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I've been watching Kenji Nakamura's latest show C for Tatsunoko, and have mixed feelings about it. I appreciate it in the moments grounded in reality that communicate something about how money governs and steers our lives in various ways, but it loses me when it begins to hide behind the fantasy elements about the 'financial world', though there are creative elements in there. The real financial world would have provided sufficient material to make a far more interesting story. Down-to-earth moments like the scenes of dialogue between the protagonist and the older convenience store clerk were nice.
The character designs are less interesting than Kenji Nakamura's previous shows, though some characters are drawn in Takashi Hashimoto's unique style, as in previous shows, like the politicians, but the protagonist and his 'asset' are all drawn in a cute anime style that's an obvious compromise to sell the show. I'm not even that bothered by the way the characters in random shots will be CG animated all of a sudden. It's not a show that's about the animation. Despite my reservations, I'm still watching because the story has an intriguing complexity and does say something about the intersection between money and power, albeit less directly than I would have liked.
Also toned down is what attracted me to Kenji Nakamura's work to begin with - the extreme stylization of the various aspects of show from the idiosyncratic directing featuring jarring and frenetic shot framing to the colorful visuals with the wall-paintings and surreal non-naturalistic backgrounds. There's a clear distinction this time between the naturalistic real world and the more Nakamura-esque visual of the 'financial world'.
Episode 6 had some of the better directing I've seen in the show yet. It was storyboarded and directed by one Hiroshi Kobayashi 小林寛, which smacks of a pen name, because this person seems to have only done two things prior: the recent episode 7 of Tiger and Bunny and the slightly older episode 1 of the Yozakura Quartet OAD that was Ryochimo's directing (kantoku) debut (also Tatsunoko) (storyboard + director (enshutsu) in both cases), and it'd be surprising for someone to both storyboard & direct right from the beginning, much less do it so well.
The episode also features some nice animation for once - running by Sushio (?) at the beginning followed by some obvious Ryochimo fireballs and at the end some easy to spot Hideki Kakita explosions. Was that Yuuki Hayashi at the end with the black blood part? I'm not familiar enough with his work to be sure. (It's funny how they can do all sorts of violent things but they have to blacken the blood in TV anime.)
Glad to hear from you again.
I felt that "C" is trying to make an expression out of real life observation. Recent economy is still affecting everyone and I think that Kenji Nakamura is trying to understand the complexities of the world that influence our lives.
If this was a live action show, no one would take it seriously. I'm not a fan of YuGiOh-like battle as fantasy representation of financial dealings. It would be be nice if the show explain how their battles influence of the events of the real world in visual detail. Just like any institution, the financial world is greatly influenced by human elements.
I have feeling that the show is also about exploration of characters' humanity and current Japanese generation's search for the future.
As Ben mentioned, it's interesting to see animators doing directions. However, it feels like they're short handed.
You're exactly right, this anime is interesting because it explores how the economy affected Japanese people, who were hit double hard because of the stagnation after the bubble burst followed by the recent downturn, so it would have been nice to see this explored with more focus and not diluted by the fantasy elements. There is so much potential for interesting stories to be mined in this material about the very specific and tragic situation in Japan as well as what has happened in the rest of the world. It's a great idea to have done such a story now, almost a no-brainer, though I doubt anybody else would have.
The latest episodes are about economic contagion. In the show, it's Singapore that disappears financially, which seems to elude to the 1997 Asian financial crisis that originated in Southeast Asia. We often hear about dire numbers such as the Nikkei losing 3/4 of its value or debt exceeding GDP that seem to obscure the human impact of the economic woes. I like that this series tries to show the human impact by the concept of the future changing, and people disappearing, every time one of the economic battles takes place.
You're again right that it feels the production is short-handed. There have usually been at least three sakkans in each episode, if not more, and there were three storyboarders of episode 8, which is quite unusual and dire, I think. The CG characters were the obvious first symptom that they don't have much schedule.
One note, Yasunori Miyazawa did a characteristically easily identifiable section in episode 8.
That's the thing. We know that "C" is a fantasy with economic reality as basis. Economy is something that everyone can relate to while being animation medium have free reign to express however it wants. I think it would be awesome if we can see how characters' play influencing the show's real world financial exchanges. So far, we've seen characters altering the history by showing disappearances and events that never happened. If Nakamura doesn't clear that up soon, it'll become another card-battle-of-the-week anime. He is doing something right and I just don't want to see him screw up. He is presenting a subject matter that hits close to home and his show has potential to inform and to inspire viewers.
I think it's inevitable for Japanese productions to have skilled labor shortage. Despite rising animation quality, their age-old business practice is not fostering the new people nor new opportunity. They never made hit shows that brings money to them. Regardless of industry type, young people will not the join if they don't see the future. It's like manufacturing industry here. Still, I see some potential with CG even though it's not perfect.
There is something I don't know about Japanese TV media. Do they ever do reruns?
I'm seeing "famous" names popping all over dozen or so titles. I'm guessing that talented animators are attracted to the show because it's original and the concept seems inspiring.
Hi Ben, great to see a new post.
The idea of presenting real-world social issues through fantasy scenario, or alternatively, giving dramatic weight to fantasy scenario through social/philosophical themes really should be a no-brainer in the world of art and fiction(particulary animation).
What I did feel from wathing a few random episodes of "C" was that perhaps they were being a bit over-elaborate and methodical with the scenario of wacky Yugioh-style card-battles in alternate dimensions representing financial dealings. Coming off more like novelty cleverness rather than expressionist/artistic emphasis of a theme.
But I've not really been following the show properly to make any final judgments.
Of the new season of shows I've sampled though, my favourite by far is Noitamina's "Ano Hi mita Hana no namae o bokutachi wa mada shiranai"(Or preferrably "AnoHana").
I didn't have any particular expectations going in, but it's a thoroughly engaging youth drama with attractive designs and animation backed up by tight direction and writing.
Apparently, it's by the Toradora team, though this is a considerably more somber and mature drama.
I'm loving the work of CD/AD Masayoshi Tanaka who's got a cute style augmented with all sorts of idiosyncratic expressions, poses and movements. Something that was apparent in their last effort as well, but here it takes on a much more nuanced and realistic vibe.
Really, based on what I've seen it's probably the one show I would go out of my way to recommend.
I also found the one episode I saw of Shinbou's "Denpa Onna to Seishun Otoko" to be well-done and amusing, though people allergic to anime tropes might want to approach with caution.
"Tiger and Bunny" is entertaining and has some decent banter, though it's also rather (self-consciously)gimmicky.
"Hanasaku Iroha" is a very pretty-looking and watchable soap-opera, if anyone is interested.
I watched a episode of Tsutomu Mizushima's "Yondemasu yo Azazel-san" without a single clue what it was about, or even that it was directed by Mizushima but found myself chuckling through the thing. Mizushima's pretty good at this sort of weird humor. I liked his cute and silly "Ika Musume" too.
The worst thing I watched this season was no doubt "Sofuteni". Some third-rate fanservice-comedy about girls in a tennis club. It was probably also the only show I watched that really REALLY seemed dedicated to living up to every single negative stereotype about modern anime.
btw Ben, have you watched Keiichi Hara's Colorful? I highly recommend it.
I was actually kind of sceptical going in, feeling that Hara was perhaps being a bit too plain in his direction. But while I might have some very minor gripes, It was ultimately an amazing piece of work. A genuinely carefully constructed and wholly engaging mature drama the likes of which you rarely see.
Being a long-time Atsushi Yamagata fan, I was also quietly moved by the fact that here I was finally watching a great intelligent anime drama featuring his refined, attractive designs.
If anything I think it was a great move by Hara to get Yamagata onboard. His very tasteful and distinctively nuanced depictions of the characters is definetly one of the things that carry you through the film
And oh yeah, Hiroshi Kobayashi seems an interesting figure. I watched Ryochimo's Yozakura Quartet video and found it a highly attractive and watchable piece with confident and measured direction. And the drawings are just lovely throughout, with Ryochimo's unique style coming through stronger than ever before.
Hey, Muffin, thanks for the comment. Good to know you guys are still around after me disappearing for so long…
I agree with both of you guys' points about the Yu-gi-oh card-battle aspect of the show being one of its liabilities. I also wish this aspect felt more like an organic extension of the theme of global finance rather than a tacked on sideshow. I'm guessing the show would never have gotten greenlighted without the alternate reality/card battle aspect. I don't mind it per se, I just wish it was better integrated. I appreciate that at least he's managed to invest this stale trope of anime - alternate reality to which protagonist transports each episode to do battle with virtual sidekick - with some kind of real-world relevance, while simultaneously being able to do play around with creative visuals and more dynamic directing…
I also find that too much of the show is devoted to the relationship with the protagonist's 'asset'… It's just the least interesting part. It's obvious why the kawaii loli asset is there - you have to have such a character in this day and age - but I just find it a distraction from the truly interesting part of the show, the part that hasn't been done to death already in the industry, namely the aspect about how events in the financial world trickle down to affect us in our daily lives.
Thanks for the recommendations of new shows, Muffin… I would not have checked them out otherwise. I watched episode 1 of AnoHana and it was everything you said it was, and just what I'd expect from the Toradora team. Thoroughly watchable and impressive, really, as good a low-key everyday drama as I've seen in quite a while.
In my case, though, the undeniable quality of what they're doing is just not able to overcome the handicap of the conventions to which they're forced to adhere. I sound like a broken record harping on about the designs whenever I talk about a show, but the designs are important. As sensitive as the designs here might be, they just are too close to standard template in their calculated cuteness. They keep the show from rising to the level of a great everyday drama because I feel like I've seen the same characters over and over before. I even suspect that through force of habit of having to animate the same kind of character, it's skewed animators towards a certain kind of 'anime acting' that doesn't match real-world behavior. In this case, the acting is more toned down and the personalities are also less stereotypical, so I don't mean to harsh too much on it, because there is a lot of nice nuanced stuff in there. Masayoshi Tanaka really is very talented, and I got great enjoyment out of every moment of the animation in episode 1, and on top of that the acting and personalities of the characters were all fairly refreshingly believable and restrained, so it was all the more disappointing to me that the designs kind of dragged it down.
So is the story about a schizophrenic youth coming to terms with his disease, how his life is affected by the voices he hears, and how society shuns and ostracizes mentally ill people like himself? If it's not, and I doubt it is, it should have been. It would have been way more interesting.
I actually like the basic premise of the story - about a youth's downwards spiral triggered by a traumatic experience - but the girl ruins it for me. The girl is intensely annoying in both her manic behavior and squealy voice, a stock loli character there to cater to the fetish of a particular viewership and not at all meaningful or original, babbling on constantly in the supposedly adorable way these characters always do, swinging around making supposedly darling faces and flitting about and batting her arms in a supposedly squee way that is in fact merely intensely and infuriatingly grating and cliched. I find she clashes with the tone of the rest of the show, which is otherwise so low key and understated.
Anyway, I have lots of negative things I could say about it, but the fact is I really did kind of enjoy the first episode and want to see a bit more, which is more than I can say for any show (other than C) in months… I do like the work this team does, it's just that they're forced to work within the style of the day on these projects, and I'd like to see them liberated to do more unconventional material since they're quite talented.
Thanks for the other recommendations. I watched episode 1 of Tiger and Bunny, and it's basically a superhero show for children, so I can't begrudge them that, but it's not for me. It's well enough put together, but there's nothing particularly creative about it in the designs or concepts to draw me to it.
I really liked Tsutomu Mizushima's old comedy shows and wished he would do something as funny as Hare Nochi Guu again, so I'll have to check out Azazel-san just to see how his work holds up now.
I did indeed watch Colorful - was quite excited about it - and it didn't disappoint me. I felt it was his best film by far, with some of the most sincere and honest and human moments I've seen in an anime in years. I was eager to show the film to some people, so I was eagerly awaiting the fansub, but it was laden with errors in important sections, enough to change the meaning of the film, so I'll have to hold off until someone translates it right. It's a shame. It's a film with crossover potential to non-anime watchers - the first great realistic film in a long time.
And you're right that Atsushi Yamagata's animation was quite nuanced and did a good job of bringing the characters alive. I know how big a fan of Yamagata you are, so it's great to see Yamagata get to do a project like this that really let him showcase his skills as a creator of nuanced character acting.
H Park - About reruns, I know that they do play reruns of shows, but I'm not sure of the exact policy. There are anime satellite stations exclusively devoted to playing old anime shows in their entirety in one run, but I think independent local stations in Japan also play re-runs. Jarinko Chie is one of the notable cases - it was re-run constantly for years after its original broadcast on various stations - showing how beloved the show was, presumably because it was so very Japanese and specifically Osakan in its humor and story.
Addendum -
I just started watching episode 2 of AnoHana, and the very first scene has some great animation. I thought at first it was Matsumoto, but judging by the credits I'm guessing it's Akira Takada, who has worked with Matsumoto very often in the past and obviously has been heavily influenced by him. I just love his style of everyday acting. Great sense of timing and beautiful lines and forms, with interesting loose posing, all done with spare animation that feels realistic and yet feels good as animation.
I actually really liked the second episode, better than the first. Lots of very nice low-key everyday detail and good nuanced but not overdone animation throughout. That style I associate with Matsumoto was present in various places throughout other than the first scene, so I'm a little confused who did those parts.
I remember getting a pretty bizarre vibe from the financial card-battle thing in "C". Like, who's the audience for this show anyway?
I think the style on display in AnoHana is certainly very good and worth appreciating on its own terms. It has a definite striking look and is good at vividly bringing the material to life. Whether it is appropriate in supporting, or operating on the wavelenght of something like Hara's Colorful is another matter, and perhaps not that relevant at this point. I don't feel a pressing need to mould director Tatsuyuki Nagai or animator Masayoshi Tanaka into another Keiichi Hara or Hiroyuki Okiura. And for good or worse, I'm fairly certain they're working in a style of their own choice here.
I can see why the girl Menma would raise the ire of some people. Though I find her perfectly innocuous. She's mostly an archetype and a narrative hub around which the other characters turn. And she is brought to life with verve by the animators.
Suffice it to say I'll reserve my bile for stuff that is genuinely ugly(like maybe Evangelion 2.22 the more I re-watch it…), as opposed to stuff one can attach a lot of ugly meaning to.
Too bad about the dubious translation of Colorful. With something as carefully and sensitively constructed as this, bad translation could likely leave people cold.
It was great seeing Yamagata's designs really put to worthwhile use. I got the feeling Yamagata subtly and tastefully added a layer of design flair to Hara's very modest approach to imagery.
Maybe sometime I would like to see Hara work with animator Yoshiaki Yanagida. Takahiro Kishida would be a good match too, I think.
Hey Ben, I thought you might appreciate this: a documentary on Dezaki after his passing.
I work in the financial industry, so I was absolutely intrigued by this show and it was a quick watch on Hulu for me, so why not I decided.
Two episodes in and I'm disappointed, I was hoping that since they had a financial adviser on staff that they'd get closer to the global financial market, at best producing a satire ala the manga "National Quiz" where it gets the fundamentals of political theory down and it informs an absurd story that satires issues of democracy gone too far. I wanted that for this show, is it too much to ask?
I'm going to watch a few eps and see if it at least somewhat takes it in a better direction, as the main character is still disoriented and hopefully just hopefully something good will come out of it… sigh.
It would be amazing if two powerful characters got in a credit default swap battle and it caused contagion that could be felt in the real world…. again too much to ask I guess :P.
At least the show with Koizumi playing Mahjong knows what it is and delivers (not good mind you, but immensely entertaining)…
Oh and the "asset" is such a pandering to the Otaku. I guess that makes her an "asset" to those who want to make money off this show. (*drumb roll and symbol crash)
Hi Ben,
do you happen to know these beauties?
Hey, Ben!
Long time no type.
Been trying to find myself so to speak post college (found my way toward TEFL courses and JLPT prep, heh)
Between that and anime fatigue (so few shows for non-otaku!)
I really haven't been watching many shows.
Been half heartedly watching Bleach (it's filler right now), the animation and drawing in this latest arc is surprisingly sharp in spots.
Starting from ep 319 (if you watch one watch that one) there are some surprisingly crisp fight scenes. It's not every episode and it's not platinum like Naruto's best work but still rather good and worth a look.
The recently finished Marineford Arc of One Piece had a bevy of great work in it, continuing the tradition began since the show entered the mid 300s (The Thriller Bark arc for peeps in the know).
Here's a great sampling in MAD form;
I'd recommend looking at it as it's a much more fun experience than Oda's now cluttered manga (especially with the sakuga) but the damned DBZ syndrome kinda precludes anyone without a lot of free time or patience I am afraid (it started to get to ME, even).
I did a little digging, aside from Shida (my fav), Tate and Kuroyanagi, most of these guys (and gals) are freelancers.
I hope they stick around for the upcoming new arc, should be tons of fun!
Also saw Strong World (finally). Really fun movie, LOVED Naoto Takenaka's hammy performance as main villain Shiki. The animation isn't as raw as we saw in Baron Omatsuri or the Chopper remake but it's just as strong and much more polished (ACTUAL CLEAN UP WORK…GASP)!
What have you been up to?
Hey William. Long time indeed. Thanks for dropping by again. I'm still trying to find myself and I graduated a looong time ago.
I've been experiencing anime fatigue as well, partly because things have been pretty busy in my life, but also because there's not much new stuff that interests me these days. I guess I'm going through a rest period right now. I considered writing some things about certain movies that came out recently, but felt like other people had already written about them saying things I felt, so I didn't want to waste my breath. I even started feeling tired of my own writing, like I was just repeating myself these days, so I thought I'd give it a rest for a bit.
Anyway, thanks for the update on One Piece… It's remarkable how much good animation is coming out of that show all of a sudden. There must be an enlightened producer bringing in all these good animators or something. And at the same time I find it depressing how many new names there are that I'd never heard of that are quite talented. I can't even begin to understand how the creator of that MAD can identify so many of those animators. Shida and Tate I understand; they have a unique style that jumps out even to someone who's never seen the show before. But I can't identify the others, and as far as I know they're pretty new. I guess I haven't watched the show enough.
I saw Strong World quite a while back and remember enjoying it, though as you say it's not quite as full of vivid animation as the Chopper or Hosoda movies.
Sorry for the late reply. I saw Nekohiki no Oruorane (Oruorane the Cat Player) a while back. It's a rarity I never expected to see, but I was disappointed by it. Weak story and weak animation. Disappointing because it has Shichiro Kobayashi doing art and is solo animated by Toshiharu Murata. (albeit with assistance from Eiji Suganuma and Shiho Takeuchi, both obviously better animators) And disappointing because I liked director Mizuho Nishikubo's earlier Takeshi Shudo OVA Radio City Fantasy, which has been one of my favorite OVAs for a long time.
Ben, whenever you feel like doing so you should check out Dantalian no Shoka episode 11 (otherwise know as the 9th episode that's aired of Dantalian; they've have some peculiar numbering system here). Osamu Kobayashi was the episode director and Motonobu Hori was sakkan. Yuasa did some key animation too.
Thanks, Braves. I checked it out and I really liked it. It looks like Kobayashi drew most of the backgrounds. Never seen him doing that before, except maybe in his early shorts, but they're beautiful and show a side of him I hadn't quite known. Kind of reminded me of that Utsunomiya episode of Aquarion where they set aside a whole episode in a separate world and let Utsunomiya do his thing so that it wouldn't seem too out of place. In addition to the bits that screamed Kobayashi there was some nice animation in there. I'm guessing Yuasa did the insectoid monsters, but it felt uncharacteristic of him, like he was holding back. I guess in a way it's nice to see that he has control over his technique and can adapt to the subject matter at hand and doesn't stick out a like a sore thumb whenever he works on a show not his own.
I saw Redline quite a while back, so I've kind of forgotten it now, and honestly I didn't write anything about it at the time because it feels like everyone has already said all that needs to be said about it, and I don't think I have anything significant to add, but I'll be sure to write something once I get the chance to re-watch it.


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Pietersen puts test case to leave England in dilemma
SINCE the first ball of the season on April 8, through the long, fascinating yet excruciating weeks that have followed, during two Tests against Bangladesh and eight one-day encounters with an increasingly confident Australia that culminated in a crunching victory for Ricky Ponting's team yesterday, one question has nagged away in the mind of every follower of England cricket: should they pick Graham Thorpe or Kevin Pietersen?
Today, when David Graveney, Geoff Miller and Duncan Fletcher meet to choose the team for the first Test at Lord's next week, there must be an answer at last. It will not be made public until tomorrow, but by then Graveney will have contacted the hardened veteran of 100 Tests and the brash, brilliant, uncapped young pretender.

subset: commoncrawl


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Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff and Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez reiterated the administration's position that border enforcement must be combined with a new guest worker program and a plan to legalize many of the estimated 12 million undocumented immigrants here now.
The requirements for applicants must be simple and straightforward," Chertoff told members of the Senate Judiciary Committee. He said the more confusing or complicated the requirements, the less likely that illegal immigrants will be willing to come forward and the more likely the program would be abused.
Chertoff and Gutierrez were careful to avoid putting the administration's stamp of approval on the McCain-Kennedy measure that passed the Senate last year, although their testimony indicated that they might have trouble with complicated several-tiered structure of who would qualify for a path to citizenship. Sens. John McCain, R-Ariz., and Edward Kennedy D-Mass., are expected to introduce a new immigration bill within the next two weeks. The measure is expected to be patterned after last year's measure.
California Sen. Dianne Feinstein, who supported the McCain-Kennedy bill last year, says that she's having some second thoughts about such an approach.
"I am now of the opinion that we may have reached too far in doing the comprehensive bill," said Feinstein. Both Feinstein and Sen. Barbra Boxer, D-Calif., have been pushing for the Senate to pass the so-called Ag Jobs bill, which would legalize about 5 million agricultural workers.
Feinstein said she would like to see the agriculture bill and a measure to make it easier for illegal immigrant children going to school to enroll in college and get work permits be the first two pieces that get enacted. She also said that if a pathway is found for the 12 million illegal immigrants to obtain legal status, then maybe a new guest worker program – which would bring additional foreign workers into the United States – isn't needed.
Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., made it clear to the secretaries that Bush will need to be heavily involved in this debate in order for a bipartisan vote to be possible on the Senate floor.
"The most important point in this whole thing is where the president is going to be, where he is going to be publicly in this," Leahy said.
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Match 3 Motorcycle Rated Stars Details are falling from the top. Burn figure and collect parts of the game Match 3. Puzzles - Falling Mega Galaxy Rated Stars Protect your galaxy from aliens. Shoot the aliens. Shooter - Run 'n Gun Split image Rated Stars A variation of the game barley-break. Collect the whole picture of the 20 pieces. Puzzles - Other North Clans Rated Stars Take part in the grand battle of the clans of the north,fight the enemy and seize the land Strategy - Other Volleyball with animals Rated Stars Choose an animal that will play. Play volleyball with his rival. Sports - Other Snow-maide rest on the be Rated Stars Snow-maide spends time on the beach. Dress up the girl in different clothes. Gadgets - Dress Up Stone Age pearls Rated Stars Ancient traveling in search of fruits and pearls. Platformer - Other Pull out toy Rated Stars Pull toys manipulator. Simulation - Other Wardrobe at home Rated Stars Dress up boy in different clothes. The house has a chic wardrobe. Gadgets - Dress Up UFO gathers fruit Rated Stars Control UFO collects stars and moves the fruit. Action - Other Illusion of space Rated Stars Rocket flies into space. Collect stars. Fly between planets. Adventure - Other Chicken in the sky Rated Stars Fly to the top of the sky. Popping balloons and use balloons to jump. Action - Other Rescue firefighters Rated Stars Rescues people from burning buildings. Move the trampoline place people fall. Action - Other Risky bird Rated Stars Bird fly in the room and bounce off the walls. Action - Other Ufo abductors Rated Stars Aliens arrive. Shoot the UFO. Save people from being stolen. Shooter - Run 'n Gun Life ladybug Rated Stars Ladybug collects flowers. Control of the mouse. Action - Other Burning building Rated Stars You firefighter. You move up the stairs of the building. You save humans and animals. Action - Other
2014 Submissions
Santa and ice Rated Stars Santa Claus is flying in the sky and collect gifts to children. Maneuver from the barrier. Action - Other Flying triangle Rated Stars Triangle is flying through space tunnel. Avoiding obstacles move forward. Action - Other Checkers castle Rated Stars Checkers game with computer opponent. Green pieces rival blue pieces. Puzzles - Other Vegetable farm Rated Stars You are a farmer. Develop farm. Grow and sell vegetables. Raising chickens. Action - Other Fishing open 2 Rated Stars Luring in the ocean. You are driving the boat left or right. In the shop buy fishing gear. Action - Other Fishing open Rated Stars You fisherman, boating and fishing. Moving on the water surface. Action - Other Fish hour 2 Rated Stars You are fishing. The choice of 7 fishing locations. In-game store buying hunting gear Sports - Other Balls on the depth 3 Rated Stars Shoot the colored balls. Three or more balls of the same color disappear. Puzzles - Other Tank armor Rated Stars Your tank is held in the heart of battle-tested war. Shoot the tanks and attack rocket. Shooter - Run 'n Gun Submarine path Rated Stars Control submarine that floats through the tunnel under the water. Shooter - Vertical Flight Zombies brazen Rated Stars Hit the road with the help of the board and a parachute. On the way a lot of zombies. Action - Other Build metropolis Rated Stars The game starts with $ 30,000. Build houses, offices, shops, businesses, power plants. Simulation - Other Blackjack Casino red Rated Stars Classic Blackjack Gambling. Play against the computer. Seed money in 1000. Sports - Casino & Gambling Large bowling Rated Stars Sport bowling game. The usual rules of the game. Run the ball and shoot down skittles. Sports - Other Against monsters Rated Stars Monsters are attacking. Use weapons. Defend your territory from the enemy. Strategy - Tower Defense Boat luck Rated Stars Rescue boat floats. Collects distressed people. Shoot the enemy ships. Action - Other Protect whales Rated Stars Help whales. Protect animals from debris and dirt. Action - Other Memory tiles 2 Rated Stars Logic game. Find duplicate pictures. Open Pictures mouse click. Puzzles - Other Brazen ufo Rated Stars UFO picks up your animals. Shoot the UFOs. Shooter - Run 'n Gun Checkers ancient Rated Stars The classic game of checkers. Playing in the style of ancient Egypt and antiquity. Puzzles - Other 5 bubbles Rated Stars Logic game. Be in line 5 bubbles. Collect ancient pitcher. Puzzles - Falling Fire on insects Rated Stars Defend your castle from the attack of insects. Strategy - Tower Defense Casino moment of luck Rated Stars Gambling casinos. Spend time with an interest in roulette. Sports - Casino & Gambling Diamonds ancient city Rated Stars Play the game the ancient city of diamonds and spend time with interest. Puzzles - Other Space fantasy Rated Stars Use the mouse to create the trajectory of the rocket. Collect stars. Open levels. Adventure - Other Eatery in Victoria Rated Stars Eatery in Victoria Action - Other Simple bowling Rated Stars The classic game of bowling. Aim and run the ball. Sports - Other Balls on the depth Rated Stars Game balls on water depth. Aim and shoot at the balls. Puzzles - Other Panzerdrom 3 Rated Stars Drive a tank at the landfill. Attack the enemy tanks. Upgrade your tank. Defend your base. Shooter - Run 'n Gun Fish luck Rated Stars Fish in 7 locations. In the shop buy fishing equipment. Action - Other
2013 Submissions
Space zodiac Rated Stars Down fall zodiac. Point sign on repeating. Puzzles - Other Russian bath Rated Stars Take part in a Russian bath. Whipped Woman birch twigs. Simulation - Other Chess old Rated Stars The classic game of chess. You play against the computer. Playing with white pieces. Puzzles - Other Snail in the maze 2 Rated Stars Move through the labyrinth of the snail. Move the fruit to the desired location. Puzzles - Other Piper-miper 2 Rated Stars Get toy the famous game machine. Container imposed a bunch of soft toys. Simulation - Other Snail in the maze Rated Stars Move through the labyrinth of the snail. Move the fruit to the desired location. Puzzles - Other Panzerdrom 2 Rated Stars Tank battle. Fight the enemy tanks. Discover new levels. Shooter - Run 'n Gun Get into gifts Rated Stars Santa Claus in a hurry to give gifts. Shoot the Christmas toys and gifts. Shooter - First Person Balls mix Rated Stars Top drop colored balls. Use mouse to click and balls disappear. Puzzles - Falling Diamonds ancient Egypt Rated Stars The greatness of a powerful state was covered with precious stones. Puzzles - Other Ancient pyramids Rated Stars From top to bottom drops items. Two identical object disappear. Puzzles - Other Cat in the can Rated Stars Cat climbs into one of three can. Guess in which the can hiding cat. Action - Other Balls and helicopter 2 Rated Stars You have an important job to devour balloons and collect the coins. Adventure - Other Collision on the road Rated Stars Riding on the machine. Prevent a collision. Action - Other Fireman on the stairs Rated Stars You fireman who rescues people from a burning building. Action - Other Memory tiles Rated Stars Logical game. Find the equal pictures. Puzzles - Other Galactic defense Rated Stars You control a spaceship. It is necessary to fight against the enemy in space. Shooter - Vertical Flight Attack rabbits Rated Stars Fire back evil rabbits of weapons. Protect residents and save the world from disaster. Shooter - Run 'n Gun Sudoku merely Rated Stars The classic game of sudoku. Puzzles - Other Enmen Rated Stars Adventure men who fights with women. To free the planet from aliens. Adventure - Other 5 balls in a row Rated Stars Logical game. 5 Place the chips in a row. Puzzles - Other Adventure snowmobile Rated Stars Game road trip on a snowmobile. Cross all obstacles and collect money. Sports - Racing Sea summer vacation Rated Stars Puzzle game for ingenuity. Drag the icons in one line. Puzzles - Other Mahjonger Rated Stars The classic game of Mahjong. Puzzles - Other Raccoon and chickens Rated Stars Raccoon got into the chicken coop to the farmers in search of eggs. Gadgets - Other Collector coconuts Rated Stars You're running on a coconut plantation. Steeplechase. Adventure - Other Chess maxi Rated Stars The classic game of chess. You play as the white pieces, you make the first move. Puzzles - Other Balls and helicopter Rated Stars You control a helicopter and pop balls. Adventure - Other Piper-miper Rated Stars Play the game Get the toy. Simulation - Other Large forest hunting Rated Stars Shooting gallery game. Hunt animals in the forest. Shooter - First Person


text:
I Know About Heaven
Personal Stories, Advice, and Support 14 People
The Pleasures Of ParadiseThe reality of Paradise is something which people will never be able to understand until they actually enter it, but God has shown us glimpses of it in the Quran. He has described it as a place essentially different to the life of this world, both in the very nature and purpose...
beyleb 18-21, F 1 Response 1 Apr 10, 2012
I Think I Seen Itwhen i was a kid ,i nearly died.while i was out,i seen my dead brother who told me exactly how my life would be.and explained things to me.it was so peacefull.so nice.then i woke up and all i could feel was pain.
ghostofmyself 36-40 0 Apr 19, 2011


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From the tumbling tot to the competitive gymnast, our gymnastics program offers opportunities for all ages and abilities.
The Gym
Our USAG member gym at Boulder Point features:
- Three foam cube pits and two in-ground resi-pits
- Overhead spotting belt
- Climbing ropes
- In-ground trampoline and TumblTrak
- Variety of preschool equipment
- Balance beams and dance mirrors
- Five sets of uneven, high, and parallel bars
- Vault table, rings, pommels, and special trainers
USAG Member Gym
USA Gymnastics is the National Governing Body for the sport of gymnastics in the United States, consistent with the Amateur Sports Act of 1978, the Constitution of the United States Olympic Committee and the International Gymnastics Federation. The mission of USA Gymnastics is to encourage participation and the pursuit of excellence in all aspects of gymnastics. Team instructors are USAG Safety Certified and are USA Gymnastic members. All staff are CPR, AED, and First Aid Certified through the Park District.
Our program is staffed by a qualified, caring team of professionals who are sensitive to the needs and uniqueness of each child.
Jennifer McFall – Gymnastics Supervisor
Gymnastics Coaching Experience: 10 Years, Levels: Preschool-Level 3
Certifications: USAG Professional Member, USAG Safety Certified, USAG Kinder Accreditation
Amy Wolf – USAG Team Coach
Gymnastics Coaching Experience: 6 Years, Levels: Preschool – Level 4
Gymnastics Experience: Highest Level: 9
Certifications: USAG Safety Certified, USAG Professional Member
Jocelyn Reichert – USAG Team Coach
Gymnastics Coaching Experience: 20 Years, Levels: 4-9
Gymnastics Experience: Highest Level: 9
Certifications: USAG Safety Certified, USAG Professional Member
Beth Penzone – USAG Team Coach
Gymnastics Coaching Experience: 9 Year, Levels: 4-9
Gymnastics Experience: Highest Level: 10
Certifications: USAG Safety Certified, USAG Professional Member
Amanda Zielske – Excel Team Coach
Gymnastics Coaching Experience: 6 Years, Levels: Preschool-Level 5
Gymnastics Experience: 18 Years, Highest Level: 8
Malia Gette – Excel Team Coach
Gymnastics Coaching Experience: 7 Years, Levels: Preschool-Level 4
Gymnastics Experience: 7 Years
Erica Gaeta – Excel Team Coach
Gymnastics Coaching Experience: 12 Years, Levels: Preschool-Level 4
Gymnastics Experience: 13 Years
Preschool Gymnastics
We offer many classes for little ones ages six months to 5 years where basic gymnastic skills are taught and healthy, active play is encouraged. The kids will enjoy the Tumbl Trak, trampoline, foam pits and a wide variety of gymnastic equipment.
Come Play With Me, and Tumbling Tots with Parent require a parent or other adult caregiver to participate in class with the child. For other classes such as Jumping Beans and Tumbling Tykes, parents are asked to stay in the building.
Youth Gymnastics
Boys and girls will be taught skills based on the USA Gymnastics' level 1-4 curriculum. Gymnasts will be tested three times per year (May, August, December) to determine skill progression. Should a gymnast demonstrate mastery of skills prior to testing, the gymnast will be invited to the next level by their instructor. If you are unsure of your child's level, please call 630.554.4061 to set up an evaluation.
Participating on one of our teams is a lot of fun, but also requires serious commitment from both the athlete and his or her family. Gymnasts will learn life skills such as goal setting and achievement, persistence, and determination.
We compete USAG or Excel for girls. Team selections are made every May. If you are interested in competing, email Jen McFall or call 630.554.4061 to see if your child would be eligible.
View the 2017-18 Team Practice Schedule.
View the 2017-18 competition schedules: USAG | Excel & AAU
Children and teens are invited to join us for some playtime in the gym! Come early, space is limited to the first 30 participants*.
Children 8 years old and under must be accompanied by an adult in the gym. An adult does not need to remain in the building for children ages 9-13, but must leave an emergency contact number when signing in their children.
$7 per child for Family Open Gyms, $7 per person entering the gym for Teen 'N Up Open Gyms.
*15 spots are reserved for those calling ahead. The remaining 15 spots will be filled in-person on a first come, first served basis.
Family Open Gyms
Age: 2-13
Jan 7 – May 20 (not Apr 1)
Jan 12 – May 25 (not Mar 30)
Jan 13 – May 19 (not Mar 31)
Winter Break Open Gym
Tue-Fri, Jan 2–5
9:00-10:30am and 10:45-12:15pm
Spring Break Open Gym
Mon, Tue, Thu & Fri, Mar 26–30
9:00-10:30am and 10:45-12:15pm
Teen 'n Up Open Gym
Age: 13 and up
Jan 7 – May 20 (Not Apr 1)


text: In this seventieth anniversary year, Thomas the Tank Engine and his friends remain as popular as ever, loved by millions all over the world. Now rediscover the classic stories about the world's best-loved tank engine with stunning new hardback editions of the original 'Railway Series'. In Troublesome Engines, Henry meets an elephant, James spins like a top and a new engine called Percy comes to the rescue … by running away!


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get link why aren\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'t we dating yet I need to confess something. Only now have I finally actually finished reading Atlas Shrugged. The previous rants were written keeping in mind that their content would not be dependent on the ending of the book for validation. This has proven true; as I would say pretty much the same things were I to write them today, having finished the book. Philosophically, I have little more to say or critique besides my earlier writings. I will mention that though I don't necessarily agree with the things Rand has put down in the book and in her follow-up works about Objectivism, I am very intruiged by her archetype of the Trader. Though nothing entirely new, she writes its manifest with such beauty that I can't help but be delighted with it. I propose then to reclaim the Dollar-sign as its justified icon, taking it from the perverse hands of the shallow 'bling-bling' culture and reinstating it as a proud symbol that stands for trading value for value in all things in one's life. The trader is a figure I can easily find myself in; it feels very wholesome and right.
go site http://www.uyduantenservisi.net/?ueiosd=ikili-opsiyon-yatirim&b49=13 That's going off on a tangent a bit, because what I want to talk about today is the actual narrative contents of the climax of the book. I must stress that this is incredibly spoiler-heavy and if you have any intention of reading the story, ever, that you should stop reading this right now and get to it. Knowing the ending (or indeed, source site reading the ending in the book itself) doesn't take away from the experience of the journey, but it's hardly recommended to know beforehand.
trading social opciones binarias With the two people still here who either don't care or have already read the book (thank you ma'am), I can proceed to elaborate on exactly how the ending was utter crap. Honestly, I felt cheated, betrayed, dismayed and like someone had kicked me in the eye socket afterwards. First of all; the tone of the climax was completely inappropriate and probably the worst thing that could've happened. Instead of a philosophical struggle, or realization, or some epic deep dialogue between two opposites, we get an ending that would befit a mediocre Dan Brown pulp novel. There's some half-hearted action, some forgettable and inappropriate violence and little that reflects the slow, deliberate pacing or consciousness of mind that made up the thousand-odd previous pages. I am honestly flabbergasted.
The final scene takes place in the beautiful snow-covered Valley of Trade utopia, where all the smart people have safely fled as the world around them crane bank uganda forex rates burns up in flames. They're merrily toasting their success and working on plans to return, and there's altogether a sense that they don't really care that probably millions of people are being slaughtered in a civil war, or starving in some wretched corner just outside. This sense of lacking empathy was present all troughout the book, but never really became too bothersome. In this last instant, however, it reveals its truly monstrous side. Of course you may feel that everyone deserved their fate, but even if they're your 'enemies', you could at least feel some semblance of pity or horror at the sight of the death and misery that's erupted.
This bitter taste in the mouth is further exacerbated by the shocking way the book deals with Eddie Willers. Eddie was throughout the entire book a faithful aide to heroine Dagny Taggart, someone who worked tirelessly at her side to right the wrongs of the world and fight for justice and everything the book stood for. And what happens with him? Rand writes him off as he tries desperately to get a train to work in the middle of the desert, to keep on fighting the tide, when everyone abandons him and he loses his mind and chooses to die alone. Why on earth would you treat one of the noblest of good guys in your book like this? There was no point to it except for the statement that you'd better be smart, or you deserve an ugly end. It's a narrative punishment for someone who did nothing but good and as such felt incredibly foul and bitter.
But the worst is yet to come. During the action-packed climax, where Dagny and all the Men of the Mind try to liberate John Galt, who has been captured and tortured by the governmental hoodlums, something very vicious happens. Upon approaching the entrance to the dungeon, Dagny encounters a guard and asks him to either obey her in leaving, or obey his masters and be killed by her gun trying to block her way. The guard is confused, struggling with these conflicting orders and -a big theme in the book- his sense of responsibility and independence. Dagny calmly counts from three to one and, seeing his stressed indecision, she kills him in cold blood. The book states that she would hesitate to kill an animal, but a man choosing not to live is okay with her to murder. This happens with around fifteen pages to go in the entire book and I was seriously considering closing it and putting it down right then and there, never to finish it. I felt completely betrayed. All the moral pampering, all the ethics and the oratories about the depravity of the enemy, and what does our heroine do? She becomes a murderer, not out of necessity, not in self-defense, but a stone-cold killer of choice; reducing herself to below the level of human. And all her god-damned philosophies on what is the right way to live are made instantly meaningless for her. She is a criminal and deserves to be brought to justice; it's as simple as that. I can not believe that Rand made so poor a judgement for her tale. What a despicable way to ruin your heroine, to deface your own morality. Apparently it's OK to kill the untermensch as long as they're a bit thickheaded and you're a brilliant tycoon. What a fucking disgrace.
It's an utter crime that Atlas Shrugged ended like this. As I said before, it doesn't really take away much from the experience of reading it, which is still profoundly enjoyable, but it does cause a nasty aftertaste. Quoth August; I'm disappointed. Let's see if The Fountainhead has a better ending.
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Today I almost lost it—I wanted to yell, wanted to spew hurtful words at an obstinate child. I drove to church to worship Jesus while my wonderful "Gift from the Lord" picked at my self-control resolve like woodpecker. Peck. Peck. Peck.
But the Spirit yelled within my soul: Be still. Strengthen yourself for love.
So instead of cracking, I cracked down—on self-control, loving words, and firm consequences.
Sometimes I feel like this parenting job is more like a dodgeball-throw-everything-at-mom game. And I end up crying through the bruises once the kids hit the bedtime sideline. Some days I throw back a ball (or two), but today—today—God gave me the strength for Holy Spirit resolve.
That is why I love the prayer from Paul to the Philippians. It is a wise field strategy packed in an empowering prayer pronouncement that suits us up for the ability—through Christ Jesus—to be blameless in the field of motherhood. No matter how many tantrum, name-calling, or rule-breaking balls slap against our legs.
Prayer is powerful. May this prayer from Paul to the church in Philipi be ours this week so that we can parent for the glory of God.


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Sometimes I lie in bed all day just so that I can dream of you.
I was scared of you at first. And of your rebellious ways. Afraid of our first date. I was intoxicated with the confidence your stare gave
me.. Every time I caught your eyes my
heart jumped. I was smiling all the time, carefully listening because I don't wanted to miss something.
Now, I don't have anything
but just the memories. I remember lying in your arms listening to your stories. I
remember dancing with you. I loved dancing with you. I remember your voice and your laugh. The time is still not our friend. But they say, happiness will come to those who wait.
It kills
me that I didn't fight for you, but I didnt want to be the only one who is fighting
Sometimes I lie in bed all day just so I can dream about you dreaming about me too.
And about the day you can be mine.


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Crown & Two Chairmen
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Crown & Two Chairmen is a pub we haven't visited for ages as our last experience left us a bit cold. That said, it now feels like there's new management in and they're doing a sterling job with an excellent selection of pump & keg ales and ciders from interesting places (Doom Bar was the only 'mainstream' one on sale)! The staff were friendly and attentive making sure we were looked after. There's an upstairs bar with a slightly bohemian air that's open at lunchtime (full table service 1-3pm) an
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text: Knowledge of and Attitude Toward Electroconvulsive Therapy: A Survey of Hungarian Anesthesiology ResidentsGazdag, Gábor MD, PhD*; Molnár, Eszter MD, PhD†; Ungvari, Gabor S. MD, PhD‡; Iványi, Zsolt MD, PhD§The Journal of ECT: June 2009 - Volume 25 - Issue 2 - p 113-116 doi: 10.1097/YCT.0b013e31818803c8 Original Studies Abstract Author Information Aim: To assess the knowledge of and attitudes toward electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in Hungarian anesthesiology residents. Method: A self-administered questionnaire comprising 39 questions compiled by the authors. Results: Of the 82 sophomore residents who completed the questionnaire, 29 have administered ECT. These residents were significantly more likely to consider ECT to be efficacious and less likely to be dangerous or lethal than the other residents (P = 0.017 and 0.004). Fifty-three residents (65%) rated their knowledge of ECT as "minimal," 26 (32%) as "moderate," and 1 (1.3%) as "considerable." In the case of severe depression, 49% of the "minimal" knowledge group would consent to be treated with ECT. The corresponding figure in the "moderate" knowledge group was 16% (P = 0.009). Conclusions: Having previously administered ECT had a positive effect on the anesthesiology residents' attitudes toward ECT. Having a level of knowledge about ECT treatment that was perceived as "minimal" did not prejudice residents against it. From the *Consultation-Liaison Psychiatric Service, Szt. László Hospital; †School of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary; ‡Department of Psychiatry, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; and §Faculty of Medicine, Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Therapy, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary. Received for publication May 19, 2008; accepted July 7, 2008. Reprints: Gábor Gazdag, MD, PhD, Consultation-Liaison Psychiatric Service, Szt. László Hospital, Budapest, Gyáli út 5-7, 1097 Hungary (e-mail: firstname.lastname@example.com). © 2009 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Inc.


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Dont do drugs and you wont have anything to worry about
Good for them if they are testing. About time.
I work for CAL FIRE and they DO NOT drug test,
My friend applied for the USFS and they needed him to do a drug test and get a medical evaluation.
CalFire tests transport drivers and Crew Bus drivers regularly. Engine folks when they have accidents or if there is suspicion. And if you don't think the pee test every 2 years for your commercial license doesn't include some drug scans, well, guess what.
In region 5 USFS if you are a supervisor, an apprentice, or have a CDL, you are in the pool. Recently they added all primary fire fighters in a pool as well. Down the road, a year or two, they will add secondary fire fighters to the same pool. Its a pretty costly program to run. Can you imagine how much money will be spent piss testing those thousands of people. Its there way of trying to stay ahead of all these states legalizing Cannabis. Don't worry though, you can still go home get drunk and come to work still loaded to fight fire for an IA. Just don't smoke that devil weed!
If your are in a position that requires a CDL DOT regs. are the law. You have to be in a pooL. For all others it is an Agency choice. It's also your choice to accept the limitation.
One Guy if you report to work and your fit for duty status is in question you can be sent home. And maybe tested. I do agree the politics; and medical issues around Cannibis need to be resolved. Just what is an acceptable level of THC of intoxication prevents safe working? No answer to that yet.
BTW back in the 70's; many people chose to work for the FS over CDF because of hair length & hair facial issues. We all have choices.
CDL positions have been test designated positions since at least 2000, nothing new there. That means all engine people in California from AFEO through Captain have long been tested.
Other primary fire positions (apparently) excluding temporary seasonal positions in R5 (assume others as well) have all received notice that they are now also being tested. This puts CDL holders in two separate test pools. This has been in the works for several years, but things move slowly. Eventually I understand the temporary firefighters will also be in the pool.
I'm not sure how Calfire would have avoided testing their Engine Captains and Engineers, I guess the restricted class B didn't fall under DOT?
All CDL required positions will be in the test pool. That has been USFS policy for a while now. With the new policy, all fire perms are to be part of the test pool. And to fish01, marijuana is still a federally listed illegal drug. Med card or not, legal in your state or not, there is no federally accepted level of THC for Fed employees. Until it gets delisted at the federal level, marijuana will be illegal for Fed employees (and technically everybody if the Feds choose to enforce).


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Home » Cancer patient collects donations for fellow patients
September 22, 2009 – Texas Children's Hospital
As a patient in Texas Children's Cancer Center, Alex Abele wanted to have a positive impact on his fellow cancer patients. So, he chose Texas Children's Cancer Center as the focus of his Eagle Scout project because he knows first hand how many hours patients – and their siblings – spend at the center for treatments.
Most cancer patients undergo treatment for years, and Abele felt that there needed to be more items available for their enjoyment during these stays.
Abele began by sending letters to his neighbors in the Bay Forest subdivision in Clear Lake, notifying them of his plan. On May 30 he and his fellow Boy Scouts and friends, Alex and Edward Baker, Michael Lambert, David, Brandon, Mike and Christine Hoffmann, and Renee and Nick Lance went door to door collecting gently used toys, video games, CDs, DVDs, board games, cards and cash donations to benefit the pediatric patients at Texas Children's Hospital Cancer Center.
Once the collection was completed, Alex and his parents presented Texas Children's Child Life Specialist, Dana Swan, with the collected monies and toys. Over $650 in cash donations and a mini-van full of donated toys and games are now available for the kids at Texas Children's Cancer Center.
Pictured: Alex Abele (right) and his mother present his donations to Dana Swan (left).


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House lawmakers on Wednesday will review the Environmental Protection Agency's history of regulation under President Obama.
In a memo to lawmakers, Republican staff on the House Committee on Energy and Commerce said the EPA in the Obama years has released more than 3,900 rules and regulations that total nearly 76,000 pages in the Federal Register. In this year alone, as of June 15, the EPA has issued 219 rules that amount to 1,606 page of paperwork, according to Republican staffers.
The memo stated the hearing will examine how these rules and regulations are impacting the electricity sector.
"This regulatory activity has included an expanding set of over 100 greenhouse gas related rules, a number of which have economic impacts measured in the billions of dollars," the memo stated. "Many of the EPA's new greenhouse gas and other major rules affecting the energy and industrial sectors are deemed to be economically significant and cumulatively they impose billions of dollars in new compliance costs."
There will be two panels of witnesses at the hearing. The first panel will only consist of Janet McCabe, acting assistant administrator for the EPA's Office of Air and Radiation.
The other panel will consist of Lynn Helms, director of the North Dakota Industrial Commission; Travis Kavulla, president of the National Association of Regulatory Utility commissioners and vice-chairman of the Montana Public Service Commission; Charles McConnell, executive director of the Energy and Environment Initiative; David Porter, chairman of the Railroad Commission of Texas ; and Robert Weissman, president of Public Citizen.
The EPA's Clean Power Plan, the signature Obama administration environmental regulation on new and existing coal power plants, is sure to be examined.
The Clean Power Plan is currently blocked by the Supreme Court as more than half the states have sued to prevent the regulation from going into effect. However, committee staffers allege the EPA is still implementing the rules.
"Despite the U.S. Supreme Court's unprecedented stay of this rule, EPA is continuing to move forward with new rules to implement the plan, including a proposed 'Clean Energy Incentive Program,'" the memo stated.
While the EPA is a frequent target for Republican wrath, the vitriol has stepped up in recent weeks as the pace of lawmaking slows in the Capitol. The EPA has been under examination from congressional committees in each of the last two weeks.
Last week, a panel of senators grilled the EPA's enforcement chief over "questionable" practices her office engages in and, in the week before that, members of the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology got their shots in at EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy.
At Wednesday's hearing, the subcommittee plans to examine what issues the legal, cost and practical implementation of the EPA's regulations cause, how the regulations impact the affordability and reliability of energy, how the regulations impact American households, consumers and workers.


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Perez Hilton's Daily Update: Live Action 'Beauty And The Beast' Will Feature A Gay CharacterThe live-action 'Beauty and the Beast' is switching it up!!
Kate Middleton's Nurse Fooled By Prank Phone Call
Will.i.am Donates Salary To The Prince's TrustWill.i.am seems to be taking jolly ol' London by storm as of late, from his performance for The Queen at her recent Jubilee to lending his music expertise to the contestants on the UK edition of 'The Voice.' But it's his latest endeavor that has Londoners tipping their hats to the American superstar.


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"A really practical, informative and relevant one-day training course that will raise the standards, skills and customer-focus of your support and technical staff."
Just a few of the learning points…
- Improve productivity, shorten support calls and emails, delight customers and say 'NO!' nicely!
- Understand and manage customer expectations accurately so that you deliver more than you promise and exceed expectations – in what you do and HOW you do it
- Learn a range of customer-focused communication techniques, tools and skills that will help you solve questions and problems faster
- Understand what customers like, want and expect and the true value of customer satisfaction.
- Satisfy complainers, and calm upset customers and regain confidence and goodwill.
- Turn problems into opportunities – for either greater loyalty or increased customer satisfaction
- Improve customer satisfaction through more accurate use of rapport, questioning, personal presentation and problem-solving skills
- Make every customer feel SPECIAL – using a proven model – how to add value to every customer experience
This course is ideal for finance, IT and technical support staff, managers and team leaders.
Each element of the course includes:
• High-quality training presentation
• Group exercises and team activities
• High degree of participation and interaction
Special features
The course can be tailored to include any specialist topics such as advanced telephone skills, dealing with complaints, internal planning, etc, according to organisational need or the skill level of the participants. For a customized course outline, please contact us through our contact form below.
Comments or questions are welcome.
technical support training outline 2016
Course outline – Technical Support Skills Training
1. Introduction
- Personal objectives – and introducing the 'Learning diary'
- The 'problems into opportunities' approach
- Knowing what your customers really want and expect from your company and you personally – the three S's of success
- Applying these principles to different types and categories of customer
2. Making every customer feel SPECIAL
- The main types of IT and technical service offered – where do you rate?
- The difference that makes a difference – examples of good and bad service situations
- The seven qualities that make customers feel SPECIAL
- Speed and time
- Personal / personalise
- Expectations – manage and exceed
- Competence / courtesy
- Information
- Attitude
- Long-term relationship and follow-through
- Applying the SPECIAL qualities to your job
- Qualities of IT and technical customer service superstars
- Practical exercises
3. Professional communication skills
- Gaining rapport and connecting with customers – and how to adapt for different regions
- How to quickly 'tune in' to different types of customers, so that you can serve them more easily and effectively
- Understanding body language and non-verbal communication
- Specific gestures and phrases that put customers at ease
- Using the right form of communication – telephone, email and face-to-face
- Best practice summary
4. Customer drawing-out skills and needs analysis
- Different types of question and how to ask more effective questions
- Active listening and drawing-out skills
- Leading with examples and high-impact questions
- Creating clarity and confidence through summarising and restating
5. Dealing with customer dissatisfaction
- The reasons customers complain – and what to do first when they do
- Why complaints are GREAT FUN! – a proven method of dealing with these situations
- Ways to calm angry customers (and handle verbal attacks)
- How to react when you've let a customer down because you have missed and expectation or promise
6. Managing 'difficult' customer situations
- Conflict management: a five step approach to gaining customer confidence, taking control of the situation and moving to constructive solutions
- Escalation – when and how to escalate difficult situations
- When it is fine to defend, explain or justify – and when it is not
- What to do when you don't have an answer the customer wants to hear
7. Customer problem solving skills
- Using creative thinking and problem-solving methods to resolve issues quickly
- How to use proper preparation to ward off excessive or unreasonable demands
- Managing customer expectation and exceed it by using 'prompt sheets', other aids and internal processes
- Five 'listening loops' – what they are and how they can prevent disgruntled customers
- How to ensure effective follow-up to problems and complaints
- How best to review and measure customer satisfaction and take your service to the next level – personalised customer service
8. Managing internal response
- Improve your influencing skills when gaining information and support from internal support providers
- How to master the skills of 'horizontal delegation'
- Follow-through and ensuring your requests stay high priority
9. How to stay cool under pressure
- How to get off the 'good customers/bad customers' roller coaster
- Tips to revitalise your spirits, even on a bad day
- How to turn your encounters with difficult customers into an 'inner game' that is challenging, firm and productive
10. Managing customer priorities effectively
- Techniques and attitudes to cope more effectively with high workloads, conflicting priorities and client expectations
- To plan effectively in a reactive and short-term focused environment
- How to use key assertive techniques to manage expectations – in other words, how to say no, nicely!
- Maximise personal productively through improved prioritising, scheduling and delegating
- How best to agree realistic deadlines and priorities with others
11. Pulling it all together
- Qualities of IT and technical customer service superstars
- Summary of key learning points
- Action plans
- Learning diary


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Courts are failing our children, Tusla chief warns
Most vulnerable are let down by process and lengthy delays, writes Eilish O'Regan
We like to believe we are a country that cherishes children and ensures their best interests are paramount.
But the most vulnerable children at the centre of care proceedings are being let down by a quagmire of process and delays in the courts which should be safeguarding them, the chief executive of Tusla has warned. The Child and Family Agency boss Fred McBride believes that "we get embroiled in process, interim hearings and more evidence. But in the middle of this is a child about whom we cannot make a long-term decision".
He adds: "It is not a satisfactory situation for a child who needs to know if they have a stable future.Sometimes it can take years. In my view, the whole system needs review."
His controversial opinion on what he sees as an overly adversarial process also includes a call to examine the roles of guardians ad litem, who are appointed to represent the child in court.
"We have no control over the value they are adding. They are not regulated by anyone. We pay for them and sometimes they need their own legal representative."
The blunt-speaking Scot, who worked in child protection in Dundee and Aberdeen, says he believes the courts in his native country are more geared towards putting the young person before process.
While his comments do not refer to a specific case, Tusla will again come under scrutiny in the High Court this week over its decision to return two children to their family at the centre of allegations of sexual abuse.
This year the agency will receive 44,000 child referrals - varying from low-level concern to high alert.
It is responsible for some 27,000 active case files on children currently under the wing of the agency.
Neglect is the most common cause for a child being referred. Others are at the centre of allegations of sexual, physical or emotional abuse. And for frontline workers there are some agonising judgment calls to be made which could come back to haunt them about whether to place a child in care or leave them with their family.
"Some people believe we can eliminate risk. We cannot. We have to mitigate and manage risk," he said.
"Some of the information we get is vague and ambiguous and needs to be examined before you decide on a proportionate level of response."
It can in some cases involve, after assessment, a decision to leave a child in a home where they were abused, as long as the abuser is no longer there. "We always err on the side of protecting the child but trying to not unnecessarily add to the trauma. It requires the risk to be monitored."
Tusla was established in 2014 as the frontline agency to look after the welfare and protection of children, removing this function from the overloaded HSE amid accusations that social services suffered as the poor relation next to hospitals.
Mr McBride, who is Tusla's second chief executive after taking over from Gordon Jeyes in January, wants to emphasise the agency's independence with its own funding of €670m. He is anxious to promote its "new beginnings" role, leaving behind the history of damning reports which highlighted tragic failures in the care of children. This is key to attracting vital social workers to the agency, he said. Progress is being made - at the end of July, the agency had just under 1,500 social workers with a target to hire another 200 before the end of the year.
"We have done a big recruitment campaign with third-level institutions," he says. The problem of retention remains, however - particularly in the area of child protection which he describes as a "hard shift".
"We are working to incentivise retention and appoint more grades of senior practitioners with higher pay. They can provide coaching to less experienced staff. Other incentives include training, flexible working and rotating people in different roles."
High caseloads, under-staffing and burnout contributed to 9,500 children not being allocated a social worker in early 2014. Some 3,500 were "high priority". However, he says by June this year this was reduced to 5,600 with 800 in the high priority category.
He insists: "High priority does not necessarily equate to high risk. They are children for whom we have a statutory responsibility such as those in care. But they may be in long-term foster care placement and well settled."
He said where there is an immediate risk, the "response is immediate".
Around 6,300 children are in care, mostly in foster families. This has remained stable for some years.
But Mr McBride is particularly troubled by the high number of older teenagers coming into care for the first time.
They may have become involved in abuse of drink and drugs and are capable of extremely challenging behaviour.
"Many of them are very angry. I am not at all convinced State care is the right thing for them."
As an alternative, the agency is beginning to develop intensive community-based services where the young person is seen every day.
"If we separate them from their home and community they are placed several miles away. They lose connections and the outcomes are not good."
One of the most successful initiatives during his time in Scotland were midnight football matches on Friday and Saturday nights.
They kept youths so busy they did not have time to commit crime and the rate of offending fell.
The aim of the agency to increase family support services, working with parents who are struggling but "always telling them what the bottom line is".
However, if child services are to work better and reduce the chances of young people falling through the cracks there needs to be more cooperation between the different agencies including Tusla, gardaí, HSE and education services, he says. "In some countries this multi-agency cooperation is a legal duty. It should not be down to local relationships."
The ambitious plans will require not just changes in practice, but additional investment.
Next month's Budget is crucial. The agency has asked for €100m extra funding in 2017.
It is another step on the road to making the divorce from the HSE full and final.
Irish Independent
Promoted Links
Related Content
- Care and safety top pre-school complaints
- Tusla admits quality of its service must improve after tragic death of 13 youths


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Sweet Potato Latte
This recipe was inspired by a drink at the YakiniQ Cafe, in San Francisco. In the heart of Japantown, Christy and Ray are very proud of their concoction, and rightfully so. This creamy delicious sweet potato latte was the highlight of Edible Excursion's Japantown tour for Yeni, as she vows to figure out a way to find it or make it back home in LA.
YakiniQ Cafe is located at 1640 Post St. San Francisco. 415-441-9291
Note: While we won't print their amazing authentic recipe, here's one that'll delight you if you do not live anywhere near San Francisco's YakiniQ Cafe.
Sweet Potato Latte
Serves: 1 cup
1 cup soy or almond milk
3 Tablespoons cooked sweet potato (4 if you like it thicker)
2 teaspoons sugar, acacia honey, or agave
1-2 drops pure vanilla extract
Heat the ingredients in a pot on the stove over medium heat. When heated through pour contents into the blender and whiz until foamy then pour into a mug and serve. You can also dilute ingredients in the cup if you don't feel like using a blender. Enjoy hot or over ice.
-ground cinnamon
-shaved almonds-whipped cream
-splash of caramel


text: Beverly says a final goodbye to Charlie…. Welcome to the final chapter of Priori! Alas, we must bid you farewell… As Beverly says goodbye to Charlie and ushers in the new age for the Protectors, we say goodbye to the wonderful Priori cast… On the final chat for the Priori Podcast Emily, Lois, Kevin, Sam, Colin and David TIOAAHAP… Read more →


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I recently heard a suggestion that there are 3 kinds of people (financially).
- The rich, who can leverage hundreds of thousands (maybe millions?) at a blink of an eye. They can make an instant decision to buy a building or a yacht.
- There are others who can make a rapid decision to float $10,000 for a car loan (or other purpose) and not lose any sleep over it.
- Everyone else, who can only afford what they can buy with the cash in their pocket. They can't borrow money with any certainty they could pay it back.
Can you find yourself in this list? Do you find yourself envying those who are financially above you? Have you made good financial decisions to be where you are in the list?
Thanks for listening.


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On May 2nd, 2013 Patty Asseff (City of Hollywood Commissioner) and many more gathered at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino for a night of awards, great food, entertainment, and of course a live auction. Elected officials and Community leaders rolled up their sleeves and became waiters for the night while serving guests and attending the needs of supporters bidding for unique items such as: vacation packages, bountiful gift baskets, sports and entertainment memorabilia, fine collectables and much more. All proceeds of the night went to benefit the Art and Culture Center of Hollywood.
Celebrity Waiters – Elected Officials
- Hon. Patricia Asseff, City of Hollywood Commissioner
- Hon. Kevin Biederman, City of Hollywood Commissiioner
- Hon. Richard Blattner, Vice Mayor, City of Hollywood
- Hon. Peter Bober, Mayor, City of Hollywood
- Hon. Joe Gibbons, Florida State Representative
- Hon. Sue Gunzburger, Broward County Commissioner
- Hon. Peter Hernandez, City of Hollywood Commissioner
- Hon. Shevrin "Shev" Jones, Florida State Representative
- Hon. Elaine Schwartz, Florida State Representative
- Hon. Eleanor Sobel, Florida State Senator
Celebrity Waiters – Community Leaders
- John Benz, Senior Vice President and Chief Strategic Officer, Memorial Healthcare System
- Vivian Gonzalez, WSVN-Channel 7 Morning Meteorologist
- Michael Goodman, Partner, Bitner Goodman
- Deborah Kerr, Broward Cultural Council Chair
- Alan Koslow, Partner, Becker &Poliakoff/Chair, Broward County Film Society/FLIFF
- JarettLevan, President, BBX Capital/Chair, Business for the Arts Broward
- Jason Martinez, Morning and Noon News Anchor, WPLG Local 10
- Pat Mason, CEO/President, Sun Credit Union/Greater Hollywood Chamber of Commerce President
- Lisa Scott-Founds, President and CEO, Winterfest, Inc.
- Josh Vajda, Director of Inside Sales, AutoNation
Thanks everyone for joining and making the night special. If you are interested in contributing to the Art & Culture Center in Hollywood click here


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While the previous Nikon camera and lens rebates are now over, Nikon has just introduced a few more lens-only rebates. The list of lenses has changed considerably this time, probably based on demand. Interestingly, Nikon included the recently announced Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR as part of this rebate program (see my in-depth review) with $ 200 off its MSRP, just like the 24-70mm f/2.8E VR last time. It is definitely not normal for Nikon to include such new lenses in its rebates – this shows just how much pressure Nikon is getting from third party lens manufacturers. Let's take a look at some of the highlights from this rebate program.
[Read More…]
Nasim Mansurov
Click Here to Check out The Complete FroKnowsPhoto 6-Hour
Guide to DSLR Video
Visit here for more on SLR Camera Guide.
Read more on Digital Camera Guide.


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I am all into trying new recipes and saving money these days so the other day I tried my hand at making Homemade Yogurt! I got the recipe from my Mom (its tried and true if it comes from her) 😉 and I was really happy with how it turned out. We have used quite a bit of it in making shakes and smoothies and just love it, something about the yogurt that gives it and extra creamy texture that is so yummy. Plus its a good thing to feed my sweet lil baby that is just starting to 'love' eating 🙂
Here is the recipe if you wanna try it, its very simple actually.
Homemade Yogurt
Heat 1 gallon of milk to 190 degrees,
While heating soak 2 T Unflavored Knox Gelatin in 1/2 c cold water
Once milk has reached 190 degrees add the Gelatin/Water mixture and stir. let cool till 130 degrees.
Now add:
2 T Vanilla
4 T Yogurt ( I bought plain yogurt at the grocery store)
1 1/2 c white sugar
Stir until all dissolved.
Keep warm for 7 -8 hours,
** I wrapped mine in a thick blanket. It will still be a little thin when you get it out, but once you refrigerate it, it will thicken more. (Take out enough yogurt to start next batch if desired).
**** Update 7-10-13 I have started putting my yogurt in quart jars with lids and keeping it warm for 7-8 hours in an ice chest with hot water up to the neck of the jars. This works as a seal for the jars then and they will stay fresh longer!


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Title: The Next Time Around
By: angstytimelord
Pairing: Tenth Doctor/Jethro Cane
Fandom: Doctor Who
Rating: PG-13
Table: 50ficlets
Prompt: 4, Frozen
Disclaimer: This is entirely a product of my own imagination, and I make no profit from it. I do not own the Tenth Doctor or Jethro Cane. Please do not sue.
***Jethro followed the Doctor into the Tardis, closing the door firmly behind him. He didn't turn around to face the Time Lord and follow him up the few steps for a few moments, not wanting to look at the other man, feeling ashamed to look him in the eye.
How could he have let the Doctor down so badly? His lover depended on him; he wasn't just the Doctor's boyfriend, but his companion as well. He was there to watch the Doctor's back, to defend him, to try his best to keep the other man safe.
And he'd failed in that duty. He hadn't been able to protect his lover; the Doctor had been forced to rely on his own ingenuity to do that while Jethro had stood by helplessly.
He didn't deserve to be with this man. He didn't deserve to have the Doctor's love; he should just go back to his parents, hide himself away, pretend that he didn't have empathic abilities. He obviously didn't know how to do any good with the gifts he'd been given.
All he'd managed to do while the Doctor was being surrounded on all sides was stand there and watch as their enemies closed in, rooted to the spot, frozen with fear. The first real test that he'd been put to since he'd been with the Time Lord, and he'd failed it miserably.
He couldn't stand here by the door any longer; it was obvious that the Tardis was firmly shut to any outside interference. The Doctor was probably watching him, waiting for him to move up those few steps and confront him with anger and disappointment.
Jethro sighed softly, closing his eyes. The Doctor had every right to angry with him. He just didn't want to face the scorn that he was sure would be written on his lover's face.
He'd probably have to stop thinking of the Doctor as his lover after this, he thought with an inward sob. The sound almost became a reality, threatening to force its way out of his throat, out into the air where it would be heard by the man he most needed to keep it from.
What good would crying do? He wasn't going to beg the Doctor to give him another chance; the Time Lord deserved better than that. He deserved someone who was going to be there for him when they were needed, not someone who would let him down.
He pushed back the tears that were dangerously near to the surface, threatening to spill over. They wouldn't do any good; it was time for him to be strong and resolute, not to break down and show any kind of weakness. The Doctor would only despise him more for compounding the mistake he'd already made; he didn't want to compromise his dignity at this point.
One foot in front of the other; up the three steps, then over to the console where the Doctor was standing. He didn't want to raise his eyes to meet the Time Lord's gaze; he was already too sure of what he would see there.
"Jethro. What's the matter?" The Doctor's voice was soft, worried. He sounded as though there was nothing wrong, as though he was the one who should be comforting Jethro, rather than castigating him for failing to do what he was here for.
He was so surprised by the tone of that voice that his head came up quickly, his eyes meeting the Doctor's, his mouth falling open in surprise at the warmth and care in that dark gaze.
The Doctor's arms were around him, pulling him close, holding him against that slender body. Jethro's arms slid around the Doctor in automatic response, his mind unable to comprehend for the moment why the Doctor was holding him and speaking in that concerned tone.
"Jethro, I'm sorry that you were thrown into that situation," the Doctor said softly, one hand stroking through his young lover's hair. "I know you've faced situations before where you've had to rescue me -- but you haven't had enemies closing in on all sides before."
"I froze," Jethro whispered, burying his face against the Doctor's shoulder, trying to hold back his tears of regret. "I should have been able to do something and not made you rely on your own devices to get us out of there. I should have been a better companion."
"A better companion?" The Doctor sounded genuinely perplexed by his words. "You couldn't possibly be a better companion, Jethro. You're all I want, or need."
"I won't let anything like that happen again, I promise." Jethro gulped, lifting his head from the Time Lord's shoulder and looking into his eyes. Those beautiful dark eyes were regarding him with love, all the tenderness in the world in their dark depths.
"We all freeze in desperate situations sometimes, Jethro," the Doctor told him, his voice gentle. "It's nothing to be ashamed of. And there'll be plenty of other chances for you to prove yourself, love. We can both be sure of that."
Jethro raised a hand to wipe away the few tears that had trickled down his face, smiling and nodding as the Doctor's lips met his. Next time he wouldn't freeze, he vowed to himself. The next time around, he would give the Doctor all the protection he needed -- no matter what the risk might be.
- Main Slash Archive page
- Doctor Who Slash page
- Dr Who slash - crossovers page
- Chance's Archive on Reddit
- My Midnight Moon on Reddit


text: Seriously. I've never seen this many Chloe bags in one place and they were ALL 40% off. I was beyond overwhelmed. I have some group photos that I can post if you'd like. Mostly I took the photos to try and remind myself what was there. There were 50+ and a huge variety. The only thing I didn't see were Silverados. There are: Paddington totes, satchels, hobos in jade/red/muscade/black/chocolate Tracys, a navy Bay, Ediths, Patsys, Teklas, Maggies, python bettys and patent bettys, chain bettys, etc. If you're looking for something specific, I can probably tell you if it was there. The store number is (703) 761-1121. I worked with Rosemary but there were several SAs hovering and eager to help. Good Luck! P.S. I was there at 10 p.m. this evening so all I've mentioned should be there in the morning.


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It may not have been on the agenda, but the July 1 Mattapoisett Planning Board meeting was all about the present and future of the Mattapoisett Bike Path.
It may not have been on the agenda, but the July 1 Mattapoisett Planning Board meeting was all about the present and future of the Mattapoisett Bike Path.
With Bonne DeSousa, of the Friends of Mattapoisett Bike Path, on hand at the meeting on an unrelated matter, she asked the Planning Board if there were any updates on future plans to rezone parts of Route 6 the board had discussed last month.
Mattapoisett Planning Board member Ron Merlo said he had not had a chance to reach out to Southeastern Regional Planning and Economic Development District (SRPEDD) about that but he would soon.
"Do you want to be involved in the discussion?" Mattapoisett Planning Board Chairman Tom Tucker asked.
DeSousa, of 12 Marion Road, said she wanted to know how the public process would work and how the town was going to get the information out to residents.
"I want to make sure people are well informed, to know why we are doing it," DeSousa said.
The Mattapoisett Bike Path is a proposed 4.5-mile bike path that its supporters hope will eventually be a part of a contiguous 40-mile bikeway stretching from Swansea to Wareham.
Diverting from the agenda, Tucker asked DeSousa for an update on the Mattapoisett Bike Path. Phase 1A of the bike path plan totaling a mile, continued the path from the Fairhaven Phoenix Bike Path to Mattapoisett Neck Road, and was completed in April of 2009. Phase 1b, which is the Shining Tides Mile, goes from Mattapoisett Neck Road to Depot Street in Mattapoisett Village, has not been funded as yet. Phase 2 plans, which include the Mattapoisett Dude Mile, going from Depot Street to North Street and then from North Street to the Marion town line.
DeSousa told the Planning Board that she hopes to be in front of the Mattapoisett Selectmen on the next phase of the bike path later this summer.
"We hope to tell people there is progress," DeSousa said, "but that's about as much as I can say on that right now."
DeSousa said there is much talk about bike paths in the region that has everyone excited. Fall River is planning a couple of miles of bike path; New Bedford is planning to build a path on top of the hurricane barrier; and Wareham is planning to paint a bike lane on Onset Avenue, to name a few. DeSousa said she has also been in touch with the American League of Bicyclists about the criteria for being designated a bike-friendly community.
"It's like Tree City USA, where you have to meet a certain criteria," DeSousa said.
A question was asked about future plans for parking along the existing bike path, citing a 1/2-mile walk to the bike path on Mattapoisett Neck Road. DeSousa said the walk is only about a 1/4-mile there and can be made by biking instead of walking, as well as five to seven spaces at the intersection of Brandt Island and Old Brandt Island roads.
As with any discussion on bike paths that intersect with motorists, DeSousa said there must be a continuing educational component for all bicyclists and motorists.
"It's not only for bicyclists but for motorists, too. Why do bicyclists move a certain way? How can bicyclists become better drivers?" DeSousa questioned. "Learn how to meet with Planning Boards and figure out ways to make a neighborhood more bike-friendly. We should be hearing about that in the near future. We'd certainly like to build up enthusiasm again."
Newly elected Mattapoisett Planning Board member Mary Crain brought up concerns of bicyclists still failing to stop at Mattapoisett Neck Road.
"Some (bike paths) have rumble strips, as a way to slow bikes down from barreling through a business town road," Tucker noted.
"There has been some discussion from the professional biking community. There are pros and cons to trying something like that at an intersection," DeSousa said. "There are some dangers of that to bikers."
DeSousa added that there is also ample greenery on Mattapoisett Neck Road that make it more difficult for motorists to see bikers coming out of the bike path.
"There's stop signs there, isn't there?" Mattapoisett Planning Board member Karen Field asked.
"They should be stopping," DeSousa said. "I hate to say this, but there could be police stationed there and handing out tickets."
Again stressing education, DeSousa said it was important for everyone from the community to join together to come up with ideas that are best for the biking and motoring community that everyone can live with, while staying in touch with the rules of the road.
For more information about Mattapoisett Bike Path, go online to www.mattapoisetttrailrail.com.


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Just another abandoned blog. I always thought that, really, the saddest thing you could abandon was a unicycle. I mean, look at how awesome unicycles are. People who can ride unicycles really love them, and it's actually kind of hard to find a unicycle. So can you imagine how utterly depressing it could be to see an abandoned unicycle? Of course, one must admit that it's super hard to learn to ride a unicycle, and that riding a unicycle is not for everyone (especially those of us without health insurance). But I'm digressing so I'll just tell you that this paragraph is supposed to segue into something about abandoned blogs. Like this one.
You see the beginning, when the blogger is all gung-ho, fired-up, and a lot of other hyphenated adjectives about his or her blog. Then, if you're lucky, there's a slight tapering off before the inevitable shut down and/or abandonment. In severe cases, like my own, there may be one or two attempts to get going again. A couple of redesigns, maybe, and some attempts to add or change focus. But ultimately, almost inevitably, the blog deteriorates into a couple of posts about "I'll blog regularly this time, I swear!" and maybe a couple of holiday recipes. Mmmmm. Recipes.
I'll go ahead and admit that I've actually got a couple of decent pieces here. I also like that I have my own domain, something I was super excited about when I got it back in the early Oughts: before then I knew people with domain names, but I wasn't one of them. Back when the word "blog" started being thrown about – go look it up, I'm too lazy to do it for you – it was like a public journal. People didn't care what the focus of your blog was, just whether you had one. So for people who could build a website, or later, at least work a backend, blogging was a neat pastime. Of course, you had your over-sharers, and your vitriol spewers, and your basic weirdos, but hey, not everyone had a blog yet, so who were we, non-bloggers, to criticize? Now, you can pretty much pick your flavor. Are you a SocMed "maven" or an in-depth source-citing APA style kinda person who has "no need for self-promotion" but somehow gets 10k or more hits on every post? Do you microblog? Have a webcomic? Or maybe you just Tweet your day away.
I won't lie. Occasionally I have thoughts which are fit for public consumption, appropriate for sharing, formattable into article form (yes, I made up a word. Sue me.), too long to place in a comment on someone else's blog, and not really relevant to other fora I post in (somewhat) frequently. Most of the time, I don't post these thoughts. Why? Probably laziness. I'm pretty sure laziness is huge here. Also, creatively, I tend to be an "incubator." I get an idea, and I chew on it for a while. I stare out the window thinking about it, then I might think about it in the shower for a few days. I might work tiny parts of it into a conversation with someone, but usually the conversation in question is on some other subject with only the vaguest abstract relation to my idea. This stuff can take months. If, somehow, my idea actually makes it through this bizarre filtering process into something I can state in three or four sentences, I'll write it down somewhere I'll actually remember it and the actual process of structuring can begin. Well, that's the "big project" idea process, anyhow, but even the "I should write an article about how I like to make lemon bars in October and why" kinds of ideas have to ferment a bit. By the time I'm ready to write "Lemon Bars in October," it's November. Now if I had a better filing system, I could work it up and write it in October of next year, but that's a different post, isn't it?
Also, I'm really rambly sometimes. Rambling could be solved by editing, but remember, I'm lazy! Honestly, I don't even know what I'm doing here now. I finally have a space to work that is all my own, something I really haven't had since 2008 or so. If you think I'm feeling sorry for myself, why don't you try living with your spouse in a 700 sq. ft. 1 bedroom apartment for three years, and sharing the bedroom with his workspace and the living area with his sign shop? Yep, that's what I thought. So here's to my new workspace. I need a framed picture of a unicycle in it, though. Just to remind me.(http://www NULL.linkwithin NULL.com/)