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Air Asia Flight 8501 crash families share sorrow
Emotionally exhausted family members sang and cried at a chapel in Surabaya, the city from which Flight 8501 departed on 28 December. The Reverend Philip Mantofa, who heads the congregation at Mawar Sharon Church – where more than a quarter of the victims were members – urged those gathered to find comfort in faith.
"If God has called your child, allow me to say this: Your child is not to be pitied," he said, locking eyes with a grieving father seated in the front row. "Your child is already in God's arms. One day, your family will be reunited in heaven."
It is not known what caused the Singapore-bound plane to crash into the Java Sea 42 minutes after take-off on what was supposed to be a two-hour flight. Just before losing contact, the pilot told air traffic control he was approaching threatening clouds, but was denied permission to climb to a higher altitude because of heavy air traffic.
Surabaya, Indonesia's second-largest city, has been gripped by grief as bodies continue arriving in simple, numbered coffins after being pulled from the water. Three more bodies were recovered yesterday, raising the total to 34, as bad weather hampered recovery efforts.
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Around-the-clock coverage of the disaster has also reignited fear of flying for some in a country that has suffered a string of accidents in recent years, as new airlines pop up to meet booming demand in Indonesia, a sprawling archipelago nation of 250 million people.
Late on Saturday, some passengers panicked when the auxiliary power failed inside another AirAsia plane leaving from Surabaya, this one headed to the Indonesian city of Bandung.
The lights and other electrical equipment shut down inside the cabin while the plane was still on the Tarmac, and the pilot returned to the gate. Of the 161 passengers on board, 60 refused to fly and were given full refunds, AirAsia officials said.
"There was no engine trouble, but some of the passengers were spooked," said AirAsia chairman Kamarudin Meranun. "It is understandable, since the crash is still fresh in their minds."
The crash of Flight 8501 has triggered an intensive international search-and-recovery operation involving 20 planes and helicopters along with 27 ships from Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore and the United States. All have been desperately searching for the all-important black boxes, pieces of the Airbus A320 and corpses.
This weekend, sonar equipment identified five large objects on the seabed in the search area, but no images have been captured confirming they are part of the plane.
Suspected plane parts were also seen scattered on beaches during an aerial survey.
After detecting the five large objects – the biggest measuring 59 feet long and 18 feet wide and believed to be the fuselage – officials said it was possible that many passengers and crew will be found inside the wreckage.
Divers tried to reach the site yesterday, but rolling seas stirred up silt and mud, leaving them with zero visibility, said Henry Bambang Soelistyo, chief of Indonesia's National Search and Rescue Agency.
"At this moment, it's impossible to send any divers," he said.


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2011 is shaping up to be a big year for black music on the festival circuit in the United States. The lineup for the 17th annual Essence Music Festival was announced and features such heavyweights as Kanye West, Mary J. Blige and Jill Scott amongst others.
West, Blige and Scott will be joined by Trey Songz, Charlie Wilson, Boyz II Men, and Fantasia on the festival's mainstage. Other stages will feature Stephanie Mills, George Clinton and the P-Funk All-Stars, Alexander O'Neal & Cherrelle, Macy Gray, Dwele, Mavis Staples, Mint Condition, M.C. Lyte, Tank, and the Rebirth Brass Band.
Top 9 Black Reality TV Personalities
The festival takes place from July 1-3rd in New Orleans.
RELATED: Lil Wayne & Eminem Headlining Bonnaroo Festival
DIRTY DOZEN: Uncle Ruckus' Most Racist Moments
Top 10 Hood Beverages
10 Best Celebrity Voices On "The Boondocks"
Pause!: 20 Of The Most Suspect Rap Lyrics In Hip-Hop
Where Are They Now? The Cast Of 1994's "Fresh"
10 Video Vixens Then & Now [PHOTOS]
BREAKING: Rapper Ms. Melodie Of Boogie Down Productions Dead
Jill Scott Talks To Mo'Nique About "Sins Of The Mother"

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22ct Gold Swarovski Zirconia Engagement Ring and Wedding Band Suite (7.74g) LR21602
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When the War was over, the majority of the soldiers from Potsdam returned home, although a few remained on duty to maintain civil order. Now life was nearly normal, except for the remembrance of those who had died for their country.
The State Census of 1865 showed that the total number of men from St. Lawrence County killed in the Civil War was 977, including 229 killed in battle, 152 died of wounds received in battle, 20 killed by accident, 9 accidental wounds, and 551 died of sickness in service.
St. Lawrence County lost the largest number of men in the War among counties in New York State; New York County followed with a total of 794 men lost to War.
According to figures released by the Bureau of Military Statistics, the total amount paid in bounties by the town of Potsdam during the years 1861 through 1854 was $405,649. St. Lawrence County paid bounties during those years of $806,200.


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"In the Beginning Was the Dialogue"
The Yemen Centre for Studies and Research, headed by Dr. Abd al-Aziz al-Muqalih, invited German writer Günther Grass to visit the Republic of Yemen between December 3 -13, 2002. He played a key role at the cultural conference that was held under the motto, "In the Beginning Was the Dialogue."
Günther Grass' visit to Yemen was unusual, both on his part and the Yemenis who invited him. He went to Yemen to explore its history, its present state of political, intellectual and social affairs, and to talk to Yemeni and Arab writers.
Contrary to what several Arabic newspapers reported, he neither intended to assume the role of lecturer, nor did he have any defined ideas he wanted to convey. He just wanted to listen to others and to express his thoughts and opinions on what was presented to him. The Yemenis were perfect hosts and provided the right setting for a cultural conference and a successful visit.
Grass and the delegation that accompanied him (German writers and Arab writers living in Germany and Switzerland) visited Sanaa, Aden, Taiz, Wadi Hadhramaut and Menakha. He was amazed by the by the clay buildings and other historic sites that had been preserved for thousands of years. He lamented the shortage of masons and consequently declared he would found a charitable organization and donate ten thousand euros to set up a vocational school of traditional masonry.
He read verses of his poems and listened to the translated versions.
Between the President and the Writer
When Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh received Günther Grass, he made sure the welcome was a friendly one. He highly praised the German writer's masonry school endeavour and also decided to support and promote the project. He announced that he was going to award Grass the highest order of merit in the arts and sciences. Before accepting the award Grass touched on a topic that he had always had in mind, a writer's freedom. He said he had heard about the Yemeni writer Wajdi al-Ahdal's difficulties when his novel, "Qawarib jabaliya" ("Mountain Boats") was published. Radical conservatives ran a malicious campaign against him, and he fled Yemen in fear. Grass asked the President to show a sign of appreciation towards the right to creative expression by offering the writer more personal protection, regardless of the novel's quality or subject matter.
The President of Yemen kindly agreed to fulfil this request, although he was surprised that the writer had fled Yemen. He felt that Wajdi al-Ahdal should have shown courage and stayed in Yemen. The President kept his word and Wajdi al-Ahdal returned to Yemen. Grass felt that the Yemeni President had bestowed two forms of honour on him, the second one having been the protection of human rights. This incident alone shows that Grass' visit to Yemen was successful.
Politics Overrule Literature
Although Adbulkareem al-Iryani, Secretary General of the People's Congress and political advisor to the President of Yemen, stressed the importance of the cultural dialogue in his opening speech at conference, most participants preferred the political issues to the literary ones in the lengthy talk rounds .
Günther Grass is clearly involved in politics and is an active member of the Germany's Social Democratic Party. More importantly, the Nobel Prize winner is a man cultural icon: poet, playwright, sculptor and painter. Nobody, however, asked him about his literature or art. During the political discussions, Grass expressed the thoughts and opinions which he has been known for in Germany in the past.Beware of Generalization
Grass dismissed the term "clash of civilisations", which he attributed to Western and Islamic fundamentalists who exploit conflicts for their respective purposes. Grass reminded participants of the contrasting views and cultural aspects but also pointed out that that opposing cultural characters could complement and enhance each other through cooperation. He mentioned that part of German literature was a literature of exile. A culture that shuts out others is in danger of exhausting itself. Arabs needn't be afraid of the impact of Western culture. After all, Western culture has embraced Arabic cultural elements in the past and has still maintained its character. Grass warned that it was dangerous for Arabs to over-generalize their view of the West and see it a single-faceted entity. He pointed out that the sharpest critiques of American politics have been expressed in Europe and in the United States itself, even by Jewish intellectuals, such as Noam Chomsky.
Friendship with Israel and Arabs
Some of the participating Arabs were not capable of understanding how Günther Grass could be a friend of Israel and Arabs at the same time. Grass reminded the participants of the events in recent German history, especially the atrocities committed by the Nazis.
These consequences of past actions led to the establishment of the State of Israel and also reminded everyone of the Germans' guilty conscience towards Jews. Nobody in the entire world, not even in the Arab world, could demand an abolition of the state of Israel, which had an substantiated right to exist.
Grass, however, explained that his friendship to both Israel and Arabs did not keep him from exercising his right to criticise if necessary. He condemned Sharon's current politics and furthermore, called for the removal of the new settlements on the West Bank and the Palestinians' right to establish an independent state. Grass stressed the necessity of coexistence between Palestinians and Israelis for the benefit of all involved in the situation. At the same time, he condemned the Palestinian suicide attacks aimed at Israeli civilians, since every single victim, on either side, was a terrible loss.
When asked about his opinion on Iraq, Günther Grass said he did not like dictator Saddam Hussein nor did he support him and that he hoped his regime would come to an end. At the same time, however, he objected to the USA's interference in internal Iraqi matters because it was up to the Iraqi people and the Arabs to to start pushing for the establishment of a democratic and just Iraqi government.
It seemed as though the subject of politics overruled literature during the talks, and even the the topic that came closest to literature, "Censorship and the Freedom of Expression" was also related to politics. The Yemeni writers told Grass that they feared the intrasigent, conservative forces in society more than state censorship. Grass reminded everyone of his first literary experiences with his novels, "The Tin Drum" and "Cat and Mouse", which inadvertently triggered a wave of protest in German. At that time, conservative groups accused him of libertinism and heresy. This did not discourage him from writing, nor were any of his books confiscated, nor did he go to prison. He added by saying, "the personal censorship some writers impose on themselves from time to time is the worst kind of censorship."
And in the End the Dialogue Prevailed
Although the political discourse outweighed the literary, talks were constructive. They provided adequate opportunities to clear up ambiguous ideas and perceptions and to guarantee the freedom of expression. The German writer discovered many facets of the "Arabic personality", and vice-versa, even though the approaches only took place on a political level. There were enough Yemeni festival organizers who were eager to maintain a frank dialogue, in the hope that Günther Grass would enjoy his stay and the talks in Yemen. Grass stated that he would like to take the opportunity to visit Yemen again.
Fares Youwakim, Translation: Martina Häusler
© 2002, Deutsche Welle


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Since sending out our last parcels we have had a busy few days:
Lots of present shopping has been done
The Christmas Tree and decorations have been put up
The house got cleaned
The BIG food shop has been squished into the fridge & cupboards
We spent yesterday with my Mum & Dad, which was FANTASTIC :-)
AND the barn's makeover is getting there, slowly!
Ready for some photos?
I am in drawer filling heaven (although it is taking me FOREVER!!)
Tuesday, December 23, 2014
Friday, December 19, 2014
We're not sending parcels out again until January but we will still be here for the next few days, working on all the other jobs...I have drawers to fill (yay!) and accounts to do (12 weeks worth - boo!) and all sorts of other jobs that have been put off during the busy season...I really do need to write myself a list!
Posted by paper-and-string at 4:33 pm No comments:
Thursday, December 18, 2014
Christmas Countdown :: 1
The website will remain open throughout the holiday and orders placed whilst we are shut will be posted upon our return Monday 5th January 2015.
yay! it's nearly Christmas!
Posted by paper-and-string at 3:57 pm No comments:
Wednesday, December 17, 2014
Sparkle Time
Glitter Material is here
Glitter Ribbons are here
Sequins are here
Glitter is here
Metallic Twine is here
Sparkle Bows are here
Glitter 'Bulb' buttons are here
Posted by paper-and-string at 4:00 pm No comments:
Tuesday, December 16, 2014
Christmas Countdown
Posted by paper-and-string at 4:44 pm No comments:
Monday, December 15, 2014
Christmas Countdown
3mm, 5mm & 7mm Scallop Scissors :: £15 a pair :: on the website here
Posted by paper-and-string at 5:15 pm No comments:
Sunday, December 14, 2014
Posted by paper-and-string at 6:46 pm 1 comment:
Friday, December 12, 2014
it's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas
The cut-off time for last minute orders to be posted before we go close for Christmas is
9am on FRIDAY 19th December 2014.
Our website will remain open during the Christmas Holiday and all orders will be posted when we return on Monday January 5th 2015.
Posted by paper-and-string at 10:58 am No comments:
Wednesday, December 10, 2014
we have drawers!
Our drawers have arrived!
I'll be sure to keep you up to date with Drawer News as it happens (can you tell I'm excited!)
I'll be sure to keep you up to date with Drawer News as it happens (can you tell I'm excited!)
Posted by paper-and-string at 7:57 pm No comments:
Saturday, December 06, 2014
website changes
Which means some changes have happened on the website....I am no longer taking orders for Handmade Items or Die Cut items - everything in both of those categories has been put as Out of Stock.
The paper-and-string Gift Guide is now live - with all sorts of crafty loveliness that's just perfect for gifting at Christmas (or gifting yourself if you're sure you deserve it!)
Posted by paper-and-string at 6:58 pm No comments:
Tuesday, December 02, 2014
Christmas Buttons
Red Polka Dot Buttons flew out of here last week .... so I placed a rush order before the weekend and here they are in all their Christmassy glory::
I also filled up on white teeny tinies AND teeny tiny Christmas Polka Dots.... they are all on the website already - sorry if you tried to buy some over the weekend and got an 'out of stock' message, you won't get one now!!
I also filled up on white teeny tinies AND teeny tiny Christmas Polka Dots.... they are all on the website already - sorry if you tried to buy some over the weekend and got an 'out of stock' message, you won't get one now!!
Posted by paper-and-string at 7:02 pm No comments:
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Missing hiker found alive on Mount St. Helens after nearly a week ate berries, bees
COUGAR, Wash. (AP) — An Ohio man who was missing on Mount St. Helens was found Wednesday on a flank of the peak nearly a week after he set out on a day hike and survived by eating berries and bees, authorities and the man's relatives said.
Matthew B. Matheny, 40, of Warren, Ohio, was in good condition, talking and did not appear to have suffered life-threatening injuries but was flown to a hospital to spend the night as a precaution, the Cowlitz County Sheriff's Office said in a statement.
His parents told reporters outside the Vancouver, Washington, hospital that he was being treated for dehydration and would stay overnight, adding that he ate berries and killed bees that he also ate.
KPTV in Portland provided the following video:
Matheny, 40, was not familiar with the terrain, got lost and had not seen anyone since Aug. 9, they said.
Friends last saw Matthew Matheny when he borrowed a car and headed to Blue Lake Trail on the southwest side of St. Helens. They reported him missing after he failed to return, prompting a search. A sheriff's deputy found the borrowed Subaru Outback at the trailhead on Saturday.
About 30 search-and-rescue personnel, assisted by helicopters, tracking dogs and a drone operated by the sheriff's office searched for him daily.
Searchers on Tuesday decided to focus on a 1-square-mile (2.6-square-kilometer) area based on cellphone signals and a computer model that sought to predict Matheny's movements.
Blue Lake Trail is a short walk through meadows and tall fir trees to Blue Lake, according to the Washington Trails Association, Beyond the lake, hikers can access other trails and ridges, leading to views of Mount St. Helens and Mount Adams.
Matheny was found below a different trail, authorities said.
"He was in the free forest at this point. He lost the trail, he fell down the steep back," said Paul Pepper, another member of the rescue team.


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Watermelon (Citrullus lannatus, C, vulgaris) is a member of the Curcurbitaceae (Gourd) Family and native of Africa.
Watermelon is cold, sweet and refreshing and provides a safe reliable fluid in many desert regions of the world. Watermelon is considered a rejuvenating blood tonic and very alkalinizing. It is also antibacterial, antioxidant, anticoagulating, a digestive aid, diuretic, and laxative. It lubricates the intestines and has an affinity for the bladder, kidney, stomach and heart. Watermelon is a good source of beta-carotene, vitamin C, potassium, and silicon. It actually has half as much sugar as an apple, yet tastes sweeter, because it is mostly (92%) water. Watermelon contains the red pigment, lycopene which is proving to prevent cancer. It also contains glutathione, which guards against cataract formation. Watermelon helps lift the spirits from depression and has been used to improve halitosis, hangover, mouth sores, sore throat, and urethral pain. Watermelon makes an ideal food during a cleanse.
When the white spot that touches the ground, turns yellow or cream colored, it indicates ripeness. Avoid melons with a green or white belly. Select a melon heavy for its size. When the melon is thumped, it should have a dull, hollow sound. If the skin is scraped with one's nail and it comes off easily, the melon is ripe. Smell for a sweet fragrance. Best to enjoy watermelon alone, but try it with other melons in a fruit salad or juice it. Enjoy a cool watermelon sorbet.
Watermelon rind contains chlorophyll and can be eaten (close to the skin) or run through a juicer for building the blood and strengthening the glands. In some parts of South America, watermelon rind is applied to the temples and forehead to cool a headache. Watermelon pulp is used topically to treat heat rash and burns. The black watermelon seeds are a traditional remedy for strengthening the kidneys. The seeds, juice and pink flesh can all be juiced together. They contain curcurbocitrin which dilates the capillaries. Look for watermelons with seeds and eat them! I promise, a melon won't grow in your belly!


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Satisfactory Academic Progress
All matriculated students, even if they do not receive Federal Title IV financial aid, must maintain satisfactory academic progress. To read the complete policy and regulations, click here.
Withdrawal from Classes
If a student withdraws from classes, the student may be required to repay a portion of any federal or state financial aid that was received for use during that period. A complete refund of tuition and fees will be issued if a student cancels a registration before the first day of classes. Once classes begin, refunds are prorated based on the official date of withdrawal (or non-attendance) from class(es). If a student drops credits or withdraws from the college, or if an express semester class is cancelled, the student may be responsible for all or part of any unpaid charges. If the student is eligible for an amount of earned aid not yet received, the student will be contacted by the Student Accounts Office. Refund monies are distributed back to financial aid accounts in accordance with federal and state regulations. Contact the Student Accounts Office with refund and calculation questions at (845) 687-5099.
Withdrawal from College
Financial aid recipients withdrawing from the College MUST secure a clearance signature from the Financial Aid Office. This requirement is to ensure that all matters regarding financial aid awards, refunds, and student loan obligations are taken care of prior to leaving the College. Students not contacting the Financial Aid Office will be billed for any refund overpayment received, and will be unable to re-enroll until such time that the overpayment has been returned to the U. S. Department of Education (or the college in some cases). Students with Direct Loans (Stafford and Unsubsidized Stafford) must complete an exit interview at www.studentloans.gov.
If a student fails to attend class(es), the student may be required to repay a portion of any federal or state financial aid that was received for use during that period. In some cases, financial aid awards can be cancelled, and the student would be required to repay the financial aid award(s).
It is the student's responsibility to advise the Financial Aid Office of all scholarships, outside awards, or other resources that the student may receive. If at any time it is discovered that the student has been over awarded financial aid, the student is responsible for repaying the amount that exceeds eligibility regardless of the reason for the over award.
Students/parents sometimes make errors on their application. Colleges are required to have procedures for verifying the reported information.
A Student Aid Report can be selected for verification:
Students must provide all requested verification documentation.
Required Verification Items include:
Loss of Student Eligibility for Federal Aid Due to Drug Conviction
The Higher Education Amendments of 1998 provide that a student is ineligible for federal student aid if convicted, under federal or state law, of any offense involving the possession or sale of a controlled substance during a period of enrollment in which federal student aid was received. Federal aid can be grants, student loans, and/or college work study. The period of ineligibility begins on the date of conviction and lasts until the end of a statutorily specified period. The student may regain eligibility early by completing a drug rehabilitation program or if the conviction is overturned.
The question on the FAFSA regarding drug offenses asks about convictions for possessing or selling illegal drugs, if the offense occurred during a period of enrollment when students were receiving federal student aid (grants, loans, and/or work-study). When answering this question, convictions that have been removed from the student's record do not count. Also, convictions that occurred before age 18, unless the student was tried as an adult, do not count.
Even if you are not eligible for federal aid, you may be eligible for state aid or aid from your school financial aid office. If you become eligible for federal financial aid (for example, if your eligibility date arrives or if you complete an acceptable drug rehabilitation program), notify the financial aid office. If you are convicted of possessing or selling drugs after you submit your FAFSA, you must notify your financial aid office immediately. You will lose your eligibility and be required to pay back all aid you received after your conviction.
For more information on this topic please visit www.fafsa.gov.


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Vincent Gadan, pastry chef at Patisse.
Reservoir Cats, film still
Channel 7 building against the Sydney skyline
Image from my project, The Commute
Olympic gold medal winning diver, Matt Mitcham, before his appearance on Dancing with the Stars.
Vivian Zhu, a swimmer, competes in freestyle.
Tyler Simons and Kamaljeet Kaur, Mitchell High School students took part in the Wall of Hands program to raise money for charity.
A young man celebrates his Ethiopian heritage at Auckland's International Cultural Festival.
Catriona Rowntree, television presenter


text:
ScoopZone Elite: November 21, 2016
We've consulted our inside sources to bring you the best and most EXCLUSIVE dirt on your favorite wrestling promotions from around the world. Unlike other sites, we'll only bring you 100% accurate and truthful wrestling news every week. We're still working on our paywall, so please only read these stories if you're an elite member.
News for The Week of November 21, 2016
- The Authentic Untold Story of ECW debuts on the WWE Network later tonight where we will hear new information about ECW like "Paul was a genius" and "the crowds were insane."
- James Ellsworth eliminating Braun Strowman and Brock Lesnar losing a match in 2 minutes is all part of the upcoming WWE 24: Freaky Friday special.
- Having exhausted nearly every idea to make Dolph Ziggler interesting WWE is trying to talk him into getting a bionic arm.
- WWE is trying to figure out a way to get Tye Dillinger into the Cruiserweight Division so that the guys can do high spots off the top of his vest collar.
- Arn Anderson is legitimately concerned with The Revival referring to him as their "Uncle Arn" backstage.
- Shinsuke Nakamura will start wearing remote-controlled buzzing devices on each of his limbs so that someone can buzz it to remind him to sell the necessary body part during matches.
- Marty Scurll and Will Ospreay each winning the ROH Television Championship this weekend were both last-minute decisions after management failed to find first choice Roderick Strong backstage.
- There are at least eight more wrestling streaming services launching in 2017.
- Lance Storm is painfully jealous of Chris Jericho's friendship with Kevin Owens.


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There was another at Anita Place Tent City overnight Friday, the third in two days since the city removed heat sources from it last weekend during court-ordered safety inspections.
The most recent fire happened early Friday, following two previous fires on Wednesday.
The blaze started on the side of the camp near the Haney Bypass and slowed traffic while firefighters fought the blaze. It's not certain if there were any injuries.
On Wednesday, just after 2 p.m., three or four explosions rocked the camp and a 10-kilogram propane tank was venting and burning gas, according to a City of Maple Ridge news release.
Flames tore into the trees and tent at the main entrance to the camp on 223rd Street was destroyed.
Later Wednesday night, at about 10 p.m. a second fire destroyed a tent at the secondary entrance nearby. A propane cylinder and appliances were found in the remains of that tent, said the city.
The first two fires are still being investigated.
No one was hurt in either of those fires. It is not known about the third fire.
Street entrenched people have been staying at the encampment for roughly a year. In 2016, a tent city was setup just a block away from Anita Place. That encampment led the province and former mayor Nicole Reed to open the contentious RainCity temporary homeless shelter, which closed its doors in 2017.
Camp remains without power for warming tent
There was another at Anita Place Tent City overnight Friday, the third in two days since the city removed heat sources from it last weekend during court-ordered safety inspections.
The most recent fire happened early Friday, following two previous fires on Wednesday.
The blaze started on the side of the camp near the Haney Bypass and slowed traffic while firefighters fought the blaze. It's not certain if there were any injuries.
The camp has been without power for a week after the city asked for the electricity to be disconnected because the power box had been tampered with and there was a risk of electrocution.
The electricity was powering a warming tent as temperatures remain close to -4 C at night.
The supplier of the large propane tanks that provided heat for the warming tent also removed those because of safety concerns, said the city.
Maple Ridge said in a news release Thursday that it was heading back to B.C. Supreme Court to seek orders to address obstruction of city workers in improving safety at the camp.
On the weekend, police and bylaws set up a barricade around Anita Place Tent City and residents were asked for identification to be put on a list for housing, while the fire department enforced safety regulations imposed by a B.C. Supreme Court order, issued by Justice Christopher Grauer earlier this month.
Residents were asked for identification to be put on a list for housing, while the fire department enforced safety regulations.
In February, Justice Grauer decided to allow solid structures to remain at the camp, but granted the city the authority to address the closeness of tents to the fences and each other, remove accelerant, electrical connections and other materials that pose a fire safety risk on the site.
Officials removed some 100 propane tanks, gas canisters, generators and other potential ignition sources on the weekend.
Investigation of the fires on Wednesday, however, revealed more such materials had been re-introduced to the camp, said the city.
It alleges work to bring the camp into compliance with fire safety standards was impeded and the city will now return to court.
"The work was obstructed by people posing as camp occupants and working to hamper the fire department and bylaws personnel from their work to enforce the court order," said the city.
"The two fires on Wednesday, Feb. 28, and the evidence that a significant quantity of ignition sources and accelerants have been reintroduced to the site has reinforced a decision by the City of Maple Ridge to return to the B.C. Supreme Court. The city is requesting remedies to address the obstruction of city workers in carrying out the terms of the court order and for mechanisms to ensure the safety of city workers who are conducting work on the site."
The Pivot Legal Society, which has represented the camp residents in court, is seeking to appear before the Court of Appeal regarding the court-ordered safety enforcement at Anita Place Tent City.
Pivot alleges the city is not collaborating with camp residents and said shutting off heat to the camp warming tent was misconduct by the city, among other "numerous and egregious contraventions" of the court order.
According to the city, propane tanks had been tampered with and the supplier decided to remove them. The electrical panel had also been tampered with and was open to the elements, creating a risk of electrocution.
Rally planned outside homeless camp
Soon after the city's announcement Thursday, the Alliance Against Displacement, which has been advocating for the camp residents, announced a protest rally on Tuesday, March 5 "to defend Anita Place and call for homes, not prison camps."
The rally will be at the homeless camp, beginning at 4 p.m.
"Their two-day long raid aimed at seizing about 50 homeless peoples' means of keeping themselves warm – confiscating any device that casts heat – even as an unseasonable cold snap continued," said the Alliance.
"You can't legislate someone to freeze because the threat of arrest will never be as severe or pressing as the immediate pains of the cold."
The Alliance called for the city and province to provide safe electricity outlets at each tent and structure and safe, radiant or ceramic electric heaters to each person who needs them.
"These resources would cost a fraction of the budget blown on two days of over-the-top police enforcement that achieved nothing, not even by the city and courts' own measure."


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When Valve released the last of their Team Fortress 2 "Meet the…" videos last month with Meet the Pyro, they also made waves by announcing that they'd release the tools used to make the company's machinima videos for Team Fortress 2, Portal and the various other Source engine games as a software package called the Source Filmmaker. After a short closed beta the company released the package on Wednesday for anyone to download; after a few hours with the tools, we've got some thoughts.
Unlike the Perpetual Testing Initiative that Valve launched for Portal 2 earlier this year, the Source Filmmaker is decidedly NOT a product that you can pick up and play with immediately. Users with a significant history in video editing or 3D animation will probably find a lot to enjoy, but the need to import a level, a camera, models and animations for your films will probably confuse Valve fans just looking to make some quick films with their favorite Team Fortress characters.
For users looking to really dig into the world of machinima however, the Source Filmmaker could be a boon. The product was developedin conjunction with the filmmaking team at Valve, and it shows. The Filmmaker software is very clearly made by expert animators and storytellers looking to smooth out what they dislike in the traditional animation process.
This can be counter-intuitive for the average user but it can also make the movie making process significantly easier once you reorient yourself. For instance, the easiest way to get characters and animations into your Filmmaker projects is to play and record an actual round or two of Team Fortress 2. While this has some disadvantages (you'll probably need to grab some other players to "act" as other characters on screen or record yourself as each character individually), it also gives you a tremendous amount of "raw footage" that can then be edited and tweaked to your heart's delight. Rather than forcing movie makers to create each element individually, Source Filmmaker wants you to get as much footage as possible "naturally" by recording the game and then allows you to tweak whatever elements you see fit using powerful in-engine tools.
After spending some time with Source Filmmaker I'm of two minds about the software. On the one hand, there is an undeniable appeal to Valve's approach to movie making; it really streamlines the process of animating while allowing you to control the individual elements on screen more precisely than any other machinima tool I know of.
However, because the tool was so clearly made by and for experts I fear that the barrier to entry for creating films is too high to really involve the average Valve fan. I hope I'm wrong (and the Source Filmmaker team certainly seems dedicated to bringing more users into the fold, providing tutorials and promising new tips on the Source Filmmaker homepage) but it's hard to imagine this tool will encourage many users who aren't already interested in machinima to dive in and try to make movies.


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624-227-5766 | Cabo
If you are thinking of becoming part of our Incredible community you do not have to worry about medical services in Los Cabos anymore. Now you can find professional doctors, emergency services and drugstores that will offer excellent service and healthcare for you and your loved ones.
In Los Cabos you can also find nutritionists, psychotherapy and plastic surgery services, but can you trust medical services providers in Cabo? Just like in the United States the key to make sure will be choosing the right professional or healthcare provider.
I also recommend you to hire an insurance service before coming into the country or if you prefer to wait until Cabo, there is a company called International Insurance Services (www.caboinsurance.com). Their speciality is providing insurance and related services to international residents.
Please take a look of the following directory prepared by Los Cabos Guide where you will find a brief description of the service, address and phone number of each provider.
AirLink Ambulance - Is the lead air ambulance company operating in Mexico internationally recognized for its professional and qualified service. Lazaro Cardenas km 1.5 Col. El Medano C.P. 2410, Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur, Mexico. Phone: 011-52-624-143-7474; Fax: 011-52-624-143-7474; Cel: 011-52-624-151-5771
Amerimed Hospital - "Your Partners in Health" - offers an integrated team of medical experts, modern facilities, and high technology. This winning combination allows fast and accurate diagnosis and treatment. AmeriMed is the First American Hospital in Mexico specializing in the care of international tourists. AmeriMed provides a "medical oasis" in Mexico's leading tourist destinations. Staffed 24 hours a day with bilingual in-house physicians. Lazaro Cardenas s/n, Edificio Pioneros, Cabo San Lucas, BCS. Phone: 143-9670; Fax: 143-9671. Open daily 24 hrs.—AX, MC, VS
Atencion Medica Integrada - Venustiano Carranza 11 Loc. 3, Cabo San Lucas, BCS. Doctor. Alfonso Najar, FACS. Surgery, Gastroenterology and Endoscopy, Board Certified, Fellow of the American College of Surgeons Dra. Laura Elena Castañeda, Pediatrician - 24 Hour Emergency. Phone: 143-2686 and 143-1218.
Baja Medical Response BMR - Lopez Mateos between Leona Vicario and Morelos, Cabo San Lucas, BCS. Specialties Hospital, total medical service, Air and ground evacuations. Emergencies: 144-3434. Hospital Ph 143-77-77. Home or Hotel Vitis - Cell: 044 (624) 147-0911.
Balboa Hospital and Walk-In Clinic Los Cabos - Experienced Bilingual Physicians - Hotel and House Call Available USA and Canadian Insurance and Credit Cards Honored. (Some restrictions may apply) CABO FIRST RESPONSE - AIR and LAND AMBULANCE - Rescue Critical Care and Worldwide Evacuation. Pick-Up Service - Phone: (624) 143-5900.
Biological Center - Offers you an Option where you can improve your quality of life, liberating you of the pain and the intensive consumption of your degenerative process in San Jose del Cabo. Dr. Cenobio Muñoz MD Manager, Marinos y Retorno Atunero, El Chamizal, San Jose del Cabo Baja California Sur, Mexico 23400.
Blue Medical Net A multidisciplinary company dedicated to develop and manage heath care systems in tourism and retirement communities, They create technology, infrastructure and provide world-class medical care with an exclusive and personalized service.
624 104 3911 Emergency Cabo San Lucas, 624 104 3912 non Emergency Cabo San Lucas, bluemedicalnet.com, Hiway 1 across from Home Depot
Cabo House Calls - Dr. James McAllister is a board certified physician who offers professional on-site visits to homes, businesses, or hotel rooms. It is his goal to provide you with excellent medical treatment while helping you maintain physical health. Medical care is also provided exclusively by specialists in: Internal Medicine, Geriatrics, General Surgery, Pediatrics, Orthopedics and Sports Medicine. We Provide: 24 Hour Hotel Care; Prompt, Professional Service; Treatment in your hotel room by Board Certified Physicians; No long pharmacy lines; More convenient than an emergency room; Invoice available for Insurance carrier reimbursement; Cash, major credit cards and checks accepted. The last place you want to be is waiting in line in an overcrowded emergency room. Questions or concerns at 044-624-141-6176. From the U.S. and Canada 011-52-624-141-6176
Cabo Medical Care - General Medicine and Aesthetic Treatments and Products. Mesotherapy - Restylane - New-Fill - Botox. Certified in the Zone Perfect Nutrition Program. Ocampo and 16 de Septiembre, Cabo San Lucas, BCS. General Medical clinic of English speaking Dra. Alma Vazquez Lomas, with X-ray, ultrasound and laboratory facilities.Phone: (624) 143-0774, (624) 143-3517, Cellular: 044 (624) 147-5719. Open Monday to Friday 9 am to 8 pm; Saturday 9 am to 2 pm.; Emergency - 24 hours. AX, MC, VS
CMCSL Centro Medico - Offers a wide range of medical services provided by its highly qualified staff. Prol. Juan Alvarez s/n Col. El Arenal, Cabo San Lucas, Los Cabos, Mexico, Baja California Sur. Phone: (624) 143-9727 | Fax: (624)143-1583. Open Daily 24 Hrs.
Consultorio Medico Dr. Vazquez - Carret. Transp. Km 22.5, Westin Regina Hotel, Tourist Corridor, Los Cabos, BCS. 24 hour emergency medical service. Ph:142-9143; Cell: 044-624-147-0507. Open 24 hours—AX, MC, VS.
Dental Care, Dentists, Dental Tourism
Doctor Alejandro Avalos - Lopez Mateos between L. Vicario and Morelos, Cabo San Lucas, BCS. Orthopedics. Emergency services, 24-hours a day. Ph: 143-2919; Cell: 044-624-147-0911. Daily, 24 hours—MC, VS.
Doctor Alma Vazquez Lomas - Ocampo and 16 de Sept., Cabo San Lucas, BCS. English speaking. General Medicine. Certified in the Zone Perfect Nutrition Program. . Cabo Medical Care has been serving the community of Cabo San Lucas and Los Cabos since 1987. Alma Vazquez Lomas, M. D., the resident physician and owner, speaks perfect English. ; Ph: 143-0774; Emergencies: 044-624-147-5719. Mon–Sat, 8am–8pm—AX
Doctor. Robert Saltzman, Ph.D. - Counseling and Psychotherapy - for individuals, couples, and families. Serviecs include counseling and psychotherapy, mental, emotional, and physical stability; personal growth, psychological wellness, and spiritual unfoldment. Serving Los Cabos, Todos Santos, and La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico. by appointment: (612) 145-0278.
GM Micropigmentation - A successful, safe and reliable micropigmentation technique, developed to increase the permanent beauty in eyes, eyebrows and lips, giving more expression and youthfulness to your face.
Hospital de Especialidades - (Specialties Hospital) - Lopez Mateos between L. Vicario and Morelos, Cabo San Lucas, BCS. Medical Center: Specialized medicine, x-rays, lab, ambulance, drugstore, hospital, oxygen, wheelchairs and crutches. ; Ph: 143-2919, Emergencies: 144-3434; Cell: 044-624-147-0911; E-mail:firstname.lastname@example.com. Daily, 24-hours—MC, VS.
Hospital Reforma General Medicine. Consultations 24/7. 7 a.m. - 10 p.m. =100 pesos, 10 p.m. - 7 a.m. =200 pesos, Sundays day or night =200 pesos. Calle Aguajitos,behind Soriana. 624 173 1100, 044 624 129 6472
Longevity Massage Therapy - Specializing in an integrated approach to Orthopedic Massage Therapy, combining Myofascial Release, Intrinsic Joint Mobilization, and Active/Passive Isolated Stretching with traditional Swedish and Deep Tissue Massage, designed to treat chronic to acute soft tissue dysfunction Phone: (624) 160-6186. Cabo San Lucas / San Jose del Cabo.
Marsus Alternative Medical Antiaging and Spa - Invites you to try their menu of services, designed to take care of your health as well as your beauty, with non invasive treatments our team will help you to improve your health, detoxify your body, save your skin, recover your strength and turn the clock back in San Jose del Cabo, Los Cabos, Mexico.
Medica Los Cabos - Medical Clinic: English spoken. Zaragoza near corner of I. Green, San Jose del Cabo ; Phone: 142-2770, 142-1510. Emergency and general practice. Surgery, lab, X-rays, ultrasound, 24 hour care and pharmacy. Daily, 24 hours—VS, MC.
MIguelangelo Plastic Surgery Clinic - Inside of Hotel Hacienda Beach Resort, Medano Beach, Cabo San Lucas, BCS. The finest plastic surgery clinic in Los Cabos. Phone: 143-4303. USA Ph: 1-800-386-2226. Mon-Fri 9 am-2 pm; with appointment from 4 pm to 6 pm. Sat. 9 am to 2 pm.—MC, VS.
SkyMed International - Air Evacuation - Cabo San Lucas Air Ambulance Medical Services. Contact Cathie Smith LoCicero Phone & fax. (624) 143-1212. In Cabo cell: 044-624-355-3280 International calls dial 011-52, then 624 105-0300.or toll free from U.S. and Canada 1-866-376-2289. Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur, Mexico.
Temazcal Spa - Purification ritual. Carr. Transpeninsular Km 3.5, Cabo San Lucas, BCS - México 23410 Phone: (624) 144 - 4727. Fax: (624) 144 - 4799.


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(CNN) -- Not many businessmen can claim the superstar status of Carlos Ghosn. But then not many businessmen are at the helm of not one, but two of the world's biggest car makers.
Renault-Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn smiles at the Monaco Formula One Grand Prix on May 25, 2008.
Brazilian-born Ghosn has not always been a superstar in Japan. When he arrived in Tokyo in 1999 to revive the fortunes of Nissan, he took plenty of flak after slashing more than 20,000 jobs and closing assembly plants.
But when his "Nissan Revival Plan" worked -- he resurrected the car maker from near bankruptcy a year earlier than scheduled -- he became a hero.
These days Ghosn gets the sort of adulation in Japan normally reserved for rock stars and football players. He is often mobbed by fans in search of an autograph and has even been portrayed as a manga comic book superhero in "The True Story of Carlos Ghosn."
His face has graced the covers of Japanese business magazines, he is the subject of a handful of books and has even written his own.
Ghosn was born on March 9, 1954, to Lebanese parents. His family moved to Lebanon when he was a toddler, and he later studied engineering at Ecole Polytechnique and Ecole des Mines de Paris in France, where he is a citizen.
Fluent in French, Arabic, English and Portuguese -- and quickly catching up in Japanese -- Ghosn is the quintessential international businessman.
His career in the auto industry began in 1978 at Europe's largest tiremaker, Michelin, where he worked for 18 years, moving up the ranks from plant manager to chief operating officer.
He headed both Michelin's South American and North American units during his tenure with the company, achieving success at both. He joined Renault in 1996 as executive vice president, and was sent to Japan to revive Nissan three years later.
Since May 2005, all the while staying at the helm of Nissan, he has taken the reins of French car company Renault, which owns 44 percent of Nissan.
The man dubbed "Samurai" and "Le Cost Killer" for his reputation for restructuring companies is not only CEO and president of Nissan and Renault, he is also on the board of Alcoa, Sony and IBM.
Running two of the world's biggest car companies means splitting his time between Paris and Tokyo and fitting in meetings, visits to plants and dealerships, as well as attending car shows all over the world and catalyzing spectacular model launches.
But despite his busy lifestyle, it is not all business for Ghosn. Married to wife Rita, whom he met 22 years ago in France, the couple have four children -- Caroline, Nadine, Maya and Anthony -- and Ghosn is known for making time to spend with his family.
And at Nissan's new Advanced Technology Center in Yokohama, Japan, all employees are asked to leave the building each day no later than 8 p.m., so as to avoid sombering into workaholism.
He's revived the fortunes of Japan's second biggest car maker, was named Man of the Year in 2002 by French magazine Le Journal de l'Automobile and Businessman of the Year by Fortune magazine the same year.
But he has said his most cherished titled is being named Father of the Year by a Japanese community group in 2001.
All About Carlos Ghosn • Renault SA • The Michelin Group • Nissan Motor Co. Ltd.


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(KCPW News) Some state liquor stores may be open on holidays after all. After previously rejecting a bill to create a pilot program for selling alcohol on holidays, the House Government Operations Committee approved it this morning. Republican Representative Lee Perry amended the bill to clarify that on certain major holidays, stores could not remain open, despite the pilot project.
"I put in New Years, Thanksgiving and Christmas, but also with concerns for the possibility of someone being over-intoxicated, I put in probably one of the leading holidays for people who like to drink and party, which is July 4th. Most of the rest of the holidays I don't see a real major problem with," he said.
But that change wasn't enough to satisfy drunken driving victim Anna Kay Waddoups, who's the wife of Utah Senate President Michael Waddoups. She testified that any time more liquor becomes available, there will be more problems.
"So, even though it seems so innocuous and such a simple thing to do, I caution you that this may not turn out the way that you think that it might do. I think that it will create problems and it will be very difficult to pull back," she said.
The legislation, sponsored by Democratic Representative Patrice Arent, was approved by an 8-to-2 vote, and now moves to the House floor. The bill doesn't specify which stores will open on holidays during the pilot project, but Arent says the DABC has indicated it will likely include stores in tourist areas like Park City and Moab.
How do you feel about this topic?
Is there anything else you think we should know? We'd like to hear your thoughts. Send us your feedback using the form below.


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When people talk about Southern California, they're usually referring to the idyllic, 130-mile strip of coast between Los Angeles and San Diego. The "California Riviera," as it's often called, is as much a lifestyle as a location. People here live outdoors—even, it seems, when they're indoors. (With year-round sun and mild temperatures, the weather is just as laid-back as the residents.)
To see California beach culture at its best, start your drive 40 miles south of L.A., among the surfers and volleyball gods of Orange County's Newport Beach. Then cruise down toward San Diego, about 90 miles farther. You'll get to experience this health-minded environment of gentle breezes and flowering clifftop parks, where people rise early, eat well (occasionally indulging in world-class sweets) and sometimes end their evenings with a glass of Cabernet beside a firepit, say, at Sapphire restaurant in Laguna Beach. You may come to California's Riviera to vacation in one of the world's most accessible beautiful places, but you'll leave with a little of that lifestyle under your skin.
Stop in Newport Beach for a bike ride along the three-mile-long Balboa Peninsula. The flat cycling path cuts between the sand and a row of whimsical beach houses—a simple sea cottage is next to a palazzo, which is next to a tiki hut. Rent beach cruisers from Easy Ride Bicycle Rentals. The beach is improbably wide and full of dunes; at its south end is the Wedge, a scenic inlet where sailboats and Duffy electric touring boats glide by.
Then find a space for you and your bike on the ferry to Balboa Island—the ride takes only a few minutes. (The ferry also has room for three cars.) The island's main drag, Marine Avenue, is lined with restaurants and shops like Olive Oil and Beyond, selling selections from Italy, Greece, Spain—even Tunisia and Australia. Enjoy homespun delights at either of the island's rival chocolate-dipped-banana joints: Sugar 'n Spice and Dad's Donut Shop and Bakery. Locals hotly debate the confectionary merits of each.
The nearby oceanfront neighborhood of Corona del Mar holds its own in the sweets department: Gelato Paradiso is right next door to Sprinkles Cupcakes, where the red velvet and peanut butter chocolate cupcakes are nothing short of addictive. If you prefer lunch before dessert, try nearby Gulfstream, the cream of the area's crop of festive seafood joints.
Move slightly inland to sample Newport's upscale diversions. Key among them is the nearly 400-acre Pelican Hill Golf Club. The Tom Fazio–designed 36-hole course is open to the public. A longtime Newport Coast institution, the club is now surrounded by the palatial, Mediterranean-style Resort at Pelican Hill. Soak up the ambience over an early dinner at Andrea, one of Pelican Hill's dining rooms. It's easily one of the state's finest Northern Italian restaurants. Pastas—tagliatelle, ravioli with ricotta and spinach—are prepared in a temperature-controlled pasta room; the burrata salad with tomato and arugula is a must.
Leaving Newport Beach, Highway 1 dips and winds along cliffs and past sandy coves. Rather than blasting by all this beauty, set aside an afternoon for Crystal Cove State Park, a protected three-mile sandy strand backed by 2,400 acres of seaside cliffs and forests of eucalyptus, pine and Canary Island palms. Before you head out on the 17 miles of hiking trails, fuel up at the three-year-old Beachcomber Café, reportedly the first restaurant in 40 years to open right on the SoCal sand. Its beignets and banana pancakes have folks lining up on weekend mornings.
The affluent and arty city of Laguna Beach is home to fewer than 25,000 people. With its curving bay and bungalow- and mansion-dotted hillside, it's like an American version of Italy's Positano—but with surfers. And it's a lot easier to reach, since three major airports (LAX, John Wayne and Long Beach) are within an hour's drive. At Laguna's center is Main Beach, with its tidal pools and boardwalk; across from the beach are the galleries of Forest Avenue. The town's Heisler Park, which was recently relandscaped, has walking paths that drop down to golden sands where you can swim, surf, dive or just explore the tide pools. It's a great vantage point for views of the rugged coast, human-scaled town and palm-silhouetted sunsets.
Laguna Beach has lured artists for more than a century, even before there were good roads into town. Visitors flock to year-round events associated with the Sawdust Art Festival; the town operates a trolley out to the exhibit and entertainment grounds, where locals show and sell their work. Laguna's arty atmosphere led Bette Davis to buy a cottage here as a getaway. Her Tudor-style house sits high above Wood's Cove, one of Laguna's perfect pocket beaches; you'll recognize it by the big D on the chimney. Film buffs should know that the South American port Davis explores in the film Now, Voyager is actually Laguna Beach, and her lunch with Paul Henreid was filmed on the site of today's Las Brisas, a fabulous Mexican restaurant with a patio framed by a rose garden and seaside views.
Treasure Island Park also has Pacific views to spare. Here, locals work their way through morning yoga routines on the lawns while bunnies can be heard hopping about in the underbrush. After your visit, stop at the adjacent Montage, a Craftsman-style resort that has been wowing travelers and celeb weekenders from L.A. since it opened. If you book a treatment you can spend some time at the spa, with its open-air relaxation areas, pool deck and oceanfront gym. Or just relax over drinks by the fire in the plush lobby. Views of the Pacific included, naturally.
When in SoCal, you must sample at least one fish taco, and in Laguna Beach that means Taco Loco. There are other taco joints in town, but none of them has fresher lobster tacos or Chilean sea bass salads—and Taco Loco has the lines to prove it.
The next stop is North San Diego County—known as North County. An easy coastal drive south on Interstate 5 leads to the pretty community of Del Mar, anchored by the Auberge Del Mar resort. The lobby lounge and the tiered decks that hold the Waterfall Terrace and Bleu Bar are social magnets, and the restaurant, Kitchen 1540, is well worth a visit.
End your SoCal road trip in La Jolla, a walkable, Mediterranean-style village with a strong sense of community. The town's ocean swimmers like to drop their towels on the emerald green lawn above La Jolla Cove and swim out—beyond snorkelers ogling Garibaldi fish—to the half-mile buoy in the bay. Paddlers can rent kayaks and tour the coast's seven sea caves, while the more daring might sign up at Torrey Pines Gliderport for a 20-minute tandem flight above the sands of Black's Beach.
When you're in La Jolla's oceanfront park, wander south along the coastal path to a tiny cove populated by sea lions basking in the sun. Humans must stay behind the rope: There's no touching allowed. But from here you can admire (and photograph) the sea lions enjoying their version of the SoCal lifestyle.
Sapphire: 1200 S Coast Hwy #101; 949.715.9888; sapphirellc.com
Easy Ride Bicycle Rentals: 101 Palm St.; 949.566.9850; easyridebikes.com
Olive Oil and Beyond: oliveoilandbeyond.com
Sugar 'n Spice: 310 Marine Ave; 949.673.8907
Dad's Donut Shop and Bakery: 318 Marine Ave; 949.673.8686
Gelato Paradiso: 952 Avocado Ave.
Sprinkles Cupcakes: 944 Avocado Ave; 949.760.0003; sprinkles.com
Gulfstream: 850 Avocado Ave; 949.718.0188
Pelican Hill Golf Club: 22701 Pelican Hill Rd. S.; 877.735.4226; pelicanhill.com
Crystal Cove State Park: crystalcovestatepark.com
Sawdust Art Festival: sawdustartfestival.org
Las Brisas: 361 Cliff Dr.; 949.497.5434; lasbrisaslagunabeach.com
Montage: 30801 S Coast Hwy; 949.715.6000; montagelagunabeach.com
Taco Loco: 640 S Coast Hwy; 949.497.1635; tacoloco.net
Waterfall Terrace: 1540 Camino Del Mar; 858.259.1515; LAubergeDelMar.com/WaterfallTerrace
Kitchen 1540: 858.793.6460
La Jolla Kayak: 2199 Ave. de la Playa; 858.459.1114; lajollakayak.com
Torrey Pines Gliderport: 2800 Torrey Pines Scenic Dr.; 858.452.9858; flytorrey.com
NOTE: Information may have changed since publication. Please confirm key details before planning your trip.


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Amount immediately criticized by victims
By DAISY NGUYEN Associated Press
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — PG&E Corp. proposed Monday to resolve its bankruptcy case by offering nearly $18 billion to settle claims from devastating wildfires started by its equipment in recent years — an amount immediately criticized by victims who said less than half of that is intended for them.
The preliminary plan filed in federal court is part of its effort to exit from Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection by next year.
PG&E sought the protection in January because it said it could not afford billions in damages from wildfires in 2017 and 2018 that were caused by company equipment, including a November fire that killed 86 people and largely destroyed the Northern California town of Paradise.
The company said in court papers it was confident it could raise more than $30 billion in debt and equity financing from the largest banks in the nation. The strategy would not result in rate increases for its customers, PG&E said.
"Under the plan we filed today, we will meet our commitment to fairly compensate wildfire victims and we will emerge from Chapter 11 financially sound and able to continue meeting California's clean energy goals," CEO and President Bill Johnson said in a statement.
PG&E is under deadline pressure to emerge from bankruptcy by June 2020 in order to participate in a state wildfire fund to help California's major utilities pay out future claims as climate change makes wildfires across the U.S. West more frequent and more destructive.
The plan, which must be approved by state regulators, proposes settling aside two trusts totaling $16.9 billion to pay victims and insurance companies. Another $1 billion will go toward local governments affected by the wildfires.
An attorney for the committee of wildfire victims involved in the bankruptcy case said she believes they are owed far more, and will urge the committee to oppose the plan.
"Huge disappointment in their attitude toward compensating victims of the fires," Cecily Dumas said.
The plan's filing came three days after San Francisco leaders offered to buy pieces of PG&E's assets for $2.5 billion so the city can run parts of the power system on its own.
Mayor London Breed and City Attorney Dennis Herrera said in a statement that the offer was "competitive, fair and equitable" and would lead to financial stability for the beleaguered investor-owned utility.
"We look forward to positive, collaborative discussions with PG&E on this critical issue," the statement issued Sunday said. "Throughout this process we will protect the best interests of our city as we strive toward the independent energy future that San Francisco deserves."
PG&E said in a statement that it doesn't believe the sale would be "in the best interests of our customers and stakeholders." About 452,000 of the utility's 5.4 million electric customers are in San Francisco.
San Francisco, where PG&E was founded more than a century ago, began examining options for taking over pieces of the utility after it filed for bankruptcy protection. The city isn't looking to buy any part of PG&E's gas system.
A May report by the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission said public ownership of the electric grid could help the city become carbon neutral by 2030 and stabilize electricity rates.
The city already has its own power system but relies on PG&E to deliver electricity to many customers.
Money for the purchase would come from a bond that voters agreed last year the city could use. State and federal regulators would need to sign off on any deal.
Cities previously could use eminent domain to take ownership of assets at fair market value. But under a new law passed by state lawmakers in July, the California Public Utilities Commission will get to consider other costs in deciding any local government's purchase of utility assets.
Breed, along with San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo and Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf, told lawmakers that expanding regulators' oversight would infringe on cities' authority to provide electric service in the future.
All contents © copyright 2019 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.


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Facebook Offers no longer free
The social-networking giant now charges merchants to posts ads along with deals on its site.
Facebook Offers aren't free for merchants anymore. As the company seeks new ways to increase revenue, it has started charging businesses to run deals on its site.
The social networking giant launched Facebook Offers earlier this year as a free service that allows business to send promotions directly to user news feeds. A company's Facebook fans are able to redeem vouchers for discounts.
The offers remain free for users to redeem, but Facebook now requires merchants to spend at least $5 on related ads to accompany their vouchers, the company said today. The amount charged will depend on the budget of the business and how much it would like to spend to boost its offer, a Facebook spokeswoman said.
"The new features will help people find the most relevant Offers, such as in their local area, and help businesses better measure the success of their Offers," Facebook said in a statement. "="" rel="nofollow" class="c-regularLink" target="_blank">Reuters earlier reported the change to Offers.
Both before and after its IPO in May, Facebook faced questions about its ability to grow and to make money. Chief among the worries is doubt about Facebook's mobile strategy, as well as concern about a slowdown in advertising.
Today's move heightens competition with other daily deals sites, such as Groupon and LivingSocial. Such companies provide new offers to subscribers --or fans, in Facebook's case -- each day, typically with discounts. Through the deals, merchants are able to attract new customers, while the site provider typically shares in the revenue. But increased competition in the area is pressuring Groupon and its rivals.
Facebook declined to provide details about the number of companies participating in Offers, the number of vouchers offered, or other related information.
A spokeswoman said Facebook hasn't shared any data about Offers but said it has been a "very popular offering" since Facebook released it earlier this year.
The company said some other changes to Offers include the ability to add a bar code or a unique code to an offer, which allows businesses to better track results and enables companies to run offers for e-commerce sites. Offers is also now available globally to all merchant pages with more than 400 fans.
The changes are effective immediately, Facebook said.
Updated at 8:15 a.m. PT with comments from Facebook and additional details about the changes.
Services and Software Guides
Streaming Services
Web Hosting & Websites
Other Services & Software


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Hey guys!
Planning to launch my webstore soon and wanted to get some feedback from everyone on the current design. It is still beta with fine tuning, logos (if anyone has a lead on someone that can help with this please let me know!), and much more product additions.
Please let me know what you think about:
-Overall Layout
-Subcategory Layout and Flow
-Initial Landing Page (Company Logo to replace generic one)
-Product Pages (Please visit the matrix or oring items under the new parts & upgrades tab)
-Any other observations or wishes!
The site is not yet launched but it can be previewed here: http://stores.bottomlinepaintball.com/
Please enter the preview code: chlrsohb2k
This should allow you to navigate just about everywhere, only will not be able to complete checkouts and form submissions I'm pretty sure.


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Find suppliers
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Dropshipping 101: Build your first online store
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By Alexandria Hasenstab
Humboldt State University has not had a reported incident of blatant racism on campus in the past few years, however, the same cannot be said for the surrounding areas of Humboldt County. Several incidents of racist attacks, both verbal and physical, have been reported in Arcata. The most recent suspected incident resulted in the death of sophomore David Josiah Lawson.
Elijah Chandler is a close friend of Lawson. The two were members of Brothers United, a cultural club at HSU where Lawson served as president. Chandler felt a culture shock coming up to Arcata, which is predominately white, from South Central California which is known to have a high a population of people of color. He also believes that the population from Humboldt County has a hard time accepting the students of color entering the community
"People fear what they don't understand," Chandler said. "Most of these people aren't used to seeing people of color. It's a shock to their system as well. And when people fear something they lash out in hate towards it."
Another member of Brothers United, Katauri Thompson, has dealt with racism in the community first hand only about two weeks ago.
Thompson and some of his friends were approached by police officers who had their guns drawn in Arcata and were asked to get on the ground. Thompson said that when he asked the officer what description they were going off of, the officer replied the only description was that some people in town from Florida were armed and in the area.
"That's Florida, that's a state that's not a race," Thompson said. "So why would you pick us out?"
Despite this, Thompson said that he doesn't assume that all Humboldt County locals are prejudiced.
"It's more ignorance," Thompson said.
Thompson expected the community to be less diverse than what he was used to in Inglewood, California. However, he said he felt that the school's reputation is misleading.
"I was told it would be liberal and diverse, and I don't consider this to be diverse," Thompson said.
HSU's President Lisa Rossbacher acknowledges the lack of diversity in Humboldt County and the negative effects it can have.
"There isn't a lot of ethnic and racial diversity in this region, except for what the university contributes," Rossbacher said. "We do end up being a very diverse community as a university in the midst of a region that is far less diverse. That certainly creates some tensions."
For student Laura Carlos, who is from San Jose, coming to Arcata from a very diverse area was difficult.
"I don't feel unwelcome due to my skintone," Carlos said. "But as soon as I speak or can't pronounce words I can feel some vibes and get some looks that's like 'you don't have the potential'."
Carlos also feel that professors and lecturers need to be more understanding of students from different backgrounds and incorporate that into their teaching.
"It's a downer as a Latina who's working hard to reach a certain goal for their family," Carlos said.
Although racism is everywhere junior child development major Brianna Allen believes that Humboldt State was not transparent about the lack of diversity and racism in the community.
"You learn about racism, but you don't know what it really is until you're in a white environment and a white institution," Allen said.
Allen said that the school could be more proactive in creating a safe space for students of color. One solution she thought of was hiring more faculty and staff of different races.
"I can count on one hand the number of professors of color I've had," Allen said. "It's hard to get staff of color because of the environment."
Allen said that when she first arrived in Humboldt she truly believed it has an open minded and liberal place.
"My little blindfold about Humboldt came off very quickly," Allen said. "The school likes to present itself as liberal. They're hippies in their appearance, but in terms of activism there's no fight."
Allen has been able to avoid racism in the community, although she did face a racist remark in the residence halls. As a community advocate, Allen has been able to live on campus for the past three years.
"I felt like being able to live on campus was a safety net," Allen said."Now I'm not doing the job and I am worried because I will have to live in the community."
Allen said that the school is held more accountable than the city, but still more could done between both parties.
"I feel like more discussion about social and environmental issues and justice, especially in the community," Allen said.
One staff member who is taking initiative is Corliss Bennett-McBride. Bennett-McBride is the director of the Cultural Center for Academic Excellence. She came to Humboldt nine months ago and has already been working to make changes in the community.
"I'm on several committees and task forces," Bennett- McBride said
Bennett McBride works with local business to help them become culturally sensitive when people of color enter their businesses.
"You have a student who walks into a grocery store in Arcata and when she reaches into her purse to get her payment the cashier says 'we don't take EBT'," Bennett-McBride said. "And that was a Latina student."
Bennett knows that the students have a lot of power in the city because they make up such a large portion of the population.
Bennett-McBride also joined the Arcata Public Safety Task force in an effort to create a safer community for students.
"I know the relationship with the police, no matter where you live, and being a person of color is an issue," Bennett – McBride said.
The task force works with the local government and the police to create a safer city.
Ben Yang is a local from Eureka and a member of the Asian Desi Pacific Islander Collective. As an Asian-American he felt that Humboldt had no spaces for him.
"I think usually when you see a person of color and you're a white person you have a feeling that 'I'm white I'm more privileged'," Yang said.
Yang does not feel that HSU is big improvement from the county in term of resources for people of color.
In regards to the stigma about locals, especially after the stabbing this month, Yang felt that people have the rights to make judgments about the Humboldt locals based off of people's actions. Yang also feels that many Humboldt locals are conservative despite HSU's liberal ideals.
"I think they're conservative deep down inside," Yang said. "But I'm sure they could be an ally when it's necessary."
Senior Emily Murphy has also lived in Humboldt County her entire life
"I thought I knew everything about Humboldt County until I came to HSU," Murphy said.
Growing up in Trinidad, Murphy attended Arcata high, but had friends from neighboring town Eureka and Mckinleyville.
Murphy didn't see racism first-hand growing up but she acknowledges that exists in Humboldt County, especially in the institutions and the police. Murphy believes that the reason that many conservative people live in Humboldt County is because many of the towns were built off of logging, the logging community tends to be conservative.
Murphy admits that she wonders whether people make assumptions about her due to the fact that she is a white local.
"I don't want to be stereotyped," Murphy said.
Murphy hopes that people won't judge all people from Humboldt County based off the racist actions of certain individuals.
"That's a total misrepresentation of what the locals are like," Murphy said.
Murphy is not the only person who fears people make assumptions about her because she is white. President Rossbacher said that she constantly faces the challenge of people assuming she is not fit to handle issues of racism as a white female.
"What I find difficult is that I find people assuming that I have particular challenges," Rossbacher said. "The assumptions that are made about the challenges of leading an institution as a white woman."
Rossbacher has had experience dealing with race when she worked at a school in Georgia with a high population of students of color.
"That challenging part is finding the ways and the times and the places to have the conversation," Rossbacher said.
Bennett- McBride acknowledged that Rossbacher and the administration were very supportive
Chandler, on the other hand, feels that having the conversation in college is too late. He feels that intervention in the youth is necessary to make change because adults already have ideas ingrained in their head.
"It takes a particular type of person to see past that after they've become an adult after they have theses ideas reinforced," Chandler said.
Despite the pain the Chandler has endured at the hands of resident of Humboldt County, he still refuses to give into hate
"I can't let other people's actions shape who I am," Chandler said. "That's become increasingly harder, but I still don't hate them. Hate won't bring anything positive."


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Why Dry Hot Peppers?
The main reason to learn how to dry hot peppers is simply to enable you to keep them for a long time. Peppers can last for several days to a few weeks at room temperature or in the refrigerator before they start to rot. Freezing peppers, if done right, can make them last several months, but the thawing process can be a tricky one where often you're left with overly soft and mushy chiles. Dried chiles can last from several months to a few years if stored properly.
Removing moisture from peppers will magnify and intensify the heat, flavor, and natural sugars it contains. Dehydrated chiles pack more fiery punch and ferocity in both solid food and hot sauce recipes than fresh peppers. Plus, if you grind or crush dried peppers, you can use it as an all-purpose flavoring and seasoning for any occasion.
Preparing Chile Peppers to Be Dried
Before you start drying peppers please take the following precautions:
If you're drying peppers indoors, keep the area well-ventilated. Warmed peppers will give off pungent fumes that are irritating to the eyes. If you have a ceiling fan, use it; or better yet, open your windows and bring in a portable fan or two to keep the air circulating and minimize the watery eyes and burned nasal passages. Take extra precautions around young children, pets, or anyone sensitive to spicy foods.
If possible, always wear gloves when handling hot peppers. Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly after touching hot peppers. Do not scratch your eyes, nose, face, or any other sensitive area of your body after handling.
Inspect each pepper before starting the drying process. Discard peppers if they have:
- Soft, mushy, or spoiled areas
- White, grayish, or diseased-looking spots
- Have a questionable or rotten odor
Wash the peppers with warm water and dry thoroughly with a cloth towel.
Remove the stems from your peppers. If you're drying them in your oven or food dehydrator you may wish to slice the peppers length-wise (this will allow them to dry faster). If you're drying the peppers indoors you may want to keep them whole as it usually takes a few weeks to dry and not cutting them open helps prevent premature spoilage (but you may wish to experiment based on your regional humidity levels and temperature).
Drying in the Oven
You can dry peppers in any regular kitchen oven. Conveniently, this method of drying can be done in just about any kitchen in the western world, but there is one big disadvantage; it may take several hours to a few days for the peppers to fully dry, depending on the size. It can also heat up your kitchen considerably if you're drying on warm spring or hot summer days.
Simply position the peppers on a pan or cookie sheet in a single layer and place them in the oven. Set the oven to its lowest temperature setting, which is usually labeled as "WARM", or just below 150 degrees Fahrenheit (120° to 140° is desirable). To allow moisture to escape, keep the oven door slightly open at least a couple of inches (now you know why it can make your kitchen hot). Every hour, rotate and/or flip the peppers over for even drying.
If you find peppers getting soft, brown/black, or extremely hot on the side where they touch the pan, then they're getting cooked; you certainly don't want this, as you're just trying to dry these to use at a later date. To prevent this, try one of the following:
- Turn down the temperature slightly. Not all ovens are calibrated the same – some may be off by 10° or more from the "real" temperature.
- Flip the peppers over and move them around more often
- Open the oven door wider
As soon as they're fully dry, remove them from the oven and place them in an air-tight container. Larger, thicker-skinned peppers will take longer to dry than smaller or thin-skinned chiles.
Drying in a Food Dehydrator
This is the quickest and easiest way to dry not just chile peppers, but just about any fruit or vegetable.
If you're shopping for a food dehydrator online, I recommend the following things:
- Purchase a dehydrator with a motorized fan. Air that's constantly circulating will dry your peppers faster.
- Don't be afraid to spend a few extra bucks more to get the best. A cheap dehydrator will have a noisier motor, will take much, much longer to dry your foods, and will be more likely to break sooner. The price of a good dehydrator will start at around $60 US.
- Read online reviews to get a sense of what other people think works best for them.
What do I use? A Nesco American Harvest FD-61 Snackmaster Encore Dehydrator. It's relatively inexpensive, has a powerful yet quiet motor (when it's turned on in the kitchen, the dehydrator's fan has the volume level of a microwave oven running), and dries food evenly no matter what rack it's on. But like I said, do the research and find the right brand and model for you and your needs.
Once you have a dehydrator in your house or place of business and have it set up in a well-ventilated area, it's time to dry your chiles. If the chiles are medium or large in size put them length-wise and place them on the dehydrator's tray with plenty of space around each piece for good airflow. Smaller peppers (1 inch or less in length) can be left whole to dry.
If your dehydrator has a temperature setting, place it between 135 and 145 degrees. Let the chiles lay in the dehydrator for 8 to 12 hours, checking every so often to see if the smaller or thinner pieces have dried out. Larger pepper pieces may take a few additional hours to dehydrate.
You'll notice that you'll accumulate a lot of loose seeds on the bottom of your dehydrator. Be sure to save these either for replanting purposes or for using later in your dried chile recipes.
After complete, place your veggies in air-tight plastic bags or containers to prevent moisture from getting on them.
Drying Hot Peppers Indoors
This is the "easiest" method of drying peppers, yet probably the most time-consuming. Place whole or sliced chile peppers single-layer in a bowl, plate, or sheet and set them in a very dry, warm, and extremely well-ventilated area with loads of sunlight. Rotate the peppers regularly and discard any that show signs of softness or spoilage. If at all possible, place your bowl or sheet outdoors when the forecast calls for hot, sunny, and dry weather (this will speed up the drying process). Within one or two weeks, you should start seeing your beloved chiles get dry and brittle.
Drying Hot Peppers Outdoors
There are a couple of different methods for drying hot peppers outdoors. One, you can dry the aforementioned way of laying them out on a sheet and placing them outside when there's a long string of hot and sunny days. Sun-drying can be very effective if the weather cooperates and if you've picked a spot where you can get maximum exposure to direct sunlight. If you've sliced the peppers, you may wish to place a screen over the sheet or bowl to provide protection from insects.
Another good way of drying chile peppers outdoors is to hang them from a string. Grab some whole peppers with the stems still on, take a long, sharp needle, and string them together with a strong thread or fishing line through their stems. Unlike decorative ristas (which clump several hanging chiles together in a tighter space), you'll need to leave plenty of room in between peppers for proper airflow. At one end of the string, tie a small stick or wooden dowel to prevent the peppers from sliding off. Hang up your strand of peppers securely in an area where they'll get plenty of sunlight and fresh air.
It can take up to two weeks of drying time in good weather.
When They're Dry
Properly dried peppers should be devoid of any signs of moisture or soft "fleshiness". Fully dried peppers can still retain a bit of flexibility in their skin – you don't have to dry them until they're brown, crumbling, or hard as a rock. But when in doubt, the pepper should be uniformly dry, slightly brittle, and have tough skin.
What to do with them you're done? You can:
- Separate them by pepper type and store them in high-quality Ziploc-type plastic bags or plastic containers. This way you'll always have a handy supply of dried peppers to use in sauces, soups, and other dishes.
- Crush them in a food processor, blender, or spice mill and create a chile pepper seasoning.
- Give them to family and friends as unique gifts so that they can spice up their own recipes.
- Plant the seeds for a new crop of chile pepper plants.


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28 Apr, 2014, 09:20 ET
HARTFORD, Conn., April 28, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Virtus Investment Partners, Inc. (NASDAQ: VRTS), which operates a multi-manager asset management business, today announced that it will release its financial results for the first quarter of 2014 after the market closes on Tuesday, April 29, 2014.
George R. Aylward, president and chief executive officer, and Michael A. Angerthal, executive vice president and chief financial officer, will host a conference call with the investment community on Wednesday, April 30, at 11 a.m. Eastern.
The webcast of the call will be broadcast live over the Internet at www.virtus.com in the Investor Relations section. The call can also be accessed by telephone at 866-825-3209 if calling from within the U.S. or 617-213-8061 if calling from outside the U.S. (Passcode: 82596879). A replay of the call will be available through June 1 in the Investor Relations section of www.virtus.com, or by telephone at 888-286-8010 if calling from within the U.S. or 617-801-6888 if calling from outside the U.S. (Passcode: 63911933). The presentation that will be reviewed as part of the conference call will be available on the Investor Relations section of the company's Web site.
About Virtus Investment Partners
Virtus Investment Partners (NASDAQ: VRTS) is a distinctive partnership of boutique investment managers singularly committed to the long-term success of individual and institutional investors. The company provides investment management products and services through its affiliated managers and select subadvisers, each with a distinct investment style, autonomous investment process and individual brand. Virtus Investment Partners offers access to a variety of investment styles across multiple disciplines to meet a wide array of investor needs. Additional information can be found at www.virtus.com.
Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20121031/NE03346LOGO
SOURCE Virtus Investment Partners, Inc.


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We can all agree that video games are a form of entertainment, but just what about them entertains you? What are you looking for, or getting out of them, when you sit down with a controller in hand?
I bring this up because over the weekend I was talking with a friend about Modern Warfare 2, and despite the fact we were both in the same room talking about the same game, we were having two conversations: he as a "casual" gamer who only plays Modern Warfare 2, and only plays it online, and me as someone who plays, well, pretty much everything.
After butting heads for half an hour or so, me complaining about the game's awful writing, him about how there's not enough guns in it, he asked me what I look for in a game. And...I had to pause. Because while I've played thousands of games over the past 26 years, and know inherently what I like and what I don't like, I don't think I've ever sat down and explicitly spelled it out.
So I went home and did just that. Looking over the list, I thought it was pretty interesting, both in terms of how it shapes what I play in my spare time and in how it reflects the stage of my life I'm at, where I've gone from bum university student playing Animal Crossing and Harvest Moon all day to someone with a wife, mortgage, full-time job and even a baby on the way.
What I Like
Writing - I don't demand a quality plot when playing a game. Those are hard enough to come up with for a movie or book, let alone something as interactive video game. But I do enjoy quality writing. Snappy dialogue, a bit of humour, a bit of emotion. It's why I love Uncharted 2 so much: the story might be a bit rubbish, but the way the characters are driven through it is a delight.
Visual Design - Shallow, perhaps, but here you have it: I like a strong, consistent, polished visual design in my games. Unique weapons, believable landscapes, interesting features. Half-Life 2 has this. So does Mirror's Edge. By contrast, this means that a lot of other games I should be enjoying - like, for instance, most space-based strategy games - I'm not, because they look like they jumped straight off the pages of a 15 year-old high school nerd's sketch book.
Storybook Gaming - I prefer singleplayer games, and I prefer my singleplayer games to be like interactive stories, me pushing the action onwards as I discover the world and complete the game. Because of this, I do not like having to repeat sections 5-10 times. When I'm reading a book or a comic, I don't stop and read the same page 5-10 times. I read it once and I move on!
Hand-Holding - Easy-to-understand menus. Maps that clearly show where I have to go. Easy difficulties. Objectives that tell me how to complete them. This is partly related to the point above, but there's a big different between exploring a world and stumbling around in blind frustration.
What I Don't Like
Online Multiplayer - I have to do this for work when it's called for, but I generally cannot stand playing online. If it's not racist, homophobic assholes ruining Xbox Live, it's being the whipping boy in a match because I'm the only person in the room who doesn't spend 16 hours a day playing the same game.
Games As A Challenge - Perhaps my biggest pet peeve in games. I understand why other people like it, but me, I hate it. I'm talking games that make you learn complex routines, replay levels 10 times, restart at the beginning of a stage instead of a checkpoint, etc. To me, that's a form of masochism. I want to enjoy a game, not be punished by it.
Games As Competition - I'm not the world's best online shooter player. I normally play games on easy, for the reasons listed above. So I'm not a fan of games, or the communities around games, that make competition a serious part of the experience. While I find some things like fighting game scenes/tournaments fascinating, as a whole, the culture of judging a person's worth or standing in a game by the difficulty they played it on or the number of hours they can devote to it is pretty off-putting.
Time Sink - Despite some of my favourite games of all time being guilty of this - like Animal Crossing and Final Fantasy XII - for the most part, if a game makes me log in and complete menial tasks in order to advance, I don't enjoy it. That can mean level grinding in a role-playing game, or even in an online shooter.
After looking over this list, I decided to look over my games collection, see if there was any correlation. And what do you know. The highlights of my remaining PS2 games are Okami, Shadow of the Colossus and Ico. On GameCube? Wind Waker, Sands of Time and Animal Crossing. On Xbox? Full Spectrum Warrior, Jet Set Radio and Beyond Good & Evil.
There were no fighting games. No Japanese role-playing games. No massively-multiplayer online titles. My list was matching up with my collection almost perfectly.
I'd profiled myself.
Which, let's be clear, is no revelation. It hasn't shaken my beliefs in the medium, or somehow put nearly three decades of gaming into some sense of profound perspective. It's just a list! I just found it really interesting to put it down on paper, and explain away - on the record - why I like what I like, or why I pass on some of history's biggest games or gaming experiences.
It's of course not hard-wired, either. I'm not a machine, strictly adhering to a set of conditions when playing a game. Sometimes, one factor outweighs another. I loved Lost Odyssey, for example, because the surprisingly good voice acting got me past the grind. I also love Ikaruga. I'm not sure why, I just do.
It's worth keeping this kind of stuff in mind any time you read about games, too, especially when it comes to reviews. Heck, it's why we review games the way we do, because what one person hates, another may love!
So what about you? Ever wonder exactly what it was you liked and didn't like about games? Or how your likes and dislikes may have changed over the years as you've grown older? Or do you blow in the wind, tastes and habits changing depending on where you are in life?


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The North Face Taggart Pants
Well-built, lightweight hiking pants great for general hiking and approaches. They run true to size and with a slimmer cut than similar pants. The stretch fabric is welcome when scrambling and doesn't feel confining, even with the slimmer cut. Dries quickly.
- Durable material
- Double material at knees and back in the heel area
- Dries quickly
- Not windproof, need a baselayer on cold days
- Pockets really stick out with even a light load
Overall the pants are very comfortable, stretch where needed, and have belt loops than can accommodate a 2" belt. They run true to size and have a lined waistband. If you use a small belt, say 1" wide, the waistband will fold over at times.
My pair, 34" waist, weighs 11 oz and compresses into one of the rear pockets. When you uncompress the pants, they will have a lot of wrinkles but they will fall out in a hour or two. There isn't a lot of room for layering under the pants, but there is room for a skintight base layer.
These are slim cut pants, so anything you put in the pockets will create a bulge; so stuff like keys or wallets will not move much, and may not be comfortable while hiking. I tend to pull everything out of my pockets while hiking anyway. Most of the pockets have zippers which work well. The small pocket on the left leg doesn't have a zipper and it's sized for a cell phone or in my case, reading glasses.
The base layer is really needed in colder weather, especially when it's windy. In warmer weather, the fabric is breathable enough to be comfortable for me in 80 degree, humid weather and wicks well.
Over the past year, I've taken them through some really harsh underbrush, and the abrasion resistance is quite good. I've only had one snag from briers, and the rip stop nature of the material stopped any rips. I've had no issues with any of the zippers.
In the summer they normally stay in my backpack. They are light enough that I don't mind carrying them along for use as needed. Got them really muddy one time, washed them out in a creek, and they were dry by the next morning.
Source: bought it new
Price Paid: $45
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