text:
Listen to this article
Welcome to the Financial Times Ask the Expert online Q&A on MBA applications.
Are you thinking of an MBA? Are you studying for your GMAT test? Perhaps you are preparing for an interview at one of your dream business schools?
Chioma Isiadinso, chief executive of Expartus, the business school admissions consultancy and author of The Best Business Schools' Admissions Secrets, will answer your questions about the application process, on this page, on Wednesday July 27, 2011, between 14.00 and 15.00 BST.
Email your questions now to firstname.lastname@example.com.
I am a member of the military, who is planning on applying for an MBA programme upon separation from the service. Any advice on the transition or, more specifically, how best to highlight my military experience in the application process?
Ryan Pile
Chioma: Hi Ryan, MBA programmes value diversity and individuals with military backgrounds can bring a different viewpoint to the business school. Business schools are looking for leaders and many military applicants can showcase strong leadership examples from their time in service. What you need to consider is how your leadership experience in the military translates in a civilian environment.
So for example, if you have lead a military unit, the school is interested in learning how you motivated your team, got through obstacles/setbacks and how you handled unexpected situations. Your stories shouldn't focus only on combat situations but should also extend to include things like helping with the rebuilding of the community post conflict, if you have such examples.
To facilitate your transition to business school, spend some time reading The Financial Times or Wall Street Journal, to get a better sense of the business environment. For an excellent resource on applying to business school as a military person, I recommend the following blog: Military to Business.
I am a year away from obtaining my degree in accounting. Does it matter if I get my MBA at an expensive private college or would I be alright receiving one from a cheaper college such as the University of North Dakota? Does an MBA really pay off over time, even in this economy?
Joshua Schustaak, Minnesota, US
Chioma: Hi Joshua, great question. There are many individuals who attend less expensive MBA programmes that meet their needs. You have to start off knowing what it is you want the MBA to help you achieve. If your goal is to work at one of the leading private equity firms or consulting firms, you will find that most of these companies recruit at only top business schools.
I recommend finding out which employers recruit at the University of North Dakota. If you find out that many of the companies you are interested in recruit from that programme then it is a strong data point towards your decision to target that programme. Having said that, career opportunity, while important, is only one of the many reasons one considers an MBA. An MBA is a personal investment in yourself and you should consider the students who will be your classmates, the rigour of the programme, as well as the calibre of faculty when making your decision.
There are different arguments around whether the MBA pays off. By and large, there is enough data that shows that individuals who attend a well-ranked business school tend to make more money after they graduate. Take a look at the salary data of the school you wish to attend as well as the percentage of students who are employed after graduation to assess whether the MBA is a worthwhile investment for you.
I would like to know how get into a top tier business school if my grades aren't all A's. What do I have to write in my personal statement so that the business school will love me? I'm specialised in risk management and investments.
Jaan Lainurm
Chioma: Hi Jaan, while strong grades are important to business schools, there are a lot of admitted candidates whose grades are not perfect. If you are concerned about your grades you should aim for a high GMAT score to mitigate the concerns the admissions board will have over a weak transcript. The admissions board evaluates candidates across multiple dimensions and academic record/test scores are only a part of that evaluation.
Other variables that are considered when assessing a candidate's application include their leadership impact and potential as well as the different perspective they will bring to the programme (diversity of experiences, backgrounds, etc). The essays/personal statements that are well-written, insightful and reveal a mature candidate will endear you to the admissions board.
As a risk manager/investment professional, you will need to tell the admissions board why you want the degree and how it fits with your long-term goals. The more clarity you have of why you want the MBA, the more likely you are to "win" the admission board over.
Applying for MBA in a good insitution has always been blended with the need to have experience, which makes us fresh graduates wonder how we can apply? Also, what is the reasonable GMAT score that one has to consider before applying?
Okwir Simon, Brussels, Belgium
Chioma: Hi Okwir, you are right, the majority of the top business schools want candidates with some level of experience. If you are targeting a selective MBA programme, it is ideal to work for at least two years before you apply. If you are planning to apply without work experience then you may want to consider applying to a masters in management programme, which is a degree programme that doesn't require prior work experience and is for individuals interested in a business career. You can check out the Financial Times 2010 Rankings of top masters in management programmes.
As for the GMAT, research what the range is for the schools you are targeting. MBA programmes often report the high and low GMAT range as well as their GMAT averages. Ideally, your score should be within the range reported by your target school. If it is outside of the range, it is worth retaking the test. Keep in mind that the top MBA programmes all have average GMAT scores above 700 so aim to score above 700 with an even breakdown of your verbal and quantitative scores. A GMAT below 700 should not prevent you from applying. You should focus on other parts of your application if that is the case.
I am looking for an online MBA with affordable tuition fees or a scholarship. I am a young entrepreneur from Tanzania, I own a small construction company and I have a degree in building economics from the University of Dar es Salaam, where I did my studies in 2003. I hope you can advise me, thanks.
Chioma: You have to be careful when selecting an online MBA programme as there are many fraudulent ones out there. Resources to vet online programmes can be found on The Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) website. For a comprehensive list of online MBA programmes, refer to the Financial Times 2011 Online Listing.
Keep in mind that many students who opt for the online degree can have their employer sponsor them. This may not be an option for you, as an entrepreneur but still check with the schools to see what kind of financial support they have available.
I am a student actuary under The Faculty and Institute of Actuaries. I entered the profession without a degree; just A-levels and at my current pace, I should gain fellowship in 3 years, at 24. I intend to get onto an MBA course after fellowship, to make my CV more rounded rather than the way it's specialised in risk management from my actuarial. I'm emailing to find out what are my chances of getting into a top MBA school anywhere in the world, considering I have no undergraduate degree? What do I need to start doing, along with my actuarial exams to make myself stand out from the crowd?
Sam Mawoyo
Chioma: Hi Sam, the short answer is that top MBA programmes require a degree. However there are some that would waive the requirement under extremely unusual situations. You should contact the schools that you are targeting and present your situation to them to see if they will waive the degree requirement. The question you will need to address for the admission board at the leading programmes is why you want the MBA. What exactly is your experience, which firms have you worked for and why do you need an MBA? Are you looking to make a career change? If so, in what area? If you plan to remain in risk assessment/management then you have to demonstrate that the MBA is necessary for you.
The professional experience is also one factor in a comprehensive assessment. Schools want to know about your experience working with people, what you are like as a person (extra activities beyond work) and that you have the aptitude to thrive academically. So, without an undergraduate degree the GMAT will play an even greater factor when evaluating your candidacy.
Admission to top MBA programmes is very competitive and for candidates to be successful they need to have a very strong set of work and life experiences as well as solid academic records. You have to decide whether the MBA is the right course for you or whether there are other ways to achieve your objectives (for example through certifications or short term study to build particular skills).
I am a project manager at a global Fortune 500 company and have little exposure to the market. I am very interested in shifting to a more business focused role such as business development.
I know that an MBA will help me reach this goal, but realistically, will I be starting at the bottom? If I commit to an MBA at one of the top schools, I need to make sure that it is worth the financial investment and that the tuition and opportunity cost of my salary will be paid off within a few years of my MBA completion.
I plan to work in North America but there are few 1 year MBAs at the top schools here. In general, do large global corporations want a 2 year MBA graduate? Will it have a significant impact on my salary?
Kristina Gale, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
Chioma: Hi Kristina, congratulations on your current success at your firm. You are right in carefully weighing the ROI of your MBA investment to assess whether it is a viable option for you. You should be able to move into a business development role after an MBA. What you have to assess is what you will be giving up now. In your current role, are you able to make a switch at your firm without the MBA? Could you pursue a part time degree to build your credibility and broaden your skills to make the functional change you desire, while continuing to work for your firm?
While you wouldn't necessarily start at the bottom post the MBA it is important to maintain a realistic outlook regarding what you will be able to do with your first job in a business development capacity. You may find that you may not have the same level of resources (a team that you manage, a budget, etc), in your first job in business development. But what is more important is taking a long term view of your career objectives. You ought to think of the career beyond the first job or two and instead focus on the career you desire for yourself and the skills, network and perspective that you will gain with the MBA.
You are right, most top MBA programmes in the US are two years unlike the case in Europe. Shorter programs may be attractive given their less expensive price tag. However, keep in mind that you lose the chance to do a summer internship with accelerated programmes like the Kellogg one year MBA or Columbia's 16 month January start MBA. These internships can serve as a bridge to a new industry or job function.
Nevertheless, you can work for a large corporation with a one year MBA regardless of whether you study in Europe or the US as long as you select a programme that is highly regarded. Many of the global firms have offices around the world and the language benefits that you will find at programmes like Insead could be a differentiator when it comes to your job search. If you absolutely plan to stay in the US then you should consider only US schools. See which firms recruit from the programmes you want, talk to students and alumni and then decide if you want to make the investment in the degree. Most people report that the MBA had a positive impact on their salary earnings both in the short term and over the course of their career.
What are the best institutions from which I can seek an MBA? I am currently studying finance but it is at Cal State University. Should I transfer before completing my undergraduate studies or should I transfer once I get started on my graduate studies?
Luis Aguilar
Chioma: Hi Luis, there aren't a predetermined list of schools that applicants should attend before pursuing an MBA. I don't recommend transferring to a different programme solely for an MBA. If you are dissatisfied with the Cal State University college experience and want to study at a different institution, then go for it. The important thing is to excel in any environment you are in.
A mediocre academic performance at a state school or Ivy League school will be detrimental to your admission. Excellent performance at both types of institutions are also viewed favorably. While the MBA draws application from students from highly selective universities around the world, there are many students in the pool who apply successfully without having this background. The admission board would want to understand what factors influenced your choice of school selection and what you were able to achieve given the resources that were available to you. I also don't recommend transferring in the middle of your graduate degree.
I would like to know if an average GMAT score can be compensated with compelling essays?
Nagarjuna Babu Gutti
Hi Nagarjuna, thanks for your question. It depends on how low the GMAT score is and what other experiences and achievements you have. If a school's average for example is 710 and the GMAT is 500, it is almost impossible to overcome this discrepancy, even with excellent experiences. The admission board will remain concerned about the person's ability to handle the course rigour. If the gap is less pronounced (say 680) and the person has excellent work achievements, interesting stories from their personal life, and glowing recommendations, they can overcome the low GMAT.
In our country, most bachelor programmes are three year degrees. However, several business schools list a four year undergraduate programme in their application requirements. Do US business schools, especially the Ivy leagues, accept an equivalent three year programme from India while considering admissions?
Aniket Nikumb, Mumbai, India
Hi Aniket,the MBA admissions boards are familiar with the different educational degree requirements around the world. As an example, look at Stanford Graduate School of Business' extensive list of academic requirements by region. In the case of Stanford it states: "The two-year master's degree following the three-year bachelor's degree is preferred but not required". You will need to research each programme you are targeting to figure out exactly what its policy is on the degree requirements for students who studied in India.
I am a qualified Chartered Management Accountant (CIMA), with almost 4 years experience in a professional working environment. I am currently working for a foreign exchange specialist with an approximate annual turnover of over £850m ($1.4Bn), as a business analyst.
My main job involves managing forex risk and management information systems, reporting management information and constantly enhancing the firm's operations and systems.
So based on my background, should I go for an MBA or EMBA? If an MBA, should it be one year or two years? What are the best MBA institutes in the UK and Europe? What should my electives be if I have a choice between finance, accounting, management science and operations or strategic and international management? Do you recover your debts in medium term range if you completely self-finance it? How should I prepare for an MBA interview?
Syed Teumur Alam, UK
Chioma: Hi Syed, thanks for your questions. Let me address them one by one.
MBA vs. EMBA: You mention that you have nearly four years work experience as a business analyst. Most EMBA candidates have closer to ten years work experience so you have to wonder if you will fit in that context. The MBA programme is likely to be a better fit.
One year vs. two year programmes: The decision to opt for a one year versus a two year programme comes down to several factors. US schools have mostly two year programmes with a few one year options available. Conversely, the European programmes have primarily one year programmes with a few longer term programmes available. Many students choose their programmes based on the region of the world where they wish to work: if Europe is where you want your career to be then considering European schools make sense….the same goes for America and Asia.
Cost is also a factor: the shorter programmes are attractive if you are concerned about the hefty price tag of the MBA. If you are also clear on your career and don't need the summer to explore a new career or desire to make a huge career change then a shorter programme can be the ideal fit for you. The European programmes, in general, tend to draw larger numbers of internationals (more than 70%) than their US counterpart, where internationals make up about 35% of the class.
Best MBA programmes: There are many great programmes in Europe and the UK. Each programme has its strengths in different areas. A good place to start is reviewing the Financial Times 2010 European Rankings. You should also review the career placement data at the programmes you want to target, to see which industries and positions graduates of the programme enter.
As for electives and what you should study, that is a personal decision and should be based on what career you desire in the long term. Some programmes offer opportunities to specialise, allowing you to drill down in your area of interest while you build greater expertise in that space. Other programmes offer a wide choice of courses across all functional areas of business, preparing you with general management training.
If you have the chance to cover the cost of the MBA by self-funding then go for it instead of taking out loans.
Finally, the best way to prepare for an interview is to take the time to practice, practice, practice. I cover how to ace the interview in a chapter in my book, The Best Business School's Admissions Secrets. You should also take time to fully research the programme so you can articulate in a convincing way during the interview how you are a fit with the programme and what you will be able to do to enrich the programme.
It's been reported in the FT that there's a growing number of women applying for MBA programmes. Why do you think this is and as a woman, is now a particularly good time to apply?
Chloe, France
Chioma: Hi Chloe, thanks for your question. For the past decade or so, many top MBA programmes have invested in consistent outreach efforts to target more women to consider business school. Many of these activities have included admissions information sessions for women on campus, events with Forté Foundation, a non-profit organisation focused on increasing the number of women leaders and female students pursuing an MBA, outreach to women colleges, etc.
I haven't seen data on the makeup of the applicant pool but I suspect that the applications for women have gone up. The recent enrollment data suggest that the recruitment efforts targeting women are beginning to yield fruit (Wharton female students for this entering class is 45%, Stanford is at 39% and London Business School is at 27%), compared to the statistics of female students from years before.
I believe more women see the MBA as a viable option worth exploring instead of a cutthroat environment for only individuals in finance. You should definitely apply if you feel ready. Take advantage of the programme's outreach efforts to learn more about the schools, the MBA in general and then decide on the programmes you wish to apply to.
How do online MBAs compare with those obtained at a brick and mortar institution? For many, time and place restrictions make traditional classes difficult to attend and alternative methods appear attractive.
Gabe Seif
Chioma: Hi Gabe, online programmes are a more recent phenomenon (and growing quite rapidly), compared to brick and mortar programmes that have been around in some cases for over 100 years. Online programmes offer significant flexibility since you can pursue the programme from anywhere in the world, regardless of geographical restrictions. You can fit the classes into your life instead of having to stop your job to enrol in a traditional MBA programme.
The downside of online MBA programmes is that you lose the close bonds that emerge from the day to day interaction of student and faculty engagement, which is one of the main benefits of pursuing an MBA in the first place. You have to be clear on what you wish to achieve with the degree. If you want to make a significant career change then an online programme may be more challenging to achieve that switch, compared to a traditional MBA where you can do internships or projects to gain exposure to the new industry you wish to enter.
Fortunately, more employers are becoming more accepting of online MBA programmes. Reflect carefully on your situation and decide on the type of programme that will meet your objectives.
Which holds more weight: GPA or GMAT scores?
Rhoundy J. Jones
Chioma: Hello Rhoundy, both the GPA and the GMAT are very important in the admissions evaluation. There are some factors that influence how each of these are viewed. The longer the time between your undergraduate degree and your application, the less critical the GPA is.
For example, if you graduated a long time ago and your GPA was on the low side, but you have a recent GMAT score that is quite high, plus if you have excellent work experience, you may be able to overcome the low GPA. Schools recognise that not everyone is a great test taker and so if your GMAT is lower than average, but your academic record is very strong and you majored in a challenging course at a highly reputed university, then the GPA can help to offset a low GMAT score.
The most thought-provoking contributions may be published in the Financial Times newspaper, so please supply your full name and location.


text:
Fort Edward, N.Y. - Agricultural events, scenic fall foliage and outdoor recreation highlight the fall weekend getaway options for visitors to Washington County, New York. Located where the Hudson River Valley meets the mighty Adirondacks, Washington County features scenic country roads, farms, covered bridges, museums, artisans with charming towns and villages to explore. Special agricultural and harvest events in Washington County this fall include: September 8, 9: The Cheese Tour This free event allows visitors to tour six area cheese producers to sample cheese and learn more about the cheese-making process. More information can be found at www.washingtoncountycheese.com/tour.html. September 8: HarvestFest Celebrate the fall season with local food, music, art and activities for the entire family in scenic Salem. More information is available at www.salemnychamber.com/harvestfest.html. September 22, 23: Southern Adirondack Fiber Festival Held at the Washington County Fairgrounds in Easton, this event features over 120 vendors, demonstrations, animals and finished fiber products. More information on this event is available at http://www.adkfiber.com/. October 6-8: Landscapes for Landsakes This 11th annual art exhibition features over 200 works of art. More information on this event is available at http://www.agstewardship.org/. Several of these fall events have special getaway packages available on the Washington County Tourism website. For outdoor enthusiasts, the fall colors that cover the Washington County countryside present a beautiful backdrop to hike on the Eastern shore of Lake George in the southern Adirondacks, to boat on one of the many lakes or rivers or to ride a bike along country roads and over covered bridges. In addition, Washington County is home to the Battenkill and Mettawee rivers, which present fly fishing opportunities. Special fly fishing weekend packages are available and can be found online at http://www.washingtonnycounty.com/. To learn more about Washington County, New York's fall events, weekend getaway opportunities and vacation packages offered, please visit http://www.washingtonnycounty.com/. About Washington County, New York Uniquely located where the Hudson River Valley meets both the Southern Adirondacks and the Green Mountains of Vermont, scenic Washington County offers visitors charming country roads, covered bridges, agri-tourism and farm experiences, local artisans and cultural activities, charming boutiques for shopping and so much more. Visitors can learn more about Washington County at http://www.washingtonnycounty.com/.
###Contact: Christine Hoffer Washington County Tourism 518-222-7450 email@example.com

subset: commoncrawl


text:
by James FetterThe Barber shop --Sal the barber. Originally worked in a shop next to "Cardboard Joes". He left the beach for a few years and then returned to a location off of Everett Ave. Next to Mackins Bar (Pat Mackin). Another bar another story.Sal was a good guy. My brothers and I would stop in faithfully every other week and get our hair cut and tell Sal my dad would pay him on Saturday. My dad would go in in Saturday to get his hair cut and it would cost him $4. The good olds!
There was a beauty parlor in next to Cardboard Joe's too and the butcher shop was there before moving down next to Food Haven (John's Grocery).
My mom went to school with the George from the dry cleaners. I couldn't help but laugh , your description of the "T" shirt is right on. He was epiletic. You may remember he had some bad burn scars. This was from falling on the iron.
There was a lady that worked for George for a long time, Mrs. Fenney. I believe it was Josephine. Her husband Bill delivered milk post WWII for Sheffield Farms with my dad. They live on Jovel Ct. between Devon and Everrett.
O'Connor's bar now the Knights of Columbus --A bar by another name.
The Cops - I remember Gerritsen Ave was the divide between the 61st and 63rd precincts. As are crowd accumulated on the corner of Gerritsen and Allen Ave., the one precint would come and tell us to move. Across the street was fine with them, the next phone call would have to be answered by someone else.
I remember Tommy Fox taking firecrackers away from kids and standing on the dock by the Tamaqua pulling the fuses out and throwing them into the creek. He would have a beer or two when he was done.
The police car style. I can't watch Tuddy and Muldoone and not remember --"Car 54 where are you." Is that the style you are referring to?
I have another "Cardboard Joe" story, but this is getting to long another time. Thanks everyone, I'm loving this.Submitted 9/14/98
Home | Message Board | Address Book | Photo Gallery | Search
Last changed: March 09, 2005


text:
2009 Sierra Madre Chardonnay
Originally planted in 1971, Sierra Madre Vineyard is now home to 91.4 acres of Chardonnay and 64.22 acres of Pinot Noir, Most of the original vines were replanted by then Byron Winemaker, Ken Brown. Because of Pinot Noir's extreme clone sensitivity, Brown was meticulous in his quest to combine each desirable rootstock and clone, to create a veritable winemaker's candy store of combinations. This allows Sierra Madre customers the opportunity to work with their preferred combination, or to use different combinations as components to complete the finished wine
The light-textured, well-drained, sandy-loam soils nourish the low-yielding vines to set clusters with small berries, intense with fl avor, color and concentration. The unique coastal climate slows ripening allowing for extended 'hang-time' to deliver vibrant fruit character, while retaining crisp, fresh acidity in the resulting wines.
Medium yellow color. This Chardonnay exhibits an intriguing nose of butterscotch, caramel, peach sorbet, then followed up with ripe fig, apricot, and vanilla bean. The flavors are seamless expressions of the aroma profile and are paired with hints of passion fruit and guava. While the initial texture seems rich, the vibrant acidity helps create layers in this hedonistic wine, leading to a cleansing finish. Drink now through 2017
Bill Brosseau, Director of Winemaking


text:
Medical sources in Gaza Strip are reporting a "massacre" in Gaza at dawn Sunday after tending to some of those injured in Israeli attacks which had destroyed hundreds of homes and hundreds of victims between dead and injured, most particularly on the eastern parameters of Gaza City.
Medical staff said ambulances and medics are unable to reach the scores of bodies and hundreds of injured.
Meanwhile in the city, masses of frightened, crying, sometimes screaming Palestinians are seen fleeing with nothing but the clothes they have on. Some of those running for their lives spoke of hundreds of mortar shells still raining on their homes. Thousands have fled their homes and are seeking central city areas where it is deemed safer.
The Spokesman for the Health Ministry in Gaza, Ashraf Al-Qudra, accused the Israeli side of preventing the transport of bodies and injured to hospitals. He told reporters "Israeli forces are heavily firing at and shelling ambulances, civil defense vehicles, as well as civilian homes and the number of those fallen cannot be ascertained amid these circumstances." He described the attacks since post-midnight Saturday as the fiercest since the start of the assault on Gaza two weeks ago.
He pointed out "there is deliberate, premeditated targeting of civilian homes with mortar shells and air missiles," and "medical crews are desperately trying to reach the victims". He added international agencies including the Red Cross are contacting the Israelis to urge them to allow ambulances into Al-Shujaeia neighborhood where the greatest number of victims was reported, "to no avail." "The Israelis had vowed to destroy this neighborhood completely and considers the area a closed military zone and no one is allowed in." Al-Qudra said reports of deaths and injuries are pouring in from Rafah, Al-Wusta Governorate, as well as Al-Shujaeia.
"It is hard to fail, but it is worse never to have tried to succeed."
"Envy comes from wanting something that isn't yours. But grief comes from losing something you've already had."


text:
・New Year's Holidays (Dec.29-Jan.4)
Iwamiginzan silver mine discovered about 480 years ago in 1526. A few years later, after the refining method, "Haifuki-ho" was introduced into Japan, the silver production increased greatly at Iwamiginzan. This method spread of many other mines in Japan including, Sado (Niigata) and Ikuno (Hyogo).
Silver production was at its height during the Sengoku and early Edo periods and Iwamiginzan was at the forefront of mining techniques in Japan. Today, the investigation of Iwamiginzan is important in the search for information on the source of mining skills in Japan. In the 16th century, Iwamiginzan was one of the most important mines in the world. It had significant influence over the international circulation of silver and the value of silver.
In the past few years, iwamiginzan has been recognized for its historical value. It is presently being investigated for the purpose of registering the site for World Heritage. This homepage was created by the iwamiginzan museum in Omori. It was set up to report the stages of the investigation and to promote the value of Iwamiginzan silver mine.
1.History of Iwamiginzan (Iwami Silver Mine)
2.The Role of Japanese Silver in World History
|Iwamiginzan Museum has managed this homepage.
Copyright(c)Iwami Silvermine Museum. All rights reserved.


text:
There is an awful lot of nonsense being talked at the moment.
The figures from a week past Thursday give the Tories 318 votes in a Parliament, effectively, of 643, since 7 seats are held by the resolutely abstentionist Shinners. So the Tories are actually only 4 votes short of a majority if every opposition Party votes against them.
But it's not even votes against them. Defeat on a particular issue, even on The Queen's Speech (!), does not bring down the Government given the terms of The Fixed Term Parliaments Act. The only thing which that Act allows for is an election if the Government loses a vote on the specific provision "That this house has no confidence in Her Majesty's Government". Assuming that is not reversed within 14 days, then Parliament is dissolved. That is the only way there can be an election before May 2022 unless the two big Parties collude (as they did in April) by passing a resolution for an early dissolution by a two thirds majority.
Given how well that latter option worked out for the Tories just a fortnight past it is inconceivable they'd exercise it again.
And as I've already pointed out in previous blogs, a vote of no confidence in the Government in the terms required by the Act is much more than it might appear from its literal terms. It is also a vote for an immediate election. It is the case that one or other of the Lib-Dems, The DUP, or the SNP not wanting an immediate election, and thus abstaining on a confidence vote, would see the Tories carrying on in power. All the focus might be on the DUP but it shouldn't have been.
For here I make two observations. The first is that Jo Swinson, now deputy leader of the Lib Dems is on the record as saying they don't want an early election. Although, to be fair, that might change within a year or so.
But the second relates to the position of the SNP. Ian Blackford, their new Commons leader, has said this week that they'd welcome any opportunity to vote out the Tories. But actions speak louder than words in that regard. When the motion for the dissolution was put back in April it passed by two thirds, as required, because both the Tories and Labour voted for it. BUT THE SNP ABSTAINED! Specifically because, as they said at the time, they did not wish an election.
So when they say now, through Blackford, that they are ready to vote out the Tories at any time, then that, if true, is a change in their position since as recently as April. And back in April a "bad" result for the Nats would be one leaving them with around 45 seats. Such are the wafer thin majorities so many of their MPs now sit on, a "bad result" this time could easily see them reduced to single figures in the Commons. And the clock very obviously ticking on their hold on Holyrood. So the SNP voting for an early election, rather than finding some justification to abstain again? I'd believe it when I saw it.
Which leads me to another canard which is going the rounds. That somehow Holyrood might block Brexit. IT HAS ALREADY BEEN DECIDED AT THE HIGHEST JUDICIAL LEVEL THAT IT CAN'T!
For good or ill the Scottish Government entered the Gina Miller case asserting that Holyrood had the right to be consulted on the Brexit process and the Supreme Court decided unanimously that it didn't. Any Legislative Consent Motion asked of Holyrood would be no more than a courtesy. If consent was declined that could (and presumably would) be ignored and the job just got on with. What could the Nats do other than moan? I suppose they could threaten another referendum. That's worked well for them so far.
So, in summary, the Tories are in power to 2022 if they want to be. They might not get all their legislation through (although even that is doubtful) but in any event they'll still be the Government. And after the last month that status is not something they are going to risk again any time soon.


text:
New Hope Housing's core purpose is to provide life-stabilizing, affordable, permanent housing with support services for people who live on very limited incomes. Our vision is to be an enduring institution serving Houston's most vulnerable citizens.
In 1993, the plight of the homeless and near homeless was painfully clear to the People of Christ Church Cathedral-Episcopal. They did not need a study to illuminate the problem. All they needed was to walk from the Cathedral to the parking lot. It was obvious that there were people without a decent place to live or who had no home at all. And so the Parishioners challenged the local community to do something about it.
They added a caveat to the Church's fundraising efforts. For every $1 raised to restore the historic Cathedral, $1 was raised to invest in community solutions. Of these funds, $1.25 million was given to create New Hope Housing and to build the first 40 units of single room occupancy (SRO) rental housing in Houston. From inception, our focus has been on adults living alone on very modest incomes, and we have grown into Texas' leading provider of SRO housing. In 2013, the Board of Directors made a decision to expand the scope of our services to assist homeless and at-risk families.
Our first family supportive housing broke ground in October 2016 and is located in central southwest Houston off Highway 288 and Reed Road.
Today, New Hope Housing is an award-winning, debt-free organization. We help build lives through almost a thousand units of beautiful, safe SRO housing, available at an affordable rental rate in seven locations throughout Houston.
We connect people with a range of supportive services that provide the tools to create a stable life filled with hope.
Currently, we are expanding our mission to serve homeless and at-risk families.


text:
I received the following subscription box for review from Ivy Kids, all views and opinions are my own. See Disclosure.
I'm not sure but sometimes I think I love children's books better than adult books. All the wonder of the world with whimsical illustrations children's books really are the best. It's funny how children love to read the same books over and over again. Can you imagine reading the same book as an adult 5, 6 or 100 times in a day? Kids learn through repetition and it's great for parents to indulge in the process by giving their child a reason to read more. We recently were given the July subscription box from Ivy Kids. This was a subscription box I couldn't wait to receive! Unlike so many children's sub boxes Ivy Kids sub box includes the book!
Here's the truth: To be honest I'm not huge on subscription boxes because I think sometimes you're paying more for the shipping than the product. I know other moms who can't get enough and order from several companies each month, but I find myself to be a bit pickier. When I had my first look at what all was included in the Ivy Kids box each month I couldn't believe what a great deal it was! I worked at a daycare when I was younger and I loved having themed curriculum, crafts and games to go along with a favorite book. The only problem with those themes was the time it took to pull everything together and find all the supplies to make it work. Now as a parent I seem to have even less time, but more incentive to give my son the enrichment from crafts that go along with his books. Ivy Kids have taken out all the stops and have done all the work to put together a subscription box even I can't wait to order!
As you can see in the pictures above the Booper thoroughly enjoyed playing the feed the frog game. For this game we created the frog using the supplies from the Ivy Kids box, and then using the plastic bugs and tweezers he could snatch a bug and put it in the frog (cup). This was great for his motor skills and it also helped to build up those muscles in his hand which I noticed has helped him use scissors better too. Even though he'll be starting K-4 soon Ivy Kids have been great to give us quality time together doing the crafts and playing the games. Each bag inside the sub box includes directions and tips for parents to help keep your child engaged. The best thing about this sub box is they don't even know they're learning it's just so much fun! Have more than one child? Good news you can order extra supplies with your kit so both of your children can enjoy. Now the Booper looks forward to craft time every day, and so do I!
Why Ivy Kids?
Here's what you need to know about the Ivy Kids sub box subscription:
- Fun and engaging educational activities are developed by certified early childhood teachers.
- A monthly book is selected based upon its success as a learning tool in the classroom.
- Unique games and projects are based upon the monthly story and characters.
- Each kit is packed with games, materials, and projects that can be played for years to come.
- Ivy Kit activities can be modified based on your child's age and development.
- We design each kit to build early foundational skills in math, science, and literacy.
- Everything that you need to play is included in the kit.
- Games can be played with more than one child.
- Our materials and activities are similar to those found in high quality early education settings.
- Each activity contains a detailed instructional guide with questions to scaffold learning.
- Our activities meet the standards of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).
- All our activities have been tested and enjoyed by children.


text:
From Chronicle Staff Writer Susan Slusser
The A's made two major moves Monday, adding closer Jim Johnson and left-handed starter Scott Kazmir, and this morning, Oakland dealt top outfield prospect Michael Choice to Texas for speedy outfielder Craig Gentry. This afternoon, DH-outfielder Seth Smith was traded to San Diego for reliever Luke Gregerson, and Oakland's already solid bullpen now looks among the best in baseball.
"It's fun, it's why we do this job, days like this," A's general manager Billy Beane said of the team's flurry of activity. "It made for a late night for everyone. We're satisfied with the outcome but it was a pretty frenetic pace."
What does all of this mean, particularly moving a young outfielder with power, in Choice, for Gentry, who is a right-handed hitting platoon outfielder? The move has some in the game scratching their heads (I've even heard comparisons to the Andre Ethier deal with the Dodgers). But I believe it signals that the A's, after making the postseason in each of the last two years, believe the window might be closing soon and they are going for it in 2014. That's the only reason you'd give up a No. 1 draft pick like Choice for a platoon outfielder, especially when dealing with a division rival.
Beane acknowledged that Choice was one of the A's best prospects, but he said his club had a very specific need to fill: a good defensive center fielder who can hit from the right side in order to spell Coco Crisp when needed or to fill in there if Crisp is unavailable. "We were counting on Coco to play a lot of games and stay perfectly healthy," Beane said. "We didn't want to put the whole season at risk based on that."
As for the notion of going for it all next season with these moves, Beane said that the team always is either trying to push to improve when possible – or completely rebuilding when needed.
"We've never really straddled the fence," he said. "We don't have a five-year plan here. We have a year-to-year stadium lease, how can we have a five-year plan? So we have to recognize opportunities when they're there. We've always operated either all in or all out."
The go-for-it mode is apparent to the A's players. "It seems like the front office is going for the whole big picture, going all out," outfielder Josh Reddick said. "It's exciting, they're going to push even further to the edge. That's what we all want, the ultimate goal, to win it all."
That also explains why the A's would spend $10 million-plus on Johnson, the major-league saves leader the past two seasons, when the team has two potential young closers in Sean Doolittle and Ryan Cook. Johnson is a free agent after 2014.
The other possibility, of course, is that Beane – named the 2013 Executive of the Year by Baseball America today – could flip some of these newly acquired pieces for a big bat. Oakland's front office typically does not make major deals only to move those players, but I'm not sure I'd rule anything out this week.
Beane said that the team has filled the major holes it was looking to fill, but when I asked if the team is done dealing, he said, "I don't think it's in our nature to take the rest of the winter off. We're always looking to improve ourselves either for right now or down the road. We'd be foolish to close up shop. I can't say this is the end of it, I can't say it isn't."
It's no secret that left-hander Brett Anderson, the A's Opening Day starter last season, is available and there is a great deal of interest. Toronto long has coveted Anderson ("They're infatuated with him," one major-league exec told me) and the Indians and Twins have inquired, though neither appears to be a real trade fit. Boston and Baltimore also are believed to have some interest.
In case you missed it in today's Chronicle, the A's are targeting middle infielders/catchers in any Anderson deal, or so one major-league source tells me. That might indicate that should the A's move Anderson, it would be one of those improve-down-the-road deals with good prospects coming back – particularly after sending Choice away.
Manager Bob Melvin told me that he doesn't believe this offseason is really any different from last winter. "Billy showed after the 2012 season he's not going to stand pat, he's going to continue to improve the team," Melvin said. "Now he's trying to improve the team again. All of these moves fill holes that we needed to fill, and they all make us better. The coaching staff is excited about these pieces."
As for giving up a No. 1 draft pick for a platoon outfielder, Melvin said, "It takes quality to get quality. Gentry is a guy Billy and I have both liked and coveted for a while."
Choice, who is from Arlington, Texas, and still lives there, is thrilled about the deal. Surprised, but thrilled.
"It's all so crazy, I didn't seen this coming at all, but I feel good coming back home," he told me by phone.
The A's also sent well-regarded minor-league infielder Chris Bostick to the Rangers in the Choice trade while acquiring right-hander Josh Lindblom from the Rangers. Lindblom will be pitching depth at Triple-A Sacramento.
One big-league scout tells me that Choice often divides talent evaluators. "He's a love/hate guy," he said. "But Bostick has upside and is a risky trade."
Gentry, 30, said on a conference call that he not sure what his role will be, but he hopes to do whatever he can to help the team win. "It's definitely a great ballclub, from playing against them," he said. "They handle themselves well, play hard. … I feel like I'll fit in well, I'm excited about it. I'm hoping I can help the team maybe win another division title."
Reddick, who is most likely to be platooned with Gentry, told me that he is on board with the deal and he's long admired Gentry's speed. "He's as fast as Coco Crisp, and I know he's faster than me," Reddick said. "I think we've added a great piece. We're a team with a lot of versatility and a lot of platoons, and I guess it's up to Bob to find a way to get Gentry into the lineup. If it takes sitting me against a tough lefty, I'm OK with that."
Gregerson, 29, could be "a difference maker," one ML source told me, calling him "a trustworthy reliever who doesn't scare during late innings."
He had a 2.71 ERA in 73 appearances with the Padres last year and right-handers hit .192 against him. Beane said he can handle any role in the bullpen.
"I'm excited," Gregerson said. "I've had a chance to watch the team play on TV, I'm excited to see them up close and personal. It's a good, exciting group to watch."
Gregerson said he figures with the pitching the A's have, and the offensive talent, they should win a lot of ballgames. As for himself, he said, "I feel like over the years I've done a good job coming in in places, situations, and getting the job done. I've been consistent with my performance. I hope to continue to do that."
Johnson found out he'd been dealt to the A's when he landed in San Diego last night, en route to the union meetings today. He was initially apprehensive – he never has been traded before – and he was worried about the effect on his Florida-based family, which includes a school-age daughter.
"Then I started looking at the team, and I'm excited," he said. "They're making even more deals today. It looks like they're trying to build something exciting."
Johnson describes pitching against the A's the past two years as "a dogfight," a compliment to his new teammates. And he is impressed with Oakland's bullpen: He spoke to A's lefty Jerry Blevins at the union meetings today about how strong the unit is. Johnson has met Ryan Cook, who also was an All-Star in 2012; he knows how good Sean Doolittle is; and he's seen Gregerson. The best team Johnson has played for, the 2012 Orioles, also had a top-notch bullpen in which numerous men could handle the late innings, and that's what Johnson says he sees in Oakland.
There wasn't much doubt about what Johnson's role would be, considering his track record and how much he'll earn next year, but Melvin ended any hint of speculation by saying, "He has 101 saves the last two years in the American League East. He's proven consistently that he can pitch effectively, and this allows us to keep two major cogs, Sean Doolittle and Ryan Cook, in their roles, plus Jerry Blevins and Dan Otero, Jesse Chavez."
One big-league exec told me that the A's got a great deal in getting Johnson for Jemile Weeks. "It's basically a salary dump by Baltimore," he said. "That $10 million is a lot but for a one-year deal, a worthy gamble."
The same exec, though, did not like Kazmir at $22 million for two years, saying he'd have taken Phil Hughes or dealt for Doug Fister rather than adding Kazmir. The obvious comparison locally: The Giants signed former A's star Tim Hudson for two years and $23 million. It's unclear if Hudson would have chosen the A's over the Giants if they'd offered more – he mentioned several times how much he wanted to stay in the National League – but if a few million more had indeed gotten Hudson, that also might have been the better deal. Still, Kazmir is coming off a nice bounce-back year and could benefit from pitching at the Coliseum.
"He figured things out," Reddick said. "He's a solid addition."
Third baseman Josh Donaldson, who played with Kazmir and Gentry in the Dominican Republic, said that both are great guys, and he said he also learned how tough Kazmir is when the A's faced him last season with Cleveland.
"Playing against him, I saw a different side to him, how competitive he is," Donaldson said. "He gets after it on the mound. Pitching at the Coliseum is going to be beneficial for him, too."
Donaldson is sad to see Smith's departure. Smith had a down year last year, batting .253 with eight homers and 40 RBIs in 117 games – he had a lengthy slump that appeared to be remedied by laser eye surgery – but as Donaldson said,
"Seth always had a lot of big hits for us. And he was a great teammate. It takes a special guy with the whole platoon thing and it was a testament to his character and work ethic that he handled that so well."
Reddick begins rehab on his surgically repaired right wrist tomorrow and he said the plan is to begin swinging the bat on Jan. 1. He said the only things he hasn't been able to do with his wrist in a splint is to lift weights and to go fishing, "which is kind of a bummer," he said.
I spoke to starter Sonny Gray this morning, too, to check on his rehab after a Prince Fielder line drive broke his left hand in the playoffs; he said everything has gone very well, he is now doing strengthening work and he should be throwing off the mound in two and a half weeks, not far off where he would be in a normal offseason. He said the pin in his left hand will stay there, but he has no discomfort whatsoever in the hand. Both Gray and Reddick are expected to be fully ready for spring training.
Gray said he's happy with the additions of Kazmir and Johnson to the pitching staff, though he'll miss staff ace Bartolo Colon, who is no longer a free-agent option for Oakland. Colon served as something of a mentor to the young A's pitchers, who all watched his starts closely and learned the value of pinpoint fastball control.
"Bartolo was so supportive," Gray said. "Before the playoffs started, he was so calm and saying, 'It's no big deal, you've got it,' and he told me about his first playoff start. I was lucky to be around him my first year."


text:
You might know they I have just started to teach myself crochet. I had my heart set on making a really cool crochet basket with this HUGE amount of t-shirt yarn (nearly did a bad yet apt typo then! ;) ) that I have had lying around (see here) but after literally a million tries, with several different patterns, I've put it on the back burner for now!
A blog I have started following for a while now, Maybe Matilda, posted a tutorial for this gorgeous baby blanket. And not only that, this tutorial has PHOTOS! The thing I can't quite get my head around yet is reading crochet patterns, so anything with photos or video, I am really into!
However, even with this super easy tutorial, I am still foiled by crochet! I'm onto my third attempt now, having failed spectacularly with the first go:
I bought some smaller hooks for this attempt, but still failed...!
Although you can't really see, the edges were really going uneven and I couldn't continue with it being so crazy!
This is where I'm currently at:
And already I'm a bit off track! I have no idea how one end it straight and the other seems to become uneven! (Actually I *think* it's because I made one mistake at the end of a row, I didn't think it would be a big deal, but turns out it is!)
Hopefully as I go on I'll get the hang of it and end up with a nice even edge! I can't bear the thought of unpicking it a THIRD time when I like this version the best so far!
Any tips??


text:
Where will Juventus star Paul Pogba be next season?
Very few players command attention and interest across the globe consistently. We live in a world where Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo take turns in setting the bar higher and higher. This makes other footballers seem mortal, in comparison. But, one player who is keeping up with the best consistently is Paul Pogba. With an array of skills that can put any footballer in his shade, Pogba is making his own mark on the global arena.
At 22 years, Pogba is already a special player. The potential was always there and even the confrontations between clubs. When he joined Manchester United from Le Havre, there were accusations that United approached the player illegally. And when he left United to join Juventus in 2012, Sir Alex Ferguson went to the extent of alleging that Pogba had a contract with Juventus 'a long time ago'. The underlying circumstances may have been different but the pain of losing a talented player was apparent.
Lack of game time was one of the reasons why Pogba left United for Juventus. Even before he kicked a ball for Juventus, everyone knew that the club was successful in grabbing the big prize. Over the last two years, he established himself as the lynchpin of the Juventus midfield. His agent Mino Raiola always maintained that Pogba is on par with the best in the world and is a future Ballon d'Or winner.
Torino v Juventus Betting Odds:
Torino win 31/10
Juventus win 10/11
Draw 11/5
(All odds provided by AllYouBet.ag are accurate as of today and subject to change)
The exploits of this talented playmaker haven't gone unnoticed. Top European clubs like Real Madrid, Barcelona, PSG and Manchester City monitor his situation continuously and vie for his signature. It has even been suggested that his old club Manchester United is keen to get him back; and price is not a problem for any of these top sides. Pogba could spur any team to the heights of European glory and none of these teams would want to miss out.
Where does this leave Juventus? Surely, the club knows what it has and treasures the value of the player on its books. But, it is an open secret that it may not be long before they get a huge offer and Pogba leaves. Everyone remembers what happened with Zinedine Zidane when he was sold at the peak of his prowess by Juventus to Real Madrid.
Pogba may follow the footsteps of his idol and join the current Champions League holders, and the chances of him ending at Madrid will only increase if Zidane becomes the manager of the first team. However bitter rivals Barcelona are not willing to admit defeat and, if reports are to be believed, will offer huge money to Juventus once their transfer ban is over.
Whatever comes next, Pogba will continue to grab attention of every club and fan across the globe, and Raiola could be pardoned for continuously singing the praises of his player. The clubs could be forgiven for waiting with bated breath on what could be his next step. But, what is sure is that Pogba will be a global phenomenon for the next few years at least.
There may still be some naysayers who argue that Pogba is not yet at the level of Messi or Ronaldo. Truth be told, he is not at the same level; not yet! He has all the tools to challenge the game's elite. It is just a matter of time.
Betting Instinct tip – Juventus to win to nil in the Derby di Torino is 4.01 with Intertops.eu
SRIDHAR BHAMIDI is an avid football follower and follows most of the leagues. He is an experienced freelance writer covering match reviews, reports, transfer news and betting articles. Follow him on Twitter.


text:
When it comes to 3D movies, the technology is all the rage right now with almost all blockbuster films releasing with a 3D variant. 2016 saw the likes of Star Trek Beyond, The Legend of Tarzan, The Jungle Book, Batman Vs Superman: Dawn of Justice, and many more making big bucks with a 3D release. However, when it comes to 3D technology in televisions, we still haven't seen the trend pick up, with consumers opting for high-end OLED, or the more popular LED displays sans 3D. There are also a bunch of smartphones such as, Micromax Canvas 3D, LG Optimus 3D P920, InFocus M550-3D, that attempted to sell on the back of 3D technology, but we all know how these smartphones were lost in oblivion.
Now, new research emerging from MIT's Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Lab, and Weizmann Institute of Science's Computer Vision Lab, is attempting to change the way we consume 3D content. In this study, researchers are attempting to create large-scale Automultiscopic displays, which will use multiple parallax barriers to create a cinematic 3D experience without having to use 3D glasses.
A 'Parallax Barrier' is a device that is placed in front of the image source, allowing the user to view 3D content without glasses. The barrier consists of precision slits that allow each eye to view a different set of pixels, creating a perception of depth. Even though parallax barriers exist currently, the technology is limited by the fact that the viewer needs to be at a fixed distance from the screen, without which the 3D effect cannot be experienced. Hence, currently this technology cannot be implemented in cinemas, with various seating positions.
Attempting to change the same, the new research says, "This work proposes a new display concept, which supports automultiscopic content in a wide cinema setting. It builds on the typical structure of cinemas, such as the fixed seat positions and the fact that different rows are located on a slope at different heights. Rather than attempting to display many angular images spanning the full range of viewing angles in a wide cinema, our design only displays the narrow angular range observed within the limited width of a single seat. The same narrow range content is then replicated to all rows and seats in the cinema. To achieve this, it uses an optical construction based on two sets of parallax barriers, or lenslets, placed in front of a standard screen."
Termed as Cinema 3D, this technology will ensure each individual theater seat receives 3D images, allowing viewers to go glass free. However, the report states that the current prototype screen is no larger than a writing pad. Researchers of the study say that they are working to improve the same and cross the limitations of screen size, which may soon give us movie buffs a chance to see clear 3D pictures without having to wear image-dulling 3D glasses.
Other Popular Deals
- Samsung A7 2016 Edition GoldenRs. 18990 *Buy Now
- Nokia 1 (Dark Blue, 1GB RAM,...Rs. 4000Buy Now
- Redmi Note 5 Pro (Gold, 4GB...Rs. 12998Buy Now


text:
It is mid September and we are still waiting for any sign of a trailer for the upcoming Will Smith Seven Pounds movie. I admit to being alittle bit surprised to be still waiting considering the film has a mid December release date. Maybe the studio isn't sure how advance buzz will go for a Christmas release with an expectedly bleak storyline.
Anyway, until something shows up I thought that I would share with you all a clever fan made Seven Pounds teaser trailer that I found on YouTube recently. at least somebody is willing to supply us with something. lol
I appreciate the effort, really, but I do find it amusing that the creator of this fan trailer chose to use clips of will Smith from two quite distinct Smith films with two quite distinct haircuts.
Seven Pounds movie - A teaser trailer - well, kind of.
Posted by Stephen at 12:10 AM
No comments:
Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)


text:
Roscommon Easter Parade
Roscommon Town's Annual Easter Parade which takes place on Easter SundayRSS 2.0
Call for Entries
2016 | Entries Now Open
Entries are now being accepted for the 2016 Roscommon Easter Parade. Entry Fees are as follows: Commercial Floats – €60 Community/Voluntary – €30 You can download the 2016 ENTRY FORM here or email us at email@example.com. Closing Date for Entries: Thursday 24th March 2016
Tags: 2016, Call for Entries, easter parade, Enter Now, roscommon
Posted in Newsfeed | Comments Off on 2016 | Entries Now Open


text:
TURQUOISE AND SILVER: thrifted, GOLD CHAIN: thrifted,
COLLAR: thanks to Beginning Boutique, WOODEN CROSS: DIY, Metal cross: F21, RHINESTONE: Target
CLEAR RHINESTONE: thanks to Claire's, TURQUOISE PENDANT: my aunt, TWO BIRDS: gifted, CROSS CUFF: thanks to ShopLately, AMBER AND CLEAR RHINESTONE: H&M
TURQUOISE TRIANGLE: thanks to Pree Brulee, STUDS: DIY, GOLD SPIKES: DIY, SILVER TOOTH: thanks to ShopLately
Unfortunately, all of my pieces don't get an equal share of wear (sorry, my unworn necklaces!), but I do love how they look sitting with the others.
My favorite necklace right now is the silver spiked tooth Glint and Gleam necklace sent to me by Shoplately.
I've displayed them on ceramic plates from Fish's Eddy, the most adorable dish and house wares store I've encountered thus far. They have an amazing $1 section in the back, where all the merchandise is (you guessed it!) a dollar a piece. So these four little dishes came out to a mere $4! They also have large plates, cups, flatware, bowls, and the like in the back. If you're ever in NYC, make sure to visit!
Like my pieces? Find similar ones and more at MyJewelryBox


text:
15 Sep Piece of the Middle East
It finally happened! The lovely Marlies of Free From Supermarket and I have been discussing this idea for months and months, and we finally did it (Edit: it happened 4 more times since, all successful and delicious). Last Thursday morning, we had our first Middle Eastern Mezze class for adults, and it was a big success! Marlies donated her kitchen for this cause, and let 6 lovely ladies come and make a mess with me. For three
hours, we worked on a beautiful spread of healthy Middle Eastern specialties, such as spelt pita bread, winner hummus, fattoush, oven baked falafel, a surprising onion salad, spicy eggplant salad, and my take on dolma using beautiful grape leaves form you garden. As you know already, everything we used was organic, local, high quality ingredients from Marlies's online store, and farmy.ch.
We had such an amazing time, and everyone was so happy with the results of their hard (well, not too hard) work. Just check out this amazing testimonial we've received from the beautiful people who attended the class:
Today I attended a Mezze cooking course hosted by our Health & Safety Day partner Free From Supermarket and run by one of our sponsors on the day, Danna from Miso Cute Cooking Course. Mezze, a selection of appetizers and typical for Near Eastern and North African meals, are not only easy to make, as we practiced today, but delicious AND, keeping with our mantra, healthy! What else can one want?!
Under Danna's watchful eye we prepared a tahini dish, her winner hummus, homemade oven baked falafel, fattoush, a lovely sweet onion salad, spicy eggplants with plenty of Harissa, a Dolma Pie and, my absolute favorite, the best ever, and not at all difficult to make pita bread.
Have I said enough? Attending one of Danna's cooking courses sometime soon in the future is high on my priority list and it should be on your's, too.
Luitgard Holzleg
Healthy and Safe Away From Home
If you're interested in joining one of our awesome adult classes, to learn how to make quick and super healthy recipes using on the best organic local ingredients, check out our upcoming events to find a date and location that suits you. Better do it quick, as space is limited.


text:
Click To Enlarge
This is a wood or cling mounted deep etch artistic orchid colored rubber stamp designed by Endless Creations,LLC and manufactured by Everyday Cards Rubber Stamps. This is a mirror reverse stamp of itself so the little butterfly flies left or right.
Approximate rubber size: 0.75" High by 0.50" Wide for each image.
- Item #: BB66


text:
|Jordan Morrison & Andrew Crescenzi
I wasn't planning on going to last night's game against the Bakersfield Condors, but I had nothing going on, so I got a cheapie ticket in the Goal end and I'm glad I did.
It was a sparse crowd on a rainy Wednesday. The Bulls don't have many weekday games, but the crowds who do show up are rowdy and enjoying themselves. If you're thinking of going to a game, you should think of going to a weekday one. I sat in Section 6 and had a great time! I even ran into a couple friends of mine who sat with me during the game. Tickets in the Goal section are only $14.50, just a couple bucks more than a movie and I'd rather go to a hockey game any day than the garbage Hollywood is making these days.
|Daniil Tarasov
The game was great; the Bulls dominated the Condors winning 4-1 and I had a lot more fun than I would have staying at home.
|My Friends Cristina, Brian & Me
Tonight is Bulls Live from Pete's Tavern in San Francisco across the street from AT&T Park. Jason Lockhart will be broadcasting live online with a player from the Bulls. There are drink and food specials, so be there! I will be.
Also, us Bulls ticket holders are still waiting to hear what's going on with the free tickets to the Bulls game at the Shark Tank. Shark ticket holders already have theirs. We're supposed to find out today, so we'll see....please take care of us, Bulls.
|Will the Bulls fans get the same special treatment the Sharks fans did?
There are a couple of great games against the Colorado Eagles this weekend. Friday night is the Teddy Bear Toss. Bring a Teddy Bear and right after the first Bulls goal, toss it on the ice. All the bears will be collected and given to needy kids in the area by Seton Medical Center. Saturday night is Free Snow Globe Night. First 1,000 fans 17 years and under will get a snow globe with Rawhide in it. I want a snow globe!
So see you at the Barn soon! GO BULLS!


text:
Cloud migrations have cratered seemingly well-planned projects. The issue is universal; visibility and understanding of the holistic environment, dependencies and the quantification of risk. Setting expectations for migrating services and applications today, without proper and comprehensive visibility, is a gamble at best. The result is a failed Cloud migration journey that has ramifications past just the time spent and cost.
Cloud Migration comes with tremendous reward, and risk. The probability is high that there will be critical business service interruption, data loss, financial loss and reputational loss. The reward is the potential for dramatic costs savings, but a lack of dependency and configuration knowledge causes most organizations to end up spending more and more until cloud costs eclipse budgets. AWS, Azure and most Cloud providers have done a great job on provisioning…once you get there. The key question every business leader asks is…" how do I successfully migrate more and more complex enterprise applications quicker so I can take advantage of all the benefits sooner?"
At FireScope, we understand the challenges and our view is different on how an enterprise should build a cloud migration protocol. Technology and process are key. On the technology front, strong tools are needed to discover 'all" application and 'all' configuration items – and, they must transverse "all" the virtual, physical and cloud environments simultaneously. Gaining visibility into "all" the dependencies between these items is key; including the complexities behind load balancers, databases, storage, etc., and not just the servers. Otherwise, what type of visibility do you really have? Once your dependencies are understood, you most likely will need to adjust, segment and update the service components (i.e. decommission underserved servers, reclaim VMs, etc.) to gain the cost savings as well as improve your risk level. Your chosen migration tool should also analyze and rank the migration risk by service, so you can have the confidence to execute your game plan; and be easy to install and use.
Bottom line…a FireScope Cloud Migration protocol in just 10 steps:
1. Get immediate and comprehensive visibility into complex environments (advanced discovery);
2. Understand the relationships (dependency);
3. Visually map and understand those dependencies and the environment (mapping);
4. Rank the present risk of migrating that service and migrate low risk services for a quick win (analysis engine)
5. Adjust dependencies and eliminate unused/unneeded resources (mapping);
6. Rank the risk again and approve migration based on acceptable risk level (analysis engine);
7. Output the approved service migration source data (reports/data files/outputs);
8. Migrate the app/service;
9. Map the service and all its dependencies again at its new location, validate and operate; and
10. "Rinse and Repeat" until your migrations are complete.
Rule #11. Keep the tool and all the data maps and dependencies for easy, future adjustments and business continuity/disaster recovery requirements; and, make sure the tool alerts you to any changes or adjustments to any of the services on a real-time, ongoing basis.
FireScope has thought this through and worked with clients on cloud migration. FireScope Cloud Advisor provides immediate visibility into complex virtual, physical and cloud infrastructure to automatically discover and map how your IT assets work together and ranks the risk for each business service for cloud and datacenter migrations. We are launching a 'sneak-peak' of our new product offering for a few VIPs with a short and informative webinar/demonstration on August 24, 2017 at 1pm CST. Look forward to seeing you or your associates there!
Please Register Here


text:
I'm just writing this list based on who's voice I love. Despite listening to a lot of drama CDs and being a seiyuu fan in that sense, I seldom actually look for info on seiyuu or watch events. In fact I actively try to avoid seeing pictures of them because if I know how they look that starts to clash with the character image in my mind. So I can't really say much about their personality and things like that. I know some people are also fan of certain seiyuu (or actors for that matter) because of who they are, I just love them for their voice or acting skills.
(I'm really sorry if this is all very boring and stuff, but I promised I would write this so I wanted to make a proper post out of it)
1. Sakurai Takahiro
Sakurai has been at the top of my list for years now, with the one and only argument that I simply love his voice. The cause for my incredible Sakurai bias is one series and one series only: Are you Alice?. Sakurai = Alice (and vice versa) in my head. My love of his voice has reached the point where I still want to see Twilight in Japanese just because he voiced Edward. (I'm... not much of a Twilight fan in case you didn't know).
If we are not talking about drama CD my favourite Sakurai roles are probably Asbel Lhant (Tales of Graces), Clause Faustus (Kuroshitsuji), and the Medicine Seller (Mononoke), though I tend to go into fangirl mode as soon as I hear his voice.
Favourite drama CDs: everything Are you Alice (but especially the tokuten or anything where Alice acts out of character), Anata ga Ofuro de Noboseru CD Vol.1 Kusatsu, Fujoshi no Totsugikata / Fujoshi no Mikata, Fushihi Koubou Vol.3.
2. Hirakawa Daisuke
Second one without a valid argument. Hirakawa-san has a pretty interesting voice range, and I love both ends of it. When he plays hetare or clumsy characters, they are just so adorable that I cannot bring myself to dislike them no matter how clumsy they are. I prefer him using the lower ends of his range though, but sadly I don't know many examples. At either rate, I love it when he voices (slightly) dangerous characters.
I think I first really noticed him as Ace from Heart no Kuni no Alice, but what really sparked my fandom was Yandere Heavon vol.2. His yandere performance is -if you ask me- one of the best in the series, and the reason why I secretly keep hoping that almost every character he now voices has a hidden side... Going through his list of anime roles, I think I have literally seen none of the anime in which he voices a major role. So my love is solely based on what I mentioned above, haha.
Speaking of wanting to see Japanese dubs of movies; Hirakawa-san is the voice over for Orlando Bloom, and watching the Lord of the Rings or Pirates of the Caribbean in Japanese is also still on my to do list.
While I said that I only like seiyuu's for their voice and know little about their personality, I do love how polite and gentle Hirakawa-san always sounds in cast talks and interviews.
Favourite drama CDs: Shuukan Soine Vol.1, Yandere Heaven Vol.2, Hougen Renai Vol.3, Anata ga Ofuro de Noboseru Vol.3 Misasa, Double Score ~Narcissus~, and his story in Kannou Mukashi Banashi Vol.6.
3. Okiayu Ryoutarou
I think that Okiayu-san was the first time I actually became fan of a seiyuu (before that I would like certain characters, but not specifically their seiyuu). This bias developed out of a character crush: Tezuka Kunimitsu from Tennis no Oujisama. Okiayu-san is one of the few seiyuu who's singing voice I also like, and I have several of his singles and albums (most of them are from Tennis no Oujisama xD). After I stopped watching the show the crush slowly died out though, but at some point I re-discovered him. By this time my Sakurai bias was already formed, so he is no longer at the top of my list anymore, but still a long time favourite.
When we're not talking about drama CD's, my favourite Okiayu characters are Tezuka Kunimitsu (obviously), Dark (D.N.Angel), Gaius (Tales of Xillia. So I am really really really excited that he becomes a playable character in Xillia 2).
Favourite drama CDs: Shimekiri CD, O.To.Na Gentei Otogame CD Vol.2, Oujisama (warai) series. While not technically a drama CD, the drama part from Sasayaka na Kono Negai is absolutely brilliant.
4. Koyasu Takehito
Probably the only seiyuu who's voice I can recognise with 100% accuracy even if he speaks only one line. (although there has been one incident where I failed to recognise him). Despite not being my favourite seiyuu ever, I have a habit of calling him "Koyasu-sama".
Despite the fact that he is often cast for characters with a cold and distant personality I love him more when he does sarcastic or comical roles. Especially if you can combine those two.
The first time I fell in love with his voice is probably when I was paying Tokimemo, where he voices your teacher, Himoru Reichi. Despite originally going after another character his voice won me over and I started going after Himuro halway through the game. When on another character his route it always hurt like hell when I had to reject his invitations (T-T).
I originally played Tales of the Abyss in English, so I first discovered that he voiced Jade when I watched the anime, but that role is basically my ideal role for Koyasu-sama. In Hakushaku no Yousei his role is far more comical, and I spent most of Persona -Trinity Soul- fangirling over Ryou because he was voiced by Koyasu-sama.
Favourite non-drama CD roles: Himoru Reiichi (Tokimemo Girls side), Jade (Tales of the Abyss), Julius (Heart no Kuni no Alice), Kelpie (Hakushaku to Yousei), Kanzato Ryou (Persona -Trinity Soul). His voice completely mismatches Aokiji (One Piece) his image in my mind, so I actually dislike the character because of that.
Favourite drama CDs: Are you Alice - Alice no Tea Party Vol.3 (I cannot express my love for this CD in words), Heartful Kareshi series (he voices a dove). Unfortunately he doesn't appear in that many drama CDs, but I am definitely going to track down more of them.
Honourable Mentions:
Fukuyama Jun and Takemoto Eiji. While I don't particularly like (or dislike) their voices, I've heard these two voice so many different types of characters that I just can't help but admire their skills.
For Fukuyama Jun it was the difference between Shimizu Keiichi and Lelouch Laperouge that first made me aware of this. Shimizu was the first character that I associated with Fukuyama, which is why that image is stuck in my head. After doing some research I discovered that I heard him in countless roles, without even recognising him. This video shows a some of those, although it is a lot easier to recognise when they are all put together. Lately I've been getting better at recognising his voice, although I often only recognise it but fail to pinpoint who it is.
As for Takemoto Eiji, just listening to the Oujisama (warai) series gives you an impression of all the different characters he can voice (he voices almost every side character in the series, this has also become somewhat of a running gag in the series).
After listing my favourite, I suppose it is only fair that I list my least favourite ones as well, although there are only two of them, and I think that they are quite obvious from various reviews that I have done (^-^;;)
Ishida Akira in situation CDs / otome games. I don't know why, but I cannot bring myself to like Ishida-san when he voices a boyfriend role. That being said, he can voice very convincing shota's, and I have less problems whenever he voices a normal role in any anime or game. It is just that I don't like boyfriend!Ishida...
Yoshino Hiroyuki whenever he uses that gyaruo/bratty voice, which is most of the time. He actually has a rather nice voice if he talks in a more serious tone, but unfortunately he is usually type cast for the former. My disappointment when I discovered that he voiced Debito in Arcana Famiglia was unending (although it is actually one of the more reasonable examples).


text:
We are currently looking for commercial dispute resolution solicitors with 2 to 4 years' and 5 to 8 years' post qualification experience.
We are looking for high calibre candidates capable of delivering excellent quality legal advice with a practical and commercial approach to solving legal issues in line with clients' commercial objectives. Hong Kong qualification and Chinese language skills are preferred.
HWB is an independent Hong Kong law firm. We offer good quality work; long term career opportunities; a collegiate, supportive working environment and attractive remuneration and benefits. Interested candidates should forward a full CV, in confidence, to Helen Rogers, COO by email to email@example.com
Personal data provided by job applicants will be used strictly in accordance with HWB's personal data policies, a copy of which will be provided upon request.


text:
Repair Rot in Bulkhead
(the hard way)
August 2005 - In July I replaced the bizarre aft deck tangs because they leaked and I discovered rot in the bulkhead.
In addition to having them made bigger, they're longer so that they'll have
an extra hole to extend into fresh wood.
Only the port side leaked.
Back to Home ... s/v Stella Blue home ... FYI Stuff
Then I painted the area with thin west system
epoxy. It soaked into the edges really well.
It took four pumps worth of epoxy before the wood wouldn't soak up any more.
I pulled the shelf off,
which is okay because I've always intended to make something nicer.
Here you can see how the bolts (there's only one left on) went through the bracket, right on the edge. You can also see the hole from the old galley AC plug, which was removed during the rewiring of the port AC run.
You *can't* see the rot. It's inside the bulkhead.
My first and best idea was just to drill small holes at the top and inject the whole area with penetrating epoxy, but I wasn't sure I'd saturate the whole area, and since it's vertical I was afraid that it would leak back out.
It turns out I was wrong, and penetrating epoxy would have been the perfect solution.
I should listen to my own advice.
The rot was more extensive than expected. In the pic to the left, it's difficult to see how the depth varies.
I cut through the veneer with a utility knife, and removed most of the rot
with my fingers, then scraped a bit with a hollow fid
(hey, whatever's handy.)
I was *very* careful
not to break through the back layer of veneer,
as that would make the project much bigger.
Penetrating epoxy would have soaked into the dry, rotten wood perfectly,
killing the spores and making
it solid enough for external reinforcement.
However, it's too late.
I'd already made a reinforcing plate of teak veneer marine ply, with teak trim on the visible edges.
After the final layer of putty filler
was applied to the bulkhead void,
the reinforcement was covered with epoxy
and set into place.
I used
super thick epoxy
and colloidal silica
putty to fill the space.
Because I didn't
want it to overheat
when it kicked,
I had to build it up in three layers,
waiting a couple of hours between layers so each previous layer would kick. I suppose I could have laid a little fabric in here for strength, but all I really want is a nice solid material that won't compress when I crank down on the bolts. Strength is provided by the "patch" of marine ply.
I had masked the area off with tape before starting this little project.
A few small screws hold it in place while the epoxy cures.
It covers up the old hole from the old AC outlet as well.
(Note that the vinyl liner on the hull
has completely fallen off, since the foam rubber insulation layer has disintegrated over time.
It's time to deal with that;
I'm tired of looking at it.)
To avoid damaging the finish on the bulkhead
and the reinforcing plate, I cleaned everything up
with "Replacetone" from Tap Plastics.
Acetone would have been very destructive to the wood finish.
is also safe to use on skin,
if you accidentally get epoxy on the hands or in the hair.
It doesn't emulsify the epoxy like solvents, but it makes the epoxy congeal so that it can be wiped up with a clean rag.
A week later, after the epoxy was fully cured, I stuck the bolts in. This should be good and strong.
After I finish fixing up the ugly interior of the hull, where the vinyl liner has disintegrated, I'll attach the new clothes cabinet that will hide all this stuff.
I really like this wrench. It's a combination crescent wrench and vice grips. Once you have the wrench set, it locks down on the nut or bolt really tight. It makes it a lot easier to clamp one side down and then go tighten up the other side.
Inside the galley cabinet, it isn't very pretty.
Some epoxy putty seeped through cracks in the veneer. However, this is so far back that it can't be seen, and there are a bunch of ugly hoses in that corner too.
I'll live with it.


text:
The fashion show raised over £1,500 in aid of the Warwickshire Air Ambulance charity at the Episode Hotel in Leamington Spa on March 27
Tustains Jewellers, LK Bennett, the Episode Hotel and Esque Beauty products were amongst sponsors who donated prizes. Almost 100 guests attended the exclusive fashion show and afterparty.
In the10 years the local Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance has existed the service has saved thousands of lives. The Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) regularly transports victims of trauma to the most appropriate hospital for their injuries. Tom Milner, director at Tustains, commented: "The Air Ambulance provides such a valuable local service that, when they approached us for help, we were delighted to support their fundraising by selling tickets and providing a Swarovski silver and pearl bracelet towards the raffle".
Liz Weston, business development manager for Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance (WNAA) said: "The wonderful raffle prizes offered by local businesses meant everyone who came bought lots of tickets on the night. This event raised almost enough to fund a complete mission, which costs around £1,700. As a Charity, we are very grateful to everyone who was involved in contributing to the success of the Fashion Show and we hope that we can count on their support again in the future."


text:
On May 31, the CWS Raleigh/Durham office was visited by the Nuns on the Bus tour, a group of Catholic nuns traveling around the country to raise support for compassionate immigration reform. In Durham they learned about refugee resettlement, had a chance to meet refugee clients, and held a press conference. The following post was written by Sister Judy Best for the Nuns on the Bus tour blog about their visit to CWS.
Riding into Durham, NC, I was not sure what to expect. Arriving at Church World Service- RDU sent an immediate energy through us as we Nuns on the Bus joined their staff. Mary and Kelly discussed their procedures for welcoming refugees. First, the State Department assigns refugees to Durham. Second, CWS staff or volunteers welcome them upon arrival. Third, they are invited to learn English at ESL classes, where 10 interpreters are available.
CWS walks refugees through the basics such as healthcare services (like how to call a doctor and make an appointment, when to call 911, or go to urgent care instead). After an informative discussion with staff, we were invited to meet with clients for five minutes at a time, using a script to begin a conversation and practice English.
One of my partners was a beautiful 16-year-old girl Nor from Iraq. Our conversation began awkwardly, and then I realized she understood English well. At a certain point, the electricity between us created a spark. I saw in her such potential. She shared her hopes to become a dentist and go to medical school. She knows Arabic, Korean, and English. Nor has such gifts to bring to the community of Durham.
One of the essentials of the CWS program is the invitation to new clients to volunteer at a local soup kitchen. Mary and Kelly explained that often, new arrivals are lonely and bored, not having relationships outside their families. A CWS volunteer goes with them to the soup kitchen, and shows them how to make food like grilled cheese sandwiches for 200 people.
Often, they help serve what they have prepared. The staff tells them that volunteering is part of being an American, and often, the client is for the first time on the giving side of a relationship, so grateful to be in this situation: giving rather than receiving.
We then had a short press conference outside, where about 75 enthusiastic supporters listened to our encouragement for immigration reform now. As we left Durham, I felt such a wave of gratitude. Being a Nun on the Bus is giving me new hope that we can pool our energy for immigration reform now.
Sister Judy Best, SSND, Nuns on the Bus


text:
Please read this important information, then use Register Now on the home page to register your child for Summer 2018 Tryouts.
This year BYB is planning to enter teams in the Bay State Tournament of Champions, Suburban Laegue, and Jimmy Fund League
This is tournament-style play starting in early July and running into August, and it's very competitive. As such, we take the best players available and there are limited spots on each team. Tryouts are open to anyone who lives in Brookline or attends a Brookline school or who played spring baseball in Brookline.
Summer Ball is Travel Ball, and our teams travel all around the greater Boston area to play teams from towns like Arlington, Medford, Peabody, Cambridge, Weston and many more. It's a lot of fun, but it takes commitment.
The summer coordinator and coaches will work to create the most competitive teams possible and we do NOT guarantee team placement.
Because we want to insure opportunities for players at every age, and because of our move toward a fully age-based program over the next two years, we will not honor grade-level requests for kids who would rather "play up." Kids will play at their league age only.
We know this is new. Please understand that it has been the cause of too many conflicts between well-meaning people when we've allowed kids to play past their age. It turns out it's not that good for the kid, it's rough on the coaches and it's really hard on our community. We thank you for understanding.
Practice for all teams will start in June, at the coach's discretion. The coach will develop a reasonable practice schedule that works within spring baseball schedules. It is important to have the summer team begin workouts and have a good opportunity to play together before the summer season. Practices for teams are at Eliot. Larz Anderson, and Robinson Fields and you can expect 1 - 2 practices per week during the July-August season.
Most games begin at 5:30 PM on weekdays with a typical 1-hour warm-up call. Weekend game times vary and they are always "on the road." Carpooling is always workable for travel games.
Attendance and Vacation Time
We need many players to be available for the majority of games and practices, but we also realize that families take vacations in the summer. It is typical to stagger rosters to account for absences. But the more games you can play, the better it is for the team. If you have concerns about your summer schedule, please contact
Registration Instructions
Please note again that all players who wish to try out MUST register in advance. You will NOT be charged for a tryout. Charges are collected when players are assigned to a team, and then are due immediately.
Summer Fees are $300 per player plus the new Town of Brookline Parks Use Fee of $20.00. Summer Fees pay for fantastic, full uniforms and the fees we pay to Bay State Baseball for umpires and league play.
Be a Sponsor
We love sponsors, yes we do. Sponsorships and donations will help cover the costs of this program, which is significantly more expensive than our spring or fall programs. If you are interested in making a financial contribution, please contact Damon Hart at
Have more questions?
If you have additional questions, feel free to contact Chris Roche, VP of Summer Baseball, at
New Privacy Policy


text:
Waste Disposal
City of Pittsburgh Curbside Waste Pick-up (Pittsburgh residents only, varies by municipality - Weekly)
Household trash, chairs, bikes, small appliances, garden tools, end tables, ironing boards, roasters, & grills
Carpeting – Tied in bundles not exceeding 35 lbs or 5 feet in length
2 Bulk items per week – couch, table, shelves, box springs, washer, toilets, hot water tanks, etc. (NO Freon appliances)
Environmental Services: 412-255-2773
Freon Appliances – Contact for further information
Appliance Warehouse
523 Bingham Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15203
Yard Waste – take to Pittsburgh Department of Public Works Locations. Pittsburgh residents only. Call local municipality officials for disposal options.
Accepts leaves, grass, plants, tree trimmings, branches, shrubs
East End Center (412-665-3609)
North Dallas Ave. at Hamilton Ave.
Hazelwood Center (412-422-6524)
Melanchton Ave. off 5200 block of Second Ave.
West End Center (412-937-3054)
Next to Herschel Field (from Steuben St., turn on Herschel St., turn right on Hassler St. and pass salt igloo)
Mon – Fri 8am – 2pm (May offer Saturday hours)
Cars and SUVs Free, Call for other pricing
- 21074 reads


text:
I wanted to yarn bomb Fourth st. and I wanted to do a series where the pieces related to each other instead of a random selection of knitted items. I like a glass artist named Richard Marquis, I took one of his pieces and spun and dyed to match his colored glass stripes and the russian and I knit these 4 pieces.We drove down to Fourth St. And I began moaning " Oh no, They aren't regulation size poles! "{there are big green fancy lamppost poles instead of our favorite, ugly stop sign poles.} Fortunately there was this excellent intersection. I like to create a view where you can see 2 at once. We also did a pole at "The Gardner".We had some good comments, people asked if we are doing the whole town which we are. Many folks have seen other of our poles on Solano and at The Cheese Board. The best part came when we were driving away. We stopped at the big stop sign piece and 3 little girls were petting the knitting. As we watched they turned and posed with big smiles touching the striped pole and their father took their picture.
4 thoughts on "Fourth st. knitting installation"
Brought a smile as well as a touch of color to an already pretty good day. I'm sitting on the bench next to it as I write this, and hearing various excited kids exclaiming, "How cool!" as they walk by it. "It'll keep the signpost from getting chilly," one mom remarked.
Our evening walk was enhanced by the new color by the Rose Garden!!! Thanks!!!
Saw your Fourth & Delaware pole sweater. Love art pieces like this!
(BTW I'm not *that* old, but I'm old enough to miss the Emeryville mudflat sculptures. Your knitting reminds me of them–art in unexpected places.)
My 3 year old daughter and I passed by these poles today, while visiting Sur la Table. We stopped to admire them. My daughter is in that stage where everything is "why" but when she saw these, all she could say was, "Mama, these are sooooo pretty," while petting each one as we walked from one to the next. No questions, just beauty. Thanks for sharing your art with the rest of us.


text:
Recently Christian has kindly shared more information and pictures regarding the graves and tombs of those much-loved people.
|Peter Finch as the Sheriff of Nottingham
Peter Finch is buried at the Hollywood Forever cemetery in Los Angeles, California in the U.S.A.
|James Robertson Justice
James Robertson Justice (1907-1975) played an irascible Little John. He was cremated and his ashes were taken by a party of friends to Scotland. On a moor where Justice had often hawked, and along with the accompaniment of a lone piper, they created a cairn and his ashes were interred there.
|Ken Annakin
Ken Annakin, the director of 'The Story of Robin Hood' (1952) is buried in Westwood Memorial Park, Los Angeles in the U.S.A.
|Walt Disney
Walt Disney (1901-1966) although uncredited, was the executive producer on his second live-action movie. He was buried at Forest Lawn Cemetery (Glendale), Glendale, Los Angeles County, California, U.S.A.
Many thanks to Christian for getting in touch.


text:
How sweet it is! The Most Beloved Los Angeles Lakers won the 2010 NBA Championship trophy at home against the Most Hated Boston Celtics last night in a seven game series. Banner # 16! Whoo Whoo! This is one of the most enduring rivalries in all of sports with the Most Hated Boston Celtics setting the standard with the most championship banners.
Congratulations to the Los Angeles Lakers! And Big up to the Most Hated Boston Celtics! You fought honorably and deserve the respect that comes with all your hard work! Doc Rivers is a great Coach! To my Blog buddy Double R, I say this with love! YAY! The Lakers WON!
BE Careful! BE Mindful! BE Prayerful!