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When Vallerie Guillory looks at the cracking cement and weed-ridden 3.5-acre field just west of U.S. 301, she sees the potential for something big, such as a job training and service center for the homeless, a place where they can sleep safely while trying to get back on their feet.
Guillory, who once was homeless, understands the plight of people with health or addiction issues who repeatedly land in the emergency room or in jail, who cannot afford the Salvation Army, who worry about being arrested as they sleep on side streets that tourists never travel.
Service providers and Sarasota leaders are taking a slow, measured approach to addressing the homeless population. There is talk of hiring an expert to analyze the situation. Some say a center similar to what Guillory proposes might be needed.
And as they talk, Guillory is racing to set up a stable, safe place for people who sleep in hidden camps or along Florida Avenue, in the city's Rosemary District.
Deborah Hines, 53, is among those who sleep on Florida Avenue. She has been homeless for five months and says Guillory's plan, or a similar setup, is needed.
"People are that desperate out here," she said. "People don't realize how hard it is to go forward when you're sleeping on sidewalks and all your stuff is in bags."
The Community Foundation of Sarasota County is one of the key organizations searching for a better way to handle homelessness. It is trying to bring service providers together to tackle the issue.
John Annis, who works for the Foundation, said a center like Guillory wants might be necessary -- and he likes the price of the U.S. 301 lot. Owner Rodney Dessburg is leasing the field to Guillory for $1 a year.
"I actually think the location is not horrible, if it's done correctly," Annis said. "How can we not at least take a look at it?"
But Sarasota City Commissioner Shannon Snyder has a different response.
"Hell no," he said, echoing the sentiment of many in the neighborhood.
About 20 homeless people set up tents on the property near Gillespie Park a couple weeks ago, and residents are telling city officials they fear that their neighborhood is becoming more dangerous.
City code enforcers have told Guillory no one can sleep on the property and that she needs a special permit to use the land the way she wants.
Doubt and opposition have not deterred the volunteer, who runs Trinity Without Borders nonprofit. She is nonetheless gathering ideas on her dream and plans to apply for a permit.
"It may sound far-fetched," she said. "But it's possible."
Atmosphere a problem
Amanda Bartholomew, 38, has been homeless for three weeks and has avoided sleeping at Florida Avenue near 10th Street, the most visible site where people camp out in Sarasota.
"I didn't like the atmosphere there," she said of the sidewalk next to Rosemary Cemetery, where tarps and blankets are draped over the fence to provide shelter.
Bartholomew is a mechanic who lost her job repairing scooters and other vehicles. Her boyfriend, James McKnight, 48, has been a cook since he was a teenager but is unemployed. After a fight with their neighbors, they were told to leave their home.
When Bartholomew heard about Guillory's site off U.S. 301, she moved there. It felt safer. She knew if anyone brought drugs or weapons on the property someone would call Guillory, who would contact police.
But none of the amenities were in place. Bartholomew had to go to the bathroom in a bucket. She went to the emergency room last week after she got a sinus infection from sleeping on the ground in the field.
She moved last week after the city code issues forced everyone to abandon the property. Like many homeless, Bartholomew is hesitant to say where she is staying now. If police find out, she worries she could be arrested or told to move.
Bartholomew is among the 60 or so "candidates" who Guillory said fit her vision for the camp. She would require sobriety and offer safe, quiet places to sleep, such as trailers or possibly tents. During the day, she wants to offer GED classes and have people teach different trades.
The center would be less structured than the Salvation Army and would not require the $10 fee from anyone who stays more than 10 nights.
For a while, some police told people sleeping along Florida Avenue that they would let them be while Guillory worked on her center, Robin Cousino said. Cousino, 52, sleeps on the street and has been homeless for a long time. She knows many officers, and said they use her as a point person to spread messages among the many homeless camps in the area.
Since Guillory's plan has slowed, Cousino said police are preparing to move people off the portion of Florida Avenue where she resides with dozens of others.
Several people, including Hines, aren't sure where to go next.
"I don't know," Hines said, shaking her head as she thought of other places to stay. "Go wander the streets."
"It would be so simple if they give us that property," she said wistfully.
Pushing for a contract
Advocates and some city leaders are pushing for Sarasota to contract with Dr. Robert Marbut, a controversial figure who has helped municipalities across the nation come up with plans to handle homelessness.
His work in Pinellas County, San Antonio and elsewhere included creating a large-scale shelter. Guillory is basing her idea on his, and said she is desperate to bring him here.
City Manager Tom Barwin has met with Marbut and wanted the city to help cover his fee, which is more than $15,000. But a Government in the Sunshine lawsuit froze Barwin's efforts, and private service providers -- led by the Community Foundation of Sarasota County -- have picked up the charge.
The foundation has enough money to cover Marbut's visit, Annis said, but he wants to be sure Sarasota is ready to execute whatever plan Marbut and the community come up with. There needs to be community buy-in and support from county and city commissioners, as well as a point person who will wake up each morning asking, "What am I doing about homelessness today?" Annis said.
He has someone in mind -- retired Deputy County Administrator Bill Little -- and hopes it will not be long before Sarasota is ready to hire Marbut and make changes.
Little said that Annis has not approached him about participating, but that he is interested in helping address homelessness. Little has read a lot of Marbut's material and doesn't know whether a campus like he has created elsewhere would work here.
"It's really hard to take someone's idea in St. Pete or in Texas and take it up and put it in Sarasota," he said.
If the campus is added, some city leaders said it should be in the county.
"I am very, very reluctant to increase the footprint of services in the downtown area," Commissioner Paul Caragiulo said. "We're doing more than our share, you know? The city can't absorb all this need."
The city and county cannot hand off responsibility, Little said. People need to collaborate and realize things won't improve overnight.
"If you can't make a commitment and say I'm committed to seeing this through to the end, you just have another process people go through and are fundamentally frustrated," he said.
Meanwhile, Guillory knows people could be told to leave Florida Avenue any day. She is constantly working on the field -- she's planning a community meeting to discuss it -- and asks people for $1, just $1, to help fund Marbut's visit.
"If a little organization is trying to do it on a little scale and they have the money to do it on a proper scale, then why not do it together?" she asked. "Or at least do something."
A nonprofit founder envisions a job training and service center in Sarasota, but struggles to make it happen
When Vallerie Guillory looks at the cracking cement and weed-ridden 3.5-acre field just west of U.S. 301, she sees the potential for something big, such as a job training and service center for the homeless, a place where they can sleep safely while trying to get back on their feet.


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The Pedlar has a fabulous weekend vibe, full of life an energy on a rainy day. Sticking to my 'order the most unusual thing on the menu' philosophy, I was very excited to see that they offer Pan-seared Sardines on their weekend brunch menu. Sadly, they were out, so I made do with the Fried Duck Egg ($18) with sweet corn fritters, whipped goat's curd and roasted tomatoes, plus a fresh orange juice ($6.50). The juice came out quickly and was a good size, although it did have a lot of ice in it. Brunch was beautifully presented, with the huge fried egg in the centre and three clusters of fritters, tomatoes and greens around it. My first thought was that I would have liked some bread of some sort to mop up the perfectly runny yolk with – it had a surprisingly salty tang, which boosted the flavour overall. The fritters were also well-seasoned, and had just the right balance to avoid being dry or soggy, and went perfectly with the very tasty goat's curd. The tomatoes were a nice touch too, and I left feeling well-fed. The staff were really friendly and welcoming – I'm looking forward to trying the sardines next time!
The Pedlar, 65 Constitution Avenue, Campbell ACT, http://thepedlar.com.au/

subset: commoncrawl


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Rob, while living in Toronto for the last 6 years, has filled his time with sports, travel, concerts, and exploring dive bars, while never letting his undying passion for video games fade. The intricacies of game design have always interested Rob, and so thousands of hours of video games of all genres and a deep desire to explore the new age of entertainment has led him to the creation and success of his two gaming channel on YouTube and Twitch, and now Cosmic Games.
Tony is a highly experienced business leader and IT professional that has worked at all levels of application and game development including engine design, performance auditing, system administration, regression, and user acceptance testing. Tony excels most at polymorphic system and AI development, and has always been passionate about creating unique and engaging worlds for players to escape into and explore.
Preston is a Texas based multi media giant. Boasting so many successful YouTube channels he does not even have the time to write this bio. So Robert is doing it instead.


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When my husband and I got married, we knew very little about each other's finances.
Money was such a taboo topic that when we finally did discuss money, I was shocked to learn about my husband's credit card debt and he didn't know I had so much student loan debt.
Our inability to discuss money prior to marriage started us off on rocky financial ground that plagued our marriage for years to come.
My husband is a spender, and I'm a saver. While the experts may agree that opposites attract, when it comes to finances, having such opposite viewpoints can cause financial strife.
We worked hard to get to a point where we found financial balance.
Here are three ways we created financial balance in our marriage, and how you can too.
1. Be a Team
When it comes to money, it's very easy to look at your paychecks as "yours and mine." But this type of mindset can be detrimental to your long-term financial goals, as well as your view of your partnership.
Keeping tabs of who's bringing in how much can create marital discord if you're trying to continually even out the scorecard.
There are obviously times when you should be smart with you and your partner's money. For example, if they have a gambling problem or refuse to contribute to the household, either financially or by being a homemaker, that's understandably going to create friction.
However, it's important to differentiate these drastic examples from an everyday partnership where both couples are contributing.
There's no point in keeping score because you both play for the same team.Remember that you & your spouse are playing for the same team before arguing about #money Click To Tweet
2. Share the Same Goals
To truly create financial balance, you have to be working toward the same financial goals. Do you want security in retirement? Do you want to travel the world? Would you like to be homeowners?
All these things require some form of financial commitment and independence. You can't create financial harmony in your marriage if you're both working toward opposing money goals.
If you share the same goals, but you prioritize them differently, try to compromise by contributing to both goals equally. What if he wants that second honeymoon to Maui and you want to get the full 401(K) match at work? You can work toward both goals.
3. Check In Regularly
How often do you and your partner talk about money? It's not enough to put your finances on autopilot.
With major life events, financial priorities can change. And even week to week, there may be reasons to shift the budget.
Check in with each other regularly to make sure you're still on the same financial plan. It can be as little as 10-minute conversations every week to ensure that you're still working toward the same goals and you both agree with how your money is being spent.
How have you and your partner created financial balance within your relationship? Did you struggle to reach that point, or were you always open about money?


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I ❤ lace! – Multnomah in Malabrigo sock yarn…
and LilyCat loves Bug!
Lots of working going on around here, so there is little of most everything else. I did try a few new recipes – the winners of the bunch were Grilled turkey with apple chutney and candied garlic green beans. DH picked up the recipe card from Publix – where he tasted the dishes. It is a hit in my book. I changed the apple drink to apple cider, actually grilled the turkey loin (not pan seared), and used more green beans than were called for. I think we'll even make this over the holiday.
As for crafting, I've been working on a small shawl that I learned about from Manic Purl's podcast: Multnomah. I'm doing mine in Malabrigo sock and will do more repeats to use up the yarn. The pattern calls for 10 repeats, but I'll probably have enough to do 12 or 13 (on 11 right now).
Miss Bug enjoyed her first venture into trick-or-treating. It was the first time she has been able to stay awake until dark on the actual day. She was a ferocious black cat.
Dad took her to the pumpkin patch for school, but she has become terrified of the wagon or the ride or something. She cried on the wagon, but managed to pick out a pumpkin.
We've been enjoying the outside…


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Your privacy is important to Nippon Energy. The following Privacy Policy discloses the information practices followed by Nippon Energy with respect to your personal information gathered to help us assess your request for a solar panel system and with respect to Nippon Energy's public website, including the type of information that we gather, the way we use information internally and our policy regarding sharing information with others.
Personal information gathered on our public website means any information that is related to an identified person, or that may be used to identify an individual, including, but not limited to: first and last name; email address; a home, postal or other physical address or other contact information; title, birth date, gender, occupation, industry, or personal interests; and other information necessary or useful to provide a product or service that you have requested.
Personal information gathered about customers interested in a solar panel system is only accessible by appropriate personnel who have a business need for the information. We provide training and communication programs to educate our personnel about the meaning and requirements of this privacy statement. We use systems, policies and procedures to maintain the accuracy of customer information and to protect it from loss, misuse, or alteration.
Personal information about our customers or former customers will only be disclosed as permitted or required by law. At this time we do not collect any personal information and we do not sell personal information about you to unrelated companies for their independent use.
We do not collect the domain names and IP addresses of our visitors for statistical purposes. We do not disclose this information to third parties. We may aggregate information relating to our visitors' traffic patterns from the data that we collect and retain concerning the IP addresses and domain names of our visitors, and we may divulge such aggregate information about our users with third parties such as our business partners, distributors, and service and support providers.
You may visit our website anonymously if you wish, by using appropriate software or web services available from or through third parties.
You should know that e-mail is not necessarily secure against all forms of interception. If your communication includes sensitive information about you and you would prefer not to transmit this information in this fashion, please contact us by mail or telephone rather than e-mail.
We collect only those e-mail addresses that are volunteered by the visitor, through e-mail messages addressed to our company or its employees, or through visitor responses via the "contact us" portion of the site, e-mail marketing destination web pages and public events.
We use the lists of e-mail addresses for marketing purposes and to inform those interested in our products about events, products, services or other items of interest. We may also use the lists of e-mail addresses volunteered by our visitors to register the visitor for an extranet account or to process orders for brochures and other written materials.
You may opt-out of receiving the promotional or marketing e-mails at any time by sending an email to email@example.com with subject Opt-out. This opt-out procedure will not be available for e-mails that are necessary to provide confirmation of a completed transaction (such as a purchase, service request or change in the visitor's user profile) or for e-mails that confirm a visitor's status as a registered user of the Nippon Energy customer extranet.
may use a mailing address or phone number that a visitor provides for a variety of Nippon Energy-related reasons. We may send periodic mailings to visitors or make telephone calls to inform those visitors who have provided a mailing address or telephone number of new products, services or events.
If you do not wish to receive such calls or mailings, you may request to be removed from the contact list by contacting Nippon Energy at email@example.com
Any information that you provide to us via our website will be used for our purposes only. Your information will not be shared with other individuals or other companies. However, in some instances we may need to provide your name and delivery address to third parties that we use for delivering specific products or services to you (such as support services, shipping or direct mail organizations). In such cases, your name and delivery address are never shared by these third parties. Nippon Energy may access your information in the event of a dispute, in response to legal process or law enforcement inquiries, abuse of our website, or violation of our Terms of Use Policy.
We do not structure our website to attract children. Accordingly, we do not to intend to collect personal information from anyone whom we know to be under 13 years of age.
At times Nippon Energy's website may contain links to other sites. When you click on one of these links you are being transferred to a website operated by someone other than Nippon Energy, and the operator of that website may have a different privacy policy. Nippon Energy does not share your personal information with these websites and is not responsible for their individual privacy practices. We encourage you to investigate the privacy policies of these operators.
By using our website, you consent to the collection and use of your information as we have outlined in this Privacy Policy and to our Terms of Use Policy. Nippon Energy may decide to change this Privacy Policy from time to time. When we do, we will post those changes on this page so that you are always aware of the information we collect, how we use it, and under what circumstances we disclose it.
We welcome comments and questions on this Privacy Policy. As stated above, we are dedicated to protecting your privacy, and we will make every reasonable effort to keep your information secure. Questions regarding our Privacy Policy should be directed via e-mail to email@example.com.


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7 Day Dry-Aged Minced Mutton
Region: Farmison & Co Trusted Farm, UK
Shelf Life: Min. 3 Days
Ideal for all manner of dishes, our Minced Mutton boasts the standout flavour that sets our mutton apart, with a good ratio of fat to meat to give melting tenderness and real taste upon cooking. As such it's a great introduction to just how good our heritage breed mutton is, often very hard to source, ours promises real character and depth of flavour by virtue of the rich pastures our flocks graze upon.
Minced Mutton is a great alternative to that of Beef or Lamb. Any mince is regarded as a staple of a butcher's trade, but nowadays the focus is often making the mutton go as far as possible. Our approach is different, and hasn't changed for generations. The animals used are in their prime, grass fed, and sourced from small farms that produce consistent mutton, while the cuts used promise ample marbling and fat content for proper flavour and colouring. Our mutton brings you rich herbal flavours from the wild herbs and plants the sheep forage on.
This versatile Minced Mutton is big on taste, ideal for adding proper flavour and quality to dishes, and being wholesome and nutritious our mince is fantastic for everyday cooking. The strength of flavour works well with spiced from around the globe. Try using in your Shepherd's Pie with celeriac and juniper, making homemade gourmet burgers, or quickly frying before cooking long and slow with lamb stock and seasonal vegetables, and serving with Yorkshire Puddings. This Product Should Be Cooked Thoroughly
|Our Recipe & Tips for Cooking Minced Mutton


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CK parishioner Jane Lepak offers her professional knowledge and understanding in service to Christ the King as our Addiction Ministry Coordinator. Find literature and 12-Step Group schedules on the book rack. Contact Jane at 842-8142 any time. All calls are strictly confidential.
Christ the King is the meeting site for two AA groups. Arch of Freedom meets on Mondays at 7pm in the Fireplace Room, and the Britton Group meets on Tuesdays at 8pm in LL3.
Anna May guides participants through an hour of Tai Chi on Monday and Wednesday mornings from 10:30-11:30am in Room LL1. Tai Chi is a gentle way of improving balance and flexibility while decreasing stress. The cost is $6/class.
Join Stacey Allen in a weekly beginner's vinyasa flow yoga class to build strength and flexibility. We meet in Room LL1 on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30-6:30pm. Cost is $5/class. Bring your own mat, block and water.


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Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., chairwoman of the Senate Committee on Ag, said Thursday that farmers need more clarity on the U.S. EPA and Army Corps of Engineer's proposed Waters of the United States definition.
The clarity, a letter Stabenow and 12 other Senators sent to the EPA and Army Corps said, would help farmers make sure the "waters" rule doesn't have unintended effects on agriculture and on conservation efforts.
The Waters of the U.S. regulation is intended to clarify which waters are regulated under the Clean Water Act, though many farm groups say the definition expands the scope of the EPA's jurisdiction.
Related: Senators' Bill Aims to Block EPA Waters of the US Rule
"While we have long been supporters of the Clean Water Act protecting our nation's water resources, we want to make sure that the proposed jurisdictional rule and the interpretive rule do not have unintended effects on agriculture and on the conservation practices currently used by many of our nation's farmers and ranchers," the letter reads.
The letter addressed one key concern of farmers and ranchers – that the waters rule's interpretive rule regarding exempt conservation practices could undermine progress made in the 2014 Farm Bill.
"Voluntary conservation practices supported by USDA and expanded in the 2014 Farm Bill are the federal government's largest investment in the conservation of private working lands and critical to maintaining clean water, clean air, wildlife habitat, and other benefits," the letter said.
Related: House Bill Joins Senate Effort to Derail EPA's Waters Rule
"The proposed 'waters of the US' rule and the interpretive rule could undermine progress made in the 2014 Farm Bill if they create an atmosphere of uncertainty that results in fewer conservation practices or significant new burdens for our nation's farmers and ranchers."
The letter asks the agencies six specific questions for clarification to ensure the intent of the rule is met – to promote conservation practices and provide regulatory certainty for farmers and ranchers.
See all questions asked in the Senators' WOTUS letter >>
The following are questions taken directly from the Senators' July letter to EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy, Secretary of the Army John McHugh, and USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack.
1. Agency documents and congressional testimony state that the purpose of the interpretive rule is to provide certainty to farmers and ranchers by stating in advance that specific conservation practices are exempt from CWA permitting. However, before the release of the interpretive rule, the idea that conservation practices could ever trigger CWA permitting did not exist. By carving out a specific exemption for a certain number of conservation practices, an assumption has been created that but for this list, these certain conservation practices would have required a CWA permit. Is this true?
2. Privacy is of great concern to farmers, ranchers and forest owners. Many groups we have heard from are worried the interpretive rule could expose farmers and ranchers to citizen suits if they are not in compliance with NRCS standards. Can you tell us if the increased threat of citizen suits is real and if there are steps that EPA can take to insulate agriculture from unnecessary citizen suits?
3. The interpretive rule has also raised questions over requirements for conservation practices not included on the list. Many farmers and ranchers believe conservation practices have always qualified for the Section 404 "normal farming" activity exemption. However, issuing an interpretive rule with a finite number of conservation practices suggests that this was not always the case. Many stakeholders are concerned that conservation practices not included in the list of 56 practices automatically require a CWA permit. Can you clarify what the interpretive rule means for NRCS conservation practices not included on the list of 56 exempt practices? Did the EPA, Army Corps, and NRCS consider broadening the interpretive rule to cover more conservation activities?
4. Another question the interpretive rule raises is its effect on existing conservation efforts. NRCS provides important and valuable resources for conservation; but, as you know, there are many conservation efforts which do not involve NRCS financial or technical resources. Some stakeholders are concerned that requiring NRCS compliance in order to qualify for a CWA permit exemption could be damaging to existing conservation work not carried out with NRCS. For example, NRCS worked with the dairy industry to create the Dairy Environmental Handbook, which outlines best management practices for producers. Some of these practices are based on NRCS standards; however, they do not necessarily mirror NRCS requirements. If a producer follows guidelines in the Handbook, rather than guidelines from NRCS, will they be subject to liability under the CWA? Does the interpretive rule make this problem worse or does it help producers in this situation?
5. Switching attention to the proposed "waters of the US" rule, many questions have been raised about intermittent streams and low-lying areas on fields. Some concerned stakeholders believe that flow and runoff from fields may be categorized as tributaries, and thus regulated under the proposed rule. To this point, the proposed rule states that ephemeral features located on agricultural lands that do not possess a bed and bank are not tributaries. We believe defining the term bed and bank will significantly help resolve confusion as to which agricultural features can be classified as tributaries. Does the agency have plans to define these terms?
6. Farm drainage and ditches also raise significant concerns. EPA and the Army Corp clearly states in the proposed rule that upland ditches are exempt from permitting. In a guidance document on the EPA website, it states that the agency intends to include ditches collecting runoff or drainage from crop fields as upland ditches. However, the rule itself mentions only "ditches that are excavated wholly in uplands, drain only uplands, and have less than perennial flow." Many producers are concerned because their farms contain fields in floodplains. Because the ditches on these low-lying fields would not be considered upland ditches, they are concerned that these ditches are now jurisdictional. Can you please address this concern?


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Denis Papin
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Denis Papin FRS (French pronunciation: [dəni papɛ̃]; 22 August 1647 – 26 August 1713)[1] was a French physicist, mathematician and inventor, best known for his pioneering invention of the steam digester, the forerunner of the pressure cooker and of the steam engine.[2][3]
Denis Papin
Denis Papin, unknown artist, 1689.
|26 August 1713 (aged 66)
|Known for
|Steam digester
Life in FranceEdit
Born in Chitenay (Loir-et-Cher, Centre-Val de Loire Région), Papin attended a Jesuit school there, and from 1661 attended University at Angers, from which he graduated with a medical degree in 1669. In 1673, while working with Christiaan Huygens and Gottfried Leibniz in Paris, he became interested in using a vacuum to generate motive power.
First visit to LondonEdit
Papin first visited London in 1675, and worked with Robert Boyle from 1676 to 1679, publishing an account of his work in Continuation of New Experiments (1680).[4] During this period, Papin invented the steam digester, a type of pressure cooker with a safety valve. He first addressed the Royal Society in 1679 on the subject of his digester, and remained mostly in London until about 1687, when he left to take up an academic post in Germany.
As a Huguenot, Papin found himself greatly affected by the increasing restrictions placed on Protestants by Louis XIV of France and by the King's ultimate revocation of the Edict of Nantes in 1685. In Germany he was able to live with fellow Huguenot exiles from France.
In 1689, Papin suggested that a force pump or bellows could maintain the pressure and fresh air inside a diving bell. (Engineer John Smeaton utilised this design in 1789.[5][6])
While in Marburg in 1690, having observed the mechanical power of atmospheric pressure on his 'digester', Papin built a model of a piston steam engine, the first of its kind.
Papin continued to work on steam engines for the next fifteen years. In 1695 he moved from Marburg to Kassel. In 1705 he developed a second steam engine with the help of Gottfried Leibniz, based[citation needed] on an invention by Thomas Savery, but this used steam pressure rather than atmospheric pressure. Details of the engine were published in 1707.
During his stay in Kassel in Hesse, in 1704, he constructed a ship powered by his steam engine, mechanically linked to paddles. This made him the first to construct a steam-powered boat (or vehicle of any kind). Later, at the iron foundry in Veckerhagen (now Reinhardshagen), he cast the world's first steam cylinder.
Return to LondonEdit
Papin returned to London in 1707, leaving his wife in Germany. Several of his papers were put before the Royal Society between 1707 and 1712 without acknowledging or paying him, about which he complained bitterly. Papin's ideas included a description of his 1690 atmospheric steam engine, similar to that built and put into use by Thomas Newcomen in 1712, thought to be the year of Papin's death.
The last surviving evidence of Papin's whereabouts came in a letter he wrote dated 23 January 1712. At the time he was destitute ("I am in a sad case") [Royal Society Archives, 1894, Vol. 7, 74], and it is believed he died that year and was buried in an unmarked grave in London.
A record exists for the burial of a "Denys Papin" in an 18th-century Register of Marriages & Burials[7] which originally came from St Bride's Church, Fleet Street, London, but which is now stored in the London Metropolitan Archives. The record states that Denys Papin was buried at St Bride's on 26 August 1713 – just a few days after his 66th birthday – and that he was laid to rest in the Lower Ground, one of the two burial areas belonging to the church at the time.
Robert Boyle and Denis Papin inspecting Papin's digester
Steam-driven water-lifting machine by Papin in 1707, reconstruction, from Nouvelle manière d'élever l'eau par la force du feu. Musée des Arts et Métiers
Boulevard Denis Papin in Carcassonne is named after him. There is also a statue of Papin with his invention in Blois, at the top of the Escalier Denis Papin, a stairway.
- Nouvelle manière pour lever l'eau par la force du feu ... par m. D. Papin. A Cassel: pour Jacob Estienne libraire de la cour : par Jean Gaspard Voguel imprimeur. 1707.
- ^ Excerpt from St Bride's Register Marriages Burrials
- ^ Hindle, Brooke; Lubar, Steven (1986). Engines of Change: The American Industrial Revolution 1790-1860. Washington, DC and London: Smithsonian Institution Press. ISBN 0-87474-540-3.
- ^ Acta Eruditorum. Leipzig. 1689. p. 96.
- ^ Anita McConnell, 'Papin, Denis (1647–1712?)', Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, Oxford University Press, 2004, accessed 29 April 2006]
- ^ Davis, RH (1955). Deep Diving and Submarine Operations (6th ed.). Tolworth, Surbiton, Surrey: Siebe Gorman & Company Ltd. p. 693.
- ^ Acott, C. (1999). "A brief history of diving and decompression illness". South Pacific Underwater Medicine Society Journal. 29 (2). ISSN 0813-1988. OCLC 16986801. Retrieved 17 March 2009.
- ^ London Metropolitan Archives; Collection: Saint Bride; Title: "Register of Marriages Burrials &tc from 1695 to Aug 1714"; catalogue reference: P69/BRI/A/01/Ms6540/3. (seen June 2016)
External linksEdit
- Quotations related to Denis Papin at Wikiquote
- Media related to Denis Papin at Wikimedia Commons
- O'Connor, John J.; Robertson, Edmund F., "Denis Papin", MacTutor History of Mathematics archive, University of St Andrews.
- Works written by or about Denis Papin at Wikisource
- Works by Denis Papin at Project Gutenberg
- Works by Denis Papin at Open Library


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- Item No.: AG19
- Size: 10'
- Ribs: 8
- Shape: Octagon
- Height Open: 100.4"
- Height Closed: 88.2
- Coverage: 70 Sq. Ft.
- Lift: Crank
- Tilt: Tilt & Lock
- Pole Diameter: 2.7"
- Weight: 52 lbs
- Vent Style: Single Wind Vent (SWV)
Item # AG19-00/AG19-01
Shape Octagon
Vent Style Single Wind Vent
Pole Diameter 2.7"
Ribs 8
Height 86.3'
Weight 67 LBS
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25 Inimitable Men 1/25
Chuck Bartowski (Chuck)
We all have that one TV character we'll love the end of the time — the one we jokingly tell our significant other they should be more like. The one who's truly ideal. You can't not fall in love with Chuck Bartowski. When someone shows you so much of their heart and simultaneously loves Star Wars, it's a done deal. Am I right, ladies? But in all seriousness, there are a number of things that have made Chuck a noteworthy, noble character, and my all-time favorite TV male. Chuck's integrity, openness, and empathy effortlessly weaved into an unapologetic nerd makes him indescribably special. As Sarah Walker once said: "I love Chuck Bartowski and I don't know what to do about it." Same, Sarah. Same.


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Population registration, Mongolia
Implementation a biometric registration platform for Civil Registration system in Mongolia (at General Authority for State Registration). The aim was to prevent duplicate registration and to ensure democratic environment. A real challenge for the project was to enroll population on the field and whole countryside and to instantly identify people registering more than once.
- Interactive LLC


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2018 STEM Challenge Kids Science Camp
Brought to you by: STEM Challenge Initiative, Teknor Apex, Indian Education Programs of Franklin County, Liquid Measurement Systems, Med Associates, Catamount Kids, and the St. Albans Museum
Check out our first STEM Kid's Science Camp! This camp will be a great way to encourage young budding scientists by providing opportunities for hands-on learning in a fun atmosphere. It's great for home schoolers, public school students and private school students.
Dates: Friday March 9, 2018 – Learn To Solder Click Here to see photos of the event on our Facebook Page!
Friday March 16, 2018 – Learning about Density Click Here to see photos of this session on our Facebook Page!
Friday March 23, 2018 – Polymer Chemistry Click Here to see photos of this session on our Facebook Page!
Friday March 30, 2018 – Learning About DNA Click Here to see photos of this session on our Facebook Page!
Time: 6 PM to 8PM
Location: Bliss Room at the Saint Albans Museum
9 Church Street, St. Albans, Vermont 05478 (Click Here for Directions)
Cost: $100 per student, Class is designed for students in grades 3 and up. Scholarships are available from a generous grant from the Indian Education Programs of Franklin County.
- Covers registration fee for all four class dates
- Includes a T-shirt, water bottle, Family Passes to the Saint Albans Museum, and several projects worked on throughout the camp!
During the course of this four week workshop, we will cover the following topics selected from physics, chemistry, biology and engineering:
- Learning how to solder electronic circuit boards
- Learning about physical properties of matter, such as weight, mass, and density
- Learning about chemical reactions and chemical forces through the study of polymers
- Learning about biological inheritance, genetics and DNA
Students will have projects and worksheets to keep from every class session!
If you have any questions, please contact us at [email protected] and we will be happy to discuss with you.


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Company B&B Logistics
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«B&B Logistics» knows how important it is for a commercial organization to receive or send the goods in time. Often depends on not only the well-being of the company, but also its reputation. Therefore, we first of all try to ensure prompt delivery, and timely execution of all necessary documents, not to let his client. Our managers will calculate and offer the most convenient option in each case - air, rail or road. Modern technology and a large fleet of vehicles provides timely all works. You can trust us with any goods: dangerous, valuable, fragile, heavy, oversized, perishable, and other urgent. We have the skills to work with a broad product line. «B&B Logistics» deliver the right you anywhere in the world.
Services customs representative (broker) - another our specialty. We help in the paperwork for the customs authorities of the Russian Federation, solve bureaucratic problems and delays arising from the goods at the border. We have experienced professionals who are able to take control of any situation and get out of it with the maximum benefit for the client. We provide the full range of customs representation. We are engaged in the preparation, filling, registration statements and other documents for public authorities to import or export goods.
Legal assistance in the preparation of certifications, notifications, letters of exemption, as well as - valuation of assets - on all these issues, you can contact our specialists. Competence and responsibility - these are the qualities for which valued the company «B&B Logistics».
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Turning to the «B&B Logistics», you can be sure that you do not meet the delay deadlines of the contract, with additional costs and other horrors unscrupulous partners. We will do everything quickly and efficiently possible for you!


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On October 8th, Art City teachers were seen wearing their "Nebo Hero" t-shirts, We even spotted Mrs. Muirbrook serving lunch in her shirt. Nebo School District Superintendent Rick Nielson knows what a hero is. He arranged to have every employee in the Nebo School District receive a "Nebo Hero" t-shirt and has requested that we wear them certain days of the month. On the front the shirt says, "Nebo Hero Nebo School District" and on the back it says, "Be your Best When it Matters Most". The acronym he uses for a HERO is as follows: H - Heroes Help people with no strings attached
E - Heroes create an Exceptional experience for the people they serve
R - Heroes take Responsibility for their attitude, actions and results
O - Heroes see life through the lens of Optimism


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The vibrant country of Vietnam has been popular with backpackers for the past few decades, but thanks to its ever-growing luxe hotel scene, it's now a hub for honeymooners too. We flew direct with Vietnam Airlines to get straight in on the action. A short car transfer took us to The Reverie Saigon, the most talked- about hotel in the capital, Ho Chi Minh City.
Seeing the sights
The hotel is located right in the centre of the city (sometimes known by its former name of Saigon) and situated within a 39-floor building that stands overlooking the busy streets below. As soon as we pulled up to the huge marble lobby (with a fleet of luxury cars, including a Bentley and Rolls-Royce outside), we knew we'd arrived somewhere pretty special. The epitome of opulence is the best way to describe the entire hotel – everything in the building sparkles (literally), from the polished marble floors to the decadent chandeliers.
In our Panorama Suite, the grandeur continued with a vast sitting room, gigantic bed, walk-in wardrobe and exquisitely decorated bathroom. We were also very impressed with the extensive pillow menu and complimentary minibar that was restocked daily. And it's not called the Panorama Suite for nothing – the views from the floor-to-ceiling windows were absolutely breathtaking, even from the bathroom. I made sure I took time to enjoy the surroundings, and soaked in the bath while admiring the mesmerising skyline.
The indulgence continued as I headed to the hotel's spa for an even bigger dose of pampering. My 'Five Elements by Ila' treatment involved massage, hot stones and acupressure, and was the perfect remedy for those long-haul aches. There's also an outdoor pool on the sixth floor if you'd prefer to relax there while catching some rays.
If you book a suite at The Reverie Saigon, you get access to the top-floor lounge. The exclusive area is where we headed for breakfast, afternoon tea and evening drinks. With a fabulous cocktail menu and a rotation of glorious foods, there's no reason to leave this private hangout at all – but, of course, we wanted to explore as much of the city as we could while we were there.
Sights dating from Vietnam's colonial era, such as the Saigon Central Post Office and the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica, are very close to the hotel. Be sure to head out in the morning before the sun gets too strong and explore the streets on foot. While out and about, you can also pop in to Ben Thanh Market, one of the liveliest parts of the city, to pick up a few gorgeous keepsakes (don't forget to haggle).
While at The Reverie Saigon, we enjoyed The Royal Pavilion, the hotel's Chinese restaurant that's a destination in itself – the superb dim sum dishes are highly recommended. A few doors down, another of Ho Chi Minh City's must-visit eateries is the Vietnam House Restaurant, serving a fabulously modern take on Vietnamese food overseen by well-known chef Luke Nguyen.
Beach bound
After a few days in the city, we were craving a little R&R – so it was a good job that the next stop was the beach. After a short 40-minute flight to Cam Ranh and a 15-minute drive to Nha Trang, we arrived at what can only be described as sheer paradise. Our hotel, The Anam, is a tropical haven filled with 3,000 palm trees. Dotted around are three pools, three restaurants and two bars, all set on a beautiful stretch of beach. We checked in to our suite, which had an amazing balcony overlooking the luscious gardens, and a huge, comfy bed. As soon as I'd unpacked my bags, I stolled over to the Sri Mara Spa for a 90-minute ultra-relaxing massage. What a wonderful start to our stay!
We woke each day eager to throw open the curtains to reveal the bright blue skies (this region of Asia gets 300 days of sunshine a year). For the best temperatures, travel between February and September, when it's warm without being unbearably humid. Hitting the beach and taking a dip in the refreshing sea quickly became our favourite way to start the day, and there was always someone around if you wanted to order a fresh coconut to drink.
The head chef at The Anam is big on Asian fusion dishes, and over the course of our stay we enjoyed many tasty treats, such as pulled pork bao, spicy chicken dishes, and fresh fish salads. It's almost unforgiveable not to try a truly authentic taste of the Vietnamese favourite of pho (pronounced like 'fuh') while you're here. It's a delicious hearty broth with noodles, and it can be topped with meat, fish or vegetables.
The Anam has a range of dining options, with Lang Viet Restaurant serving superbly traditional Vietnamese dishes, The Colonial providing fine-dining European meals, and the partially open-air Indochine, where we headed for buffet breakfast each day.
The best way to explore the nearby city of Nha Trang is by moped, much like the locals. One morning, we embarked on The Anam Art Trail, which starts at Cong Ca Phe, an edgy, stylish coffee house. We hopped on the back of Vespas to see the town from a unique vantage point. The thrill ride was punctuated with stops at art galleries and artists' homes and workshops, where there were some incredible paintings and photos to admire.
Back at the hotel, the activities continued. Complimentary sunrise and sunset yoga sessions take place almost every day. Thanks to the divine beds (and perhaps the tasty cocktails we enjoyed every evening), we never did make it to the sunrise sessions. We did manage to join in at sunset, though – and stretching and relaxing to the sound of the sea was such a peaceful way to end a day.
Whether it's finding your inner zen by the beach, soaking up the culture in the hustle and bustle of the city, or doing a bit of both, Vietnam certainly has something for everyone. It's a country of two worlds, and I've fallen in love with both.
Nightly rates at The Reverie Saigon from US$350 (approx. £252) for a Deluxe Room (including breakfast, wifi and a minibar per room, per night). Suites start from US$800 (approx. £577) per night (including one or two-way airport transfers, dependent on room category), thereveriesaigon.com
Nightly rates at The Anam from US$200 (approx. £144) for a Balcony Garden View Room, theanam.com
Vietnam Airlines operates the only non-stop scheduled services from the UK to Vietnam, with daily Dreamliner flights from London Heathrow to Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi, offering Skytrax four-star rated service across three cabin classes. Return Economy fares start from £464 per person, vietnamairlines.com. The Anam Art Trail, nhatrangvespatour.com


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I have an aussie that is almost 2 years old.
He will "listen" but has the attention span of a flea. He kinda acts like one too! Very, VERY hyper:
Jumps around, Barks and gently grabs arm while your walking
Dives out of truck when stopped and runs to previous location only to return and do it again.... (barn to barn, barn to house, pasture to barn to house to barn to pasture, etc.)
While "lounging" in a lawn chair, he will sit and bark.....
He shows no interest in livestock.
When you raise your voice to him, he barks and raises his level of aggression/play
When you "reprimand" him, he again, raises his level of aggression/play
He has NEVER acted mean. He has also never acted "sorry".
I have tried darn near everything I can think of: ignoring bad behavior, praising good behavior, changing the action I am doing (if walking one direction and he grabs me, I will stop moving - doesn't help)
I will say he sits when I ask no matter what he is doing... but he will not stay. He LOVES playing fetch. And young kids can do ANYTHING to him and he doesn't get mean.
I also can not get weight on him regardless of type of food, worming. If he is eating and I head toward the door, he totally forgets to eat! I have tried high dollar puppy food, high dollar sporting dog food, etc.
But what in the world am I doing wrong???? Why can I not get him to "behave" like my other aussie I lost 2 years ago? That dog was a dream to train and was on his way of being an AWESOME stock dog.
Is he just hyper and young? Is he just smarter than I am?
I will be the first to admit, I will love my aussie regardless of how "dumb" he appears to be. But, any help would be greatly appreciated by both me and my dog!!
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Training an Aussie Dog
Stories and questions about our best friends.
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- gcreekrch
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Sounds like you aren't the dominant one in this relationship.
About 5 minutes with a choke chain on a long rope in the right hands would change the scenario significantly.
About 5 minutes with a choke chain on a long rope in the right hands would change the scenario significantly.
Don't tell people your problems, half of em' don't care and the other half are glad you got em' We can all run the neighbors better'n our own
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Has he been around other dogs while working cattle. Sometimes that will flip a switch and the lights will come on. My guess is that you won't have much control over your dog if he starts working. Yanuk is probably on the right track, but make sure you understand how to use it or you will cause more problems.
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MOBILE, Alabama – U.S. Rep. Bradley Byrne called construction of an Interstsate-10 bridge over the Mobile River a "national priority" and said he has "thrown a stick in the sand" asking the Federal Highway Administration to release the project's draft environmental impact study by July 1 or provide a concrete reason for its continued delay.
"I wanted people to be completely candid, and we told everybody who came this was going to be off the record," Byrne said, adding, "sometimes people don't say things (when the media are present) we need to hear."
Bridge specifics
What was said, however, continues the on-again, off-again conversation that's been taking place since the mid-1990s, regarding the ongoing push to ease congestions in the Port City's overburdened twin-tunnel system and across Mobile Bay.
Specifically, four potential routes – each with its own supporters and detractors – have been proposed, but a final decision cannot be made until the draft environmental plan is released and a series of public meetings regarding the potential $1 billion project are conducted on both sides of the bay.
The clear local favorite is what is often referred to as route "B Prime," a hybrid variation melding two former contenders in an attempt to cause the least disruption to local businesses and activity along Mobile's waterfront. The route starts just past the Virginia Street exit where the Alabama State Port Authority's new container terminal is expected to aggravate traffic.
The proposed bridge would then run just south of the Alabama Cruise Terminal, include the possible addition of footings on Austal USA's property and terminate just north of the site of Monday's roundtable – the AIDT Maritime Training Center on the Causeway – which feeds directly into the existing bayway that would be widened to eight lanes as part of the project.
'Common understanding'
Byrne said Monday's meeting indicated all interested parties – including federal, state and local leaders as well as government and business interests – have a "common understanding" of what needs to be done and that 13 "individuals and/or groups" have raised undisclosed concerns regarding the "visual effect" the proposed bridge would have on downtown Mobile.
"The Federal Highway Administration is responding to those comments, and then we should be able to move forward," he said.
Mike Lee, president of Page & Jones Inc. in Mobile and co-chairman of the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce's "Build the Bridge" task force, told AL.com in a prior interview that when the Wallace Tunnel was completed in 1973, the structure had a target optimum operating capacity of 50,000 vehicles per day, and that figure was reached in 1998. By 2004, the figure had increased more than 25 percent, to 63,000. When the last study was completed in 2009, modest projections indicated daily traffic of 75,000 vehicles with spikes to as many as 90,000 on peak travel days.
In addition to the safety concerns the congestion creates, Byrne said it is also having a negative effect on local economic development efforts.
"I have talked to some prospects who are concerned about getting from somewhere over in (Baldwin County) to (Mobile Aeroplex at) Brookley…, and for anybody transporting east to west that's a problem for you," he said.
Funding talk premature
Once the environmental impact statement is released – be it July 1 or later – the public will be given 45 days' notice for hearings in Mobile and Baldwin counties, but based on previously released estimates it could take anywhere from five to eight years to complete design, engineering and construction for the project once it receives formal approval.
Byrne said he is unable to personally project how long the project could reasonably take to complete, but he noted the Lake Pontchartrain portion of I-10 in Louisiana destroyed by Hurricane Katrina in 2005 was rebuilt in roughly two years.
"So it can be done," he said, calling the Mobile portion of I-10 the "biggest choke point between Los Angeles and Jacksonville, Fla.," which makes it a "national priority."
When asked about funding for the proposed I-10/Mobile River Bridge, Byrne said it is impossible to discuss securing monies for a project that has not yet been approved, but he did say there is a broad divide between the perception and reality of available federal funds.
"The (federal) government's not broke. It acts broke sometimes. It's a question of priorities," he said.
An 'obvious problem'
Above all, Byrne said his passion for the project stems from both his freshman congressional status and the understandable demands being placed on him by his constituents to address a clear problem.
"I have no history with the (I-10 Bridge), so I came in like any other citizen saying 'We have an obvious problem. Why can't we fix it?' It's my job as a congressman to fix that," he said.
Mobile County Commission President Connie Hudson said she is most encouraged by Byrne's challenge to the Federal Highway Commission to release the linchpin draft environmental plan in a timely manner.
"It's good to have a target date…, and hopefully the (project's) future will not be as long as its past in terms of getting this done," Hudson said.


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Chardon High School Shooting: Student killed identified as Daniel Parmertor
(CBS/AP) CHARDON, Ohio - The student killed in a shooting at Chardon High School Monday has been identified as Daniel Parmertor.
Parmertor, an aspiring computer repairman, was shot while waiting for the bus for his daily 15-minute ride to a vocational center.
Pictures: 1 killed, 4 injured in Ohio high school shootingSpecial Section | Bullying: Words Can KillParmertor was reportedly airlifted to Cleveland's MetroHealth Medical Center. Four other students were injured in the shooting. A witness says it appeared the gunman was targeting a group of students sitting at a cafeteria table.
Freshman Danny Komertz, 15, says Parmertor was killed while trying to get under a table to protect himself and shield his face.
Parmertor's family issued a statement through the MetroHealth System:
"We are shocked by this senseless tragedy. Danny was a bright young boy who had a bright future ahead of him. The family is torn by this loss. We ask that you respect our privacy during this difficult time."
Parmertor's teacher at Auburn Career School had no idea why Parmertor, "a very good young man, very quiet," had been targeted, said Auburn superintendent Maggie Lynch.
The gunman was taken into custody after reportedly surrendering to bystanders about an hour after the shooting.
Complete coverage of the Chardon, Ohio school shooting on Crimesider


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For the most up-to-date posts, visit Blog Tour Part 2!
A cursed traffic light. A rip in the fabric of the world. A possum sorcerer injured on a quest for revenge.
Kai and Ellie embark on a journey to return the sorcerer to his home. Entangled in events that could destroy the world, Kai must choose whether to accept the role he was born to play, but isn't sure he wants.
Purchase Flight of Blue: Paperback ($12.99) | Kindle ($2.99)
15 fabulous tour stops and some awesome prizes!
To enter the giveaway, see the Rafflecopter widget at the bottom of this post AND get additional entries by visiting the other blogs in the tour and commenting on their post (you must fill out the blog comment part of the Rafflecopter widget on each blog you visit!). Fill out the entries here, and then hop to the other party spots and party over there! NOTE: this giveaway goes live on 7/25.
First Prize: Autographed copy of Flight of Blue (1 available)
Second Prize: eBook copy of Flight of Blue (3 available)
Third Prize: Lucinarium Button (10 available)
Third Prize: Autographed Custom Bookmark, printed on art paper (15 available)
The first five tour stops:
Without further ado, the first five tour stops are:
7/24—Author A.G. Howard interviews Kai Williams. They had quite a good time I hear, so hop on over there and see what that was all about! Also, She's running a mad giveaway right now on her own book, so you'll want to check that out as well.
7/25—Fel Wetzig of The Peasants Revolt will be posting her review of Flight of Blue. I can only hope the peasants were appeased, that would be a high mark of approval for the book 😉
7/26—Rainy of the Dark will be hosting an interview with me. We did this about 2 months ago, (we were organized! Go us!) but I confess that I don't remember what she asked me and what I said, so you can guarantee I'll be headed over here to see what I said! (You should too, I'm sure it was interesting 😉 )
7/27–Elizabeth Munzert of Transitional Woman decided to take a leap and interview Sebastian. This of course, required some finagling to accomplish, but I think what he has to say was very interesting!
And the for the fifth post, of the first third of the tour, Reginald isstopping over at the Ato Z challenge home page where they've invited me to share my interview with him. That will be something I think, he's got quite the acerbic tongue on him at times. I sure hope he behaves himself!


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Joey Chestnut Ate 384 Gyoza Dumplings… Could You?
Have you ever watched grown ass men and women willingly shove food in their faces non-stop for ten minutes? It's quite a sight. After seeing my first ever "big time" competitive live event, I must say I have a certain newfound respect for the competitive eaters. Is it a sport? I can't really say. Are they crazy? Yeah, probably. Is it impressive? Most definately.
The famous Ramen Yokocho Festival was held in Little Tokyo to celebrate Nisei Week this past weekend. I stopped by for some ramen and lingered the festival grounds when I heard that the Day-Lee Foods World Gyoza Eating Championship was also taking place. I had no idea I was about to get a front row seat to watch some of the best competitive eaters in the world stuff their faces with hundreds of Gyoza dumplings.
I cheered, I laughed, I cried – I felt like puking.
The competition featured the #1 ranked competitive eater, 30-year-old Joey "Jaws" Chestnut (also known as the "LeBron James of competitive eaters"). He holds records for eating the most burgers, hotdogs, Twinkies, hard boiled eggs and shrimp wontons to name just a few. His competitors included Matt "Megatoad" Stonie (who was last year's Gyoza champ) and the "Princess" Miki Sudo going head to head with about a dozen other ranked and amateur eaters.
I also unexpectedly ran into my blogger pal, @deependdining, Eddie "Linsatiable" Lin who was thrown into the competition on a lark. I asked him if he had ever done anything like this before and he said, "No way, not at this level!" He ended up eating 37 Goyza which was impressive considering the 90+ degree heat.
So, how did this year's winner, Joey Chestnut do? Here's the run down.
Last year's winner Stonie ate 268 dumplings. Picture this in your belly…
This years winner, Chestnut took down more than 12 plates — roughly 30 Gyoza on each plate. One plate looked like this…
Just ten minutes to take as much down as you can.
Chestnut ate about an entire plate of dumplings a minute… totaling a whopping 384 Gyoza! That's a lot of dumplings, yo.
After the competition, Eddie handed me a bunch of Gyoza (from his leftovers) and I think I probably tapped out at eating 9, just to put it into perspective.
I blame the heat and the fact that just prior to the competition, I mowed down two giant bowls of delicious ramen from the vendors representing at the nearby Ramen Yokocho Festival.
At the fest, I sampled from two different vendors. Both bowls were delicious and I was pleased to try a new ramen dish I had never had before. Shoki Ramen, a family run business from Sacramento presented a meat-free, soy milk based ramen broth with gluten free tomato noodles. Sounds crazy right? It was crazy. Crazy delicious. The soup had locally sourced spinach and mushrooms and tomatoes mixed in. So good and different.
If you missed this weekend's festival, they have one more coming up this October. Be sure to follow Ramen YokochoUS on Twitter and check their website for the next one.
Click HERE to read more about the Ramen Yokocho festival from a previous post. Special
Special thanks to Tomoko!
More pics from the festival and competition:


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Bad news if you're a Clint Mansell fan. The composer's exceptional work for Darren Aronofsky's Black Swan has been deemed ineligible for Oscar consideration due to its usage of music from Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake. While not exactly a surprise, it's still a shame considering the score's unique, even complicated structure.
According to Variety, Carter Burwell's scores for True Grit and The Kids Are All Right (which he composed alongside Nathan Larson and Craig Wedren) and Michael Brook's work on The Fighter have also been disqualified. Alexandre Desplat's score for The King's Speech, however, which recently received a Golden Globe-nomination, has been deemed eligible despite its usage of classical works. Hit the jump for more.
For some the BIG moment of the Oscars is typically reserved for the bit where the winner of Best Picture of the year is announced. For me it's always been the winner of Best Motion Picture Score. As a devout film score lover, I'm always intrigued to see what the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences deems the Best Score of the year – mainly because, having not always gotten around to seeing every nominated film each year, it's a good place to hear the music for the first time.
This year sees our tightest race in a long time, what with Desplat's aforementioned work on The King's Speech (personally I thought his work on Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part One and Ghost Writer was better, but that's just me …), Hans Zimmer's Inception, Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross' The Social Network, and the better-be-nominated-or-I'll-eat-a-bucket-of-sand How to Train Your Dragon score from John Powell.
I thought for sure Mansell would receive a nod for Black Swan – the score really is quite terrific. While he does utilize a large amount of Tchaikovsky's work, I felt Mansell's score rose above a typical rehashing and became its own beast – much in the same way Zimmer tweeked Edith Piaf's "Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien" to formulate his own score for Inception.
Still, despite Mansell's absence, this year is shaping up to be a dandy for soundtrack enthusiasts. Others to consider are James Newton Howard's work on The Last Airbender and Daft Punk's Tron Legacy. I should also mention how much I dug Fernando Velazquez's Devil score (if you haven't heard it, be sure to check it out).
With so many great ones to choose from, here's hoping my BIG-Oscar moment doesn't disappoint.


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Artificial Intelligence and Business Strategy
In collaboration withBCG
What to Read Next
Many pundits, academics, and economists advise business executives on how artificial intelligence (AI) will augment human performance in the workplace. Some conclude that human-machine interactions will involve machines providing scale and speed with humans offering insights and training data.
Despite its broad appeal, the assessment that human-machine interactions are, and will continue to be, exclusively about augmenting humans or teams of humans and machines is shortsighted and underestimates the transformative potential of AI.
Some machines are already beginning to learn in virtualized (at least partially) environments with neither human training nor data input from the real world. This process, known as hyperlearning, allows systems to learn at machine speed and develop novel solutions in specific settings, frequently involving unsupervised learning and reinforcement learning algorithms. Often these systems use adversarial or complementary AI engines that play off against each other, generating virtual training data in the process. Companies in different industries are already creating the environment for such hyperlearning systems, raising the question: What should executives expect from human-machine interactions in the coming years?
When IBM's Deep Blue defeated chess grandmaster Garry Kasparov in 1997, it was the first time a machine beat a human world champion in a chess match. It is also an example of how human-machine dynamics can evolve, providing interesting insights for business applications. Chess players first began using AI systems to enhance their own performance, using computers to train for tournaments. Then, advanced chess tournaments emerged, which allowed players to use computers during otherwise conventional competitions. The computational firepower of machines — enhanced by libraries of openings and endgames — complemented the strong strategic planning and refined position assessment of humans, augmenting existing approaches to playing chess.
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Then freestyle chess developed, which allowed any kind of interaction between humans and computers without focusing on augmenting human-machine performance. The winners of the first PAL/CSS Freestyle Chess Tournament in 2005 were not the strongest humans, assisted by machines, or the strongest machines, assisted by humans. Instead, two amateurs, Steven Cramton and Zackary Stephen, using three standard PCs, won the competition. They had optimized an entirely new process in which either one of the humans or the machines took the lead depending on patterns of positions and play of opponents. According to some theorists, this type of green-field process optimization would be the prototype for future human-machine collaboration.
The popularity of freestyle chess did not last long, however. As the performance of machines increased, humans became viewed as too slow to make a meaningful contribution in a tournament setting. Then hyperlearning hit the chess world in December 2017, when the machine AlphaZero, the creation of London-based DeepMind Technologies Ltd., an AI company owned by Alphabet Inc., based in Mountain View, California, learned chess (in addition to Go and Shogi) in just four hours and then decisively beat the best chess computers.
What is special about one more machine playing a game already dominated by computers? First, AlphaZero received no formal training by humans — only the rules of chess. It learned the game by playing against itself without any external data, such as exemplar games. Even more remarkably, AlphaZero's style turned out to be rather humanlike. Although AlphaZero calculated about 1,000 times fewer moves per second than its traditional computer opponent did (but still a staggering 80,000), many of its moves were beautifully strategic. The Danish chess grandmaster Peter Heine Nielsen commented in a BBC interview: "I always wondered how it would be if a superior species landed on Earth and showed us how they played chess. Now I know." It is no longer clear how humans will have a meaningful role in collaborating with machines in chess in the future.
The chess example suggests at least three possible types of human-machine interaction:
- Augmentation: This is currently the most popular use of AI in business decision-making, retrieving relevant information; providing improved financial, sales, or other forecasts; optimizing logistics flows; and more. Augmentation, however, has its limits because it largely enhances existing processes.
- True human-machine collaboration: Many of the more ambitious programs for using AI in business rethink collaborative human-machine processes more radically, similar to freestyle chess. In radiological diagnostics, for example, AI acts as an "augmentation" assistant, but pioneers in the industry are promoting it to become a bona fide "second opinion" accepted by regulators with the hope it will eventually become the preferred "first opinion," with a "human in the loop" to correct potential errors. Doctors, of course, will still play multidimensional roles in ongoing treatment and care.
- Hyperlearning: Real-life business applications of hyperlearning are already emerging. Computer systems can be trained in virtual models of a given environment. Such digital twins are able to produce "virtual products" in "virtual factories," an ideal training ground for future AI systems with radical implications for the development and design of physical products and factories. For instance, Siemens creates digital copies of permanently connected physical systems in its "digital factory" and is using these digital twins to improve yields and quality at sawmills.
Given the variety of ways humans and machines will be interacting, executives should challenge simplistic claims — often based on current performance — of the future role of AI, and the "obvious" divide between what humans and machines do. They need to push their teams not to limit their imagination about AI's uses to the augmentation of current processes, but to consider more-radical scenarios. At the disruptive end, teams might explore whether hyperlearning systems could help address entirely novel business opportunities. The direct role of humans in such processes may largely disappear. Executives need to prepare their people to "go meta," leaving the constraints of the environment and moving to a higher abstraction or complementary level.
It might be hard for anyone who does not play chess to appreciate the fundamental disruption introduced by AlphaZero's hyperlearning. And it might be the very last lesson chess can teach us about AI. But, it is certainly an important one.


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LEHI, Utah, May 2, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Vivint Solar (NYSE: VSLR) today announced the appointment of David Bywater as the Company's Chief Executive Officer on an interim basis. Mr. Bywater joins from Vivint Smart Home ("Vivint") where he has served as Chief Operating Officer since 2013. Mr. Bywater succeeds the current Chief Executive Officer Greg Butterfield, who is stepping down from his role. Vivint Solar will begin a search for a permanent CEO in the coming weeks.
"We are pleased to have David join Vivint Solar as we move into our next stage of growth," said Peter Wallace, Chairman of the Board. "David is a seasoned executive and a proven operator with more than 20 years of experience consulting and running some of the most innovative and dynamic companies in the world. He has been instrumental in managing the rapid growth at Vivint Smart Home while also improving operations and profitability. We feel strongly that he is well positioned to help guide Vivint Solar forward."
"On behalf of the entire Board, I'd like to thank Greg for his many contributions," added Mr. Wallace. "He helped to build Vivint Solar into a leader in the solar industry and established the foundation for continued success."
"I'm excited to be joining a stellar team," said Mr. Bywater. "We believe Vivint Solar is a great company that is well positioned to be a leader in the rapidly growing distributed solar sector. I look forward to working with the Board, the management team, and our employees and partners to continue to drive operational excellence and growth as we further the already tremendous accomplishments of this young company."
Adds Mr. Butterfield, "It has been an honor to lead Vivint Solar. I'm proud of the company that we've built into a leader in the solar industry. I am confident that Vivint Solar will continue to build upon its strong history of success with the Board and David's leadership."
In his previous role at Vivint, Mr. Bywater was responsible for customer operations, human resources, field service and supply chain management for the nation's leading provider of smart home technology, now serving more than a million customers. Before joining Vivint, Bywater spent 10 years working at Affiliated Computer Services (ACS), one of the largest BPO and ITO companies in the world. During his tenure with ACS, he was responsible for the management of several business units, which encapsulated more than 60 different companies. Most recently, Bywater served as an Executive Vice President and Corporate Officer for Xerox and was the Chief Operating Officer of its $1.8 billion State Government Services Business. Bywater holds a Bachelor of Science degree in economics from Brigham Young University and an MBA from Harvard Business School.
About Vivint Solar
Vivint Solar is a leading provider of distributed solar energy systems – electricity generated by a solar energy system installed at a customer's location – to residential customers in the United States. Vivint Solar's customers pay little to no money upfront, receive significant savings relative to utility generated electricity rates and continue to benefit from guaranteed energy prices over the 20-year term of their contracts. Vivint Solar finances, designs, installs, monitors and services the solar energy systems to make things easy for its customers. For more information, visit www.vivintsolar.com or follow @VivintSolar.
Forward-Looking Statements
Note on Forward Looking Statements
Statements in this release that are not historical are forward-looking statements. These statements are based on management's current beliefs and expectations. Words such as "believes," "anticipates," "plans," "expects," "will," "may," "intends," "prepares," "looks," "potential," "possible" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements include statements relating to the Company's succession plan, including the search for a new full-time CEO and the effect that the appointment of Mr. Bywater as interim CEO will have on the Company's future operations, financial performance, business plans, and growth. The forward-looking statements in this release are subject to uncertainty and changes in circumstances and involve risks and uncertainties that may affect the Company's operations, markets, products, services, prices and other factors as discussed in Vivint Solar's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC.
Significant risks and uncertainties may relate to, but are not limited to, the Company's ability to successfully recruit a new full time chief executive officer, the Company's ability to retain key employees, and the effect of management change on employee morale, as well as financial, economic, competitive, political, legal, and regulatory factors. Except as required by law, Vivint Solar does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise. You should read the documents Vivint Solar has filed with the SEC for more complete information about the company. These documents are available on both the EDGAR section of the SEC's website at www.sec.gov and the Investor Relations section of the company's website at www.vivintsolar.com.
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To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/vivint-solar-announces-ceo-transition-300261135.html
SOURCE Vivint Solar
Rob Kain
Vice President, Investor Relations
Heather Hurst
Director, Public Relations
Erica Dahl
Vice President, Government Affairs


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Change for the Better (10/03/2012)
Every week I look forward to my watching my weekly dose of American comedies: Parks and Recreation, 30 Rock, The Office, Community (when it's on) and now, Up All Night.
There's something about these shows that makes them scarily watchable. I think I watched most of the first two seasons of Community in one super lethargic weekend.
Up All Night is a new entry, recommended by a friend of mine, and I really like it. One of the great things about it is the real economy of story telling in the title sequence – the way it fleshes out their life is fantastic. The timing with the music is perfect.
However, about half way through the season they start messing around with the title sequence. They put in some new shots, there's a few tweaks. But ultimately, they've made it worse. The sequence is slightly wrong (some of the party shots are in the wrong place). It looks like it's the original edited together by someone who doesn't quite follow the story in the original – or someone who doesn't appreciate that the title sequence is itself telling a story, and thinks it's just a series of clips.
It made me realise how important it is to check against the original and check your calibration.
It's also made me realise how crazily watchable these American programmes are. There's just something about the script and characters that means you can't do anything but love them. I suppose part of it is that Friends thing that you want to be their friends – you like spending time with them. But almost more than that, it's the easily, effortless laughs. The plots are simple, but not boring, and not patronising, the characters are full and rich, but likeable, and the style is engaging but not confusing.
It's a real balancing act, and one that so many American comedy writers and directors seem to pull off.


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What a Superhero Show Looks Like During Covid-19
Sentai to the rescue.
Sentai to the rescue.
Might be a few mug stains on the top but is otherwise fine.
Made enough money to buy an iPhone.
The pulp actually looks like blood as well.
This video of the Sharpe Nissin CNC tube bender machine is basically hypnotising me. As the tube pops out of the machine, it gets bent and shaped perfectly.
Looks like we'll be seeing that awesome £23ish flash-drive sized computer before the end of the month. After facing a few manufacturing issues over in China, the first batch of Raspberry Pis will hop off the production line on the 20th of February and be airfreighted immediately to the UK.
Above, if you can see through all the weed smoke, you get a scene that's something like the aftermath of a bad LAN party—clutter, shitty laptops, and monitors everywhere. But music's being made in this budget-tech dungeon.
The slightly queasy quote above comes from Professor Mark Post of the department of vascular physiology at Maastricht University, which has been given £300,000 to help find a better way of making meat in a lab.


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Industrial pH meter HP-960FTP
The HP-960FTP industrial pH meter is a high-end pH meter with a four-point alarm and a time sharing proportional control function.
It can also be linked with a cleaning device via an external input, extending its automatic operation time.
- Time sharing proportional control function with F Zone
Unlike commonly used time sharing proportional control functions, whose on-off frequency has generally been fixed, the HP-960FTP includes an control method called F Zone, whereby as the pH difference becomes smaller, it changes not just the time for which the pump injecting pH regulator is on, but also its frequency.
- Four control outputs equipped
You can set values of your choice for the upper and lower limits of the four control outputs, and switch them to either on-off control or time sharing proportional control.
- Automatic diagnosis function for faults in electrode properties
If there is an asymmetry potential, sensitivity or response speed in correction, the HP-960FTP automatically determines whether there is a fault in the pH electrodes, and displays an error message.
- Can be linked with a cleaning device via an external input
An input signal from a cleaning device can be used to put the output of the measurement value on hold.
- Compatible with five types of temperature compensation elements
Five types of temperature compensation element are supported: 500 Ω, 6.8 kΩ, 1 kΩ, 10 kΩ and 350 Ω.
- Easy pH correction
After immersing the pH electrodes in the standard fluid, simply follow the instructions displayed and press the ENT key.
The automatic correction process is plain and simple.
- A line-up of lead-free pH electrodes
Uses lead-free glass. In addition, almost all sections of the pH electrodes, including lead wires and soldered junctions are lead-free.
- Uses lead-free solder
To reduce the burden on the environment, lead-free solder has been used to mount the components on the printed circuit board.
Manufactured by HORIBA Advanced Techno
Product name
Industrial pH meter
Measuring range
pH 0 to 14: resolution of 0.01 pH
Transmission output
4 mA to 20 mA DC, input / output isolated type
Within ±0.05 pH of the full scale (by equivalent input)
Within ±0.05 pH of the full scale (by equivalent input)
Contact output
Output: 4 points
Contact input
Number of contacts: 1 (external input for holding)
Control action
Calibration function
Two-point automatic calibration or manual calibration
Transmission output hold function
Selectable from the above (However, only the just before hold is available in the maintenance mode.)
Self-diagnosis function
Temperature compensation element
Selectable from compensation ON (500 Ω (25 °C), 6.8 kΩ (25 °C), 350 Ω (25 °C), 1 kΩ (0 °C) or 10 kΩ (25 °C)) and compensation OFF
Power supply
Rated voltage 100 to 240 VAC, 50/60 Hz, 15 VA (max.)
Indoor-use panel installation type
Protective structure
Panel: IP65 (IEC60529, JIS C0920)
Conforming standards
CE Marking
External dimensions
96 (W) x 96 (H) x 115 (D) mm
Approx. 550 g


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Activate a plastic card
You've received your Spendesk plastic card? Here's how to activate it:
From Spendesk.com
- - After logging in, click on the ["Card"] tab.
- - Click on the ["I received my card"] button.
- - By default, you should receive your PIN via text message on your phone. If you haven't added your phone number, please make sure to complete your profile.
From the Spendesk mobile app
- - Tap on the ["My Card"] tab.
- - Follow the instructions on screen to activate your card.
Don't forget to download the Spendesk mobile app!
It's free and makes it easier to retrieve your PIN code when needed, check your card balance, top-up your card, or block it if needed. You can easily attach your receipts and fill out payments' details while on the go!
If you're an Admin (Account Owner and/or Administrator), you can visualise and manage all your colleagues' cards by clicking on the ["Cards"] tab. You can also access your card by clicking on your avatar then on ["Plastic Card"].


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When I was in Paris we went to Disney land. The lnes were long, it was really hot, and our feet ached, but other than that I think it was really fun! We were going to go to a Disneyland show, the only play that was in English, The Lion King. But as we were entering the building there was a sign that said Lion King was not playing on that day. We were so disappointed, but just to make sure we went inside. There were tons of chairs facing a stage. The stage had props for the Lion King all over the place. The lights were off and everyone who came in were leaving. So we left too.
As we wandered through Disneyland Paris we came across The Sword In The Stone. Kids were lining up in front of it to get their picture taken by their family members. So Ryan and I lined up too. And this is my picture with Excalibur.
We stopped at a gift shop to look around and maybe buy a T-shirt for Ryan. I really wanted this hat that had Donald Duck's relative on it. It was really cute, but my mom said it was to expensive, so we ended up just looking, not buying!
This next picture was taken after we got off the It's A Small World ride. There were little houses and objects that were from different places in the world. We could not stay long there because we wanted good seats for the night-time parade. But it looked really cool and detailed.


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The most innovative designers consciously reject the standard option box and cultivate an appetite for thinking wrong.
Aitkin Children's Center
The Aitkin Children's Center was ready for a fresh and cute update to their logo and branding. Aitkin's Elementary and High School are both different styles of Turkeys and we pulled along the same idea to get the community to think of the preschool and Children's Center as part of the school system and showcasing through their identity they are all in one.
Here are the Little Gobblers!
Project Details
- Client Aitkin Children's Center
- Project type Branding
- Project date Winter 2014/15
- Skills Branding, Logo Design, Illustrator, Color Scheme
Holiday Sales Inc Catalog- Print Design -
Holiday Sales Inc Catalog by Grundy Designs
Gorditas El Gordo Website- Web Design -
Gorditas El Gordo Website by Grundy Designs
Eagle Creek Honey Farm- Branding -
Eagle Creek Honey Farm by Grundy Designs
Ahoy it's a Boy!- Cards -
Nautical Baby Shower Invite by Grundy Designs
Dock Guys- Web Design -
Dock Guys Website by Grundy Designs
Margjean Logo Redesign
Margjean Logo Redesign by Grundy Designs
Pequot Lakes Baptist Church- Web Design -
PLBC Website
Sologood Shirt Designs- Print Designs -
Sologood Shirt Designs by Grundy Designs
Wedding Signage- Cards -
Wedding Signage by Grundy Designs
Save the Date + Holiday Card- Cards -
Save the Date + Holiday Card
Barn Wedding- Cards -
Jojo and BJ Wedding by Grundy Designs
Hunt is Over – Save the Date- Cards + Invites -
Hunt is Over Save the Date by Grundy Designs
Nisswa Guides- Branding - Web Design -
Nisswa Guides Branding by Grundy Designs
Central Lakes College Raiders Logo- Branding -
CLC Raiders Branding by Grundy Designs
Anderson Tools and Services- Branding -
Anderson Tools and Services Business Cards by Grundy Designs
Acrobat Movers- Branding -
Acrobat Movers Branding by Grundy Designs
Click Chick Photography- Branding -
Click Chick Photography Branding by Grundy Designs
AMALS- Branding -
AMALS Branding by Grundy Designs
Geometric and Modern Business Cards
Scott County Learning Center Business Cards
Why is Branding so important?
Ted-&-Gen's-Identity by Grundy Designs
Business Card with Quality you can FEEL
Grundy Designs Business Cards


text: BUSINESS Operators 'riding wave of optimism' 5:00 AM PDT 9/5/2006 by Georg Szalai , AP FACEBOOK TWITTER EMAIL ME Empty NEW YORK -- Investor sentiment was a key theme for industry observers as they prepared to go into the long Labor Day weekend. In a summary of its latest study, research firm Kagan Research said that "in the second half of 2006 cable operators are riding a wave of investor optimism related to the accelerating rollout of (telephony) services and the accompanying halo effect on basic subscriber retention." Indeed, many on Wall Street have pointed out this current bullish sentiment, which follows several tough years for cable stocks. Among the positive news for cable firms, Kagan pointed out that cable homes that will see telephony services marketed will "leap from 31.2 million at the end of 2005 to an estimated 68.7 million by year-end 2006," while telephone subscriber numbers have risen from 600,000 at year-end 2004 to 2.6 million at the end of last year. By the end of this year, the figures are forecast to hit 6.5 million.Continued consolidation is also a positive for cable players, as "many clustering benefits in major metro areas have yet to be realized," the firm said. "These include the exploitation of the potential of interactive advertising, greater telephony efficiencies, increased penetration into businesses, better marketing economics and a rationalization of operating costs." Kagan senior analyst Robin Flynn believes that this along with continued core growth will push cable residential revenue to $119.8 billion by 2015. Bear Stearns analyst Spencer Wang last week echoed the feeling that cable stocks have positive investor sentiment going for them, but cautioned that this doesn't necessarily bode well for the future. "Sentiment for Comcast is now at the high end of its range," he said. "Coupled with strong stock performance lately, this may signal Comcast shares are due for a near-term pause."Wang updated his Media Sentiment Index, which quantifies sentiment by looking at three measures: short interest, volatility and put/call spreads. "The goal of the MSI is to identify situations where consensus may be uniformly pessimistic, thereby creating room for upside surprise, or overly optimistic, which may suggest a stock is overbought in the near term," he explains.Two big entertainment stocks he highlighted as overbought in his previous MSI analysis were News Corp. and the Walt Disney Co. His pick now is Viacom Inc. as investor sentiment for it "appears low," Wang said. FACEBOOK TWITTER EMAIL ME Georg Szalai email@example.com georgszalai AP firstname.lastname@example.com @thr


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Joining graydaysandcoffee for iphriday
Joining graydaysandcoffee for iphriday
Writing Challenge: Pick up the nearest book and flip to page 29. What jumps out at you? Start there, and try a twist: write in the form of a letter.
A letter to Joy
Dear Joy,
I found you on page 29 of a book. The writing challenge, "To whom it may concern," was the map that led me to you.
Can I connect with you outside of page 29? You are needed everywhere and in every heart.
Word on the street is that a Carpenter has you in an unlimited supply. One of His family members, a half-brother from His mother, even encourages us to think of the trials of life as occasions for joy.
Is such a mindset possible? Is perspective the key to locating you outside of the boundaries of page 29? Umm… I think I need to reflect on this more.
Also, do you know anyone who can tell me where to find the Carpenter? I would appreciate any help you can provide.
The Daily Post writing challenge: Go to a public location and make a detailed report of what you see. The twist of the day? Write the post without adverbs.
He rules the courtyard, talons curled, wings outspread, perched atop a base composed of one layer of iron and the second of stone. A fountain gushes from the middle of the base. One spout aims for the top of the base but, failing in its endeavor, falls and slips into the circular pool below. Another spout trickles over the left side to join the first in the pool.The sound of the water energizes more than soothes. Four boulders crouch in the pool: two paired and one on each side of the couple.
The six foot, charcoal colored, iron eagle gazes down at the pool but seems oblivious to the surroundings. His visage is fierce as if his thoughts are on matters that will require force and precision. As if there is an enemy who had dared to challenge the eagle's authority and has to be annihilated. His curved beak rests on his chest.
The courtyard has eight benches, including the one on which I sit. The seat of each bench appears rusted but the finger I swiped across the seat bears no evidence of rust. The frame of each bench is black in some areas and a mixture of grey and black in others, where the elements have taken a toll. The benches are also in pairs with varying distances between each partner, as if the partners share different levels of intimacy.
The benches are on the border of a path composed of embedded river pebbles, framed by a combination of red pavers and brick. A garbage can is housed in a container constructed with the same river pebbles as the path. Its half dome-shaped, light grey plastic cover has a front opening.
Shrubs and plants of different kinds, reside in beds covered with light brown mulch in the middle, and edged with small rocks.
The blazing heat of the midday sun and the end of my lunch break bring this writing episode to an end. Their combined powers boot me out of this courtyard and order me back to my office.
I exhale when I think of it. The two storied, brick house, with its red tiled roof, and wide porch that faces the ocean. I have encountered it only in my imagination, introduced to it during Writing 101, June 2014. Yet, it was what I thought of when invited by this Writing 101 September 2014 assignment to choose a place to which I would like to be transported if I could.
The location is unchanged: it is at the top of a hill and at the end of a winding road, about three miles outside of the small town at the foot of the hill. Population – 400.
The waist high, wooden gate, painted red on a whim, hooks arms with the white picket fence. It is the only entrance to the yard and leads up a short, stone path bordered with brightly colored flowers, to the heavy, chocolate brown kitchen door, which sticks during heavy rains.
The door opens into a kitchen that is small and, although there is no wasted space, feels cosy rather than crowded. A worn wooden table reigns in the center with wooden shelves and a wide porcelain sink, paying homage on the sidelines.
The archway from the kitchen frames a short narrow corridor that leads into the dining room. The dining room seems more spacious than it actually is due to the ceiling to floor windows on each side of the French doors leading to a tiny patio.
The walls of both the kitchen and dining room are white. The white's dominance in the dining room is interrupted by the burnished mango dining table with its multi-colored, tapestry runner marching down its length, matching chair covers on the four chairs gathered around. Close to and facing the French doors are sofa and love seats chosen more for comfort than style. Together with a a distressed wooden coffee table on a woven mat of various green hues, they comprise the living room.
A staircase with the slightest of curves, steps painted dark brown, and a single wrought iron hand rail, leads to the second floor with rooms that turn the house into a sanctuary. At the top of the stairs is a reading nook, with a red, plum club styled chair and matching ottoman. A small side table with a reading lamp, crowned with a beige lampshade on one side and, on the other side, a built in, three shelved bookcase holding a combination of books and an assortment of framed photographs.
Just a stone throw from the reading nook, is the door to the master bedroom where, upon entering, all senses are engaged. Depending on which of the five senses you lead with, you may first notice the subtle scent of sandalwood, or the soft grey of the walls, with its simple, white carved molding. The white is echoed in the dresser, side tables, the window seats on both sides of the small fire place, and the white French doors, that open to the balcony with its view of the ocean. And what a view it is in all seasons, from all vantage points: whether huddled during the winter under the warm, soft, comforters of the king size, sleigh bed which faces the french doors; or, reclining on the wooden Adirondack chairs or love seat on the balcony during other seasons.
The ocean view consistently invites me to breathe long and deep, to just be. It also reminds me that like the tide, life ebbs and flows, and my role is to set my sails, not try to control the uncontrollable.