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Tree care is an essential step to be followed to take care of trees, but when they get infected with tree disease then there is no choice left but to remove them. Tree removal is a dangerous job and requires a lot of expertise and knowledge of tree biology, tools, and techniques. It can be dangerous if you try to do tree removal yourself, you can get hurt by falling tree legs or malfunctioning of equipment. There are many dangers involved in tree removal.
So many people and so many homeowners see a tree in their yard that is having major issues, and they immediately think they can attempt tree removal on their own. It is very easy to think that tree removal is a simple task that anyone can perform. It can seem like a relatively easy process, but the problem is there are often many complications that arise during a tree removal. So what might seem like an easy task, once you have a few complications things can become very difficult and even dangerous. And many times once these complications arise it might be too late to fix the problem, which can result in damage or even harm to the people involved. An example of a company that performs tree removal is Aardvark Tree Service, and they have decades of experience in proper and safe tree removal processes. Hiring a true professional company is always advisable.


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Welcome to Profiles of the Possible where athletes who redefine ability are highlighted. Get ready to learn about sports and life from members of Team Possible!
Introducing wheelchair rugby player and honorary captain of Team Possible…Nick Springer
Introducing swimmer… Cortney Jordan!
Here is para-equestrian rider… Sydney Collier!
Welcome skateboarder, surfer, mono-skiier, track star and all around adaptive action athlete…Kanya Sesser
Here is Team USA wheelchair player, Abby Dunkin!
Introducing Zack Bastian, an adaptive sports enthusiast, who stars in the documentary film, Endless Abilities. In the film, Zack introduces the audience to athletes across the country and demonstrates how sport can be a equalizing and unifying force for people of all abilities.
Here is Mackenzie Soldan, a force to be reckoned with on the tennis and basketball court. You can also check out Mackenzie's post Rio interview From Grit to Gold.
Catch a wave with Adaptive Surfing World Champion, Jesse Billauer
Learn about the contributions of Battle of the Bulge War Hero and Adaptive Skiing Pioneer, Paul Leimkuehler
Meet Malat Wei. He is a basketball player with an incredible sports story and truly believes in the power of sports.
Former MLB pitcher, Jim Abbott, says we should asks ourselves everyday: "Are you making the most of what you are capable of doing?"
Rounding out Team Possible for 2015 is MMA fighter, Nick Newell.
Trish Downing starts off 2016 for Team Possible with her grit and "it isn't over until it's over" attitude.
Josh Kenninson from Maine is a role model for many children and believes "Athletes who care about others and their sport are better people." We agree!
McKenna Dahl secured a spot for Team USA Shooting in the 2016 Paralympic Games just three months after graduating high school. Check out her amazing sports story.
Click here to nominate an athlete or coach for Team Possible or Jr. Team Possible.

subset: commoncrawl


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The highly publicised visit by Oprah Winfrey and her planeload of fellow travellers has reminded us that in addition to the Australia that Australians know, and which finds expression in local culture, there is an alternate, export version of Australia. It is an Australia whose image is shaped by tourism marketing meetings. It is a postcard culture on a grand scale, a giant outdoor movie set as big as a continent. For better or worse, what is presented for consumption overseas is an image of Australia that could almost be America.
The reigning king and queen of this parallel Australian world are Hugh Jackman and Nicole Kidman. Since they starred together in the big-budget Baz Luhrmann-directed historical outback romance Australia, to which taxpayers contributed about $40 million, Kidman and Jackman have become regular guests at the annual G'Day USA expo in Los Angeles, have appeared in the promotion of Australia's unsuccessful $46 million bid for the FIFA World Cup and, inevitably, featured as guests during filming of Oprah's Australian shows.
Kidman, who is American by birth and has a home in Tennessee, intimated to Oprah that her mum thinks her UNESCO ambassadorship is more impressive than the best actress Oscar she won for portraying the English author Virginia Woolf. Australia was Kidman's first Australian film in nearly a decade, although her absence from involvement in the local film industry did not preclude a nomination for Australian of the Year in 2004.
As his setpiece for Oprah, Jackman attempted a spectacular aerial entrance in action-movie style. Jackman thus followed the Errol Flynn example in doing his own stunt work. Flynn, the first Australian leading man to become a major star in Hollywood, made his name swinging on a rope from ship to ship during the battle scenes in the 1930s pirate film Captain Blood. Jackman, however, was merely arriving for an interview segment on a daytime talk show.
In January last year Kidman appeared on stage at G'Day USA, an event partly sponsored by taxpayers through Tourism Australia. Jackman's scheduled appearance on stage with Kidman and her husband, expatriate country singer Keith Urban, was thwarted by filming commitments. Awards for most successful Australian actor in Hollywood were presented to Simon Baker for his starring role in the TV show The Mentalist and to Toni Collette for United States of Tara, while the sporting award went to Greg Norman. Like Baker and Collette, Norman lives in the US. G'Day USA will be doing it all again later this month.
Also last year Jackman hosted the American Australian Association Benefit Dinner held in New York, where he has a home. According to the association's website, one of the key supporters of its philanthropic endeavours is Rupert Murdoch, the Australian-born American citizen whose company News Corporation owns 20th Century Fox, the movie studio that, in association with Tourism Australia, produced Australia, a film that self-consciously referenced Golden Age Hollywood epics such as Gone With the Wind.
In the export-oriented image of Australia, Americans may be welcomed as honorary Australians. The award to Greg Norman at G'Day USA was presented by John Travolta, who is associated with the national overseas airline as a pilot ambassador with a vintage Qantas-liveried Boeing 707 that is parked in the garage at his home in Florida and whose fervour as a fan of the Socceroos gave him entry to the team dressing room for post-match victory celebrations during the 2006 World Cup. Travolta's apparent enthusiasm for Australia is shared by Oprah, who while taping her Sydney shows proclaimed herself "an unofficial ambassador for Australia".
Among Oprah's guests during her "Ultimate Australian Adventure" were the American-born Terri Irwin, widow of Steve Irwin, and her two children. The Irwins became familiar figures to many Americans in part through guest appearances on Oprah's show, and Steve went on to star in the Hollywood-backed 2002 feature film The Crocodile Hunter: Collision Course.
As the apparent personification of a certain type of earthy outback frontiersman, Irwin in many ways filled the boots of Paul Hogan, who pioneered the confluence of American-oriented movies and tourism advertising campaigns with Crocodile Dundee, still the highest-grossing Australian film, and the "shrimp on the barbie" ad campaign. Hogan also married an American.
We may wonder why all this effort and public money have gone into generating an image of Australia that is inextricably bound up with America when Americans account for less than 10 per cent of tourists to this country, according to the latest official figures released by the Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism.
The simple fact is that, for ordinary Americans who typically get no more than two week's annual leave, Australia, no matter how welcoming, is too far away and too expensive for a casual vacation. Oprah thanked Australians for teaching her to "work to live, not live to work", but her compatriots may not have the luxury of choice in that regard. Besides, Americans, the vast majority of whom never apply for a passport, do not yearn to travel overseas to the degree that Australians do. Why travel to Australia, for instance, when Australia, in common with the rest of the world, wants so much to come and be with you?
The creation of the export image of Australia cannot be just about persuading Americans to travel here in greater numbers. No doubt there is an asymmetrical marketing strategy at work in tapping into the American popular culture that, in turn, permeates the world. As Oprah was quick, and characteristically shrewd, to point out: "It is immeasurable what four hours of a love festival about your country, broadcast in 145 countries around the world, can do.
Presumably New Zealanders, Chinese, Japanese and Britons, who comprise the overwhelming majority of the tourists most likely to travel to Australia, will be suitably impressed by Oprah's American-flavoured Australia while being entertained by international guests such as Bon Jovi, U2 and Jay-Z, each of whom just happened to be passing through during the Australian leg of a world tour.
The selling of Australia to and via America is also the conscious promotion of Australia to itself. This aspect of Oprah's government-sponsored visit was revealed in an announcement made last month by Australian Tourism's managing director, Andrew McEvoy, who said that by visiting sites such as Uluru and Byron Bay, Oprah had renewed interest among locals for travel within Australia. "We are seeing a reawakening of Australia in our own backyard," McEvoy declared.
Apparent confirmation of an immediate "Oprah effect" on tourism within Australia came from the Tourism Minister, Martin Ferguson, who produced figures of a $71 million boost to local tourism from Oprah, and $14 million in new tourism business originating in the US.
Perhaps it really does take someone like Oprah to induce Australians, one of the most urbanised peoples on earth, to see some of the more remote parts of their country. Meanwhile, the likes of Hogan, Jackman and Kidman are simply making the best living they can by being professional Australians when the assignment calls for them to assume that role. It would be unfair to pillory expatriate celebrities for simply going where the work is and doing whatever well-paid job they've been offered.
The deeper truth about the alternative Australia is the need Australians evidently still feel to seek attention from and to attach themselves to America, just as previous generations subsumed themselves in all things British. Australia's undiminished, if redirected sense of cultural dependence continues to manifest our sense of geographic isolation and our small population size. In attempting through tourism marketing campaigns to overcome the physical distance that has always shaped life and culture in Australia, we may only have become more distant from ourselves.
In the preface to the 2001 edition of his classic The Tyranny of Distance, first published in the mid-1960s, Geoffrey Blainey cautioned that "distance is tamed but far from dead". Blainey was responding to the prediction by the British academic Frances Cairncross, in her 1997 book Distance is Dead, that modern communications and transport technology would soon close the previously yawning gap between different parts of the world. The internet, Cairncross prophesied, would encourage greater competition in the travel industry, forcing down the prices of tickets and accommodation.
All this has come to pass, yet Australians still feel the need to reimagine their country in American cultural terms in order to entice people to travel here, or simply to register our existence. As Blainey observed of Australia and its distance-conditioned national psyche, "distance was tamed more quickly on the map than in the mind".
According to Alain de Botton, author of The Art of Travel, "Wherever we choose to go, we're apt to come up against the inevitable gap between our dreams and the reality, but once we accept that, we're on the road to recovery."
The Australian identity crisis is far from resolved, but the somewhat cartoonish export image of Australia has not passed without criticism.
In the wake of the failed FIFA World Cup bid, the script of which called for the Prime Minister to appear alongside an animated surfing kangaroo, and even found space for the ghoulish resurrection of Hogan's character Mick Dundee, the film director Peter Weir attacked what he described as "childish symbols and campaigns" used to sell Australia.
Weir vowed to an interviewer that he would never follow other prominent Australian directors such as Luhrmann and Philip Noyce in making short promotional films about Australia: "I couldn't do it. It's not my sort of script."
Mercifully, serious independent creative endeavour in this country is still possible. For every embarrassingly overblown fantasy like Australia there is a Samson and Delilah or a Ten Canoes. Similarly, for every Ned Kelly, another excessively romanticised period movie that was heavily backed by government tourism authorities with the stated aim of attracting overseas visitors, there is a Chopper or an Animal Kingdom.
While we're told that the export part of the two-speed economy is booming, its cultural counterpart sadly is bogged down in cliche and celebrity worship.
In some of the more realistic, sophisticated and subtle images we choose to make just for ourselves, Australians seem so much freer to rush forward.
Simon Caterson's Hoax Nation: Australian Fakes and Frauds, from Plato to Norma Khouri is published by Arcade.
The Age January 8, 2011


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Pickle Day takes place annually in New York's historic Lower East Side neighborhood and is the world's largest pickle festival. Come on down to Orchard Street, October 6th, 2019.
Pickle day is a literal slice of history. The Lower East Side streets used to be lined with pushcarts, peddling their goods and wares throughout this immigrant-rich neighborhood. Today these stories are told through our local Tenement Museum but history comes alive at the Lower East Side Partnership's annual Pickle Day celebration! We recreate the original pushcart market that previously positioned the Lower East Side as 'The Bargain District.' Today's market is full of contemporary, local restaurants paired alongside picklers – like The Pickle Guys – that put this neighborhood on the map, pickle-wise!
Pickle day is for everyone! Whether you're a pickle-loving toddler or a granny with a gherkin, Pickle Day is quintessential New York and the perfect fall festival for dills of all ages! We line Orchard with three full blocks of the best in Lower East Side restaurants and boutiques – packed with giant games, a face painter, live DJs, balloon animals, carnival games, and giveaways galore! Come on down to enjoy all things pickled with 20+ picklers, 30 local eateries, specialty ice cream surprises, pickles on a stick, and our giant talking pickle mascot!
Prospective Pickler? Pucker up for our home pickling contest!
Pickler? Business owner? Fill out our vendor interest form to apply.
"Bring on the brine — Pickle Day returns to the Lower East Side."
"Hug a pickle! Eat a pickle!"
Thanks for coming down to Orchard Street for our 2018 event, we'll be posting our 2019 event to Facebook soon so you can RSVP to set yourself a reminder for October 6, 2019!


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Gift Pantry: More Gifts in Jars...
Perhaps this is an obsession...I just can't seem to get jars off my mind these days! Here are some great uses for those jars we can't seem to give up. What are some of the ways use use your recycled and/or thrifted jars?
Sending love and good thoughts to all.
Tracey and Family x0x
Images: Source
26 comments:
- La Table De Nana said...
Thank you for the ideas!
- July 10, 2011 at 5:14 AM
- Lorrie said...
Fun ideas, Tracey. That rose petal and sea salt bath scrub looks so pretty.
I love using jars for storage for just about everything - from food to ribbons to seashells and rocks.
- July 10, 2011 at 6:41 AM
- Tracey McBride ~ Frugal Luxuries™ said...
I agree Lorrie...I love the simple idea of mixing sea salt and dried rose petals from the garden! I'm also lovin' the concept of using jars for baking token food gifts...like the tiny little pies and the Rosemary bread!
- July 10, 2011 at 8:38 AM
- Tracey McBride ~ Frugal Luxuries™ said...
Thank you so much Monique!
- July 10, 2011 at 8:39 AM
- Storybook Woods said...
Ohh wonderful list, I love using canning jars. Hey make sure you come by tomarrow and see my post. I made the most amazing thing with canning jars. Think chocolate and raspberries !!!
xoxox Love you Clarice
- July 10, 2011 at 10:32 AM
- Manuela@A Cultivated Nest said...
I think everything looks cuter in a jar LOL! Just like everthing looks cuter with pom pom fringe.
Thanks for stopping by my new blog the other day. It was so nice to see a comment from you. Hope you're doing well.
- July 10, 2011 at 2:16 PM
- Tracey McBride ~ Frugal Luxuries™ said...
Being a fellow jar~a~phile...I knew you'd like these ideas Clarice! Can't wait to see what you come up with tomorrow. :)
- July 10, 2011 at 3:57 PM
- Tracey McBride ~ Frugal Luxuries™ said...
I really loved the look of your new blog Manuela...but then...I loved the old one too!!! I think, perhaps, it's your lovely ideas that are the true draw. ;)))
P.S. I agree completely regarding your jar philosophy, by the way. :)
- July 10, 2011 at 4:01 PM
wonderful ideas - I'm especially drawn to the sugared gumdrops - they look so pretty, just like little jewels.
- July 10, 2011 at 6:48 PM
- Tracey McBride ~ Frugal Luxuries™ said...
Hi Diane! Yes...I too am a lover of that simple gift of pretty candies in clear glass jars!!! Such a simple way to give a token gift.
P.S. I LOVE your framed mosaic project...absolutely gorgeous...looks wonderful in your hall...paper is magical!
- July 10, 2011 at 7:26 PM
- InHisGrip said...
Hi, Tracey...
I just wanted to say that I don't blog, but I do follow some blogs, I just found yours through Manuela. I have followed her lovely blog for a while now. I ordered your book Frugal Luxuries, and wasn't sure about it, (since it had no pictures), but gave it a try anyway. I am amazed, so much useful information. I'm 3/4 through it now, and it's a GREAT book. I love your outlook on life, and I love the tips you give for creating a wonderful and warm home for your family. I can't wait to get home tonight and read more!
- July 11, 2011 at 11:51 AM
- InHisGrip said...
p.s. Oops, meant to say "Frugal Luxuries by the Seasons". That's the one I'm reading...
- July 11, 2011 at 11:53 AM
- Tracey McBride ~ Frugal Luxuries™ said...
IHG...thank you so very much for your generous words regarding my work. You don't know how much it means to me to know that it's being enjoyed by others. What a HUGE compliment. Thank you again!
- July 11, 2011 at 1:31 PM
- Forest-Dweller said...
Great ideas!
I love the pie in the jar. Its just the right amount of sumthin'-sumthin' that takes care of the sweet tooth.
I also like the cupcake liners to top the jars with.
With All That I Am
Carrie "Forrest-Dweller" Duvall
The Handmade Homemaker
- July 14, 2011 at 5:23 PM
- Tracey McBride ~ Frugal Luxuries™ said...
Hi Carrie!
Yes...I think the pie is definitely in my top favorites as it's sooo cute...and as you say just the right size for quenching that sweet tooth...that 's one pie I wouldn't mind admitting that I actually ate the entire thing! ;)
- July 15, 2011 at 2:22 PM
- Nana said...
Hi Tracy;
Am still looking thru your blog, it is amazing! Have both of your books and have gotten sooo much enjoyment from them. Keep up the good work.
Love, Nana
- July 16, 2011 at 7:27 AM
- Tracey McBride ~ Frugal Luxuries™ said...
Awww...Nana...you are so kind!!! I hope you're having as much fun exploring the blog as I did finding and trying all the fun ideas!
- July 16, 2011 at 1:14 PM
- Children of Eve said...
I was eyeballing all those jars in my garage to get rid of...then I saw this post. Can you REALLY bake in them?
- July 19, 2011 at 6:43 PM
- Tracey McBride ~ Frugal Luxuries™ said...
Hi C.O. Eve! Well, it's probably not part of the recommended uses by their manufacturers! LOL That being said, I've only baked in canning jars (such as Mason and Ball jars) at no higher than 350 degrees but, in my experience, they've held up quite well. This is probably because they've been designed to hold up to the high heat of water processing. :)
P.S. I loved your post on your daughter learning to sew a dolly wardrobe!
- July 19, 2011 at 6:57 PM
- Brenda@CoffeeTeaBooks said...
I'm a little late due to umm... circumstances beyond my control. ;)
However, I wanted to tell you I'm going to make vanilla sugar for gifts (I have a gazillion cute jelly jars saved).
I found I can order vanilla beans through Amazon that are better than those in grocery stores and so much cheaper.
Hope to make vanilla extract for Holiday gifts.
Always get great ideas from you my friend. (((HUGS)))
- July 23, 2011 at 7:22 AM
- Tracey McBride ~ Frugal Luxuries™ said...
Oh Brenda...what an ordeal/adventure you have been going through! Sooo happy it wasn't worse than it was...and you all are in our prayers for a seamless recovery back to normal.
Okay, I have to tell you, we really are kindred spirits...I too ordered the vanilla beans from Amazon to make vanilla extract! Truth be told, I actually bought them last October and never used them (they're still in their sealed bag ;). I was doing a lot of baking and using a lot of vanilla and thought it'd be so easy to make my own and then some extras for gift baskets etc. Well...I never got around to buying the vodka and then I started dieting and the baking went to the wayside...yada yada yada! ;))) Now you have inspired me to action my sweet friend! I cannot let my pound of vanilla beans languish in the pantry any longer. :)
- July 23, 2011 at 11:05 AM
- Gail said...
First time visitor and just loving everything. Beauty has nothing to do with pocketbook size; your blog is proof. I'm just going all around your blog and "oohing and aahing".
Have a lovely day, as lovely as you are.
- July 30, 2011 at 5:55 AM
- Gail said...
I try to buy 2 or 3 of the same mason or storage jars at GW. For party favors, gifts to teachers, etc., I put bird seed or mix, one of each kind per jar, and attach pretty label and ribbon. Everyone likes to feed birds.
- July 30, 2011 at 10:06 AM
- Tracey McBride ~ Frugal Luxuries™ said...
Gail...you are so kind...thank you for the words of appreciation. They've made my day! Yes, you are so right, it's as you say, beauty has absolutely nothing to do with pocketbook size! Thanks again for taking the time to comment...hope to see you again soon! :)))
- July 30, 2011 at 10:23 AM
- Nana said...
Hi Tracy;
What a delightful way to use jars. I am busy drying mint, rose petals and rosemary for winter gift giving. Your ideas are so very creative, thanks and have a wonderful day!! Love, Nana
- August 3, 2011 at 10:15 AM
- Tracey McBride ~ Frugal Luxuries™ said...
Hi Nana!
Such good ideas...you've reminded me that I need to start drying rose petals as well! I plan to make the rose petal sea salt scrub as part of Frugal Luxuries Spa Baskets this year!
Thanks so much for the nice note and nudge.
- August 3, 2011 at 2:36 PM
The original "FRUGAL LUXURIES" ~ Based on the books by Tracey McBride ~ Established 1993
A warm Thank You to all kind souls and kindred spirits who generously take the time to leave a comment...your encouragement, trust and support are deeply appreciated...please know that we read each and every message and will respond as time allows.
Frugal Luxuries™ is a registered trademark.
"FRUGAL LUXURIES: Simple Pleasures to Enhance Your Life and Comfort Your Soul" was written by Tracey McBride and published by Bantam Books, NY, in 1997. It was the first of its genre to synergize the elements of simplicity, frugality and gracious living.
After more than a decade, FRUGAL LUXURIES has never been out of print and is now more relevant than ever.
"It's our hope that a new generation, faced with a teetering economy, will also find this information helpful and enlightening."
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Ready Steady Talk! is an activity book of great games to help children get ready for pre-school and beyond.
Are you and your child ready for pre-school?
Going to and moving through pre-school are big steps for any child, and you play a vital role in helping your child to develop the speech and language skills they need. Ready Steady Talk! is a fun-filled activity pack developed by I CAN's speech and language specialists and comes highly recommended by early years professionals.
The games and activities in Ready Steady Talk! help your child by developing five core skills:
- Paying attention and listening
- Understanding what is said
- Learning new words
- Making longer sentences
- Talking socially
The book includes eight pages of invaluable information for parents and carers. Ready Steady Talk is sponsored by Openreach.
This resource is also available inside the Working with Under-5s: Understanding Communication Development Toolkit.
Now available in Welsh - Order here
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As usual, Refind will exhibit at the International Electronics Recycling Congress in Salzburg on January 17-20! New for this year is that our CEO Johanna Reimers will be speaking about our sorting technology in one of the seminars - the "Sorting technology" session on Thursday January 19th in the afternoon. Don't miss the speech called "Is More Technology Really the Solution to the Challenges within Circular Economy?".
Check out the entire program here.
Also new for this year is that we will bring our latest machine - a small desktop sorting unit including a robotic pick arm. As of now it can sort phones and fish - come and have a look at it in our booth!


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When Rocklin city staff and members of the Rocklin Chamber of Commerce canvassed residents during a city walk last year, they learned that people rated parks high on their list of likes about their community.
Rocklin has 30 community and neighborhood parks, a high number for a city its size — about 20 square miles — and population — slightly more than 56,000.
"We have more parks per capita than anywhere in the region," Mayor Brett Storey said.
"The goal is to have a park within two miles of every home," said Leslie Woodman, superintendent of the Rocklin Parks and Recreation Department. "There are also acres of open space."
Rocklin has two golf courses — Sunset Whitney Golf and Country Club and Whitney Oaks Golf Club — miles of hiking and bicycling trails and 30,000 acres of open space.
"Everywhere you stand in Rocklin you see open space and gently rolling hills," said Robyn Buzdon, a senior executive with Lyon Real Estate.
In addition to parks for people, Rocklin has a new dog park that opened in December at Johnson-Springfield Park and is maintained by Rocklin Residents Unite for Fido, or RRUFF.
The group sponsors special events for the canine population, such as Woofstock, with a Grateful Dog Walk and wiener dog races, in August and Barktoberfest in October.
Other Rocklin events include an Evening in the Park Concert Series on four Friday nights during the summer; Run Rocklin on April 15, with 5K and 12K runs to benefit the Matt Redding Memorial Scholarship Foundation, named for a Rocklin police officer who died in 2005; Hot Chili and Cool Cars in September; and a farmers market in the RC Willey parking lot on Saturday mornings.
Rocklin is one of the fastest-growing cities in California, growing faster than Placer County and the Sacramento region, according to the city's website. From 2000 to 2010, the population grew 54 percent. A 13 percent growth rate is projected for the next five years.
"The maximum that we can grow to is 70,000 to 75,000 residents," Storey said.
The main area remaining for development is Whitney Ranch and some infill projects.
"Even with over 50,000 people, it's a small town," Woodman said. "It's one of the safest cities around — clean and well-maintained — and it has one of the best school districts in the area. That's why families move here."
Rocklin Unified School District is one of the reasons Storey brought his young family to Rocklin in 1992.
Storey grew up in El Dorado Hills and moved away, but when he wanted to return to the area, his parents, who were in real estate, advised, "Go to Rocklin."
"It's an all-around nice place to live and work," he said. "It has a low crime rate, a good fire district, small businesses and restaurants and good school system."
The district has 11 elementary, two middle and two high schools, as well as a charter school.
Buzdon chose to settle in Rocklin while in college.
"I moved here at age 18 to attend Sierra College and decided that I wanted to live here," she said. "It was obvious to us college kids that senior adults and children took priority in the community."
Rocklin is considered a college town. Two-year Sierra College, which opened in 1962, ranks No. 1 in Northern California for transfers to four-year universities. William Jessup University is a private accredited four-year Christian college that relocated from San Jose to Rocklin in 2004.
"There are only three communities in the area where kids can go to school from kindergarten through college — Davis, Sacramento and Rocklin," Storey said.
Rocklin has a wide range of housing options, including apartments, condominiums, homes for first-time buyers, master-planned communities, large luxury custom homes and retirement homes.
Standard Pacific Homes and Meritage Homes both have new-home projects in Rocklin.
Standard Pacific has two communities at Whitney Ranch. Lariat Ridge II has homes ranging from 1,776 square feet to 3,678 square feet, with three to six bedrooms and priced from the $280,000s. Saratoga homes range from 2,852 square feet to 3,619 square feet, have three to five bedrooms and are priced from $410,000.
Also at Whitney Ranch is Meritage Homes' Quail Crossings neighborhood, with homes ranging from 2,055 square feet to 3,080 square feet. The homes have three to five bedrooms and are priced from $309,950.
Older areas of Rocklin include the Whitney Oaks master-planned community, which has about 5,000 residents and 1,877 homes surrounding a golf course. Springfield, an active-adult community of 868 single-family homes, is within the Whitney Oaks area.
Stanford Ranch is a well-established, 3,500-acre master-planned community with homes, shopping centers, schools and recreational areas.
Average resale-home prices in January ranged from a low of $252,000 for a two-bedroom home to $308,397 for a home with four or more bedrooms, according to the Placer County Association of Realtors.
"People purchase homes in Rocklin, not investments," Buzdon said. "There aren't a lot of rental homes in Rocklin."
"Our numbers (of new homes under construction) are way down from what they were at the height of the market," said Sherri Abbas, director of community development for the city of Rocklin. "(But) there's a pretty steady stream of folks coming into the office that are doing remodels and adding solar. People are feeling more comfortable about spending money on their homes."
The community development department's summary of building permits issued indicates the changes.
"Activity peaked in 2005 and then just petered off," Abbas said.
Building permits for single-family homes totaled 453 in 2005 and 77 in 2011.
"Slightly less than half of the residential area is built out at Whitney Ranch in the northern part of Rocklin," Abbas said.
Two new retail shopping centers are going through the permit process, and grading should be finished by June, Abbas said. Rocklin Crossing, anchored by Walmart and Home Depot, and Rocklin Commons, anchored by a Target store, are at Interstate 80 and Sierra College Boulevard.
"That's our biggest showplace right now," she said. "People will be very excited to see equipment there and walls going up."
"Now that the community is going forward with retail stores in the Sierra College area, there's no need to grow in homes," Storey said. "We will put rooftops first on businesses and will see some larger retailers come in."
Storey wants to make it easy for high-quality businesses to locate in Rocklin.
"We're updating all our business processes to make it more affordable to have and keep businesses here," Storey said. "A lot of commercial and retail outlets are sitting empty, and we are in a good location at I-80 and Highway 65."
Retail businesses in Rocklin incude an RC Willey furniture store, a Sportsman's Warehouse and a Stein Mart clothing and home furnishings store in the Blue Oaks Town Center.
"The theaters (at the center) are now owned by Century Theatres," Abbas said. "That's a huge positive and an influence on what's going on there."
United Natural Foods Inc. is planning to construct a 55,000-square-foot expansion and add to its truck parking area, Abbas said. United Natural Foods and RC Willey are among the largest employers in Rocklin. Others are the city, the school district, Oracle, UPS and Sierra College.
Esurance, an auto insurer that is part of Allstate Corp., will open a larger center in the spring and add jobs, Storey said.
"We have transportation and package shipping companies (Fed Ex and UPS) and several home-based businesses," Storey said. "Shari's Berries started that way."
Rocklin's recorded history dates back to the mid-1800s when Joel Parker Whitney, who came to California during the Gold Rush, established 30,000-acre Spring Valley Ranch, which is thought to be the first developed property in Rocklin.
The ranch had 25 miles of crushed-stone roads, 12 granite bridges, stables, barns and housing for 200 ranch hands and their families.
Although they came for gold, miners in Rocklin discovered another valuable stone: granite. Several granite quarries were established in the area, and, by 1912, nearly 2,000 train carloads of granite were shipped out of town, according to the city's website.
Rocklin supplied granite for the state Capitol and several buildings in San Francisco.
The master-planned communities of Stanford Ranch and Whitney Oaks occupy much of the former Spring Valley Ranch, and many of the original 12 bridges still stand in city parks.
"People move to Rocklin because they want a better life and a better place to raise a family," Buzdon said. "In Rocklin, you'll find three and four generations living here. It's truly a community of family-oriented people."
The small-town feeling is validated by neighbors with similar values who help each other, she said.
"I feel like I'm on vacation every day," Buzdon said. "Every day is beautiful living and working in Rocklin."


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We're building new exhibits for our hippos and penguins to replace the old and outdated building. The new exhibit will improve their environment and support successful breeding programs for both species, while giving our guests extraordinary new ways to view their daily lives. Nile hippos and African penguins face surmounting threats in the wild, so it's important that we try to inspire people to take conservation action on behalf of these, and other, species.
Please note: Our Nile hippos, Zambezi (24,) and Kasai (17), are currently on an extended vacation to Dickerson Park Zoo in Springfield, MO. Our African penguin flock has also moved to another AZA-accredited facility. They will be gone while a new exhibit is built for them with funds raised from this Making Waves capital campaign.
The word hippopotamus literally means river horse, but hippos are more closely related to pigs. They are native to Africa and can weigh up to 4,000 pounds. They sport massive jaws and tusks, and are equally at home on land or in water. In a word, they are IMPRESSIVE!
Zambezi and Kasai are our resident hippopotami. Zambezi (pronounced zam-BEE-zee) is 24 years old and her favorite treats are melons. She loves to have her tongue rubbed and scratched by her keepers, which was discovered during tooth-brushing sessions to keep her teeth healthy.
Kasai (pronounced Ka-sigh) is 17 years old and has been with us since the age of 2. She is Zambezi's little sister, and she loves peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. You can identify Kasai by the large pink spots on her feet.
Hippos typically live 35-50 years in captivity, so Zambezi and Kasai are in the prime of their lives. Since captive hippos are a bit of a rarity (there are only about 87 on exhibit across the country), we would like to implement a captive hippo breeding program at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. But first, we need the space to house a male hippo. Fortunately, our new exhibit will be large enough to accommodate an entire hippo family!
African penguins (also known as black-footed penguins) are quite zippy in the water. They can swim an average of 4 mph and can stay underwater for up to two minutes, making them a crowd favorite at the Zoo. Unlike their cold climate cousins, they are native to the warm, rocky coasts of South Africa. The species has recently been added to the endangered species list due to loss of habitat – the same coasts they inhabit are becoming inundated by tourists. It's important that zoos are able to successfully breed African penguins to help ensure species survival and to bring awareness to their plight in the wild.
We believe our efforts to breed this endangered species will improve when their new exhibit is completed. Better indoor ventilation, as well as their own outdoor beach, will give newborn chicks a better chance of survival. Our original penguin colony left for the New York Aquarium in April, but a new colony will arrive in time for the exhibit's opening in Fall 2019.
LEMURS, WARTHOGS and more!
Joining our hippos and penguins in their new exhibit will be lemurs (on their own island!), warthogs, and lots of opportunities to get up-close-and-personal with a number of amazing species. It will truly be a mixed species experience for our guests.


text: No one makes Margareta laugh as much as Ciro, and it makes sense why: Ciro is infectious! Married and so in love, giddy, full of life and tons of laughter is all that surrounds this beautiful couple. Margareta is from a small European country, Moldova, and Ciro is from Mexico and with their thick beautiful accents and diverse cultures they just understand each other, they click, they laugh, ALOT (wait did I already say that?) and were simply made to be together. It's so great to be around a couple that genuinely love being around each other, and the amount of comfort is so obvious, it made for the most fun session! Margareta planned for a sweet picnic and had Ciro bring his guitar, you could tell she just loves to hear him strum his guitar as he sang to her, and she even picked up the guitar herself and tried to sing to him - that didn't go over as romantically for Ciro! lol... I hope to photograph this couple many more times in the future, because I admit, I like being around them the way they like being around each other! Location: Gruene, TX


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The Most Highly Evolved Creature
Last Saturday, I ran into a former crush at a bar. The uncomfortable part was I had been thinking about her 37 minutes prior – according to the time stamp on the innocuous text I sent her from that device you shouldn't use while taking shots. I should have probably taken a shot for texts I'll regret. And another for every former flame I think of while drunk. And another because no text is actually innocuous that you send non-soberly to an ex-anything.
She seemed happy to see me, her hand on my arm, her face close to mine. And damn it, she still had it: The Keira Knightley eyes, the crinkle in the bridge of her nose, her maroon lipstick. And because I had taken four shots (one of those was because I thought of her, see above), I said, "Oh, I just texted you." And of course she knows I texted her, but I press: "Did you see?" Really, I'm thinking, Why didn't you respond?
And somehow I stupidly ask if she still has the same number. "Yeah, that's my number," she says, hand still on my arm (could she feel I work out?), but I don't smell her perfume. "I got your text."
I laugh, who knows at what, and I endure seconds more of her conversation - how boring she is! how derivative of a Calvin Klein model! – before I insist, "I have to find my friends," and I leave her in the crowd – and I am the winner, aren't I? I left her. I ended the conversation. I laughed.
Yet here I am now, in the company of best friends, and what consumes me is how loud should I laugh, how fast should I talk, where should my eyes land (never on her!), and what witty Facebook status can I post that she will see and know she is forgotten, a black hole in my night. And you just want to scream, F-CK YOU! But at her or at myself?
The most highly evolved creature is the soul who is single without questioning what age they should start to question it; who does not drunk text the ex; who seeks no companion for the night's end and harbors not even a fleeting interest in a one night stand with a goddess spotted in an elevator on the coldest, most vulnerable Saturday night in February; and who doesn't think about how to wield social media to provoke envy and desire.
Maslow tells us sex is among the first of our needs. Evolutionary scientists affirm our need to seek mates (and suggest monogamy is unnatural). Yet there must be the rare specimen who circumvents such wants and goes home before Cinderella loses her shoe – and doesn't get on Tinder. And this creature can't be in a relationship because that cancels out the evolution: You have someone; you haven't evolved; you followed nature's will.
I've always tried to present myself as this creature – the figure who abhors possession of the heart and waves my hand at the shackles that couples wear – and at most hours, I am, but there are certain people who seep beneath my skin and intoxicate me with what ifs and could bes – and damn them. I am not so evolved if I can spend futile hours – nights that pile into weeks that collect into years – thinking of unrequited loves and daydreams of future romances.
The most evolved creature needs only themselves. They never wait on unanswered texts or wonder how many days they should wait to call because they never will call. They never asked for your number. They never glanced your way and hoped you glanced back. Sure, they went out with their friends on Friday, and they may have had one too many beers too. But they weren't drinking to meet anyone new or for an excuse to go home with someone.
You hate them, don't you? They're above us. We'll never be them.
Maybe this creature is mythical – an ideal I've created. Because is there anyone who hasn't longed for what they couldn't have or once did have? But it's what I strive for, to be innocent among the godless, to see history and not remember it – because there is no history. I never told you I loved you. I never thought about you on long drives home during the holidays. And I never stayed out with you until 4 AM hoping it would become something more.
The contradiction is, I only want to be this highly evolved creature because I have not been it. Has anyone?


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Calling all San Francisco dog lovers! Bring your dogs and your friends for Bark Happy's Spring Break Pawty benefiting Muttville Senior Dogs! There's social time with happy hour specials, a photo scavenger hunt, and free goody bags for all attendees!
Sunday, April 23 12:00-3:00 pm
Early Bird Tickets start at $12 per person and includes over $100 of freebies!:
- Free Doggy Treat Goody Bags from Pawtrero
-Free $50 off voucher for neighborhood group walks for Top Dog SF
-Free $50 Credit for Mr. Muggles' Dogs
-Free 10% Off purchase at Only Leash
-Free Selfie Station
-Free Photo Scavenger Hunt with one dog leash by Only Leash provided to the winner.
- Exclusive Happy Hour Pricing
- Entry into Raffle to win GREAT prizes like gift certificates to Pawtero, free dog training sessions to Top Dog SF, and more!
NOTE: This event is for ages 21+. All friendly, well behaved, leashed dogs welcome!


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We are now planning the first production run of our Halo® CTEC-1 helmet for sale. Our investment round also starts soon to enable a larger production batch.
Halo Active Technologies Limited is currently seeking investment (under SEIS/EIS arrangements). A detailed Information Memorandum is available for selected high net worth or sophisticated investors only; to apply for a copy, please fill in your details below. The offer is not open to investors from the USA, Canada or Japan.
Definition of a high net worth / sophisticated investor*
Having an annual income of £100,000 or more during the year immediately preceding the date of self-certification or;
- Having net assets of £250,000 or more - not including a primary residence, rights under an insurance contract or pension or termination benefits or;
- Owner or majority shareholding in a business with an annual turnover in excess of £1,000,000/$1,500,000
- Member of an angel organisation or private equity firm.
Please contact your tax advisor to establish your eligibility. We will need their confirmation before any potential transaction.


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Q&A with Rachel Mallin
Photo by Anna Selle
What drew you to Pride this year?
I feel that it's become crucial to be actively participating in LGBTQIA events and causes given the current political climate.
Why is Pride important to you and the queer community?
Pride is vital to the community. It represents a communal celebration in the fight for socio-political equality for every human being regardless of sex, ethnicity, and orientation. On a personal level, Pride has always felt like a like an environment free of judgment and criticism and has acted as a relief to my long past apprehensions of coming out.
What's something you wish could happen or develop within the KC community?
As a Kansas Citian, I realize that we are a developing progressive city in the midst of a predominantly conservative state. It would be something of a dream to see my city creating accessible and inclusive local events that advocate a safe space for LGBTQIA identifying individuals to be empowered.
What's something that you're proud of?
The last time I attended Pride, I was inhibited by the weight of not having told my friends and family that I was interested and had dated people of the same sex. I felt like an impostor who couldn't say that she was really "proud" of anything about herself, because I wasn't being honest with anyone. I'm proud to say that since my first Pride, I have conquered that insecurity that prevented me from being honest with others about my sexuality. I'm proud to be a part of my family that expressed unwavering compassion and acceptance when I told them I was dating a girl, because
I know not all people who come out to their families got as lucky as I did.
How has coming out shifted your sense of self/identity?
Coming out has caused me to feel more secure and confident about so many parts of my life. I've started feeling protective of everyone else who has endured and is still enduring the anxiety of being closeted. It makes you want to fight for the world to be a place void of judgment and harassment that causes humans to feel like they can't be comfortable in heir own bodies.
As a musician, what was difficult about coming out?
Successful musicians are expected to have a story. I was concerned that my identity would be publicly pigeon-holed after coming out when I want my music to encompass so much more of the human experience than just my own sexuality.
How has your songwriting changed since coming out?
I think my songwriting has evolved in a way that feels more honest to me, and more transparent for everybody else. The first song of mine that was played on the radio was actually about a girl. I phrased the lyrics in a way so that the identity of the person who inspired the narrative was ambiguous. It felt sort of like a cop-out. Having to hide parts of an experience that inspires you to write a song, essentially defeats the purpose of writing a song. Coming out made me feel creatively liberated, because there's not this giant part of my life that I'm having to hide from people like myself who connect with a song by extracting meaning from the lyrics.


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Jan 30: Education has the power to not only change lives but generations and make the world a better place, Indian mathematician and founder of Super 30, Anand Kumar has said.
"The need is to pull the underprivileged sections of the society out of poverty and that can happen only through education, which is a lasting solution. Stopgap solutions will not work," he said while addressing students here in the Saudi Arabian city.
Kumar whose pioneering Super 30 initiative has helped students from the most underprivileged sections of the society maintained that "education has the power to not only change lives but generations and make the world a better place".
"The growing inequalities in the world need to be addressed and that can happen only by equipping youth across the world with the power to transform. It is the responsibility of the society to ensure equal opportunities to all, irrespective of caste, creed or colour," he said.
Giving the examples of many Super 30 students' children of private security guards, daily wage earners, roadside vendors to marginal farmers, the 42-year-old mathematician said they are all examples of what right and timely opportunities can do.
"Many of them passed out from IITs and are today working in different parts of the globe. Their lives have changed and so have their families," Kumar said.
Experiencing acute poverty in his student days, Kumar made it a mission to help children from underprivileged sections and help them join the mainstream.
Super 30 was launched in 2002, also referred to as 'silent revolution'. 308 students from the initiative have so far made it to the prestigious Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) out of 360 who were enrolled in the institution.


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hug a body pillow...
from Savvy Rest!
Not sure how this is the first time I've ever used one of these in my adult life, but this giant pillow has made sleeping so much more comfortable and easy for me. It's like, 'where have you been, my sweet organic body pillow?!'. Especially if you have any back issues, I definitely recommend holding on to one of these at night. I have scoliosis, and my pain has been getting worse every year. The first 20 minutes of each morning are consumed with lower back pain. When I use the pillow properly {I do move around a lot} I wake up feeling less pain, and knowing it's full of organic kapok makes my feel 100x better. When you spend over a third of your life on your bed, you better know what's inside of it. Kapok {what this pillow is full of} is a buoyant natural fiber, and is a great alternative to down. The coolest part about these pillows, they are totally customizable. They come fully stuffed, so you can take that perfect amount out for your comfort. Don't throw the kapok you took out - Use the extra to make some decorative pillows!
So why else should you invest in a body pillow? Savvy Rest has given us many great reasons as to why this pillow will help you rest easy:
Proper body support for side sleepers
Pressure relief on the lower back, spine and hips
Improved shoulder, hip and spinal alignment
Relaxation of the muscles along the spine
Improved weight distribution and blood circulation
Diminished snoring by helping you sleep comfortably on your side
Pain relief due to headaches, insomnia, fibromyalgia & more
Versatile sleep aid for injury recovery
Additional support during pregnancy
*body pillows come complete with a fitted organic cotton pillowcase. also, i do not sleep like pictured. i rest my head on a smaller pillow and hug the body pillow :P hard to act natural, right?!*
Check out my last Sustainable Slumber post featuring their standard Organic Kapok Pillows & the GORGEOUS Esmont bed! It is seriously picture perfect... & made in the USA!
In the market for some new sheets? Living Fresh creates their line out of the Eucalyptus flowering plant! I have been using their pillowcases over the last few weeks, and have loved the way they feel against my face. Plus, they are hypoallergenic and come in several colors.
Dress from Green Orchyd + Socks from Fazl


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Looking for professional line marking contractors in Byfleet?
Whether you are looking for a Byfleet line marking team to add a disabled parking bay to a small private car park or you are a national maintenance contractor requiring line marking contractors in Byfleet over numerous sites, Danmac's team of line marking contractors can help.
Danmac Surfacing offers a variety of patterns, styles and colours, from traditional road line marking to completely bespoke designs. We can ensure you create a safe environment for both vehicles and pedestrians with highly visible, clearly defined road marking.
Byfleet line marking contractors
Our line marking Byfleet services include:
- Speed limit line markings
- White lines line marking
- Yellow lines line marking
- Directions and instructions line marking
- Chevron line marking
- Cat's eye placement line marking
- Zebra crossing line marking
- Cycle route line marking
- White lining
Danmac Surfacing also offer:
Request a quote
Looking for line marking contractors in Byfleet?
Danmac Surfacing are Byfleet line marking contractors with over 20 years experience.
Whether you are simply looking to add a disabled parking bay to a small commercial car park or you are a national maintenance contractor requiring road marking over numerous sites, Danmac Surfacing can help.
As well creating a safe environment for both vehicles and pedestrians, highly visible, bright and clearly defined road markings will also make a good first impression to your visitors.
We are registed with the Streetworks Qualifications Register so you can rest assured we have the necessary qualifications in relation to the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991.
For line marking contractors Byfleet pricing contact us for a free quotation on 01932 690 233
Line marking contractors Byfleet services
Danmac Surfacing offer a variety of patterns, styles and colours, from traditional line marking to completely bespoke designs.
Our line marking contractors include:
- Speed limit road markings
- White lines
- Yellow lines
- Directions and instructions
- Chevron marking
- Cat's eye placement
- Zebra crossings
- Cycle routes
At Danmac Surfacing, we focus on delivering line marking services that gets it right the first time. By investing in high quality materials, equipment and processes, we ensure that we deliver sustainable and cost effective solutions that will last.
For Byfleet road marking pricing contact us for a free quotation on 01932 690 233
Byfleet line marking contractors
All our line marking projects are undertaken safely, quickly and efficiently. We always take local businesses, residents and road users into account when undertaking our work and aim to cause the minimum of mess and disruption.
We pride ourselves on our outstanding workmanship and customer care and we ensure that every Byfleet road marking job is carried out to the highest quality standards.
Our road marking team can visit your site to carry out a free no-obligation survey. This allows our line marking contractors in Byfleet to fully understand your requirements and offer an accurate and competitive quote.
Contact us for a free quotation - 01932 690 233
We provide more than just line marking contractors in Byfleet
- Driveway Repairs
- Tarmac Driveways
- Blocked Paving
- Car Park Surfacing
- Road Surfacing
- Tarmac Surfacing
- Driveways
- Pothole Repairs
- Dropped Kerbs
- Surfacing
Streetworks qualified for road marking in Byfleet
Danmac Surfacing are registered with the Streetworks Qualifications Register and have the appropriate qualifications in relation to the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991.
Where we are
Line Marking Contractors Byfleet
Services we provide
We offer more than just line marking contractors Byfleet
Danmac Surfacing offer a range of services in Byfleet
Useful links
Road marking Byfleet useful links
Highway Authorities and Utilities Committee (HAUC(UK))
HAUC(UK) brings highway authorities, utilities and government together with the aim of working safely and smartly to reduce the impact of street and road works on members of the public throughout the UK.
Surrey County Council Roads and Transport Portal
Roadworks, maintenance, policies, plans and consultations via the Surrey County Council Roads and Transport Portal.
Highways Safety Hub
An information portal about highway safety with lots of links to other safety websites
Road Safe
RoadSafe is a charitable partnership which brings together private sector with government and road safety professionals.
Get directions to Road Safe
Useful videos
Line marking Byfleet useful videos
Former Minister Norman Baker gave a video speech to the HAUC (UK) Conference in Edinburgh in which he welcomed the range of non-regulatory solutions the street works sector is taking forward
10 reasons why you should choose Danmac Surfacing
- Over 20 years surfacing experience
- Free no-obligation quotations
- 100% customer service and attention to detail
- Competitive pricing. We will match or beat any quote
- Surrey Trading Standards Approved
- Excellent reliability and timekeeping
- We aim for minimal mess and disruption
- Public liability £5 million
- Qualified Street Works approved contractor
What are you waiting for? We love what we do and it shows in our work.
Give us a call on 01932 690 233 for a no obligation quotation


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Keyes Looks to Rescue GOP; Announces Run for President
Excerpt: FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – After two previous runs for U.S. president, former Reagan diplomat Alan Keyes has announced he's again seeking the White House in the 2008 election, and he'll take part in Monday night's Republican presidential debate here. Keyes told syndicated radio host Janet Parshall he's "unmoved" by the lack of moral courage shown by the other candidates, among whom he sees no standout who articulates the "key kernel of truth that must, with courage, be presented to our people."
He added, "The one thing I've always been called to do is to raise the standard ... of our allegiance to God and His authority that has been the foundation stone of our nation's life" – and he decried the lack of "forthright, clear, and clarion declaration" from the current crop of presidential contenders.
Read More


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Now that the weather is getting cooler, we put together nine cozy and comfy places to visit in Pittsburgh.
1. Meat & Potatoes
Enjoy some serious comfort food at this Penn Ave. gastropub. The pappardelle with bolognese sauce and garlic bread is perfect for a cold winter's night and their Manhattan cocktail is an instant warm-up. 649 Penn Ave., 412-325-7007, Visit Meat and Potatoes website here.
2. The Butterwood Bake Consortium
This dessert café located in Lawrenceville is the perfect place to head to if you're craving some sweet treats. The cozy atmosphere is perfect for enjoying their cake and pie by the slice and local KLVN coffee and espresso. They're open until 11 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday which is perfect for those post-holiday shopping excursions. 5222 Butler St., Pittsburgh, PA 15201, 412-781-0218, Visit the Butterwood Bake Consortium here.
3. Tambellini's
Classic Italian food and a cozy atmosphere make for the ideal place to go when you want a delicious meal. Enjoy Tambellini's famous fried zucchini, fresh homemade pasta (they make a mean tagliolini) and tiramisu and cannoli. The restaurant makes for a great fall and winter date night. 5701 Bryant St., Pittsburgh, PA 15206, 412-665-9000, Visit Tambellini's here.
4. Omni William Penn's Speakeasy
The Omni William Penn's opulent speakeasy is a cozy, comfy place for a delicious cocktail. The dimly lit atmosphere is dotted with overstuffed red chairs and booths. If you love vintage things, this venue harkens back to Pittsburgh in the '20s. 530 William Penn Place, 412-281-7100, Visit Omni William Penn's Speakeasy here.
5. Café Notte
Serving Northern Italian food, this is perhaps one of Pittsburgh's best-kept secrets. There's a wood-burning fireplace, which sits this eatery firmly on our list.Their brick oven flatbread pizzas are incredible, as is their lobster bisque. 8070 Ohio River Blvd., 412-761-2233, Visit Café Notte here.
6. Allegheny Coffee and Tea Exchange
If your idea of the coziest smell you can think of is coffee, you'll want to visit this shop with countless gourmet coffee and tea blends. Located across the street from the Pennsylvania Macaroni Company in the Strip District, this shop offers coffee roasted on site in small batches, bulk-sized bags of coffee and plenty of international coffee and tea blends. 2005 Penn Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15222, Visit Allegheny Coffee and Tea Exchange here.
7. Soergel's Orchards
Soergel's of course has pumpkins and Christmas trees, but their country store is lots of cozy fun. There's produce, baked goods, gift baskets, home decor and more. 2573 Brandt School Rd., 724-935-1743, Visit Soergel's here.
8. Willow
Exposed brick and a whopping three fireplaces make for a comfy vibe at this upscale, casual eatery serving American food. The Reuben, French Dip and Roast Chicken are absolutely amazing. For a warming drink, try their Caldwell Old Fashioned. 634 Camp Horne Rd., 412-847-1007, Visit Willow here.
9. The Lemont
The gorgeous views from Mt. Washington alone make for the perfect cozy date night. Enjoy a fancy dinner out and watch the snow fall on Pittsburgh while you dine on steak, delicious cocktails and a decadent coconut cake 1114 Grandview Ave., 412-431-3100, Visit The Lemont here.
We've got tons of recommendations for things to do and places to go. Check our categories below!
Food and Drink in Pittsburgh
Things to do in Pittsburgh
Shopping in Pittsburgh


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Do you want to know what's gotten everyone most excited about the launch of the Inns Along the Coast? It's the availability calendar! Now, travelers can easily arrange an inn-to-inn itinerary along Maine's Coast, including Kennebunkport, Rockland and Bar Harbor, using the Inns Along the Coast availability calendar to plan dates. With those three destinations among the most attractive for Coastal Maine visitors, planning a trip along the Coast of Maine has never been easier. Add in the Inns Along the Coast's 6-day package, filled with extra gifts at each stop, and you've got the perfect Maine vacation.
When Inns Along the Coast was launched, travelers applauded the fact that there was finally an organized Coastal Maine inn-to-inn Maine partnership. It was something B&B goers had hoped to find for a long time. Adding in the availability calendar as a key planning tool made inngoers even happier, because now planning the perfect getaway along the coast of Maine is easy.
Travelers have also expressed delight in the foodie, adventure and art itineraries, offering suggestions to add-on to the fun. But best of all, the choice of three inns in Kennebunkport, three inns in Rockland and two inns in Bar Harbor, all working together to insure the finest in hospitality is what travelers applaud.
When you go
If you should want to reach out to any or all of the Inns Along the Coast directly, here's the info you'll need:
1802 House: Email: email@example.com, website: www.1802house.com, reservations: (800) 932-5632, Innkeepers: Teri & Roger Walker
Captain Jefferds Inn: Email: firstname.lastname@example.com, website: www.captainjefferdsinn.com, reservations: 800-839-6844, 207-967-2311, Erik and Sarah Lindblom
Inn at English Meadows: Email: firstname.lastname@example.com, website: www.englishmeadowsinn.com, reservations: 207-967-5766/800-272-0698, innkeepers: David and Kate Parisi
In Rockland:
Berry Manor Inn: Email: firstname.lastname@example.com, website: www.berrymanorinn.com, reservations: 800-774-5692/ Business line: 207-596-7696, Innkeepers: Cheryl Michaelsen & Mike LaPosta
Granite Inn: Email: email@example.com, website: www.OldGraniteInn.com, reservations: 207-594-9036, 800-386-9036. Innkeepers: Ed & Joan Hantz
LimeRock Inn: Email: firstname.lastname@example.com, website: www.LimeRockinn.com, reservations: 800-546-3762, 207-594-2257. Innkeepers: PJ Walter & Frank Isganitis
Saltair Inn Waterfront B&B: E-Mail: email@example.com, website: www.saltairinn.com, 207-288-2882, Innkeepers: Kristi & Matt Losquadro.


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How to Compare a Tenor Guitar and Baritone Ukulele. Tenor guitars and baritone ukuleles have many similar features, including a short scale, four strings and a parlor-sized guitar-shaped body. If you have an instrument fitting that description, but aren't sure which it is, take a close look at it from top to bottom and compare the basic features of tenor guitars and baritone ukuleles.
Measure the length of the instrument's neck. If it is 21 to 23 inches long, it is a tenor guitar. If it is 18 to 20 1/4 inches, it is a baritone ukulele.
Assess the overall length of the instrument. If it is more than 31 inches, it is a tenor guitar. If it is 29 to 31 inches, it is a baritone ukulele.
Evaluate the width of the neck. If it is as thin as a banjo neck, it's a tenor guitar. If it's wider than a banjo's neck, it's a baritone ukulele.
Compare the headstock to the headstock of a banjo. If they look similar, it is a tenor guitar.
Check the tuners to see if they are for nylon strings or steel strings. If they are for nylon, it's a baritone ukulele. If they're for steel, it's a tenor guitar.
Look at the anchor. If it has a tailpiece string anchor, it is a tenor guitar. If it has a bridge anchor, it's a baritone ukulele.
Inspect the frets close to the nut for the wear that steel tenor guitar strings can cause. If the frets seem worn down, it's a tenor guitar. If not, it may be a baritone ukulele, but you can't rule out a newer tenor.
See if the bridge and tailpiece can move. If so, it is a tenor guitar. Luthiers used to make tenors this way to compensate for the pressure steel strings can exert.
Banjo players used tenor guitars as crossover instruments when they first came out, so tenor guitars came with some banjo-like features. If your instrument's neck is less than 18 inches long, you're probably looking at a tenor ukulele or a custom instrument.
Don't string your instrument until you know what it is, because putting tenor guitar strings on a baritone ukulele can damage the instrument.


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Just boarded the sleeper to Glasgow (alas no sign of Skimbleshanks). From there I'll be heading to the Western Isles, where I will do my best to avoid any large anthropomorphic wicker constructions.
The shame of it is that this is just a flying (day!) visit to examine a PhD; if it hadn't been for the demands of work, I would have happily spent a couple of days in Stornoway.
Just saw your other post - guess it happens and is harder to resolve overnight, but sucks that your plans got trashed because of it. I'm pretty shocked that the sleeper doesn't have wifi/electricity, pretty much every train I've done the Scotland/England journey has at least had somewhere decent to plug things in and advertised some form of wifi.
They had power (in the lounge car only, not the sleeping cars), but the amount of current that could be drawn was only enough for phone chargers, not laptops.


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He ALWAYS opens the door for her. She is as genuine and kind as she is beautiful. When they first met last year on the Fourth of July, little did they know that by the next Fourth of July, they'd be engaged. It was a pleasure to photograph Emily and Jeremy's engagement session at the Kimball Museum where Jeremy proposed.
How they managed to look so darn good after Jeremy getting in the night before at 2am (Emily stayed up to wait for him) from an 8 hour drive I don't know, but they did!
I love that they both wore black tops without even planning it. It worked very nicely in black and white don't you think?
Emily and Jeremy you are a stunning couple! Thanks for letting me be a part of your story :)


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While we wait patiently for HTC to launch the rest of its One series smartphones in Australia, an entry-level handset called the HTC Desire C has popped up in a Vodafone Portugal catalogue.
Reported by both Engadget and GSM Arena, the Desire C won't be an ultra-advanced device like the company's current One line of handsets. In fact, the Desire C is powered by decidedly pedestrian specs, including a 600MHz CPU (single core, no doubt), and uses a small, 3.5-inch (480x320-pixel), low-resolution screen.
You reportedly get 4GB of internal memory, but compared with the 16GB and even 32GB of storage that many modern smartphones come with, it's a paltry offering. The Desire C's 5MP camera likely won't impress, either, and the chances of the phone using HTC's sophisticated ImageSense image-processing system, also found in HTC One series devices, is slim.
The one bright spot is that the Desire C will boast Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. I wonder how well a slower phone like this will run ICS. If it can handle the new OS decently, then there's your proof that ICS isn't all that hardware dependent after all, and is, in fact, a sneakily used marketing tool to lure shoppers to fresh handsets.
Via CNET


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Today is the big day! As I mentioned the other night, I volunteered for and was chosen to be on the launch team for an amazing new e-book called, "@Wrimo: A 30-Day Survival Guide for Writers" by Kevin S. Kaiser. This wonderful (and I do mean wonderful!) short book contains thirty inspirational snippets and motivational musings to keep writers moving throughout National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo). NaNoWriMo is new to me this year, and I have so many concerns and worries about participating (see here if you need a refresher). Those doubts are pervasive. Loud. Disheartening. They have led me to say (on multiple occasions!) over these last several months that "I just can't do it" or that "I'd do better to put this off until next year." I can say with absolute certainty that this book was a gift to me in so many ways. It validated my love for writing and my desire to embark on this crazy quest. It reminded me that I had the power inside me to actually pull this thing off. More importantly than anything, however, it reminded me that the story inside me can only be told through my words. My hard work. My writing. I owe it to myself to give my story a voice and to believe in myself as I embark upon this challenge. And I owe it to the world (be it only one person or many!) to share this story in the hopes of entertaining and uplifting and educating others. Thank you, Kevin, for trusting me with your book and for giving me this unique opportunity to share it with the rest of the world.
Over the next few days, I will be sharing quotes and parts of the book that are meaningful to me. I hope that you'll come back each day and share in these wonderful words of inspiration with me. I also strongly, strongly encourage any of you who are considering NaNoWriMo to please order this book. Trust me when I say that you will not be sorry. Each of us comes to NaNoWriMo with different concerns. This book addresses them all. It's available for only $4.00 for all e-reading devices, and 100% of the proceeds go to the Office of Letters and Light, the nonprofit organization that sponsors NaNoWriMo and other programs to inspire a love of writing in others.


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Mission Statement
The mission of The Edison School is to provide an exceptional, individualized education for students with learning differences allowing them to strive for their potential.
Our Vision
Our vision is to provide educational opportunities as unique as each of our learners. We strive to meet our students where they are by providing an intimate and encouraging academic community that honors them as individuals, values each student's diverse learning style, and fosters growth.
At The Edison School, the following beliefs guide our work:
We believe every student has the potential to learn.
We believe every person who interacts with a student is a teacher.
We believe learning differently demands that we teach differently.
We believe the responsibility for pedagogical decisions lies with individual teachers.
We believe all teachers should have the necessary resources for implementing the curriculum.
We believe parent partnerships are an essential component in the pursuit of academic and social development.
We believe we must encourage students to learn about learning and to form their own beliefs in a search for intellectual autonomy.
We believe the exploration of the arts and is essential components in the development of independent, curious, and critical thinkers.
We believe we must impart to our students a sense of moral responsibility for their thoughts and actions in the hope that they will strive to be citizens tolerant of the differences in the world that they will inherit.
Commitment of Excellence
We are committed to maintaining open lines of communication with our parents to ensure the needs of our students are being fulfilled.
We are committed to meeting the social and educational needs of our students by providing a multi-sensoral learning environment led by compassionate teachers.
We are committed to constantly reinforcing our "Culture of Acceptance" for all of our students so they can feel valued for who they are as individuals and to have a safe place to learn.
We are committed to helping students become productive citizens by creating opportunities for them to be involved in community service activities.
We are committed to utilizing assessment tools throughout the year to constantly monitor the academic growth of our students.
We are committed to model the virtues of perseverance, respect, integrity, discipline, and excellence in all our actions.
We are committed to constantly challenge our students to consider the ethical implications of their actions.
For more information please contact Dr. Wilson or Tina Boyers at 615-431-5637 or email firstname.lastname@example.com or firstname.lastname@example.com


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The age at which a rooster develops spurs depends on the breed. Some roosters completely develop spurs by the time they are 3 months old, but others may take up to eight or nine months.
A spur is a bony growth that extends from a rooster's leg. Spurs grow and harden as the rooster matures. Adult roosters use their spurs to fight other roosters and protect themselves from predators.
Chicken owners trim or remove their rooster's spurs so that the rooster cannot cause injury. Domesticated roosters may use their spurs to injure pets, other birds or humans. Spurs are easiest to remove before the rooster is fully developed.


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As communicators, pr practitioners and marketers we've never had access to more tools, tactics, data and platforms to make our work fly.
But there's a bundle of challenges we have to navigate around in order to make the most of them. One has emerged as the THE challenge - the biggest barrier to us delivering great communications.
By Darren Caveney
In my consultancy work with organisations over the past few years I have focused on tackling three barriers to embedding effective communications in organisations – I call them the 3 T's:
Training, Trust and Technology.
And I still believe that these are very important issues to tackle.
But another has emerged. It's always lingered but it's grown and grown of late. Like a genetically modified comms challenge which has outstripped the others.
What do you think I'm referring to?
Time, you say?
No (although that would be handy because then I could supplement my three T's with a fourth T and call them 'the four T's')
Yes, time is a barrier, but we have all developed ways of managing our time better over recent years. Time management is a skills every one of needs for sure whatever job we have.
So what is the biggest challenge?
*Demand management*
I believe it's the biggest single challenge facing communicators in 2017. Period.
The size of your team may have increased, decreased or stayed the same in the past year. This will affect our ability to manage demand, of course.
But whether you're a large team or a small team you're still likely to be at what I now call the 'demand management cross-roads'. Size of team isn't necessarily the issue here.
Over the past couple of weeks I have had the great fortune to work with a large central government communications team, a medium sized police comms team and a small (and getting smaller) local government team. I was running some in-house training for one, helping another develop a new communications model, facilitating an away day with another.
A common theme running through all three sessions was the sheer scale of the demand coming into each team, and the expectations to deliver on that demand. To a degree this isn't new – in comms we have always had our planned, known work and then the unexpected, reactive work.
But communications teams are being strangled with a side-wash of demand coming into them
I sense that demand is growing. Actually I don't suspect it, I know it because I keep seeing and hearing it on my travels across our comms lands.
So I recently asked the question on Twitter – the sample size is small, of course, but the results told their own story…
Comms people are getting busier. So what's the answer?
1 Know your capacity
The first thing that we need to do is identify what is the available capacity to deliver – as individuals and as teams. Do you know what capacity you have in your team in a standard month? How many hours are available to deliver activity?
This is fairly easy to do.
2. Monitor the demand coming in
The second thing comms teams then need to do is understand and measure the demand coming in each week, month and quarter. Is it increasing, decreasing or staying the same?
If it's increasing where is that demand coming from? Once you know your 'demand hot spots' you can talk to those individuals or teams and explain the situation with some hard data to inform the conversations.
Are you in credit or debit each month in terms of demand versus credit? That could explain why some of you are still in the office at 7pm some nights.
3 Prioritise the priorities
I once asked a senior leadership team to come up with their top 5 priorities for the year ahead so that I could shape a new comms strategy to support them.
They came up with a list of 28.
That isn't a list of priorities - that's just a very big list.
And no comms team in the land can nail 28 brilliantly executed campaigns and comms plans all at the same time.
4. Being strategic is key
Understanding the priorities – and agreeing them with your internal leaders and customers (yes I did use the customer word) - is the way to go. Then when you know what your capacity is, what your demands are, what the agreed organisational priorities are then you can say no to the daft stuff from a position of fact and power.
If the fresh demand is agreed to be important then you and the organisation can take a view about what needs to give to make the new pressure alleviated.
Easier said than down, I know, but this has to be the line to follow.
4. Tools to help you
There are tools out there to help comms teams manage and understand these demands. Historically many of us haven't always been the best at making the most of them. That has to change in order to keep our heads above water and for good, effective comms to survive and thrive.
Now I don't mean some horrible time and motion exercises and which could just add to your burden. I mean tools which help you understand and measure demand each month. Do it across a year and then you can state with certainty how your demands are changing. What are the patterns?
Now you could be the awkward sod sat in the corner – we've all seen them - arms folded saying "sorry, I'm too busy to pick up any new work". That's one way to go but I wouldn't recommend it. The next time your team gets a head count trim you've just put yourself in the frame.
Instead, know your capacity, know your demand and talk with confidence about whether that next new request can be delivered effectively or not.
Demand management's time has come so embrace it and it will help you, I promise you.
I've developed tools of my own to help the teams and individuals I work with. There are plenty of others out there too so finding ones which suit you and are simple to use are the way to go.
Reporting this data back to your leaders is important…
The data you collect on demands should be included in every comms teams' monthly report to management. If you don't tell them the latest trends with demands then guess what – they won't know.
And when the next budget cutting round does its thing in your organisation have you done enough to tell your team's story about what you're being asked to deliver. Look out for yourselves, fight your corner, and tell your story well. With data.
You can have all the Facebook Live's and Instagram Stories you like. But it doesn't matter a jot if it's all you can do to answer the phones some weeks.
Something has to give.
If you have brilliant and smart ways of managing the demands coming into your team I'd love to hear about them, and share them with the comms community. Drop me a note - even better write a blog post about what you've done and what you've learned.
A final thought…
There was a time when I led comms teams that I used to sometimes say to myself "when things settle down we'll sort that out."
Things don't settle down. Ever.
And your work demands are only going to grow - now's the time to nail them.
Darren Caveney is creator of comms2point0 and owner of creative communicators ltd
image via Orange County Archives


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Free LEARN MORE pages covering everything you need to know:
Click on the headings above to see the items offered in each category.
Our very special Aroma Queen Premium range of pure ESSENTIAL OILS is for any Aromatherapy lover who appreciates quality: top grade oil & plant species, sought after country of origin, as well as many unusual, exotic and hard to find oils. We also stock a range of PURE BLENDS which are ready to treat anything from anxiety to insomnia.
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Inhaler Sticks make an excellent portable personal oil diffuser to take with you anywhere - to school or office, travelling or in your handbag. Our Pre-Made Inhaler Sticks feature pure AQ Essential Oils and are ready to use, even if you've never tried aromatherapy before.
'Carrier Oils' are gentle vegetable oils often used for massage, or to carry diluted essential oils for application to the skin. Along with a range of natural cold-pressed carrier oils we also stock a range of ready-to-use massage oils with added Essential Oils.
Aromatherapy Jewellery is the ultimate way to take your oils - or perfume - with you. Choose from pendants that use a textile scent pad, available in a choice of finishes, or Lava Stone jewellery pieces that feature naturally porous lava beads to absorb your oils. Perfect for natural perfumes, or even aromatherapeutic use. Matching car diffusers are also available.
Anybody with a few oils in their collection needs a case or two to safely store or transport them, and we have a range of sizes and styles available as well as mini travel cases and first aid kits.
Here is where you'll find all of the bits and pieces to complement your aromatherapy collection - from blank inhaler sticks in simple plastic or long-lasting aluminium, to bottles and packaging options which cover basic amber glass bottles for your blends, up to premium quality stylish roll-on bottles and atomisers.
Diffusers are available in car vent or hanging ceramic bottle styles, to candle-warmed burners and lamp rings. We also list a choice of textbooks perfect for the beginner or advanced user alike.
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If you're looking for a kit for yourself or as an aromatherapy gift idea, our PACKS & KITS page has a large selection of Starter & Advanced Aromatherapy Packs and other gift & accessories packs for beginners and advanced users alike - as well as DIY kits for room sprays, natural perfumes and more.
If you're new to aromatherapy, don't forget to visit our LEARN MORE pages for easy-to-understand info such as safety information, how to use your oils via a number of different methods, aromatherapy for children and much more.


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Wednesday's Sports In Brief
NEW YORK (AP) The New York Yankees capped an offseason spending spree by agreeing to a $155 million, seven-year contract with prized Japanese pitcher Masahiro Tanaka.
Following just the second season in 19 years that didn't include a playoff appearance, the Yankees flexed their economic might and committed $438 million to four free agents. Tanaka joined catcher Brian McCann and outfielders Jacoby Ellsbury and Carlos Beltran on a revamped roster missing long-time All-Stars Mariano Rivera, Andy Pettitte and Robinson Cano.
The Yankees must also pay a $20 million posting fee to Tanaka's Japanese club, the Rakuten Golden Eagles.
Big league teams had until Friday to reach an agreement with Tanaka, who was 24-0 with a 1.27 ERA last year as the Golden Eagles won the Japan Series title. Arizona, the Chicago Cubs and White Sox, the Los Angeles Dodgers and Houston all said they were among the failed bidders.
BOSTON (AP) – Oft-injured outfielder Grady Sizemore has agreed to a $750,000, one-year contract with the Boston Red Sox.
A three-time All-Star, the 31-year-old has played eight major league seasons, all with Cleveland. He is a .269 career hitter with 139 homers and 458 RBIs.
Sizemore was an AL All-Star in each of his last three full seasons (2006-08) and hit .279 during that stretch. He has been hampered by injuries over the last five years, missing the past two seasons following operations on his right knee and back. Before 2009, he had never been on the disabled list.
RENTON, Wash. (AP) – Richard Sherman wondered if he came to the NFL 20 years too late, whether his swagger might have fit better a few decades earlier when that confidence and an unfiltered tongue was perhaps more accepted.
The Seattle Seahawks' All-Pro cornerback spoke at length for the first time since Sunday's NFC championship game win over San Francisco where his postgame comments to Fox reporter Erin Andrews became the talking point. It was a loud, emotional moment that happened just a few minutes after the Seahawks earned the second Super Bowl berth in franchise history.
Sherman said the reaction that followed over the next two days left him a little stunned.
ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) – The NFL's officiating chief has cleared Broncos receiver Wes Welker of any wrongdoing for his hit that knocked Patriots cornerback Aqib Talib out of Sunday's AFC Championship.
Vice President of Officiating Dean Blandino, making his weekly appearance on the NFL Network, said the hit was `legal.'
On Monday, New England coach Bill Belichick blasted Welker for the hit, calling it "one of the worst plays" he'd seen in nearly four decades of coaching.
There will be no discipline for Welker; Blandino said there was simply no infraction of the rules.
KAPOLEI, Hawaii (AP) – NFL great Deion Sanders took quarterbacks Andrew Luck and Cam Newton with his first skill position picks in the Pro Bowl draft, going for passers early before focusing on defense in building a team for one win.
Jerry Rice chose New Orleans tight end Jimmy Graham and then Philadelphia running back LeSean McCoy with his first two picks, giving active player captain Drew Brees his top target early to go along with two Saints offensive linemen picked the previous day.
The picks kicked off the three-hour process of divvying up 60 players for Sunday's all-star game. The game is being played in an "unconferenced" format for the first time, straying from its usual AFC vs. NFC teams. The new format is meant to liven up the Pro Bowl, which has been criticized by fans and even Commissioner Roger Goodell for the quality of play.
PITTSBURGH (AP) – Mike Munchak is going back to his roots, and heading closer to home in the process.
A person familiar with the decision said the former Tennessee Titans head coach will join the Pittsburgh Steelers as offensive line coach.
Munchak was fired by the Titans on Jan. 4 after leading Tennessee to a 22-26 record in three seasons.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – The Tennessee Titans have hired former Jacksonville Jaguars and Buffalo Bills head coach Mike Mularkey as tight ends coach on Ken Whisenhunt's staff.
The Titans announced the addition of Mularkey as well as the hirings of John McNulty as quarterbacks coach and Kevin Patullo as assistant wide receivers coach.
BUDAPEST, Hungary (AP) – Threats to a string of European Olympic offices are reviving a question that has haunted preparations for the Winter Games next month: Is it safe to go to Sochi?
European Olympic authorities, whose countries have faced terrorist threats and attacks in the past, largely shrugged off the new menacing messages as a hoax, a marginal phenomenon that security experts say is common ahead of big events.
Some members of the U.S. Congress aren't so sure. They say Russia isn't doing enough to assure that athletes will be protected at the Feb. 7-23 games, happening not far from an Islamic insurgency that Russia's huge security apparatus has struggled for two decades to quell.
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Concerns about safety in Sochi have prompted some U.S. Olympians to tell their loved ones to stay home, and Minnesota Wild defenseman Ryan Suter, who will skate for Team USA next month, is one of them.
He said his wife and two young children won't be traveling to Russia for the Winter Games. The long trip is part of the reason, but recent news about terroristic threats made the decision "a little bit easier."
Suter said he's confident in USA Hockey and International Olympic Committee officials to keep the event safe, but anxiety is human nature.


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Warning : You are about to be spammed with a large amount of graduation pictures. I don't normally post a lot of pictures of myself..well that's about to change in a second. Sorry guys.
If you want to know how it felt. Well it felt like being in a Harry Potter movie. Instead of dreading Voldemort, I was dreading tripping and falling flat on my face in front of the Chancellor. (I didn't. Thank. God)
Ps: We were very lucky to have a sunny morning. Although it was extremely windy (ie. not ideal for photographs/hairstyle. See last picture) and then it started pissing it down as soon as we got in the car. Excuse my French.
Pps: Blurry pictures from inside the cathedral.. To be honest I am rather lucky to have one or two (my mum took pictures of another blonde girl... I know, sometimes I really wonder..)
Ppps: We have videos. They are so much better. Oh and my parents were there if you were wondering, I just decided not to post pictures of them. Lizzie on the other side, is always there.


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Protein function often depends on global, collective internal motions. However, the simultaneous quantitative experimental determination of the forms, amplitudes, and time scales of these motions has remained elusive. We demonstrate that a complete description of these large-scale dynamic modes can be obtained using coherent neutron-scattering experiments on perdeuterated samples. With this approach, a microscopic relationship between the structure, dynamics, and function in a protein, cytochrome P450cam, is established. The approach developed here should be of general applicability to protein systems.
- Protein dynamics
- coherent neutron scattering
- molecular dynamics simulation
- normal mode analysis
- collective motion
- Copyright © 2016, The Authors
This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial license, which permits use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, so long as the resultant use is not for commercial advantage and provided the original work is properly cited.


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NLS G3.5 DNA75 / 200 / 250 Enclosure - (12MM FIRE) (BLACK)
Notable changes for this revision are
These enclosures have been reanodised and may have clamp marks on the inside of the parts
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DNA boards need to have the USB shield trimmed slightly
Black anodised enclosure and lid milled for a DNA75 to 250 and 12mm switch
Updated design with recessed 50 and some other tweaks
Suitable LiPo packs are Turnigy Nano 1300mAh 25/50C and Turnigy Aspec 1300mAh. Plenty of space for 1000mAh Turnigy Nanos too. No other cells have been tested for compatibility.
Sized for XT30 lipo connectors
Dual battery sleds 'almost fit' and may require the sides sanding slightly. IM2X18650 sleds wit with no modification
4 x screw holes are countersunk to match the 2.5mm head screws in our mounting kit
No customer reviews for the moment.
At some point we'll be shipping these without a locking washer as stock...
R2 with some cosmetic and material changes. Notable changesCentre...
A selection of M1.6 threaded fittings to mount a DNA250, 200 or 75 3...
Some images shown have actuators in, they are for display purposes and...
Black anodised aluminium Flat actuator 12mm 12.1mm cut out...
****Supplied with 1/4W 15k resistor**** DATASHEET


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Sponsor a Child
The cost to sponsor one child for the entire school year is approximately $80 - $100. Checks can be made payable to Blessings in a Backpack - Effingham, IL and they may be mailed to P.O. Box 28, Effingham, IL 62401.
Volunteer to Pack Bags
You can voluteeer twice per month, on Wednesdays, at 5:30 p.m.. Volunteers meet at Total Quality Warehouse in Effingham to pack food bags. The process usually takes about 1 hour and is a fun, fast-paced session. Email us to be added to our volunteer website.
Deliver Bags
We deliver bags twice per month, on Thursdays. We pick up totes from Total Quality Warehouse in Effingham and deliver them to our participating schools.
This requires a box truck due to the large numbers of tubs used to transport the food. Most drivers agree to a one month, two-time pick up. Email us to sign up for deliveries.
Make a Food Donation
Blessings in a Backpack is in need of food items that are ready to eat and easy to prepare. We have developed a list of the top food donation needs:
- Single serving oatmeal packets
- Single serving cereal boxes
- Macaroni & cheese
- Ravioli / spaghetti
- Granola bars
- Canned tuna / chicken / vienna sausages