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An explosion at an office building in the the Czech capital on Monday injured at least several dozen people and may have left some victims trapped in rubble.
The early thinking was that a natural gas leak led to the disaster in the center of Prague, police spokesman Tomas Hulan said, according to The Associated Press.
Radio Free Europe reported that "Prague's mayor, Bohuslav Svoboda, was quoted as saying from the scene that there were fears that 'three or so' people might still be inside the structure." While the AP was initially saying that "up to 40 people" were injured, CNN was reporting that fire officials said "at least 55 people" were hurt.
"The blast occurred in a building near the National Theater, not far from the Vltava River," Radio Free Europe said. It added that "the explosion shattered the windows of nearby buildings and was reportedly heard a kilometer away."
We'll monitor reports about the explosion and update as developments warrant.
Copyright 2020 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org.


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We turn now to Egypt where, as we mentioned earlier, the protest started this week. More than 250 people have been reported injured in clashes there that began when protesters scaled the embassy wall in Cairo and tore down an American flag. Many of them are demonstrating against a film, which portrayed the prophet Muhammad as a womanizer and a religious fraud.
In California, a man linked to the film's production, Nakouli Basseley Nakoula has been interviewed by probation officers, but he has not been arrested or detained. Kimberly Adams reports that in Cairo things seem to be calming down.
KIMBERLY ADAMS, BYLINE: Early Saturday morning, black-clad riot police cleared the remaining protesters from Cairo's Tahrir Square. Rubble littered the streets around the American embassy after four days of demonstrations that left one dead and hundreds injured. Even though the protesters are no longer fighting with police, as they were on Friday, there's worry that now Egyptians will shift their anger from the United States to the Coptic Christian minority.
A Coptic Egyptian expatriate is believed to be behind the film, and 27 year-old Moussa Radwan, outside the embassy on Friday, wants him punished.
MOUSSA RADWAN: (Through Translator) I'm here in the square demanding first stripping citizenship from the Diaspora Copts.
ADAMS: Forty-five year-old Adel Bulos, a Coptic Christian teacher also at the Friday protests, wants the filmmakers charged with contempt of religion.
ADEL BULOS: (Through Translator) No one should insult any citizen or religious icon. I'm here with Egyptians, not Muslims nor Christians because who insulted one insulted all Egyptians,
ADAMS: Joel Benin is professor of Middle East history at Stanford University.
JOEL BENIN: Egyptians would be likely to say something like, well, yes, of course we have freedom of speech and freedom of the press, but you can't insult religion. Well, OK, that's not then, freedom of speech and freedom of the press as we would understand it, but the great majority of Egyptians would feel quite comfortable with that restriction.
ADAMS: As Egypt explores the limits of its tolerance for freedom of expression, the area around the American embassy remains under tight security.
For NPR News, I'm Kimberly Adams in Cairo. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.

subset: commoncrawl


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The Audi TT RS: A Pure Driving Machine developing 340 bhp
Audi is once again producing a five-cylinder engine – and a very special one at that. Arriving at dealerships this summer, the TT RS has a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine with direct gasoline injection; it produces 250 kW (340 bhp) and 450 Nm (331.90 lb.-ft.) of torque. The blazing five-cylinder engine enables the TT RS to perform extraordinary feats. In conjunction with quattro permanent all-wheel drive and a high-performance chassis, the engine makes the compact Audi TT RS a top-notch sports car – available as a coupé or roadster.
Sporty five-cylinder gasoline engines have a long legacy at Audi. The most famous is arguably the turbocharged 2.1-liter engine in the Audi quattro. The first version, which was launched in 1980, offered an impressive 147 kW (200 bhp). And the Sport quattro from 1984, directly inspired by motorsport, delivered a whopping 225 kW (306 bhp). For 25 years, turbochargers and quattro have been a dynamic formula for success.
Audi has resumed using this recipe. Designed from scratch, the five-cylinder engine combines a turbocharger with FSI direct gasoline injection to elevate the TT RS to a high-performance sports car. The TFSI delivers 250 kW (340 bhp) from a displacement of 2,480 cc (151.34 cu in): a specific output of 100.8 kW (137.1 bhp) per liter.
The power-to-weight ratio is also outstanding. In the case of the Coupé, which weighs in at a mere 1,450 kilograms (3,196.70 pounds), the power-to-weight ratio is just 4.3 kilograms per bhp. The Roadster has a weight of 1,510 kilograms (3,328.98 pounds) and a power-to-weight ratio of 4.4 kilograms per bhp – thanks to its extremely lightweight and largely aluminum body constructed as per the Audi Space Frame principle.
The TT RS Coupé rockets from 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62.14 mph) in 4.6 seconds; the Roadster needs just a tenth of a second longer. The limited top speed of 250 km/h (155.34 mph) is merely the official figure for both versions; as an option, Audi can increase it to 280 km/h (173.98 mph).
Almost even more impressive is the aggressive pulling power. The maximum torque of 450 Nm (331.90 lb.-ft.) is always available between 1,600 and 5,300 rpm. In addition, the TT RS overtakes without the slightest effort. Last but not least, its engine makes passengers' skin tingle time and again thanks to its speedy and powerful response, its inspiring free-revving character, and its unmistakably guttural tailpipes: five-cylinder classical music by Audi!
Compact and Lightweight: The Five-cylinder TFSI As an uncompromising sports-car engine, the 2.5-liter TFSI is ultra-compact. Just 49 centimeters (19.29 inches) in length, it is ideally suited for transverse installation in the TT RS. And its weight of just 183 kilograms (403.45 pounds) also sets a record. The crankcase is made of vermicular-graphite cast iron. This high-tech material unites the utmost in strength with low weight; it has otherwise only been used for the large TDI engines from Audi. Perfectly placed reinforcements enhance the block's loadability. The lightweight cylinder head, the pistons, and the connecting rod are lightweight as well as high-strength.
The ultra-powerful five-cylinder engine is extremely fuel-efficient, requiring an average of just 9.2 liters/100 km [25.57 mpg] as regards the Coupé (Roadster: 9.5 l/100 km [24.76 mpg]). Switchable flaps in the intake manifold mix the incoming air in a calculated configuration. Injected at a pressure as high as 120 bar by the common-rail system, the gasoline swirls intensely in the combustion chamber – which in turn cools the walls. This subsequently facilitates a compression ratio of 10.0:1, which is very high for a turbocharged engine. Both of the adjustable camshafts, controlled via chains, also enhance charging efficiency with respect to the air-fuel mixture.
The large turbocharger generates up to 1.2 bar of boost pressure. The intercooler, fed air ideally by the lower segment of the single frame radiator grille, reduces the temperature of compressed air by over 80 percent at full load.
When an Audi TT RS driver pushes the standard Sport button on the center tunnel, a flap installed in the left exhaust tailpipe renders the exhaust noise even more robust and intense while boosting engine responsiveness. An optional Sport exhaust system is available with matt black tailpipe trims and sound flap.
For Purists: The Driveline The Audi TT RS is the first classic sports car in the Audi RS family. Like the RS 4 and the RS 6, the Audi TT RS was developed by quattro GmbH as a pure, no-holds-barred driving machine. A new six-speed manual transmission conveys the engine's tremendous power, and permits easy and precise operation thanks to a specially designed shift lever boasting particularly short shift travel. The transmission's defining characteristics are a high efficiency ratio and a sportily narrow spread of the gear ratios.
The Audi TT RS features quattro permanent all-wheel drive as standard equipment. Its heart lies at the rear axle: an electronically controlled, hydraulic multi-plate clutch. If a situation calls for it, the clutch redirects a majority of the torque input from the front wheels to the rear wheels.
Within milliseconds, a powerful electrical pump in conjunction with an accumulator presses together the clutch's plates via hydraulic pressure. Additions to the quattro powertrain include a constant velocity joint before the propeller shaft and a compact rear-axle differential – both are heavy-duty components.
The quattro drivetrain grants the Audi TT RS outstanding traction, fascinating dynamics, and superb stability. Winding rural routes or some laps around a racetrack allow the superior handling to shine. The precise and responsive steering, the instantaneous reactions of the chassis, the neutrality at the cornering limit, the grip while exiting a curve, and – time and again – the engine's thrilling power: every mile in an Audi TT RS exudes the distilled essence of sportiness.
High-tech Excellence from Audi: Chassis and Body The chassis of the Audi TT RS builds on the cutting-edge foundation of the base TT design. The four-link rear suspension, which handles longitudinal and lateral forces separately, plays a crucial role. The electromechanical steering is highly efficient and the power steering adjusts to the vehicle's speed. With aluminum in the front and sheet steel in the back, the body's innovative mixture of materials results in a well-balanced axle-load distribution, excellent crash safety, and the outstanding rigidity which lays the cornerstone for the car's precise handling.
The standard sports chassis, which lowers the body by 10 millimeters (0.39 inches), features tightly tuned springs and shock absorbers. The optional Audi magnetic ride adaptive damping system allows the driver to select one of two modes for the shock absorbers by simply pushing the Sport button. Dynamic mode enables the TT RS to hug the road; Comfort mode provides a pleasantly balanced ride perfect for long journeys.
The sportiest version in the TT model line boasts 18-inch wheels fitted with 245/45 tires. They are complemented by mighty ventilated disc brakes, which measure 370 millimeters (14.57 inches) in diameter at the front and 310 millimeters (12.20 inches) at the rear. So that heat dissipates quickly, the front friction rings are perforated. They, in turn, are connected by hollow pins to the aluminum brake discs, which are encircled by black four-piston brake calipers made of aluminum and bearing RS logos.
The Electronic Stabilization Program (ESP) can be switched off partially or entirely. In Sport mode, the engine does not intervene to monitor traction and, correspondingly, the brakes engage later than otherwise. In the second mode, the ESP is fully deactivated.
The Face of Power: The Exterior At just 4.20 meters (13.78 feet) in length, the vigorously compact Audi TT RS hints at its explosive potential from the very first glimpse. The front spoiler tapers downward into a splitter, reminiscent of a racing car. The large and squared air inlets have diamond-shaped inserts. And the high-gloss black single frame grille with a frame in matt aluminum look and the TT RS badge bear the same styling. The xenon plus headlights with LED daytime running lights notify faraway drivers that an Audi TT RS is approaching.
The sides of the vehicle are accentuated by large wheels in 5 twin-spoke design, vigorous side sills, and exterior-mirror casings in matt aluminum look. At the tail end, the two large oval exhaust tailpipes – spaced apart – are encircled by a diffuser insert. Here, too, is a TT RS badge. A stationary rear spoiler is standard, though customers can opt for one which automatically extends and retracts. Thanks to a drag coefficient of just 0.3, the 2+2-seat coupé and the two-seat roadster glide effortlessly through the wind. Audi offers the TT RS in eight colors. Among them are four exclusive options: Daytona Gray, pearl effect; Mugello Blue, pearl effect; Sepang Blue, pearl effect; and Suzuka Gray, metallic. The Roadster's soft top comes in black or dark gray.
Exclusive Character: Interior and Equipment Packages The dynamic exterior of the Audi TT RS is matched by the interior. The leather multifunction sports steering wheel has an especially thick rim, is flat-bottomed, and is covered with perforated leather. Integrated in the instrument panel, the driver information system can display boost pressure and oil temperature as well as a lap timer for chronicling feats at the racetrack. The door handles consist of two slim strips – typical of Audi RS models. An automatic climate-control system and the concert sound system are standard, as are an electrohydraulic soft top and an electric wind deflector for the Roadster.
The entire interior is black. The heated sports seats feature an Alcantara/leather combination with silver contrasting stitching and embossed TT RS logos in the front backrests. Additional badges and logos appear on the steering wheel, in the rev counter, and on the door sill trims. The inlays are made from brushed aluminum. Floor mats feature silver piping trim; footrests and pedals are in aluminum look.
Audi offers TT RS customers a diverse range of optional equipment: variably styled wheels measuring 18, 19 or 20 inches in diameter; bucket seats with folding backrests; seat upholstery in Silk Nappa leather with perforations or Fine Nappa leather with special TT perforations; inlays with Ibis White or Phantom Black paint finish as well as matt aluminum-look inlays for the exterior. In addition, there are high-tech navigation and multimedia systems available. Sales of the Audi TT RS begin in March; deliveries are scheduled to begin this summer.


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As of today, the Red Sox and the Rangers are tied for the AL Wild Card lead. ("Uh-huh, and...?") St. Louis catcher Jason LaRue got a hit off of Billingsley in the ninth inning, and pinch-hitter Joe Thurston doubled down the right field line to set up the top of the Cardinals' lineup. (Y'all following this?)
Then the Mets did something, the Cubs did something, and I began to zone out, wishing I had some Twizzlers and thinking how dumb it is that LOST has such a long hiatus.
But I'm aware that many folks are rabid baseball fans, so today's post is for you! (See? I do care.)
I've often thought the game could use a little girling up. I mean, why don't they use giant roses for bases? Or incorporate a little pink and robin's egg blue? Next time you're at a game, be sure to ask.
Now flag down the sweaty guy with the tray o' beers, fork over your seven dollars for another one, and check out the pop fly ball that's heading straight for your head. In your inebriated state, it might look something like this:
Fortunately, though, anyone who's recently suffered a stunning blow to the head qualifies as an honorary Wreckerator! So quick, before your senses return, decorate a cake!
- Related Wreckage: Why We Need More Male Cake Decorators


text: Hamburger Box Packaging Mockup Bundle A set of four hamburger box packaging mockups. All four PSD files are fully organized and come with several smart layers that let you customize the box design. The dimensions are print-ready: 4000 x 2600 px at 300 dpi. Free Download Categories Food & Beverages Packaging File Type PSD Share Problem Report Mockup Uh, oh! What's wrong with this item? ---Broken LinkPremium itemLicenseOther Please describe the issue so we can fix it asap. Don't forget to consult the FAQ if you have any questions. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Submit Tagged All Free Mockups Clean You may also like Fashion & Apparel iMac iPad iPhone MacBook Packaging Paper & Books Posters & Pictures Signs & Billboards Placeit: Create Mockups right in your Browser (now 15% off!) Fashion & Apparel Food & Beverages iPhone Packaging Paper & Books Download the free Mockup World Bundle! Food & Beverages Chocolate Bar Mockup Bundle


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As the caseload of fungal meningitis linked to a tainted steroid drug climbs, experts are learning more about this human-made epidemic. The signs indicate that cases could still be emerging until Thanksgiving or beyond.
The latest count is 268 cases of meningitis and three patients with fungal joint infections, spread across 16 states from New Hampshire to Texas and Idaho to Florida. Twenty-one people have died.
The illness is caused by a fungus called Exserohilum rostratum, a black mold that usually attacks plants. It's so rare as a cause of human illness that nobody knows its incubation period.
So it's hard to predict when the outbreak will be over, even though presumably no patients received the contaminated steroid since the Massachusetts pharmacy that made it recalled three lots on Sept. 21.
"The incubation period is something that's been a big question," Dr. Tom Chiller of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention told a Thursday evening session of the IDWeek meeting in San Diego.
"The majority [of cases] have incubation periods around one to four weeks, but we've clearly seen documented periods beyond that," he said.
Chiller told Shots that none has been beyond two months so far. That's based on 155 cases for which the CDC has firm dates for steroid injection and symptom onset. The incubation period is hard to calculate, though, because many patients had multiple injections of potentially contaminated methylpredisolone made by the
The CDC says infections following steroid injections into ankles, knees, hips, shoulders or elbows "may take longer to develop than fungal meningitis."
Even more sobering, the meningitis incubation period was as long as five months in an eerily similar outbreak of mold-contaminated methylprednisolone in North Carolina back in 2002.
Dr. John Perfect of Duke University recalls that outbreak in an article published online by the Annals of Internal Medicine on Thursday.
"We learned, or thought we learned, several important lessons from the outbreak," Perfect writes.
One of them is that mixing preservative-free steroid drugs such as the one involved in both outbreaks "requires meticulous sterility to ensure lack of fungal contamination," he says. Anything less and fungi "grow aggressively" in a highly concentrated steroid solution.
But there are encouraging signs. For both the 2002 episode and the current one so far, the "attack rate" is apparently low. That is, few of those injected with the contaminated steroid get sick — for unknown reasons.
That's an inference from the fact that public health authorities estimate 14,000 people got the tainted injections since May 21. While no one can say how many people ultimately will get sick, at least it's not in the thousands so far.
Second, the CDC's Chiller says more recent cases are less sick.
"Early in the outbreak, we saw more advanced disease," he says. "Now, as we've reached out to all these patients, we're identifying people early and symptoms are very mild."
CDC officials say that 97 percent of the 14,000 people thought to have received the contaminated steroid have been reached and advised to watch for signs of infection.
Infectious disease experts are warning that patients who've had injections of medicine from New England Compounding should get a spinal tap as soon as they develop even a mild headache.
If their spinal fluid shows an increased level of white blood cells, indicating infection, patients should be started on an antifungal drug called voriconazole right away, a trio of infectious disease specialists say in an article published online Friday by the New England Journal of Medicine.
But they say nobody knows how long patients will need to be treated; at least three months is necessary, and maybe longer.
That's tough because voriconazole interacts with a slew of other drugs that many of the predominantly older patients who got the steroid injections are taking. It can also cause hallucinations in doses necessary to kill the fungus.
"We want high levels, but not so high where you have 80-year-old patients hallucinating, which is what's happening," Chiller says.
Another new article in the New England Journal lays out the details of the very first recognized case of fungal meningitis in this outbreak — a man in his 50s treated at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville.
It makes for grim reading. Three weeks after he had a spinal injection of methylprednisolone made by the Massachusetts pharmacy, he had worsening headaches and neck pain.
As doctors struggled to figure out what was wrong with him, his meningitis symptoms worsened, and he developed signs of stroke. On the 22nd day of his second hospitalization, his brain was so riddled with hemorrhages and dead tissue that there was no hope of recovery, and his family decided to discontinue life support.
Oddly, that man is the only case so far who was infected by a different fungus called . This week, federal officials found multiple unused vials of the New England Compounding Center's methylpredisolone containing Exserohilum, but none so far with Aspergillis.
It's just one of many mysteries that still surround this outbreak.
Meanwhile, the owners of the Massachusetts pharmacy agreed Friday to a request by state officials to extend their shutdown of a sister company called until investigators are satisfied that no tainted drugs were being produced at that plant.
Copyright 2020 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org.


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Shipping and Delivery
Order Acceptance Policy
We reserve the right at any time after receipt of your order to accept or decline your order for any valid reason. From time to time, in order to protect the security of your information, we may require additional verifications or information before accepting any order.
We are sorry but we are unable to process orders over the phone, this is to prevent credit card fraud, our system will detect that, and also to prevent any human error in taking the information like address info, order info, payment info.
When placing an order online this provides a proof of purchase providing a "paper trail" for you and us.
This is to protect you and our company as well.
We apologize for any inconvenience.
Out-of-Stock Items
In this case, we will contact you by email to advise you on when the product will become available again, or if we have a recommended substitute product. If we don't receive a response from you within 2 business days and the product remains unavailable, all remaining available items in your order will be shipped. If no contact has been made prior to shipping your order will shipped less the quantity that is out of stock, and your order will be refunded for any out of stocks. NO BACKORDERS WILL BE MADE.
Shipping & DeliveryDomestic Shipping Policies
There is no standard or flat rate for shipping. It is calculated automatically before you confirm an order, using Fed Ex and USPS shipping tables and are based on package weight and size, delivery distance and shipping method. Shipping costs approximately double for every upgrade. Unfortunately, weight plays a significant factor in determining shipping costs and bulk candy has a high shipping-to-product-cost ratio. All of our orders are shipped via Fed Ex and USPS, and you will have options on shipping. The cost will adjust automatically with your choice. Once you have determined that the shipping is satisfactory, you can then process the order. When hot weather is upon us, we will modify our available shipping methods to make sure you receive your product in good shape. Please remember Saturday and Sunday are not business days.
Most orders are shipped from our warehouse within 48 business hours of placing the order – please allow time for processing. Orders placed during the weekends (Saturday and Sunday) will be processed on the following Monday, barring holidays. Shipping transit times begin the day after the order is picked up by Fed Ex.
Shipping transit times are as follows:
Ground: 1 to 6 business Days after processing period
3 Days: 3 Business days after processing period
2 Days: 2 Business days after processing period (receives high order priority)
1 Day: 1 Business day after processing period (receives high order priority)
USPS Priority- not a Guaranteed Service, just an estimation of delivery time. (DO NOT USE THIS SERVICE FOR TIME SENSITIVE ORDERS)
*Please note that these are estimate transit times based on Fed Ex & USPS shipping services.
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We offers Canada Standard Ground Shipping on all orders. Your actual shipping rate will depend on the exact weight and destination of your order. Remember that business days do not include weekends and holidays. There may be delays due to unforeseen circumstances or customs. There may be additional customs/import fees depending on your province, which are your responsibility. All shipments to Canada are subject to your standard Goods and Services Tax (GST), and to the Provincial Sales Tax (PST or QST), plus Canadian custom release fees. Customs merchandise duties - normally around 12% to 18% of the total order value, based on the types of products purchased - will be assessed by Canadian customs. A flat $10.00 Fed Ex brokerage fee will apply on all orders up to $200.00 in total value. Fed Ex brokerage fees for orders exceeding $200.00 start at around $42.00, and increase based on the total order value.
Canada shipping transit times are as follows:
Standard Ground: 7-10 Business Days
Express: 2-4 Business Days
*Please note that these are estimate transit times based on Fed Ex shipping services. *Import Tax, Duties, and tariffs: Customers are responsible for any additional import taxes, duties, and tariffs that are charged to their order upon delivery.
Shipping During Hot Weather
During the hot summer season, our store goes the extra mile to modify our packing and shipping methods to ensure you receive your product in excellent condition.
All orders containing meltable items (generally chocolate, wax and sugar free products) are packed in boxes with insulated liners and cold packs to help keep your chocolate and candy cool for up to 48 hours.
All shipping is reduced to two days or less and we only ship out meltable orders Monday through Wednesday to ensure that your shipment is not left to sit in a shipping facility over a weekend. We do everything within our power to pack your order as soon as we receive it and ship it within a two day period. As always, we are passing along the discounted shipping rates we receive from FedEx along to our customers.
You can also aid the shipping process by having your order shipped to a business address. These generally (but not always) receive shipments earlier in the day when temperatures are lower and have someone there to receive the package and bring it inside right away.
Once you receive you order, let it sit at room temperature. This will allow any product that may have gotten soft to return to it's normal state.
We are unable to provide refunds for shipments damaged due to weather conditions, but we will certainly do our best to ensure that it arrives in excellent condition.
If you have any further questions about our summer shipping procedures, please contact us via email at firstname.lastname@example.com or call us toll free at 888-261-8277.
Please see the Fed Ex shipping map below for clarification on how long it will take to receive your order from us once it has been processed.


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Front Pair AP Aero Multi Adapter Flat Wiper Blades - 24 inch & 16 inch
As low as $28.95
As low as $28.95
Front Pair AP Aero Multi Adapter Flat Wiper Blades - 24 inch & 16 inch - AWB MULTI 24 - AWB MULTI 16
The AP Aero Flat Multi Adapter windscreen wiper blades fitted with the "Quick Clip" adapter covers a wide range of vehicles and fitments.
The flat elegent hi-tech spring strips at the core of the AP Aero Flat Windscreen Wiper Blade replace the usual link and bracket arrangement of a conventional wiper blade. The curacture of the spring strips is calculated specifically to match the curvature of the vehicle windscreen.
AP Aero Flat Multi Adapter windscreen wiper blades are fitted with a new style fastening mechanism with the AP "Quick Clip" adapter. This ensures the AP Aero Flat Wiper Blades fit most conventional wiper arms.
The Aerotwin wiper blades have been designed and manufactured with efficiency in mind, offering a longer service life with excellent wiping action clearing the smallest micro droplets with ease. The Aerotwin blades use a soft flexible rubber compund with a wear resistant blade edge clearing the screen the moment it begins to move until it stops, from the bottom of the blade to the top thanks to a uniform pressure applied right along the blades edge.
The Aerotwin wiper blade range has had great success in very short time providing great performance with added reliablility.
1, Smooth running coating - optimised for harsh weather conditions. Even on partly dry windscreens, the wiper blade slides wax and dirt easily off the windscreen 2, Soft flexible rubber compound - used for the base. Provides optimised flip over flexibility, silent operation and uniform wiping 3, Wear resistant wiper blade edge - for a long service life. Ensures an efficient wiping action, so even the smallest micro drops are removed. |
AP MULTI Aero Flat Fit Wiper Blade Comes with 8 Adapter Fitments
Manufacturer | AP |
Front Pair Wiper Blade Lengths | 24 inch / 16 inch |
Part Number | AWB MULTI 24/16 |
Pack Quantity | 2 Pack |
Free Shipping | Yes (Australia Only) |
Price | $28.95 |


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Expensive restaurants in Haarlo
Listed below are all Expensive restaurants in Haarlo. Do you want to eat in Haarlo? Would you like a nice dinner at a cozy restaurant or perhaps some tasty snacks? You'll find it at Eet.nu!
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Monday, June 4, 2012
Zakka Style Sew Along-- The Zip Organizer!
It's time to sew the Zip Organizer by Masko Jefferson!
I'll admit it-- when I found out I was assigned to review the Zip Organizer (which I had selected as a project I really wanted to do, by the way), I kind of panicked. I'm not really the best with patterns in general. I had never done a wrap around zipper or successfully bound anything with bias tape. Couple that with some pretty lengthy instructions and I was scared. But I really didn't need to be! Sure there are a lot of pieces to cut and a lot of steps to follow, but they are totally doable. By my third organizer, I didn't even need to look at the instructions. And because I made three different versions to test out interfacing and different methods of construction, you can learn from the mistakes I made.
IMPORTANT-- make sure to read the Zakka Style errata before you start making your organizer! There are important changes that you need to note before you cut your fabrics. There is also an additional change regarding cutting interfacing-- where it says to cut (2) 11 x 18" pieces of interfacing, change that to (2) 11 x 8" pieces.
And one more thing-- I know that this is an intimidating pattern, in part because some of the trickiest steps along the way are hard to illustrate in a book format where there is limited space for each project. Masko is an amazing designer and writes amazing patterns. She was so great to talk to as I was going through this process. So if you were just following the book you'd figure it all out just fine. But I thought it would be great to have the opportunity to share tips those tips here that there just wasn't space for in the book.
The organizers:
Version 1: Materials include some gorgeous Essex yarn dye linen in "Leather" by Robert Kaufman, a Sevenberry floral, Lecien yarn dye stripe, and a bit of Hope Valley.
Version 2: Materials include a hoarded Gingko screen print by Ink and Spindle, a Lecien yarn dye stripe and floral, and Sweetwater's Authentic stripe.
Version 3: Materials include another gorgeous Essex yarn dye linen in "Black" and various Suzuko Koseki prints. I did some handstitching on the front with Cosmo floss-- so yummy!
Interfacing suggestions:
For version 1, I used Pellon SF101 woven fusible interfacing exclusively. While it worked great overall, I wanted the organizer to be a little more structured.
So for version 2, I thought I'd try using fusible fleece interfacing on the outside piece and used the Pellon 101 for the rest. While the fusible fleece didn't cause issues with bulkiness along the edges like I feared, it gives the organizer a sort of puffy appearance that I'm not fond of.
Finally, version 3! I found some Pellon Craft Fuse 808 in my stash. It was just right-- it gives a good amount of structure without bulk, and the cover looks crisp. I continued to use Pellon 101 for the rest of the pieces.
Sewing on the outer zipper:
At first I was confused about how to sew the zipper along the outer edges so that the closed zipper end wouldn't be interrupted by the binding. Here you can see what the zipper looks like when you pin it around the outside-- note that the closed end is folded inward and pinned.
After you sew it on, leave the pins that hold down the zipper teeth in the corners. You'll want these to be out of the way when you stitch on your binding. Otherwise they can get caught and you'll have to redo the corners. Trust me.
Joining together your bias binding edges:
The book covers how to make a bias binding, but doesn't explain how to join your binding edges together so they go continuously around the organizer. You can always fold over one of the ends and overlap it on top of the other-- but to reduce bulk and make things look nicer, take these steps to do a mitered join.
If this is confusing, which it very well could be, you can check out this blog post for more detailed steps.
Do as I say, not as I did:
1. You will have a lot of layers to sew together as you go along-- they will shift if you don't secure them before you sew! Use lots of pins, or my new favorite, Wonder Clips.
2. If you decide to piece together your outer cover, be conscious of lining things up when you sew on the back zipper. I don't like pinning when I sew on a zipper, but obviously that didn't work out so well for me here. Take your time and make sure things line up.
3. Consider using a glue , like Roxanne Glue Baste It, to attach your bias binding around the front before you hand stitch it. It makes a huge difference! I even used it to secure the fabric tab to my zipper end before sewing it on.
Finishing touches:
1. I added a line of stitching to the outer cover about an inch above the back zipper to section off the pocket, prior to sewing the main inside and outside pieces together. It's a preference thing-- but that way, the contents in that pocket will stay in the back and not work their way around to the front cover.
2. On my first two versions, the exposed ends of the back zipper bothered me. So for the final one, I ended up sewing a folded piece of fabric onto either zipper end to cover up the holes. It's an easy fix and makes the back look so much nicer.
Phew. Are you still here? If so, you have a chance to win a pack of awesome threads from Aurifil. I've been using Aurifil for all of my piecing for the last few months, and it's amazing. I've got 5 packs to give away. Just leave me a comment to enter! I'll close comments on Friday, June 8th and pick winners.
And if you are making the zip organizer this week, don't forget to post a photo of your finished project in the Flickr pool and link it up to Lindsey's blog, LR Stitched, for a chance to win an awesome prize from Lecien-- a huge bundle of Cosmo floss!
A big thanks to the Zakka Style Sew Along sponsors as well:
Now get sewing!
77 comments:
Your 3 organizers are a real inspiration. I can't wait to get started with mine!
Linda F - June 4, 2012 at 7:08 AM
- Laura said...
Great Tutorial!!
- June 4, 2012 at 7:18 AM
- Judith said...
Thank you for tip on the zippers. I do not like them at all. I love the organizers. Beautiful details incorporated into the material. I look foward to making my organizer, I am in need of one. Thanks for sharing....Judith, Texa
- June 4, 2012 at 7:19 AM
- Sam said...
I great tutorial and tips! I haven't decided to try it yet, but your tips will be very helpful if I do!
- June 4, 2012 at 7:19 AM
- Unknown said...
I had began sewing my version a couple days ago, and noticed that there had to be errors. On Lindsey's (lrstitched) blog she said there were a few printed errors darn! wish I would have seen them before because I had somewhat a hard time figuring the zipper out because it didn't say which direction :) I LOVE YOU VERSIONS!!! especially the one with the crafty fabric!
- June 4, 2012 at 7:30 AM
- Anna said...
oh my gosh krista!!! these are totally wonderful. and the post is filled with so many great tips! I really want to make one now. :)
- June 4, 2012 at 7:33 AM
- Satu said...
Thanks Krista! You have done amazing job with your zakka 'tutorial', so many useful tips and hints!!! And your organizers are all 'edible' beautiful ;o)
- June 4, 2012 at 7:36 AM
- Jill said...
ooh, thanks for all of the tips. I have two children who have been eager for me to make some organizers for them, but after reading through the instructions, I knew that there were some things that were not quite clicking with me. and *I* have been eager to try out some Aurifil, so thanks, too, for the chance to win some of that!
- June 4, 2012 at 7:37 AM
- Amy Friend said...
Fabulous job with the write up and suggestions Krista. This pattern definitely calls for some tips. Yours are awesome!
- June 4, 2012 at 7:49 AM
- Debbie said...
oh my goodness - I'm pretty scared, but thankful I have your tips on top of the book...THANKS for your time and detail!
- June 4, 2012 at 7:51 AM
- Krista Withers said...
Great post with some really helpful tips!!!
I love these organizers!!!
Your fabrics are fantastic!! - June 4, 2012 at 8:06 AM
- Leslie said...
this is a great little organizer....all the combinations look so pretty
- June 4, 2012 at 8:12 AM
- felicity said...
You know, I have to say that I was not initially inspired by any of the Zakka Style projects. Until this sew-along, and especially now that I see this blog post. Thanks for sharing all your tips, and for the lovely Aurifil giveaway.
- June 4, 2012 at 8:12 AM
Thanks for the great review! I need to make a new wallet--spilled coffee on my current one--and this looks like a great pattern to use. I'm a little worried about the all around zipper, but you made it look do-able.
- June 4, 2012 at 8:17 AM
- Holly said...
Thanks for the great tips! The fabrics you chose are awesome!
- June 4, 2012 at 8:18 AM
- mary said...
Thanks, you've done such a wonderful job with your instructions. I really appreciate you for the trouble you went to to include the details such as the little hands pointing to the pictures. Perfect!
email@example.com - June 4, 2012 at 8:52 AM
- Tamie said...
Wow, do you have too many organizers now because I'd be happy to take one off your hands. Thanks for sharing your "lessons learned" with us too.
- June 4, 2012 at 9:02 AM
Super good instructions!! Thanks for the good tip on the interfacing type. I was wondering about that.
Yours looks just super great! - June 4, 2012 at 9:05 AM
- The Patchsmith said...
Wow, three great organizers - what a lot of work. Great tips - I also wanted a firm organizer so I used a mid-to-heavy interfacing and cut it so that it was 1/4" away from the edge to reduce bulk. It worked well. Your finishing touches make it look so neat.
- June 4, 2012 at 9:27 AM
- Heidi Staples said...
This looks daunting, but I really want to give it a shot. Thanks so much for all the great tips!
- June 4, 2012 at 9:35 AM
- Poppyprint said...
That was a fabulous, thoughtful post Krista! I will return and re-read when I have time to make the organizer after our quilt show this weekend! (don't count me for the giveaway - lots of Aurifil here!).
- June 4, 2012 at 9:49 AM
- Amy's Crafty Shenanigans said...
Wow, your instructions are great and have stopped my poor heart from missing anymore beats from worry - I will be making a zippered organizer this week, thanks to your iinstructions!!! Oh and would LOVE to win some Aurifil!!!
- June 4, 2012 at 10:15 AM
- vexa said...
Thanks for the tips! Yours looks lovely, all of them.
- June 4, 2012 at 11:12 AM
- Karen P. said...
I LOVE your organizers!! I hope I can get brave enough to try one! Is it a nice size for a wallet? I'd love a bigger one to carry around.
- June 4, 2012 at 11:37 AM
- Jenelle said...
All of your careful documentation of making these organizers is so helpful! I haven't been sewing along with the group, but now I really want to make this project! Thanks for sharing your tips. :)
- June 4, 2012 at 11:53 AM
- mary moon designs said...
Thank you for the pics and tips this project has been a bit of a challenge for me so maybe i will try it again
3rd times a charm right? Lol
email@example.com - June 4, 2012 at 11:54 AM
- Wendy said...
Wow your organisers look great! I'm a bit frightened of it now!
- June 4, 2012 at 12:05 PM
- Melissa said...
I really love the fabric you used in version two!
- June 4, 2012 at 12:45 PM
- Alli said...
Your organizers are gorgeous! :)
- June 4, 2012 at 1:11 PM
- drmithome said...
Thanks for all the tips. Your organizers are gorgeous.
- June 4, 2012 at 1:20 PM
- Kadybug said...
Love your fabric choices and zip pouches!! I might have to try this.
- June 4, 2012 at 1:24 PM
- Amy DeCesare said...
This is going to be sooooo helpful! I appreciate your insights, especially about the interfacing. Great job - nice to see that all of them are beautiful, even with different approaches.
- June 4, 2012 at 1:44 PM
Wow, those do look lovely! I'm definitely going to be trying this one. :)
- June 4, 2012 at 2:02 PM
- Dana said...
Ha! thanks for explaining the zipper...I couldn't figure that part out.
Thanks for the giveaway! - June 4, 2012 at 2:31 PM
- quiltingcarter said...
Thanks so much for the great tips and great photos! It really helps. Your organizers are awesome.
Barbara carter - June 4, 2012 at 2:46 PM
- leanne said...
wow - fabulous tutorial and looks like I'll need it to get through this project - thanks for the great tips too :)
- June 4, 2012 at 3:23 PM
- beth said...
holy amazing detailed photos and descriptions, batman!! what a great collection you've made - they look so completely professional and awesome! thanks for the great tips!
- June 4, 2012 at 3:42 PM
- ME said...
Oh, you make it seem so easy! And terribly cute, too.
- June 4, 2012 at 3:54 PM
- Kim said...
Thanks so much for the tips on this project - you've clarified a few things I was not sure on. I really wanted to make this one and I'm glad to know it will work out if I go for it!
- June 4, 2012 at 5:05 PM
- CityHouseStudio said...
Thanks for your detailed explanation! Now I feel ready to tackle this project!
- June 4, 2012 at 5:44 PM
- masko said...
You have done amazing job, Krista! The datails and tips are wonderful. And the pictures... You made the instruction so much easier to follow. I know more people will try the project when they see this post. Thank you!
- June 4, 2012 at 6:14 PM
- jen said...
Wow, you made three! Great job! I love the little tab you added to your zipper ... I'm sure I'll have to copy you now. ;)
- June 4, 2012 at 6:55 PM
- kiskidee said...
thanks for the great tips, ESP the one about adding the zipper tabs. I wish I read this earlier today, I just put a flush zip pocket on the front of a summer bag I'm making... the tabs would have made it neater!
- June 4, 2012 at 9:32 PM
- Kiza said...
These turned out great! I really love the details - fabulous.
- June 5, 2012 at 12:55 AM
- Heather said...
I just finished up a huge project for a client, and decided to do something fun for me today! I think I'll make one of these!
- June 5, 2012 at 2:53 AM
- Gina said...
That was such a fantastic tutorial . Thank you for going to so much effort! I love all three of your organizers , but especially love the Ink and Spindle Gingko fabric !
- June 5, 2012 at 4:36 AM
- Kate said...
Thanks for the tips! Your organizers are all quite beautiful.
- June 5, 2012 at 6:45 AM
- memmens said...
Wow after reading this I think I may be brave enough to give it a go! thanks for all the tips!
- June 5, 2012 at 7:44 AM
- Amanda said...
What a great review! I love that you shared some of your "mistakes" - even the mistakes look great, but it's great to learn your tips and tricks. I've been struggling with connecting continuous bias so I really appreciate your clear photos on that! Amanda, aberka AT gmail DOT com
- June 5, 2012 at 8:53 AM
- Sincerely, Ree said...
Thank you! I love the fabric you've used for all of them. Thanks for the tips and tutorials, too.
- June 5, 2012 at 11:55 AM
- Finding Fifth said...
Now Krista I have to thank you for sharing all those great tips because I am a visual learner and have struggled with some of the Zakka projects already. Your 3 different versions and experience will definitely help a lot of us. The zip organiser looks less intimidating now.
- June 5, 2012 at 12:39 PM
- Simone de Klerk said...
Thank you!!! This is so helpful. Now I finally trust myself to start (o:
- June 6, 2012 at 6:37 AM
- Carolyn S. said...
Cute fabrics, wonderful construction, lovely stitching. I don't think I'll be making one anytime soon, but boy, I sure covet yours! No need to enter me for the give away.
- June 6, 2012 at 10:06 AM
- Dianne said...
Great tutorial Krista and I love your versions of the zip organizer!
- June 6, 2012 at 1:09 PM
- Laurel said...
Im working on my organizer (or should be instead of leaving comments!). Love your fabric choice!
- June 6, 2012 at 1:17 PM
- City Krafters said...
A fabulous cluth all three look stunning. Oh! my god I have to make one. - June 6, 2012 at 1:31 PM
- Rachel at Stitched in Color said...
You did such a great job with this, Krista! I really want to make one and will bookmark this for someday.
- June 6, 2012 at 4:23 PM
- elnorac said...
Wow! You did such a clear, thorough job of explaining the tricky bits of this project, I feel confident enough to tackle it! Your photos are beautifully done and very helpful.
Thank you! - June 6, 2012 at 7:54 PM
- Helen McNaught @ AuntyHennys said...
Thanks for the great tips and tutorial! I am so keen to try using Aurifil thread which seems impossible to buy here in Australia, so thanks for the opportunity to win some,
Cheers from Helen - June 7, 2012 at 4:04 AM
- Angie from Dear Spring Green said...
Wow, thanks Krista! I love that you explained your interfacing choices, that is an area I always get hung up on!
- June 7, 2012 at 11:49 AM
- Kathryn said...
This looks scary and awesome at the same time. I would love to make these for christmas presents!
- June 7, 2012 at 12:44 PM
- Kathryn said...
This looks scary and awesome at the same time. I would love to make these for christmas presents!
- June 7, 2012 at 12:44 PM
Awesome job, I've been eyeing this pattern and am waiting for the book from the library and your tips here will definitely help me and only freaked me out a little bit! Haha!
- June 7, 2012 at 3:57 PM
- kim said...
I really appreciate the tips on the facing and working the zipper.
- June 7, 2012 at 8:33 PM
- Leslie said...
Your post is great - lots of useful details and tips, and beautiful examples to inspire.
- June 8, 2012 at 6:34 AM
- Unknown said...
I am just hand stitching the binding on and then I am done. Especially the binding had me growling a few times as I had to unpick it several times (as the zip and binding are all so close to the edge the stitching I had used to attach the zip kept poking out from under the edge of the binding which also seemed much too wide so I have double bound it. Wish I had followed your advice about the interfacing but I didn't have any sturdier one and I was desperate to start. It Looks fab and I will make some more soon! Thanks so much for your tips and encouragement!
- June 9, 2012 at 1:30 PM
- Unknown said...
I am just hand stitching the binding on and then I am done. Especially the binding had me growling a few times as I had to unpick it several times (as the zip and binding are all so close to the edge the stitching I had used to attach the zip kept poking out from under the edge of the binding which also seemed much too wide so I have double bound it. Wish I had followed your advice about the interfacing but I didn't have any sturdier one and I was desperate to start. It Looks fab and I will make some more soon! Thanks so much for your tips and encouragement!
- June 9, 2012 at 1:30 PM
- Bree said...
For some reason I didn't finish reading this before making my own zip organizer, but I'm definitely going to keep all this in mind when I made my next one. Great tips!
Quick question - did your exterior panel end up big enough after sewing in your zipper? Mine was too small, so I think next time I'll just make the exterior panel bigger to start & cut it down to size after I put in the zipper. - June 10, 2012 at 5:44 PM
- Elizabeth said...
I love your organizers! great tips!
- June 13, 2012 at 8:47 AM
- byRaquel said...
Krista,thanks for sharing, therefore, not yet received my magazines Zakka.
- June 20, 2012 at 11:29 AM
- Mary said...
Thank you so much for the tips! I attempted this organizer when I first bought the book (on its pub date) and the errata had not yet been posted, so I ended up with an woefully unfinished organizer that has been gathering dust on a sewing shelf. This helps so much!
- July 6, 2012 at 6:37 AM
- DonnaRae said...
I am a little late commenting but just now saw this. Great little tute you did. Gave me a neat idea I am going to try by sewing one of these. Now I either have to get the book or try to pattern it myself. NOT, LOL... the book it is. Thanks for the great tutorial!
- July 15, 2012 at 6:40 AM
- Kelly said...
the one with all the japanese fabric is so amazing! i was already planning on making this, but now i want to make one EXACTLY like that one! thanks for all the tips.
- July 23, 2012 at 4:34 AM
- Jenny said...
- March 22, 2013 at 2:54 AM
- Jill McDowell said...
These are just gorgeous. I envy your talent.
- October 21, 2016 at 4:02 AM
- Joyce said...
Thanks for the tutorial! I am going to try to tackle this soon. One question: do you cut off the zipper tail end after you stitch the first half of the binding? I don't see that part mentioned in the book.
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text:
If youre an Alexandria resident and a music lover, chances are youve seen a performance at the Birchmere Music Hall, a cultural mainstay thats served the area for more than four decades. But have you ever wondered what it takes to put on one of their shows?
According to the brain trust behind the venue owner Gary Oelze, booking agent Michael Jaworek and artist relations head John Brinegar just like any business, a successful night in their theater is due to hard work, dedication, a whole lot of expertise and a little bit of luck.
The entire process begins in the booking office. Michael knows everything in the world about music, because thats his job, explains Oelze during a recent group interview in the owners office.
I research a lot, adds Jaworek, whos been in the concert promotions business for more than 35 years. I get three major trades [magazines] in paper form and certain websites that I check to find out whats hot and whats not in terms of artists and trends in a genre I have enough experience to see the signs that something is going to take off.
Sometimes for 14 hours a day, musicians agents and in some cases, the artists themselves, interact constantly with Jaworek and his assistant, Ben Finkelstein. They work between emails and phone calls flying back and forth, trying to determine if a show has the potential to play at the Birchmere.
After the booking department finds out how much estimated money a possible act is looking to make from a concert, the team meets to make a decision.
Since I have the purse strings, informs Oelze, I get a vote and a half. Im not being snooty about that, but Im the one that has to decide to sign off on it. But, we all have input since we all have areas of expertise. [When Jaeworek brings up an act] I always ask him, Who cares?
But, thats not a snide remark, replies Jaworek. It just cuts to the chase. Who is the audience who will spend x dollars per ticket on y given night for z artist?
So, then Ill ask, What do they want? adds Oelze. Agents always have in their mind a price thats probably a little more than what the show is worth. Then, we determine what we can get away with offering.
Understanding the negotiation process can be a little confusing, as different factors have to be added into the equation to determine the final asking price. Generally, the act would get first money or a guaranteed amount in order to book the performance. Second money is the clubs total expenses for putting on the show plus a little bit of profit (all of which is referred to in the group as the house nut). Finally, all remaining moneys are split between the two parties, with the performers getting a majority percentage.
We have to know that were going make money, says Oleze. If were in a consensus that we think [a show] can only sell 200 tickets (less than half of the main stages 500 seats), then we dont want it. If we know the act isnt going to cover costs after weve booked them, well cut our loses [forfeiting their deposit] and cancel a show.
The ticket price is a direct result for what the musical act charges us always, according to Jaworek. We get customer e-mails all the time: Chic Corea is $75! Why, I can see someone just as good for $30 at Blues Alley! Now, these guys think Im crazy, but Ill respond to everyone who writes us concerning ticket prices to explain why were charging what we are and if theyre still not happy, then they can blame the artist and not the venue.
Gary is very conscious of ticket prices, includes Brinegar, a man whose build portrays that of the clubs bouncer rather than its artist liaison. A lot of agents will say, This [amount of money] is what we want and this is what we think ticket prices ought to be. Well, thats fine, but thats your opinion. We still have to run our business.
Does the Birchmere ever dictate ticket price to the band, asking for it to be lowered?
No, says Oleze, we just learn our lesson, and then if that act wants to come back, well work [on the negotiations] so as to make more of our money back. A lot of these younger acts dont want tickets over $20. We have a secret ticket price [somewhere between $20 to $30 per ticket based on the last six months of published prices], and tell agents that we cannot go under that [price]. And we cant, because we cant get our house nut out of anything lower.
Yet, its determining if a performer is a good fit with the venue thats often the most agonizing decision this group faces.
A Birchmere act to me, describes Jaworek, is an act where the audience really focuses on the artist and really listens to it. The act also must fit the physical environment that we have: seated at tables and chairs in a listening room. This would preclude rap, metal, reggae those genres with a harder edge.
Some acts we have every year, so theyre simple, says Brinegar. But, for some acts that we havent dealt with before, well get together and talk four or five times before putting in an offer.
With artists making most of the tickets revenues, for business purposes, it almost makes more sense to think of the Birchmere as a restaurant than a music hall.
The door and the merchandise (CD / T-shirt sales) make us some money, says Jaworek. But its the food and drink where we see most of our revenues.
Thats why we dont take reservations, adds Oleze, because we need you here early in order to eat and spend money. That leads to another factor when we book the band: Is this act going to attract a drinkin crowd? An eating crowd? So, sure, weve not invited acts to come back simply because we dont do any volume [in food and drink sales] when they play.
While addressing customer needs and an appropriate price structure is critical to determining the Birchmeres bottom line, developing strong long-term relationships with the artists playing the club is just as important. Without a reliable flow of acts, the club couldnt exist.
As we like to say it, Mike books it and I cook it, says Brinegar in explaining his role within the organization. Once we book an act, they hand it off to me. I work with our tech guy Tim [Kidwell] in advance of the show and make sure we have what the artists need in terms of equipment and sound. Then when the act gets here, we talk about what they need [set-up, food, drink, lodging, services], what set times theyre thinking about, are they signing merchandise after the show, all those details. Hospitality is really a big thing for us. Acts will come in and ask, Whatll we get to eat? Ill show them our menu.
It really is the little things that make us an artist-friendly club, adds Jaworek. The washer-dryers, the showers, the cleanliness. The singer-songwriter Darden Smith epitomizes this by saying, Why do I like to play the Birchmere? When I hang my coat up, nothing gets on it. You laugh, but think of most nightclubs, and most of them are just dumps.
One of my favorite quotes Ive gotten backstage [from one of the touring artists], interjects Brinegar, is that in the music circle, the Birchmere is an oh, boy, not an oh, no. I asked, What are you talking about? The guy Im talking to says when they see that theyre coming here, its Oh boy! Were goin to the Birchmere! and not Oh, no. Were goin to the Birchmere. It makes me feel good because we try to cater to our customers and our bands.
Jaworek concludes, One manager said, Why I love your club is that it takes care of the artist and the audience without compromising ones needs for the other, which is absolutely true. Both are equally important for us to stay in business.


text:
Subscribe to the USFamilyGuide.com KidsScoop! The monthly family event and savings newsletter. Receive coupons for Fun Activities, Summer Camps, Parties, Dining, Shopping, Field Trips, Child Care and more! We NEVER share your information.
Baby Doll and I were SO excited to get our first Baketivity box! She loves baking and the opportunity to bake with mom made it all that much more fun. The box showed up as promised and we quickly tore it open. The first thing we saw was her apron and chef's hat!
It was full of little packets of ingredients, each one clearly marked and ready to go. Baby Doll was a bit overwhelmed at first because there were so many of them, but after we read the paperwork and discovered that we were making a "compost" cookie for Earth Day, it began to make more sense.
She read the easy-to-follow instructions and carefully added each ingredient.
The recipe called for a cake pan, so we were making one ginormous cookie and I will show you why in a minute. Once the cookie was done, we pulled it from the oven and placed it on a rack to cool. The last part couldn't be done yet.
We ran some errands to make the time pass more quickly, but Baby Doll could hardly wait to get back in the house to finish our project. The frosting (melting wafers) made her nervous, but she bravely got all the blue melted and smoothed onto our cookie while I readied the piping bag for the green.
"What if it doesn't look right?" she worried.
"If it's our world, it will be perfect," I reassured her.
I helped her with some of the outlines of the continents and then she took the bag away and figured she could do much better than my feeble attempts.
And she was right! Didn't she do an amazing job?
Definitely perfect! (And delicious as well.)


text:
On September 21, 2004, the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe (Helsinki Commission) and the House Armed Services Committee (HASC) held a joint Issue Forum entitled "Enforcing U.S. Policies Against Trafficking in Persons: How is the U.S. Military Doing?" The Issue Forum examined the Department of Defense's (DoD) implementation of a zero-tolerance policy toward human trafficking, the role of uniformed Service members and contractors in facilitating trafficking, as well as leadership and readiness issues.
The Forum was co-chaired by Helsinki Commission Chairman Rep. Christopher H. Smith (R-NJ) and Armed Services Committee Chairman Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-CA). Helsinki Commission Ranking Member Rep. Benjamin L. Cardin (D-MD) and Commissioners Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-NY) and Rep. Mike McIntyre (D-NC) attended the forum, as well as several members of the Armed Services Committee.
Briefing on behalf of the Administration were Charles S. Abell, Principal Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness; General Leon J. LaPorte, Commander of United States Forces Korea; Joseph E. Schmitz, Inspector General for the Department of Defense; and Ambassador John R. Miller, Director of the Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons at the U.S. Department of State. A panel of non-governmental witnesses consisted of Dr. Sarah Mendelson, a Senior Fellow in the Russia and Eurasia Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies; and Martina E. Vandenberg, an attorney with Jenner and Block and a former researcher for Human Rights Watch.
Congressional attention to the military's role in addressing trafficking ignited in March 2002 when Cleveland, Ohio Fox News affiliate WJW-TV aired a report showing U.S. troops in South Korea patronizing bars and other establishments where women from the Philippines and former Soviet states were forced to prostitute themselves. Members of Congress called for the Pentagon to investigate the veracity of the allegations as well as the appropriateness of the U.S. military's policies and response to prostitution and human trafficking worldwide.
DoD Inspector General Joseph E. Schmitz subsequently conducted inspections in South Korea, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Kosovo and issued two reports, in July 2003 and December 2003, respectively, which identified institutional weaknesses in the U.S. military's understanding and response to the crime of human trafficking and made concrete recommendations for action.
In his opening remarks, Chairman Smith noted that while the coexistence of prostitution alongside large populations of military forces is neither a new problem, nor a uniquely American problem, in recent years numerous sources have documented that in certain locations, such as South Korea and Southeastern Europe, women and girls are being forced into prostitution for a clientele consisting largely of military service members, government contractors, and international peacekeepers.
According to Smith, "the need for a strategy to prevent the emergence of prostitution and human trafficking in post-conflict areas is made abundantly clear by the experiences in Bosnia-Herzegovina and Kosovo, [where] prostitution and human trafficking were allowed to develop and thrive due to the arrival of large numbers of multi-national personnel involved in post-conflict reconstruction and peacekeeping." In both places, peacekeepers involved with trafficking have faced mere repatriation as a sanction for their unlawful actions. "We need to close the legal loopholes that allow this to happen," said Smith.
The Department of Defense's obligation to address human trafficking originated with the issuance of a National Security Presidential Directive (NSPD-22) by President George W. Bush in December 2002. NSPD-22 established a zero-tolerance policy on involvement in trafficking activities by U.S. Government employees and contractor personnel representing the United States abroad. In January 2004, Deputy Secretary of Defense Paul Wolfowitz issued an internal memorandum which stated, in pertinent part:
[I]t is the policy of the Department of Defense that trafficking in persons will not be facilitated in any way by the activities of our Service members, civilian employees, indirect hires, or DoD contract personnel. Following the policy set by the Commander-in-Chief, DoD opposes prostitution and any related activities that may contribute to the phenomenon of trafficking in persons as inherently harmful and dehumanizing.
The policy statement outlined objectives of DoD efforts to combat trafficking in persons, including (1) educating Service members and DoD civilians serving overseas about human trafficking; (2) increasing efforts by command and military police authorities worldwide to pursue indicators of trafficking in persons in commercial establishments patronized by DoD personnel; (3) incorporating clauses in overseas service contracts that prohibit contractor employees from supporting or promoting trafficking in persons; and (4) developing a method for evaluating DoD's efforts to combat trafficking in persons.
On September 16, 2004, Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld issued additional guidance to military leaders indicating that he expects the problem of trafficking—both sex and labor trafficking—to be addressed. Rumsfeld's memorandum placed greater emphasis on the problem of labor trafficking than had the earlier memorandum from Deputy Secretary Wolfowitz. In particular, Rumsfeld indicated that "Commanders need to be vigilant to the terms and conditions of employment for individuals employed by DoD contractors. . . . Trafficking includes involuntary servitude and bondage. These trafficking practices will not be tolerated in DoD contractor organizations or their subcontractors in supporting DoD operations."
Ambassador John R. Miller, Director of the State Department's Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons, opened the testimony at the Issue Forum by describing trafficking, inter alia, as a national security challenge which "relates to the task facing our military because they are trying to create secure, stable situations in several countries." Miller explained that the demand for sex trafficking "is created by the so-called customers" and stated that "historically, when you have national forces going from one country to another this leads to increased prostitution and increased trafficking in the number of slave victims." Miller emphasized the need to educate people who might patronize prostitutes that, according to research, "most of the people they are 'patronizing' are likely to be victims of trafficking: raped, assaulted, abused, waiting to escape."
Coordinating DoD's anti-trafficking initiatives is currently the responsibility of Charles Abell. At the Forum, Abell described DoD's zero-tolerance policy as "a policy of command responsibility to recognize, prevent, and to assist local law enforcement when it comes to trafficking in persons in any way, shape or form." According to Abell, DoD's anti-trafficking training program for Service members, DoD civilian personnel and contractors would be put into operation by November 1, 2004. An online version will be available by January 2005.
Commissioner Cardin asked for clarification of the meaning of the "zero-tolerance" policy, given that U.S. troops are often stationed in countries with legalized prostitution. He also expressed skepticism that troops could distinguish between prostitution and trafficking. Mr. Abell responded that the zero-tolerance policy included prostitution and trafficking, and that those caught patronizing prostitution or otherwise supporting sex or labor trafficking would be held accountable. He noted that an amendment to the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) has been proposed that would clarify the legal basis upon which a Service member can be prosecuted, under the UCMJ, for patronizing a prostitute. The proposed amendment was placed in the Federal Register on September 15, 2004.
DoD Inspector General Schmitz' testimony did not focus on the details of his human trafficking assessment reports in South Korea and Southeastern Europe. Rather he noted the tools available for combating trafficking within the DoD and the lessons learned in the course of his assessments. Among those lessons, according to Schmitz, is that "among the root causes of the recent resurgence of human trafficking, aside from the obvious profit motive of organized criminals is a general reluctance of leaders at all levels to promulgate and to enforce principle-based standards for subordinates who create the demand for prostitution, generally, and for sex slavery, specifically."
General Leon J. LaPorte, Commander of United States Forces Korea (USFK), testified that subsequent to the Fox News affiliate's report and the Inspector General's investigations, United States Forces Korea had adopted a "zero tolerance" approach to human trafficking which applies to the approximately 33,000 Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and 5,000 Department of Defense civilians and contract employees currently serving in South Korea. The South Korean Government estimates that the commercial sex industry in South Korea is worth $22 billion per year and involves an estimated 330,000 women—10,000 of whom are foreigners.
General LaPorte described an anti-trafficking strategy of "awareness, identification, reduction, along with continued interaction with the Korean Government and law enforcement agencies." DoD personnel are briefed about the crime of human trafficking and the zero-tolerance policy upon arriving in South Korea and during subsequent leadership schools and training events. Armed forces radio and television stations in Korea also air public service announcements to inform U.S. personnel about USFK's anti-trafficking policies. Since January 2003, more than 400 Service members in Korea have been prosecuted or otherwise disciplined for solicitation and related offenses such as curfew violations and trespassing in posted off-limits areas.
USFK's other initiatives include a 24-hour hotline operating in tandem with the Korean national police hotline and a women's crisis center to receive reports of suspected prostitution or human trafficking activities. Other efforts include a renewed focus on providing alternatives to off-post entertainment areas near U.S. military facilities, such as high-speed Internet and cable access to military barracks and a volunteer program within the local community.
LaPorte explained an improved process for identifying establishments that are suspected of complacency in prostitution and human trafficking, and their subsequently being declared off limits to U.S. personnel. More than 600 bars, restaurants and clubs have been placed off limits. Offending business owners are subject to specific and extensive corrective actions in order to regain patronage of USFK personnel or their family members.
Significantly, LaPorte testified that the uniformed personnel who patrol nightly in the districts associated with U.S. military facilities in Korea have been trained to identify indicators of prostitution and trafficking and are now directed to report suspicious activities. Such training was initiated in response to the 2002 WJW-TV report which captured on video uniformed soldiers on "courtesy patrols" who spoke nonchalantly of foreign women forced to work or prostitute themselves in local establishments. The soldiers advised the undercover reporter on negotiating for sex in such establishments and gave no indication that they felt obliged to report the presence or activities of these women to their chain of command.
Opening the second panel, Dr. Sarah Mendelson acknowledged that adoption of an anti-trafficking policy for DoD is potentially an important step in addressing the involvement of uniformed Service members and civilian contractors with trafficking. Her testimony, however, focused on potential difficulties implementing this policy based on the findings of her research on the trafficking of women and girls to the Balkans and the role of international peacekeepers. A research report by Mendelson will be published in early 2005.
According to Dr. Mendelson, "many uniformed Service members, civilian contractors, as well as civil servants, tend to deny the links between trafficking and peacekeeping deployments, fail to understand the security implications of human rights abuse and support of organized crime, and tend to conflate trafficking with legalized prostitution." Citing several specific examples, Mendelson indicated that the lack of awareness and misperceptions about trafficking are so widespread as to inhibit effective implementation of the zero-tolerance policy.
Mendelson recommended that DoD allocate "significantly more resources, organization and leadership" in order to effectively change the pervasive attitudes and an organizational culture which fail to recognize trafficking in persons for sexual or labor exploitation as relevant to the military. She specifically recommended that DoD's efforts to combat human trafficking be centralized in one office directed by a Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense. She recommended further that Secretary Rumsfeld appoint a panel of external advisers to assist DoD in implementing its anti-trafficking policies and that DoD conduct a comprehensive awareness campaign on the issue of human trafficking.
Ms. Vandenberg's testimony drew on a report that she wrote for Human Rights Watch in 2002, entitled "Hopes Betrayed: Trafficking in Women and Girls to Post-Conflict Bosnia and Herzegovina for Forced Prostitution." At that time there were eight documented cases of U.S. Government contractors implicated in human trafficking—four of whom were DoD contractors. Vandenberg suggested that there are likely more cases, but that because investigators have not been trained or instructed to investigate trafficking offenses, many instances have likely gone undocumented. Human Rights Watch did not find evidence of U.S. Service members involved in trafficking-related activities in Bosnia.
Ms. Vandenberg noted numerous concerns with DoD's implementation of NSPD-22, including that "there is still no contractor accountability . . . the Department of Defense has not yet incorporated a condition into existing contracts permitting termination of grants if the contractor engages in trafficking," as required by the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2003. She also noted the absence of evaluation programs and benchmarks to measure adherence to the zero-tolerance policy. While praising the policy statements made by Secretary Rumsfeld and Deputy Secretary Wolfowitz regarding trafficking, Ms. Vandenberg concluded that "DoD's actions at this point do not match this ambitious rhetoric."
The United States Helsinki Commission, an independent federal agency, by law monitors and encourages progress in implementing provisions of the Helsinki Accords. The Commission, created in 1976, is composed of nine Senators, nine Representatives and one official each from the Departments of State, Defense and Commerce.


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This is FRESH AIR. Our rock critic Ken Tucker has a review of the new album, "The Blow" by the music and performance are duo called The Blow which was conceived by its singer, Khaela Maricich. Melissa Dyne plays a more behind the scenes role, arranging, mixing and co-producing much of this new collection. The music made by The Blow can be broadly labeled as electro pop, but Ken says it goes further than that.
KHAELA MARICICH: (singing) The kiss was just some thing to do with my tongue until you kissed me. The kiss was just some thing to do with my tongue until you kissed me.
KEN TUCKER, BYLINE: The kiss was just some thing to do with my tongue until you kissed me, Khaela Maricich sings on that song, "A Kiss." The wry humor is typical. The music made by The Blow is affective in part because it combines catchy keyboard riffs, synthesizers and percussion, with what The Blow's MySpace page describes as, quote, "lyrics that sound like unverbalized(ph) thoughts set to basic pop melodies." I could quibble that setting unverbalized down as words is, well, verbalizing them. But who wants to quibble when music sounds as good, as intriguing, as this?
MARICICH: (singing) He wants to talk to you because you're a girl, and he likes girls. We all like girls. I flash my powder-pink passport and I walked right through. Walked up to. I'm glad to see you got in too, and you and me are free because they'd never guess what you might do. Gather 'round, looking for the things that we've never seen, done. And when we find the ones, it's the most fun. I'll let you try them out on me 'cause you're the girl.
TUCKER: "The Blow" as an album, coheres around a couple of notions. The first is the creation of an extremely self-conscious narrator. I heard a rumor that I was amazing, goes a line in a song called "I Tell Myself Everything." When you walked out I lost control of my mouth, and now it seems it's stuck in this ambiguous pout. That's the beginning of another tune, "Invisible." The character created by The Blow is a likable narcissist, self absorbed in a way that still invites self identification in you and I, the listeners.
MARICICH: (singing) When you walked out I lost control of my mouth, and now it seems it's stuck in this ambiguous pout. I really don't know what to do without you. Little things like my face and my body, and what about clothes, that they invented those. The single purpose of your taking them off me. I even put them on, it all feels so wrong without you. I really don't know what to do without you. And thoughts seem...
TUCKER: The other idea around which The Blow organizes itself are those never fail, pop music themes of romance and sex. There's a bit of angst here and there, on "I Tell Myself Everything" there's the tart phrase, pleasure writes pure, good songs. But a lot of this album is about breezy flirting, about trying to convey through melody and ordinary language, the deep mysteries of attraction and allure.
MARICICH: (singing) I knew what love was, that never ceased. I thought I knew what love was, but (unintelligible) never shown us. We went looking for love but we might have to make it up, make, make it up, make it up. I knew what love was...
TUCKER: As groovy as this music frequently sounds, these are not conventional would be pop stars. Maricich is the sort of artist who can refer un-ironically to her music as a text to be deconstructed. Her Blow partner, Melissa Dyne - serving as Blow's co-producer, arranger and stage show designer - also has a career as a maker of site-specific, art objects. Of course, you could say the same thing about Miley Cyrus and her VMA performance, as site-specific and art performance piece as mass America has seen in a while. But even as The Blow women place their music in an art world context, the reason their stuff works, the reason it's not, in other words, that dreaded thing, art rock, is because it never denies its intellectual spirit, its own fleshly desires.
GROSS: Ken Tucker reviewed The Blow's new album by the same name. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.