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September 5, 1999, Section 7, Page 26Buy Reprints
The History of Coffee
and How It Transformed Our World.
By Mark Pendergrast.
Illustrated. 520 pp. New York:
Basic Books. $27.50.
Caffeine is the most widely taken psychoactive drug on earth, and coffee is its foremost delivery system. That got my attention, along with the fact that the United States is Caffeine Country -- 90 percent of us imbibe caffeine in one drink or another -- but not until I read all 520 pages of Mark Pendergrast's encyclopedic coffee epic did I realize how powerful the coffee image has been even beyond its caffeine component.
In the 1930's, while 98 percent of American families were coffee drinkers -- including 15 percent of children between 6 and 16 years of age and 4 percent of children under 6 -- my family swigged only Postum and Sanka. We believed C. W. Post's warnings that caffeine disintegrated brain tissue by attacking the pneumogastric nerve. At the same time we were completely addicted to ''Amos 'n' Andy,'' Major Bowes, the ''Maxwell House Show Boat,'' Edgar Bergen and Charlie McCarthy; all our favorite radio stars were sponsored by Big Coffee.
As I romanced to ''Let's have another cup of coffee, and let's have another piece of pie,'' behind my every dream was an advertiser, pushing. ''Every businessman wants a product that is habit-forming,'' wrote the Maxwell House adman Bill Benton, of Benton & Bowles. ''That's why cigarettes, Coca-Cola and coffee do so well.'' And that's why the history of advertising can be equated with any of these habit-formers and why the history of coffee is a natural follow-up for the author who earlier wrote ''For God, Country and Coca-Cola.''
However, coffee is an even better model than Coke of the way in which social, economic and political forces interact globally whenever addiction is aroused, whether for tobacco, sugar, diamonds, gold, pepper, petroleum, cocaine or caffeine. No surprise there, but what is surprising is how early coffee was commodified in the Americas and how much the violent history of Latin America is still tied to the lure of the coffee bean.
Once the bean migrated from its native Abyssinia (Ethiopia) into Yemen, probably in the sixth century A.D., the coffee habit conquered Arab traders, Ottoman emperors, the courts of Europe and finally the colonists of the Americas. Europe's habit was sustained on the backs of New World slaves, both native and imported. Early in the 19th century, coffee supplanted sugar on the vast plantations of Brazil. Even after Brazil revoked slavery in 1888, it relied on indentured peonage. Coffee was grown wherever labor was cheap -- in Central America, Africa and the Dutch East Indies. Where the bean was planted, so too were the seeds of revolt.
The boom-and-bust cycles endemic to this commodity were established as early as 1823, when European speculators, gambling that war between France and Spain would close overseas trade, bought up Brazilian beans and went bankrupt when war was avoided. ''The modern era had commenced,'' Pendergrast writes. Henceforth coffee's price would swing wildly as a result of speculation, politics, weather and the hazards of war.
Coffee, in other words, is an organic commodity subject to drought and disease, to over- and underproduction and to hoarding and dumping through coffee syndicates, speculators, commodity brokers and government-supported quota systems and price supports. Because the picked green bean, long before it is brewed, must be heavily processed (depulped, fermented, roasted and ground), growers, harvesters, roasters and marketers all have their hands in the till. Coffee, as one grower complained a century ago, ''is the most speculative business in the world.''
Pioneers of the United States coffee industry saw that the way to make money was to do their own roasting, invent packaging to keep roasted grounds fresh, use cheaper beans as needed, buy up competitors ruthlessly and advertise endlessly. Happily, Pendergrast puts a human face on the shenanigans of the coffee barons, detailing a remarkable cast of American eccentrics in the wars between the big roasters of the last century -- Folger's, Hills Brothers, MJB, Maxwell House, Chase & Sanborn, A.& P. -- and the giant corporations of this one. An ironist as well as a moralist, Pendergrast notes the interlocking of delivery systems after Philip Morris moved into the coffee business by buying General Foods and after Coca-Cola merged with Duncan Foods.
From such Byzantine intertwining no coffee purist or anti-caffeinist is safe. But quality begins with the bean. Robusta, the commodity bean of Brazil, is hardy but rough on the palate. Arabica, the finest bean, is far more delicate in flavor but harder to grow in the mountainous regions of Jamaica, Hawaii, Costa Rica and Kenya. Naturally, Arabica costs more.
The coffee industry produced its own backlash when a new generation ignored cost for other values, like social justice, ecology and -- of all things -- taste. Earlier heroes like William Black, who founded his own brand, Chock Full o' Nuts, in New York in the 1950's, and Alfred Peet, who dark-roasted his own quality beans at Peet's Coffee and Tea in Berkeley, Calif., in the 60's, were followed by the trio of college boys in Seattle in the 70's who started Starbucks. True to market patterns, after the founders sold the company in the 80's to their former marketer, the specialty brand went national and then international, Starbucking all of America and now moving into Japan.
Today we Americans drink less coffee than we did in the 30's, but we are drinking and brewing it better. We no longer boil grounds campfire style or percolate them genteel style in the pot. And we have a taster's dream choice of beans, roasts, grinds and brewing equipment. Even our lingo has changed -- from ''Gimme a cuppa joe'' to ''Give me an iced short schizo skinny hazelnut cappuccino with wings.'' (Translation: a small iced hazelnut coffee with one shot of regular and one of decaf, plus skim milk with foam, to go.)
With wit and humor, Pendergrast has served up a rich blend of anecdote, character study, market analysis and social history. And while the reader sometimes needs a caffeine jolt when too much raw data and too little structuring clog the brew, still everything you ought to know about coffee is here: even how to make it. Measure two tablespoons of freshly roasted and ground coffee per six ounces of not-quite-boiled water and steep four to five minutes.


text:
Greenbelt is for more than Christmas
Many thanks to the supporters who turned out yet again to deliver the information flyers to the residents of Ponteland, over 5,000 were distributed over this weekend. Well done and thanks.
It is now up to all of us to respond to the Core Strategy document, use the information provided to create your own response to the County Council.
You have until the 2nd January 2014 and we appreciate that Christmas is nearly upon us but if we miss this opportunity to make our feelings known the housing numbers and other matters will be imposed on us.
This can't be left until next year, we all have to act now.
Hand delivery to: 93 Cheviot View or 17 Darras Rd
Post to: Spatial Policy and Delivery Team, Northumberland County Council, County hall, Morpeth, Northumberland NE61 2EF
E-mail to: firstname.lastname@example.com
Let us show Northumberland County Council our strength in numbers and a legacy for the future beyond 2014.
Best Wishes from the Greenbelt Group

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Applied Deep Learning
A Case-Based Approach to Understanding Deep Neural Networks
Authors: Michelucci, UmbertoFree Preview
- Contains a complete overview of regularization, learning rate decay techniques, and different optimizers such as Adam or RMSProp with complete examples implemented in Python and TensorFlow. The mathematical background is studied in detail
- Implements advanced techniques such as dropout and hyper-parameter tuning in Python and TensorFlow
- Contains an overview of the building blocks of convolutional and recurrent neural networks
Buy this book
- eBook $39.99
price for USA in USD
- Digitally watermarked, DRM-free
- Included format: PDF, EPUB
- ebooks can be used on all reading devices
- Immediate eBook download after purchase
- Softcover $49.99
price for USA in USD
- Free shipping for individuals worldwide
- Immediate ebook access, if available*, with your print order
- Usually dispatched within 3 to 5 business days.
- About this book
Work with advanced topics in deep learning, such as optimization algorithms, hyper-parameter tuning, dropout, and error analysis as well as strategies to address typical problems encountered when training deep neural networks. You'll begin by studying the activation functions mostly with a single neuron (ReLu, sigmoid, and Swish), seeing how to perform linear and logistic regression using TensorFlow, and choosing the right cost function.
The next section talks about more complicated neural network architectures with several layers and neurons and explores the problem of random initialization of weights. An entire chapter is dedicated to a complete overview of neural network error analysis, giving examples of solving problems originating from variance, bias, overfitting, and datasets coming from different distributions.
Applied Deep Learning also discusses how to implement logistic regression completely from scratch without using any Python library except NumPy, to let you appreciate how libraries such as TensorFlow allow quick and efficient experiments. Case studies for each method are included to put into practice all theoretical information. You'll discover tips and tricks for writing optimized Python code (for example vectorizing loops with NumPy).
What You Will Learn
- Implement advanced techniques in the right way in Python and TensorFlow
- Debug and optimize advanced methods (such as dropout and regularization)
- Carry out error analysis (to realize if one has a bias problem, a variance problem, a data offset problem, and so on)
- Set up a machine learning project focused on deep learning on a complex dataset
Who This Book Is For
Readers with a medium understanding of machine learning, linear algebra, calculus, and basic Python programming.
- Implement advanced techniques in the right way in Python and TensorFlow
- About the authors
Umberto is currently the head of Innovation in BI & Analytics at a leading health insurance company in Switzerland, where he leads several strategic initiatives that deal with AI, new technologies and machine learning. He worked as data scientist and lead modeller in several big projects in healthcare and has extensive hands-on experience in programming and designing algorithms. Before that he managed projects in BI and DWH enabling data driven solutions to be implemented in complicated productive environments. He worked extensively with neural networks the last two years and applied deep learning to several problems linked to insurance and client behaviour (like customer churning). He presented his results on deep learning at international conferences and internally gained a reputation for his huge experience with Python and deep learning.
- Table of contents (10 chapters)
Computational Graphs and TensorFlow
Pages 1-29
Single Neuron
Pages 31-81
Feedforward Neural Networks
Pages 83-136
Training Neural Networks
Pages 137-184
Pages 185-216
Table of contents (10 chapters)
Buy this book
- eBook $39.99
price for USA in USD
- Digitally watermarked, DRM-free
- Included format: PDF, EPUB
- ebooks can be used on all reading devices
- Immediate eBook download after purchase
- Softcover $49.99
price for USA in USD
- Free shipping for individuals worldwide
- Immediate ebook access, if available*, with your print order
- Usually dispatched within 3 to 5 business days.
Services for this Book
Recommended for you
Bibliographic Information
- Bibliographic Information
- Book Title
- Applied Deep Learning
- Book Subtitle
- A Case-Based Approach to Understanding Deep Neural Networks
- Authors
- Umberto Michelucci
- Copyright
- 2018
- Publisher
- Apress
- Copyright Holder
- Umberto Michelucci
- eBook ISBN
- 978-1-4842-3790-8
- 10.1007/978-1-4842-3790-8
- Softcover ISBN
- 978-1-4842-3789-2
- Edition Number
- 1
- Number of Pages
- Number of Illustrations
- 171 b/w illustrations, 7 illustrations in colour
- Topics
*immediately available upon purchase as print book shipments may be delayed due to the COVID-19 crisis. ebook access is temporary and does not include ownership of the ebook. Only valid for books with an ebook version. Springer Reference Works and instructor copies are not included.


text:
'Extremely special' - Milligan delighted at Australia's World Cup qualification
Australian midfielder Mark Milligan has declared qualification for a fourth consecutive World Cup as 'extremely special' after a 3-1 win over Honduras on Wednesday night.
A hat-trick from captain Mile Jedinak in front of 77,060 fans at Stadium Australia was enough to see the Socceroos through, but it was not as straightforward as the score-line suggests.
Germany & Brazil joint World Cup favs
Editors' Picks
- On par with Giggs and Totti - Baddrol Bakhtiar is the ultimate one-club man
- Safee Sali's incredible Indonesia adventure - the fear, goals and fanatical fans
- REVEALED: How OKS masterminded that win over South Korea in 2018
- From Malaysian champion to finding the next Jari Litmanen - the journey of V. Saravanan
A 0-0 first leg in front of a hostile Honduras crowd last Saturday put the pressure on the Australians, and it was a nervy first half as they probed the opposition defence to find the breakthrough.
However, Jedinak sealed the deal for the Australians with his second-half treble, with a last-gasp goal providing Honduras with scant consolation.
The midfield was bossed by a two-pronged Australian base of Jedinak and Milligan, who said that a place in the finals in Russia was a just reward for the Socceroos' hard work after they missed out on automatic qualification.
"I think this group has gone through a lot with the way we want to play, to not qualifying automatically, to these play-offs and some tough matches against Syria," said Milligan.
"A lot of talk leading into this, make no mistake, this group deserves everything they get."
Qualification will hand Milligan and the ageless Tim Cahill the opportunity to appear at their fourth consecutive World Cup and feature among a select group of players who have done the same - but the Melbourne Victory midfielder was quick to play down his chances.
"Ten months in football is a long time and, honestly, I just want to enjoy this moment with this team," said Milligan.
"We've worked very hard for what we've achieved over the years, not just this, everything we've achieved.
"We'll just see what happens tomorrow, mate."


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I have a 4hp Tecumseh engine that I'm prepping for a mini bike project. The guy I bought it from (a shady sorta guy) said the boy ran it through a mud puddle and it stopped running (much of what he had told me turned out false). So, I've been disassembling the engine to see what the problem could be. Thankfully, nothing got sucked into the internal parts. I cleaned the carb and it actually wasn't all too bad. But now, I pulled off the flywheel (the first time I ever removed a Tecumseh flywheel) and found 2 magnets that I'm guessing belong there, but they were simply stuck to the flywheel because they're magnets. It looks like they were bonded to the flywheel at some point, but no longer are. I can put them back to where they were because of the glue-ish material left behind marks where they were. Can someone tell me a little about these magnets and what I could use to bond them back in position?
THANKS in advance for any help.
This a thread that should be in the engines or All other parts section....
As for the magnets... they are for a charging circuit, that typically comes with an electric start engine as this has a ring gear.
It is kinda hard to tell, but is the magnet 2 separate pieces or does it appear to be broken in half?...
If 2 separate pieces, then youll need to find out where the pieces need to sit when glued back...
Epoxy will be used... a good 24hr 2 part mix will be fine..
-The pieces need to be cleaned of all epoxy bits and the FW aswell. The magnet seat of the FW will need to cleaned with sanding it rough to expose the steel and allow a good bonding surface.
-Clean all pieces/FW with a brakekleen or the like to eliminate finger oils and other greases..
-If there is a gap between the magnets like in the pic above, you will need to cut some wood sticks to fit that gap as a spacer for when you are ready to glue the magnets..
-Mix epoxy well, also have a few wooden sticks to use to back against when clamping.
-Apply sparingly to the parts and the seat, clean up excess.... clamp carefully as not to allow the magnets to get crushed or pinched off angle...
-Allow to set in a room temp environment for at least 24hr to fully cure...
-After cure, carefully remove the clamps/wood blocks and check to see if the magnets have firmly glued themselves to the FW...
When reassembling, check to see if you have enough air gap between the magnets and coil, aswell as no other collisions
10yr+ club..... My current ride- http://www.diygokarts.com/vb/showthread.php?t=5461
|The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to mckutzy For This Useful Post:
7thofa2nd (08-23-2018), Nosandwich (08-23-2018)
and since mac's right..
One thing though..
looks like they DO NOT belong there IMHO..
I doubt tecumseh was careless enough to simply glue magnets inside the flywheel (two on one side)
without balancing the wheel ..
so either the magnets should go on opposite sides of the flywheel (so their weight cancels out [more or less])
or you are missing a counterweight on the other side.
IF you want the magnets (say you have AND need the charging system)
carefully place the magnets so the flywheel still is as balanced as possible,
if you don't only reglue the magnets if the flywheel is out of balance without them (which I doubt)
Jokes about german sausage are the wurst.
|The Following User Says Thank You to itsid For This Useful Post:
mckutzy (08-23-2018)
Ahh yes balance is quite necessary on a flywheel... You'll have to consult a specialist on that... I just have the experience for DC/permanent magnet motor mechanics.
10yr+ club..... My current ride- http://www.diygokarts.com/vb/showthread.php?t=5461
My first question is... how do I know for sure that I do actually have the magnets in the right position? Second question... what happens if I don't? (more questions...) What if I'm off a little? Is there some markings I should be looking for on the flywheel? If I clean the surface, I won't have anything left to show me where they were.
It does have an electric starter... but it's 110v.
---------- Post added at 10:20 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:36 PM ----------
@itsid ...Nope, don't have a charging system. So I don't need 'em?
---------- Post added at 10:25 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:20 PM ----------
Is a Montgomery Wards mini bike even collectible enough for me to worry about what engine I put on it? I have several others I can use... I'd like to just get the thing put back together and running. Those magnets are the only thing holding up finishing it.
---------- Post added at 10:28 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:25 PM ----------
Well, I don't know how my latest comment got attached to my other comment above but...
I'll get they hang of this yet.
no charging system no internal magnets necessary.
position doesn't matter for the charging system the charging coil doesn't care about the stroke,
just IF a magnet passes by.
w/o a charging coil, you only need one magnet on a flywheel (usually on the outside) for the ignition coil.. it's position is important (since it triggers the spark).
If you want it original or not is something I cannot answer for you..
I doubt there's much difference in value if you swap the engine, on the other hand there's a fanbase for nearl everything, so it doesn't harm to make it right
You posts got merged since we do not like double posting around here
and we have an auto-merger that mostly takes care of those.
you have an edit button in your posts lower right corner,
use that to add infos or change your post in case noone answered yet.
Jokes about german sausage are the wurst.
I don't think there is a burgeoning market for Teckasheema flywheels.
My name is Sylvester McMonkey McBean. I will make a decontamination.
Well, I followed instructions and JB-welded them on... so I guess we'll see tomorrow whether it was successful or not, and go from there.
Jb might blow up on you... I know it's a different type of epoxy... It might hold it when stationary , but does it have the strength like when it is under a centrifugal force.
I'd be wary for sure..
10yr+ club..... My current ride- http://www.diygokarts.com/vb/showthread.php?t=5461
|The Following User Says Thank You to mckutzy For This Useful Post:
Nosandwich (08-25-2018)
hopefully the balance was tested before jb welding the magnets back on, otherwise it'll be one **** of a testrun.
You didn't say so... but you have been warned... so what now?
I'd trust in JB weld for that too..
there isn't much of a force that tries to break the magnets loose anyways..
and the biggest involved force is centripetal and forces the magnets onto the rim of the flywheel, the epoxy just has to deal with the inertial forces of the magnets
(keep them in place as the flywheel accelerates)
and it shouldn't degrade as the engine heats up.
Maybe it's optimistic but I'd say JB weld can do both *shrugs*
(on properly prepared surfaces that is)
Jokes about german sausage are the wurst.
Looks like an old points Tecumseh. The magneto assembly is tucked away under the flywheel. If that is indeed what you have here's a you tube video on setting the points and timing. Likely it doesn't have a charging system at all.
@itsid... nope, didn't check the balance (don't really know how to do it) and am just trusting (hoping/praying) it's not needed. Living dangerous!!!
I watched a few youtube videos on the topic, and everyone swears by JBweld. And, I tend to agree with you... "there isn't much of a force that tries to break the magnets loose anyways..." I think it would take an obstruction, something hitting the magnets to knock them loose. I did just set the flywheel on and turned it by hand to see if everything cleared OK.
---------- Post added at 01:17 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:12 PM ----------
@Randy H... THANKS. That looks like my setup. I did reset the points, but I'm leaving the timing as is, for now at least. And, I don't see anything that indicates it has a charging system.
---------- Post added at 01:22 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:17 PM ----------
@mckutzy ...it looks like the guys on the youtube videos recommend JB weld overwhelmingly. It's all a learning experience for me... and what better teacher is there than an explosion anyway? Ha!!!
I'm just taking it slow on each step and following instructions... we'll see...
JB is a DIY technique.. A 24hr epoxy is a professional choice... You may spend a bit on it but it'll hold...
10yr+ club..... My current ride- http://www.diygokarts.com/vb/showthread.php?t=5461
DIY technique... I'm in the right place then.
I'm ready to flip out!!!
OK, my mini bike project should have been finished 2 weeks ago. I THOUGHT I wanted to stay with the engine that came with it. What a **** mistake!!!
Let me know where I did stupid stuff as you read through this.
I pulled the carb off, the shroud off, the gas tank, exhaust, head, and flywheel off. I bonded the magnets back on the flywheel with JB weld. I order a new head gasket using the numbers off the shroud... I get the head gasket and it's too small. I'm figuring it's a 5hp shroud on a 3 or 3.5 hp engine, who knows. ****, for all I know now, it could be a **** 2hp. But, that was the only number I could find. I'm ****ed, but oh well.
I cleaned the carb which wasn't all that dirty, but it was missing the main mixture screw at the bottom of the bowl. So I just figured, WTH, I'll just buy a new carb and be done with it. I find a number on the carb... 580 8h28 and proceed to check out ebay and Amazon for a new one. I type in the number and it takes me to every Tecumseh carb but what I need, and none of them reference my number. I go to some tech site to see if I can cross reference my number with... ?
I get a list of 50,000,000 Tecumseh carb numbers for various carb parts... I assume, but my number isn't there. WTH becomes WTF!!!
I did see a few carbs that looked like mine, but the descriptions said they were for larger engines.
Jump in here at any point.
My brain hurts from spending a couple hours on my search. I NEED HELP... PALEEEZE!!!
BTW... the engine is looking really pretty.
This is a good example of why it's a good idea (and we prefer) that you keep everything pertaining to one kart in one thread.
All the other information we need is in the other thread.
I do not recall Congressman.
|The Following User Says Thank You to Nosandwich For This Useful Post:
itsid (09-04-2018)
And that's why the threads are now •MERGED•
Also: please pick the correct forum for your threads, that one AGAIN was in the wrong one!
Now, if you want to know what engine you have. measure bore and stroke...
displacement is a good indicator of engine size!
Also: posting pics helps a ton..
especially if you're unsure about model/types.
Jokes about german sausage are the wurst.
Mea culpa...
Not exactly sure how to measure bore and stroke... then how to proceed with that information.
My name is Sylvester McMonkey McBean. I will make a decontamination.
|The Following User Says Thank You to ezcome-ezgo For This Useful Post:
7thofa2nd (09-04-2018)
OK, I have 2 3/4" bore, 1 15/16" stroke = 11.0 cu. in. so it's an ECV110 reference code I.
I've located the right head gasket. The carburetors are another story... the ones I'm looking at so far look much different, but I'm still looking.
Oh, and the reference chart doesn't list the h.p. for my engine.
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I spent a lovely hour-ish this evening adding neocolour crayon and collage to a canvas I started on the Hilary Beattie retreat.
Next I want to add more neocolours, and then some stitch/marks.
I had some spare gold paint, and gel medium, so I worked in my sketchbook a bit:
I'm very pleased with this one:


text:
Hello loves!
This lovely Sunday morning, Chiquita has made a delicious green smoothie.
Easy and quick, you need only a few ingredients 🙂
- 2 bananas
- 3-4 celery sticks with leaves
- 2 tsp matcha green tea
- 1-2 tbsp desiccated coconut and oat flakes
- 50 ml almond milk or yogurt (or without)
Place all ingredients into blender and mix until smooth.
Enjoy this delicious and healthy meal.
by Chiquita


text:
Hi bloggers! Here's a fun way to use the Roxy die in a different way! This die is so versatile that it can be used as a border too!
A daily papercrafting blog which features my handmade cards showcasing Creative Expression's products including my own line of cutting dies and embossing folders, Cosmic Shimmer, Ranger and more which use various techniques and ideas to hopefully inspire the creativity in you.
- Home
- My Ribbon Flower Tutorial
- Fancy Nestie
- Blossoms Five Flower Bud
- Blossoms Five Full Flower
- Easel Tutorial
- Wax Paper Embossing Folder Tutorial
- Caught In Crystal
- Shaving Foam Tutorial
- Quilt Card Tutorial
- Paved Pearl Technique
- Faux Leather Technique
- Plaited Ribbon Wreath Tutorial
- Paper Rose Tutorial
Saturday, 16 February 2019
Expanded Roxy Die Card
Hi bloggers! Here's a fun way to use the Roxy die in a different way! This die is so versatile that it can be used as a border too!
67 comments:
- cr@fty said...
Good morning Sue
I love the colours and dies you've used on today's card! The flowers are so pretty I'm off to watch the video to see how you've made them. As always thanks for sharing.
Hugs x
Heather T
- 16 February 2019 at 06:18
- Steph Cotterill said...
Morning Sue. Although I don't own Roxy, and there are more dies I love more, this sample is just gorgeous, I just love the Aqua shade of blue is so pretty, and the flowers, well I need to go and watch your tutorial and learn so much more about this delicious inspiration. Have a lovely Saturday xxx
- 16 February 2019 at 06:25
Hello Sue
This is lovely I notice you are back on our screens soon can't wait
- 16 February 2019 at 06:39
- hazel young said...
Great card Sue, it would cheer anyone up who is unwell xx Hazel
- 16 February 2019 at 06:45
- TDQ Karen said...
So pretty with the almost eau de nil card
- 16 February 2019 at 06:52
- Janice K said...
Good morning Sue,
A beautiful, soft and subtle design that shows how versatile the Roxy die can be. Thank you for the tutorial.x
- 16 February 2019 at 06:59
- Pussycats said...
Good Morning Sue and all
Such a beautiful card this morning show casing the Roxy die with very pretty colours. I love how you have created the flowers to finish the card. Thank you for creating the video.
Crafty hugs to all...Wendy
- 16 February 2019 at 07:03
- carol edwards said...
Hello Sue this card is so pretty. The focal image from the Roxy, lovely colours and really pretty flowers. Thanks for sharing the techniques in your video Enjoy your weekend xx
- 16 February 2019 at 07:11
- firstname.lastname@example.com said...
Morning Sue.
A beautiful card, thank you.
A great video too, a brilliant way to cut into the dies.
Take care and have fun Kitty.
- 16 February 2019 at 07:14
- CraftyCoffey said...
Lovely card today, very pretty.
- 16 February 2019 at 07:24
The sentiment font is beautiful x
- 16 February 2019 at 07:25
- jean.phillips1 said...
Morning Sue, beautiful card, love the colours. Will watch the video later. Love Jean xxx
- 16 February 2019 at 07:34
Hi Sue, a gorgeous card this morning. The Roxy die is gorgeous used in this way. The colourway is so pretty and the flowers just delightful.
Barbara V
- 16 February 2019 at 07:39
Good morning, Sue
Beautiful card this morning. Such a pretty colour scheme.
The gorgeous flowers just add the finishing touch!
Lesley S x
- 16 February 2019 at 07:42
Gorgeous card, beautiful colour.hugs WINTERWARM xxx
- 16 February 2019 at 07:50
- Beverly Fuchs said...
Hello Sue,
A gorgeous card that is guaranteed to make anyone feel better. The design is lovely and the colors are just beautiful. Thanks for sharing your video which are always so informative.
Have a great weekend.
- 16 February 2019 at 08:13
- Barbara Gosden said...
Hi Sue
A beautiful card.
B xx
- 16 February 2019 at 08:16
- Anne said...
A gorgeous card, Sue.
Anne (Northampton)
- 16 February 2019 at 08:19
- June Horrocks said...
Beautiful card sue this die is lovely used in this way and the. Very pretty colours a lovely gift
Thank you love june Horrocks xxxxxxx
- 16 February 2019 at 08:27
Good morning Sue.
A beautiful card with a Wedgewood look that I love. You always bring out the best of every die that you showcase and especially when accompanied with a video. Thank you Sue.
Marie P.
- 16 February 2019 at 08:33
- Netty The Runner said...
This card would make anyone feel better Sue, it's lovely.
Annette x
- 16 February 2019 at 08:34
- Ann Topp said...
Good Morning Sue. Ohhh what a beautiful card today. I have toyed with buying the roxy die .... and then thought ...no there are others that I need more importantly. But every time I see you make a roxy card I want it again..... and today is no exception. The video explains itself and makes me want to buy even more. And more so seeing how you have extended it to make it bigger Thankyou Sue. Sending best wishes to everyone. Kind regards Ann Toppcards Leeds..
- 16 February 2019 at 08:38
- scrAPpamondo said...
You have created a fabulous frame, great use of the beautiful die!
- 16 February 2019 at 08:41
- June Smith said...
Morning Sue andall Wilsonettes, such a beautiful card and my choice of colours too, I will watch the video later when I have my breakfast.
Thank you once again for the blog die which I received yesterday, I will enjoy using this one.
Stay safe, healthy and happy, hugs, June Smith xxx
- 16 February 2019 at 08:46
Hi Sue - such a delicate card in my favourite colours. The Roxy die is one I am just going to have to buy! Will be watching your video later this morning. Sending best wishes
- 16 February 2019 at 08:46
- lydia jordan said...
Morning Sue,
Gorgeous card, having watched you making the flowers I now need this die.
Thank you for my die that I won on your launch it arrived yesterday and I must say it cuts like a dream.
- 16 February 2019 at 08:50
Morning Sue, I agree with all the previous Wil sonettes, the card is beautiful. I hope to be able to watch the video later to see how you've made those lovely 'scrunchy'flowers as they finish your card to perfection. Maybe I also will have to buy your Roxy die too as it makes a great border.
Enjoy your weekend everyone. Hugs xx Pauline in S.A.
- 16 February 2019 at 08:51
- Jean Z said...
Hi Sue, love this card and die. love Jean Z xxxx
- 16 February 2019 at 08:54
- Hunnymummy54 said...
Morning Sue and all the Wilsonettes
What a beautiful pretty card and colour scheme, really love it all going to watch the video like everyone else to see how you made those beautiful flowers (I have a feeling its going to cost me money lol)
Sending love and healing hugs to all that need them xx
Have a good day all
Sharon MK
- 16 February 2019 at 08:56
- Suemac said...
A beautiful card,, love the Roxy die.
- 16 February 2019 at 09:10
- BenteS said...
Love the soft colours on this card :))
Thanks for the video!
- 16 February 2019 at 09:15
- Lisbeth said...
Hi Sue. I wasn't too sure about the Roxy die at first, but because I like a-symmetrical things I actually find it quite pleasing. Love what you have done with it to make this card.
- 16 February 2019 at 09:27
- Jackie T said...
Hi Sue this is a gorgeous get well card it would cheer anyone up. Have a great day. Take care. Hugs Jackie
- 16 February 2019 at 09:33
Hi Sue
A gorgeous card for us today.
Heather R Oxfordshire
- 16 February 2019 at 09:34
Hi Sue,
I have the Roxy die set so will give this a go.
Thank you for the demo.
Véronique L
- 16 February 2019 at 09:44
- Hellma said...
Love your card, love the flowers.
- 16 February 2019 at 09:44
Good morning Sue,
Anyone who is unwell would absolutely appreciate your beautiful card & it would certainly lift their wellbeing.Yvonne xx
- 16 February 2019 at 09:53
- stitchingranny said...
A very pretty card today Sue l
Hugs Helen xx
- 16 February 2019 at 10:02
- rolfi said...
Hi Sue,
amazing card with gorgeous flowers…
Rolf xxx
- 16 February 2019 at 10:02
- BridgetCG said...
Hi Sue, a really pretty card, one that is sure to make anyone feel better. Have a good day everyone. Bx
- 16 February 2019 at 10:09
A lovely card, one I would love to
Doreen x
- 16 February 2019 at 10:33
- Lynne L said...
Good morning Sue lovely card Roxy looks amazing as a frame I love your flowers Thanks for the video
- 16 February 2019 at 10:52
- Kiraneries said...
- This comment has been removed by the author.
- 16 February 2019 at 11:11
- Kiraneries said...
Hi Sue, a gorgeous card. Beautiful soft colours with your Roxy dies framing the sentiment and gorgeous flowers. I love it. Thanks for your video.
- 16 February 2019 at 11:14
- Fluffycat said...
Hi Sue, this is a lovely Get Well Soon card. Although as you know Roxy has not been a favourite I do really like her on this card, maybe it is the colours that have made the difference and the beautiful flowers.
- 16 February 2019 at 12:11
- Jackie Durrant said...
Such pretty colours ideal for a get well card xx
- 16 February 2019 at 12:19
- Littlelamb said...
Lovely card and colours. Thank you.
- 16 February 2019 at 12:38
- ursula said...
Oh what a gorgeous subtle coloured card, so so pretty, love the Roxy die and those beautiful flowers...thank you Sue...luv Ursula xx
- 16 February 2019 at 13:00
- Chris Curry said...
Lovely card Sue and as always love your flowers. Thank you.xxx
- 16 February 2019 at 13:08
- Laura O said...
beautiful card Sue ,love the colours so subtle ,Laura O Springfield
- 16 February 2019 at 13:39
- Pawprintx4 said...
I enjoyed your video. I always love them as they are easy to follow. I like to see you extend dies. The Roxy die is easy to see but a lot are not.
Very pretty card with the flowers and glitter.
Stephanie K
- 16 February 2019 at 13:47
Gorgeous card with your layers and textures. Thanks for the video. Your carnations, I think, are the most realistic dies, using your scrunch technique to form the flowers, of any on the market. Nice ruffled and round pom-poms. I have started on my Easter cards. And I have chosen your "Tulip Twist" embossing folder for my embossed layer to use under my 3D tulip arrangement. Loving the look. "Tulip Twist" is perfect for my design.
- 16 February 2019 at 15:38
- Crafty Cruiser said...
Beautiful card.
Doreen R
- 16 February 2019 at 16:25
- Dorothy of Baldock, GB said...
Hi Sue,
Love your card, would be an instant "Get well" feeling if I received this beautiful card.
I also like your flower carnation die.
So many ideas used here, and I love it. Thank you!
Love n hugs
Dorothy of Baldock GB
- 16 February 2019 at 16:26
Very pretty card Sue, love how you used the Roxy die!!
- 16 February 2019 at 16:38
As the aqua is my favourite colour (along with most shades of blue) you couldn't go wrong with this card. Thank you Sue.
- 16 February 2019 at 18:03
- sued99 said...
Very pretty colour and the flowers are gorgeous. X
- 16 February 2019 at 18:42
- Patricia Howarth said...
Hi Sue, Gorgeous !!
Lots of love from Patricia xx
- 16 February 2019 at 20:40
- Pat L said...
Hi Sue
Thanks for the great video and lovely card
Love and hugs to everyone
- 16 February 2019 at 21:50
- Muriel said...
Hello Sue and all
Beautiful, everything about this card, the colours, Lovely Roxy and the fabulous flowers. Now for the video,
Muriel x
- 16 February 2019 at 22:26
- Rose in Chester said...
Hi Sue,
The Roxy is a beautiful die and you have given it such a special treatment. I shall try this design, it is a beautiful card.
The colours are also beautiful, aqua and white always hit the spot.
Hugs, Rose
- 16 February 2019 at 22:52
- Betty McAlister said...
A beautiful card Sue. Do like the aqua snd white together xx
- 16 February 2019 at 23:12
- CCM said...
A lovely card in beautiful soft colors. Thank you for the great of how to 'extend' dies!
Hugs from Toronto
- 17 February 2019 at 06:12
I really like this card, the colours are beautiful as is the design.
- 17 February 2019 at 10:52
- jenny Briggs said...
Pretty card Sue love the colours you have used
- 17 February 2019 at 12:11
- Helen Terry said...
Hi Sue beautiful card love the colour and fabulous dies xx thanks Helen Terry xxx
- 19 February 2019 at 09:53
- Fiona in Maine said...
Hello there. It's been a while since I last followed your blog Sue. I have to just ask about the new video format? Love the videos as always, but wonder why it had changed.
- 28 February 2019 at 20:53


text:
Last updated on July 2020
Efficacy and Safety Study of Benralizumab in Patients With Uncontrolled Asthma on Medium to High Dose Inhaled Corticosteroid Plus LABA (MIRACLE)
Brief description of study
This is a randomised, double-blind, parallel group, placebo-controlled study designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a fixed 30 mg dose of benralizumab administered subcutaneously for patients with a history of asthma exacerbations and uncontrolled asthma receiving medium to high-dose inhaled corticosteroid plus long-acting 2-agonist (ICS-LABA) with or without oral corticosteroids and additional asthma controllers.
Detailed Study Description
Approximately 666 patients will be randomised. Patients will be stratified by country/region, age group (adult or adolescent), and peripheral blood eosinophil count at time of Visit 1 (<300 or 300 cells/L).All the patients will be randomised to either placebo or benralizumab (1:1 ratio) for a 48-weeks treatment, every 4 weeks for the first 3 doses and then every 8 weeks thereafter.
Clinical Study Identifier: NCT03186209


text:
Patriarchy Boy
Dogs and intersectional feminism; if there's anything more to life, I don't want to hear about it.
One of an open edition of giclée prints. Printed on 300gsm lightly textured, acid-free cotton rag paper.
The printed area (excluding the border) is 15cm x 15cm. These look great in an 8 inch square frame (I recommend black wood, but you do you). The frame is not included (but you can get them cheap online).
This print will be signed by the artist, Henry James Garrett.
£5 from the sale of each Patriarchy Boy print sold online will be donated to Survivors' Network Brighton.
(The print does not have the @HenryJGarrett watermark on it. That's just in case people share the images from the shop.)


text:
Any publication of a Terrance Hayes poem is an event for celebrating. I like it when they pop up in the New Yorker, surprising me on a weekday afternoon. Some folks on this list, myself included, love sonnets, so this one should scratch an itch.
A person in the know tells me that Terrance ("cheaters yearn") has actually been added to the NYer staff as its new poetry editor. That marks the first time that the reins have been handed from a MV favorite–Paul Muldoon–to a MV favorite. And it means there will be lots more great stuff coming to my mailbox for the foreseeable future. Enjoy these 14 lines. -ed.
The black poet would love to say his century began
With Hughes or, God forbid, Wheatley, but actually
It began with all the poetry weirdos & worriers, warriors,
Poetry whiners & winos falling from ship bows, sunset
Bridges & windows. In a second I'll tell you how little
Writing rescues. My hunch is that Sylvia Plath was not
Especially fun company. A drama queen, thin-skinned,
And skittery, she thought her poems were ordinary.
What do you call a visionary who does not recognize
Her vision? Orpheus was alone when he invented writing.
His manic drawing became a kind of writing when he sent
His beloved a sketch of an eye with an X struck through it.
He meant I am blind without you. She thought he meant
I never want to see you again. It is possible he meant that, too.


text:
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Designed around a modular and scalable architecture, Pebble Beach Systems automation products are highly configurable and robust. They are suitable for multichannel playout as well as high pressure live programming environments such as news or sports, whilst supporting new technologies such as HD, IPTV and interactive television. Pebble Beach Systems also offers integrated media management, control of near-line storage or data tape library systems and low or high resolution media browsing to support the growing use of file based workflows.
As well as its UK based headquarters, Pebble Beach Systems has regional offices in the USA and Asia Pacific to provide support to customers within these territories.
In March 2014 Pebble Beach Systems was acquired by Vislink plc, the global technology business which specialises in the collection and delivery of high quality video and associated data from the field to the point of usage.
Pebble Beach is an associate of:
Visit: Company Website


text:
It's clear that new media rules in sports — at least, if you checked out the news organizations covering the NFC Championship Game. Newspapers as varied as Oshkosh's The Northwestern, the New York Times and the Green Bay Press-Gazette all had audio slideshows, picture galleries and audio or podcasts. Fans could also weigh in on the numerous blogs dedicated to these teams at Newark Star-Ledger, Long Island Newsday, Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel and Wisconsin State Journal . Clearly, fans love this constant flow of information. As a New York Giants fan, I checked nearly a dozen websites last night after the game – and just as many this morning. Give me more news, information, quotes, analysis.
I also love reading leads for game stories, which offer insights into communities the sportswriters serve. No fans embrace their team more than those living in Wisconsin. The Packers are as much a part of their community as city hall and the local schools. As a result, Packers fans are probably more knowledgeable than most. This was reflected in the game coverage of last night's title game, a 23-20 overtime victory for the Giants. New York fans also appreciate the nuances of sports — and they especially love a great defense. Plus, New Yorkers love big personalities, which is clearly shown in lead published in the New York area. Regardless, the NFC championship was a game that will be remembered for many years for a variety of factors — subzero temperatures, a certain Hall of Fame quarterback facing off against a potential Hall of Famer, hard-hitting defenses, a last-second failure – and, ultimately, redemption in overtime. So many plot twists, so many angles.
It's challenging to write a game story for an audience that already watched the game. Sportswriters do not want to repeat the obvious, nor do they want to miss the important facts. Multimedia reporting allows layers of the game to be unfolded elsewhere on a web page. Yet, solid writing and storytelling is also required in text. Check out some of the stories writers offered readers this morning.
The Associated Press focused on an individual in its lead, preferring to offer a play on words. Notice that the writer sticks to this angle for several graphs before turning to the rest of the game. Even the lead quote connects to the main angle.
GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — Oh, brother!
Eli, the baby of the Manning quarterback clan, finally has arrived.
And he's taking the New York Giants on yet another road trip — to Glendale, Ariz., site of the Super Bowl.
Manning repeatedly put the Giants in position to win the NFC championship Sunday, and when Lawrence Tynes came through at last with a 47-yard field goal in overtime, New York had itself an improbable 23-20 victory over the Green Bay Packers at frostbitten Lambeau Field. Now comes Mission Impossible: beating the undefeated New England Patriots in two weeks in a Super Bowl matchup hardly anyone saw coming.
"We haven't been given a shot, but we're here and I think we're deserving of it," Manning said. "Right now I'm excited as I can be."
The New York Times waxes a little more poetically, developing scene as a significant actor in this game while also mixing in geographical references and allusions to the weather.
GREEN BAY, Wis. — Under a full moon, a black sky and a crisp and cruel blanket of cold, the Giants stood on the frozen sideline of Lambeau Field, waiting for a rush of warmth.
It came belatedly and unexpectedly.
With one errant toss from a legendary quarterback, and one kick from the right foot of Lawrence Tynes, the Giants sent themselves from the northern prairie and into the southwestern desert, all the way to the Super Bowl.
Tynes's 47-yard field goal 2 minutes 35 seconds into overtime gave the Giants a 23-20 victory in the National Football Conference championship game. The Giants will next head to Super Bowl XLII in Glendale, Ariz., where they will be two-touchdown underdogs to the undefeated New England Patriots on Feb. 3.
Newsday's writer addresses character. He focuses on a moment in the game before tying it in to several related angles, essentially showing how one moment defines both individuals and the team in general.
GREEN BAY, Wis. – As the ball sailed through the uprights, as his and every other Giant's dreams were fulfilled, Shaun O'Hara thought of one word.
"Redemption," he said.
That's for every Giant, starting with coach Tom Coughlin – who needed a winning season to keep his job – down to the players who got smoked by the Cowboys and Packers to start the season, who felt they were written off after allowing 80 points while falling to 0-2.
Last night, Lawrence Tynes joined the group of the redeemed. He missed two field-goal tries with an opportunity to snap a 20-20 tie, the last a 36-yarder as the regulation clock hit all zeroes. But with the help of two more Giants looking to right some early-season wrongs – cornerback Corey Webster and quarterback Eli Manning – Tynes got a third chance. And his 47-yard field goal 2:35 into overtime beat Brett Favre and the Packers, 23-20, to send the Giants to Super Bowl XLII and a date with the unbeaten Patriots 13 days from today. The Patriots are early 13 1/2-point favorites.
"The thing I'm most proud of is the way we hang together and the way we never say die," said Coughlin, who will coach in a Super Bowl for the first time. "No matter what the odds are, we keep scrapping, we keep working and finding a way to win."
Two Wisconsin beat reporters focused on 'dreams' – how they were dashed Sunday night. In many ways, so were the dreams of so any fans across the state. These leads reveal the relationship Wisconsin has with its team: When the Packers lose, everybody loses. Fans feel this way for many teams, sure, but few teams are as closely connected with their communities. New York fans love their Giants, but they also have the Yankees, Mets, Nets, Jets, Islanders, Rangers — and even the Knicks — to choose from. That's not the case in Wisconsin.
The Green Bay Gazette reporter carries a single idea — of a preordained season — through to the lead quote, something that usually works well in any game story.
The Green Bay Packers' dream season, set up so well for a return to the Super Bowl, ended with a major thud Sunday night.
They had so much going in their favor for their NFC championship battle with the New York Giants: The home-field advantage, an arctic Wisconsin winter night and nearly pristine health.
But the Packers, 7½-point favorites over the plucky underdog from out east, were done in by a poor second half, when both sides of the ball faltered at critical times. Their unexpectedly magnificent season ended with a whimper when Giants kicker Lawrence Tynes redeemed himself with a 47-yard field goal in overtime that won the game, 23-20, and choked the life out of the Lambeau Field crowd of 72,740.
So, New York (13-6) heads to the Super Bowl on the back of a 10-game road winning streak to face the New England Patriots. The Packers (14-4), on the other hand, step immediately into the offseason with time to agonize over how such a golden opportunity eluded them.
"It's very difficult to go out like this," middle linebacker Nick Barnett said, "especially with the season we had. We didn't think any other way than going to Arizona. To lose with the home field, in Lambeau, to not be celebrating on that podium right now, it's devastating."
The Gannett reporter reveals the mindset of many Packers fans who believed everything was set up for another Super Bowl run. That they lost was inconceivable.
GREEN BAY — Two years ago, it was only a fantasy. Last summer, it was a pipe dream.But the Green Bay Packers were on the verge of a dream come true as they lined up against the New York Giants on Sunday night for a chance to pursue the National Football League grail — the Vince Lombardi trophy.
The dream was left in tatters in the frigid night air at Lambeau Field.
The Giants will go to the Super Bowl, not the Packers.
Lawrence Tynes' 47-yard field goal less than three minutes into overtime, coming after Brett Favre threw an interception that will likely dominate the winter conversations of Packers fans, gave the Giants a 23-20 victory and the Packers one of their most painful losses in the franchise's history.
The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reporter addresses this point as well, listing all the historical reasons the Packers should have won the game. Even the team's general manager seems despondent in the lead quote.
Green Bay – The Green Bay Packers, a franchise that had never lost a playoff at home in their first eight decades of existence, have now been toppled three times in the last six years.
Following in the footsteps of Atlanta in 2002 and Minnesota in 2004 at the wild-card level, the New York Giants stormed into icy Lambeau Field on Sunday night like they owned the place and whipped the Packers, 23-20, in the NFC Championship Game.
Lawrence Tynes, a kicker who did not have a single pressurized field-goal attempt in the first 18 games, drilled one from 47 yards 2 minutes 35 seconds into overtime. It sent the Giants (13-6) into Super Bowl XLII against the New England Patriots (18-0) on Feb. 3 and the Packers home.
"All the plans and the hopes we had are out the window," general manager Ted Thompson said. "It's a shame. I certainly didn't think we played our best, and the Giants played very well."
Like the Newsday reporter, the Wisconsin State Journal writer focuses on a scene, showing something that TV viewers and fans in the stadium would not have known. That's a great approach for any game story. You can hear the sadness in the voice of the Packers GM. Always tie these scenes back to the game, though, as this writer does.
GREEN BAY — Ted Thompson stood in the middle of the equipment room, stunned. Always adept at keeping his emotions in, Thompson found himself trying to do so at the most painful possible time: Surrounded by 20 or so others — including team chairman Bob Harlan, members of coach Mike McCarthy's family and a host of staffers and team officials —in cramped quarters.
Watching the disappointment unfold in high definition on a 42-inch Sony flat-screen just off the Green Bay Packers' locker room, the 55-year-old general manager was dying inside.
He'd just watched quarterback Brett Favre's pass on the second play of overtime flutter toward the Packers sideline and into the hands of New York Giants cornerback Corey Webster. Four plays later, Lawrence Tynes' 47-yard field goal just 2 minutes 35 seconds into OT would send the Packers to a 23-20 NFC Championship Game defeat and the Giants to Super Bowl XLII.
"I'm crushed," said Thompson, who'd been ushered down from the team's private box on the seventh floor club level along with the others to prepare for what was supposed to be the on-field coronation and acceptance of the George Halas trophy for earning the franchise's fifth Super Bowl berth.
"A lot of people thought we were a surprise team. We felt we were good enough to win week-in and week-out and have a chance to go play for the world championship. And we're not going to get to do that now."
Clearly, there's no single best way to approach a game story. Here, several seasoned and talented sportswriters took somewhat different approaches in their leads. Yet, they all offer a nut graph early on that offers a key play and the final score. Most of these stories also offer context, telling the reader the winner goes to the Super Bowl – even though that may seem obvious to most fans. Now, go check out the leads in California and New England related to the AFC championship game — certainly, they are just as varied, creative and reflective of their audiences. Make sure you also scrutinize the multimedia reporting, something that is essential to all sports coverage as well.


text:
Patients across the UK are having "urgent" cancer operations cancelled by hospitals as the NHS struggles to cope with its deepening winter crisis.
In some instances, patients say they have only been given a day's notice that their surgery has been postponed as increasing patient numbers are placing intolerable pressure on beds and staff.
Previously, cancer operations were protected because of their urgent nature, but this appears to have given way since the start of the year due to a demand for beds and lack of social care capacity.
Clare Marx, president of the Royal College of Surgeons (RCS), told The Observer: "Feedback from our members suggests that since the start of January, a large number of hospitals across the UK are now cancelling cancer surgery. This will be extremely worrying to patients and their families."
Investigations by The Observer reveal that cancer surgeries started to be cancelled in December, with the trend gathering pace as the New Year unfolds.
The NHS said it was "pulling out all the stops" to ensure patients receive surgery "as quickly as possible".
An NHS England spokesman said: "There has been a steady increase in operations over the last 15 years but, despite this, the NHS is helping more people survive cancer than ever before."
Cancer patients should be seen within 31 days and 85% should receive primary treatment within 62, according to NHS guidelines for hospitals in England. However, in November last year, the 62-day target for primary treatment to start was missed, with 83.5% of patients being treated in that timeframe.
Ian Eardley, vice president of the RCS, said the majority of hospitals were able to see more than 90% of patients within the target time period, but in the past year it had been "more difficult to achieve".
He added that while cancer operations are indeed cancelled from "time-to-time" – especially during the winter months – the RCS had seen a rise in the number of cancellations occurring since the beginning of January.
In one case highlighted by The Observer's investigations, a patient, who was due to undergo a radical robotic prostatectomy at the Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust on 7 January, received an email the day before saying his treatment had been postponed.
The email stated there was a "lack of inpatient beds" and that all three of the trust's planned surgical cases for that particular day had been cancelled as a result.
A telephone call to inform the patient would have been more appropriate given the circumstances. An email runs the risk of not being received or seen, which could lead to the patient still attending his/her appointment, incurring unnecessary costs and stress.
A recent survey indicated more than half of Britons (53%) would be willing to pay higher National Insurance contributions – from 12 to 13% – so the extra revenue could be invested in the NHS.
This is a concern for any Cancer sufferer being treated through the NHS. It can be difficult enough to cope with a cancer diagnosis without having to deal with a delayed operation.
The 53% of Britons who are prepared to pay higher NIS Contributions might want to look at the option of Private Healthcare.
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text:
By Gary Gillen
If the last election taught conservatives anything, it should be that in order to save the country we know, we must stay focused on the things that unite us. Those of us old enough have witnessed or been taught the history of socialist dictators murdering millions in the name of equality that never quite happens. Don't assume that young people today know this same history.
It is important to remember that today's young people have never lived through a normal economy. Many have never had a teacher who taught them not what to think, but how to think. Too often we parents fail to educate our children about the dignity of work. We allow the media to tell them that they are victims, that they are owed the fruits of someone else's labor, that they should never have to hear anything with which they disagree.
Our children have been told that being conservative is outside the mainstream, that believing our nation has the right to control our borders is bigoted, that being a Christian or holding Judeo-Christian beliefs is extreme. If they espouse conservative ideas in school, they are ridiculed. If they wear a Make America Great Again cap to school, they are trouble makers. So, they hide their beliefs. They don't express opinions.
People my age learned in school about the great struggle our forefathers joined to gain freedom from a dictatorship. The battles fought, lost and won that gained our right to freedom and independence. There is a war going on in America today. We risk losing the fundamental rights on which our country was founded. This war will be won or lost in classrooms, homes and at the ballot box. It is a battle we must win if we want to give our children and grandchildren the kind of world our forefathers fought and died for.
During the last election, liberals worked hard to bring new voters to the polls. They attracted many young people with their siren call of free college and other giveaways. They found a charismatic liberal candidate to run against a grandstanding and unpopular conservative candidate. A fawning media presented the liberal with coverage that might have been straight from the Democrat headquarters.
Conservatives believe in limited government, freedom of speech, the right to keep and bear arms, freedom to worship and defense of our borders. We must stand up for those rights, educate our children about their importance and vote for candidates who will defend those beliefs.
In 2016, Fort Bend County went for Hillary Clinton for President. In 2018, 12.9% of voters had never voted in a Democrat or Republican Primary. Thousands of new residents move into Fort Bend County every year, many from liberal California. This means that conservatives, especially Christians, must educate our children about the dangers of voting for people who promise free things, suggest that government will take care of them, and demand that they think and speak in lock-step with liberals.
There will be another election in 2020. The worst thing Republicans could do is run a crowded Primary beating each other up and giving campaign ammunition to Democrats to use against them. Voters must go to the polls, vote for Conservatives and, most important, teach our children how to discern which candidate is honest and which is trying to buy votes with "free" government giveaways. Teach them about the dignity of self-reliance and why their freedom to express their opinion and worship is important.
Gary Gillen owns and operates Gillen Pest Control in Richmond. He is the only person in history to have served on both the Richmond City Commission and the Rosenberg City Council. He was the Chairman of the Republican Party of Fort Bend County 2006-2007. He can be reached at firstname.lastname@example.com
By Gary Gillen
By now many of you have heard about the allegations against and the ultimate resignation of Katy Independent School District Superintendent Lance Hindt. I have met Dr. Hindt on one or two occasions at public events but do not know him personally beyond that. For those who have not read the story, the media reports that Dr. Hindt was accused of having been a bully when he was in high school. He denied the accusation and another person came forward alleging the same thing. An allegation like that is bound to attract attention and this one did.
Dr. Hindt has the right to defend himself including hiring an attorney to sue anyone he felt defamed him. But in this case, the school board was, according to news reports, planning to hire an attorney to sue their own constituents who complained about him, using taxpayer funds to do it. Interesting, but it gets better! Dr. Hindt, believing there was a "relentless smear campaign" against him, shocked the community by resigning. The school Board gave him $750,000-two years of salary- as a parting gift.
I don't know if Dr. Hindt was ever a bully, only he and his accusers really know what did or did not happen. And your perspective on this story will be determined by your opinion as to whom you believe is the victim. Were Dr. Hindt's accusers the victims of bullying? Was Dr. Hindt the victim of a "relentless smear campaign?" Or were the ultimate victims the Katy I.S.D. taxpayers? That will be for you to decide.
The reason I write this column today is to make this sad affair a teachable moment. This is a political column so let's look at this from a purely political viewpoint. When a political person, and a school superintendent qualifies, is accused of malfeasance, if guilty, he or she has three choices and two of them are bad. First, deny. This is what most do. Ultimately the truth will come out and the public official is now, not only guilty of the act, but also a liar. Second, Ignore. The media generally fills every void and speculation may be worse than the truth. Third, admit. Voters can be very forgiving. Admitting the act happened is difficult and uncomfortable but it is always the best route to take. Admit it, ask for forgiveness and become the poster child for stopping the bad behavior.
In this case, if he did what is alleged, I would have recommended that he get out in front of the issue, admit that he did it, ask for forgiveness and become the public face of anti-bullying efforts in the schools. He could go to every campus and talk about how he was a bully but turned his life around. If you believe his accusers are the victims, this will help you reach forgiveness.
If he did not do what is alleged, his resignation is troubling. An accused public official who resigns appears guilty. In politics perception is everything.
Finally, if you believe the taxpayers are the victims, you will have an opportunity to express your opinion at the next school board election. It is only then that we will find out whether the voters in Katy ISD approve of this $750,000 exit package.
Gary Gillen owns and operates Gillen Pest Control in Richmond. He is the only person in history to have served on both the Richmond City Commission and the Rosenberg City Council. He was the Chairman of the Republican Party of Fort Bend County 2006-2007. He can be reached at email@example.com
By Gary Gillen
I resent what a few high-level employees of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Department of Justice, who believe they know better than the people of this Republic, have done to harm the reputation of their own agencies. To de-legitimize the Trump election James Comey illegally leaked confidential information to orchestrate an Independent Counsel and get his friend appointed to that job. He has suffered no consequence for his action. Why?
I'm angry about what one political party has done to keep the President we elected from doing the job we elected him to do. They are slow walking all of President Trump's appointments that require Senate Confirmation for no reason other than stopping his administration.
I'm frustrated that the liberal media refuses to report the promises our President has kept since taking office. They won't even acknowledge his accomplishments.
I feel pity for people who cannot or will not think for themselves. These people watch the breathless anti-Trump reporting of the liberal media or the professional victims to blindly determine what they should be offended by each day.
I'm sad for the high school and college students who have endured the relentless indoctrination of political correctness. I am so glad I had Mr. Smith in high school who taught us about government and more important not what to think but how to think. And I never had a clue to his political beliefs. That is a real teacher!
I'm disappointed in conservatives who think for themselves but do nothing about it. They don't care enough to vote or get involved in campaigns to reduce the size, cost and footprint of our ever-growing government. This column went to press before the May 22nd Run-Off Election, so I can't tell you how many people cared enough to vote but if history is any guide the turnout will have been abysmal.
I'm afraid for the young people who are coddled by their parents. We should love our children, but we should make them self-reliant. "My child couldn't have done that" is a familiar refrain at schools today. Doing the banking for your grown child is doing them no favor. They need to take responsibility for themselves.
There is a war going on in this country. A full-blown frontal assault against family, faith and justice. Call it political correctness, progressivism or any other name. If these people disagree with you they don't debate you, they try to shut you down. They will deny you the right to be heard.
It is time we all stand up for our rights. We can start by talking to our children. Explain to them why they should consider consequence over convenience. Why they should think long term over impulse.
If you want to leave your children a world of free speech, of rights, we must teach them the value of that free speech. It may seem to them fun or even effective to walk out of or drown out speech they disagree with but what happens when it is their speech that gets drown out? Ask them how they would feel if they lived in a country with no free speech?
There are no "safe spaces" in life. Better they learn that now then when they are on their own.
Gary Gillen owns and operates Gillen Pest Control in Richmond. He is the only person in history to have served on both the Richmond City Commission and the Rosenberg City Council. He was the Chairman of the Republican Party of Fort Bend County 2006-2007. He can be reached at email@example.com
By Gary Gillen
Judge Cannata Appointed by Governor Abbott
After more than 10 years on the Justice of the Peace bench in Fort Bend County Precinct 3, Judge Ken Cannata was appointed by Governor Greg Abbott to be presiding Judge of the newly created 458th Judicial District Court of Fort Bend County.
A graduate of the University of South Florida, Judge Cannata received his Doctor of Jurisprudence with honors from the South Texas College of Law in 1983. During his tenure as Justice of the Peace, the growth of Precinct 3 caused his court to become the busiest in Fort Bend County. The filings in the court tripled yet he was able to operate the court efficiently with virtually the same staff, while maintaining the same high level of service to the public.
Judge Cannata will bring that same common sense administration he perfected at the Justice of the Peace level to the District Court. Taxpayers will see that he is always careful with taxpayer dollars. Further, Cannata is the first Fort Bend County District Court Judge to be Board Certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization in Civil Trial Law.
I have had the opportunity to see Judge Cannata in the courtroom on several occasions. Since juvenile cases, particularly truancy, flow through Justice of the Peace courts, I have watched him talk to these young people. He connects with them in a way that most adults are unable, then converses with attorneys on very complex and complicated cases with the same ease and success.
His court is efficient, moving a high volume of cases quickly but making certain everyone feels they receive time to present their side and they feel they got a fair hearing of the facts. Our courts must be fair and even handed. I believe Judge Cannata sets the standard for fairness.
As taxpayers, seeing an elected official handle a tripling of work without significant increases in staff, while still maintaining a high level of service, is refreshing. Our judges are guardians of justice both to the parties in court and to the taxpayers as well. Judge Cannata proves that every day.
Judge Cannata has been an active member of our community serving as executive director and board member of the Fort Bend Youth Football League for over ten years. He has previously served as a Committeeman with the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and is presently a volunteer for the West Fort Bend Women's Charity. He is a former director and President of the Fort Bend Dispute Resolution Center and is a life member of both the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and the Fort Bend County Fair Association. He and his wife Susan celebrated their 39th wedding anniversary this past July. They have 3 children and 2 grandchildren. Ken and Susan have resided in the Pecan Grove subdivision in Richmond since 1993.
Judge Cannata's experience and his reputation for fairness have resulted in his appointment being positively received. The Fort Bend legal community and community leaders agree that his appointment by Governor Abbott is well deserved. The people of Fort Bend County are fortunate to have a respected, legal mind on the bench, in the 458th District Court.
Gary Gillen owns and operates Gillen Pest Control in Richmond. He is the only person in history to have served on both the Richmond City Commission and the Rosenberg City Council. He was the Chairman of the Republican Party of Fort Bend County 2006-2007. He can be reached at email@example.com
By Gary Gillen
Neighbor Helping Neighbor
While it only rained for 5 days, not 40, it was almost biblical in volume. For some lucky folks, it hardly affected their schedules. For others, their lives were altered forever. Some lost everything. Many will spend months, even years, recovering. Some will never really recover. To see the devastation is truly heartbreaking.
As Christians, we are called to help those in need. This week I witnessed that and more. A friend had water in his house so several friends went to work removing carpet, flooring and sheetrock. One might think that service, repeated thousands of times across Texas since Harvey arrived, was the story from a Christian perspective and perhaps it is.
I submit, however, that there is a larger story here. It is the story I witnessed in my friend's neighborhood.
When I arrived in Riverstone that morning, the streets were already lined with piles of sheetrock, carpet and the soaked pieces of so many interrupted lives. Furniture, children's toys, cabinets were piled high beside the street awaiting the claw-fitted trucks that would soon arrive to take these mounds of memories to places where mountains of memories are being built.
The streets were also lined with cars and pickup trucks. Homeowners, relatives, friends all arriving to help with the hot, dirty task of "mucking" houses, removing water-soaked carpet, sheetrock, furniture and sand.
Too many cars, too much debris, hot temperatures and challenging work. But no disputes, no arguments. An attitude of hopefulness mixed with exhaustion and appreciation. I saw White, South Asian, Hispanic, and Black. I do not know the religious beliefs of any of them. It didn't matter today. Mostly, I saw people. People whose homes were unlivable. People who wanted to help friends.
Groups came by to deliver bags with hot dogs, chips and cookies. Others delivered very welcome ice-cold water bottles. No one asked about our political beliefs or our faith. It was just people helping those who needed help. Neighbors loaning tools, wheel barrows and words of encouragement to people who were short of confidence but long on determination.
My experience is just a single story among many thousand across the gulf coasts of Texas and Louisiana. As a Texan and an American, I'm proud of the enormous response we've seen from across the country and, really, around the world. This disaster has pulled the heart strings of so many people and their generosity is remarkable.
Please remember that another disaster will happen. The attention of the media will move to another story. We will be distracted by politics or sports or celebrity lives. For many people though, their lives have changed. They will never be the same and they will continue to need your help. Please do not forget them. Recovery from a life-altering disaster like Hurricane Harvey and the attendant post-traumatic stress will take months if not years. Your neighbors will continue to need your generosity, your understanding and your support. Don't forget them.
If you have been part of the response to Harvey, let me say, "thank you." Your generosity has changed lives. Let's prove that we are a generous people now and in the future.
After all, wouldn't you want that for yourself?
Gary Gillen owns and operates Gillen Pest Control in Richmond. He is the only person in history to have served on both the Richmond City Commission and the Rosenberg City Council. He was the Chairman of the Republican Party of Fort Bend County 2006-2007. He can be reached at firstname.lastname@example.com
By Gary Gillen
Politics As It Should Be
Many Americans are frustrated by the slow pace in Washington. We elected Republican majorities in the House and Senate and a Republican President because this nation so desperately needs change. The liberal media has made much of the fact that the current administration, in the first six months of its term has not "repealed and replaced" the job killing Obamacare and rewritten the tax code. Those promises, therefore, were "lies." They don't want the Trump administration to succeed so they aren't telling you that the Democratic Party, in its inexorable move to socialism, class warfare and identity-politics, has ceased to be a "loyal opposition" and has become the party of resistance, even though it hurts the very Americans they claim to want to help.
No one dislikes the staggering premiums or the breathtaking deductibles Obamacare has wrought more than I do. I feel for my employees who have insurance but cannot afford to use it. The Democrats created this monster by forcing it down our throats without discussion, debate or even letting us read it. It is now failing in a most dramatic fashion with one third of all counties in the US having only one health insurance provider. No competition means higher premiums and deductibles.
As of this writing the Senate has approved only 46 of the 178 appointees Trump has submitted to the Senate. By this time in his first term Obama had 183 confirmed. Our government agencies are, by and large, run by Obama appointees and the Senate Democrats are using parliamentary games to stop or slow the appointments process.
The liberal media also won't tell you about the regulations the Obama administration put in place without Congressional input, without legally required public comment and without concern for the jobs, industries and lives those regulations destroyed.
Our previous President bragged he would rule with "a phone and a pen" while our current President wants to use the Constitution and Congress. The way it was meant to be; messy, slow, open and even painful. Our forefathers envisioned government that guaranteed the right of minorities to be heard but the majority's right to govern. Sadly, Congress has transferred much of its authority to Federal agencies rather than make tough choices. This enabled President Obama to make sweeping changes by royal fiat. The courts have already begun to turn back some of the most egregious of those rules and the Trump Administration has begun to roll back many as well.
This might be an appropriate time to educate our young and remind ourselves that governing isn't instant like Amazon or Uber, and it shouldn't be. Government should be slow and deliberate. Our representatives should consider, think and debate. They should hear the minority viewpoint and consider their concerns but they should not surrender to the popular or trendy. The majority should rule. Our constitution starts simply, "We the People." The words "elite, East Coast, or Liberal" do not appear yet those of us in "fly-over" country seem to be dismissed and ignored regularly. We should also remind our children that they will not always get what they want. Perhaps they should consider that what they want isn't always what's best for them.
Republicans must fix this Democratic mess but let's do it the right way.
Gary Gillen owns and operates Gillen Pest Control in Richmond. He is the only person in history to have served on both the Richmond City Commission and the Rosenberg City Council. He was the Chairman of the Republican Party of Fort Bend County 2006-2007. He can be reached at firstname.lastname@example.com
By Gary Gillen
The story you didn't hear
Depending on where you get your news, you might be aware that some immature millennials, some call them snowflakes, are still unable to cope with either the loss by Hillary Clinton or the win of the Presidency by Donald Trump. The courts have, yet again, blocked President Trump's order to pause immigration from several countries, which, depending on your source of news, is either an effort to protect Americans from terrorism or a blatant anti-Muslim action. According to the liberal news, the Senate Democrats are bravely keeping President Trump's cabinet nominees from undermining the Obama legacy or if you believe conservative sources, they are endangering Americans by blocking these appointees from assuming office and leaving entire Federal agencies under the control of Obama appointees.
However, there is another story you may not have heard about. It is a story the national media and particularly the liberal media hasn't reported because it isn't in New York, Washington,DC or California, not east or west coast. It's a story about millennials who aren't snowflakes. Young people who don't need safe spaces, who don't feel entitled. It's about young people who help others without being asked. It's about Americans in "flyover" country. People who work hard every day, go to church on Sunday, help their neighbors, pay their taxes and ask for nothing from the government. They don't protest; they work. They don't feel entitled; they appreciate the opportunities this nation offers them. They don't demand government handouts; instead they help each other.
Two of them, 20 and 22 years old (millennials) died trying to open gates to allow cattle to escape a fast moving fire driven by 70 mile per hour winds. Any death is tragic, and the deaths of this young couple and others in the fires are no less so. Many have lost their entire herds of cattle, their homes, their barns and every living thing, plant or animal, on their ranches. This fire will end their way of life.
The scale of these fires is staggering and that makes the deafening silence of the media all the more unforgivable. Well over one million acres in the panhandle of Texas, Oklahoma, Colorado and Kansas have been devastated by these fast moving infernos.
Let me put this in perspective. Fort Bend County is comprised of 885 square miles. This fire is twice that size. The fire is larger than Rhode Island, larger than Delaware; it is the size of Connecticut. Lives have been lost as well as tens of thousands of cattle and hundreds of homes. The way of life of so many lost or altered forever, yet the media hasn't cared enough to even report it.
Farmers and ranchers in flyover country have poured their generosity on this hard hit region. This is another story you aren't hearing on the liberal airwaves. Ordinary, hard-working people are giving from the heart, sending food and money to the victims of this awful tragedy. GoFundMe accounts have been set up to pay for funerals. Caravans of trucks are transporting thousands of bales of hay to feed the surviving cattle.
The response to this tragedy is what makes America great. We are generous, we are caring and we step up in a time of need. But you wouldn't know that if you watch the mainstream media.
Gary Gillen owns and operates Gillen Pest Control in Richmond. He is the only person in history to have served on both the Richmond City Commission and the Rosenberg City Council. He was the Chairman of the Republican Party of Fort Bend County 2006-2007. He can be reached at email@example.com
By Gary Gillen
Morning in America Again!
You can feel it in the air. A new day is dawning and the entire country is optimistic, hopeful and happy. The election of Donald Trump as President has changed the country already. By the time you read this article he will be in the important first 100 days of his administration and its promise to put Americans back to work.
As I write this column in mid-January we have seen the Electoral College cast their ballots and elect Trump. We have also seen the stock market jump "bigly" as Trump himself might say; proof that the markets like his election. And who are "the markets?" People, stockholders, businesses. Investors see a future that reduces taxes, reduces the onerous regulations that the anti-business Obama Administration dumped on us and lets business grow. With that growth will be more jobs, better jobs and higher wages. Our youth can learn the feeling of accomplishment that comes with responsibility.
The December 2016 labor report was pitiful. 156,000 new jobs created BUT 41,000 were part time and 12,000 were government jobs. 23.5 million working-age men were still out of work. Over 5 million people held part time jobs because they couldn't find full time. The average work week in December was 34.3 hours thanks to the 35 hour work week in Obama care.
Republicans in Congress have a rare opportunity, with control of the White House, Senate and House of Representatives, to create an environment that rewards work not victims. That takes away disincentives for job creation. That celebrates success instead of demonizing it. That unleashes the pent up energy of our great nation. It is important that they take this opportunity to do what they have promised.
In our last issue I talked about 'Our "participant ribbon" Nation' (available at GaryGillen.com) and how our children are reacting to President Trumps' election. This is a great opportunity for us to remember and them to learn the basics of how the world's greatest democracy should work. Our system guarantees the rights of the minority to be heard but recognizes that the majority should rule. Republicans from Washington to Austin and Richmond can educate our youth on the importance of majority rule while protecting the minority's right to be heard and participate in debate.
A wise man once told me that "Government moves slowly." As I get older I understand the beauty of that phrase. Government should not get ahead of the people's understanding and acceptance of change. Forcing change down the throat of Americans as President Obama did with his rule by executive order, in the words of Japanese Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto, "…awaken a sleeping giant and fill him with a terrible resolve."
And it is up to us and our children to remember that just because we have the right to do something does not mean it is the right thing to do. Peaceful protest is an American right. The important qualifier is "peaceful." I hope those who voted against President Trump will give him the chance to show what he can do and his supporters will understand that our government was built on compromise. I did not say capitulation I said compromise. The minority has a right to be heard but not to dictate.
Let's join President Trump and Make America Great Again!
Gary Gillen owns and operates Gillen Pest Control and Gillen Political Strategies in Richmond. He is the only person in history to have served on both the Richmond City Commission and the Rosenberg City Council. He was the Chairman of the Republican Party of Fort Bend County 2006-2007. He can be reached at firstname.lastname@example.com
By Gary Gillen
Our "participant ribbon" Nation
They didn't like the results. Half of the country didn't. They hadn't liked the candidate. They weren't alone. They were devastated and couldn't even go to class the next morning. They needed a safe place. Some elite colleges offered counseling. Some professors cancelled tests or forgave absences.
This, I believe, is the fault of my generation. We didn't want to see our children disappointed. We couldn't face the hurt in their eyes when they did not get what they wanted. Some of my generation thought spanking cruel; that corporal punishment was degrading.
So it started with tantrums. You've seen them, children on the floor screaming…in public. Parents ignoring the screams. Other shoppers trying to block out the noise. Teaching children that it is acceptable behavior to create chaos. Ignoring the right of others to go about their business in peace.
As they grew up these same parents defended their children from authority. "My child could not have done that." Changing the atmosphere in schools from parents and teachers working together to an adversarial relationship. And the parents tolerated disrespect. Disrespect of institutions, of authority figures even of those parents themselves. Part of growing up they thought.
Then came the assault on success. Honoring one child for succeeding somehow belittled all the others. So they quit keeping score. That way both teams won. The First, second and third place ribbons gave way to the Participant ribbon. Now we are all winners!
Then in high school these same parents looked away as their children questioned authority. And it wasn't enough to question, they also accused and disrespected their teachers, speakers and the administration. So administrators began to respond to every complaint of these children. I recall that when my daughter asked permission to start the first Republican Club at her high school she was also required to find students to start a Democrat Club. While I had a great teacher in High School social studies who taught us not what to think but how to think, that is often not the case today.
Then some colleges allowed their faculties to become so liberal that students with opposing views weren't challenged to defend their beliefs but were intimidated to be quiet. And the students have been taught to be victims. Victims of racism, sexism, even –isms we haven't heard of.
And we come to today. Students need "safe places." Incivility is common on some campuses. Speakers, almost always conservative, are refused entry or heckled. Many colleges have ceased to be laboratories of thought, places of great debate about important issues. Some have become petty places of censorship. Places where independent thought is discouraged and only groupthink is allowed.
For days after Donald Trump won the election for President of the United States protesters, some young, naïve and coddled others professional anarchists, protested. They blocked roads and highways making life difficult for thousands trying to go about their business. Like the child in the grocery store having a tantrum, they screamed for attention.
It is time for parents to call their children and explain to them that they don't always get their way; that they will face adversity in life. That in life there are no participant ribbons.
Gary Gillen owns and operates Gillen Pest Control and Gillen Political Strategies in Richmond. He is the only person in history to have served on both the Richmond City Commission and the Rosenberg City Council. He was the Chairman of the Republican Party of Fort Bend County 2006-2007. He can be reached at firstname.lastname@example.com
By Gary Gillen (as seen in the Herald Coaster)
Richmond City Charter Election
Dear Editor:
It is so rare that the City of Richmond asks citizens for guidance that it is critical for us to be informed and vote. We all owe a debt of gratitude to Richmond resident Tres Davis who took the time to study our charter, learn the procedures to bring about change and worked to gather the signatures needed to force the City to hold the Charter Change election we will hold May 7th.
To be clear, the Charter is the rule book the citizens adopt telling our elected officials what we expect of them. We adopted the current Charter in 2013. It is a reminder to our elected officials that they work for us and not the other way around. They MUST follow the rules in the Charter.
For too long far too much power has been vested in too few people in Richmond. With only two Commissioners and a Mayor, not every citizen feels represented. The first issue on the ballot is increasing the number of Commissioners to four. This long needed change will help the Commission serve our citizens, all of them, better by increasing the number of citizens involved in the governance of Richmond. I hope our citizens will adopt this much needed reform and vote "Yes".
If we are to avoid ever increasing taxes to fund City operations we will need to annex more property. New citizens will have the right to vote for our leaders but under the current system it is conceivable that the new citizens could eventually outnumber the current voter base. To make certain that the current citizens are always well represented it is crucial that we adopt Single Member Districts over the current "At-Large" system we have. The Districts could be drawn to guarantee our current citizens are always well represented. I hope our citizens will vote "Yes"
If you think the City was pleased to hold this election the next two items on the ballot should disabuse you of that thought. I mentioned that Tres Davis used the Charter to affect change. He gathered 150 signatures, as required by the Charter we adopted three years ago, and forced the City to call this election. The Charter committee, appointed by the Mayor and current Commissioners, decided to try to make it harder for our citizens to ever force change again. Items three and four of the ballot would increase the number of signatures required from 150 to 300 for Charter changes and Recall Elections, a huge increase for a city the size of Richmond. It calls to mind the question, "if 150 was good enough in 2013, why does it need to be 300 in 2016?" It is clear that the city leaders are angry that their hand was called so they want to raise the bar so no one else dare question their wisdom. I hope our citizens see through this ploy and vote "No" on item three and "No" on item four.
Finally, our city leaders want to limit the financial information of the City that you see. Currently the annual audit of City finances is required to be published in the newspaper where everyone can see it. Item five of this election, added to the ballot by the Mayor and Commissioner's hand picked committee, would stop the publishing of the Audit where we can see it and require you to go to City Hall and request to view the audit. While city leaders may claim this is an effort to save money, the minimal cost of providing citizens with access to the financial audit of the city and how our leaders are spending our money is of much greater value. There are many other ways to save money. Why would any elected leader want to make it more inconvenient and difficult for taxpayers to view this audit of City finances?
I hope our citizens will vote "No" to this effort to hide our financial records.
Gary Gillen


text:
Pecan pie was a dessert originating from the planet Earth.
One of Trip Tucker's favorite dishes was pecan pie. According to him, "it may not be good for the body, but it sure is good for the soul." Taking his advice, T'Pol later brought a slice of pecan pie to her quarters. (ENT: "Breaking the Ice")
Pecan pie was among the spoils of the Ferengi raid conducted against Enterprise NX-01 in 2151. (ENT: "Acquisition")
Early the next year, while stranded in the desert region of the Torothan homeworld, Tucker wished he could have had pecan pie. (ENT: "Desert Crossing")
In 2371, Kathryn Janeway treated Gathorel Labin of the Sikarians to dinner. One of the dishes he enjoyed was pecan pie, and he asked for the recipe. (VOY: "Prime Factors")


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