text:
This was the most fun post to do. I get to make something delicious and talk about one of my favorite people!
I dont know if you heard, but today Amy Atlas's book Sweet Designs, is available to purchase!! Its fabulous.
She has so many tips and tricks, I think she can turn anyone into a professional stylist! Its easy to read, the pictures are stunning, and the ideas are SO creative!
I wanted to make her Chipper Chocolate Cupcakes. (They are in her 'Perfectly Preppy' chapter… my favorite!!)
And I am so glad I did! Amy offers up a unique version of chocolate cake that is delectable. (You have got to get the book just for that recipe… I have made LOTS of chocolate cake in my day, but never one like this!)
The cupcakes in her book are covered with and surrounded by the funnest pretty pink sprinkles.
I totally did not have pretty pink sprinkles on hand.
So I just made some!
Paired with Amy's delicious buttercream and it was a win-win.
Actually, its win-win-win. Know why? Because YOU have a chance to win too! One lucky reader is going to win a copy of Amy's book!
Its easy! Just tell me, What is your favorite cake flavor?
If its chocolate you gotta get her book and try these cupcakes!
For an additional entry you can tweet:
I want to win a copy of @amyatlas 's amazing new book #SweetDesigns from @iambakertweets! http://bit.ly/JBRxee
You can also earn an addition entry by sharing this post on facebook! (You can just click the share button under my facebook post)
Please leave a separate comment for each.
I have even better news. A few other amazingly talented bloggers got together to help spread the word about Sweet Designs!
You have GOT to go and see what they made!!!
Tidymom Honey Panna Cotta
Sweetapolita Pink Eclairs
My Baking Addiction Banana Whoopie Pies
Two Peas and Their Pod Banana Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting
Bake at 350 Hazelnut Truffles
Sweetopia Chocolate Beehive Cupcakes
Bakingdom Mini Strawberry Trifles
The Sweet Adventures of Sugarbelle Amy Atlas Cookbook Giveaway
Not only did they make something sweet from the book, they are also giving away one copy! So you have NINE chances to win!!
This giveaway is open from April 24th through midnight on April 30th. You must be 18 years old to enter and live in the United States.
Please see official rules HERE.
The winning comment was #368
Amy who likes "lemon cake with lemon icing"
I am sending you an email Amy! Congrats!


text:
How to Make Money Online in Uganda
Now a days every one wants to make money online in Uganda.
In 1995, There are only 16 million people using Internet. That is 0.43% of the world population.
In 2017 , There are more than 3700 million people using Internet. That is 49% of the world population.
Internet is growing very fast.
That's Why,
You need to learn online money making tips.
Here the best actionable ideas for How to make money online.
If you want earn money quickly, Check out this guide How to Make Money Fast.
There are number of ways available to earn money in Uganda. I am providing best methods for earning money with internet for free.
Some people asking,
Is there any way to make money fast illegally?
So I decide to write this guide. How to make money fast illegally?
Table of Contents
Ways to Earn Money Online in Uganda
Earn Money Through Blog or Website
When it comes to Online Money Making in Uganda, The best and fast way is Blogging. Blogging is an act of posting content on Blog.
You can earn money easily with website, But you need lot of traffic to your site.
Check out this guide How to make money with website.
If you getting traffic after creating website, Apply to Google Adsense. Adsense is best online ad network in the world.
Here is the Guide for Make Money with Google Adsense.
[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rngMhpslCw0[/embedyt]
Make Money with YouTube
The second best money making source is YouTube. YouTube is the world's second largest search engine. You can earn money with YouTube videos.
Just create your own video (Don't copy and edit others videos). Then upload it YouTube. After that, Enable YouTube monetization.
That's it.
If your video go viral, You will make good amount of money.
Here is the Guide for Make money with YouTube.
[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bfk8Xx9NwHs[/embedyt]
Earn Money from Home
Here is some other ideas for students and employees etc, to make money from home in Uganda.
Check out this How to Earn Money from Home.
Affiliate marketing
Affiliate marketing is the different concept from above methods. You will get money by promoting Advertisers products through Website, YouTube and Social Networks etc.
If any visitor buy product from your link, You will be get paid.
Check out this guide How to make Money with affiliate marketing.
[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=65g5v7EcwJ4[/embedyt]

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Geoffrey A. Lee SENIOR LECTURER UNIVERSITY OF NOTTINGHAM
Abstract: This article examines the branch ledger of a Florentine firm in 13th cen-tury Provence, and its relationship to contemporaneous Tuscan account books. It is concluded that the ledger was part of a sophisticated accounting system, with a debit and credit for every item and a serious attempt at annual balancing, thus constituting the earliest known example of commercial double entry.
In previous published papers the author dealt with the earliest evidence of business bookkeeping in Florence—the bank ledger fragments of 1211, transcribed in 1887 by Pietro Santini—and with the development of accounting in Tuscany during the 13th century, as evidenced in the account-books, or extracts therefrom, which constitute the bulk of Arrigo Castellani's Nuovi testi fiorentini del Dugento e dei primi del Trecento (1952). There were traced the gradual standardization of techniques, and incorporation of ele-ments of double entry, within the framework of the "narrative" or "paragraph" type of accounting record (a sezioni sovrapposte), per-haps derived from the "charge and discharge" format used in pub-lic accounts. The survey ended with the emergence of double entry itself, in the ledgers of Renieri (or Rinieri) Fini & Brothers (1296-1305) and Giovanni Farolfi & Company (1299-1300). The latter's records are better preserved and more completely tran-scribed than the other's, and display somewhat more advanced techniques; hence they constitute the main subject of this paper.
The Ledger of Giovanni Farolfi & Company
This document is preserved in Archivio di Stato, Florence, and filed under Carte Strozziane, 2a serie, n. 84 bis. It consists of 56 leaves of paper, about 33 x 24 cm., consequently numbered. The first 47 leaves are lost; the extant ones run from 48 to 110, with numbers 66, 74, 87, 93, 105, 106 and 109 missing. Leaves 92, 94 and 103 are damaged in their lower halves, and 92 and 110 are out of sequence—92 bound after 96, and 110 at the beginning. In this


text:
Saturday, March 21, 2009
First day of spring means baseball, baby
But that's all over for another year, my friends. Spring is in the air. Can you feel it? Can you? I can. Weather aside, the first day of spring means we are on the verge of some real baseball. What? Canada got eliminated good and early? You're dead to me, World Baseball Classic.
Spring training isn't just for the players - it's for the fans too, if my opinion counts for anything (that's rhetorical, smart guy). I keep up a ridiculous intensity for a 162 game season, and I need a good month of idle speculation and foaming at the mouth over stud prospects to ease me into this thing.
Projected 75 to 80 win season be damned (PENNANT!), I'm getting stoked. Come on April 6th - let's go.
Speaking of foaming at the mouth over stud prospects
Brad Mills is making this team, and I think we need to check our expectations. We're talking about a 24 year old arm who has never, in "the scouts'" estimation, projected to be anything more than a back-end starter, who is on the verge of making the bigs after one and a half seasons of pro baseball.
I think, in time, Mills can exceed those expectations - he's got a pretty good arm, Cito loves his makeup, he doesn't get rattled, he's apparently a pretty intelligent dude, etc - but even if he doesn't, that's still OK, right? I mean, come the World Series Season of 2010 (leave me alone), we're looking at a rotation consisting of some combination of Halladay, McGowan, Marcum, Litsch, Cecil, and Mills, right?
And yes, I know Doc is entering that tenuous "extend or trade" portion of his contract, Marcum is coming off TJ, and McGowan's surgically repaired shoulder is already barking. I know these things, but I'm wilfully choosing to ignore them. Besides, that's what big Dave Purcey is for, right? RIGHT??
Roy Halladay throws us a bone
That was cute of Doc to pretend he was human. I'm not fooled. Come on now Roy, you don't expect us to believe that you are anything more than a robotic pitching cyborg sent from the future to destroy opposing bats, do you? Because that shit is just ridiculous.
You know, it's a good thing that Jays management will find a way to extend his contract and ensure he never wears another team's jersey, because any other scenario would just be too much to bear.
13 comments:
- Torgen said...
I still haven't seen someone who projects the Jays to win 75 actually give estimates for how many runs we'll score and allow, except BP who thought we'd be below .500 with a +60 run differential, which is clearly full of crap.
- March 21, 2009 at 2:54 AM
- eyebleaf said...
Is it just me, or is it getting colder every winter, everywhere?
Two more weeks until opening day. I'm crossing off days on my calendar like a crazy person.
Does this mean it's: Doc, Litsch, Janssen, Purcey, Mills...?
I think we all need to link to that epic post by Lloyd as often as we can. That shit is crazy.
And, Zelkovich in his new blog at THE TORONTO FUCKING STAR, linked to that lame ass video those Americans sent to every Jays blogger alive. Un-fucking-real.
- March 21, 2009 at 12:01 PM
- Colin said...
Doc, Litsch, Purcey, Richmond, Mills
Janssen won't be stretched out enough to break as a starter and Clement is a long-shot. When Jannsen's ready, whoever is doing worst will likely be demoted.
- March 21, 2009 at 2:40 PM
- Stedron said...
Oh, Celcius...weird. I say that while the Metric system may make more sense than what we use, Fahrenheit mops the floor with Celcius.
Good post. Made me feel better about dropping $200 on the Extra Innings package yesterday.
- March 21, 2009 at 6:56 PM
- The Ack said...
dude, -40 is the point where celsius and farenheit meet. fucking cold, man.
I don't understand the team's reluctance to give Clement a spot. I mean, he's pitching as well as could be expected when they signed him, so....what gives?
- March 21, 2009 at 7:42 PM
I live where Ack lives and he's exaggerating. This winter was mostly room temperature.
- March 21, 2009 at 9:31 PM
- Colin said...
Water should freeze at 0. 32F makes no sense. Below 0 is freezing, above zero is melting, it just makes so much sense. That's the problem with Imperial, there's no consistency.
- March 21, 2009 at 11:45 PM
- Mylegacy said...
About the Jays loving Mills "makeup" - if you read BA's Prospect Books a couple of years ago they said the "Jays love Litsch's makeup."
I trust these guys assessment of Mills "intangibles." Imagine in 2010 when the team gets to choose between, Halladay, McGowan, Marcum, Purcey, Litsch, Mills, Cecil, Romero, Richmond and others.
Did I mention we got a kid named Snider that can hit a bit?
- March 22, 2009 at 1:34 AM
- eyebleaf said...
Completely agree with Colin. 0 makes sense. Not fucking 32.
Fahrenheit is whack, yo.
- March 22, 2009 at 1:00 PM
- Torgen said...
0C is where water (in the least salty solution possible) freezes. 0F is where water (in the most salty solution possible) freezes. When Fahrenheit was inventing his scale, it was a lot easier to saturate a solution of water with salt than to desalinate it. That said, using Fahrenheit nowadays makes about as much sense as using Runs as an individual statistic.
- March 22, 2009 at 2:30 PM
I think Clement just pitched his way off the roster today with his great effort aganist the Twins. Seriously dude gave up 9 runs(1 unearned) and he had 7 walks. I am not sure if I like the idea of Richmond on this staff though.
And yes it was fucking cold this winter.
Looking forward to April 6th!
- March 22, 2009 at 6:55 PM
fuckin torgen steppin' to the plate! yeow!!
- March 23, 2009 at 9:11 PM
We have way too much snow in Edmonton.
Is anyone out there watching this Korea and Japan game? This is some seriously awesome baseball.
Do you think that Korea who broke his helmet on the SS's knee would have been fine with his team forfeiting a game with injuries?
And the play by the Korean LF who actually plays first?
I'm hoping this goes into extras.
- March 24, 2009 at 12:23 AM


text:
Getty Images
The cluster of unsigned pass rushers includes defensive end Osi Umenyiora, who coveted for years his shot at the open market — and who has found no takers through the first nine days.
Umenyiora is considered to be likely to land with the Falcons or the Dolphins.
The likely-soon-to-be-former Giant visited Atlanta on Wednesday, and Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald has reported that the Dolphins have been exploring a run at Osi.
Last week, the Dolphins discreetly brought John Abraham to town for a visit.


text:
New Lighthouse Point Intracoastal Estate sited on 100 +/- feet of waterfrontage w/sandy beach & yacht dockage minutes to the Hillsboro Inlet. A grand foyer entrance w/ graceful rotunda staircase opens this light-filled estate with free flowing rooms & views to the ICWW. Gourmet island kitchen with wraparound breakfast bar and morning room w/banquet seating. Great Room with fireplace, coffered ceiling & professional bar. Resort style pool with beach entrance.Entertainment pavilion w/summer kitchen & cabana
- List Price
- $3,795,000
- Property Type
- Single Family
- Lifestyle
- Deepwater Inlet
- Bedrooms
- 6
- Total Square Feet
- 8,798
- AC Square Feet
- 7,233
- Garage Spaces
- 3
- Year Built
- 2017
- Taxes
- $70,721
- Tax Year
- 2018
- New Construction
- No
Interior Features
- Closet Cabinetry
- Cooking Island
- Fireplace
- Foyer Entry
- Volume Ceilings
- Walk-In Closets
- Wet Bar
- Marble Floors
- Wood Floors
- High Impact Windows
- Impact Glass
Dining Area
- Breakfast Area
- Formal Dining
- Snack Bar/Counter
Master Bedroom / Bathroom
- Dual Sinks
- Separate Tub & Shower
- Pets Allowed
- Yes
Here is the estimated breakdown for this property's mortgage and tax payments. Feel free to adjust any of the values.
Results received from this calculator are designed for comparative purposes only, and accuracy is not guaranteed.
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DISCLAIMER: The written and verbal information provided including but not limited to prices, measurements, square footages, lot sizes, calculations and statistics have been obtained and conveyed from third parties such as the applicable Multiple Listing Service, public records as well as other sources. All prices are either list price, sold price, and/or last asking price. Premier Estate Properties participates in the Multiple Listing Service and IDX, and the properties listed above are not necessarily exclusive to Premier Estate Properties and may be presently listed with other members of the Multiple Listing Service. The transactions representing both buyers and sellers are calculated twice. Premier Estate Properties' marketplace is all of the following: Vero Beach, Town of Orchid, Indian River Shores, Town of Palm Beach, West Palm Beach, Manalapan Beach, Point Manalapan, Hypoluxo Island, Ocean Ridge, Gulf Stream, Delray Beach, Highland Beach, Boca Raton, East Deerfield Beach, Hillsboro Beach, Hillsboro Shores, East Pompano Beach, Lighthouse Point, Sea Ranch Lakes and Fort Lauderdale. All written and verbal information including that produced by the Sellers or Premier Estate Properties are subject to errors, omissions or changes without notice and should be independently verified by any prospective purchaser of a Property. The Sellers and Premier Estate Properties Inc. expressly disclaim any warranty or representation regarding all information. Prospective Purchasers' use of any written and verbal information is acknowledgement of this disclaimer and that the prospective purchaser shall perform their own due diligence. In the event a Buyer defaults, no commission will be paid to either Broker on the Deposits retained by the Seller. "No Commissions Paid until Title Passes." Prospective purchasers shall not rely on this information when entering into a contract for sale and purchase. Some affiliations may not be applicable to certain geographic areas. If your property is currently listed with another agent, please do not consider this a solicitation for the listing. Copyright 2019 Premier Estate Properties Inc. All Rights Reserved.


text:
Spin city: House dukes it out over jobs bill
Once again ladies and gentlemen it's time for dueling press releases from the House Republicans and Democrats, who have totally different opinions on what happened to a bill.
The measure this time was Senate Bill 12-01, the cornerstone of the Democrats' job package this session. The measure would have given incentives in state contracts to companies that hire Colorado workers and provide benefits.
From the Democrats: "Dems' HIRE Colorado Act Killed by GOP in Committee." The news release went on to explain that a good jobs bill died on a party-line vote in a House Committee.
From the Republicans: "House GOP supports job creators, votes down Senate Bill 1." The news release touts the business groups that opposed the measure, and noted that "union bosses" joined Democrats in supporting the measure.
When the bill passed the Democratic-controlled Senate, President Brandon Shaffer of Longmont, said other states with Republican-controlled legislatures have passed similar contracting preferences.
"I don't see why or how a bill that is designed to create jobs and stimulate the economy becomes a partisan issue," Shaffer said. "I think this is a Colorado bill."


text:
Feb 27, 2009
COOKEVILLE, Tenn. -- The Tennessee Tech men's golf team made its
way Jackson, Tenn., for the third annual Grover Page Classic at the
Jackson Country Club. However, eight inches of snow also found its
way to West Tennessee, and the tournament has been cancelled.
The next action for coach Craig King's team will be March 16-17 at Grub Mart Intercollegiate, hosted by Jacksonville State University.


text:
Ouija Sticker Sheet 🔮
Ouija Sticker Sheet 🔮
Illustrated by Kathy d. Clark ☆
Sticker sheets are printed and kiss-cut in-house by the Lace & Whimsy team. Matte finish. Measurements: 5 3/4 x 4 1/4 inches. Colors have been depicted as accurately as possible, but may vary slightly in person.
Add To Cart
We Thought You Might Like These...


text:
Hi Sophia,
Thank you and island investments for the wonderful accommodation that you provided. My family was pleased with the size of the villa, the pool and surroundings. We have already started making arrangements for a group of friends to visit before the end of the year.
I also would like to commend you for the excellent customer service, very pleasant tone and manner. You represent the company and country well.
I look forward to visiting soon
I would like to thank the Island investment team an by ext the villa real villa for a fantastic stay. i am giving the premises a 10 !it really depicts what is advertised i was truly pleased an impressed
Thank you for everything an see u soon
I have stayed in a few villas in Tobago. Three of those I got trough Island Investment they were Villa Rose, Villa Serenity and Villa Azulejo. All three was amazing but Villa Azulejo was the icing for the cake That place was amazing, the view was breathtaking from the drive way to inside the villa, the rooms, pool,the recreation room was just spectacular. Special thanks to Sophia who was always helpful and Maria. Need a Villa contact Island Investments Ltd.
My family and I had the pleasure of staying at the Emoyeni Villa during the period 11/18-11/25/2018.
The entire vacation, starting with the planning was indeed a very pleasant experience.
Sophia was very prompt in answering the many questions that I asked.
We were met by Maria who made herself available during the entire vacation period for any questions and concerns.
The villa was even more beautiful than the online videos.
The ambiance and serenity were unmatched.
My family enjoyed hanging out by the pool both day and night.
The night time was the most gorgeous as we could see every star in the sky.
It was indeed a joy to wake up each morning to enjoy the breezes coming off of the sea.
Thanks also to our housekeeper Nichelle. Nichelle became part of our extended family.
I will definitely recommend the Island Investments Team and the Emoyeni Villa to all my family and friends.
We vacation at a different villa as often as we can in Tobago! For my family, there is just no place we have enjoyed more! Last year, for our annual extended family summer trip, we stayed at Blue Tanager. First, Maria is so very sweet, thank you for being so considerate with my Grandma. Second- we loved the layout. The plan is flat, 3 of the 4 bedrooms all have direct access to the pool area which is large enough for kids to run and play safely and relatives to lounge both in the shade and in the sunshine. My granny, who is over 80 and suffers with limited mobility from a stroke, was able to move about freely with her walker, get into and out of the pool easily... The pool itself is large, clean and semi shaded. The green areas surrounding the villa are lush, fruit trees, abundant wildlife (including a gorgeous crab in a secret spot ;), lots of humming birds and cocricos. We stayed for a week, and we didn't drive each other crazy, there was just so much space for everyone to do their own thing that we didn't want to leave at the end of our stay!
I've been going to Tobago almost every school vacation since my kids were born, almost 10 years, and I've used Island Investment villas for most of our accommodation needs. I love it! They are really professional, very nice to us, and I love the privacy and comfort. There is just no comparison to staying in a hotel.. the villa experience is amazing!
I booked this villa for a group of 5 family members who were attending a wedding at the Ohana Villa, just a 7 minute walk down the road (trust me I know, I completed that walk several times a day). While many of the wedding guests chose to stay in a nearby hotel, I successfully convinced some of my relatives to rent Emoyeni Villa. WINNING! The communication with Sophia was easy as she replied within 24-48hours. She didn't seem annoyed or bothered by all my questions and double & triple checking either through email or phone call.
Maria greeted us and checked us out of the villa. She was very helpful as we had issues contacting our driver from our phones. Just a simple WhatsApp message and Maria was right on it. In fact I felt bad for contacting her late the night of our arrival because my mother successfully locked herself out of her bedroom balcony, as well as, locked the bedroom door.
The villa was clean and spacious. The pictures really do it no justice. In fact the couple getting married were surprised of how nice it was and said they should of booked it for their wedding venue lol. I definitely recommend this villa and plan to return, except this time for a longer stay.
I am a frequent customer at Island Investments and will not trade them for any other. I must confess that i am very impressed with their high standards and unmatched service to their customers. I have stayed at Emoyeni, Villa Real, Waterland, and Villa Petrus each of which left a lasting impression with both myself and my family. Their villas are well maintained and most accommodating to your every need. Thank you Terry and Sophia for your warm welcome each time and cant wait to visit again in the near future. You all truly make us feel comfortable and at home.
My recent stay (May 2016) at the Emoyeni villa was spectacular. We enjoyed the space, the views, the deck and just the overall decor. Online pics are beautiful but to see it in person was something else.....just gorgeous and peaceful. The property manager Maria was a gem. We had late night flight arrivals due to delays and cancellations and she was very gracious to meet us late in the evening. I hope to stay here again with my family next year. My go to villa in Tobago from now on.
I recently stayed at Ixora Villa, I must say I will recommend Inland Investment any day for all your villa rentals, they are really helpful/accommodating and I must say thanks to Maria who was very welcoming. Ixora Villa was spacious, clean, all amenities needed, and the place was so relaxing. I would definitely be coming back soon. Thanks again Inland Investment for providing what I expected and more.
I always use Island Realty for villa rentals in Tobago and the service is amazing.. truly amazing. Sophia, you are the best. Thanks so much for everything and for being so prompt and helpful.
Such a wonderful weekend at Emoyyeni Villa. Maria was so welcoming and pleasant, just what we needed to start our vacation. We have stayed at other Villas before but this one would definitely be a repeat. Very clean and organized. Keep up the great job Island Investment.
Island Investments made the Tobago accommodations seamless without the headache. They were friendly, patient and very professional. My family and I are very happy with the service they provided. The pictures shown with the places didn't do justice and it was beyond our expectations. I highly recommend them without a doubt! Sophia and Maria tnks alot! - Staying at Atlantic Villa was a birthday surprise for my mom and you certainly did a job well done !
My family and I stayed at the Villa Palexaura for a weekend in September 2015 and the property was even more breath-taking than portrayed on the website. The grounds are well kept and extremely clean and safe. The swimming pool was larger than average size with a convenient kids pool 3ft deep since the shallow end of the larger pool was 5 ft. It's perfect for adults who can swim.
Bath towels and pool towels were provided, however, you will need to walk with your own bath soaps and shampoos.
I would definitely stay at this villa another time!
Thank you to the management and staff of Island Investments for making this booking and accommodation a smooth one.
Ixora Villa. Excellent accommodation and service. Thank you for providing a memorable experience for my family and I. Will highly recommend to friends and family. Cant wait till the next time!
I got married at the Villa back in 2012. The experience was nothing short of enchanting. From the modern interior to the stunning grounds and friendly staff, this villa provided my husband and I with a memorable wedding experience and a relaxing and enjoyable honeymoon. I am looking forward to rebooking for our upcoming anniversary.
I recently spent some time at the Enchanted Waters Villa and it was truly wonderful. The house is beautiful and the pool, my gosh the pool. the view magnificent. I almost didn't want to leave. longing to revisit.
I spent an truly enjoyable Christmas holiday at Moondrops Villa with my family in 2014. The villa is very well kept and outfitted with everything you need. Everyone had a great time especially the kids. The place is secure, quiet and restful. with the pool you do not really need to go anywhere. we will certainly visit again. PS the pictures do not do the place justice....... it just a teaser.
Hey sofie ! I know this message is really long overdue to be honest life took full effect as soon as we returned from our family vacation. But now that i have some time i think it's necessary to give some feedback on our stay at the enchanted villas .first of all finding the villa was easy and convenient , the views as posted online are fascinating and never gets old, the out door recreational areas are perfect for family fun and relaxing and we did exactly that. The street that the villa is located on is also very quite and peaceful and provides and extra sense of serenity. There was indeed enough kitchen utensils for our ever cooking needs, sufficient dinning space and spacious living room area.another great feature is the beach was in very close proximity.
Best regards
Nijal Mohammed (visited August 29th to September 1st, 2014)
We stayed for 4 nights in August 2014 at the Atlantic Villa. What a beautiful place to stay. Plenty of room, great views, lovely pool, really close to the beach, definately recommended!
Awesome place and very professional agent. Thanks to our agent Michelle we had a great vacation at Rainbow Villa in Grafton, it was everything we expected and more and worth every penny! Thank you Michelle.
Boxie family. Trinidad
Island investment has always provided prompt and courteous response to all of my inquiries. Many times i have been quite last minute and been afforded the best assistance in acquiring top class accommodations. of course my favorites being Villa Vanessa in 2008 and Emoyeni last year.
Island's team are always willing and available for all inquiries before during and after my vacation stay.
This testimonial to recommend their services and to also so thank you.
All the best.
Let me take this opportunity to say thanks to Sophia and Dawn for making our arrangements as seamless as possible. My family certainly enjoyed the weekend and the accommodation was very comfortable at Bella Oasis.
Dawn is an excellent customer service representative and our brief interaction was welcoming. Please express my family's sincerest thanks to her.
Ixora is so homely and suitable for our family. The pool was very warm which allowed us to swim until the wee hours of the morning. This was surely a vacation to remember. Thanks to the wonderful staff. See you again soon!!
Fantastic!! Fantastic!! Fantastic!!
Place was as stated. The view was just unbelievable and the location to the Capital, and beaches was ideal.
My family and I were totally pleased and will be returning next year.
This was my second visit to Cliff Cottage and I will surely return. The service was exceptional and the view was so relaxing and breath taking. The variety of different birds was fabulous since I love the out doors.
"Thank you for the wonderful experience that is Cliff Cottage, The views, sunsets on the Caribbean, waves breaking over the reef, boats moored in the bay plus the beautiful grounds. The flowers and plants attract a multitude of birds and insects (along with the largest geckoes ever seen). Lying in the hammock or lounging on the chairs allowed this experience to be sooo relaxing and fulfilling. Yvonne needs no additional praise since perfection has already been achieved."
"A first time guest it was unbelievable…I can't wait to come back!!!* Loved everything…wish I didn't have to leave. Home away from home."
"I guess this is what heaven feels like…th9os place is so relaxing. The view…I cannot find the words to explain…when I leave here my life will be different all thanks to Cliff Cottage!
"Most awesome time –helpful staff – will definitely come back! Lovely accommodations…well kept and safe! Don't really want to leave. L Thank you!"
"On the eve of our departure and we just don't want to leave…during our stay, the six of us enjoyed scuba, snorkeling, swimming, body surfing, hiking, sightseeing, eating , drinking, laughing, enjoying sunsets. Cliff Cottage worked PERFECTLY for our family. Thank you for allowing us to stay at your lovely home. Hope to be back."
"Wonderful place and staff, the view was the best! Thank You."
"Awesome, gorgeous, breathtaking, spectacular are just a few words we can use to describe our time here. Cliff Cottage is indeed one of the best places to stay in |Tobago. Our families had a great time and we do hope to come again. Thank you for the awesome experience."
"Never have I been in such a beautiful place. Yvonne is lovely so is the maintenance man. Don't change a thing…its perfect here J hopefully be back one day."


text:
Different types of blockchain
Not all blockchains are the same. Several current cryptocurrencies (also known as digital currencies) started with the Bitcoin code base, and many use the same blockchain. For example, Bitcoin and Litecoin use the same binary format for the blockchain but differ in the cryptography and consensus approaches. Zcash is a cryptocurrency that is based on an earlier version of Bitcoin but made major changes to support added anonymity and privacy. Permissioned blockchains such as Hyperledger, Chain, R3 Corda and BigchainDB use an underlying NoSQL database to store the blockchain data. Permissioned or private blockchains appoint authority to specific parties in the network to authenticate blockchain transactions through an access layer. While private blockchains do not require a consensus process, they are less disruptive because they depend more on a built-in authority.


text:
Soldier Honored for Valor, Recalls Ambush
By Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class William Selby
Special to American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, July 9, 2009 - The fifth Army Reserve soldier to earn the Silver Star since the terrorist attacks on the United States in 2001 spoke about his experience in a "DoDLive" bloggers roundtable July 6.
Army Spc. David Hutchinson of the 420th Engineer Brigade discussed the actions that earned him the third-highest award for valor in combat.
On May 21, 2008, Hutchinson said he and his fellow soldiers from the 420th Engineer Brigade were en route to Sharana, Afghanistan, in preparation for relieving the 36th Engineer Brigade when they were ambushed. "About the time all four trucks got into the mountain pass, that's when we came under fire," he said.
After the first truck returned fire using a .50-caliber machine gun, Hutchinson said, he saw 20 to 30 more insurgents on a ridge to the convoy's right.
"I started opening fire with my Mk-19 [grenade launcher], and I made it through ... about 44 of the 48 rounds in that ammo can, destroying as many fighting positions as I could," Hutchinson said. "As quickly as I could destroy one, more insurgents would pop up."
As the convoy fired back, the insurgents began firing rocket-propelled grenades.
"I counted no more than four RPGs that actually missed our truck within 10 or 15 feet," he said. "Then as soon as I slowed down to stop firing, as there was so much dust in front of me from all the explosions, our truck was struck by two RPGs."
The impact knocked Hutchinson from his turret into the truck.
"I went to get back up into the turret, but I couldn't feel from my waist down," he said. "So I rolled over to see if everyone else was all right. That's when I saw the first sergeant in the driver's side rear seat was bleeding pretty heavily from his face, and then his side."
Instead of administering first aid to himself, Hutchinson tried to help the first sergeant.
"I wasn't in any pain at that point, so I went ahead and started using my compression bandage and his compression bandage to try and control as much of the bleeding as possible," he said.
A few moments later, the convoy left the ambush area. When the soldiers arrived at the medical evacuation point several miles down the road, Hutchinson again showed his selflessness. "They had me on the litter at first, but I jumped off the litter and told them to put the first sergeant on the litter," he said.
Because of Hutchinson's courageous acts, all of the 17 men in the convoy survived the ambush.
Hutchinson was airlifted to his forward operating base, where he had the first surgery to remove shrapnel from his leg. "From my hip down, the whole right side of my leg was peppered with shrapnel," he recalled.
After multiple surgeries and months of recuperation, Hutchinson still can't run full-speed, but he is able to walk without problems. "I'm slowly getting back to my full capacity, as far as physical things go," he said.
Hutchinson will be married this month and will continue to serve in the 420th Engineer Brigade. He is likely to return to Afghanistan, if needed, in two years, he said.
Hutchinson received his Silver Star on June 6 from Army Col. James Doty, his brigade commander, on the campus of Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas.
(Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class William Selby serves in the Defense Media Activity's emerging media directorate.)
*Related Sites:*
"DoDLive" Bloggers Roundtable [ http://www.dodlive.mil/category/dod-news/category/bloggers-roundtable/ ]
Soldier Honored for Valor, Recalls Ambush [ http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=55064 ]


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Depending on how your IPv6 configuration is set, Guest network mode might not be available on your AirPort device:
- When you specify a LAN prefix length for Manual Router or Tunnel mode that's equal to 64 bits, there are insufficient bits available to allow for a guest network. In these cases, IPv6 Guest network is unavailable.
- If a prefix delegation isn't provided, your AirPort device assumes a prefix of 64. This also disables guest networking for IPv6.
You can use AirPort Utility to set an IPv6 prefix of 48 on your AirPort device. This allows you to use both IPv6 and Guest network mode at the same time.
- Ask your network provider for your IPv6 settings.
- Open AirPort Utility, then select the AirPort device you're setting up. Enter the device password if prompted.
- Click or tap Internet, then choose Internet Options.
- From Configure IPv6, choose Manually.
- From IPv6 Mode, choose Native or Tunnel per your network provider's instructions.
- Enter the IPv6 WAN Address, Default Route, and other information you received from your network provider.
- Enter a /48 address in the IPv6 Delegated Prefix field. Click Save, then click Update to update your AirPort device.


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(via Plantipp)
(via Plantipp)
Caerie, Rage Flail says
Just knowing those exist make me happy.
kennypo65 says
That's beautiful, and it really does look like an alien landscape. (Not that I actually know)
Glen Davidson says
Bestiality isn't enough for Darwinists, now they're breeding plants.
Caerie, Rage Flail says
Just knowing those exist make me happy.
Me fail English? That's unpossible.
lynnwilhelm says
Echinops are just cool. But it's hard to grow in my area; too humid. I had a landscape client who really wanted that particular blue color (it's usually enhanced in garden catalogs) for her garden. I was willing to try it but warned her. It didn't make it through the summer.
kosk11348 says
They look like viruses on stems.
vernonbalbert says
"A person's a person, no matter how small."
Antiochus Epiphanes says
Thistle go down as one of my favorites. My wife too. I aster.
Cuttlefish says
Those look like the photographic negative of our Earth flowers…
Black light. Who needs it?
Ava, Oporornis maledetta says
Planet of the Spore People
Amateur Hour says
Thistles are truly great, but Globe Thistles are the best of all.
carpenterman says
Seriously, man, if you have access to a starship, it's time to share.
StevoR says
Zubenelgenubi V?
thztds says
Fuck! That is an awesome pic. I want to live there.
birgerjohansson says
Baby triffids!
pentatomid says
I've got those in my garden. They're pretty cool.
tyrannical says
Quite lovely, but the color looks a bit off as if it was shot through a filter to enhance the color. Reminds me of something out of Dr. Seuss.
LykeX says
Reminds me of some of the scenery out of Rice Boy.
duvelthehobbit666 says
My grandmother has those in her garden. Didn't know they were special.
madtom1999 says
They're not special – just nice.
torquilmacneil says
Planet Photoshop perhaps?
The flowers are real but that colour is not in nature.
julietdefarge says
That color, and other intense blues, certainly do exist in nature. Try anchusa, some petunias, gentians, lobelia, etc. I personally like the blues of Himalayan poppies and good ol' roadside chicory.
Caerie, Rage Flail says
The color looks real enough to me. The angle and lighting help enhance it, though. Echinops pictures.
Ms. Daisy Cutter, Vile Human Being says
I… want to photoshop Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion flopping blissfully into that field.
pipenta says
One through which you do not want to run barefoot.
pentatomid says
Quite lovely, but the color looks a bit off as if it was shot through a filter to enhance the color. Reminds me of something out of Dr. Seuss.
No, the colors are real. That's what those things look like just before sunset. Trust me, I've got those plants in my garden.
Grimalkin says
It's reeeaally hard for me to see this as not altered in some way. The shininess and crispness of them looks out of place compared to the grass/trees, and it's very unreal looking. almost like they were digitally rendered 3D objects pasted over the background or something.
Though upon clicking the picture and seeing the full image it's a bit more believable.
But damn, if those really haven't been altered past good photography, I need me some. Even if they look like they would die instantly.
laurie says
They really are lovely plants; in winter birds perch on the stems to eat the seeds. They never get all the seeds though, and you'll have these beauties coming up everywhere the following year. Just be sure to pull the unwanted ones before they get big.


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The Day the Fire Arrived
An Account of the Tassajara 2008 Basin Complex Fire
By David Zimmerman, with assistance from
Steve Stücky, Colin Gipson, Graham Ross and Mako Voelkel
Thursday, July 10: Day 18 since the first evacuation of June 23
The events on the day of the fire's long awaited arrival are difficult to fully sequence chronologically, particularly the afternoon hours. We—the so-called Tassajara Five (Steve Stücky, David Zimmerman, Mako Voelkel, Graham Ross and Colin Gipson)—engaged the fire on numerous fronts as it entered the valley, working alone, in pairs or as a group for varying lengths of time as each new manifestation of the inferno dictated. While it quickly became obvious to us that five monks with nominal fire fighting skills weren't enough to fully protect Tassajara, our monastic training had taught us to simply offer our best, whole-hearted effort, unattached to the results yet still aware of our preference to save our spiritual homestead.
The fire, like any dedicated teacher, challenged us to constantly be attentive. For weeks the sangha—repeatedly informed that the fire was approximately "three days away" —had been preparing for an event that might or might not occur. Some of us even expressed impatience with the fire's initially slow progression, wanting it to come sooner so we could all just "get on with things." But during the hours that the blaze was finally upon us, the tracking of time gave way to the pure immediacy of the moment. What was most compelling during these hours, and which in reflection remains the most satisfying, is the constant vigilance and effort that the fire required. It was a sesshin through and through, a demanding schedule of pure presence in which one utterly let go of a known outcome. There were undeniable moments of fear and anxiety, especially when we understood the reality that the fire was descending into Tassajara fast and from all sides, rather than creep down one slope at a time as had initially been suggested by several professional fire fighters. But there was little time to entertain fear, so fear quickly gave way to our effort to fully meet our belated guest and the tasks at hand.
What follows is a chronology, as best as we can recreate it, of our engagement with the fire.
This map of central Tassajara is intended to help people not familiar with the grounds. To the west of this map are the outlying areas where the Bathhouse, the Yurt, and the Flats can be found. To the East, student housing. To the south, across the Tassajara Creek, is the Overlook Ridge and Trail.
6:00 am
Greg Fain, Zen Center Treasurer, calls from Jamesburg to let us know that he and President Robert Thomas were unable to make it past the sheriff's road block at the Nason's ranch, which is also the entrance to the Los Padres National Forest. It seems fairly certain that no one else will make it into Tassajara to assist us until the Incident Command feels the road is safe. Branch director Jack Froggatt had in fact informed us the day before, during our encounter with him on the ridge as we were evacuating, that from here on, as long as the mandatory evacuation order was in place, Tassajara residents could only return with an escort from fire fighters or forest service personnel. As we are certain that the fire compromised sections of the road near Church Creek Valley during the night, we acknowledged that it could be several days before anyone else comes to our assistance. David, as designated communications point person for the group, radios Steve, who is waiting near the ridge for Greg and Robert, to let him know that they won't be meeting him as originally planned. Steve radios back acknowledgment and to say that the fire is now 50 yards from the shoulder of road at Lime Point.
7:00 am
The five of us meet for breakfast in the Stone Office, during which we outline tasks for the morning. Some of us expect the fire could possibly arrive today given the forecasted weather conditions and its proximity the night before. The day is already starting out at a warm 72 degrees. We decide to finish stocking the office with essentials and to staple up additional radiant heat-reflective wrap to more thoroughly establish it as our safe space in case the fire overwhelms us.
9:00 am
We continue taking turns patrolling throughout the morning. Mako hikes up the hogback and overlook trails, but sees nothing particularly noteworthy.
12:00 noon
The air temperature is noticeably hotter as Colin joins Mako for a second hike up the hogback and then the overlook trail to check on the fire's progression. They report seeing large dark roiling clouds nearby out of the south and the north, but as of yet no flame. Not wanting to get caught by fire on the trail, they decide to head back down.
Steve, who had been the patrol in the early morning, wakes up from a nap and decides to drive up the road again to assess the fire's location. When he gets to the Church Creek trail he sees the fire coming down through the pine trees on the trail near the road, and it appears to be moving fairly fast. Recognizing he can safely go no further, he radios back that the fire is at the Church Creek trailhead and that he's turning around to return to ZMC. It is clear now that the fire will reach Tassajara shortly by way of the road.
12:40 pm
Graham goes to check the east end of Tassajara. As he pauses momentarily next to the suburbs, (the last student cabins before the path trails off beyond the creek), freaky warm winds blow ash like snowflakes in a horizontal wind storm, changing direction and angles every ten seconds or so. Unsettled, he decides to head up to the solar panels for a better view. From there he sees large, black plumes of smoke everywhere, on all sides of the mountains facing Tassajara. Concerned for everyone's safety, especially Steve who is on the road and Mako and Colin who are on the overlook trail, he radios the inquiry: "Where is everyone?" We all respond with our locations and status. Graham then quickly descends from the solar array to the hill cabins, where what he sees to the south stops him short: a wall of 40-50 foot flames just cresting the overlook ridge, approximately 300-400 feet from the creek. He quickly announces this new discovery to everyone over the walkie-talkie.
At this point we decide to start the pumps and our jury-rigged rooftop sprinkler system (affectionately called "Dharma Rain" ) to begin wetting down the buildings and raising the relative humidity in the valley. Mako starts the pool pump while Graham and Colin attend to the mid- and east-Mark IIIs. (The mid-Mark pumps creek water directly into the stand pipe system while the east-Mark pump refills the pool.) Steve goes to the east end to turn on the sprinklers and hose down buildings there. David focuses on the sprinklers in the central area and at the bath house. With the pumps and Mark IIIs running, Colin next heads to the shop and Graham to the flats cabin to start the sprinklers in these areas. "Dharma Rain" is now fully engaged.
Colin, Mako and David return to the central area and begin to wrap the wood deck behind the Stone Office, the most vulnerable part of our safe zone. The plan to also wrap the eaves of the building is abandoned; there just isn't time now. Colin leaves to gear up while Mako continues wrapping a little while longer. David finalizes affixing wrapping to the windows and doors of the office, calls Jamesburg to let them know the status of the fire, and then suits up. When Mako comes from behind the building to the front lawn she sees flames rapidly coming down near the road above the parking lot, on the steep southern exposure of Hawk Mountain above the hill cabins, and looming over the cliff-like face of Flag Rock. She runs into the office, grabs her camera and takes a brief video before gearing up.
12:50 pm
Having suited up, Steve and Graham head out to the flats, intending to wet down the area. They lay out hose and discuss the possibility of back-burning, but upon seeing a "ball" of rolling flames and smoke plumes coming towards them from over the hogback, they realize there isn't enough time. For their own safety, Graham suggests they "should get out of there." Steve, feeling confident that the firebreaks in the area are fairly reliable, agrees and the two decide to check on things elsewhere. As they are heading back to the central area, they hear Mako over the radio announce that fire is coming down Hawk Mountain and Flag Rock.
While Steve and Graham are out at the flats, Colin heads up to the shop to keep an eye on the propane and gasoline areas. If these combustible resources were to be compromised, given their location at the narrow mouth of the valley and the only road out of the monastery, the situation could turn dire quickly. Once there he also sees that the fire is running down the overlook ridge on the south side of Tassajara creek, and radios to everyone another warning. In response Mako opens hose behind the Stone Office and wets down the deck, trees and lawn. David opens line on the Stone and Pine guest rooms as Dharma Rain doesn't appear to be working properly on these cabins.
1:00-7:00 pm
It is frighteningly clear to us now that the fire is not only descending, but actually converging on Tassajara simultaneously from four sides: from Flag Rock to the northeast, with 30- to 40-foot flames; from Hawk Mountain to the northwest, rushing down right above the hill cabins with 10- to 15-foot flames; rolling over the hogback and Suzuki Roshi Memorial trail to the west, and from the south via the overlook ridge, its progress sometimes cloaked by the canopy of trees above us. With Dharma Rain operational, and the pleading of our evacuated sangha members to not try to "fight" the fire directly still in our ears, several of us momentarily weigh whether we should return to the protection of our designated safe zone and wait out the passage of the fire's "head" through the valley, or try our best to lessen the brunt of the approaching flames. But the unspoken, collective response that manifests is this: to do our best to fully engage each new encroachment of the fire into Tassajara as long as we could, or until the situation demanded a different course of action.
David returns to the office and calls George Haines, CAL FIRE Unit Chief, to let him know that the fire is coming down on all sides. As he had done the day before, David once again asks George if he has been able to arrange for any last minute help from CAL FIRE. (CAL FIRE is known to take a more hands-on approach to structure protection during wilderness fire fighting than their federal colleagues, the U.S. Forest Service, whose representatives had told Zen Center staff earlier in the week that they wouldn't be providing any onsite fire fighting personnel at Tassajara because they deemed the valley, with its single road egress, too dangerous to commit ground resources to saving buildings.) George once more lets David know that there won't be any assistance coming, and suggests that we should just stay close to our safe zone until the fire passes and that we'll be fine. David asks George if it's ok for us to back burn, and the Unit Chief gives his consent, confirming our legal right to back burn given the imminent danger to life and property. He includes instructions to ignite the back burn from the highest point down to the lowest point, with a clear path of egress in view.
Seeing Graham and Mako go up to the hill cabins to keep the fire at bay and to hose the buildings down, David radios to them George's consent and instructions for back burning. He then hoses the area around the steps and the lower part of the hillside to provide safe egress for Graham and Mako and to keep the fire from coming further down should it pass the cabins.
Graham lights a "flare on a stick" that he had rigged earlier in the morning and tries to back burn just east of Hill Cabin 3 when the fire is approximately ten to fifteen feet away. In some places the back burn meets the rest of the fire while in others the area is too wet to ignite. In either case, the fire there has calmed down and is no longer endangering the cabins, so Graham exits along the fire line cut on west side of the hill and heads towards the bathhouse.
Meanwhile, Steve goes up to the shop area to join Colin in protecting it from burning embers and rolling fires. Colin spends the first hour or so at the shop, hosing things down and engaging the fire as it slips down the hillsides on three sides at the monastery's entrance.
When Graham arrives at the bathhouse the sight of the entire western area on fire and the memory of the flames coming over the hogback convinces him that there is nothing left beyond. He calls in over the radio: "The bathhouse is on fire." Unsure where to begin, he turns on a standpipe and chooses first to hose down a burning fence and tree adjacent to the women's side of the bathhouse, where fire's immediately threatening the structure, and then continues engaging the fire throughout the area to the west of the bathhouse. It is only when he remembers that the grounds near the tent yurt are also on fire, threatening the fabric and wood structure that he calls for help.
In response, Mako and David, not entirely sure for a short while where around the bathhouse Graham is calling from, arrive and begin to lay out hose line on the eastside of the structure. After Graham radios a few more requests for help over the radio, they realize he's on the far side, somewhat obscured by smoke. While David hoses fire coming down to the road from Hawk Mountain and threatening the bathhouse on the east side, as well as any path of egress back to the central area, Mako goes to Graham's assistance. She relieves Graham of his hose so he can take time out to recover from smoke inhalation. After he recovers enough to no longer feel nauseous, he heads east to the other side of Tassajara to refuel the pool and east-Mark pumps.
Meanwhile, the fire continues to surround the tent yurt. Having calmed the flames around the bathhouse, Mako turns her attention to the next threatened structure. Steve now arrives and joins Mako in trying to get water to the backside of yurt, but can only send water raining over the top to the other side because there isn't enough hose length to come at it directly from behind. Seeing that step of the yurt deck is in flame, Steve pries it away with a shovel, and then Mako hoses down the burning wood. Mako and Steve continue for quite some time with hoses and shovels to keep fire from the tent yurt as well as the bathhouse bathroom at the base of the Suzuki Roshi memorial trail. Steve shifts his attention occasionally to also attend to the women's side of the bathhouse, using a bucket and water from the outdoor plunge to quell the persistent fires there.
Seeing flames continue to descend down the overlook hillside behind the Stone and Pine rooms and the Stone Office, David douses several fires across the creek and then continues to wet the buildings and grounds where Dharma Rain doesn't reach. Satisfied that the area is safe for a while, he makes a quick call to co-Abbot Paul Haller and Dana Velden to let them know the status of the situation thus far. He reports that the fire's descent has slowed, and that it first seemed to have done so when it was approximately 75 feet from the floor of the valley. The likely cause is the humidity in the air from both the riparian corridor and from Dharma Rain. The moisture in the air seems to have slowed the fire down enough to allow us to engage it more easily than it at first seemed possible given its initial rapid descent down the upper mountain slopes.
Colin reports over the walkie-talkie that fire is advancing down the hill behind the "birdhouse" cabin, which is perched on a steep rock slope 50 feet above the work circle. Burning leaves, embers and rocks are also trickling down the east side of Hawk Mountain, threatening the gate house cabins. Quickly finishing up his call with Paul and Dana, David joins Colin in putting out these fires. Steve arrives from the west end to help as well.
On his way to refuel the pool pump Graham sees that fire has entered the lower garden from the Flag Rock mountainside, burning fence posts and the upper terrace as far in as the large walnut tree. Graham arrests the fire's progress with water hoses, saving the main flower beds from damage. (What the fire doesn't destroy, deer will devour in the following weeks.) Only later, after he has refueled the pool pump, does Graham see that the pool bathroom and part of the ramp leading up to it is also aflame. He starts a hose on this structure as well, but the bathroom is beyond saving. His concern now was to keep the fire from spreading to the Yurt cabins just five feet away.
David scouts the lower east side, focusing on dousing fire and debris rolling down the Flag Rock mountainside towards the redwood guests cabins west of the garden and the student housing beyond the pool. He also hoses down several large logs aflame on the far side of the creek.
After she decides that the tent yurt area is mostly under control, Mako continues westward and discovers fires all over the flats area: the woodshed, the compost shed, and numerous brush piles. The hoses out here—abandoned during yesterday's fire training activity due to the sudden evacuation—are tangled and heavy with water, making it difficult to move and access them. Mako alternates between the various fires, putting hose on the largest flames. When she gets to the compost shed she arrives to find that many hoses and nozzles have been burnt. She tries a fire extinguisher on the far end of it, but it has no effect on the now entrenched flame. Searching somewhat desperately, she finally finds one unburned hose and a slightly melted nozzle that works, but the pressure at the last standpipe in Tassajara is low, providing inadequate water. She radios that the compost shed is on fire and that she needs a new nozzle. Steve and David rush to her aid, David bringing her a new nozzle. Steve attempts to reach the woodshed fire, but time is again lost because of the water-ladened and tangled hose lines. David runs between compost shed and wood shed, offering support to both Steve and Mako untangling lines and searching for additional hose that isn't burnt. At one point he notices that the massage gazebo fence has caught on fire, and starts putting it out with a shovel and dirt as no other hose lines are available until Steve momentarily diverts from the woodshed fire. After a lengthy period of time, when they feel the fires have been tamed, Steve and David head back to scout other areas in Tassajara, leaving Mako to attend to a number of still smoldering smaller fires at the flats.
Steve joins Colin at the shop. Rocks can be heard tumbling from steep hillside bordering the east side of upper parking lot, where the lumber truck is parked. Steve notices and moves the vehicle further away from danger, but the windshield on the right side is already shattered.
Colin in the meantime sees that the right wing of the front gate fence is on fire, ignited by embers rolling down the hillside. He grabs a few fire extinguishers and puts it out, and afterwards returns to the shop. But a short time later he observes that gate fire has flared up again, so he radios that "the temple gate is on fire." Steve, who is still nearby by, uses his shovel to disengage the burning section of the fence as there is no hose close at hand. David arrives with another fire extinguisher and succeeds in smothering the stubborn fire. Eventually Steve is able to connect more hose lengths to finally reach close enough to fully douse the fence. While he is doing this he sees flames among the pine needles carpeting the shingles of the gate roof. With water he is able to quickly arrest the spread of the fire on the roof, leaving only a few shingles slightly scorched.
Around this time a moment of humorous miscommunication occurs when Colin radios David with a request for some Gatorade, and then Mako, a moment later, radios that the Gatorade is on fire. Confused, Colin restates that he's asking for Gatorade to drink, and Mako clarifies that a pile of Gatorade bottles abandoned the day before at the flats during the training activity is on fire. David swings by the walk-in refrigerator and delivers Gatorade shortly thereafter to everyone.
After the front gate seems safe enough to be left unattended, Colin and Steve return to their vigil of the shop area as embers continue falling from the hillsides. A brief time later Colin spots flames above the work circle and radios that the birdhouse is on fire. He rushes to get a hose on the fire, but within minutes announces to everyone that, "The birdhouse is toast." The conflagration has consumed everything. The only appropriate response now is to keep the fire from spreading. Graham, just having finished putting out the fire at pool bathroom, happens to be walking by, and hearing Colin's announcement, rushes up the hill steps. He lays out line to the birdhouse and starts hosing it down as well as the big oak next to it. Colin focuses on watering behind the gatehouse to keep the embers from starting that building on fire as well.
Shortly after, Mako realizes that the flats woodshed fire has reignited and grown even larger, taking hold of all three wood stacks and the wood splitter itself. Concerned about a possible explosion, she radios Graham to inquire if there is gasoline in the tank of the wood splitter as she needs to get closer due to lack of hose pressure. The smoke is dense and prohibitive at times, forcing her to retreat occasionally to catch her breath and recover from the nausea. David returns to help put water on the conflagration, but is equally frustrated with the low water pressure. Mako radios a request that the Mark III be brought back to the area. Quickly Graham and Colin arrive at the flats to set up the third Mark III creek-side, which finally (after sorting out the mess of crisscrossing hoses) provides more water pressure and hose line for the fires. Mako, David and Colin spend at least a half hour getting the fire under control. Mako and David then head east on continued scouting while Colin stays behind to finish dousing the area.
The crash of rocks and embers is frequently heard as they tumble against the back wall ruins of the old bathhouse from the overlook hillside, possibly threatening the hot springs pump room. David discovers a fire smoldering in rubble of an abandoned plunge and hoses it down. Afterwards he calls Jamesburg to update the crew there on our status.
During his call (approximately 4:40 pm) he is given an urgent message by the Jamesburg staff (who received the message from Jordon Thorn, Tanto at City Center) to call Chuck Dixon, a forest service information officer, about an offer for air support. David calls Chuck's number but only gets a voicemail, on which he leaves a detailed message suggesting areas where a water drop would be helpful. However, Chuck never returns the call and no air support ever arrives.
Burning leaves and embers continue to slip down the hill behind the gatehouse, but Dharma Rain and some hose work by David and Colin keep it from igniting the gatehouse. At one point fire coming down the hill from the solar array threatens the conduits and other plastic items at the southern end of the lower parking lot. While Steve is able to douse this fire before it burns the conduits completely, the lines sustain enough damaged to disrupted power from the arrays for weeks afterwards.
On the mountainside between the shop and the kaisando, a continuous dribble of embers and rock debris requires renewed attention. Steve pulls a hose behind the garden shed and is able to hose down the hillside, including the brush that had been cut in clearing around Tassajara and tossed into Cabarga Creek which, in hindsight, was too close to vulnerable buildings. Colin brings another hose from the Cabarga bridge standpipe on the creek side of the kaisando to contribute to its defense by wetting down the hillside. Due to their attentiveness, the founder's hall is spared any damage.
Sometime in the late afternoon, as the activity of the fire in the valley seems to have quieted down somewhat, David returns calls from Robert Thomas and Dana Velden at City Center who have been trying to reach someone at Tassajara for the last several hours to hear how everyone is. They put David on speaker phone for the others in the room and he informs them of the damages and conditions of the fire up to this point. David pauses for a moment, and then says, "I think we saved Tassajara."The group at City Center erupts into cheers.
At approximately 6:15 pm Mako exchanges her drenched gear for dry clothes and sets off to take photos of the burned out areas to the west. She waves at a helicopter passing low over Tassajara at the flats and apparently surveying the damage and taking photos. Mako wonders if Jack Froggatt is in the helicopter.
7:00 pm
We meet briefly in the work circle and assess the status of the fire and our own well-being. It seems that we have mostly halted the fire's main foray through Tassajara, but now need to be sure no new spotting or eruptions occur.We take a group photo on the moon lawn and then spend the next half hour focusing on dousing spot fires along the parameters or at least cooling as best we can any active isolated flames. There is still much smoldering happening, particular within piles of leaves, the hollows and bases of trees, and fallen dry logs that are ideal for housing fire.
7:30 pm
We finally break to regroup and enjoy a celebratory dinner of leftover baba ganoush, pita bread and tabouleh, as well as more Gatorade. We recount the events of the afternoon, and then schedule night patrol shifts of two people rotating every four hours through until morning.
8:00 pm
David and Colin volunteer to cover the first patrol from 8:00 pm until 12:00 am. Various spot fires continue to burn or reignite throughout the night, and burning logs, branches and pine cones tumble down the mountainsides, often casting sparks in their wake. A large tree trunk across from the dining room rolls down from the overlook hillside, burning intensely. There is concern about spotting to the other side of the creek or to the netting of dried branches above igniting into a canopy fire. David climbs onto the roof of the dining room porch to get best angle for hosing down the tree trunk, but the fire refuses to be extinguished. It continues to burn and smolder for the next several days.
The patrols continue all night in groups of two (except for the early morning shift, when we think it is safe enough to have just one person scouting), working numerous spot fires and refueling the pumps every three hours. The sound of Dharma Rain is a constant presence and reassurance throughout the night.
Friday, July 11: Day 19 since the first evacuation of June 23
From Keith at Jamesburg we learn that the fire had burned over 9,000 acres the day before, perhaps the largest spread in one day since the Basin Complex fires began. We just happened to have been smack in the middle of this largest and fastest expansion.
During the dawn shift, Steve hikes up to the Suzuki Roshi Memorial site to see how it has fared and offer greetings and words of gratitude to our founder. The rock memorial is mostly untouched, except for the charred post of Katagiri Roshi's memorial. The abbot proceeds to the swing set meadow beyond the suspension bridge, where he comes across the singed body of a fallen young buck, ashes anointing its velvet antlers.
After a breakfast of cold cereal, we gather in the dining room and perform a short service of the En Mei Jukku Kannon Gyo, dedicating the service with gratitude to all those who helped prepare Tassajara for fire and supported us with prayers, blessings, and numerous other forms of generosity.
Our patrols continue throughout the day. Several of us begin recording the fire's impact on Tassajara and assessing more completely the extent of the damage within the monastery grounds and upon the wilderness around us. Word spreads quickly throughout the extended Zen Center sangha and beyond that we are all safe and unharmed (as well as exhausted), and that Tassajara has survived mostly intact. The Monterey Herald proclaims, "Priests Survive Inferno." The status of the road is unclear to us, as is the current perimeter of the fire. We expect to be unable to leave the valley for days to come. Throughout the morning several reconnaissance helicopters fly low over the valley.
Around 2:00 pm, following a group lunch, Colin takes up his afternoon patrol and shortly thereafter radios that the woodshed across from the shop is on fire. David, Mako and Steve scramble to help, but the pumps aren't on and there's no water pressure. We wait futilely as the shed fire roars, catching the trees above it and the area across the road on fire. David grabs a fire extinguisher and works the fire across the road that is threatening the water lines and heading in the direction of the propane tanks. Graham starts the pumps again and within minutes we are hosing down the collapsing woodshed and trees nearby, including several juniper firs. Later we discover how the fire had quietly snaked more than five feet along several roots nestled among rocks bordering the parking lot, and then stealthily entered the wood stack to later ignite the entire pile.
After this surprising loss, we realize that we must maintain our vigilance for some time still. For many days following, piles of smoldering leaves and burning logs remain active despite, in many instances, being doused repeatedly with water. Just as the fire seemed to take forever to arrive, it seems equally insistent on taking its time to depart. (On July 21, a 4x8 beam still buried in the ruins of the birdhouse cabin once again ignites into flames, having smoldered underground for 11 days after the initial inferno.) While Tassajara and its community now seem to be on the far side of imminent danger, we must simply acknowledge that the fire's lessons on impermanence, attentiveness and "don't know mind" will be forefront in our minds for months, and perhaps years, to come.
See "The Events Surrounding the Third Evacuation and the Tassajara Five's Return" for an account of the day before the fire arrived, and "Now that the fire has passed" for a more complete overview of the effects of the fire on the grounds of Tassajara and the landscape around it. Here is a brief account of the 17 evacuees who arrived at Jamesburg.
Photos courtesy of Mako Voelkel. All photos are linked to an on-line photo album that contains higher resolution images as well as images not displayed here.


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PEMBERTON: Support your local NBA basketball team
Ever since the Pistons started struggling and stopped going to Eastern Conference Finals year-after-year, the jokes about attendance began.
People would compare the Pistons crowds to Detroit Shock or Detroit Vipers crowds of the past and then laugh.
Well I've been to Shock and Vipers games and it's no longer a joke, the crowds this season for the Pistons have been similar, and in some cases maybe even worse.
The question is why?
Sure the economy can be used as an excuse, but look at how many people showed up to Lions and Tigers games this year.
The team has certainly struggled and the 0-8 start this season didn't do them any favors, but do people think the team is really that bad?
The NBA is supposedly all about "superstars," so why did the Pistons struggle to draw fans against the Oklahoma City Thunder, who made the NBA Finals last season and feature Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook?
It didn't help the game was on a Monday night and the team was 0-7 at the time, but 12,784 fans for the Thunder? And that's the announced attendance. We all know how accurate those are.
Currently the Pistons are dead last in the NBA in attendance, averaging 12,392 fans per game.
It's even more alarming when you consider The Palace has the largest capacity in the NBA at 22,076.
Detroit is filling 56.1 percent of it's total possible attendance, also dead last in the NBA. The Sacramento Kings are second to last at 72.6 percent.
It's been a steep decline for the Pistons, who led the NBA in attendance six out of seven years from 2002 to 2009.
It's understandable teams that win draw better. I'm sure if the Pistons start contending for championships again, the same fans that know nothing about the team and came to root on "Chauncey Hamilton," "Richard Prince," and "Rasheed Billups" will show up again.
But what if that doesn't happen any time soon?
The Charlotte Hornets led the NBA in attendance for seven straight years from 1990 to 1997. The team started to struggle and next thing you know they are playing in New Orleans.
I don't think Detroit is any danger of losing the Pistons, but this team has a second-year owner and is really struggling to draw fans.
You have to give credit to the people over at The Palace, they are doing everything they can, including halftime shows of various acts ranging from former global superstars to up and comers.
Many people make fun of these acts, but I think it does help draw fans. I know several people who came to see Bobby Brown this season or came to see Vanilla Ice last year.
Me personally, I enjoy some of the performers and certainly don't miss the old halftime acts.
You can come see the Pistons and the halftime act of your choosing for cheap too.
The bargains available on StubHub.com are mind blowing to me.
As of Saturday night, you could get tickets to Monday's game against the Cavaliers for $1, and those are not nose bleed tickets. It's section 209 (behind the basket), row 2.
If you're busy Monday, you can get tickets for Wednesday's game against Golden State for $2. While the price has doubled, you're still in the same section and in row 1.
If you want to see the Bulls on Friday you will have to shell out $6.99 and it's section 221, row 13. But don't worry tickets are back to $2 when the Pistons host the Nuggets on Dec. 11.
Of course, if you want to see the Heat or Lakers the lowest ticket available is $29, but you can see the Spurs for $5 or Grizzlies for $4
I don't like to make light of attendance because to me a franchise struggling to draw fans is not a joke. It's not funny to the players who work hard or the people in The Palace box office trying to make a living.
But to just ignore it isn't the right thing to do either.
I'm certainly not a member of the Pistons public relations staff (trust me, they don't want me) and I get paid the same whether there is two fans or 22,000. But if you are reading this and a fan of the NBA come check this team out.
I know it's a lot easier to sit at home and watch the team in HD. I admit I don't go to many sporting events as a fan anymore. I have two small kids and it's easier to watch from home.
I also know times are tough for a lot of people so spending money on a Pistons game is not an option for some.
But if you can make it, come on out. The Pistons have two exciting rookies in Andre Drummond and Kyle Singler as well as two up-and-coming young players in Greg Monroe and Brandon Knight.
Come have a good time for as little as $1 and who knows you might want to come back. If not, you can blame me for wasting your time. My email is below.
OK, that's the end of my plea. Back to your regular scheduled Pistons column next week.
Dave Pemberton covers the Pistons for The Oakland Press. Email him at email@example.com and follow him on Twitter @drpemberton.


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This is a book which aspires to transcend, or at any rate to transgress, the usual boundaries within which studies of S. T. Coleridge's thought tend, in contravention of the latter's own principles, to confine their object. It looks beyond the limits of literary criticism, of studies in English Romanticism, of nineteenth-century religious or political history. The author explores his central theme—the relationship of feeling and thought—in relation to various aspects of Coleridge's thought and compares it, in this connection, to theories propounded by others with whose ideas Coleridge engaged: for example, to those of Kant and Schelling, of David Hartley and Joseph Priestley. Through exploration of his prose and poetry, and by means of the well-established blend of psychology and literary criticism, David Vallins grapples with Coleridge's claims to have discovered the principles of an intellectual system which affirmed the unity of thought and feeling. A sizable proportion of the book covers material and arguments which are well-mapped elsewhere as its author attempts to shed new light on areas which have been the subject of repeated analysis. One of the most interesting discussions, in this respect, is that on Coleridge's usage of 'certainty' and 'positiveness' in relation to epistemic judgements and affective responses. Occasionally Vallins appears to succumb to the influence of Coleridge's prose style—for example, the number of conjunctions in the extremely long last sentence of page 10 seems to create unnecessary obstacles for the reader—but on the whole his style is clear and fluent and the book is enjoyable to read.
The author generally seems to be on surer ground in analysis and discussion of the psychological than of the philosophical elements in Coleridoe's thinking. For example, there is an over-emphasis here on Plotinus, whose influence, though undoubtedly an important element in Coleridge's thought, was not uncritically assimilated by him and was counterbalanced by the primacy which he gave to the will (see below). [1] In fact, Coleridge appeared to have a greater empathy with the work of Proclus [2] in whose writings he found support for his belief in a primary Principle which transcends the predicates of Unity, Cause and God, just as it transcends Being.. There are some startling pronouncements, such as that '[b]oth modern language and modern thought are Coleridge's enemies' (Vallins, p. 156). Perhaps this is a reference to his rejection of certain trends common in the use of language in his own time which reflected an underlying materialist or mechanistic ethos and to the laziness which blurred the accuracy of thought through syllogism. In any case, given his propensity for coining new words, his delight in word-play and puns, and his constant emphasis on 'living words', the judgement that 'modern' language and thought were his enemies seems implausible. Indeed, Vallins himself suggests this in his reference to the intellect's 'continual reshaping of language to fit its communicative intention' (p. 156). Coleridge is not concerned merely to emphasize 'formal correctness' or 'verbal precision' (p. 158); it is the living relationship of words to each other as parts of a whole which is central to his thought (See AR, p.10).
What is particularly disconcerting in this study, however, especially given the choice of theme, is the absence of any detailed discussion of the will, in spite of the fact that Coleridge repeatedly presents this as the dynamic of connection between thought and feeling. For example, he often represents the Trinity by the terms Will, Reason and Love, as a relational reality in which primacy is given to the Will. In making the will both the nucleus and power of his philosophical system, he is much closer to Kant's philosophy (in the Foundations of the Metaphysics of Morals) than to that of Hume. In Vallins' discussion of sensation, feeling and thought, his criticism of the dichotomies and the lack of proof in Coleridge's argument (p. 15) seems largely a result of a failure to recognize'Will' as Coleridge's first principle: that which precedes ontological and intellectual possibility. Of course, no objection could be raised to Vallins' disagreement with this position, but the implicit demand for proof here is unreasonable since proof exists, by definition, within the empirical realm of cause and effect, and the concept of a proof of freewill must thus be self-contradictory. We can, in fact (or Coleridge can), 'say how logos unites consciousness with external objective being'—it is through the free act of will which, he argues (see e.g. CN i. §1717) underlies all perception, conception and analysis. Although freedom, by its nature, defies explanation yet it is, Coleridge argues, an experienced reality in action. Thus he does, in fact, have something in common with Hume's recognition of the impossibility of seriously maintaining that the connecting power between cause and effect is mere illusion on the grounds that it cannot be identified or proved to exist. As with the will, this power is manifested in the creation of the relationship itself. This position is implicated in the whole tradition of thought which has given primacy to Act rather than to Being, and is no more 'self-serving' (Vallins, p. 14) in Schelling and Coleridge than is the adoption of any other first principle which can be tested, a posteriori, only with regard to its effects. In any case, metaphysical speculation or works of art do not arise, in their view, 'from the unity of mind and nature' so much as from the unifying power which is, so they believed, the source of both nature and mind. Coleridge's idea of the unifying power of Will, Intellect and Love (the last including 'feeling') may be understood in religious terms, but it may also be expressed in purely human terms as the activity or directed power of the will which produces the experienced unity of thought, feeling and sensation. If the unifying power of Absolute Will exists, clearly it can only be manifested in, not proved by, its effects. As the source and dynamic of all causal relationship it could not then itself, through some inverted trick of thought, be established on the basis of this relationship. Vallins' references to, or hints at, Coleridge's philosophical obscurity (e.g. pp. 75, 136, 165-6) seem at times to echo the criticism of many of the latter's compatriots in the nineteenth-century in merely dismissing his philosophical arguments, most of which were then inaccessible in published form, as muddled 'metaphysics'.
This lack of engagement with Coleridge's philosophical arguments (in the later notebooks, in his marginalia and in the 'Opus Maximum' writings) concerning the nature and function of the will produces a blunted and blurred representation of his thought in key areas. For example, it leads Vallins to represent the nature of 'imagination' as merely the faculty of constructing analogies. On this ground he claims that the 'secondary imagination' is 'thus implicitly of the same order as Coleridge's "flitting phantasies"' (pp. 14-15), an identification which the latter explicitly rejected (BL i. 304-5) and which ignores the moral element in his theory of the imagination. In addition, Vallins' attempt to deal with issues of 'verbalization' without reference to the significance of Coleridge's theory of the will as applied to the analysis of the relation between reason and word, is doomed to inadequacy. Again, the failure to take account of this dynamic enables Vallins to conclude that Coleridge identifies God as supreme Reason (Vallins, p. 150). In fact, the latter insisted that the primal reality (the first Person of the Trinity) is Will, and he consistently represented Reason, or the Supreme Being, or Logos, as the second Person of the Trinity. This fundamental positioning of the relationship between Will and Reason came to influence every area of his thought (see e.g. CN iv. 5144,f24v).
A contributory factor to the difficulties of interpreting Coleridge has been the common conflation of his private and public statements; a consequence, perhaps, of the liveliness of the former and the inaccessibility and complexity of the latter. This has often hindered the meticulous pursuit of his arguments on philosophical principles, especially as these tend to be spread between various notes, fragments, annotations and drafts of uncompleted works . Short pithy extracts from his letters are frequently combined, here too, in entertaining fashion with equally short and context-less extracts taken from passages of sustained and detailed argument. But if this book gives credence to the established mythology of Coleridge's philosophical weaknesses—his impossible ideals, his fanciful arguments, his untenable positions—despite recent analysis of previously unpublished writings which tends to discredit this mythology, this is partly because of the scant attention given here to the progressive stages of his thought. His notes and letters plainly show this development and it becomes clear, therein, that he was the first to recognize and avoid the many intellectual pits into which it is suggested, here and elsewhere, that he fell so blindly. Coleridge's thought deserves to be taken as an organic whole which unfolds, which expresses in one place what it omits in another, which finds its dynamic in the will as the source of both feeling and thought rather than merely the product. Above all, the recognition that, if freewill is a reality, then its origin is necessarily mysterious, is the core of Coleridge's philosophy and the key to his understanding of the relation of feeling and thought. His acknowledgment that a primal reality of Will must take the genuine pursuit of truth, inexorably, beyond the bounds of a closed philosophical system is, in this case, rather a mark of his intellectual integrity than of a flaccid subordination of thought to feeling.
AR Aids to Reflection (1825), ed. John Beer (1993). The Collected Works of Samuel Taylor Coleridge (CC) (London, Routledge and Princeton, N.J., Princeton University Press, 1969-), vol. 9.
BL Biographia Literaria (1817), ed. James Engell & W. Jackson Bate. 2 vols. (1983). CC vol. 7.
CM Marginalia, ed. G. Whalley, H. & J. R. de J. Jackson. 4 vols. (1979-). CC vol. 12.
CN The Coleridge Notebook, vols. 1-4 ed. Kathleen Coburn & Merton Christensen; vol. 5 ed. Anthony Harding. 5 vols. (Princeton, N. J., Princeton University Press, 1957-).
TT Table Talk, ed. Carl Woodring. 2 vols. (1990). CC vol. 14.
For examples of Coleridge's criticisms of Plotinus see e.g. CM ii. p. 1002; also the Philosophical Lectures, ed. Kathleen Coburn (1949), pp. 242, 244-5.
Coleridge's admiration for Proclus is evident from Henry Crabb Robinson's account of a visit to him in which Coleridge 'declared that when many years ago he began to think on philosophy he set out from a passage in Proclus at the point where Schelling appears to be. And here with modifications, he, Coleridge, has remained' (TT ii, p. 485). See also CN iv, 4746, and Appendix B of CN i, p. 457.


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Starting today, women who walk the streets in France wearing a burqa or a niqab--traditionally Islamic garments that cover the face--will be subject to $215 fines or forced to attend citizenship classes under controversial new law.
French president Nicolas Sarkozy says the veils, which cover everything but a woman's eyes, imprison women and contradict the secular country's "values of dignity and equality." Here's a bit of background on the new law, its implications, and what French citizens have to say about it, courtesy of CNN:
Though the law is scarcely a day old, reports have already surfaced that women have been detained for violating it. Writes The Associated Press, "France's new ban on Islamic face veils was met with a burst of defiance Monday, as several women appeared veiled in front of Paris' Notre Dame Cathedral and two were detained for taking part in an unauthorized protest...About a dozen people, including three women wearing niqab veils with just a slit for the eyes, staged a protest in front of Notre Dame on Monday, saying the ban is an affront to their freedom of expression and religion."
I'm so curious to know what you ladies have to say about this issue. Do you find the ban offensive? Do you think women should be allowed to wear whatever they want, wherever they want? Or does a burqa strip women of "dignity and equality," as President Sarkozy says, and deserves to be banned? Do you think that dictating that a woman cannot cover her face in public is just as anti-libertarian as dictating that she must? Do you dress with any religious or cultural restrictions? Would you be offended if that right were taken away from you? What do you make of the burqa ban in France? Discuss.
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Nigel Farage has promised tax cuts and a grammar school "in every town" as he seeks to broaden Ukip's appeal beyond Euroscepticism.
Mr Farage confirmed that the party's previous commitment to abolish national insurance and have a flat 31% tax rate was being "rethought" - but said he believed the top band should fall from 45% to 40%.
He also insisted no-one on the minimum wage should have to pay tax.
The comments came in an interview on the BBC's Andrew Marr show after Ukip achieved major gains in local and European elections.
Mr Farage said his party was now "building up a really good representation" on councils in target constituencies for the general election.
He predicted they would focus resources on "two dozen, three dozen" seats next year, and win a "clutch" of them.
Mr Farage has already disowned the Ukip manifesto from the last general election, and said he would set out a new platform at its annual conference in Ed Miliband's Doncaster constituency in September.
He denied it would be "Thatcherite", saying the Tory doyenne's approach belonged to another era.
Deploying the "cost of living" catchphrase used by the Labour leader, Mr Farage said: "I want us to give millions of ordinary families and people in this country the opportunity to live a better life and do better.
"At the moment we are seeing the gap between those who are wealthy enough to be privately educated and the rest getting wider, and we are seeing the working population working longer and longer hours having suffered huge wage compression over the course of the last 10 years with their household bills going up.
"What we want to do actually is to genuinely address the cost of living, and to address social mobility."
There would be "no tax on the minimum wage" - although he did not specify what the minimum wage would be.
"We are going to rethink the tax thing. I think that was badly explained. What I can tell you for certain is that our biggest tax objective in that next manifesto will be no tax on the minimum wage. We have got to incentivise people to get off benefit and get back to work," he said.
Mr Farage also said he supported a "top rate of tax of about 40%".
"I think a top rate of tax in this country of around about 40% is the one that will bring the most revenue into the Exchequer," he said. "I think that's what we will conclude. Anything over 40% and I think you start to see people go overseas."
Asked whether there would be a grammar school in "every town" if Ukip were in power, the MEP replied: "Absolutely.
"The lack of social mobility in Britain is quite shaming, and selective education is one of the ways to give bright kids from poor backgrounds a real opportunity."
Mr Farage conceded that "savings" would be needed, suggesting he would take a "chainsaw" through middle management to make the NHS more efficient - although he said the party would not "necessarily" remove ring fencing from the health service budget.
"What we have got to do clearly is re-prioritise what the NHS does," he added.
Mr Farage rejected allegations that his party was racist and homophobic, after a slew of activists were criticised for offensive remarks during the campaign.
"We posed a big threat to three established parties, and they clubbed together, did everything they could to throw mud at us and abuse us in the last three weeks of that European election campaign," he said.
"We just had a gay person elected as one of our MEPS. This attempt to try and paint Ukip out to be a bunch of old men, deeply intolerant of the world, frankly does not bear the truth."
Mr Farage said he hoped to do a deal so Ukip MEPs will sit with Italian maverick Beppe Grillo's party in the European parliament.
But he ruled out a pact with the French Front National party.
"Whilst I think Marine Le Pen has taken a very different position to her father, I think that party it still has Jean-Marie Le Pen in it," he said.
Mr Farage also dismissed suggestions that he needed to behave more seriously after topping the Euro polls.
"You're right I must stop smiling, stop laughing, I must stop having opinions, I must become like the rest of the professional political class," he joked. "No chance - it isn't going to happen."
He said it was "perfectly normal" that his wife Kirsten was concerned about his pub-loving lifestyle and hectic work schedule.
"What wife in this country doesn't complain about their husband's behaviour in some way or other? I think that all perfectly normal," he added.
Mr Farage ruled out standing personally against Nick Clegg in Sheffield Hallam at the general election.
But he said he would be a candidate somewhere in the South East, describing Thanet South as a "distinct possibility".


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The Government of the Republic of Vanuatu has officially announced its decision to join IUCN by endorsing the IUCN Statutes. The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has been designated by the Government of the Republic of Vanuatu as its liaison with the IUCN Secretariat.
IUCN extends its warmest welcome to Vanuatu, an archipelago of over 80 islands in the South Pacific Ocean located east of Australia and west of Fiji. Vanuatu is mountainous with a few active volcanoes on some islands. It is part of the biodiversity hotspot of east Melanesia, harboring notable endemic species and diverse marine and coastal life. Many communities rely heavily on native species for their livelihoods, and as such, the economic, social and cultural value of species is very high.
Natural resources are invaluable to the people of Vanuatu; agriculture and eco-tourism are the main sources of revenue. A country rich in culture; Vanuatu is considered one of the most culturally diverse countries in the world, with more than 100 distinct languages and dialects.
The Government of Vanuatu is party to key environmental conventions, such as the Convention on Biological Diversity, the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, and others.
"Vanuatu is a critical link in ensuring the Melanesian countries are on board – especially with their unique biodiversity and cultural contribution to the global community," says Taholo Kami, Regional Director, IUCN Oceania.
IUCN Oceania has been working with the Vanuatu government under its Energy programme, looking at alternative renewable energy resources, and through the Water and Wetlands programme, whereby Vanuatu is a receiving country under the Mangrove Ecosystems for Climate Change Adaptation and Livelihoods project, which aims to safeguard and manage mangrove ecosystems in five Pacific countries. IUCN Oceania looks forward to continued collaboration in these and other programme areas.
For more information on IUCN Membership in Oceania please contact Helen Pippard, Membership Focal Point at [email protected]