of those let alone someone play one. Although the standing mic was close to where he sat, directly in front of him, I could not hear a note of the harmonica. Yet, he kept it to his lips, playing away, perhaps oblivious to the fact that the greater congregation could not hear him. As I let myself free in His presence I forgot about the old man and his harmonica. Soon the preaching began and before I knew it the service was almost to an end. I was truly glad when they said let's go to the house of the Lord. I was blessed to be there. Blessed more than I could have been if I had sat home and allow the negative wave that threatened to engulf me have its way and maybe more so than stay home and watching sermons on YouTube. Yes, I tried to talk myself out from going that Sunday. As we were about to close, the Pastor asked the man with the harmonica to play something from the old hymnals. He nodded his agreement and tried to stand. One of the men from the congregation rushed to his side, presumably to help him get his footing. After taking the mic, he thanked Pastor for having him play throughout the worship and spoke briefly about himself. I felt my heartstrings pulling as he shared how grateful he was to be a part of the service, rarely having the opportunity to get out of the elderly home he lived in especially since he was blind and had no family to visit him. The elderly home he lived in was his home and the residents, the workers and the church groups that visited the home occasionally, he deemed his family.
And as he played Amazing Grace, he played it differently. He played it as it if was the best he had to give. And He played it with pride and passion, grateful to have something to give His Lord. He couldn't do much but He would do what he could with his harmonica. There was not a dry eye in the sanctuary. You could tell that this man was a worshipper. This man had been through some stuff and this man was honoured to give praises to His King. He was glad when they said let us go to the house of the Lord. It made me think at reflect at my personal selfishness. Sure I had my stresses and issues but it should not have caused me to not want to be in His presence. I have more than enough. I have my health, I have a handful of people who I know genuinely love me, I have my sight and my youth. I have….., I have…….. I have. And now I have this man etched in my memory. The way he worshipped with all he had in him, they way he expressed his gratitude not for what he had or did not have, bit just because his redeemer lives. Lord, help me to have that blind sort of love and commitment to you.


text: KUWTK News/ The Latest Kendall Jenner Is Unstoppable at Milan Fashion Week Kim Kardashian Befriends a Koala—See the Pics! Kim Kardashian Tries (and Fails) to Beat the Heat in Sexy Outfit Kim Kardashian Says She's 'Trying' to Have Baby No. 2 Kylie's Big Lips, Kim's Heels—See the Latest Kardashian Trends!


text:
Costa del Sol ATTRACTIONS See all
There's really nowhere quite like Gibraltar. A little piece of England looking out from Spain to the coast of Africa, with a rock fabled in ancient mythology and the only wild monkey population in Europe. Quite a cocktail, huh?
Gibraltar was handed over to the British by Spain in the 18th century, and British - if its very own brand of hybridized, flashback British - it has remained ever since, despite Spain's best efforts to browbeat it into accepting its sovereignty.
The Rock of Gibraltar is a fabulous chunk of
limestone rearing up over the city and overrun by Barbary macaques.
There is a legend that if these monkeys leave the rock, so will the
British leave Gibraltar. Winston Churchill obviously subscribed to this
superstition - he requested that the macaque population be topped up
during WWII.
But there are older legends than this concerning the rock. The ancients thought it to be one of the Pillars of Hercules, with the other standing across the sea in Morocco. If climbing the rock looks to you like a modern-day Labor of Hercules, fear not: there's a cable car that will take you the 425m (1,396ft) to the top.
Cross the border from Spain into British territory, where you can see British policemen, spend British money and enjoy the duty free shopping. After touring the city, journey to the top of the famous Rock of Gibraltar itself, where you can take in the views of the Spanish and Moroccan coastlines. Also spend some time getting to know the locals - the semi wild troop of Barbary "Apes" (a.k.a. Barbary macaque monkeys). Hang on to your belongings though, they are cheeky little monkeys!
Practical Info
Tours & Tickets
Gibraltar Sightseeing Day Trip from Costa del Sol
Cross the border from Spain into British territory, where you can see British policemen, spend British money and enjoy the duty free shopping. Enjoy a tour of ... Read more
Costa del Sol, Spain
Duration: 11 hours (approx.)
Gibraltar Sightseeing Day Trip from Malaga
On this day trip from Malaga, travel across the border from Spain to Gibraltar, a British territory most famous for its Rock of Gibraltar. See top Gibraltar ... Read more
Malaga, Spain
Duration: 11 hours (approx.)
Gibraltar Day Trip from Seville
Embark on a journey from Seville to the ancient city of Gibraltar, the gate between Africa and Europe on the Mediterranean Sea. Take a sightseeing coach tour ... Read more
Seville, Spain
Duration: 11 hours (approx.)
Gibraltar Dolphin Cruise with Transport from Costa del Sol
Take a break from Costa del Sol and visit the waters of Gibraltar to spot wild dolphins on a 1 to 1.5-hour dolphin cruise! Limited to just 25 people, the ... Read more
Costa del Sol, Spain
Duration: 12 hours (approx.)
Gibraltar Shopping Tour
Once you have been picked up, the coach will take you on a drive along the coastal road to Gibraltar. The city center is long and narrow, extending along Main ... Read more
Costa del Sol, Spain
Duration: 11 hours (approx.)


text:
Crab and green mango salad
Green mango salads are a staple in Thailand and Vietnam, and I love their tartness and crunchy texture. When I make this dish, I prefer to choose a green or unripe mango, that isn't rock hard and has a little ripeness to it. It goes much better with the crab. And if you can't find a green mango, try a very firm just-ripe mango - it will be delicious.
Photo: Marina Oliphant
- 1 green mango*, peeled
- 1 live mud crab, or 3 blue swimmer or sand crabs, cooked and the meat picked
- ¼ cup mint leaves, torn
- ¼ cup coriander leaves
- half a finely sliced red chilli
- For the dressing
- 3 coriander stems and roots
- 1 heaped tbsp grated palm sugar
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- juice of 1-2 limes
- * You can find green mangoes in Asian grocers.
Roughly but thinly cut the mango and place in a bowl.To make the dressing, crush the coriander stem/root in a mortar and pestle, add the palm sugar and crush until dissolved, then add fish sauce and lime juice. It should taste tangy, sweet and sour.
Combine dressing with all the ingredients and serve at once.
- Main Ingredients - Fish, Shellfish, Mango


text:
Look!: Dots Wood Coat Rack
We've blogged these Dots Wood Coat Hooks by Tveit & Tornoe before, but after seeing them LIVE at Matter last week, we wanted to bring them back for another perusal.....
Made out of solid oak, the pegs come in a set of 5, with varying sizes. The assembly above is two sets combined. This is such a beautiful and simple solution to the old coats in the hall problem. It's also inspirational for any DIY'er out there who has the resources to make something like this on their own.
11 Comments
With a bunch of recycled/vintage dresser knobs, this could be really interesting!
I love the console table (or what looks like one) underneath!
This almost has the look of a piece of wall sculpture. It seems a shame to cover it by hanging coats on it! : )
My coworker does something very similar with Ikea Grundtal knobs: http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/30061247
how do you attach them to the wall?
They don't stick out far enough to really let you hand a winter coat--maybe a cute tiny shoulder bag.
And if this looks like sculpture, a trip to MOCA would help.
Wow. $180.00. Hahhahahahahaaaaaaaaaaaaa
And a trip to the local House of Knobs would help too.
I know an unfinished wood knob when I see one.
OMG, that mattermatters site also sells a wood crate. For $220.00. It's a wood crate.
Their wood crate comes with a book, called "The Crate Picture Book".
This is one site, wholesale prices, wood items, including various forms of crates and boxes:
I have some wine crates with the sliding lids that are EXCELLENT storage, very sturdy. And I don't mind if it says "Beringer" on the side. My dad had those, and he also stained them, I guess. It's a big box, not the ones for a single bottle. I think the box could hold 10 bottles??? No idea.
ebay has wine crates (the lids are sometimes used for display):
Here's one with a sliding lid:
I figure if you drink wine already, and plan on having people over this summer, buy the crate of wine of a kind you like. And you get the handy box as a bonus.
I had one wood crate of some kind that had no lid, so I flipped it on it's side and it serves the purpose of holding books by my bed.
That might sound cheesy to some people, but not nearly as silly as paying $220.00 for an empty box.
Very cute and practical. Perhaps door knobs could hold larger items?
I just made a version of this myself. I ordered different sizes of knobs, painted them white, and got those screw things that have threads at both ends. The only problem is that mine don't come off the wall very far, so some stuff doesn't hang well.
Seriously $180!!! When you could just go to a home goods and buy wood knobs for dollars and install with anchored screws costing you little over $10?
If you want a similar look, but a more substantial piece of hardware for $100 less, try this bronze coat rack from Crate & Barrel: