text:
President Barack Obama and the National Rifle Association do agree on something: No amount of legislation can prevent every evil act.
From there, well �
In the president�s remarks on gun violence Wednesday, Obama acknowledged what gun enthusiasts have been saying for decades: Cracking down on illicit access to guns won�t pre-empt all such future tragedies:
In the Dec. 14 Newtown, Conn., school massacre, 20 children and six adults died at the hands of a troubled 20-year-old armed with weapons his mother evidently had acquired legally: a Bushmaster AR-15 rifle and two handguns. The stark efficiency of semi-automatic weaponry allowed Adam Lanza to do maximum damage in a short period of time. Similarly, last summer, alleged gunman James Holmes within minutes managed to shoot 70 people inside an Aurora, Colo., movie theater.
The president�s remarks seemed like a beginning � an attempt to start a national discussion that may diminish � if, unfortunately, never eliminate � the threat of such incidents. �Weapons designed for the theater of war have no place in a movie theater,� Obama said while unveiling new White House-led initiatives to curb gun violence.
Some of what gun control advocates want, such as the outlawing of so-called assault weapons, will be divisive. But there are areas where we hope members of Congress quickly can find common ground: background checks for all buyers, including those at gun shows; harsher measures against illegal gun traffickers; better documentation of ownership transfers and stolen or lost weapons; and limits on high-capacity magazines.
Under Obama�s suggestions, law-abiding citizens still could own semi-automatic weapons, but with less-expansive firepower. That doesn�t trample their Second Amendment rights.
And call for federally mandated background checks on all gun purchasers seems reasonable. For far too long, dangerous gaps have existed among states: Some require strict background checks. Others don�t.
Illegally obtained guns are a reality. Big criminal enterprises are responsible for vast amounts of gunplay. Responsible gun owners and NRA member should support a uniform system of screening buyers for each and every gun purchase. Congress: Close the loopholes, including those that let straw purchasers supply weapons to drug gangs. And find more effective ways to make the traffickers pay.
But this conversation must be broader than access to weapons. Obama rightfully spoke of the need for more intense mental health services nationwide. He said he would act immediately to clarify which services are covered under Medicaid. He emphasized that health care professionals are not prohibited from reporting threats of violence to law enforcement. And he said he would initiate a national dialogue on mental health.
That�s important but not enough. We would like to see states ease the process of committing those suffering from mental illness to facilities or programs where they can get help � or at minimum easing the way for their friends or loved ones who want to intervene in their troubled lives. We realize it�s a tricky constitutional area and a difficult fiscal environment; in Illinois, the Department of Human Services has experienced dramatic budget cuts during the past five years. Centers that offer mental health care often have frustratingly long waiting lists. But it�s time for states to examine their services and reprioritize resources: Citizens who sense a problem should have somewhere to turn, and some assurance that the person who concerns them will get help.
The goal of this national conversation is simple: sensible efforts in multiple realms that, taken together, will reduce gun violence and pass constitutional muster. The status quo isn�t working.
Enough talk. Time to act.


text:
The career of Whitehorse artist Emma Barr has spanned over one decade. The third-generation artist was educated at Kootenay School of the Arts in Nelson, B.C. and graduated with a diploma and a major in mixed media.
In addition to her studio work, which focuses primarily on painting, Emma teaches art and does production design for the film industry.
Emma's work evolves with her exploration of medium and inspiration. At various points in her career, she has worked with wax and pigment medium, cera cola, which culminated in a body of abstract work; with oil pants, which emotively explore landscape; and in light sculpture. Each evolution produces a realized style that documents a vibrant period of intellectual and creative growth.
Emma exhibits and sells her work nationally and internationally.
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subset: commoncrawl


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You could almost say there was a conspiratorial element to the Lyric Stage Company putting up Arthur Miller's monumental "Death of a Salesman," beginning Feb. 14.
The director is Spiro Veloudos. The central role of Willy Loman is played by Ken Baltin. Therein lays the conspiracy hook.
"In the late 1980s I was in a record store and bought a copy of the original music from 'Death of a Salesman,'" Veloudos said. The store employee wondered why Veloudos would do that. "I told him 'because someday I'm going to direct the play.'"
When Veloudos took over as producing artistic director of the Lyric in 1998, he cast Baltin in the first production, "Lost In Yonkers." Veloudos liked Baltin's work and cast him in several more Lyric productions.
Veloudos' passion for wanting to do "Saleman" was equaled by Baltin's desire to play Wily Loman someday. "It had been on my radar for a long time," said Baltin, who has lived in Needham for more than 20 years. Veloudos was ready to add the play to Lyric's new season a couple of years ago, but couldn't get the rights since it was playing in New York, with Philip Seymour Hoffman playing the lead. When it closed, Veloudos, who works a year ahead in structuring Lyric's next season, wasted no time in getting the rights.
And he already had his Willy Loman. "I didn't even audition for it," said Baltin. "This is one of the delicious acting opportunities of my life." Baltin did a lot of research for the role. "It's a complex play and Willy's a complex character. The Loman family is based on Miller's relatives. It's a very high-maintenance family.
"Miller doesn't even say what Willy sells. There are clues that he sells women's clothing, perhaps undergarments. ... Willy's not a nice guy. He lies to people. He has no sense of who he is or if he's in the right profession."
Hey, who wouldn't want to play a cad like that?
"Ken is a giving actor, very collaborative with everyone. It's what he does wonderfully," said Veloudos. "And he does his research. He brings a great sense of weight to Willy."
Baltin saw teleplays of "Saleman" when Loman was first played by Lee J. Cobb, then Dustin Hoffman." He also saw a community theater production in Worcester.
Loman is 63 in the play. Baltin is in his 60s. So it's a good fit.
Baltin grew up in New Jersey. It wasn't until he was cast in "The Hasty Heart" in his junior year of high school that he realized "I had a natural affinity" for acting." He couldn't get enough of the stage life. "Suddenly I became the school's actor." He won a high school state award for his performances.
Truth be told, Baltin had wanted to play football in high school. His mother wasn't crazy about the notion. No problem. Once her son got the feel for the bright lights - applause didn't hurt either - there was no turning back.
Still, an acting career is a dicey undertaking. In order to have something to fall back on, Baltin majored in journalism at Rutgers. "I had some writing skills. My father was a journalist." At Rutgers Baltin was cast in the school's production of "Six Characters in Search of An Author." That got him revved up for the stage again. "I said 'I'm going to do theater.'"
In the mid-1970s, in New York, Baltin found acting jobs elusive. He made a thin living. He went to grad school at Brandeis University, moved back to New York in the early-80s (again, no luck), got a teaching job at Franklin Pierce College in New Hampshire, then married Margie Glazer, a freelance editor. They have a 26-year-old daughter, Dara.
Baltin has had side jobs to support his family. He's taught public speaking to business execs and given acting lessons.
"Death of a Salesman" is Baltin's sixth production at Lyric Stage. "Spiro trusts me, and I trust him." Veloudos values input from his actors. "He supports us; he's not a dictator," said Baltin.
Baltin is a devoted fan of the Boston sports teams and likes to golf when he finds some down time. But the time is right now to do "Death of a Salesman." He always hoped that day would come. His director, too.
Reach Lenny Megliola at email@example.com
"Death of a Salesman"
WHEN: Feb. 14-March 16
WHERE: The Lyric Stage Company of Boston, 140 Clarendon St.
INFO: 617-585-5678; www.lyricstage.com


text:
To the Editor:
I moved to Estherville last summer. It has been one of the best moves of my life-what a welcoming and caring community. I looked up two of my old coworkers from Berkley's, Lucy Olesen and Kelly Schultz, and they told me about the non-profit organization Respite Angles that they were involved in and how they were dedicated to helping caregivers by giving them a much needed break from the daily tasks of caring for a loved one. They help people who have diabetes, heart issues, stroke, dementia and life changing illness. It didn't take me long to figure out that this was a great idea and the people they were helping were so appreciative of the service. I knew that this was something that I wanted to get involved with and it has become a great volunteer opportunity for me as well as a wonderful way to meet people in the community.
People helping people such a simple thing to accomplish as it takes many people to help, financial support and time to establish. Together this will be a success. I have been to a couple events at Rosewood Manor. I was really impressed with how they were stepping up to help with Respite Angles and how dedicated they were to helping others in this community.
The 24th is a soup lunch at the Masonic Temple. It is a group effort of volunteers the Girl Scouts and Kayla from Anytime Fitness many helping hands coming together to help caregivers in our community. Please join us for a bowl of soup, silent auction and bake sale from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The media support from the Estherville Daily News and KILR radio has been fantastic. I look forward to receiving the newspaper and finding out what is happening in Estherville.
Thank you.
Wanda Palmer


text:
Sunday, time for a classic, this time we take a step outside the "pretty" normal box and play a tune with Maria Callas by Puccini and a piece from Tosca called "Vissi d'Arte"
Maria Callas (Greek: Μαρία Κάλλας; December 2, 1923 – September 16, 1977), was a Greek-American soprano, and one of the most renowned and influential opera singers of the 20th century. Many critics praised her bel canto technique, wide-ranging voice and dramatic interpretations. Her repertoire ranged from classical opera seria to the bel canto operas of Donizetti, Bellini and Rossini and further, to the works of Verdi and Puccini; and, in her early career, to the music dramas of Wagner. Her musical and dramatic talents led to her being hailed as La Divina.
Born in New York City and raised by an overbearing mother, she received her musical education in Greece and established her career in Italy. Forced to deal with the exigencies of wartime poverty and with myopia that left her nearly blind onstage, she endured struggles and scandal over the course of her career. She turned herself from a heavy woman into a svelte and glamorous one after a mid-career weight loss, which might have contributed to her vocal decline and the premature end of her career. The press exulted in publicizing Callas's temperamental behavior, her supposed rivalry with Renata Tebaldi and her love affair with Greek shipping tycoon Aristotle Onassis. Although her dramatic life and personal tragedy have often overshadowed Callas the artist in the popular press, her artistic achievements were such that Leonard Bernstein called her "the Bible of opera" and her influence so enduring that, in 2006, Opera News wrote of her: "Nearly thirty years after her death, she's still the definition of the diva as artist—and still one of classical music's best-selling vocalists.
Why Maria Callas, well mostly because me and Thetania just let loose the Wallander series, where the main character Kurt Wallander most adorable artist is Maria Callas, something that you will see that he plays more than once.
Today's tune is with Maria Callas that sings Puccini: Tosca - 'Vissi d'Arte' at Covent Garden 1964. Maria Callas' final appearance on the operatic stage was in Tosca at Covent Garden's 1965 Royal Gala. For many opera lovers, Maria Callas and Tosca's Vissi d'Arte are inseparable. "I lived for art; I lived for love" became La Divina's cri de coeur, her swansong, the perfect expression of her own triumphs and tragedies. This unrivaled recording is from that legendary Zeffirelli production in 1964 and is one of just many jewels in the Maria Callas Live edition.
More info @
Official Maria Callas Web
Listen to "Maria Callas - Vissi d'Arte" on Spotify!
Follow tuneoftheday.blogspot.com on Spotify!


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Absentee ballots are available for the regular Morenci school election scheduled May 3.
Absent voter ballots must be obtained at Morenci city hall during regular office hours, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The final day to obtain a ballot is Saturday, April 30, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Two candidates have filed to fill two four-year terms on the board. Ivy Hutchison is seeking reëlection and Laura Spencer is seeking to fill the board post that will be vacated by Dwight Mansfield.
Voters will be ask to approve the annual 18-mill operating renewal that effects second properties.


text:
Daniel Oberti, an Argentinean designer of high end handmade eyewear, is a firm believer that if you are going to wear eye glasses, you have to look your best and that's why his eyewear collection sets him apart from all others.
As Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of Splash Magazines Worldwide, when I find a service or hidden treasure I like to inform my readers and arm them with as much information as they need to make informed decisions and wise purchases.
I enjoy fashionable eyewear, sunglasses. I needed a snow glare cutting pair of sunglasses as I had planned my ski trip. What I found, after searching the information super highway and Google was, Europe's favorite and a celebrity go to, Daniel Oberti, in Miami, a celebrity Daniel Oberti designer eyewear.
Sold around the world, Daniel Oberti glasses are handmade, and are available in a wide variety of specialty frames in unique colors and shapes including deco modern, checkerboard, Tortoise Shell, aviator, and the famous shutter shades Kayne West wore in his music video Stronger.
Oberti, by 1989, would become the owner of one the largest and most prestigious retail eyewear stores in South Florida, carrying the most exclusive lines of eye wear in the industry, appealing to fashion forward customers with unique styles and high-fashion taste. Throughout the next nine years he would set record numbers one face at a time. Oberti's success is in his passion for his work and commitment to serve his customers. His luxurious store, Just Look'N Eyewear, has always been known for its high end and custom eye wear to suit every customer individually.
He has always been on the cutting edge of the industry creating different shapes of lenses, and, when the industry couldn't offer him what he was looking for, he began to venture out in search of excellence!
A defining moment in his career came when he went to a Milan trade show in search of distinction. On the final day of the show, he would find it. He returned to Florida with some samples and redesigned the whole line based on his creativity and vision for cutting-edge eyewear. A month later, he would get on a plane to Luxemburg for final arrangements and agreements, and the production started on what is known today as gold n wood. Oberti became an instant success heading up the US division, and selling over half a million in its debut at vision expo in New York in 1999.
In 2005, he would begin to design again, but this time his own collection. After five years of intensive research and development, the Oberti line of eyewear was born. The most anticipated and unique line in the collection is the solid gold collection, with solid 18 carat gold framed glasses embellished with diamonds. Also part of the Oberti line are the distinctive wood collection frames, available in a variety of exotic materials for this market.
Daniel Oberti eyewear can be found throughout the world in seven countries including Germany, Hong Kong, Finland, France, Italy, Japan, Taiwan and in the United States.
Oberti eyewear can be found exclusively at his flagship Just Look'N Eyewear in Miami's North Beach.
For more information: www.obertieyewear.com


text:
HOTSEAT- Dome dude: Laurance makes sure the show goes on
As July drags on, Richard Laurance is starting to sweat, but it's not due to the dog days of summer or. Since 2002, he has been supervising construction of the John Paul Jones Arena, UVA's new exercise in basketball and entertainment. With the grand opening just weeks away, it's crunch time.
"My job is from the beginning of the concept to the completion of the construction," says Laurence. "I got in at the beginning– the concept, hired the architects, and then the construction contractors."
So if the building throws a temper tantrum during Cirque du Soleil's performance on opening night August 1, he's the one who'll have to answer for it. It's a tough burden to carry at times, but Laurance says, although he's soon to retire, he's up to the task– and has been for more than 40 years.
"I spent 25 years in the Navy Civil Engineer Corps, traveling the world doing facilities management– construction, design, operation, and maintenance," he says. "And I've had 18 years at the University doing essentially the same thing."
Over the years, Laurance picked up on a few common threads that pretty much connect every project. "They all have their own particular issues– different personalities, different people, different funding," he says. "You always try for three things: quality product, on time, within budget."
It's that last item that has proven to be most stubborn with JPJ, even with the nearly $130 million allotted for the facility. "There's been interest in getting a lot more in and building a facility that costs a lot more," he says. "In the beginning, you have to look at the budget and control it. With each project I learned it even more: you have to catch it at the beginning."
Surprisingly, his secret weapon is miles and miles of red tape.
"On this particular project, I've learned a little more about controlling budget with– believe it or not– a lot of detailed budget reporting," he laughs. "We've had more reporting on this project than on any project I've ever been involved with, just to make sure that we don't go wacko."
The promoters have gone wacko with the events schedule, though. By the the time the basketball season kicks off on November 12, the domed stadium will already have hosted Kenny Chesney, Eric Clapton, and James Taylor. Any one of those would have been huge news on its own, but together they're so cool it's disorienting. Where are we, again?
We have the size and scope of the project to thank for that, and Laurance says that JPJ is the only arena of its kind in the country, and the largest one in the state. "I think it's spectacular," he says. "For Central Virginia, this is the start of something very very big."
Age: 66
Why here? After 25 years in the Navy Civil Engineer Corps, I was looking for another extension to my already exciting career. Bill Middleton was the Assistant Vice President of facilities at UVA and said working at the University was exciting and challenging and I would be a good fit. He was correct.
What's worst about living here? My grandkids live in Alexandria, and it used to be 24 traffic lights between the two houses. Now it's 52.
Favorite hangout? Brick Oven every Friday night
Most overrated virtue? Temperance
People would be surprised to know: My wife and I are currently cashing social security checks every month.
What would you change about yourself? I'd learn to leave work issues at work.
Proudest accomplishment? It's a tie: (1) Being married to my incredible wife, Pat, for 41 years; (2) Obtaining bachelor's and master's degrees in mechanical engineering and financial management; (3) Completing the three largest projects in UVA history on time, on budget, with all quality goals met.
People find most annoying about you: I'm totally focused on the project/goals/mission that I'm assigned, and I'm inflexible on any interference with these tasks. My motto: "The current job is the most important I will ever have. Just get it done and don't interfere with my staff's progress."
Who do you admire? All military personnel who are serving and protecting our country.
Favorite book? Faith of My Fathers by John McCain
Subject that causes you to rant? When people are late for meetings or don't meet schedules or budget parameters
Biggest 21st-century thrill? Being a part of the team that designed and constructed the $86 million Carl Smith Center, the medical research facility, and the $129.8 million John Paul Jones Arena on time, on budget, with quality throughout.
Biggest 21st-century creep out? 9/11
What do you drive? 2002 Buick Lasabre
In your car CD player right now: Eric Clapton
Next journey? Become an astronaut. I'm going to just "take up space" and perhaps accomplish a little bit of consulting at the University.
Most trouble you've ever gotten in? In the 6th grade when the teacher was out of the room, a kid game of throwing the blackboard erasers developed, and I threw a great pitch to a friend on the other side of the room. Unfortunately, the teacher came back early, my fastball was a little high, and Mrs. Moberg took a direct hit to the head. She said nothing; but the stare to the whole class was frightening. Later that day, I mentioned it to a friend and another teacher overheard the conversation. A four-hour assignment to kindergarten was the punishment.
Regret: No regrets
Favorite comfort food: Ice cream
Always in your refrigerator: Orange juice; turkey
Must see TV: NCIS, Desperate Housewives
Favorite Cartoon: Road Runner
Describe a perfect day. A Saturday morning, quiet breakfast, power walk, visit the grandkids. Extra special if UVA football, basketball, lacrosse, or baseball team wins a big game.
Walter Mitty fantasy: slam dunk to win an NBA title
Who'd play you in the movie? Dustin Hoffman
Most embarrassing moment? Landing a Cessna airplane upside down. As a 22-year-old student pilot, I was practicing emergency landings without power and pulled out a little late, hit the nose wheel, and flipped the plane over. I now enjoy letting others fly the planes.
Best advice you ever got? From my father, a manufacturing executive with Martin Marietta Company. He said every defeat creates a new opportunity and is a learning experience. I've relayed this to my grandkids who are now excellent skaters. "It's not how many times you fall down, but how many times you get up that counts."
Favorite bumper sticker? No money, no time, no deal
Richard Laurance


text:
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text:
So it used to be when I looked at a photo on Flickr the screen looked like this:
Now today everything looks like this:
Did Flickr change their defaults? Or did I somehow mess up my settings? If so, how do I change it back? I really hate the black background.


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Pirates Ink A Slew of Farmhands:
The Pirates signed RHPs Sean Smith, Lincoln Holdzkom, and Eduardo Pena, along with LHP Edwin Walker, C/1B Zach Booker, and Altoona OF Jonel Pacheco to minor league deals. Smith is a starter; the other three hurlers work out of the pen.
Dejan Kovacevic of the Post Gazette has the lowdown on the new players. He also reports that Jeff Andrews was signed by Texas as pitching coach of their short-season A team this year. That's one heck of a demotion.
Bucs Finish Winter League Ball:
OF Jose Tabata (Mexico) - .286/1/14, 126 at-bats
IF Luis Cruz (Mexico) - .282/3/16, 174 at-bats
OF Miles Durham (Hawaii) - .273/3/28, 121 at-bats
C Robinzon Diaz (Dominican) - .202/0/4, 99 at-bats
No Buc pitcher worked over 21-1/3 innings, so the stats don't mean much for them. Out of 25 Pirate hands pitching during winter ball, only Jared Hughes started, and he got ripped (0-3/10.62)
Check MLB.com for everyone's final winter ball stats.
Bucs Lose Some Players (from Baseball America):
C Raul Chavez (Pittsburgh) to Toronto - .259/1/10, 35 years old
LHP Josh Shortslef (Altoona) to Philly - 5-2/3.47, 26 years old
2B Melvin Dorta (Altoona) to Baltimore - .287/7/43, 26 years old
LHP Eddy Nunez (State College/GCL - 2007; released by Pirates)
4-3/3.25, 24 years old
As previously posted, Chris Duffy went to the Brewers and Jose Castillo to the Nats. The signings were all minor league deals.
Snell In WBC:
Ian Snell, whose father was Puerto Rican, will represent the Island during the 2009 World Basball Classic, according to several sources.
The Great One:
Roberto Clemente died in a plane accident on December 31, 1972, while en route to deliver aid to earthquake victims in Nicaragua. His body was never recovered. Arriba was elected to the Hall of Fame posthumously in 1973, becoming the first Latin American to be selected and the only current Hall of Famer for whom the mandatory five year waiting period was waived since the period began in 1954.


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COVER- Summer savings! Cutting cost without cutting the fun
We had high-flying plans for this year's summer issue. We were going to shell out big bucks to jet Dave Matthews to Charlottesville to show us his favorite summer spots. Bearing in mind the rocker's green preoccupations, we were also planning to buy a bunch of carbon credits to offset adverse environmental effects of the trip.
That wasn't all! We were going to have Annie Liebowitz shoot a glossy 3-D hologram cover, and we planned a huge party at John Paul Jones Arena with an open bar and a free DMB concert.
But in view of the declining economy, our accountant, H. Poindexter Pennypincher, said no.
Okay, we said, we'll make it a cash bar.
He still said no.
We were about to offer to book U-Hall instead of JPJ, but then he showed us a little project he'd been working on in his spare time: "Pennypincher's Amusement-Resulting-from-Thrift Yield" (PARTY) index– a mathematical formula to determine which fun ideas are most cost-effective.
With gas prices so high and the dollar tanking, we were skeptical if it's even possible to have fun on a budget, let alone have fun on a budget with ideas from a guy who crunches numbers all day. But lo and behold, the venerable Pennypincher has cut loose and come up with some great ideas.
We hope you have as much fun as he did.
Go on foot! Normally, I'm not so fleet of foot. Given my sedentary schedule, I get bunions easily. But the mile-long hike to Humpback Rocks (540-377-2377) ended in breathtaking views without leaving me short of breath– or cash. This day trip has one of the highest scores on the PARTY index! Folks used to hoofing it will enjoy the more strenuous hike to Virginia's largest waterfall, Crabtree Falls (540-377-2066), which also rewards hikers with stunning views of the Blue Ridge.
COST- Free
The view is priceless! Sure, gas isn't cheap, but it's a lot cheaper than tickets for four to the latest summer blockbuster. Take a bright afternoon to drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway (540-943-4716), or dish out some dosh ($10) to ride along the Skyline Drive (540-999-3500). Both wind alluringly along the spectacular crest of the Shendandoah Mountains, 30 minutes west.
COST- Skyline Drive: $10, Blue Ridge Parkway- Free
Catch your dinner! Cost-effective fun, plus the potential for a free meal! That's what I call maximization! Gather up those rods and reels and venture to Walnut Creek Park, Sugar Hollow Reservoir, Beaver Creek Park (all at 296-5844, albemarle.org/parks), or that nuclear-warmed fishing hole, Lake Anna (lakeannaonline.com), for some summer angling while the gittin's good. If you can't catch your dinner, at least if you get frustrated you can jump right over the side of the boat for a dip– or you can motor over to Mint Springs Park (823-5889), Chris Green Lake (973-3790), or any number of other county parks (albemarle.org/parks).
COST- Chris Green, Walnut Creek, Mint Springs: $2 County residents/$3 non-residents. Lake Anna, Sugar Hollow: Free
Build a house! With the housing crisis ever deepening, our local Habitat for Humanity could use your time and energy more than ever, and the many opportunities to help mean you can do some rewarding hard labor and enjoy the beautiful weather at the same time. Warm your heart on the inside and your face on the outside! For more information about Habitat and other service organizations, log on to readthehook.com/discovercharlottesville.
COST- Free, minus the occasional splinter or swollen thumb
Catch some rays! You don't have to go far to see a majestic sunset. It just so happens that there's a gorgeous view of the western sky atop Pantops Mountain, such as from Tip Top restaurant or the bank beside the shopping center across 250, where you can watch the sun set over the Blue Ridge. If sunrises are more your thing, drive up to the seasonally open Dulaney's restaurant at the Afton Inn for a glorious morning view.
COST- Free
Brush up on sages! You'd have to be a simpleton to miss a free tour of Mr. Jefferson's architectural masterpiece, the Rotunda and Academical Village (924-7969). On any given Saturday, satisfy your wondering mind on a Walking Tour of Downtown Charlottesville (296-1492). Take an acquaintance to a mansion at James Madison's Montpelier (540-672-2728) or James Monroe's Ash Lawn-Highland (293-9539). Even the grand pooh-bah of presidential estates, Thomas Jefferson's Monticello (984-9822), scored high on the PARTY index!
COST- UVA, downtown tours: Free. Montpelier: $12 for adults, $6 for kids. Ash-Lawn Highland: $10 for adults, $5 for kids. Monticello: free for residents with an out-of-town guest, $15 for adults, $8 for kids 6-11, under six free.
Take the trolley! I know chugging around town on a bus doesn't sound like much of a PARTY, but have you considered just how you're going to get to all the fun places I'm listing? Gas isn't getting cheaper, but Charlottesville presents a wallet-friendly alternative: the free downtown-to-UVA trolley! Running up and down Main Street all day, clanging bell announcing its arrival, this quaint conveyance can take you within walking distance of many of the best sights in the city.
COST- Free
Cheap thrills! Down the road a piece, Professor Cline's Haunted Monster Museum is just the thing for cheap comic relief. This Natural Bridge-area fear-fest looks more like the set of a B-movie than a turn-of-the-century mansion– and proves the perfect tacky antidote to an overdose of Jeffersoniana. Bonus! Fiberglass dinosaurs just next door you can check out for no extra charge! 540-291-2353.
COST- $8 adults, $5 kids
Natural Bridge! Higher than Niagara and centuries old, this 215-foot-tall, 90-foot-wide limestone arch is a mystery of geology and the delight of many an enraptured spectator. Natural Bridge (800-533-1410) also boasts its own Caverns, Wax and Toy Museums, and a "genuine" inscription by George Washington.
COST- $12 adults, $6 kids
Check out the Big Apple! Despite the triple-digit price, this is one of the sweeter deals I scored on the PARTY index. The luxury non-stop shuttle runs to and from the Big Apple just about every day this summer. Even my Wall Street friends say that– when compared to what it costs to travel by any other method– it's the cheapest way to get to Gotham, not to mention the most stylish. 295-0782.
COST- $169 round trip
Fridays After 5! This long-running free live music at the Pavilion on Friday evenings still is one of the best parties (and PARTYs) in town. The weekly concert festival is well under way: check out the schedule at charlottesvillepavilion.com.
COST- Free as the sweet Virginia breeze!
Cut costs on books! In nearby Mount Crawford– one hour's drive to the west– the Green Valley Book Fair sells new books at a discount on certain days of the year. I found a biography of my hero, Andrew Carnegie, for just $5– 25 percent of the retail price! That won major points on the PARTY index. It's open now through Monday, May 26, and then June 28-July 13 and August 16-September 1. 1-800-385-0099.
COST- 30 percent of the retail cost, on average for books (though gas to and from adds a bit more)
Drive-in! Being under the stars enhances just about everything, including the movies! Two throw-backs to the old days are the Fork Union Drive-In (842-3624) in Fluvanna County and Hull's Drive-In (540-463-2621) near Lexington.
COST- Hull's: $5/person, 11 and under are free, Fork Union: 2008 rates yet to be announced, but in previous years, $7 for adults, $3 for kids 6-10, free for kids 5 and under
Gallery hop! Fear not, penny-pinching art lovers! You don't need any portraits of George Washington to see works of art this summer. All the local private galleries are kind enough to open their doors to the public each first Friday evening of the month.
COST- Free
Go for the big boom! The McIntire Park Fireworks display is the town's Big Bang and one of the best PARTYs of the year. Fortunately, celebrating the red, white, and blue here won't cost you any green. Bring a lawn chair or a blanket and– if you'd like to hear the "Star Spangled Banner" later in life– a pair of earplugs. 817-2393.
COST- Free
Welcome your fellow citizens! The Monticello Naturalization Ceremony is one of the most heartwarming displays of patriotism from sea to shining sea. Immigrants take the oath as U.S. citizens atop Jefferson's beloved "little mountain." Past keynote speakers have included former Secretary of State Colin Powell, architect I.M. Pei, and large-scale artist Christo. This year it's über-documentarian Ken Burns. 984-9828.
COST- Free
Carnival in Crozet! Held in Claudius Crozet Park, this event packs the kinds of rides, games, live bands, and general small-town fun that's as American as mom, baseball, and Alan Greenspan. Sponsored by Crozet's volunteer fire department.
COST- Free
Parade through Scottsville! The little river town puts on a big, brassy annual parade. Arts and crafts vendors, food, an antiques fair, a flea market, and live music keep the mood lively into the night, when it's time for fireworks. It's hard to do better than free on the PARTY index.
COST- Free
Albemarle County Fair! At first I had a little trouble figuring out where this takes place. North Garden is neither at the northern fringes of the county nor a garden. I guess I need to get out more. Once you find it down 29 South, however, it offers a fun day full of bluegrass pickers, barnyard bovines, rip-roaring rides, and a chiffon cake contest. For rural fun, nothing beats this annual down-home celebration of Albemarle's rural and agricultural roots. July 29-August 3.
COST- $7, kids 6-12: $3
Gawk at the barnstomers! Sure, there's danger in the stock market, but that's nothing compared to the death-defying stunts of thrill-seeking (and providing!) pilots. Every Sunday, an old-time air show electrifies audiences at the Flying Circus in Bealeton. Then on September 1, take in the Louisa County Air Show at Freeman Field! They're sure to provide an adrenaline-inducing thrill of a good time. flyingcircusairshow.com
COST- Flying Circus: $10, kids 3-12: $3, Louisa: Free
Bounce with big trucks! Normally, I hate to watch perfectly good scrap metal go to waste, but I can't deny that it's a real kick to see junkers crushed by trucks bigger than the biggest steam engines. This summer, not one, not two, but three nights provide the chance to watch (and smell) the smoke-spewing behemoths at Augusta Expoland in Fishersville: Saturday, May 24, Saturday, July 25, and Sunday, July 26. If that's your thing, then it's sure to be a great PARTY for you.
COST- $12/advance, $15/gate, $8 for kids 3-12 (earplugs not included)
Hear the roar of the tractors! A mainstay of the annual Madison County Fair is the big tractor pull– when souped-up tractors race each other while pulling a heavy sled along a track. Bring earplugs, and maybe a mask to keep from toasting your lungs with the fumes, but it's all worth it to feel the roar of the engines in your bones. This year's big event happens Thursday, July 17 at 6:30.
Get your fill of tasty greens! Turn just any Saturday morning stroll into dinner menus for a week at the City Market (970-3371), where you can stock up on all manner of home-baked, -made, and -grown goods. Stomach grumbling on a Wednesday afternoon? Stop by Farmers in the Park in Meade Park. Pick your own apples at Carter Mountain Orchard (977-1833), or find strawberry fields forever, along with peaches, cherries, and nectarines, at Chiles Peach Orchard (823-1583).
COST- Free admission, pay for your produce by the pound
Scream for ice cream! Have yourself an ice cream PARTY! Charlbemarle is one of the best towns for yummy frozen treats! The Downtown Mall offers two main options for cold sweet treats: at Chaps (977-4139), indulge in custom flavored gourmet ice-cream. Or, do it Italian style with authentic espresso, desserts, and gelato in 24-35 daily flavors at Splendora's (296-8555). If downtown's not your scene, there's always the creamy frozen custard from Kohr Bros. on 29 North near Lowe's– and you can even take a ride on their carousel for no extra charge! Cheap compared to a latté!
COST- Chaps: $3.24/one scoop, Splendora: $3.50/small gelato, Kohr Bros.: $2.75/small cone
Wet your whistle! Nothing like some cold suds on a hot day! Pick out a pint at one of Charlottesville's local restaurants that also happen to be microbreweries: South Street (293-6550) downtown, and Blue Mountain (540-456-8020) in Afton. If those don't quench your summer thirst, Queen City Brewing (540-213-8014) in Staunton will give you lessons on brewing your own batch!
COST- South Street: $3.75/pint, Blue Mountain: $4/pint ($3 pints on Wednesdays!), Queen City: $49.99 to brew two cases of your own creation
A Valley League of their own! It's still the great American summer pastime (after all, there's no football from February to August). College players honing their skills for the pros migrate from all over to play for the likes of the Waynesboro Generals and the Staunton Braves in this high-caliber summer league. Keep an eye out for Major League scouts in the stands. Last year's World Series MVP, Boston Red Sox third baseman, Mike Lowell, is a Valley League alum, as is the 2006 World Series MVP, St. Louis Cardinals shortstop David Eckstein. The season begins June 1; check out the complete schedule at valleyleaguebaseball.com. This PARTY is one that can last you all summer long.
Watch polo! Each Friday at 5:30 from Memorial Day to Labor Day, polo players saddle up, gallop like mad, lean way over to whack that little ball into the goal– all the while trying not to fall off the horse! Forest Lodge Farm on Old Lynchburg Road. 977-7656.
Run! The Women's Four-Miler is an annual fundraiser for breast cancer research and a perennial favorite among the especially exercise-conscious distaff side of Charlottesville. Run or watch. Info: Ragged Mountain Running Shop, 293-3367.
COST- Run: start training June 14-August 23 at UVa Track (next to Klockner Soccer Stadium). Register to train: $15
Watch for free: Friday, August 29, 7:45am ~ 9:30am along Garth Road near Foxfield.
Fill your need for speed! Around here, nobody goes faster than the weekend warriors at Eastside Speedway. Check out the complete schedule of dirt track stock car and drag races: eastsidespeedway.com. And you thought I was too much of a fuddy-duddy to appreciate stock cars! Details: 540-942-1219 .
Root for brawny ladies! Charlottesville Lady Arm-Wrestling (or CLAW) is exactly how it sounds: competitors like Tragedy Ann, the ChemMistress, and Bruta Liza, plus crazy costumes, and even a whistle-toting referee. The next throwdown is at Blue Moon Diner Tuesday, June 10.
COST- Free, but charitable donations are encouraged
Keep cool while heating up the ice! Not only is it great exercise, but a few laps around the Charlottesville Ice Park at the east end of the Downtown Mall are the surest way to get relief from humid Virginia's "misery index." That alone makes for a high PARTY score. Public skating schedules are available at icepark.com and at 817-1423.
COST- $8, $1.50 skate rental
Ride the tiny train! The most fun kids can have on the rails this summer is aboard the Gypsy Express in Staunton's Gypsy Hill Park. Seats are cheap on this Shenandoah Valley institution that's logged more than 50 years putting smiles on the faces of children of all ages. 540-885-0513.
Live like a pioneer! Lots of people think the Frontier Culture Museum is nothing but churning butter and actors in period dress, but this village of living history speaks to America's greatness as a nation of immigrants. The houses on this Staunton site are not replicas but actual buildings carted here from England, Ireland, Germany and elsewhere. Plenty of friendly animals for the children to pet, too. Check the hours at frontiermuseum.org and 540-332-7850.
COST- $10 adults, $6 kids 6-12, 6 and under free.
Jump for John-Boy! When I watch TV, I'm usually glued to CNBC, so I wouldn't know much about this, but a friend told me that The Waltons is one of the all-time great depictions of rural life. Now, after a brief jaunt to Nelson County, I see why it's such a popular picture show. An era of both television and America gone but not forgotten lives on at this replica of the Walton house across the street from where its creator, Earl Hamner Jr., spent his youth. Learn more at waltonmuseum.org or 831-2000.
COST- $6, kids under 5 free
Go to a yard sale! History is more than names and dates. Summer is the season of the yard sale, and there's many a bargain to be found in a complete stranger's personal history. No telling what kind of values you'll find, but your PARTY score is sure to be high.
COST- How low can you haggle?
Hop on a horse! I'm not usually much for the equines. But, this being horse country, I had to give it a try– and I found the horseback experience invigorating! I had so much fun, in fact, that the cost-benefit analysis of plunking down as much as $75 for a ride actually calculates to be worth it on the PARTY scale. Possible riding locations include Wintergreen (325-8260) in Nelson County, and Graves Mountain Lodge (540-923-4231) in Madison County.
COST- Wintergreen: $60/per person, Graves: $35/person/hour, $75/half-day
4 comments
might want to double check the Monticello policy!
It's only free if you bring a paying guest. Otherwise it's $10.
from their website:
Under Monticello's "Good Neighbor" policy, residents of the city of Charlottesville and Albemarle County and University of Virginia students receive discounted rates for House Tour and Grounds Tickets with proper proof of residence, such as a valid driver's license, or current UVa ID.
Local Resident Prices
House Tour and Grounds Ticket
Adults: $10 each, or free when accompanying a non-resident adult guest paying full price.
Children under 12: free
Right you are, phonypony. If you look above, you'll see I've now made a correction. Thanks for catching that, and thanks for reading.
Lindsay Barnes
thanks Lindsay! though you might note it's $10 with proof of cville/alb residency, $15 without.
The trail is still free though : )
Great article! Tons of stuff to do.


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Taylor Swift Attempts to Beatbox With LL Cool J in New Grammys Video
Who knew Taylor Swift had any interest in beatboxing? She shows off her attempt in the latest 30-second Grammys promo spot released, leading up to music's biggest night, which takes place Sunday, Feb. 12. While previous spots have seen Swift playfully bantering and delightfully bickering with rapper and Grammy host LL Cool J, this one shows the unlikely pair having a good time beatboxing. It's a duet of sorts.
At first, an in awe Swift watches LL as he beatboxes, and then she gets into her own rhythm and groove, dropping a few "boom chicka bow wow" lines during her try. Both she and LL break into a chorus of giggles and he stumbles out of the shot. You can hear him laughing and saying "I love it" off camera. Swift and LL clearly had fun filming this one.
Once again, may we humbly suggest that the Grammys recruit Swift as a co-host? She has great comedic chemistry with LL Cool J. Maybe next year?
Watch Taylor Swift Beatbox With LL Cool J in Grammys Commercial


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Taylor Swift Responds to Sick Teen's Prom Request
You might recall that a few weeks ago, Taylor Swift was asked to prom by high school student Devin Whitney from Aurora, Colo. But this wasn't a standard prom invite. Devin suffers from a rare disease called Oto-Palatal-Digital Syndrome (OPD), which affects his body from head to toe.
Tired of being bullied by his classmates, Devin went out on a limb to invite the country superstar to be his date to the big dance, hoping that it would boost his confidence. Understandably, Ms. Swift can't do it all, so she had to decline the invite -- but not without responding to Devin's family.
The teen made a video in which he holds up index cards which tell his story to the camera. As viewers read the index cards, they learn that Devin has been bullied at school because of his condition. Because he's afraid of rejection, he didn't want to ask any of his classmates to prom. But then he thought that if he could get a gorgeous date like Swift to hang on his arm, nobody could possibly make fun of him.
The video went viral pretty quickly, garnering close to 35,000 views. That was enough for the award-winning country singer to take notice. Though Swift couldn't attend the big dance with Devin, she wanted to give him some kind of encouragement, so she asked one of her representatives to contact his family. The rep told Devin that Swift was sorry she couldn't make it, but she thinks that he's a very special person.
Devin wasn't the first teen to ask the 'Mean' hitmaker out on a date. Two-time cancer patient and high school senior Kevin McGuire asked Swift to his prom, and she countered him with an invite to be her date to the ACMs back in April. Sadly, McGuire was too sick to make it to the awards show.
Just this week, Swift made news again for her good heart when she called a fallen soldier's family and sent flowers to pay her respects. The country songstress gets plenty of requests from fans, and it sounds like she does her best to come through.
Sad that Swift couldn't make Devin's dream come true, but she did give him enough confidence to attend the dance. And it's a good thing, too. He was crowned Prom King that night!
Watch the News Story About Taylor Swift and Devin Whitney


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It can be found here. What is it?
From the document:
What did historical looters find of value?
Where are the tables for these things? Well, completely unsatisfied with every hodgepodge treasure table scattered all over the universe, I decided to compile a little document that would help me when preparing my games. Now you can roll up an 800 gp armoire that the players will walk right past when you roll that 20 for room contents. (Unguarded treasure?!) Now you can put more than enough treasure in the game for the players, and leave it up to them if they want to sell their diamond bells, or try to figure out how to move their 500 pounds of iron ingots. Now you can actually *know* how difficult to move whatever they find actually is.
Inside you can find information on how to describe magical swords, what treasure containers could exist, how to generate hoards containing items such as art, gems, jewelry, coins, goods, furnishings, and clothing as well as how to describe in detail each of the items above.
It's totally free - if you take it, and like it, please comment about it, either here, by e-mail or in your blog. I'd love to know if anyone is using this document and what they think.


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It can be difficult to predict what something will become when you're close to it. Whether it will endure. If it will stay relevant in a fickle market. How it will grow, if at all.
Though the bohemian artists in John Larson's Rent faced similarly uncertain futures, there was no doubt in the musical's enduring potential when it debuted off-Broadway in 1996.
With 160 in attendance for opening night on Players by the Sea's Main Stage, the cast and director Alejandro Rodriguez rose to the occasion note-for-note. The size of the stage and sparse set might have seemed too minimalist in staging one of the best musicals ever written. Two tables, three simple scaffoldings and a backdrop painted by Chip Southworth (Keith Haring's Ghost) was the whole of home-sweet-slum New York. But like the characters that inhabited the stage, the theater made ends meet with no shortage of charisma and charm.
And it really was the small details that added that charm. You could smell the matches as Roger stamped them out on the floor during "Light My Candle." You could hear the live band just out of eyeshot off stage flip their sheet music or tune an instrument. You could feel Joanne's heels as she stomped and dragged them during "Tango Maureen," and you could see the tears trickle down the cheeks of the company on the emotional "I'll Cover You — Reprise."
Charming as those things were, they were simply background noise to the talented voices in this cast.
The narrative starts slow with Mark and Roger (Ross Frontz and Elias Hionides), but the 525,600 minutes of their story kicks into overdrive when the live band and company arrive to perform "Rent."
Some of the best performances of the night came from songs that featured the entire company, as the actors created harmonies with each character pushing their voice to pop out of the melody and then back in with ease.
Though initially a minor character we're inclined to despise, Milton Threadcraft III knocked it out of the park playing landlord Benjamin Coffin III (wonder if the "III" was a prerequisite for the gig) with a voice as powerful and rich as the character he was playing.
The second half of the play drops the carefree attitude of the first and things get more emotional for the characters. As a result, the songs allow them to really stand out as individuals and explore their range.
Though not a tear-tugger, the best performance of the evening might have come from Krystal White and Kerri Alexander (as Maureen and Joanne) in "Take Me or Leave Me." Their voices — individual and combined — were enough to induce.
After a 15-minute intermission, the entire company took the stage with the audience clapping and moving along with them on "Seasons of Love."
The five voicemails scattered throughout Rent, most from worried mothers, also drew laughs as they hackled to those sons who don't call home often enough.
Though the film adaptation was faithful to its source material, the stage version at Players by the Sea blows that away. In addition to the songs and quirks that didn't make the leap from Broadway to Hollywood, there's a heightened sense of relevancy when you see the characters evolve in front of you, staging a musical that gracefully humanizes issues of AIDS, LGBT rights and poverty.


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1143 Fifth Avenue Landmarks Preservation, Carnegie Hill, Central Park 1)
Posted On Wed, July 29, 2015 By Ondel Hylton In
Posted On Wed, July 29, 2015 By Ondel Hylton In
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- 10 organizations supporting the Black Lives Matter movement in NYC
- Eleanor Roosevelt's childhood home in the Hudson Valley lists for $960K
- NYC will have 8 p.m. curfew until Sunday with no traffic south of 96th Street
- What will the summer real estate market look like in NYC this year?
- Seven New York regions will be in phase two of reopening this week
- Jackie Gleason's circular "mothership" mansion in Westchester is on the market for $12M
- CNN anchor Jason Carroll is selling his chic Chelsea pad for $1.75M
- New Jersey set to open hair salons, in-store retail, and outdoor dining this month


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Alana "Honey Boo Boo" Thompson's life story (thus far) will be recorded on the pages of literature—well, in a comic book. But it's still a book! Written and illustrated by Michael Troy, the comic book is part of Bluewater Comics "15 Minutes" biographical comics that focus on reality stars. (The last issue featured Kim Kardashian.)
Of the book, Bluewater publisher Darren G. Davis said, "Clearly this one was meant to be fun for people and not to educate society. There are some of these biographies we do for strictly the entertainment value." Thanks for clearing that up, lest we try to reference the Honey Boo Boo comic book for a scientific explanation on neck crust or forklift foot.
HONEY BOO BOO TAKES ANOTHER "15 MINUTES" IN NEW COMIC BOOK [Bluewater via Starcasm]


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Summary Report for:
51-2092.00 - Team Assemblers
Work as part of a team having responsibility for assembling an entire product or component of a product. Team assemblers can perform all tasks conducted by the team in the assembly process and rotate through all or most of them rather than being assigned to a specific task on a permanent basis. May participate in making management decisions affecting the work. Includes team leaders who work as part of the team.
Sample of reported job titles: Assembler, Assembly Associate, Assembly Line Machine Operator, Assembly Line Worker, Assembly Operator, Certified Composites Technician (CCT), Fabricator, Operator Technician, Production Associate, Team Assembler
Tasks | Technology Skills | Tools Used | Knowledge | Skills | Abilities | Work Activities | Detailed Work Activities | Work Context | Job Zone | Education | Credentials | Interests | Work Styles | Work Values | Related Occupations | Wages & Employment | Job Openings | Additional Information
- Perform quality checks on products and parts.
- Package finished products and prepare them for shipment.
- Rotate through all the tasks required in a particular production process.
- Shovel, sweep, or otherwise clean work areas.
- Review work orders and blueprints to ensure work is performed according to specifications.
- Complete production reports to communicate team production level to management.
- Determine work assignments and procedures.
- Maintain production equipment and machinery.
- Provide assistance in the production of wiring assemblies.
- Supervise assemblers and train employees on job procedures.
- Operate machinery and heavy equipment, such as forklifts.
Technology Skills
- Computer aided design CAD software — Autodesk AutoCAD
- Data base user interface and query software — Data entry software
- Enterprise resource planning ERP software — SAP
- Office suite software — Microsoft Office
- Presentation software — Microsoft PowerPoint
- Spreadsheet software — Microsoft Excel
- Word processing software — Microsoft Word
Hot Technology — a technology requirement frequently included in employer job postings.
Tools Used
- Adjustable wrenches — Backup wrenches
- Bearing fitting tool kits — Bearing installation tools
- Belt sander — Belt sanders
- Bench vises
- Bending machines — Rotating mandrels
- Calipers — Dial calipers; Vernier calipers
- Claw hammer — Claw hammers
- Cold chisels — Metal chisels
- Compasses — Dividers
- Compressed air gun — Pneumatic hog rings
- Deburring tool — Burring tools; Deburring tools
- Desktop computers
- Dial indicator or dial gauge — Dial indicators
- Drill press or radial drill — Radial drills
- Drilling machines — Drill presses
- Ear muffs — Protective ear muffs
- Ear plugs — Protective ear plugs
- Engine or vehicle stands — Engine repair stands
- Feed or drive rollers — Fiber reinforced polymer FRP rollers; Pressure-fed roller applicators
- Feeler gauges
- Force or torque sensors — Torque angle meters
- Forklifts
- Glass vacuum moldings — Vacuum bags
- Grinding wheels — Ring filing wheels
- Guide jig — Material guiding jigs; Trunnion centering tools
- Hacksaw — Power hacksaws
- Hand clamps
- Hand reamer — Line reamers
- Heat guns
- Height gauges — Pin protrusion gauges; Vernier height gauges
- Hex keys — Allen wrenches
- Hoists — Power hoists
- Hydraulic cylinder or component repair kits — Ring squeezers
- Hydraulic press brake — Computerized numerical control CNC press brakes; Metal bending equipment; Straightening presses
- Hydraulic press frames
- Impact wrenches — Power wrenches
- Induction heaters — Heating furnaces
- Insertion tool — Threaded insert tools
- Jacks — Hand jacks
- Jib crane — Jib cranes
- Laboratory heaters — Heat lamps
- Ladders
- Level sensors or transmitters — Transit levels
- Locking pliers
- Machine end mill — End milling machines
- Mallets — Plastic mallets
- Manual press brake — Brakes
- Metal inert gas welding machine — Metal inert gas MIG welders
- Metal markers or holders — Electrochemical etching devices
- Micrometers
- Milling machines — Computerized numerical control CNC metal-cutting machines
- Needlenose pliers
- Nut drivers — Nut wrenches
- Paint brushes — Paint application brushes
- Paint rollers — Paint application rollers
- Paint sprayers — High-volume low-pressure HVLP spray guns; Paint spray guns; Pneumatic spray guns
- Paint systems ovens — Curing ovens
- Pallet trucks — Pallet jacks
- Pick or place robots — Assembly robots
- Pipe or tube cutter — Tube cutters
- Plasma arc welding machine — Flame cutters; Plasma cutters
- Pneumatic drill — Pneumatic drills
- Positioning jig — First assembly jigs; Positioning jigs
- Power chippers
- Power drills — Cordless drills
- Power flaring tool — Flaring tools
- Power grinders — Bench grinders; Grinding machines
- Power planes — Edge planers
- Power riveter — Rivet guns
- Power sanders
- Power saws — Cutoff saws; Radial arm saws
- Power screwguns — Power drivers
- Precision file — Precision files
- Protective gloves — Anti-vibration gloves; Safety gloves
- Protractors
- Pry bars
- Pullers — Gear pullers
- Punches or nail sets or drifts — Center punches; Drift pins; Punches
- Ratchets
- Resin guns — Chopper guns
- Respirators
- Retaining ring pliers — Snap ring pliers
- Rivet tools — Alligator jaw compression riveters; Autoriveters; Metal bucking bars; Recoilless rivet hammers (see all 6 examples)
- Rolling press — Beading tools
- Rubber mallet — Nylon hammers; Rubber mallets
- Rulers — Steel rules
- Safety glasses
- Scaffolding
- Screwdrivers — Straight screwdrivers
- Scribers
- Sealant adhesive robots — Adhesive application robots
- Shears — Beverly shears; Hand shears; Unishears
- Sheet metal forming machine — Roll benders
- Shielded metal arc welding or stick welding machine — Arc welding equipment
- Sine bar — Sine bars
- Sledge hammer — Sledgehammers
- Sockets — Socket wrenches
- Soldering iron — Soldering guns; Soldering irons
- Spanner wrenches
- Specialty wrenches — Case wrenches; Gear shaft wrenches; Input wrenches; Spline key wrenches (see all 7 examples)
- Speed sensors — Timing lights
- Spot welding machine — Spot welding equipment; Tack welding equipment
- Squares — Layout squares
- Squeegees or washers — Squeegees
- Surface gauge — Surface gauges
- Swaging tools — Bearing staking tools
- Tape measures — Measuring tapes
- Taper pin reamer — Precision tapered reamers
- Taps — Metal cutting taps
- Templates — Drafting templates; Mylar index templates; Setup templates
- Tensiometers
- Torque wrenches — Fuel control wrenches; Torque drivers; Trunnion wrenches
- Tracer or duplicating or contouring lathe — Lathes
- Track cranes — Overhead cranes
- Tube bending machine — Tube benders
- Tube end finisher — Tube crimping tools
- Tumblers or polishers — Lapping tools
- Tungsten inert gas welding machine — Tungsten inert gas TIG welding equipment
- Turnbuckles
- Ultrasonic examination equipment — Ultrasonic inspection equipment
- Utility knives — Trimming knives
- Vacuum pumps
- Wedges
- Welder torch — Brazing equipment; Welding torches
- Welding masks — Welding hoods
- Welding robots
- Wire or cable cutter — Cable cutters
- Coordination — Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
- Monitoring — Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
- Quality Control Analysis — Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
- Active Listening — Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
- Critical Thinking — Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
- Speaking — Talking to others to convey information effectively.
- Time Management — Managing one's own time and the time of others.
- Manual Dexterity — The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
- Finger Dexterity — The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
- Problem Sensitivity — The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
- Near Vision — The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
- Oral Comprehension — The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
- Arm-Hand Steadiness — The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
- Deductive Reasoning — The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
- Information Ordering — The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
- Control Precision — The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
- Oral Expression — The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
- Speech Recognition — The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
- Written Comprehension — The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Work Activities
- Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
- Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material — Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards — Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
- Documenting/Recording Information — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
- Performing General Physical Activities — Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.
- Controlling Machines and Processes — Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
- Handling and Moving Objects — Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
- Processing Information — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
- Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People — Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
- Interacting With Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
- Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
- Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others — Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
- Analyzing Data or Information — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
- Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information — Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
- Training and Teaching Others — Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
- Developing and Building Teams — Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
- Performing Administrative Activities — Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
- Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment — Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.
Detailed Work Activities
- Evaluate quality of materials or products.
- Package products for storage or shipment.
- Read work orders or other instructions to determine product specifications or materials requirements.
- Record operational or production data.
- Plan production or operational procedures or sequences.
- Maintain production or processing equipment.
- Assemble electrical or electronic equipment.
- Direct operational or production activities.
- Instruct workers to use equipment or perform technical procedures.
- Clean work areas.
- Operate forklifts or other loaders.
Find occupations related to multiple detailed work activities
Work Context
- Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets — 100% responded "Every day."
- Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls — 91% responded "Continually or almost continually."
- Face-to-Face Discussions — 80% responded "Every day."
- Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions — 86% responded "Continually or almost continually."
- Time Pressure
- Spend Time Standing — 69% responded "Continually or almost continually."
- Contact With Others — 45% responded "Constant contact with others."
- Work With Work Group or Team — 43% responded "Extremely important."
- Spend Time Bending or Twisting the Body — 24% responded "More than half the time."
- Importance of Being Exact or Accurate — 42% responded "Very important."
- Spend Time Walking and Running — 53% responded "Continually or almost continually."
- Physical Proximity — 45% responded "Moderately close (at arm's length)."
- Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable — 58% responded "Every day."
- Responsible for Others' Health and Safety — 29% responded "Limited responsibility."
- Duration of Typical Work Week — 81% responded "40 hours."
- Exposed to Contaminants — 34% responded "Never."
- Responsibility for Outcomes and Results — 32% responded "Moderate responsibility."
- Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment — 41% responded "Extremely important."
- Coordinate or Lead Others — 46% responded "Important."
Job Zone
|Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed
|These occupations usually require a high school diploma.
|Related Experience
|Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed. For example, a teller would benefit from experience working directly with the public.
|Job Training
|Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
|Job Zone Examples
|These occupations often involve using your knowledge and skills to help others. Examples include orderlies, counter and rental clerks, customer service representatives, security guards, upholsterers, and tellers.
|SVP Range
|(4.0 to < 6.0)
Interest code: RCE Want to discover your interests? Take the O*NET Interest Profiler at My Next Move.
- Realistic — Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
- Conventional — Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
- Enterprising — Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.
Work Styles
- Attention to Detail — Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
- Dependability — Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
- Cooperation — Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
- Self Control — Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
- Innovation — Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems.
- Stress Tolerance — Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high stress situations.
- Concern for Others — Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.
- Integrity — Job requires being honest and ethical.
- Analytical Thinking — Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
- Initiative — Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
- Independence — Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
- Adaptability/Flexibility — Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
- Achievement/Effort — Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
- Leadership — Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction.
- Persistence — Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
- Social Orientation — Job requires preferring to work with others rather than alone, and being personally connected with others on the job.
Work Values
- Support — Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.
- Relationships — Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.
- Working Conditions — Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.
Related Occupations
Wages & Employment Trends
Median wage data for Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators.
Employment data for Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators.
Industry data for Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators.
|Median wages (2019)
|$15.55 hourly, $32,350 annual
|State wages
|Local wages
|Employment (2018)
|1,402,000 employees
|Projected growth (2018-2028)
|Decline (-2% or lower)
|Projected job openings (2018-2028)
|State trends
|Top industries (2018)
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2019 wage data and 2018-2028 employment projections . "Projected growth" represents the estimated change in total employment over the projections period (2018-2028). "Projected job openings" represent openings due to growth and replacement.
Job Openings on the Web
Sources of Additional Information
Disclaimer: Sources are listed to provide additional information on related jobs, specialties, and/or industries. Links to non-DOL Internet sites are provided for your convenience and do not constitute an endorsement.


text:
As many know, an aperitif is a drink taken before dinner. It may have been invented by the Frenchman Joseph Dubonnet in 1846, as one story goes, or, if you travel farther south through Europe, by Antonio Benedetto Carpano in 1786 when he invented sweet vermouth. I believe, though, that the practice of having a slight sip to start those gastronomic juices flowing goes back even farther.
To quote myself quoting Shakespeare (from an article in the forthcoming April issue of Seattle magazine), "For example, in Shakespeare's Henry IV, Part II, enthusiastic imbiber Fallstaff says, 'Come, I will go drink with you, but I cannot tarry dinner.'"
That quote points to a defining feature of the aperitif, or aperitivo if in Italy. It shouldn't replace dinner or put it off in any way. Instead, like the putting on of an Al Green CD at the beginning of a romantic evening, a good aperitif should heighten the experience, rather than divert us from what's to come.
So what makes a good aperitif?
I believe it should be light on its feet without sacrificing flavor; it should know its place in the grand scheme of things but still take pride in its overall design and personality, and it should never overwhelm. To be more specific, I think a good aperitif can consist of a single ingredient, lovely French vermouth Dolin Blanc with a twist of lemon for example, or a single glass of sparkling wine. But they can also be mixed drinks, if done right.
The ultimate aperitivo to enjoy in Italy (where they take their appertivo-ing very seriously) is the basic and beautiful Italian Spritz. Madly popular in the aperitif hour between work and before dinner, the Spritz in its most usual form socializes slightly citrus liqueur Aperol with Italian sparkling wine Prosecco into a dream of springtime on the Arno that's hard to beat.
The Spritz isn't the only mixed number to have before a meal, however. Other cocktails and bubblers stand in nicely as the starter, not only to a meal, but to a memorable night at home or out and about. A few aperitivos that I am especially fond of, which you can order at local bars or make at home:
Another Italian classic and one that's ideal for consuming as an aperitif when the sun finally hits those warmer summer days, the Americano combines equals parts of slightly bitter Italian favorito Campari with sweet vermouth, ice, and club soda. It's east to make at your home bar, but why not have one made by the swell bartenders at one of Seattle's Italian hotspots, Artusi.
Kir Royale
Another classic pre-dinner combo, tracing back to Dijon France and one Felix Kir (the mayor of Dijon way back when), this was originally just a Kir and made with white wine and crème de cassis, a French black-current liqueur. But I think it's at its best with an ounce of Framboise, (made from French black raspberries) instead of the cassis, in a flute topped with chilled brut sparkling wine and garnished with a lemon twist. A perfect aperitif to have before a dinner at Rover's or at Luc, both of which make dandy versions.
A special from the newish happy hour menu at Matt's in the Market, this cross-European mingling brings together from across borders the Spanish sparkling wine Cava and Italian imbibables Campari and sweet vermouth along with orange bitters. It's the mix to have after a little post-work Pike Place marketing or before having a snazzy meal at one of the many downtown restaurants.
The Violet Fizz
Half of the inspiration for the title of my book Ginger Bliss and the Violet Fizz takes, this light, florally, effervescence is sure to start a first (or second, or third) date in the right way. If at home, shake Ice cubes, 2 ounces gin, 1/2 ounce crème de violette, 1/4-ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice, and 1/4-ounce Simple Syrup together in a cocktail shaker. Then fill a highball glass three-quarters full with ice cubes and strain the mixture into the glass. Top it off with chilled club soda, stir well, and drink quickly. If you have a soda siphon, use it instead of club soda. And if you want to have this out go straight to Bryn Lumnsden at the Rob Roy. He may slip an egg into the Fizz, which you'll enjoy, and will for sure make it Fizz-tastic.
If you already have a favorite pre-dinner cocktail, highball, or other drink of your own, let me know--I'm always looking for new suggestions.
Photo of Violet Fizz by Jerry Erric, originally published in Ginger Bliss and the Violet Fizz.


text:
Amy Forliti
MINNEAPOLIS: A man burst into a sign-making business in Minneapolis, fatally shooting the owner and three others in the office before turning the gun on himself, family and officials said Friday.
Police have not revealed the name or apparent motive of the shooter who injured at least four others in the Thursday afternoon attack, and say a search of the suspect�s home turned up nothing.
Reuven Rahamim, 61, was shot to death in �a senseless act of violence� at Accent Signage Systems Inc. in Bryn Mawr, a mainly residential neighborhood on the northwest side of the city, son-in-law Chad Blumenfield said in a statement.
�Other members of the Accent family tragically lost their lives as well, and we mourn their loss,� Blumenfield said. He provided no details.
UPS driver Keith Basinski was among those killed, the mail service said in a statement Friday. UPS Northern Plains District President Jill Schubert did not say why Basinski was at the Accent offices. She said the company was �profoundly shocked and saddened� at his death.
Authorities have not revealed the names of the others killed.
A police summary describes a chaotic scene with multiple 911 calls from the business and one caller saying someone had been shot. When police arrived, they found four people already dead. Dozens of police squad cars and SWAT officers swarmed the area. The first officers on the scene evacuated workers from the business and closed off several blocks.
Of the wounded, John Souter�s condition was upgraded from critical to serious as of Friday morning and Eric Rivers remained in critical condition, according to Christine Hill, a spokeswoman for the Hennepin County Medical Center where they were being treated. She had no information on the condition of a third man earlier listed in critical condition.
A fourth person injured has been treated and released, Hill said Friday.
Late Thursday, police searched a house in south Minneapolis where the suspected shooter had lived but found �nothing that we know of,� police spokesman Sgt. Stephen McCarty told the Associated Press. He confirmed the address of the suspect�s home but declined to confirm a newspaper report that named the gunman.
There was no evidence of life at that house early Friday except a light in the basement and a boarded-up window with pieces of broken glass nearby. No one responded to a knock on the door.
Thomas Pitheon, a neighbor who lives across the alley, said he came home just after dark Thursday and found �about a dozen� SWAT team members around the house. Pitheon said he had only exchanged pleasantries with the homeowner whom he described as �an average guy� in his 40s.
Rahamim started Accent Signage Systems, Inc. in the basement of his Minneapolis home in the early 1980s, according to the business publication Finance & Commerce. Rahamim said he chose that name because he wanted it to be the first sign company listed in the Yellow Pages.
The small interior signage company specializes in American with Disabilities Act-compliant signs after developing a patented method to create Braille signs for the blind. U.S. Under Secretary of Commerce Francisco Sanchez praised the company for its innovation during a visit to the facility in August, the paper reported.
Rahamim was born and raised in Israel and served as a soldier in the Israeli army before coming to the U.S., Blumenfield said.
�He loved his work and dedicated much of his energy to developing new and greener products,� he said by email. �He loved cooking and having people over at his home. He loved spending time with his children and grandchildren and especially loved to take his grandson for bike rides.�
Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton expressed his condolences.
�I deplore this senseless violence,� Dayton said. �There is no place for it anywhere in Minnesota.�
Associated Press writers Patrick Condon, Doug Glass and Jeff Baenen in Minneapolis, Gretchen Ehlke in Milwaukee, and Barbara Rodriguez in Chicago contributed to this report.


text:
Tuesday September 18th 2018
– Doors open at 7:00pm
Grove bar and restaurant
Tuesday, September 18th 2018
at 7:30pm
Doors open: 7:00pm
Ends: Tuesday, September 18th 2018 at 9:30pm
Timezone: Europe/London
Bookings close: September 19th 2018
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text:
Sanford Commission votes against police chief's resignation
Move comes in wake of Trayvon Martin shooting investigation
SANFORD, Fla. – The Sanford City Commission has voted to deny the resignation on Monday of Police Chief Bill Lee Jr., who temporarily stepped down from his position in connection to the Trayvon Martin shooting.
Sanford Mayor Jeff Triplett called the special hour-long meeting with city commissioners Monday afternoon. Commissioners voted 3-2 against the resolution, with Triplett and Commissioners Patty Mahany and Randy Jones voting against it. The resolution would have allowed City Manager Norton Bonaparte to execute the separation agreement for Lee. Under the agreement, Lee would have resigned from his post, effective at midnight.
"In light of the vote, Chief Lee will remain on paid administrative leave while an investigation continues into the handling of the Trayvon Martin case by the Sanford Police Department," Bonaparte said. Captain Darren Scott will remain as Acting Police Chief.
Local 6 obtained the separation agreement, which includes Lee's resignation letter. In the letter, Lee writes, "I am willing, ready and able to continue to perform the duties as chief of police, however, in the response to the city manager's suggestion that I resign, I can no longer serve as the chief of police.
Mahany and Jones spoke highly of Lee in a heated debate, saying Lee's reputation is being ruined.
Mahany said she wouldn't accept the agreement because it was "hastily put together" and said she wasn't notified of the special meeting until 11:30 a.m. Monday. Mahan said she was devastated by the treatment of Lee, calling him one of "the finest police officers" in the community.
"This is a man who is a medal of valor winner," Mahany said. "I am physically sick over these proceedings and treatment of Chief Lee. What did the chief do wrong?"
Mahany said that both Lee and other commissioners including herself, are also enduring allegations of being racists.
"He's paying for the sins of past police chiefs," Mahany said. "We are a great city with a great police department. We can't do this to a 52-year-old man with 30 years law enforcement experience with a family with little children. We can't do it."
Jones supported Lee, saying Lee answered honestly at a news conference, and said that news conference "may have been a bad one" but shouldn't result in him resigning.
Jones also said Bonaparte "flip-flopped", by standing by Lee after Martin was shot and killed, asking for an independent review before he made a decision on Lee's fate. Jones asked why Bonaparte changed his mind on Monday.
"What has become more apparent to me is that it may take 3-plus more months for an outside federal agency to come in," Bonaparte said in the meeting.
Jones also said that the Sanford community members aren't the ones who escalated the investigation. Jones said the next outsider who comes to Sanford to get attention, "needs to be shown the finger and shown the door."
But commissioners all seemed to agree the investigation as a whole wasn't handled properly.
"The way this investigation was handled, it brought national shame to this city," said Commissioner Velma Williams.
Bonaparte said the commission could reverse the no-confidence vote for Lee, but Triplett said he wasn't ready for Lee to take his position back because he wants outside groups to investigate the case.
Lee temporarily stepped down March 22 following public outcry over the fatal shooting of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin by neighborhood watch leader George Zimmerman.
The city of Sanford is working with consultant from the Police Executive Research firm to find the interim police chief. Bonaparte said replacement candidates will be ready by early next week.
Zimmerman on Monday bonded out of jail after being charged with second-degree murder in Martin's death. Zimmerman's arrest came more than a month after the Feb. 26 shooting.
Watch Local 6 News for more on this story.
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