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In several days of touring around Belfast we'd seen no signs of the violence, known as "The Troubles", that once made it among the world's most dangerous cities. Of the 1,541 killings there, most ocurred north and west of the city and it is in West Belfast that evidence of the conflict is still prominent. Large-scale political murals memorialize those who died on both sides, celebrate some gruesome achievements and, more recently, some call for peace and understanding.
Perhaps the most striking reminder of the Troubles is the "Peace" Line, a series of barriers stretching a total of 34km that separate the largely Protestant unionist and the mainly Catholic republican communities in urban areas. Gates along the "Peace" Line allow traffic and cars to pass, but still are closed nightly and all weekend to keep the groups apart and head-off any sudden violence.
The "Peace" Line was started in 1969 as a temporary measure, but has outlasted the Berlin Wall that divided Berlin from 1961 to 1989. The height and number of barriers have actually increased since the 1998 cease-fire agreement, from 18 in the 1990s to at least 59 today. A study released in 2012 indicated that 69% of residents believe the walls still are necessary to prevent violence.
The weapons have mostly been set aside, but there still are two distinct sides and it will take generations for the memories of what happened during the Troubles to fade and be fully forgiven. Interestingly, both sides do seem to agree on one thing now: that Brexit is not good for Ireland. Re-introducing border controls between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland isn't in anyone's best interest.
Below are highlights from October 27th, 2017 in West Belfast. Click any image for a larger view, or click the position to view the location on a map. And a live map of our current route and most recent log entries always is available at http://mvdirona.com/maps
Belfast Murals
Position: -5 56.54, 54 36.33
Belfast has a tradition of political murals dating from 1908. Protestant Unionists who supported British rule painted murals of King William III in protest of a Catholic-led push for Irish independence. The eventual Irish War for Independence culminated in the 1921 creation of the separate Republic of Ireland, but Northern Ireland's predominately unionist population, most of whom descended from British colonists, opted to remain in Great Britain.
Northern Ireland's population was made up of a mostly Protestant loyalist/unionist majority who favored British rule, and a mostly Catholic nationalist/republican minority who supported Irish Independence. Tension and hostility between the two groups erupted in the decades-long violence that became known as the Troubles.
The mural tradition was revived during the Troubles. This modern mural in the unionist Shankill Road district is of Protestant King William III, also known as King Billy or William of Orange, who overcame Catholic James II in the 1690 Battle of the Boyne an event that still is commemorated annually in Northern Ireland by the Orange Order.
Stevie McKeag
Position: -5 56.53, 54 36.36
Although the Troubles officially ended with the 1998 cease-fire agreement, some murals were painted after that date. Several are a stark reminder of the events, and the feelings that will take generations to dissipate. Stevie McKeag was a unionist and a Commander of the Ulster Defence Association's (UDA) 'C' Company in the 1990s. He earned the nickname "Top Gun" for frequently winning UDA's annual "Volunteer of the Year" award, given to he organisation's top hitman, and is associated with at least 12 deaths. McKeag died of a drug overdose in 2000 and over 1,000 supporters attended his funeral. This mural was painted following his death, with the words "Remember with Pride".
Position: -5 56.53, 54 36.36
Ulster Young Militants memorial showing the "Red Hand of Ulster", a unionist symbol.
William McCullough
Position: -5 56.40, 54 36.36
William McCullough was unionist paramilitary who had a reputation as a ruthless gunman and was involved with racketeering. He was killed in 1981 by the republican Irish National Liberation Army.
Jackie Coulter
Position: -5 56.48, 54 36.31
The violence wasn't just between unionists and republicans. The unionists consisted of several competing organisations whose feuds resulted in several deaths. Unionist Jackie Coulter was killed in 2000 by a rival unionist paramilitary organisation.
Loyalist Bonfire
Every July 12th, some Northern Ireland Protestant unionists march through town to commemorate Protestant William of Orange's 1690 victory over Catholic James II. Massive bonfires, some reaching 100ft high, are lit the night before as part of the celebration. Many bonfires also burn the flag of Ireland, Irish nationalist/republican symbols, Catholic symbols, and effigies. Not surprisingly, these displays often result in sectarian violence and attempts are being made to make the events more family-friendly. The celebration was one of the reasons we were nervous about being in Northern Ireland on July 12th earlier this year.
Our guide showed us this photo of one such bonfire. We don't know when the picture was taken, but the "Parades Commission" referred to on the banner was formed in 2000 to restrict parades deemed offensive or contentious, so the bonfire was built within the past 20 years.
Position: -5 56.40, 54 36.30
A display of British flags in the unionist Shankill Road district.
Position: -5 56.51, 54 36.36
More modern West Belfast murals promote peace and co-existence. This patchwork quilt displays words related to women and the roles they play in families and communities.
Position: -5 56.40, 54 36.36
In sharp contrast to the paramilitary murals, the Lower Shankill Angels are a cross-community group of schoolchildren who created this movie-style poster.
The Lost Streets
Position: -5 56.55, 54 36.35
Not all the art in West Belfast is politically-charged. This sculpture, The Lost Streets, shows how the Shankill Road has changed over nearly a century by comparing 1920 to to 2012.
Peace Line
Position: -5 57.12, 54 36.03
Perhaps the most visible reminder of the Troubles is the "Peace" Line, a series of barriers stretching a total of 34km that separate the largely Protestant unionist and the mainly Catholic republican communities in urban areas. Most of the barriers are in Belfast, with the remaining in Derry, Portadown and elsewhere. The "Peace" Line was started in 1969 as a temporary measure, but has outlasted the Berlin Wall that divided Berlin from 1961 to 1989. The height and number of barriers have actually increased since the 1998 cease-fire agreement, from 18 in the 1990s to at least 59 today. This portion of the wall is along the unionist side on Cupar Way.
Position: -5 57.66, 54 36.10
Gates along the "Peace" Line allows traffic and cars to pass. An agreement is in place to remove the barriers by 2023, but the gates still are closed nightly and all weekend to keep the groups apart and head-off any sudden violence. You can still walk or drive around the wall when the gates are closed, but this detour apparently is enough to limit problems. A study released in 2012 indicated that 69% of residents believe the walls still are necessary to prevent violence. Our guide said that a Catholic who attempted to live in the Protestant Lower Shankill Road area even today likely would be "burned-out" (a term used when a family is forced to leave through burning their house) or possibly killed.
Clonard Martyrs Memorial Garden
Position: -5 57.48, 54 36.07
Against the "Peace" Line on the republican side we stopped at the Clonard Martyrs Memorial Garden in memory of those from the Greater Clonard area who died in the Troubles and in the Irish Stuggle for Indepencence, including "civilians murdered by loyalists and British forces during the course of the conflict".
Position: -5 57.46, 54 36.07
Homes adjacent to the "Peace" Line on the republican side are heavily armoured to prevent Molotov cocktails or other explosive from landing inside the houses.
Bobby Sands
Position: -5 57.17, 54 35.88
Provisional Irish Republican Army (IRA) member Bobby Sands was imprisoned in 1977 for planning and executing a Belfast bombing. He was elected to the House of Commons in 1981 while still in prison, but died from a hunger strike before he could take his seat. More than 100,000 people lined his funeral procession.
Sinn Fein
Position: -5 57.17, 54 35.88
On Falls Road at the office of Sinn Fein, an Irish republican party founded in 1905 and historically associated with the IRA.
Maire Drumm
Position: -5 57.17, 54 35.87
Sinn Fein vice president Maire Drumm was killed in 1976 by a unionist paramilitary group while recovering from eye surgery in hospital.
Nelson Mandela
Position: -5 56.80, 54 35.98
Nelson Mandela hosted the 1997 talks that resulted in the 1998 cease-fire agreement in Northern Ireland. This mural includes one of his famous quote: "In my country we go to prison first and then become President".
Crumlin Road Gaol
Position: -5 56.55, 54 36.53
After our murals tour, we visited the Crumlin Road Gaol a former prison closed in 1996 and re-opened as a tourist attraction. This is the ornate street-level entry gate.
Position: -5 56.53, 54 36.56
Prisoner's didn't enter the jail at street level. Rather they passed from the court building on the opposite side of the street via this tunnel under the road.
The Circle
Position: -5 56.51, 54 36.58
Completed in 1845, Crumlin Road Gaol was among the most advanced of its day. The prison consisted of four wings up to four storey's high that extend from a central atrium called the Circle. With its natural light, high ceiling and wrought-iron walkways, the Circle looks quite attractive now, but that probably wasn't the first impression of those interned here.
Position: -5 56.52, 54 36.58
The Crumlin Road Gaol was the first Irish prison designed to separate prisoners with no communication between them. By the early 1970s the jail was overcrowded, with up to three prisoners per cell.
Execution Room
Position: -5 56.52, 54 36.58
17 prisoners were executed at Crumlin Road Gaol between 1854 and 1961. Those awaiting execution were kept in a room with secret entrance to the execution room. On the day of their execution, the jailers slid open a secret panel and conveyed the prisoner into the execution room where they were hanged. The clear opening below the noose is where the floor would swing away from under the prisoner's feet.
Position: -5 56.50, 54 36.52
The old courthouse across the road from the jail is in ruin now, but plans are underway to renovate it as a hotel.
Carlisle Memorial Church
Position: -5 56.19, 54 36.46
Carlisle Memorial Church was completed in 1845 and once was home to one of the largest Methodist congregations in Belfast. The building has been unused since 1982, due to a declining congregation and its location at a major interface between Catholic and Protestant populations. In 2015 renovations began on the building, that is now is perceived as neutral territory and might see joint use.
St. Patrick's Church
Position: -5 55.93, 54 36.31
St. Patrick's Roman Catholic church was dedicated in 1877.
St. Anne's Cathedral
Position: -5 55.77, 54 36.15
St. Anne's Cathedral, also know as Belfast Cathedral, was completed in several stages starting in the early 1900s.
North Transept
Position: -5 55.75, 54 36.19
The north transept at St. Anne's Cathedral features a huge Celtic cross and was completed in 1981.
Silicone Head
Position: -5 55.84, 54 36.12
In addition to the political murals, Belfast also has a thriving street art community. Artist Emic drew this one on Church Street called "Silicone Head".
Click the travel log icon on the left to see these locations on a map, with the complete log of our cruise.
On the map page, clicking on a camera or text icon will display a picture and/or log entry for that location, and clicking on the smaller icons along the route will display latitude, longitude and other navigation data for that location. And a live map of our current route and most recent log entries always is available at http://mvdirona.com/maps.


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Only 499 left
Welcome Home Hedgie by Cactus Flower
This item is a Cactus Flower Exclusive and can be delivered in the Phoenix metro area only.
This is a perfect gift to welcome a new baby! The gift includes a onsie, a hedgehog rattle, a hedgehog plush and a hedgehog night light, all designed in a beautiful tray that would be perfect to hold other baby necessities!

subset: commoncrawl


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Applications are open
Presenter and Assessors help to build and strengthen the gymnastics community by sharing their experience and knowledge.
Dates: Saturday 6 August and Sunday 7 August, 2022.
Time: 9.00am -5.00pm - both days.
Venue: State Gymnastics Centre, Oaklands Road Morphettville.
Presenter and Assessor Application Pre-Requisites
Gymnastics SA will review your application prior to advising you of the next step to purchase the Presenter and Assessor Course ($150).
Completion of the Presenter and Assessor Practical Course does not guarantee GSA will utilize your services as a Presenter and Assessor or facilitate the post course training assessment.


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What better way to start a shiny new year with some brand spanking new non-fiction.
This most snappy and exhilarating introduction to the Ancient Egyptians by James Davies, provides an engaging and bite-sized view into a rich and varied topic.
In 'Meet the Ancient Egyptians' Davies' fresh and innovative illustrative style lends itself well to the infographics and highly visual format of this book.
We were also hugely entertained by the humorous and quirky narrative that accompanies the equally captivating spreads.
From the intricacies of mummification to the sheer brute force required for the building of the pyramids, the Egyptian reign is covered in a funky and vibrant format which will have readers gripped from the turn of the first page.
This enticing and exuberant look at the basics of Ancient Egypt is a must-have for sharing non-fiction with a younger audience.
Davies' bold and distinctive illustrative style, coupled with his naturally dry humour is a truly winning formula. Also look out for 'Meet the Ancient Romans' in this series.


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It can't be easy supporting Rangers at the moment.
Barely two weeks into the new season your team is already out of Europe after losing to Luxembourg minnows Progrès Niederkorn and you're already five points behind your arch-nemeses in the league – having watched them win the title for SIX years in-a-row.
So Celtic's five-goal drubbing of Astana in the Champions League play-off would've made for particularly difficult viewing for Gers supporters last week – with tomorrow's dead-rubber of a second leg similarly palatable.
However, two hardy Gers fans have found hope in their despair by backing the Kazakh champions producing a miracle turn-around and beating the Hoops 6-0 at odds of 500/1.
Find the latest Champions League odds over on PaddyPower.com
✈ The Bhoys flew out to Kazakhstan yesterday and will train at the Astana Arena this afternoon. #UCL pic.twitter.com/JUO1e58T3S
— Celtic Football Club (@celticfc) August 21, 2017
Even Borat wouldn't back that one, bless their hearts. Especially, when you consider that The Hoops are currently on a whopping run of 52 games undefeated domestically.
However, to recognise the duo's ridiculous optimism, we've decided have paid out their winnings before the match has even kicked off.
Isn't that sweeter than Irn-Bru and more heart-warming than a paper cup of Bovril?
Let's face it, Rangers supporters are going to need something to celebrate this season.CELTIC VS ASTANA ODDS
6/4 Celtic win
9/5 Astana to win
23/10 Draw
200/1 Celtic to win 5-0
500/1 Astana to win 6-0


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Hiking with children
5 family walks in the Celavu prunelli
We offer a selection of five walks ideal for families, to discover the Celavu Prunelli:
The Celavu Prunelli offers endless options if you're looking for the perfect spot for a family-friendly hiking trip.
Filled with breathtaking, varied landscapes and a wide range of easily accessed hiking trails, you'll find walks for all levels and ages.
In addition to the wonderful nature, there are also many historical sites and typical villages surrounded by trails. This gives you the opportunity to turn the physical exercise into an educational one.
To get you started, we've chosen five trails that are particularly family-friendly.


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Robert Crone, Landscape Painter
(d. 1779)
Landscape Painter
From A Dictionary of Irish Artists 1913
Was born in Dublin and learned the rudiments of his art under Robert West in the George's Lane School, where he obtained prizes in 1748 and 1750. He was also a pupil of Robert Hunter (q.v.), and of Philip Hussey (q.v.), to whom he was related. Hussey sent him to Italy in 1760. He studied in Rome for a time under Richard Wilson, and was much employed in procuring prints for Dublin connoisseurs and collectors. On his leaving Rome he settled in London and sent two landscape drawings to the exhibition of the Society of Artists in 1768, and was a contributor to the Royal Academy from 1770 to 1778, sending in all thirty-six landscapes, many of them drawings. In 1770 he sent a "Landscape and Figures" to the Irish Society of Artists, his only contribution to a Dublin exhibition. Crone was of small stature and deformed; from his youth he suffered from epilepsy which impeded his progress in his profession, impaired his health and finally caused his death while still a young man. He died in the early part of the year 1779. His pictures, many of them painted in imitation of Claude, were much esteemed. He did many drawings in black and white chalk on bluish-grey paper. One of his, at the time, most famous pictures was "The Ship Cabin," painted in Italy for Lord Boyne, representing Owen McSwiney, Robert Wood and others in the cabin of the yacht in which Lord Boyne sailed to the Levant. It belonged to the Right Hon. Nathaniel Clements.
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This adorable Turkey Crust Pumpkin Pie is easy to recreate and will amaze your family and friends this holiday season. Let me show you how easy it is to assemble and bake this fun Thanksgiving holiday treat.
Jump to:
- The ingredient list:
- Kitchen tools and equipment needed:
- Why this recipe works?
- What is the key to assembling this turkey pumpkin pie?
- Is homemade or store-bought pie dough better for this recipe?
- Can this turkey pie crust design be done on a store-bought pumpkin pie?
- Can I assemble and bake the turkey crust by itself first?
- View some of the turkey crust pumpkin pies made by readers like you!
- Can this turkey crust pumpkin pie be made in advance and frozen?
- The step-by-step photo instructions for making a pumpkin pie with a turkey crust:
- Popular homemade pie crust recipes from around the web:
- Alternative pumpkin pie recipe:
- My turkey pumpkin pie has been featured in the following publications:
- A full Thanksgiving menu
- Printable Recipe Card
The ingredient list:
**Note - The following lists of ingredients plus kitchen tools and equipment contain affiliate links (highlighted in blue) for your consideration and shopping convenience.
- 2 - 9" round pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
- all-purpose flour (for rolling the pie dough)
- pumpkin puree
- granulated sugar
- ground cinnamon
- grated nutmeg
- eggs
- evaporated milk (not sweetened condensed milk)
- pure vanilla extract
- ground ginger
- ground cloves
- kosher salt
Kitchen tools and equipment needed:
- large mixing bowl
- whisk
- cardboard or cardstock (for making the pattern)
- scissors
- pen or pencil
- rolling pin
- paring knife (for cutting out the pie dough pattern)
- spatula or offset spatula
- measuring cups and spoons
- baking sheet
- parchment paper
- pie pan (if using homemade crust)
- small round bowl (4" circumference)
- nutmeg grater (optional)
- cake lifter (optional)
Why this recipe works?
Because the pie is tasty, and the decorations are not difficult or intimidating.
I've done my best to give you easy step-by-step instructions and descriptions but the best pies are the ones that are unique with your own style and personality.
Have fun with this and you'll be as proud as a peacock (um, make that turkey) with how your pie turns out.
Oh, don't forget to tag me across all the social media platforms (@kudoskitchen) with a photo of your turkey crust pie because I'd love to see your edible work of art!
What is the key to assembling this turkey pumpkin pie?
The major key to assembling the turkey crust (so he doesn't drown in all that luscious pumpkin filling) is to bake the pumpkin pie partially before adding Mr. Tom Turkey on top.
That way the custard pie will be set enough so the turkey crust will sit on top of the pie and won't be eaten up and fall to the bottom of the pie, rendering him invisible.
That would be no fun at all!
Is homemade or store-bought pie dough better for this recipe?
That depends on you!
To simplify the process of making this pumpkin pie with a turkey crust, I used some store-bought pie crust that can be found in the refrigerator section of the grocery store.
However, if you have a penchant for making your own crust, by all means, use your favorite recipe, but be sure you make enough for a double-crust pie.
Can this turkey pie crust design be done on a store-bought pumpkin pie?
Sure thing!! Whatever is easier for you!
If using a store-bought pumpkin pie (as shown in the video), start by baking the pie halfway before adding the turkey crust.
OR, you can pre-bake the turkey and add him to the fully baked pie as described below.
Can I assemble and bake the turkey crust by itself first?
You sure can!
I've heard of a lot of people who prefer to bake their turkey crust and pumpkin pie separately and then lay the baked turkey crust on top of the finished pumpkin pie.
If this sounds like a method you'd like to try, make sure to watch the baking of the turkey closely.
I suggest assembling him on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and sprayed lightly with baking spray.
Bake him in a preheated oven for 12-15 minutes (keeping a close eye on him so he doesn't burn).
Once he is golden brown, remove him from the oven and allow him to cool completely before adding him to the top of the cooked pumpkin pie. A large cake mover works well for this.
View some of the turkey crust pumpkin pies made by readers like you!
Can this turkey crust pumpkin pie be made in advance and frozen?
YES!! I've done it several times!
- Cool the pie completely after baking.
- Once fully cooled, wrap the pie well in 2 - 3 layers of cling wrap and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Thaw at room temperature for 1 hour and unwrap the pie. Continue thawing until no longer frozen.
The step-by-step photo instructions for making a pumpkin pie with a turkey crust:
- Roll out one pie crust to fit a 9" pie plate.
- Roll the dough loosely onto the rolling pin and transfer it to a waiting 9" pie plate.
- Carefully unroll the dough...
- Gently press the dough into the corners of the plate and up the sides.
- Crimp the top of the crust however you like.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, cinnamon, salt, ground ginger, grated nutmeg, and cloves.
- In a large bowl, whisk together 2 eggs, pumpkin puree, evaporated milk, and vanilla.
- Add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and whisk well to combine.
- Pour the filling into the prepared pie crust.
- Once the pie is filled, partially bake it in a preheated 375-degree oven for 40-45 minutes.
- While the pie is baking, roll out the second pie crust and start trimming the pie crust pieces to form the turkey body.
- Use water on your finger to "glue" the turkey beak and waddle to the neck and head.
- Using more water, carefully transfer the turkey neck to the body (a spatula works well for this).
- Use a small piece of cardboard (from the back of a small note pad), and draw out two sizes of feathers, one longer, and one shorter.
- Cut out the cardboard feathers to use as a pattern.
- Use a paring knife to trim at least 15 feathers (both sizes) from the remaining pie crust.
- Carefully use the blade of the paring knife to score lines into the dough to resemble feathers.
- If needed, use the paring knife to gently fraction the body of the turkey to more easily determine the placement of the feathers.
- Once the pie is partially baked, it's time to start assembling the turkey on top of the pie, starting with his body.
- Use a touch of water to add the feathers, one at a time to the body of the turkey until you like the way he looks.
- Use a skewer or toothpick to make the holes for the eyes.
- When the turkey is completely assembled, return the pie to the oven and continue baking until the center of the pie is completely set and the turkey crust is lightly brown and golden.
- Cool completely before cutting and serving.
Popular homemade pie crust recipes from around the web:
*Art of the Pie Dough Recipe from Kate McDermott
*Homemade Buttery Flaky Pie Crust from Sally's Baking Addiction
*The Best Homemade Pie Crust from Cookies and Cups
*Mom's Homemade Pie Crust from (yours truly) Kudos Kitchen
Alternative pumpkin pie recipe:
Easy Pumpkin Pie from Wonderful Cook - This pumpkin pie recipe is bursting with an incredible profile flavor and is super easy to make! Add the turkey crust topper and you'll please and delight everyone at the table!
My turkey pumpkin pie has been featured in the following publications:
Since his original creation, I'm as pleased as pie that this Tom turkey-decorated dessert has been featured in the following publications -
Country Living Magazine (yes, twice!)
This recipe post for my pumpkin pie with a turkey crust is also proudly featured on Meal Plan Monday.
A full Thanksgiving menu
You'll be pleasantly pleased after your first sip of this Pumpkin Spice Martini. After your second sip, you'll be warm all over. You're welcome!! 🙂 Enjoy Responsibly!
With a savory filling of pumpkin, cream cheese, bacon, and sage, these Pumpkin Crescent Pinwheel Appetizers are always a hit when it's time to party.
You'll be amazed at how delicious Brown Bag Roast Turkey is! The skin is crispy, and the meat juicy! It's utter perfection!! This method for roasting a Thanksgiving turkey has it IN THE BAG so don't miss out your chance to serve the best roast turkey you've ever had!
You can have this impressive Bacon Bourbon Green Bean Almondine side dish on the table in under 30-minutes. It's fancy enough to serve for the holidays and yet it's easy enough to make any night of the week.
Don't think this amazing Pretzel Roll Stuffing with pine nuts should only be made for Thanksgiving. After your first bite, you'll be looking for reasons to make it all year long!
Take some of the stress out of serving a big holiday meal to a large group of people (or any meal for that matter) by preparing these Cheesy Horseradish Mashed Potatoes in advance. Then pop it into the oven about an hour before you're ready to eat! Now it's time to relax before dinner. You've earned it!
⭐If you've made this recipe, or are excited to make this recipe, I'd appreciate it if you'd take a moment to leave it a star rating on the recipe card, along with a comment of why you rated as you did.
Google loves ratings and will show my recipes to more people if they have them. Thank you. 🙂
Printable Recipe Card
Turkey Crust Pumpkin Pie
- 2 9" round pie crust
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- pinch freshly grated nutmeg
- 2 large eggs
- 1 can (15 ounces) pumpkin pie purée
- 1 can (12 ounces) evaporated milk
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Preheat oven to 375-degrees.
- Roll out one of the pie crusts to fit slightly larger than a 9" deep dish pie plate.
- Loosely roll the pie crust upon the rolling pin and transfer it to a waiting 9" pie plate.
- Gently unroll the crust and evenly press the crust into the corners and up the sides of the plate.
- Crimp the edge of the crust with your favorite method of decoration.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the sugar, cinnamon, salt, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, pumpkin puree, evaporated milk, and vanilla.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and whisk to thoroughly combine the pie filling so that it's creamy, with no lumps.
- Carefully pour the pie filling into the waiting pie crust in the pie plate.
- Partially bake in a preheated oven for 30-35 minutes.
- While the pie partially bakes, roll out the second pie crust.
- Use a small 4" - 5" bowl as the body of the turkey and use a paring knife to carefully cut around the bowl to form the body of the turkey.
- Using the paring knife cut out a neck and head shape for the turkey, along with a small triangle for the beak, and also a long skinny piece for the turkey waddle.
- Wet a finger with water and use it to attach the turkey beak and waddle to the head of the turkey.
- Using additional water (as glue) and a spatula, carefully transfer the turkey neck and head onto the bottom of the body of the turkey. Use your fingers to re-shape if needed.
- To make the feathers, use a small piece of cardboard (from the back of a notepad) and draw out two sizes of feathers (one long, and one short).
- Use scissors to cut the feathers from the cardboard. Cut at least 15 feathers (long and short) from the remaining uncut pie dough.
- Gently use the paring knife to score veins onto each feather, making sure not to cut through the dough.
- Use the paring knife to gently and evenly fraction the turkey body to help with the placement of the feathers (optional step).
- Remove the partially baked pie from the oven and use a spatula to gently place the turkey body (including the neck, head, beak, and waddle) and on top of the pie.
- Using water as glue, place the feathers one at a time onto the body of the turkey overlapping as needed, and to your liking.
- Use a toothpick or skewer to add small holes for the turkey's eyes.
- Return the turkey crust pie back to the oven and continue baking until the center of the pie is set, and the turkey crust is lightly golden (approximately 30-40 minutes)
- **NOTE - If your outer pie crust is turning too brown before the turkey is golden, cover the outer rim of the pie crust with aluminum foil and continue baking until the pie is set and the turkey is golden.
- Cool the pie completely on a wire rack before serving.
I sincerely hope you've enjoyed today's recipe for Turkey Crust Pumpkin Pie as much as I've enjoyed bringing it to you!
Thank you so much for visiting me today in my Kudos Kitchen. I hope you found something you'll love and that you'll come back and visit me often. There is always room for you around my table!
Should you have any questions or comments regarding anything you've seen here on my blog, please don't hesitate to reach out to me. It is always my distinct pleasure to respond to you just as soon as I possibly can.


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Appearing like the high beams of an oncoming car, this is the best image that the Hubble Space Telescope has produced of the binary star system.
Due to their relative proximity (4.3 light-years) to Earth, the star system is among the best studied by astronomers. This particular image was captured by Hubble's Wide-Field and Planetary Camera 2 in optical and near-infrared wavelengths.
Also in the image, though harder to spot, is the red dwarf Alpha Centauri C, known as Proxima Centauri, which was recently observed to have an Earth-sized planet in the habitable zone.
Originally published by Cosmos as Up close with our nearest star system neighbour
Wayne Gibbings
Wayne Gibbings is associate publisher of Cosmos.
Read science facts, not fiction...
There's never been a more important time to explain the facts, cherish evidence-based knowledge and to showcase the latest scientific, technological and engineering breakthroughs. Cosmos is published by The Royal Institution of Australia, a charity dedicated to connecting people with the world of science. Financial contributions, however big or small, help us provide access to trusted science information at a time when the world needs it most. Please support us by making a donation or purchasing a subscription today.


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DNA Economics in Mamelodi
While its expertise is on economic analysis, DNA Economics has also showed that they have a skill in being able to touch the lives of others. In honour of our legend, Nelson Mandela, seven of its staff took time to go and share hope with learners, at Rephafogile Secondary School, in Mamelodi.
During our visit to the school, we were given an opportunity to provide motivational talks to the Grade 12s as they look towards their final exams – which 'talks' were well done by the four speakers.
From the office to the school, it was a trip that no one knew what to expect – whether the small gift packs we had prepared would be appreciated, but the response was overwhelming. The learners looked revived and re-energised after the small/ motivational 'talks', with the gift packs being a cherry on top. It appeared as though the learners realised that there are people who care about their success.It was a fulfilling day for DNA Economics and its staff, as we gave meaning to the saying of our Nelson Mandela, when he said "What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others".
On the 25th May 2018, the DNA team celebrated Africa Day in a fun and participatory way – by dressing in cultural outfits and sharing different lunch dishes from all over the continent. The day marks the annual commemoration of the foundation of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), and in that spirit our team came together for a meal.
Our African menu consisted of Ethiopian 'Injera' flat bread, spicy liklabishi (cabbage) salad, Southern African beef stew and Malta (Central and West African) drink.
We, as a DNA family, share an understanding of the meaning of unity and it was a lovely chance to spend the time together in commemoration of African Union (AU).
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In honour of Nelson Mandela Day, some of the DNA staff spent the afternoon of 18thof July with the grade 12 students of Rephafogile Secondary School in Mamelodi.
Rephafogile is a school DNA has been working with since 2017. This year, DNAers gave the learners a short talk about how to effectively prepare for their final examinations. DNAers also spoke to them about the best ways to find funding for their tertiary studies and encouraged them to pursue their dreams, no matter how big they are. The gathering ended with DNA distributing exam packs that will help the students prepare for their finals.
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Everyone is in bed and here I sit, staring at the television, unable to decide which video games I want to dive into.
I'd love to play until the wee hours of the morning, exploring everything I've been missing lately, but realistically I can't do that anymore. I get a tiny wake up call every day at 6:30am. My "mom time" is so limited, I don't want to make the wrong choice. It got me thinking about what games we all save for after our kids go to bed, and why?
There are so many games to choose from nowadays, and that comes with a long list of reasons to avoid them when the kids are around. Some reasons are for the sake of stereotypical good parenting, some are just excuses to keep your sanity intact. I often speak about the online game, Fortnite, being my go to with my son, but online safety is always a concern, you never know what someone in a squad group is going to say and what tiny ears are listening. I play Horizon: Zero Dawn a lot, and sometimes find myself wondering, is this game too mature for my kids? There isn't a ton of gore, but definitely a lot of violent finishing moves, though it is beautiful to look at. As I go through the list of games available on and offline, there are some definite "do nots" and lots I avoid for reasons perhaps a little more selfish.
Many nights I make the choice simply based on what I just CANNOT play around the kids. Those are video games like Cyberpunk 2077 or Resident Evil Village. In Cyberpunk the character creation alone will give you a HUGE heads up for sexual content when you're asked to design a heck of a lot more than Barbie and Ken are allowed to show. Then you must consider things like language, gore and if it is a violent video game. Resident Evil Village takes this category, not only is it a violent video game, but the suspense alone is enough to give me a heart attack, never mind my children. Assassin's Creed Valhalla falls into this category too, but the game carries some interesting customization that can make it more child friendly. It lets you turn off gore, nudity and some violence, which means you may be able to sneak it in when the kids are distracted.
I suppose that one was a bit obvious. Another reason you might choose a game in your down time is relaxation. What that means is really up to you. Maybe it's some Battle Royale in Call of Duty: War Zone. That's usually a good speed for me, stealth and violence to get out my frustrations. Or you can follow in the footsteps of every mom in quarantine — myself included — and rock some weed picking and flower watering in Animal Crossing: New Horizons or Stardew Valley. I have over 1000 hours in those games, and most of it was dedicated to a fabulously large, rainbow flower garden. Don't judge me.
Recently I started playing some nostalgic games too. The Dragon Age series came out on Xbox Game Pass and I couldn't resist. I downloaded all three games because I figured that would be safe for while the kids were awake, it's what I do instead of binge-watching Grey's Anatomy. I was very, very wrong. Yes, it's pretty safe in terms of language, its technically a violent game, but the gore is minimal and a little cartoon-like. The issue I had is how much my six-year-old complained about it. It's boring, why does it look funny, what is my character looking at, why can't I go wherever I want? He wasn't used to anything other than my usual open world games, and it's outdated so the graphics aren't state of the art and sometimes glitchy. Turns out my sanity is another reason to choose to play a game after bedtime.
"Sometimes I want to play Among Us without someone telling me I can't be red…"
One secret I think every gaming parent really needs to know though; you can play whatever you want when they go to bed! You don't have to feel guilty! Yes, I did play three rounds of duos in Fortnite with my son this afternoon, but tonight I want to land north of the map and loot the lighthouse without a tiny demon yelling that's HIS favourite spot! Sometimes I want to play Among Us without someone telling me I can't be red, or snickering when we load in, so I automatically know who the Imposter is.
The only thing I really try not to recommend for parents is a game that takes up too much brain power right before bed. Now, I might game a little harder than the average parent, and when I love a game I tend to get hooked. Believe it or not this used to cause so many sleepless nights for me. There are the usual warnings like limiting screen time before bed. We all teach our children that, if only I could learn the lesson myself. What I'm really focusing on here are the games that keep you thinking. For me, this was most recently Fortnite: Save the World. Long story short, you need to build a base that will be attacked. Your job is to build walls and trap tunnels to keep it safe. I can remember waking up in the middle of the night having epiphanies because I dreamt up an elaborate trap I couldn't wait to build and didn't want to forget. If you are anything like me, avoid these games at night.
Always make sure you're choosing your games based on how you feel. Don't force yourself to play something at night just because you can't during the day. And don't avoid something altogether just because you know your kids will want to do it tomorrow. Not doing things you love when you're in the right mood is not good for your mental health and a surefire way to burn yourself out. I promise you that. If you're really torn and don't know which gaming persona to turn to, just play some Candy Crush. I won't tell.


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Dr. David Shute joins Cascade Health Alliance
Contact: Margaret Fabrizio
On January 2, 2018, Dr. David Shute joined the Klamath Falls-based medical management companies Cascade Comprehensive Care, Inc. (CCC) and Cascade Health Alliance (CHA) as its new Chief Medical Officer.
As a subsidiary of CCC, CHA serves as one of 16 coordinated care organizations (CCOs) in Oregon. CHA manages Oregon Health Plan (Medicaid) benefits for its members and some Atrio Health Plan members as well. CHA currently serves more than 17,000 OHP members in Klamath County.
Dr. Shute received his medical degree at the University of Illinois. He is Board Certified in Internal Medicine and became so upon completing his residency at Oregon Health and Sciences University. His experience includes affiliations with multiple hospitals including Legacy Good Samaritan Hospital, and the Providence St. Vincent Medical Center. Most recently, he served as Medical Director, consultant and practicing physician for GreenField Health.
Throughout his career, Dr. Shute worked with patients, in administration, and in leading quality improvement work. His experience included both developing and implementing quality improvement measurement. He commented, "I believe in the work that CHA and CCOs are doing. We are committed to improving the health of patients and the community."
"We are excited to have a seasoned physician leader like Dr. Shute join our organization as we look forward to transforming and innovating the delivery of care for the members we serve", says Tayo Akins, CEO of CCC. "He has the skills, experience and proven track record to lead and build our medical management program as part of this transformation initiative.
Dr. Shute is eager to learn about the Klamath Falls area. He is an avid white-water rafter, kayaker, skier, and mountain biker, and is thrilled about the recreational opportunities available in Klamath. He has family living nearby.


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I will be invigilating the Brent Artists' exhibition in the BAR gallery at Willesden Library on the afternoon of the 20th until 6pm and selling my poetry book "Son of the Glowing Nightsoil of the Concealed Emu". Iwould like to invite the wassailers to the exhibition yto see the art and then I can read them two poems about trousers,
yrs Peter Murry
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Wow – It is hard to believe how fast the summer came and went.
As you can probably gather from the frequency of posts, it was a very busy time for all of us at the InfraOps team. Busy working with clients and getting to know updated technologies. Lots of activity, including some much needed summer breaks.
Anyhow, our commitment to continued postings is renewed – Thanks to all for the ping! – Stay tuned!


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Are you coach, consultant or professional searching for a way to enhance your clients' view of their current realities? If so, then you will be interested in the Interpersonal Wellness Quotient (IWQ) coming live in March 2010. In the mean time, join my free webinar on January 12th at 12 noon CST to learn how you can be among the first group of licensed professionals to use this tool to accelerate your work with corporations. This tool is set to revolutionize the way we help our clients view and set their goals, while empowering them to take ownership of their abilities to create the life and relationships they want to have.
Join my live Webinar!
Date: January 12, 2010
Time: 12noon CST
Register Here: http://www.lifecoachctre.ca/interpersonalwellness.com/course_reg.html
I look forward to seeing you there!


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At the time of release, this album was presented as ambient music shifting between various cultures and ages. Sonically, Solitaire's album "Fearless" sees a switch to more progressive-oriented electronic music with a minimal edge. As a whole though, it's quite weird and halucinogenic listening experience.
Distorted guitar textures already fly by in opener in the rather one-dimensional sounding "One Small Step..", while cyclic tribal drums along airy textures make up the static "Tribes". Ghostly, darkening spheres and a pulse-beat start off on the 12-minute "Eclipse", followed by a minimal tribal-drum pattern, some didj-noises and lush monk chant. This is peculiar stuff. On "Soleil", the air seems to open up a bit, but strange samples and a tribal rhythm still don't make up a consistent whole despite a few promising textural soundscape leads heard near the end.
The title piece is a 19-minute slow morphing soundscape affair along sample food where the uncanny and psychedelic reign. At the 11-minute mark, a stronger and more captivating moodscape sets in alongside sampled tribal percussion still moving in a minimal framework. Skilled multi-instrumentalist Amir Baghiri along a female vocalist join the duo on the final track "Awakening". These ethnic flavours sound more focussed, balanced and ethereal in shape and make best part of the album for me. Compared to its predecessors, "Fearless" is an odd and totally different beast I confess still can't adjust to.
P.S. The tracks "Eclipse", "Soleil" und "Fearless" were all featured in the Hollywood movie "Blade", but didn't lead to further work for soundtracks.
|Website: www.gleisberg.com
You can see what reviews I have done of this artist on the Solitaire artist page
Sonic Immersion © 2023


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More than 200 African migrants managed to scale the fence surrounding the Spanish enclave Melilla on Sunday, successfully reaching European Union soil.
Melilla is a coastal city, surrounded by the Mediterranean on one side and Morocco on the other three sides. The enclave — along with the similar city of Ceuta — has been a site of migrant crossings for years, some successful and many more attempted.
Individuals and small groups regularly attempt to scale the massive fences surrounding the enclaves — or, as Lauren Frayer reported for NPR in 2015, to sneak through checkpoints in cars or trucks or swim around the fences, which jut out into the Mediterranean Sea.
Mass crossings, with hundreds of migrants breaching a wall at one time, happen periodically.
In the most recent crossing, 209 migrants made it onto Spanish soil, NPR's Eleanor Beardsley reports. "Four of the migrants who reached Spain received treatment for injuries sustained during the crossing," she says.
One Spanish police officer was wounded — a migrant attacked the officer with a hook used to climb the fence, The Local reports, and injured the police officer's earlobe.
"In order to get across, migrants often use hooks and shoes studded with nails," The Local notes.
Authorities called the breach of the fence a "violent crossing," Reuters reports.
In 2015, Lauren Frayer described migration into Ceuta, where a similar fence divides Moroccan and Spanish land:
"In February 2014, at least 15 Africans died trying to swim around the same fence, when border guards fired rubber bullets at them in the water. Sixteen Spanish troops have been indicted in that incident.
" 'That was a monumental mistake, but we work under so much pressure,' says Juan Antonio Delgado, a Civil Guard spokesman. 'You've got 500 desperate Africans face to face with 50 of us guards. It's very dramatic. They're absolutely determined to get across.'
"Moroccans who reach Ceuta illegally are automatically deported, because of a bilateral treaty between Spain and their country. But many African countries have no such treaties. And many migrants try not to disclose their origin, so Spanish officials can't deport them."
And in 2016, NPR's Leila Fadel visited would-be African migrants camped out in Nador, Morocco, just south of Melilla:
"We reach a clearing where makeshift tents of blankets and garbage bags are propped up on the hills. Clothes hang in trees to dry. Dozens of people are sitting around. A woman washes dishes in a small plastic bowl. Four men huddle around a meager fire as one person fries up eggs for the group to share.
" 'We are suffering. We are suffering like this. We are suffering,' [says] Abison Johnson, from Cameroon. … 'I come from a poor family, very poor background. And I thought if I go out to help my family — but to my great surprise, life became worse and worse to me.'
"He wants to go to Europe. But that would mean getting through a series of Moroccan and Spanish walls meant to keep people out of the Spanish enclave of Melilla. They're reinforced with floodlights, electronic surveillance sensors and barbed wire. …. He lifts his shirt to show me a long, dark scar on his right side where the barbed wire sliced him open. …
"Johnson has jumped the wire, as they call it here, onto the Spanish side several times. Each time, the Spanish guards send him back. And sometimes, he says, the Moroccan border guards beat the returnees. Crossing now is almost impossible."
You can hear her full report here.


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Goodnight Table and Chair
By JIM NICHOLS
You have probably had this same experience in one form or another. That is, we realize that we are in familiar territory, but something seems oddly and disturbingly different. We recognize most of the pieces, but they are put in different positions and result in some new or different meaning.
I was challenging myself by living a brief while in a foreign country to get better at another language. By day, I walked with other students down streets lined with stores bearing signs I could somewhat read, but not exactly. We were attending school. At night, I slept in a single room in a large house that three other students occupied with me in other rooms. A local family lived there in another part of the house; we all ate meals together. The family was generating some income from us students. Living there together was part of the learning experience for students, all of whom were much younger than I. I suspect they were learning faster than I was.
My room was quite different than my room in my home. It was small with plaster walls and a concrete floor. There might have been one wall picture as the room decoration. The second story window looked out to a deeply green tree and other vegetation and at night the sound of the rain falling was loud and, frankly, comforting. I believe it rained hard nearly every night, the cause for the green background to the world there.
There was a poor single bed, more like a cot. Additional furniture was a diminutive set of bookshelves serving as a place to put extra clothes, a similarly small wooden table, and an uncomfortable straight-backed wooden chair. This was slightly before our heavily electronic way of life, so I was cut off from communication with others unless I left the room, primarily to use the community bathroom. After supper I retired to my room, sat in the uncomfortable chair at the little table, listened to the rain, and studied my school lessons. It was not like my own home, but I got used to it and was glad to return each evening for respite from challenging days. Besides supplying us with meals and a roof shielding us from the rain, the family entered the room sometime during the day to sweep the concrete floor.
As I settled into the sagging corner bed each night it was earlier than my usual bedtime at home. I had nothing else to do besides my lessons, the other students were in their rooms, and I was tired from living in another language all day. Gazing around the room, I thought of the children's book Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown. "Goodnight Moon, goodnight cow jumping over the moon, goodnight mouse . . . " "Goodnight table, goodnight chair, goodnight shelf, goodnight thunder and lightning." The little room had become my temporary home and I was used to it.
Arriving back late one afternoon, I climbed the stairs, unlocked the door, and entered a room that seemed both familiar and different. My hunch is that whoever entered the room to sweep had pushed all the furniture to one side and then the other side; this would make sweeping easier. However, she had forgotten where the pieces were originally positioned and put them in new places. It took me several seconds to understand what must have happened and it mildly disturbed me. The bed, table, chair, and shelf were all there, but the overall effect of the room was changed.
Is that not what happens in our faith walk? We have items that are comfortable to us, that bring us meaning, give us stability. We generally know how we are supposed to respond in most situations. Our assumptions are clear, our preferences well-founded.
And then—we encounter someone that is unexpected, someone who runs counter to our assumptions. They bring a meaning to our lives that takes our theological furniture and rearranges it. What we believed was questionable becomes entirely reasonable. What we believed was off limits for us becomes incorporated into our faith. We become more compassionate and understanding. We see through some different eyes of faith.
It happens regularly to me; I suspect you have the same experiences.
Jim Nichols is a retired Abilene Christian University biology professor and current medical chaplain


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Ncuti Gatwa Doctor Who: Edinburgh head teacher reveals pride as former pupil becomes famous Time-Lord
Let us know what you think and join the conversation at the bottom of this article
With undisguised pride Mr Dempster declares, "As Head Teacher of Boroughmuir High School I am absolutely delighted to have a Time Lord as one of our alumni. It's a first for us and perhaps any school in this solar system."I'm pleased to say that long before I was Head Teacher I was in fact Ncuti's science teacher. I'm not sure that I can take any credit for his ascension to Time Lord status but I can remember his incredible smile and infectious personality. I knew that he'd go far in life beyond Boroughmuir."I and all in Boroughmuir High School are incredibly proud of Ncuti's career and his new role as Doctor Who. We can't wait to welcome him back - at any time (present, future or past) that's convenient to him!"
Born in Rwanda, Gatwa was just a toddler when his family were forced to leave their war-torn homeland for Scotland, refugees fleeing the genocide in 1994. Arriving in the Capital, the family settled in Oxgangs, "...one of like three black families in the whole of Edinburgh" as he once recalled. It made him an easy target.
He remembered, "I grew up in a working-class area, and I stood out – for my voice, my appearance, I did dance and things like that. But I always had faith in my charm. I always had faith in my charisma. I was like, 'If I can go around each group and befriend them all, then I'm all powerful.' Divide and conquer... It did work. I was all powerful!"
It certainly worked when the family moved to Fife. In the past Gatwa has admitted experiencing a sense of isolation growing up, revealing in one TV documentary that he was bullied at secondary when fellow pupils at his school in Dunfermline targeted him by setting up a racist Facebook focused on him. However, once again, his natural charm won them over and made them address their attitudes and actions.
He went on the record, saying, "It wasn't pleasant, but it wasn't actually horrendous… it didn't really bother me that much because I was like, 'You can't know me and not like me.' I was actually quite confused. I was like, 'What? These people don't like me?' I was like, 'That's never happened before.' So I was like, 'OK, fine. I'm just going to carry on being myself and they're going to fall in love with me sooner or later.' And they did."Befriending the bullies he turned the situation around.
"It was really a good lesson to me about the difference between hate and ignorance. Obviously their behaviour was inexcusable. But at the same time, I was the first black person that they probably saw in real life.
"They apologised profusely. Sorry is only a word, isn't it, but their actions spoke more than that. It wasn't that horrendous. My mum really toughened me up, as well. I grew up watching her move to this country with three kids on her back. She couldn't speak the language, didn't know the culture, no money, no nothing – and she raised all three of us. As cheesy as it sounds, I've been watching strength from young."
It was two teachers who spotted his potential in drama class and pushed him towards applying to go to drama school, Glasgow's Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, a move that ultimately led to his casting in the Netflix series Sex Education, which brought his break-through role, that of Eric Effiong.
Gatwa is now based in London, where his accent, a unique blend of Scottish, West African and English has almost got him into a fight on more than one occasion.
"People have tried to fight me," he has revealed. "There've been times when I've been on a night out and people ask me where I'm from; You get chatting, like, 'Oh mate, where are you from?''Oh, I'm from Scotland.''No, where are you actually from?''Scotland.''Why are you taking the piss?''I'm not taking the piss...'"People think you're being a dick... but it's booked me a lot of jobs. I'm not complaining."
As well as becoming the fourteenth Doctor Who, Gatwa is also the fourth Scottish actor to play the Time-Lord - Sylvester McCoy, David Tennant and Peter Capaldi all preceded him. At 29 years old he is the same age Peter Davision was when he became the fifth Doctor and, at the time, the youngest actor to play the role. A good omen perhaps but the Scottish connections don't stop there; the fifth Doctor and tenth Doctor are now family, Davison becoming Tennant's father-in-law after the Bathgate actor married Georgia Moffett, his daughter and, just to add to any confusion, she also played the Doctor's daughter in the TV series.
Speaking after the announcement of his casting on Sunday, Gatwa said of his new challenge, "So as much as it's daunting, I'm aware I'm joining a really supportive family. Unlike the Doctor, I may only have one heart but I am giving it all to this show."
He may only have one heart but when it comes to home, it's clearly shared between his love of Rwanda and of Scotland. After a recent trip back to the country of his birth, his first in many years, Gatwa admitted he was blown away by its beauty, explaining, "I didn't feel like I was looking at real life", adding, "It's just so nice to be able to fly that flag. That flag and my Scottish flag. I love that I come from both those places."


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Father Of University Of Maryland Student Wants Answers About Her Sudden Death
Ian Paregol says that mold in the University of Maryland dorm contributed to the death of his daughter, Olivia
Ian Paregol, father of recently deceased University of Maryland freshman, Olivia Paregol is speaking out about what he believes contributed to his daughter's sudden death from adenovirus. Paregol says that a known mold problem in his daughter's dorm contributed to her death.
Daily Mail says that Paregol believes that mold in 18-year-old Olivia's dorm, Elkton Hall contributed to her rapid demise, particularly because she was already immune compromised.
"It didn't help the illness. I think that's a really fair statement. We don't know that there's causation, yet, but it didn't help things. I mean … apparently, there were two kids sick when we came forward, right? That was the 13th. I would've liked to have had that information. And now there are three more kids sick."
Elkton Hall is one of the high-rise dorms on the College Park campus of the University of Maryland just north of Washington, D.C.
A statement from the University Health Center says that there is no connection between the mold problem and the outbreak of adenovirus on campus.
"The cases of adenovirus-associated illness on campus have been seen both in students living on and off campus and among students in residence halls affected by mold and not."
The Health Center says that the virus was not just found in students who live in the mold-affected dorms.
"As such, it appears that there is no consistent connection between mold exposure and the incidents of adenovirus infection affecting UMD students."
But the University of Maryland admits that students who are immune compromised are at a higher risk, and Oliva Paregol had Crohn's Disease. Over 500 students from Elkton Hall were relocated to area hotels due to the ongoing mold issue, which the university says is being addressed.
Jessica Thompson, another resident of Elkton Hall says that it's been stressful living in a dorm with a known mold problem.
"You can't sleep at night because the pillow is right next to mold and you're up all night coughing. We got to go home on the weekends and we would be totally fine at home, and we would come back and would be sniffling and coughing and then have headaches."
Ian Paregol says that he believes that parents should have been told earlier about the issue because with his daughter's immune issues in mind, he would have acted sooner, even if the university didn't.
"If they would have known a week earlier, I think there would have been a different result. This should never have happened."
Dr. David McBride, director of the University Health Center explains that the first case of adenovirus was diagnosed on November 1st.
"Since then, there have been reports of five additional cases of students with confirmed adenovirus-associated illness. On November 19, we learned that the testing of one specimen sent to the CDC revealed adenovirus 7, a strain that may cause more severe illness."
Source: Read Full Article


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A quiet Halloween season here in Playa Negra. Being low season, there are but a handful of the houses with anyone in them but that didn't stop us from throwing up a few decorations on the casa along the river even if we (and the guards) are the only ones to see them.
For the inside, we got artful and painted some driftwood and PJ set up a little web of spookiness by the front door.
We also shared an unauthorized decorating on one of the statues that graces the entrance to Casa Musica. We enlisted the aid of an accomplice and snuck over and turned the Adonis with the sword into a creature of the night. Don't tell.
For the night time, we went over to visit with some friends and enjoy the haunting decorations and table full of spooky edibles on offer at their home. Friendly converstaion and a bit of football. Even the monkeys were afraid to howl in the trees tonight 👻


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An Introduction
I first met Marcel Bolomet in 1995 when I worked as supervisor of the Photography Department at the Getty Research Institute. One afternoon, a distinguished looking older gentleman wearing a Basque Beret walked into my office. He told me that he was a docent at the Getty Museum in Malibu and asked if I would mind "talking photography" with him. Intrigued, I said "sure" and we met for lunch the following day.
Marcel had been a photographer as a young man and began to relate incredible stories about his past adventures. He had been the first official photographer of the United Nations, and also a photographer at the League of Nations and the World Zionist Congress. It turned out that he had photographed many of the pivotal events in Europe throughout the 1930's and 1940's.
Born French Swiss, Marcel had all the charm of Maurice Chevalier and was the ultimate "bon vivant-raconteur". He shamelessly peppered his stories with names of the rich, famous and infamous. When he visited Hitler's bunker right after the war, he stole the stopper from the washbasin: "Hitler won't be needing it!" he said. What I find amazing is that his stories proved to be true.
We became fast friends. Marcel told me that all but a handful of his original prints had been destroyed in a fire after WWII. Mercifully however, his negatives survived and were stored in France. He would bring them back on his next trip. Not sure if I would ever see them, I was surprised when Marcel returned several months later carrying two huge Haliburton cases full of negatives.
Marcel felt his work might be of some historical interest and we tried at first to give his archives to a suitable institution. However without vintage prints, negatives were of no interest. To make matters worse, most of them were nitrate based and in poor condition making storage, restoration, and maintenance costs prohibitive. In frustration, I began to pore through the negatives myself in the hope of mounting an exhibition. What first appeared to be just routine reportage, I quickly discovered was an important body of work from a forgotten master of the craft.
Marcel and I started producing prints but the negatives were in poor shape and silver printmaking required an enormous amount of time in print "spotting" and cleanup. Giclée (digital) printing proved to be the best solution. We chose to use proprietary carbon pigment and not dye based ink for its superior archival qualities. In 2003, Marcel's first exhibition was held at the G. Ray Hawkins Gallery in Beverly Hills. The show was a resounding success and the plaudits poured in:
Bolomet has "the humor, warmth and sensuality of Kertész." Marcel Bolomet is "far more formal and design oriented than Doisneau". His is "reminiscent of the work of fellow European photographers Robert Doisneau, Jacques Henri Lartigue, André Kertész, and Henri Cartier-Bresson...The significance of Bolomet's images resides not only in their historic value but in their sensitivity and humanity".
Sadly, Marcel himself died shortly before the opening of the exhibition. Looking at the prints however, it seems that Marcel is very much still alive. As his friend and collaborator, the privilege he has bestowed upon me to share these forgotten iconic masterpieces is beyond expression.


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Brendan Scott
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The Open Source Law Weekly Digest or OSWALD first launched late in 2002. Since then it has been regularly providing updates on all things open source related. The focus of this newsletter is on business, rather than technical developments in open source. Another strong component of the newsletter is IP news, as it is of interest to me and has an effect on open source.[508] [507] [506] [505] [504] [503] [502] [501] [500] [499] [498] [497] [496] [495] [494] [493] [492] [491] [490] [489] [488] [487] [486] [485] [484] [483] [482] [481] [480] [479] [478] [477] [476] [474] [473] [472] [471] [470] [469] [468] [467] [466] [465] [464] [463] [462] [460] [459] [458] [457] [456] [455] [454] [453] [452] [451] [450] [449] [448] [447] [446] [445] [444] [443] [442] [441] [440] [439] [438] [437] [436] [435] [434] [433] [432] [430] [429] [428] [426] [425] [424] [423] [422] [421] [420] [419] [418] [417] [416] [415] [414] [413] [412] [411] [410] [409] [408] [407] [403] [389] [378] [375] [374] [373] [372] [371] [370] [369] [368] [367] [366] [365] [364] [363] [362] [361] [360] [359] [358] [357] [356] [355] [354] [353] [352] [351] [350] [349] [348] [347] [346] [345] [344] [343] [342] [341] [340]
OSWALD #371 Period ending 17 August 2010
OSWALD #371 Period ending 17 August 2010
Welcome to the Open Source Law Weekly Open Source Digest (OSWALD)
The enormous news this week has been Oracle's patent lawsuit against Google for using Java in the Android operating system - and also the fact that such a suit was foretold many years ago (see also: http://xkcd.com/743/). More news of Android tablets and tablet like devices - I have been hanging out for ARM based Linux netbook form factors forever. Also more software patent related news.
>From my blog: http://brendanscott.wordpress.com/2010/07/01/example-copyright-damages-australian-industry/
Verbatim distribution with attribution ok.
Other distribution - email me.
Brendan Scott
Open Source Law
***** Off Topic
Microsoft's 2010 software 'most complicated lock-in decision in years' http://www.networkworld.com/news/2010/072910-microsoft-lockin.html
"Microsoft wants more of your money," said Burton Group analyst Guy Creese. "This is going to be a pretty complicated decision, one that may lead to lock-in. ... If you go forward with all of the 2010 products you will be a Microsoft shop for the foreseeable future because the offering is so monolithic. "
Suit alleges Disney, other top sites spied on users http://news.cnet.com/8301-31001_3-20013672-261.html
A lawsuit filed in federal court last week alleges that a group of well-known Web sites, including those owned by Disney, Warner Bros. Records, and Demand Media, broke the law by secretly tracking the Web movements of their users, including children.
***** Government/Policy
Q&A with Richard Stallman http://www.computerworld.com.au/article/356590/q_richard_stallman/
Australians should stop being distracted by the minor issue of refugees that come from Asia, and start focusing on the real threat: Tyrannical government policies that come from Asia.
A joint policy proposal for an open Internet http://googlepublicpolicy.blogspot.com/2010/08/joint-policy-proposal-for-open-internet.html
We have been guided by the two main goals: 1. Users should choose what content, applications, or devices they use, since openness has been central to the explosive innovation that has made the Internet a transformative medium. 2. America must continue to encourage both investment and innovation to support the underlying broadband infrastructure; it is imperative for our global competitiveness.
Rare Sharing of Data Leads to Progress on Alzheimer's http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/13/health/research/13alzheimer.html?_r=1
"It was unbelievable," said Dr. John Q. Trojanowski, an Alzheimer's researcher at the University of Pennsylvania. "It's not science the way most of us have practiced it in our careers. But we all realized that we would never get biomarkers unless all of us parked our egos and intellectual-property noses outside the door and agreed that all of our data would be public immediately. "
***** Patent/CR/DRM News+Policy
Oracle Sues Google Over Android: What's Up with That? http://www.consortiuminfo.org/standardsblog/article.php?story=20100813101123406
First and foremost, let's remember that for Oracle as much or more than any other company, this will be all about business, and not ideology. That means dollars and cents, which means that it's either direct revenues lost or available that are at issue, or an indirect economic motivation that has to do with a threat to, or an opportunity for, profits in some other fashion.
Free but Shackled - The Java Trap http://www.gnu.org/philosophy/java-trap.html
April 12, 2004 If your program is free software, it is basically ethical--but there is a trap you must be on guard for. Your program, though in itself free, may be restricted by nonfree software that it depends on. Since the problem is most prominent today for Java programs, we call it the Java Trap. [note date]
Viacom Appeals 'Flawed' $1 Billion YouTube Verdict http://www.dailyfinance.com/story/viacom-appeals-flawed-1-billion-youtube-verdict/19590425/
When Viacom (VIA) lost its $1 billion copyright infringement lawsuit against Google-owned (GOOG) YouTube in a landmark legal decision earlier this year, there was little doubt the massive media conglomerate would appeal. And so it has.
It's Back: Totally Unnecessary And Damaging Fashion Copyright Bill Reintroduced http://techdirt.com/articles/20100806/13311110533.shtml
We've discussed over and over and over again how the fashion industry absolutely thrives without copyright protection. In fact, much of the research shows that it thrives because of the lack of copyright.
Moglen: Bilski decision set back patent reform for more than a decade http://www.zdnet.com/blog/open-source/moglen-bilski-decision-set-back-patent-reform-for-more-than-a-decade/7108
At LinuxCon, Software Freedom Law Center chairman Eben Moglen said the late June decision -- which extended to one business process the same patent protections that traditionally covered machines -- will keep trollers in business and open source companies on guard.
A weak case for software patents http://opensource.com/law/10/8/weak-case-software-patents
The blog gives a distorted view of Red Hat's patent portfolio program in support of this argument. The argument is interesting, and suggests that there's still a steep hill to climb to get to a rational patent policy for software.
Citing Possible Bias, ACLU Asks Rader to Recuse Himself in Myriad Case http://thepriorart.typepad.com/the_prior_art/2010/08/aclu-pubpat-request-recusal-of-chief-judge-rader.html
In a motion filed quietly in late June, Christopher Hansen of the American Civil Liberties Union and Daniel Ravicher claim that remarks made by Federal Circuit Chief Judge Randall Rader at a biotechnology industry event show he may have a biased view of the case in question, Association of Molecular Pathology et. al. v. U. S. Patent and Trademark Office et. al, and should not be one of the three judges to decide the appeal.
***** Applications/Gadgets
Pure fun, but not for the faint hearted http://thebeezspeaks.blogspot.com/2010/08/pure-fun-but-not-for-faint-hearted.html
In short, it's a Linux computer the size of a pack of cigarettes. It looks like a toy laptop, but it isn't. It's fully functional. And best of all, it was only $99. I decided I had to have one.
Dell Streak Review http://www.linuxuser.co.uk/reviews/dell-streak-review/
If you were to ask the folks at Dell they'd certainly err on the side of tablet, but this does little to change the fact that it's basically a very large example of any of the latest Android-based Smartphones you can read about here or elsewhere.
HP preps Android e-reader as WebOS tablet pushes to 2011 http://www.linuxfordevices.com/c/a/News/HP-Keen-and-Hurricane-tablets/
Yet, a HP tablet of a different kind may end up running Android after all. FCC images of an Android-based "Zeen" e-reader were recently posted by Engadget, along with subsequent tips about the device.
Asus to release Eee Tablet with Linux in October for $300 http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9180679/Asus_to_release_Eee_Tablet_with_Linux_in_October_for_300?taxonomyId=15
The Eee Tablet will run a Linux OS, but not Google's Android mobile operating system, which has long been the rumor. The Linux distribution on board was developed by Asustek, said Jerry Shen, CEO of Asustek, speaking with reporters after the conference.
Notion Ink Adam Coming in November, Finally http://www.brightsideofnews.com/news/2010/8/13/notion-ink-adam-coming-in-november2c-finally.aspx
Here's a quick summary of hardware features: Android operating system; nVidia Tegra 2 GPU chipset; USB OTG [On the Go] ports which allow you to plug in and power USB flash drives and even portable hard drives...
***** Reports
Open source investment set to grow in 2010 http://www.techcentral.ie/article.aspx?id=15416
The study by Accenture found 69% of 300 large organisations questioned anticipated increased investment into open source software.
Copyright assignment - Once bitten, twice shy http://www.h-online.com/open/features/Copyright-assignment-Once-bitten-twice-shy-1049631.html
The GPL, or any other software licence, depends upon the framework of copyright law. Copyleft is a hack on copyright law that puts the rights and responsibilities back into the hands of the user.
Oracle Loves Linux, Has Advice for Improvements http://www.linuxplanet.com/linuxplanet/reports/7148/1/
The comments come as industry watchers, open source advocates and others are looking for signs of how Oracle will proceed with its new Sun assets -- and most importantly for the crowd at LinuxCon, what might happen now with Oracle pushing forward on both its Unix efforts with Sun Solaris as well as Linux. [Not suing over open source might be a good start?]
Exit costs of lock-in: Anticipate or it's too late! http://lxer.com/module/newswire/view/139731/
When discussing 'migration' costs from one platform or piece of software to another, I noted many people fail to understand the idea of 'exit costs'.
Ubuntu and the importance of community http://www.linuxuser.co.uk/opinion/ubuntu-and-the-importance-of-community/
The Ubuntu community comprises a large group of individuals from many backgrounds, not just the stereotypical bearded geek. With such a vast and diverse group of people, there has to be some form of governance.
Linux Foundation Helps Vendors Comply with FOSS Licenses http://www.linuxplanet.com/linuxplanet/reports/7147/1/
Linux and its associated open source technologies come with an array of licenses which which enterprises need to comply. In an effort to help make license compliance an easier endeavor, the Linux Foundation today announced a new compliance program, including tools and resources for open source licensing.
Qualcomm Pushes For Less Linux Fragmentation http://www.linuxplanet.com/linuxplanet/reports/7149/1/
He added that Qualcomm's business is not about championing one particular operating mobile Linux environment over any other but, like other developers, the company faces the challenge of having to develop optimizations for Android, MeeGo and LiMO mobile Linux implementations.
Novell takes SUSE Linux to the cloud with Amazon http://blogs.computerworld.com/16712/novell_takes_suse_linux_to_the_cloud_with_amazon
This new offering will be available around the world, and you can pay for using it on an hourly basis. Essentially what Novell is doing here is making AWS a SLES reseller. In the background, Novell will be doing the heavy-lifting on support, but business users will have only one throat to choke if there are any problems: AWS.
A Guest Post from IBM's Jean Staten Healy http://www.linux.com/news/featured-blogs/185-jennifer-cloer/343204-a-guest-post-from-ibms-jean-staten-healy
Businesses and consumers are fast creating a mobile world -- there will be nearly one trillion Internet-connected devices in 2011 -- and open standards such as Linux are necessary to make this new world work.
Apertus: The open source cinema project http://opensource.com/life/10/8/apertus-open-source-cinema-project
The idea of creating a free (as in free speech) and open cinema camera based on an Elphel 333 started in spring 2006
Gluster Brings Open Source to Unstructured Data http://www.enterprisestorageforum.com/technology/article.php/3898156/Gluster-Brings-Open-Source-to-Unstructured-Data.htm
Gluster is an open source startup that most people in storage have never heard of. Yet its value proposition could spell trouble for the big boys and potentially send the prices of proprietary hardware crashing down.
LinuxCon Analysts: Linux Is Winning http://itmanagement.earthweb.com/osrc/article.php/3898206/LinuxCon-Analysts-Linux-Is-Winning.htm
"Congratulations, you're on the winning team," Jeffrey Hammond, principal analyst at Forrester Research, the LinuxCon audience. "Linux has crossed the chasm to mainstream adoption. "
Android Leads Smartphone Sales Surge in 2Q: Gartner http://www.enterprisemobiletoday.com/news/article.php/3898226/Android-Leads-Smartphone-Sales-Surge-in-2Q-Gartner.htm
Smartphone sales continue to increase at a breakneck pace, according to the latest data from Gartner, and makers of Android-based devices are the clear beneficiaries as this market starts to mature and sort itself out.
Project Harmony Takes Aim at Open Source Contribution Agreements http://itmanagement.earthweb.com/osrc/article.php/3898411/Project-Harmony-Takes-Aim-at-Open-Source-Contribution-Agreemen
A new effort spearheaded by Amanda Brock, general counsel at Canonical, the lead sponsor of Ubuntu Linux, is trying to help solve the problem of contribution agreements. The effort is called Project Harmony, and it's a multi-stakeholder project that aims to help provide some clarity and uniformity to software contribution agreements.
Virgin America CIO Lauds Open Source Savings http://www.cioupdate.com/features/article.php/3898246/Virgin-America-CIO-Lauds-Open-Source-Savings.htm
Virgin America is one of the U. S's newest airlines and its IT infrastructure is mostly open source.
***** Snippets
Easy Root App Removed From Android Marketplace http://gorumors.com/how-to-android-app-to-root-motorola-droid-x-milestone/2754137
Where would we be without open source software? http://it.toolbox.com/blogs/locutus/where-would-we-be-without-open-source-software-40449
Open Source and Economics: How the Hold Up Problem Explains the Flash Wars http://gigaom.com/2010/08/08/open-source-and-economics-how-the-hold-up-problem-explains-the-flash-wars/
LinuxForums Introduces Classified Section for Advertisers of Products, Software http://www.prweb.com/releases/2010/08/prweb4360984.htm
Breaking down barriers for women in open source http://www.sdtimes.com/BREAKING_DOWN_BARRIERS_FOR_WOMEN_IN_OPEN_SOURCE/By_David_Worthington/About_OPENSOURCE/34544
Why can't free software lead to hardware innovation? http://www.freesoftwaremagazine.com/columns/why_cant_free_software_lead_hardware_innovation
24 Addictive Free Linux Games (Part 2 of 3) http://www.linuxlinks.com/article/20100807110002641/AddictiveGamesPart2.html
Digg, dug, buried: Linux http://blogs.computerworld.com/16678/digg_dug_buried_linux
LinuxCon: Linux's Future in the Spotlight http://itmanagement.earthweb.com/osrc/article.php/3897621/LinuxCon-Linuxs-Future-in-the-Spotlight.htm
How Do You Use Linux - The Survey http://linuxlock.blogspot.com/2010/08/how-do-you-use-linux-survey.html
Canonical Begins Tracking Ubuntu Installations http://www.phoronix.com/scan.php?page=news_item&px=ODQ5MA
Dumping Windows, moving on with Linux http://www.zdnet.co.uk/blogs/the-open-source-revolution-10014902/dumping-windows-moving-on-with-linux-10018207/
LinuxCon: Exploits Show Linux Is Vulnerable http://www.esecurityplanet.com/features/article.php/3897711/LinuxCon-Exploits-Show-Why-Linux-Is-Vulnerable.htm
Ubuntu Probably the First Ever Linux Distro to Overshoot Popularity of Linux http://www.techdrivein.com/2010/08/ubuntu-probably-first-ever-linux-distro.html
Desktop Linux: Great for the Environment, Bad for Economy? http://itmanagement.earthweb.com/osrc/article.php/3897686/Desktop-Linux-Great-for-the-Environment-Bad-for-Economy.htm
Should OpenSolaris Die? http://www.linuxtoday.com/developer/2010081100735OPCYSW
Why Android should be in the main Linux kernel #LinuxCon http://blog.internetnews.com/skerner/2010/08/why-android-should-be-in-the-m.html
Open Source Projects that Changed the World http://ostatic.com/blog/open-source-projects-that-changed-the-world
Study: Big Biz Falls in Love With FOSS, but Not Just 'Cause It's a Cheap Date http://www.linuxinsider.com/story/70585.html
The consistent failure of Linux to grab even 1% of the desktop OS market http://royal.pingdom.com/2010/08/10/failure-of-linux-to-grab-1-percent-of-desktop-os-market/
Ubuntu Kernel Developer releases Firmware Test Suite http://www.h-online.com/open/news/item/Ubuntu-Kernel-Developer-releases-Firmware-Test-Suite-1053102.html
NO JOINT INFRINGEMENT despite Strategic Partnership, Jnt. Distribution Agrmnt, Packaged Sales http://www.patentlyo.com/patent/2010/08/no-joint-infringement-despite-strategic-partnership-joint-distribution-agreement-and-packaged-sales.html
War of the Peppermint Gargantuas http://jimlynch.com/index.php/2010/08/11/war-of-the-peppermint-gargantuas/
Is the Linux Kernel In Trouble? http://ostatic.com/blog/is-the-linux-kernel-in-trouble
AMD Gets Back To Working On The Geode Linux Driver http://www.phoronix.com/scan.php?page=news_item&px=ODQ5Ng
Open Source Business Intelligence Software Ranked by Analysts http://www.ecrmguide.com/article.php/3898026
Free Technology Academy working to offer more Free Software online teaching http://stop.zona-m.net/node/184
Thousands Play Starcraft 2 on Linux with Wine http://www.wine-reviews.net/wine-reviews/games/thousands-play-starcraft-2-on-linux-with-wine.html
ON TEST: Ubuntu Netbook Edition http://apcmag.com/ubuntu-netbook-edition.htm
The Future of OpenSolaris http://wyang0.blogspot.com/2010/08/future-of-opensolaris.html
eWEEK Readers Stick With Windows XP http://www.eweekeurope.co.uk/news/eweek-readers-stick-with-windows-xp-8967
Google Enhances Android Mobile OS With Voice Commands http://www.enterprisemobiletoday.com/news/article.phpr/3898316/Google-Enhances-Android-With-Voice-Commands.htm
The final verdict is in: OpenSolaris is no more. http://blog.hydrasystemsllc.com/2010/08/13/the-final-verdict-is-in-opensolaris-is-no-more/
Linux Security, Then and Now http://www.esecurityplanet.com/features/article.php/3898261/Linux-Security-Then-and-Now.htm
Linux KVM Eyes 'World Domination' http://itmanagement.earthweb.com/osrc/article.php/3898441/Linux-KVM-Eyes-World-Domination.htm
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COVID-19 has made it hard for brick and mortar store owners, which also makes it difficult for reps who make their living off commision. What if you were a rep that also owned a retail store? Florida Rep, Craig Frick also owns the Neighborhood Shop in Ormond Beach, FL with his wife Amanda. We caught up with Craig to see how things have been going and why he pushes forward.
BTR: Give us a brief history of your years working in surf shops and how the lessons you learned on the retail floor helps you as a rep.
CF: I started as a regular college kid at Surf Central in Stuart, FL. That's where I grew my love of surfing from just the act to learning/loving the insides of the industry. I worked there for 5 years moving my way up from sales guy, to category buyer, finally to manager for the last year. From there I moved to Daytona and worked as the Manager of Maui Nix's main location. There I learned how big our industry actually is, and realized I could make this industry a career rather than a job. After 2 years with Maui Nix I left the industry to work construction, after 3 months I came back crawling and landed a buyer/manager spot with Ocean Magic in Jupiter. After 1 year there I was offered a sub-rep job for North Florida. That worked out perfect because I was still dating my now wife who I met while working at Maui Nix and needed to find a way to get back to North Florida.
The main lessons I learned on the sales floor at all 3 shops are things I remember and use today as a rep.
- Every single shop is as important as the next. No matter how big or small, make everyone feel as important as I felt when I was at Surf Central. Dimitri Kjos was my 'God Father' who instilled this philosophy in me.
- Re-Romance the customer. Our industry is SPECIALTY, even though a very small percentage of the people who walk through the door actually surf, show them how amazing our industry is and why they need to buy SURF brands, not Target.
- Get organized and hit deadlines. It keeps a lot of people off your back!
BTR: How did you get into repping?
CF: I applied for every Rep and sub-rep job that I heard about. I did a ton of interviews, applied for jobs that I would have blown if I got them, and kept trying to make it. Then one day Ryan O'leary who I previously applied with but didn't get the job called me and asked if I was still interested. The guy he hired over me couldn't hack it! I credit O'leary for teaching me the ropes and he is definitely a big reason I am where I am today. I went Independent and started my own agency after 2.5 years with Ryan. There have had hard-times and great-times but now I have an amazing team and support system. I hired a personal in-house rep (Hailey Nolin) this year and she has made my life so much easier. My biggest piece of advice is always make sure your bosses spoke very highly of my work ethic.
BTR: Florida beaches are back open and retailers are starting to open their doors to the public. What are your retailers saying about the upcoming months and how is it being a rep right now?
CF: I'm hearing a lot more positivity than I expected. Everyone is stoked to be open again, and glad they can see their loyal customers. I went to Sunrise and other accounts in Jacksonville the first day we were able to visit and it was amazing. I got to see the surf industry families I love, and hearing their customer express their appreciation to the shops was great too. A lot of people seem to be worried about a 2nd shut down, but they are conducting business as normal as possible at this time. Fill-in orders are smaller than typical, but sales are there; I personally think the uncertainly of what our government tells us is the issue.
Everyone seems to be very happy they came out of this still able to open their doors and do what we love. Hard-goods are moving the needle for the most part, and Shop's Private label product has seen a great increase from what I'm told as well.
Being a rep right now isn't the easiest, but it's the best job I've ever had. I spent 14 years in the food service industry, did construction, and to this day install windows on yachts/ships. Repping might be difficult right now, but I'll put up with the struggles to have the ability to surf when there's surf and not get fired for it. A rep legend (Bob Rohman) told me, 'don't worry about your job, shops will always need us."
You and your wife opened the Neighborhood Shop in Ormond Beach, FL towards the end of 2019. Florida was hit by a major hurricane right before you opened and now Covid-19. If you can make it through this first year, you can make it through anything. What drives you guys to push forward when the world keeps pushing you down?
CF: We definitely have not had the most ideal first few months of being opened, but I think that makes us even more optimistic about the future. My wife (Amanda Frick) and I have 3 kids, I do everything I do for my family. I have a part-time job as well as my rep agency that helps keep the roof over our heads, I don't say no to opportunity that can make my situation or me better. Also, Amanda is a workhorse. I'm crazy proud of the countless hours and work my wife has put in to make our small shop a destination in our community in such a short period of time. My drive other than my family is pride. I want to be considered one of the best reps/friends in the industry when I finally get to step away and retire. I want to be someone for my kids to look-up to and be proud of what their dad did for them.
BTR: Being a rep and owning a retail store gives you a view of our industry that everyone doesn't see. What advice would you give to the surf industry to make it better?
CF: Support the little companies that stay loyal to our industry. When I started in this industry Surf Shops were TRUELY specialties. If you needed anything surf, a surf shop was the only place to get it. That has unfortunately been a lost idea for many people. Our shop is very small, and we work hard to carry only specialty core brands. We have unique products that you (hopefully) can't find at a big box store. There are so many awesome brands out there that offer amazing quality and the people running them don't need a 7-figure salary. We support the surfer!
Educate your customers/community; make sure they know why you sell superior product for the surf/skate industry and why going to Big Box stores to buy foam surf boards, $50 skateboards, and $20 boardies is NOT the best bang for their buck.
Invest in yourself. If you don't make yourself or your shop better, no one else is going to step in and do it for you. Take chances, you'll be afraid of the unknown everyday of your life until you go face to face and deal with it. That's just good life advice!


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Career With HSA
Whether you're a seasoned, self-motivated CPA or a CPA candidate at the onset of a long and fulfilling career, with HSA, you will have the opportunity to work on a wide variety of projects from corporate reorganizations to audit and assurance to trust and estates. We empower and encourage all our employees to apply their skills in the areas that interest them most.
Company culture and the well-being of our employees is a top priority. Our compensation packages are based on hourly wages, including overtime at time and a half, monthly company RRSP contributions, fully paid benefits, professional development, paid sick days, the opportunity for seasonal bonuses, and much more. So reach out today and find out if our firm is a good fit for you and your future.
Nestled in the heart of it all, Humboldt is a great place to live, work, invest and raise a family. What Humboldt lacks in size it makes up for in amenities and municipal services such as a multiple sports facilities, a vibrant arts community, a strong retail shopping base and professional services, just to name a few. The City of Humboldt is also a quick drive from the BHP Jansen Project which is set to begin production soon and further bolster economic activity and community enhancements. To learn more about making Humboldt home, please visit the City of Humboldt website.
If you're tired of the hustle and bustle of the big city, our community maintains its rural charm while providing everything you need for a comfortable living. All this, only one hour away from Saskatoon.
In addition, "Estimated Employee Ramp Up" provided to the City of Humboldt by BHP Billiton could come to fruition. One of the projections estimates that employee ramp-up would result in an additional 2,396 people living in Humboldt by the middle of the decade and would then level off and continue to grow at an average annual growth rate of 2.5% thereafter, resulting in a total population of 13,230 by 2036.
Joining the team at HSA is not a succession plan; it is a growth plan as we anticipate our client list to increase substantially in the next few years and need motivated team members to serve them.


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Felixland was named after the person that discovered this land: king Felix. He was a powerful phoenix that ruled with an iron grip. Now old and barely fit to govern, he is nothing more than a figure for the people. The islands around Felixland are mainly governed by pirates or their descendents. As much as the islands are part of Felixland, the prime-minister has no power over them.
Tail island is known for their big waves, and beautiful beaches. It's a touristic island, very frequent visited for couples on honeymoon.
This island got its name for the many buried treasures that can be found in its beaches. It is frequently visit by pirates.
Small Gici and Big Gici
Small Gici is well known for its healing thermal pools. This island is frequently visit by water and energy users, wanting to study the property of the water there. Big Gici, in the other hand, is well known for its volcanic activity, being frequently visited by fire magic users.
Dino Island
This island is private, having heavy security to avoid pirates. It's a thematic island, having amusement parks featuring dinosaurs related attractions.
It is said that Luna, goddess of the moon, came down to this island and blessed its inhabitants with the power to turn into wolves. Since then, many loups de lune (wolf transmorphers) and werewolves visit the island to pray for Luna.
Right on it's center there is a big crater, where an asteroid landed so many years ago. Some say this site still has asteroid pieces and magical properties. You need a special authorization to enter this island and study anything to do with the asteroid. Unless you can pay enough to bribe the guards.


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Most teenagers have easy access to prescription drugs which is why it is more important than ever to dispose of old medications. 24% of teens report having misused or abused a prescription drug at least once in their lifetime and that is a 33% increase over a five-year period. This statistic is important because most teenagers who start using prescription drugs obtain it right from their parents' medicine cabinet. In fact, about 49% of parents say anyone can access their medicine cabinet and 42% of teenagers who have misused or abused a prescription drug obtained it from their parent's medicine cabinet. These rising numbers are alarming and it is up to the adults to help rid our houses of that temptation.
Drug take back boxes are a SAFE and CONFIDENTIAL way to dispose of old medications. There are many locations available for year round drop off, plus many take back events throughout the year! It is better to get rid of it than take a chance of teenagers using it when it isn't prescribed to them.
These locations in Houston County offer year round drop off:
Dothan Police Department
(Sponsored by (334) Prevention Project)
210 N. Saint Andrews St. Dothan, Alabama 36303
2940 West Main Street
Dothan, AL 36305
Scott Pharmaceutical Services
2019 Alexander Drive, Suite 2
Dothan, AL 36301
Genoa Healthcare
134 Prevatt Road
Dothan, AL 36301
Worried about confidentiality? An easy fix is to take the labels off of your medication AFTER YOU ARRIVE AT THE DROP BOX. If you take them off before you get there and were to get stopped by the authorities, you could get in big trouble for having medication in your possession that doesn't have your name on it. Once dropped in the box, medications can only be accessed by designated workers who transport it to be permanently incinerated so that no one else can get their hands on it.
Just remember: Unused or expired medicine should be disposed of to keep you and your teenager safe. Don't let your children (or their friends) become just another statistic. For more information, please contact us at 334-699-2813