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Program Notes - December 5, 1998 Concert
("Opus Opera")
Overture to Nabucco
Giuseppe Verdi
Nearly forty years after Giuseppe Verdi (1813-1901) wrote the opera Nabucco (premiered in 1842 at La Scala), he remembered it this way:``With this opera it is fair to say that my artistic career began. And despite the difficulties I had to contend with, Nabucco was born under a lucky star''.
The overture is based on themes from the opera, and opera lore portends that Verdi wrote it in a cafe during one of the rehearsals. The love story is taken from the Old Testament and is set in Jerusalem and Babylon in 586 B.C. Nabucco (or Nebuchadnezzar) is the King of Babylon, and his Assyrians are at war with the Hebrews, Levites, and Hebrew Virgins. The King's daughter, Fenena, is currently prisoner in Jerusalem, and is in love with Ismael, the son of Zedekia, King of Jerusalem. Love triangles, intrigue, near executions, and disguises ensue.
One of the themes in the overture comes from the famous chorus in Scene 2 of Part 3, ``Va, pensiero, sull ali decorate'' where the Hebrew slaves bemoan ``Go my thought on golden wings; go, alight on the slopes, the hills, where, soft and warm, the sweet breezes of our native land are fragrant!'' The grand story ends in repentance for most of the main characters.
La Traviata, Act I
Giuseppe Verdi
La Traviata, premiered in 1853 in Venice, is one of Verdi's best loved operas, because of the exceptional quality of the music, and the attractiveness of the sensational story, set in Paris in the 1840's. The Prelude of the opera opens with a haunting strain that foreshadows the impending tragedy of Violetta Valery. Her character and the story is based on the real life figure from Paris, Marie Duplessis, a ravishing courtesan who lived and loved exuberantly. Of her many courtiers, Alexander Dumas is the most renowned.
Act 1 opens in the parlor of Violetta's house, where a splendid party is being held. Upon greeting some of her guests, Violetta is introduced to Alfredo Germont. Violetta is informed that Alfredo has loved her from afar for some time, and is said to have called on her every day during a recent illness. This is a devotion and tenderness that Violetta is not familiar with. As the party progresses, songs are sung and the merriment becomes contagious. When Violetta suggests the guests move to another room to dance, she grows faint and stays behind. She realizes that her lifestyle and indulgences are bringing about very poor health, and here is when Alfredo, who has lingered, professes his undying and unconditional love. This has moved Violetta, but she does not allow Alfredo to know that her affections are warming to him. The evening draws to a close, with an invitation to Alfredo to return at some ambiguous time, much to her suitor's delight. But for Violetta, a life of wantonness and shallow relationships draws her away from the ruminations of true love with Alfredo, and she reverts comfortably to her light-hearted companions.
Äida, Act II - Excerpts
Giuseppe Verdi
Verdi had a rare gift that made his operas international successes often from their first performances. Many have remained successes to the present. His gift was for writing melodies that evoked the character's emotions and that also played upon the emotions of the listener. A natural gift, to be sure, but one that was built upon continuously throughout Verdi's long career, and in which he strove to perfect his talents through maturity, subtlety, and nuance. His ideas about opera, particularly grand opera (such as Äida) were revolutionary, and after many attempts and successes, it is said that Äida embodied for the first time, the ideal for which Verdi was striving.
During the writing of the opera, Verdi, involved intricately in the libretto, sent the manuscript back to the author countless times with revisions and suggestions. This partly illustrates how Verdi's vision of grand opera included a detailed involvement in every aspect. On one occasion, Verdi remarked to librettist Antonio Ghislanzoni, who's strophe was at times too conservative for his tastes, wrote: ``Unfortunately, the theatre requires that on occasion poets and composers should have the ability to create neither poetry or music.'' However, one finds hardly a hint of what might imply cacophony.
Äida was commissioned by the Khedive of Egypt, not for the opening of the Suez Canal (which is often reported) but, for the newly built opera house in Cairo. The theme was to be distinctly Egyptian, and the story of the emerging libretto carries some interesting tales of its own.
The opening prelude, which is fugue-like, remains one of the most ethereal and enchanting introductions in all opera. It sets the stage in the palace of the King of Memphis, where news of the Ethiopian invasion of Egypt has arrived. The facts slowly become clear that Radames, just chosen to be the leader of the retaliation against the Ethiopians, is in love with Äida, an Ethiopian slave, but keeps his love a secret. Amneris, the daughter of the King, is in love with Radames, but suspects that her love is not returned, and that Äida is in love with Radames. The first Act ends as Äida is torn between her love for Radames who must vow to destroy her people and father, and her love for her homeland. To pray for the deliverance of her home and people, would mean death for her beloved Radames. Radames, on the other hand, offer his sacred prayers for victory.
Act II, scene I, arrives with Amneris in her chambers being dressed for victory celebrations. After the slaves have danced and sung the praises of the hero Radames in some exotically charming music by Verdi, Amneris sings of her love for Radames as the opening prelude pines in the background, overshadowed by doubts and jealousy. She suspects Äida. Upon Äida's arrival, Amneris tricks her into thinking Radames has been killed, and Äida unfortunately gives her secret away by showing her horror and distress. Amneris cruelly torments Äida by telling her of the lie, only to find Äida overjoyed with the knowledge that Radames lives. Wrath is invoked on the poor slave, and Äida must exit humbly and apologetically, while in the background the chorus of the returning army can be heard (Su! del Nilo al sacro lido).
Scene 2 opens at a grove near the Temple of Thebes. Here, the crowds gather as the King with his entourage enters through a triumphal arch and takes his place on the sacred throne. Here is heard the beloved Chorus and Triumphal March, and the Final Glory to Egypt Chorus (Gloria all'Egitto, ad Iside) is sung welcoming Radames as victorious hero.


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- Multifunctional agriculture;
- Agrobiotechnology - innovative, functional and green technologies for food product manufacturing and processing. The biotechnology of biomasses.
- Veterinary medicine - the science of animal healthcare.
- Energetics - environment-friendly types of renewable energy, energy supply safety and the effective use of energy.
- IT - safe software, integrated information, communication systems and networks, electronic technologies in agriculture and forestry.
- Materials Engineering - development of functional materials, new generation composite materials.
- Forestry - sustainability, new products and technologies.
- Environment sciences - preserving natural resources, sustainable management and protection; the impact of climate changes on water ecosystems and adaptation, environment of the Baltic Sea and inland waters.
- The sustainable development of the countryside.
The scientists of the Latvia University of Agriculture participate in international scientific projects - the EU 6th and 7th framework programmes, scientific cooperation projects with the Scandinavian countries, INTERREG, bilateral cooperation and other projects. From 2005 till 2007, 12 patents of the Republic of Latvia have been received as a result of the research work. The cooperation with business grows year by year. In order to promote this cooperation, the Centre of Technologies Transfer and Business Hub has been established. Two to three volumes of scientific articles are published annually. Scientists of the Latvia University of Agriculture publish more than 250 internationally reviewed scientific articles and more than 200 articles in Latvian scholarly and scientific journals every year. International scientific conferences are held at the faculties every year. Science Night has become very popular. Scientists participate in the conferences held abroad. Approximately 200 scientists present their research findings internationally every year. In addition, scientists from the Scientific Institute of Biotechnology and Veterinary Medicine "Sigra", the Scientific Institute of Agricultural Machinery, the Scientific Institute of Water and Land Management and the Scientific Institute of Agriculture actively participate in the research. Several new scientific laboratories (the Scientific Laboratory of Molecular Genetics at the Agriculture Faculty, the Laboratory of Microbiology at the Food Technology Faculty and the Laboratory of Biogas at the Technical Faculty) have been established and carry out active research. In many laboratories research equipment has been updated, - in total equipment worth 460000 Lats has been purchased. New equipment has been obtained also by the accredited scientific Laboratory of Agronomic Analysis. Also scientists disseminate their research findings through mass media, Career days and Science Night, which last year took place in Jelgava and was widely attended.Jānis Šleija
Published: 15.06.2010 15:58
Eddited: 20.07.2010 10:33

subset: commoncrawl


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THE NEIGHBORHOOD: Bonnabel Place, a subdivision of Metairie, bounded by Lake Pontchartrain on the north, Metairie Road on the south, Homestead Avenue on the east and Hesper Avenue on the west. The Bonnabel Civic Association's Web site traces the neighborhood's origins to 1836, when French-born chemist Henri Bonnabel bought a tract of land on Metairie Ridge from Hypolite de Courval. Bonnabel worked with J.A. D'Hemecourt to draw up plans for a town to be called Bath, after the town in England, but the chemist/developer died in 1854 before his plans could bear fruit. Six decades later, his son Alfred took up where his father left off, turning the tract of land his father purchased into Bonnabel Place and Old Homestead. The civic association's Web site says they were the first two residential areas in Metairie, dating to 1914. Alfred Bonnabel's son, also named Alfred, continued the work, recruiting his wife to name the streets. A devotee of the classics, Luella Bonnabel chose many names drawn from history, mythology and literature. Today, a handsome boulevard named for the subdivision's founders bisects Bonnabel Place, which is almost exclusively residential in character but within easy reach of major commercial areas.
THE BLOCK: The 600 block of Codifer Boulevard on the even-numbered, or Metairie Road, side of the street. The block is bounded on the east by Helios Avenue, named for the Greek god of the sun, and on the west by Hesper Avenue, named for the evening star in Greek mythology. Mature cypress, pine and oak trees abound on the block, and the boulevard is divided by a grassy neutral ground planted with cheery flowers at some intersections. St. Catherine of Siena school and church are down the street, and stores, restaurants and the Metairie Shopping Center are nearby on Metairie Road.
THE HOUSES: A collection of six pre-World War II houses, mostly bungalows, and all retaining their early 20th century architectural character. Most of the houses express the Arts and Crafts style, though one hints at the English Cottage and another is Neo-Classical Revival. All occupy wide lots with driveways for cars.
On a rainy Sunday afternoon recently, I opt for the back streets instead of the highway en route home from a shopping trip in Metairie. Such detours -- which my sons loathed when they were little -- are the best way I know to find new and interesting neighborhoods.
Sure enough, just as the clouds are parting, I notice a sign for Bonnabel Place, then turn onto Codifer to explore. Stretched out before me is a terrific setting for a Street Walk.
Anatomy of the block
I start at the corner of Helios and walk toward Hesper, taking in the houses on the south, or Metairie Road, side of the street. The very first one gets my attention. It's a darling stucco cottage, set close to the ground, with an asymmetrical plan and entry portico to one side.
What distinguishes it from the others on the block is the chimney on the front and the clipped gable of the roof line over the entry and on both ends. The cottage rests amid a field of emerald green grass and is accessed by stepping stones, rather than a paved walkway, leading from the front door to the sidewalk.
To its right is a yellow bungalow with its front porch closed in. It's the only one on the block that has been altered in any noticeable way.
I move on to the blue house that comes next. Here I detect the Neo-Classical Revival style in the round and tapered Tuscan columns grouped together at the edges of the gable-fronted porch. Two pairs of French doors -- each with a fanlight transom -- open to the porch, and I see the transom repeated over the windows on the right side of the facade.
I love the cheery simplicity of the white-and-green paint scheme on the next house. Like the others, its entry is to one side, with a wing that extends out to the other side. Though the house body has wood clapboards, the forward face of the porch covering is stucco, with applied ornamentation accented in dark green. The opening to the porch is a low broad arch, echoed on the transom arch over the front door. Terra cotta tiles cover the side steps and landing, where a love seat provides a comfortable place to sit.
A Saints banner hangs in the front garden of the caramel-colored house that follows. Here, the entry porch is front-gabled with angle brackets, exposed rafter tails and some interesting wood accents in the horizontal member that stretches between the two brick columns. But there's something very different about this house, and it takes me a minute to figure out what it is.
Ah! It's the roofline of the main body of the house. Instead of hipped, as it is elsewhere, it is gable-fronted, making the house seem taller and more massive.
The last house on the block is shaded by an enormous cypress tree at the corner of Hesper. It's a variation of the house to its left: a tall gable-fronted roofline on the main body of the house. But here, the entry porch is to the right rather than to the left. And the porch columns, instead of extending from the ground to the porch ceiling, are brick pedestals with clusters of smaller tapered wood columns atop them, a favorite device used in Arts and Crafts styling.
Life on the street
As a long day of rain gives way to sun, the street begins to come to life. Someone fires up a weed whacker and sets about his work. A woman comes out of her house with a bag of trash and puts it in the can. One or two cars pull into driveways and their occupants disembark, several in full Saints regalia and all in boisterous and celebratory moods.
As I prepare to cross the street and head home, two boys on bikes speed past, one on the sidewalk and one in the street.
"Race you to the corner!" one calls out to his friend, then he accelerates and takes the lead.
Stephanie Bruno can be reached at email@example.com. For more pictures of blocks profiled in this column, go to www.flickr.com/photos/housewatchertp. Learn more about Bonnabel Place at www.bonnabel.org.


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Christmas Market and Winter Wonderland
When: November 20 to January 3
Nottingham's Victorian-themed gift and craft market (ends December 24) is full of festive delights, from roasted chestnuts, cider and mulled wine to carol singing. The market is spread over Smithy Row, Albert Street and Lister Gate. Visitors can also enjoy Nottingham's Winter Wonderland (ends January 3) on the Old Market Square, with its Narnia-themed bar, a giant Christmas tree centrepiece and the towering North Star swing ride.Picture: Alamy


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In the Portland area, water is beginning to pool on SE Foster Road and other streets east of 82nd Avenue, which is not connected to the sewer system, said Cheryl Kuck, a spokeswoman for the Portland Bureau of Transportation. Instead, underground sumps that store the rain are filling up and unable to release the water into the already-saturated ground, she said.
Crews are also responding to complaints of clogged storm drains, she said. People can call 503-823-1700 to report clogged drains but she also asked for assistance from homeowners to help keep the grates clear of leaves and debris. There are 58,000 storm drains in the city, she said.
She also cautioned motorists to watch for water on freeway ramps and in other low spots.


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Results tagged ' James Andrews '
3/11 Injury updates
Xavier Nady had no unusual soreness in his right elbow after playing in Wednesday's game, his first Cactus League action. Nady is coming off his second Tommy John procedure, which he had in July. He's not expected to be allowed to "start firing away" from the outfield without restrictions until June but says that won't keep him from playing.
"Hopefully, you drive in more than you throw out," Nady said.
* Andres Blanco has a new, lighter brace on his right knee and is making progress. He sprained his knee in a play at second and was to be sidelined 10 to 14 days.
* Angel Guzman may see Dr. James Andrews in Birmingham, Ala., on Monday. Guzman has a torn ligament in his right shoulder, near the arm pit, and is considering surgery. He's already had elbow and shoulder procedures done, both by Andrews.
— Carrie Muskat
3/8 Guzman to get 2nd opinion
The Cubs were to send Angel Guzman's MRI results to orthopedic specialist Dr. James Andrews on Monday so the pitcher can get a second opinion on his right shoulder. Guzman has a torn ligament in his shoulder, near the arm pit. He can take a conservative approach and try to rehab for four to six weeks. Or, he can have surgery, although athletes who have had the procedure done have not had much success coming back.
— Carrie Muskat
3/7 Guzman considering surgery
Angel Guzman is considering surgery on his right shoulder to repair the torn ligament rather than take a conservative approach and rehab. An MRI revealed a severe tear in a ligament in his shoulder near his armpit. The Cubs pitcher said Sunday he will get a second opinion from Dr. James Andrews.
"Let's see if the third one can finally get it done," Guzman said.
Andrews did both Guzman's shoulder surgery in July 2003 and elbow surgery in September 2007. The orthopedic specialist told Guzman before the elbow procedure that he could see in the pitcher's eyes that he wasn't done trying to make it in the big leagues.
"It's going to be tough," Guzman said. "By doing [the surgery], I have a small chance, but there is a chance."
He hasn't fully committed to another surgery.
"I'm thinking about (surgery)," Guzman said. "I'll consult my family, my agent, all of them and get the people who are close to me involved in my decision. I've got a lot of family to support. I think it's a good idea to talk to them."
He was frustrated by the pain after spending the winter strengthening his arm.
"I don't think there's a chance to get it fixed without the surgery," he said. "By doing rehab, it won't do anything. I spent four months here working out and I felt as strong as ever and there's still pain. I think that's the only way to get it fixed."
The rehab isn't the hard part, he said.
"The hard part is establishing yourself in the big leagues," Guzman said. "That's the hard part. I did some of that last year and my goal this year coming to Spring Training was to get my job done and get the outs that I need to get done and do what's best for the team. It's disappointing, sadness, and I just have to go through it."
Guzman has been a highly touted prospect in the Cubs system since he began his pro career in 2000 but last year was the first extended action in the big leagues. He appeared in 55 games, posting a 2.95 ERA. This year, the Cubs were considering him for the late inning relief duties. On Saturday, Lou Piniella said it seems as if Guzman is jinxed.
"Lou and all the guys have been really supportive and I appreciate it," Guzman said. "You get to know yourself more and I know all these guys have my back."
He may take some time off to visit family. It's been a difficult few months for Guzman, who lost his brother, Daniel, Jan. 11 in a shooting in Caracas. He injured his knee running in Venezuela prior to the incident, and had arthroscopic surgery.
"I would love to [take time off]," Guzman said. "For the last two months, I've been through some issues. Maybe going home, I can clear my mind and get me more fresh and fight for my goal, for what I want."
The news of the ligament damage came as a surprise to Guzman.
"It's very sad but what can I do? I'm still breathing," he said.
And he hasn't given up.
"I love pitching," Guzman said. "I've been pitching since I was 4-years-old. I'm still 28, I know that's young. I think 28 is a good age to keep pushing it."
— Carrie Muskat


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Earlier blogs have discussed the pros and cons of drugs, but food is the most important thing any of us ingests and it seems foolish to not pay careful attention to what we choose to eat. In the past 12 years, three books have had a major influence on how I think about modern medicine: Marcia Angell's, The Truth about the Drug Companies, Michael Pollan's, Omnivore's Dilemma, the Robert Whitaker's Anatomy of an Epidemic. One might ask how books about pharmaceutical companies, industrial agriculture, and the long term effects of psychiatric medications might relate to one another and I will try to answer that in this blog.
As Whitaker notes, the discovery of the antibiotics changed medicine. It led to a hope that more effective drugs, "magic bullets," would be found for other diseases. I would argue that this optimism about our ability to solve and fix problems in medicine was part of a larger optimism that gripped western culture in the post World War II years. Agriculture changed dramatically. Chemicals that were used in explosives were found to be powerful fertilizers and this contributed to the development of industrial agriculture. In the US, policy favored the development of large farms and the entire nature of our agricultural system was transformed. Rather than have farms that grew a variety of crops and raised different kinds of livestock, farms became large and they focused on one product. Animals and produce became commodities.
Whitaker pointed out in Anatomy of an Epidemic, that when one gives a drug that alters the action of a neurotransmitter, the body has ways of adapting and adjusting. This tendency is known as homeostasis. He raises the concern that the body's homeostatic response to psychiatric medications may cause problems over time that may be worse than the condition they were meant to help. This plays out on a larger scale in nature. We are part of an ecosystem. If one perturbs one part, it has ripple effects on the entire system. Antibiotics may cure a particular infection in a particular individual. When an antibiotic is used over time, however, the organism the drug targets evolves and develops ways to survive exposure to the drug. Animals on industrial farms are overcrowded and this makes them sick. In order to keep them alive until they can be slaughtered, they are fed antibiotics. Pharmaceutical companies sell more drugs to farmers to use for livestock than they sell for use in humans. This practice may be contributing to the development of extremely dangerous strains of bacteria. Similarly, large monocultures of crops may develop sensitivity to parasites. Although pesticides might help to fight these infections, over time the parasites will develop resistance. In contrast, as Pollan describes in his book, farms that have multiple crops develop ecosystems that are healthier for the crops and livestock and eliminate the need to use pesticides and antibiotics. This is healthier for our environment and healthier for us.
As farmers became more effective at growing food, they needed to grow their markets. This led to the growth of the food processing business. If you go into a modern supermarket, there are food products - typically in the middle isles - that have been around for less than 50 years. These foods are mostly made of corn, an incredibly versatile and cheap food. High fructose corn syrup may not be an inherently dangerous food - or at least no more dangerous than cane sugar - but it is so cheap and abundant that food processors can pack high quantities into many products and there by increase not only their appeal to us (more on that in another blog) but also the amount of calories we are consuming with very little effort. This is likely a major contributor to the increase in obesity in our country. Obesity has been a major factor for the increase in a number of chronic illnesses such as diabetes and high blood pressure.
This has been an extremely profitable venture for food processors. The use of pharmaceuticals has been extremely profitable for the drug companies. This gives them enormous clout in the advertising and political worlds. We have a food and medical system that is geared towards making us sick and then treating those illnesses. In future blogs, I will write more about food and behavior and ways we can reverse some of the cultural trends that promote diet related illness.


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FAIRHOPE, Alabama -- Artificial snow and Christmas carols filled the air tonight as Fairhope presented its annual holiday tree lighting ceremony downtown.
WABF Radio personality Lori Dubose served as emcee for the event that also featured music from the Fairhope High School band, the Fairhope Middle School band, the J. Larry Newton School bells choir and the Eastern Shore Choral Society.
Mayor Tim Kant's wife, Karla Kant, threw the switch that illuminated the lighted trees lining down streets. Afterward, it was Santa Claus' wife who passed out candy canes as children wrote their wish lists to Santa.


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Q: I am an accountant handling the work of a trust. Less than half of the income of the trust is interest. Can I handle this account?
A: Our pristine Shari'ah strictly prohibits any level of participation in interest (Riba). Although the portion of interest is less than half of the entire income, it will not be permissible to handle this type of trust.Allah Ta'aala knows best.
Moulana Yusuf Laher
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Oh, time to be more accountable, after a week of winging it. <sigh> Sucks to be me but I've proven that the winging it shit really doesn't work for me.
B: part of a jalepeno sausage
L: chicken with sour cream sauce and peas
D: spaghetti sauce with meat, over spaghetti squash; NO LEFTOVER KEY LIME PIE AND I MEAN IT!
15 minutes rowing (still building up those attractive calluses), 30-45 minutes stationary biking because I like to read while I pedal
Big question is do I get a latte? It would be my one for the week but that free punch card is calling my name. Even if it doesn't expire.


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Tag Archives: Fashion
Fashion Friday: A Treat for Your Hands from Katy at Nailed It!
Fashion Friday: The Tradition of the Garter Toss
Fashion Friday: Nail Bling Giveaway with BOHEM Nails
Fashion Friday: Wow at Your Wedding with Nutrition from Koya Webb
Fashion Friday: Saving Your Skin with Gina Marí
Today is another glorious Fashion Friday – and do I have a treat for you! Today I am so pleased to introduce special guest blogger, and skin savoir, Gina Marí. With her cutting edge salon in the heart of Los Angeles, Gina and her team are prized as some of the best in the biz to keep skin looking younger – and who doesn't want that?? With a clientele base that spans everyone from suburban housewives to A-list celebrities, Gina has seen (and treated!) it all. And, today I am beyond excited to share her tips on how to make your skin look its' best on your big day! Enjoy!
Fashion Friday: How To Get Gorgeous Eyes at Your Wedding with International Makeup Artist Lucy B!
Today is another glorious Fashion Friday – and this week's is ready to get you glammed up for the weekend (and for your wedding of course!). It's my pleasure today to be able to share amazing tips for the most gorgeous eyes you've ever had from International Makeup Artist, Lucy B. That's right, the renowned founder of Lucy B.'s Apothecary is here today sharing her best tips and tricks to have amazing eyes at your wedding and beyond. Get ready to learn all the tricks of the trade that are sure to make you look and feel beautiful! Enjoy!
Inspiration {The Fifities}
The 1950's – a classic decade with fabulous fashions and bold beauty. From swing dresses to pin curls, inspiration for a fabulous wedding look abound. It's a fun era to play with and the possibilities for your wedding look are endless. Rock a dewy look like the classic girl next door or amp up your va-voom factor with a bold pin-up look. It's up to you – and today I'm showing you a ton of different ways to infuse the 1950's into your wedding attire! So get ready to feel like you want to swing to the Oldies, we're taking a trip back and getting inspired with everything 1950's! Continue reading
Fashion Friday: Tips from the Pros {The Perfect Wedding Hair Plan from Kristan Serafino}
It's not just any Friday – that's right, we're back with another great Fashion Friday! And today we have the pleasure of hosting another fabulous guest blog from the incredible Kristan Serafino herself! As a stylist to the star's, she's dealt with her fair share of hair drama and trauma – and today she's sharing all the tips and tricks every bride needs to know to look gorgeous on her wedding day! So get ready to learn (and beautify)! Enjoy!
Tips from the Pros: How to Rent A Wedding Dress
I have the great pleasure of sharing a fabulous pro tip with all you guys today from wedding fashion writer extraordinaire, Brittany Moodie herself. Blogger and founder of The Wedding Dress Guide, Brittany is sharing all of her tips to get a fashionable dress at a steal of a deal with an option many of us probably never considered – renting!
{ Photo via Carolyn Coles Flikr } Continue reading


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This deal has ended.
Walmart.com drops the price of the Graco Sarah 4-in-1 Convertible Classic Crib from $149.97 to $115. This crib has three mattress height positions and converts to a toddler bed, a day bed, and a full bed. Also available in white, classic cherry, and cinnamon. Also check out the matching dressing table (available in all colors). Shipping is $0.97 or choose free site-to-store pickup. Sales tax is charged in most states.No longer available


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Downtown and Northwest Portland are funny places. It's not everywhere I could meet with a neighborhood association in a quirky-cute cupcake shop one day and bundled-up homeless people at a camp the next and at a Starbucks with high-heeled corporate types after that.
My introduction to this beat has been warm by every demographic, so allow me to warmly introduce myself: My name is Sara, and I'm your new source for downtown and Northwest Portland news.
After hopping small newspapers since I graduated from Fordham University in 2009, I landed at The Oregonian in June 2012 covering east Multnomah County. That was a trip, with mayoral scandals, sustainability breakthroughs, and civic controversy. Then we rolled into 2013 and I was moved west of the Willamette, leaving behind fabulous sources on the east side, but welcoming a swath of compelling people on the west.
I'm looking for the issues those who live and work in downtown and Northwest Portland are interested in. Have an idea? Tell me! Background on an issue? I need it! Event approaching? I'll get the word out!
E-mail me at firstname.lastname@example.com, or hit me on one of the Twitter accounts I juggle -- @SaraHottmanPDX, @NWPDXReporter, or @DwtnPDXReporter. Or, if you want to go low-tech, give me a ring at 503-294-7673.Follow @SaraHottmanPDX


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Jessica Heeringa's mother, Shelly Heeringa, passes out fliers to get the word out about her missing daughter.
Sunday, April 28, 2013 5:46 PM
Inappropriate photo? Alert us.
Shelly Heeringa talks to Derek Antol near the Exxon Mobil gas station on Sunday, April 28. Her parents, Diane Homrich and father, are standing near the silver van. Shelly's daughter went missing during a shift late on Friday night, April 26.
Related articles
- Jessica Heeringa investigation a month later: Police re-interviewing people May 28, 2013, 9:07 AM
- Jessica Heeringa abduction case: Grandparents 'disheartened' as 100th day since disappearance nears August 01, 2013, 6:46 AM
- Good Morning Michigan: Search continues for missing Norton Shores mother Jessica Heeringa; education in Detroit 'is coming out of the tailspin' April 30, 2013, 7:01 AM
- Norton Shores missing person's mom: Jessica Heeringa is 'loved by everyone' April 28, 2013, 4:45 PM
- Jessica Heeringa's fiancé offers details to help identify her as search continues April 29, 2013, 5:19 PM
- Jessica Heeringa missing: See how the case unfolds and family reacts April 30, 2013, 6:08 AM
- Jessica Heeringa's alleged abduction results in Muskegon County's largest missing person search in recent memory April 29, 2013, 7:12 PM


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The next Building A Sustainable Economy lecture will take a close look at "slow food" and the concept of "legitimate local."
Michael Kanter, chief visionary officer of Cambridge Naturals, is the guest speaker.
Kanter will talk about family health, natural products and community-based businesses. "Taking Local to the Next Level," is his topic of the next BASE talk at 5:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 15 at the Bainbridge Public Library.
A reception will follow the free lecture.
RSVP for the talk at www.bi-local.eventbrite.com. Remaining seats will be on a first-come, first-serve basis at the door.
The BASE lecture series is sponsored by Bainbridge Graduate Institute, the Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce, Sustainable Bainbridge and the Bainbridge Public Library.
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A 74-year-old woman with Alzheimer's reported missing in the Portland-area has been found safe, according to the Washington County Sheriff's Office.
Investigators were called about 9:30 a.m. Thursday and told a friend of Marilyn Clark found her close to her previous home in SW Portland Wednesday night, the sheriff's office said. Clark was taken to the friend's home and the friend wasn't aware that Clark was reported missing until Thursday morning.
Related: Missing woman with Alzheimer's sought in Portland metro area
Deputies have since taken Clark home.
-- Everton Bailey Jr.


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IONIA, MI -- There are still "more questions than answers" about a road rage fueled shootout that left two people dead, but the preliminary investigation shows that both men fired multiple shots at each other, Ionia County Prosecutor Ron Schafer said.
"It seems that Mr. (Robert) Taylor may have drawn his weapon first," Schafer said after talking with police working on the double-fatal shootout at the Wonder Wand Car Wash on South Steele Street.
"There was some sort of oral confrontation that happened in close proximity," he said.
Taylor, 56, and James Pullum, 43, both died after exchanging gunfire at what Schafer said was fairly close range. Both were out of their vehicles.
"This was a close encounter," he said.
Pullum was hit in the chest. The injuries to Taylor were not immediately clear.
Investigators are still working to gather more details about the shooting, but Schafer said some of the details may never be known.
"There are more questions than answers right now," he said. "I'm afraid we may never know some things."
Taylor and Pullum both had valid concealed pistol permits.
Schafer said it's hard to speculate who was in the right or wrong when the confrontation happened.
"Both could have been entirely justified and both could have been completely wrong," he said.
He believes the shootings offer lessons for others who might be involved in a road rage incident.
"You have to forget it and drive on," he said. "You certainly don't ever want to stop your vehicle. If you do stop, you don't want to exit your vehicle."
E-mail John Tunison: email@example.com and follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/johntunison


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Dear lovely Bustees,
I know I'm still a newbie here, but I am in a terrible place right now and need some advice.
Today I discovered that my boyfriend has a "porn problem"
My father had a terrible problem with porn as well and it led to my parents divorce. Because of this, porn is a really touchy subject for me.
I've told him about my father and why it upsets me before. I confronted him about it and he lied, but I was sneaky and went on his computer where I saw some really strange things. It had to do with drawn animals and it was really disturbing.
Anyway, I'm terribly upset and was wondering if I'm overreacting.
Do all guys really watch porn?
If you're going out with a guy do you feel it's ok if they do watch it?
And if you feel it's ok do you ever feel upset that he isn't satisfied with you and you only?
I'm so confused and upset.
He said he'd change, but I'm not sure what to believe.
Please help!


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After the Christmas tree comes down and the wreaths are tossed, a long spell of bleak days looms ahead with nary a hint of green in sight. Fill the void with winter's brightest bulbs and you won't have to pine for vibrant, living color.
The key species for winter bloom are two showy flowers: amaryllis and paperwhites narcissus. Both are easy-to-grow windowsill plants offering quick, if not instant, gratification. Delicate paperwhites can bloom in as little as four weeks and gaudy amaryllis in six.
Unlike familiar spring-flowering bulbs, including tulips, daffodils and hyacinths, these two species don't require a long period of cold temperatures to trigger bloom. Native to regions of the Southern Hemisphere, they are programmed to flower on an upside-down schedule in our winter months.
Amaryllis and paperwhite bulbs make a thoughtful little holiday gift for winter-stranded gardeners, but if none came your way, there's still time to order and plant some. There are just a few variations on the paperwhite theme — white, yellow or bicolors — but the choices in amaryllis are expansive and include a wide array of vivid colors and refined flower forms.
The warmth-loving daffodil known as the paperwhite (botanically, Narcissus tazetta) has grown wild in Egypt the Near East since early times. By the 10th century it reached China, where it became associated with the Chinese New Year. One type with white petals and yellow cups, the "Chinese sacred lily," is a symbol of wealth, prosperity and good fortune, all good wishes for the new year no matter when you celebrate it.
These tender daffodils characteristically bear clusters of five to 15 flowers atop slender stems. The blossoms are strongly scented and the musky fragrance is one that people tend to hate or love, with no middle ground. Modern Israeli breeders have perfected soft yellows such as "Nazareth" and "Bethlehem," as well as pure white types including "Galilee" and "Ziva," but haven't yet produced a scentless variety.
What we call amaryllis is a hybrid form of Hippeastrum, a plant native to the Andean mountains of Chile and Peru. The common name means "sparkling," and you can't argue with that, given the saturated colors of their outlandishly over-sized blossoms.
This tropical beauty was discovered by the German physician and botanist Eduard Frederich Poepping (1798-1865) during a plant-hunting expedition in Chile. The original find bore scarlet blossoms, and red is still a favorite color. But today's hybridizers have concocted flowers of rose, pink and white, as well as two-tone types with stripes or contrasting petal edges. Double-flowered varieties, dwarf kinds, even lightly scented amaryllis like "Blossom Peacock" and "Jewel" are new creations from clever breeders.
If strong perfume is the paperwhite's calling card, fast growth is the trademark of amaryllis. Once they get going, they shoot up at a phenomenal rate to as much as 24 inches before forming buds. This makes them intriguing to children — or competitive types who want to challenge their gardening buddies to a race to first bloom.
Culture is simple. Bury amaryllis bulbs to their shoulders in potting soil, ideally in a heavy pottery container that won't topple as heavy blooms open. Water sparingly until shoots appear, then increase amounts. No fertilizer is needed, but it's a good idea to turn the pot daily to keep stems straight. Once the plant flowers, moving it to a cool spot out of direct sunlight will prolong the life of the blossoms.
Paperwhites can be grown in potting soil, but do fine without; you can just set them on a bed of gravel, stones or marbles, watering only enough to keep the bottom of the bulbs moist. Containers need to be only 3 or 4 inches deep, and bulbs can be crowded together, sides touching. Keep them in a cool spot until shoots are about 2 inches, then move to a warmer location and watch them leap into action.
It's hard to go wrong with either of these winter cheer-me-ups. Spring is, after all, an awfully long time away.
Amaryllis Bulb Co.
1231 E. Magnolia St., Lakeland, Fla., 33801.
Call (888) 966-9866 or see amaryllis.com.
John Scheepers
23 Tulip Drive, Bantam, Conn., 06750
Call (860) 567-0838 or visit johnscheepers.com.
American Meadows
223 Avenue D, Suite 30, Williston, Vt., 05495.
Call (877) 309-7333 or go to americanmeadows.com


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Part used:: fruit, fresh plant (cilantro, Chinese parsley), seeds, leaves
Energetics:: bitter, pungent/cooling/pungent
Tissues:: plasma, blood, muscles, cardiovascular
Systems:: digestive, respiratory, urinary
Actions:: carminative, alterative, diaphoretic, diuretic, stimulant
Indications:: burning urethra, cystitis, urinary tact infection, urticaria, rash, burns, sore throat, vomiting,indigestion, allergies, hay fever
Precautions:: few, except high Vata with nerve tissue deficiency
Preparation:: Infusion (hot or cold), Powder (250 to 500mg), fresh juice (of cilantro)
Good household for many Pitta disorders, particulary those of the digestive tract or urinary system.
Ayurveda considers coriander specific for strengtening the urinary tract. Both the seeds and the leaves may be used in infusion for urinary tract infections. It is also used for stomach upset, indigestion and gas. The pungent taste and sigestion aiding property is suitable for Kapha. The seeds are ground into a paste and applied to skin and mouth ulcers.
It is an effective digestive agent for Pitta conditions in wich most spices are contraindicated or used with caution. The fresh juice of the herb is effective internally for allergies, hay fever and skin rashes; one teaspoon tree times a day, but it can also be used externally for itch and inflammation.
Coriander has mild blood sugar improving action, so it could be part of a diabetes dietetuic program. It is widely used, along with dry ginger as a folk remedy for cold and flu. A poultice of the seed can be applied for headache or arthritis joints. New research shows that coriander has antioxidant effects in fats. Similar properties is cumin, which is an antidote for hot, pungent food (tomatoes, chilis...) It increases digestion and absorption, and is good for diarrhea and dysentery.
Coriander, cumin and fennel seeds are related plants with similar properties. The three are often used together for digestive disorders, mainly owing to high Pitta, and are used together in various formulations to promote the assimilation of the other herbs.
Coriander is one of the basic ingredients in Indian curry, along with tumeric and cumin seed.
The Way of Ayurvedic Herbs; Karta P.S. Khalsa, M. Tierra
The Yoga of Herbs; D. Frawley, V. Lad
Planetary Herbology; M. Tierra
by Tanya Kraljic Strgacic
(Shatapushpa, what possesses a hundred flowers)
Energetics:: sweet, pungent/cooling (slightly) / sweet
Tissues:: plasma, blood, muscles, marrow
Systems:: digestive, nervous, urinary
Actions:: carminative, stomachic, stimulant, diuretic, antispasmodic, antiinflammantory, emenagogue, galactagogue, phytoestrogenic, mild expectorant
Indications:: indigestion, low agni, abdominal pain, cramps or gas, difficult or burning urination, children's colic
Precautions:: a good general herb and spice for all constitutions
Cautions:: Pregnancy (possible)
Preparation:: Infusion, Powder (250 to 500mg)
Carminatives are typically warming, and fennel is a prime carminative. However, some authorities maintain that fennel is slightly cooling. Kalsha:: Compromise that; the digestive effects are slightly warming, and the mental effects are slightly cooling.
Fennel is the widely said to be the most sattvic spice. Anise (mishraya) has similar properties and may often be substituted. In fact, the main ingredient in fennel is anethole.
DIGESTIVE:: One of the best herbs for digestion, strengtening agni without aggravating Pitta, stopping cramping and disspeling flatulence. Fennel can be used for digestive weakness where hot spices and peppers might overheat or overstimulate. They can be taken roasted after meals, one teaspoon, by themselves or with rock salt. They combine well with cumin and coriander as tree cooling spices - Tree Seed Tea.
GAS:: Try chewing 1 tablespoon of the tasty seeds, or brew a tea with w 1 tablespoon seeds in a cup of water.
NERVES:: They are calming to the nerves, their aroma acts upon the mind and promotes mental alertness.
URINARY PROBLEMS:: They combine well with coriander. Dry-roasted it relieves pain of the testes and urinary bladder.
WOMAN:: They work to stop the griping of purgatives and can also help promote menstruation and to promote milk flow for nursing mothers. This herb has been used for centuries to promote lactation. It will also hasten a period. As a bonus, it increases libido.
ASTHMA:: Fennel contains creosol and alpha-pinene, substances that loosen lung mucus and help clear the chest, benefiting asthma. Helps bring out phlegm from the lungs.
LOWERS BLOOD PRESSURE:: Recent research shows that this spice also lowers blood pressure.
CANCER:: It is very effective for cancer patients after radiation and chemotherapy.
The Way of Ayurvedic Herbs; Karta P.S. Khalsa, M. Tierra
The Yoga of Herbs; D. Frawley, V. Lad
Planetary Herbology; M. Tierra
by Tanya Kraljic Strgacic


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BISMARCK - Martin Luther King Jr. Day was celebrated with singing at the Capitol.
Music from the Gospel Tabernacle Church choir from Minot rang from the west end of the legislative wing to the east reaches of the judicial wing. Across the road the Minot Air Force Base Service Gospel Choir sang in a celebration at the Heritage Center.
"Lord, I worship you because of who you are," sang 16-year-old DeAnna Henderson, leading off the Gospel Tabernacle choir in their first song.
Lorna Henderson, choir director, said the 19-member choir was "excited and honored" to be able to sing in the Capitol. The choir prepared eight songs for the event.
Reverend Henderson also gave the prayer for the House floor session.
At the same time the Gospel Tabernacle Church choir was singing, the Minot Air Force Base Service Gospel Choir was in the Russell Reid Auditorium at the Heritage Center. "How Excellent is thy name," they sang during one of their numbers, "In every nation, in every tongue."
Gov. John Hoeven spoke at the Heritage Center celebration. "That is what we believe in North Dakota, that it is important that we lift all people up," he said before beginning his prepared remarks.
Hoeven spoke briefly about today's inauguration of Barack Obama as the first ever black president, saying that this Martin Luther King Jr. Day was a monumental day in a monumental year. He also said the celebration was not just for the American people because of what our country means to the world.
The Air Force choir sang two numbers during the celebration.


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The event is open to the public free of charge. A breakfast including eggs, pancakes, sausage, fruit, juice and coffee will be served.
"Bill Perkins's wit, insight, and penetrating stories makes him one of the most sought-after speakers for Christian and corporate groups," said Executive Pastor Dan Ferguson.
Drawing on his personal experience and scriptural examples, Bill has a powerful message for men who want to strengthen their personal connection with Christ," Ferguson said.
Perkins has conducted business and leadership seminars for major companies such as Alaska Airlines and McDonald's, and has appeared on national radio and television shows including "The O'Reilly Factor." He addresses men's groups around the world and has conducted chapels for major league baseball teams.
Bill served as a senior pastor for 24 years and is the founder and CEO of Million Mighty Men. He is a graduate of the University of Texas and Dallas Theological Seminary.
Perkins has authored or collaborated on 22 books, including the best-selling "Six Battles Every Man Must Win" and "When Good Men Are Tempted." He also wrote "Six Rules Every Man Must Break", "The Jesus Experiment," and "When Good Men Get Angry." Bill co-authored the business book "Give 'Em the Pickle!," and the "Handbook to Leadership."
He and his wife, Cindy, live in West Linn. They have three adult sons and two grandchildren.
For more information contact the church office at 503-646-2151 or visit www.bcc.org.


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Determining position and orientation with Polhemus' FASTRAK system uses three orthogonal coils in a transmitter to generate a reference frame. Signals from these coils excite a smaller set of similarly-arranged passive sensor coils in a probe device. Digital signal processing then determines the orientation of each sensor coil relative to the transmitters. Data from the three sensor coils is then combined to give six-degrees-of-freedom coordinates of the sensor package. By knowing the position and orientation of the sensor package inside the probe, the location of the probe tip and the angular orientation of the probe is determined.
With TracerCAD's "pen" probe, according to Greg Pratt, not only is the probe tip position used but the slope of the pen as well. This allows direct gaging of surfaces rather than using more individual data points, which is more time consuming. "We use the entire probe as a shaping mechanism measuring points and flats," says Pratt.
Polhemus says accuracy of the system is 0.03 inch RMS with a resolution of 0.0002 inches/inch. Bill Panepinto, sales and marketing vice president, adds, "We are always looking to better these by software enhancements, closer calibration, and manufacturing technology improvements, such as closer coil tolerances for a more perfect geometric winding." Future developments: an RF link from the sensors to the system electronics unit for less cumbersome, cable-free measurement; increases in transmitter power to widen the area of coverage; and very small sensor packages to allow invasive medical measurements via placement on the tip of an endoscopic-type probe or even a unit that may be swallowed by the patient.
Other applications for the FASTRAK system include:
- Golf swing analyses using from four to eight sensors.
- In orthopedics for monitoring range of motion of patients
undergoing physical therapy.
- Motion picture character-animation uses include scanning character
and object models and giving them motion characteristics.