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HRA Ashanti
About Us
3-2-1 Let's Jam Jazz Concert
Fleet of Fleece
Associated Links
3-2-1 Let's Jam!
A Philanthropic Jazz Tribute to Cowboy Bebop
Join us we celebrate
Cowboy Bebop
's 20th Anniversary
On September 29, Her Royal Airship Ashanti and the Midwest Black Speculative Fiction Alliance (MBSFA) will be celebrating 20 years of
Cowboy Bebop
Featuring experienced jazz players from Cincinnati, Dayton and Columbus, the show features into
xicating jazz tunes that will take you on a wild ride through the stars and have you plotting a course to catch your next bounty!
All proceeds go to Melodic Connections, a Cincinnati-based 501(c)3 nonprofit that offers music therapy lessons to individuals with special needs.
Go to
and purchase your tickets today! Tickets are $25 in advance and $35 at the door.
Location: Withrow High School, 2488 Madison Road, Cincinnati, OH 45208
Time: Show starts at 6:30PM (Doors open at 6PM).
Hope to see you there, space cowboy!
For more information about HRA Ashanti check out
Learn more abut Midwest BSFA here at
To learn more about Melodic Connections go to
Purchase Tickets Here
Wall of Thanks
Below is a list of wonderful organizations and people who have supported us! Without them, our event would not be possible!
Advanced Clinical Skincare By Anya
Theresa Marshall, Avon Representative
Nightlight: The Black Horror Podcast
Author Leanna Renee Hieber
Obsidian Sky Books
Mocha Memoirs
Kitty's Coffee
D20: A Bar with Characters
Games Over Cincinnati
he Ar
t of Sarah Macklin
Band of Pirates
Geeks' Boutique Podcast
International Steampunk Symposium
Author Maurice Broaddus
Tokyo Kitty
Optimystical Studios
Author K. Ceres Wright
MeSseD Comics
Hero Nation-Ypsilanti
DarkFyre Entertainment
Nati Naturalistas
Zensational Body Shop
HurriKane Art
Majide Photography
Mirabellaz Menagerie
Akira Brown
Milton Davis
Andre Batts
Eva Roberts
Denise McDonald-Bey
Aiesha Little
Karen Wilson
Angelique Miller
B.A. Klapper
Laneysha Campbell
Denise McDonald-Bey
Aiesha Little
Laneysha Campbell
Eva Roberts
B.A. Klapper
Caelyn Nagle
Bret Daly
Rocio Indacochea
Chris Maule
Karen Wilson
Billie Davis
TaLynn Kel
Meet the Band!
Mike Wade
Trumpeter/Band Leader
Mike Wade began playing trumpet in his pre-teen years. While attending the Duke Ellington School of Arts in Washington, D.C., he received a National Symphony Fellowship to study with symphony trumpeters. He attended Howard University for one year before transferring to Central State University on full scholarship, where he received his bachelor's in music education. He is no stranger to the titles of producer, composer, arranger, and educator. He is also the founder and leader of the Standard Time Quintet, Mike Wade & The Jazz Mafia and the Mike Wade Reality Band. During his career, Mike has been named one of the top ten unsigned jazz, brass players as rated by Jazziz Magazine (1997). His composition, "Blues for Shorty Bop," was chosen for inclusion on Jazziz on Disc collection. He has performed and/or recorded with such artists as David "Fathead" Newman, Clark Terry, Javon Jackson, Bobby Watson, Gary Bartz, Mulgrew Miller, Rene Marie, Don Braden, Steve Wilson, Othello Molineaux, Vincent Herring, Dr. Eddie Henderson, Carl Allen, Benny Golson, Jon Hendricks & Annie Ross, Winard & Phillip Harper, Antoine Roney, Herb Jeffries, Craig Bailey, Billy Hart, Marc Cary, Bill Lee, Ricky Wellman, Bootsy Collins, Reggie Calloway, Teddy Pendergrass, The O'Jays, Maurice, Freddie, and Verdine White (Earth, Wind and Fire), Tom Tom '84, and E.U. (Experience Unlimited). Mike has contributed his talent to the recordings of William Menefield's Big Will Leaps In, Art Gore Quintet's Artwork, Cohesion Jazz Ensemble's A Journey's Quest, Dixie Karas' Never Too Late, Cincinnati Jazz Collection Vol. 1, Vol. 2 and Vol. 3, Roots & Blues, and WVXU's Christmas CD, X Star Jazz Christmas.
Reggie Jackson
Reggie Jackson, a graduate of The Ohio State University with a bachelor's degree in Jazz Studies and began working with recording artist Kim Pensyl while he was still in college. Shortly after graduation, he started an 11-year tenure with two-time Grammy winner and jazz legend Diane Schuur. He also did a short stint with Aftermath recording artist Truth Hurts and has toured with Rock-n-Roll Hall of Fame inductee and six-time Grammy Award winner Dr. John. In addition to working these artists, Reggie has performed with likes of Frank Foster, Benny Golson, Arturo Sandoval, Eddie Daniels, Anthony Hamilton, Terence Blanchard, Kirk Whalum, Nicholas Payton, Wycliffe Gordon, Wendell Brunious, Rodney Whitaker, Marcus Belgrave, Lew Tabackin, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Chuck Loeb, Nelson Rangel and Antonio Hart. The versatile drummer has been seen on The Tonight Show, played in more than 25 countries, and can be heard on recordings ranging from jazz and gospel to hip-hop and R&B.
George Simon
A former adjunct professor of jazz guitar studies at the University of Dayton and a finalist for the Jazziz Magazine's "Guitars on Fire" contest, George Simon has shared the stage with saxophonist Javon Jackson, trumpeter Philip Harper, trombonist Robin Eubanks, and has opened for vocalist Joe Cocker, saxophonist Kirk Whalum, guitarist Norm Brown and trumpeter Rick Braun. He has played multiple venues throughout the region, including Riverbend Music Center, Fraze Pavilion, Columbus Jazz and Ribs Festival, Taste of Cincinnati, Dayton Jazz Festival, Charleston Wine and Jazz Festival, Blues Alley (DC), Bakers Keyboard Lounge (Detroit), Jazz Kitchen (Indianapolis), Gilly's (Dayton), The Greenwich (Cincinnati), and The Blue Wisp (Cincinnati).d professional.
Peter Gemus
Originally from New Jersey, Peter Gemus has been living in Cincinnati for the last 10 years. During that time he has been fortunate enough to work with and learn from many of the area's great musicians. He is currently involved in several collaborative musical projects and can be heard Tuesday and Thursday nights at 1215 Wine Bar and Coffee Lab.
Marc Fields
Marc Fields credits his earliest and most important musical influence to his father, jazz disc jockey Bill Fields. Marc attended the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, where he studied orchestral trombone, enriching his knowledge of music. After graduating in 1975 with honors from CCM, he landed a position as a staff musician working on the Bob Braun show at WLWT-TV, a Cincinnati based television station. During this time he also was a member of the house band for the legendary Beverly Hills Supper Club in Southgate, Kentucky. In 1975, Marc began establishing his career as a jazz trombonist, and as one of the better freelance musicians in the greater Cincinnati area. He has performed with such artists as Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis, Ray Felder, Fred Hersch, Billy Hart, Kenny Garrett, Ahmad Jamal, Steve Wilson, and Mulgrew Miller. Marc also performed for six years with Ray Charles, touring around the world six times, recording an album, and appearing on the "Ray Charles 50 Year Anniversary" television special. Marc returned home to Cincinnati in 1994 and landed a position as adjunct professor of jazz trombone and combos at his alma mater, the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, where he challenges his students to understand the great qualities of the trombone. Marc Fields, in addition to his position at CCM, actively performs freelance work in the regional area, and still performs with the Cohesion Jazz Ensemble, Clyde Brown Unlimited and his own jazz quintet.
Terry Twitty
Terry Twitty earned his degree from Central State University and is a prolific and creative music educator, trombonist and arranger. He is a very versatile musician who has graced the stage with many great and nationally renowned artist jazz, funk, Latin, classical and African high-life are just a few of the music idioms he has successfully performed, written and arranged. Terry has performed with a number of well-known musicians, including Larry Blackmon of Cameo, Bootsy Collins, Brian Culbertson, Dells, Temptations, Four Tops, Slide Hampton and Woody Shaw.
Patrick Kelly
Patrick Kelly's older brother showed him chords on the ukulele at age 5. He took trumpet lessons in the 5th and 6th grade and was self-taught on piano beginning at age 14. During high school years he began playing organ in rock bands. At age 18 he began formal piano lessons and began his pursuit of jazz. A first notable gig was as house pianist at the Blue Wisp in 1978 where he played jazz piano with Jimmy McGary, Cal Collins and others. He formed The Groove Organizers with Tim Hagans and Sandy Suskind in 1982. From 1980-1983, he studied with composers Joel Hoffman and Allen Sapp, earning Bachelor of Music degree in composition in from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. After living and working in Pensacola, Fla., he returned to Cincinnati and formed the PsychoAcoustic Orchestra (13-piece eclectic ensemble playing original compositions and arrangements) in 1991. The band has released SUPREME THING (1994), REACTIVATION (1996), and FUN WITH NOTES (2016). Pat served as a producer for J Curve Records from 1998-2004 and composed score for feature film Artworks in 2003. He has performed with Teri Thornton, Louis Hayes, Buddy DeFranco, Toots Thielmans, Pete Petersen, Howard Johnson, Chuck Wayne, Ira Sullivan, Red Rodney, Barney Kessel, Rusty Bryant, Latin X-posure, The Blue Wisp Big Band and The Dee Felice Big Band. He toured Russia in October 2017 with vocalist Mandy Gaines. He leads the group MJQ Déjà vu, which recreates music of the modern jazz quartet. He also leads quartet Big In Space, in which he plays organ, and freelances locally with other leaders.nd professional.
Ricardo Wilkins
Originally from Panama, Ricardo Wilkins and his family moved to Cincinnati when he was 7 years old. He taught himself to play bongos when asked to be part of a church function, which is when he realized he had a gift for music. Ricardo later moved on to congas, and other percussion instruments, influenced by musicians such as Mongo Santa Marie, Santana and Wes Montgomery. He eventually formed his own band, Solid State, before moving to Los Angeles. He played with the likes of Norman Connors, Wayne Henderson and the Crusaders, The Isley Brothers, Barry White, Diana Ross and more.
Joshua Atkin
Joshua Atkin has performed in numerous ensembles prior studying at The Ohio State University. While in college, he studied with Gene Walker, Hank Marr and Pharez Whitted. He's played throughout Europe and the U.S. in multiple jazz festivals including Montreaux, North Sea, Saratoga Springs, New Orleans Jazz Fest and many others. He's played in many large and small ensembles, including Nasty Nati Brass Band, Imer Santiago Quintet and Vaughn Weister's Famous Jazz Orchestra, to name a few. Joshua currently plays in the Mario Abney Sextet and with the Dayton Jazz Orchestra.
Marvin Curry, Jr.
Marvin Curry Jr. was born in Hamilton, Ohio, and went to the school for the creative and performing arts in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he performed in all the advanced groups. After high school, he attended Central State University and performed with multiple music performing groups during his time there. He also played alongside big names like Bobby Jones, Reggie Callaway and Bootsy Collins. Marvin released The Seventh Trump, his first solo CD as independent artist, in 2007.
Dwayne Irvin
Born and raised in Cincinnati, Dwayne Irvin studied saxophone at the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music in the Jazz/Studio music program, where he played lead tenor in the 1:00 band. He has performed locally with several groups, working professionally in the Cincinnati area for more than 40 years. He went on to work with several local groups, including January's Celebration band, and can currently be heard with the Steely Dan tribute group Aja, Clyde Brown Unlimited, Cincinnati Contemporary Jazz Orchestra, and the Kentucky Symphony Swing group, Devou Daddies. Over the years, he has backed up several national acts, including the Spinners, Drifters, Temptations, Leslie Gore, and Regis Philbin, to name a few.
Eli Gonzalez
A student at Northern Kentucky University pursuing a degree in Jazz Performance, Eli Gonzalez has performed at various places throughout Ohio, including The Greenwich, Blue Note Bistro in Miamisburg, Blu Jazz in Akron and the Jazz & Rib Festival in Columbus. He also performed at Blues Alley in Washington, D.C.
Hal Melia
Playing soprano, alto, tenor and baritone saxophones, flute, piccolo, clarinets (Bb, Eb Soprano, and Bass), and EWI (electronic wind instrument), Hal Melia spent 1986 through 1991 in Los Angeles recording and arranging with top jazz and R&B groups (Tower of Power Horns, Buddy Rich Band, Billy Vera and the Beaters), and appearing in several major motion pictures (Bugsy, Dick Tracy, The Marrying Man, Mobsters, Parent Trap III and others). He has also recorded with artists on several labels, including MCA Records and Positive Music Records, Inc. In 1991, Hal and his family returned to Dayton, Ohio, where he founded Miami Valley Jazz Labs, a jazz school for kids from middle school through high school. During this time, he attained his masters degree in saxophone performance from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. His premier CD, WADUYATHINK, was released in 1993 on Positive Music Records and was a top 25 jazz CD. From 1998 to 2004, Hal was visiting assistant professor of music and in jazz studies at the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory of Music, where he resurrected a dormant Jazz Studies program, working with jazz great Bobby Watson the last four of those years. During his time there, Hal became an integral part of the Kansas City jazz scene, performing and recording in a variety of venues, and serving as president of the Jazz Ambassadors, a jazz support organization in Kansas City. In 2013, Hal started a popular horn band called Brass Tracks Band, in which he arranges and plays the music of Chicago, Blood Sweat & Tears, Earth Wind & Fire, Tower of Power, and many more popular bands from the 1970s to the current day.
Umvikeli Jones
Umvikeli G. Scott Jones expresses his creativity primarily through music performance and composition and also as a visual artist. He currently serves as Director of Bands and Choirs at David H. Ponitz Carerr Technology Center and Director of Bands at Wogaman Middle School in the Dayton Public Schools. His performance repertoire ranges from jazz to classical, to avant-garde and he has performed with several ensembles in the Midwest region, most recently with the Nasty Nati Brass Band, Tuckie Bailey and the Bagabonds, and the Miami Valley Symphony Orchestra, as well as with national artists such as The Funk Brothers, Spyder Turner and the National Jazz Orchestra of Detroit.
William Ward
William showed a talent for music at a young age. He began taking cello lessons in the third grade under the guidance of Judith Gardner. In the fifth grade, he began piano lessons and he joined the renowned Cincinnati All City Boys Choir. By junior high school, William had begun his love affair with the trumpet. Upon graduation high school, William attended Central State University, majoring in music. While there, he had the opportunity to learn from musicians such as Donald Bird, Nathan Davis and the great Johnny Lytle. Upon graduating with a bachelor's degree in Music Education, William continued his education at Northern Illinois University, where his focus was audio engineering. While there, William studied with Mike Steinel and the renowned jazz educator, Ron Modell. Additionally, William had the honor of performing with the likes of Slide Hampton, Maynard Ferguson, Bob Mintzer, Steve Houghton and Vinnie DiMartino. He graduated with a Masters in Music in 1987. In 1989, William joined the faculty at his Alma Mater, Central State University, where he taught music theory, brass education and recording engineering. During his eight-year tenure, William produced and engineered two CDs with the Grammy-nominated Central State University Chorus. Also during this period, he served as music director of the Ghanaian band, Sankofa. With Sankofa, he shared the stage with the likes of Hugh Masekela, King Sunny Ade, Koko Taylor and Regina Belle. He also produced and engineered the bands album, Retrieve The Past. For the past thirty years, William has worked as a freelance musician, performing with artists such as Lionel Hampton, The Dells, Johnny Lytle, The Eddie Brookshire Big Band and Quintet, The Dayton Funk All Stars and Kolage. He is presently a member of the Flye City Hornz, which performs with the legendary R&B group, Cameo.
Roland Joseph
Roland has been a Cincinnati-based trumpet player for the past 12 years. Playing with several bands ranging from Christian, pop, funk, R&B, blues, big band, Latin and Caribbean styles. He's a come-back player and a weekend warrior with a passion for playing great music in front of an appreciative crowd.
Get a Sneak Peak...
The Cowboy Bebop big band held another full practice and they sound AMAZING! If you're in Southwest Ohio and enjoy jazz or anime (or both!), missing this show is NOT an option! Get your tickets at
Donate a Ticket!
Take the #CowboyBebopChallenge and Buy a Concert Ticket for a Local Student!
Ten years ago, back when our Mechanic, Ofeibea Loveless was a full-time magazine editor, she had the pleasure of witnessing the birth of a dream in real time. She'd spent several months in late 2007/early 2008 shadowing a local teacher named Betsey Zenk and her autistic student Latron Dodd. Latron didn't read, write or talk but he had perfect pitch. Betsey used her music therapy background to connect with him through music. Shortly before winter break, she taught Latron some chords on a piano. When he returned, he was playing parts of "Moonlight Sonata." Betsey was amazed. Through music, she began to see something come alive in Latron and she wanted to nurture that spark.
With the permission of Latron's mom, she began to tailor his individual educational plan to incorporate music. She eventually did the same for all of her students. Ofeibea met with Betsy and wrote her story when her work was just starting to yield some successful results. (You can read more here, if you like:
) After the story was published, Betsey told Ofeibea how much she enjoyed it and that it inspired her to get her nonprofit off the ground. It would be called Melodic Connections and she recruited Ofeibea to be on the board. She was honored. Melodic Connections had their first board meeting in September 2008. That was the beginning of her six and a half years as the charity's PR/Marketing chair, pitching the organization to every media outlet in town. Melodic Connections' first class had 30 students. By the time she left the board, the organization was serving well over 300 students a year.
Ofeibea looks back fondly on her time with Melodic Connections and she always keeps them in mind when she's supporting philanthropic causes. So when HRA Ashanti and MBSFA started thinking about charities to support with their upcoming Cowboy Bebop concert on Sept. 29, Melodic Connections were top of mind! And after hearing our big band practice, she does not only want to help Melodic Connections, she wants to help local students hear these amazing musicians play!
That's where you come in: go to
, buy a ticket to the show and donate it to a local student who can't afford one! Once you purchase a ticket, email
[email protected]
and say you're donating it to a student and we'll add your name to our "Wall of Thanks"!
What are you waiting for? Take the #CowboyBebopChallenge TODAY!
Costume Contest Winners
Congratulations to our costume contest winners!
For more information on all their hard work and why they choose their cosplays please read below:
About the Costume
I made Spike's costume from modified patterns with the exception of the yellow shirt and tie. We went into detail about how the costumes were constructed on our Facebook page which I have linked below, but it took me quite a while to get Spike's wig just right: I ordered 2 wigs from Arda Wigs after a lot of mulling over which color to get. The wigs I wanted were on back order, so I waited a few weeks for them to arrive, only for them to be stolen right off my porch! I re-ordered just in time for Naka-Kon, the convention where we were going to debut our cosplays (Steve Blum, and Mary Elizabeth McGlynn were guests...we had to make it happen!). I separated the wefts from one wig and added them to the second, trimmed it, and hand curled all those spikes with a flat iron and a rat tail comb! It was a labor of love!
Why Cowboy Bebop
I would like to submit my cosplay of Spike Spiegel from Cowboy Bebop to the contest on behalf of our group, Pros and Cons Cosplay. We're twin cosplayers from the Midwest who focus on cosplay craftsmanship and increasing diversity and inclusion in our geeky spaces. Spike and Jet were incredibly fun to wear! Not only because we got to hang out as characters from one of the best anime anime ever created (fight me), I think our character choices matched our personalities a little too!
Tamarah Dixon
Nicci Sefton
About the Costume
For a more detailed look at my costume, the shirt i cut the collar off and the bottom and then let my husky play with it for a few days so it would be more stretched out and worn [it took another full day to get it back from him...]. The shorts are just spanks i had and cut to length. The googles i bought and rub and buffed to make silver. The wig is a Epic cosplay wig, Apollo, copper, that i shock upside down and hair sprayed and glued until satisfied. I currently am refurbishing my old laptop to be more like Ed's and am also waiting for the last few pieces for my boyfriends Spike costume that i completely made, so you may get another entry from me if it gets here in time!
Why Cowboy Bebop
My cosplay is Edward Wong Hau Pepelu Tivrusky IV, alias Radical Ed! But you may call me Ed for short! My costume may not be as sexy as Faye Faye, elaborate as Jet's, or as even suave as Jet's... but all those, like Ed herself, isnt any of those things. She [or he] is simplistic when it gets right down to her core, yes she's eccentric and loopy, but she's free, breezy, and doesn't care what people think. Ed is someone more people should be more like. That's the main reason i like the show, plus you cant deny the amazing music....
About the Costume
My Jet Black cosplay was a true labor of love. All of the shiny metal parts (boot armor, shoulders, eye piece) are all made from polished aluminum that I designed, cut, tig welded, and polished myself. No paint, no plastic, no foam. The blue coveralls are heavily modified fire resistant nomex coveralls as Jets coveralls were supposedly a flight suit. Even the material is authentic. I did all the painting, tailoring, and modifications to the coverall. The boots are knee length leather linemans boots. I designed, built, and attached the aluminum components to the boots to emulate Jets armored boots as closely as possible. The boots as worn in the anime are not really possible in the real world. Jet's bionic arm/hand is a quilted and airbrushed sleeve with glove that I designed, sewed, and air brushed myself. I wanted a soft, form fitting arm that moved like Jet's arm. Foam and plastic would lack fluid motion. The beard and hair are real except for the black styling wax I use. I shave my head and beard in the style of Jet. No costume or wig hair. All real! The scar is collodion with colored highlights so it shows better in pics. The aluminum eye piece so iconic with Jet was designed and hand forged by me. Its attached with pros-aide 2. The shoulders are aluminum as well and attached with magnets and velcro. The logo on the back of the coverall is hand painted by me based on screen shots from the anime. Tshirt paint allows for the coveralls to be washed along with the arm and glove.
I think that's everything! Basically, other than a few purchased items like the coveralls, black wrist bands, and leather boots; I made, designed, and altered everything on this costume myself. All disciplines from sewing to, painting, to tig welding.
Why Cowboy Bebop
My oldest son, currently 24 and an accomplished cosplayer, watched Cowboy Bebop on adult swim. It was a bonding time that was incredibly special to both of us. Jet being the "Dad" of the show always held a spot in my heart. As as a tribute to those fond memories and to honor the art that is Cowboy Bebop, I created this cosplay. I hoped that I could at least do Jet justice. At Mechacon 2318 I met Mr Beau Billingslea. His approval validated my efforts. We are now Facebook friends and he has expressed the following to me in a post "You are very special to me Brady! Your Cosplay touched my heart". I'm just happy that I could bring a beloved character to life, make fans smile, make Beau smile, and make my kids proud.
Brady Broussard
Joe Christie
About the Costume
The suit was made from scratch by a friend of mine, who goes by '
Belle's Domain
'. We decided on the materials and she used structuring for the shoulder pads and the jacket fastens with poppers to get the right kind of slouch. The wig was made from scratch by me, using Kanekalon synthetic hair, hot glue and an old pair of tights. This was then cut and styled and was a more recent addition to the costume. I blended 4 parts black with one part dark green to get the correct shade that fit with my references.
The shirt was bought and distressed, and the tie was from a charity shop. The boots are what I'd usually wear to the office. As well as this, I've been working on my makeup skills to give myself convincing green eyebrows and more 'flawless' anime skin.
Why Cowboy Bebop
Cowboy Bebop wasn't my first anime, but it remains my favourite to this day. The music and visual aesthetic makes it one of the most unique and immersive series in my opinion, and the emotional depth allowed down to the fleeting score kept me invested until I had recommended it to all of my friends.
Photos by Manticore Cosplay and BigGuySlim photography.
Costume Contest Rules
We're celebrating 3-2-1 Let's Jam Philanthropic Jazz concert by hosting an online costume contest!
Rules and Requirements
Contestants are required to submit 3-5 photos and a short bio by August 15. Entries can be submitted:
By email to
[email protected]
Via Instagram using the tags
On Facebook by tagging
@Airship Ashanti
@Midwest Black Speculative Fiction Alliance
Each entry should include:
One (1) head shot
One (1) full body shot
A short bio that includes the cosplayer's name, cosplay page (if applicable), brief description of costume, and why you like show Cowboy Bebop
All costumes must be Cowboy Bebop related/ inspired and will be judged on 3 criteria: Costume Quality, Presentation, and Effort (see below for more detail)
Voting and Prizes
On August 27, the top 5-7 contestants will be placed in a poll located on the Facebook
3-2-1 Let's Jam – A Philanthropic Jazz Tribute to Cowboy Bebop
event page! Here fans will have 2 weeks to vote for their favorite cosplay.
In addition, chosen contestants will be featured on our website, Facebook cosplay page, and Instagram accounts
The winner of the costume contest will be announced on September 10.
Winners will be awarded several prizes: one (1) free ticket to the jazz concert, a personalized funko pop of their Cowboy Bebop cosplay, and a copy of our concert poster autographed by Melissa Fahn, the voice actor of Radical Ed
Judging Criteria
Costume Quality
All costumes are valued. However, costumes made from scratch vs store bought pieces then modified will be given extra consideration. In addition, if sewn/ crafted the quality of the stitching and choice of fabric as well as the choice of structural materials that include foam, worbla, or cardboard, to name a few, and the difficulty in creating the costume will be taken into account. Costume accessories such as wigs, makeup, or jewelry and their quality and fluidity to the costume will be judged accordingly
Photos that make an effort to pose and portray characters will be given additional points. Effort to stage characters in an environment related to Cowboy Bebop will also be given extra points. Photo quality and professionalism will also be taken into account.
The effort category somewhat goes hand in hand with quality. The overall amount of time spent in creating the costume will be taken into effect, as well as paying attention to detail, accessories, handmade verses store bought, and so forth. Point out to the judges any details that required extra effort to complete, or rare props and accessories that make the costume unique.


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Contact Us
In 2006 Journey Church was planted in Mill Creek in order to be a part of meeting the gospel need in the region. Journey Church continued to grow, reaching and gathering people in the suburban areas of south Snohomish County meeting in schools for 4 years as a 'portable' church.
In 2010, Journey's primary gathering place moved 10 miles north to downtown Everett where we made the transition from a suburban church to an urban church and began reaching and gathering people in downtown Everett. While we have maintained members and presence in the suburban south we are no longer effectively reaching and gathering people for Christ there, an area with great need.
We became convinced that God was leading Journey Church to become two churches in order to be faithful in Great Commission work in both downtown Everett and south Snohomish County. In September of 2015 the Journey sent 26 adults and 27 kids to plant Redemption Church in the Mill Creek area.

subset: commoncrawl


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I did not see these errata in CR-css3-color-20030514 submitted to this mailing list by searching the archives. Please forgive me if in fact they have been submitted previously. In section 4.2.1. RGB color values, the phrase preceding the second example is "the three rules below are equivalent:", however, four rules are presented. In section 4.2.4. HSL color values, the text states "0% lightness is black, 100% lightness is white, and 50% lightness is 'normal'.", however, the examples include * { color: hsl(120, 100%, 25%) } /* light green */ * { color: hsl(120, 100%, 75%) } /* dark green */ It appears that the words "light" and "dark" in the comments in the examples are interchanged. Also in that set of examples is * { color: hsl(120, 50%, 50%) } /* pastel green, and so on */ I would argue that, particularly looking at the examples table just following, pastels would all seem to have at least 75% lightness, and generally 75% or more saturation. Please consider changing that final example to * { color: hsl(120, 75%, 75%) } /* pastel green, and so on */ Thank you, Alex LeDonne __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Finance: Get your refund fast by filing online. http://taxes.yahoo.com/filing.htmlReceived on Tuesday, 9 March 2004 01:32:06 UTC
This archive was generated by hypermail 2.3.1 : Monday, 2 May 2016 14:27:12 UTC


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A dear friend recently blogged about Mothers and Daughters. I was quick to respond, commenting that though my relationship with my own mother is excellent, I spend most of my days now worrying about my relationship with my daughters.
I wonder if they'll remember the days I was depressed and couldn't get out of bed, or the days I took them to McDonald's as a special treat and we ran around the playground. Will they remember the mistakes that I made as a mother, or that I tried so hard to be the mother I wanted for them?
My girls are my life. But I'm quick to accept that there are days where I want nothing more than to be selfish. For someone to help me with them. For them to just play quietly and let me knit one more round.
Add in, of course, the struggles that I've had as a mother. Should I discipline more, or less? Should I spank or not? Will one more lollipop really hurt them? I don't want them talking back…but how do I handle it? Should we let them sleep in our bed?
Parenting is no easy task, that's for sure.
Mostly, I hope that the girls know how much I loved them. That even with all of my shortcomings, they'll remember that.
I flash back to a fight I had with my mother once when I was in high school. Driving home after school still mad at her, and finding a note that she, my quiet and reserved mother, had placed on the seat next to me. Reading it and hearing her say that she knew that she wasn't perfect but that she tried her best. And when I sit her trying to remember the bad, I can't. All I remember is this.
I pray that when my girls sit down to remember me one day, they'll have the same realization. That I wasn't perfect, but that I tried my best.


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As the Father's Day euphoria starts to wane, dads are turning their attention to summer time activities. Family vacations, trips to the beach and cookouts in the backyard are all on the agenda for the next few months.
Tommy Bahama has everything that a dad needs to enjoy the summer in style. Their retail and online stores are chock full of stylish apparel and accessories, beach gear and even BBQ equipment.
For nearly two decades, Tommy Bahama has been teaching the nation how to relax in style. Over the years the brand has obtained a significant, incredibly loyal following.
One reason why the brand has grown is because of it's commitment to making dads feel special. For Father's Day, the brand hosted a phenomenal giveaway called "Make Dad's Day" offering a treasure chest of Tommy Bahama prizes worth $10,000. The submitted stories were joyful, touching, tear jerking and filled with love for dad. Stories ranged from the 6-year-old daughter who thought her dad should win because he lets her play games on his iPad to the family who wanted their cancer stricken dad to enjoy the last few weeks of his life in the relaxed and casual comfort of Tommy Bahama clothing.
Another reason for the brand's success is that it designs clothing that dads actually want. If you've followed this blog for a while, you know that I'm an advocate of cool, dad fashion. In the photograph, I'm wearing a Tommy Bahama Emfielder Polo shirt and Key Grip Shorts (I added the hat and sunglasses for some additional flair). Not only does the outfit look good, but it is also comfortable, easy to maintain, and perfect for any summertime excursion.
Visit Tommy Bahama today and give yourself a post-Father's Day gift of style.
To help you begin your summertime adventures, I'd like to give one lucky reader an opportunity to win a Tommy Bahama Relax Collapsible Duffle Bag ($48 retail value). To enter the giveaway, answer one of the following question:
- Dads, how would you describe your style?
- If you're not a dad, how would you describe your dad's or husband's style?
Additional Entries (These entries will be counted only after the required entry has been submitted)
- 'Like' Tommy Bahama on Facebook (3 extra entries)
- Follow Tommy Bahama on Twitter @tommybahama
- 'Like' Mocha Dad on Facebook (3 extra entries)
- Sign up for the Mocha Dad Newsletter (3 extra entries)
- Tweet this contest: "Win a Tommy Bahama Duffle bag from @tommybahama & @mochadad http://bit.ly/PCrCF8 (1 extra entry per tweet – 5 per day)
- Share a non-contest Mocha Dad post on Twitter, Pinterest, Facebook, StumbleUpon, Digg, or Tumblr (1 extra entry for each share)
- Blog this contest (10 extra entries)
- Share a photo of your dad or husband in his coolest outfit on the Mocha Dad Facebook Page (5 entries)
Mocha Dad's "Tommy Bahama Helps Dads to Relax With Style" Duffle Bag Giveaway starts on Thursday, June 21, 2012 and ends Monday, July 2, 2012 at 11:59 a.m. (CST), and is open to all Mocha Dad readers, subscribers, and/or fans in the continental U.S. No purchase required. Relatives and employees of Mocha Dad Media are not eligible to win. You are also ineligible if you've won a prize from this blog within the past 30 days. One winner will be chosen via Random.org and announced soon after the ending date. You must leave your contact information to collect your prize. If a winner does not respond within 3 days, a new winner will be chosen. Disclosure of Material Connection: I received compensation and/or one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 : "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. All opinions are my own.


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A Fork in the Road for Kennedale ISD
I realize that it has been a while since my last post, but I have been a tad bit busy. I would like to give a shout out to all the administration and school board members in Kennedale who have been routinely checking in on my personal blog. I would like to think that their checking my blog was out of their concern for my well being after the public abuse they have put me through, but we all know exactly why they are checking in. They are afraid that I will draw attention and start pointing out some of the specific things they have done that they don't want to be made public.
You see they have many embarrassing, questionable, and unethical incidents, decisions, and actions that they don't want others to know about. You see they threw me out of my classroom based on lies and retaliation for speaking up and not supporting some of their more questionable actions. I never hid my dissatisfaction for their abuse of power and personal kingdom building at the expense of the students. But the people running the Kennedale ISD have a lot of skeletons in their closets they don't want to see the light of day. They have caused a smear on my reputation by what they have done to me and how they have done it.
I have been denied my due process and that is a constitutional right in this country. They have not and will not close the investigation that started with a lie because that will allow them to keep me on leave until my contract runs out. If they made a decision there would be one of two actions take place. They would have to either admit they were wrong this whole time for what they have done or they would have to accuse me of something and give me the actual legal ability to defend myself and begin a legal process against them and their actions.
As I have already noted, they have already been advised they have no grounds for firing me based on their own investigation, but they won't do the right thing and vindicate me. At this point I wouldn't want to return to a classroom that was under the authority of these extremely unethical leaders, what I do want is them to publicly acknowledge what the truth of the matter is. They need to close their case and admit there was no basis and no wrong doing for the lie of accusations that Viola McLaughlin created in November. They need to publicly apologize for what they have done to me and how they have handled this situation. This needs to be done publicly because their failure to do the right thing has left the impression that I did something wrong. Everyone who knows the real situation knows the truth but there are others in the community who won't have the benefit of that knowledge and it leaves them to either fill in the ideas for themselves or listen to what others have created. Had they handled this correctly from the start this wouldn't happen. I deserve vindication and I expect this to be done. Whether by further lies and twists of the truth from Viola to paint herself in a better light, from the whispers under the table of administrators or school board members, or just the sheer need to create negative rumors to have gossip to talk about from random parents in the district the idea that there is something more than the truth that I and my family have repeatedly put out there seems to be spreading throughout the community.
Since it is a result of what they have done and how they have done it leaving me and my family with no legal or procedural process to fight them to prove the truth, my family and I deserve them to publicly announce that there was nothing to the allegations made and we deserve the apology for what they have done and how they have handled it. I know I have already stated that but it needs to be repeated and screamed from the rooftops because of the Hell these people have put my family and myself through since November. I will continue to fight in every way I can until this is done.
I love that I have heard several school board members mention to people in emails or other settings that there was little they could do about the situation. Funny how limited their scope and power seems to be in helping make the administration do the right thing for me, but how very powerful and quick they were able to handle the personnel situation when one of their own's daughter didn't make the cheerleading squad this year. They didn't seem to have limited scope and power when dealing with that. I love that one specific board member ran initially to stop the administration from forcing Mr. Delaney out of his position in a similar way and yet did nothing to stop them from doing the exact same thing to me.
The community of Kennedale needs to be aware of the fact that when it comes to the true governance of the school district, this board is asleep at the wheel. They have taken their hands off of keeping the administration in check. They have written a blank check and handed it to the people in the admin building. The school board touts giving good pay to its teachers but does nothing to address the hostile work environment within the school. They are rife with intimidation, retaliation, and fear. The work environment is filled with the fear that if you disagree with or upset Karen Furman, Rick Edwards, or Gary Dugger even in a small way there will be retaliation. Look at me for your most glaring proof of what they will do when you don't just walk in step no matter how wrong what they want is for the district or the students. Don't have an opinion on anything. Don't provide an alternate view. This is Nazi Germany where life is only what they say it is even if this has proven to cause stagnation in any organization. What ever you do, don't point out that the Emperor and/or Empress has no clothes. Where is the protection for the staff and students against such abuse?
This brings me to the point of today's blog. I will repeat what it is that I want. I want my vindication with the accusations made that the district still hasn't given me due process on so that I can either go away with knowing I was rightfully found innocent of the accusations or the ability to fight legally against what they have done and the lies made against me. Until the district and school board do this and apologize for what has happened I will continue to speak out against them and their unethical actions. I also welcome any threats or attempts at shutting me up by suing for slander or other legal threats, because I will not put anything out there I don't have knowledge of to begin with and secondly I would love the ability through the legal process to subpena, depose, and use discovery to open up all the secrets and skeletons within this district that they do not want made public. It is easy to lie and cover up things until you add the possibility perjury and jail time. How long would they cover for one another then?
In the future i feel it is important to make the public aware of their behaviors by raising many questionable issues, raising questions about things that the school board should have been the ones to point out or grill the administration about, and show where there had been unethical behavior with this administration and school board. My contract ends for this school year at the end of May and the moment I no longer have any financial or employment ties to these people I will begin raising the issues they would rather stay hidden. They have marred my reputation within the community and taken my job. I feel an obligation to return the favor. The only difference is I didn't do anything and have nothing to hide, but they have many things to hide and have done many inappropriate things. Their denial of allowing due process and the ability to truly defend myself has provoked this situation.
Would like to end by thanking all of the friends, family, community members and KISD for contacting me with support and encouragement. I encourage anyone within the KISD who would like to share their stories and evidence of unethical, inappropriate, and questionable actions to contact me and share their information. Unlike the school board I will use the information to protect you and hold the district accountable. I appreciate those who have already done this and encourage others to do so, but do it from your home email accounts and provide details and evidence of what your claims are. Your identity will be protected. You can get me the information at: firstname.lastname@example.com
If you are someone who wants to know the full details of what has happened to me at the hands of the district and what they have put myself and my family through or if you have heard details from someone and they have painted me in some negative light please contact me and I will discuss the whole situation with you personally. I would also like for anyone who has been told any negative information about myself or my family from district administrators, school board members, Viola McLaughlin and/or her daughters, Myra Rick, or any other district personnel because of this on going fight with the district to contact me at this email address: firstname.lastname@example.com
I am saddened that it has come to this. If the district had done the right thing from the start my family and I wouldn't be in this place. They could end things now and have me move on quietly if they would choose to do the right thing and exonerate me and apologize publicly for the community to see the truth. Lets hope their egos won't get in the way of doing what is right. I am very sure admitting the truth is a lot less embarrassing for the district than some of the questions that will arise from incidents I have discovered. And raising those questions is only Phase 1 of shining the light into the darkness of KISD.


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Wednesday, May 1, 2013
Tops, Tanks, and Tees KAL || Week 1
13 comments:
jane! you are so speedy!!! i love it! the colour is fantastic! xoReplyDelete
I've knitted a Gemini tee a few months ago and I'm very happy with it! I can't wait to see how it looks with the sleeves modification. :)ReplyDeleteReplies
That's fantastic! I am so glad you were happy with it :) I'm excited to complete mine, I think it will got a lot of wear!Delete
Interested to see this with fitted sleeves! Did I already say that before?? I think I did... well I'm saying it again!ReplyDeleteReplies
I've been curious about fitted sleeves since I finished my first Gemini! I think I'm going to love this version!Delete
- headythreadsMay 1, 2013 at 6:33 PM
I am also knitting a Gemini for TTT! I am just past the lace part. Bring on the stockinette!!ReplyDeleteReplies
I am loving the stockinette! After my last project it's sorely needed... I feel like I can knit this in my sleep!Delete
Ooh, I'm excited to see your version! I'm participating in the KAL as well, and it's a much-needed kick in the pants for some new summer knits. I'm really enjoying it!ReplyDeleteReplies
Oh boy, I can't wait to see what you're knitting for the KAL! I always race through knit alongs, it's so fun to knit with others and it's great incentive to finish a project on a time line!Delete
Your Gemini is looking amazing. And I haven't mentioned recently how much I love your hair! I'm about due for a new look, I might need a super cute graduated bob like you.ReplyDeleteReplies
Thanks Tanis!!! I am absolutely loving every minute with your yarn, I can't believe it's taken me so long to finally knit with it. I swear TFA just knits it's self, because I can't believe how quickly this project is coming together.Delete
...and thanks for the compliments on the do! I am really enjoying short hair, I don't know why I was so afraid to cut it all off!
Wow, that was fast! It's going to be SO pretty in that color, and I love the Gemini's I've seen with 3/4 sleeves. And, like Tanis, I have also been admiring your bob lately!ReplyDeleteReplies
I've been loving the 3/4 length sleeve Geminis too! ...people's mods are totally what inspired me to jump on that band wagon.Delete
And thank you too for the compliments on my hair!!! I just lost my hairdresser to the travel bug and nearly considered growing it rather than trying to replace her, lol.


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Milieu Grotesque, established in 2010 by Timo Gaessner and Alexander Colby, is a Zurich-based independent publisher and distributor of typefaces and related products.
Milieu Grotesque's collection of typefaces combine the rigor and precision of a seasoned type foundry with a particular edge that keep their typefaces looking timely and contemporary. One is struck by a feeling of familiarity within their typefaces—typefaces which often nod to certain timeless greats. There are modern takes on IBM typewriter-inspired classics as well as slick reworkings of geometric grotesques of the previous century.
Below, Timo has responded to ten questions regarding his and Alexander's practice as type designers. Timo, who made his start as a graphic designer, frames-out a healthy introspection (and even, at times, cautionary observation) of the discipline of graphic design and it's interlaced relationship to type design.
Ryan Gerald Nelson (RGN)
To start, a foundational question: How do graphic designers see typefaces differently than type designers?
Milieu Grotesque (MG)
Well, it's always difficult making general statements on this regard, but maybe type designers tend to be more concerned about details like conceptual and historical references, formal aspects, execution, etc. While graphic designers tend to approach, select and judge a typeface by its looks and appearance.
Assuming that graphic designers define the majority of your customer base, you undoubtedly observe the field of graphic design. Are your observations more subconscious and undefined? Or do you take the time to survey the sub-genres of graphic design? How do your observations enter into the equation of how you conceive your typefaces?
As we are both graphic designers by trade, naturally, some of our experience gained over the last 15 years of practice is influential. It is part of our professional philosophy to approach a project based on research—so yes, we do observe and follow what's happening (sometimes with concern).
But we're not much interested in, nor do we survey any sub-genres. We are rather interested in, what we believe to be, substantial matters that contribute to a progressive development of how we conceive design and communication and that will pass the test of time. So we've strived to develop a library that is a modern, comprehensive selection of typefaces that contribute to these ideas and therefore hopefully remain somewhat relevant.
The basic ideas that drive our typefaces have many different sources, but so far it's never been based on the calculation of an upcoming trend or genre. After all, we've never managed to develop and release a typeface in less than a time span of 3 years (sometimes even longer). That said, it's quite unlikely to be able to foresee what's supposed to be happening, especially in graphic design.
Do you guys cater the stylistic elements of your typefaces to appeal to a particular type of graphic designer? Or is that irrelevant?
Maybe due to our background as graphic designers, when developing a typeface, we often aim to implement a somewhat different, additional stylistic variation to offer and maybe aspire for a certain application and, to our understanding, an interesting usage. Naturally, we want to reach as many designers as possible, offering modern, well-executed typefaces that are suitable for as many applications as possible. Then, after all, choosing a typeface is the easiest part of the job.
Could you elaborate on one or two examples of specific ideas or conceptual underpinnings that have been embedded within your typefaces and how they derived?
With our most recognized typeface Maison Neue, the design referenced certain sans-serifs dating back to the early 20th century. Many of these early grotesk typefaces were created in the spirit of the parallel-happening architectural movement called "Neue Sachlichkeit," implementing a simple, reduced formality (ornament is crime!) based on constructed principles (grids). To us, this roughly executed principle, including all of its oddities, has a particular flavor that a "modern," optically well-balanced grotesk is missing. However, the new version (Maison Neue) is based on the same principles yet executed in a less dogmatic way.
Lacrima is based upon the famous IBM Golfball typewriter called Light Italic. We have added additional weights and two interpretations to the original design, Serif and Senza, to conceive a comprehensive family with a variety of styles.
Additionally, our typeface named Patron is based on the contradictory approaches and ideas of type designers Günther Gerhard Lange and Roger Excoffon. Günther Gerhard Lange, a war veteran and longtime art director of Berthold Type Foundry, was most famous for his historically-derived and strict approach. His work includes precise, consequent, and modern interpretations of today's classics, such as: Akzidenz Grotesk, Garamond, and Bodoni (to name just a few). Roger Excoffon on the other hand, a former adman and French bon vivant, was known for his more expressive body of work. Most notably is his typeface Antique Olive which is defined by a number of unique formal ideas and attributes that are still considered outstanding today.
It certainly seems as though a commonality amongst most type foundries operating today is that most have one or more inspired-grotesques in their offerings. Have you taken notice to this as well? Either way, do you believe that it's obligatory or a part of some unspoken tradition for any serious type foundry to create and offer their own take on a classic grotesque? More specifically, given their appeal, do you think the creation of these sorts of typefaces (such as Brezel Grotesk in your case) are driven by a competitive spirit amongst new type foundries?
Yes, of course, we have noticed this. But, we believe the large amount of the clean, minimalistic grotesks that have been released lately have their roots in commercial interests. Comparable to the recent hype around SUV models for the car industry, there is an ongoing demand for neo-grotesks due to reasons one can only assume. Some early adaptations have been successful, and their success has been recognized and has encouraged others to try to achieve the same. So yes, there is a certainly a competitive spirit. And no, we don't think it is obligatory to offer a grotesk as a modern foundry.
Past year's within the field of type design have seemingly given rise to many typefaces which are imbued with a certain degree of, shall we say, willful awkwardness. One might see the bends, flourishes, and forms of these typefaces as strange and unnecessary. Or one might see these sorts of details as vital and responsive to the proclivities of graphic designers. Are these sorts of "willfully awkward" typefaces something that you recognize? Support? Practice? Oppose?
It's surely positive that type design has become more popular amongst young designers lately and that there is the will to test its limits—after all, it's a rather slow developing discipline. Most of those willfully-awkward-designed letterforms are not meant to work as a versatile typeface and may therefore be simply (expressively designed) letters (and not a typeface), per definition, which is much easier to achieve than the sorts of well-executed and versatile systems that we understand as typefaces. We pay little attention to this trending style as we believe it will pass and vanish, like many others have before them.
There does seem to be an uptick in the number and popularity of, for the lack of a better term, "pop-up" type foundries. Maybe this can be attributed to the easy accessibility of font-making software? Or perhaps this can be attributed to the rise of entrepreneurial graphic designers who have not only a cursory knowledge of how to make a font, but also the desire to design every known aspect of a given project for the sake of achieving the idea of a "bespoke" creation?
Indeed, we are astonished and curious about the vast amount of foundries that have been popping up lately. It seems as if type design has taken over what, a few years back, self-publishing used to be. It became fashionable amongst graphic designers then and we can see the same happening for type design now.
Sure, one aspect is that font editors aren't as complex and abstract as they used to be, which makes the tools more accessible. Also, type design has gained more interest amongst students, hence schools and universities are reacting and offering more on that subject.
Yet, apparently, there is a certain understanding and respect regarding copyrights that is missing. To our experience, developing a typeface from scratch takes at least 2000 hours—which is more than a year of straight working time. So it leaves us wondering, how is it possible for a small-scale foundry, founded by one or a maximum of two persons (presumably in there mid 20's and having just finished their studies), to enter the market with several families?
Spinning off of the last question: do you see that the existence of this type of individual (this sort of entrepreneurial graphic designer) who is successfully and simultaneously able to act as both graphic designer and type designer within a single project is a becoming more of a rarity? Or a new, pervasive reality?
To our understanding, entrepreneurship is an important part of running a contemporary design studio. We believe that design, as the service-orientated practice that we have known since the rise of modernism, might vanish due the digital revolution (just as typesetting and lithography have gone before). Consequently, future (graphic) designers will have no other choice than to develop entrepreneurial skills and set up there own multi-disciplinary businesses, whether it will be a type foundry or something completely different.
In almost all creative disciplines, it seems as though almost everything is a derivative of something (or a multitude of things) from the past. Some disciplines embrace the inescapable reality of the influence of their predecessors by directly sampling their work (i.e., sampling beats or lyrics in hip-hop, or with filmmakers, like Quentin Tarantino, who have developed a style for themselves that relies on referencing and nodding to filmmakers of past eras). All that said, it seems difficult, especially within the discipline of typography, to not be referential of the history of type design. In your view, does reference material seem tied to the discipline of type design and it's creations? If not, where do you believe innovative and new forms stem from within type design?
We consider the term "revolution" as the greatest myth of today's (graphic design) postmodernism. What revolution has fundamentally changed graphic design since the early/mid-20th century and still holds up today? We believe in evolution rather than in revolution, and believe that slow and naturally-developing progression has a more sustainable impact. After all, even as a type designer, it's simply impossible to reinvent the (latin) alphabet. So yes, we are very much tied to design history and the only innovation possible is in technical context. Due to digital evolution, we are now able to draw and develop typefaces that perform with more precision and complexity than ever before.
We think most of the innovation happening lately is due to the understanding of typefaces as being larger systems. Not in terms of weights, but more in terms of style and their variations as a means of creating a family/system that is suitable for any application there is. Those "Super Families" are based on a formal scheme/structure and embody large variations that include different contrasts, serifs, and sans-serifs, proportional and mono-spaced, engraved, shadow, stencil, etc.
On the Milieu Grotesque website, in addition to the typefaces that are for sale, you offer an assortment of promotional products for sale. Some are expected (such as type specimens and posters) and some are not so expected (beanies, necklaces, etc). How did you arrive at the decision to offer this mix of products? And has it changed how you are perceived by your peers and customers?
Besides our professional practices, we have a large interest in DIY and what has lately come to be known as "Maker Culture." Many of the "not so expected" products you have mentioned have there roots in this interest and turned out to be a fun addition to the (sometime too serious) business of distributing typefaces.
Though, we initially conceived the product section to be the print-publishing part and a space where we could distribute specimens plus various (external) writings as a theoretical extension to the rather practical aspects of graphic and type design.
But we soon let go of this rather restrictive concept and went on to understand this section as a more experimental part for related products and ideas. We have come to realize that this is a great opportunity to interact and start a dialog with other designers whom we might not have met and talked to otherwise.
So we started to reach out to individuals and studios whose work we find interesting and we asked them to contribute to this section. It's an approach that has turned out to be an enriching and influential part to our personal development and professional understanding. Since launching this section, we have gratefully collaborated with many interesting people, including Maiko Gubler (Berlin), Sulki & Min (Seoul), and Bunch (London) to mention a few, and we have a future project with photographer Tobias Faisst (Berlin) which we are very much looking forward to.
Many thanks for your time, Timo!
—See more of Milieu Grotesque's work on their website, Facebook, or Twitter. (Image credit: digital rendering at top of post made by visual artist Maiko Gubler)


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Man, I love Moab. Every time I go there I wonder why I left. Then I remember that it's nearly impossible to find a year-round job, there are no large stores for anything except groceries (not even a Target!), and you can't do anything productive during the day between May and October because it's too hot. BUT I still love it, and I had a great weekend.
I was even impressed with my ability to stick to paleo! Out of seven meals eaten either on the road or at a restaurant, my indiscretions were limited to 5 tater tots, an ear of corn from the grill (I am really having a hard time with this… I mean, it's CORN SEASON!), a few handfuls of tortilla chips, one PBR and 1/2 of a blueberry muffin. I am pretty proud of myself. I didn't keep a journal this weekend but I found that it's really not as hard as it sounds to eat paleo on the road if you are willing to do things like order plain grilled chicken sandwiches and pull them from the bun, buy bananas instead of Sun Chips at the gas station, and Just Say No when your boyfriend offers his chocolate malt to you after a 4-hour rappel through a slot canyon.
How is it going for anyone else? Even if you aren't doing this particular challenge, what goals have you set for yourself in August and how did the first week go?


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Half-Dragons: Half-dragons born from a fully draconic parent are a rarity in Alvena; but many bloodlines from the times before the Demon Wars still thrive, and in some places small communities of half-dragons still live secluded away, breeding more half-dragons from half-blooded parents; never breeding the draconic traits away. Once in a long while, a true dragon will be discovered to have infiltrated humanoid societies for any number of reasons, and a new half-dragon child will be the result…
The Half-Dragon
Hit Die: 1d10
Base Attack: Best
Fort: Good
Ref: Poor
Will: Good
Skill Points: 6 + Int modifier
Class Skills: Concentration, Diplomacy, Escape Artist, Intimidate, Listen, Knowledge (any), Sense Motive, Spot, Search and Use Magic Device.
|Draconic Ancestry
|Ability Increase
|Ability Increase
Draconic Ancestry (Ex)
At 1st level Half-dragons half dragons have the following racial qualities.
- Dragon Type (Ex): A half-dragon's type changes to Dragon with the Augmented subtype. This also grants simple weapon proficiency, as well as immunity to sleep and paralysis effects.
- Breath Weapon (Su): A half-dragon has a breath weapon that deals 1d8 energy damage for every 2 HD the half-dragon possesses (minimum 1d8) with a reflex save for half. The half-dragon must choose either a 15ft cone or a 30ft line, and the type of energy damage: Acid, Cold, Fire, or Electricity. Once chosen, the energy and area of effect cannot be changed. This breath weapon may be used once every 5 rounds. The reflex save is 10 + 1/2 HD + constitution modifier.
At 3rd level the range of the half-dragon's breath becomes 30ft (if a cone) or 60ft (if a line).
- Energy Immunity (Ex): A half-dragon has energy resistance 10 to the energy type chosen for its breath weapon. At 3rd level, this resistance becomes Immunity to that energy type.
- Natural Attacks (Ex): A half-dragon gains two claw attacks and a bite attack if it did not possess them normally. The half-dragon may decide to treat either their bite or claw attacks as their primary natural weapons. The damage for a medium half-dragon's bite is 1d6, and its claws are 1d4.
- Natural Armor (Ex): A half-dragon gains a +1 natural armor bonus as its skin grows thicker and stronger. The half dragon's natural armor bonus increases by 1 at 5, 10, 15, and 20 hit dice (to a maximum of +5).
- Darkvision (Ex): A half-dragon gains darkvision 20ft (or increases its existing darkvision by 20ft). The half-dragon increases their darkvision by 20ft at 2nd level, and again at 3rd (for 60ft darkvision).
- Low-light vision (Ex): At 3rd level, a half-dragon gains low-light vision.
Ability Increase (Ex)
- At 2nd level, a half-dragon increases its strength score by +4, and its intelligence and charisma by +2.
- At 3rd level, a half-dragon increases its strength score by +4, and its constution by +2.
Half-dragons may choose Sonic or Force damage for their breath weapon type. Sonic breath weapons deal 1d6 per 2HD, and force deals 1d4 per 2HD.
Notes: The half-dragon's abilities are broke down across 3 levels (the same as the half-dragon's +3 level adjustment). The abilities start of weakest at 1st level and slowly advance to full power by 3rd level. The breath weapon was simultaneously nerfed at low levels (down to 1/2 level d8s from the 6d8 the template provides) but now scales with level better, allowing it to be more viable at high levels. It was also given a recharge time of 5 rounds, allowing it to be used in more than one encounter but prevent it from being spammed. This is similar to the Binder's ability to cast strong spells as part of their vestige abilities (see Tome of Magic); and is very balanced. At 1st level they deal an average of 4.5 damage with a reflex save for half. At 20th level, this is an average of 45 damage with a reflex save for half; again only usable once every 5 rounds. The ability is minor by default; but can be improved if you wish to make it a character focus with the paragon progression mentioned further down.
Additionally their natural armor was reduced at low levels to +1, but scales up to +5 at 20th level (one point higher than the basic half-dragon template). This prevents them from being so hard to kill at low-levels but returns it as a properly scaling advancement. This way they slowly gain their power many levels; furthering the balance between them and other classes.
Their ability score modifiers equal those of the standard half-dragon template but require three levels worth of investment to get all of them. That being said, the ability modifiers don't match the powers of actual class features - and also the levels cannot be bought off as LA usually can; making the ability score boost require an investment of two character levels worth of focus. This again prevents them from growing too powerful to quickly, or exceeding the expected power of standard player characters.
Most of their racial qualities - including immunity to an element, darkvision, and low-light vision have been spread out over the three levels of the progression; preventing humans and other races from planning to be half-dragons merely for those cognitive perks, before advancing 19 levels in other classes.
Half-Dragon Breath Paragon
Some half-dragons learn to tap into deeper reserves of draconic power. As they repeatedly use their breath weapons time and time again, they develop the ability to breath faster and with more energy.
Hit Die: 1d10
Base Attack: Best
Fort: Good
Ref: Poor
Will: Good
Skill Points: 6 + Int modifier
Class Skills: Concentration, Diplomacy, Escape Artist, Intimidate, Listen, Knowledge (any), Sense Motive, Spot, Search and Use Magic Device.
|Hasten Breath
|Breath Mastery
|Hasten Breath
|Breath Mastery
Hasten Breath (Ex)
- At 1st level, the half-dragon paragon reduces the number or rounds he must wait for his breath weapon to recharge to 4 (from 5).
- At 3rd level, the half-dragon paragon reduces the number of rounds he must wait for his breath weapon to recharge to 3 (from 4).
Breath Mastery (Ex)
- At 2nd level, the half-dragon paragon adds +2 per die to the damage of its breath weapon (so 3d6 becomes 3d6+6). For a breath weapon that deals force damage, this ability only adds +1 per die.
- At 4th level, the half-dragon paragon adds +4 per die to the damage of its breath weapon (so 5d6 becomes 5d6+20). For a breath weapon that deals force damage, this ability only adds +2 per die.
Notes: This progression allows the character to get more out of their breath weapon; the iconic feature of a half-dragon. While the numbers may look intimidating to some, the mechanics check out. The average damage for a breath weapon by 20th level (the strongest it gets) is 75 damage with a reflex save for half, once every 3 rounds (making it effectively 25 damage per round); which is decent for that level of play, but hardly very potent (especially after considering energy resistances, and abilities like Evasion. Combined with breath weapon feats, it can be toyed with by increasing the number of rounds you have to wait before it recharges. The most damage you can do with your breath weapon is 120 damage (using the Maximize breath feat) with a Reflex save for half damage, before applying weakness or resistances and abilities like Evasion; which then increases your recharge time by +4 rounds (7 rounds in this case); which equates to roughly 17 damage per round - which is less than usual - but you got to unleash it all at once (which may be important as a finishing move).
Assuming a character devotes enough of his or her growth to developing their half-dragon racial abilities to their fullest, the character will have invested 7 levels worth of their character into it. This is more than a fair exchange for the perks of being a half-dragon. Additionally, for those wondering; the Half-Dragon Paragon progression isn't fully compatible with this rule-set. To alleviate this, merely use the alternate class feature provided here:
|Meta-Breath Focus (Ex): When applying a meta-breath feat to your breath weapon, reduce the number of rounds you must wait before using your breath weapon again by 1. Additionally, increase the save DC for your breath weapon by +1. This feature replaces the Breath Weapon 3/day feature of the Half-Dragon Paragon.
Notes: Finally, by using this alternative class feature, the half-dragon gains further ability to advance their breath weapon, natural armor (slightly) and gains a solid option for multi-classing with sorcerer to create a solid fighter/mage themed character; which can make for a very fun character to play; and functions well within the existing 3.5 SRD/Core rule-set.
Please consider allowing this so that Veric may re-build his character to be more suited for all levels of play. If there are questions or concerns, please opt to discuss possible issues before passing final judgment on anything. I would be more than happy to explain anything in detail, or to show more detailed comparisons if balance or flavor questions arise.
Also, should you like what you see here, I am currently available for designing rules by request.
Written by J. Scott Mohn, freelance game designer and writer


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My blender spends most of it's life in a cabinet in our kitchen, but this month, it has found a permanent spot on the counter top. I've been going smoothie crazy, thanks to a little help from Laura at A Healthy Jalapeño, my assignment for this month's Secret Recipe Club! Laura is an Army wife who likes to live a healthy lifestyle. She has tons of delicious smoothie recipes on her site, and while I planned to try them all, I fell in love with the first one I tried and have been enjoying it regularly ever since! Now that the weather is warmer, a hot mug of tea doesn't sound appetizing in the morning. This smoothie is such an easy grab-and-go breakfast that keeps you full until lunch. I look forward to trying many more of Laura's appetizing flavor combinations in my morning smoothies throughout the spring and summer! Thanks for getting me out of my breakfast rut, Laura!!
1 cup Chocolate Almond Milk
2 tablespoons Peanut Butter
1 Banana
1/4 cup Ground Flax Seet
Handful of Ice Cubes
Put all of the ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Makes one large or 2 small smoothie.
SOURCE: A Healthy Jalapeno
*Sorry my posting time was a bit off. I apparantly had a few glitches with my scheduling.


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Things change. This includes my opinion on knives, guns, gear, and people. Learning and experience inspires change. Since initially writing this article in August of 2013 I have changed what knives I carry and why. So, I felt this blog post deserved an update.
There is no substitution for a good quality fixed blade knife. If I were to own only one knife it would have to be a fixed blade knife. The next questions would then be what size, style and type of steel would I choose?
Having to choose only one knife or only one gun is a ridiculous concept but I do comprehend the purpose behind the question. Specific questions should get you seriously thinking about what features in a knife (or gun) are most important to you. Fortunately, we live in a country, for now, that 'allows' us the freedom to own as many guns and knives as we want. After asking yourself the right questions I bet that you will find there isn't any one single option that will work best in all situations.
When it comes down to having to carry everything you need with you, then your choices would truly be limited. Let me be clear; there is no single gun or knife that will do everything you would need it to do whether in your everyday life or in a survival situation.
I have dedicated a lot of time, thought and research along with buying and trying out knives for me to come to my own conclusions about which knives are best for me, my situation and my environment. I am sure that yours will differ. That being said, here are four fixed blade knives that I have chosen for my needs and for the potential future situations I may encounter.
Starting with the biggest...
This is the ESEE-5. It is a 1/4" thick full tang, 1095 steel coated blade with a canvas Micarta handle. It also has a glass breaker at the butt and comes with a short lanyard. The blade has a long flat section for chopping and cutting wood and the belly has a long gradual curve with a slight drop point that make it useful for defense as well a dressing a deer or another potential meal. The blade measures 5 -1/4" long and with the kydex sheath it weighs over a pound. This is one substantial knife! This is meant to be my 'survival' knife. As a 'survival' knife I wanted it to be able to take a lot of abuse from chopping branches to build a shelter, cut and split firewood and for it to be a good defensive weapon as well. This knife also makes for a decent digging tool. However, with the 1/4" thick blade it does not make for a good knife to clean a small fish such as a trout. This knife was designed with urban survival in mind. This is where I find myself most of the time thus it is the knife that I carry in my EDC bag.
A recent add to my layers of preparedness is the ESEE 3HM. Unlike the standard ESEE 3 this was designed with bushcrafting in mind.
The leather sheath, rounded Micarta handle and 3.5" flat grind blade are ideal for what I need it to do for me. Just like most of the ESEE knives this is also 1095 steel. 1095 is high carbon steel so it is easy to put a razor sharp edge on it and is also very tough. This blade is only .13" thick which is ideal for smaller work were larger blades have a hard time going.
I spent a considerable amount of time shopping for just the right bushcraft knife for me and I once again came back around to ESEE, 1095 steel and Micarta.
Another knife that I have added to my get-home bag is the Morakniv Pro S. It is stainless steel with a scandi grind. It is crazy sharp and at only $12 it's a no brainer to add to any bag. It can be said that one is none and two is one. That can get expensive. Except with this knife. This is a great basic primary or back up knife.
An example that has stuck with me is one of a group of people that were stuck in an elevator in one of the World Trade center towers on 9/11. One of these individuals had some tools with him including what I remember to be a masonry trowel. They used that trowel to pry open the elevator doors and then cut through two layers of drywall for them to escape. If I remember the account correctly they barely made it out of the building in time.
I have subsequently decided to use this example as a standard for why I carry knife. Most any pocket knife would be able to cut through two layers of drywall if you were careful and took your time. Like these individuals stuck in the elevator you, or I, may have the need to escape from a room or building in a similar manner and may also not have the time to delicately cut your way out. There may be more than just drywall between you and freedom which a standard pocket knife may not get through. A sturdy tool like any of these knives is what I choose to rely on for my survival in any situation whether urban or wilderness.
I also chose to purchase an ESEE 6 with a clip point also as a "survival" knife but with a tactical use in mind. Again, I went back to ESEE. The comfort of the grip in my hand is a significant reason why I have chosen these knives.
Just like in my last post on how to choose a folding knife, the length of a fixed blade knife is an important decision. You may choose to carry a larger knife like a machete because of the density of the woods you frequent. You may choose to carry a Bowie style knife because you like the look or you've seen Crocodile Dundee a few too many times. I love Bowie knives too and the movie is a lot of fun but just because it's cool may not always be the right reason to carry it.
Because I live in a dry climate I am not concerned much about corrosion and the 1095 steel is perfectly appropriate. Survival knives also come in many of the different grades of stainless steel which may be more appropriate for your use. As you may have noticed, I am a fan of drop point style knives. They seem to be the most useful and practical for my needs.


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Yuzen Beauty Subscription Box Review – Fall 2016
Yuzen is one of the original eco subscription boxes. It's a mix of spa, beauty, and the occasional food item, and everything is made with natural ingredients.
This box was sent to us for review purposes. (Check out the review process post to learn more about how we review boxes).
Yuzen has the best packaging, too.
The Subscription Box: Yuzen
The Cost: $33 a quarter
The Products: Eco-friendly products to nourish the body and soul.
Ships to: US only.
Check out all of my Yuzen reviews and the Eco-friendly Subscription Box Directory!
Each box comes with a fold out card that details the items and brands featured. For each item, they also let you know why they picked it for the box.
Florapy Beauty Floral Therapy Facial Sheet Detox Mask – Value $8
I love that this sheet mask is fragranced with only essential oils! The Jasmine and Peppermint combination was very refreshing, and the mask was gentle and hydrating on my skin too. (This sheet mask took 15-20 minutes.)
Aromafloria Feet's Sake Spa Foot Scrub – 2 oz Value $4.30
Another refreshing and minty item! This sugar scrub was an excellent exfoliator and perfect for ankles/tops of feet before applying self tanner!
Nubian Heritage Coconut & Papaya Bar Soap – Value $5
This soap has a sweet, tropical scent, and the vanilla beans make it great for gentle exfoliating, too:
pureSOL Konjac Facial Sponge – Value $8.50
I love these konjac sponges! They are so gentle but still always leave my skin feeling super clean and smooth.
If you aren't familiar with konjac sponges, you wet it before using, and you can use it with or without a cleanser. When you're done, squeeze to remove excess water and then let it hang dry.
ESLOR Herbal Soothing Gel – Value $42
This is a hydrating gel made with aloe vera. My experience with aloe vera from sunburns is that it takes a long time to dry, but this formula was really light and absorbed almost immediately. It's also something you can use every day – not just for sunburns.
Refreshing skincare items seems to be a theme for this box!
Moondani Natural Breath Mist – Value $11.99
Breath spray that looks like the fanciest travel perfume! This is an unsweetened, natural breath spray, so it gets the job done and doesn't add any extra sugar!
But don't worry, there is sugar, too:
Go Organic Hard Candies – Value $1
These are vegan and gluten-free. (Delicious, too!)
Verdict: This box has a value of about $81. I think that's great for a $33 all-natural beauty and spa box, plus I pretty much always love everything Yuzen sends.
What do you think of the Fall 2016 Yuzen box? What is your favorite item?


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I hope everybody had a wonderful Mother's Day! It's been so lovely outside lately, it's got me thinking all about dinner parties. One of my favourite things about finally owning a house is having a backyard, and a deck to eat on in the summer. As you know I am floral obsessed, so sitting outside with flowers everywhere and the sun warming you is essentially my daydream.
There's something so romantic and sweet about flowers, and that's why today's post is all about adding some floral charm to your next dinner party, whether you have the real thing or not! Paper flowers are so trendy right now, you can find a million tutorials to teach you how to make them. Luckily for my it was my birthday yesterday, and my amazing friend bought me this perfect paper flower kit, which I used for today's project. You can easily use the same technique with a regular tutorial though, like the one we did here.
Once you've made your paper flower, use a wire firm enough to stand straight up and wrap it around the back of your bud. Think of it like a stem. You'll want something sturdy for the bottom, like a garden rock or a small boxed gift, like chocolates or mints. Be careful if you're leaving them out in the sun though! Before you wrap the bottom of your stem around your base, punch a hole in your place card and loop the stem through it. If the stem isn't snug in the hole, try adding some clear tape to the back.
That's it! It takes so little time to make, but they look so sweet on your spring table!


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Alumni Awards
Each year at Homecoming, Hinds Community College honors our Alumni Awards recipients. This includes our Alumnus of the Year, Alumni Service and Sports Hall of Fame awards.
To nominate someone for an award, view the criteria, fill out the nomination form and return it to the Alumni Association Office. All nominations for 2018 are due on June 1.
Past Recipients
Alumnus of the Year
Alumni Service
Sports Hall of Fame


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Video Game Resources for all star baseball 2001
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So, a lovely surprise for me, I have been nominated for the Liebster Award by Rita Harvey. Thank you so much, Rita! The Liebster award is a recognition given to small bloggers by other small bloggers (max 200 followers), and as such is an absolutely lovely idea.
The rule for the awards are:
1. Thank the Liebster Blog presenter who nominated you and link back to their blog. (http://ritaharvey.wordpress.com)
2. Post 11 facts about yourself, answering the 11 questions you were asked and create 11 questions for your nominees.
3. Nominate 11 blogs who you feel deserve to be noticed and leave a comment on their blog letting them know they have been chosen.
4. Display the Liebster Award logo.
5. No tag back thingys.
So, here are my answers to Rita's questions;
1. Describe yourself in 3 words. Thoughtful, Lazy, Sensitive
2. Where would you want to be right now? Having a long lazy sunday morning lie in, in my boyfriend's bed. You know, coffee and newspapers, not that much reading going on, dozing for a bit, waking up for a bit. I think the stuff that is unsaid probably screams louder than the stuff I've said here (!)…
3. Tell me about one of your "dreams". I sleep very heavily and don't often remember my dreams at night – only if I have nightmares, as a rule, and truthfully, I haven't had one of those for some time now. My waking dream though, is one where I am finally qualified in my chosen profession, am living in a house that is actually big enough for us – I can have space, and peace, and a lovely garden to sit in on a sunny day like today. That I finally feel fully secure, both financially and emotionally, and can give my children things that they both need and (sometimes) want too.
4. What's your favourite childhood story? Where The Wild Things Are – no question! Didn't even have to think about it – it is one of my favourite books ever. I read it to my own children so often that they hid it from me in the end, they got so sick of it! (wrong way around, that one, isn't it?)
5. If you won the lottery, what would you do with the money? First and foremost, University fund for the kids! I do worry about how I am going to fund this when it happens (which is in only a few years time) Payback of all the debts I have accumulated. My family have been more than supportive to me over the last few years whilst I have been in a state of, erm, flux. They deserve treating too! Then, a house for me and the kids; not too big (I hate cleaning) – maybe it would even be time to invite the boyfriend to take the next step and move in with us, if that were to happen?
6. Your favourite animal. Easy, a cat. A domestic house cat. I could very easily become a crazy cat lady. I love the combination of total disdain and total affection that cats give to humans. And they sleep a lot. (Mmmm… sleep…)
7. Your favourite food. Anything with artichoke on/in. Usually italian cuisine. A nice thin pizza works best for me, but salads are good too. I'm not huge on pasta though, or anything carb-like, generally.
8. Your best qualities are… I am fiercely loyal. I work hard when I care about something, and I am what most people would describe as a caring type of person.
9. Your worst qualities are… I can be reckless and impulsive, and get caught up and carried away in ideas, at the expense of everything else around me sometimes. I want to believe in dreams coming true, and so I work hard to make that happen. Too hard sometimes, as it can make me overlook reality.
10.How do you have fun? Being silly! I love being silly! Music gets me high; I sing A LOT (badly). I dance (badly too) I take great pleasure in embarrassing my kids whenever I can – they don't seem to be phased by it any more, sadly. I love a good book or a good film. I love spending time with friends and family, being silly – that sounds like fun, yes.
11. How do you feel receiving this award? Extremely flattered! Especially being nominated by such an accomplished blogger and therapist. I'm touched that my little old journal is read and enjoyed by anyone else – let alone someone that I respect and admire so much. A real honour. Thanks once again, Rita.
Now, my 11 nominees:
It's Not Crazy. It's Passionate
Diary of the Princess Of the Tides
And the 11 questions I would like to ask my nominees;
You find a magic lamp with a genie in, and are granted three wishes. What are they? (You are not allowed to wish for more wishes)
What did you want to be when you were a child?
Who has been the most influential person in your life, and why? What are your three favourite films ever?
What is the best smell in the whole world, to you?
What do you do to relax?
What is your happiest memory?
What is your most treasured possession?
Which websites do you look at most often? Describe your perfect evening to me. What would it involve you doing?
What makes you laugh?
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Donate Life California
Starts 2016 with New President
SACRAMENTO/SAN DIEGO, Calif., Jan. 27, 2016 – Monica Johnson, Executive Director of Sierra Donor Services, has been elected to a two-year term as President of the Board of Directors of Donate Life California, which administers the nation's largest registry of organ, eye and tissue donors.
Donate Life California was established in 2004 to oversee a computer database on which people register their decision to be organ, eye and tissue donors. Since then, more than 12.8 million people have added their names on the registry as potential donors; 95 percent have done so through the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and have a pink "DONOR" dot on their driver license or ID card.
Johnson has served on the Donate Life California board since 2011. That same year, she became Executive Director of Sierra Donor Services, the nonprofit organ, eye and tissue donor recovery agency serving nearly four million people in Northern California and Nevada..
"It's my honor and privilege to serve California as the President of the Board for Donate Life California," said Johnson. "The California state donor registry continues to be the largest registry in the country at nearly 13 million and we'll continue to pursue efforts to increase the numbers on the registry. Nearly 20 percent of the national organ transplant waiting list resides in California and we have an obligation and the opportunity to help save and heal the lives of thousands who wait. With the generosity of the diverse communities we serve, we can make this a reality."
Sierra Donor Services and three other federally-designated nonprofits in the state, Donor Network West, Lifesharing and OneLegacy, support families giving the gift of life as well as provide public education about donation. The Donate Life California board includes representatives from each of the four organizations.
Johnson has been in the organ donation and transplantation field for nearly 25 years. Before becoming Executive Director of Sierra Donor Services, she held leadership positions at Pacific Northwest Transplant Bank in Portland, Oregon and LifeCenter Northwest in Bellevue, Washington. Johnson is a registered nurse and holds an MS in Management from Antioch University in Seattle, WA and earned her BS in Social and Behavioral Sciences from Linfield College in McMinnville, OR.
Californians can register to be donors by checking "YES!" at the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or by signing up at www.donateLIFEcalifornia.org.
Fast Facts from Donate Life California:
- One in five on the national organ transplant waiting list (122,640) lives in California.
- More than 29,000 people in the U.S. begin new lives each year thanks to organ transplants (about 81 transplants every day).
- 22 people die each day because the life-saving organ they needed did not become available in time.
Sierra Donor Services is a Dialysis Clinic Inc. Donor Services (DCIDS) subsidiary. SDS is a nonprofit agency dedicated to meeting the needs of the community by providing families the option of organ and tissue donation for transplantation and research. SDS serves Inland Northern California, including Sacramento, ten surrounding counties, Santa Rosa and Northern Nevada. www.sierradonor.org. DCI Donor Services' family of companies includes DCI Donor Services Tissue Bank and organ procurement organizations in California, New Mexico and Tennessee. We save and enhance lives by connecting people through organ and tissue donation and transplantation. Our unique approach to service allows for nationwide donation, transplantation, and distribution of organs and tissues while maintaining strong community ties. www.dcids.org
Donate Life California is the nonprofit, state-authorized organ, eye and tissue donor registry. Individuals can add their name to the registry by checking "YES!" every time they renew/apply for their driver license or ID card at the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). This ensures their desire to donate life will be carried out. A pink "DONOR" dot is added to their driver license or ID as a symbol of their decision. Individuals can also sign up online at www.donateLIFEcalifornia.org or www.doneVIDAcalifornia.org. As a public service, the registry ensures all personal information is kept confidential and stored in a secure database, accessible only to authorized organ and tissue recovery personnel at the time of an actual donation opportunity. The registry is administered by Donate Life California and California's four nonprofit, federally designated organ procurement organizations (OPOs): Donor Network West, Lifesharing, OneLegacy and Sierra Donor Services.