text:
Ballard Power Systems BLDP, +3.13% narrowed its net loss for the fourth quarter, thanks to jump in revenues. The fuel-cell maker recorded a loss of $35.3 million or 33 cents per share, in the quarter, compared to a loss of $36 million, or 37 cents per share for the same period in 2001. Revenue in the fourth quarter was $29.3 million, compared to $13.3 million for the same period in 2001. Excluding integration and restructuring related costs, the loss for the quarter was $24.3 million, or 23 cents per share. It recorded $90.9 million in sales last year and targets a range of $110 to $120 million for this year. The company also said Dennis Campbell would serve as president and CEO from March 1. The stock fell 0.8 percent to $10.10 on Tuesday.
Ballard Power narrows Q4 loss
Quote References
+0.13 +3.13%


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"New Frank Bros Signature Model Hand Delivered by Tim & Nick Frank!"
June 9, 2017 - Ben Montague, The North American Guitar, London, United Kingdom
"Tim and Nick had flown over especially to London to meet with one of the UK's most popular music exports to discuss a possible artist endorsement deal for their new album. The sheer fact that these guys got on a plane to hand deliver their guitars to the artist I think just shows the level of passion they have for their brand."
"We are extremely excited to represent Frank Brothers Guitars and expect to see great things from this wonderful family business in the future…and if you have not yet tried one just drop us a line here and pop into the showroom. They are awesome!"

subset: commoncrawl


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I offered a suggestion yesterday, bouncing off my thoughts on geography, to my fellow bloggers, still trying to resurrect our mojo. Let's write about a special trip we took, I offered. With someone special.
I was thinking a spouse or similar, although I considered that near-cross-country road trip I took with my daughter in 2009. That never quite lived up to the scenario, and anyway I wrote about it a lot.
Or the car trip I made with my mother in 2016, from Phoenix to Austin, so she could see her great-grandson. It was a very successful trip, and we had a great time, but it was sedate and uneventful.
So I have some decisions to make.
I can't take you to an exotic place. Unless you have an interesting definition of exotic.
But trips are emotional journeys, too. We're not all exploring and learning, or not all the time.
My wife and I have been self-employed most of our adult lives, and we have a disabled child. Vacation becomes an interesting concept, almost a myth, or an anachronism. We mostly travel separately, for professional or just family reasons, and so a trip with just the two of us feels special from the get-go.
We have fond but really, really faint memories of a trip to Victoria, B.C. for our 10th wedding anniversary in 1993. We offloaded the kids and drove up to Vancouver, taking a ferry across to the island. Victoria itself is an oasis of UK, and it feels foreign and different but in a theme park way, a manufactured way. It's a lovely place, and Vancouver Island itself fascinates me, stretching as it does nearly to Alaska. But I can't remember much, not 25 years later, and in those days I was all about the video. I've got a lot of video from that trip. I have no idea what to do with it.
Here's what I think, then: I think it's possible that our favorite trip together, aside from heading off to wallow in grandparent land, was five years ago, when we took a long weekend and ended up doing a fair share of wallowing with each other.
Yes, I wrote that. You know what I mean.
Portland is three hours south, more or less, about 200 miles. It's a familiar city, where I've spent many, many hours of life, driving through, hanging around, sleeping in. It has its own theme park feel, a smaller Seattle with surprising differences. There are plenty of stereotypes about Portland floating around the country, funny ones. Mostly true, too.
This trip, though, could have been to anywhere. The goal was to get away, to leave our son on his own for a long weekend, something that seemed completely possible (he was 23 at the time) and still a new thing. I don't know what other parents of disabled adult children do. This is what we do, or did. Long weekends, finally, eventually. When we could.
And we were coming up on some eventful times, we knew. I was about to begin filming a movie, a bizarre twist in my unremarkable life that I never saw coming. Our daughter was in her second trimester, our Bixie gestating in Texas. Lots of gestating that year, really.
So we took the weekend when we could, and we went to Portland, finding a nice, nearly luxurious hotel that was close to downtown but not quite there, as I recall. We parked our car and didn't see it again until we were ready to leave.
You know this. The best way to explore most cities doesn't involve automobiles; it can't. It's an entirely different perspective from behind the wheel, and not nearly enough. You have to get at ground level, cover territory with your feet and not wheels. Or not many wheels.
We grabbed our day passes and took advantage of a spectacular transit system, riding on buses and trains from stop to stop, wandering through Powell's Books for what seemed to be hours, lingering over coffee, bouncing from rose garden to rose garden. We found a farmer's market, a street fair, a shoe shop. We were touristy but not typical, with no burning desire to see the waterfront, for example (got a few of our own), or any other Northwest-specific sites (or sights). We just wanted to pretend to be Portlanders for a couple of days. And to remember being a couple.
I don't have anything exciting to share, really. We just rambled around Portland, ate when we got hungry, slept when we were sleepy. This was the pre-Fitbit era, so God knows how many steps we took, but it was a good kind of tired at the end of the day.
And it lingers. I can think of more exciting adventures on the road, but those trips involve the good and the bad, and I can't work up the energy to either dig into the details or gloss over them.
This was just simple. Not far from home, but far enough not to feel like a staycation. Close enough not to worry about our son. Far enough to be away from calls or minor emergencies that could be taken care of by others. Connected but not, you see. Just about perfect.
That's why it sticks around, and why I brought it up the other day, in fact. I'm thinking we need to do it again. We've been back many times, and spent a day or three in Portland, but never quite like that. Sure, we weren't exploring castles in Spain; I'm aware of what we're missing in our bios. It is what it's always been, a moment-to-moment life with little room for improvisation when it comes to time.
But time is also a journey, and maybe it helps to reestablish that truth in a trivial way. Hop on I-5, roll through serene landscapes in southwestern Washington, farmland and rivers winding their way through hills, cascading down rocks in little geographical cameos, always around the next corner. I know this land well. I should.
Castles await me, maybe. But we'll always have Portland, and lately I've been thinking that was an excellent idea. Worth revisiting. It would be a trip, I think.


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"There are seven levels." So says Paul McCartney anyway, upon discovering the true nature of reality the first time he smoked pot, which was with Bob Dylan. This and other fascinating, impromptu anecdotes make up the majority of johnpaulgeorgeringo, Dave Jay's live action wiki of all things Beatle. And Paul is right – there are probably seven unique levels of enjoyment awaiting audiences in Jay's magical mystery tour.
Level one – history. No other rock band can quite summon up feelings of weight and importance like the Beatles. No doubt, the legend of four working class blokes from Liverpool who, through pop and psychedelia, rocketed to the top of music charts is already a familiar one. But in his analysis, Jay takes great pleasure in scraping stories out of often-unrecalled nooks and crannies. That drummer Ringo Starr lived on canned beans while in India, for instance, or that the boys all had stripper girlfriends in Hamburg, Germany. More impressively, Jay's interactive opus takes the form of a lively examination rather than a pedantic thesis. Real questions from audience members are required to prod "the band" into talking, so every yarn emerges genuinely from Jay's comprehensive knowledge of Beatle trivia. The relaxed atmosphere the show creates is quite amazing, with theatergoers likely falling into two camps: those who simply forget that they're not actually talking to the Beatles and those determined to trip Jay up in obscure minutia. Either way, it's a blast.
The second level of enjoyment is performance – the sheer skill with which Jay executes artful dodges and mellow recollection. His precise characterizations of all four Beatles spring forth quite organically, even if Mr. Jay trends towards caricature. After all, history remembers these musicians as larger than life, so Jay doesn't tarnish that image. He does well to work in broad, recognizable strokes; his George is quiet with a capital "Q" and his Paul is a high-pitched fruit loop.
Unsurprisingly, music is another pleasure here. During Q&A dry spells, Jay frequently grabs a guitar and plays. Some of the compositions are his originals, styled after Lennon and McCartney to good effect. This is a slippery slope, because there are probably some who would balk at the suggestion that Jay's songs are of "Beatle quality." But Jay covers his tracks, occasionally belting out quirky, but entertaining versions of Beatle material (Shhhh!). Standouts at the performance I attended were a version of "Yesterday" with "scrambled eggs" replacing the chorus and Ringo's laughable attempt at "Maybe I'm Amazed."
Those interested in more current gossip, ranging from Heather Mills to Lennon: The Musical will also find something to like in johnpaulgeorgeringo. Jay offers some nice reflections on how the band members and their legacies have been tainted over the years. If asked, Lennon will honestly confront allegations that he had a homosexual relationship with manager Brian Epstein or address his failures as a father. Sometimes, Jay's decisive admissions were so blunt that audience members skeptically asked, "Really? Is that really true?"
It is also important to consider marketing when seeing a piece like this and its success; originating in last year's Fringe Festival, johnpaulgeorgeringo is now making the rounds at comedy clubs (like Ha!) and Off-Broadway theaters. Jay and his co-creator Brad Calcaterra have successfully fashioned a low-maintenance event that is accessible to a wide audience. Everyone has at least marginal interest in the Beatles and their story. Predictably, each audience member at the performance I attended had at least one question – myself included. Perhaps the only disappointment in this respect was that this big, accessible audience wasn't there. For a Saturday night at a midtown comedy club, it was shockingly unpopulated. (It seems even the Beatles aren't immune to economic instability.) One wonders what a larger, rowdier audience might have coaxed out of Jay.
But I didn't mind the intimate gathering, as it increased the profundity of casually hanging out with these iconic day-trippers. This is the sixth level I found appealing: the spiritual aspect of the show. For all its humble trappings – there are no tech or sound cues – the johnpaulgeorgeringo experience manages a complex simulacrum of closure. Even though you know it isn't real, it is as if you can finally close the book on all those idle musings or dorm room arguments. "Wait, they're not saying 'I get high' in 'I Want to Hold Your Hand?'" Or, "see, I told you – Yoko did eat George's cookies!" In this Dave Jay proves a high artist, because his glib portrayal of these all-too familiar stories feels definitive.
And there is the final layer to Jay's performance – the recognizable, but unknowable allure we each found the first time we heard John Lennon's voice treated with an echo effect or the crackle of guitar in "Revolution." Jay has all but bottled "Beatle" in a digestible one-hour container. In the words of Sgt. Pepper, "sit back and let the evening go."


text:
Along with Clopay®, we work hard to offer the Dayton market a complete line of residential garage doors that are not only an integral part of your home's style, but are durable and reliable too. Whatever your needs may be we have a door that will add beauty and value to your home.
You can choose wood or steel carriage style garage doors from Our Reserve™ or Coachman® Collections. Our Gallery™ Collection offers the carriage style garage door look at a more affordable price. If you're looking for a more contemporary design, choose from the Avante™ Collection which combines contemporary aluminum and glass in sleek, modern designs.
Please browse through our products to see how they can enhance your home and meet your garage door requirements.
You can also visit the Design your Door section to see what your custom garage door can look like.


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Mark Lettier, Cory Wong: The Fearless Flyers by The Fearless Flyers
1.Ace of Aces 02:04
2.Under the Sea / Flyers Drive 02:21
3.Introducing the Fearless Flyers 02:23
4.Signed Sealed Delivered (feat. Blake Mills & Sandra Crouch) 02:32
5.Barbara (feat. Sandra Crouch) 02:48
6.Bicentennial (feat. Elizabeth Lea) 03:06
Produced, Mixed & Mastered by Jack Stratton
Engineered by Ryan Lerman
Nate Smith — drums, composer
Joe Dart — bass, composer
Cory Wong — baritone guitar, guitar, producer, composer
Mark Lettieri — baritone guitar, guitar, composer
Blake Mills — guitar
Sandra Crouch — tambourine
Elizabeth Lea — trombone
Jack Stratton — sibilant announce


text:
I hope that everyone who is participating in the Make March Better Fitness Challenge is keeping up with amazing work! If you still want to participate in the challenge -- you still can! It's basically where we dedicate this month to achieving two reachable goals and we keep everyone updated in the fitness community.
You can check out more info on the challenger HERE.
Also, you can check out alllllll of the cards from people participating HERE.


text:
Funnier than You.
Most of the time anyway.
Artistic and highly excitable ginger obsessed with Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Harry Potter. Collector of comic books, actions figures and anything to do with Halloween. Pet Lover and pop culture fanatic. Overtly friendly and a fan of margaritas.
Anything else, you'll have to ask!


text:
Software Engineer - CoreX
At TripAdvisor -- world's largest travel site with nearly a half-billion monthly active users(!) -- we are currently in the process of overhauling the fundamentals of our platform. To help us with this we are searching for a talented and hardworking software engineer to join the Core Experience (CX) Places team. The Places team is responsible for managing some of the most foundational elements of the TripAdvisor codebase. We write and manage some of the tools and data that allow the company to make billions of dollars per year.
CX/Places is home to some of the most innovative projects in the company, including:
- LSSv2 - an "instant update" pub-sub location publisher and API that will move approved changes to the live site within seconds. Cool technologies include Redis, Kafka, Async Messaging, and In-Memory Data Stores
- BPM-LMT - a next generation process management tool built on a business process management stack. (AlFresco Activiti, ElasticSearch)
- Pelias - our implementation of the Open Source geo stack. We will be major contributors too! (Pelias, ElasticSearch)
- Atlas - our home grown location store. A multi-year, multi-million dollar development effort to manage and clean millions of location records.
All of our new projects are containerized, and use a mixture of bare-metal K8S hosting and Cloud services. Learn what it takes to serve 500 million active monthly users!
In this role, you'll learn the foundations of the TripAdvisor stack and help us move it to the next generation of tools. You will work with engineering leaders in the company, participate in design and architecture discussions, and help keep the fires lit. You will also work with external vendors (some of the biggest names in the places business, including Apple, Yext, Google and Foursquare) to build and tune ingestion and feed pipelines.
You Will
- Work closely with our engineering, product and design teams to refine features
- Be responsible for code quality, providing actionable feedback to other developers
- Participate in design and architecture development of new features
- Perform day to day monitoring of our data pipeline health
- Perform fixes and deployments as necessary
- Assist with code & infrastructure migrations
- Insure the pipeline aligns with business needs and the larger organization infrastructure.
- Work with product managers and other business units to identify and remove deprecated processes
- Work on enhancements that further automate the data pipeline
- Be responsible for all aspects of software engineering, from design to implementation, QA and maintenance
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (or equivalent)
- Solid foundation in data structures, algorithms, OO and Functional Design
- Rock-solid programming skills
- 2+ years of software development experience with Java and Java build tools
- Knowledge of Linux, Java, JavaScript and related open source technologies such as Apache, Tomcat, PostgreSQL, Jenkins, Kubernetes, and Docker
- Strong interpersonal skills and analytical skills, combined with intellectual curiosity, and a desire and ability to "get things done"
TripAdvisor provides a unique, global work environment that captures the speed, innovation and excitement of a startup, at a thriving, growing and well-established industry brand. At TripAdvisor, you will be part of a dynamic, fun, and energetic team where you can immediately make meaningful contributions.


text:
© 1998-2019, Palestinian Media Watch, All Rights Reserved.
Reproduction permitted, with the following attribution:
© Palestinian Media Watch – www.palwatch.org
Palestinian News Item
PA Minister: "We [Palestinians] are here, Palestine is here, and there will be nothing here other than Palestine"
The Voice of Palestine, official PA radio station - Aug. 8, 2013
Eid El Fitr [holiday] sermon by PA Minister of Religious Affairs Mahmoud Al-Habbash:
"We are happy, proud, standing resolute and continuing on our path, for this is the path Allah chose for us, a path full of obstacles, the path that ends in glory, honor and certain victory, Allah willing.
We will continue on our path and rejoice in it despite the tribulations, despite the wounds, despite thousands of prisoners staggering under [the yoke of] the occupation jailer – these honored ones, to whom today we send, on this great day, on this blessed day, our best wishes and expressions of pride.
We are proud of you, oh heroic men, we are proud of you, oh illustrious sisters – you, who all insist that Palestine comes before anything else, Palestine before anything else and that Palestine is greater than everything, and that the sacrifice is for its sake…
(He talks of 26 prisoners that were imprisoned before the Oslo Accords and who are the first group to be released in August out of a total of 104 prisoners whom Israel has agreed to release to fulfill the PA's precondition for renewing negotiations.)
In a few days, those of whom it was said that they would never leave prison – those who sat for decades in the occupation's prisons, 20 years, more than 20 years, and some of them 30 years in the occupation's prisons, so that people of little faith who don't believe in themselves, in their people and in their leadership, thought the [prisoners] would never see sunlight of freedom – yet here they are, about to leave, about to touch freedom, embrace freedom in the land of freedom, in the land of the free, the land of the honored, the land of the
fighters (Arabic:
, people carrying our
– religious conflict/war over land claimed to be Islamic), the land of Jerusalem and Jerusalem's surroundings.
In a few days our eyes will look upon a group of these honorable fighters, and their eyes will look upon Palestine. The remaining [prisoners] are on the way, Allah willing…
The great Palestinian people rise up and tell the world: 'We are here, Palestine is here, and there will be nothing here other than Palestine, Jerusalem is here and there will be nothing here other than Jerusalem, the Al-Aqsa Mosque is here, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre is here, the Palestinian people – Muslims and Christians – unite here in one of the greatest expressions of national unity.'"
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text:
Offices of Amg.net company are situated at 11 Łąkowa Street, in a restored building of an old factory hall of Karol Bennich. Post-industrial, modern design is combined with historic character of the place.
At 29 Łąkowa Street, in the territory of former Feature Films Studio where pictures halls were located and first Polish films were made, there is a smaller office of AMG.net.


text:
Zebra, $5.99, ISBN 978-1-4201-0129-4
Historical Romance, 2008
I want Tamara Lejeune to write faster but I believe I have to qualify that maybe she should slow down a little if Rules for Being a Mistress is going to be a typical example of the author's book from now. I love the previous two books in the Wayborn family trilogy, but this book is a frantic mess from both technical and storyline standpoints.
The technical aspect of this story that I find very problematic is the constant head-hopping. There is head-hopping at a dizzying rate on every single page that I actually feel somewhat seasick by the time I reach the last page of this story. There is head-hopping from paragraph to paragraph. There is even head-hopping within a paragraph.
Allie collapsed into giggles. Benedict, being under the impression that all young women giggle almost unceasingly and without provocation, saw nothing amiss. Determined to keep him in ignorance, Cosima said simply, "Yes; very new. But I'm not squeezing up in a chair with you," she added belligerently. "I'll walk."
Who edited this thing? I can only suspect that the editor passed out from the pain or something while attempting to read through the first draft of the story and subsequently pretended that she had done her job because she was too embarrassed to admit her weakness.
Oh yes, I've nearly forgotten to mention the story. In this one, Sir Benedict Wayborn, the serious eldest sibling of the Wayborn family, will fall in love with penniless Miss Cosima Vaughn when the two meet in Bath. The "plot" of the story is pretty much a series of foolish adventures initiated mostly by Cosy as she goes on a bloody broad-behaving-badly rampage across Bath and beyond, with Benedict trying to catch up in the process.
Benedict is, like Ms Lejeune's other heroes, not exactly your typical rake. He is not even a rake, given that he believes that having sexual intercourse with prostitutes will give him all kinds of disease. A childhood encounter with a dog resulted in his lower right arm being amputated. That and the scars on his face cause him to be considered ugly by debutantes and put a serious crimp on him having an active social life. These debutantes also consider him too old to be a catch (he's 38). Were not for his title, these young ladies' mothers would agree with them completely. Also, Benedict has a rather swarthy body and his front resembles a rug, a fact that initially puts off Cosy from finding him completely sexy.
Benedict saves this story for me because the man is outrageously funny without meaning to be. He believes himself to be the epitome of a proper gentleman, but the man is often so befuddled here that he leaves me laughing out loud. For example, it is so amusing when he realizes just how old he really is the moment he discovers that his valet has been dying Benedict's prematurely graying hair without his knowledge for almost ten years.
"Pickering, I could kill you!"
"You will thank me for this when you are married, Sir Benedict. Ladies always say nay to Mr. Gray. Mr. Gray, go away, they say. Come back, Mr. Black."
Benedict also has a deliciously dry wit and he is a master of putting fools in his place. An adorable mix of amusing crankiness and impeccable sarcasm, Benedict makes this story a laugh-a-minute read. I find him too cute for words.
Cosima, on the other hand, is hideous. Her behavior in this story makes no sense at all. For example, she will sneak into Benedict's house for who knows what reason and then get offended when he tries to cop a feel. What does she expect when she wears a nightie and approaches a man like that? I don't know whether she's just naïve or stupid beyond repair, but she spends the entire story behaving like a spoiled petulant brat. This won't be so bad if she isn't always completely wrong at the same time. As funny as Benedict is, Cosy turns this story into an excruciating ordeal as she is the kind of heroine who needs to be babysat or bad things will happen to everybody.
Cosima and the dizzying head-hopping make Rules for Being a Mistress a most painful read. However, there are many scenes here that make me laugh until my sides ache and Benedict is simply one of the most unusual yet memorable heroes I've come across. It is the abundant and oh-so-entertaining comedy that salvages this book and prevents me from completely shredding this book into pieces. This one is simultaneously one of the funniest and one of the worst-written books I've come across in a while. I know, I'm still somewhat unsure of how that can come to be, but I can only say that, in the future, should I pick up this book again, I will only be rereading some of the funniest scenes in this book instead of trying to read the entire book from start to finish. Once is enough, thank you very much. Cosima… eeuw.


text:
Victor Staffieri
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Kentucky Utilities
United States of America
Victor A. Staffieri has led the company since 2001. He has 32 years of experience in the electric and natural gas utility industry. Staffieri began his career as an attorney at Long Island Lighting Company in New York, in 1980. Prior to joining LG&E Energy as Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary in 1992, he held several management positions at Long Island Lighting, culminating in General Counsel and Secretary. Staffieri subsequently became LG&E Energy's Senior Vice President — Public Policy, and General Counsel; President, Louisville Gas and Electric Company; President, Distribution Services Division; Chief Financial Officer; and President and Chief Operating Officer before being promoted to his present position. Staffieri has a bachelor's degree from Yale University, and a Juris Doctor from the Fordham University School of Law. Staffieri has previously served on the boards of the Electric Power Research Institute (Palo Alto, California), the Edison Electric Institute (Washington, D.C), Jefferson County/Louisville Area Chamber of Commerce Family Business Partnership (Co-Chairman), Kentucky Country Day School, Metro United Way, MidAmerica Bancorp, the Louisville Area Chamber of Commerce, and Leadership Louisville. Staffieri was Chairman of the Louisville Area Chamber of Commerce, Vice Chairman of its Finance and Administration Steering Committee and a member of its African-American Affairs Committee. He served as Chairman of the Coordination Council for Economic Development Activities — Regional Economic Development Strategy, Chairman of Community Campaign for Metro United Way, and Dinner Chair for The National Conference, Junior Achievement and Catholic Charities Foundation. Staffieri recently chaired a business task force on postsecondary education in cooperation with the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce.
Research Interest
electric and natural gas utility industry.


text:
All businesses and individuals holding a Community Event at which they deem Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee as their beneficiary must sign an agreement that clarifies the campaign, goal, and action items.
The group conducting the event will handle all planning, logistics, and expenses associated with the Community Event and will then gift Second Harvest at least the minimum donation amount agreed upon by both parties.
To support your efforts while balancing our own limited staff resources, Second Harvest can provide varying levels of assistance based on the amount of the minimum donation:
Because of the volume of these requests, we are unable to participate in every proposed partnership. Second Harvest utilizes this fundraising strategy to ethically and effectively generate resources to further our mission of feeding hungry people and working to solve hunger issues in our community. We retain the right to refuse any proposed partnership.
Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee respects the privacy of its donors. We don't share our mailing list or send mail to constituents on behalf of third parties.
Sign up for our emails to get updates and inspiration straight to your inbox.


text:
Finishing the Door by Linda J. Pifer
Susan's text message came from her office. "Mom, what were you thinking? It's too bright–every day will be like Christmas!" She finished with news on the grands and signed off. The message from Sarah's eldest daughter regarding the new red paint on the front door remained on her mind. It was a further disappointment when her son Jaimie also disliked it. But when her husband Mike compared it to the fire department down the street, it was the last straw and she decided to turn the tables.
The front door was painted white when Sarah and Mike Carter built the front entryway twenty years ago. White and boring Sarah thought now as she stood surveying its marred finish. She acknowledged the busy entry had opened to hundreds of family members and visitors over the years, many left marks and lots of fingerprints. She'd always thought of the house as the 'official family spot' for Christmas, Thanksgiving, and just plain gathering and wouldn't change its history for anything.
The once pristine door held its scars, from children hauling new bikes outside on Christmas day to son Jamie's walker which had scraped the lower half of the door before he learned to walk. She gently ran her fingers over the gouges and remembered he was now six-foot two and had a family of his own. The area surrounding the brass doorknob was worn thin to the gray primer beneath; this'll take some sanding time she muttered and walked outside to the porch to consider a new exterior color.
From the porch she glanced at the azaleas down the side of the yard and spring lilies that pushed through the mulch. Some showed early pink and white blossoms and promised spring's true arrival. The Carter house sat in the shade of several oaks; their height towered over the yard and provided shade in the heat of southern summers. The heavy shedding of oak leaves year-round was increasingly hard to keep up with now that the kids were grown and away. We're very blessed, she reminded herself. Mike and I don't feel old enough to give up this house for a condo, in fact, the thought is repugnant. We've vowed to stay here and continued good health makes it possible.
Last year I painted the shutters a dark blue-green she remembered; should I use the color for the door? But after picturing it for a few minutes, she rejected the idea as too matchy-matchy. At a loss, she decided to visit the paint store in the morning.
The next day, she carried a bag full of paint samples back to the porch and began to tape them to the door. Black was one of the new trends in exterior trim, but it was too sinister for her taste and she moved on to some shades of blue. Navy was too dark; a lighter sky-blue didn't suit. At the end of the hour, all the new color samples were put back into the bag. She whispered under her breath, "This is harder than I thought," and retreated into the kitchen for an iced tea.
That night, while passing a book case in the livingroom, she remembered a favorite read from years ago. The heroine had a red-painted door which identified the cottage as a safe-house. Intrigued by the idea, Sarah went to the computer and upon entering 'doors painted red', several articles popped up.
'A red door means the home within is a vibrant place, full of life, energy, and excitement.' Certainly describes our home's history she thought and read on.
'In Feng Sui, a red door symbolizes the mouth of the home. By painting the door red (or any bright color that stands out) chi (positive energy) is drawn to the house. It is the entry point in which abundance and opportunities find us. The Chinese consider red to be the lucky or sacred color. Many doors are painted with a fresh coat of red just before Chinese New Year to invite good luck and happiness.' Sarah had always felt drawn to the Feng Sui methods in her style of decorating though she hadn't known about the bright colors.
'In Ireland, a red door is supposed to ward off ghosts and evil spirits. Old Catholic churches used red doors to remind parishioners of Christ's blood and that the church was a place free from evil.'
Inspired by what she read, Sarah made her decision; the inside of the door received a fresh coat of white and the exterior received a coat of brick-red gloss the very next day.
"Wonderful." She stood back to get the full effect, took a picture with her phone and sent it to the 'kids'. She cleaned up the brushes and was reading in her favorite chair when she heard her cell phone; Jaimie had received her picture.
'Nice job Mom–a little bright? What do the neighbors think?' He messaged. Though masked by a compliment, her eldest child obviously didn't care for red doors. He's a younger version of his father Sarah thought; what if Mike doesn't like it either?
Susan's message came next from her office. "Mom, what were you thinking? It's too bright–every day will be like Christmas!" She finished with news on the grands and signed off.
Okay, Sarah thought, I like the door and don't plan on changing it. She went back to her book, but couldn't pick up where she'd left off. She put the book aside and walked toward the den to open up the day's email then took a detour to the porch for another look. The walk out the driveway gave her the full effect; there's no mistaking where the front door is, she smiled from her vantage point. Mike will be home soon; should I call and warn him? Nope–not going to do that she resolved and walked back into the house to the computer. He's a big boy and can have opinions; he's never inflicted them on me in our 30+ years of marriage, why would he start now?
"Honey? Where are you?" She heard his voice later.
"Back here, in the den."
"Hi." He greeted her and bent to deposit a kiss on her lips. "Did we become suddenly aligned with the local fire department?"
"Ha-ha, very funny; why do you ask?" She tried to conceal her amusement, knowing well his reference.
"No particular reason other than the color of our door matches Company 51's down the street."
"Oh come on, theirs is much darker don't you think?" She asked.
"I think in a few months you won't be able to tell them apart." He smiled, but she could tell by his gathered eyebrows he was serious.
"Alright, spill it." She directed him and settled back in her chair to listen.
"It's just a little bright and no one else in our neighborhood has a front door that color." He said.
"So," he responded, "why should we?"
"Really?" She asked. "When did you become so aware of what our neighbors think?"
"Good question." He said. "Somewhere between 1960 in San Francisco and having a mortgage, I guess."
"Are you saying you're getting old… and rather staid in your tastes? I hadn't noticed the transformation." Sarah joked.
"I'm saying, it's a departure from current trends and may give the wrong impression, that's all." He proceeded to unload his briefcase. "We live in a nice upscale neighborhood; not one house in the development displays anything bright red."
"Yes, I'm aware of that." Sarah said. "Do you truly dislike it or are you afraid of what people will say?"
"Afraid? No, I respect the developer's vision and what it should look like." Sarah's face fell. "Darling, I wish you'd told me before you painted it." He added. "Perhaps I could have suggested a compromise on color, something both of us liked?" They sat looking at each other for a few moments.
Sarah was at a loss for words and apparently on the losing side. She believed in family democracy when it came to decisions and it couldn't get any clearer; family and husband had weighed in and it was unanimous. "I'm a little weary from painting today; I'm going to bed. You're on your own for dinner, there are leftovers in the fridge. Good night dear." She pecked him on the cheek and walked toward the bedroom. He started to say something, but she continued up the hallway.
He sensed there would be no more dialogue tonight and decided the wise thing would be to keep quiet and approach the matter in the morning.
"Good morning dear." Mike said as Sarah entered the kitchen in her jeans and t-shirt. "Feeling better? Did you sleep well?"
"Yes, I did. And you?" She said.
He cleared his throat. "I'm sorry if I sounded harsh last evening. I know you did what you thought was right."
"What I thought was right? Yes, after much debate, research and paint samples, I chose red for our front door. It felt like the right decision; apparently no one in the family thinks so, and you can change it."
"I'm glad you see reason on this Sarah." He looked at the paper bag she put in front of him. "What's this?"
"Paint chips." She said. "Choose what you think the neighbors will like, anything will be okay with me. I like the red door idea so much that I'm buying a new door for the back of the house to open into the garden." She looked directly at him from across the table. "It will be red. Don't worry, I'll pay for it myself and none of the neighbors will have to look at it."
"Well…alright, I guess that will work. You know I'm very busy at the office, I may have to hire someone to redo the front door."
"Whatever you think wise. Well, I'm off to the building supply to choose the door and hire a contractor to install it. Oh, by the way, while I'm there, I may make some purchases for the garden. It's looking a little shabby what with the frost damage this winter; I hope you don't mind?" She saw surprise in his eyes but ignored it.
"Uh, no, I understand–good idea. Put the garden items on the charge card." He added.
"Thank-you, dear. Well, I'm off, see you tonight." She grabbed her purse and phone and left by the back door.
Mike sat back in his chair and thought for a moment. What just happened here? I'm now paying for a painter and gardening supplies.
The truck backed up the driveway to the backyard where Sarah waited. She instructed the driver to unload all the supplies at the rear of the garden in an area she'd prepared. She signed the bill of lading and waved goodbye as the truck left.
Mike arrived home about five and smelled a pot roast slow cooking in the kitchen. He lifted the lid and confirmed the delicious scent of onions, beef, carrots and potatoes. "Ahh." He breathed deep then replaced the lid. He passed by the window but returned to gaze at the five foot high stack of something at the back of the garden.
"Sarah?" There was no answer inside the house then spotted her in the garden kneeling with a ball of string. 'Probably laying string for spring planting.' He thought and approached her.
"Sarah, what's that pile of stuff at the rear of the garden?"
"Oh, it's the supplies I purchased at the beginning of the week, remember? I've decided to redo the garden in an English-style; you know–romantic flowers, a more formal layout, that sort of thing."
"Okay, I guess that's a good idea."
"Terrific! I wouldn't want to do anything the neighbors wouldn't like, but figured I couldn't go wrong with a classic style." She displayed an innocent smile without a trace of deceit. Truth was, she'd always wanted an English garden, but didn't want to spend the money.
"Yes, I think it'll be beautiful. What time is dinner?" He asked. "I have some work to do first."
The new back door was installed within the week and painted with the same red she'd used on the front door. It looked even better as a gateway into the garden and she was almost glad Mike and the kids had disliked the front door. She would never have thought to redo the garden otherwise and here in the backyard, she could get creative as much as she wanted.
Mike said little about the expense for the doors and garden so far. Their financial situation was comfortable; they'd lived frugally and saved through the years. She thought that using some of their savings to finish off the backyard would be good for them both and for the rest of the family's visits. Besides, the vegetable garden was a back-breaking chore she could no longer do and Mike had pulled out of garden duty since his promotion a few years ago.
Then, too, Sarah's live-for-the-day mantra had increased in strength the past year, days went by more swiftly, and with the passing of two older friends, she became more acutely aware of life's steady flow toward its inevitable end. Whatever her reasons, the garden took on a new importance as a dream she'd always had and what better time than the present to make it come true.
Within three weeks, the backyard was transformed. A stone walkway outlined the garden's circular plan, the contractor installed sprinklers before his crew brought gravel and soil to fill the raised planting areas. The beds would be designed in the English style, but most plants would be native to the South enabling low upkeep. He also suggested using the same stone to construct a modest patio, 9' x 12' across the back of the house, its steps leading to the garden. Sarah loved the idea, she discussed it with Mike and he agreed it would be a good addition toward the home's value. He wanted a roof added over the patio and hired a contractor for the job.
By August, the red door opened not to an old neglected vegetable plot, but to a beautiful English garden. Sarah hung a bird feeder near the house and watched from the patio as birds fed and flew to bathe in the bubbling fountain at the garden's center. The late season flowers, asters and mums, had just begun to bud and sunsets over the back fence were simply beautiful. Mike usually found her on the patio enjoying the active scenery when he came home from work.
"Hi dear." He gave her his usual warm kiss, put down his brief case and sat beside her. He exhaled and sat quietly watching the sun settle down.
When its color spread over the western sky she asked, "How was your day?"
"It was good, great actually. They offered me a promotion, to regional manager."
"That's wonderful dear, I'm so proud of you." She turned to kiss him on the cheek.
"Don't say that yet." He said. "I'm still thinking about it."
"Okay, but why?" She said.
"If I take the offer, it'll mean more travel, more hours, less time for us… less time for this."
"For what… this?" Sarah said.
"Yes, sitting here at the end of the day with you." He smiled. "I want to tell you something I learned this summer. The day I voted down your red door, I started thinking about whom and what I've become; the two didn't please me." He squirmed in his chair then continued. "You were right about the door and about me; I believe you called me 'staid in my tastes..and getting old?'
"I was only kidding, you know that, right?" She said.
"Yes I know, but I think it's true. The man you married believed in being different and inventive. Both of us liked the artful and creative life, but somewhere between responsibilities and making money, I lost that."
"It happens, you shouldn't blame yourself." Sarah said. "I haven't been much help since I stopped working to be a full-time mom. And after the kids moved away, I didn't return to work."
"Sarah, it was the way I wanted it and you shouldn't feel guilty. You've been a great mother and made this house a home for us all. I couldn't be more pleased with what you've done. I should have supported your decision on the door; instead I treated it like something minor because I viewed it that way; it wasn't minor in your eyes was it. My lack of respect for your work as a partner was a let-down for you. Can you forgive me for not understanding?" He asked.
"I already have, my dear." She wrapped her arm through his. "We're just fine, but what made you decide to tell me all this now? It's been months since the door episode."
"I was driving into our street tonight and noticed something." He looked back at the sunset and took a breath.
"You know that house on the corner, the two-story we've always admired?" She nodded.
"They painted the front door the brightest red you've ever seen." He showed her a sheepish grin. "Not nearly as nice as the color you picked."
"Oh Mike." She laughed and grabbed him around the neck for a hug. "I love you."
"I love you too, my wife."


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Bake the Book: Mississippi Mud Cake
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Chocolate cake doesn't have to be fancy to be good. This recipe for Mississippi Mud Cake from Southern Living: Classic Southern Desserts is just as dark as its namesake. The deep chocolate flavor is cut with the soft, sweet chew of marshmallow and the pleasant crunch of pecans.
Tips: The better the chocolate you use, the better the result. The same goes for the cocoa powder. Since this recipe doesn't call for baking soda, you can use either Dutch-processed or non-Dutch processed cocoa; Ghirardelli is a good choice for price and availability.
Tweaks: Customizing the flavor of a frosting is an easy way to add variety to a cake. Substitute some of the milk with strong coffee, or add cinnamon to the cocoa powder. Play with the ratio of cocoa powder to powdered sugar if you think it tastes too sweet.
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As always with our Bake the Book feature, we have five (5) copies of 'Classic Southern Desserts' to give away.
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Late Steely Dan guitarist Walter Becker was saluted by the duo's remaining member, Donald Fagen at Pier Six Pavilion on the Baltimore harbor on Oct. 24. The concert was the eighth and final show on Steely Dan's tour as Fagen carries on the mantle of the band after Becker's passing on Sept. 3 at age 67. Fagen referred a couple times to "my partner Walter Becker," without explicitly acknowledging why he wasn't right there across the stage as usual. And midway through the show, he sang "Book of Liars," a song from Becker's 1994 solo album 11 Tracks of Whack that had long been a Steely Dan live staple, while dozens of photos of Becker played on a screen behind the band. After wrapping up the song, Fagen remembered a tourdate in Japan where the band's set lists had been printed with the song's title mistranslated to "Box of Leers." Jon Herington, a regular of Steely Dan's albums and tours since the band reformed in the '90s, is now the only guitarist in a band that has historically employed two or three guitars onstage. Steely Dan stuck to the most reliable favorites from its early albums, aside from "Book of Liars" and Fagen's 1982 solo track "New Frontier." "I intend to keep the music we created together alive as long as I can with the Steely Dan band," Fagen said in a statement after Becker's death. - Billboard, 10/25/17...... In related news, the Eagles performed in Glenn Frey's hometown of Detroit on Oct. 27 for the first time since their late band co-founder died on Jan. 18, 2016, at age 67. With Frey's widow Cindy, daughter Taylor and a corps of relatives cheering the group on, the Eagles celebrated Frey with a number of tributes including a moving rendition of "Peaceful Easy Feeling" by Frey's son and new Eagles member Deacon Frey. "What a treat for me to be back here in my dad's hometown. It's kinda awesome," Deacon said before acknowledging his relatives. After the song, Deacon looked upward and mouthed "That's for you, dad," as a sepia-toned image of his father appeared on the video screen behind the stage. Country star Vince Gill, who has also been touring with the Eagles, offered the Frey number "New Kid in Town" and told the crowd in Little Caesars Arena that it's an "honor to be in the hometown of my dear friend Glenn Frey and singing his songs for you." The Eagles, who launched their current tour in July, played the remaining date on their short tour at Nashville's Grand Ole Opry on Oct. 29, a private show that will be recorded and broadcast during Thanksgiving weekend on the group's limited-run SiriusXM Eagles Channel. - Billboard, 10/28/17...... Sammy Hagar was honored with a Humanitarian Award at the 2017 Loudwire Music Awards on Oct. 24 in Los Angeles. The "Red Rocker" accepted the award on behalf of his extensive philanthropic work with the Hagar Family Foundation, which supports a variety of programs benefiting disadvantaged children and families, including local food banks and hospitals, as well as other charitable efforts. After the presentation, Hagar said the award was "out of sight" and has particular significance since aerly in his career he may have dreamed of Grammys and musical fame but never a humanitarian honor like this. "To me, making money is fun. And it's not about how rich you are, it's about what you do with your money and how you live your life," he said. "I grew up poor as a motha, had nothing, and I'll take being wealthy over that anyway (but) it's really what you do with your money, it's not about how much money you have. It's about how you live your life and what you do with it." Also in attendance at the Loudwire awards were Judas Priest frontman Rob Halford, Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi, and Eddie Money. - Billboard, 10/26/17...... Smokey Robinson is set to release his first solo holiday via Amazon Originals on Nov. 10. Entitled Chrismas Everyday, the set features 10 soulful songs, including seven seasonal favorites and three Robinson originals. "I was quite pleased when I was approached about doing a holiday album," Robinson said in a statement. "I love the feeling of Christmas, and these are some of my absolute favorite songs. Folks are going to be surprised by some of the arrangements," he added. The album, which features contributions from Take 6, The Dap-Kings, Mindi Abair and Trombone Shorty, is Robinson's first solo holiday offering, however he previously released two holiday albums with his former group, The Miracles, including the now Christmas classic, 1963's Christmas with The Miracles. In fact, the new album takes its name from a song originally included on that set. - Billboard, 10/27/17...... Paul McCartney paid tribute to Fats Domino with a post on his official website on Oct. 25, calling the late rock and roll icon a "huge influence" on the Beatles. "We were excited to meet Fats once in his home town of New Orleans," Sir Paul wrote. "He was wearing a huge star spangled diamond encrusted watch which was our first encounter with bling!" Macca continued: "As one of my favourite rock 'n' roll singers, I will remember him fondly and always think of him with that twinkle in his eye. I read that he had eight children. He himself was named Antoine. His kids were named Antoine III, Anatole, Andre, Antonio, Antoinette, Andrea, Anola and Adonica. Now that is pure Fats!" The inaugural class Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member, who passed away of natural causes on Oct. 24 at the age of 89, sold over 65 million records over the course of his career, more than any other '50s-era artist other than Elvis Presley. - New Musical Express, 10/26/17...... Several friends and collaborators Kenny Rogers were on hand to honor the Country crossover superstar at his final concert appearance in Nashville, Tenn., at the Bridgestone Arena on Oct. 25. However the beloved 78-year-old entertainer was mostly a spectator as a mixture of current superstars, including Lady Antebellum, Justin Moore, Billy Currington and Alison Krauss, along with veteran entertainers Dolly Parton, Kris Kristofferson, Lionel Richie, The Judds and the Oak Ridge Boys, showcased some of their favorite musical moments of the Houston, TX native's career. The Oak Ridge Boys urged the sold-out crowd to sing along to Rogers and Dottie West's 1978 duet "Love or Something Like It," while The Judds deliverd a soaring version of "You Turn The Light On," a track from 1979's million-selling Kenny LP. After a brief intermission, Nashville Mayor Megan Barry proclaimed it was "Kenny Rogers Day" in Music City, Alison Krauss serenaded Rogers and the crowd with a gorgeous take on "Love The World Away," while Kris Kristofferson paid tribute to Kenny's cover of his song "Me and Bobby McGee." Rogers and Dolly Parton then came out to reminisce about their deep friendship, with Parton doing her best to try to embarrass her duet partner, getting laughs from Rogers and the audience. The two then performed their 2013 single "You Can't Make Old Friends," and Parton then surprised Rogers with a version of her "I Will Always Love You." The two wound up their performance career together with a nod back to 1983's million-selling "Islands In The Stream" before walking off the stage together. Though the date was Rogers' final Nashville appearance, the singer still has dates on the calendar for his "The Gambler's Last Deal" tour through December. Rogers says that saying goodbye has brought out the emotions. "It's sad on one hand, but on the other hand, you have to do it sooner or later. Either that, or die out there. That wasn't my choice," he said. The concert was filmed and recorded for broadcast and distribution at a later date. - Billboard, 10/26/17...... A 1963 Martin D-28 acoustic guitar played by Bob Dylan at many of his notable concerts in the 1970s is expected to fetch more than $300,000 when it goes on the auction block on Nov. 11 in Dallas. Heritige Auctions says it was the same guitar was used by Dylan at George Harrison's iconic "Concert of Bangladesh" in New York City, as well as on his Rolling Thunder Review tour from Oct. 1975 to May 1976. Larry Cragg, who was Dylan's guitar repairman at the time, bought the instrument from Dylan in 1977, and the original receipt, which is included in the offering, notes that it was purchased for $500. Though a musician himself, Cragg said he's never played the guitar and it's been kept in in a humidity- and temperature-controlled environment. "It's kind of past being a guitar now. It's the kind of thing that you'd think that people would put in a glass case or in a museum somewhere," says Cragg, who owns a San Francisco-based guitar rental shop and has also worked with the likes of Prince, Bruce Springsteen, Carlos Santana, Jefferson Airplane and Neil Young. A Fender Stratocaster played by Dylan at the 1965 Newport Folk Festival when he famously "went electric" sold for almost $1 million in 2013 at Christie's in New York City. That guitar was sold by a New Jersey family who had kept it for nearly 50 years after Dylan left it on a private plane. - AP, 10/25/17...... Composer Jim Steinman's "Bat Out of Hell: The Musical," based on Meat Loaf's 1977 album, officially opened on Oct. 25 at Toronto's Ed Mirvish Theatre where it will remain in production until Dec. 24. The musical, directed by Jay Scheib, opened in Manchester, England, in February of this year and ran until the end of April, then moved to London's West End from June until late August. Steinman originally wrote Bat Out of Hell for the stage in 1975. It was performed once, under the name "Neverland," in 1977. Forty years and many script revisions later, "Bat Out of Hell: The Musical" is now about some rebellious teens in post-apocalyptic Obsidian, ruled by the tyrannical Falco. A character named Strat (Andrew Polec) falls in love with the leader's daughter, Raven (Christina Bennington), and sets out to rescue her. "People have such a love for the music, as we do," Bennington says. "It's so great that people feel liberated enough that they can come and sing along." Meat Loaf hasn't seen the production yet, however he met Polec and Bennington for the first time in Toronto in May where they were in town to promote the upcoming show. A CD of the musical was released on Oct. 20. - The Hollywood Reporter, 10/26/17...... Singer Dick Noel, known as the "King of the Jingles" for his work on commercials, died on Oct. 27 in Escondido, Calif., after a long illness. He was 90. Mr. Noel was also known for his work with the Ray Anthony Orchestra and his appearances on TV shows in the 1960s hosted by Arthur Godfrey and Tennessee Ernie Ford. A Time for Love, his highly regarded 1978 album made in collaboration with pianist Larry Novak, featured world-weary renditions of such ballads as "Send in the Clowns" and "Here's That Rainy Day," and he was praised in the liner notes by famed jazz vocalist Mel Torme. The Brooklyn native also hosted several radio programs, sang regularly on The Ruth Lyons Show in Cincinnati and then joined Don McNeill's popular Breakfast Club, for which he was the lead singer on that Chicago-based radio show for years. After leaving Ford's variety program in 1965 Mr. Noel returned to Chicago, where he sang on a multitude of national TV and radio commercials. "The King of the Jingles" was said to have recorded 15,000 spots, including those for United Airlines and MacDonald's, during his career. He retired to the San Diego area in the late 1980s, and is survived by Nancy, his wife of 40 years, and daughters Patricia and Catherine and stepchildren Ken, Cliff and Laura. - The Hollywood Reporter, 10/26/17.
Fats Domino, a rock pioneer and boogie-woogie piano legend who became one of rock 'n' roll's most iconic architects, passed away of natural causes in his home in New Orleans on Oct. 24. He was 89. Born Antoine Domino on Feb. 26, 1928 in New Orleans' Lower 9th Ward, Mr. Domino was raised in the same environment that produced Little Richard, Professor Longhair and Dr. John. His first professional appearance was at age 10, and he pounded away on the piano at local bars until 1949 when he was given a regular engagement by bandleader and and trumpeter Dave Bartholomew, which began a professional partnership that survived and flourished through the years, with Bartholomew becoming Mr. Domino's musical arranger and co-writer. That same year, Mr. Domino signed a record deal with Imperial Records, and his debut single, "The Fat Man," became his first million-seller. By 1955 he'd made a name for himself, produced some of his finest material and stockpiled a number of gold and multi-platinum singles. His pounding, up-tempo piano style made him a natural rock 'n' roller and he never had to adapt at all ("I wouldn't say I invented rock & roll but I don't remember anyone before me playing that stuff," he once said). Mr. Domino established himself with this new audience, both in terms of his concert appearances, and with a collection of rock classics that were uniquely his own, including "Ain't That a Shame," "I'm Walkin'," "Blueberry Hill" and "Margie." He also appeared in two early rock 'n' roll movies -- The Girl Can't Help It and Shake, Rattle and Roll. Though he was hugely popular and appeared on Dick Clark's American Bandstand in 1957, he and his band were still denied lodging and forced to use segregated facilities while touring in the 1950s. Mr. Domino earned his last gold disc -- his twentieth -- in 1960 with "Walkin' to New Orleans," and the rest of the decade proved to be a dormant period. In 1967, Beatles manager Brian Epstein persuaded him to play his first British concert, at the Saville Theatre. Mr. Domino subsequently made further U.K. visits, and also found his career re-activated by the '50s rock 'n' roll revival boom, aided by a small part in the 1973 rockumentary Let the Good Times Roll. Mr. Domino then went into semi-retirement, living in luxury in New Orleans with his wife and eight children, but still playing regular dates in Las Vegas and toured the world. After leaving Imperial, Mr. Domino recorded albums for labels including Mercury, Warner Bros., Atlantic and Broadmoor, releasing his final major-label album, Christmas is a Special Day, in 1993. A health scare eventually took him off the road in 1991, and his stately New Orleans home was destroyed in 2005 during Hurricane Katrina when flood waters swamped the Lower 9th Ward, wiping out most of his possession and forcing a helicopter evacuation by the Coast Guard. Mr. Domino was one of the initial inductees into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986 alongside such fellow icons as Elvis, James Brown, Little Richard and Chuck Berry, and he received the National Medal of Arts from former Pres. Bill Clinton in 1998 and the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1987. On Oct. 25, his family released a statement saying that he "passed away peacefully at home surrounded by those he loved and those who loved him." "His music reached across all boundaries and carried him to all corners of the world," it continues, before quoting lyrics from his 1960 song "Rising Sun." Funeral arrangements are pending. - The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Rock/Billboard, 10/25/17.


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E Fundamentals and McCurrach launch INSIGHTS ACTIONED service
Experts strike up partnership to launch new one-stop-shop service that combines eCommerce insights with skilled online retail execution to drive online growth and sales.
LONDON, UK. Market-leading specialists E Fundamentals (eCommerce analytics and insight) and McCurrach (retail execution) today announce Insights Actioned, a service that enables brand owners to choose a one-stop-shop service to get powerful eCommerce performance insights actioned by an expert partner in one joined-up package; instead of needing to manage the process of product performance management internally.
"Insights Actioned has been created in response to direct market demand" says E Fundamentals COO Marcus Vallance. "Most brand owners now know how critical it is to have advanced data insights into the fundamentals of online selling, but many lack the resources and expertise in-house to take the necessary action to make the improvements to online listings as required. Partnering with McCurrach to handle the execution is the perfect solution."
E Fundamentals has fast become the leaders in providing insights into online selling effectiveness across FMCG, Retail, Consumer Electronics, Pharmacy, Health & Beauty industries. Paired with McCurrach's retail, sales and execution expertise, and advanced data analytics capabilities, this partnership has been designed to power up eCommerce performance and grow sales for brands and outlets.
This announcement comes after a hugely successful pilot campaign for a global leading FMCG brand's eCommerce channel.
The team used Insights Actioned on a long-term project to enhance the shoppers' experience by fixing the basics that included correcting names, imagery and product content. In September 2017 the client achieved perfection in Ocado with compliance hitting 100%.
"Well done! Foundations are critical" commented the client's UK Sales Director.
The client's Business Manager on the Ocado Account, added:
"This is a great effort and a fantastic achievement considering how quickly [the service] got Ocado to turn the [issues] around. Massive thanks for all your effort and support."
McCurrach CEO Angus Maciver comments, "It gives me great pleasure to announce our partnership with E Fundamentals. Online is an area of rapid growth in the retail industry and this offering will allow us to quickly identify any performance issues and take swift steps to resolve them on a brand's behalf. We're excited to be able to take our expertise delivering in-store execution into the online space; the exact same principles apply. We understand the importance of a positive shopping experience for consumers, and how a great shopping experience can influence sales. The combination of E Fundamentals' market leading technology with our retail expertise, data analytics capability and mutual reputation for delivering ROI, means we truly are best placed to improve online execution and ultimately sell more for our clients."
ABOUT E FUNDAMENTALS - ef.uk.com
E Fundamentals is a British-built, world-leading eCommerce analytics platform that helps brands grow online revenues by delivering a Return on Intelligence. By optimising sales performance against The 8 Fundamentals framework, the company enables its wide range of international clients to generate fast and profitable growth through online retailers.
Martin Brooks
E: firstname.lastname@example.com
ABOUT MCCURRACH - mccurrach.co.uk
As the largest UK and Ireland retail field sales agency, McCurrach help big brands SELL MORE for some of the biggest names in the world across the FMCG, Consumer Electronics and Financial Services sectors.
One of the UK's leading outsourced field sales agencies, they ensure brands achieve their full potential by maximising product distribution, availability and visibility – both online and offline. Key to their success in helping big brands SELL MORE is building and executing award winning sales strategies, implementing data driven planning and execution, employing expert people, and leveraging unrivalled market knowledge and relationships.
Their permanent core teams are supported by flexible on-demand staff from sister brand and experiential marketing experts, Wave.
Linzi McGuire
E: email@example.com / email@example.com


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Tel. +39 0365 954698 Fax. +39 0365 954357 e-Mail show e-mail address...
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It offers apartments for 4 to 6 beds, kitchenette, safe, TV-SAT, parking and pool.
Is just 1.5 km from the historic center of Limone.
Ideal for sports lovers as mountain biking, Nordic walking, relaxing walks.
Nearby there is a riding school.
We are undergoing renovation, not all apartments have been renovated
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text: I wrote: However, what _I_ disagree with, Richard, is what I perceive as your /~~~~~~~~ Note:-------------------------------------------------> strongly held belief that there is only one way to free software, and that is monopoly[1] free software, namely GPL programs with copyright assigned to a single holder powerful enough to defend them, in a pure free software environment. >>>>> "rms" == Richard Stallman <email@example.com> writes: rms> I hope you'll be glad to know that I don't think this way, rms> and I never have. I think that all the ways of releasing rms> free software are basically good. I am glad. I wish it was easier for me and those like me to see it in your public and private statements on the matter. rms> I have said this time and again, in speeches, in interviews, rms> and in messages--every time the issue comes up, for a decade You have memories of all of those available. I do not; I can only go on what I have seen. rms> or more. I am sure I would never say the opposite. If you rms> thought so, it must be due to a miscommunication. You often say "I am sure I would never say the opposite." That is surely true. However, you often do play rhetorical games. For example, I am sure that you would never condemn any way of releasing _free software_. There are, however, as is natural, different opinions about the best technical definition of software more or less implementing the four freedoms. Out of respect for you (ironic, considering that you now regret the choice of the word "free"), when I am thinking of a different definition, I use the term "open source". Yet you[1] ask that this term not be used! The result is that you, because of my respect for you, control my use of the term "free software." But you ask me not to use a convenient abbreviation that doesn't infringe on the definition you have proposed. Do you wonder that I perceive you as attempting to control the free software movement, and objecting to what I would consider to be free software in the sense of trying to implement the four freedoms, although not meeting the technical definition? Do you see why I perceive you as attempting to define anything other than free software according to your technical definition, as non-free and therefore damnable? You have told me, and others, that working on the version of GNU Emacs known as "XEmacs" is wasteful, inasmuch as code contributed to XEmacs cannot be used in the mainline version. Here we have the ridiculous (IMO, of course) situation that you are asking people not to work on _entirely_ GPL'd software whose copyright is _mostly_ assigned to the FSF. Of course, I have come to understand your position on that, although I continue to disagree with it. It is, of course, my error that I associate that with you condemning any kind of free software release. But it is a subtle error, one that took a while to track down. rms> But I wonder, how did you become so *certain* that I hold a rms> view which I have never endorsed, and often denied? Didn't rms> you feel at least a little doubt? I gave two examples above, one a trope on your part, the other a leap to conclusion on my part. Multiply this by many, many others. Unfortunately, you do _not_ have a property right in the term "free software". As with any technical term, we humans tend to "abuse the notation." You would never condemn any way of releasing free software according to your own technical definition; you often make statements that are very easily perceived as condemning what many people perceive as "free software", because it does not meet the technical definition. And you are very concerned about "backsliding" and "principle" in general, which gives me the impression that there is probably no "give" in the definition as far as you are concerned. My impressions are, of course, not your fault. If you wish, however, you can use this information about my misperceptions to perhaps write in a way that more effectively communicates to me. If many suffer my style of misperception, then it might be worth your while. rms> Another person wrote to me privately, urging me not to rms> condemn people who write non-copylefted free software; he too rms> was completely sure that I do condemn them, and saw no need rms> to confirm that. rms> This seems to happen often; many people are quite sure I rms> think this or that ridiculous or outrageous thing, when I rms> don't. This pattern seems to play a significant role in the rms> waves of criticism I receive. Does anyone understand why rms> these misunderstandings happen so often? The GNU Manifesto and the "What is Free Software" Web page are quite balanced and well-reasoned in my opinion. I cannot say the same for your posts and email. The main trope that causes this kind of problem, I think, is that (as I explain above) it is easy to perceive you as using the same narrowly defined term to simultaneously exclude certain plausible (to others) candidates for inclusion in "free software" and allow you to assert truthfully that you believe all kinds of free software are good. Like it or not (I don't, but I've learned to live with it), in political discussion people expect a certain elasticity in terms. You, for example, started by refusing to admit to me any utility of neoclassical economics because you don't want to use the somewhat useful technical definitions that allow measurement, preferring instead looser ideas that you can directly perceive. Then you proceeded to question my (and other economists') professional ethics because I give credence to technical measurements that have implications opposed your direct perceptions of justice, and are subject to abuse by politicians. I don't think there's anything wrong with your unscientific approach to these problems of values in economics; in the end, you have to do what's right. But my scientific approach is just as valid, and a lot easier to justify technically and teach to students and computers. And it allows me to calibrate my errors; since you don't model or measure, you can't. I think those are important, but I see no reason why they should be important to you. And it allows me to say to you "Why, I never said such a thing." when you accuse me of ignoring this or that important aspect of the real world. I can say "well, it just doesn't fit into my model, and I was talking about my model." I didn't do that; I have come to different conclusions than you about what is just, in part on the basis of such models. But I have seen (and you probably have seen) many economists do just that. I think this is _precisely_ analogous to your claim to never oppose any means to free software. Note: you are not sleazy the way some economists and many politicians are. That doesn't prove you aren't using the same trope. Footnotes: [1] I don't know if it is correct to attribute the opinions there to you and you only. If it is incorrect, I'm sorry, and will amend it; but here the point is exactly my perceptions. -- University of Tsukuba Tennodai 1-1-1 Tsukuba 305-8573 JAPAN Institute of Policy and Planning Sciences Tel/fax: +81 (298) 53-5091 __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ What are those two straight lines for? "Free software rules."


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This year's "Give Kids a Smile" was a great success! The program was initially launched in 2003 to provide dental care to underserved children. Nationally, it was estimated that over 320,000 kids received care this year from almost 8,000 dentists as well as a large number of hygienists, assistants, and other staff. In Minnesota alone, it is estimated that over 5,000 children received care, many of whom may have had his/her first experience with a dentist.
I'm often asked when a child should first see a dentist. The ADA has recommended that a child be seen within the first 6 months of the child getting his/her first baby tooth and no later than the first birthday. We commonly see children at one year of age and it's a great way to get these little ones accustomed to the dental office.
At Commerce Drive Dental, Dr. Clause, Dr. Kuryla, our staff, and I were able to participate and provide care that included dental cleanings, exams, dental education, fillings, sealants, and tooth removal. It was a very rewarding experience and great to see all the young, smiling faces!
Thank you to everyone that volunteered!
– from Dr. Jernberg


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Q and A: How To Choose and Work With A Photographer
All photos in this post taken by Kyndall—aren't they lovely?
Earlier this year, I was so lucky to have my husband's friends (and now my friends!) Kyndall Elliott and her husband Ronnie visit us from Idaho. Kyndall is an incredible wedding photographer and I was so lucky that she volunteered to take a few photos of me around Notting Hill.
I have to say, I was initially nervous to work with a photographer. I've been in front of the camera on photoshoots with professionals before, but it's been hand modeling where the focus is on the product, not me! Kyndall however, immediately put me at ease, giving direction in what felt like a fun conversation. She also gave my husband and I so many tips on photography and editing that have improved our processes so much. How had I not known about batch editing before?
Because I learned so much while Kyndall was around, I asked if she might do a Q&A for the blog, answering a few questions about working with a photographer (plus a few photography and editing tips too!). Her answers are, like Kyndall herself, amazingly helpful:
How can someone go about finding a good photographer in their area and getting in touch?
There's a few ways to do this, I will list my favorites in order!
1. Ask a friend. Chances are, you have someone in your life that's had a great experience with a photographer, it's an easy way to get a good recommendation that you'll like.
2. Google. Sometimes for people who are in their office all day and don't get to socialize much (ahem, me here) google can be your best friend. "Your area" + photographer will usually come up with a lot of results! Look through work and bios, and message someone who you think you'll click with.
3. Social media. Mostly instagram at this point, this can be a great way to find people who are just starting out, and may not have their SEO game up to snuff. It's also a great way to see an extended portfolio, and personality!
4. Referral sites. I'm a wedding photographer so these might be a little skewed in that direction, but there are sites like Fearless Photographers, Junebug Weddings, Model Mayhem (although this can be hit or miss), and others, that list photographers that have good portfolios and are experienced.
When choosing a photographer, whether for engagement photos, a wedding or blog photos, what should someone keep in mind?
I tell this to anyone and everyone all of the time. You need to find a photographer that you get along with, someone you click with, someone who makes you feel comfortable. Sometimes you're able to look at an image, and there's just something off about it, even if you can't pinpoint it. 98% of the time it's because the person (you!) feels uncomfortable in front of the camera. I can't stress enough how easy it is to pick up on this in photos.
Getting your picture taken is actually a pretty vulnerable experience when you think about it. It's hard to let go of your own self image, and be comfortable with a stranger. So that stranger needs to be someone you like, and someone you feel relaxed around in your very first meeting. If something just doesn't click for the both of you, it's okay to move on and look for someone you connect with better.
What's the best way to communicate what you'd like out of a photography session - whether it's the location, poses, or final edited style beforehand?
Although I'm about 90% weddings, I do some commercial work from time to time, as well as family portraiture. I ask both clients the same thing, what are you looking for? Is there something you want to feel when you look at these images? People's answers to this give me huge insights into the final product they're looking for.
Ideally if you're doing a collaboration (fashion + photographer), you should a) find a photographer you connect with! b) tell the photographer your vision c) trust them in making that vision come to life. If you try to micromanage your photographer, you're doing yourself and the photographer a disservice. They can't be creative (which is why you chose them to work with, right?) if you dictate every single shot, and at the end of the day you'll both be disappointed with the images.
What is your process when getting to know the couple (or person) you're photographing?
So with my couples I shoot for weddings and engagements, I send them a questionnaire with some fun and serious questions to get to know them better. Like I said, having your picture taken is actually a pretty vulnerable experience. If I can get them to be vulnerable with me before we even start shooting, it's a head start into the session.
For non wedding stuff, a lot of it is just talking. I like to get know about people's lives. Believe it or not, people are actually pretty damn interesting. A lot of my sessions are conversations with some minor posing and some direction. I do anything I can to make people feel comfortable, I ask questions, I am interested in their passions and hobbies. People come to life when someone is listening!
What's the best way for someone to communicate with their photographer during a session?
I feel like a good photographer is great at reading body language. Most photographers strive after one thing, authenticity. They want their images to reflect the scene they're seeing, and the people that are in front of them. If your photographer can't pick up on you feeling uncomfortable, then chances are you're not a good fit. But, if you're already there, there are some things to say like, 'Hey, I don't know if this is my best side!' 'Is there something else we can try?' or, Ask them to look at the back of the camera. Some photographers resist this, but I am happy to show the back of my camera to people (because I ask my couples to do crazy things, and it reinforces the things I ask of them once they see how beautiful they look!).
If you don't like what's on the back of the camera, try to communicate what you don't like about it. Is it your hair? Do you look awkward? Is there a detail in your outfit you want to make sure lays flat? It's better to talk about this at the session than regret it later!
Shop The Look:
What are some tips you've learned for posing—and helping people to feel comfortable—in front of the camera?
There are some amazing individuals out there who teach posing, but a favorite of mine for women is Sue Bryce. If you have a chance to read any of her blog posts, or watch any videos of her teaching, grab onto them like a lifeline. If you work with a photographer who knows their stuff, you won't have to worry about posing yourself. But, some things to keep in mind just in case:
Shoulders back. I have horrible posture and I know a lot of other people do too. Look in the mirror at yourself, this applies to men and women! And just stand normally. Then take a deep breath in and hold it, and look at yourself again. Do you see what a crazy difference that makes? You look more confident, it shows off the good parts of your body, and it's such a small change to make that can make a huge difference.
Watch where your feet and legs are. It doesn't matter if you're taking a full body shot, a head shot, or just a shot above the waist. The legs influence the whole body. If your bottom half is standing stiff in front of the camera, it will come through on your top half. Spread your legs, pop a hip, bring a knee in. It's easy to get caught up in the seriousness of taking pictures, especially if you're working with a professional. But I firmly believe it should be a fun experience, even if you're just taking selfies.
Experiment! What do you have to lose? It's an easy way to get better at posing yourself and showing off the most flattering parts of your body, all while having fun. Don't treat it like life or death!
For people taking their own photos, what are your best tips for editing—any software or tutorials you'd recommend to a beginner?
I've gone over some posing tips and resources already so I'll jump into tutorials. My favorite place for really anything, is CreativeLive. They have beginner tutorials for photographers, hobbyists, artists, and small businesses. If you watch the session live, it's free! But you're more than welcome to purchase it to watch it whenever you want as well. (Hint: Sue Bryce has some great stuff on here!).
As far as editing software I use Lightroom for 90% of everything, and Photoshop for some cloning work or unique sessions (like doing an 80's style portrait with cats!). CreativeLive has some great videos for both Lightroom and Photoshop, but the way I learned was mostly running into problems, then either googling or YouTubing the solution!
Thank you so much to Kyndall for taking the time to send over these answers—I hope you found them as helpful as I have!
You can find Kyndall over at her site, ShutterKey Photography and also on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest. Have a look at her stunning photos and send her a note if you'd like to hire her for you special day (psst, she can travel!).
I'm so happy to say that we've booked her to take photos of us and our family for our fifth anniversary in January—I can't wait to work with Kyndall again!
Until next time,


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Title: Coresidential Patterns by Parents' and Children's Health
Resulting in 1 citation.
Thomeer, Mieke
Reczek, Corinne
Coresidential Patterns by Parents' and Children's Health
Presented: Denver CO, Population Association of America Annual Meeting, April 2018
Cohort(s): NLSY79, NLSY79 Young Adult
Publisher: Population Association of America
Keyword(s): Coresidence; Health, Mental; Health/Health Status/SF-12 Scale; Modeling, Hazard/Event History/Survival/Duration; Residence, Return to Parental Home/Delayed Homeleaving
Permission to reprint the abstract has not been received from the publisher.
Rates of coresidence between young adults and their parents have increased in recent years. Past studies have considered predictors of coresidence, including economic characteristics, demographic characteristics, and parental characteristics. Yet few studies consider the role of health, and specifically the interplay of parents' and adult children's health. In this study, we analyze the NLSY79-YA and NLSY79 (N=3,516) with hazard models to examine how the health of adult children, their mothers, and their fathers shapes risk of exiting parents' household as well as the risk of "boomeranging" back into the parental home. Results indicate that health outcomes operate in different ways; mothers' and children's worse mental health increase the risk of a child moving out, but mothers' health limitations decrease risk of moving out. Further, health operates differently for re-entry compared to exit-- for example, children's health is associated with risk of moving out but not risk of reentering parents' home.
Bibliography CitationThomeer, Mieke and Corinne Reczek. "Coresidential Patterns by Parents' and Children's Health." Presented: Denver CO, Population Association of America Annual Meeting, April 2018.


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Trout stocking crews active across Washington
April 20, 2017
Trout stocking crews are working to plant fish throughout the state in preparation for April 22, when several hundred lowland lakes open for a six-month fishing season.
Although many lakes are open year-round, the fourth Saturday in April marks the traditional start of the lowland lakes fishing season, when hundreds of thousands of anglers are expected to turn out to fish.
WDFW fish hatchery crews have been stocking more than 16 million trout and kokanee in lakes statewide. Those fish include 2.3 million catchable trout, nearly 150,000 larger trout averaging about one pound apiece, and millions of smaller trout that were stocked last year and have grown to catchable size.
To participate on opening day, Washington anglers must have an annual freshwater or combination fishing license valid through March 31, 2018. Licenses can be purchased online at https://fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov; by telephone at 1-866-246-9453; or at hundreds of license dealers across the state. For details on license vendor locations, visit the WDFW website at http://wdfw.wa.gov/licensing/vendors/.
Anglers who catch one of 1,000 tagged fish can also claim prizes provided by license dealers and other sponsors located across the state. The total value of prizes is more than $25,000. For a list of lakes with prize fish and details on how to claim prizes, visit http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/derby/.
Fish stocking details, by county and lake, are available in the annual stocking plan on WDFW's website at http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/plants/statewide/.
Before heading out, anglers should check fishing regulations on WDFW's webpage at http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/regulations/. With snow and ice still present in some parts of the state, anglers should also check ahead of time to be sure their preferred lake is accessible.
WDFW employees and their immediate families are not eligible to claim fishing derby prizes.


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(also published on Episcopal cafe)
I have been teaching in a forum series locally on the theme "Why Be a Christian," and in the course of that I've been digging a little deeper into Presiding Bishop Michael Curry's efforts to call the Episcopal Church back to our identity as a "Jesus movement," even as I've been surprised and a little dismayed by many "liberal" Episcopalians who confess they have "trouble with the Jesus part."
When I teach about Christian spirituality I often remind people that at least in the historical tradition, when Christians talk about "following Jesus" they mean not only following precepts of a great Wisdom teacher, which Jesus certainly was, historically, but about following and knowing the post-Resurrection Jesus, experiencing the holy through our experience of the Living Christ who promised to be with us always, to the end of the age (Matthew 28:20)
But I think that Episcopalians and others who identify as mainline Protestants or "progressives" have been shy about Jesus-language, largely because of the way that self-identified conservative Evangelicals have emphasized as normative a "belief in Jesus Christ as personal Savior", but tying that to a highly individualistic theology that tends to emphasize personal salvation from damnation, fear of judgment, and conformity to community norms that are considered "Biblical" through a fundamentalist lens.
A watchword of "liberal" Christianity, beginning with Harry Emerson Fosdick and picked up by Verna Dozier and Bishop Michael Curry among others, is that we need to learn to "follow Jesus, not worship Him." I would be on board with this if we added "follow Jesus, not just worship Him," but my experience tells me that the energy that allows us to follow Jesus's teachings comes from a more mysterious place that the tradition has named as the work of the Holy Spirit or as the encounter with the Living Christ. We not only follow the teachings of our great Wisdom Teacher; we seek to be empowered, through prayer, worship, and spiritual practice, by the God who desires New Life for all of Creation, who was Incarnate in Jesus. We are called both to follow Jesus and to worship together, to embrace the mystery of the divine life, in which His story invites all Creation to participate. This is what our sacramental tradition affirms when we call ourselves "living members of our. . . Savior Jesus Christ" - sent "to do the work you have given us to do, to love and serve you as faithful witnesses of Christ our Lord") as our prayer book has it (BCP. 365-6).
As I explored "Jesus movements" of the 20th century I came to realize that I myself am a product of the revival of a Jesus-focus that we saw in the US in the 1960's and 1970s, expressed in the "Jesus people" of hippie culture, in the charismatic revivals in the Roman and Episcopal churches, in the strengthening of movements like Intervarsity and Campus Crusade for Christ, and also – strikingly – in movements like Sojourners and Call to Renewal that persist in tapping the energy of the Living Christ to build "base communities" dedicated to the service of the poor and work for social justice.
Looking at "Jesus movements" in the Christian tradition, we can see that across the political spectrum, times of revival have come with the invitation to embrace a relationship with the Living Christ. So the progressively oriented Social Gospel movement of the turn of the 20th century was powered in part by the question "What would Jesus do?" – a question nourished by deeply personal prayer. Jesuit spirituality invites companionship with Jesus as we discern our path for life, and Franciscan spirituality embraces the God of Creation incarnate in the humble Child, calling Christians to a life of following Jesus that embraces Poverty of Spirit. These are spiritual traditions that have been available to what our culture labels as "liberal" or "progressive" politics – but the Church often seems disconnected from these rich resources in our tradition, even when the words of our liturgy and hymnody invoke them.
I think we Episcopalians and liberal Protestants have become shy about embracing a relationship with the Living Christ because we have ceded language about "following Jesus" – even the word "discipleship"-- to the theological discourse of American fundamentalist evangelical Christianity. And the reasons for this divide have deeper theological and cultural roots that I've uncovered in looking at my own journey of faith, which is very much "Jesus centered" though I've often been shy about using that language in Episcopalian circles: I want us to get over this shyness. But here's my story. My testimony, if you will.
I came into the Episcopal Church as a young adult in the mid-1970s, playing my guitar for the student chapter service at St. John's Northampton, on the campus of Smith College. I learned not only the early folk masses of Ian Mitchell (now largely forgotten) but also many of the songs that energized my evangelical friends who attended the Thursday Eucharist and were also active in Campus Crusade for Christ. In fact, part of what drew me back to active involvement in Church was the way I experienced, in one of my evangelical friends, a person who clearly lived into and took great joy in an ongoing, prayerful relationship with Jesus. Just being in her presence was transformative. We differed theologically on a lot of things (I'll get to that in a minute) but there was a core experience that attracted me, and that I came to find in the celebrations of Eucharist at St. John's – affirmed in the new liturgical language that we were using and in the conversations we had in small groups about what this all meant for our lives. But it was about experience at first, not doctrine or belief. And that experience was about Jesus, though because of the excesses of my Evangelical friends I gradually became more shy about claiming my experience in that language. Luckily the Eucharistic prayers named it every time and gave me language that worked for me.


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St Christopher Beached
This ship was beached in a freak storm in the Tampa Bay. It stayed there for months until it was finally removed. Tourists came from miles around to see it while enjoying the beach at Ft. Desoto Park near St. Petersburg. I loved the red, white, and blue aspect of the painting which made brilliant contrasts.
Original painting in acrylics on illustration board framed and double matted under glass / image size is 21 x 17.5" / framed size is 31 x 27" / $3200
To order please call (904) 347-0561
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I was lucky enough to get to explore London with this lovely lady Carolyn. If you look behind us you can see a blue plaque marking 221B Baker St the home of Sherlock Holmes.
These plaques are all over the city and mark places where historical figures used to live. Fun fact Sherlock Holmes is the only fictional character to get a plaque.
These figures were creepily life like.
I peed here. It was pretty magical.
We ate lunch and had a great view…of this.
While wandering up to Regents Park we were attacked by birds
And observed them sunbathing
Welcome to Abbey Road Studios. Getting the legendary photo is not as easy as it looks. You basically have to jump in front of traffic and hope they wait for you.
While getting lost in search of the tube we spotted some beautiful scenery
These saved my life numerous times
We found our way to Kensington Palace Gardens. This is the place where Queen Victoria was crowned and mourners came after Diana's death.
We chowed down on an English delicacy…
And finished off our evening seeing Lindsay Lohan in Speed the Plow