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On the BC NDP's relationship with public school teachers, columnist Keith Baldrey remarks on "the reality that the party seems to have accepted" (NDP unperturbed by BCTF attacks, Nov. 28).
I'm not sure what that's supposed to mean, but I get the impression Mr. Baldrey lacks adequate background on the situation.
So let me explain.
To start, B.C.'s public school teachers want to do the best work they can, but are hindered by overcrowded classes and inadequate preparation time.
Adding insult to injury, their working provisions are often inferior to those of teachers in other provinces, and their wages are among the worst in Canada.
Enter the BC NDP, who, sensing some political capital to be gained, openly courted teachers, suggesting an NDP government would make things better.
In response, teachers turned out in droves to make donations, knock on doors, and do other work to get the NDP elected. Then, once the NDP had finally formed government, they figured B.C. teachers had outgrown their usefulness, and proceeded to treat them exactly as the BC Liberals did.
In conclusion, the BC Liberals look to have been pretty honest brokers: they never pretended to teachers' friends in the first place. But the BC NDP did. And this makes them a pretty deceitful bunch, to put it mildly.
They've continued the B.C. tradition of treating teachers like garbage, undermining public education, and diverting public funds to private schools. Ask me in person what I think of the NDP, and I'll be even more candid.
Patrick Parkes, New Westminster


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Hello, Matthew here...
Born July 30th, 19**, 6ft 6, School Run expert, lover of Lattes and obviously my adorable family...
I joined Dearne in January 2017... Prior to that my tour of Britain's finest radio stations took me to Suffolk, Manchester, Newcastle, Leeds, Nottingham, Sheffield and London... but TARN is where you'll find me now!
Come and get involved with Dearne FM Breakfast weekdays from 6am and enjoy a man playing songs and talking in between them and see how we manage to incorporate every aspect of life into one radio show. You'll be amazed at what we end up talking about... AND amazed that a Dad of 2, Husband of 1 actually calls it WORK(!)
There's cash to win on One Little Word at 8am, our 2 Track Stat at 6.30 and get involved in Retro Heaven at Just Gone 7... x
Get more with the Listener Club!
Let's Stick TogetherBryan Ferry
Missing YouJohn Waite
I Got You (I Feel Good)James Brown
Into The GrooveMadonna

subset: commoncrawl


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The R1 is a single, high-powered LED light, pumping out 500 lumens at maximum power focused through an internally reflective lens. The R1 produces a brighter than expected, smooth and concentrated, singletrack-width beam. The standard two celled battery version gives up to 2.5 hours play on full power, with plenty more in the five lower settings. Judging power levels is left up to you though, as there's no battery warning light. When the power drops below a certain level, the light flashes every 15 seconds. That's your indication to drop the power and make your way back to civilisation (or get the bivvy out!). Other battery options are available – a four celled option doubles playtime. Conveniently all the batteries, leads and mounts are interchangeable between the Hope series so while a good light in its own right, the R1 neatly adds to an existing Hope light collection.
As to be expected of Hope, the machining of the components and build quality is excellent. The lamp housing is CNCed from a single lump of black, anodised aluminium, so is solid and sturdy, and weighs in at less than 250g. The three attachment options – all bayonet-fitted to the light unit – include a quick release handlebar mount, a helmet mount and an elasticated head mount.
The helmet mount is as simple as it gets, just velcro strapping through the helmet vents. It works a treat and keeps the light secure though I wish the velcro was 10cm longer to accommodate the venting on my particular helmet. The harness fitted well on the piss-pot style lid I tried it on, too.
Weighing so little, the light is barely noticeable when on top of your head. That said, the light unit does seem to protrude quite high, martian-styley.
The cable is neatly coiled, which means there are no wires dangling, and is the perfect length from top of helmet to top of rucksack, where I had the battery. An extension lead comes with the kit, if you don't ride with a pack and have other ideas.
Overall: A cleverly designed, well-made bit of kit. The single LED packs a mighty punch, in a compact, light housing.
Review Info
|Hope, hopetech.com
|£150/2-cell battery as tested, £180/4-cell
|by Jorji for
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Treating an Infected Fig Tree
Having an infected fig tree is not an uncommon occurrence. Treating the tree is not always easy, and if the infection has gone too far, it's almost always impossible to cure. Nematodes like to invade the fig tree root and will make a home there if they can find one. Fig rust and root mosaic are also common diseases known to the fig tree.
Is There a Treatment?
Fig rust is the only one of the three that has treatment available. Fig rust can be treated with a copper spray each season until the tree improves. You might see a loss in harvesting when the rust is present.
Avoidance Is Key
The root nematodes and the fig mosaic are more of an avoidance treatment than anything else. Before you choose the wood for propagation, make sure that the fig piece is free from the fig mosaic. It will pass from tree to tree until you stop spreading the infected wood. Root nematodes are a worm that will take hold inside of a fig trees root. They will sap up all of the nutrients for themselves and eventually starve the tree. Check for nematodes when purchasing your tree, or you won't be able to get rid of them.
By being aware of what to look for when you propagate or purchase a fig tree, you can avoid some of the major fig tree infections.


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City of Westerville, OHHome Menu
Police Events Calendar
CANCELED: Women's Self-Defense
- Date: 07/18/2020 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM
- Location: Westerville Community Center
350 N Cleveland Ave.
Westerville, Ohio 43082
Return to full list >>
PLEASE NOTE: Registration is required for this class.
The Westerville Division of Police recognizes the need to educate women in our community to help reduce their risk of victimization. This course is designed to teach adult women, with varying levels of experience, simple and effective defensive techniques. Visit the program webpage to register.


text: Roofing Adare September 12, 2019 Categories: Local Roofers Pinguis Rooofing SEO Pro fit Roofing Adare are Fully Insured and VAT Registered. Approved for Grant Work based in Adare and Surrounding area's in Munster, we provide roofing and roof repairs all over Munster. Pro fit Roofing Service have been helping our clients throughout Adare and the Greater Munster area with over 20 year experience in the roofing ... Read More


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Stay connected and sign-up for emails to get exclusive deals and event info.
A Perdomo to complement your favorite beer. Perdomo cigars are known for delivering a mosaic of robust and complex flavors, having expert construction with a perfect draw, and for being among the finest premium cigars available. Perdomo's newest venture, the Special Craft Series, was blended with the beer consumer in mind and each blend is designed to pair with a different style of beer. Perdomo Craft Series Pilsner comes dressed a gorgeous US Connecticut wrapper, a Nicaraguan binder, and Nicaraguan long-fillers. This is a mellow to medium-bodied cigar whose nuances of cream, earth, wood, and spice mesh perfectly with your favorite pilsner, white or cream ale, and golden or light lagers.


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I set up my computer and webcam in the kitchen
so I can ask my mother's and aunt's advice
as I cook soup for the first time alone.
My mother is in Utah. My aunt is in Hungary.
I show the onions to my mother with the webcam.
"Cut them smaller," she advises.
"You only need a taste."
I chop potatoes as the onions fry in my pan.
When I say I have no paprika to add to the broth,
they argue whether it can be called potato soup.
My mother says it will be white potato soup,
my aunt says potato soup must be red.
When I add sliced peppers, I ask many times
if I should put the water in now,
but they both say to wait until I add the potatoes.
I add Polish sausage because I can't find Hungarian,
and I cook it so long the potatoes fall apart.
"You've made stew," my mother says
when I hold up the whole pot to the camera.
They laugh and say I must get married soon.
I turn off the computer and eat alone.
— Daniel Nyikos


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Jeffrey Allen Fangmann
Jeffrey Allen Fangmann, 54, of Garnavillo, IA, died Wednesday, February 8, 2017. He was born on May 7, 1962, in Dubuque, the son of Elmer and Anna Fangmann.
Jeff grew up in the Bankston area where he graduated from Western Dubuque High School. Jeff was working as a mechanic when he and Laurie met in February 1981. They were married on June 23, 1984 at St. Joseph Church in Garnavillo. This marriage blessed Jeff and Laurie with two children, Joseph and Emily.
Jeff always loved his work, whether he was working for someone else or working for himself and building his dream shop on the edge of town in 1994. Jeff enjoyed playing guitar, playing golf where he achieved a hole in one at the Elkader Country Club on hole #5, serving on the fire department for 30 years, pontooning on the river, participating in any church activities and spending time with his family and friends.
Jeff will be forever loved and cherished by his wife; Laurie; two children, Joseph (Aimee) Fangmann & Emily (fiancé Cameron Olson) Fangmann; two granddaughters, Maggie and Madelyn; siblings, Dan (Linda) Fangmann, Dale (Arlene) Fangmann, Deb (Dan) Lansing, Kevin (Deb) Fangmann, Lisa Fangmann and many other relatives and friends.
Jeff was preceded in death by his parents.
Arrangements were handled by Tuecke-Allyn Funeral Home, Garnavillo, where the family received friends from 1 to 8 p.m., Friday, February 10. There was also a one-hour visitation before service at church. The funeral service was at St. Joseph Catholic Church Garnavillo, at 10 a.m., Saturday, February 11, 2017, with the Rev. Marvin Bries officiating. Interment was at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Garnavillo, IA.
In lieu of flowers and all styles of sympathy, memorials are preferred to benefit several organizations that were close to Jeff's heart. They may be mailed to P.O. Box 362 Garnavillo IA, 52049.


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Will and Lauren are authors on a new paper in the journal Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience about vmPFC activation during personal relevance and self-similarity judgments. Congrats, Will and Lauren (and Jenn)!
Moore, W. E., Merchant, J. S., Kahn, L. E., & Pfeifer, J. H. (2013). 'Like me?': Ventromedial prefrontal cortex is sensitive to both personal relevance and self-similarity during social comparisons. Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience, 9, 421-426.


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Moving into a fixer-upper house and renovating the space can be a daunting task if you are not an interior designer like Cate St Hill. When she, her boyfriend and their sausage dog Francis left their small apartment in central London behind to move into their newly purchased Victorian terraced house, there was a lot of work to be done. Especially brightening up the place and turning the house into a calm, welcoming space was the major goal for Cate.
But before we take a look at her newly renovated home in beautiful South London, we want you to get to know a little more about the multi-talented interior blogger and her interior design philosophy.
Cate St Hill initially studied at the Bartlett School of Architecture before working for a couple of years mainly on residential projects, followed by a Master's degree in architectural history, also at The Bartlett. She then ventured on to pursue a career as a design journalist, writing about architecture projects and new buildings for Building Design and Blueprint magazine. But Cate always had a passion for the interior.
"I'm fascinated by the ways in which people make a house a home; how their possessions can tell a story and how space, light and texture can create a certain mood or feeling."Cate St Hill | Source: catesthill.com
In 2011, she started her blog CateStHill where she created her own little corner of the internet and at first she was just sharing her interest in everything visually appealing and design related. Over time, she started to focus more on what she always really loved – simple interior design for everyday living. More and more of her own decoration projects and makeover stories found a home on her blog and soon friends and family came asking her for advice. With time, her readers kept on growing and she also gained a healthy following on Pinterest and on her Instagram channel. Cate always shared her strong belief that good design should be accessible and affordable to everyone, interior design that is built to last. It's all about simplicity, pared-back, Scandinavian-inspired spaces that you'll find mostly on her blog – a philosophy that also reflects throughout her newly renovated home.
"For me, an interior is more than just a statement or display, they're places that should be designed around how we live every day not just how we want it to look."Cate St Hill | Source: catesthill.com
She turned a dark, neglected house into an airy-light filled space with soft grey walls and painted white floorboards. Here and there you will find a hint of mid-century flair, paired with neutral, understated decor that becomes a perfect backdrop for everyday life. Her love for light grey hues as an understated design is prominent and she keeps it simply true to the motto 'less is more.' Cate believes that it's not about constantly buying into new trends but rather achieving a more minimal aesthetic by only filling a home with well-considered natural, honest materials and well-crafted objects that tell a story and stand the test of time. For her, it's all about creating a space that helps us to find more moments of calm and simplicity in the mundanity of daily life. Also, authenticity is key which also resonates throughout her home but also her work as an interior stylist. Preserving the personality of its owner through those little personal things really makes a home what it is – a place that you can feel at home.
"My design ethos – sharing simple design that uplifts the everyday – is grounded in #thesimpleeveryday, a hashtag that I started on Instagram to simply celebrate the everyday but also to find simplicity every day."Cate St Hill | Source: catesthill.com
Almost a year ago, Cate made a big step into going freelance and she doesn't regret her move. She works as a design and interior writer, blogger, stylist and consultant. Cate St Hill was named one of London's best interior bloggers by Ideal Home magazine and has been featured in Cosmopolitan, Marie Claire, Elle Decoration and Apartment Therapy. Her blog serves as an inspiring interior design resource for simple, stylish living that's authentic and achievable. We are more than happy that Cate provided us a glimpse into her beautiful home and if you are in need of some interior design inspiration, visit her on Pinterest, Instagram and stop by on her blog.
*numbers current at the time of writing.
Copyright: All images are copyright protected and property of Cate St Hill.


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Sean Dyche hopes to continue enjoying the quiet life with another victory in what he describes as "the people's derby'.
The Clarets boss answered the main question being thrust at him with a long overdue victory at Ewood Park two seasons ago, en-route to promotion to the Premier League.
And Dyche hopes to mastermind another win against their old rivals and provide Clarets fans with another day to savour.
He said: "I've had a few opportunities to experience this game and I think we've come to realise it's an important occasion for the fans and it is really the people's game.
"We all have an understanding of it, but it's not the same as if you were a Burnley fan since you were born.
"The feeling has changed since we beat them a couple of years ago. When I first came here as manager, that was one of the first things that was said to me by an unbelievable amount of people; whether that was the media, people inside the club, or the Board here!
"It was a very powerful message, but people don't remind me as much now.
"Back then the thirst of fans was very powerful and that's changed, but there's still an underlying desire to win."
He added: "Clarity of thought is important on any occasion, but of course, on these occasions, when the build-up and feel is different, it's important to deliver.
"That's what we look for, but whatever the build-up, one thing I am absolutely clear on and that's when the whistle blows, the feel goes right back to what it is; a local derby and a meaningful one with both sets of players wanting to win the game for their fans."
Dyche insists the win at Ewood back in March 2013, courtesy of goals from Jason Shackell and Danny Ings, provided him with one of his best memories in football, particularly when he was lured back pitchside long after full time to acknowledge the Burnley fans chanting his name and refusing to leave.
He recalled: "That was an amazing sight and I'll never forget that. There are personal markers in your career and that was certainly one.
"But it was more the enjoyment for them. It wasn't for me; it was about the team who, don't forget, had come from a goal down to win, but also the feel among the supporters at that time, on what was a fantastic path towards the Premier League. That moment will certainly live with me forever."
Blackburn go into the derby on the back of a five-game unbeaten home run, during which they have kept four clean sheets.
And Dyche expects a typically tough encounter in the 102nd competitive meeting between the old foes.
He said: "Gary has got them organised and he is working with a team that is motivated.
"I'm sure he'd want more points on the table, I'd suggest, but some of the performances have warranted more points so we know we need to be on our game.
"The one thing I remind people is this is a tough league and you have to be constantly ready.
"You come out of one game and the recovery and build-up to the next starts immediately.
"We know we will have to go there and give another big performance to get what we all want, which is a win."
For important ticket information and a recap of the travel arrangements, CLICK HERE
If you can't make it to Ewood Park, Clarets Player HD has full 90 minute commentary from 12.15pm. CLICK HERE for details.
Club News
Dyche On 'The People's Derby'
23 October 2015
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Found 7 software entries
beginning with: "F"
from category: Top Down
Found 7 software entries
beginning with: "F"
from category: Top Down
F1 Race!
Fawn II
Fluffy's Adventure
Foxchange Software's Cave Games
A collection of more arcade oriented BoulderDash clones : Cave Dig 1.4, Cave Fox 1.2, Crystal Rock 1.4, Escape Beyond 1.2, Mr. Cat's Quest 3.4
Fred's Bowling Nightmare
Full Tilt! Pinball (Space Cadet, Skulduggery, Dragon's Keep)
Full Tilt! Pinball is Maxis' first pinball simulation game. This one includes 3 boards: Space Cadet, Skulduggery, and Dragon's Keep. Each featuring the usual amount of bumpers, targets, ramps, etc as well as a big payoff for the successful...
To date, Macintosh Repository served 1213586 old Mac files, totaling more than 228676.8GB!
Downloads last 24h = 966 : 301246.2MB
Last 5000 friend visitors from all around the world come from:


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When it comes to junk removal in Point Pleasant, the team at Barten Bros is here to make the entire process hassle free. As a matter of fact, head on over to our home page and you'll find that if you mention the ad there, you'll receive $25 off your estimate. You see, regardless of the job, we want to make it as easy as possible on you. We know that people have a lot on their plates as it is, and that's why getting rid of the junk in your home can help you to start feeling better about things pretty much immediately.
But how can you tell if it's something that you should take care of now? As a matter of fact, that's the topic of today's post. The gist of it all is this, however — if you're thinking about using our services (which you probably are because you're on our website) then you would probably benefit from calling us in the near future. Either way, in today's blog we'll be sharing three signs that you should get in touch with us. Keep reading to learn more!
How to Tell If It's Time to Call a Junk Removal Company
Your Basement Is Full
In many cases, people tend to put the things they want out of sight and out of mind in the basement. That's a strategy that works out pretty well — for a time. What happens when your basement starts to fill up with stuff? The answer is that this is a pretty good sign that it's time to give us a call. We know how easy it can be to fill up a space with stuff you don't really want anymore. When you moved in, you thought the basement would be the perfect place for seasonal decorations, but as time goes on it, it starts to fill with unwanted furniture, knick knacks, and clothing.
Here's another important thing to consider: it might not be your basement where you keep junk. It could be in a spare room, in the garage, or elsewhere around the house. When it comes down to it, if you have a space in your home that's filled with stuff you don't really want anymore, it's time to call us.
You Don't Even Know What You Have
See if this scenario sounds familiar: you decided to move into a new home. Not wanting to do all of the heavy lifting yourself, you hired a moving company. That's a great idea! You carefully labeled all of your boxes, and the movers make short work of the job. Then it hits you — you're just having the movers move the contents of your basement in the old house to the basement in your new house, and you don't even know what's in the boxes.
Although it may have been important at one point or another, the truth is that if you don't even know what you're storing, it might be time to do away with it. Fortunately, we can find a good home for those things. Whether that means recycling it when possible or donating some items to a nonprofit, we'll give the things taking up space in your basement new life when we can.
You're Planning a Remodel
Every home is bound to need updating at some point or another. Kitchen and bathroom remodels are popular in this day and age and they can help to bring your home some fresh appeal. Hey, everyone deserves to enjoy their home a little bit more!
But what are you going to do with the stuff you need to get rid of? Our team of junk removal experts can help with your remodel or renovation project, ensuring that the end result is a junk-free place that you're going to enjoy for many years to come.
Contact Us Today!
We serve the entire Jersey Shore area, so when you're in need of someone to get rid of your junk, turn to the team at Barten Bros Junk & Clean Up and rest assured that we'll get the job done the right way the first time.
No job is too big or too small, so contact us today to get a free estimate!


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This item is currently out of stock.
displayLeaseInfo : false
This festive harvest pumpkin urn décor brings a lush, boho harvest theme to your home. The white and burgundy pumpkins stacked atop an antiqued urn alights with a beautiful strand of purple grapes and leafy vine. This accent will complement all of your other seasonal pieces and lend a timeless look that you will love year after year.
General Disclaimer: Orders placed for Ship to Home on biglots.com may be delayed due to circumstances involving the coronavirus. We apologize in advance if your shipment is affected, and appreciate your understanding. Additionally, we have suspended all in-home Big! Delivery service. Our drivers WILL deliver to the front door, side door, or garage door, but WILL NOT bring items inside the home or into the garage. Also, due to certain state and local regulation changes, some furniture deliveries may be delayed. Thanks for your understanding.
We aim to provide accurate product information, however some information presented is provided by a 3rd party and is subject to changeSee our disclaimer.
We aim to provide accurate product information, however some information presented is provided by a 3rd party and is subject to changeSee our disclaimer.
- White and burgundy stacked pumpkins on a white gold brush antiqued urn
- Grapes and vine with LED lights winds around the pumpkins
- Lovely entryway décor
- Display at doorway
- For indoor use only
- Model number: 17-19XA067A
- Material: Plastic, fabric, Styrofoam, metal, rattan
- UL® listed
- Requires 3 - "AA" batteries, (included)
California Customer WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including DEHP, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to : www.P65Warnings.ca.gov
Return Policy
If you wish to return your online order, please visit your order history to start the return process. If you have any issues, contact our Customer Care Support Center at 1-866-BIG-LOTS (244-5687) for assistance with making your return. Please be prepared to provide your order number and email address, or your rewards number, so that we may better assist you.
For return terms, see our full Returns Policy.
For return terms, see our full Returns Policy.
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Refugees find connections in Highline College ESL class
by Jane Koh
Finding relief and shelter in the U.S. are only the first challenges for refugees. Many also must tackle the language barrier.
Jan 14, 2016
Seven more tips to speak English like an American
by Mohammad Ismail
A quick guide for immigrants in the U.S. working to perfect their American English.
Oct 2, 2013
Back to school, with new credits for bilingual students
by Roxana Norouzi
King County school districts are stepping up and recognizing that immigrant students' native language skills are a benefit, not a burden.
Sep 10, 2013
Five Reasons Washington Needs Dual Language Programs
by Sara Veltkamp
Sponsor Post Want your kids to grow up bilingual? Check out Global Washington's guide to dual language education in Washington state.
Aug 20, 2013
Five tips for learning to speak English like an American
by Mohammad Ismail
When I moved to Seattle from the tribal areas of northwest Pakistan to study journalism through the State Department's Northwest Community College Initiative, the biggest surprise was the language barrier. I had studied English for fifteen years, but suddenly I knew I was in trouble. The slangs just were flying over my head and everybody […]
Feb 14, 2012


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A few weeks back word around the interwebs was that Apple was in talks with Drive.ai for an acquisition. For a while, it looked like a deal had fallen through, while the San Francisco Chronicle reporting that Drive.ai had filed a notice with a state agency declaring that it was going to be closed permanently. Well, today the word comes down that Apple has confirmed that the acquisition has gone through, coming just days before the startup was to close for good.
Drive.ai is a startup focused on developing autonomous driving vehicles and was once valued at $200 million USD. The company was started by machine learning researchers from Stanford University, gaining traction by working with an autonomous ride-hailing service in Texas. However, as more tech firms entered the space, smaller startups became consolidated. Apple's current acquisition of the company includes its assets, including all of its autonomous cars.
Apple has been hiring Drive.ai engineers directly, instead of through the acquisition. Certainly interesting news, and so far, Drive.ai has declined to comment. Give us your thoughts in the comments below and keep it locked for much more from Apple and Drive.ai coming very soon.


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Let's talk!
Hello, It's so good to have you here!
I am always ready to answer by email within 24 hours (Mo. - Fr.) Your comments, suggestions & ideas are valuable and important to me.
Press - I am honored!
If you would like to write about me, feature me on your blog
or magazine, please don't hesitate to contact me.
Retail / Wholesale
Do you own a store or will you open one soon and share the same passion for lovely paper goods? I offer special conditions to retailers, and I would love to hear from you. Access the Wholesale page here.
Are you interested in a custom project?
I believe everyone deserves good design and quality printing. Let me brand your business, create invitations for your event, or your very own unique stationery!
Print methods, quantities, dimensions, papers, and design complexity are all factors to be considered in personal offers. Also, every project is different and for that reason, some clarifications are needed before I can send you a quote. I love to hear your ideas! Get in touch via the contact form for or if you would prefer to email me directly, please write to email@example.com


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The disease, which extensively reduced soybean yields in Brazil, was identified in Louisiana last fall and has been confirmed in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, Missouri, South Carolina, and Tennessee.
A Soybean Rust Task Force was formed in Virginia several years ago when the danger from Asian Soybean Rust became imminent. The task force's first step to protect Virginia soybeans was to put together a comprehensive plan to minimize losses from Soybean Rust to Virginia's soybean producers.
Educational programs have been held to help Virginia Cooperative Extension agents, crop advisers, growers, and others understand what the disease looks like and what action to take if it is found, said David Holshouser, soybean agronomist at the Tidewater Agricultural Research and Extension Center at Suffolk, Va.
The task force has also established a monitoring system to identify Soybean Rust and the soybean aphid. The soybean aphid, which also reduces yield in soybeans, has been found in all of the 33 major soybean-producing counties. More than 3,000 acres in Virginia had to be treated in 2004 with insecticide to prevent losses, said Ames Herbert, Virginia Cooperative Extension entomologist at the Tidewater center. The monitoring system will look for both problems.
"Scouts" will work in 80 to 100 Virginia fields from June to September to provide the alert for the early warning system.
Growers also are encouraged to plant "sentinel" plots using varieties that mature earlier. The plots need to be established where they can be seen every day
Contact: David Holshouser
Virginia Tech


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Nick & Chlo'e Unlock Dreams for Milk Magazine
Nick & Chlo'e unlock our childlike imaginations in a new photo editorial for MilK, a French magazine for the contemporary parent. "Mr. Vertigo" is inspired by the Paul Auster novel of the same title where a young orphan comes under the influence of Master Yehudi and is taught to fly. "We wanted to create a setting that was a mixture of storybook simplicity and the impossible things that appear in daydreams," said Nick about the shoot. "Mr. Vertigo" appears in the April issue of MilK Magazine.
Publication: MilK Magazine
Photographer: Nick & Chlo'e
Fashion Editor: Melanie Hoepffner
Hair & Make-up: Ishrak Nitschke >


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Oil on linen - diptych
36" h x 24" w each
Kristie Fujiyama Kosmides captures the essence of Hawaii's tropical fish in this fun series.
Renting your home or love a work but would like to spend less? Ask about a giclee.
Looking for something just the right size? Consider commissioning an artist. We can help.
Discover the stories and inspiration behind the art in our Contemporary Art Talk Story series.
Experience the latest available works and receive invites to our special events though our monthly newsletter.


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August 29, 2014 at 10am to October 18, 2014 at 5pm – The Cultural Council of Palm Beach County The Cultural Council presents Re-purposed/Re-seen August 29 through October 18, 2014 Re-purposed/Re-seen is an exhibition in two-parts and highlights the art of recycling. Traditional techniques and… Organized by Stefanie Infante | Type: exhibition
October 10, 2014 at 7:30pm to November 1, 2014 at 12am – Enigma Haunt Enigma Haunt, one of South Florida's most terrifying and detailed haunted attractions, will be open for all five weekends in October and features two new demented dimensionsin 17,000 sq ft to delive… Organized by Billy Groeneveld | Type: haunted, house
October 13, 2014 from 7pm to 9pm – Lantana Town Hall 10/13 & 27 - Lantana - Second & fourth Mondays at Lantana Town Hall, 500 Greynolds Circle. 7 pm. Agenda: www.lantana.org. Organized by Mary Kate Leming | Type: commission meeting
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1778-1998 Ivor Rees North Wales Marine Fauna Ad-hoc sightings shore and ship-based surveys
Latest version published by Marine Biological Association on Dec 5, 2019 Marine Biological Association
A historical collection of marine species records from Academics at the University of North Wales, Bangor collated from ad-hoc sightings, shore and ship based surveys.
Data Records
The data in this sampling event resource has been published as a Darwin Core Archive (DwC-A), which is a standardized format for sharing biodiversity data as a set of one or more data tables. The core data table contains 6,631 records. 2 extension data tables also exist. An extension record supplies extra information about a core record. The number of records in each extension data table is illustrated below.
- Event (core)
- ExtendedMeasurementOrFact
- Occurrence
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|download 6,631 records in English (6 MB) - Update frequency: not planned
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How to cite
Researchers should cite this work as follows:
Bangor University, School of Biological Sciences (2018): 1778-1998 Ivor Rees North Wales Marine Fauna Ad-hoc sightings shore and ship-based surveys. v4.6. Marine Biological Association. Dataset/Samplingevent. https://doi.org/10.17031/35prlf
Researchers should respect the following rights statement:
The publisher and rights holder of this work is Marine Biological Association. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial (CC-BY-NC) 4.0 License.
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This resource has been registered with GBIF, and assigned the following GBIF UUID: 07a203b7-21a7-4c01-b8a4-cf906f4bc1c0. Marine Biological Association publishes this resource, and is itself registered in GBIF as a data publisher endorsed by National Biodiversity Network.
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Geographic Coverage
|Bounding Coordinates
|South West [-90, -180], North East [90, 180]
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The club is an associate member of the
Association of Woodturners of Great Britain
Demo by Gibby Duthie
Club meeting - February 26th 2015
Club Member, Gibby Duthie, gave us an extremely
entertaining and light-hearted presentation of his carving
techniques and tools.
Gibby took us through a number of his carvings starting with
a square(ish) block of wood, cutting out the profile, rounding
the edges and detailing. With his usual sandpaper-dry wit
and self deprecating humour he very often had the audience
laughing out loud. Ultimately however everyone was
impressed with Gibby's knowledge and skill for producing
some very impressive and artistic carvings.
Top left: Donkey
Top right: Cat
Right: Five women
Bottom left: Vulture
Bottom left centre: "Green" man
Bottom right centre: Gibby
Bottom right: Dugs


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Parent Resources
Parent Resources
JCampus Parent Portal
Click the Parent Portal link above to be able to view your student's attendance and grades.
A parent account allows you to view the information for one or more students with a single sign in. You can also manage your personal account preferences. To get started you must:
1. First contact the school to receive a copy of the Parent Portal Access letter.
2. Then enter the following information:
- Name--your first and last name
- Email--student notifications and correspondence related to your parent account will be sent to this email.
- Desired username--your username is your unique PowerSchool identity.
- Student Access Information--information for a minimum of one student, including the:
- Student name
- Access ID
- Access Password
- Your relationship to the student.
If you have any comments are questions about the Parent and Family Engagement Policy please contact Mrs. Williams at 337-543-2001.


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Intro What started off as the "Wild West" has turned into a place progressive ideas and a large city. From 1945 to today Colorado's social structure and ideals have changed. Home to many old and outdated ideals, Colorado became one of the first states to take action on these things such as Gay rights, African American rights, and Women's rights. All these things went from being socially unacceptable or socially ignored to new ideas and ways of living. Also over the years you see the growth of the middle class in Colorado and the diversity within the middle class. Colorado is home to many movements and ideas that went against the social norm to structure how Colorado is today. Without Colorado many social issues would not be the way they are today.
After hundreds of thousands of men enlisted in the army to fight in World War II the fight was finally over and the troops were finally coming home. Although this brought a lot of happiness and positive things along with it, it also brought in a lot of questions. During the war many men left for the army leaving behind many jobs and labors. While they were gone many women picked up the slack and worked these jobs. This was the first time mass amounts of women were in the labor force. Even though Colorado was one of the first states to allow women to vote, women in the workplace was not so common. For the first time women were allowed to work, so when the men came back the women lost these jobs and were sent back to being a "house wife." This upset many woman activists who felt like they were being treated as second class citizens and started to social movement of equal rights for women. http://binoarealuyo.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/ww2factories.jpg
In 1960 the state of Colorado received its first professional football team, the Denver Broncos. The state receiving a professional sports team means many things. One that the economy in Colorado is doing well enough to support the costs of building a stadium and the people of the state have money to go and spend on the team. Two that the city takes regard to professional sports teams and not just entertainment but as a part of their lives and culture. The team gained recognition for playing a mile above sea level. Giving the stadium name "Mile High Stadium." This team changed the culture in Colorado. Although the state has many other professional sports team none of them get nearly a much attention as the Broncos. Every Sunday in Colorado more than 60% of the population is either watching or listening to the game. It has become a part of a tradition and way of life in Colorado. It is more than just a sports team.
At the beginning of the 70's Colorado had a mass increase of people in their later twenties and early thirties. These people were a part of the "Baby Boomers" that came right after World War II. These people felt that it was time to settle down. With this large number of people needing houses and space the construction of Denver suburbs grew like crazy. Denver and its surrounding suburbs tripled in size during the 70's. This shows not only that a mass amount of people were deciding to settle in Colorado, but that the middle class was doing well in the economy. The middle class in Colorado grew by 150% (Colorado Department of Personnel).
Before churches, restaurants, and public bathrooms were desegregated in Colorado, Colorado's school system was. In 1974 Colorado decided to desegregate its public schools. For the first time whites and blacks were to attend the same school. Although it had caused some rioting and even a small amount of violence the desegregation changed the state forever. By desegregating the schools many people saw that blacks and whites could live as one and the acceptance for each other grew. This changed the social culture of Colorado as well helped grow the middle class in the near future. Because blacks were not allowed to go to the same schools as whites they did not receive as well of an education. This gap in education made it hard for them to learn the skills needed to gain higher end jobs and suppressing them to the lower class. This now was changed and you could see the middle and upper class becoming bigger and more diverse. http://andreamerida.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/desegregation-denver.jpg
After the mass construction of the Denver suburbs of the early 70's, Coloradans were becoming concerned that Colorado was becoming oversold. The fear that the larger population was causing severe traffic and mass pollution that brought the "brown cloud" over Denver was true. The people of Colorado were set to fight the continuation of the suburbs being built and were not welcoming to people outside of the state. They focused a lot on helping the environment and keeping Colorado a small state. The people of Colorado felt so strongly about keeping the state small that they rejected the 1976 Winter Olympics in fear that it would make Colorado too big. This shows the culture of the people in Colorado and that they wanted a small town life. http://www.citywidebanks.com/fifty/i/web-FF_76olympics.gif
Denver International Airport brought Denver into the world of international business. With the creation of the airport in 1994 businesses outside of the United States to open and incorporate themselves within Colorado. These businesses brought more than their companies with them; they brought many of their lifestyles and ideals along with them. Within five years after the completion of D.I.A the state of Colorado saw a boom in foreign immigrants that it had not seen since the gold rush years. With all the immigrants in the state caused a huge shift in the diversity of Colorado. A state of prodomi9nately Caucasians families turned into a more diverse place especially within the Asian community. The construction of one air port forever changed the culture within Colorado.
On November 6, 2012 Colorado voted yes on Amendment 64. This amendment that was voted into the Colorado Constitution made the recreation use of marijuana legal. A 55 to 45 vote by the people of Colorado shows a social acceptance to a banned drug. Although federally this drug is illegal the people of Colorado thought it was acceptable for recreational use. This social acceptance shows how the social culture of Colorado has changed. It has become more of a liberal state which is a huge change of the very conservative state it use to be. It also shows the culture of the state to do what they feel best for the state even if it goes against laws and rules of the federal government. This vote on Amendment 64 was not so much about "getting high" as it was controlling themselves as an individual state.
Before May 1, 2013 gays and lesbians were considered second class citizens. They were not granted marriages and often times were looked down upon. Colorado's culture from 1945 to 2000 was not accepting of gays and lesbians and thought that they were suffering from diseases or were just confused, but not actually gay. They were not allowed to be legally wed which meant that they were not granted things such as hospital or jail visitations that a spouse is granted or death benefits that spouses receive. This persecution ended in May when gays and lesbians were granted same sex unions in Colorado. This movement goes beyond what they are legally allowed to do, but a more social acceptance of the Gay and Lesbian community which is a huge shift from the previous years of suppression and intolerence. http://i.i.com.com/cnwk.1d/i/tim2/2013/05/01/son_620x350.jpg
Abbott, Carl. Colorado, a history of the Centennial State. Boulder: Colorado Associated University Press, 1976. Print.
Administration (DPA) Division of Information Technologies (DoIT)." Colorado.gov: The Official State Web Portal. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 May 2013. <http://www.colorado.gov/dpa/doit/archives/history
"Denver Broncos History - The Football Database." The Football Database. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 May 2013. http://www.footballdb.com/teams/nfl/denver-broncos/history.
"Historical Records Index Search." Colorado.gov: The Official State Web Portal. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 May 2013. <http://www.colorado.gov/dpa/doit/archives
"Keyes v. School District No. 1, Denver, Colorado." LII | LII / Legal Information Institute. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 May 2013. <http://www.law.cornell.edu/supct/html/historics


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A Short Term Course on
Sensors and Signal Conditioning
Will be Organized by
Department of Electrical Engineering, IIT Madras
Course coordinators: Boby George and Jagadeesh Kumar V
Duration of the Course : 1 Week (25 th to 29 th January, 2016)
The course prepares academic and industrial personnel to become world class researchers in the field of Sensors and Signal Conditioning. It is also expected that the course participants will learn about measurement and processing of signals from sensors through appropriate instrumentation systems. The following topics will be covered in the course:
Characteristics of sensors
Sensors for biomedical application
Signal conditioning of sensors
MEMS type sensors
Sensors for Industrial application
Instrumentation for sensing
For faculty of AICTE recognized educational institutions, the course is free (TA/DA will be paid as per the relevant rules of AICTE-QIP. Rent free accommodation for outstation participants will be arranged at IIT Madras Guest house on twin sharing basis).
Click here for Online Apply
Contact us:
Dr. Boby George
Associate Professor
Department of Electrical Engineering
IIT Madras, Chennai 600 036, INDIA
Phone : +91 44 2257 4465
stc [at] ee.iitm.ac.in


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Officially supervised "Lelouch of the Rebellion R2" Ashford Academy uniform to be released
"Ashford Academy" official boy's and girl's uniform
Official uniform of Ashford Academy, in which Lelouch and Shirley from "Lelouch of the Rebellion" study, will be released.
Celebrating its 10th anniversary since on air of "Lelouch of the Rebellion", the uniforms will be released from COSPATIO, a genuine costume brand.
Ashford costumes are neatly made domestically under official supervision. Deep black of Lelouch's uniform, soft color of Shirley's, as well as its emblem embroidered in gold thread are faithfully reproduced.
Tight but made by elastic cloth enables slender silhouette of the uniform exactly like Lelouch and Shirley.
"Ashford Academy Boy's uniform" jacket set (belt included) is for 32,000 yen, pants for 14,000 yen (both before tax). "Ashford Academy Girl's uniform" jacket set (belt and necktie included) is for 35,000 yen, skirt for 12,000 yen (both before tax). All items to be released at the end of September.
(c)SUNRISE/PROJECT GEASS・MBS Character Design (c)2006-2008 CLAMP
"Lelouch of the Rebellion" celebrating its 10th anniversary since on air
"Ashford Academy" official girl's uniform
"Ashford Academy" official boy's uniform
COSPATIO Official website
"Lelouch of the Rebellion"


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Home > Categories > Gardening and Landscaping > Decorative > Windsticks review
Kinetic Wind Sculpture for your garden.
• Sway gently in the lightest of breezes
• Unbreakable in the strongest gales
• Will not rust or rot and the colour will not chip
Feed Birds on your Windsticks:
• Slide slices of apple, fruit or squares of bread down the Windsticks to attract birds.
• Feeding birds are well above the ground from cats & dogs
• Depending on how close the birds already live to your garden, it could take initially take the birds a week or so to work out you have food for them.
Start with 2-3 fruit or bread slices and change it each day so that when the birds land the food is moist and fresh. Once the birds have worked out you have food they will generally turn up at similar times each day to check for food. Ensure you put fresh food out each day as if you disappoint the birds in time they will take you off their flight pattern. I find in Winter when food is scarce my Windsticks get mobbed by birds and it is really easy to train them at that time of year. It is not unusual in Winter to have 12-20 birds outside feeding
Each Windstick has 2 stones set along the length that will enable you to feed the birds. If you wanted Windsticks with no stones just let me know. Windsticks with no stones will stand more vertical and are good for making a mass "grid" effect.
To Install:
Push each stick into firm ground, e.g. garden, lawn, or they look fabulous in a pond or push into a weighted down ceramic pot
• Red
• Lime Green
• Sky Blue (bright mid sky blue)
• White
• Black
- Colours of Red, Blue, Lime Green and White stand out the most against a green garden. Black is more subtle and blends more into the background of the garden, but stands out if in front of pale colours
- Mix and match the colours as much as you want
• 2m or 3m
• with stones or without stones
Product reviews...
This is a very good idea to be able to attract and easily feed birds that visiting our backyards. The materials are not that hard to find. The instruction on how to make it is clear and can be able to be done by any adult. Having this kind of Windstick whether in garden, lawn and backyards is enticing not only in the eye f the birds but also for people who find it artistic. This can also be a decorative useful thing that anyone can have.
The colors available are also great, this can match any background of the garden, but stands out if in front of pale colours. I would love to have this in our garden as part of decoration and to attract more birds to live in the the garden. The kids would love to see birds eating and can be abe to play with them.
Try this Windstick as well in your lawn to make it more lively and enticing if you really also love birds to visit your lawn and garden. You can easily make it on your own for your garden, can also be a school project and an outdoor display in-house or in school.
I was lucky enough to talk with Kim at the Waikato Home and Garden show about her curious but visually stunning Wind Sticks. To be honest, my first impressions were that these were very cute lawn ornaments and nothing more... but after listening to her describe what they were and how they came about, I was hooked. I had to have some! Still, skepticism runs strong in me and I had my doubts about how well these waving stick would attract small birds, especially with two young feline 'hunters' and a couple of canny old cats who still manage to bring in more than a few fresh kills this time of year.
Still, only one way to find out. On Kim's suggestion, after listening to my description of where I planned to put them, I was presented with a set of 5x 3m windsticks and a set of 10x 2m windsticks... all bright red. Yeah, really bird-friendly, I thought. More likely to scare them into heart-attacks! There are times I really am pleased to be proved wrong.
Getting home, it was getting dark but I simply HAD to get these sticks into place... We used to have an old concrete birdbath sitting in a brick-lines recess in the back lawn. It has a bare-dirt floor and is surrounded by baked bricks to keep the grass at bay. About 3 years ago I tossed it out as a eye-sore and a potential danger to our toddler. Since them, I have had a home-made sprinkler sitting there. UV had all-but destroyed the plastic, so it was time to go. Building a chimney from some extra bricks lying around the property, I started to jam the windsticks into place. Tall ones in the middle, smaller ones to the outside edge with more of a lean.
The next day gave me an amazing realisation... I should never try to be artistic in the dark again. After pulling it all down and rebuilding the chimney properly, I reinstalled the windsticks in a far more visually pleasing array that, when the wind blows, gives a visual effect that brings to mind Pohutukawa flowers. I think I should have gone for less 2m reds and a few 2m green windsticks on that basis, but it's still very pretty to watch.
Slicing apples up and shoving them on sticks may seem like a waste, but on the third day... waxeyes! Yes, we have avian visitors after only a few days! It's been a little over a week now, and we have a mated pair of waxeyes who are regular guests and our waving buffet, and they often bring friends too, who dine with glee on the slices of apple, the pieces of wholegrain bread, and the chunks of ripe banana we put out every 2nd day. Much to our cats' disgust, no amount of pouncing, staring or yowling will bring the birds into range of their claws, and the birds will now happily feed while the cats sit around and stare longingly.
In fact, the waxeye pair have become so comfortable and bold, they will start to feed while we are still stocking up the feed! If we put food on the taller sticks first, they will come and feed while we are still putting the apple and bread on the short sticks. Once they are stocked, the waxeyes will gleefully bounce from windstick to windstick checking out the fare, utterly unconcerned by the humans present.
I think these are brilliant, just brilliant! I love the way they look, I love how good they are for the birds, and in combination with some seed-bells hung in nearby trees, we now have a far greater number of birds visiting us, which is great for the family members who are into wildlife photography. Being near a stream and some palm trees, we have ducks and pigeons as regular neighbours, and we can now add sparrows and waxeyes to the list... plus a few more that I can't name because it's really more my wife who's into snapping pictures of the wildlife.
Overall, I would highly recommend these to anyone wanting to do something amazing with their yard. Made from fibreglass, these are VERY durable and unlikely to suffer from UV damage any time soon, though being red I do expect them to fade faster than the blue or green poles... only time will tell on that front though. The stones are carefully hand-drilled and fitted to each pole in positions that are well-placed to give a good weight in the right place to make the poles dynamically unstable - this means even a slight breeze will get them moving, but won't let them whip around in a dangerous manner in any level of wind you would be comfortable standing out in. Another stunning Kiwi product we are very proud to promote!
Guest comments...
Random listing from 'Gardening and Landscaping'...
Niche Cat treats are a range of seeds that are a beneficial blend of grasses and greens for your cat, including the ever-popular Catnip.
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"Biologically speaking, if something bites you it's more likely to be female"
Desmond Morris


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After training at London College of Printing, Sir John Cass School of Art and Camberwell School of Art, I went on to work as a scenic painter in the West End of London in the 80's before setting up a business creating signage,faux finishing and creating fine pieces of art in New Zealand.
Since returning to the UK in the early 2000's I have concentrated entirely on painting in oil and acrylic and now live in the Channel Islands. Most of my work looks to folkloric tales of the landscape for inspiration. Recently I have been looking at William Le Lacheur, a prominent coffee importer with economic and emotional ties to Costa Rica and creating a body of work relating to his life and achievements.


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AGC of America's Union Contractors Committee will hold its next conference call on November 19 at 2:00 p.m. Eastern time. The agenda includes updates on recent developments in labor relations and government affairs of interest to union contractors as well as a roundtable discussion of developments around the country.
Participation is free and open to all AGC-member union contractors and chapter staff, regardless of committee membership. (AGC nonmembers may not participate.) To register for the call, click here. Call-in information will be sent to all registrants at once, likely on the day prior to the call.
For more information, contact Associate General Counsel Denise Gold at firstname.lastname@example.com or (703) 837-5326.


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This Access Point is not approved/joined yet. Please connect it to proceed configuration.
Hello. I am using the ZoneDirector 3025, and I try to configure the access points but whenever i click on "Edit" this message appears " ...
DIHA, 5 years ago
Gilles D, 5 years ago
Gilles D, 5 years ago


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Worship Sunday at 10:30
Bethany Evangelical
|Northern Great Lakes Synod † Evangelical Lutheran Church in America † Bethany on Facebook
Pentecost - 06/26/2016
The Fourth Commandment: Honor your father and your mother; in the Bible it even comes with a promise; Honor your father and your mother, so that your days may be long in the land that the Lord God is giving you. What does this mean? We are to fear and love God, so that we neither despise nor anger our parents and others in authority, but instead honor, serve, obey, love and respect them.
That's the explanation from Luther's Small Catechism and from that we hear the commandment mostly as being directed at young people, a command for them to respect their parents and others in positions of authority which is a legitimate and valuable interpretation, but in its original biblical context that wasn't necessarily the intention. Then it was directed more toward adults, adult sons in particular and the command was to attend to elderly parents, to treat them with respect, to see that they were properly cared for and in the end, to bury them respectfully and honorably, all of which makes Jesus' statements in today's gospel rather confusing, confusing and troubling.
In the last part of the reading you have two people who are apparently ready to follow Jesus, but who just want a little time to wrap things up at home. The first wants time to bury his father, but Jesus says, "Let the dead bury their own dead." The second says let me go home and tell the family what I'm up to; I just want to say good-bye and Jesus says, "No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God."
That's where the text ends, with both individuals apparently speechless, but you want them to say, "Wait a minute; Fourth Commandment, Jesus; honor your father and mother. Are you against the Fourth Commandment?" You want them to say, "What about Elisha? Elijah let him go back to kiss his mother and father before he followed and that worked out OK. Why can't we do the same?" They don't ask the questions, but we do. We're left to ponder what it means, left to wonder that if even those seemingly legitimate requests are denied, can any of us meet Jesus' standard, can any of us really be a disciple?
A part of me wants to duck that question and say that this is more about Jesus than it is about discipleship and how discipleship relates to issues of family responsibilities and obedience to the Fourth Commandment. Context is important and at this point in Luke's gospel, Jesus is on the journey to Jerusalem, a journey that he knows will lead him into trouble, but a journey and an ending that he knows is part of who he is called to be.
As he heads to Jerusalem, I don't picture all knowing Jesus but instead I picture the fully human Jesus, emptied of his divine nature, subject to the same temptations that any of us would be subject to, and also governed by the same instincts any of us are governed by, instinct number one being the instinct to survive. With that in mind, Jesus might see the requests of the two would be followers as a temptation, as a test of his own resolve, a temptation to wonder if there wasn't another way. This could be another "Get behind me, Satan," moment for Jesus similar to his rebuke of Peter when Peter questioned Jesus' prediction of his suffering and death. This isn't all knowing Jesus but what he does know is that temptation is part of his journey, and he can't give in to it and still accomplish what he is supposed to accomplish.
I do think it's legitimate to see this text being in part about Jesus, but I can't ignore the discipleship aspect; I can't ignore the fact that the level of commitment Jesus asks for is so high that even the commandment to honor father and mother is set aside. I can't ignore that Jesus implies that the inbreaking of the kingdom of God that he represents surpasses everything else in its urgency. I can't ignore asking the question, Does what Jesus says here leave us all lacking the necessary commitment to be disciples?
Without question there are times when what Jesus asks for can only leave us going away sad because we know we can't do it, we can't meet his standard. Remember the rich young man who proudly announces that he has kept all the commandments since his youth only to then be told by Jesus to sell everything he has and give the money to the poor? There are those texts that reveal our shortcomings and we can't ignore them.
But then there are others. Think about last week's gospel; remember the Gerasene demoniac? Jesus cast out the demons that afflicted him at which point the man begged that he might follow Jesus; he was ready to go. But Jesus said no. In contrast to his response in today's reading where he wouldn't let the two would be disciples go home, Jesus tells this man to go home. It doesn't seem consistent.
Then there's the first part of today's lesson, the Samaritans didn't receive Jesus because, as the text says, "his face was set toward Jerusalem." That implies that maybe they would have received Jesus if he would have stayed around to perform some miracles and put on a show for them, but they weren't ready to make the commitment to follow him to Jerusalem and risk what might happen there. James and John wanted to send fire down on the Samaritans for ignoring Jesus, but Jesus himself said no. He didn't pass judgment on their unwillingness to follow at that moment, their unwillingness to become disciples. He wasn't ready to close the door on them.
Taken in isolation, the texts that set an impossibly high standard for discipleship can lead us to conclude that discipleship is, in fact, impossible. None of us is willing renounce all of our other responsibilities and obligations including those related to family. We're also not going to sell all we have and give the money to the poor. Other texts though, raise questions regarding the nature of discipleship and the level of commitment required and it's at those points of tension that we wrestle a little bit and engage our own journey of faith, trying to figure out how we can follow, mindful of the fact that we can't meet Jesus' high standard.
As a starting point, today's story about the Samaritans' failure to receive Jesus and his failure to condemn them is a reminder that Jesus doesn't pass final judgment on our lack of discipleship. It's yet another case of undeserved grace and as always it's important for us to hear that. Our faith is always about undeserved grace, grace made known to us and grace toward which we turn especially when we recognize our inability to achieve Jesus' standard. We know we can't do it, but Jesus doesn't close the door on us. Grace is available.
Another thing worth considering concerning these texts on discipleship is that sometimes following might mean staying where you are. Some of what Jesus says can make it sound like that to be a disciple you do have to drop everything and follow him and in some of the biblical stories that is what happens or at least that's what it sounds like. But discipleship can't be only that or there would be no one left to do everything else that needs to be done. Jesus had to have known that too so he let it be known that there were other ways to follow.
I'll always remember when I told my father I was thinking about going to seminary he asked, "How do you know you're not already doing what God wants you to do?" It's a good question, in some ways it's a very Lutheran question as Luther's priesthood of all believers is about the fact that the work of ordinary people, whatever their vocation, can serve God just as well or better than the work of clergy people.
The question then is to figure out how to do it, asking how Jesus is calling you to follow in your life, whatever your vocation might be. There's tension though because you can't ignore the challenge of "Let the dead bury their own dead," and "No one who looks back is worthy of the Kingdom of God." Those statements should bother you. Even if following and discipleship means staying where you are, which is the case for most people, you're not off the hook. Staying where you are doesn't mean life merrily goes on as it was; you still might be challenged to leave your comfort zone and venture into things that might seem impossible.
They might turn out to be impossible too, but then there's that grace and another chance. By the grace of God and the guidance of the Holy Spirit though, you might find things are more possible than you thought; you might find yourself growing as a disciple, doing things you thought you couldn't do.
A journey of faith isn't always easy. The standard of commitment Jesus calls for always poses a challenge. But mindful of his grace, we journey on and through his power our less than perfect efforts still serve and do make a difference.
Pastor Warren Geier
Website designed and maintained by Superior Book Productions


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On Saturday, 4 August 2018, the Dramatics Club presented one of the most popular comedies, Merchant of Venice, written by the world's pre-eminent dramatist, William Shakespeare. The illustrious Prof. Manohar Khushlani, currently a Visiting Faculty at Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology, Delhi, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. He profusely commended each and every aspect of the play, from the dialogue delivery, to transitions from one scene to another, costumes, props, lighting, music, the energy and vibrance of the entire presentation, and so on. He emphasized that "drama is inherent in children" and therefore it is an "effective tool for promoting learning in classroom". The eminent Guest of Honour, Mr. Sadanand Patil, presently working as a lead Villain in the popular show, ZANGOORA at Kingdom of Dreams, emphasized the profundity of drama as a genre wherein, even the audience becomes an intrinsic part of theatre.
The play marked the seventh annual drama which has been produced by the Dramatics club since its first production 2008. The performance on 4 August was the concluding show in the series of presentations that began on 1 August 2018. The captivating humorous presentation that involved more than 100 students from class VI to XII, while showcasing the varied nuances of the 16th Century Shakespearean drama also portrayed brilliantly the themes of anti-Semitism, bigotry, vindication of cultural values etc. which continue to be relevant to the "world of the twenty first century as it was to its own time."
The august audience included the distinguished Mr LR Channa, President, Child Education Society (CES) and Chairman of the school; Mr SK Bhattacharya, Chairman of BBPS Training Center and BBPS Navi Mumbai; Advisors to CES – Ms Rekha Sharma and Ms Nanu Rekhi; members of the Managing Committee of the schooland of the Board of Management. In addition, Principals of other units of BBPS, members of the PTA and Alumni; parentsof participating students and Literary Club Members; teachers and students of other schools; and the staff members of the school itself too witnessed the spellbinding presentation.
Ms Meena Malhotra, Officiating Vice-Principal, proposed the vote of thanks. She appreciated the tireless efforts and teamwork of the entire group that helped to make the production a grand success. She also highlighted the importance of Theater in Education.


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SINGAPORE: Singapore's headline inflation rate likely edged slightly higher in April due to higher oil and transport costs, a Reuters poll showed on Tuesday.
Singapore's consumer price index probably rose 0.8 percent from a year earlier in April, the poll showed, accelerating from 0.6 percent in March, report agencies."Headline inflation is expected to see a slight uptick on the back of higher oil prices and COE (certificate of entitlement) premiums," Maybank Kim Eng economist Lee Ju Ye said.
In Singapore, one of the world's most expensive places for owning a car, buyers have to pay a levy for a "certificate of entitlement" in order to own a car.


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October 18, 2020 | 11 AM - 3 PM | Healdsburg Plaza
Please join us for a fun-filled day of wine tasting in the beautiful town of Healdsburg, California. Stroll through the historic plaza while sampling from 60+ wineries as well as several local food vendors. This is a unique opportunity to try limited-production West Coast Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sparkling Wines, and some long-time favorites all in one place.
The event will also feature a silent auction boasting a large collection of locally produced Pinot Noir, and raffles for instant wine cellars and premium large-format bottles. All proceeds benefit Boys & Girls Clubs of Sonoma-Marin (need not be present to win, winner is responsible for shipping charges).
This event is for guests 21+. Please, no children, strollers, or pets.
2019 Sponsors
Imperial Sponsors
Double Magnum Sponsors
Magnum Sponsors
2019 Wineries
Alden Alli Winery | AristaWines | Au Contraire |
Auteur Wines | Benziger Family Wines |
Black Kite Cellars | Blue Farms |
Breathless Sparkling Wines | Brewer Clifton |
Brick & Mortar Wines | Brooks Note Winery |
Bucher Wines | Cast Wines | Chenoweth Wines | Cirq |
Clarice Wine Company | Copain Wines |
Coursey Graves | Domaine De La Riveriere |
Donald Patz Wine Group | Dutcher Crossing Winery | Etude Wines | Ferrari-Carano Vineyard & Winery | Flambeaux Wine | Flaunt Wine Company | Flowers Vineyards and Winery | Foppiano Vineyards | Freeman Vineyard and Winery | Geodesy Wine | Hirsch Vineyards | J Cage Cellars | Kanzler Family Vineyards |
Kendall-Jackson | Keller Estate Winery |
Kokomo Winery | La Crema | La Follette Wines |
Lando Wines | LIOCO Wine Company | Lombardi Wines | MacRostie Winery | Mansfield-Dunne Wines | Medlock Ames Winery | Merriam Vineyards | Montagne Russe | Peake Ranch Winery | Prospect Brands |
Papapietro Perry | Roald Wine Company |
Rodney Strong Vineyards | San Lorenzo |
Schug Caneros Estate Winery | Siduri |
Smith Story Wines | Sojourn Cellars |
Stonestreet Estate Vineyards | Ten Acre Winery |
Trione Winery | Trombetta Family Wines | Truett-Hurst Winery | VML Winery | Walt | Wrath |
Wren Hop Vineyards |
Raffle Tickets
Not Yet Available for 2020
1 for $20 | 3 for $50 | 10 for $100
General Admission
Tickets for 2020 Not Available Yet
"A beautiful setting, amazing wines, and incredibly generous people make it a day of fun and tremendous support for our 10,000 Club members." – Jennifer Weiss, CEO, Boys & Girls Clubs of Sonoma-Marin
"We love participating in this event because it's a ton of fun and it supports the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sonoma-Marin. So many children in our community depend on this group for help with homework, a hot meal after school and the many programs that help kids be successful, healthy and responsible. It's a privilege to be part of it!" Renae Perry, Owner, Papapietro Perry Winery
General Information
Healdsburg Crush is an annual fundraiser for Boys & Girls Clubs of Sonoma-Marin to benefit the afterschool, sports, and summer programs for the Club members in Sonoma and Marin County.
About Boys & Girls Clubs of Sonoma-Marin
In 2008, The Boys & Girls Clubs in Healdsburg, Windsor and Rohnert Park voted to combine organizations to better serve the youth of their own communities and other under-served Sonoma County communities. From this effort, Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Sonoma County was born. Since 2008, we have grown from serving 300 young people to over 3,000 young people each day and over 10,000 per year. We now operate 42 Clubs across Sonoma and Marin County. As we have expanded our geographic reach, we've known our name didn't match our territory and scope, so in 2019 we updated our name to Boys & Girls Clubs of Sonoma-Marin. Our growth reflects the Counties' support of our mission to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. We invite you to join us in making a difference in the lives of thousands of Sonoma & Marin County youth!
Boys & Girls Clubs of Sonoma-Marin currently serves 10,000 young people, ages 6 to 18, at 42 locations in Cloverdale, Geyserville, Healdsburg, Guerneville, Monte Rio, Windsor, Sebastopol, Santa Rosa, Rohnert Park, Petaluma, Corte Madera and Marin City.
Boy & Girls Clubs of Sonoma-Marin
1400 N. Dutton Avenue, Suite 24
Santa Rosa, CA 95401


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Ochre House
Ochre House
Ochre House s a unique multi-purpose vacation and studio facility located in Conception Bay, Newfoundland. Built in 1938, this former United Church has been thoughtfully renovated to include all the modern amenities while respecting the beauty and clean lines of the original architecture. With a stunning seventeen-foot ceiling, five bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, spacious studio and generous living area, our facility offers an exceptional getaway experience for work or play. An hour and 45 minutes from St. John's and four minutes from Northern Bay Sands Park, it is a perfect place for your extended family to kick back and relax – over 2500 square feet will give everyone room to breathe.
An ideal place for retreats and small events, Oche Houses in a class of its own.
Access - Partial
Beach Nearby
Bed Size - D (Double)
Bed Size - S (Single)
Birds & Wildlife
Cable or Satellite
Ceiling Fan or Oscillating Fan
Clothes Storage
Coffee Maker
Cyclists Welcome
Ensuite Bath (3 Piece)
Environmentally Friendly
Indoor Games Area
iPod Dock
Laundry Service Available
Meeting Rooms
Motorcycles Welcome
No Pets Please
Non-Smoking Property
Outdoor Parking
Private Bath (3 Piece)
Self-Contained Kitchen
Telephone (On-site)
TV (On-Site)
Washer/Dryer (On-Premises)


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Sleep Choices mattresses – the best selection you can make
When it comes to choosing the best mattress, it can be extremely hard. There are many choices, that your head may start to swing and you will certainly wind up purchasing the first one, that you have actually seen in the commercial. Reduce as well as keep calm if you intend to buy an actually premium bed mattress. Keep in mind, that you are resting due to the fact that your body and mind wishes to rest after a lengthy as well as tough day, so it is really crucial to have a good and trustworthy cushion or you are going to wind up awakening with a frustration, backache as well as all another discomfort that you can get. Best Mattress for Side Sleepers Singapore
Get yourself a cup of tea or coffee, relax, loosen up and provide a few mins of your time to read this evaluation regarding Sleep Choices as well as the Snuz mattresses. You will see that your searches could come to the end, as you will learnt what it is a truly great bed mattress.
Video: SleepChoices Snuz Mattress
Sleep Choices Best Mattress for Side Sleepers Singapore
Sleep Choices have over 50 years of experience in making cushions. With numerous years, they have been establishing and restoring a lot of innovations that are a bit old and also creating some new ones. If you are having issues with your sleeping, are getting up in the middle of the night, really feeling tired in the morning, you should take into consideration regarding Snuz mattress by Sleep Choices. These cushions are developed with minimizing overheating, also promotes correct back positioning. Sleep Choices provides you with a mattress that you will certainly want to sleep on it forever and not get out of it in the morning!
What is the secret? Best Mattress for Side Sleepers Singapore
The Snuz mattress by Sleep Choices has 7 areas which each conveniences a various component of your body. Your body has various zones while laying on a mattress. Each part of your body requires to be either sustained or eased of stress. If your cushion is uncomplicated and does not have any areas that are particularly made for your body, you will certainly get that fatigue in the early morning. So let's get even more clear in what does that mean:
There are solid areas that are developed for the assistance
➢ 1 Pillow Zone – assistance for your neck and head
➢ 3 Upper Body Zone – assistance for your back and spine
➢ 5 Knee Zone – assistance for your knee to keep your legs straightened to your body
➢ 7 Alternate Pillow Zone – if you are going to turn the bed mattress which is advised to do every half a year or year, you will have a support for the head
There are zones for stress relief Best Mattress for Side Sleepers Singapore
➢ 2 Shoulder Zone – lowers the pressure of the shoulders
➢ 4 Hip Zone – less stress in the hip location
➢ 6 Alternate Shoulder Zone – if you are going to rotate the cushion which is advised to do every half a year or year, you will have a support for the shoulders
What it is inside the Snuz mattresses by Sleep Choices?
Rest Choices provides the Snuz bed mattress that are constructed from high quality products that assist you to really feel fresh and completely awake in the early morning.
The Snuz mattresses are constructed from: Best Mattress for Side Sleepers Singapore
➢ Knitted cover which helps cushion to ventilate and keep you cool while you are sleeping.
➢ Foam of polyester that decreases motion transferring, so you would certainly not feel your partner relocating.
➢ Graphite instilled foam which aids to remove all smells that develops gradually.
➢ Memory foam which is listed below the leading layer. It has grooved networks and assists air to distribute in the cushion.
➢ Foam of high thickness that supports as well as holds your body.
These zoned bed mattress are created for every single sort of sleeper
If you like or have to sleep on your back, however you just simply can not do that because of the unpleasant cushion that you have actually got, Sleep Choices got you. The Snuz mattresses are developed for the back sleepers that they would obtain the assistance that they require. Due to the 7-zone support, the cushion is fully attached to your body shape and gives the required assistance for each different part of your body. Best Mattress for Side Sleepers Singapore
If you favor to sleep on the side, so you will certainly require a high-pressure alleviation in your shoulder location in order to you feel comfortable. Also, your back needs to be straightened, in one more means you will get some serious discomfort in the early morning. For the side sleepers, the Snuz mattresses by Sleep Choices are providing high assistance on the lower body location and also pressure alleviation in the hip and also shoulder location.
Firmness Best Mattress for Side Sleepers Singapore
If you would certainly rate The Snuz cushion with a suppleness scale, this cushion would be in a 5 to 6 at the range. This suggests, that the Sleep Choices cushions are mostly made for all kind of sleepers that requires medium firmness. Each component of these bed mattress is made to provide an equivalent quantity of assistance or pressure alleviation. In this way, your various parts of the body really feel comfortable and as the result – you are awakening fresh as well as completely relaxed.
Activity transferring is nothing any longer Best Mattress for Side Sleepers Singapore
We all understand that bothersome feeling when you feel your companion awakening first in the morning as well as waking up you. Why? Since you really feel the movement transfer. Well, guess what – with the Snuz mattresses by Sleep Choices you can sleep as long as you desire also if your partner needs to wake up early. The Sleep Choices mattresses are from the thick layer of foam which is not transferring any motion as the latex ones, for example. These mattresses are soaking up most vibration, so those sleepers that are sharing the bed with a companion, youngster or even a canine – will rest like a child as well as do not really feel any movements whatsoever.
Last Thoughts
So, in conclusion this testimonial regarding Sleep Choices mattresses, if you are trying to find a mattress that has convenience, assistance, and also excellent rates – make certain to think about checking The Snuz mattress. If you love cooling and also fresh feel during all your sleep – Sleep Choices have something to provide you. Best Mattress for Side Sleepers Singapore


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- Natural stone, steel with all weather resin wicker
- Hardened powder coat finish in black for years of beauty
- Easy to follow assembly instructions and product care information
- Metal hardware
- Fade, chip and crack resistant
- Oakland Living recommends their products be covered to protect them when not in use. To preserve the beauty and finish of the metal products, they recommend applying an epoxy clear coat once a year. Their iron products will eventually rust when exposed to the elements.
Celebrate the natural beauty of the Oakland Living Black Tuscany 9 Piece Dining Set. This inviting collection of patio furniture is centered around a stone top round dining table. Six resin wicker arm chairs, a dark brown tilt umbrella, and a sturdy umbrella stand complete the combo perfectly.
- Table Dimensions: 29Hx54Wx54D inches
- Stackable Chair Dimensions: 34Hx23.25Wx25.5D inches


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Why are we so talkative? Why can't some people SHUT UP?
Turns out that you and I aren't the only ones trying to figure this out.
Some of those brainiac types are asking this question as well. Better yet, they may have some answers.
Those brainiacs are what journalists call "scientists." Yes, those guys. The ones asking questions based on lots of data that other "scientists" can use to get the same answers. Big deal.
Well, it is a big deal, actually.
You see, these science guys went and looked at some birds. Why birds?
Well, there's lots of different types of birds for one.
And these birds, well, they seem to have this talking thing similar to us people. As people we don't call it talking. We call it singing, or bird calls, or song, or whatever. But birds seem to know what they are saying.
It turns out that some birds aren't very social. In fact, they are downright not nice. Kind of like some neighbors I've had. Birds called Munia are like that. Not so social.
That's compared to the Bengalese finch, a bird that's been domesticated for 250 years.
Guess what? The finch has complex songs and can figure out what you might be thinking. The Munia, not so much. No complex songs. Doesn't care what you are thinking.
You might say, so what about the birds already. Good point.
Turns out that 50 generations of fox have also started showing these traits. Bonobos. We already know about cats, dogs, horses and cattle. But at least in the case of the birds, there is a direct relationship between talking (alright, singing) and human language.
Here's the kicker. Good old Charles Robert Darwin suggested a LONG time ago that perhaps, just perhaps, people domesticated themselves. It's long been known that domesticated animals don't have as much hair and take much longer to "grow up."
That growing up time can be used to learn stuff. Like talking.
So the next time you want to say something, say something nice. Because, after all, if you weren't nice to begin with, you probably wouldn't be talking.
Thanks for stopping by.
By the way, the source article is from Science, 3 August 2018, volume 361, issue 6401, page 436-7. Written by Michael Erard and Catherine Matacic


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Check Your Deductibles with Your Agent to Get Cheap Car Insurance Alaska
Getting cheap car insurance in Alaska: To drive a car in Alaska you need to furnish proof of financial responsibility. That means, if you get in a car accident and it is your fault that you will be able to pay the damages you rack up. The simplest and easiest way to do that is to buy automobile insurance from[Read More…]


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Some East Bay officials disclose free tickets, but others don't
Every year, elected officials in Oakland and Alameda County each receive tens of thousands of dollars worth of premium seating at the Coliseum complex to some of the Bay Area's biggest sporting and entertainment events, from Justin Bieber concerts to NBA Finals games. And each week, these officials are expected to comply with state law and report whether they used the tickets or gave them away to employees or nonprofits.
Yet a review of public records and interviews with authorities by The Chronicle found a lax system for tracking the use of the complimentary tickets to ensure that elected officials are using them for legitimate purposes. While the majority of elected officials file the required disclosure forms for the tickets, some do not.
The state's Fair Political Practices Commission requires elected officials to file disclosure forms — called Form 802 — to track the tickets, some of which are worth thousands of dollars, depending on the event. For example, the Warriors finals tickets given to elected officials are valued at $10,000 each, according to disclosure forms. Tickets to see the March 4 Prince concert at Oracle were worth $600 apiece. And tickets to see Bruce Springsteen, who performed March 13, were each worth $158.
State law requires that these tickets serve a "public purpose," otherwise they could be deemed gifts or taxable income. But the law does little to define what constitutes a public purpose, leaving it up to cities to interpret it as they see fit. Officials in Oakland, therefore, claim that the reason for using their tickets is to "review" their taxpayer-funded facilities. Council President Lynette Gibson McElhaney has reviewed the venues 26 times this year by attending a variety of shows and sports matches. Councilman Abel Guillen reviewed the venues 30 times over the same period — and he'll review the Coliseum again when the A's play the Giants on June 30.
Transparency concern
Council members also frequently hand out their allotment of tickets to city staff, community activists and schools, as allowed by law. Guillen told The Chronicle that he's given about 65 percent of his Warriors tickets to community groups like Youth Radio and the Intertribal Friendship House.
"I was not previously aware that there was any concern about this practice," he said of the free tickets.
To commission spokesman Jay Wierenga, the main concern is transparency. "People are supposed to fill out the forms so the public can see what's going on and decide if someone is taking advantage of (these tickets)," he said.
Before the rules were implemented, officials could just give out their tickets to anyone, and there was no way of telling whether they were going to charities or family members — or perhaps to campaign donors.
Three boards in Oakland, all of which have some oversight of the Coliseum complex, get complimentary tickets: The Oakland City Council, the Alameda County Board of Supervisors and the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum Authority. Each board gets its own suite for a total of six suites — three at the Coliseum and three at Oracle Arena.
Report not required
But The Chronicle found that only the Coliseum Authority requires its board members to fill out disclosure forms before they receive free tickets, specifying who is going to use them. At Oakland City Hall, council members get their tickets first and then file their disclosures — but no one makes sure those forms get filed. County supervisors also receive their tickets before filing a form.
Disclosure records show that while most of the elected officials appear to be filing the disclosures routinely, as required, three Oakland City Council members do not.
One Oakland city councilman who doesn't file said he wasn't aware he was supposed to.
"I don't want to get caught up doing reports for everything I get," said Councilman Noel Gallo, who said he's attended "maybe one Raiders game" in the past year and has given most of his tickets to family members or schools and charities.
Councilman Larry Reid submitted only one form this year for the tickets he has received through his council office.
"I have not had a chance to input all my tickets," Reid said, adding that he's aware of the disclosure rules.
Councilwoman Desley Brooks did not file any disclosures between Dec. 15, 2015, and June 1 of this year — shortly after The Chronicle began calling her office for this article.
Brooks did not return phone calls.
To former Councilwoman Pat Kernighan, the lack of transparency and uniformity in ticket reporting is part of a bigger leadership problem in Oakland.
"Nobody really has immediate authority over the council members," Kernighan said. "It's not like a situation where there's a boss who has the power to fire you, so these things end up being like guidelines."
Yet she also noted that free tickets are a well-entrenched tradition that most officials never questioned.
The perk dates to the mid-1990s renovations of the Coliseum and Oracle Arena. As officials agreed to costly upgrades at both venues, they added special box seats for themselves, giving them free passes to concerts, sports games, Monster Truck shows, the Ice Capades and any other event.
"I don't know whether (that idea) originated from the city, or the county, but when we were negotiating the deal, we thought it made sense," said Alameda County Supervisor Nate Miley, who helped negotiate the stadium expansion as an Oakland City Council member in 1996, which taxpayers are still paying off. "It was like, why wouldn't we have a box? We're the landlords."
That rationale makes sense to Coliseum Authority head P. Scott McKibben. "The city and county help manage these places, they should get a chance to see what's going on," he said.
Ticket crackdown
But in 2009, the state Fair Political Practices Commission clamped down on such arrangements, establishing rules that require these complimentary tickets to serve a "public purpose," and mandating that officials fill out disclosure forms to reveal who ultimately is using them.
"It's part of the job of being a public official to show up, shake hands, and wave at a lot of these events, and there's nothing inherently wrong with that," Wierenga said. "But the flip side is that being a public official means being a public servant, so things should not be done for personal gain."
Now, the "public purpose" behind 20 years of free tickets in Oakland has come into question as the price of Warriors seats has shot up, and most fans have been consigned to watching the games on TV while elected officials post selfies in the stands.
There are no clear consequences for officials who don't file the Form 802s, and Wierenga said it's up to cities to enforce the rules. And it appears Oakland's Public Ethics Commission is doing just that: On June 15, the Ethics Commission opened an investigation into the city's use and distribution of free tickets, to determine whether any recipients violated state laws by not reporting what they did with their tickets.
Bob Stern, a former general counsel for the Fair Political Practices Commission, said it's important for public officials to file their disclosures. "Otherwise we don't know if we used (the tickets), or if special interests used them — and sure, there's a possibility they could be selling them."
Common practice
According to sports economists, Oakland's long-running arrangement with the Coliseum Authority isn't unique: It's common for city officials to ask for a special permanent suite when they award public subsidies to build sports stadiums.
"It's an easy way to pay the city back a little bit by giving them those suites," said Victor Matheson, a sports economist at College of the Holy Cross in Massachusetts. Matheson said he would be "extremely surprised" if there are not agreements to reserve seats for elected officials in the "vast majority" of publicly financed stadiums.
But now that Oakland is negotiating with both the A's and the Raiders to potentially build two new billion-dollar sports venues, Matheson said taxpayers have a right to be wary.
"You can clearly see the disadvantage here," he said. "The people who are voting on whether to give subsidies are the same people who get to go in those suites."
Rachel Swan is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: firstname.lastname@example.com Twitter: rachelswan


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Volunteer Travel – Tips to Make it a Success!
Also known as Voluntourism or ecotourism, volunteer travel can be wonderful way to make a difference and have an experience you will never forget. Combining a vacation or trip abroad with volunteering on local projects is one way many travelers choose to immerse themselves in local cultures and make a difference. Returning travelers say it's a life-changing experience.
The opportunities with volunteer travel are endless. Some travelers taking a volunteer vacation will spend their entire vacation volunteering to, for example, help rebuild houses in New Orleans or working at orphanages in Third World countries. Others taking volunteer vacations will spend a few days teaching children in remote villages, feeding lion cubs in Africa, or helping count the caiman population in a small South American country and then spend the remainder of their trip sightseeing.
There is nothing like counting birds in the Amazon rainforest or digging wells for African villages in the grips of drought as a way to really experience fascinating places and diverse people. Lots of people are familiar with the concept of church-based "mission" trips, but they don't always know that there are plenty of secular organizations that offer opportunities as well. For example, clowning overseas with Patch Adams of the Gesundheit! Institute usually takes a week or two and no special skills except a desire to bring humor and heart to those in war-torn countries.
Be aware you will likely be required to cover the cost of travel, your stay and possibly a financial contribution toward the cause. While the time spent working is unpaid, the volunteer takes that time to become comfortable in a remote location. You will build relationships that can be of value forever and a confidence to explore more of the world.
There are MANY benefits to volunteer travel:
- Have a "real" experience – In addition to volunteering, I have done my share of tourist travel and nothing beats working side by side with locals. Tourism is sugarcoated to show you an experience created for you. When you volunteer you become a part of the community and culture.
- See the world in a new way – When you volunteer for a cause, you see the world from a new perspective. Suddenly, the challenges you feel you face in life are put in perspective.
- Meet interesting people – It never fails. Whenever I have done volunteer travel I have met many amazing people from all walks of life and all over the world.
- Meet "good" people – Not only are the people you will meet interesting, but they share a common goal with you – to do good! These are fellow travelers who have chosen to spend their time making the world a better place – there is no better bond.
- Make a difference – And of course the obvious benefit is to make a difference. Volunteering gives you an opportunity to matter in the world. Whether you are working with orphans, street dogs, teaching refugees, or planting trees – you will have mattered.
- Do your research – there are hundreds of countries and thousands of programs. Start by just poking around to see what captures your attention, but as soon as possible narrow in on a cause or country – otherwise you will never be able to decide!
- Expect some costs – You will very likely be expected to cover your own travel costs and pay a little for your living expenses, but don't pay too much. Many people are surprised they have to pay to volunteer but these programs provide badly needed help to many organizations that can afford to have paid staff.
- Ensure there is some free time – Most programs will schedule days off in your volunteer schedule, but I would suggest confirming this. You will want to take the opportunity to explore the area you are visiting to make the most of your trip.
- Plan on working! Although you want to ensure you will have a little free time, you must go prepared to work. You are there to make a difference and the only way that will happen is by digging in and helping.