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Vintage 2016
Happy New Vintage!
The 2016 harvest is being noted as the first "normal" vintage we've seen in quite a few years. So, what does that mean?
It is widely reported that with a mild early summer and consistent growing conditions, harvest volumes, and ripening time this vintage is considered "normal". This is most interesting to me because at nearly every vintage we will hear reports that things are not normal in one way or another.
Here in our small vineyard we saw a fairly even growing season where temperatures and moisture are concerned along with a good bloom and set but then came a bit of uneven ripening which made cluster thinning a little trickier but that could be considered normal. As human beings chasing a "perfect" result, we would like to think that perfect growing conditions and absolute even ripening should be the normal. The truth is that those conditions never really happen so that should be considered ideal.
But again, what we humans sometimes perceive as ideal and what nature determines as the ideal and perfection can be in conflict. Nature always gets her way and I have learned that the sooner I'd come to terms with that the sooner I would learn to observe her and understand the real path to good winemaking.
I think of my winemaking in parallel with my lifespan. How many vintages will I enjoy the privilege of making wine? My love of the journey forces me to focus intensely with the objective of learning and understanding the influencing factors effecting the key to it all -- the vineyard and mother nature.
I remain committed to acquiesce to mother nature and let the vines guide me to the best wines I can make with each remaining vintage.
2016 Vintage in the Bottle
Our bottle with it's beautiful shape is not the easiest for our mobile bottler to run on his line. (a lot of tipping) This year we bottled with a new set of tooling custom designed to fit the shape of our bottle and we are all very happy with the result. Many more bottles filled, corked and labeled in a lot less time.
More Mother Nature
2 years ago, Rodney vowed never to complain about rain again no matter how much we might get. He has stuck to his word and even when one of the trucks loaded with our newly bottled wines sunk in the parking lot, and he and our wonderful growers spent the day digging it AND the forklift out, there was no complaint about rain. All is well that ends well and thankfully the 2016 vintage is resting in bottles safe and snug in the warehouse.
All that's left is to re-open the tasting room in March and share with you!
Favorite Food Pairings
This year our family holiday meal consisted of all pork belly Porchetta, cornbread, citrus salad and macaroni and cheese with gruyere.
Grenache Blanc was an extra nice complement with the cornbread, so if I could only taste one wine with this meal it would be Belle Blanc since the Grenache Blanc in the blend kisses the cornbread, the Roussanne is married to the pork and the Viognier with macaroni and cheese. Click images below for recipes!
So it's the 2016 Holiday Season!
So it's the 2016 Holiday Season!
This time of year brings warm and happy feelings for me in so many ways. Of course, joyful time spent with our 3 sons, daughter in-laws and 3 granddaughters are highlights and in addition, I am comforted by the fact that our wines are peacefully resting in the their stainless steel tanks awaiting bottling in the New Year.
Although the tasting room is closed due to having sold out of last year's vintage, we have been busy racking and fining the wines, gathering materials for bottling and in the coming weeks we will take care of the final filtering before bottling day.
I am a bit more excited about bottling this year because as I am sure you're aware, the shape of my bottle is unique and our mobile bottler has always been less than excited to run them through his bottling line. Lots of special set up on his part as well as additional hands to try and keep them form tipping over during the process. Not exactly the picture of efficiency but this year, he has come up with specially designed tooling and we agreed to invest so that we can experience the same smooth operation as the wineries with "normal bottles." Stay tuned and we'll post a video! Bottling begins the 20th of January.
Post bottling we will again begin preparing to open the tasting room and planning the spring release. I am really pleased with how this vintage is coming along across all varietals and expect them to age really well.
Aging Acquiesce Wines
Many of us can't exactly wait too long to enjoy these wines but for those of us who enjoy the changes that an aged wine can bring, I wanted to shed some light on our wines and aging. I often get questions about white wines and their ability to age well with many believing it is a practice reserved for red wines.
How a wine ages depends on many factors beginning in the vineyard and carrying through the winemaking approach considering structure, acidity, and residual sugar to name a few. My aim is to make wines that are enjoyable early on AND that will develop nice complexity over the next 5 years.
Some of you may have tasted different vintages of the same varietals in the tasting room this year and we made it a point to pay attention to your observations. While it seems a slight majority enjoy the older vintages, many preferred the brighter acidity with more pronounced fruit notes in the younger wines. I am very pleased as this is the aim of my winemaking approach.
Do I need a wine cooler or cellar to properly age Acquiesce wines?
Of course, ideal conditions or close to it, can be achieved with either a wine cooler or cellar but if you want to lay these wines down for a couple of years, a cool dark area of the house such as a hall closet will do the trick. In addition to cool and dark, consistent temperature is key. Large temperature swings are a negative so the location should be away from heat sources.
If you are aging some of my wines now or do so in the future I would most appreciate hearing about your experience.
Wine Club Waiting List
With a strong crop, we have more finished wine than ever before and we will be opening the club to folks on the waiting list! I'm so happy to expand the family and getting to know you all. With the newly planted vineyard being ready for harvest this coming Fall, we will be able to open the club to more folks and maybe even stay open through the holidays!
While this blog is a bit shorter than most, I want all who enjoy the Acquiesce experience to know you are very much appreciated and I really look forward to seeing you again beginning in March with an all new vintage and hopefully a few aged wine comparisons as well.
Rodney and I are off to enjoy time with the family and we wish you all the very best for the holidays and for 2017!!
Little Secrets
- Wine club members should be receiving a holiday surprise in the coming days
- We have a couple of new additions to be unveiled in March
Love This Recipe Pairing with our Grenache Blanc!
Serves: 32
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp butter
2 cups finely chopped Cremini mushrooms
1 onion, chopped finely
¾ tsp dried thyme
¾ tsp dried rosemary
salt & fresh ground pepper to taste
2 tbsp flour
½ cup heavy cream
3 tbsp Acquiesce Grenache Blanc
⅓ cup shredded Gruyere cheese
2 sheets of puff pastry, thawed (12x12 inches)
1 egg + 1 tbsp water whisked together
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. Set aside.
In a skillet, heat up the olive oil and butter. Add the chopped onion and saute for about 1 minute. Add the chopped mushrooms, thyme, rosemary and salt & pepper. Cook until the onions and mushrooms are tender and there is no moisture left from the mushrooms. Then stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Stir in the Grenache Blanc and cream. Remove from the heat, and stir in the Gruyere cheese. Set aside.
On your counter, lay out the puff pastry with the parchment paper it came with still attached. Using a pizza cutter cutter, cut the pastry into 16 pieces. Scoop about 1 tbsp of the mushroom mixture into the centre of the dough (do not overfill or they will leak). Then fold the dough in half and press the edges to seal them. Place the mini turnovers onto your prepared baking sheet, at least 1 inch apart. Brush the sealed edges and tops of the turnovers with the egg mixture. Repeat the above with the other puff pastry sheet and remaining mushroom mixture.
Bake each tray for about 15 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown.
Harvest 2016 Kickoff!
Following a winter and spring that brought some nice and needed rainfall, the vineyard is in really nice condition with all of the newly planted 7 acres well established. With harvest underway our focus has turned to the adult vineyard as we harvested and "luvsqueezed" (pressed) our viognier yesterday and I am really very excited about the flavor and balance of the juice.
Next up looks like Grenache Blanc which is at 20 brix right now and should be ready within the next 3 weeks. Stay tuned for status updates and you're welcome to stop by for peak at harvest and pressing activities with the AV team. Over the coming several weeks, all the wines will go through a long cool fermentation and finally their lives as wines in a sexy bottle begins in January.
This week we had the pleasure of hosting the Wine Bloggers 2016 Conference here in Lodi with many tours, excursions and discovery activities for the nearly 300 bloggers attending. At Acquiesce we were glad to host a pre-conference group on Wednesday with a vineyard and full tasting tour to kick off their activities as well as a really fun group that selected the "Pick a Peck of Picpoul" excursion that consisted of a vineyard and winery tour, tasting of freshly pressed Viognier juice, a full tasting experience followed by dinner at our home with 2 beautiful Can Can dancers . . . how French can you get?
A fabulous dinner prepared by Jennifer Kupka of the Lodi Airport Café paired very nicely with Grenache Blanc, Belle Blanc, Roussanne and Viognier. Pictures are nice but tasting is...
We are often asked about White Rhone varietals in Lodi and the long-standing misconception that Lodi is not suited for growing white wine grapes. Here a few facts that help explain the why and how of the differences and similarities of the Lodi region and the Southern Rhone region of France.
Let it be known that we adore wines from the Rhone region and drink them often. Of course we love our versions as well so what are the differences? French versions are a bit rounder in body and mouth feel and sometimes some oak can be detected. They are not very acidic but the finish can still be long and pleasing.
Acquiesce's Lodi versions are brighter with notes of fruit coming across on the aroma as well as the palate. They are higher in acid and have no issue staying with you through a nice long finish and can be paired well with an impressive array of foods. The pairing possibilities range from casual and informal snacks (Maui onion potato chips) to gourmet foods of fish, pork, poultry and beef of many variations.
Sidetracking for just a moment, there is another common misconception that white wine pairing options are limited to certain foods. How many times have you heard " if you're having a white wine order chicken or fish"? That's just sad and very limiting so we are determined to open as many minds and mouths as possible to the truth about white wine versatility. Note: might be a book in our future
Okay, back to the main topic at hand. Historical weather information indicated in the charts below (we chose the years 2000 to 2015 show that Lodi is a few degrees warmer during the day AND a few degrees cooler during the night which, when coupled with the consistent delta breeze makes a key impact on the quality of the grapes. Another key factor is rainfall and time to ripen. Lodi doesn't see any significant rainfall during the growing season which allows us to water to the exact amount we feel is best for flavor and extend the season for full mature ripe fruit.
These factors are only a portion of what is known as terroir and I'll have more on the total terroir coming soon.
The next time you relax and enjoy a crisp Acquiesce white wine, you might take a few minutes to contemplate the weather pattern here and maybe even do what I do, thank mother nature for the blessing.
Here's to the French Rhone and Lodi appellations!
And now our newest pairing recipe find.. From Serious Eats (our real go to food site) and Daniel Gritzer
Yukon Gold Potato Salad With Tarragon Pesto and Pickled Onions Recipe
Definitely a treat with our Roussanne (we enjoyed it along side a nice smash burger)
Cheers and looking forward to seeing you soon!
Fun Filled Spring and Looking Forward to Summer!
Rodney and I spent last weekend, both Saturday and Sunday in beautiful Monterey pouring at the Monterey Wine Festival.
The weather cooperated nicely with cool breezes and delightfully bright sunshine. We had a great time with the visitors as this was a knowledgeable and enthusiastic crowd.
Attending wineries from Lodi were all under the same tent and as a region we were very well received. Many folks commented that the Lodi wines were their favorites of the festival and that they would be planning a Lodi wine tour soon. It's always gratifying to introduce enthusiasts to the Lodi wine region, our wines and the welcoming, knowledgeable people staffing the tasting rooms.
We enjoyed a lovely dinner at Montrio Bistro in downtown Montery and enjoyed a very interesting appetizer of popcorn and duck confit.
Service and vibe at this restaurant is excellent and if you're ever in the area we recommend it. I recommend the popcorn appetizer with Roussane, Viognier or Belle Blanc for sure.
On Sunday morning we awoke to a really nice surprise in my inbox with a message from Sunset Magazine International wine competition letting me know my 2015 Grenache Blanc achieved the Best of Class Gold status! Needless to say I was energized for the day ahead.
More good news arrived yesterday - the California Commercial Wine Competition awarded us The Best Viognier in California - 98 pts Double Gold for our 2015 Viognier! Wow!
So the spring has been exciting and enjoyable highlighted by the time we got to spend with our club member family over the 3 weekend pickup open houses we started this year. We were definitely able to spend more quality time with folks which for us, is what the event is all about.
All new plantings are off to a really good start and I'm looking forward to seeing them through this summer and into next year when we will make some more interesting wines.
On a closing note, I want to share a great recipe from Serious Eats, (one of Rodney's favorite food sites)
Frozen White Wine Yogurt
2 cups full-fat Greek yogurt, cold
3/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup dry white wine, cold
Lemon juice, to taste
Salt, to taste
In a large bowl, whisk yogurt and sugar together until sugar is dissolved. Stir in wine with lemon juice and salt to taste (start with 1/4 teaspoon of each).
Transfer to an ice cream maker and churn according to manufacturer's instructions. Serve immediately for soft serve, or freeze 2 to 3 hours for a firmer consistency.
We used our 2015 Viognier and if you choose one of the others, please share with us here.
Thanks for reading and happy wine tasting !
The New Plantings Are In!
Yes! After planning, plotting, waiting and ripping up our Zinfandel, we have just planted the last of our new whites. We've been waiting for these little Bourboulenc beauties for a few years, but they are now in the ground at Acquiesce. So our newly planted 6.5 acres includes the following varieties:
- Picpoul Blanc
- Roussanne
- Clairette Blanche
- Bourboulenc
- Grenache Noir
- Grenache Blanc
I am so looking forward to the Chateauneuf du Pape style blends that are in my future with these fun additions!
The Winemakers of Châteauneuf du Pape
Doug, our English speaking tour guide picked us up from our hotel in CDP. We outlined the mission for him — we'd like to tour wineries in the area that craft beautiful white wines. This proved to be a challenge for Doug, since only 20% of the wines in CDP are white . . . but he came through for us!
My husband Rodney with our tour guide Doug
Doug, a retired Boeing engineer left Seattle 8 years ago for a vineyard and winery in CDP. Newly retired, Doug felt the lows of the recession of the past few years and had to sell his vineyard. He's now a necogiant, a wine merchant who buys wine from winemakers and sells it under his label. And, he gives tours to the English and Americans looking for a true CDP experience.
Walter McKinlay and I at Domaine de Mourchon
Our first stop was Domaine de Mourchon and Walter McKinlay. Walter is from Scotland and is doing wonderful things with the grapes of the region. Every wine was delightful, white, rose and red . . .great Chateauneuf du Pape style. His expertly designed winery is based on the gravity fed system, with grapes going in at the top and bottles shipped out from the bottom floor.
After a tour with Walter, we visited several co-operative wineries, where growers and winemakers get together to create a branded wine. It was here that we saw locals filling up old milk jugs with wine . . .for only a couple euros per container and it was good wine!
Filler up at the Co-op
Lunch in a small cafe in the wine town of Gigondas was just amazing. The day would have been complete, but there were more wineries to see . . .
The Dream . . .Chateau Beaucastel
Chateau Beaucastel
The day I tasted my first white Châteauneuf du Pape wine, my life changed. It was the best wine I had ever had. So I quickly drove back to the store for a couple more cases of this wonderful nectar, only to be told I was holding the last bottle in California! Okay, what's the deal? After research, I realized that the CDP area of France is mostly known for their lovely Grenache, Syrah & Mouvedre blends and don't produce many whites. The whites consist of blends with Grenache Blanc, Roussanne, Viognier, Clairette and a few other varietals. I decided to give the Grenache Blanc a try and was pleased with the results in our vineyard . . .so I planted Roussanne, Viognier and Picpoul Blanc. These cuttings came by way of Tablas Creek Winery in Paso Robles, California. Tablas is partners with Chateau Beaucastel in Châteauneuf du Pape, where these varietals origninated.
Now I was in Châteauneuf du Pape and I wanted to return to the source, the Mothership, so to speak. I had an appointment with English speaking Richard Haug-Adrion who gave us a tour of the famous Chateau Beaucastel. As one of the most famous wineries in the world, I was surprised at the lack of cars in the drive, tasting room sign or even a welcome sign. I went up to the door and pushed a button. Richard was waiting for us and buzzed us in. I felt like I was entering someone's elegant home . . .
We were warmly greeted and taken to the cellar filled with large, beautiful wooden fermentation vats where the process of winemaking begins. After fermentation, the wines are moved to large wooden barrels to age until the blending and bottling process begins.
After leaving the barrel room, we entered a cavern of bottles, rows and rows of unlabelled bottles. Since Beaucastel sells to so many different countries, they don't label their wine until they have a firm order and then apply the correct label applicable to the country. The bottles are piled 10 plus deep and rest on a bed of sand to prevent breakage . . . do you think they'd miss one unlabelled bottle?
I learned that records show a Pierre de Beaucastel buying this property in 1549, but the first mention of vines on the property date to 1792. The Perrin family acquired the property in the early 1900′s and its been in their family since.
After the bottle room, on to some tasting . . . yes! We tried 2 beautiful whites, the first was the 2011 Coudoulet de Beaucastel, a lovely Famille Perrin wine that must be labeled Cotes-du-Rhone, since a new road cut their vineyard into two pieces and these grapes were no longer in CDP. The Coudoulet is a blend of Marsanne, Viognier, Bourboulenc and Clairette. The second white was the CDP Vielles Vignes which is 100% Roussanne from 75 year old vines and had lovely acacia flower and honey aromas with a very rich finish. We actually tried a 2009 Vielles Vignes with dinner the night before with an amazing foie gras and the finish just wouldn't stop.
The red wines were just as amazing, showcasing their Mourvedre and Grenache, with additions of Syrah, Counoise and Cinsault. There were definite notes of berry, leather with spice and pepper on the palate.
Of course, even though it required the purchase of a suitcase, we had to bring some of these precious beauties home!
Overall, it was a dream come true and I'm still smiling! Thank you Chateau Beaucastel for the tour, the tasting, but most of all for making great wines.
Next, I'll share our tours of other wineries in the CDP community and talk about the winemakers and our tour guide. . .
Finally Time in Châteauneuf du Pape, France
We arrived on Thursday afternoon after years of dreaming about this vacation. When I set about planting Rhone white grape varietals in the 4 acre vineyard behind our century old barn, I found the most exotic expressions of fruit came from the Châteauneuf du Pape region of France. Visiting this historic place was a dream come true . . .
We were warmly greeted by Andre at La Mere Germaine, which first opened in 1922 by Madame Germaine Vion, the chef at the Élysée Palace at the beginning of the 20th century. The hotel has lovely views, front and back, and our balcony overlooked the small downtown area. Andre was wonderful and the food at La Mere Germaine was the best we had while in France. The rooms were typical of a century old building, but we didn't spend much time in the room. http://www.lameregermaine.fr/index.html
We walked to the top of the town which was built in 1094, to the New Pope's Chateau, a former summer home of the Pope who resided in Avignon, France. The Chateau is now a ruin today. But the sights of the vineyards, the Rhone River and the town, made the walk up the steep hill worthwhile. The Pope lived here during the Avignon Papacy from the period 1309 to 1376. During these years, seven successive popes resided in Avignon, in modern-day France, rather than in Rome.
But the reason we were there was for the grapes and the wine . . .
Welcome to the Acquiesce Blog
In the meantime, read about why you should visit us at Acquiesce.
We love what we do and we think you will, too! Come taste our wines and visit the Acquiesce surrounded by 18 acres of wine grapes. Our century old barn houses our tasting room. Let us slide open the barn doors for you and pour you some of our white wines. As you sip a glass of our white outside surrounded by vines with a hundred acre view, consider taking a walk out to the vineyard and try the Grenache Blanc right on the vine.


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This article first appeared on Stay At Home Mum. Republished with permission.
The beautiful bride deserves only the best and elegant hairstyle for her wedding day.
All eyes will be on you as you walk down the aisle, throw the bouquet and especially on having your first kiss. Be the most beautiful woman in the world with an impressive beautifully styled hair.
Still looking for the perfect wedding hairstyle to suit you on your big day?
It may take a lot of scrolling but it sure will be worth it from page 1 up to the last. Whether, you're wearing an updo, down-do, curled with or without headpiece, we have you covered with these over 80 bridal hairstyles for your wedding day.
A Romantic Wedding Updo
This is perfect for brides with medium length hair. You can either put it up in an elegant high bun or sophisticated low bun. Whether you like it messy or clean, updo hairstyles will surely bring out the radiance in you.

subset: commoncrawl


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Sunday, April 06, 2008
The Red Sox 7-4 loss to Toronto Sunday afternoon was in a single word: disgraceful. Beckett failed to go 5 innings, Manny Delcarmen was owned by Frank Thomas once more, Julio Lugo made three errors, and the three homeruns the Sox hit all came with nobody on base.
For some reason, Toronto beats the Red Sox with regularity. In 2007, the Jays were 9-9 against Boston. In 2006, they were 12-7 against the Sox. In '05, they were 11-7. Over the past three seasons, their record against the Red Sox is better than any other team in baseball.
I have no idea. They just match-up well against the Sox, I suppose. Obviously Roy Halladay helps. For some reason, Red Sox hitters struggle mightily against Toronto pitching. Here's a look at how the regulars in the lineup have fared in their careers against pitchers currently on Toronto's staff:
Coco Crisp - 81 ABs, .210 Avg, .235 OBP, .296 SLG
JD Drew - 71 ABs, .268 Avg, .346 OBP, .394 SLG
Jacoby Ellsbury - 25 ABs, .400 Avg, .407 OBP, .640 SLG
Mike Lowell - 94 ABs, .298 Avg, .330 OBP, .500 SLG
Julio Lugo - 126 ABs, .310 Avg, .356 OBP, .468 SLG
David Ortiz - 167 ABs, .257 Avg, .335 OBP, .527 SLG
Dustin Pedroia - 65 ABs, .235 Avg, .275 OBP, .308 SLG
Manny Ramirez - 137 ABs, .270 Avg, .338 OBP, .504 SLG
Jason Varitek - 130 ABs, .215 Avg, .292 OBP, .354 SLG
Kevin Youkilis - 86 ABs, .186 Avg, .278 OBP, .279 SLG
That's just bad. But this weekend, the problem wasn't hitting. At least, it wasn't JUST hitting. The starting pitching failed in its first and foremost responsibility:
Wakefield went 6 innings Friday night, Buchholz could only manage 5 Saturday afternoon, and Beckett only worked 4.2 on Sunday. This left all three games in the unsure hands of the middle relievers.
Friday, Aardsma, Lopez, and Delcarmen combined for 3 earned runs, which gave Toronto the lead, and insurance.
Saturday, Kyle Snyder and Bryan Corey allowed 6 runs in the 6th to turn a manageable 4-2 game into a 10-2 blowout.
Sunday, Delcarmen only allowed one earned run, but all four of Toronto's runs in the 5th were thanks to a flat fastball from his hand. Then to make matters worse, Aardsma allowed yet another run in the 7th.
After Papelbon and Okajima, the Red Sox bullpen is a quagmire. Delcarmen showed signs of brilliance last year but has been dull since the '07 post-season. Corey, Aardsma, Lopez, are all painfully mediocre.
The lack of faith in the middle relief was demonstrated Sunday when Francona stuck with Beckett for as long as he could. His Ace pitcher hadn't made a start longer than 65 pitches yet this year, but he was still on the mound. He was struggling to get outs, his location was off, his fastball was drifting, his pitch count topped 80, then 85, then 90, before finally being pulled with 2 outs in the 4th, the bases loaded, and 92 pitches thrown.
But it isn't the end of the world. As the season progresses, the starters will be stretched out and should be able to go deeper into games. Timlin will return to the bullpen. Colon and/or Schilling may come back and allow a guy like Wakefield to move into the pen. But until then, the 6th, and 7th innings will be very stressful for Sox fans.
Just in case you were curious, here's what the "scantily clad" woman who ran onto the field during Friday's game looks like:
I bet she looked hot from the upper deck.
The Red Sox begin a very rough stretch after on off-day on Monday. The revamped Tigers come into town for three games, then it's three games with the Yankees. That's followed by a two game series in Cleveland, and another two game series against the scum.
The world has turned upside down. The Orioles are 4-1 and lead the division, followed by Tampa Bay, Toronto, New York, and Boston. I still think those standings will be flipped by September.
Photo Credit:
AP Photo/The Canadian Press, J.P. Moczulski
Photo By Dave Sandford/Getty Images
AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Adrian Wyld
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I remember during PLF 2015 when Matthew Quick talked about his debut novel, a book all about mental illness and why he wrote Silver Linings as a way to talk about depression, anxiety and mental illness. And for the first time I actually get and empathize with those who do suffer from mental illnesses. It's terrible, confusing, and suffocating, not because you have an illness but because there doesn't seem to be any clarity at all.
Silver Linings Playbook is one of the newest additions to my bookshelf, I know many people have read and watch the movie, I have only watched a few minutes of the film before I decided to call it quits, Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence aren't exactly interesting to watch. But reading the book, I am glad that I forsook the movie and just watched the film instead. The struggles that Pat Peoples goes through in each page, his own thoughts, are interesting and at the same time thought provoking. From the start it was never clear why Pat was sent to a mental institution or why his goal is to rekindle his relationship with his wife, Nikki. There are certainly a lot of questions as the book progresses and each page turn unravels a little bit of Pat's own history and Tiffany's own central role in the story.
I now understand why Matthew Quick wanted to write this story, more than being a message of optimism and finding the "silver lining", it's really all about putting forward the problems people with mental illnesses go through. The changes that happen to a family when someone is in a mental institution, beyond that, it is also a personal challenge for that person to really overcome the sudden outbursts of emotions and the constant bombardment of chemicals to control our emotions.
Silver Linings Playbook is an enjoyable read, I appreciated Matthew Quick's intentions of really showing the world what life is like for those suffering from anxiety and depression. It certainly brought a whole new perspective to something that is rarely talked about.


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Time has flown by during my four years of blogging. Journaling my weeks, learning different techniques, expanding my love of photography and 'meeting' wonderful and creative bloggers all around the world. It has been amazing to connect with so many of you either through you visiting, commenting, emailing and following. You have certainly kept this blogger smiling!
I feel as though I can sit under this tree with you all, enjoying a summer's picnic and catching up with all that tests our lives.
The different paths we take through our writing and photography. Taking risks occasionally, but doing what we feel is comfortable.
The people that stay with us through our journeys and the ones that visit occasionally before heading off for further adventures.
The colour that many bring us through our screens with their positive thoughts and humour.
The sunshine with their posts and dreams, inspiring us all to continue with our own.
The dark times shared on occasion and the joy of witnessing the further posts showing that life does get better.
The brightness shines through eventually and new growth comes through enriching our own vision and minds.
Blogging sometimes feels as though we are swaying like grass on a breeze. The ups, the downs, the being knocked sideways.
But, if you are steadfast and true to yourself, your words will remain and the world seen through your eyes will give comfort and happiness to more people than you will ever know.
|Strawberry Moon taken at Summer Solstice
So from one person to another, thank you so much for following along, commenting, emailing me privately and reading my ramblings. I really appreciate the support you have given me through all the different social media platforms.
You're wonderful!!


text: It's no secret that I adore Indian food. It's probably my favorite cuisine, even above Thai food, which is the food I grew up on. Indian food is full of flavor and color and I just can't get enough of it. I hit up the local Indian restaurants more than a couple times a month, especially for their lunch buffets. Lunch buffets are my favorite, because I can never decide on just one dish. I like most Indian dishes but there are a couple that are stand outs for me. Favorites, if you will. Continue reading


text:
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text:
The Africana Research Center (ARC) provides monetary support for scholars whose primary research centers on the African Diaspora. Our mission is to encourage and support research and scholarship that (a) enhances the lives of Africans across Africa and the African Diaspora, and (b) serves as a catalyst for promoting an enabling environment where cultural production and discourse on diversity can be nurtured to advance the research, teaching, and outreach mission of Penn State University.
ARC encourages the development of projects in the areas of health, education, technology, environmental justice and cultural or racial identity issues across Africa and the African Diaspora. We strongly encourage the development of interdisciplinary work between the social sciences and the sciences.


text:
In fact, these biscuits are somewhat similar to a langue de chat, although there are a few major differences: they don't include any butter, they're flavoured with orange flower water and they're round and not shaped like a cat's tongue. I did depart a little from the original recipe by adding some maple syrup.
Strictly speaking these should be baked in a very hot oven – something wood-fired would be ideal – but they work perfectly well in a domestic oven on a high setting. I've cut the recipe down to the minimum practical amount but it still produced around 40 biscuits of roughly 4 cm diameter. They're lovely with a glass of sweet wine or a small coffee and do a fine job when served with ice cream. Or you could use them with a creamy dessert and funnily enough you'll find one of those below.
150 g caster sugar
1 egg
50 ml water
2 tsp orange flower water
2 tsp maple syrup
170 g plain flour
Preheat the oven to 230°C. Cover a few oven trays with baking paper or silicon sheets.
Whisk the caster sugar and egg together thoroughly until very pale. Whisk in the water, orange flower water and maple syrup. Add about a quarter of the flour and beat in. Repeat three times with the rest of the flour.
You need to place small circles of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheets and the neatest way of doing this is probably to pipe it on. The mixture is relatively thin and will spread so aim for circles of about 3 cm diameter and you should end up with finished biscuits of around 4 cm. If you don't fancy piping, you can simply spoon small amounts onto the baking sheets – the shape may not be perfectly round, but what's a few odd shapes between friends?
Bake the biscuits for around 5 minutes. When they're ready the biscuits should have some colour around the edges but remain pale and interesting in the centres. Carefully transfer to a rack to cool. (Make sure you eat one or two as soon as they're cool – I think they're at their very best then). Store in an airtight tin.
And now for the "creamy" dessert……
Boodle's Orange YoghurtBoodle's Orange Fool is a traditional dessert invented and served at the seriously exclusive club in London. This definitely isn't it. This is a low fat alternative that just uses some of the same flavours. The real thing is a genuine fool with more than a hint of trifle and depends upon the thickening action of citrus on cream and that's not going to happen with yoghurt. This combination of flavours is probably not strictly historically correct either, but it makes a refreshing mix that works very well with the patiences fraxinoises.
Juice and finely-grated zest of 1 orange
Juice and finely-grated zest of 1 lemon
15 g caster sugar
300 g 0% fat Greek yoghurt
Mix the zest and juices with the sugar and stir to dissolve. Beat into the yoghurt and chill thoroughly. The mixture will thicken a little as it chills but please don't expect the texture and thickness of a fool. Either layer the yoghurt and patiences fraxinoises in a small bowl or glass or simply serve the biscuits alongside.
I've been asked (several times as it happens by the same person) why I don't share posts on blog link ups any longer and apart from the fact that I'm really lazy I suppose the main reason is that they emphasise the social media malarkey these days and I don't do any of that. But these are a treat and they're petite so I'll link this to Treat Petite. I told you I wasn't a complete curmudgeon.


text: There's always been a mysterious quality to the 1700s, at least for me. How did these women come up with what is still considered the essence of chic right out of thin air? Of course it was not only women but I'm sure they were directing the men in terms of shapes, color and proportion of everything from fashion to furniture....There was a sort of whimsy, a playful frivolity and innocence that no other time before or since has captured. (Read more.)


text:
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — It took Greenbrier Resort owner Jim Justice just two days to get a possible 10-year tax credit through the state legislature. Members of the House and Senate gave the plan final approval Saturday night, the last night of the 60-day session.
The measure (HB 4184) has been talked about behind the scenes for several weeks but it was presented to the Senate Finance Committee for the first time Friday. It provides a 25 percent tax credit that would be credited over 10 years and be limited to $2.5 million annually. The tax break would be against the Corporate Net Income Tax and it would be for the $90 million state-of-the-art medical facility Justice plans to open near the resort.
"We're talking about jobs now," Sen. Finance Committee Chairman Roman Prezioso told fellow senators Saturday night. "None of this goes into play until there's 125 jobs to come into place. Obviously we've done a lot this session–I don't know if there's any other major jobs bill that we've addressed."
The Senate passed the bill and sent it back to the House, which didn't contest the changes the Senate made to the original House bill, namely the Greenbrier amendment.
The plan had its detractors in Senate.
"This gives me a lot of concern because we're dealing with the rich and providing tax credits," Sen. Mitch Carmichael, R-Jackson, said.
Randolph County Sen. Clark Barnes blamed Jim Justice for killing a proposal for a casino and golf course in Pendleton County during the 2013 session. Barnes was incredulous that Justice was now seeking a tax credit so late in the session.
"I might have been for this project if you would have come in on day one with all of the shiny brochures and actually given us a presentation. But here, with two days left to go, we come with lobbyists that are going to control the actions of this Senate. That's a shame," Barnes said.
But Greenbrier County Sen. Ron Miller said The Greenbrier Medical Institute would bring in world-renown doctors and patients from around the world. He said Justice is also planning two other projects. He said all three total a $400 million investment.
"We're given an unbelievable opportunity to move our state forward with jobs and worldwide distinction," Miller said.
The bill heads to the governor's desk.
I am not against it. He can spend his money for whatever he wants. It just seems that it is an unworkable idea that is not supported by the infrastructure or reason so I wonder what his real purpose is. If he made it a stock company, I wouldn't invest a dime if I didn't know the alternatives.
Mason County Contrarian
The taxpayers have been used again, plain and simple.
"Job creators": just another word for "extortionists".
The bookman
No, but they are building a $90M complex to house the clinic. No state dollars to finance it. No risk to the state as no tax credit issued until it turns a profit. That credit must be drawn against the corporate net income tax due. And the credit cannot exceed $2.5M for 10 yrs and a maximum of $25M over the period. Do you think he would risk HIS $90M if he thought it would fail? The state cannot lose. So why are you against it?
One Doctor does not make a World Class Medical Facility. Now, what is the real reason?
The bookman
According to the original story, he already has a commitment from a doctor that meets that description. Dr. James Andrews and associates have committed 3 days on site upon completion of the clinic.
Justice is financing the $90M on his own, so what is the big problem, aside from he is rich?
It would be nice to read the Business Plan for this Medical Institute. My first question, after reading it, would be: Where are you going to get World Famous Doctors to come to the Greenbrier? There is no established infrastructure to support it. Sorta makes you wonder what the real reason is?
jay zoom
jobs may be created but they will all go to out of state personnel who are employed by the out of state companies who will win the bid for the projects projected. "hide and watch" any job for West Virginians will be minimum wage when its all said and done.
It amazes me how many people are republican in this state, up until the point a republican choice is made. Then its hold up wait a minute this is unbelievable they gave tax breaks to wealthy.
The previous article about the Greenbrier tax credit mentioned that Larry Puccio, Chairman of the West Virginia Democratic Party is also Jim Justices' paid lobbyist. This just might be the reason that this bill was introduced and passed so quickly with little objection.
Also interesting is that Mr Jenkins dropped this inconvenient fact from this article.
WV Worker
I am not whining about the darn gas jobs its the fact that every time someone wants a tax break they promise JOBS. But no jobs come to the area. The workers come to work, stay in their campers and go home on Friday with their paychecks. I could care less about Pendleton casino , I care about not having money to may ends met at the end of a fiscal period. The state has to borrow with the clause of never paying back from the rainy day fund as it is now. How many people with this place hire? At the most 125 but look at the overall tax break 10 years. And no doubt as in the past after a few years there will be a cut back on those workers. Think for a minutes a project on the Greenbrier property, people come to stay with the patients, the visitors stay at the Greenbrier, they gamble, eat, spend their money at the Greenbrier who wins this game. Mr. Justice with his 10 year tax break. Tax breaks is going to put WV in the same shape as CA and other broke states.
Hoppy you need the lobbyists and lawyers that wrote this bill and pushed for it on the show to explain this tax credit in detail, and specifically why the tax credits jumps from 25% to 35% for a property that is next to a national forest. What is the relevance of a national forest? Why did they not just say that the initials of the city where a project is located has to be WSS in order to get the 35%. This is not believable.
To quote my west Texas grandmother: "money doesn't care who it belongs to"!
Yep, but if the Mechel Steel people can't find as big a sucker as Justice did in them they just might send someone to take their losses out of Justice's hide. I understand that business practices are a little harsher in Russia than we are used to here.
Mr Justice is undoubtedly West Virginia's biggest living con artist and is still at it!
Always someone whining abut those lost "gas" jobs....WV W appears to partially define why it happens.
I suspect that this particular deal saw the big man's hands on some throats but I also suspect that the region will benefit....that is what tax breaks are...tradeoffs.
Stop whining.....I would guess that Pendleton casino had some hands on politico necks as well....just not as big. Same as the project and the potential, comparably.
The bookman
First, you continue to put forward that this bill does for Jim Justice what it doesn't do for others. Not true.
Second, Jim Justice has the vision and resources to bring a $90M project to SE WV that will create jobs and improve the local and state economy.
Third, tax credits against investment that lead directly to job creation are common place throughout the world, not just WV.
Fourth, being contrary is a state of mind, not a state of being. It is very easy to demean a person of wealth and influence. But next time, please try to look beyond what is easy and attempt to see the enormous benefits of investing in the future of our state's economy. Attracting business to grow, especially from within, should be applauded, especially when it isn't a give away. The bill requires that the state receives in excess the amount given in credits, not to exceed 25 million over ten years.
Read the bill. Look at its progression through the legislature and see if what I say is not true. I think you'll find what I have found , that it's simple job creation using tax incentives. Nothing more, nothing less.
Tax credits are given as an incentive for an entity to do something that will produce favorable results above and beyond the value of the credit. In this case building a world class health facility that will provide health care to state and in state citizens and good paying (non minimum) wage jobs. So the question is will this tax credit as a matter of public policy do that. Remember the credit does not kick in until 125 jobs are created. As a matter of past projects this is usually 1/3 of anticipated full staffing. So if this is the case and one looks 10 years down the road and the center is paying its share of taxes and 375 jobs are created was this a good investment? Or was it better to do nothing and encourage nothing?
People get understandably upset with the WV government, but remember, we are the people who keep sending these same pols year after year to Charleston but occasionally they do the right thing.4
WV Woker
Why is tax breaks always associated with jobs. They gave the gas companies breaks, hired outside people, they gave oil company breaks, outside people hired, every construction company that is working on any tax break project hires outside people or brings their own. WHY. Aren't West Virginia people good enough. Don't you dare scream drugs not everybody in this state is a drug addict. The companies bring their own people and 2 or 3 years down the road we are in the shape we are in today. Not enough money to go around. The state gives way to many tax breaks. If they want the jobs and they want to build, one or two years of breaks is enough. Not a lifetime. Why not give the dam working people of WV a tax break. I sure could use it. Or wait, I forgot the working people can't give our elected officials' big dinners, money for re-elections and other favors.
Mason County Contrarian
Sir, how am I "uninformed"? We may disagree, but I do not consider myself "uninformed" no more than you.
As a taxpayer, I am dismayed by the lack of state government responsiveness to the needs of the people of our blessed state. It is clear that when someone obviously with deeper pockets than ninety-nine percent of West Virginians needs a little stroke, the Legi$lature cannot do enough, nor can they do it too quickly.
Consider our quality of life, sir.
Our infrastructure is collapsing, unemployment is rampant, our environment is laid at the altar of development, corrupt politician$ are strangling our state, our state budget resembles Swiss cheese, and the ability of state government to do anything to react in a crisis is doubted. LBJ once lamented that there are a lot of lions in the room but the difficulty is in recognizing them. How true.
I seriously doubt extending a tax break to patricians was a positive way to deal with any of the aforementioned problems, sir. The Legi$lature's action only exacerbates the problems facing the people of our state and reinforces the belief that government exists only for the privileged. With each tax break given The Middle Class will be the solution to the revenue shortfall, to plug the holes in that piece of Swiss cheese to which I alluded earlier.
"Uninformed"? Then, guilty as charged, sir.
Remember everyone that voted for this on election day!!!
One of the biggest con artist in WV
I feel soory for all the companies that have to sue Justice to get paid for the materials and services that the provide for his companies. I wonder how much he will try to cheat companies out of while spending the 400 million. I know of several that he has tried to get them to take half and settle out of court. I do mot consider these type of practices honest.
Mountain Navy
My daughter lives near the Greenbrier resort from what she says and her husband the resort is not a good place to work. Cutthroat.
The bookman
Could you be any more uninformed? Contrary certainly defines you well sir.
Mason County Contrarian
Yes, millions of Middle Class West Virginia tax dollars going to million dollar salaries that will, in all probability, be sent out of state. We'll rank fiftieth in the little known category "Percentage of People Who Can Afford Taxpayer Subsidized Pleasures Designed for the Upper Less-Than-One-Percent of Their Own State".
I hope someone in the media does a little research to find out how much influence peddling the lobbyi$t$ distributed to ram this through. Anyone who works should be angry.
A real "Gem" of legislation, compliments of the West Virginia Legi$lature, truly the best money can buy.
The bookman
It appears that the bill was intended to re-authorize a tax credit related to tourism. I believe they realized late in the game that there were technical problems with the bill related to sales tax and medical facilities fee collection that required a late change to the bill.
WV has the proud distinction of being almost dead last in every meaningful metric of state rankings. Five years running WV has been voted the most miserable state to live in and that is because the rankings only go back five years.
When you find a guy like Jim Justice who has made meaningful differences in WV, such as saving the resort from bankruptcy, bringing in The Greenbrier Classic, making a multi million dollar contribution to the BSA and many other acts of kindness that are nameless, it is always the few petty contrarians who complain. They are too narrow minded see the millions of dollars in salaries the clinic will produce beyond this initial tax credit. The on going payroll of the resort, the ongoing tourism dollars of the tournament and the jobs and tourism dollars at Bechtel. Bravo Jim, keep it up and please disregard all these ankle biters.
Was this part of a larger bill or does it deal directly with Jim Justice's facility alone?
I don't oppose tax credits as incentives per say but I do think they can be overused.
As the issue can very confusing to most, I think anytime a government issues them, they should be required to list the total tax breaks given as well as the incentives used to justify them.
The bookman
The bill was introduced on Jan 15th. Passed the house on Feb 26, 97-0. The senate didn't act until late. The issues were surrounding the technical aspects of tax credits as they relate to medical facilities, thus the change. That's how it got through, as most of the mechanics of passing the legislation were complete before we heard a thing about it.
Mighty Mighty Devil
I guess the big question here is, how many good basketball players will Jim be able to recruit for East with all these new jobs?
jay zoom
Is Oliver Luck got a hand in this where he can charge $20.00 to park at this facility.
And here I thought they said Wednesday a week ago was the last day to introduce a bill that would allow it to cross chambers and make it to the governors desk.
While I'm uncertain about the tax, mostly because I've not studied it enough, I don't particularly care for the tactics.
West Virginia voters should have had an opportunity to comment on this tax cut without it being rammed through the Legislature in the last two days.
Mason County Contrarian
Yes, Gem Justice wants a better economy for the few while being subsidized by a state that doesn't have two coins to rub together.
Just another case of Legi$lature-sponsored corporate welfare.
He can certainly afford to throw his crumbs at charities to gain the admiration of man. However, some of us feel we have a Higher Power to which we will all answer.
Here's hoping that we enjoy padding Gem's wallet. After all, we taxpayers are writing his check.
Nothing like late night, back-door deals to strengthen confidence in state government.
Jim Justice has done a lot of good things. He also screws everyone he works with. Why should the Governor and legislature be any different? His entourage of lobbyists , head of a political party and lawyers is the same as those of WVU. Those fat possums run at night. Tax credits are bad. Tax credits for one taxpayer are horrible.
Mason County Contrarian
Told you two days ago Gem (Jim) that you had no worries. Classic political strategy--with all the hoopla, wait until the last minute and then inundate your target with a tidal wave of lobbyi$ts.
Money talks, everything else walks.
Ninety-nine percent of West Virginians can't even afford to visit your establishment. I can't wait to see the gilded bedpans of you renowned medical facility. Will you accept welfare medical cards?
125 jobs? With a $2.5 million/year tax break? That's $20,000/employee/year. What a deal! Lobbyi$ts and the West Virginia Legi$lature securing a tax break--and Joe Sixpack footing the bill. Trickle-on economics at its worst.
ERT needs to do the right thing and veto the bill. So what will you do, Earl?
Mister G!
The session ain't over 'til the fat man gleans.
Justice is one of the few people in this state that is trying to promote a better economy and what thanks does he get? Just more "hate the rich crap" coming from folks who will never change and who want to keep our State 50th in everything. His commitment to saving the Greenbriar and the hundreds of jobs there, funding the International Boy Scouts center and his many charitable donations do not count in the minds of these pathetic losers.
The West Virginia taxpayers who are funding this facility not be welcome, unless they have the $$$$!
The rich get richer and the poor get poorer.....


text:
Ok, it's Bob. *smiles* Now that we've got that cleared up, let's move
onto your new project. While most of us guess that you'll be working on
the story and creative concepts behind the new intellectual property,
what exactly are you presiding over? I'm guessing that you kick ideas
back and forth between Curt and Todd, but what sort of freedom are you
being given to explore your new world?
style="font-weight: bold;">Bob: To begin, we
have to distinguish between the "types" of ideas.
Curt explained to me his vision of an MMORG. He had certain things he
wanted in the storyline. Taking those ideas, I built a backstory that
makes sense for the world. I also showed him a game story arc that I
thought would work.
and game chapter arc, or whatever you want to call it, will be
important to our game. My hope is that it will help bond the players
together in common causes and help give the world a little extra depth
and a feeling of reality – and certainly it will help the
many designers and artists find a level of continuity and purpose that
should permeate the game.
alt="Curt Schilling Pitch" title="Curt Schilling Pitch"
name="photo_j" border="0" height="111" width="150">
alt="" height="1" width="1">
Curt Schilling is a major league pitcher for the Boston
Red Sox when he isn't moon-lighting as the founder and chairman of 38
that those tasks are in the bucket, I'm working with the designers to
define the various peoples who will populate our world – the
relationships between cities and races, the economic and political
structures. It's very much the same process I go through when building
a book world, like Menzoberranzan in the Forgotten Realms or the world
of Corona in my DemonWars novels.
trying to create a common "feeling" among the artists and designers,
but from that point, they have to fly with their own wings. For
instance I had a vision for one city, but Brian Jones, our Art Lead,
had a different perspective. He showed me some prototypes that he and
the team had come up with and I wasn't sold, to be honest. But I was
intrigued enough to help find a happy medium between the art team and
the design team on what we wanted out of this city. A couple of weeks
later, our Art Director, Chaz Sutherland, called me into his office to
show me the result of that give and take. It took me several minutes to
breathe. What art and design brought to that initial vision of mine . .
. well, I can only describe it as the same feeling I got when I saw
what Larry Elmore had done for the cover of The Crystal Shard, one of
those moments when you know that the whole is truly greater than the
sum of the parts.
tell that story because I don't want anyone to ever think of this as
just me, Curt, and Todd. 38 Studios is so much more than that, and
while I'm the literary creator of this IP, and Curt had the initial
vision, and Todd brings such a special touch to the overall look of the
world, there is so much more talent than that already assembled in
Maynard. Go right down the list of designers and artists and coders
sitting there and you've got A+++ talent, and if any of the three of us
tried to limit their input into the world, the world would surely
alt="todd photo" title="todd photo" name="photo_j"
border="0" height="85" width="150"> src="http://tth.tentonhammer.com/modules/gallery/images/pixel_trans.gif"
alt="" height="1" width="1">
The creator of Spawn, Todd McFarlane as functions as 38
Studios' Creative Art Director
Speaking of Todd, how is he working into the grand scheme of things? Do
you work together to come up with new monsters/races/etc.? Is it cool
to have an artist waiting for you to come up with an idea and so he can
sketch it out on paper? (Personally, I'd love to be able to see my
ideas come to life so quickly.)
style="font-weight: bold;">Bob: Most of my work
has been front-ended on the project, laying the groundwork from which
our world will spring. Todd works directly with the art team every
week. He sees his place as helping these incredibly talented people use
their art to force the best out of the guys sitting on the other side
of the room in design.
I can
honestly say, and Scott Cuthbertson, Steve Danuser and the others in
design will back me up on this, that several concepts from art that
seemingly came out of the blue have made us look at certain aspects of
our world in an entirely different light. Without giving anything away,
two of the races we're using in particular went through dramatic
transformations on the design end because the art concepts were just
that damned good.
To read the latest guides, news, and features you can visit our Copernicus Game Page.


text:
I appreciate all kinds of movies. Today, I decided to pay tribute to a few of my favorite films that aren't in my native English language.
1) Pan's Labyrinth: Whenever I think of Guillermo del Toro the first thing that comes to mind is fabulous art direction. His films always have a distinct look to them, they're beautiful and bizarre. Pan's Labyrinth is no different. Taking place in fascist Spain a young girl escapes her cruel stepfather in a elaborate fantasy world. It's anything but a fairy tale, young Ofeila has to complete tasks that make her question right and wrong. I loved the look and the dark feel of this film. It's got everything a good film needs, plus a hell of a performance from young Ivana Baquero.
2) Amélie: This film is like a giant warm fuzzy. It was so warm and so endearing that it's probably one of the best love stories of all time. Amélie is a peculiar young woman who marches to the beat of her own drum. We watch her go about her life and eventually find love. French in general is a beautiful language and I think it's one of the things that makes this film so lovely. Audrey Tautou is enchanting to say the lease.
3) Let The Right One In: We make our way to wintery Sweden, we find a young boy who's being bullied at school and his interested new neighbor. Let The Right One In is charming and dark all at the same time. It's a cute tale of your first love..if your first love involved drinking blood to live. This was shot before the "Vampire craze" hit the U.S. I don't recall it ever referring to Eli as a vampire by specifically. It also had an interesting twist to it's love story, something I thought that made it all the more sweet.
4) Audition: Japanese horror films it is! The Japanese (and Italian) for that matter know how to make horror films. This film in particular is interesting because of all the hype. You've heard Horror lovers like Eli Roth cite this as one of their favorites, so you automatically know something screwed up is going to happen. That's what makes this film so great. A widower attends a special audition, one that will find him a new wife. He becomes fascinated with Asami Yamazaki, but she's hardly who she seems. The film has a perfect flow of suspense (and the occasional gross out moment) all up until the final 20 minutes when the big act of brutality takes place. Normally I would be angry at a film that saves everything for last, but this really worked in it's favor. It's not the goriest film on the planet, but it sure gets it's point across.
5) Life is Beautiful: It's pretty amazing to think that someone can take something as depressing as the Holocaust and turn it into something touching. Roberto Benigi stars as a man who tries to disguise his time in a concentration camp as a game for his young son. He pretends it's all a contest to shield him from the horrors of reality. I thought this was a bold move on the film maker's parts. They could've ended up offending thousands but instead touched them. Benigi's collection of his Best Foreign Film Oscar was pretty amusing as well. Instead of walking down the aisle he climbed over the seats, then when he won Best Actor later on in the show he said that he used up all his English on his last speech.
Honorable Mention: (as always)
The Lives of Others - Being fluent in German it was hard to single out films when I've seen so many. I enjoyed this one so much. (and won quite a few bets thanks to it's Oscar win) The fact that star Ulrich Mühe died of cancer shortly after this film's release is truly sad. This is German cinema at it's best.
Water Lilies - Only the French could get away with this coming of age film. I first caught the end of it on IFC and was determined to find out how this film got where it did. I'm glad I got to watch it start to finish.
4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days - A film tackling back alley abortions is going to have a lot of critics. I thought this Romanian film was an intense character study of how one student's immaturity and her friend's faithfulness could be tested.
Y Tu mama tambien - Alfonso Cuaron at his best.
5 Favorite Films not in the English Language
3 comments:
Pretty good list here! Some others that I love for your consideration...ReplyDelete
8 1/2
LOVE life is beauiful. i'd also add Volver and maria full of grace, as well as city of god to this list.ReplyDelete
I swore I wrote Seven Samurai in there? Whoops.ReplyDelete
City of God is a great film too!
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text:
Acclaim loses Turok, MLB licenses
Late royalty payments cost the struggling publisher two of its franchises.
Late royalty payments cost the struggling publisher two of its franchises.
Acclaim's product lineup for next week's E3 will feature a number of as-yet unannounced titles.
Acclaim announces the North American release of the PS2 version of its latest baseball title.
Play ball! This feature gives you an at-a-glance comparison of all the major baseball games for the 2004 season, including All-Star Baseball 2005, MLB 2005, MVP Baseball 2004, ESPN MLB, ...
Acclaim announces the North American release of its Xbox Live-enabled baseball game. PS2 version to follow later this month.
We talk to Acclaim about the latest entry in its baseball franchise.
As the next MLB season is fast approaching, we take our first in-depth look at the latest in Acclaim's long-running baseball franchise.
We have a look at Alias, NBA Jam, and two additional games.
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I am so excited for Christmas this year. I cannot wait for Ava to see what Santa brings – she is finally at the age where she knows what presents are and it is going to be AWESOME! Our latest Santa purchase was this Cardboard Castle from Box Creations.
I can already see Ava scribbling all over it and hiding inside with our cat, Pixie. They also make a space shuttle, cottage, and princess carriage with more designs coming soon. Love it … and a bonus – I picked ours up via Zulily for 50% off [while supplies last]. Now, don't think this takes the place of a plain old cardboard box – we still have fun with those too, but this takes it to the next level, as I am not crafty enough to fashion a castle out of those. :-)


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Pirate Cove Tiki Port
4864 Voltaire (at Cable St. in Ocean Beach)
San Diego 92107
Look for a giant Tiki god with coffee cup in hand perched on top of a drive-thru coffee stand & you've found your slice of coffee heaven for the day. If there's a line, pull into one of the side lanes & someone will walk over to take your order (or park to the side & get it yourself). There are tables for walk-up customers to watch OB surfers & traffic pass by. I had a rich Turkish roast that sustained me for the day. As I drove away, I heard the barista say to the next car, "The usual?" The giant Tiki drinking coffee drew me in, but the coffee & service will keep me coming back. Pull out carefully, though, as you don't want to clip the busy staff.
Most coffees are roasted by Daymar, an East County roaster, but for Dunkin' Donuts fans they carry their coffee, too, as well as Cafe Moto's organic Blue Sky. It's cash only, but they do have an ATM onsite.


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Tom Hurndall died on January 13, 2004 at 7:45pm, in a hospital in his country, the UK, after spending over 8 months in a coma. He was shot in the head in April 2003, in Rafah, the Gaza Strip, Occupied Palestine, while accompanying a group of Palestinian children. He was 21. His killer, a soldier in the Israeli Army, is charged with Aggravated Assault, among other charges. A press release from Tom's family (1) notes that the soldier was sniping using a telescopic sight and hit Tom in the forehead, suggesting that a charge of attempted murder would be more appropriate than a charge of aggravated assault.
Tom Hurndall had joined the International Solidarity Movement (ISM), on April 5, 2003, a week before he was shot. The ISM is an organization that seeks to accompany Palestinians in nonviolent resistance to the Israeli occupation, to bring attention to the ongoing violations of Palestinian human rights, and to press for an end to the occupation. A few weeks before Tom was shot, Rachel Corrie, another ISM volunteer, was killed by a bulldozer, also in Gaza. No investigation has been conducted into her death, although the Israeli Army issued a curt statement stating that she had been 'acting irresponsibly' at the time that the bulldozer crushed her.
The Israeli Army's response in Tom Hurndall's case is different. Rather than examining the chain of command and the rules of engagement that have led to the killings of many hundreds of civilians, they appear to be, to use the sniper's lawyer's phrase, "hanging [the sniper] out to dry". They have released information that he is an Arab, and facing separate charges of smoking cannabis on duty. Responding to this, Tom's mother said she is "extremely sceptical at the way the Israeli army has chosen to highlight certain facts about this particular soldier – that he had previously been arrested for smoking cannabis and is an Arab… This is a complete irrelevance and a deflection from the culture of impunity that is encouraged right along the chain of command right to the very top." (2)
The ISM has had to deal with another, very serious problem, at the same time. Just after Rachel and Tom were murdered in the Gaza Strip, the Israeli Army issued a new order virtually sealing off the Gaza Strip completely. It is nearly impossible to enter or exit the strip, even for diplomatic personnel, journalists, and humanitarian workers. Those who do enter the strip are required to sign a waiver, stating more or less that the army has the right to kill them, that they will not interfere with the army, and explicitly that they have nothing to do with the ISM. This order is enforceable because the Gaza strip is already physically sealed off from the world by electric fences. As West Bank Wall (3) nears completion, the physical sealing off of the West Bank will make the same system enforceable for that occupied territory as well. And the Israeli Army has generated an order to match. According to an ISM press release: "Visitors to the West Bank and Gaza Strip are now required to apply for permission and obtain written authorization from the
Civil Administration of the Israeli Military, without which they could be deported and refused future re-entry to Israel/Palestinian Territories." The order went into effect on January 4, 2004, and visitors are being warned of it as they enter Israel.
After the similar order went into effect for Gaza, the destruction of Rafah was intensified. Thousands in Rafah were rendered homeless by the bulldozers and bombs of house demolitions. Dozens were killed by sniper fire and in bombings that 'targeted suspected terrorists' but inevitably killed civilians, including children (4).
Today, attacks on West Bank areas are being intensified. The Palestine Monitor reported on January 5, 2004 that "The West bank city of Nablus has now been under constant attack for 20 days. On Saturday, four Palestinians were killed and a fifth left brain-dead after being shot in the head with live ammunition. This brings the number of Palestinians killed in Nablus during this offensive to 14 and counting…"
"With the local population trapped in their homes, Israeli troops have set about destroying significant sections of the city's architectural heart. In the last two days, soldiers have begun dynamiting sections of the old city claiming they were searching for Palestinian militants hiding in tunnels beneath these buildings. In the process they have systematically destroyed a number a buildings of great architectural and historical value, although not a single militant was found in the old city during the search."
In the West Bank village of Budrus near Ramallah, where demonstrations against the Wall have been ongoing, the Israeli Army has been 'disappearing' nonviolent activists. The ISM reports: "Approximately one hour ago, shortly after 2:15 AM, Thursday January 15, 2004 Israeli soldiers came and took away the coordinator of the Popular Committee Against the Wall in the village of Budrus, Ayed Ahmed Hussein Morrar They also took away his brother, Na'im Ahmed Hussein Morrar who was just released from Israeli military custody yesterday. On January 2, 2004 their brother Nasir Ahmed Hussein Morrar was arrested for making a public speech against the bulldozing of village farmlands." There are three other men from Budrus at the Israeli prison of Ketziot, and six more in the Israeli prison of Ofer, all held for their nonviolent organizing against the wall.
Tulkarem refugee camp in the West Bank was invaded on January 12. The ISM's update of a day later reported: "Starting shortly before 11 am on Monday, January 12, all residents in three neighborhoods of the Tul Karem refugee camp were rounded up at a centrally located day care center. The men were separated out from the women and children and taken away in military trucks. At the end of the first day, over 230 men had been handcuffed, blindfolded and taken out of the camp to an unknown location…
"A day and one half after the invasion began, 12 men had been officially arrested, three homes had sustained significant fire damage, over 30 homes sustained major damage including man sized holes in walls, holes in floors and complete destruction of personal property. Almost all windows in this section of the camp were destroyed by bullets and explosions. In one home, in a room next to the bathroom, a pile of excrement was found that had been rubbed into the rug."
Israelis have reacted to these events in varying ways. When an Israeli activist was shot and severely wounded in late December by the Israeli Army at a demonstration against the wall in Mas'Ha, it prompted a high-ranking Israeli soldier, Eytan Ronel, to return his rank to the Israeli Army Chief of Staff in a public letter (5), saying "A state whose army breaks up civilian demonstrations with live fire is not a democratic state. An army that educates its soldiers that it is possible to contemplate such a crime has lost [sight of its] limits… If I had had confidence in you, I would have said to you 'clean up the stables or accept the responsibility. Resign.' But the confidence in you is lost. You failed. You and your predecessors corrupted the military. I do not wish to take part in such army. You awarded me my rank; to you I return it."
A number of other 'refusenik' youths have been sentenced to a year in prison for their refusal to serve in the Occupied Territories. Before sentencing, one of them, Matan Kaminer, responded to charges that their refusal endangered Israel's security by saying: "We're doing a service to Israelis and Palestinians. We want to end this bloodbath.' That helps everyone's security, even the judge's."
Many in Israeli society have expressed similar sentiments, from journalists, academics, and activists, to former directors of Israeli intelligence agencies and even the very Chief of Staff Eytan Ronel wrote his letter to, Moshe Ya'alon, who apparently said in October that ""There is no hope, no expectations for the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip,
nor in Bethlehem and Jericho… In our tactical decisions, we are operating contrary to our
strategic interest… [increasing] hatred for Israel and strengthen[ing] the terror organizations." But they have been unable to stop the onslaught against Palestinians.
The crackdown on the Palestinian population has been unable to stop the suicide bombers as well. While the past few months have seen what the media call a 'relative calm', a technical term which means that only Palestinians are being killed, a suicide bombing at a Gaza checkpoint killed 4 Israeli military personnel (6).
The violence in Israel/Palestine continues to escalate, with more devastating effects for the Palestinians at each turn of the spiral, but with devastating effects for Israeli society as well. If the refuseniks are not heeded, and soon, the dynamic identified by Eytan Ronel in his letter will only deepen: "Step by step, the value of life diminishes. Step by step, the soldiers, the commanders, and the entire nation are corrupted. The values with which we were raised – the 'purity of the arms,' the value of life, respect for man who was created in God's image – have become a ridiculous joke."
(1) See http://www.tomhurndall.co.uk/
(2) Quoted by Chris McGreal, "British peace activist shot by Israeli soldier dies", The Guardian, January 14, 2003.
(3) Please see www.stopthewall.org for the campaign against this abomination
(4) Take a look at this excellent photo exhibit on Rafah
(5) Ronel's letter is very important. Please read it
(6) From Amos Harel, Ha'aretz, January 15, 2004, 'Security establishment to open Erez checkpoint on Sunday': "Reem Salah Riashi, the mother of two young children, became the first female Hamas member to carry out a suicide attack when she detonated her bomb at the checkpoint that served thousands of Palestinians entering Israel to work… The fatalities were identified as Border Police Staff Sergeant Vladimir Trostiansky, 22, of Rehovot; Israel Defense Forces Staff Sergeant Tzur Or, 20, of Rishon Letzion; IDF Corporal Andrei Kegeles, 19, of Nahariya; and security guard Gal Shapira, 28, from Ashkelon."


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China says industrial output, retail sales rise in Aug
[BEIJING] China's industrial output and retail sales growth accelerated in August, government statistics showed Tuesday, with both of them exceeding expectations in encouraging signs for the world's second-largest economy.
Industrial production rose 6.3 per cent year-on-year, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) said, faster than July's 6.0 per cent and above the median forecast of 6.2 per cent in a Bloomberg News poll of economists.
Retail sales, a key measure of consumer spending, rose 10.6 per cent in August, the NBS said, also ahead of expectations and the July figure.
Beijing is looking to retool the economy from a reliance on investment spending and exports to one driven more by consumer demand, but the transition has proven bumpy and gross domestic product growth has been slowing.
China is a key driver of the world economy but grew at its slowest rate in a quarter of a century last year, and has decelerated further since then.
"In August... some indicators picked up, efforts of cutting overcapacity, reducing inventory, deleveraging, lowering costs and strengthening weak links achieved notable results," said NBS spokesman Sheng Laiyun.
"The national economy has achieved moderate but steady and sound development," he added, but urged caution.
"We must be aware that the domestic and external economic conditions are still complicated and severe with many instabilities and uncertainties," he said.
Fixed asset investment, a gauge of infrastructure spending, was up 8.1 per cent in the first eight months of the year, matching the figure for the January-July period.
Retail sales beat expectations of 10.2 per cent in a Bloomberg News poll of economists, while fixed asset investment was ahead of the 7.9 per cent estimate.
But analysts were cautious about the figures, and investors gave them a mixed response, with the benchmark Shanghai Composite Index slipping 0.18 per cent by the break.
"Today's data fits with our long-running view that the delayed impact of earlier policy easing means that a stronger second half to this year is likely," Julian Evans-Pritchard, China economist at Capital Economics, said in a note.
But he said that further monetary easing was "unlikely in the near-term", so that "this uptick in economic activity is likely to fizzle out going into next year".
Beijing has listed reducing overcapacity and excess inventory and cutting down borrowing as top priorities, with the country's ailing steel industry - accused by US and European rivals of dumping on world markets - a key target.
Authorities have set a goal to cut 45 million tonnes of annual steel capacity this year, with the official Communist mouthpiece People's Daily last month saying around 21 million tonnes had been eliminated by July.
But actual production of crude steel was up 3.0 per cent year-on-year in August, the NBS figures showed, accelerating from 2.6 per cent the previous month.
"We expect investment to remain under pressure in the rest of the year because of slower real estate construction and spare capacity in key sectors," Louis Kuijs, head of Asia economics at Oxford Economics, wrote in a note.
"But with industrial profits recovering recently and investment itself also, in August, the downward pressure should diminish."
Maintaining growth is a key priority for China's Communist party, which is keen to avoid the risk of unemployment-driven social unrest, and claims rising living standards in recent decades as part of its right to rule.
Mr Sheng said employment could remain stable despite slowing growth as "labour-intensive" service industries were making up more of the economy. One percentage point of GDP growth now creates 1.7 million jobs, he said, 400,000 to 500,000 more than in 2011-2013.
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Award-winning U Point® technology, combined with intelligent image processing core, top list of new features
San Diego, CA – August 7, 2007 - Nik Software Inc. today announced that its award-winning noise reduction software tool Dfine 2.0 is now available for sale from specialty camera retailers in the U.S. or direct from Nik Software (www.niksoftware.com) at a suggested retail price of $99.95. Designed to improve image quality, Dfine 2.0 now includes Nik Software's patented U Point technology for selective editing control and a completely new user interface that is easier to use and improves workflow for busy photographers.
"Many photographers have simply ignored or accepted image noise as a part of digital photography due to the complexity of the image editing tools available," said Michael J. Slater, president and CEO of Nik Software, Inc. "The complete re-design of Dfine takes simplicity and control of noise reduction to an entirely new level, a point recognized recently when it earned the coveted American Photo Editor's Choice 2007 award."
When capturing images, all digital cameras inherently create unwanted imperfections known as noise. High ISO speeds and low light conditions can also contribute to noise. Dfine 2.0 addresses the issue of digital image noise with unprecedented selective control and a revamped image processing core, which provide superior noise reduction while maintaining detail and sharpness in an image. A re-designed user interface, new automatic camera profiling system, and the addition of U Point powered Control Points help photographers quickly and easily improve the quality of virtually every digital photo.
Dfine 2.0 noise reduction can be applied globally or selectively using various controls including:
Dfine also includes a new auto camera profile system as part of its image processing core. This feature adjusts the noise reduction to match specific parameters and nuances based on camera manufacturer specifications. Camera profiles may be applied automatically upon launching the plug-in, thus enabling literally "one click" noise reduction for images and faster workflow. Profiles may also be created manually and saved, and then loaded by users at a later time.
Pricing and Availability Dfine 2.0 is available in electronic or boxed form direct from Nik Software (www.niksoftware.com) or in boxed form from specialty camera retailers in North America. The suggested retail price is $99.95.
A complete list of resellers may be found at www.niksoftware.com/resellers. Registered owners of Dfine 1.0 qualify for special upgrade pricing of $69.95, which for the first time can be purchased and fulfilled directly from the Nik Software Web site. Customers who purchased Dfine 1.0 after February 1, 2007 are eligible to receive the upgrade free of charge.
About Nik Software, Inc. Nik Software, Inc. (formerly Nik Multimedia, Inc.) is a privately held American company that develops software solutions for the growing digital imaging and photography markets. Established in 1995, Nik Software has become the recognized leader in digital photographic filter development and produces award-winning technology and software products for digital photography and imaging professionals including U Point® technology, Dfine®, Nik Color Efex Pro™, and Nik Sharpener Pro™ software.
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I got a "System Defragmenter" trojan virus that I can't get rid of. I ran Avira anti-virus, Spybot, and Malwarebytes', but with no luck. I even tried deleting the folder with all files, but the virus keeps coming back. The virus is stuck in my registry start-up. Can someone please help?
I found this link with the exact problem that I am having: http://www.fakealerts.com/malicious...
Use safe mode with Malwarebytes for it to work:
Try these 2 removers
1- trojan hunter
2- hitman pro
Remove all they find
Some HELP in posting on Computing.net plus free progs and instructions Cheers


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About Napa
After a long day wine tasting, the last thing you'll want to do is get in a car and drive to dinner. Cabernet House is walking distance to *dozens* of world-class restaurants like Morimoto Napa (Iron Chef Morimoto's only West Coast restaurant), Coles Chop House, Ristorante Allegria (Northern Italian), to a miriad of incredible food shops at the Oxbow Markets. Add to that a few dozen more amazing restaurants, many highly rated by Zagat and Michelin—and all within 5 to 20 minutes walk from your room!
We Love Food...and Wine!
Ask us about our favorite spots. Or tell us what *you* like, and we'll be happy to make recommendations and reservations.
Old World Inn's Napa Valley Experience
When you stay at Cabernet House, your day starts with a mouthwatering gourmet breakfast, using the finest local ingredients. We bake it from scratch, each day, in our kitchens. Allergies? Special needs? No problem. Our chefs will do everything they can to prepare food that meets your needs. Just let us know when you book.
After breakfast, head to the front desk and we'll help you plan your day, from which wineries to visit, to a picnic lunch, and dinner that night. Hot Air balloon ride? Bike rentals? Dinner on the Wine Train, or some live music? So much to choose, and so little time!
So stay an extra day or two. You'll love it here.
After an exhausting day of having fun, come on back to enjoy our wine reception from 5:30 to 6:30 each evening, featuring tastes from some of the Napa Valley's finest wineries. Then walk to dinner, and come back to find tiny handmade chocolate nibbles, waiting in our parlor for you. Sit out by the fire pit and get to know your fellow travelers… share your favorite finds, reminisce about the day, and then head back to your room for some well-deserved rest and relaxation…


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I didnt Want to Love You Free Song Download from Danny Hauger
Feb 8th, 2014 by dannyhauger
Its a rough cut, just out of the exports of Danny Hauger music studios today on a beautiful Saturday in California. This demo is about 70% of the way there, but I definitely love where it is going! Take a listen, and thanks for all the support, leave a comment if you like it! Check out the rest of the podcast as well!
This demo recording is called "I Didn't Want to Love You", a little dreary, but Valentine's Day is coming (for whatever that might mean to you). Enjoy the song! Oh, and buy a song, follow @DHXmusic, go to DannyHauger.com etc etc.


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Important information and updates on COVID-19 for Arizona Visitors. ⟶
Watson Lake (Prescott) by Michael Wilson
It's fun to discover a dining gem in a small town. T-Bird Café serves up hand-tossed, wood-fired pizzas that get well-deserved rave reviews from travelers coming from far and wide. Espresso drinks are on the menu, too, so stop by for the perfect pick-me-up. Artwork from local artists embellishes the walls, and sometimes you'll be lucky enough to hear local musicians playing in the café's Side Yard event space.
You'll enjoy nearby fishing, hiking, and swimming in the fresh air. Cattle and horses are as mellow as their surroundings. Explore ghost towns such as Congress and Crown King within a short drive. Stop by the Peeples Valley-Yarnell Historical Society to learn more about the area and upcoming events.Visit City Site
Peeples Valley, AZ | (928) 277-6674 | weavermountainschamber.com/
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House Signs & Numbers
House signs, numbers and plaques available with a wide choice of materials, colours, fonts and motifs. Use our new sign designer to design and preview a house sign that is unique to you. House signs are made in a multitude of different materials and are all handmade to your order. We offer a fantastic choice at extremely competitive prices.


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wrapping by Melissa David
Get ready for a blizzard of Christmas creativity. My ornament swapping group, Adorn, has been mailing out wrapped ornaments like mad for our 12 days of Christmas ornaments exchange. We've been swapping ornaments for several years now and, let me tell you, the artwork is fantastic! This is my favorite swap of all time. What's not to love? Christmas, talented artists, gorgeous handmade ornaments...it's all good. Our swap is based on the 12 days of Christmas. Although, the ornaments don't follow any particular theme, we open one a day, beginning on December 1st, which is this Monday. The true twelve days of Christmas begins the day after Christmas but we open our goodies early to have more time to enjoy them. I'll be posting all the ornaments and wrappings so, get ready to sit down with a cup of cocoa and a sugar cookie and be inspired!


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Thanks to a generous 50% off coupon, I snagged 12 yards of burlap for $23, plus several yards of beautiful lace. I left without fake twigs because I decided I would go gather real twigs in the park across the street.
Gluing lace to jars and cutting strips of burlap seems well within my crafty abilities. But I asked the above question because I wanted to know what people regretted tackling on their own. There was no shortage of advice here:
*No one disagreed with Jenn, my culinary school-trained friend: Leave the food to the professionals.
*Many, though, recommended making your own centerpieces (we are!) and your own favors. A number of my Facebook friends said they simply wrapped candies or made donations to charity for their guests. Another said she created mini storybooks showcasing her hubby and her as part of their centerpieces. A third mentioned his wife and he put together bowls of water with colored stones and floating candles.
*People also recommended that we leave alterations to the professionals. This is a must-do, given that the sewing machine my mom gifted me three or four years ago remains unopened as of yet.
*The response regarding invitations was mixed. Some were happy that they did their own invitations and saved money doing so. Another woman, however, was quite adamant that her decision to DIY the invites was not the right one: "I did my own invitations ... huge mistake ... wayyy more difficult than I thought they would be ... leave those to the professionals!!!!"
*Finally, a piece of advice with which I do agree: "I would have gotten my makeup done as mine didn't last well throughout the evening," one former bride said. "I'd actually leave anything related to your appearance to the pros – dresses, hair, makeup – you will be able to see the impact."


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First Canadian-born soldier to win the Victoria Cross
13th Battalion, Royal Highlanders of Canada, Canadian Expeditionary Force.
b. 03 August 1895, St. Catharines, Ontario. d. 23 April 1915, Ypres, Belgium.
From the London Gazette [as quoted by Mrs. Joanna Legg & LCol (ret) Graham Parker, OBE, of The Great War website]:
War Office, 23rd June, 1915
His Majesty the KING has been graciously pleased to approve of the grant of the Victoria Cross to the undermentioned Officers, Non-commissioned Officers and Men for most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty:-
No. 24066 Lance-Corporal Frederick Fisher, 13th Canadian Battalion.
On 23rd [sic 22nd] April 1915 in the neighbourhood of St. Julien, he went forward with the machine gun, of which he was in charge, under heavy fire, and most gallantly assisted in covering the retreat of a battery, losing four men of his gun team.
Later, after obtaining four more men, he went forward again to the firing line and was himself killed while bringing his machine gun into action under very heavy fire, in order to cover the advance of supports.
Lance Corporal Fisher, VC, was buried in his trench and the exact location of his grave is not known. Read more about his exploits here. He is memorialised, along with 54,896 other officers and men from overseas regiments of the British Empire, in the Menin Gate war memorial at Ypres, Belgium.
Cross-posted to The Torch.