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Track Time
Who'd have thought, when Steve Gibbs, then executive director of the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum, stated, "We're only going to do this once", that 22 years later the Hot Rod Reunion would still be going strong? In fact, stronger than ever, as Famoso Raceway near Bakersfield reverberated to the sound of nostalgia Top Fuelers, Funnies, Altereds, and more.
Speaking of Funny Cars, who'd have imagined just a few years ago that 0.9 seconds would separate the 16-car field of Funnies, with the top qualifier on 5.73/241? Or that you'd be able to watch "Winged Express" duke it out with "Pure Hell"? Or that nostalgia racing would be so popular?
But it's not all racing, as the swap meet and car show draws the crowds in too, and the latter was this year one of our Rod & Custom/Coker Tire Fab 5 events. Of course being a dusty dragstrip means the cars aren't parked in pretty locations or spotlessly clean, so you'll have to forgive us for that, but any excuse to sniff our annual dose of nitro fumes will get us heading for California's lower Central Valley, and what is now depressingly the closest regularly used quarter-mile dragstrip to the sprawling Los Angeles conurbation.
Rod & Custom/Coker Tire Fab 5
Kent Kozera
Fresno, California
1938 Ford DeLuxe Cabriolet
Fresno's Kent Kozera turned his dad's old street rod '38 Ford Deluxe Cabriolet into a kustom. It now rolls on Coker whitewalls and steels wearing DuVall 'caps, the body mounted to a TCI Engineering chassis with 'bagged rearend, and power coming from a 350 TPI. The white top actually folds down.
Robert Atkinson
Santa Clarita, California
1951 Chevy Pickup
Robert Atkinson's '51 Chevy pickup has a '54 bed and a 4-inch chop, nosed hood, and frenched headlights. Brad Masterson painted the truck, with the panel paint on the roof handled by Matt Egan. There's a Mustang II IFS and four-link rear under the bodywork, with a 292 straight-six and T5 trans, all rolling on whitewall-shod Supremes.
Ray Bannister
San Lorenzo, California
1951 Fleetline
Chrome reverse steels with wide whites grace each corner of "Whitewall" Ray Bannister's '51 Fleetline, for which he paid $500 in 1992. The engine is a 235 straight-six with a four-barrel, though the trans and rearend came out of a '69 Nova. Those taillights are from a '50 Cadillac.
Troy Howard
Bakersfield, California
1928 Roadster Pickup
You can't fail to notice the '65 Corvette 396 big-block in Troy Howard's '28 roadster pickup, or the Hurst cheater slicks wrapped around Rocket wheels. With a Blackboard Hotrods chassis, 9-inch rearend with Auburn posi, and Boling Brothers Lincoln brakes with Buick 45 fin drums, Howard finished it off with DuPont Hot Hues green with gold micro flake paint.
Richard Hineman
Visalia, California
1925 Ford T Roadster
One of our favorite cars at the Reunion was Richard Hineman's '25 Ford T roadster. The 271ci '47 Flathead runs twin Holley two-barrels and an Isky cam, and feeds a Columbia two-speed rearend. Coker Firestones grace the 16-inch '35 Ford wires.


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Shaun Rogers turned down roughly $6 million from another team to accept a deal with the New Orleans Saints for about $2 million less, a source with knowledge of the situation said Tuesday.
The Saints announced via Twitter that they had agreed to a one-year deal with Rogers, a three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle, but they didn't reveal financial terms. However, the source said Rogers will receive about $4 million.
Relive every game this season online and on-demand with enhanced viewing features, including the "All-22" coaches film. Get NFL Game Rewind.
Rogers visited the Kansas City Chiefs and Washington Redskins, and he had opportunities to see other teams, but he wanted to join the Saints, who won the Super Bowl in the 2009 season.
Rogers, 31, is coming off the worst statistical season of his 10-year NFL career. He made just 17 tackles and had two sacks, both career lows, for the Cleveland Browns, who released him after the season.
Rogers was a second-round draft pick by the Lions in 2001 and made two Pro Bowls in seven seasons in Detroit. He signed with the Browns in 2007 and made the Pro Bowl again in 2008.
The Saints made other moves Tuesday, extending contract tenders to 10 players, most notably running back Pierre Thomas. Also tendered were nose tackle Remi Ayodele, offensive tackle Jermon Bushrod, defensive end Jeff Charleston, defensive backs Roman Harper and Usama Young, kicker Garrett Hartley, wide receiver Lance Moore, guard Carl Nicks and tight end David Thomas.

subset: commoncrawl


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Ultramarathon champion Scott Jurek hopes to inspire others to make a change, live healthier, try something new — maybe even transform your life — through his new book, "Eat & Run: My Unlikely Journey to Ultramarathon Greatness." It's a combination memoir about his athletic and family life and a guidebook about how you, too, can give plant-based eating a try.
On the surface, Scott Jurek seems like the definition of a guy who goes to extremes.
He's an ultramarathon champion many times over. He runs 50, 100, sometimes 150 miles at a clip. He's won the 100-mile Western States Endurance Run through the Sierra Nevadas seven times, Greece's famed 153-mile Spartathlon three times and the Badwater Ultramarathon — 135 miles from Death Valley to Mount Whitney — twice.
And he's done all that — won all that — without eating meat. He's a vegan — he eats no chicken, fish, dairy or eggs. His is a plant-based diet, an unusual lifestyle in the athletic community.
Now, the 38-year-old Minnesota native hopes to inspire others to make a change, live healthier, try something new — maybe even transform your life — through his new book, "Eat & Run: My Unlikely Journey to Ultramarathon Greatness." It's a combination memoir about his athletic and family life and a guidebook about how you, too, can give plant-based eating a try.
On June 6, Jurek will visit the Brattle Theater in Cambridge, where he'll be joined by Christopher McDougall whose book "Born to Run," about running with the Tarahumara Indians of Mexico, featured Jurek and inspired the "barefoot" running craze.
Jurek never set out to be a vegan superathlete, he said. "I wasn't the the fastest kid in my school, or the strongest, or even the smartest," he writes in his book. " I was common as grass, longing for something I couldn't even name. I was like everyone else, the same. Then I found something."
That "something" was running. He was good, but not the best. Then, he discovered what he put in his body made a difference.
"It wasn't like one day a light bulb went on," he said during a telephone interview from Boulder, Colo., where he now makes his home. Over time, he began to see how eating more vegetables and less meat and dairy affected his running and his overall health.
Jurek grew up in Deluth, Minn., in a family where his dad, Gordy, was a tough taskmaster and his gentler mom, Lynn, was a good cook who had her own cooking show on the local cable channel. Then she started to drop things and have trouble walking. The diagnosis was devastating: multiple sclerosis.
Scott helped out around the house, doing chores and caring for his younger siblings and, in the process, learned to be a good cook. It wasn't an easy life, but his mother's illness sparked his later interest to become a physical therapist where he questioned the quality of hospital food.
"My experience with my mother, and seeing the amount of chronic disease, made me think about the whole concept of the body healing itself," Jurek said. "For me, it's about long-term health."
In high school, Jurek won awards as a cross-country skier, but wasn't in the top tier. Then, in college, he took up running. Running brought him a focus and a mental freedom. He wasn't the fastest, but he could go far. Back then, he was eating a lot of hamburgers. His idea of a vegetable was canned corn.
In line at a McDonald's, he met a girl. Leah wore Birkenstocks; she was kind of a hippie, and introduced him to the vegetarian lifestyle. Over time, Jurek slowly eliminated meat from his diet, eating more beans, rice and whole grains, avocados, fresh fruits, nuts and seeds, flax oil, tempeh and tofu and vegetables, lots and lots of green vegetables like kale and other leafy greens. He began to notice he felt better and his running times were dropping. In 1994 he placed first in the Minnesota Voyageur; other wins soon followed, including his first Western States win in 1999.
"Eat & Run," is full of sweat and tears — there's some blood, too —and interestingly, Jurek has included some easy vegan recipes that break up his inspiring story in all the right places. Try his Minnesota Winter Chili on page 70; you won't miss the meat.
"I'm not trying to preach a particular gospel," Jurek said, but he's concerned Americans don't eat well or get enough exercise. Maybe try walking, swimming or running, he says, or try eliminating meat once or twice a week. "It's really a story about learning things along the way that can have a big impact."
"As an athlete, I feel more energetic; my skin, my body feels better." Going vegan also helped him pare down by about 15 pounds, a lighter load is a huge asset for runners.
The flavors of food are more stimulating to him now, he added. His biggest problem is getting enough calories to replace those he burns while exercising.
"For me, it's about getting in the main meals, then grazing throughout the day." He's on the go a lot, racing and giving talks. He brings along a travel blender to make smoothies. When he's out with friends, ethnic restaurants often offer the best choices for vegans.
Athletes who compete in ultramarathons aren't that different from the average athlete, Jurek said.
He doesn't spend hours and hours training. He's up and out the door at 6 or 7 a.m., and usually runs for just an hour or an hour-and-a-half on weekdays. He puts in 100 to 120 miles a week — and most of that is on weekends. He also hits the gym a couple of times a week.
Jurek said he feels pain just like other people do, that running really long distances is hard work. But he may be more mentally focused than others. He often thinks about his mother, who continued to physically deteriorate and died when she was just 58, and how her illness taught him about getting through challenges, both physical and mental.
"If she could do what she could do and still have this very stoic and humble approach to life," he said. "She had so many things in her life taken away from her. I realize the ability to move and do simple daily tasks is sometimes taken for granted."
Fun Run and Book Event with Scott Jurek and Christopher McDougall
DATE: Wednesday, June 6
4:30 p.m.: Free fun run. Meet on the steps of Harvard's Malkin Athletic Center, 39 Holyoke St. The run will be centered around the Charles River pathways.
6 p.m.: Harvard Book Store author talk, Q&A and film: At Brattle Theater, Cambridge; Tickets: $5
INFO: www.harvard.com, 617-661-1515
"Eat & Run: My Unlikely Journey to Ultramarathon Greatness"
By Scott Jurek with Steve Friedman
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
260 pages, $26


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Well, this is really all you need:
Syrup, sugar, oats and cream.
1 equivalent of sirup, 1 equivalent of sugar and 1 equivalent of cream are stirred together in pot. Heat it up til it starts boiling then it shall boil until...
You can pour some of this boiling liquid
into a glass of cold water and then roll it into a ball.
Then 7-8 equivalents of oats are about to be made into a dough mixture by using the hot toffee mass as a cohesive agent. 1 equivalent can be any volume unit, for example a cup, a deciliter, a pint etc. Syrup: sugar: cream: oats - 1:1:1:7(or 8) equivalents.
If you want to, you can add extra ingredients. For example peanuts, walnuts, cashew nuts, sunrose seeds and chocolate. This might demand more cohesive agent. I dubbled the amount in order to melt this nut mixture into the oat-toffee dough.
This instrument was used for the process of chocolate flavouring the nutty mixture.
Chocolate added:
So, oats and chocolate flavoured nuts are mixed together and hot toffee are poured over. Stir this sweet tough dough with a firm hand. After that, form the cookies into an apropriate shape.
Energy cookies in a 2l ice cream box, weighing in at 1½ kg.
Then you go canoeing.
If you're lazy, bring energy cookies. 2 cookies = 1 oatmeal plus toffee and a handfull of nuts.
If you don't need them that much, then go canoeing again. Eventually, there'll be no left-overs.


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Matt Damon had the honor of walking out to present at the 2016 Golden Globes following a hilarious (but uncomfortable) Ben Affleck dig, courtesy of host Ricky Gervais.
Gervais began innocently enough, joking about the fact that Damon's film "The Martian" is up for an award in the Best Motion Picture (Musical or Comedy) category, before moving on to roast Damon's BFF.
"Our next presenter is the star of the hilarious comedy 'The Martian,'" said Gervais, laughing. "Ah, I nearly died."
Gervais continued: "He's also the only person who Ben Affleck hasn't been unfaithful to. Please welcome, Matt Damon!"
Damon's reaction after walking onstage? Delightfully awkward.
The star laughed, then sighed while shaking his head.
Though the actor didn't directly address the joke, his facial expression said enough.
Affleck and Jennifer Garner announced their split over the summer, and their separation was followed with speculation about infidelity between Affleck and the couple's nanny, which the star's rep denied.
Watch the E! After Party: The 2016 Golden Globes at 11 p.m. ET/8 p.m. PT and the "Fashion Police" Golden Globes special, Monday at 8 p.m., only on E!
PHOTOS: 2016 Golden Globes Red Carpet Arrivals
PHOTOS: Golden Globes party pics


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Following the cancellation of this weekend's Jabberwocky festival at the 11th hour, bands have been rushing to try and secure last minute shows to replace the failed festival. For Matador artists, this is how the weekend currently looks, though as we've learnt this past week, not all times will be set in stone.
Friday, August 15th
– Iceage @ Apiary Studios, Hackney (w/Helm, Shallow Section). 8pm doors, 10:15 stage time. £10 on the door.
Saturday, August 16th
– Iceage @ The Garage (w/Thee Oh Sees). 7pm doors, 8pm stage time. SOLD OUT.
– Iceage @ The Shaklewell Arms (w/METZ, Kagoule, Clawmarks, Crows, Theo Verney, Skinny Girl, special guests). 10:30pm stage time, free entry… but SOLD OUT (?)
– Kurt Vile & The Violators (w/Nils Frahm) @ Village Underground. Doors 8pm, stage time 11:15pm. SOLD OUT
Monday, August 18th
– Kurt Vile solo (w/special guests) @ Bush Hall. Doors 8pm, stage tbc. Buy tickets here.
DARKSIDE were not able to find a suitable venue for the weekend (but still play Bestival in September). For the latest updates keep an eye on jabberwockyfallout.com.


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CANA ― A Cana family of four lost everything in a house fire Saturday evening off Meadowbrook Road.
The call for the Cana Fire Department came in about 6:30 p.m. on June 22, saying that two occupants of the home at 46 Vass Lane could still be inside, according to Chief Richard Sowers. A neighbor saw the flames and reported the fire to the authorities.
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The week in review
Costliest hurricane– ever: Category 5 Katrina leaves a 500-mile swath of devastation in her wake across the Gulf Coast August 29. At press time, the death toll was rising, as were floodwaters in the Big Easy.
Worst first week of school: Five reported racial incidents– epithets shouted and slurs scrawled– mar UVA students' return to classes.
Worst first day of school: Ten-year-old Emily Nicole Woodward is run over and killed trying to catch her school bus August 24 in Culpeper. And a car strikes police Officer Roscoe Barnes at her August 28 funeral, leaving him in critical condition.
Best free ride: AccessUVA, UVA's financial aid program, makes it possible for 199 first years and 33 community college transfer students to graduate from Virginia's flagship university loan-free. Grants cover the in-state $16,500 annual tab and nudge the school toward more socio-economic diversity.
Most women: Thirty-five years after UVA went coed, females make up 56 percent of the Class of 2009.
Biggest block party: Hundreds of students swarm the streets at 14th and Wertland August 20. Police charge six UVA students with obstruction of justice when they refuse to clear the roadway so a rescue squad vehicle responding to an emergency call can get through, the Cavalier Daily reports.
Sloppiest packing of heat: A gun falls out of Richard Anthony Little's pants early August 26 after he tries to crash a Phi Society party, and the fraternity calls the police, according to the Cav Daily.
Most surprising plea bargain: Three days into Darrell Rice's trial for kidnapping Carmelita Shomo, Rice pleads guilty to one count of unlawful wounding and receives a 14-month sentence, for which he won't serve additional time. The man prosecutors suspect is the "Route 29 stalker" is currently serving 11 years for the attempted abduction of a woman in Shenandoah National Park, and is scheduled to be released in 2007.
Strangest bedfellows: The conservative Rutherford Institute and the liberal-leaning ACLU agree that General Assembly candidate Rich Collins' free speech rights were trampled when he was arrested for trespassing May 7 while handing out leaflets in front of Whole Foods, and are representing him in his lawsuit filed August 24 against Shopper's World and its manager, Chuck Lebo.
Worst news for the carless: Funding has been cut for the Job Access and Reverse Commute program, which provided rides for parents trying to get off welfare, John Yellig reports in the DP.
Biggest dilemma: Virginia Beach must condemn 1,800 houses if it wants to keep the Oceana Naval Air Station and its 12,000 jobs.
Better than married to him: Peggy Darlene Ellis, whom a Greene County jury sentences August 26 to 20 years for the second-degree murder of her husband, George Robert "Bobby" Ellis, tells the court she feels better incarcerated at Central Virginia Regional Jail than she did during her abusive marriage, Kate Andrews reports in the Progress.
Biggest flag burning: Boy Scouts torch the controversial American flag that supposedly flew over the Pentagon September 11. Loudoun developer and School Board Chairman John Andrews bought the Stars and Stripes on eBay for $25,000 from David Nicholson, the former Orange auction house owner who earlier tried to sell it for $371,000, but the deal fell through when Facchina Construction Company denied that the flag flew on its crane.
Best recognition for a country star ignored by her hometown while she was alive: A historic marker honoring Patsy Cline will be unveiled September 3 in Winchester.


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FORUM Conference and Events Center does not have an exclusive in-house caterer for corporate events. Instead we work with many caterers around the Indianapolis area and beyond. FORUM approves the following caterers:
These caterers are approved because we have worked with them previously and had a positive experience. The caterers are established, provide adequate staffing for events, and understand the expectations of cleaning at our venue. All of their paperwork can be found on file with us and they are familiar with our space. You can also use a caterer who isn't found on the list above.* Use of other full-service caterers includes an additional fee. Contact Conference Center staff for details.
FORUM Conference and Events Center requires specific documentation from all food and beverage providers. For a complete list of required documentation, contact us.
© 2019 FORUM Conference and Events Center | 11313 USA Parkway Fishers, IN 46037 | 317.558.6060 | email@example.com


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One of the cornerstones of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (often called "Obamacare") is its "play-or-pay" mandate that requires certain employers to furnish health insurance meeting certain minimum coverage and cost thresholds.
The applicability of the play-or-pay mandate is one of the more complicated and confusing aspects of a complex piece of legislation. The implementation of the Affordable Care Act and the play-or-pay mandate will affect virtually every employer and employee in the U.S.
To help farmers and ranchers understand whether they will be required to furnish employees with health insurance under play-or-pay on Jan. 1, 2014, here are some basic questions and answers to them:
Are you an "Applicable Large Employer"? "Applicable Large Employers" will be required to furnish health insurance to their full-time employees by the play-or-pay mandate. These are employers who employed an average of 50 or more full-time employees and "full-time equivalent" employees per month in the prior year. For this purpose, calculate the average level of employment, month by month, in 2013. Employers with a relatively high number of employees for a few months, but relatively few the rest of the year, will see their averages reduced.
What is a "full-time employee" versus a "full-time-equivalent"? The full-time equivalent or FTE concept is intended to ensure employers will not replace all their full-time employees with part-timers to avoid the Affordable Care Act coverage mandate. For play-or-pay purposes, a full-time employee is an employee who works at least 30 hours per week or 130 hours per month. The number of FTEs is calculated by adding together all the hours that part-timers work in a month and dividing that total by 120. So, an employer with 10 employees who work 100 hours per month in any given month has eight full-time equivalents who will count toward the 50-employee threshold.
How does an employer calculate whether the 50-employee threshold has been reached? If the sum of your full-time (30 hours/week or more) employees and your FTEs exceeds 50 on average for all the months of 2013, you will be an "applicable large employer" covered by the play-or-pay mandate. However, "seasonal" employees don't count toward the 50 employee/FTE total.
What's a seasonal employee? For the purpose of calculating employee totals to determine the applicability of play-or-pay, seasonal employees do not count toward the 50-employee threshold. Any employees who performed seasonal labor for 120 or fewer days are not counted toward the total number of employees in the months they work. Thus, when calculating monthly full-time/FTE employee totals, exclude employees who worked 120 or fewer days in that same year. In contrast, an employee who worked in that month and ultimately worked more than 120 days in that year is included in the total for that month.
The Affordable Care Act requires you to provide coverage only to certain employees.
Which employees must be covered? An employer who meets the play-or-pay mandate must provide coverage to full-time employees—those who on average throughout the year work at least 30 hours per week or at least 130 hours in a month.
When must coverage be provided? The Affordable Care Act requires Applicable Large Employers to provide coverage to full-time employees starting on Jan. 1, 2014. Internal Revenue Service regulations permit employers to use a "measurement period" that is at least three but no more than 12 months long, in which an employer will look back on an employee's work history to determine whether the employee is full-time.
Thus, employers should be aware that hiring and firing decisions made in 2013 may affect whether coverage must be provided in 2014.
How much time is there to arrange and obtain coverage for a new employee? The Affordable Care Act allows an "administrative period" of up to 90 days. During this time, an employer can determine whether a new employee is eligible for coverage, and the employee can then enroll in coverage if eligible.
Once an employer provides coverage, for how long must it be provided? The Affordable Care Act does not mandate provision of coverage during 2013; rather, an employer may use employment patterns experienced in 2013 to determine if coverage must be provided in 2014. After Jan. 1, 2014, coverage must be provided to any eligible employee if an employer is covered by the play-or-pay mandate.
If an employer is covered by play-or-pay, is it better to "play" or to "pay"? This is a question probably best answered with advice of an insurance broker or tax professional. In short, if an employer fails to provide insurance, or fails to provide insurance that meets minimum benefit requirements, the IRS may impose $2,000 fines for each full-time employee if any of them seeks taxpayer subsidies to provide their own coverage through a state health care exchange.
However, for the purpose of calculating the penalty, the first 30 employees are excluded from the total. For example, someone who employs 55 employees and incurs this liability from the IRS could face a penalty of $2,000 multiplied by 25 employees: $50,000. If providing coverage that meets Affordable Care Act requirements for all 55 employees costs more than $50,000, it could be an economic benefit to elect not to provide coverage and to pay the penalty instead.
Every employer's situation will be slightly different. The possible penalty could be different if, for example, coverage is provided that the ACA does not deem "affordable"; in that case, the penalty would be $3,000 for each employee seeking the tax subsidy through the exchange.
All these calculations depend on variables that employers may not—and probably don't—know yet; for example, it's possible that any employee who could seek a taxpayer subsidy might have a spouse or parent who has employer-provided coverage for which they are eligible. An employer's potential liability would depend on that employee's action, or lack of action, to seek the subsidy.
(Bryan Little is chief operating officer for the Farm Employers Labor Service and director of labor affairs for the California Farm Bureau Federation. He may be reached at firstname.lastname@example.com.)
Permission for use is granted, however, credit must be made to the California Farm Bureau Federation when reprinting this item.


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Our reporters are vetted and hand-picked for their accuracy, professionalism, and dedication.
Call us today to schedule your deposition or hearing. 888-494-7886
If you need assistance in finding a court reporter to assist you with your court reporting needs, feel free call MoreLaw at 918-582-6422 or 866-753-1142 for assistance or E-mail MoreLaw at firstname.lastname@example.com and we will assist you free of charge in finding a court reporter to help you.
Since 1996, MoreLaw's goal has been to collect and publish information about the best court reporters in the United States.


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Gene Sperling: Last day is March 5
Director of the National Economic Council Gene Sperling said Wednesday he will leave his post in March.
"My last day is March 5th," Sperling said on MSNBC's "Morning Joe," marking the first time he's given a specific date.
Story Continued Below
The top Obama economic adviser previously announced in September that he would depart the White House in January. However, he agreed to stay on an additional month during the ongoing budget and debt ceiling negotiations with Congress.
( PHOTOS: Playbook Breakfast with Gene Sperling and Jason Furman)
POLITICO's Morning Money noted Tuesday that Sperling, who also served in the Clinton administration, was expected to leave at the end of February.
Joking about Sperling's email exchange last year with Bob Woodward, host Joe Scarborough said to Sperling of his departure, "You're going to regret it."
"I'm a threatening and imposing type of figure. I'm going with that image. I haven't been trying to back away from that at all," Sperling joked.
Sperling will be joining POLITICO's Ben White on Thursday for Morning Money Breakfast.


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After missteps addressing congressional concerns, President Obama has articulated clearly the goals, means, and duration of the US military action in Libya. Critics may say he did not address those issues, but he did – and the answers are not acceptable.
The president's speech last night at the National Defense University articulated the Obama Doctrine on the use of US military force when America's humanitarian interests may be at stake but an imminent threat to US security is not present.
The president made clear that the United States reserves the right to unilaterally use military force to address direct threats to "our people, our homeland, our allies, and our core interests." Something less direct, but equally important to the president is at stake in Libya; but the United States is constrained, under the Obama Doctrine, to act in concert with other nations, on a more limited basis, to achieve key objectives.
Prior to allied air strikes, troops loyal to Muammar Qaddafi were quite close to crushing the popular uprising in Libya and massacring the opposition. By any reasonable reading of international human rights law, Qaddafi is culpable for human rights crimes on a grand scale, but why is it an American responsibility to respond?
Evolving standards
Before World War I, international law was quite clear that sovereigns were free to do whatever they chose to their citizens to maintain order and control, as long as their actions did not affect conditions in neighboring states.
Gradually, in the first half of the 20th century, this principle came down. This began after World War I with the creation of institutions like the International Labor Organization, whose core principles compel member states to guarantee freedom of association and by implication guarantee free speech.
The Holocaust and Nuremberg Trials ended the notion that national governments are compelled by international law to turn a blind eye when other national governments inflict atrocities. Over the past seven decades, governments of all stripes have articulated an elaborate web of international human rights law with limited remedies. The latter includes international courts and extraterritorial jurisdiction for domestic courts to bring to justice deposed leaders who commit crimes against humanity.
However, the pressing question is when do governments have a right and responsibility to intervene militarily against the actions of other governments that violate international human rights law, as is the case with Qaddafi.
Neither the United States nor an assembly of allies with comparable resources can be expected to police the world. More important, no national leader or legislature, under emerging international law has the wisdom or right to assume that authority.
In Mr. Obama's mind, that wisdom and responsibility are logged in the UN Security Council and the collective mind of the Atlantic alliance supplemented by consent from neighboring governments in the region of the atrocity. In his speech, the president referenced the consent and resources of both NATO and several Arab states.
In Obama's mind, the United States does not have the moral or legal authority to lead – even as it provides the bulk of, and most essential, military resources. The command structure must be within NATO; however, running a military action by international committee hardly fosters quick decisionmaking and is hardly the best formula for success.
Why, with a GDP and population larger than the United States, the European Union cannot carry the heaviest load is a question a succession of presidents has not been willing to press. Under the Obama Doctrine, the Europeans get to command US troops and spend US money to accomplish goals more central to their collective security – look at the map, Libya is a lot closer to France than Maine.
The president, recognizing the limits of intervention, has divided the task into two goals – 1) avoiding massacre and permitting the popular uprising the opportunity to prevail, and 2) removing Qaddafi – apparently because international authority in the form of UN resolutions only permits the former. To depose the tyrant and end atrocities, the US and its allies must rely on an arms embargo, freezing Libya's foreign assets and similar economic measures. Yet those methods have questionable records of success.
Open-ended commitment
Hence, our commitment in Libya is open-ended – we stay as long as the threat of massacre is present and the allies want American troops. Meanwhile, getting rid of Qaddafi – a worthy and stated American goal – must rely on other, less-effective means. Without a permission slip from the UN, even covert actions to destabilize Qaddafi, though more palatable than air attacks, are illegal.
Should the conflict end in stalemate, the US will be stuck, as it was enforcing a no-fly zone over Iraq after the liberation of Kuwait in 1991, indefinitely enforcing another no-fly zone over Libya.
Under the Obama Doctrine, it appears that the US is committed to putting troops in harm's way and bearing the heaviest financial costs as long as the coalition of NATO and selected Arab states want US troops. And the very nature of running a war by committee reduces the likelihood of success, extends the likely duration of the US commitment, and exacerbates the risks to US troops.
Simply, by compelling an open-ended commitment under international control and limited tools to resolve the conflict, the Obama Doctrine and the Libyan campaign are not good foreign policy.
Peter Morici is a professor at the Smith School of Business, University of Maryland, and former chief economist at the US International Trade Commission.


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3 phase 35kv 5000kva oltc power transformer
Introduction To Products
The performances of our SZ-M series, SZ series 10KV and 35KV load-ratio voltage transformer conform to the standard of IEC. The iron core is made of quality cold-rolled silicon steel sheet, and in full-miter nonpuncture structure. The products are widely used in power transmission and distribution of industrial and agricultural power networks.
Main Functions And Features
Load-ratio voltage regulation, high reliability, advanced level of performances, reasonable economical indicators.
The core joints are of stepped shape with 3 steps, and the surface of the core is coated with cured paint to lower losees and noise.
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You can help to make extraordinary things happen! 2012 is UN Year of Co-ops and Aug 31 was a blue moon. Four career co-operators with more than 100 years experience building credit unions & co-ops did something extraordinary. Co-ops Build a Better World and we wanted to help one-step-at-a-time. It's never too late to support our climb and the Build a Better World Campaign. Read about the journey we embarked on Aug 25 - Sept 1. Thanks for your support
Co-operative Development Foundation of Canada (CDF) is our Charity of Choice!
Co-operative Development Foundation of Canada (CDF) Our Charity of Choice.
CDF, in partnership with Canadian Co-operative Association (CCA), helps people to work their way out of poverty – we have seen it for ourselves. Like the 440 disabled workers in the Philippines. Their co-op jobs mean the difference between a life of dignity, supporting themselves and their families, and a life of supreme indignity, many begging on the streets to sustain a miserable life of poverty. Last year the funds contributed helped over 2.6 million families in 15 countries. Over the last four years, credit union members in Africa and Asia accumulated $140M in savings and this is fueling economic and social development in the community – development with lasting results with the help of CDF/CCA. Please support us and help these families and their communities. For more information see CCA or CDF
Friday, 24 August 2012
At the base of Kilimanjaro...
Lydia, Jo-Anne, Ingrid (L-R in black T's) and friends, show their love for credit unions a day before they begin the big ascent. One more night at 'normal' elevation!
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Learn more about attractions, guided tours, parks, and more.
In addition to equipped motel rooms, grounds feature general store, picnic area, trailer rentals, and a prep house for hunting and fishing.
Parks & Wilderness Areas, Cabins & Cottages
Take advantage of the exclusive right to stay overnight in Canada's best preserved west coast artillery fort! Experience camping in the new way, with a comfy bed. Each furnished oTENTik sleeps six and includes a BBQ, campfire pit and firewood. It's only a short walk to the spectacular Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Site. Available Mid May through September long weekend.
Boating, Sightseeing, Wildlife Tours
Your spectacular journey to Desolation Sound with Beyond the Road Adventures begins in Lund, British Columbia, where the road (Hwy 101) ends. Cruise with us on our 37 foot tri-cabin yacht, the Agate Pass, while viewing the magnificent scenery and wildlife of our protected coastal waters. Leave your cares behind as you enjoy an afternoon of comfort and relaxation. Sightseeing, lunch and dinner cruises to Desolation Sound and the Copeland Islands are available, as well as custom day trips and multi-day cruises through the tidal rapids for bear and whale watching. With our personalized service and care, attention to detail, and extensive knowledge of the area, we are able to provide you with a unique sightseeing experience that will make memories to last a lifetime. We look forward to welcoming you on board the Agate Pass and showcasing the natural beauty our area has to offer!
Cultus Lake Adventure Park is BC's Best Theme Park. This is the most animated amusement park you will ever see, with award-winning craftsmanship and one-of-a-kind rides and attractions. This park is loaded with surprises at every turn and will leave you amazed. The park features 18 rides and attractions for all ages, including Giggle Ridge Adventure Golf. There is no cost to enter the park – you can buy all day unlimited ride wristbands, individual ride tokens, mini golf, gem bags and more inside the park. About a one hour drive from Vancouver, this is a destination you will not want to miss out on during the summer! Check out our website to see the full list of rides, prices, and dates.
Cultus Lake
Spas & Wellness
We are a lakeside Aveda Spa located within The Cove Lakeside Resort in beautiful West Kelowna, BC. Our philosophy is simple-soothe the spirit and beauty will follow. Let us be your refuge in a world full of stressful demands on your body and time. Our team is committed to providing you with exceptional service in an atmosphere that is peaceful, elegant and calming.
West Kelowna
Fishing, Hiking, Horseback Riding & Ranches, Paddling, Resorts & Wilderness Lodges
Escape to this 5-star, all-inclusive wilderness resort and luxury guest ranch in the rugged heartland of British Columbia. Siwash is an intimate and ultra private hideaway for adventurous families and couples who seek meaningful, impactful travel and the finer things in life. This National Geographic Lodge of the World is renowned for its extraordinary eco adventures in an enchanting setting amid Nature. Horseback ride to your heart's desire, fly fish for trout in wild lakes and streams, sleep under the softest linens and dine on exquisite home-grown organic cuisine. Other wilderness adventures include 3D all terrain archery, luxury star gazing, hiking, biking, glamping, sport clay shooting, kayaking, SUPing and so much more. Siwash Lake is Canada's top eco-friendly luxury destination according to the Globe & Mail, a proud member of the Magnificent 7 Luxury Wilderness Lodges of Canada, featured in Forbes, and ranked among the ten best guest ranches in North America by USA Today.
70 Mile House
Wineries & Wine Tours
CedarCreek is founded on connections â to the land we care for and to the Okanagan Valley we call home. On our fifty-acre property along the shores of Lake Okanagan, Winemaker Taylor Whelan is building upon three decades of winemaking history, and defining a new chapter with our bright, expressive north Okanagan Pinot Noirs, Chardonnays, and aromatic white wines. Deepen your appreciation for our region at our brand new 120-seat restaurant and tasting room. From the panoramic views of the lake, vines and valley, to the mouth-watering local menu, we create an adventure for all of your senses. Whether you're stopping by for a tasting or to share a bottle and meal in the dining room, we want to help you fall in love with this land and all it offers.
Museums & Heritage Sites
The Valemount Museum has something for every member of the family. The museum has three levels in the main building with displays on the Railway (rail camps and towns), a model railroad that even runs through the bathroom, Japanese Internment Camps, War Heroes, Old Children's Toys, Valemount Pioneers, Margaret McKirdy's Little People, James Vanslyk's Art, Valemount Schools, Sewing, an Old Bedroom.
Breweries, Distilleries & Cideries
Okanagan Spirits is Western Canada's oldest craft distillery spanning over a decade in the production of award-winning B.C. spirits. Internationally acclaimed as North America's only designated World Class Distillery (World Spirits Awards), our portfolio includes a range of spirits from Vodka, Whisky and Gin, to Liqueurs and Brandies (Eau de Vie) as well as Canada's first genuine Absinthe.
Indigenous Culture, Hot Springs, Hotels
The Ainsworth Hot Springs Resort is a four season destination featuring 39 contemporary Guest Rooms, the Ktunaxa Grill, Nasookin Room, and a well-stocked Retail/Gift Shop. This property offers a unique cave experience where soothing, hot mineral water surfaces from the earth creating a natural steam bath. Stalactites form in abundance inside the caves. The hot water flows into our main pool and is cooled to a comfortable body temperature, suitable for your whole family. Spring, Fall, Summer and Winter bring guests from around the world to enjoy the pleasures of the crisp, clean air and the calming mineral waters of the Ainsworth Hot Springs.
Ainsworth Hot Springs
Horseback Riding & Ranches
Nestled in the beauty of the Cowichan Valley, this impeccable facility is a first class, family run business. It is our pleasure to offer everyone a unique equine riding experience. Escape the crowds and indulge in a memorable experience. Enjoy sweeping ocean and valley views. A great opportunity to experience a West Coast Rainforest. Our trails are expertly guided and the horses are suitable for all levels of riders.
Cobble Hill
Dining & Culinary Tours
Taste Vancouver Food Tours provides visitors and Vancouverites with an entertaining and tantalizing food tasting and cultural adventure into Vancouver's food scene. Our walking food tours are a great way to experience the savory tastes, sounds and sights of Vancouver's many great eateries, pubs and shops. Tours are led by one of our fun and entertaining tour guides. Laugh and learn while you get to experience tasting adventures through Vancouver's unique neighborhoods. Great food, beverages, lots of fun and entertainment.
Peaceful serenity, natural beauty and romantic ambiance … In our unique log cabin tasting room and wine shop we offer an array of award-winning wines. Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy with your favorite bottle of wine on our beautiful patio. Relax with the soothing sounds of the fountain while soaking in the breathtaking view. We are OPEN DAILY until October 14th 12:00 pm – 5:30 pm. Please contact us for an appointment in December through April. Join us on the patio on Saturdays in July and August for live entertainment. Seating is limited.
At My Spa, we believe everyone deserves a healthy body and soul. We are a haven for relaxation and privacy and offer a wide variety of luxurious spa treatments and services designed to revitalize and promote a healthy balanced life style. Relax, replenish and rejuvenate with our aromatherapy massages, body exfoliation, and organic bath treatments. With our exceptionally trained therapists, treatment will be tailored to the needs and preference of each guest. My Spa, Why not indulge and pamper yourself.
Destination BC uses "cookies" to enhance the usability of its websites and provide you with a more personal experience. By using this website, you agree to our use of cookies as explained in our Privacy Policy


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On the heels of George Washington's birthday, several of you wrote asking for a good made-from-scratch layer cake recipe for your own family's birthdays. Although I have a cache of recipes, in all kinds of flavors and sizes, you were pretty specific about the kind of cake you were looking for. Most of you were after something fairly simple to bake, with readily available ingredients and minimal instruction. The greatest number of requests was for yellow butter cake, with chocolate cake with chocolate frosting, coming in second. Nearly every request was accompanied by the words "fluffy" or "moist," sometimes both. This sounds like a pretty easy assignment, but truly, as any avid baker will tell you, finding that perfect "go-to" cake recipe, can be elusive. Some search years for a homemade yellow layer cake that hits the mark. We want it rich and buttery, tender and downy. So, too, do we have expectations about our chocolate cakes. Here we want a dark, rich and moist cake, with a creamy, intensely chocolate frosting to go along with it. In my own quest to capture these qualities, I've made hundreds of cakes through decades of birthdays, holidays and more before deciding on the cakes presented here. For now, these are my "go-to" cakes, unless, of course, something easier, fluffier, moister or more chocolaty comes along. I suppose that could happen, but I'm kind of hoping it doesn't. It's good to finally find what you've been searching for, especially when it's cake.
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1½ cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
2½ cups Swans Down Cake Flour, or White Lily All-Purpose Flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1½ cups full fat buttermilk, room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour two 9 x 2-inch round baking pans* and set aside. In a medium mixing bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Set aside. In the mixing bowl of an electric mixer, cream butter. Gradually add sugar and beat until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing just until yellow disappears. Mix in flour mixture, alternately with buttermilk. Add vanilla. Pour batter into prepared pans and bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until cake tests done. Cool in pans on a wire rack for 10 minutes, then turn cake onto the rack to cool completely. When cool, frost with chocolate frosting (recipe follows). For a chocolate cake: Substitute ½ cup unsweetened natural cocoa for ½ cup of flour.
*Kitchen Ade note: To assure release of cake from pans, line greased pans with parchment paper. Makes one (2-layer) 9-inch cake.
3 ounces (3 squares) unsweetened baking chocolate, coarsely chopped
6 tablespoons whole milk or half and half, plus more, if needed
3½ cups confectioners' sugar, sifted, plus more if needed
6 tablespoons butter, softened to room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
In a medium saucepan, over medium heat, scald 6 tablespoons milk. Remove from heat and stir in chocolate, whisking until chocolate is melted; set aside to cool. In the mixing bowl of an electric mixer, with the mixer set to medium speed, beat butter and vanilla until creamy. Lower speed to low and blend in 3½ cups of the sugar, a little at a time, until well mixed. Add chocolate mixture to creamed mixture, mixing until smooth and creamy. (If frosting is too stiff, add a little more milk to the mixture, until desired consistency is reached. Conversely, if mixture is too soft, add a little more sifted confectioners' sugar to the bowl.) Use immediately to spread on cooled cake layers. Makes enough frosting to fill and frost one (8 or 9-inch) layer cake.
2 cups granulated sugar
1¾ cups all-purpose flour (measure flour by spooning it into a measuring cup, then leveling it off with the flat end of a knife)
¾ cup Hershey's natural, unsweetened Cocoa
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1 cup buttermilk or sour milk*
1 cup strong black coffee, or 2 teaspoons powdered instant coffee plus 1 cup boiling water
½ cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour two 9-inch round baking pans* (or one 13x9x2-inch baking pan). Stir together sugar, flour, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder and salt in large bowl. Add eggs, buttermilk, coffee, oil and vanilla; beat on medium speed of mixer 2 minutes (batter will be thin). Pour batter evenly into prepared pans. Bake 30 to 35 minutes for round pans, 35 to 40 minutes for rectangular pan or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes; remove from pans to wire racks. Cool completely. Frost as desired. Yield: 10 to 12 servings. *To sour milk: Use 1 tablespoon white vinegar plus milk to equal 1 cup.
*Kitchen Ade note: To assure release of cake from pans, line greased pans with parchment paper.
The formula for "No Egg, No Milk Magic Chocolate Cake"
works like magic. Give it a try and see.
3 cups unbleached, all-purpose Gold Medal or King Arthur Unbleached Cake Flour Blend (measure flour by spooning it into a measuring cup, then leveling off with the flat end of a knife)
2 cups granulated sugar
6 tablespoons natural, unsweetened Hershey's cocoa
2 teaspoons baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
¾ cup vegetable oil
2 tablespoons white vinegar (don't be afraid to use it, you won't taste it)
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups cold brewed coffee
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour two 9-inch round baking pans.* Place the flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda and salt in a large bowl of an electric mixer. In a 4 cup measuring cup, combine the oil, vinegar, vanilla and coffee. With the speed set to low, add the liquid mixture to the dry mixture. Increase speed to medium and beat for 2 minutes. Pour batter evenly into prepared pans. Bake for 30 minutes, or until cake tests done. (A skewer inserted into the middle of the cake should come out clean.) Do not overbake. Cool in pans on a wire rack for 10 minutes before inverting onto to wire rack to cool completely. When cool, fill and frost, as desired.
*Kitchen Ade note: To assure release of cake from pans, line greased pans with parchment paper. Makes one (2-layer) 9-inch cake.
If you're an experienced baker, you already know that flours labeled "all-purpose" are anything but. Although all-purpose flours are designed to handle a number of purposes, it does not mean that a particular brand is suited for your purpose. In general, all-purpose flour is made up of hard and soft winter wheat, with hard wheat flour containing more protein and gluten than soft wheat flour. It is that protein that provides structure to our baked goods. Hard wheat flours containing a high percentage of protein, is good for making chewy breads and cookies. For this task, King Arthur's all-purpose flour, with a protein content of 11.7 percent, is exceptional. Next, in terms of protein content, would be flours such as Gold Medal and Pillsbury brands. With a protein content in the 10.5 percent range, they are well-suited for general all-purpose baking tasks. All-purpose flours with the lowest protein levels, such as White Lily brand, made with soft winter wheat, are especially good for making tender cakes, pie crusts, pancakes, muffins, scones, popovers, cream puffs and more.
Fine textured specialty cake flours, like Swans Down and Softasilk, with protein levels of 8 to 10 percent, undergo a special bleaching process (different from the bleaching process of regular all-purpose flours) which helps to set cakes faster, resulting in greater rise and volume. For best results, it is always best to use the kind of flour called for in a particular recipe. In instances where a cake recipe simply calls for "all-purpose flour," you may expect satisfactory results by using Gold Medal or Pillsbury all-purpose unbleached flour. For detailed information about choosing the right kind of flour for baking, visit the Fine Cooking, Taunton Press website at, www.finecooking.com/articles/choosing-flour-for-baking.aspx.


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[Look for the podcast play button below.]
Today we conclude our special Pride month podcast presentation where I've been featuring the brilliant work and thoughtful reflection of two renowned gay visual artists. This has been part of The Erotic Mind series, don't cha know. We conclude with Part 2 of my chat with the delightful and talented René Capone.
If you somehow missed Part 1 of this discussion look for last week's podcast #132 on my Podcast Page. You'll find a tab for that page at the top of this page. Or you can use my site's search function. Just type in Podcast #132 and don't forget the # sign.
René and I discuss:
- His nontraditional erotic fiction
- Having his artwork discounted or overlooked because if its content.
- The rigors of self-promotion.
- The connection between his erotica and his sexuality.
- Eroticizing the unerotic.
- What he looks for in the erotic art of others.
- His advice for aspiring erotic artists.
Be sure to check out René and his memorable artwork on his site HERE.
See a slideshow of some of René's work. Click on the thumbnails below.
Check out The Lick-A-Dee-Split Connection. That's Dr Dick's toll free podcast voicemail HOTLINE. Don't worry people; no one will personally answer the phone. Your message goes directly to voicemail.
Got a question or a comment? Wanna rant or rave? Or maybe you'd just like to talk dirty for a minute or two. Why not get it off your chest! Give Dr Dick a call at (866) 422-5680.
Look for all my podcasts on iTunes. You'll find me in the podcast section, obviously. Just search for Dr Dick Sex Advice. And don't forget to subscribe. I wouldn't want you to miss even one episode.
Today's podcast is bought to you by: Fleshlight and FleshJack
Podcast: Play in new window | Download


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New Technologies for the Delivery of Services
Reduction in the complexity of deploying and managing services, accelerating new service introduction, and reducing capital/operational expenditure overhead are key priorities for network operators today. These priorities are in part driven by the need to generate more revenue per user. But competitive pressures and increasing demand from consumers are also pushing them to experiment with new and innovative services. These services may require unique capabilities that are specific to a given network operator and in addition may require the ability to tailor service characteristics on a per-consumer basis. This evolved service delivery paradigm mandates that the network operator have the ability to integrate policy enforcement alongside the deployment of services, applications, and content, while maintaining optimal use of available network capacity and resources.
Existing service-related features and resources such as service appliances, integrated router service blades, servers, content caches, and applications, will continue to be utilized. In addition, new technology such as the Cisco OnePK and Linux Containers will be integrated to enable a much broader service delivery capability. It is most likely that network operators will opt to distribute the full set of resources across their entire network footprint and therefore flexible access to them will become increasingly important. Real world deployments will demand better utilization of dormant service function capacity, and the delivery of specific types of services from different locations at different times dependent upon customer demand. (For example, some services may require deployment close to the subscriber edge whilst others may come from one or more regional locations within the transport network or data centers.)
Meeting these challenges cost-effectively and flexibly will require new approaches in service delivery that enable:
Non-disruptive service introduction
- Allow new services to be introduced without significant disruption to the existing network topology and already deployed services; faster TTM from a design, upgrade, testing, and deployment perspective.
Network & services infrastructure decoupling
- The ability to distribute the locations that deliver services throughout the network and deployment of Service Nodes independently of the physical network topology thereby breaking the one-to-one mapping between customer attachment points and service delivery locations.
Service resource pooling
- Service resources may be locally or centrally pooled and shared by all edge routers; providing flexibility and streamlined capacity planning of services.
- Effective use of centralized and distributed service functions regardless of physical location to leverage the economies of resource scale.
Service availability
- Ability for services to be protected by the underlying traffic redirection technology as well as integration of Fast Reroute (FRR) functionality with application/service failover trigger for rerouting traffic.
- Routing of individual service flows based on real-time network conditions and service delivery and/or network policies.
- Policy options to manage all services and service delivery locations centrally, and enables the services infrastructure to respond to current network conditions independently.
- Providing a real-time view of all service, application, and content resources to the network operator.
Service extensibility
- As service functions and resources may be deployed independently of the underlying physical topology, services may be expanded or contracted based upon consumer demand. This includes an ability to add or remove services from VRFs on demand.
A plethora of technologies can be applied serve these approaches. These will be explored in future posts to this blog.
In an effort to keep conversations fresh, Cisco Blogs closes comments after 60 days. Please visit the Cisco Blogs hub page for the latest content.
1 Comments
Yes you are right. The devices that accessed the internet have now changed completely. Ultra mobile super fast devices means that a network company would have to move faster in terms of integrating new technology.
Tighter integration with OEMs can help networks provide better data to consumers, therefore increasing consumption per user.


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Monday, December 5, 2011
baltimore holiday heap 2011
On Saturday, my shop was a vendor at my first holiday art market - Charm City Craft Mafia's Holiday Heap (AKA the reason I've been too busy to blog lately). I can't even put into words how awesome it was.
I'll admit I was a bit intimidated when I first arrived to set up - the other vendors had AMAZING work. This was a pretty big show - 60+ vendors set up at St. John's Church in Baltimore. It was the perfect location - kind of an industrial space in an old church, all strung up with twinkle lights. As soon as the doors opened at 10 am, the market was slammed. During the first two hours of the show, I actually had people lined up at my booth to make purchases, and Larry and I were juggling swiping credit cards and bagging stuff up and restocking - thank goodness he was there to help, because I could not have handled it on my own!
Within the first hour I had sold out of the Maryland ornaments. A few minutes later, all the Maryland map illustrations and new River Rock and Cairn illustrations were gone! Holy smokes! I had no idea that Baltimore was such an artsy town, and it made me so happy to see crowds of people out to support small businesses and buy handmade from local artists. Thank you, Baltimore - you all are awesome!
And thank you to my family in Maryland who dropped by to shop and say hello and to my Virginia friends who drove up to Baltimore to surprise me. You all are awesome, too and I'm so flattered to have your support!
Not only was this my biggest market yet, and first holiday market, it was also my first indoor market and last week Larry and I built a new display system for my art. It took some jury rigging (and a bit of sweating) to get it to stand up at the market - the whole thing is held up by paint cans and...duct tape! (Thank God for duct tape!) But it ended up looking great and I was especially excited about the battery-operated light display!
It was an amazing (and exhausting) day, and now that the dust has settled, I'm feeling so pumped up and inspired for the future of Funnelcloud Studio. After the last market I sold at this Fall, I was feeling unsure about continuing to sell at markets, but after this weekend's experience, I realized I just have to be selective and only attend fairs that are the right fit for my shop. I've been researching other markets and am excited about the possibility of going bigger in 2012...
I'll be a busy bee this week, as next weekend is Richmond Craft Mafia's Handmade Holiday (Sunday, December 11th from 11-6 at Plant Zero) and I'm working like a madwoman to restock my prints. Inventory is currently low in my Etsy shop, but I am reprinting and will post updates on new work both here and on Twitter when prints are available. If there's something you've had your eye on, let me know. Thanks for your patience and thanks to all who came out on Saturday!
4 comments:
- Karen Travels said...
Rachel - congrats!! So excited for you!
- December 5, 2011 at 9:26 PM
- Michael - Innkeeper said...
Your booth looks fab! your art looks fab! and the show looks so amazing! I wish i could have attended!
I think I mentioned this in other comment, but I totally want an 'embrace messy hair' sign. and i also need a print that would fit in a 12X12 square frame. I can totally matt around it if necessary.
Can't wait to see what you'll be putting in the shop!
- December 5, 2011 at 10:06 PM
- Jane @ The Borrowed Abode said...
Ooh, I'm so glad for you that it was such a success! I do think that Baltimore is a good artsy town.
I must admit that reading about it makes me wish I'd sought out more events and shows for the holiday season. I was going to do Richmond next weekend but it's our corporate holiday party and we have to go for various business reasons. :( Anyway, there's always 2012!!
- December 5, 2011 at 11:50 PM
- Funnelcloud Rachel said...
Thank you, Karen!
Michael - you're in luck - 5 of my new prints are 12x12. I'll try and post them tomorrow. I'm currently sold out of Embrace Messy Hair, but may have more later this month.
Jane - Based on my one experience, holiday markets are the way to go! It's a lot of work though, and I think it takes a few markets to find your niche. So far, my experiences selling in person have left me feeling either discouraged or totally inspired. I guess what I'm saying is, it's a total crapshoot! ;)
- December 6, 2011 at 1:26 AM


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Catch Holiday Classics on the World's Largest HDTV Throughout Speedway Christmas
Round the family up and get ready for the holiday season because Charlotte Motor Speedway will once again feature drive-in movie nights throughout Speedway Christmas. If millions of lights and a Christmas Village are not enough, families can enjoy a movie during the spectacular light show every Friday and Saturday night until Dec. 28.
There is a movie for everyone, from the classic "A Christmas Story" and comedies like "Christmas Vacation" and "Elf," to more recent favorites like "Polar Express."
"Watching movies together has always been a great way for families to bond," said Marcus Smith, president and general manager of Charlotte Motor Speedway. "Whether it's taking in the lights or enjoying a Christmas classic on the world's largest HDTV, we want our fans to create memories here and make Charlotte Motor Speedway a part of their holiday traditions."
Before settling down for the movie night, fans are encouraged to enjoy the fantastic light displays and festive activities offered by Speedway Christmas. The 3.1-mile course boasts more than 3 million lights in 800 displays that will excite visitors of all ages. On Thursday through Sunday nights, the Christmas Village provides tons of family fun, including photos with Santa, the Bojangles' Petting Zoo, marshmallow roasting, bumper cars and so much more!
Admission to the movie nights is included with the purchase of a Speedway Christmas ticket. Movies will begin at 7 p.m. each night and are held every Friday and Saturday.
Nov. 29 and 30: "Polar Express"
Dec. 6 and 7: "Christmas Vacation"
Dec. 13 and 14: "How the Grinch Stole Christmas"
Dec. 20 and 21: "A Christmas Story"
Dec. 27 and 28: "Elf"
Speedway Christmas is open nightly through Dec. 30 from 6-10 p.m., and is closed Christmas Day. Admission to Speedway Christmas is $15 per car on nights the village is closed and $20 per car on nights the village is open. Group rates for tour buses and corporate sponsorship opportunities are also available.
For more information, visit www.charlottemotorspeedway.com or call 1-800-455-FANS (3267). Connect with Charlotte Motor Speedway on Twitter at www.twitter.com/CLTMotorSpdwy or become a Facebook fan at www.facebook.com/charlottemotorspeedway


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Five unique, occasionally weird things that you can do around Beirut and nowhere else.
GIVEN THAT the State Department currently advises against traveling to Lebanon, it isn't at the top of most people's must-visit list. Yet brave souls will still be tempted by the country's Mediterranean coast, snow-capped mountains and tahini-drizzled cuisine. Should you find yourself flying into Beirut, try these unexpected activities, all of which are within a two-hour drive of the city.
-Lucy Knight1. Cycle through ancient wine country :Thanks to their warm climate and fertile terrain, both the coastal area of Batroun and the inland Bekaa Valley are home to many of Lebanon's most famous vineyards. TourTwist offers a bespoke tour of up to eight wineries in either region. If you go to Batroun, make sure to check out Ixsir and Adyar wineries. The Bekaa region features a handful of superb vineyards and Domaine de Taanayel, where you'll find bike paths and rental bikes. Break up the day with a quick lunch-or a two-hour tasting meal where you sample up to 40 dishes.Tours from $50 per person.
2. Sit down at a Beirut couple's table for a home-cooked meal
Sylvia Khoury and Charles Ghorayeb welcome visitors into their Beirut apartment for an evening of Lebanese food, wine and conversation. The couple, who formerly offered tailor-made tours of Lebanon to tourists, now focus on their home-kitchen venture. They serve dishes such as malfouf (stuffed cabbage leaves), shankleesh (ripened cheese) and makanek (little sausages). The food relies on seasonal staples that are grown in the couple's garden in Damour, just outside the city. $20 per person, $30 with wine.
3. Study Middle Eastern politics in a Bond-style mountaintop lair :
Even if you are only dimly interested in contemporary Middle Eastern politics, you'll find the Mleeta Resistance Tourist Landmark fascinating. Set in southern Lebanon, on the site of a former Hezbollah stronghold, the structure that is commonly referred to as "The Hezbollah Museum" resembles the mountaintop lair of a classic James Bond villain (think: angular gray buildings, guns and greenery). The museum displays haunting combat artifacts, along with monuments involving tanks, styled like a modern art installation. Museum staffers welcome anyone wanting to learn about what they call the "Islamic resistance." Your guide might say, "Everyone's opinion does count, but you came here to know the truth." $2 per adult.
4. See the castle that heartbreak built :
Back in the '40s, a girl spurned a 14-year-old boy named Moussa Maamari because he didn't have enough money. Mr. Maamari went on to build a castle, determined to prove the girl wrong. The thoroughly impressive structure was modeled on the Crac des Chevaliers, a Crusader castle in Syria, and took 35 years to complete. Moussa Castle serves not only as a family home but as a museum of Lebanese culture, in which you'll find 18,000 pieces of weaponry, as well as a sculptural depiction of Mr. Maamari being beaten by a teacher in a classroom full of children. $10 per adult, $3 per child.
5. Snowshoe along secluded tracks flanked by majestic cedars :
A day of snowshoeing offers a taste of the Lebanese wilderness, without the hustle and bustle of the popular ski slopes in Laqlouq and Mzaar. Mountain guide Gilbert Moukheiber, managing director of adventure group 33 North, knows all about the secluded tracks of northern Lebanon. While he says that out-of-towners should spend a week in the region, a day trip is enough to behold the area's beauty and to enjoy the cheese-and-wine picnic that Mr. Moukheiber provides after the trek. $65 for a single-day trip.