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Cooks' Books: Go green — again and again
"Wild About Greens: 125 Delectable Vegan Recipes for Kale, Collards, Arugula, Bok Choy and Other Leafy Veggies Everyone Loves" by Nava Atlas (Sterling, $24.95)
Many people think of greens as a side dish or a salad — and many don't think of them at all. Seth Meyers, the new NBC late-night talk show host and former "Saturday Night Live" cast member and writer, for instance, recently joked about a woman who found a very disturbing object in her restaurant kale salad.
"A kale salad?" he mocked, finding that ingredient much more unusual than the odd visitor in the salad. "Kale? Really?"
As those in trendy spots all over the country know, however, ancient kale is an upcoming superstar in the go-green-for-flavor-and-nutrition movement. Author Nava Atlas ("Vegan Holiday Kitchen" and "The Vegetarian 5-Ingredient Gourmet," as well as many other vegan and vegetarian titles) knows the virtual rainbow of greens as versatile ingredients in almost every part of the meal, as well as a tasty, even tricky, gateway to introduce reluctant others to a vegan style of eating (no animal products whatsoever).
"It won't be terrible if all you ever do with a big bunch of kale, collard greens, or chard is to saute or braise it in olive oil. Your health and well-being will certainly be enhanced if you do little more than toss tender raw spinach, arugula and watercress into salad ... . But why stop there when there's an abundance of easy ways to prepare and enjoy these supremely nourishing, plentiful, and delicious leafy veggies?" writes the enthusiast.
Atlas then goes over everything from basic to gourmet preparations to freezing if you find yourself with an abundance of crops that are now available everywhere from farmers' markets to co-ops to neighborhood cafes and major supermarkets to perhaps your own simple garden. Through greens, her husband found he had a major green thumb, as crops began to overtake their backyard.
This might mean a first course of a Spring Greens and Berries Salad with Fresh Berries Dressing, or main courses as varied as a Sweet Potato and Corn Stew with Hardy Greens to Collard-Wrapped Yellow Rice and Black Bean Enchiladas to Eggplant Curry, Roasted with Greens and Tomatoes.
While compiling your menus, be sure not to skip green fresh juices or smoothies as breakfasts, snacks or desserts. For those who have started gulping such fruit and vegetable powerhouses in expensive fresh juice bars as well as for the uninitiated, Atlas' beverage chapter will probably be eye-opening, helping you to see the easy concoctions you can whip up at home, like a Spinach Pina Colada.
The book is nothing less than taking a vegan cooking class with a master, whose natural talent and acquired skill leave no leaf unturned in how to get the most creative and correct results from ingredients you may have never before even heard of or handled.
Fresh berry dressing:
• 1/2 cup hulled strawberries
• 2 T lemon juice
• 1 T extra-virgin olive oil
• 6 ounces tender greens (use a combination of baby spinach, arugula, dandelion greens, watercress and baby bok choy)
• 1 cup strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 1/2 cup fresh blueberries or raspberries
• 1/3 cup chopped and lightly toasted walnuts or pecans, or 2 to 3 T toasted pine nuts
Yields 6 servings.
To prepare dressing: Combine the 1/2 cup strawberries, lemon juice and oil in a food processor and pulse until the strawberries are pureed.
To prepare salad: Combine the greens, 1 cup sliced strawberries and blueberries or raspberries in a serving bowl and toss together.
To serve: Pour the dressing on the salad and toss together. Scatter the nuts over the top of the salad and serve.
• 1 medium banana, peeled and cut into chunks (frozen, if desired)
• 1 1/2 cups chocolate nondairy milk
• 1 to 2 handfuls spinach leaves
• 2 T peanut, cashew or almond butter
• 2 T hemp, flax or chia seeds (optional)
Yields 2 (12-ounce) servings.
Combine all the ingredients in a regular blender — or a high-speed blender if you want to include the seeds — and process until smoothly pureed. Divide between two tumblers and serve immediately.
Lisa Messinger is a first-place winner in food writing from the Association of Food Journalists and the author of seven food books, including "Mrs. Cubbison's Best Stuffing Cookbook" and "The Sourdough Bread Bowl Cookbook."


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Freeman - Candy Cane (Tobacco-Free Nicotine)
Tobacco-Free nicotine is the next generation of flavor and purity. It is a revolution in vaping and you are the first one to try it.
This is a 100ml bottle
What are the benefits?
– Dramatically reduced odor and harshness profile.
– The flavor takes the center stage.
– Base starter material is not derived from tobacco.
– All ingredients purchased from accredited suppliers.
– Manufactured to exceed USP and EP grade requirements.
– Verifiable synthetic 'S' and 'R-S' nicotine signatures.
– More satisfaction.
U.S. Customer Shipping Information
Apollo is proud to offer the fastest and most economical shipping in the industry.
- All in-stock orders placed and paid before 11 am PST and passed our fraud checking will be processed and shipped within 24-48 business hours
- Free USPS tracking and delivery confirmation
- Priority and Express shipping options available for faster delivery
*These are estimated delivery times and we offer no guarantee that your products will arrive within this time-frame. Delivery may vary based on destination address and season. Once your order has been shipped, you will receive an email confirmation with an order tracking number.
Please note that shipping rates are weight-based.
International Shipping Information
Apollo Products are shipped via USPS, UPS, and FedEx all over the world!
We can ship to any address provided, it is your responsibility to know their laws on importing products in. Once the order is placed, we can provide you with an estimated delivery date.
Please note that shipping rates are weight-based.
Drop-Ship Information
Apollo has partnered with other popular manufacturers and distributors to provide better service to its customers
- All in-stock orders placed and paid before 11am PST will ship same-day via fed-ex from a fulfillment center in Kentucky.
- Any out-of-stock items will not be processed and the amount paid will be refunded.
We can ship to any address provided, it is your responsibility to know their laws on importing products in. Once the order is placed, we can provide you with an estimated delivery date.
Please note that shipping rates are weight-based.
General Shipping Information FAQ's
How quickly will you ship after I place my order?
In most cases, orders that are placed before 11 am PST are processed and shipped within 72 business hours. We do our very best to get your order out as soon as possible. However, we can't always accommodate every order on days we receive a lot of orders. Orders are processed on a first come, first serve basis and we guarantee orders placed before 11 am PST will be processed and shipped within 72 business hours (excluding weekends).
How Do I know when my order has shipped?
You will receive a tracking email once your order has been shipped. The email will contain a clickable tracking number for you to view the progress of your shipment as well as an estimated delivery date. If you do not receive the shipment notification email within 48 hours of placing your order, please check your spam folder or contact customer support for tracking information. You can also view the status of your order by logging into 'My Account' at the top right of our website and clicking on "Review orders/track packages."
Which Shipping Methods do you offer?
Apollo offers USPS, UPS, and FedEx for all Domestic and International shipments.

subset: commoncrawl


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We have a big locust tree in the back yard. Rick has wanted to cut down it for a long time, pretty much since we moved in. I liked the shade and I wanted to put a patio under the tree though, so I wouldn't let him cut it down. But last summer the roots and the ground around the trunk of the tree really started heaving, making putting a patio there a bad idea. And then, last weekend when I was cleaning up the yard, raking up a million stupid bean pods from that tree, I suddenly switched sides – this tree is a pain.
Every fall it was dropping pods, usually after it snowed and was too late to clean them up. They fall behind the chicken coop and under the lilacs and are nearly impossible to reach. They make a huge mess everywhere. And it was ruining my patio plans. The tree provided a highway for squirrels who use it to steal chicken food and torment our dog. And the squirrels built a nest in our neighbor's roof, so anything to ruin their plans is a bonus in our minds.
So I sat on the couch Saturday morning daring myself to say out loud what I knew Rick would be overjoyed to hear. Let's cut down the tree. But on one condition… that I could have my patio there with a pergola and grapes. He agreed.
And he was overjoyed. Rick immediately went for the ladder and the tree trimmer. I wasn't so sure about tackling this one ourselves – it's a huge tree and we have power lines running along two sides of our yard. But he was determined to get started.
It was pretty windy on Saturday, so he didn't get much done. But on Sunday it was really nice and the neighbor, Mike came out to help (hooray!) and they got really far. I plan on tracking the progress of this project for the next couple of weeks until it's completed.
I already had plans for reusing the trunk and the bigger straighter limbs, but I wasn't sure what we were going to do with the rest of the branches. I asked the now 6300+ people on the Taking Back Urban Home-steading(s) facebook page and got a lot of responses and great advice. We are going to employ multiple suggestions. Thank goodness I asked too. Look at what we have to clean up after just a day and a half of trimming:
Some of those branches will become bean poles and trellises, some will border garden beds. And some will become a huglekultur (more on that later). The rest will become mulch for garden paths since we finally made permanent beds. Stay tuned for more tree progress over the next couple of weeks.
Here's what else we did this week:
Plant something – nothing new in the ground since last week, but the lettuces, spinach and radishes are all poking their little sprouts up!
Harvest something – eggs
Waste Not – compost and recycling, scraps to chickens, etc.
Building Community – decided to finally sell some eggs – A friend is buying a dozen every-other week right now. 🙂 Also all the neighborhood kids piled into the driveway while Rick and Mike worked on the tree Sunday. We had the play kitchen out and the neighbor's kids picnic table. There were eight of them running amok with bikes, sharing lunch (fruit, pretzels and cheesy torts). Fun times – I wish I had gotten a pic, but the camera was acting up.
Eat the Food – dried tomatoes, peaches, elk, duck, green beans and corn all from the freezer.
What did you start on this weekend?


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Frequently Asked Questions
Krylon® experts offer answers to our users' most Frequently Asked Questions. View questions by FAQ categories listed below.
How can I spray paint hard-to-reach areas?
Spray paint hard-to-reach areas with Krylon® EZ Touch 360° Dial™ Spray Tip, an exclusive feature of Krylon® ColorMaster spray paint.
Krylon® recognizes all spray paint projects are unique, and therefore a flexible approach to product application may be required. In response to your need for adaptable convenience, Krylon has designed a nozzle that can handle projects small and large, short and wide.
The EZ Touch 360° Dial Spray Tip was designed to easily maneuver around your project. Adjust your EZ Touch 360° Dial Spray Tip to extend into hard-to-reach areas or to coat wide spray areas by turning the tip vertically, horizontally or diagonally.
Interested in obtaining more expert advice on how to spray paint the hardest to reach areas of your home and projects? Ask Krylon.
How do I apply spray paint evenly?
Follow these simple tips to help ensure that your Krylon® spray paint is evenly applied to your project every time:
- Shake your Krylon spray can vigorously for two minutes after the ball within the can begins to rattle
- Test your spray paint and painting technique on a piece of scrap material until you have achieved a satisfied result
- Hold your Krylon spray can 6 to 8 inches away from project surface
- Spray project using several thin coats of spray paint instead of one thick coat
- Begin and finish your spray pattern off the object, releasing the tip at the end of each pass
- Use an even side-to-side motion
- Overlap your spray pattern by about one-third with each pass
For smoothest results, we suggest always applying a coat of Krylon primer before applying spray paint. Below are a list of Krylon primers to help get you started:
- Krylon® ColorMaster Stainblocking Primer/Sealer
- Krylon® ColorMaster Plastic Primer
- Krylon® Rust Protector™ Rust Converting Primer
- Krylon® Rust Protector™ Rust Preventative Primer
- Krylon® Rust Tough® Primer
Still have questions about even spray paint application? Ask Krylon.
How do I clean my spray paint valve?
Krylon® Spray Paint Valve Clearing Instructions
Clean your spray paint valve and help prevent your spray can's tip from clogging by following these simple steps:
- Turn can upside down
- Hold spray nozzle for five (5) seconds or until can releases clear gas
How to Unclog Your Spray Paint Tip
If your Krylon spray tip can has become clogged, follow these steps to safely unclog your Krylon spray can:
- Wipe off the spray opening with clean, warm water
- Use lacquer thinner to wipe nozzle if water doesn't unclog tip
- Test spray paint onto scrap material
To guarantee lasting quality and performance of your Krylon product, make sure your spray can's valve has been completely cleared before storing.
Looking for more advice on how to clean your spray paint nozzle? Ask Krylon to get answers to your specific questions.
How long does Krylon® spray paint take to dry?
Krylon® Spray Paint Valve Clearing Instructions
Clean your spray paint valve and help prevent your spray can's tip from clogging by following these simple steps:
- Turn can upside down
- Hold spray nozzle for five (5) seconds or until can releases clear gas
How to Unclog Your Spray Paint Tip
If your Krylon spray tip can has become clogged, follow these steps to safely unclog your Krylon spray can:
- Wipe off the spray opening with clean, warm water
- Use lacquer thinner to wipe nozzle if water doesn't unclog tip
- Test spray paint onto scrap material
To guarantee lasting quality and performance of your Krylon product, make sure your spray can's valve has been completely cleared before storing.
Looking for more advice on how to clean your spray paint nozzle? Ask Krylon to get answers to your specific questions.
How long should I wait between coats of spray paint?
Krylon® spray paint dry times vary by product, so be sure to check the can label for specific dry time instructions.
Keep in mind that if your project requires the application of multiple coats of spray paint, the required spray paint dry time starts only after your last coat has been applied.
Handling your project before the suggested dry time has elapsed puts a smooth, quality finish at risk.
Still have questions? Ask Krylon.
How do I prevent my spray can tip from clogging?
Prevent your Krylon® spray paint tip from clogging by following these simple steps after each use:
- Turn spray can upside down
- Press spray nozzle for five (5) seconds or until clear gas is discharged
These precautionary measures can greatly impact the quality of your spray paint after your first use while prolonging the usage of a single can of Krylon paint.
For added protection and safety, make sure to wear eye protection before attempting to unclog the spray nozzle.
Still have questions on how to prevent your spray paint nozzle from clogging? Ask Krylon.
How do I prevent spray paint air bubbles?
Applying Krylon spray paint in ideal weather conditions can help prevent air bubbles from forming on the surface of your project. We suggest applying Krylon spray paint when the temperature is between 50 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit and the relative humidity is below 85%.
Recommended Spray Paint Techniques
In addition to this, we suggest applying multiple thin coats by following these application tips:
- Begin and finish your spray paint pattern off the object
- Release spray button at the end of each pass
- Use an even side-to-side motion
- Overlap your spray paint pattern by about one-third
Removing Spray Paint Air Bubbles from Project Surface
If spray paint air bubbles are released onto your project's surface, follow these steps:
- Allow spray paint to dry
- Lightly sand the affected surface
- Reapply paint
For additional advice on preventing spray paint air bubbles, ask Krylon.
How do I prevent spray paint overspray?
Overspray can occur both indoors and outdoors. Depending on your project and location of your spray paint area, there are multiple materials that can be used to cover surrounding surfaces and protect them from overspray, including:
- Newspapers
- Painter's Tape
- Drop Cloths
For additional spray paint overspray protection, Krylon® suggests creating your own "spray booth." Create a spray booth for your smaller spray painting projects by turning a large cardboard box on its side and placing your object inside before applying Krylon spray paint.
Still have questions on how to prevent spray paint overspray? Ask Krylon.
Can I repair scratches on my appliances?
Easily repair scratches, chips and nicks on your homes metal appliances with Krylon® Appliance Epoxy. Your metal appliances will be dry in 10 minutes or less and look as good as new with this one-step, touch-up application from Krylon.
Looking for additional answers on how to repair scratches on your appliances? Ask Krylon® for additional advice.
Can I spray paint over grass?
Yes, Krylon® makes it easy to spray paint grass with Krylon® Marking Chalk, a temporary, fast-drying, water-based spray paint formula. Krylon Marking Chalk can be used to fulfill your professional and recreational needs by offering you the ease and convenience of temporarily spray painting grass to outline volleyball courts, soccer fields and even landscaping areas.
In addition to spray painting grass, Krylon Marking Chalk can be used to spray paint surfaces such as:
- Pavement
- Concrete
- Gravel
- Soil
Still have questions on how to spray paint grass or other outdoor surfaces? Ask Krylon.
Can I spray paint outdoor furniture?
Yes, you can spray paint outdoor furniture using Krylon®. In fact, Krylon® Rust Protector™ spray paint is specifically formulated to add a long-lasting durability to outdoor furniture. In addition to protecting these surfaces against natural elements, Rust Protector is available in an assortment of colors and finishes, allowing you to coordinate your outdoor furniture with your personal style.
For outdoor wooden furniture, consider applying Krylon® Exterior Semi-Transparent Wood Stain, which offers durability, UV-fade protection, and water repellency. As the first and only aerosol exterior wood stain on the market, this unique formulation provides your wood surfaces premier protection that goes on smooth and holds up under the toughest conditions.
Still have questions on how to spray paint outdoor furniture? Ask Krylon.
Can I spray paint over rust?
Yes, you can spray paint over rust. Before you paint, take the time to prepare your surface properly. Surface preparation is extremely important and is the best predictor of how long your new paint finish will last.
Remove Loose Rust and Paint
Remove loose rust with a wire brush, sandpaper or chemical rust remover. The goal is to make your surface as smooth as possible to ensure the new paint finish adheres well to the surface.
If your surface has any chipped or peeling paint, remove all loose paint. Lightly sand glossy surfaces to dull the finish. Do not sand old paint that may contain lead. For more information, contact the National Lead Information Hotline at 1-800-424-LEAD.
Clean Surface
Dirt, grease and oil can also affect paint adhesion, just like loose rust and peeling paint. Ordinary soap and water or household cleaner is effective at removing most surface grime. Remove grease and oils with a degreaser or denatured alcohol. Avoid using strong solvents on previously painted surfaces. Solvents may soften the old paint, which can then cause the new paint to wrinkle or pull away from the surface. Rinse and let your surface dry completely.
Your surface should now be clean, dull and dry.
When surface has extensive rust
If the surface still has extensive rust after all loose rust has been removed, start with Krylon® Rust Protector™ Rust Converting Primer or Krylon® Rust Tough® Rust Fix. This primer chemically changes rust into a waterproof, paintable surface. Spray directly over the remaining rust to protect against further corrosion. Apply multiple thin coats to prevent runs and drips. This primer sprays on clear and dries to a black primer finish. After 24 hours, topcoat with your choice of paint color. Surface can be sanded lightly before applying topcoat, if desired.
When surface has some rust
If the surface still has some rust after all loose rust has been removed, spray with Krylon® Rust Protector™ Rust Converting Primer. This primer offers increased corrosion protection for rusted surfaces and superior adhesion and hiding. Apply multiple thin coats to prevent runs and drips. The primer dries to the touch in 8 minutes and tack free in 15 minutes. Topcoat with your choice of paint color.
When surface rust has all been removed
If you were able to remove all traces of rust with a wire brush or sandpaper, you can either prime with Krylon® Rust Protector™ Rust Preventative Primer or Krylon® Rust Tough® Enamel Primer, or you can choose to skip the priming step because Krylon Rust Protector and Rust Tough Enamels are specially formulated to offer superior rust protection direct to metal — even without a primer.
Priming always helps to create a smooth, consistent surface that is ideal for painting. Primer also helps decrease the likelihood of colour change and increases adhesion. If you choose to prime, apply multiple thin coats to prevent runs and drips. Rust Protector Primer dries to the touch in 8 minutes, tack free in 15 minutes and a topcoat can be applied at any time. Rust Tough Primer dries to the touch in 20 minutes and a topcoat can be applied after 30 minutes.
After your surface is clean, dull, dry and primed appropriately, spray Krylon Rust Protector or Rust Tough Enamel on your well-prepared surface. Apply multiple thin coats to prevent runs and drips. Dries to the touch in 8 minutes and tack free in 15 minutes.
Still have questions on how to spray paint over rust? Ask Krylon.
What clear coat spray paint will protect my digital photos?
Krylon® Preserve It!® Digital Photo & Paper Protectant aerosol spray will protect your digital photos. That's because Krylon Preserve It! Digital Photo & Paper Protectant more than doubles the life of your digital photos by protecting them against moisture and UV fading.
Drying in 10 minutes or less, Preserve It! Digital Photo & Paper Protectant provides a gloss or matte finish to your digital photos and more, including:
- Address Labels
- Greeting Cards
- Scrapbook Materials
- Artwork
For additional information on digital photo protection using Kyrlon Preserve It! Digital Photo & Paper Protectant, ask Krylon®.
What is primer and when should I use it?
A primer is designed to prepare bare metal, wood, canvas or other materials to create a smooth surface for which your Krylon® spray paint will be applied. A primer should be used on projects in order to seal the surface which will help:
- Smoothen out uneven blemishes
- Increase spray paint adhesion
- Improve corrosion resistance
- Ensure the true colour of the spray paint
Why Should I Use A Primer?
Generally, using a primer improves the amount of coverage you get from a can of Krylon spray paint and it provides additional benefits for the following surfaces:
- Metal — Increases corrosion resistance on bare metal surfaces
- Wood — Helps avoid an uneven paint finish by allowing for even penetration of bare wood surfaces
To help cut down on project time, Krylon offers Krylon® Dual Superbond™ Paint + Primer, which allows you to prime and paint in one step.
Krylon Primer
Find primers specific to your project specifications by searching a variety of Krylon products.
Still have questions about Krylon's protective clear coatings? Ask Krylon for expert advice.
Can I spray paint aluminum?
Yes, spray paint any aluminum project with Krylon®, even if the paint on your aluminum surface is starting to chip back to the primer and oxidation. When this begins to happen, we suggest using Krylon® Rust Protector™ Rust Converting Primer for a durable finish that protects your aluminum surface against:
- Rust
- UV Color Fade
- Weather Damage
Spray Painting Aluminum
Once primed, spray paint the aluminum surface by using any of the following Krylon products:
Still have questions or would like to learn more about spray painting aluminum? Ask Krylon.
Can I spray paint glass?
Yes, you can spray paint glass using Krylon® products. Although most Krylon spray paints such as Krylon® ColorMaster, Krylon® Glitter Spray and Krylon® Dual Superbond™ Paint + Primer adhere to glass surface, Krylon has specially formulated products to transform your clear glass projects into beautiful frosted or mirrored surfaces, such as:
Krylon Spray Painting Surface Preparation Tips
Before applying Krylon spray paint to your glass surface, prepare the surface by following these easy steps:
- Lightly sand with fine grain sandpaper (less slick surfaces allows for better adhesion)
- Wipe clean with a tack cloth
- Apply primer to further improve adhesion (glass will no longer be transparent if a primer is used)
Still have questions about spray painting glass? Ask Krylon.
Can I spray paint on fabric or clothing?
Yes, Krylon® can be used on fabric or clothing. In fact, Krylon spray paint is a unique opportunity for you to become your own personal fashion and interior designer by providing you with a fun, easy and affordable way to update your wardrobe and home fabrics.
In fact, Krylon can easily be applied to the following home fabrics and fashion accessories:
- Jeans
- Jackets
- T-shirts
- Hats
- Tennis Shoes
- Bracelets
- Earrings
- Belts
- Lampshade
- Table Linens
Krylon Spray Paint Fashion Projects
Whether you want to use Krylon spray paint over stencils to get a professionally designed look on your clothes and home fabrics or on shoe strings to turn your plain pumps into your outfit's fashion focus, Krylon products provide endless possibilities.
Ready to make a statement? Find inspiration through Krylons fashion projects, complete with step-by-step instructions.
Still have questions on how to spray paint fabric or clothing? Ask Krylon.
Can I spray paint plastic?
Yes, you can spray paint plastic surfaces with the help of Krylon® Fusion for Plastic®. It is a no prep, one-step, super-bonding paint from Krylon® that is designed to bond to plastic surfaces. Whether your plastic, PVC or resin surface is going to be used indoors or outdoors, Krylon Fusion for Plastic provides a long-lasting finish that is available in more than 35 colors.
In addition to spray painting plastic, Krylon Fusion for Plastic adheres to multiple surfaces, including:
- Wood
- Metal
- Wicker
- Wrought Iron
- Hard Vinyl
- Glass
- Plaster
- Ceramic
- Paper
Learn more about Krylon Fusion for Plastic Spray Paint
Watch Krylon how-to videos for tips on how to spray paint plastic surfaces and more.
Still have questions or would like to learn more about spray painting plastic? Ask Krylon.
Can I spray paint vinyl?
Yes, you can spray paint vinyl surfaces with Krylon® Fusion for Plastic® spray paint, which exclusively bonds to hard, rigid, non-flexing surfaces such as vinyl, plastic, PVC and resin. Krylon Fusion for Plastic dries in 15 minutes or less and requires no sanding or priming, making it easy to refresh your vinyl project surfaces.
Interested in learning more about spray painting vinyl or still have questions? Ask Krylon.
Can I spray paint wood?
Yes, you can spray paint wood with Krylon® products. In fact, multiple Krylon spray paints are available to help you update wood surfaces. Choosing which Krylon product is right for your project is dependent on the finish, use and location of your wood surface.
Krylon® Exterior Semi-Transparent Wood Spray Stain
Krylon Exterior Semi-Transparent Wood Stain is the first exterior wood staining protection available in a spray can. Dry to the touch only 15 minutes after application, Exterior Semi-Transparent Wood Stain offers your exterior wood projects UV fade protection and water repellence.
Krylon® ColorMaster Spray Paint
If you're looking to add colour to your outdoor wood projects, Krylon® ColorMaster™ spray paint is available in a variety of colour options.
Learn more from Krylon
Get instruction on how to spray paint wood surfaces by visiting our how-to video section.
Still have questions about spray painting wood? Ask Krylon.
How can I spray over already painted metal?
Spray paint metal surfaces that have already been painted by first preparing the project, following these steps:
- Remove loose rust with a wire brush, sandpaper or chemical rust remover
- Lightly sand the metal surface
- Remove dust with a tack cloth
Once rust, blemishes and dust have been removed from your metal surface, it is important to prime your project to ensure a smooth, durable finish, before applying Krylon® spray paint.
Prevent rust and corrosion by applying Krylon® Rust Protector™ Primer to your metal surface. If you're interested in saving time and effort without sacrificing quality, use Krylon® Dual Superbond™ Paint + Primer, a formula combining the durability of a primer and professional finish of Krylon spray paint in one convenient aerosol can.
Both Rust Protector and Dual Paint + Primer are available in a variety of colors and finishes to fit your project needs.
Still have questions on how to spray paint metal? Ask Krylon.
Trouble Shooting
Are Krylon® spray paint cans recylable?
Yes, Krylon® spray paint cans and their plastic caps are designed to be recyclable where recycling facilities for these materials exist.
Once completely empty of contents, recycle Krylon spray paint cans to help reduce the volume of waste in landfills and conserve energy.
Steel Aerosol Can Recycling Instructions
When recycling your Krylon steel aerosol spray can, make sure to follow these three easy steps:
- Use your Krylon product until the container is empty
- Remove the plastic spray cap to be recycled separately
- Recycle spray cans along with other containers according to your community guideline
Please note that recycling facilities for steel aerosol cans may not exist in your area.
Go Green with Krylon
Discover how Krylon strives towards environmental sustainability in our products, manufacturing plants and distribution plans.
Still have questions on recycling your spray paint cans? Ask Krylon for expert advice.
Can I remove sand, dirt or grass from wet or tacky spray painted surfaces?
Yes, you can remove particles such as sand, dirt or grass from your project's surface that is still wet or tacky by lightly sanding or using paint thinner.
Severe Appearance of Damage
If your spray paint project's surface has become heavily coated with dirt, sand or other particles, follow these steps to remove the particles from the area:
- Wait until your spray paint has dried completely
- Remove paint in the affected area by lightly sanding or using paint thinner
- Reapply spray paint
Moderate to Light Appearance of Particles on Spray Painted Surface
If your freshly spray painted surface has been affected minimally by dirt, sand or other particles, follow these steps to remove them from your project:
- Recoat the affected area with spray paint while still wet
- Recoat the affected project area again once the surface has dried completely
Need additional advice on how to remove unwanted particles from your freshly painted surface? Ask Krylon for expert advice.
Can I spray paint indoors?
Yes, Krylon® spray paint can be applied indoors. However, we suggest applying spray paint to your project surface outdoors whenever possible.
When applying Krylon spray paint indoors, we advise that you follow these safety tips to ensure your indoor spray paint area is properly ventilated:
- Open all windows and doors to ensure fresh air entry during application and drying
- Use a fan to circulate the aerosol emissions towards opened windows and doors
- Wear a painting mask for additional respiratory protection
Krylon Spray Painting Safety Tips
Before starting your next indoor project, learn more about Krylon's safety tips.
Have questions about using spray paint indoors? Ask Krylon for expert advice.
Can I spray paint outdoors?
Yes, Krylon® spray paint can be applied outdoors. In fact, applying spray paint outdoors is our recommended method because it ensures a well-ventilated spray paint area.
Krylon Spray Painting Safety Tips
Before starting your next spray paint project, learn more about Krylon's safety tips.
Looking for additional tips on spray painting outdoors? Ask Krylon for expert advice.
How do I remove preexisting paint before applying spray paint?
Remove preexisting paint before applying spray paint by lightly sanding the project surface. Once the preexisting paint colour is dulled and the surface is smooth, remove dust with a tack cloth and apply Krylon® spray paint. It is not necessary to completely remove preexisting paint as Krylon is formulated to cover previously painted surfaces.
Still have questions on recycling your spray paint cans? Ask Krylon for expert advice.
How do I remove spray paint overspray?
Learn how to remove spray paint overspray by reading the "After Use" section found on the Krylon spray can label instructions.
In most cases, paint or lacquer thinner will remove spray paint from the objects surrounding your spray area. In these cases, follow the solvent manufacturer's safety instructions and be sure to wash your hands thoroughly after use.
When to use spray paint?
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The Situation of Being "(un)American"
Posted by The Situationist Staff on October 13, 2008
Shankar Vedantam has written another terrific (situationist) article, "Does Your Subconscious Think Obama Is Foreign?," published in today's Washington Post. Here are some excerpts.
* * *
A few years ago, psychologists [and Situational contributor] Mahzarin Banaji and Thierry Devos showed the names of a number of celebrities to a group of volunteers and asked them to classify the well-known personalities as American or non-American. The list included television personality Connie Chung and tennis star Michael Chang, both Asian Americans, as well as British actors Hugh Grant and Elizabeth Hurley. The volunteers had no trouble identifying Chung and Chang as American and Grant and Hurley as foreigners.
The psychologists then asked the group which names they associated with iconic American symbols such as the U.S. flag, the Capitol building and Mount Rushmore, and which ones they associated with generically foreign symbols such as the United Nations building in Geneva, a Ukrainian 100-hryven bill and a map of Luxembourg.
The psychologists found that the participants, who were asked to answer quickly, were dramatically quicker to associate the American symbols with the British actors, and the foreign symbols with the Asian Americans. The results suggest that on a subconscious level people were using ethnicity as a proxy for American identity and equating whites — even white foreigners — with things American.
The psychologists initially assumed that this bias began and ended with Asian Americans and would not apply to other ethnic groups. But in another experiment involving famous black athletes around the time of the 2000 Sydney Olympics, they found that the same pattern applied to African Americans. . . .
"The reason this is powerful is it shows our minds will not just distort our preferences but distort facts," said Banaji, who works at Harvard. "African Americans in their [own] minds are fully American, but not in the minds of whites."
The experiments, based on tests that are accessible at http://implicit.harvard.edu, have provoked controversy — especially in terms of what they mean. It may embarrass people when they subconsciously associate whites with being American, but does that matter? If people have no trouble distinguishing Americans and foreigners in their conscious minds, why should we care about their subconscious tendencies?
It may matter a lot when it comes to voting behavior, the researchers said.
In a new series of experiments, Devos has shown that the "white equals American" bias could well be playing a powerful role in the presidential election.
* * *
[The article then summarizes Devos's (and Debbie Ma's) latest research indicating (1) that people more quickly associate Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, Sen. John McCain, and Tony Blair with being American than they do Sen. Barack Obama and (2) that the subconscious associations mattered (that is, that both Republicans and Democrats "who were slower to see Obama as American on a subconscious level were less likely to be willing to vote for the senator from Illinois than people who more easily associated him with American symbols"), (3) that although this source of voting bias is subtle, it is still "clearly a drag on Obama's prospects," and (4) that it "may help explain why Obama has proved vulnerable to negative messages that question his identity and his loyalty to America."]
* * *
"We cannot think of him as frightening or a likely criminal — he is the antithesis of that," Banaji said. "So when the mind goes searching for reasons to distrust him, the first thing it lands on are the foreign connections" — Indonesia and Africa, places to which Obama has ties.
"Suggesting Obama is foreign or unknown offers a cover for racism," she said. "You can't say he is black and unfit to be president, but you can say that he is Muslim and therefore unfit to be president."
* * *
Read the entire Vedantam article here.
Take our Policy IAT here.
For some posts examining the the role of implicit associations in elections, see "Patricia Devine on Resisting Implicit Associations," "The Interior Situation of Undecided Voters," "On Being a Mindful Voter," "Lopez-Torres, Justice Scalia, and the Situation of Elections," "Your Brain on Politics," "Implicit Associations in the 2008 Presidential Election," "The Situation of Political Animals," "Political Psychology in 2008," "Perceptions of Racial Divide,The Psychology of Barack Obama as the Antichrist," and "The Interior Situation of Undecided Voters."
To review all of the previous Situationist posts discussing implicit associations click on the "Implicit Associations" category in the right margin, or, for a list of such posts, click here. For other Situationist posts on the 2008 Presidential Election, click here.
One Response to "The Situation of Being "(un)American""
November 3, 2008 at 8:11 pm
[…] generated) • World Illusions 8-19-08 • Could have been worse! Know what I mean? • The Situation of Being "(un)American" • Beyond Hope: The Racial Significance of Obama's Campaign Posted in symbolism. […]


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UTTARAKHAND, India, November 3 (CDN) — Hindu extremists from the Bajrang Dal on Oct. 25 disrupted the Sunday worship of a Ministry of the Gospel service in Rudrapur and accused the pastor of forceful conversion. The Evangelical Fellowship of India reported that the extremists barged into the worship service led by Pastor Victor Massey, tore Bibles and took all Christian literature. They threatened to attack anew if the congregation continued to meet for worship, adding that they would force Hindu rituals on them. Ministry of the Gospel leader S.K. Puri told Compass that church officials reported the matter to the district collector and superintendent of police, but when Hindu nationalists heard about the complaint they accosted Pastor Massey on Oct. 30 and again threatened to force Hindu rituals on the congregation. Christian leaders have asked local authorities to provide police protection.
Karnataka – A mob of about 50 Hindu extremists attacked a church on Oct. 25 in old Hubli, burning Bibles and Christian literature. The Evangelical Fellowship of India reported that at about 11 a.m. the Hindu hardliners barged into the prayer meeting of Assembly of God Church and dragged out Pastor David Raj. The attack reportedly began after an unidentified man in attendance repeatedly went in and out of the church building; he was requested to remain sitting so as not to disturb the sermon. The man left and returned with 50 extremists, led by area Bajrang Dal leader Jayathirtha Kati. After the Hindu extremists verbally abused the church members, set fire to the Christian literature and dragged the pastor out to the street, local police arrived and, as is customary in India, detained the victims. They took the pastor, his wife and two church members to the police station and only with local Christian leaders' intervention were the Christians released at about 5 p.m.
Assam – Hindu extremists and the head of Dayung village called a meeting on Oct. 23 to oppose a Christian ministry after a young woman who became a Christian refused to renounce her faith, a source told Compass. Tara Sabha's family beat and disowned her after she told the village council that she would not leave Christianity at any cost, the source said. Sabha had received Christ earlier in October. The source told Compass that Hindu extremists held Enosh Lepcha of First Evangelical Church Association of India (FECAI) responsible for the conversion, and on Oct. 23 they and the village head called a public meeting in which they threatened a social boycott if the ministry continued its activities. FECAI's Abbay Pradhan told Compass that due to extremist pressure, the ministry has stopped many activities.
Andhra Pradesh – Suspected Hindu extremists set fire to India Mission Society Church in Warrangal on Oct. 22, damaging more than half of the building. The Global Council of Indian Christians reported that unidentified people set the church building ablaze at about 2 a.m. Pastor P. Kumarswamy contacted the fire department, which arrived after more than half of the building had been destroyed. Police registered a First Information Report, and an investigation is underway.
Karnataka – Hindu nationalists forced an evangelist and other Christians to go to a police station on false charges of forcible conversion on Oct. 21 after barging into the church leader's home and demanding money for a Hindu festival in Undedasarahalli, Chikamaglur district. The Global Council of Indian Christians (GCIC) reported that Hindu radicals leveled the charges after evangelist Kumar Nayak of the Assemblies of God refused to give a donation for the Diwali festival. Nayak and his family were about to leave home for the last of a three-day prayer meeting when nearly 30 extremists led by Prakash Nayak forcibly entered their house and tried to force them to give money for the Hindu rite. The intolerant Hindus verbally abused them, warning that they would not be allowed to stay in the village, and forced Nayak, his wife Bembitha, 52-year-old widow Lalitha Bai and her three children to go to the Banavara police station and filed a complaint. With GCIC intervention, all but Kumar Nayak were released at 11:30 p.m., with the evangelist detained until midnight on condition of reporting to the police station at 9 a.m. the next morning. After extensive questioning the next day, Nayak was released at 4 p.m. without being charged.
Andhra Pradesh – Hindu extremists on Oct. 18 attacked a worship service in Hyderabad, beating a pregnant woman and her child and seriously injuring a pastor's ear. The Global Council of Indian Christians reported that about 15 people from the Hindu extremist Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh barged into the service led by Pastor Siluvai Kumar and two others pastors, verbally abused the Christians and accused them of forceful conversion. The intolerant Hindus tore and threw Bibles and damaged the church facility, including musical instruments. The Hindu extremists later dragged a pastor identified only as Timothy to Kukatpally police station and filed a false charge of urinating on nearby temple idols. With the intervention of the local Christian leaders, police summoned the attackers to the police station, where the parties reached an agreement in which the extremists apologized to the Christians and pledged not to attack them.
Uttar Pradesh – On Oct. 15 Hindu extremists from the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (World Hindu Council) in Pratap Garh accused Pastor Sunil Singh of the Full Gospel Church of fraudulent conversion and threatened to kill him if his church continues its worship services. A source told Compass that the extremists went to the pastor's house to deliver the threat. The Hindu hardliners filed a police complaint against the pastor of offering money to people to convert to Christianity. Police summoned the pastor to the police station for questioning, and an investigation was underway.
Andhra Pradesh – Hindu extremists on Oct. 13 stopped construction of a Methodist church building and verbally abused Pastor M. Gabriel in Nizamabad. The All India Christian Council (AICC) reported that the Hindu extremists along with the village head, Vital Reddy, were responsible for the hostilities. The pastor filed a police complaint charging harassment and contacted the district collector and superintendent of police, but no action had been taken at press time. An AICC representative told Compass that the pastor has stopped church construction to avoid further disturbances.
Karnataka – State police on Oct. 10 arrested Christians on false charges of forcible conversion in Gowdigere village, Hubli, Dharwad district. The Global Council of Indian Christians (GCIC) reported that at 9 a.m. about 30 local Hindu nationalists barged into the house of a Christian woman identified only as Venkatamma just after the end of a prayer service. The extremists falsely accused Friends Missionary Prayer Band Mission Pastor Murthy Nayak Ganesh and evangelist Chandrakanth Gopanna Lambani of fraudulently luring people to Christianity. Later the extremists forced the Christians to the village temple, and then telephoned Kundugol police who came to the temple and took the Christians to the station, charging them "punishment of criminal conspiracy," among others. With GCIC intervention, the pastors were released on Oct. 12, but it was not clear at press time whether charges were still pending.
Punjab – Hindu extremists in Samral Chowk, Ludhiana on Oct. 6 severely beat and stabbed a Christian worker, according to the Evangelical Fellowship of India (EFI). At About 7:30 a.m. Vijay Kumar, an Indian Pentecostal Church worker and a former student of Punjab Bible College, was distributing gospel tracts when five Hindu extremists arrived in a vehicle with a non-numbered license plate and forced him into it. Beating and stabbing him with a knife in his chest and leg while taking him to different sites, they questioned him about how much money he had received to become a Christian and asked with which Christian groups he was associated, EFI reported. They later took him to a jungle and continued torturing him. A Christian search team began looking for Kumar at 7:30 p.m., and at 2 a.m. that night they received a phone call from him saying the assailants had taken him back to his village and thrown him from the running vehicle. He was taken to Christian Medical College with severe injuries but was recovering well. A complaint was filed at Shingaar police station, but no arrests had been made at press time.
Chhattisgarh – Hindu extremists attacked a pastor and his family and later accused them of forced conversion and other false charges in Jyotipur village, Bilaspur district. Pastor Markus Das of the Assembly of God Church on Oct. 4 went to visit a family in Sadwani village along with his wife and children. On their way back their van had a flat tire, and as his friend Atul Arthur gave them a ride home, a group of people from the Rathore community – closely aligned with the Hindu extremist Bajrang Dal – attacked them. They accused Pastor Das of forcible conversion and tried to drag him and others out of the vehicle, causing minor injuries. They damaged the vehicle, smashing the windows. Pastor Das and his family managed to escape, but the next morning when he went back to pick up his van, he was told that the forest department had confiscated his vehicle after allegedly finding illegal wood in it. Pastor Das said the Rathore community set a trap. "They broke the front windshield of my car and planted the wood in my car when I was away," he said. A First Information Report has been filed against Pastor Das indicting him for forced conversion and carrying illegal wood, and the pastor has filed an FIR against members of the Rathore Community in the Gorala police station.
Chhattisgarh – Hindu extremists in Raipur on Oct. 3 tried to pressure a Christian family into giving up their faith. The extremists also threatened to publicly dishonor Pastor Kamlakar Roa Bokade by filing charges of forcible conversion against him if he did not stop visiting the family of Modichandan Sahu, a convert who has regularly attended worship services for the past 15 years. Modichandan Sahu's two daughters had married non-Christians under social pressure, and one of her sons-in-law, Bhuwan Sahu, a member of the Hindu extremist Bharatiya Janata Party, cut off relations with his in-laws several years ago because of his opposition to Christianity. Hindu extremists led by Bhuwan Sahu on Oct. 3 stormed Motichandan's house, pressured her to give up her faith and tried to force her into Hindu ceremonies and ritual. The next day he began threatening Pastor Bokade, telling him by cell phone that they would frame him for forceful conversion. The Chhattisgarh Christian Forum has notified police of the harassment.
Kerala – Hindu extremist Bharatiya Janata Party newspaper The Janmabhumi Daily forced sub-editor Sredevi Nair to resign from her job on Oct. 1 after management learned that she had received Jesus Christ. Nair resigned two days before her baptism, reported The Indian Catholic. The managing editor of the Janmabhumi daily, Kummanam Rajasekharan, reportedly called her during work hours and said it was not possible for a convert to continue with the newspaper. The Indian Catholic reported that Rajasekharan urged Nair to convert her Christian husband to Hinduism and have a marriage ceremony at a Hindu temple. The Indian Express quoted Janmabhumi Editor Leela Menon as saying that that she was against conversion, and that Nair was trying to malign the newspaper after her resignation.
Madhya Pradesh – Members of the Hindu extremist Abhinav Bharat on Sept. 28 stormed into a house church in Adhartal, on the outskirts of Jabalpur. The Global Council of Indian Christians (GCIC) reported that at 12:30 p.m. about 15 of the intolerant Hindus arrived on motorcycles and broke into the house church meeting shouting "Jai Sri Ram [Hail to Lord Ram)" and vandalized the property, including damaging the cross at the entrance. The Hindu extremists threatened 51-year-old Pastor Peter Johnson with further attacks. Pastor Johnson filed a complaint with Adhartal police station in Jabalpur, and police have reportedly forwarded it to the City Superintendent of Police and Collector. GCIC reported that police assured a speedy investigation. The Abhinav Bharat is already under the government scanner for anti-Muslim bomb blasts, and some of their leaders holding government posts are in custody and on trial.
Madhya Pradesh – For the third time, radicals from the minority Jains religion on Sept. 27 attacked and threatened the church of Pastor Mukesh Pal of Rajgarh, Dhar district. About a dozen of the Jains, all members of the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party, interrupted a worship service of some 500 mainly tribal people and cursed, criticized and accused Christians of fraudulent conversion, eating cow meat and mixing harmful chemicals into anointing oil used for prayers for the sick. The Jains religion advocates non-violence and vegetarianism. After those attending the church service argued with the radicals, the extremists left but returned with five policemen. A doctor was called on the spot to test the prayer oil, and he certified it as chemical-free. Nevertheless, police arrested Pastor Mukesh Pal and Ganpat Goyal, and many from the church followed and stood outside the police station demanding the release of the two Christians. After calls from Christian friends, high-ranking officers ensured that police release the two Christians. Pastor Pal told Compass that the radicals attacked their prayer hall in June 2006, badly damaging it. They arrived again in August 2006, warning the Christians not to hold more services and accusing them of forcible conversion, although they did no physical harm.
Andhra Pradesh – Hindu extremists led by Venkat Reddy attacked a Christian identified only as Abhishek, from Hebron Church, and accused him of forceful conversion on Sept. 25 in Ranga Reddy. The All Indian Christian Council (AICC) reported that the extremists attacked the Christian while he was conducting a Bible school class at Hamamguda, mercilessly beating him and accusing him of organizing the study program to forcibly convert children to Christianity. Abhishek received treatment at Apollo Santoshnagar Hospital, reported AICC. The extremists filed a police complaint against the Christian, but later forced the Christian to agree to stop the Bible program.
Report from Compass Direct News


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The proposition that entitlement curbs are the key to maintaining national solvency is widely accepted, though not by many congressional Democrats. President Obama, however, has endorsed it on various occasions. And he could make it happen.
If he wants. I remain skeptical that he does. But national solvency is important enough to test this proposition at least once more. The obstacle is Obama's current position that entitlement cuts must be "balanced" with new revenue from closing loopholes.
Republicans are adamantly opposed. No more revenues, Mr. President. You got your tax hike on Jan. 1.
Is there a solution? Yes: tax reform with a twist.
The problem begins with definitions. By tax reform, Obama means eliminating deductions, exclusions, credits of various kinds with all the money going to the Treasury.
That's radically new. The historic 1986 Reagan-O'Neill tax reform closed loopholes with no extra money going to the Treasury. The new revenue went directly back to the citizenry in the form of lower tax rates.
This is called revenue-neutrality. The idea is that tax reform is a way not to fatten the Treasury but to clean the tax code. It means eliminating special-interest favors and behavior-altering deductions that create waste and inefficiency by inducing tax-preferred rather than market-oriented economic activity. And it introduces fairness by removing breaks and payoffs for which only the rich can afford to lobby.
As a final bonus, tax reform's lower rates spur economic growth. A unique win-win-win: efficiency, fairness, growth.
Obama's own Simpson-Bowles deficit-reduction commission offered a variant. First, it identified an astonishing $1.1 trillion per year of these "tax expenditures." That's more than $11 trillion in a decade. In one scenario, it knocked them all out and lowered marginal tax rates to just three brackets of 8 percent, 14 percent and 23 percent.
But here's the twist. Using the full $1.1 trillion annually of newly redeemed "loophole" revenue, Simpson-Bowles could have dropped the rates a bit below 23 percent. But instead it left some of that money in the Treasury, an average of almost $100 billion a year, or about $1 trillion over a decade. It was a reasonable compromise, so reasonable that even the Senate's most fierce spending hawk, commission member Tom Coburn, signed on.
Now, Simpson-Bowles is not on the table but it could be a model. Obama's "tax reform" would send 100 percent of the revenue to the Treasury. Reagan-O'Neill sent 0 percent. Simpson-Bowles fell somewhere in between. So should any grand compromise.
Before deciding exactly where to locate that compromise, however, we have to decide which deductions to cut, yielding how much revenue. The bad news is that, given all the lobbying and haggling this would occasion, it could take years to work out. The good news is the formula proposed by Harvard economist Martin Feldstein. Before even picking and choosing which deductions should remain permissible, it simply allows no one to reduce his tax bill by more than 2 percent by using any or all of the deductions and loopholes in the current tax code (except charitable contributions).
There should, of course, be separate negotiations over which of the hundreds, thousands, of loopholes/deductions should be tossed out as corrupt or counterproductive rent-seeking. But the 2 percent ceiling means that we don't have to wait until full tax reform — because the Feldstein formula significantly and immediately reduces the impact of all the loopholes.
Feldstein calculates that his tax reform would yield $2.1 trillion in new revenue over a decade. Now we can cut the pie. Obama wants the government to keep it all. The GOP wants to give it all back to reduce tax rates. Let's be Solomonic. Divide the revenue in half — 50 percent to the Treasury for reducing debt, 50 percent to the citizenry for reducing rates.
That's roughly $1 trillion each. Everybody gets something. Republicans unexpectedly get a rate cut, minor but symbolic after having had to swallow the "fiscal cliff" rate hike. The country gets the first significant tax reform in a quarter-century. Obama gets $1 trillion worth of "balance," his price for real entitlement reform. And if he turns out to be serious about that, we get the Holy Grail — tax and entitlement reform all at once.
Which means a deal that manages to simultaneously promote efficiency, fairness, growth, debt reduction and a return to national solvency. In other words, the best deal since the Louisiana Purchase.


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Local basketball referee Rhonda Daws: Dedication to the art of refereeing
Being a referee takes a lot more dedication and hard work than just putting on the uniform and blowing a whistle.
While players and coaches go through game film to see what they did right and need to improve on, or go to different camps to learn new techniques and improve their overall game, a fair share of referees do the same. After all, being an official is never an easy thing, with fans and coaches sometimes quick to react when they think a wrong call is made, and calls potentially being the difference between a win or a loss, so being on top of your game is vital. A referee that values watching game film of their performance or going to different referee camps is Scott Valley resident Rhonda Daws.
During the basketball season, Daws referees high school boys and girls basketball games throughout Siskiyou County and the North State as well as being a referee on the community college level and at NAIA women's basketball games in Oregon and Northern California. During the season, she is pretty much on the road for games the majority of the week. One night she may be up in Klamath Falls officiating a college basketball game and the next night she might be in Yreka for a boys or girls basketball contest.
In her ninth year as a basketball referee, Daws, a 1992 Yreka High graduate, said one her rituals is to watch game film of her performance.
"I want to get better," she said. "That's why I break the games down. I want to to look at the film and go, did I get it right?"
"No one wants to go on the court and do a bad job," she added, which is why she said she does everything she can to make sure she knows the rules of the game backwards and forwards and strives to make the right call.
Daws admits that folks are quite passionate about their teams at times. With the stakes so high during some games, tempers can flare and folks do get upset about calls made by the referees, she said.
"Everyone's very invested," Daws said. "Sometimes you need someone to blame."
For example, Daws said, she recently made a call late in a crucial local basketball game that one of the coaches was quite upset with. So upset, in fact, Daws said, they requested that Daws not officiate their next game.This was the first time in her career this had occurred, she said. Daws said that she understands that it just goes with the territory but admits it can be unpleasant at times getting yelled at by fans or coaches for a call they disagree with.
"It can be hard not to take it personally sometimes," Daws said. "When there are people hollering at me it can be difficult."
While there are certainly fans and coaches that can be less than welcoming, Daws said there are many others who are glad to see her and understand the challenges in being a referee and appreciates the way she tries to fairly officiate a game.
"It's nice when people are like '"It's good to see you,"' she said.
Her dedication to her craft has included going to around four camps each summer to learn from the best in the business, refine her skills and to strive to be great at what she does.
"We have the best of the best giving us feedback," Daws said. "It's important to know your stuff."
Those she has had the chance to receive instruction from include Violet Palmer, an NBA and WNBA referee. "She's the best of the best," Daws said. "She's very intimidating but approachable and gives back great feedback."
When Daws was at Yreka High, she participated in a number of sports, including basketball, and said she has had a passion for sports since she was young. When she is not officiating basketball games, her full time job is as the health and wellness director at the Siskiyou Family YMCA in Yreka. During basketball season it can be a challenge at times balancing her job, her husband, and their two children with the constant travel it takes to be a referee. But, she said, "I'm very busy, but it's fun. I couldn't do all of this without a supportive husband."
Daws plans to continue to referee and is hopeful she will move up soon to officiating Division 2 NCAA women's basketball games and is hopeful that will happen in the near future.
One of her more memorable highlights as an official came in 2007 when she was part of the first all-female officiating crew at the Northern Section Championship games at Chico State.
"I think that people realised that, yes, we can be at that level," she said.


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Government granting leave to Father Ly is said to be tightening control overall.
DUBLIN, March 30 (CDN) — Vietnamese officials have in recent months tightened control over those they regard as dissidents, and the temporary release of Catholic priest Thadeus Nguyen van Ly on March 15 was a rare exception, according to Amnesty International (AI).
Officials on March 15 released Ly, now 63, from prison for one year so that he could receive medical treatment.
An outspoken advocate for religious freedom, Ly was sentenced to eight years in prison in March 2007 for "spreading propaganda" against the state. He had previously received 10- and 15-year sentences on similar charges.
"The release of Father Ly appears to be a one-off, related to his health," Brittis Edman, Asia researcher for AI, told Compass by phone.
Human rights lawyer Le Thi Cong Nhan was released on March 6 after serving a three years in prison. Officials have sentenced 16 other "perceived dissidents" since last September.
"Those 16 are people whose names are in the public domain," Edman added. "There are probably others we're not aware of."
Edman confirmed that Ly was recently diagnosed with a brain tumor, although few details are available on the prognosis or the availability of treatment. Fellow priests told the Union of Catholic Asian News (UCAN) that Ly had suffered three strokes in May, September and November of last year, partially paralyzing his right arm and leg and making it difficult for him to walk, write or feed himself.
Following urgent requests from diocesan priests and family members, officials on March 14 granted Ly one year's reprieve from his jail sentence. On March 15 they transported him by ambulance from Ba Sao prison camp in northern Ha Nam province to a home for retired priests in Hue, central Vietnam.
Under pressure from international advocacy groups including AI, the government may have granted Ly's release to ward off potential embarrassment should he die in prison, Edman said.
"He's a very public figure, and the Vietnamese government is not comfortable with being criticized."
Religious Rights Campaigner
Ly was first jailed for one year in 1977 when he distributed a Church statement decrying the arrest of Buddhist monks and the treatment of Catholics in Vietnam, according to an AI report.
This was followed in December 1983 by a 10-year sentence served from the time of his arrest in May 1983 until his early release in July 1992. Prior to his arrest, Ly wrote a seven-point document urging officials to cease harassing Christians and announced that he was willing to be martyred for his faith.
In November 1994 Ly issued a "Ten Point Statement on the State of the Catholic Church in the Hue Diocese," criticizing the lack of adequate training for would-be priests, the state's interference in church teachings and its appropriation of church property.
He also became an advisory board member of the U.S.-based Committee for Religious Freedom in Vietnam (CRFV), according to AI.
In 1999, authorities objected when Ly coordinated relief projects for flood victims in partnership with CRFV. In November 2000, while U.S. President Bill Clinton and a CRFV delegation were in Vietnam, Ly reissued his ten-point statement and later made further appeals for religious freedom.
The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom in February 2001 invited Ly to address a hearing on Vietnam. Though unable to attend, Ly submitted written testimony stating that the Vietnamese government had "stripped all churches of their independence and freedom" and urging that the U.S. Congress not ratify a long-negotiated U.S.-Vietnam Bilateral Trade Agreement.
State-owned media then accused Ly of inviting "foreign hostile forces to intervene in Vietnam's internal affairs" and inciting Catholic followers against the state.
Officials in May 2001 seized Ly during a church service and sentenced him to 15 years in prison for allegedly spreading anti-government propaganda. He was released under house arrest in February 2005 but arrested again in February 2007 and sentenced to eight years for organizing a pro-democracy event.
When the government released over 5,000 prisoners to mark Vietnam's National Day last Sept. 2, Ly was omitted from the list despite vigorous international campaigns for his release. In a state media report quoted by UCAN, Vice Minister of Public Security Le The Tiem declared that the priest was "still in good enough health to serve his sentence."
Report from Compass Direct News


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With deadline for new constitution approaching, Christians fear end of secular government.
KATHMANDU, Nepal, March 30 (CDN) — Four years after Nepal became officially secular, fear is growing that the country could revert to the Hindu state it was till 2006, when proclaiming Christ was a punishable offense and many churches functioned clandestinely to avoid being shut down.
Concerns were heightened after Nepal's deposed King Gyanendra Shah, once regarded as a Hindu god, broke the silence he has observed since Nepal abolished monarchy in 2008. During his visit to a Hindu festival this month, the former king said that monarchy was not dead and could make a comeback if people so desired.
Soon after that, Krishna Prasad Bhattarai, a former prime minister and respected leader of the largest ruling party, said that instead of getting a new constitution, Nepal should revive an earlier one. The 1990 constitution declared Nepal a Hindu kingdom with a constitutional monarch.
There is now growing doubt that the ruling parties will not be able to fashion the new constitution they promised by May.
"We feel betrayed," said Dr. K.B. Rokaya, general secretary of the National Council of Churches of Nepal. "The Constituent Assembly we elected to give us a new constitution that would strengthen democracy and secularism has frittered away the time and opportunity given to it."
The clamor for a Hindu state has been growing as the May 28 deadline for the new constitution draws near. When a Hindu preacher, Kalidas Dahal, held a nine-day prayer ritual in Kathmandu this month seeking reinstatement of Hinduism as the state religion, thousands of people flocked to him. The throng included three former prime ministers and top leaders of the ruling parties.
"The large turnout signals that Hinduism is enshrined in the hearts of the people and can't be abolished by the government," said Hridayesh Tripathi, a former minister and Constituent Assembly member whose Terai Madhes Loktantrik Party is the fifth-largest in the ruling alliance. "It was a mistake to abolish Hinduism in a hurry."
Another blow for a Hindu state was struck by the Rastriya Prajatantra Party-Nepal (RPP-N), the only party that fought the 2008 election in support of monarchy and a Hindu state. It is now calling for a referendum. As a pressure tactic, it paralyzed the capital and its two neighboring cities in February by calling a general strike.
"The election gave the Constituent Assembly the mandate of writing a new constitution, not deciding issues of national importance," said Kamal Thapa, the RPP-N chief who also was home minister during the brief government headed by Gyanendra. "Most people in Nepal want a Hindu state and a constitutional king. If their demand is not heeded, they will feel excluded and refuse to follow the new constitution. We are asking the government to hold a referendum on the two issues before May 28."
With only two months left, it is clear the demand can't be met if the constitution is to come into effect within the stipulated time. Now the specter of anarchy and violence hangs over Nepal.
Nepal's Maoists, who fought a 10-year war to make Nepal a secular republic and who remain the former king's most bitter enemy, say attempts have begun to whip up riots in the name of a Hindu state. The former guerrillas also allege that the campaign for the restoration of Hinduism as the state religion is backed by ministers, politicians from the ruling parties and militant religious groups from India.
Effectively Hindu
Even if a new, secular constitution is approved by the deadline, there is still no guarantee that the rights of religious minorities would be protected.
Nilambar Acharya, who heads the committee that is drafting the new constitution, said it would be merely a broad guideline for the government; compatible laws would have to be drafted to protect rights.
"The previous constitution abolished 'untouchability' [a practice among Hindus of treating those at the bottom of the social ladder as outcasts]," Acharya told Compass. "But untouchability still exists in Nepal. To achieve all that the constitution promises, the mindset of society has to be changed first. For that, you need political will."
Though Nepal became secular in 2006, Hinduism still gets preferential treatment. The state allocates funds for institutions like the Kumari, the tradition of choosing prepubescent girls as protective deities of the state and worshipping them as "living goddesses." The state also gave money to organizers of a controversial, five-yearly religious festival, the Gadhimai Fair, where tens of thousands of birds are slaughtered as offerings to Hindu gods despite international condemnation.
There is no support, predictably, for Christian festivals. When the Constituent Assembly was formed – partly though election and partly by nomination – no Christian name was proposed even though the prime minister was authorized to nominate members from unrepresented communities.
Christian leaders want such religious bias abolished. Rokaya of the National Council of Churches of Nepal said Christians have recommended full freedom of religion in the new constitution: allowing one to follow the religion of one's choice, to change one's religion if desired or have the right not to be associated with any religion.
The churches have also asked the state not to interfere in religious matters.
"We are asking the government not to fund any religious activity, not to be part of any religious appointments and not to allow public land for any religious event," Rokaya said.
The recommendations, however, may not be heeded. During their brief stint in power, the Maoists tried to stop state assistance for the Kumari. It led to violence and a general strike in the capital, forcing the party to withdraw the decision.
In its 2009 report on religious freedom in Nepal, the U.S. Department of State notes that while the interim constitution officially declared the country secular, "the president, in his capacity as head of state, attended major Hindu religious ceremonies over which the king previously presided."
It also notes that there were reports of societal abuses and discrimination based on religious affiliation, belief, or practice.
"Those who converted to a different religious group occasionally faced violence and were ostracized socially," it states. "Those who chose to convert to other religious groups, in particular Hindu citizens who converted to Islam or Christianity, were sometimes ostracized. They occasionally faced isolated incidents of hostility or discrimination from Hindu extremist groups. Some reportedly were forced to leave their villages."
Dr. Ramesh Khatri, executive director of Association for Theological Education in Nepal, has experienced such persecution first-hand. When he became a Christian in 1972, his father disowned him. Then in 1984 he was arrested for holding a Bible camp. Though the case against him was dropped in 1990 after a pro-democracy movement, Khatri said hatred of Christians still persists.
"Christians can never sleep peacefully at night," he said wryly. "The new constitution will make Nepal another India, where Christians are persecuted in Orissa, Gujarat and Karnataka." The Oxford University-educated Khatri, who writes a column in a Nepali daily, said violent responses to his articles show how Nepal still regards its Christians.
"I am attacked as a 'Rice Christian,'" he said. "It is a derogatory term implying I converted for material benefits. The antagonistic feeling society has towards Christians will not subside with the new constitution, and we can't expect an easy life. The Bible says that, and the Bible is true."
Christians continue to face persecution and harassment. In March, missions resource organization Timeless Impact International (TII) noted that a church in northern Nepal, near the foothills of Mt. Everest, was attacked by a local mob.
The newly established church in Dolakha district was attacked during a fellowship meeting in January. An ethnic mob headed by religious leaders destroyed the church meeting place, assaulted participants and warned them not to speak about Christianity in the village, TII said.
The situation, even now, remained unchanged.
"None of the church members have been able to return to their homes," TII stated. "They feel completely unsafe and at risk."
Report from Compass Direct News


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Carolyn ConchoAcoma
Carolyn Lewis Concho was born into Acoma Pueblo in 1961 as a daughter of Katherine and Edward Lewis. She belongs to the Yellow Corn Clan. After growing up surrounded by some of Acoma's finest potters, she became known as one of the "Five Lewis Sisters of Acoma": Rebecca Lucario, Marilyn Ray, Judy Lewis, Carolyn Concho and Diane Lewis. Actively producing pottery since 1984, Carolyn credits her older sisters with helping her make the decision to become a pottery artist.
As she uses only natural materials to create her pottery, Carolyn gathers her clay, minerals, and plants for pigments on the grounds of Acoma Pueblo. She soaks the clay, cleans, mixes, hand coils, sands, paints her designs, and then finishes the process by kiln firing her pottery.
Carolyn's creations always start with animals that are fashioned after ancient Mimbres designs. Many believe that some of the prehistoric Mimbres people migrated to Acoma Pueblo. Her trademark is a tactile element on her seed pots and plates, such as an ear or head of a rabbit that three-dimensionally pops out of the surface, rendering a realistic effect and adding a bit of whimsy. She decides the placement of the creatures and surrounds the figures with fine black-line designs. Carolyn uses a camel hair brush since she's found that yucca brushes don't glide smoothly enough for her purposes.
She has won numerous awards at the Heard Museum Indian Art Show, Eight Northern Pueblos Arts and Crafts Show, New Mexico State Fair, Gallup Intertribal Ceremonial, and SWAIA Santa Fe Indian Market. Carolyn signs her pottery "Carolyn Concho, Acoma".
Carolyn has shared the meanings of some of her designs with us:
Butterfly = Beauty, Dragonfly = Messenger, Turtle = Longevity, Hummingbird = Prosperity, Bird = Cloud Swallower, Lady Bug = Good Luck, Fish = Faith, Rabbit = Abundance, Lizard = Curiosity, Kokopeli = Fertility
100 West San Francisco Street, Santa Fe, New Mexico 87501
(505) 986-1234 - www.andreafisherpottery.com - All Rights Reserved
Acoma Pueblo
Sky City
According to Acoma oral history, the sacred twins led their ancestors to "Ako," a magical mesa composed mostly of white rock, and instructed those ancestors to make that mesa their home. Acoma Pueblo is called "Sky City" because of its position atop the mesa.
Acoma, Old Oraibi (at Hopi) and Taos all lay claim to being the oldest continuously inhabited community in the U.S. Those competing claims are hard to settle as each village can point to archaeological remnants close by to substantiate each village's claim. Acoma is located about 60 miles west of Albuquerque.
While the people of Acoma have an oral tradition that says they've been living in the same area for more than 2,000 years, archaeologists feel more that the present pueblo was established near the end of the major migrations in the 1300's. The location is essentially on the boundary between the Mogollon (Mimbres), Hohokam (Salado) and Anasazi (Ancestral Pueblo) cultures. Each of those cultures has had an impact on the styles and designs of Acoma pottery, especially since modern potters have been getting the inspiration for many of their designs from pot shards they have found while walking on pueblo lands.
Francisco Vasquez de Coronado ascended the cliff to visit Acoma in 1540. He afterward wrote that he "repented having gone up to the place." But the Spanish came back later and kept coming back. Around In 1598 relations between the Spanish and the Acoma took a really bad turn with the arrival of Don Juan de Onate and the soldiers, settlers and Franciscan monks that accompanied him. After ascending to the mesa top, Onate decided to force the Acomas to swear loyalty to the King of Spain and to the Pope. When the Acomas realized what the Spanish meant by that, a group of Acoma warriors attacked a group of Spanish soldiers and killed 11 of them, including one of Onate's nephews. Don Juan de Onate retaliated by attacking the pueblo, burning most of it and killing more than 600 people. Another 500 people were imprisoned by the Spanish, males between the ages of 12 and 25 were sold into slavery and 24 men over the age of 25 had their right foot amputated. Many of the women over the age of 12 were also forced into slavery and were parceled out among Catholic convents in Mexico City. Two Hopi men were also captured at Acoma and, after having one hand cut off, they were released and sent home to spread the word about Spain's resolve to subjugate the inhabitants of Nuevo Mexico (while Spanish monks did make the almost fruitless trip, Spanish military never did make an appearance in Hopiland).
When word of the massacre (and the punishments meted out after) got back to King Philip in Spain, he banished Don Juan de Onate from Nuevo Mexico. Some Acomas had escaped that fateful Spanish attack and returned to the mesa top in 1599 to begin rebuilding.
In 1620 a Royal Decree was issued which established civil offices in each pueblo and Acoma had its first governor appointed. By 1680, the situation between the pueblos and the Spanish had deteriorated again to the point where the Acomas were extremely willing participants in the 1680 Pueblo Revolt.
After the successful Pueblo Revolt and the Spanish had retreated back to Mexico, refugees from other pueblos began to arrive at Acoma, fearing the eventual Spanish return and probable reprisals. That strained the resources of Acoma until the Spanish returned and residents of the pueblo had to make a hard decision. Many of the refugees chose to try a peaceful solution: they relocated to the ancient Laguna area and made peace with the Spanish as soon as they reappeared in the region.
Over the next 200 years, Acoma suffered from breakouts of smallpox and other European diseases to which they had no immunity. At times they would side with the Spanish against nomadic raiders from the Ute, Apache and Comanche tribes. Eventually New Mexico changed hands, then the railroads arrived and Acoma became dependent on goods made in the outside world.
For many years the villagers were content on the mesa. Now most live in villages on the valley floor where water, electricity and other necessities are easily available while a few families still make their permanent home on the mesa top. The old pueblo is used almost exclusively these days for ceremonial celebrations.
Acoma's dense, slate-like clay, allows the pottery to be thin, lightweight and durable. After the pot is formed, it is painted with a slip of white clay. Black and red design motifs are added using mineral and plant derived paints. Fine lines, geometrics, parrots and old Mimbres designs are commonly seen motifs. The traditional paintbrush for Acoma potters is made from the yucca plant.
Historically Acoma was known for large, thin-walled "ollas," jars used for storing food and water. With the arrival of the railroad and tourists in the 1880's, Acoma potters adapted the size, shapes and styles of their pots in order to appeal to the new buyers.
Acoma Pueblo is home to noted potters of the Lewis and Chino families, as well as many others. Acoma potters felt it was an inappropriate display of ego to put their signature on a pot up into the mid-1960's. The 1960's is also a time when the primary white clay vein mined by the Acomas passed through a layer of widely distributed impurities, impurities that passed through the pottery making process and appeared only in the firing. Or worse yet, sometimes well after firing. The clay problem was so bad it affected virtually every potter in the pueblo and every pot they made. So many pots spalled that even the best potters sold them anyway, often signed. Thankfully, by the late 1960's they had dug through that layer of clay and into a deeper layer that didn't have the problem.
Acoma Pueblo at Wikipedia
Pueblo of Acoma official website
Pueblos of the Rio Grande, Daniel Gibson, ISBN-13:978-1-887896-26-9, Rio Nuevo Publishers, 2001
Upper photo courtesy of Marshall Henrie, Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported License
100 West San Francisco Street, Santa Fe, New Mexico 87501
(505) 986-1234 - www.andreafisherpottery.com - All Rights Reserved