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Despite a mere $5m budget, Academy Award winning leads (Michael Douglas and Matt Damon), a renowned director (Steven Soderbergh, who a year previously made a film with a similar tone and small budget, Magic Mike which made a whopping $167m at the box office), Hollywood studios turned their backs on Behind the Candelabra. It's a little too gay for America, they said, leaving premium cable broadcaster HBO to do what they do best – nurturing quality which small minds abandon, in the end premiering to a staggering 2.4m viewers. Fortunately, I managed to see it on the big screen. Behind the Candelabra is an expertly directed true story of two lost lives trapped between mirrors and unhinged reflections of self image, straddling profound sentiments of romance, humour and tragedy upon a shiny knife edge.
Apparently this really is Soderbergh's final feature film, deciding instead to focus on television. The first thing that needs mentioning is the astonishing attention to detail in all aspects of the production. The film begins with 42 year old Matt Damon playing a convincingly teenage Scott Thorson, thanks to some incredible make-up work which would easily win an Academy Award if the film had received a US cinematic release. The story chronicles Scott's five year relationship with the much older, ultra-flamboyant pianist Liberace (Michael Douglas), who originally hires Scott to "work" for him, moving him away from his quiet life living with foster parents and aspirations to become a veterinarian. Liberace instigates a relationship with Scott which somehow manages to feel tender and creepy. The physical character transformation is stunning and upsetting as Scott takes on a new life in Liberace's arms, amping up the hair and clothes, becoming styled in his lover/father figure's image and receives plastic surgery from a brilliantly drugged up and disfigured looking Rob Lowe to rebuild his face in the image of Liberace himself, down to the nose and cheekbones. Then there's Scott's drug addiction, partly a product of the weight-loss pills he's put on and partly because of the lifestyle and sense of entrapment he's chosen. Before your eyes Matt Damon and Michael Douglas morph seamlessly and frighteningly, along with the absolutely stunning set designs and costumes it really is aesthetic perfection as the physical transformations melt into what's going on inside this cacophony of a relationship.
As sinister as some of that seems, at its core it's actually really funny. Michael Douglas is a tour-de-force as the extravagant Liberace, who would cast a shadow upon anyone else in a room. He embodies every ounce of the showman's charisma and sparkle while simultaneously cutting a tragic figure. The film is obsessed with notions of youth and self image as Soderbergh litters the screen with mirrors and shiny surfaces which adds to the film's sense of tragedy as the physical image and transformation of both men provides a heartbreaking reflection for their confused relationship and struggle with identity. It does begins as a tender relationship, even if Liberace is clearly taking advantage of Scott's naivety, performed so wonderfully by Damon. The large age difference is played with an awkward humour but there is something tender about the 'coming of age' story from Scott's perspective and Liberace's loneliness. They both find something in each other that they need. Soderbergh adds his typically gorgeous yellowy/green sheen to the pictures, allowing the camera and colours to do so much work in explaining the relationship's finer details.
It's a film wrapped in light touches and complicated, sad lives, building a perfect physical and emotional trajectory, shifting and mixing tones to resonate in new and creative ways. It's a rare gem of cinematic boldness and excellence, deserving of the biggest of big screen releases.
Review by David Rank
Behind the Candelabra is out on 7th June in the UK. Running time 118 mins. Certificate 15 (UK).


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ALL SEMINARS ARE FREE with your ticket. DIG IN and turn your garden dreams into reality!
ALL SEMINARS ARE FREE with your ticket. DIG IN and turn your garden dreams into reality!
Click on the map below to view a map of the Conference Center and all the Seminar Rooms.
Sharrai Morgan AIFD is the proud owner of the 35-year established business of Holly's Fine Flowers located in Port Townsend, WA. She is currently the past president of the Northwest Chapter of the American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD) and is also serving on the national board as a National AIFD Director at Large. She is also past president of the Educational Unit of WA State Teleflora members. Sharrai has worked in the floral industry for 18 years and has owned her flower shop for the past 10 years. She has a degree in retail floral marketing management and design. Sharrai enjoys teaching and demonstrating floral design inspiration and AIFD elements and principles of floral design as well as continuing her own personal education by attending floral design classes and seminars regularly. Sharrai has exhibited, taught, and designed floral pieces both locally and nationally taking part in such events as the Pasadena Rose Parade Fiesta Float Flower design team, the Tacoma Art Museum Art In Bloom Exhibition, the Portland Chinese Lan Su Gardens 9th Moon festival showcase, the main stage for AIFD National Symposium, the SAF Sylvia Cup Design competition and convention, DWF Wholesale, AIFD Weddings that Wow, the Seattle Wedding show, and the Northwest Flower and Garden Show. Her work has been featured in industry publications such as Florists Review online, Design In Line Digital Magazine, and Seattle Met, Bride and Groom, and West Sound Home and Garden. She has been selected as the #1 best florist of the Olympic peninsula for 8 times. When Sharrai is away from her beloved flowers she delights in surrounding herself with family, friends, art, and the great outdoors. Being a Pacific Northwest native she enjoys our corner of the world very much and is so thankful for all the beauty and bounty our area has to offer in sheer joy and inspiration.
Discover how you can create gorgeous arrangements using different types of foliage manipulations to give your floral designs pizzazz. Sharrai will talk about sources for foliage, including your own garden, road sides, local florists or wholesaler and grocery stores. Learn how to treat and prepare the fresh materials for longevity, along with new design techniques in bending, folding, manipulating and weaving to create stunning compositions to enjoy at home in partnership with fresh flowers.
Wednesday, Feb 7 at 1:30 pm / DIY Stage

subset: commoncrawl


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Have you searched for a Tri-City bakery that offers eclairs and croissants made as they are in France?
Maybe you long for a freshly baked traditional baguette or brioche roll?
Or perhaps you want to see what that cronut (croissant-doughnut) craze that started back East was all about?
What's cooking? Click here for the Tri-City Herald's weekly exclusive Recipe of the Week newsletter
Then you'll be happy to know that the owner of L'epice Spice Kitchen plans to offer all that and more at a new shop he is opening next to his restaurant at 127 Gage Blvd. in south Richland.
Renovations already are underway and owner Jason LaBarge also is still raising capital to pay for improvements and other needs for the new venture. But he anticipates opening the bakery, which will be similar to a boulangerie or patisserie, before the summer.
"There is a lot of excitement for it," LaBarge said. "We have people asking about it every day."
LaBarge grew up in the Tri-Cities, trained as a chef in Portland and has worked in kitchens acround the West. He opened L'epice, which offers French-based modern American cuisine and is his second restaurant, less than two years ago.
He has long offered French-style pastries during his restaurant's weekend brunch, and they are popular with customers. With a French-trained pastry chef working in his kitchen, he decided about a year ago to pursue opening the bakery after his next door tenant moved out and the landlord offered him the space for a good price.
However, the pastry chef has since left and LaBarge said he's spent months training another kitchen staff member to fill the gap.
Raising money to pay for the new business has taken time because LaBarge wanted to maintain full control of the project. And, of course, there was a need to maintain the quality of the food and service at L'epice while juggling the extra work.
But opening is close, and LaBarge said that he is excited for people to see what he will offer. Sticky buns, apple fritters, yeast-raised donuts and, yes, cronuts, will be available along with eclairs and croissants and various breads. He does not plan to offer cakes or cupcakes but cookies and macaroons should be available.
Joining it will be the soups and meats, like pancetta and the duck breast pastrami L'epice already produces in-house. There will be some packaged items, such as LaBarge's own spice blends which he already sells at the restaurant, as well as oils and cheeses he's ordering from other fine food vendors.
LaBarge has organized special dinners to pay for his new start-up, and the next one is April 24. The 10-course meal paired with wine is $175 a plate. The menu is expected to include ingredients such as morel mushrooms, ramps, halibut and rabbit.
"People who come have a lot of fun. We have a lot of fun cooking (the meal)," he said.
Those interested in attending can book a seat by calling L'epice at 509-491-3512. A 50 percent deposit is required at the time of reservation.
And if you just want to try out what L'epice has to offer, lunch is available 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, dinner is served 5 to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, and brunch is 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Kennewick's Grill on Gage closes
Grill on Gage, a bistro on the eastern end of Gage Boulevard across from Costco, has closed.
A sign on the restaurant's door indicates the restaurant was closed for family reasons.
"The support we have felt over the last several years has been appreciated greatly," the notice said.
Partners Cara McDonald and Mitch McDonald opened the restaurant in early 2012. The menu was characterized as diner-inspired comfort food.
Benton City winery to offer pizza, host food truck for Spring Barrel tasting
A popular Tri-City food truck and wood-fired pizza will be offered alongside the first tastes of new wines at Benton City's Tucannon Cellars.
The pizza, prepared by the winery's own kitchen and oven, will be available noon to 5 p.m. April 22 during this weekend's spring barrel tasting events across the Yakima Valley. The event offers the first opportunity for wine lovers to sample yet unfinished wines from the latest harvest.
Kindra's Wok 'N Roll, which offers Asian fusion food, will be at Tucannon from noon to 5 p.m. April 23. Live music will also be played that day from 5 to 8 p.m.
Tucannon is at 40504 N. Demoss Road.
Ty Beaver: 509-582-1402, email@example.com, @_tybeaver


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Thursday, March 12, 2009
Here we go again with a casino initiative. It's not really the casino idea itself that's bothering me, it's the fact that we defeated it only four months ago. After months and months of endless political advertising from both sides. I'd love some sort of legislation that forces any initiative that fails to skip at least one election before trying again. Makes me think of the little kids who keep repeating the same request over and over until they wear mom down and she finally says yes. Please mom, please, please, please can I have a casino? I'm just gonna keep saying no.
Posted by Ms5chw4r7z at 7:08 PM
2 comments:
- 5chw4r7z said...
Some people have gotten excited because the casino will be near the street car but the casino will do nothing for downtown. Casino's are not designed to encourage economic activity but instead discourage any kind of activity that doesn't involve people losing money at their slots.
- March 13, 2009 at 4:16 PM
- BrentBillock said...
The idea of casinos being a real economic stimulus is a huge myth.
Casinos are effectively a regressive tax, but instead of funding infrastructure or other public needs, the money goes to casino owners.
- April 7, 2009 at 10:14 AM
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So this is how the story goes…
Prior to leaving Singapore, Charles wrote to the kind folks at Miami Flight Seeing to orchestrate his surprise proposal after the flight tour. I got to admit he did plan it pretty well. Charles liaised with Angelo (from Miami Flight Seeing) who was very responsive and helpful. So guys, if you are planning something similar, look for Angelo!
It was our first free day in US after taking 30 hours to get to Florida from Singapore. Ugh if only there's a direct flight from Singapore!!! We were supposed to head to Miami beach to catch the sunset but Charles drove us to ATA Flight School instead. It raised my suspicion a little, but I didn't think much as it was his 30th birthday and he is entitled to do pretty much whatever he wanted. We arrived around 5pm, and UP we went for the sunset tour!
The flight itself was great. We took the C172 and was given a tour of the Miami coastline, Key biscayne, Biscayne Lighthouse, downtown Miami, the Venetian Islands and caught sight of some celebrities' houses. The whole tour took around 45 minutes although it felt like only 15 – guess time really flies when you are enjoying yourself!
By the time we start descending, the sun was setting. Charles requested for Angelo to hold up a banner which read "Doranne, Will you marry me?" when we landed. That was when I knew he was proposing!!! We got out of the C172 and he went down on one knees with the Damiani Bocciolo. Needless to say, I said yes! The generous owner came up with a small bottle of champagne to celebrate our engagement and had a short chat with us. I was in a bit of a daze after the whole thing and Charles didn't get anyone to take a picture or video of the whole thing, so these two lousy pictures are all that we got!
Here's one from our first day as an engaged couple, as we made our way down to Key West. And another one of the Damiani Bocciolo, taken professionally by a photographer.
Address: 1610 SW 75th Ave, North Perry Airport, Miami, FL 33023-2586 Phone: +1 305-767-1903


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- Mathanga(Pumpkin): 1/4kg
- Small onions(Shallots) : 6-8 Nos.
- Green chilly: 1
- Grated Coconut: 1/2 cup
- Cumin Powder: 1/4 tsp
- Oil
- Salt: to taste
- Mustard seeds
- Curry leaves
- Dry chillies:1-2 Nos.
- Yoghurt: 3/4 to 1 cup
Cuisine: Indian South Indian Cooking time: 15 mins Serving: 5-6 people
Initial Preparations:
- Peel the pumpkin and cut it into small thin pieces.
- Grind together coconut, 2-3 small onions with a little water to form smooth paste.
- Slice remaining small onions and green chilly into thin pieces.
- Powder a tablespoon of mustard seeds and keep it aside.
- In a pan, cook the pumpkin pieces with sliced small onions and green chilly. Make sure you add enough water and salt.
- Once it is cooked, add the ground coconut paste and mix well and heat it for 2-3 minutes or until it starts boiling.
- Add powdered mustard seeds and mix well.
- Remove from fire and allow this mix to cool down.
- Add required amount of yoghurt and mix well.
- Heat oil in another pan and splutter mustard seeds.
- Add small onions, curry leaves and dried chillies.
- Pour this seasoning into the above yoghurt mix.
- Mix well before serving.
- We can add a pinch of turmeric powder while cooking the pumpkin, if you like the taste of it.
- The seasoning can be avoided for health conscious people. 😉
VN:F [1.9.22_1171]Mathanga Pachadi / Pumpkin with yoghurt,
You might also like:
Meal: Lunch Food type: Vegetarian


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For us to be successful we need everyone's participation.
In addition to your financial giving, as the projects progress, you can offer your time and talent, which will increase the value of your pledge dollars.
We will need painters, carpenters, cleaners, builders, anyone willing to avail themselves for the Kingdom of God. "To each is given a measure of talent."


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We can handle every last detail
Moving can mean making a big change in your life, but it doesn't have to be a daunting task. With North American Van Lines' highly trained residential movers in Maryland at your disposal, you can be confident that you're working with an industry-leading company with vast first-hand experience. You can also rest assured knowing your fragile or high-value items will be handled with the upmost care and packed accordingly in specialty materials, such as mirror boxes, wardrobe cartons and custom crates. Furthermore, our highly efficient loading and unloading methods put safety first, which is why you can expect our crews to put covers over carpets padding on doors, railings and tight corners to help ensure premises are kept tidy and scratch-free. No matter where you're going, we're here to help: choose your city to get in touch with us today.
We're here to get the job done right
The team at North American Van Lines believes that the best movers are the ones that pay attention to detail. It's little wonder then that we always take the time to get to know our customers and their precise moving needs, and accordingly craft a personalized moving plan. No question is too frivolous, no concern is too trivial and no task is too tiny for us to take on. From initial meetings to accurate quotes and ongoing customer support, our goal is to exceed your expectations at every step of the way. Select your city from the menu now to locate your closest NAL agent in Maryland.
Our packing options include:
- Full-service: You can leave all the heavy lifting to us — you don't even have to lift a finger!
- Fragile-only: Using the most appropriate materials and techniques, we will pack and transport your delicate possessions in custom boxes and crates
- Self-pack: You do all the packing yourself, but we can arrange for all materials and supplies you need


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Hyundai i30 N TCR customer teams lead the FIA World Touring Car Cup (WTCR) points after a spectacular performance across the opening three races of the brand new championship at the Race of Morocco (7-8 April). With two wins from the weekend, as well as the five points on offer for taking pole position from Sunday's qualifying session, BRC Racing Team driver Gabriele Tarquini leads the championship.
Having already taken victory in Saturday's historic first race around the Marrakech street circuit Tarquini led four i30 N TCR to lock-out the front two rows of the grid in the weekend's second qualifying session, with his BRC teammate Norbert Michelisz and the pair of Yvan Muller Racing cars lining up behind him. After a battling Race 2, where their stellar one-lap pace put them at the back of a reversed top-ten, the Hyundai-running teams returned to the front for the finale.
Tarquini led from lights to flag to earn his way onto the top step of the podium ahead of the two YMR entered drivers, led by Team Manager Yvan Muller. Unaffected by the brake issues that dogged rival manufacturers thought the weekend, despite the series' Balance of Performance regulations making the i30 N TCR one of the heaviest cars on the grid, the teams hold a handsome lead in the standings.
Gabriele Tarquini said about his historic win: "The Hyundai i30 N TCR was fantastic, fast and reliable, and kept a great pace all weekend. BRC Team impeccably coped with every situation. I'm over the moon and hope the dream continues".
Norbert Michelisz explains: "It was a pretty unlucky weekend, but I still managed to get important scores for the general ranking. We have 27 races ahead and nothing is lost. I'm very motivated for the next event, my home race at Hungaroring".
BRC Racing Team CEO Massimiliano Fissore commented: "The Marrakech weekend was very positive for BRC Racing Team. We proved to have a good team, excellent drivers and the Hyundai i30 N TCR was extremely competitive. These factors make us optimistic for the season ahead, and we believe we have all the parts to be among those challenging for the victory all year".
Double 1-2 from Pirelli World Challenge debut
The sensational debut on the world stage completed an incredible few weeks for i30 N TCR customers. Opening the Pirelli World Challenge season at the Circuit of the Americas (March 24-25) in Texas, Bryan Herta Autosport dominated the first event for the TCR category in the championship. Drivers Mark Wilkins and Michael Lewis swept the front row in qualifying for the Hyundai America backed team – beginning their first season in touring cars - and then went on to take 1-2 results in both races, with each man taking a victory in a perfect start to their campaign.
TCR class podium on first Nordschleife run
The same weekend a pair of Hyundai N entered i30 N TCR took on the Nürburgring Nordschleife in the first round of the VLN championship. Despite being left facing the wrong way at the very first corner of the four-hour race Tarquini and Korean driver Jae Kyun Kim fought back to finish third in a very competitive TCR class on the incredibly demanding 25km circuit. The experienced pairing of Nicola Larini and Manuel Lauck also fought back after problems early in the running, after Larini slid off track on oil dropped by a competitor and damaged the right-rear corner against the barrier. The team was able to repair the car, returning the pairing to the action for a sixth placed finish in class.
Young driver shows i30 N TCR pace in TCR UK
With Lewis Kent and his Essex & Kent Motorsport team the i30 N TCR was part of the first weekend of the TCR UK championship at Silverstone (March 31-April 1). One of the youngest drivers in the series Kent qualified a very impressive fourth fastest in mixed conditions. Unfortunately, a minor issue during race day kept him from converting his pace into a deserved result. However, his pace on a single lap gave a signal of intent for his first season in the TCR category.
Hyundai Motorsport's first project for circuit racing took a big step forward, with the New Generation i30 TCR taking to the track for the first time as testing began for the new car.
The Customer Racing department travelled to Motorland Aragon in Spain as the development phase of the project got underway in earnest. Prior to the trip the team had completed several shakedown runs with the brand new design, but the three days at the track gave the engineers a first opportunity to gather data about the car's behaviour around laps of a race circuit.
Completing the running without major reliability issues the team was able to begin trying alternative settings as they started to work towards a base set-up for the car. The mix of corners on the Aragon circuit made it the perfect venue for the maiden test. The 5.3km layout allowed the team and driver Gabriele Tarquini to refine the handling balance through both slow and high speed corners, as well as under heavy braking for the hairpin at the end of the long back straight.
The team was also able to test a number of different engine map settings to begin to gauge the performance of the two-litre turbocharged engine, which is connected to a six-speed sequential gearbox, operated with paddle-shifters.
Based on the road-going New Generation i30 platform the new race car is designed according to the successful TCR regulations that were first used in 2015. The category now forms the basis for a number of international and national championships, as well for classes that compete at endurance events.
Following the test the car returned to Hyundai Motorsport's headquarters in Alzenau, Germany, where the team will prepare for next date in a busy development schedule.
Customer Racing department manager Andrea Adamo said: "The first test of a new car is always a very exciting moment in a project, and to have come through three days without a major problem makes it even better. We were able to complete all the work that we had set out for the test, which is obviously a nice start to a busy development schedule for the New Generation i30 TCR project. We were able to work on the balance of the car, and start developing an initial set-up that we can use in future, not only for the handling, but the important engine and differential settings. We can now use these as a base for future tests as we turn our focus to gaining the maximum performance from specific components."
Testing of the New Generation i30 TCR will continue through the summer and autumn at venues around Europe. The first completed cars are expected to be delivered to customers is early December.


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Ranunculaceae Group
About the group
Clematis alpina
The Ranunculaceae Group, one of the newest groups in the Hardy Plant Society, was formed in 2007; its aims are to inform, educate and enthuse about numerous ranunculids, by means of two Newsletters a year and an Annual Meeting. It now has just over 100 members from the UK, Europe and the USA, and has as its patrons renowned plantsmen Bleddyn Wynn-Jones and Dan Hinkley.
The botanical buttercup family Ranunculaceae, perhaps one of the most familiar and well-loved of all the plant families, derives its name from the Latin rana, a frog, because many of its members thrive in damp places. There are about 60 genera and 2500 species, more than enough to retain the interest of the members of the Ranunculaceae Group for many years!
Many species and cultivars of this large family of plants are widely grown in our mixed or herbaceous borders, such as Actaea, Aconitum, Adonis, Aquilegia, Anemone, Beesia, Caltha, Clematis, Delphinium, Eranthis, Hepatica, Helleborus, Pulsatilla, Ranunculus, Thalictrum and Trollius. The family also includes other less well known members such as Asteropyrum, Isopyrum, Oxygraphis, Semiaquilegia, and Paraquilegia, and there is even a woody shrub, Xanthorhiza, from North America, which is usually placed within the buttercup family.
This is produced twice a year, in Spring and Autumn, and includes members' articles and notes on a wide variety of ranunculaceae species and cultivars. It is hoped that as many members as possible will contribute so that it can become a forum for discussion on topics of interest, such as tips on cultivation, members' favourite ranunculids, in-depth accounts of a particular genus and plant hunting in remote places.
Annual Meeting and Study Day
Our annual get-together features guest speakers, garden visits and of course the chance to buy plants from specialist nurseries and a members' sales table. We plan to visit a different venue each year so that as many members as possible have a chance to attend and to vary the date so that different groups of plants can form the main focus.
Why not consider joining our group and enjoy reduced fees when attending our study Days?
Current rates and application forms are available under 'Further Information' below.
Annual Meeting and Study Day 2017 Report
It was a beautiful summers' day with warm sunshine and clear blue sky on Saturday 3 June 2017 when the HPS Ranunculaceae Group held their 2017 AGM at North Warnborough Village Hall, Hampshire.
On arrival at the hall, members were able to purchase some plant treasurers from Butterfly Cottage Plants, Cheriton, before the official business of the AGM. This was followed by a most interesting talk on 'The World of Ranunculaceae –its plants and people', presented by Jennifer Harmer and Sue Ward. The photographs were excellent and it was lovely to see the link between the plant and its name. Jennifer Harmer as the HPS Historian gave a wonderful insight into the history behind these famous people. Sue Ward described the plants qualities and their growing habits She also explained how some of the plants shown had been passed over by more modern varieties, but as Sue said, some of those from yesteryear have better longevity, than some of the new micro propagated ones today.
In the afternoon we visited West Green Garden, Hartley Wintney. In the vast greenhouse we were welcomed by Marylyn Abbott, the owner of the garden, she then gave us an introductory talk into the history of the garden and its various owners, which was not only interesting, but also very amusing. We were then able to wander round the beautiful garden ending up back at the greenhouse for a cream tea. What more could we have wished for in a day, amazing lecture, plant sales, delightful summer garden and a cream tea, Perfect!
Next year, Saturday 15 September 2018 we are in East Sussex. In the morning we will visit that wonderful garden and nursery Marchants Hardy Plants owned by renowned plantsman Graham Gough and in the afternoon Gill Regan will talk on 'Buttercups and their Relatives'.
To book for this event
For those wishing to pay by cheque please click on this link Booking Form or those who would prefer to pay by Electronic Transfer please click on Electronic Transfer and then follow the instructions.
Further Information
If you are already a member of the HPS and these snippets of information give you food for thought and you would like to join our enthusiastic group, please click on the following link if you wish to pay by cheque application form (pdf) or if you would prefer to pay by Electronic Transfer please click on the following link for details. Annual subscription rates run from 1st January to 31st December each year.
UK members:
£4 Single or £6 Joint (two members at one address) for one year.
£12 Single or £18 Joint for 3 years.
Overseas members:
£5 Single or £7 Joint per annum.
To join the group please complete the downloadable application forms above. There is a choice of payment by cheque, or electronic transfer.
Membership Secretary:
Vivienne McGhee
For other information regarding the HPS Ranunculaceae Group please contact the Secretary:
Sue Hough
01420 562039


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With Eobard putting the captured metahumans in danger, Barry reaches out to an unlikely ally. Matt and the GotR crew gather to go over the events of "Rogue Air."
The season finale is next week, and we will be there with you every step of the way at YouTube.com/GeeksOfTheRound. If you have any commentary for us, feel free to shoot us an e-mail at firstname.lastname@example.com or leave us a voicemail at 801-609-GOTR (4687). We'll see you next week when Barry tries to change the past in "Fast Enough." Don't forget to join the Geeks of the Round Community for further discussion on this and much, much more!


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This year's international home and housewares show was a whirlwind of new design, awesome products and free samples. Here's our recap of Fellow's sneak peek of Stagg EKG at IHA and our top picks for coffee products at the show. Read More
This year's international home and housewares show was a whirlwind of new design, awesome products and free samples. Here's our recap of Fellow's sneak peek of Stagg EKG at IHA and our top picks for coffee products at the show. Read More
This week we're launching our newest pour-over dripper, Stagg [X]. The first obvious difference you might notice between Stagg [X] and our original dripper Stagg [XF] is size, but there's a whole lot more to love about our new dripper.
Did you hear the news? On Wednesday, our scrappy little Fellow team pulled off a big Kickstarter launch amidst the Black Friday hustle, Cyber Monday craziness, office Christmas partying, and introducing three new products: Podium Trivet, Junior, and Matte Black Joey.
To say we are exhausted would be an understatement. But that's what coffee is for, right? Read More
This past week we launched Stagg Pour-Over System. We're excited to nerd out over each individual component of the system with you, and we're starting with the coolest one: Stagg Dripper.
So what makes Stagg Pour-Over Dripper so special, you ask?
First and foremost, we set out to design a dripper that's both easy to use and consistently produces great coffee. With that main goal in mind, let's break down Stagg Dripper's design features to show why it produces a ridiculously good cup of coffee, every time. Read More
When Stagg Pour-Over Kettle first launched at the end of 2015, we were overwhelmed by the demand. Not only were you guys ordering them like hot cakes, but even our favorite baristas started to get in on the action. To have our kettle used in national and international competitions, as well as earn design award recognition and a placement in the NY Museum of Modern Art Design Store, was beyond our wildest expectations for Stagg's first year.
So why launch a Second Generation Stagg? Because after gathering feedback we know we can make it better, and product design and development doesn't stop at launch – we view everything as a prototype. Read More
This week we're all copper everything in honor of Copper Stagg's pre-order launch. You might be asking yourself if Copper Stagg will match anything in your home. Well, we're glad you asked! We've put together a list of our 8 favorite copper things to match your Copper Stagg…
Last week the Fellow team traveled East for NY NOW. Held twice a year, NY NOW is the leading home and houseware show in New York city. While visiting the Big Apple, we explored East coast coffee communities and met up with some top notch designers. Best of all, Stagg walked away with NY NOW's highest honor: Best in Market. Here's our recap of the week:
Read More
If you're anything like us, you've put off holiday shopping and are now panicking. Not to fear! Our team has compiled a list of great coffee gifts from fancy to casual. We've also thrown in some neat San Francisco spots to take visiting friends and families. Here are our favorites:
Hey! What do you think of this new sweater? Is the fit okay? Does the color complement my reddish-pale complexion?
Your account will be closed and all data will be permanently deleted and cannot be recovered. Are you sure?


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2018 Minnesota Horse Expo Survey
Thank you for coming to the 2018 Minnesota Horse Expo.
We appreciate your comments and suggestions!
1. Please tell us why you came to the 2018 Minnesota Horse Expo:
2. Tell us what you did while you were there:
3. What was the best thing about the MN Horse Espo?
4. What would you change about the MN Horse Expo?
5. Are you a horse owner?
6. Have you been to the MN Horse Expo before?
If so, when?
7. Did you visit the MN Horse Expo website (www.mnhorseexpo.org) before coming to the Expo this year?
8. Any tips on improving our advertising reach?
9. Is there a breed, clinician or product, etc. that you did not see at the Expo that you would like to see here next year?
10. Please provide us with your email address.
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Mount Ascension is a 3.1 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near Helena, Montana that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking, trail running, and mountain biking and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also able to use this trail.
dog friendly
mountain biking
trail running
wild flowers
Lots of branching paths. Fun trail. Lots of people on it. Mostly friendly. Some good views but not amazing.
Many different trail options—easy to lose your way from the Mount Ascension trail if you're a first timer. Awesome spot for hiking, trail running and biking. Great view of Helena from the ridge!
Gorgeous views of the Cathedral and Carrol College.
Got a little side tracked onto Prickly Pear but got back on the trail quickly! The snow pack is pretty good but the backside is loose. Beautiful day for a hike! Would definitely recommend as a good winter hike!
Winter hike and the trails were in good shape.
Gorgeous view from the top. Went in early spring and wasn't too much foot traffic. Little bit of snow to watch out for.
Markings could be clearer. Fantastic views. Much harder than moderate, though. Steep, with scrabbly spots.
No real directions. We kind of wandered around but it was a beautiful hike.
Description should be added to include all trail names needed to get to the top but it was a great hike.
Great hike. It was a beautiful Easter day!
Began the hike around 12:30. Left around 3:00. It we a warm November evening an snow had not yet arrived, so we gave it a shot. This was my second mountain biking experience, and I guess I just expected it to be more epic. You hike for 1- 1 1/2 hours and a 1/2 downhill. What can I say? It's not Big Sky.
Great trail close enough to town for a quick hike, but far enough away to forget that you're in Helena.
A series of well marked trails offering a decent ascent to Mt. Ascension. At the saddle, heading to the peak away from My. Ascension affords even better views.
Trails aren't marked well, but worth the view. The map above is far off from what's there, otherwise very pleased.
This trail feels more wild than Mount Helena. It's harder to navigate with less defined trails, but don't let that stop you. The view at the top is stunning and well worth the effort!
For some reason I find Mount Ascension intimidating. I think it's because there are so many trails intersecting, etc. that it's not easy to map out a route. This is another edge-of-town hike in Helena where the trails are heavily used. This means a lot of trail breakdown that makes using them somewhat unpleasant.
This collection of trails is more commonly referred to as "The South Hill Trails" and are wonderful for morning, lunch break, evening and weekend hikes. They are also great to take visitors from out of town. All these trails loop together and are well marked. Plenty of parking at numerous trail heads. Accessible year-round and well behaved dogs are welcome.


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Advances in biofuel infrastructure and ground-based operations can help the aviation industry comply with strict emissions limits and save money on fuel, according to two new studies.
Port of Seattle
Here's the latest news on hirings, promotions and departures among environmental leaders.
The Port of Seattle, Alaska Airlines and Boeing are partnering to reduce aviation emissions by powering all flights by all airlines at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport with sustainable aviation biofuel. Sea-Tac is the first US airport to lay out a long-term roadmap to incorporate aviation biofuel into its infrastructure. The partnering … Read more »
The Port of Seattle's and the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency's ScRAPS 2 program recently scrapped and replaced its 100th truck at a local vehicle recycling facility. The port offers grants of $20,000 to $30,000 to owners of pre-2007 trucks to help defray the cost of purchasing 2007-or-newer trucks, which … Read more »
The Port of Seattle and the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency have launched a truck scrapping and replacement program. Called ScRAPS 2 (Seaport Truck Scrappage and Replacements for Air in Puget Sound), the program's goal is to help truckers calling on Port of Seattle terminals to have model-year 2007 or … Read more »
An electrification project at Seattle's Sea-Tac Airport to switch ground support equipment from fossil fuels to electric power is projected to save $2.8 million in airline fuel costs and 10,000 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions each year. By September, 576 electric charging stations will be provided throughout the airport for ground … Read more »
The Port of Long Beach has cut diesel particulates by 81 percent and sulfur oxides 88 percent since 2005, according to its 2012 Emissions Inventory report. The port's has also reduced nitrogen oxides by 54 percent and other greenhouse gases by 24 percent since 2005. The reduction in pollutants outpaced … Read more »
The Northwest ports of Seattle, Tacoma and Metro Vancouver say they will reduce diesel particulate matter (DPM) by 75 percent and greenhouse gas emissions by 10 percent, per ton of cargo, by 2015, according to the ports' updated Clean Air Strategy. Both air pollution reduction targets use 2005 levels as … Read more »
GE announced its zero-liquid discharge wastewater treatment technology will be installed at two new 758 MW natural gas-fueled, combined-cycle power plants in Texas. The two power plants, which are owned by Panda Power Funds, will reduce incoming water needs by recycling and reusing more than 98 percent of their own … Read more »


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Scout Language
This page will help you AFTER you sign your son up for Scouts. So glance it over for now and remember it is here for you later...
If you are new to scouting you will be exposed to "Scoutspeak". (It's kinda like when you go to a party and everyone there is a computer programmer except you.)
To help you decode "Scoutspeak", here are a few handy-dandy definitions:
Activity Badge
AkelaThe Leader of the Troop. Does not have to wear leather or ride a Harley, although sometimes it helps. Usually the Troopmaster, but Akela also means Den Leaders and YOU--the main leader your boy looks to for guidance!
Blue and Gold BanquetGenerally held in February to celebrate the anniversary of Scouting. This celebration can be an annual pot luck dinner, banquet or whatever the pack decides to make it.
Blue and Gold ColorsThe Scout Colors. Blue stands for truth and spirituality, loyalty, and the sky above. Gold stands for warm sunlight, good cheer, and happiness.
Boy ScoutA Boy Scout is between the ages of 11 and 18 and belongs to a troop. He advances through these ramks: Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life, then Eagle.
Boy Scouts of America (BSA)The Boy Scouts of America is a nationally chartered organization that encompasses Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, and Venture Crews
CharterFormal permission from the Boy Scouts of America allowing a troop to organize
Chartered OrganizationAn organization that sponsors the pack.
Chartered Organization RepresentativeAn adult representative of the group or organization that currently holds the BSA charters. Reports information to and from the chartered organization and the Pack.
CommissionerA volunteer Scouter who works with packs, troops, and crews to help the unit succeed.
CommitteeThis is a group of adult volunteers who "run" the pack. Any interested adult is welcome to attend Committee meetings
Committee ChairThe adult leader of the pack committee. Provides the motivation and direction to the committee to get the pack program implemented.
CouncilA geographical area, made of up districts for administration of the Boy Scout programs. We are part of the Western Colorado Council.
Cub ScoutAny of a million or so boys between the ages of 6 and 11 who get together and have fun at Den and Pack meetings. Marked by curiosity, laughter, speed, and blue uniform.
DistrictEach council is divided into a number of districts.
District ExecutiveA professional Scouter who is responsible for the achievements of the district.
ElectiveAfter the Achievements in the Wolf and Bear book. Can be done any time by a boy, and count toward Arrow Points after the Wolf or Bear badge have been earned. Can be repeated, if boy does his best every time.
Fleur de lisInternational Boy Scout Emblem. Also used by New Orleans football team. Some Scouters even have boxer shorts with this on them.
FOSFriends of Scouting. Donations to support the camps, materials, special events, and the professional coordinators who help make Scouting possible.
Grown-upLargish post-Scout person, good for helping boys with tools, fire, and holding things while boy plays. Good candidate for leader.IWord used with great pride by boy in Scouts, as in "I did it!"
JoyWhat happens when boy says "I did it!" after trying very hard.
LeaderPerson who gives an hour each week (or more) to help boys grow to be young men of character. Sets example by giving back to the community.
PromiseWhat leaders try to deliver. To do their Best, to help others, and to help boys learn to Do Their Duty to God, Country, Family, and self.
QuietUnknown concept.
ScouterSomeone who may or may not have boys in Scouting, but just really loves the program and gets satisfaction from helping boys grow to men.
TrainingAvailable in many varieties to help everyone Do Their Best to be a good leader. Fast Start, Basic, and Youth Protection are common types
UsefulMost anything you'd never think of. Juice can lids and tissue tubes, bits of string, wood, packing peanuts, wheels, marbles, frosting containers, and whole bunches of stuff tha make great craft supplies!
VictoryWhat a boy wins every time he does something he really had to try at, even if he doesn't go the fastest or highest or whatever.
Next Page in our Scouting 101 Tour...
Scouting 101


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Below are reviews, press coverage and interviews related to The Mind Body Mood Solution and Dr. Rossman.
Radio interview with Mike Carruthers of SomethingYouShouldKnow.net
Radio interview with Jeff Schechtman for Morning Edition on KVON-AM (ABC) in Napa, CA on 1.13.11
(click link to listen)
The Easiest Way to Fight Depression
(Article published in Women's Health magazine)
Are you getting enough bright light? If you're like many Americans, you may not be. As we spend more of our time indoors we are becoming increasingly deprived of the bright light that is essential to our health and well-being…
Radio interview with Rick Kleffel of Bookotron.com
"If readers are thinking that The Mind-Body Mood Solution is not my usual fare, well, they'd be right. But I frankly liked the approach, liked the book and my luck was in. Though Rossman was not touring for the book, he did happen to be in Santa Cruz, and available for a full hour on a Sunday evening. This gave me the opportunity to have him on a live radio show…"
Listen to the Podcast here
Read Kleffel's full review here


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About Daniela Kostova
As an artist, curator, and gallery director, Daniela Kostova encourages the development of the community of Bulgarian artists working in America. In her mixed-media works, Kostova investigates the ways in which social, political, and family structures shape perceptions of oneself and one's community. Kostova's installation Fixing Reality (2004) involved placing a large blue screen in public settings in the United States. The screen was later digitally "filled" with images of Bulgaria in an attempt to bridge the geographic and social divides between the two countries in which Kostova lives and works.
Bulgarian, b. 1974, Sofia, Bulgaria, based in New York, New York
Group Shows


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The AgTechXChange is the premier community for advancing agricultural technologies for smallholder farmers. Learn More
Check out some helpful resources that the AgTech Team is reading!
The Ag Tech Market Map: Maps out 100+ startups that are "powering the future of farming and agribusiness" around the world with a particular focus on the U.S. Check it out to learn about cool new ag technologies and to find out who is funding them.
WeedScout is a Bayer-developed software that crowdsources experts' images to identify weeds. Dr. Hans-Joachim Santel, Weed Scientist at Bayer, says that weed identification is the initial step in weed control and to ultimately helping reduce errors that affect farm profitability. When a farmer correctly identifies a weed, they can apply the correct practice and treatment to control the weed, meaning less time purchasing unneeded chemicals.
In Uganda, Pineapple Crisps Are a Money Maker for Nakiwala. Nakiwala is processing fresh fruits for sale locally and in the EU and is continually innovating her business model to create more profit. Learn from her experience to kick-start your off-the-shelf business solution that supports development outcomes.
Agricultural systems don't just feed the world, they create jobs that keep rural and urban citizens employed and national employment levels growing. Learn about how smart partnerships boost job creation by centering planning on business models that connect farmers, buyers and the public sector.
Women in Mozambique bear the brunt of civil war, droughts and floods, which ultimately affects entrepreneurs and how they overcome civil unrest to keep their business' going while creating strong social value locally.
Should America Keep Giving Billions Of Dollars To Countries In Need? This article discusses a fundamental disconnect between Congressional expectations for what aid should measure up to, namely national economic gains where funds are dispersed (rather than the outcomes discrete program are geared to contribute to, like agriculture gains, education improvements, etc.). Helpful for understanding current debates about US foreign aid.


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Author: Ann Leckie
Format: Paperback, 336 pages
Published: October 6th 2015 by Orbit
Edition language: English
Series: Imperial Radch #3
Characters: Breq, Anaander Minaai, Seivarden Vendaai
The stunning conclusion to the trilogy that began with the Hugo, Nebula, and Arthur C. Clarke award-winning Ancillary Justice.
For a moment, things seem to be under control for the soldier known as Breq. Then a search of Atheok Station's slums turns up someone who shouldn't exist – someone who might be an ancillary from a ship that's been hiding beyond the empire's reach for three thousand years. Meanwhile, a messenger from the alien and mysterious Presger empire arrives, as does Breq's enemy, the divided and quite possibly insane Anaander Mianaai – ruler of an empire at war with itself.
Anaander is heavily armed and extremely unhappy with Breq. She could take her ship and crew and flee, but that would leave everyone at Athoek in terrible danger. Breq has a desperate plan. The odds aren't good, but that's never stopped her before.BUY ON AMAZON BUY ON AMAZON INDIA BUY ON FLIPKART


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England Pet Friendly Cottages
There are pet friendly cottages throughout the whole of England so we are sure we can find the perfect dog friendly holiday for you. From the sandy beaches in Devon and Cornwall to the stunning lakes and countryside in Cumbria there are plenty of dog friendly locations on offer.
We have over 700 pet friendly cottages in England. Some have private enclosed gardens which are ideal for letting dogs get some exercise and fresh air while you are in the cottage. Many others are close to fantastic woodland or countryside walks so you can be sure fresh air and exercise are a big part of the holiday, for you and your four legged friend.
Choose from a wide range of cottages on offer. Some are traditional stone built cottages with charming features like exposed beams and wood burning stoves. Others are traditional or more modern barn conversions and stable conversions. Whatever type of dog friendly accommodation appeals to you, there should be something to suit. And of course, all of the cottage have a home from home feel with well equipped kitchens, perfect for self catering holidays.
Cottage holidays in England give you the flexibility to explore many areas from lakeside to countryside with the freedom to return to your cottage at leisure and plan things like mealtimes around your daily activities. Some choose to get out and explore, and take part in lively and adventurous activities the whole time while others prefer to relax in the cottage surroundings. You can take your holiday at your own pace and do whatever you like, and after all, that's what holidays are all about!
One of our most popular areas for cottage breaks is the Yorkshire region. We have over 200 personally inspected properties covering the Yorkshire Moors and the Yorkshire Dales. As far as dog friendly holidays are concerned these areas are ideal with miles of stunning moors or green dales to explore. For a romantic retreat we like Blacksmith Cottage in the Grassington area of the Yorkshire Dales. This ground floor studio offers excellent walking opportunities, is just 9 miles from Skipton and has village amenities close to hand. Lotties Loft is also available to rent which is the first floor of this building and offers a bright and airy place to stay. Both accommodations are recommended for romantic getaways and pets are permitted.
For a touch of luxury and style we love Pack Horse Stables which is a detached traditional cottage sleeping 4, with the added bonus of an outdoor hot tub. Located in the Blackshaw Head area of the Dales this cottage also comes with underfloor heating and slate flooring. The woodburner and exposed ceiling beams makes the interior look even more quaint. There is a large garden, and close proximity to walks across the Bronte Moors, making this ideal for dog friendly breaks.
Cumbria and The Lakes are also very popular with the stunning Lake District on the doorstep. Lake Windermere, Lake Ullswater and surrounding areas are some of the most beautiful in the UK.
Pet Friendly Days Out in England
21st August 2018


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West Bengal: North 24 Parganas continues to be tense following blasphemous Facebook post
North 24 Parganas of West Bengal continues to be on the boil after a blasphemous Facebook post by a 17-year-old student.
Bashirhat sub-division of North 24 Parganas district of West Bengal continues to remain tense.
About four companies of BSF South Bengal Frontier has been deployed in areas like Bashirhat, Swarupnagar, Baduria and Deganga.
Internet services have been suspended in the affected areas and CRPC section 144 has been imposed.
Meanwhile, in the commotion on Tuesday night the district SP was injured while he visited the disturbed area for an operation.
Communal violence broke out in the region after a Facebook post by a teenager in Baduria block of North 24 Parganas district.
The class 11 student allegedly made defamatory post about Prophet Mohammed.
After the post went viral, a mob ransacked his house on Monday night. The 17-year-old student has been arrested by the police.
Soon after the arrest, large groups came out on the streets in various parts of Bashirhat and Barasaat sub-division of the district protesting against the Facebook post and demanding death sentence for the teenager.


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As hurdles dot the path of Justice Salami anti-graft c'ttee
Members of the anticorruption committee recently established by the National Judicial Council (NJC) has come under scrutiny as many hurdles await their assignment.
The NJC presided over by the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Walter Onnoghen, on September 27 set up a 15-member Corruption and Financial Crime Cases Trial Monitoring Committee (COTRIMCO).
The panel has former President of Court of Appeal (PCA), Justice Ayo Salami as chairman. Other members are Justice Kashim Zannah (OFR), Chief Judge, Borno State; Justice P.O. Nnadi, Chief Judge of Imo State; Justice Marshal Umukoro, Chief Judge Delta State; Justice Munta Abimbola, Chief Judge, Oyo State; and A.B Mahmud (SAN), President, NBA.
Others are former NBA Presidents: Wole Olanipekun (SAN) and Olisa Agbakoba (SAN), J.B. Daudu (SAN) and Austin Alegeh (SAN); and members of NJC, Dr. Garba Tetengi (SAN) and Mrs. R.I Inga. It is expected that there will be representatives from the Nongovernmental organisations, Ministry of Justice, the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) and the secretary of NJC, Gambo Saleh.
The functions of the panel are: "the regular monitoring and evaluation of proceedings at designated courts for financial and economic crimes nationwide; advising the Chief Justice of Nigeria on how to eliminate delay in the trial of alleged corruption cases; giving feedback to the council on progress of cases in the designated courts, conduct background checks on judges selected for the designated courts; and Evaluating the performance of the designated courts."
The setting up of the panel followed the speech by the CJN during the 2017/2018 Legal Year programme on September 18, wherein he directed all heads of courts in the federation to compile and forward the lists of all corruption and financial crimes cases in their courts.
He also directed them to designate one or two courts in their jurisdiction as Special Courts for the hearing and speedy determination of corruption and financial crimes cases. Since the NJC has no powers to create new courts of record, but the National Assembly, corruption and financial crimes cases in all the states, will be assigned to judges with higher flair for the offences. These judges will be excused from all other cases in courts.
The judiciary was compelled to act after the President Muhammadu Buhari administration variously identified the slow pace of the judiciary as a major clog in the nation's anti-corruption fight. The president had during the inauguration of then Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Walter Onnoghen on November 11, 2016 charged him on the need for the judiciary to support the fight against corruption. Also, in February 2016 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia while interacting with Nigerians at a town hall meeting, the president further stressed that the nation's judiciary remained his major headache in the fight against corruption.
The panel being made up of eminent jurists and legal practitioners is drawing high expectations from the public even as serious challenges stare it in the face. The chairman, Justice Salami left his office as PCA in 2013 after he was controversially suspended by then CJN, Justice Aloysius Katsina-Alu for refusing his elevation after he accused the CJN of irregularities in an election petition judgement. Though the NJC recommended his recall to the bench in May 2012, then president, Goodluck Jonathan refused to recall him, forcing him to retire voluntarily.
Justice Zanna was appointed Chief Judge of Borno State in 2015. He presided over the panel that nullified the election of a former Adamawa governor. He has great passion for courts automation and has been part of the use of ICT in the nation's highest courts.
Justice Nnadi joined the Imo State Judicial Service as a senior Magistrate in 1992. He was Chief Registrar of the High Court from 1995 to 1998 and was elevated to the High Court Bench in April 1998, where he has served till date. He is a member of the NJC representing the South–East zone.
Justice Umukoro became Chief Judge of Delta State in 2015 after taking over from Justice Abiodun Smith. Justice Umukoro is a member of the NJC representing the South– South zone.
Justice Munta Abimbola was in August appointed the Chief Judge of Oyo State. He has promised to introduce reforms in the sector. He is a member of the NJC representing South–West zone.
Abubakar Balarabe Mahmud, the current president of the NBA, has made reforming the Bar and Bench as major focus of his administration. The former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Kano, is a member of the NJC for the North– West zone.
Wole Olanipekun (SAN) was president of NBA from 2002 to 2004. He was conferred with the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria in 1991. He has one of the reputed law firms in the country.
Olisa Agbakoba (SAN) was the NBA president from 2006 to 2008. He was conferred with the rank of SAN in 1998. The Lagos-based lawyer is a foremost pro-democracy and civil rights advocate. He is the founder of Human Rights Law Services (HURILAWS).
Joseph Daudu (SAN) was the NBA president from 2010 to 2012. He was a member of the Body of Benchers for eight years and also member of the International Council of Jurists. He is also a founding partner of the Rule of Law Development Foundation.
Austin Alegeh (SAN) was NBA president from 2014 to 2016. He was conferred with SAN rank in 2007. Before his emergence on the national scene, he had been an active member of the Bar in the Benin branch, Edo State. He is a member of the NJC, representing the South–South zone.
Dr. Garba Tetengi (SAN) is currently a member of the NJC from Niger, North–Central zone. He was conferred with the rank of SAN in 2012.
Mrs. R.I. Inga is a member of the NJC from Benue, and represents the North–Central zone. She is a retired permanent secretary in the civil service.
Saleh is currently the secretary of the NJC. He was elevated to the post following the retirement of Danladi Halilu, who retired on July 1, 2017. He was the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court from 2014 to 2017.
A major challenge confronting the Justice Salami committee is the membership of senior lawyers accused of defending financial crimes for which they allegedly caused the delay. Analysts believe this could result in a conflict of interest in their work for the committee.
For instance, Daudu has appeared both for former National Security Adviser (NSA), retired Col. Sambo Dasuki, who is standing trial before an Abuja Federal High Court over alleged diversion of arms funds. He also represented the Senate President, Bukola Saraki during his trial over alleged false asset declaration at the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT). While the case against Dasuki has not commenced fully since 2015, Saraki has been acquitted.
Olanipekun was counsel to former governor of Oyo State, Rasheed Ladoja, who is facing trial over alleged misappropriation of N4.7bn state funds since 2010. The case has dragged on for eight years.
In his submission, the Special Assistant to the President on Prosecution, and the chairman of Special Presidential Advisory Investigation Panel for the Recovery of Public Property, Okoi Obono-Obla expressed lack of confidence in the committee because of Daudu's role in the Dasuki trial.
"If he has integrity, he should step aside. As lawyers, we have ethics, and that is if you know that your client has done something wrong, and if a point of law is raised against your client, you can concede in the interest of justice because you are a minister in the temple of justice," he said.
"This is a clear case of conflict of interest. You are defending a politically exposed person and now you are a member of a committee to monitor judges hearing politically exposed matters, you should step aside," he added.
Also, the Human rights advocacy group, Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has asked the CJN to review the membership of the committee. In a letter to the CJN, SERAP's executive director, Adetokunbo Mumuni stated that some lawyers on the committee are defence counsel in some of the high-profile cases that they have now been appointed to monitor.
Reacting on the composition of the panel, a member of the Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption (PACAC), Dr Sadiq Radda said though Justice Salami has credibility to deliver on the assignment, "there is grave reservation as some of them (panel members) are interested parties."
Another member of PACAC, Prof Femi Odekunle, said the rationale behind the setting up of the committee is good but have reservations about membership. He said he would have preferred that the committee is predominated by retired jurists and lawyers associated with integrity.
"Why don't you call people listed Justice Shuabu, Justice Oyewole, and Femi Falana? These are people that are known to be against corruption. But the kind of people there, I am not against them personally, but it is like asking a retired Inspector General of Police to be the one to reform the police. At the end of the day, it will be the same old story," he said.
But constitutional lawyer and executive director, Human Rights Monitor, Festus Okoye said both Olanipekun and Daudu, being SANs and past presidents of the NBA will understand the system and bring their wealth of experience to bear on the challenge.
"We should give them the support and see how they perform. Both of them cannot on their own manipulate all the members of the committee to deliver pre-determined outcome," he said.
Another major challenge for the panel is exercise of independence over funding and human resources. SERAP also in a recent statement demanded that the committee be given free hand to manage its budget in order control the human and financial resources that would guarantee its independence to carry out the assignment.
A third major challenge for the committee is lack of powers to immediately deal with use of technicalities by lawyers to delay cases in court. This is because, the committee's work is mainly to observe proceedings in the designated courts, also known as 'Special Courts' for corruption and financial crimes cases in all jurisdictions of the federation. Though the CJN, Onnoghen, has directed Heads of Courts to clamp down on both prosecution and defence counsel who indulge in the unethical practice of deploying delay tactics to stall criminal trials, this panel will have no powers to urgently act on the situation it would meet in the courtrooms.
Supporting this position, Okoye said the work of the panel is only to monitor and remain outside the adjudicatory system. He added that it is also the duty of the public to monitor and "hold all the members of the investigation, prosecution and adjudication chain accountable."
"The prosecution of corrupt persons and the fight against corruption is a multi-stakeholder venture involving the investigators, the prosecutors and the adjudicators. The symbiotic functioning of these stakeholders ensures good prosecution and the securing of conviction," he said.
Justice Ayo Salami (rtd)


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What You'll Get
Wine was once such an expensive commodity that the rich conspicuously spilled it on their golden capes instead of wasting it invisibly in their stomachs. Afford enough wine to braggadociously spill it with today's Groupon: for $9, you get one ticket to a wine tasting (an $18 value) at Bruning's Wine Cellar in Beavercreek. Each tasting includes two-ounce pours of five wines and palate-cleansing cheeses, cured meats, and crackers, as well as live guitar from Bruning's Wine Cellar owner Mike to accompany the sweet sound of swishing. Select from two tastings on four dates:
- Sbragia Family Vineyards on Wednesday, August 4th, 5 p.m.–8 p.m.
- Sbragia Family Vineyards on Saturday, August 7th, 3 p.m.–6 p.m.
- "Que Será, Syrah, Shiraz" on Wednesday, August 11th, 5 p.m.–8 p.m.
- "Que Será, Syrah, Shiraz" on Saturday, August 14th, 3 p.m.–6 p.m.
Ed Sbragia of the Sbragia Family Vineyards is famous for his chardonnay and cabernet. Included in the Sbragia Family Vineyards tastings are two varietals: Home Ranch chardonnay ($26.99/bottle) and Andolsen Vineyard cabernet sauvignon ($35.99/bottle). From his experience at Beringer, Ed Sbragia also knows the inner grape workings of dozens of other varietals, knowledge applied to the creation of the three other tastable bottlings: the Home Ranch sauvignon blanc ($20.99/bottle), Home Ranch merlot ($26.99/bottle), and Gino's Vineyard zinfandel ($28.99/bottle).
Three of the wines in the "Que Será, Syrah, Shiraz" tastings will be syrahs or shirazes, each hailing from a different country: Owen Roe Ex Umbris syrah ($29.99/bottle) from the U.S., Glaetzer Bishop shiraz ($34.99/bottle) from Australia, and Domaine Jean-Louis Chave St. Joseph Offerus ($32.99/bottle) from France. To balance out the red wine dominance, two white wines from Anne Amie Vineyards, the pinot gris ($18.99/bottle) and the pinot blanc ($19.99/bottle), will be included in the flight.
The tastings are casual; arrive anytime during the tasting, at least an hour before the tasting closes, to have time to enjoy the entire flight. Bruning's Wine Cellar owner Mike is also a ninth-generation clock maker, so in addition to a ticket to the wine flight, Groupon holders will get 13% off of the stock of clocks and furniture, including wine cabinets, in Bruning's Clock and Home Accent Store.
Must be 21 years old.
The Fine Print
Expiration varies. Amount paid never expires. Limit 1 per event date option, may buy multiple as gifts. Limit 1 per visit. Valid only for event date purchased. Must be at least 21. Merchant is solely responsible to purchasers for the care and quality of the advertised goods and services.


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August 2018 M T W T F S S « Jul 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31
Category Archives: christianity
The Triumph of Christianity
Are you an atheist wanting to up your game when debating with Christians about the inerrancy of the Bible? You need to read Bart Ehrman. Are you a devout Christian wanting to understand how anyone could NOT believe that the … Continue reading
Posted in books, christianity, history Tagged bart ehrman, triump of christianity Leave a comment
Podcast #263 – Too Faithful to Be Faithless
A Texas member of the Electoral College has resigned rather than cast a vote for Donald Trump, stating that the president-elect is not "biblically qualified" to hold office. Also in Texas, the Republican-controlled government is implementing a new regulation requiring … Continue reading
Posted in abortion, christianity, ethics, science Tagged abortion, art sisneros, donald trump, texas, tom price Leave a comment
Podcast #261 – SPLC vs Ayaan Hirsi Ali
Why has the Southern Poverty Law Center placed Ayaan Hirsi Ali and Maajid Nawaz on their list of "anti-Muslim extremists"? Certainly both Ali (who was the victim of female genital mutilation and narrowly escaped an arranged marriage before making a … Continue reading
Posted in christianity, islam, podcast, politics Tagged ayaan hirsi ali, maajid nawaz, southern poverty law center, splc Leave a comment
Podcast 260 – Moore No More
Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore has been suspended without pay from his office until the end of his term, effectively putting an end to his judicial career. Moore becomes (as far as we can tell) the only judge in US … Continue reading
Posted in christianity, evolution, freethought, gay rights, podcast, politics, religious rights, women's rights Tagged curt schilling, roy moore, teresa macbain Leave a comment
Good Riddance, Roy Moore…
…although I'm sure we haven't seen the last of him. In case you haven't been following the news, Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore has been permanently suspended without pay for the remainder of his term by the state's Judicial Inquiry … Continue reading
Posted in christianity, civil rights, commentary, ethics, politics Tagged alabama, roy moore Leave a comment
Podcast #256 – Matthew O'Neil (After Life)
We interview Matthew O'Neil, author of After Life: Solving Science and Religion's Great Disagreement. In his new book, he looks at what the Bible actually says about things like Heaven, Hell, the soul and Resurrection, and how it differs from modern, … Continue reading
Posted in books, christianity, podcast, religion Tagged after life, matthew o'neil Leave a comment
Podcast #253 – Baby Fingers, Baby Christian
For the third presidential election cycle in a row, evangelical fundamentalist Christians have failed to nominate a Republican candidate that's a full-throated theocratic nut job (although they came close with Ted Cruz). And once again they're faced with the daunting … Continue reading
Posted in christianity, gay rights, podcast, politics Tagged ark encounter, baby christian, donald trump, ken ham Leave a comment
April 14 in freethought history…
April 14, 1950 -Â Geneticist Francis Collins is born in Staunton, Virginia. Collins is best known as former head of the Human Genome Project and as current Director of the National Institutes of Health. He has sparked controversy for his outspoken … Continue reading
Posted in biography, biology, books, christianity, evolution, history, intelligent design, medical research Tagged francis collins Leave a comment
March 22 in freethought history…
March 22, 1638 – The Massachussetts Bay Colony expells Anne Hutchinson for religious dissent. She moved with her family and a number of like-minded settlers to what is now Portsmouth, Rhode Island; soon thereafter, when it looked like Massachussetts might … Continue reading
Posted in biography, children, christianity, history, religious rights Tagged anne hutchinson, mcmartin preschool Leave a comment
March 19 in freethought history…
March 19, 1821 -Â British explorer, linguist, translator and writer Richard Francis Burton is born in Torquay, England. His achievements were legion, including a thoroughly documented pilgrimage in disguise to Mecca, a complete translation of One Thousand and One Nights, and … Continue reading
Posted in arts, atheism, biography, books, christianity, history, international freethought, islam, movies Tagged arthur c. clarke, jimmy carter, richard francis burton Leave a comment


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Sep 10 2015 | comment(s)
Every now and then you get a 3-1, 86 mph fastball down the middle of the plate. You just have to swing.
This exact pitch was thrown in Washington this week. Not the Nationals. By the Post. They ran a superbly silly story this week entitled "The dirtiest places on an airplane, ranked." I swung.
Sep 04 2015 | comment(s)
Diets rich in fish oil versus diets rich in lard produce very different bacteria in the guts of mice, reports a study from Sahlgrenska Academy published in Cell Metabolism.
The researchers transferred these microbes into other mice to see how they affected health. The results suggest that gut bacteria share some of the responsibility for the beneficial effects of fish oil and the harmful effects of lard.
Aug 27 2015 | comment(s)
Researchers have unraveled the mystery cause of the emerging wheat disease White Grain Disorder, by isolating three previously undiscovered fungi from infected wheat samples and sequenced their genomes.
Australian wheat exports are worth more than $6 billion a year with diseases costing the industry around $1 billion a year. White Grain Disorder emerged about 20 years ago and has sporadically affected crops in Southern Queensland and South Australia, but until now has been poorly understood.
Aug 17 2015 | comment(s)
The crucial genetic mashup that spawned the yeast that brews the vast majority of beer occurred at least twice -- and both times without human help -- according to a new study.
Aug 08 2015 | comment(s)
By: Karin Heineman, Inside Science TV – Viruses: they're too tiny for us to see, yet they're lurking everywhere. And guess what? They spread really fast through an office environment.
"Most people don't realize they easily spread by your hands," said University of Arizona microbiologist Charles Gerba. Most people think that viruses spread by inhaling sick people's coughs or sneezes, but "it's really when those droplets settle out and you touch that surface" that tiny viruses spread, he said. People unknowingly bring their virus-covered fingers to their noses, mouths, or eyes, kicking off infection.
Aug 07 2015 | comment(s)
Aug 05 2015 | comment(s)
In patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), atherosclerosis is exceedingly common and contributes to the development of heart disease, which is the leading cause of death in this group. New research suggests that an organic byproduct generated by intestinal bacteria may be responsible for the formation of cholesterol plaques in the arteries of individuals with decreased kidney function. The findings suggest that targeting this byproduct may be a novel strategy for safeguarding the heart health of patients with CKD.
Aug 04 2015 | comment(s)
A new paper says protective probiotics could fight the "chytrid" fungus that has been decimating amphibian populations worldwide.
Jenifer Walke, PhD, a postdoctoral researcher at Virginia Tech University, Blacksburg, and collaborators have grown bacterial species from the skin microbiome of four species of amphibians.
Aug 01 2015 | comment(s)
The immune system protects us from the constant onslaught of viruses, bacteria and other types of pathogens we encounter throughout life. It also remembers past infections so it can fight them off more easily the next time we encounter them.
But the immune system can sometimes misbehave. It can start attacking its own proteins, rather than the infection, causing autoimmunity. Or, it can effectively respond to one variant of a virus, but then is unable to stop another variant of the virus. This is termed the original antigenic sin (OAS).
Jul 27 2015 | comment(s)
The discovery of unusual foraging activity in bacteria species populating our gut may explain how conditions like Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) link to changes in the populations of bacteria in our gut. IBD affects 1 in every 250 people but its causes are unknown. Studies have shown that IBD patients have a different profile of gut microbes, which is called dysbiosis.
All of us have trillions of beneficial bacteria in our gut, but the combination of different species, known as the microbiome, varies. A crucial question has been whether IBD causes our microbiome to change, or whether an imbalanced microbiome could be triggering IBD. And exactly how does one affect the other? We need to study these interactions to define new targets for therapeutics.


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2015 was our first full year being married. It was full of joy, excitement, and it had its fair share of stress and disappointments. Here are a couple of the major highlights!
Highlight #1
Reagan and I were Sealed in July this past year at the St George Temple. We got to spend time with both of our families and a few great friends, it was the perfect relaxing weekend. What started as a normal warm summer weekend, then turned into an overcast and rainy one as soon as we went into the temple. It was actually a blessing, it was cool enough to bare being outside in the southern Utah summer. The appropriate use of umbrellas and a skilled photographers eye captured the beautiful moment in time. you can't even tell that the back of my dress was soaked through at one point.
Highlight #2
When we got married we were given an awesome opportunity to live in a teeny tiny little house and take care of a church owned ballpark. Upon agreeing to live there, a little rumor started circulating that we would have an addition put onto our little studio, making it more spacious and livable.
I'm just going to tell you I know there is a campaign out there right now where people are saying sell your house and move out to the country and live tiny mortgage free... This life style is not for people who are any of the following: SOCIAL, people who have full closets of clothing, people who have belongings that would be stored for 11 months out of the year i.e. holiday decorations, people who have hobbies, people who like stretching out. people who have any level of distaste towards clutter.
It was a hard life! we had a substantial storage area behind our house and it was still difficult for us to live in such small quarters. Every day it seemed like I was moving one stack of organized clutter into a different corner to make room for a different stack. We attempted to put time into hobbies like leather working or attempting to throw dinner parties, it would just create so much anxiety. Every inch of wall was covered in some form of storage it felt like. We put an extra closet on one of the walls so that I could have a place to put my very humble wardrobe. The saying "the walls were closing in on me" fit our life to a "T".
So imagine my relief when one day almost a year after we were married and living in small quarters I heard heavy machinery behind my house I peaked out our one way window(thankfully Reagan put a film on our window to appear black from the outside, it lets me creep on people.) they had finally begun the building process. It took them about 3 months to complete it but boy it gave us hope that we might be able to stay here a little longer. I can't fully describe all of the emotions I felt when the room was completed, but let me just say relaxed was the strongest one. I finally had a place to separate working home area and relaxing bedroom area. They suggested we pick our own paint colors and do the painting ourselves which would save a little cost. Painting was a little bit of a tease because it was still another week until we got to officially move in. Reagan is such a wiz with computers, he worked on a program and mapped out our exact bedroom measurements making it so that we could virtually play around with our furniture and find the best set up. So the process of moving everything was very swift. If I've never mentioned it before and if I never mention it again, here it is now in writing I am so grateful from Reagan for many things but thinking back on this I think that saved me lots of un necessary moving of furniture and stress.
Here is a before panoramic photo take note of the DARK taupe color on the walls. not ideal for such a small space.
Below is the framing work
2nd Bathroom and a sizable closet were included
And finally the completed product
|Short people couches
|Living room with a brighter color
|A Secondary Bathroom:
now we certainly didn't need another bathroom but the foot print on this one makes so much more sense in comparison to what I could call the "Galley" bathroom that was the original bathroom.
|The front room/Kitchen
It was an adventure to say the least but we are perfectly happy in our little cottage now. I have been able to entertain again, dinner parties and what not and My closet isn't an open shelving unit in my living room any more. I don't know where our lives will take us, but I am always going to cherish these early days with Reagan when we really had to get used to breathing each others air and still love one another at the end of the day.
Sort of Highlight #3
We got our coffee table from my sister when she decided to ditch us in AZ. I loved the shape of the table I just didn't love the stain bare natural color. Deciding to try my hand at wood working in the most elementary way, fumbling in some places and succeeding in others I really liked the end result. This Oak table did not seem to like the stain being used, even against doing everything every online tutorial suggested be done. Since I was doing it out side the natural sunlight really seemed to bleach out the color when I would look at it. Finally after a 4th coat I was calling it good enough for now because another bout of rainy day's were coming. (Tucson had a very wet Fall, I probably wouldn't have noticed if It hadn't been for the fact that I WANTED to do something out side that would take a few dry days in a row). Against what I felt was my better judgment I placed the table inside and once it was on my rug and blending with its surroundings it felt like it belonged.
Highlight #4
We became cat people. The transition for Reagan wasn't nearly as dramatic as it was for me. I only ever had one cat. His name was Sparticus, he was disinterested in me so I was equally disinterested in him and all cats from then on.
Last year after a few pleading phone calls we agreed to help out a friend be a TEMPORARY placement for a cat that was promised to be "Sweet, and loving" (PAH! cats aren't sweet at loving). I was that person that really did not care for cats. Also I have a slight allergy.
Again against what I thought was my better judgment I brought kitty home and was excited to surprise Reagan because I know he loves cats. He can't remember a time when his family didn't have multiple cats. In the few hours before Reagan got home from work, this kitty followed me around like I'm not kidding I used the term "Puppy dog" to describe it. When I sat she wanted to be near me when I walked around she was curious about what I was doing and followed. In a short few hours a bond was formed between me and Ayla. I believed that the newness of being in our home would wear off and she would move on. She never has to this day no matter where either Reagan or I am she is no more then 5 feet away. She gives me morning snuggles every day, and the second one of us is having a down day she is on it making sure we feel better. Also she doesn't beg for our food, thats a welcome change from my dog days. She isn't very photogenic so excuse the crumby photos. Clearly her placement went from temporary to PERMANENT we love our Ayla!
|standing on her hind legs for prolonged periods of time is her best trick :)
|She is the perfect black cat... and LOVEs the colors orange and black
|She thinks she's human
Now of course our year wasn't all roses and sunshine, however at the end of the year we look back and see what stood out and its mostly smiles. We grew, we improved, we got bumped and bruised along the way, and in the end while other years seem to fade I feel that 2015 will always be a year to remember.


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Author Archives: Webmaster
Dave Downing 1945 - 2017
We are sad to mark the passing of an outstanding person and musician, Dave Downing. Dave was a member of the National Capital Band for 45 years.
Dave and his wife, Karen, came to the Washington, DC, area in 1969, just after Dave had finished a tour with the US Army in Vietnam. Both coming from a Salvation Army background, they began attending the Prince George's Corps (and later the Alexandria Citadel Corps), and both joined the National Capital Band. Through the years, Dave played baritone, euphonium, and principal horn, as well as serving several terms as the band sergeant and chaplain. At the corps, Dave served in several leadership positions, including bandmaster, corps sergeant-major, Sunday school teacher, and youth band leader.
In 1979, Dave was struck with a massive heart attack at the age of 34. Despite having severe damage to his heart muscle, requiring him to have a defibrillator implanted in his body, and eventually to have a heart transplant, he remained a vital member of the corps and the NCB. Throughout his medical difficulties, he retained a strong Christian witness and a sense of dignity and honor. A few years after having his transplant, he was diagnosed with cancer. The surgery for this new affliction caused his face to be partially paralyzed, and even though he was unable to play a brass instrument for several years, he remained the NCB band sergeant, faithfully coming to rehearsals and engagements.
In 1992, Dave and Karen adopted an infant from Bolivia, Kevin. They nurtured him into an intelligent, gracious person, who is incidentally also extremely talented, being a virtuoso trombonist. As with everything he did, Dave took a very active role with his son, helping to develop his intellectual, spiritual, and musical abilities.
In email to members and friends of the National Capital Band, Bandmaster Dr. Steve Kellner called Dave "one of our Mount Rushmore figures, both musically and spiritually." His presence will be sorely missed, but his influence on the Salvationists of the National Capital Area and elsewhere will continue through those of us who were privileged to know him.
A Musical Offering (2014)
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The first recording by the band under the direction of Bandmaster Dr. Steve Kellner, A Musical Offering features works by ten composers who all have been members of the National Capital Band, from Erik Leidzén ("band instructor" when the band was founded in 1925) to current members of the group.
|Praise Him (Stephen Bulla)
|My Jesus I Love Thee (Kevin Downing)
|Spiritual Fantasy (Douglas Court)
|Joel Collier, euphonium soloist
|I. All God's Children Got Shoes
|II. Balm in Gilead
|III. Joshua Fit the Battle
|The Call (Erik Leidzén)
|River Quest (Stephen Bulla)
|Kevin Downing, trombone soloist
|Camp Happyland (James Anderson)
|Rest (Kevin Norbury, arr. Dorothy Gates)
|David Delaney, cornet soloist
|The Children's Song (Robert Schramm)
|I Bow Adoring (Joel Collier)
|Joyful Warrior (Steve Kellner)
|The Risen Savior (Paul Kellner)
Let Us Adore Him (2010/2012)
This the the band's second offering of Christmas music, following Christmas Presence (1992).
Recorded in January 2010, this is the final recording conducted by Bandmaster James Anderson before his untimely death in October of that year. Indeed, he was undergoing a very aggressive treatment program when the recording was made as he waged a valiant and inspiring battle against the cancer the eventually took his life. The National Capital Band dedicates this recording to Bandmaster James Anderson, with love, respect, admiration and affection. Auld Lang Syne, Jim.
|Fanfare on "O Come, All Ye Faithful" (Steve Kellner)
|The Joy of Christmas (Robert Redhead)
|The Christmas Story (Luke 2:1-20)
|Narrated by James Anderson
|I Wonder As I Wander (Ray Bowes)
|Feliz Navidad (Dorothy Gates)
|Ding Dong Merrily on High (Douglas Court)
|Steve Kellner, euphonium soloist
|Still, Still, Still (James Curnow)
|The Shining Star (Peter Graham)
|Shepherd's Surprise (Kenneth Downie)
|Fanfare Jubiloso (James Curnow)
|Nowell (Andrew Mackereth)
|Christmas Idyll (Kenneth Downie)
|Season's Greetings (James Anderson)
A Musical Offering: The Children's Song (Robert Schramm)
The National Capital Band will be in sessions for their eleventh recording, entitled A Musical Offering, on 14 – 15 February 2014. The band has been blessed since its inception in 1925 to have had a stream of excellent composers and arrangers as members of the group. All of the items on this recording were written by one of these musicians, ranging from the earliest days of the band to current members.
In the late summer of 1961, Robert C. "Bob" Schramm came to Washington, DC after joining the United States Air Force Band. He also took up the principal euphonium chair in the National Capital Divisional Band (as it was then known) and was appointed as Deputy Bandmaster, a position he held until his retirement from the NCB in 1998. The association between the Schramm family and the National Capital Band continues to the present day, now extending to the third generation, with six members of the family having played in the band for a combined total of over 90 years of service.
Several of Schramm's compositions have been published, mostly in the 1970s and 1980s. His most well-known work is The Children's Song, published in the Festival Series in 1975. Although this piece has been recorded several times by bands around the world, including the International Staff Band, this will be the first time that the National Capital Band has recorded it.
Originally intended as a challenge piece for a music camp (although never actually used at that camp), the piece weaves together two melodies associated with the words by Cecil Frances Alexander:
All things bright and beautiful,
all creatures great and small,
all things wise and wonderful:
the Lord God made them all.
The tunes used are "Royal Oak" (Martin Shaw, late 17th century) and "Bright and Beautiful" (William Monk, 1887). The entire piece is in a light, playful style, with the melodies being passed throughout all sections of the band. Although short in duration, less than three minutes long, it is a challenge for the band, with many short solo passages and features handing lines from one instrument to another.
A Musical Offering: Camp Happyland (James Anderson)
The National Capital Band will be in sessions for their eleventh recording, entitled A Musical Offering, on 14 – 15 February 2014. The band has been blessed since its inception in 1925 to have had a stream of excellent composers and arrangers as members of the group. All of the items on this recording were written by one of these musicians, ranging from the earliest days of the band to current members.
Bandmaster James Anderson is widely recognized as a master of the art of the march, perhaps the finest Salvationist march-writer of the past few decades. During his six-year term as Divisional Music Director for the National Capital and Virginia Division, Bandmaster Anderson spent many days at Camp Happyland. Although it has been over three years since his untimely death, his spirit and ministry still resonate throughout the camp, particularly on the divisional music and arts weekends, where hundreds of students and staff fill the camp with music.
It is therefore fitting that the National Capital Band should include one of Bandmaster Anderson's final compositions on this recording – a march, of course – entitled Camp Happyland. Although he had already been diagnosed with a terminal illness at the time it was composed, this piece embodies the ebullient and bold spirit that he showed throughout his life.
The march is built around the 19th-century song "There Is a Happy Land", with words by Andrew Young:
There is a happy land, far, far away,
Where saints in glory stand, bright, bright as day.
Oh, how they sweetly sing, worthy is our Savior king,
Loud let His praises ring, praise, praise for aye.
A Musical Offering: The Call (Erik Leidzén)
The National Capital Band will be in sessions for their eleventh recording, entitled A Musical Offering, on 14 – 15 February 2014. The band has been blessed since its inception in 1925 to have had a stream of excellent composers and arrangers as members of the group. All of the items on this recording were written by one of these musicians, ranging from the earliest days of the band to current members.
Over the next two weeks, as the band approaches the recording sessions, an article on one of the items selected for the recording will be posted each day. We begin with the oldest composition, The Call, by Erik Leidzén, who was involved in the formation of the National Capital Band in 1925.
The Call, written in 1923, features the songs "Softly and Tenderly" and "What Will the Answer Be?". Leidzén, even at a young age, had already begun to develop the advanced harmonics, use of chromatics and tone colors which characterize much of his brass band writing. The Call was considered by the Salvation Army music publishers to be too "modern" for use, and the piece was not published until 1952, nearly thirty years after it was composed.
The piece opens with a somewhat turbulent motif, leading into the first statement of "Softly and Tenderly', representing Christ's call to the sinner to "Come home". This is then joined by the question "What will the answer be?", as a response is requested. The two tunes are skilfully woven together as the music builds in intensity and then fades away at the ending with the final question represented by the second tune.
Leidzén's association with the group that became the National Capital Band (then called the Washington Headquarters Band) began at the group's inception in 1925. When Senior-Captain Ernest Holz, who was the commander of the small National Capital Division (at the time, consisting of only five corps), decided to start a divisional band, he turned to the headquarters in New York for assistance. In response, Leidzén was named the "Band Instructor" for the group, traveling from New York to Washington once a month by coastal steamship. For about five years, this was a regular pattern, as Leidzén assisted Bandmaster Walter D. Needham in starting up a tradition of musical excellence in the Washington area.
In the photograph below, taken in 1926 (the earliest known photograph of the band), Leidzén is on the right of the front row, with Bandmaster Needham on the left and Sr.-Captain Holz in the center.
Parade and Concert in Richmond
The National Capital Band (Bandmaster Dr. Steve Kellner) traveled to Richmond, Virginia on 7 December 2013, participating in the Richmond Christmas Parade and playing a carol concert at St. Mary's Catholic Church in the afternoon.
This was the first time that the full band marched in the Richmond Christmas Parade. In previous years, small ensembles have taken part. The parade is a major event, with several hundred thousand spectators lining Broad Street along the 2.5-mile route.
After the conclusion of the parade, the band went across town to St. Mary's Catholic Church, the venue for the annual Richmond carol concert. This concert has been held at the church for the past several years. The band arrived in good time after the parade, setting up and having a box lunch before the afternoon concert, which began at 2:45 pm.
The concert opened with Christmas Prelude (arr. Rieks van der Velde), which features the carol "O Come, All Ye Faithful". The audience was invited to sing along with the band for this item. After words of welcome and an invocation from Major Tim Carter, Central Virginia Area Commander, the concert continued with two contrasting items. First was the Troika from "Lieutenant Kije" (Serge Prokofiev, arr. Andrew Blyth). This was contrasted with Christmas Time Is Here (Vince Guaraldi, arr. Stephen Bulla), which is familiar from the classic Charlie Brown Christmas television special.
Next was another opportunity for the audience to participate, with a medley of carols, including "Deck the Halls", "Once in Royal David's City" and "Hark, the Herald Angels Sing". This was followed by a performance by students from the Salvation Army's School for the Performing Arts, led by Sara Elliott. The first half of the concert finished with a Christmas march, The Carollers (Richard Holz).
Following the intermission, the band brought things back to motion with Christmas Joy (Erik Leidzén). Major Donna Carter, Central Virginia Coordinator of Women's Services, read Scripture from John 1:1–14. The band played Silent Night, a new arrangement by a member of the band's bass section, Kate Wohlman. This led into a devotional given by the band's Executive Officer, Major Andrew Kelly, entitled "The Life-Light", using the Scripture text read earlier.
The band's final item of the concert was Christmas Finale (Paul Lovatt-Cooper). Just before the benediction given by Major Tim Carter, the audience finished the afternoon, joining with the band in another medley of carols, including "Joy to the World", "The First Noel" and "Away in a Manger".
The band was scheduled to perform another carol concert the following afternoon, in Fairfax, Virginia, however, this event had to be canceled on account of hazardous winter weather conditions.
The Words of the Amen (2007)
|Winchester Revival (Kenneth Downie)
|Take Time . . . (Kenneth Downie)
|God With Us (Fettke/Kirkland, arr. Kevin Norbury)
|Rhapsody for Cornet and Band (Ray Bowes)
|Ian Anderson, cornet soloist
|Confrontations (Dudley Bright)
|Jesus Loves Me (James Anderson)
|The Conqueror (Ray Steadman-Allen)
|Major Tony Barrington, euphonium soloist
|The Blessing (William Himes)
|What a Friend (Erik Leidzén)
|The Words of the Amen (James Anderson)
|Sovereignty (Brian Bowen)
Turning Point (2001)
Conducted by Bandmaster Lars-Otto Ljungholm, this recording features four soloists and the title track, which includes a narration by General John Gowans.
|Rosehill (Albert H. Jakeway)
|I Love You, Lord (Laurie Klein, arr. Howard Davies
|Celestial Morn (Leslie Condon)
|Tom Bratten, tuba soloist
|The Living God (Dorothy Gates)
|Sound Out the Proclamation (Eric Ball)
|Dearest Name (David Catherwood)
|Major Tony Barrington, euphonium soloist
|All That I Am (William Himes)
|The Lamb (Dorothy Gates)
|Dorothy Gates, trombone soloist
|To Regions Fair (Norman Bearcroft)
|Turning Point (Dorothy Gates)
|General John Gowans, narrator
|I'd Rather Have Jesus (William Himes)
|Ian Anderson, cornet soloist
|Deep River (William Broughton)