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Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Best of 2010
Almost Finished.
Happy Birding and hope to see you on the trails.
Bob Setzer and Ed Lewandowski at Drayton Plains Nature Center
Top Ten Birds
1. 9 May- Horseshoe Lake Conservation Area (Illinois) Blue Grosbeak- This HAS to be #1! I have tried at Oak Openings more than a few times now with good people and no luck. Why #1? When I first started birding I was bonkers about seeing a Scarlet Tanager. Father-in-law/bird veteran/closest competitor couldn't help but tease me about NOT seeing one yet. He even would go so far to carry out pranks with the help of other family members. Well with this Blue Grosbeak being added without him around, I now have some prank leverage a'comin'. Maybe... it will be a state first for me by then...
2. 14 Aug- Point Mouilee SGA Hudsonian Godwit- Ok, this bird was flat out cool to the point of almost being mythical. Oooh! A Hudsonian Godwit Ahhhh! Really!? I felt as though this would be one of those birds I had to go to Cape May at peak time for. I just had to make the Moo a must to do, said the Cat in the Hat.
3. 2 Sep- Point Mouilee SGA Buff-Breasted Sandpiper- This one came with style points. We began meandering around Cell 3 for another look at the grandiose number of shorebirds strung along the mudflats. We biked passed a group of Sanderlings on the dike heading to our new spot and I thought hey, "Cool Sanderlings!"... Kept going. Had nice looks at shorebirds yada, yada,... back out to find the King Rail. As we bike by our seemingly familiar group of Sanderlings, I felt that something about these guys was different! I had to look again. Craig (bird sidekick) must've thought I was just doing an "Ed thing", and kept going, when low and behold... A Lifer baby (ok seven of them)! You still have much to learn Grasshopper.
I landed another one just like it a day or so later at Metrobeach.
4. 8 May- Prairie Ridge Natural Area Loggerhead Shrike- Not much doing in the middle of Farmfield-Nowhere Illinois, but something enough to catch my eye was a Shrike and Loggerhead kind too. A lifer while driving by?! My kind of sighting.
5. 9 Feb Tri-City Landfill (Sanilac County) Glaucous Gull- With the 2nd only known sighting of a Glaucous-Winged Gull in Michigan and a Glaucous Gull being a lifer (still hard to believe I just typed that), I couldn't pass up the opportunity to give it shot. Why not, considering I was being moved out of a job placement for the third time in a year. Damn it I deserve a lifer! I got just that at what better place than a landfill in the middle of Sanilac County on a cold rainy day in February. No job, a borrowed scope, drive thru cup of Joe, and with about 30 more Glaucous lifers to spare, I found Peace.
How on Earth did I not have this gull by now? Little Gull and Iceland Gull in Michigan before I get a Glaucous just seems crazy but it's true.
6. 2 Jun- Wetzel SP Sedge Wren- Started to wonder if I was doing something wrong here. I realized that I kind of was. I need to spend more time near sedge no matter where it was and listen patiently. I saw a Wetzel posting for one and wanted to go there anyway so it worked out great. I found where the sedge was and a very inquisitive group of Sedge Wrens.
7. 8 May- Cache River Natural Area Chuck-Will's-Widow- Top 10 by default. Great bird for me but wanted a better look. I was driving on what turned out to be my 42nd or so straight awake hour of birding (not intentional, see Top Ten Experiences) and heading hopefully for a place to sleep. Out pops a "new" bird into the headlights. With a little nudge to keep an eye out by the Illinois bird bible, we landed us a flyby goatsucker. Now say that ten times fast.
8. 7 Aug- Farmer Gough's Residence Red-Shouldered Hawk- With an RS Hawk being a state first, I really wanted to get one but never seemed to be patient enough at Hawk Watch or even go at the right time to see one. Craig kept telling me stories about his noisy local hawk that I should try and see sometime. Years and many maddening stories later, I took him up on the idea! I can close the book on this nemesis bird.
9. 17 Sep- Port Austin Islands Willet- The annual family Thumb trip. I did what any fanatic birder would do: Unpack the scope first. The first noticeable bird off the balcony before emptying out the ridiculous amount of luggage that comes with a family of four just so happened to be state-lifer-Willet. Well that's cool; let me show everyone in the family who don't care!
10. 30 Jun- Schneider Road Pond American Avocet- I still can't believe I ever heard someone utter the words "garbage bird" for this one. If it is such a "garbage bird" why does it get posted whenever someone sees one? And why would Don "the man" Chalfant state that it is only the 2nd known posting of its kind in all of the great Washtenaw County? A pretty darn good county for shorebird I might add. Let me not leave out that I played hooky from class on this bird. Shhhh! I got an A. Calm down!!!
Top Ten Experiences (Still to come)
1. Aug 14 Pt. Moo Part I- We put the band back together (Tom Shehan, Bill Loomis, Bob Hart, and Craig Gough) and FINALLY got out for a bird trip. Our first full trip as a group this year and we opted to test our skills at shorebirds. It was a combination trip with Washtenaw and Detroit Audubon groups. It was great to meet, reconnect, and discover birding with other people on a bigger level. I have been on Audubon trips before of course but this trip made me realize just how much that I love birding with other people that love to bird. In a very trying year with job fluctuations, adjustments, and frustration, this gathering of phenomenal people put things back in balance for me. I must get more involved with Audubon and finally get the courage to lead some groups and give back a bit. Special thanks to Jim Bull, Jim Fowler, and Dea Armstrong for giving me the confidence I need going forward. I didn't even the mention birds. Interesting...
2. May 8 & 9 Illinois Trip- Bitter sweet is the best way to describe it. Originally I was asked by Ray Stocking to team up and help with a Pelee trip. Thanks for that Ray, I certainly want to do more and appreciate you thinking of me. I already had a big trip planned for S. Illinois targeting specific birds like Greater Prairie Chicken, Purple Gallinule, and Mississippi Kite. The idea was to leave Friday night, drive our butts off and start the day at Horseshoe in the s. end of Illinois. The grand idea was to stop at points in a northerly direction to shorten the trip home.
That DID NOT HAPPEN! We blew a tire in Gary IN, around 1 in the morning. Instead of completely losing our cool (Craig and I) we got the doughnut put on (35mph winds) and plotted a trip in a southerly direction. We unexpectedly stopped at Middle Fork State Natural Area and grabbed some good birds rather quickly in (again) horrific 30+ mph winds. We found refuge and rattled off ~13 warblers including a Golden-Winged, and a nice group of Lark Sparrows.
We finally made it to Prairie Chicken land with no Chickens (thanks to the wind and oh yes a blown tire). The idea was to start birding here on the way home the following morning (no winds and clear skies on that day of course). Consolation: Loggerhead Shrike (lifer) and Bobwhites. We continue to pick up birds despite conditions and tire replacement. We stop at a few spots absolutely exhausted (42 hours straight) with 1 lifer to show for it and luckily stumbled on to Horseshoe. I crashed at 1am while Craig put up the tent. The next morning (5 am) we woke up to a 60 bird count without even trying and the most gorgeous cypress swamp sunrise. I can't explain how beautiful this place is. You would never guess that you were in Illinois! To wake up to birds on that view is a life memory. With my spirits lifted while clinging to a depressing 2-bird lifer trip we headed home with one last hope for redemption and we hit what turned out to be liferville for Craig. I unexpectedly found Blue Grosbeaks, a 5-year nemesis, bird while driving and whipped around for a certain ID. It took getting back to Indiana to actually believe that we saw them.
With perfect weather on the morning of our return, we found more birds eating breakfast at the tent than the entire first day.
Time was up though. Had to go home. I have some unfinished business with this place. I will return!
One of the most peculiar things about this trip though is that Craig and I never ran into any birders the entire trip.
3. 14 Sep Owls with the girls at Craig's- Anytime your 8 month child starts to mimic an owl call with you during your own built-in owl prowl... it is a moment to remember. County lifer with the Screech Owl that landed within feet from us.
4. 2 Sep Pt. Moo Part II- I worked in some time so to speak for this trip. I really haven't had many opportunities to bird this year to be honest so you sometimes have to do what you have to do to keep your sanity. I wanted to venture back to the Moo being not satisfied with all of these state firsts and a few potential lifers slipping away while idly sitting back and festering over it. Poker player Phil Helmuth said, "Luck favors the bold". So Craig and I put things aside for that morning and really pulled great numbers with the second run. This decision to try again also gave me my best year for shorebirds.
I have to get a new scope though. I have the oldest/cheapest junker out there. I consider myself a pretty good birder but a hell of alot better one when I can actually SEE details of a bird.
I led us to the wrong spot for the King Rail as it turns out when I ran into Thomas Schlack the next day. A third trip back? Well... that was pushing it! Another great bird for another day.
5. Enter the Setzers- My new bird buddies for life! After chatting over email for a bit we finally made a mostly birdless winter run around what I call the Telegraph loop. I pointed out a few things along the way. It made for a fun afternoon over coffee. It was made better when we reconnected for some good birds at Wetzel many months later. Thank you Bob and Judy for becoming an enjoyable piece of the birdier side of life. Look forward to many more adventures with you!
6. 25 Sep It's a Detroit Thang!- Having to contribute rare time with my girls on Saturday to work purposes does not set well with me. The bright side of things came when our group was heading to Heidelberg Project in Detroit. Being just minutes away, Belle Isle was screaming my name here! I called up Bob Hart, ol' bird buddy, guru of the arts and Detroit doings. We put in a little time at Belle Isle before and after the tour. Things were moving for us each time, particularly in the afternoon when the weather cleared up. There were plenty of warblers species and quite a few county firsts.
We went to the Heidelberg project to meet my group; a very moving experience. Anyone with a soul, human compassion, or love of art would enjoy this place. Make time for a tour it is well worth the effort.
Bob and I haven't birded together much so we had to make it count. He pointed us in the direction of the Clique Restaurant (nope not our usual Wendy's) and I had one of the best breakfasts I have had in a long time. Clique is certainly a Detroit classic. My 2nd recommendation.
We walked off the meal from there with a river stroll at William Milliken State Harbor to land more birds. Marsh Wrens were singing up a storm and Palm Warblers came by the bushel. This recently added park will be a nice spot for observing waterfowl in the winter and many other possibilities as it develops.
Lesson of this story folks... Go to Detroit! I can't wait for my next visit. You heard it hear.
I went over the century mark for Belle Isle birds on this trip as and added bonus to the outing.
7. 3 Sep Metrobeach- As the unexpected front runner for the bird year trophy, I wanted to put away the possibility of a Tom Shehan come back with this trip. It did, I cleaned up on warblers, thrushes, and a few more shorebirds to boot.
I missed a lot of birds in Michigan this spring during the migration, but this outing put me above 200 state birds again for the year. I also went over the century mark for birds at Metrobeach. Not too shabby.
8. 1 May Lakeport Birthday Gift- With only one real bird trip to show for the year thus far (May), any birding would help. On a weekend retreat with friends, I was witness to the wonderful Southwesterly winds of Lakeport that bring hawks, and oh man the Blue Jays! I have seen Jay migrations before but this took the cake! Literally thousands just kept showering by for what seemed two days straight. Remarkable! To that reason I decided to take the girls in the baby jogger for a light walk. I came back with a present to myself; my 6th county over 100 birds. Happy Birthday to me!
9. 13 Feb LEMP with perspective- My first outing of the year, a cousin of ours wanted to see an Eagle. So Tom and I felt it was our responsibility as the knowledgeable bird folk of the family to enlighten the little guy. He saw a fair bit more than the one Eagle that day. He was all over my scope, trudging through snow like a champ, asking off the wall questions, binoculars here, binoculars there, pointing things out, shuffling the field guide, and being one of the guys. And then... "Hey, Ed, what kind of bird eats the most?" Well I guess I didn't see that one coming.
Fun day in the end.
Be more prepared for questions next time Mr. Tour Guide!
10. 10 Oct Sunset at Haenle- Seeing the cranes come in at night surpassed any previous experience there. Birders, bird watchers, and average Joe's came from all around to see this phenomena. It was no disappointment. The Whooping Crane being reported came in with a pair of Sandhill buddies just after 6pm keeping the crowd in good spirits. I have seen a Whooper before but this time it was just a moment of pure peace. The rest of the world just seemed to fade away to a single event. Birding is so great!
Other Stuff...
Adding Counties- This year I added St. Clair, Livingston, and Lapeer County to my group of counties over the 100 mark. Macomb, Wayne, and Washtenaw each above 150.
I would like to add every county in SE Michigan to the list of over 100.
Next year I am hoping to add Genesee County as the last county I need bordering Oakland with 100 birds.
Park milestones- I never really thought much about this much before, but keeping track of park lists is an interesting way to look at your area compared to others. It adds a fresh perspective to your well traveled local parks.
I now have Belle Isle, LEMP, and Metrobeach joining Pt. Moo for parks over 100. I am a mere two birds shy of the mark for Bald Mountain SRA. I would be joining Allen Chartier as the only two known birders to achieve that feat. Kind of cool.
What's next? I intend to do an all Michigan year in 2011. Each year I plan a big trip or two to the hot spots of Ohio, Ontario, and Illinois to a lesser extent. It is time to add a few more lifers and state birds to my list. I have been almost everywhere in the state at some point in my life, but I want to go back and record a bird in every county. The list is getting smaller, I am already looking forward to the new year.
In addition to sticking around, I want to find time to lead a group or two. I think it is time to get more involved when possible. I intend to join the Detroit Audubon and do what I enjoy most. Bird with people that love to bird.
New places- Each year I pride myself on trying a new state, county, park, or even a trail I overlooked. This year being no different, I found that of ~20 new places I visited I was most pleased with Novi Wetlands. A spot that offers good views of marsh that is tough to come by in Oakland Co.
Quanicassee SWA- was another reminder to keep going north. I have birded parts south of me quite a bit so far.
William Milliken SP and Harbor- Been wanting to find another vantage point of the river other than Belle Isle. Couldn't be happier with this location.
New people- It is hard to remember the names of all the birders I come across while on the trail, chatting on birders@umich or eBird, but I am truly grateful to be part of such a wonderful network of people.
Good luck next year!
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Birding in 2010
Nevertheless, I have kept things going with local birding and added in a trip to Illinois in May for some of the southern birds. 30+ mph winds and a flat tire on Day 1 didn't help but we were still able to go over the 100 mark.
Added some nice additions to the life list with Blue Grosbeak (nemesis bird), Chuck-Will's-Widow, and Loggerhead Shrike. All possible in Michigan of course but just a bit easier down there!
This year I have been working on adding county lifers to Wayne, Washtenaw, Livingston, St. Clair, Oakland, and Macomb here and there.
With little time for hobbies I haven't been updating the county lists as I would like to but will be more diligent in the fall.
Best wishes to all.
Ed Lewandowski
Friday, March 5, 2010
Genesee County 2010 Sightings
Richfield Twp. Park, Holloway Reservoir
Despite the morning rain, I wanted to make the best of it by birding different areas and scouting places new to me. Went for a nice hike along the Flint River kicking up a bird or two here and there.
The rain cleared up by the time I reached Holloway and the birding picked up too.
There were a few species of ducks I wasn't expecting.
2 Horned Grebes, 5 Ruddy Ducks, and a few fly away species.
Large numbers of gulls were by the dam with ~10:1 ratio of Ring Billed Gulls over Herring.
Other notable species on the day...
Swainson's Thrush
Hermit Thrush
RB Nuthatch
Yellow Rumped Warblers
Spent a brief time on the Lapeer Co. side adding a couple of warblers Tennessee and Blackpoll.
I found the area to be full of potential. I would have to recommend that if Chartier and Ziarno ever add to the Michigan Bird Guide that this area be added to it.
12 Jul 10
SW Genesee County Roads
Went looking for the Dickcissels that were reported on Nichols and the Prothonotary Warbler on Lovejoy Rd. Struck out on both, overlooked the habitat and may have missed them on a dumb error, but may try again soon. Bird of the trip was a nice look at a Kestrel.
21 Feb 10
For Mar Nature Center, Mott Lake
Imm. Bald Eagle flying over the nature center at For Mar.
Mott Lake bridge on Genesee Rd. had open water host to ~90 C. Goldenyes, 30 C. Mergansers.
I think I found Mom and Dad Eagles also at the Mott Lake Boat Launch, along with more open water and duck activity.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Wayne County 2010 Sightings
Crosswinds Marsh, Pt. Moo HQ, LEMP, Grace Lake, French Landing
Took an interested cousin out to find his first Eagle and stopped in to see the nest at Crosswinds first.
Snow Bunting flyover was a decent trade off.
Point Moo HQ was great and the Wayne Co. roadside park was open which is unusual for winter.
American Pipit was a yes.
Good sparrows at the fence line including: Song Sp., Fox Sp., Swamp Sp., Tree Sp., RW Blackbirds
Harrier flew over Point Moo
~6 Eagles there and ~10 more at LEMP
LEMP has been reporting good birds like RS Hawk, RL Hawk, Merlin, and Goshawk. I was hoping for at least one of them and found the Goshawk. Lower Peninsula first for me.
The usual high quantity of ducks and swans were found.
My little cousin was quoted as saying, "This is one of the best days of my life."
Might have a repeat customer!
Grace Lake and French Landing (15 Feb) didn't produce as I hoped. Mostly Herring Gulls, no rarities were found except for one Gr. Black Backed Gull at French Landing.
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Macomb County 2010 Sightings
Wetzel State Park, Canal Park
Wetzel was the place for ducks! The southern most ponds from the main entrance held Shovelers, both Teals, Wigeon, and Ruddy Duck.
7-8 Rusty Blackbirds.
Canal Park had ~25 Herons on the rookery
1 Carolina Wren
13 Mar 10
Stony Creek Metropark
Waterfowl variety and species counts have significantly picked up.
The bridge area n. of 28 mile is almost completely open.
17 Feb 10
Mt. Vernon Ct. downriver from Stony Creek
American Coot
View from the bridge gave a good luck with a group of Mallards.
6 Feb 10
Sunshine Point, Metrobeach Metropark
Sunshine Point:
Ruddy Ducks
C. Mergansers
Gr. Scaup
Both sides of the point have open water with higher quantity on the s. side but the glare made ID's and counts tough.
Cowbirds ~75
RW Blackbirds 2
Friday, February 5, 2010
Lapeer County 2010 Sightings
Lapeer SGA (Barnes Lake Road) and other areas
A nice stroll in the fields produced ample amounts of Vesper and Grasshopper Sparrows, and a Brown Thrasher at the south end. Kestrel was found on the hunt as well.
Sedge Wren found at Millis and Norway Lk Rd, about 100 yds before the do not pass sign a few were singing of course in the nice Sedge grasses for them. Landed bird #100 on the trip, marking it as my 8th county in Michigan with at least 100 or more.
6 Jul 10
Ortonville SGA
Discovered ample amounts of Scarlet Tanagers along Fox Lake Road. Not able to locate Cerulean or Acadian Flycatcher on this short trip. Other birds worth mentioning were Veery, Yellow-Throated Vireo, American Redstarts, and Ovenbird.
5 Jul 10
Water Tower Park
A quick walk through this small park yielded a few good birds. Best looks at an Osprey persistently hunting down fish while being persistently pursued by less than happy Kingbirds. Great show! Green Herons and a Cormorant were also present.
20 Jan 10
Seven Ponds Nature Center, Lapeer Co. Roads
Seven Ponds: Purple Finches
Lapeer Rds.: 2 Pheasant at Farley & Hollow Corners.
Plenty of Turkey on Hollow Corners.
More Red-Tailed Hawks than I can remember.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Oakland County 2010 Sightings
Civic Center Park & Oakland Tech Park Trails
After a nice birding lunch filled with raining Juncos yesterday, Civic Center was very quiet this morning. Just a few hundred yards down the road though, the Tech Park was hopping. Once I entered the field area by the river, it was a completely different.
Note worthy...
Winter Wren
Hermit Thrush
Fox Sparrows (first appearance of the fall migration)
White Crowned Sparrow
6 Oct 10
Bald Mountain SRA (N. Unit)
Eastern Screech Owl
Had some time to kill while trying to put the little one to sleep so I started my own owl prowl. After two attempts on Kern Rd., I was successful on Greenshield on the pullout past the park office. This stuff never gets old for me!
11 Apr 10
Home, Civic Center Park
Had evidence of hawk migration at my house today. Cooper's and SS Hawks were circling overhead ~12 witnessed periodically during the day.
CC Park in Auburn Hills had 3 Brown Creepers, Hermit Thrush, and a Phoebe today. Things are staring to move.
8 Apr 10
Field Sparrow landed by the feeders today. Only the second observation of this species in our yard. There isn't a field worthy of this bird within 2-3 miles.
1 Apr 10
Kirk in the Hills
Island Lake is still loaded with ducks by over a thousand in
Egret count was up to 48
Cormorant count was around 36
Great Blues out numbered at 4
Tree Swallows have finally made there way to northern parts of the county.
Craig Gough informed me that there are some checking out his boxes on his
pond up in Lapeer County the earliest he remembers there.
Found 3 Northern Shovelers dabbling close to the shore at the church
~8 Am. Wigeons
Plenty of what you expect otherwise: Canvasbacks, Redheads, Ring-Necks, L.
Very few Buffleheads and Goldeneyes left.
No Greater Scaups amongst the group, all blue heads out there as far as I
could tell.
Haven't seen any other large duck concentrations of that magnitude since the
thaw in the area.
Wonder what the big draw is for this location. The ducks there have been
around a while. Food must be part of it.
31 Mar 10
Carpenter Lake Nature Preserve
Relocated the Carolina Wren originally found by James Fox at the SE end of the park. Singing away!
22 Mar 10
Beaudette Park
Found a large flock of Grackles, Blackbirds, Cowbirds, and Starlings by the boat launch and among them was a female Brewer's Blackbird. A county lifer for me.
Good bird and very unexpected.
18 Mar 10
Orion Oaks
Lapland Longspur (1) between trail mark 2 & 3, closer to #3. Very cooperative bird.
6 Mar 10
Detroit Zoo and Home
Killdeer heard at the Camel exhibit
Turkey Vulture seen at the Palace and 4 seen at the zoo.
RWBB's came to my feeders this morning
Grackle singing to me as we got home.
Spring is on the way.
5 Mar 10
Telegraph Loop
Met up with Bob and Judy Setzer to point out some spots along the Telegraph Loop.
Kirk in the Hills Church didn't have the nesting Herons yet. Linda Kasenow did however report GB Herons nesting at Kensington today to match my report listed below, so I would imagine that they will be very soon.
Most locations I pointed out along the loop were still frozen over but we did have success with Redheads again at Loon Lake perimeter points.
~20 Redheads, 2 Hooded Mergansers at Farner & Dixie.
2 more Redheads at the N. end of the lake.
Didn't make to Dawson's Mill Dam (Beaudette) or Fish Hatchery today.
Best weather so far this year! Very fun trip with some truly wonderful people.
4 Mar 10
Chrysler Tech Center (Squirrel Rd.)
Great Blue Herons beginning to nest in the rookery area by the testing track seen from the road.
3 Mar 10
Loon Lake Perimeter, Fish Hatchery Park, Dutton Fields
Redheads (2), Hooded Merganser (1), Wood Duck (1) found at the N. end of Loon Lake.
C. Goldeneye (1) Bufflehead (1) found at Fish Hatchery, also relocated the GW Teal pair in their same spot across the road at Drayton Plains N.C.
Not able to relocate Snow Buntings, Longspur flock at Dutton Fields, small pocket of Horned Larks present.
18 Feb 10
Dutton Fields, Beaudette Park
My little dirt patch is starting to bring in some birders. Janice Olesen posted that Longspurs have joined my dwindled group of Snow Buntings. What was ~60 is now 20. I suspected Longspurs among em' and here they are! Thanks Janice, good birding. Great looks can be found e. of Culvers just before the Marriott. They are on the e. side of the drive camping out on a strip of straw. Great looks and a county lifer (#172) for me just a couple of miles from my house!
Beaudette has slowed down with the thaw. Ample open water, Buffleheads have joined the bunch but again absent were Scaup, RN ducks, no Canvasback this time either, and the black billed swans were not present.
17 Feb 10
Snell Road Farm
Wild Turkeys just past county line
12 Feb 10
Wixom Rd. Exit
Horned Larks flying in as I drove down 96.
5 Feb 10
Drayton Plains Nature Center, Fish Hatchery Park, Loon Lake (2 locations)
Fish Hatchery Park: 1 Common Goldeneye, 3 Black Ducks Plenty of open water with surprisingly low number of duck species.
Drayton Plains N.C.: 2 Green-Winged Teals. I would suggest parking at Fish Hatchery Park and walk across Hatchery Road to the sidewalk on the Drayton Plains N.C. side to view the ducks. Walking from DPNC would give you a 15 minute walk to the small pond and will likely scatter the ducks. They were still present when I left them.
Loon Lake (Farner Av & Dixie Hwy): 7 Canvasbacks
Loon Lake (Schoolhouse Dr.): 2 Gadwall
Just w. of Clintonville Rd. there is open water running from Loon Lake to Schoolhouse Lake, and Lake Oakland. No real good spots to observe the ducks expect from the subdivision bridge. The neighbors gave me an odd luck too so roll down your window and tell em' you are looking at the ducks!
2 Feb 10
Dawson's Mill Pond (Beaudette Park)
38 Hooded Merganser * a park record for me
3 Trumpeter Swans * park record
Did not find RN Ducks or Wood Ducks on this trip.
22 Jan 10
Dawson's Mill Pond (Beaudette Park)
Belted Kingfisher
21 Jan 10
Orion Oaks (bark park)
Golden-Crowned Kinglets pair at the first row of large trees walking s. inside the A gate area.
19 Jan 10
Novi Wetlands, Robert Long Park
Northern Shrike at Novi Wetlands
Northern Pintail at Rob. Long Pk.
15 Jan 10
Dawson's Mill Pond (Beaudette Park)
American Black Duck 17
Mallard ~300
Canvasback 5
Redhead 4
Ring-necked Duck 4
Common Goldeneye 1 female
Hooded Merganser 25
Species diversity picked up with this trip. Wood Ducks were not found this time at their usual s. end location.
Still seems to be low overall quantity. Found open water on the W. end of Otter Lake that could be taken some numbers from Beaudette.
2 Jan
Dutton Rd. Fields/Landfill Area
~60 Snow Buntings
3 Turkey Vultures on 3 Jan
Notes: Same group I posted on December 13th. Haven't good enough looks to pick out if there is a Longspur with them.
6 Jan
Beaudette Park, Cass Lake
Dawson's Mill Pond (Beaudette Park)
18 Am. Black Ducks
14 Hooded Mergansers
3 Wood Ducks
1 Coot
1 Great Blue Heron
Numbers of variety were down leading me to believe there is still open water out there.
So... I went alookin' for it.
Square Lake- small patch of open water on the s. side (Ward Rd.)
No Ducks
Cass Lake- open water on the w. side, best views likely from Dodge St. Pk. 4
Bald Eagle flew across the lake.
Crystal Lake- no open water except by the dam.
Friday, December 4, 2009
Berrien Co. Sightings
Tiscornia Park, St. Joseph, MI
Van Buren Co., Hartford, MI
Red-Throated Loons
Horned Grebes
**Little Gull (lifer)
Rufous Hummingbird (outskirts of Hartford)
Winds were high on the day we went to Tiscornia Park at St. Joseph, MI Winds 15 mph+ out of the SW did not make for conducive conditions on the pier.
Found the Little Gull right off the bat but the Ancient Murrelet was not seen the day we tried nor has it been relocated since.
The Rufous was a good find while being patient. Allen's Chartier statement about this bird would not be able to be identified from the field rang true. It looks like a simple green female Ruby-Throated. For argument sake, if it was a Ruby-Throated that snuck in there it would be a hell of a find as well this late in the year.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Allegan Co. Sightings
Douglas Beach
Oval Beach
Allegan SGA Farm Loop
Saugatuck Dunes SP
Iceland Gull* (state first for me)
RT Loon
Common Loon
Blue Goose
Snow Bunting (more found at Oval Beach and SDSP)
Rough-Legged Hawk (dark morph)
Notes: Winds were very strong out of the SW making ID's and counts extremely difficult.
The posting to Michigan Listers by Rich Brigham was too good to pass up. We made the best of the day and the weather checking out new places.
Rich and co. did find Black Scoters fly by while we were there but nothing like last week.
Thousands of geese at the farm unit with a few Snow Geese mixed in showing different phases.
Monday, October 5, 2009
Top Ten Birds and Experiences of 2009
Participants: Craig Gough, Bob Hart, Ed Lewandowski, Bill Loomis, and Tom Shehan
2009... Here it goes... Let's start with my inspiration.
My posting to email@example.com on Feb 11th.
Again, I want to thank the birding community for your support and kind words.
Hello birders,
This is not a post for me. This is to bring to light the passing of one of my favorite birders, friend, and relative. Bill Wilson, my uncle died shortly after Christmas but until now I haven't been able to bring myself to do this message its just delivery.
He may not be well known to most on this site, but he was one of those birders that could close his eyes and tell you what you were seeing. He struggled for many years with Parkinson's but it never diminished his spirit. He was always game for bird stories told or listened to, and would get a glimmer in his eye for any opportunity to get out to bird. He would always ask about my meager year count, list off birds I never seem to get while just watching the feeders at his house with his wife Joan. He talked often about his trips to Pelee with his brother, banding hawks with Tom Heatley, and would ask us out to watch birds back when watching birds was still watching birds (not birding!)
His name is not likely to be known to most like I mentioned, but he was undoubtedly one of the best birders I know and most inspiring people in my life. For those that knew him, they had a friend, and I am sure fond memories. Every year my father in law, Tom Shehan and I do a Top Ten Birds/Experiences list just for fun to reflect on the year (thanks Cathy Carroll) and every year one of my best memories of the 10 was with uncle Bill.
I am not a very religious man but I have to believe that he is getting all the lifers he deserves and can ask for.
Make this year and all of your bird years to come great and meaningful.
Happy Birding and Happy Memories
Ed Lewandowski
Auburn Hills
I set out to make this year the most memorable year possible. I dedicated Bird Year 2009 to my uncle. Sorry I never understood how great this hobby was until I was older.
To finish this posting I had to do it right playing by Jamie Cullum. Uncle Bill was singing these old tunes on the ride back from our St. Clair River trip when I landed my first "Oldsquaw" he called it, as I poured through the Sibley's to ID a Long-Tailed Duck. Potato-Potahto, Tomato-Tomahto.
I now say Oldsquaw to respect the old school.
I put myself out there as much as possible trying to make new experiences while treasuring so many great memories. Birding is a great part of who I am. To understand me at my best, you have to ride/walk around sub below temps with fogged up scopes and binoculars, bike the Moo in sweltering heat packing the awkward gear, drive around 90 mph on the backroads of "God knows where (Canada Tundra Swans)", trying to show someone a new bird or capture something magical in nature all over again, putting up with eating on the fly (Wendy's), to think looking at every cell phone tower and puddle over 600 miles is still pretty cool, always pushing for one more bird, ok damnit 5, running late (sorry babe, my excuses are used up by now), my foul language when I miss on a bird for the 8th time and/or pretty much all day anyway, my over excitement for "county and park first of the years" (yeah I got it bad man!), repeat stories... blah, blah, blah, the old beat up Red Sox hat (finally retired), and many other crazy antics I have may have left out.
Birding Rocks! Looking forward to 2010!
Here is my Top Ten...
Top Ten Birds of 2009
1. Northern Hawk Owl**
2. White-Winged Crossbill**
3. Prothontary Warbler**
4. Greater White-Fronted Goose**
5. Brewer's Blackbird**
6. Henslow's Sparrow**
7. Little Gull**
8. Ross' Goose (OC*)
9. Clay-Colored Sparrow (MAC*)
10. Little Blue Heron*
Top Ten Experiences of 2009
1. 114 Bird Day
May is the month for being on a mission. When isn't right? May has new meaning for me though. Last year we finished a 99 bird day scrambling for one last bird in the dark at Suarez Nature Center. This year we were up very early to surpass the century mark.
Our first stop at Rondeau was no let down. We missed on the Townsend's Warbler that day but I ID'd a lifer Prothonotary by its call and then got a crystal clear look. We continued to rack up birds optimistically at Blenheim Sewage Lagoons (Dowitchers, Marbled Godwit) tagging onto a guided bird group. We made a stop at Wheatley, and then Point Pelee to add to our already 100+ list!
For all the greatness of this trip we still got clobbered by Sean Bachman and I think Lyle Hamilton never even leaving their own county. Ouch! Good job on your record too.
2. UP trip
Kid in a candy store! I had only been semi-birding in the UP once before, but this was just awesome. So many good birds right off the get go it is hard to write a list for them all.
The only two-day trip of the year did not disappoint and set me up for my best year ever.
Missed on some good birds, but I intend to return for Sharp-Tailed Grouse and Great Gray Owl. I felt so alive getting things lined up for this run up north and so many things about the trip turned out the way I planned. I felt proud throughout the journey.
3. Season Opener
Everyone and their brother made their way out to see every Crossbill posting at Cedar Lake Campground and so did the Featherless Five! This turned out to be only one of two trips of the year all together, we got out to see a Cbill for the first time. They were fun to watch, and it was awesome to land a lifer within the first week of the new year. We dipped on the Varied Thrush in Ann Arbor unfortunately, but it was a great day to be a birder. Thanks again to the Hotaling family for your patience and hospitality to the birding community.
4. My little one and a Ross' Goose
Been meaning to get my daughter out to feed the chickadees and little birdies by hand at Kensington.
Little did she know that she was also along for a county first Ross' Goose. She saw it and said "Goose", so yep it counts! She had fun throwing seed around but wasn't sure about the Chickadees getting THAT close. Pretty cute stuff.
5.Viva La Mexico!
How can birding in a tropical climate be a bad thing? Nothing beats birding in a Hawaiian shirt drinking cervezas at pool side with your family! The birds kept coming here and there but I did better on the last day walking around the more manicured resort as opposed to the sanctuary of a resort we stayed at. FYI-Adding to your WORLD LIST is pretty cool too!
An Immature Yucatan Jay harassing our morning feast on the balcony.
They were helarious!
6. Pt. Moo- New level of birding
Well, I sure had every intention to win the damn trophy this year, so I made ample effort to get out to Pt. Moo to do it. My last trip was most meaningful. I picked up quite a few co. firsts and first of the years, but more importantly I ran into Caleb Putnam and Adam Byrne (yep... the guy that fine tooth combs my eBird postings!) Watching these guys in action is really impressive. I learned 1. I just aint as good as I may think I am at this birding thing. 2. Buy a better freaking scope. 3. Listening to real birders talk is like hearing a different language. You can make out some of the words, follow along here and there, but hell no way was I going to find that White-Rumped Sandpiper on my own. These guys are just awesome. I have some more birding to do apparently or bird in a little different way.
7. Curious about that noise!?
Over at Nana and Papa's, Tom just mentioned he ought to be getting a Screech Owl soon. We went into the study after dinner, checked the postings, played some owl songs. My daughter stopped playing with whatever my wife and Nana were doing and came running into the study to investigate this unusual phenomena. We had to up the ante and bring an owl to her. This was more than cool to her and the look on her face was unforgetable. For weeks afterward she was still hooting so we had to take her to hawk fest for the owl and hawk exhibit guy. The interest continues...
8. W. Michigan Trip
This recent trip came unexpectedly as Craig, Tom, and I planned to go to Harrisville, Oscoda, Tawas area, but Rich Brigham's posting from the week before was too much to pass up for November. The winds weren't cooperative for us but it was awesome getting out to new birding locations, getting a few more birds for the year and enough to tie my all time best annual total with over a month to go. I intend to bird more on this coast in the next few years, Warren Dunes in May is next.
9. Last Bird?!
Found a report from the Belle Isle trip stating that the Saw-Whet Owl is back at old reliable and would be my best ever bird #228. I left work right away being overly anxious to beat my old record. This is more significant to me than it probably sounds because I realize in the grand scheme of things, 227 birds in a year isn't exactly earth shattering to the top birders but meaningful to me. I have hit 200+ every year but those years included somewhere... Delaware, Maryland, Florida, Georgia. Last year I didn't go anywhere but had respectable numbers staying in Michigan, N. Ohio, and SW. Ontario. This year I am well ahead all marks staying in the area. Something to be proud of. A great year for me.
Oh yeah... the bird! I dipped with disappointment on the owl but I scowered the entire island in hopes of finding a Cackling Goose amongst the vast groups of Canada Geese on the island. It was starting to get dark and I was about to call it a day but there it was within 10 feet of my car just before calling it quits.
10. SW Washtenaw
This was my favorite solo trip of the year. I landed some solid birds for the area, for the year, and did mostly it mostly by taking after Uncle Bill. Close your eyes, soak in the morning chill, and listen to every bird sing to the rising sun. That is birding!
#231- Last bird of the year
Couldn't put a rank on this one.
I had some time to kill after work and wanted to take one last shot on the lifer Black Scoter I manage to keep missing on. This bird has become a nemesis bird for me. With large groups of all scoters being located on the west side of the state in November, I missed both times I tried but decided for one last shot in Port Huron. I have seen White-Wing Scoters and Surf Scoters here before but never the Black Scoter. They are less common I realize, but it was starting to become ridiculous.
Things were quiet and it was getting dark but I finished the trip at the first spot Uncle Bill ever took me to for birding... at Lighthouse Park. I found my lifer and last bird of the year on his home turf.
I made some effort to pick up #232 after that but I think somehow, I was meant to finish things right there. Where it all began.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Canada Sightings
26Sep 2009
Creek Road Marsh (that is what I am calling it for now)
Holiday Beach
Pelee Onion Fields
Hillman Marsh
Black Oak Heritage Park
Soaring 6 of Bob Hart, Craig Gough, Tom Shehan, Ed Lewandowski, Chris Goulart, and Bill Loomis was widdled down to the first four birders mentioned.
From left to right: Bufflehead Bob Hart, Catbird Craig Gough, and Good Ol' Papa Bear Tom Shehan
Winds were mostly out of the SE, not conducive for good hawk migration once again.
Highlights were the Gray-Cheeked Thrush, Philly Vireo, Warbler assortment, and duck variety.
Best birding was at Creek Road Marsh, Holiday Beach past the Carp Crossing sign, the hawk tower, and Black Oak Heritage Park in Windsor.
American Wigeon
American Black Duck -Creek Rd. Marsh
Blue-winged Teal
Northern Shoveler
Northern Pintail
Peregrine Falcon
Sandhill Crane (Canada first?!)
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker ~4
Least Flycatcher
Philadelphia Vireo (FOY) 3 0f 4 vireo species
Gray-cheeked Thrush - Plentiful and a FOY
11 Warbler Species
76 Species Day
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Annual Bird Totals
2005 214 149 66
2006 214 165 95
2007 227 161 86
2008 214 162 109
2009 231* 217* 140*
2010 224 206 150*
Life 303 268 183
* Best year
Favorite Locations
(Oakland Co.)
Indian Springs Metropark
Kensington Metropark
Drayton Plains Nature Center
Beaudette Park, Pontiac
Hawk Woods Nature Center, Auburn Hills
Civic Center Park & Oakland Tech Trails, Auburn Hills
Bald Mountain SRA
Orion Oaks
George Suarez Friendship Woods
Heritage Park, Farmington Hills
Robert Long Park
Kirk in the Hills Church
Novi Wetlands
West Bloomfield Nature Preserve
(Macomb Co.)
Stony Creek Metropark
Holland Ponds
Sterling Heights Nature Center
Metrobeach Metropark
Wetzel SP
(Wayne Co.)
Point Mouilee (Monroe)
Lake Erie Metropark
French Landing & Grace Lake
Crosswinds Marsh
Belleville Lk
Belle Isle
U of M Dearborn RRBO
William Milliken State Park and Harbor
(Washtenaw Co.)
The Arb & Gallup Park
Dolph Park
Stinchfield Woods
Superior Twp. Roads
(Other Favorites)
Muskegon Wastewater
Whitefish Point
Sault Ste. Marie
Shiawassee Natl. Refuge
Port Huron
Brighton SRA
Island Lake SP
Douglas Beach
Allegan SGA
Tiscornia Park
Quanicassee SWA
Oak Openings
Crane Creek
Metzger Marsh
Pipe Creek Marsh (Mini Moo)
Maumee Bay State Park
Point Pelee
Blenheim Sewage Lagoons
Hillman Marsh
Holiday Beach
The Pinery
Point Edward
Black Oak Heritage Park


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The Old Port stretches from the Drassanes Reials,or "Royal Dockyards", on the right of the Cristòfor Colom statue as we look towards the sea, all the way round to the left until we get to the neighbourhood of Barceloneta on the opposite side. The whole area has been redeveloped with leisure in mind – there are pleasant open spaces and the historic buildings have been converted into interesting museums
The Maremagnum centre in the middle of the porthas a lively mix of bars, restaurants, and shops.A Maritime Vocation The Drassanes Reials are the former shipyardswhere the boats of the powerful Catalan-Aragonese fleet were built in medieval times. Although the site contains Roman remains the present building, which is home to the Museu Marítim, dates back to the 16th century and is a fine example of Catalan Gothic architecture.
Just across the road from this building is an outsized steel sculpture by the Valencian Andreu Alfaro set in the square leading to the World Trade Centre. Called Onades, its 42 metres height and15-ton weight reproduce the waves of the Mediterranean. A wonderful example of wooden boat construction from the beginning of the last century can be seen moored at the Moll de la Fusta very close to the Columbus Monument.

subset: commoncrawl


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As Intel® Extreme Masters (IEM) Oakland comes closer, we are excited to announce a partnership with Xfinity. The Xfinity Analyst Desk and other side activities will be making their way to the Oracle Arena and, for a short amount of time, Bay Area fans can pick up a pair of complimentary IEM tickets at local Xfinity stores. See the list of participating stores below.
"High-speed and reliable internet is a core component not only to fair competitive gameplay, but also to esports players and viewers," said Michal Blicharz, VP of Pro Gaming at ESL . "We are excited to continue our partnership with the provider of the Fastest Internet in America with Xfinity's presence at IEM Oakland."
As an an official ESL partner, the Xfinity desk has been present at many high-profile tournaments including the ESL Arena at PAX Prime, the ESL Pro League Season 4 Finals, and will also be gracing both sides of the IEM Oakland stage. The CS:GO and League of Legends commentators and analysts will be bringing you all the action from the Xfinity Desk on November 19-20.
For those on the IEM Oakland show floor, be sure to stop by the Xfinity Zone to join in on Skype conversations with well-known members and personalities in the League of Legends and Counter Strike community.
For a limited time, Xfinity will be doing a local ticket giveaway* for Bay Area fans. Stop by one of these Xfinity store locations between Friday, November 11 and Friday, November 18 for a chance to pick up a ticket and watch the world's best gamers battle it out at the Oracle Arena!
*Limit two (2) tickets per person, throughout the promotional window. While supplies last. No purchase necessary.
Join us for the biggest IEM event North America has seen! For all important updates as we head toward IEM Oakland, follow IEM on Twitter and Facebook.
For information about Xfinity policies and terms of service, go to www.xfinity.com/policies.


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Malaysia has a tropical climate with year-round high humidity and temperatures ranging from 27°C to 35°C. Kuantan & Terengganu state, on the East Coast, follows this but the Northeast Monsoon from November till January affects the humidity levels.
During this time, it may rain heavily everyday with thunderstorms.
The seas and strong winds during the monsoon season make travelling to nearby islands hazardous and the beaches are deprived of hot, sunny weather. Hence, you cannot travel to islands on the East Coast such as Redang and Tioman and it is best to visit Kuantan some other time of the year.
At other times, however, Kuantan, Terengganu and other places along the East Coast are bright and sunny, perfect for a relaxing vacation.


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Black and white plaid suit with hand embroidered botanical details
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Forest green brushed twill jacket with asymmetric opening.


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On offer is the 1982 Monza 1000 Kilometers overall winning Rondeau M382. Chassis 004 was driven to victory in 1982 at Monza driven by Henri Pescarola, Giorgia Francia and Jean Rondeau. This win was the only competitive event that 004 participated in so the original engineering has not been compromised. Currently fitted with a 3.3 liter electronically injected DFL, the original 3.9 liter DFL is included with the sale. In 2007 the car was invited to and participated in the Goodwood Festival of Speed. Interestingly the car comes complete with much memorabilia including team clothing. Paperwork includes FIA HTP Jean Rondeau was an extraordinary competitor in respect to the fact that he remains the only entrant to win the 24 hours of Le Mans in a car that he both drove and wore his name Rondeau as a manufacturer. An opportunity to acquire a piece of Group C history that would be an excellent addition to any collection as well as a welcomed entry to the Group C Racing series. Sold MAKE ENQUIRY First Name Surname Email Telephone Contact Address Company Address 1 Address 2 Address 3 Address 4 Postcode Image Gallery prev next
rondeau m382 group c
Bourton water, Gloucestershire
United Kingdom


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TUCSON, AZ (Tucson News Now) - Several groups, including members of the Buffalo Soldiers, gathered today at Dunbar School, which was Tucson's only segregated school, to save another historically significant building.
The Mountain View Black Officers Club at Fort Huachuca has been there since 1942 and could be torn down. The building was a social club for African American soldiers and has been visited by celebrities including Joe Lewis and Lena Horne.
Fort Huachuca said, "we have not made a determination on the final disposition of the building, we are still exploring all options for preserving this history."
The National Trust for Historic Preservation named the officers club one of 11 most endangered historical places in America. This has sparked a group effort by the Tucson Historic Preservation Foundation and the Buffalo Soldiers to save the structure.
The Southwest Association of Buffalo Soldiers had an agreement with the army. They would complete the restoration process in 3 different 5 year periods. SWABS has fixed windows and other parts of the building. But in 2011, the Army did not renew the lease.
"All of these items were to be done in the first phase, it didn't say that, but that is what are meeting with a group of engineers on Fort Huachuca indicated that there were no phases," said Joan Way from SWABS.
Fort Huachuca did release at statement on the structure being listed as an endangered place. "While we agree that Building 66050 is an important element of Fort Huachuca, the Army and the Nation's history, the National Trust for Historic Preservation news release is not factually accurate on all points."
Copyright 2013 Tucson News Now All rights reserved.


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Title: The Journey
Author: JaimeLynn Boothe
Genre: General Fiction
Tour Host: Lady Amber's Tours
Samantha Jenson is trapped in a world like so many others; a world full of fear and death. A world where the disease of addiction has an iron grasp on her life and controls her soul so powerfully even the strongest of men would cower down on his knees and beg for mercy. A world where she struggles to escape and tries to live at least somewhat of a normal life.
Here is the story of a young woman, deeply addicted to the drug called "Intimacy". Her life has been a disaster because of her addictions through the years but this particular drug is her master. Samantha has lost everything but most importantly her desire to live.
Can Samantha escape the talons her demons have on her? Can Samantha regain control of her life and tear down the walls of despair? Will she regain hope, her desire to live and her family? Travel with her on her journey and see what happens in her world. You just might be able to relate.
I wake up with the sunshine on my face and I smile as I hear the song of a bird on the window sill. I lay in bed for a few minutes with the knowledge that today is my day off and what's in store for me. I get to see my little angel! I am so excited. I can't wait to hold her in my arms again, to give her a kiss, and tell her I love her. I look forward to hearing her sweet voice and seeing her smile.
I look towards the window and I can see the bird who is blessing me with its song. What a lovely way to wake up, I think to myself. Closing my eyes, I lay, relishing the wonderful way it feels to be able to wake up in a comfortable bed, not feeling the way I used to feel, and having so many blessings in my life. I think about how the patients in Fellowship Manor are doing right now as they wake up. I remember how it felt to wake up there. It wasn't easy at first but it got better.
I lay in bed for a few minutes more and I say a prayer full of gratitude and for everyone in there and whoever needs to go. I also know how hard it can be to make yourself go into a place like that. You have to need it and know it, that's for sure. More importantly, you have to want it. Having to pee and wanting some coffee finally forces me from beneath the comfortable place my body would still like to be.
"I can't stay in bed all day," I say to myself. I go to the bathroom and relieve myself, wash my hands, and then go to the kitchen to make some coffee when my cell phone rings. I look at it and see that it's my sister. In my mind, I think she is excited to see me and I smile at the fact she's calling me. I answer the phone as I reach for the can of coffee out of the cabinet.
"Good morning, Sis," I say to her with a smile still on my face. She doesn't hesitate with me as she has fear in her voice that I sense immediately.
"There's been an accident," Harmony starts, "I am sorry to call you with this, Sam, but you need to get here as soon as you can."
My heart drops and I can feel the fear of Beth being hurt overwhelm me. "What's wrong? Tell me, what's wrong? Is Beth okay?" I ask her.
"She's in the hospital. She was hit by a car this morning and she's in intensive care right now. Can you get here?" she asks me.
"Oh my God! I…I…I don't have a car," I tell her, "I will call a cab or call my roommate and see if she can take me. Is she going to be okay?" I ask her as tears fill my eyes and quickly overflow down my face.
JamieLynn Boothe is a laid back southern boy who was born and raised in the small town of Moneta, Virginia, currently residing in Torrington, Ct. however. Working a full-time job as he writes he works on fulfilling his lifelong dream of being a successful author.
JamieLynn enjoys the simple things in life such as good music, movies that make you laugh, cry, and afraid. He loves cats, eating good home-cooked southern food, art, travelling, nature, family and time with friends as well as time to himself.
Writing is his passion, and JamieLynn loves creating books that touch another person's heart and soul. He has written two books so far. Nightmares and Dreams, a novel, and The Journey, a novella. He is currently working on the sequel to Nightmares and Dreams, and a new love story.
JamieLynn is currently single but hopes to find that special woman one day.


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Last night, I had a dream that it snowed. I was really disappointed when I realized that it was already in the mid-70s at 7am. Confession: Summer is not my favorite season. I love the fresh food and the pool opportunities and all, but I really, really hate being hot. Really a LOT. I love all the summer fun, I just don't like being hot.
However, when I pop open a jar of my jam in the dead of winter, I sure am grateful for that heat that helped the fruit grow and ripen! This recipe was inspired by the Strawberry and Lemon Preserves from Canning for a New Generation. I adjusted the flavors a bit to give the jam more what I was looking for: a sweet jam than that finishes with just a little bit of a tart zing!
Strawberry Lemonade Jam
- 3 pounds strawberries; cleaned, hulled, chopped
- 1 cup sugar
- 3 lemons; skins washed and sliced thinly


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- North America
- United States
- Illinois
- Maple Grove Plaza Shopping Center
- Search
Traveling Luck for Maple Grove Plaza Shopping Center Illinois, United States
The timezone in Maple Grove Plaza Shopping Center is America/Rankin_Inlet
Morning Sunrise at 06:11 and Evening Sunset at 17:01. It's light
Rough GPS position Latitude. 40.3131°, Longitude. -88.1381°
Morning Sunrise at 06:11 and Evening Sunset at 17:01. It's light
Rough GPS position Latitude. 40.3131°, Longitude. -88.1381°
Weather near Maple Grove Plaza Shopping Center Last report from Rantoul, Rantoul National Aviation Center Airport-Frank Elliott Field, IL 2.9km awayTemperature: 13°C / 55°F
Wind: 9.2km/h North/Northwest gusting to 19.6km/h
Cloud: Sky Clear
Satellite map of Maple Grove Plaza Shopping Center and it's surroudings...
Geographic features & Photographs around Maple Grove Plaza Shopping Center in Illinois, United States
school building(s) where instruction in one or more branches of knowledge takes place.
- Eastlawn Elementary School (0.6km)
- Maplewood School (1.1km)
- Northview Elementary School (1.2km)
- Rantoul Township High School (1.3km)
- Pleasant Acres Elementary School (1.4km)
- Thompson School (1.5km)
- Saint Malachy School (1.6km)
- J W Eater Junior High School (1.9km)
- Broadmeadow Elementary School (3.3km)
- Excelsior School (historical) (4.1km)
- Pleasant Ridge School (historical) (4.4km)
- Prairie Star School (historical) (4.6km)
- Maple Ridge School (historical) (4.8km)
- Thrasher School (historical) (5.1km)
church a building for public Christian worship.
- Bethany Park Christian Church (0.3km)
- Saint Christopher Episcopal Church (0.5km)
- Immanuel Southern Baptist Church (1km)
- Maranatha Baptist Church (1km)
- Greater New Light Baptist Church (1.3km)
- American Lutheran Church (1.7km)
- Saint Malachys Catholic Church (1.8km)
- First United Methodist Church (1.9km)
- Bible Baptist Church (1.9km)
- Rantoul Christian Church (1.9km)
- The Spirit of Liberty Christian Fellowship Church (2km)
- Rantoul United Pentecostal Church (2.3km)
- First Baptist Church (2.9km)
Local Feature A Nearby feature worthy of being marked on a map..
- Maple Grove Plaza Shopping Center (0km)
- Church of the Nazarene (1.3km)
- Rantoul Plaza Shopping Center (1.4km)
- Rantoul Church of God (2km)
- Willow Pond Golf Course (2.1km)
- Church of Christ (2.3km)
- Chanute Air Force Base (historical) (2.5km)
- Brookhill Golf Course (3.4km)
- Church of Christ (4.1km)
- Interchange 250 (4.8km)
park an area, often of forested land, maintained as a place of beauty, or for recreation.
- Ryan Park (0.6km)
- Winston Park (0.8km)
- Maplewood Sports Complex (1.3km)
- Wabash Park (1.7km)
- Hap Parker Pool (1.7km)
- North Drive Park (1.7km)
- Mary Alice Park (2.6km)
- Glenwood Park (3km)
- Brookhill Park (3km)
Accommodation around Maple Grove Plaza Shopping Center
Super 8 Motel - Rantoul 207 S Murray Rd, Rantoul
Days Inn Rantoul 801 W Champaign, Rantoul
Magnuson Hotel Heritage Inn 420 S Murray Rd, Rantoul
cemetery a burial place or ground.
- Eden Cemetery (1.8km)
- Holy Sepulchre Cemetery (2.7km)
- Elmwood Cemetery (2.8km)
- Maplewood Cemetery (2.9km)
building(s) a structure built for permanent use, as a house, factory, etc..
- Rantoul Civic Center (1.6km)
- Rantoul Public Library (2km)
- Rantoul Municipal Building (2.3km)
populated place a city, town, village, or other agglomeration of buildings where people live and work.
administrative division an administrative division of a country, undifferentiated as to administrative level.
- Ludlow, Township of (6.1km)
- Rantoul, Township of (6.1km)
meteorological station a station at which weather elements are recorded.
airport a place where aircraft regularly land and take off, with runways, navigational aids, and major facilities for the commercial handling of passengers and cargo.
hospital a building in which sick or injured, especially those confined to bed, are medically treated.
Wikipedia entries close to Maple Grove Plaza Shopping Center
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I believe in the healing power of love. I believe in love's ability to transform and mend a broken life. I believe that we're called to love one another, beyond ourselves, with a love that only comes from above. As Gandhi once said, "Where there is love there is life."
I've spent a majority of my life feeling like I'm unlovable. Rarely would my parents hold me or tell me that they loved me, and through this I perceived their behavior as a lack of love for me. The weight of feeling worthless fell heavier on me with each passing day, and I began to search for anything to take that pain away. Countless nights I'd stay up alone in my room, trying to understand what I might have done to not deserve their love. An overwhelming self-hatred took over my mind and spilled over into my actions. However, I didn't want anyone to know how badly I was hurting because I didn't want to be rejected. In the presence of others, I learned to carry myself happily. But when I was alone I could no longer pretend. Often I would wait until everyone was asleep and I could take a few pills to relax. Many times I just wouldn't come home at all. My nightly behavior took over my days, as well, and I became addicted to various drugs to get me through. The hatred I had for myself grew, and I couldn't stand to be in my own skin.
In the midst of this, a married couple that taught at my high school began to spend time with me. They spent time with me daily. They were fully aware of my drug addiction and watched as each day I detached myself a little bit more from life. Never once did they try to change me; they simply loved me, in spite of myself. No one had ever done that before. At first it irritated me. I didn't understand it; however, they still loved me. After a while, I told them of my plans to end my life. I told them that I didn't want to do it, but I felt that I had no choice. They didn't judge, nor did they plead with me to reconsider. Instead, they loved me unconditionally and truly listened to all of the thoughts that no one prior had taken the time to ask about. As theologian Paul Tillich has said, "The first duty of love is to listen." This couple took time daily to listen to me and through that taught me what love truly is.
It has been five years since I originally met this couple. I've been drug free for two and a half years now, and I'm loving life more than I ever imagined possible. Life is a battle, but it is worth the fight. I believe that love offers redemption that heals. And I believe that love truly has the power to transform a broken heart and give it life.
Elliana Grace is studying counseling at Liberty University. Her desire is to work with troubled adolescents. In addition to writing, she enjoys music, reading, and spending time with loved ones.
If you enjoyed this essay, please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to This I Believe, Inc.


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'Down for Life' to premiere at Toronto
Gang drama added to Contemporary World CinemaTORONTO -- Alan Jacobs' gang drama "Down for Life" is up for a world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, one of 11 titles added Thursday to its Contemporary World Cinema sidebar.
The U.S. indie, based on a New York Times article, portrays a day in the life of a 15-year-old Latina gang leader and stars Danny Glover and local youths in South Central Los Angeles, where it was shot on location.
Also booked for the Toronto sidebar for world bows are Golam Rabbany Biplob's "Beyond the Circle," a political fable from Bangladesh; Iranian director Shalizeh Arefpour's "Heiran"; and "Sawasdee Bangkok," an ensemble of four Bangkok-themed films by local Thai directors Wisit Sasanatieng, Aditya Assarat, Kongdej Jaturanrasmee and Pen-ek Ratanaruang.
There's also international premieres for Australian director Ana Kokkinos' "Blessed," Giuseppe Piccioni's "Giulia Doesn't Date at Night," from Italy, and Finnish director Mika Kaurismaki's "The House of Branching Love," a tale of a painful divorce between a family therapist and a business trainer.
Also Toronto-bound is the romantic thriller "Rabia," a Spanish/Columbian co-pro by Sebastian Cordero, Czech director Jan Hrebejk's "Shameless," and a North Ameican premiere for "Slovenian Girl," Damjan Kozole's drama about a young university student who spots sex clients in newspaper ads, with hellish results.
The CWC sidebar also will give a world premiere to the U.S. indie pic "Tanner Hall," a peek into a New England all-girls boarding school by Francesca Gregorini, the daughter of actress Barbara Bach, and Tatiana Von Furstenberg, daughter of fashion designer Diane Von Furstenberg.
Toronto also announced for its Visions sidebar seven more titles, including a world bow for Harmony Korine's "Trash Humpers," a hand-held video return to " 'Gummo' territory" in a portrait of a loser-gang cult-freak collective, Sri Lankan director Vimukthi Jayasundara's "Between Two Worlds," U.S. filmmaker Jason Lehel's "Gaia," and the dialogue-free "Hiroshima," from Uruguayan director Pablo Stoll.
The 34th Toronto International Film Festival is set to run Sept. 10-19.


text: First of all if this is the wrong place for this please move it. I am relating more to the CPA offers so thought I would put it here. I also want to say thank you for everyone who has ever posted anything useful at all. I started IM quite a while ago. When I started I was working in the oilfield as was making a lot of money. I had a lot of money to spare for advertising and whatever else I wanted to spend it on. I want everyone to know that the fastest way I believe to make a SALE is through PPC. It is the quickest way with the least amount of work to get someone to your offer that is actually looking for your offer. Now if you do not have any money to start there are hundreds if not thousands of ways to make money on this forum that won't cost you anything, but if you have some spare coin and you want to make some sales PPC in my opinion is the way to go. The first thing that you need is the product. Go to your cpa network and find any product that you want to promote, anything that sparks your interest. I dont believe it matters because I think I could sell dog shit online, the key is finding that person searching for dog shit. So now we have our product. I use many different keyword tools, but for this we will use the Google Keyword tool because it is free. Google it. I am going to use the product acai fire for men for my example. Now you go on the google keyword tool and type in "acai fire for men" and you will get quite a few keywords. What you are looking for here is keywords with a lot of searches and minimum competition. Also the cheaper the keyword the better as long as it has some searches. Now for my little trick, which if it has been shared already, my bad, I couldn't find it. Now you have some keywords to go with, but we are going to brain storm and make up some more and then check them out with google keyword tool and I am sure you will even get more. So on one of my ads for example is a picture of brad pitt. So use google keyword tool and put in "Brad Pitt". Now what I have found is that there are tons of keywords that have to do with actors, songs, movies and other popular things that there is no competition for. This is where I make my big money. My ad for the keyword BRAD PITT - Do you want to have a body like Brad? Use the exact same supplements as brad pitt and get ripped. Ok so that one is kind of lame, but you get the point (I hope). You can also do this for women, with OPRAH works very well. Everyone knows that oprah is always on a diet cause she in my opinion is naturally large. So use something for a woman's diet and an ad like above. What this is going to do is get you cheaper keywords for a pretty targeted audience. I know that it works for me and hope that it helps all of my fellow BHW members out. Just remember to think outside of the box. There are so many products that have to do with so many people. Also if you can build a landing page with Oprah promoting your diet pills, think of how much better that is going to work. If you have questions post them on here and I will answer them, and I am sure if I can't someone here can, cause with BHW anything is Possible. EZ


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Our Foundation History
Anatole France once said that "until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened." Years ago, a dog named Maddy awakened the souls of a group of individuals and inspired them to set forth on a journey of giving back.
When Steve Kinne concluded 23 years of military service he found himself back home in Central New York with a strong desire to give back to his community. He had a vision for an owner trainer program that would teach military members and Veterans with service connected disabilities to train their own service dogs. He knew that it would require a special team to make his program work, and in 2010 began searching for someone who could lead the program he was calling Dogs2Vets. Steve met Melissa Spicer and her sister Melinda Sorrentino, and embarked upon finding a home base for his program. Within two months, they all came together with the idea of creating a place called Clear Path for Veterans. Dogs2Vets found its home, and today Clear Path houses many other programs which serve Veteran and active duty men and women, along with their families and serves as the region's single point of contact in bridging the connection between service members and their local community.
The Clear Path facility offers a convenient and centralized destination that's just 13 miles south east of Syracuse. It sits upon 75 rural acres in the heart of Upstate New York's farm country, and on a clear day boasts impressive sweeping views of six counties, two lakes and the base of the Adirondack mountains.
The existing building was originally built in 1959 as a family recreation center and was known as a place "with a view, a pool and a golf course". Melissa and Melinda purchased the property at a time when it had fallen into disrepair, fully recognizing its special qualities and significance within the community. Private funding enabled the restoration of the building to an enhanced rustic natural design. The facility now provides a tranquil setting that facilitates a connection to the beautiful natural surroundings of the overlook; a fitting dedication to those who serve.
Clear Path offers military members and their families a home for wellness, mutual respect and understanding by providing the physical space for gathering and by promoting a welcoming environment. This mission of our organization incorporates a rich history that has grown deep in the land since the founding of our nation.
The Iroquois Confederacy has long been established on the land. Both the Onondaga and Oneida Nations still live in the area. The Confederacy, known also as the Six Nations or the Haughn Shawnee, worked alongside European settlers to create villages and economies and heavily influenced the foundation of our nation's democracy with many elements of this early community still functioning today. The bond between the Six Nations and the new European settlers was strengthened when the Revolutionary war brought the British army to American soil. The Iroquois excelled in statesmanship and the art of war. They expertly trained their warriors for for battle, and placed equal importance on welcoming them home and providing decompression at the conclusion of conflicts. We have learned so much about caring for and respecting our own warriors and it is Clear Path's aim to assume the role of supporting the restoration of our soldiers.
The importance of Native warrior culture and traditions are undeniable. Modern day warriors relate to these age old traditions and artistic representation of these ideals are incorporated into the Clear path name and logo. As visitors stand before our beautiful rocky outlook, they are reminded that communities cannot survive without their warriors, nor can the warrior survive without their community.
Thanks to the dedication of our cofounders, board of directors, Veteran Advisory Council, staff and volunteers, Clear Path now houses 7 non-clinical programs which together promote education, wellness and empowerment for Veterans, active duty and their families. Through extensive community collaboration, the Clear Path mission has built on the foundation of our cofounders and has created an environment that fosters hope and promotes healthy warriors. We recognize our responsibility to support those who have served, and are proud to do so side by side with devoted and talented community members.
Melissa Spicer and Melinda Sorrentino have been partners in business, passion and family for all of their lives and they continue to work together in making an impact on their hometown. They are both lifelong residents of the Central New York Community and share a passion for making a difference.
Melissa and Melinda have been inspired to serve our military men and women in different ways. They sold their family business in 2007 and then embarked on a mission that brought risk and uncertainty. With unwavering support from their husbands, family and community, they were able to succeed and bring a valuable service to our area. In 2011, they were able to secure the property where Clear Path for Veterans sits today.
Melissa and Melinda then purchased the adjacent golf course which they intended to use as a for profit venture. The Ridge and Clear Path work as separate entities who partner together on community events.
Today, Melissa focuses on Clear Path while Melinda focuses on The Ridge, and together they continue to work together with the community in support of military men and women and their families.


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Chicken Bacon Wrap
- 5 pieces of boneless/ skinless chicken thighs
- 6- 7 slices of bacon
- Salt
- Pepper
- 2-3 cloves of garlic
- 1 Tablespoon of tomato paste
- 1 Tablespoon of mayonnaise
- A dap of extra virgin olive oil if your baking sheet isn't' glass or ceramic.
- Foil to cover while baking.
- Preheat oven to 350F. If your baking sheet sticks to food while baking spread just a dap of extra virgin olive oil.
- Mince 2-3 cloves of garlic set a aside. (if small cloves use 3)
- Just with a spoon mix 1 Tablespoon of tomato paste with 1 Tablespoon of mayonnaise.
- Open the chicken thighs, inside facing up.
- Add a small pinch of salt, pepper and minced garlic on each thigh.
- Roll the chicken thighs so that the inside stays inside.
- Wrap with bacon each chicken thigh. Transfer the chicken thighs to a baking sheet.
- Brush each with mayonnaise and tomato mix.
- Cover with foil and put in oven for 30 minutes. Take off the foil and bake for another 10 minutes. I like to BROIL last two minutes both sides of the chicken bacon wrap to get the nice dark color of the bacon.
- Enjoy!
- Here is how the inside of the chicken bacon wrap looks like.
4 Comments
Wow these chicken and bacon wraps look incredibly delicious.. definitely need to recreate the recipe!
looks delicious and so simple. My husband will love it!


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The hits just keep on coming for America's liberals! Via email:
From: Charlie Kireker
Date: January 21, 2010 4:36:59 PM EST
To: All
Subject: Air America Operations
It is with the greatest regret, on behalf of our Board, that we must announce that Air America Media is ceasing its live programming operations as of this afternoon,
and that the Company will file soon under Chapter 7 of the Bankruptcy Code to carry out an orderly winding-down of the business.
The very difficult economic environment has had a significant impact on Air America's business. This past year has seen a "perfect storm" in the media industry generally.National and local advertising revenues have fallen drastically, causing many media companies nationwide to fold or seek bankruptcy protection. From large to small,recent bankruptcies like Citadel Broadcasting and closures like that of the industry's long-time trade publication Radio and Records have signaled that these are very difficult and rapidly changing times.There's more, but you get the idea. Have fun with this one!


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Restaurant cleans up with rebates for dishwashers
Efficient appliances add up to about $1,500 a year in energy savings
When the owners of the Basilico Ristorante + Lounge in Langford on Vancouver Island launched their restaurant two years ago, they started with a major renovation: a switch from a Chinese-themed building to one with a west coast feel.
That included some new equipment, but it also meant making do with some pieces they acquired from the previous restaurant.
"We needed a new dishwasher, but we really didn't want to spend $7,500," says owner Frank Whitton. "Our dishwasher was still working, but we were utilizing more man hours because it wasn't working well. The end result had to be a spotless dish, so we spent more time cleaning the dishes before they went into the dishwasher."
Luckily, Whitton was in for a pleasant surprise. In conversation with the kitchen chemical supplier, he learned of BC Hydro's Product Incentive Program (PIP), which provides rebates to help cover the cost of energy-efficient upgrades. Included in the program are efficient commercial dishwashers – good news for Basilico.
"We're small, independent, and self-financed, so it would have been a real strain to do it otherwise," says Whitton. "We would have made it happen somehow, but we definitely wouldn't have gone for two [new washers at the same time].
"The rebate allowed us to make the decision to go ahead."
Basilico replaced its two aging high temperature washers with two ENERGY STAR® high efficiency dishwashers, a high temperature washer for glasses, and a low temperature one for dishes.
The upgrade saves the restaurant 26,000 kWh of electricity per year, enough to power the equivalent of two average B.C. homes. That's a cut of about $1,500 per year from its energy bills – and a payback time of only two years, thanks to a BC Hydro rebate of $7,900.
"That's a pretty quick return for us, and the savings on electricity make it a little less painful every month," says Whitton. "There's two benefits in one – there's the straight cost savings and the other is the ecological benefit. I like that."
Energy efficiency aligns with Basilico's values
Basilico Ristorante grows many of its own herbs on its property, plus seasonal fruit and some vegetables. Whitton says they take care to buy locally as much as possible, cook in season, and use sustainable products. Energy efficiency just made sense.
"I would absolutely recommend this to anybody who's struggling with their dishwasher or their glasswasher, or struggling with their finances for that matter," says Whitton. "I think every restaurant should look at [PIP] and see if it makes sense for them, because I don't know that anybody's ever 100 percent satisfied with any piece of equipment they have.
"If you can get this kind of upgrade, save $1,500 a year, and get a two-year return on investment when the standard life for a dishwasher is more like eight to 10, you're pretty much riding free after that."
The Product Incentive Program offers rebates for selected energy-efficient steamers, convection ovens, hot food holding cabinet, exhaust hoods, ice-making machines, refrigerators and dishwashers, as well as lighting and other equipment.


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SOURCE: StockCall
June 21, 2012 08:20 ET
JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA--(Marketwire - Jun 21, 2012) - www.StockCall.com offers free research on Senior Housing Properties Trust (NYSE: SNH) and BRE Properties Inc. (NYSE: BRE) from the REIT - Residential industry. Access these reports by clicking on the links below or by copy and pasting those to your address bar.
Many see positive times ahead for the REIT - residential industry which features companies such as BRE Properties Inc. and Senior Housing Properties Trust. As we move into the second half of the year, industry players are enjoying relatively strong overall market fundamentals. Most notably, access to capital and liquidity in the industry has been exceptionally good of late.
StockCall.com is an online platform where investors doing their due-diligence on the REIT - Residential industry can have easy and free access to our analyst research and opinions on Senior Housing Properties Trust and BRE Properties Inc. To see how companies in this industry have grown over the past years and how they are expected to perform in the future, please visit the link below.
Nevertheless, companies remain at risk from a decline in the broader economy. While the recent news from Greece is a positive, the potential of further turbulence remains and a slowdown of growth in emerging markets continue to spark fears. Many industry players seem to be keeping this at the forefront of their game plan, as they aim to remain nimble in these unstable times. Investors and shareholders of Senior Housing Properties Trust can simply register for our complimentary reports by clicking on the link below.
In some cases, levels of development remain low and merger and acquisition activity is somewhat uninspiring, but companies seem focused on achieving organic growth and making the most of current trends. Register now to have free access to our report on BRE Properties Inc., and to do so please click the link below.
About StockCall.com
StockCall.com is a financial website where investors can have easy, precise and comprehensive research and opinions on stocks making the headlines.
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May 16, 2014 • Featured, Liquor • HospoNews • Comments (0)
This month Sam Cunningham, from Blankenberge Belgian Beer Café in Auckland, could possibly have the best job in the world. As the Stella Artois Draught Master for New Zealand, Sam is heading to Cannes France for the 17th edition of the Stella Artois World Draught Masters. Competing against the world's finest Stella Artois bar staff ...
May 16, 2014 • Featured, Food service • HospoNews • Comments (0)
There was a silver lining for UCOL Cookery and Hospitality students from the Palmerston North and Wairarapa campuses when they competed in the 2014 Wellington Culinary Fare competitions recently. The eight strong team returned home with eight silver medals...
May 16, 2014 • Events, Featured • HospoNews • Comments (0)
The Lewisham Foundation Awards have become the mark of peer recognition in the Auckland hospitality scene. Each year, as word gets out further afield about the awards, the enthusiasm increases and the recognition is truly valued. This year with a record...
May 16, 2014 • Featured, Products • HospoNews • Comments (0)
Jed's Bean Bags are a very clever kiwi invention that is so simple, it's hard to believe it hasn't been done before. Jed's 'coffee in a tea-bag' innovation uses pyramid-bag technology to create a brew-in-your-cup fresh coffee bag – and...
Last year the grandstand in the Kiwi's Best Kitchen Theatre at Fieldays was packed with Josh Emett fans. Returning this year, the celebrity Michelin star chef will be sharing tips on producing speedy gourmet style meals using New Zealand ingredients...
May 12, 2014 • Accommodation, Featured • HospoNews • Comments (0)
Greater education not greater restriction is the key to making our roads safer for tourists and kiwis alike, the Motel Association of New Zealand (MANZ) says. Knee-jerk calls to limit the ability of tourists from some countries to be able to drive in New...
May 12, 2014 • Featured, Food service • HospoNews • Comments (0)
The oven gloves are back on, as bakers begin to battle for the Bakels New Zealand Supreme Pie Awards top title. And this year, celebrity chef Simon Gault will be rolling up his sleeves to help determine the country's mightiest pie. Gault, of MasterChef fame...
May 9, 2014 • Featured, Tourism • HospoNews • Comments (0)
A luxury beach house, a 'Weta Workshop' movie experience, and a gold mining heritage tour targeting the Chinese market are among the exciting new products that will be on show to the world's travel and tourism buyers at TRENZ 2014, 18-21 May, Auckland....
The Tasman District's economy will be harmed if the council withdraws funding for Nelson Tasman Tourism, the Tourism Industry Association New Zealand (TIA) says. Visitors spend almost $500,000 every day in the Tasman District – at least $181 million a...
May 8, 2014 • Featured, Products • HospoNews • Comments (0)
Dilmah has released three new variants within their Exceptionals range – Natural Lemon Verbena, Chamomile and Ceylon Green Tea. Because they are packaged in a foil envelope, they're ideal for hospitality businesses to serve to their customers. Dilmah has...
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text:
By Al Valdez
The Crips and Bloods have now moved into their second generations, and traditions are being established within these gang families. The street gang lifestyle has become an acceptable way of living for some families.
The Southeast Asian street gang is a fairly new threat on the gang battlefield. Their presence was first noted by law enforcement officials in Southern California in the late 1970s.
Getting the case to court and obtaining a favorable decision by the bench or jury is always the goal in a gang investigation. And one of the greatest assets to any case is, of course, the witnesses. How do you solicit cooperation and a commitment to testify in court from these unique witnesses?
You get dispatched to a possible gang shooting. When you arrive, the scene looks like it came straight out of' the movies. Family members are present and are hysterical. Several gang members are just milling around, and a lifeless body is on the sidewalk.
Obviously, not all graffiti is gang graffiti. But once you are able to decipher their source and secret messages, graffiti becomes a useful source of information.
Photos, jewelry, hairstyles and body piercing are among the obvious physical traits investigators look for when profiling gangs. But understanding how the members think, act and feel also can help police develop a rapport with members, and in turn, help expedite gang-related investigations.
When citizens hear the word "gang," they usually conjure up stereotypical images of Hispanic, Asian, black or white thugs roaming inner-city streets. But most cops working the gang detail understand that looks can be deceiving.
By Cole Morris and Randall Resch
The 17 states with favorable right-to-Carry gun laws had a 20.7 percent total lower violent crime rate than the other states. A new group has been formed to address the needs of police supervisors, from the rank of sergeant through chief. Police officers north of the border have their hands full as the Hells Angels of Quebec engage in a bloody year-long struggle.


text:
Stocks and bonds rally while dollar dips as Summers steps aside
The US dollar slid while bonds and shares rallied after the withdrawal of Lawrence Summers from the race to head the Federal Reserve.
Summers' surprise decision came just before the central bank meets on Tuesday and Wednesday to decide when and by how much to scale back its asset purchases from the current pace of $85bn a month.
The new candidate appears to be Janet Yellen, Fed vice-chair since 2010.
Economists and analysts believe Yellen is more likely than Summers to maintain a robust stimulus programme.
As Reuters reports, the euro was up more than half a US cent at $1.3370, after hitting its highest in almost three weeks. The dollar also dropped against sterling and the Swiss franc.
It proved more resilient against the yen, which was weighed by its status as a safe-haven, and pared early losses to stand at 98.72. Liquidity was lacking with Japanese markets closed for a holiday on Monday.
Stock futures for the S&P 500 and Dow Jones industrial average climbed over 1 percent to 1,698.30 and 15,376.06 respectively, Reuters also said.


text:
As of the end of 2012, there were over 60,000 published comments on My Money Blog, as well as over 130,000 comments that never made it as spam. If it took 5 seconds to read and moderate each comment, that is the equivalent of spending nearly a month of work hours moderating comments!
Despite this, I love having comments because I like having two-way discussions, even if it means there will be some active arguments. However, I still want to maintain a civil and positive atmosphere, so I wanted to clarify my comment policy here.
Rude, offensive, and/or off-topic comments may be removed. I decide what is rude or offensive.
Self-promotional material is not allowed. Do not use comments as a way to advertise your commercial venture. Any links should be directly related to the topic and not self-promotional. If you wish to advertise your site, please contact me. If you leave a referral code that benefits you, I'll simply edit it so that it benefits me or someone I like.
Automated comment and spam filters are in effect. Comments may be placed into moderation for my approval based on a variety of criteria. Others are marked automatically as spam. This cuts down on wasted time for me, which allows me to spend more time researching and writing. The downside is that sometimes a legitimate comment will get caught and not be published.
Please format long links. Complicated URLs or HTML code may break the formatting of my site, and it takes time for me to fix each and every one. I have installed something to shorten links automatically, but if I am in a rush I may simply not publish it immediately. You can use HTML or a service like TinyURL to avoid this.


text:
Small as they are, bottle caps are actually pretty versatile when it comes to do-it-yourself projects. Craftaholics Anonymous shares this awesome idea of using bottle caps as candle holders.
Making this is similar to the usual candlemaking steps. First, heat blocks of candle wax in a saucepan or pot. Once melted, you can pour this onto the bottle caps. Insert a wick in the center and wait for the wax to harden. It'd be a marvelous idea to use wax of different colors for an amazing visual treat.


text: <http://blogs.msdn.com/exchange/archive/2004/08/13/214250.aspx> http://blogs.msdn.com/exchange/archive/2004/08/13/214250.aspx _____ From: Devin McBride [mailto:devin@xxxxxxxxxx] Sent: Monday, August 23, 2004 3:40 PM To: [ExchangeList] Subject: [exchangelist] OWA XBox theme? anyone have this by chance? http://www.MSExchange.org/ Hey all. I'm looking for either a good working zip of it or a mirror link for the xbox OWA theme that was linked through the exchange list over a month ago. The link for the download on the webpage is now unavailable - was wondering if someone could email that over to me or something? Thanks in advance, Devin ------------------------------------------------------ List Archives: http://www.webelists.com/cgi/lyris.pl?enter=exchangelist Exchange Newsletters: http://www.msexchange.org/pages/newsletter.asp Exchange FAQ: http://www.msexchange.org/pages/larticle.asp?type=FAQ ------------------------------------------------------ Other Internet Software Marketing Sites: World of Windows Networking: http://www.windowsnetworking.com Leading Network Software Directory: http://www.serverfiles.com No.1 ISA Server Resource Site: http://www.isaserver.org Windows Security Resource Site: http://www.windowsecurity.com/ Network Security Library: http://www.secinf.net/ Windows 2000/NT Fax Solutions: http://www.ntfaxfaq.com ------------------------------------------------------ You are currently subscribed to this MSEXchange.org Discussion List as: Chris.Wall@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx To unsubscribe visit http://www.webelists.com/cgi/lyris.pl?enter=exchangelist Report abuse to listadmin@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx


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A new study suggests there is a correlation between video gamers, depression, and being overweight. According to the CDC, the average American gamer has a higher body mass index than his peers, and also tends to be more reliant on the Internet. Female respondents to the 500-person study, which was carried out in the Seattle-Tacoma area, had a higher correlation of depression than their peers.Outlets like PC World and TG Daily have reported the news with appropriate caution, careful not to insinuate that correlation means causation. But the suggestion seems to be that there are only two factors at play--lifestyle and level of health--and that one of them has to be altering the other. Either fat, depressive people like gaming, or gaming makes people fat or depressed. But what if the real culprit is brain chemistry?According to an article in Slate, part of so-called Internet "addiction" is rooted in an ancient brain mechanism that rewards discovery. Human beings, it seems, are engineered to reward themselves with shots of dopamine when they find something new, and the Internet has become a kind of dopamine drip--sites like Reddit and Digg, and the chance for new emails and texts, open up the possibility for endless "discovery" highs.
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Monsignor Martin football semis at The Ralph
We received the finalized Monsignor Martin football schedule for this season today, and notable is that their semifinals will be held at Ralph Wilson Stadium on Nov. 11 or 12.
Good news is that obviously more teams will get the spotlight of playing at The Ralph. It's a nice move that goes along with the league going to a one-division, six-team format. Last year's large-school semifinals, held at school sites, had St. Joe's beating Canisius and St. Francis beating Bishop Timon-St. Jude. We'll have to see if Cardinal O'Hara or St. Mary's will be able to earn a semifinal spot this year; based on recent history, O'Hara would have a worthy shot.
A bit of bad news for fans like this one -- Nov. 11-12 is also the Friday and Saturday of the Far West Regionals, which will be hosted at Rochester's Sahlen's Stadium.
The Monsignor Martin final -- on Nov. 18 or 19 -- will be at a site to be determined. The University at Buffalo, Buffalo State, All High Stadium and Depew are among those under discussion. All seem to be worthy choices.
---Keith McShea
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